Narrator
Appearances
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Bad Rap: Invincible
No criminal charges were ever filed for the Stampede, but civil lawsuits from victims and their families went on for years, directed at Diddy, Heavy D, and the City College of New York. A judge in one lawsuit filed by four victims found that Diddy, Heavy D, and the college were equally responsible for the injuries and deaths. Here's what really stands out to me about the City College Stampede.
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Bad Rap: Invincible
When it happened in 1991, Diddy was, as the New York Times put it, a largely unknown rap promoter. Writer and music journalist Doré says Diddy was buried in bad press.
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Bad Rap: Invincible
But by 1999, some eight years later, when many of the lawsuits from the stampede were coming to an end, Diddy was a millionaire with a couple Grammys. His career hadn't been stunted at all.
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Bad Rap: Invincible
Some of that perceived invincibility came from his earlier success at Uptown Records. He moved up pretty quickly from intern to executive. Torres says Diddy thrived because he was tapped into hip-hop at the street level.
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Bad Rap: Invincible
Diddy helped turn Mary J. Blige and R&B group Jodeci into stars. But that success led to a power struggle between him and his boss, Andre Harrell. So, in 1993, Harrell fired his eager young protege.
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Bad Rap: Invincible
Before he got into the music business, he spent a year in the NFL as a defensive end for the Los Angeles Rams. In 1995, he was running one of hip-hop's two big record labels, Death Row Records out of LA. Now, after thanking God, Suge didn't go on to give a standard acceptance speech.
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Bad Rap: Invincible
Those rappers were Craig Mack and Biggie Smalls, and Diddy knew what to do with their talent. Justin Tinsley, the reporter from ESPN's Anscape, says in particular, Diddy had a strong vision for Biggie.
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Bad Rap: Invincible
As Biggie became one of the most famous rappers in the world, Diddy signed more artists to Bad Boy. By 1997, the year Biggie died, Bad Boy had an impressive roster of talent, including The Lox, Mase, Faith Evans, and 112.
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Bad Rap: Invincible
And it wasn't just about the music. Bad Boyz artists had an era-defining style, a look, baggy, bold, flashy clothes.
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Bad Rap: Invincible
But after an incredible rapid rise to the top of the charts in cultural power, Bad Boy hit somewhat of a sophomore slump.
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Bad Rap: Invincible
In 1998 and 99, Bad Boy put out new albums by Faith Evans, Total, and 112. But initially, only 112's album was meeting the high expectations for the Bad Boy label. What were those high expectations? The album's going platinum, selling more than one million copies quickly. Diddy's second album, Forever, was also not as successful as his first.
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Bad Rap: Invincible
Forever debuted at number two on the charts in 1999, but fell to number 13 within three weeks. He was nominated for a Grammy for the single Satisfy You featuring R. Kelly. But they lost to The Roots and Erykah Badu's You Got Me. The label's revenue dropped significantly. Bad Boy Records was mostly riding on the clout and running off the royalties of its legendary earlier albums.
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Bad Rap: Invincible
Still very well-known and cool, but kind of stalled. A cover story in the December 1999 edition of Vibe magazine wrote that Sean Combs was fighting to prove he still got it. This was just two years after Rolling Stone had called him the new king of hip-hop. And in 1999, Diddy faced setbacks beyond Bad Boys dropping sales. He got into more legal trouble.
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Bad Rap: Invincible
And I can kind of see Suge Knight's comment about Diddy wanting to be in music videos hanging over him. Because this legal trouble started with Diddy trying to control his image in a music video. Diddy was featured on the rapper Nas' song, Hate Me Now.
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Bad Rap: Invincible
They were producing a music video to air on MTV, just as more people than ever were watching the network. So a lot of time and money was put into music videos and the expectation was that millions of people would end up watching them. Nas and Diddy's music video was meant to be flashy, edgy, and attention grabbing. It depicted both rappers being crucified like Jesus Christ.
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Bad Rap: Invincible
Steve Stout alleges that Diddy punched him in the face and bashed his head with a phone. Diddy was charged with a crime of assault, but he ended up pleading guilty to a lesser non-criminal charge of harassment, a violation, and was sentenced to a one-day anger management course. He and Stout reached a separate civil settlement out of court. It was all bad press for Diddy.
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Bad Rap: Invincible
But culture critic Jameela Lemieux says besides his reputation as a hit maker, he had another source of perceived invincibility. He knew how to redirect attention and put his cool guy image back in the spotlight. In 1999, when Diddy was turning 30, that meant getting headlines for a new relationship with It Girl actor and singer Jennifer Lopez.
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Bad Rap: Invincible
She had recently had her breakout role as a star of the Selena movie, played a glamorous queen in the music video for Diddy's song, Been Around the World, and now she was making her connection to Diddy and his music world official.
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Bad Rap: Invincible
The cover of Jet Magazine read, Puffy Combs and Jennifer Lopez, showbiz's most talked about couple. Other headlines said, call it chemistry, Jennifer Lopez and Puff Daddy. And Bright and Hot, superstar couple riding rollercoaster romance. A couple days before New Year's Eve in 1999, the influential couple went to a club near Times Square.
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Bad Rap: Invincible
While they're in the club, there was a dispute with a guy named Scar, who's deceased now. Derek Parker is a retired NYPD detective who responded to the scene at the club. I think money was thrown in his face, or money was thrown at Diddy or something like that. A shooting broke out, and three people were injured. Diddy and Jennifer Lopez fled the scene and got into a car.
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Bad Rap: Invincible
When they were pulled over, police say they found a gun in the front seat. It was a lot of chaos back then. When we went to the precinct, there were over 300 reporters outside.
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Bad Rap: Invincible
Prosecutors ultimately dropped the charges against Jennifer Lopez, but Diddy and his bodyguard were charged.
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Bad Rap: Invincible
As the criminal case moved forward, news reports pointed back to the City College Stampede of 91 and the attack on Steve Stout earlier in 99. And they began to ask whether Diddy had a pattern of causing violence.
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Bad Rap: Invincible
Everyone knew who he was talking about, Sean Diddy Combs, or, as he was known back then, Puff, Puffy, or Puff Daddy, the head of the other big hip-hop label, Bad Boy Records, based in New York City. Unlike most producers and record execs, Diddy wasn't happy just sitting in the crowd or getting on stage to accept an award. He was an aspiring rapper himself and craved the spotlight.
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Bad Rap: Invincible
Diddy and his bodyguard pleaded not guilty to the weapons charges and were ultimately acquitted at trial. But someone was convicted for the shooting. A young rapper from Belize named Shine who Diddy had signed to his bad boy label. Shine had run out of the club that night with a gun in his waistband and some officers caught him while others chased after Diddy and Jennifer Lopez.
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Bad Rap: Invincible
Shine was convicted of multiple assault charges, gun possession, and reckless endangerment. He went to prison for nearly nine years and was deported back to Belize after his release. He spoke to ABC News about the shooting and his relationship with Diddy last year. Was Diddy a good coach? He was an extraordinary coach. He was able to bring the best out of me.
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Bad Rap: Invincible
Shine admits he had a gun and used it as the fight broke out, but he says that he shot it into the air, not at anyone. He thinks that Diddy should have stood up for him in court. Even now, he calls himself the fall guy.
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Bad Rap: Invincible
Diddy's representatives told ABC News he categorically denies Shine's allegations, including any suggestion that he orchestrated Shine taking the fall for him. Shine became a politician in Belize, but his music career? Well, that ended that night in 1999. But once again, Diddy's did not.
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Bad Rap: Invincible
Jameela Lemieux, the culture critic, says the assault on Steve Stout and the shooting just didn't stick in most people's minds.
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Bad Rap: Invincible
His relationship with Jennifer Lopez was much more compelling, more tantalizing. The couple was a mainstay on red carpets and eventually, Jennifer Lopez's fashion headlines drowned out the more negative press. There were two outfits in particular that really defined her time with Diddy.
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Bad Rap: Invincible
That's a green and blue sheer dress she wore to the Grammys in 2000. It was so low cut, you could see her belly button.
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Bad Rap: Invincible
In fact, when artists from his label went up to perform a medley that night, he joined them. Well, he actually started the whole thing. Suge Knight and Diddy were already rivals, businessmen vying for their record label to be king. But Justin Tinsley, a reporter at ESPN's sports, race, and culture outlet, Anscape, says Suge's speech at the Source Awards was a turning point.
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Bad Rap: Invincible
After the break, his new image was all about being more than a rapper and record executive. It was focused on being an all-around mogul, someone even more powerful and unavoidable, even more invincible.
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Bad Rap: Invincible
By 2010, when Diddy was in his 40s, it was hard to believe he had ever floundered as a businessman. Sure, his Bad Boy record label wasn't as hot as it was when it first started, but he still had a popular catalog of artists he helped make famous. And in the 2000s, Bad Boy put out new music by Boyz n the Hood, Mase, and Young Jock.
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Bad Rap: Invincible
Diddy also released an album of remixes of bad boy songs that showed his deep connections in the music world. It included hit artists like Usher, Ludacris, and Missy Elliott. But Diddy knew the way to get really, really rich and stay powerful was to diversify his brand. It's what other rappers like Jay-Z were doing too. So by 2010, he wasn't just a music guy anymore.
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Bad Rap: Invincible
He had influence and money in fashion, TV, and alcohol. His wealth skyrocketed.
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Bad Rap: Invincible
He seemed to encapsulate the word mogul. And that's why in 2010, ABC's Nightline profiled him for a segment called Modern Mogul.
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Bad Rap: Invincible
Diddy was an early adopter of the idea that a celebrity should extend their reach beyond just one industry. And he proved to be really good at building a sprawling business empire. One of his first steps in becoming the curator of cool was launching his Sean John clothing line. The idea behind the brand was to introduce hip-hop fashion to a global audience.
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Bad Rap: Invincible
Music writer Toure says Sean John was really successful. Diddy even won the Council of Fashion Designers of America Menswear Designer of the Year Award in 2004.
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Bad Rap: Invincible
On an August night in 1995, the four corners of the hip-hop world gathered at the Paramount Theater in Midtown Manhattan. Artists from the South, the Midwest, and from the East and West Coast were all under the same roof.
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Bad Rap: Invincible
Diddy got into another popular celebrity investment, the alcohol business, by partnering with Ciroc. He showed up in many of their ads.
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Bad Rap: Invincible
Jameela Lemieux, the culture critic, says Ciroc was huge in building his wealth.
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Bad Rap: Invincible
their rivalry became much darker. About a month after the awards, they were both in Atlanta for the birthday party of a rapper and producer, Jermaine Dupri. Tinsley says tensions between Suge and Diddy and their entourages were high.
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Bad Rap: Invincible
Atlanta police said Diddy's bodyguard, Anthony Wolf Jones, was their prime suspect. Jones' attorney said he had absolutely nothing to do with the shooting, and no one was ever charged. But the shooting made the friction between Diddy and Suge worse.
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Bad Rap: Invincible
And that's partly because their beef was part of something much bigger, the East Coast-West Coast rap rivalry, which people have obsessed over for decades and we could probably write a whole other podcast about. But here's what you need to know to understand what happened next. Diddy represented one of the East Coast's biggest rap stars, the Notorious B.I.G., or Biggie Smalls.
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Bad Rap: Invincible
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Bad Rap: Invincible
Suge Knight represented one of the biggest West Coast rappers with his own unique approach to music, Tupac Shakur, or Tupac. And both rappers and their styles were vying to be the biggest in the country. So the beef between Diddy and Suge was also connected to a rivalry between Biggie and Tupac. And I'm not just talking about a couple of diss tracks like Kendrick and Drake today.
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Bad Rap: Invincible
Bad Rap, The Case Against Diddy is a production of ABC Audio. I'm Brian Buckmeyer. This podcast was written and produced by Camille Peterson, Vika Aronson, and Nancy Rosenbaum. Tracy Samuelson is our story editor. Associate producer, Amira Williams. Production help from Shane McKeon. Fact checker, Audrey Mostek. Story consultant, Sweeney St. Phil. Supervising producer, Sasha Aslanian.
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Bad Rap: Invincible
Original music by Eben Viola. Mixing by Rick Kwan. Arielle Chester is our social media producer. This podcast was powered by the journalists at Impact by Nightline, 2020, GMA, and the ABC News Investigative Unit. Thanks to those teams. And special thanks to Stephanie Maurice, Liz Alessi, and Katie Dendas. Josh Cohan is ABC Audio's Director of Podcast Programming.
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Bad Rap: Invincible
Tupac was shot and killed in 1996. Biggie was shot and killed in 1997. The two stars, only in their 20s and at the start of promising careers, were suddenly dead. Their murders captured international attention and really marked this era of hip-hop music. Their deaths also generated tons of unsubstantiated theories.
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Bad Rap: Invincible
In particular, there were theories that each rapper was killed by someone tied to their rival's label. No one has been convicted for either Tupac or Biggie's deaths. But this is the bottom line. A feud heated up after Suge Knight publicly called out Diddy's need for attention.
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Bad Rap: Invincible
Just like at the Source Awards, Diddy took center stage. He put out his first album as Puff Daddy in 1997, the same year Biggie died. It was called No Way Out and included the hit song I'll Be Missing You, a tribute to Biggie featuring his widow Faith Evans, who was also an artist on the Bad Boy label. That song was the first hip-hop song ever to debut at the top of the Billboard 100.
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Bad Rap: Invincible
And that year, Diddy received seven Grammy nominations, including for Best New Artist.
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Bad Rap: Invincible
They were all there for the second annual Source Awards. It was a celebration of hip-hop, a music genre that was rapidly moving from underground to mainstream. The event felt like a pretty standard award show. An eager crowd filled the auditorium waiting to hear the results.
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Bad Rap: Invincible
Suge had made fun of him for wanting to be in the spotlight. But lo and behold, there he was, basking in it. In an interview later that year, Diddy was asked about the perception that he was exploiting Biggie's death. It wasn't just that one of his album's singles was a tribute to the late rapper. He also used some of Biggie's lyrics for the album.
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Bad Rap: Invincible
1997, the year Biggie died, was a wildly successful year for Diddy. Vibe magazine reported that his Bad Boy label sold $200 million worth of records and had the number one spot on the Billboard Hot 100 for 22 straight weeks. Rolling Stone approached Bad Boy Records about putting someone associated with the label on the magazine cover. Kirk Burrows was the president of Bad Boy at the time.
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Bad Rap: Invincible
In 2024, he told Rolling Stone that he urged Diddy to put Biggie on the cover. His posthumous album, Life After Death, had been at the top of the charts all year, and he was still on people's minds.
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Bad Rap: Invincible
In response to the Rolling Stone piece that included this story from Burroughs, one of Diddy's attorneys said he cannot address every allegation picked up by the press. Diddy ended up on that 97 Rolling Stone cover, and Kirk Burroughs lost his job later that year. He unsuccessfully sued Diddy in 2003, alleging he was wrongfully fired. In the cover shot, Diddy is shirtless with B.I.G.
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Bad Rap: Invincible
written on his chest. He's wearing white Versace shorts and an oversized brown overcoat. There's water dripping down him and he has black paint under his eyes like a football player. The title of the story, The New King of Hip Hop, Puff Daddy. I'm Brian Buckmeyer. From ABC Audio, this is Bad Rap, the case against Diddy. Episode two, Invincible.
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Bad Rap: Invincible
Sean Diddy Combs knew how to put himself at the center of things. That started with music and lavish A-list parties, but eventually it became much bigger. He ventured into fashion, alcohol, and TV. The whole time he proved himself to be an expert at branding and reinvention, cultivating this cool guy image and protecting it fiercely.
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Bad Rap: Invincible
In this episode, we'll trace Diddy's rise from musician to mogul, from the center of hip-hop to the center of American culture. But that rise wasn't always a smooth ascent. Long before he was charged with sex trafficking and racketeering conspiracy, he was associated with moments of violence and brushes with the law.
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Bad Rap: Invincible
West Coast rapper Snoop Doggy Dogg, also known as Snoop Dogg, won Artist of the Year. East Coast rapper The Notorious B.I.G. won Album of the Year for Ready to Die. And Outkast, a duo from Atlanta, won Best New Artist of the Year. The night was filled with performances and acceptance speeches. And one of those speeches turned the 1995 Source Awards into one of hip-hop's most infamous nights.
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Bad Rap: Invincible
Were they just lapses in judgment or warnings that signaled a much darker side to his success? That's after the break.
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Bad Rap: Invincible
Before Sean Diddy Combs was crowned the new king of hip-hop by Rolling Stone, he was a kid with a temper. In fact, that's why he says he got the name Puffy. He'd huff and puff whenever he got angry. Combs was born in Harlem, but grew up about 10 miles north in Mount Vernon, New York. Writer and music journalist Tore interviewed Diddy many times.
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Bad Rap: Invincible
Diddy's father, Melvin Combs, was believed to be part of a heroin selling operation, and he was killed in what some think was a drug deal gone bad.
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Bad Rap: Invincible
His single mom sent him to private Catholic high school. He then went on to attend the prestigious historically black college Howard University in Washington, D.C. in 1987. But he knew he wanted to be in the music industry. So he started working on convincing Andre Harrell, who at least I consider to be a godfather of hip-hop and R&B, to hire him as an intern.
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Bad Rap: Invincible
Harrell was a former rapper, but is better known for founding and running Uptown Records in New York City. In a 2017 Vanity Fair interview, Diddy talked about why working with Harrell was so important to him.
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Bad Rap: Invincible
Diddy wanted to be at the pulse of music too, and his determination to get the internship paid off. He dropped out of Howard his sophomore year and started promoting rappers in New York City, really starting to build his music network while interning at Uptown Records. In 1991, he and rapper Heavy D organized a charity basketball game at the City College of New York.
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Bad Rap: Invincible
Yeah, yeah. Record executive Suge Knight and rapper Danny Boy won the award for Best Motion Picture Soundtrack for their work on the movie Above the Rim. Suge climbed on stage in a bright red button-down shirt. First of all, I'd like to thank God. Suge is not a small guy by any stretch of the imagination. He stands at maybe 6'2", and is definitely over 260 pounds.
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Bad Rap: Invincible
It was advertised as a chance to see New York City rap stars like Run DMC and Boyz II Men compete on the court. And people flocked to the game. It was clear, even then, that Diddy understood how to create and market an event everyone wanted to go to. but he was young and inexperienced. The gym had a 2,700-person capacity, but almost 5,000 people showed up.
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Bad Rap: Invincible
As the crowd rushed to get in, 29 people were injured and nine died in a stampede. One headline from that day read, The Carnage at City College. Days later, a 22-year-old Diddy gave a press conference at the Plaza Hotel in Manhattan. He looked so young, so defeated. At one point, he put his hand over his eyes and nose as if he were overwhelmed and exhausted.
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Bad Rap: Invincible
That incident followed Diddy for years. In that same 1997 interview when Diddy was asked about capitalizing on Biggie's death, he was also asked to reflect on the City College stampede.
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Death in the Dorms Season 2: Episode 6: Latasha Norman
20-year-old Latasha Norman was last seen leaving a class at Jackson State University.
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Death in the Dorms Season 2: Episode 6: Latasha Norman
A beloved young Christian woman fighting a battle undeserved. We thought she was God's gift, but she was a liar.
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Death in the Dorms Season 2: Episode 6: Latasha Norman
From the number one smash hit podcast. It was only a matter of time until Amanda's whole world came tumbling down. You're not going to believe this. Scamanda. New episodes Thursday nights on ABC and stream on Hulu. Put some good in your morning and start your day with GMA.
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Death in the Dorms Season 2: Episode 6: Latasha Norman
The body of a missing college student from Mississippi has been found and her ex-boyfriend is charged with murder.
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Death in the Dorms Season 2: Episode 6: Latasha Norman
We, the jury, find the defendant guilty of murder. You have caused her parents, other family members, and friends enormous grief. As punishment for this murder, you're hereby automatically sentenced to life in prison.
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Death in the Dorms Season 2: Episode 6: Latasha Norman
20-year-old Latasha Norman was last seen leaving a class at Jackson State University.
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Death in the Dorms Season 2: Episode 6: Latasha Norman
On the 13th of November, 2007, 20-year-old Latasha Norman was last seen.
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Death in the Dorms Season 2: Episode 6: Latasha Norman
Latasha Norman was a junior business major at Jackson State University.
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'Radioactive' - Ep. 5: The Phantom Vehicle
And while he said he didn't do an exhaustive search, Steve could not find a car with a bumper that was low enough to do the job.
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'Radioactive' - Ep. 5: The Phantom Vehicle
It's not that big. Steve goes back to this idea that law enforcement had that maybe the dent was caused by the tow truck driver who pulled it out of the culvert that night. Pipkin and the FBI tested it for cement residue and didn't find any. But Steve is skeptical.
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'Radioactive' - Ep. 5: The Phantom Vehicle
Where Pipkin thought there was circumstantial evidence to suggest a second car, Steve doesn't see it. Again, he can't definitely rule it out. But as he spoke, I felt the phantom vehicle get even more shadowy.
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'Radioactive' - Ep. 5: The Phantom Vehicle
And then Karen Silkwood's sister, Rosemary, spoke up. But her question wasn't for Steve. It was for A.O. Pipkin's daughter.
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'Radioactive' - Ep. 5: The Phantom Vehicle
And it's the culmination of weeks worth of effort, that drive to Albuquerque to photograph the dent in the bumper, collecting every scrap of original evidence we could find from all the different accident reports from Troopers Fagan and Owen, A.O. Pipkin, and the FBI.
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'Radioactive' - Ep. 5: The Phantom Vehicle
Steve acknowledged the heaviness in the room. For the last two hours, he was explaining Karen Silkwood's fatal car crash in technical terms, the way he might typically do in a courtroom. Now he was speaking to family members who knew the driver of this car, loved her, family members who for years had been grasping for some kind of resolution that kept evading them.
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'Radioactive' - Ep. 5: The Phantom Vehicle
Steve has told us that's why he does this work. The science can help families know more about what happened and maybe give them some sense of peace. He wasn't able to answer all the questions we had going into this, but he did answer one big one, and Karen's sister Rosemary was grateful for that.
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'Radioactive' - Ep. 5: The Phantom Vehicle
We took all the photographs, diagrams, hand-drawn sketches, witness interviews, and report narratives and uploaded them to Steve's team in Dallas to see if new tools and technology could tell us something that wasn't possible to know in Karen's day.
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'Radioactive' - Ep. 5: The Phantom Vehicle
That with 50 years of technological advances since Karen died, Steve could now tell us, without a doubt, what happened in the moments leading up to the crash.
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'Radioactive' - Ep. 5: The Phantom Vehicle
But Steve's presentation brought up some feelings for Christy. She wanted to remind us about some of the fundamental questions in this story that continue to matter, and how our attempts to try and get definitive answers about Karen's fatal car crash might actually not be the way forward as we think about where we want to go next in our own investigation.
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'Radioactive' - Ep. 5: The Phantom Vehicle
We asked her to record part of the message she sent us.
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'Radioactive' - Ep. 5: The Phantom Vehicle
She wanted safe working conditions, and she tried to do something about that.
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'Radioactive' - Ep. 5: The Phantom Vehicle
Well, in the end, the Kerr-McGee plutonium plant did shut down. It wasn't long after Karen died, actually. The company couldn't reach a deal for a new contract to keep manufacturing its fuel rods. So on November 13th, 1975, on the first anniversary of Karen's death, Kerr-McGee announced it was closing the plant. And by the end of that year, most of the workers were laid off.
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'Radioactive' - Ep. 5: The Phantom Vehicle
Karen probably wouldn't have wanted her friends and co-workers to lose their jobs. But I've come to see the closure of the Kermagee plant as some kind of vindication for her. That in the end, maybe she got what she wanted, even if it wouldn't have been how she wanted it. She wanted a safe plant, and she wanted the rest of us to know about the hazards that alarmed her.
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'Radioactive' - Ep. 5: The Phantom Vehicle
I think it's fair to say Karen's story, the publicity around her contamination, death, and the civil trial were all part of that. There was also the partial meltdown of a big nuclear reactor in Pennsylvania, Three Mile Island, in 1979. It was a huge story that really frightened a lot of people.
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'Radioactive' - Ep. 5: The Phantom Vehicle
Altogether, the late 70s was a time when the risks and potential health issues of nuclear power started to feel real to the American public, visible, tangible in ways they hadn't before.
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'Radioactive' - Ep. 5: The Phantom Vehicle
Karen's friends and family told us she wasn't necessarily anti-nuke, or at least she didn't start out that way. I think of her more as an underdog fighting for other underdogs. That's the way I'll always remember her.
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'Radioactive' - Ep. 5: The Phantom Vehicle
Yeah, there's a bunch of us. There's a bunch of us. Steve Irwin peers into a Zoom screen. A couple rows of faces stare back at him. It's not his usual audience.
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'Radioactive' - Ep. 5: The Phantom Vehicle
We're both in our 70s, but we're going to keep chasing any leads that need to be chased. I guess we don't know any other way. So if you know something about Karen Silkwood, her work as a whistleblower at Kerr-McGee, her contamination, her death, whatever it might be, Get in touch with us. We've set up a phone line where you can leave a message. The number is 347-901-9102.
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'Radioactive' - Ep. 5: The Phantom Vehicle
That number again, 347-901-9102. That's all for now. Thanks for listening.
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'Radioactive' - Ep. 5: The Phantom Vehicle
We invited Karen to be on the Zoom, too, given how she had held on to the Silkwood bumper, waiting for the moment it might be needed. She and Steve hadn't met before. Hi, Karen.
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'Radioactive' - Ep. 5: The Phantom Vehicle
Steve stands by a big screen where he can display his simulations or magnify the smallest scratch in photos.
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'Radioactive' - Ep. 5: The Phantom Vehicle
Steve's team created an animation showing how the car could have smashed into the cement wall and came to rest on its side in the red mud.
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'Radioactive' - Ep. 5: The Phantom Vehicle
So we have a pretty good sense of the moment of impact. Now Steve and his team must work their way backwards to think what set of forces acted on the car to get it to this crumpled state. And here's where the evidence gets thinner.
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'Radioactive' - Ep. 5: The Phantom Vehicle
Remember, the highway patrol thought that Karen had been unconscious, possibly under the influence of a sedative and asleep at the wheel. And that's the reason for the crash. Lieutenant Larry Owen said that there was no evidence of braking or trying to steer after the car left the road. What did Steve find?
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'Radioactive' - Ep. 5: The Phantom Vehicle
He pulls up a photo Pipkin took a couple of days after Karen's crash of tire marks in the grass next to the highway. The highway patrol and Pipkin measured marks once Karen drove off the road that ran 255 feet. Imagine, 85 yards on a football field. But it's hard to see much detail in Pipkin's photos.
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'Radioactive' - Ep. 5: The Phantom Vehicle
Trooper Rick Fagan, one of the first officers on the scene, reported that just before impact, the tire tracks appeared to turn right.
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'Radioactive' - Ep. 5: The Phantom Vehicle
So there was a final steer to the right, an action.
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'Radioactive' - Ep. 5: The Phantom Vehicle
It wasn't passive coasting. And here's where we want to remind you that Karen was a skilled driver. She'd gotten into car racing with her boyfriend, Drew, and she raced that little Honda, even won a trophy that we saw at her sister Rosemary's house.
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'Radioactive' - Ep. 5: The Phantom Vehicle
But today, he's presenting to members of the Silkwood family. They've gathered to hear what he has to say about the fatal crash that killed Karen Silkwood 50 years ago. Maybe Steve Irwin will finally have some of the answers they've been waiting for.
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'Radioactive' - Ep. 5: The Phantom Vehicle
The evidence Steve finds of braking and steering are important. Remember, the highway patrol thought that Karen was asleep at the wheel. Steve comes to a different conclusion.
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'Radioactive' - Ep. 5: The Phantom Vehicle
Now, could Karen have fallen asleep and been woken up by going off the road? It's possible, Steve says.
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'Radioactive' - Ep. 5: The Phantom Vehicle
So, what made Karen drive off the road in the first place?
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'Radioactive' - Ep. 5: The Phantom Vehicle
The murkiest part of this crash has always been what happened to Karen while she was on the road to make her lose control.
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'Radioactive' - Ep. 5: The Phantom Vehicle
In another, she goes off the road to the left and can't get back on the road.
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'Radioactive' - Ep. 5: The Phantom Vehicle
He pulls up A.O. Pipkin's original photograph, showing the damage to the rear of Karen's car. Two dents, one is on the fender, just behind the left rear tire. The other is on the bumper. But first, there's something else in the photo that catches Steve's eye.
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'Radioactive' - Ep. 5: The Phantom Vehicle
Seven miles into her trip, exhausted, stressed out from her multiple contaminations and scrub downs, maybe clouded by her prescription sedative, Did she fall asleep at the wheel, as law enforcement has always said?
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'Radioactive' - Ep. 5: The Phantom Vehicle
Then Steve shows us a simulation of what it would have looked like if a second car comes up behind Karen, taps her from behind, and keeps going.
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'Radioactive' - Ep. 5: The Phantom Vehicle
Then there needs to be some kind of force that's powerful enough to make Karen's car go over to the left-hand side of the road. That force could have been her steering. Maybe she's scared and reacting to what's happening. Or maybe she hit the brakes. But when it comes to a phantom vehicle, dinging Karen's bumper and fender and forcing her to go left... Here's the question Steve asks.
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Explosive Secrets
A pipe bomb designed to obliterate everything. But could a fresh look at DNA change what we know about the case? An all-new 2020 starts right now.
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Explosive Secrets
The Triano family filed a $10 million wrongful death civil action against Pam Phillips.
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Explosive Secrets
And I'm Deborah Roberts. From all of us here at 2020 and ABC News, good night.
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The Lies Beneath
I'm Kendall Windsor. I'm Travis Filmer's mother. Lori was lovely. It was like he was with us one day, and then the next thing you know, he's living with Lori.
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The Lies Beneath
Tonight, the sensational trial that just finished. Why would a beloved family man suddenly disappear on his family and friends?
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The Lies Beneath
We were sitting in the fire pit, by the fire pit, not knowing that Michael is under that fire pit. That's where I sat.
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The Lies Beneath
So this whole scenario, it's like I'm living in the Twilight Zone and I can hear the theme song going on. That's what's going on in my life.
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The Lies Beneath
Lori Shaver was recently sentenced to life in prison for Michael Shaver's murder. She says she plans to appeal her conviction.
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Run, Run, Run
Yes. And not long after is when Alan Helmick walked through the door of the dance studio where Miriam worked.
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Run, Run, Run
So Alan and Miriam decided to build a house together, and they chose the community of Whitewater. The house was set pretty far back from the road, and it was about a 40-acre property.
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Run, Run, Run
So far, investigators don't seem to have much to go on. But about an hour into that police interview, Miriam says something that would raise the eyebrows of any homicide detective.
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Run, Run, Run
Had Alan's killer made an earlier attempt on his life? After Alan Helmick is found murdered in his Whitewater, Colorado home, his wife Miriam is interviewed by investigators. And she tells them about a shocking incident that happened just six weeks earlier.
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Run, Run, Run
Here in this parking lot, less than two months before he was murdered, there was an earlier attempt on Allen's life. Someone tried to set his car on fire. It looked like something straight out of a movie. But for the Helmicks, this brush with death was all too real. Tell me about that incident. What happened that day with the car?
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Run, Run, Run
It was pretty obvious someone had tried to start that fire. Correct. So if someone was trying to set the car on fire, it didn't quite work. Correct.
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Run, Run, Run
Allen mentions two bankers with whom he had prior dealings, but quickly downplays their potential involvement in the arson.
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Run, Run, Run
Out here in the Western Colorado countryside, the wide open spaces can stretch for miles. In a place this remote, it might seem unlikely that two lonely souls might find each other and a second chance at love. But that's exactly what happened here until one warm summer day when the peace of this place was shattered by unimaginable violence. This was a big story that shocked a small town.
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Run, Run, Run
Investigators will ultimately determine that those bankers are not involved, but they're exploring every avenue, even asking Alan if he thinks it's possible Miriam could have been responsible for the car fire.
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Run, Run, Run
And besides, what reason would Miriam have for trying to kill Allen? He'd always gone out of his way to make her dreams come true with lavish gifts. and gestures.
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Run, Run, Run
Alan loved Miriam, and he was always happy to dote on her, buying her lavish gifts like her own dance studio and even a horse training business, always intent on making her lifelong dreams a reality.
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Run, Run, Run
And his desire to open up that dance studio came from where? Oh, it had to be Miriam. You had your concerns about him investing in these things.
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Run, Run, Run
Alan was always very good with his finances, but with the horse business and the dance business, they were hemorrhaging money.
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Run, Run, Run
As investigators began digging into Alan's finances, they found that bad business decisions had left him in a serious financial hole. But were his money troubles enough of a reason for someone to want him dead? Or could the murder have been more personal?
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Run, Run, Run
In the days after Alan Helmick's murder, investigators had diligently chased down leads and conducted interviews with people in his orbit, but they hadn't announced any suspects. There was, however, one thing they were pretty sure of. This was not a robbery gone wrong. What stood out to you?
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Run, Run, Run
It was odd. You had property still in the house. that was, you could assume, was a value that a normal burglar would take.
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Run, Run, Run
Computers, phones, jewelry. The normal type of stuff you would expect somebody to steal.
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Run, Run, Run
Correct, in the kitchen. throughout the house. It just did not sit right. It did not feel right. It was looking staged.
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Run, Run, Run
And Alan's autopsy confirmed that he probably had not walked in on anyone committing a burglary.
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Run, Run, Run
There was no indication that Alan had tried to fight off his attacker. It was very clear that he was caught by surprise as he was shot right in the back of the head.
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Run, Run, Run
But there was someone in Alan's life that Miriam had told investigators he'd been wary of. At one point, Miriam starts pointing fingers at Alan's son, Alan Jr. What did she say about him?
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Run, Run, Run
And after that car fire six weeks earlier, Allen had also mentioned his strained relationship with his son to those investigators.
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Run, Run, Run
Allen's personal issues with his son, coupled with the fact that he may have known his attacker, was enough for detectives to bring Allen Jr. in for an interview.
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Run, Run, Run
When asked, Allen Jr. insists he would never hurt his father, and he had an alibi. He was working out of state at the time of the murder.
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Run, Run, Run
There were no suspects. We didn't know if this person could come back. I never thought it would happen here or anything like that would ever happen here.
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Alam Helmick was a fixture in this community, a man who dedicated his life to helping others achieve their dreams, getting small businesses off the ground and families into their first homes. In fact, he was known as the broker of Main Street.
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Run, Run, Run
Had there been a murder in my home, would not want to stay there, especially not a few days after. But she said it was her home. She said she felt closer to him there.
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Run, Run, Run
But if Miriam says she felt safe enough to stay in her and Alan's home, that was about to change. And then two weeks after Alan's murder, Miriam finds a dramatic discovery under her doormat at the house.
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Run, Run, Run
The baffling murder of businessman Alan Helmick had left the community desperate for answers. Detectives were taking a close look at everyone in Alan's life, even close friends like Ed Benson, who was brought in for an interview.
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Run, Run, Run
And there was that mysterious car fire just weeks earlier. Everyone wondering, could the two incidents be linked?
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As days passed with no suspects in custody, Miriam became convinced she was being watched. She reported seeing a white pickup truck with a driver she didn't recognize circling the property, leaving her to wonder whether the same people who killed Alan were now coming after her.
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Run, Run, Run
Alan Helmick was a prominent businessman. He had a mortgage business. Everybody respected him. He was firm, but he was very friendly.
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Run, Run, Run
She was finding lights on. She was finding medicine cabinet doors open that shouldn't be.
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Run, Run, Run
But the strange happenings at the home weren't the only thing worrying Miriam. With Alan, the sole breadwinner, gone, there wasn't any money coming in. During her police interview, Miriam had explained to investigators that they had a prenup.
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Run, Run, Run
Miriam's financial situation was fairly dire. In fact, she started selling off some of the property they had together.
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Run, Run, Run
And then, as Miriam is struggling to stay financially afloat, an ominous message shows up on her doorstep.
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Run, Run, Run
She was with her friend Penny. They had just gotten back from shopping. She goes up to her front door and she sees an envelope sticking out from under the map. And when she opens that envelope, there's a card inside that says, Alan's first, you're next. Run, run, run.
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Run, Run, Run
I was given a copy of the card. It said, to the grieving window in block letters. On the front is a picture of a middle-aged female. And it said, insanity, doing the same thing over and over again, expecting a different result. And then inside, Allen spelled A-L-L-E-N.
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Run, Run, Run
After Miriam received the threatening card, she left and she went back to Florida, Jacksonville, Florida, where she's from. She moved in with her son, Chris.
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Run, Run, Run
Back in Colorado, that bizarre greeting card gives police something they have been desperately searching for, a solid lead.
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Run, Run, Run
It's at this city market that investigators finally get the break they've been waiting for. The person who bought that card with the threatening message from Miriam is caught on surveillance tape here. And just who that person is will take everyone by surprise. You see, clear as day. Then a bombshell discovery from decades earlier.
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Run, Run, Run
The piece of evidence that was really the smoking gun, almost literally, was recovered from that lawn in Delta.
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Run, Run, Run
She's trying to get on with her life in a new state, but another incident with a gun comes to the surface.
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Run, Run, Run
Could what they find buried in this yard be the smoking gun? On June 10, 2008, 62-year-old respected businessman Alan Helmick was found dead in his home by his wife Miriam.
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Run, Run, Run
Alan had grown up in the nearby town of Delta and settled into Grand Junction to raise a family. What was Alan Helmick like?
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Run, Run, Run
When we arrived, Alan was on the floor in the kitchen. He had been shot in the head, and we had a bullet casing next to his body.
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Run, Run, Run
Both Alan and Miriam were widows. She was his dance instructor for ballroom dancing lessons.
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Run, Run, Run
Miriam told police she'd been running errands all morning and provided receipts to back up her alibi.
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Run, Run, Run
Police were at a loss as to who would want this well-liked businessman dead. Alan had some enemies, but nobody was going to kill him. As investigators began to dig deeper, the story took a frightening turn.
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Run, Run, Run
After Miriam received the threatening card, she went back to Florida, where she's from.
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Run, Run, Run
In Florida, Miriam turned to old friends for support, reconnecting with her former neighbor, Aline Lee.
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Run, Run, Run
While Miriam tries to restart her life in Florida, detectives in Colorado are continuing to work the case, trying to figure out where that threatening card she received came from.
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Run, Run, Run
They got in touch with the manufacturer of the card. He was able to tell them where these cards were sold. I checked the Hallmark.
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Run, Run, Run
I checked the Hobby Lobby. We finally get to the city markets. I contacted their loss prevention guy. They found two cells. One person paid in cash, didn't know who that person was. The other one was with a credit card. So we had a name and then he found one more purchase. He called me and he's like, I've got video.
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Run, Run, Run
That particular store was not as up to date as their others. And they did use VHS and they used it over and over and over again. So by the time we got this tape, it was kind of delicate. It was her. She was wearing the same style of shirt that she had walked in with her interview. It was just a different color combination.
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Run, Run, Run
So now it appears that Miriam, the grieving widow, seemingly afraid for her own life, had actually sent that threatening card to herself. But when investigators confront her about this, she says she has an explanation.
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Run, Run, Run
What Miriam told them is that she felt like the police weren't paying enough attention to the case. They weren't doing much. And so she wanted to kind of jog that with this card.
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Run, Run, Run
Did that greeting card incident change the way you and investigators approached the case?
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Run, Run, Run
But remember, when she was interviewed by investigators, Miriam said she had very little to gain from Alan's death.
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Run, Run, Run
did a prenup okay everything he has is his everything mine is mine he has more than i do okay with no clear motive inside the mesa county sheriff's office turned their attention to miriam's past learning about that double tragedy she and her family suffered years earlier in florida there was the sudden loss of her daughter and then a shocking development with her first husband
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Run, Run, Run
While Miriam and her first husband, Jack, were in bed, Jack shot himself in the head. Now you say, okay, she's had not one, but two husbands shot in the head.
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Run, Run, Run
Police ruled it a suicide. There were some strange circumstances, though. Things like he used his right hand to pull the trigger. Jack was a lefty.
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Run, Run, Run
But with clouds of suspicion gathering over Miriam about the death of her second husband, she does something unexpected.
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Run, Run, Run
Investigators are starting to wonder if they could actually have a black widow on their hand.
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Run, Run, Run
I mean, she was finding the husband, she was looking for the money, and then moving on.
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Run, Run, Run
With suspicion now mounting that she may be the person who killed her husband, Alan, Miriam Helmick does something unexpected. She goes looking for love again.
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Run, Run, Run
Miriam may have been trying to move on and put Alan's death behind her, but back in Colorado, investigators are taking a closer look at her, starting with her alibi from the day of Alan's murder.
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Run, Run, Run
To show up at the police interview with a pocket full of receipts. Suspicious or just thorough?
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Run, Run, Run
And investigators weren't the only ones with suspicions about Miriam. M-I-R-I-A-M.
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Run, Run, Run
So it didn't surprise those who knew Alan that after his first wife unexpectedly passed away, he wanted to meet new people. So he decided to try something different, dance classes. And his instructor is this woman, Miriam Giles.
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Run, Run, Run
Remember that local reporter who sat down with her after Alan's murder? She couldn't shake the feeling that something was off with her story.
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Run, Run, Run
It was all about her. And these interviews are really supposed to be about the deceased.
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Run, Run, Run
As I was speaking with her, it went from feeling really bad for her to being suspicious.
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Run, Run, Run
She started looking to the side. It's just like when you're talking to somebody and you know that they're lying because of non-verbal cues that they have. When I left that house, I've never scurried away from a place so quickly in my life. I was genuinely scared.
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Run, Run, Run
And while Miriam is talking to the media, investigators are talking to those closest to Alan. You continue with the investigation. Actually, you interview Alan's children.
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Run, Run, Run
Yes. Right after Alan passed, we were speaking to the daughters and they had expressed concerns of an inability to get ahold of their dad.
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Run, Run, Run
And when they would call Miriam, there was excuses as to, oh, I'll have him call you back, or he's not around.
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Run, Run, Run
Allen's kids couldn't help but wonder why Miriam seemed to be keeping them from their father in the months leading up to his murder. Could it have been something to do with a sudden decline in his health?
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Run, Run, Run
The more investigators dig, the more troubling details they uncover, like a gun that seemed to have disappeared from Miriam and Alan's home.
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Run, Run, Run
One of Alan's children said she specifically remembered seeing a .25 caliber pistol in his sock drawer.
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Run, Run, Run
Police learn of a shooting incident that had happened outside this house decades before. Could what they find buried in this yard be the break they need?
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Run, Run, Run
Coming to ABC and Hulu. Amanda Riley was a mother, wife, speaker at her church. And then she got diagnosed with cancer. A beloved young Christian woman fighting a battle undeserved. We thought she was God's gift, but she was a liar.
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Run, Run, Run
Detectives will often say that when it comes to investigating, there are no coincidences. And for those working the murder of Alan Helmick, they were certain that attempted car fire just weeks earlier was somehow connected to their case.
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Run, Run, Run
Since investigators learned that Miriam had been standing at the trunk right before Alan discovered the fire, they decided to bluff him, telling Alan there was surveillance video of the incident to see if he thought his wife could have been responsible.
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Run, Run, Run
Miriam was 10 years his junior, but Alan didn't let that discourage him. He described meeting Miriam in an interview he did shortly before he died.
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Run, Run, Run
As police are looking into this, they discovered that the Hellmicks had rented that movie about four days prior to the incident.
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Run, Run, Run
And the detectives now investigating Alan's murder are still searching for any hard evidence that Miriam pulled the trigger. After all, they still hadn't recovered a murder weapon.
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Run, Run, Run
There was the issue of the firearm that was missing from the home. And in talking to the daughters, we knew that there should have been a .25 caliber Lorsen in the house.
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Run, Run, Run
As luck would have it, there was an old Helmick family story from decades earlier of Allen's first wife's stepfather firing that same gun into the ground during a domestic dispute back in 1989. Could this gun, now missing, be the murder weapon?
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Run, Run, Run
And then investigators bring in a metal detector into the case. Right. Detectives come up with a long-shot idea. Go back to the property where that domestic dispute happened back in 1989. Could they recover the bullet fired from that gun and compare it to the bullet that killed Alan?
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Run, Run, Run
Carol Quarles is a retired law enforcement officer who has experience using a metal detector to search for missing evidence. So your reaction when they asked you to get involved in this case?
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Run, Run, Run
And they were getting nervous. The investigator said, well, maybe you're not going to find it.
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Run, Run, Run
But this is a woman who police believe orchestrated an attempted firebombing and shot her husband in the head in cold blood. Is she just going to go quietly?
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Run, Run, Run
In the fall of 2008, just a few months after Alan Helmick's murder, Miriam was living in Jacksonville, Florida, attempting to move on with her life. But her past in Colorado was about to catch up with her.
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Run, Run, Run
Six months after Alan's death, Miriam is charged with first-degree murder, attempted murder for that car fire, and forgery. She pleads not guilty and is extradited from Florida back to Colorado.
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Run, Run, Run
A year after being arrested and charged, Miriam Helmick goes on trial here at the Mesa County Courthouse. Prosecutors argue that the grieving widow is actually a cold-blooded killer.
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Run, Run, Run
So why do prosecutors believe Miriam killed Allen? They argue the motive was as age-old as they come, money. Financial motive was the critical part of your argument.
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Run, Run, Run
But the defense pushed back, saying that Miriam had Allen's permission to write those checks, both as his wife and his secretary.
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Run, Run, Run
It's June 10, 2008, typical beautiful Tuesday morning in Whitewater, and Miriam leaves to go run some errands. Alan was going to get his car serviced, and then they were going to meet up for lunch.
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Run, Run, Run
Prosecutors put Alan's daughter, Portia, on the stand to testify about the way Miriam seemed to be isolating her father in the months leading up to his murder.
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Run, Run, Run
And when they would call Miriam, there was excuses as to, oh, I'll have him call you back, or he's not around.
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Run, Run, Run
And prosecutors argued that Miriam had tried to kill Alan not once, but twice. The first time in that failed attempt at blowing up his car, they called Miriam's horse breeder and friend, Jerry Yarborough, to the stand.
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Run, Run, Run
Jerry told jurors about a conversation she said she had with Miriam after that failed car bombing.
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Run, Run, Run
Pretty much. But the defense pointed out that if Miriam was after Alan's money, why would she try to blow up his car while he was holding that large cashier's check he had just received?
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Run, Run, Run
The piece of evidence that was really the smoking gun, almost literally, was the bullet that was able to be recovered from that lawn in Delta.
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Run, Run, Run
But as Miriam's defense pointed out, roughly matched is not the same as a perfect match. Couldn't prove it beyond a reasonable doubt. Then the defense did something you don't often see at a murder trial. They called Miriam to testify in her own defense.
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Run, Run, Run
Miriam stayed on that stand for two days, denying that she had anything to do with Alan's murder. When prosecutors got their chance to cross-examine her, they pressed her on the infamous run, run, run card that she admitted sending to herself.
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Run, Run, Run
She went to City Market to pick up his prescription and found out that he hadn't dropped it off. So she called him, could not get a hold of him.
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Run, Run, Run
They come back with a verdict in five hours for a first degree murder case. You just don't see that. Five hours was very fast.
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Run, Run, Run
But Miriam says the jury got it wrong, and she had a lot more to say when we spoke in her first interview since being convicted. Miriam, are you telling me that your husband, Alan, started the car fire himself? Why would he do that? It's now been 15 years since Miriam Helmick was sentenced to life for killing her husband, Alan.
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Run, Run, Run
Since then, she's been at the Denver Women's Correctional Facility, where she recently called me from.
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Run, Run, Run
This is the first time she's spoken publicly since her 2009 sentencing. I asked Miriam about first meeting Alan back when she was his dance instructor in Grand Junction. And was it love at first sight?
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Run, Run, Run
Alan's kids say that you were isolating him from them in the months prior to his death. Was that true?
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Run, Run, Run
Miriam, after 15 minutes, decides to leave and head home. Miriam gets home. It looked like the house had been ransacked.
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Run, Run, Run
Prosecutors say that you fraudulently had written about $40,000 in checks on Alan's money that he was about to find out, and that's why you killed him.
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Run, Run, Run
You mean to tell me that Alan started the car fire himself? Why would he try to do that and possibly hurt himself?
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Run, Run, Run
It's a claim that's hard to back up, but Allen was adamant with authorities that he did not believe Miriam would ever try to kill him.
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Run, Run, Run
Now authorities also questioned your alibi. All the receipts that you had, it looked like you were trying so hard to create an alibi. Were you?
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Run, Run, Run
Do you think you'll get out of prison someday? What do you think will prove your innocence now? Wouldn't the blood spatter and the gunshot residue be easily washed off if you took a shower?
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Run, Run, Run
I have not seen her since the trial. After so long, what did Miriam finally have to say to her son?
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Run, Run, Run
This past November, Chris Giles and his wife, Kelly, flew to Colorado for a much-anticipated visit to see his mom, Miriam, in prison.
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Run, Run, Run
Over the years, one by one, Chris lost his entire family to different forms of tragedy.
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Our cameras were not allowed inside the prison, but Chris tells me that reuniting with his mom, while complicated, was also healing for him.
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Run, Run, Run
Robin Martin is a detective who worked the case. When the first officers arrived on the scene, they find Miriam distraught and kneeling over her husband.
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Run, Run, Run
I do not. With your father? I do not, no. Seeing your mom was a big step for you after all these years. Yes.
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But when it comes to Alan's family and friends, there are some things that they say they would rather forget.
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Run, Run, Run
Alan was on the floor in the kitchen. It looked like he had been shot in the head and we had a bullet casing next to his body. They did a very quick security sweep to make sure there wasn't a suspect still on scene.
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Run, Run, Run
There's no one in the house. As they conduct their sweep, deputies notice drawers pulled out in the kitchen and a trash can tipped over in Allen's office.
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Run, Run, Run
In the newsroom, we have police scanners and we heard the call go out saying there was a robbery homicide out in Whitewater. I packed up my camera gear and went out there immediately. What I saw when I got out there was a scene that was taped off. Multiple officers going in and out of the house conducting their investigation.
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It's Detective Work 101 that you start with the people closest to the victim. But in this case, Alan's wife, Miriam, was running those errands, expecting to meet Alan for lunch. She even had the voicemails to prove it.
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Run, Run, Run
Miriam gets home. It looked like the house had been ransacked. She sees Alan laying on the kitchen floor. He was shot right in the back of the head.
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Run, Run, Run
Things did not add up. Everybody knew him. Everybody loved him. Who would do such a thing?
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After finding her husband Allen dead in a pool of blood on the floor of their Whitewater, Colorado home, Miriam Helmick is brought in for an interview with the Mesa County Sheriff's Office.
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Run, Run, Run
Miriam was at our office. They, as we do with all, what were you doing today? Can you go through your day for us?
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Run, Run, Run
She started listing off everywhere she had been. She told us that she was calling Alan several times, was getting his voicemail. Hi, Alan.
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Here in this parking lot, less than two months before Alan was murdered, there was an earlier attempt on his life. Somebody tried to torch our car.
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15 minutes in, you're never late, so would you call me? Miriam's entire morning is accounted for. She even offers up proof of where she's been.
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They take those items to check them for any kind of gunshot residue or blood spatter that might indicate Miriam had something to do with this. And those results came back negative.
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She's also caught on several surveillance cameras throughout the morning. Miriam seemingly has an airtight alibi. So naturally, investigators are anxious to ask her who she thinks may have wanted to harm Alan.
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Miriam said Allen was generally well-liked, but detectives also knew he'd been a local mortgage broker. Could he have turned someone down? Maybe had a disgruntled former client or coworker who was out for revenge?
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And he had started his own business here decades earlier. Alan had married his high school sweetheart, Sharon, and had four children through 37 years together. But on New Year's Eve 2003, she died of a sudden heart attack. How did that affect him?
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Run, Run, Run
When Alan met Miriam, I know she had a policy of not dating her students, but Alan was pretty relentless.
20/20
Run, Run, Run
Karen Wilson was a local journalist in Grand Junction, Colorado, who covered this case. Just days after Alan's murder, she spoke to an emotional Miriam.
20/20
Run, Run, Run
Miriam had been dealt her own difficult hand in life, having faced not one, but two unimaginable tragedies back in her home state of Florida. Chris Giles is Miriam's son. Grew up in Jacksonville, mom, dad, a sister. What was it like?
20/20
Run, Run, Run
In 2000, Miriam and her first husband, Jack, were devastated when their eldest child, 23-year-old daughter Amy, died suddenly after an accidental overdose. How did the family cope with this, with her death?
20/20
Run, Run, Run
Two weeks after Alan's murder, Miriam finds a dramatic discovery under her doormat.
48 Hours
The Cyanide Killer
Until now, Farras has done everything he could to protect his brother at any cost. But in court and under oath, he's about to be caught in a lie.
48 Hours
The Cyanide Killer
No. No? But prosecutors introduced evidence recorded on prison phone lines that the Isser brothers did discuss exactly that.
48 Hours
The Cyanide Killer
For us, Issa is dismissed for the time being so he can consult with an attorney. Through it all, Yazeed looks on, seemingly unmoved. The same way Detective Gary McKee remembers him when he questioned Yaz three weeks after Rosie died and first developed his own suspicions about those calcium capsules he'd given her.
48 Hours
The Cyanide Killer
Yazeed was apparently unconcerned about handing over the remaining pills to police, but Julie DiPuccio believes he was actually in a panic.
48 Hours
The Cyanide Killer
Rosie was rushed to the hospital. She went unconscious and died shortly after that. Her death immediately was suspicious because she didn't suffer any physical injuries from her car accident.
48 Hours
The Cyanide Killer
And when the lab results came back, police discovered Yazeed Issa had good reason to run. The evidence was in those calcium capsules. She died of cyanide poisoning. In the second week of Yazeed Issa's murder trial, the state focuses on his bizarre disappearance and on a startling piece of evidence Dominic and Julie DiPuccio discovered in his house almost immediately afterwards.
48 Hours
The Cyanide Killer
After Yazeed disappeared, the DiPuccios took on an even bigger burden, making a home for Yaz and Rosie's children, Armand and Lena. They already had four children of their own.
48 Hours
The Cyanide Killer
His life crumbled. His wife's dead. And he was gone. Boom. We got to get out of here. Poof. He's gone.
48 Hours
The Cyanide Killer
In April 2005, just two months after Rosie's death, FBI agent Phil Torsney, a veteran fugitive hunter, was assigned to figure out where the successful doctor and businessman was. This is the location where Dr. Issa purchased his ticket, where the investigation started for us.
48 Hours
The Cyanide Killer
Torsney picked up Issa's trail at this travel agency and soon uncovered evidence that Yaz had used a kind of underground railroad for his escape.
48 Hours
The Cyanide Killer
Using a network of family and business contacts, Yazeed Issa made his way all the way here to Beirut, Lebanon, where at first he went underground, moving from safe house to safe house all over the city. Lebanon was no random destination.
48 Hours
The Cyanide Killer
This country doesn't have an extradition treaty with the United States, so while authorities use credit cards and emails to track Issa to Beirut, they wouldn't be able to lay a hand on him if they found him.
48 Hours
The Cyanide Killer
Bye-bye. He fled the country before the coroner had even ruled that her death was a homicide.
48 Hours
The Cyanide Killer
Yazeed's protector in Lebanon was this man, Jamal Khalifa, a self-described businessman who had once lived in Michigan where his family knew the Issa's. If I was trying to stay one step ahead of the law and I was in Beirut, you could help me. Yes. You could provide me with a new passport. Yes. You could get me a new identity. Yes. You could help me stay out of jail. Hell yes. Hell yes.
48 Hours
The Cyanide Killer
So Jamal took care of Yazeed. He gave him a gun, a slew of fake IDs, and safe houses to hide in. But Yaz didn't remain underground for long. Here he is at a wedding with Jamal while he was in hiding. Was he living large in Beirut? Yeah, he was living large. Suñez was living a bit too large for his own good.
48 Hours
The Cyanide Killer
He spent his days drinking in pubs and cafes on Beirut's waterfront, and his nights partying in discos all over town. To support his lavish lifestyle, investigators say he had his brother Feras wire him thousands of dollars at a time.
48 Hours
The Cyanide Killer
Naila Suki met Yazeed Issa in an online chat room about three months after he arrived in Beirut. What was his email address?
48 Hours
The Cyanide Killer
By the spring of 2006, Yazeed's relationship with Naila was getting serious. He cut ties with Jamal and moved to her neighborhood. You live here.
48 Hours
The Cyanide Killer
Did you ever ask him, The question directly, Naila, did you kill your wife?
48 Hours
The Cyanide Killer
But Jamal says Yazeed wasn't acting smart at all. Well how was he behaving?
48 Hours
The Cyanide Killer
But in October 2006, Yaz boarded a plane to Cyprus, a country that does have an extradition treaty with the United States. His recklessness finally caught up with him. Interpol and the FBI had tipped off Cyprus police that Yazid Issa might be on board, traveling under an alias. Sergeant Marius Ioannou of the Larnaca police was waiting at the airport when the plane landed.
48 Hours
The Cyanide Killer
He lived a double life. Family man on one side, playboy on the other. It causes you to ask yourself how well you can ever know someone else.
48 Hours
The Cyanide Killer
Maurice Khalife was Jamal's cousin. Yazid had been using his identity for months. As passengers filed off the plane, Ioannou compared them to a grainy photo he'd been given. What did he look like in the photo?
48 Hours
The Cyanide Killer
Ioannou was beginning to think his information was bad when the last passengers came into view. One looked vaguely familiar. This is the passport that you saw?
48 Hours
The Cyanide Killer
Yazeed was arrested for using a doctorate passport and held in the Cypress prison for US authorities. He had changed his appearance. He had done a lot of things, but fingerprints don't lie. After 19 months, Phil Toursney finally had his man. For two years, Yazeed Issa would fight extradition until Toursney was finally able to put him on that plane to Cleveland in January 2009.
48 Hours
The Cyanide Killer
Yet it didn't take nearly that long for his former protector, Jamal Khalifa, to turn on him, says prosecutor Matt Meyer.
48 Hours
The Cyanide Killer
There is so much spin in this case. He fled the country. He's got to be guilty. But when you look at this very closely, I think you see something completely different. He got scared to death. He's not a killer.
48 Hours
The Cyanide Killer
including something so explosive that prosecutors will bring Calife all the way from the Middle East to the Midwest to testify at Yazeed Issa's murder trial.
48 Hours
The Cyanide Killer
What if the solution to our problems lies where people normally don't go? A treasure from the deep sea, millions of years old, but which really exists and which some now want to lift.
48 Hours
The Cyanide Killer
The fight for the deep sea has long begun. This is Enten, Land unter, from Andan and the Futurium. From now on on Spotify.
48 Hours
The Cyanide Killer
As Yazeed Issa's murder trial enters its second week, the state calls its star witness. Do you know the defendant, Dr. Issa?
48 Hours
The Cyanide Killer
Yaz is one-time protector, Jamal Khalifa, who has traveled all the way from Beirut to lay out the sordid details of Issa's Underground Railroad escape. And his 19 months on the run.
48 Hours
The Cyanide Killer
There's one detail that Assistant DA Matt Meyer hopes will turn this case into a slam dunk for the state. Jamal knew things that nobody knew.
48 Hours
The Cyanide Killer
Defense attorneys Mark Marine and Stephen Bradley know they'll never win this trial without discrediting Jamal Khalifa. And they've got a lot to work with.
48 Hours
The Cyanide Killer
In a 29-count charging money laundering, conspiracy to defraud the United States, mail fraud.
48 Hours
The Cyanide Killer
Possession of an unregistered firearm, possession of a firearm with an altered serial number, and laundering of money instruments. Is that true?
48 Hours
The Cyanide Killer
No. In 1994, Jamal was under investigation for money laundering and a weapons charge in Michigan. Potentially facing a long prison sentence, he fled the US for his native Lebanon. He always wanted a way back to America, says the defense. And when Yazeed Issa walked into his life in 2005, Jamal saw his chance.
48 Hours
The Cyanide Killer
Defense attorneys are convinced Jamal has cut a deal with the state for his testimony, but getting him to admit it is a different matter.
48 Hours
The Cyanide Killer
Actually, Jamal Khalifa gets a lot more than that. Two days after testifying against Aziz Issa, a judge ruling on those Michigan charges lets him off with probation.
48 Hours
The Cyanide Killer
He cut a deal and the proof's in the pudding because he's back in the country and he's not in a jail facility.
48 Hours
The Cyanide Killer
The defense hopes exposing Khalifa's plea deal will discredit him with the jury. But the Issa defense is about to be handed a stunning setback that nobody is expecting. You remain under oath, obviously. Two weeks after he was caught lying on the stand, Yazeed Issa's brother, Firas, suddenly reappears in court.
48 Hours
The Cyanide Killer
If he lies again, Farras faces up to 16 years in prison on perjury and obstruction of justice. I don't know. What he says at this moment could very well seal his brother's fate or seal his own.
48 Hours
The Cyanide Killer
After everything Dominic DiPuccio has been through in the last five years, he can't believe his ears.
48 Hours
The Cyanide Killer
In closing arguments, the defense reminds the jury to stick with the basics. There's no motive in this case, and investigators found no DNA and no usable fingerprints. There's still no proof, they say, that Yazeed Issa ever actually possessed cyanide. Nor is there an explanation for why he gave the murder weapon to police.
48 Hours
The Cyanide Killer
Presumably, an intelligent individual who had spiked calcium capsules would have taken those capsules and flushed them down the toilet or done something with them. He did nothing.
48 Hours
The Cyanide Killer
With all eyes on him, Yazeed Issa decides not to testify, leaving the lawyers to argue about whether he's a victim of circumstance or a predator who planned the perfect murder at the expense of those who needed him the most.
48 Hours
The Cyanide Killer
The jury begins to deliberate Yazeed Issa's fate. One agonizing day turns into two. Then three. On the fourth day of deliberations... What do you expect, sir? Finally, a verdict.
48 Hours
The Cyanide Killer
For Rosie's family, the tension is unbearable, as Judge Dina Calabrese delivers the verdict.
48 Hours
The Cyanide Killer
Guilty of aggravated murder. For the DiPuccios and their loved ones, five years of pain and exhaustion give way to tears.
48 Hours
The Cyanide Killer
FBI Special Agent Phil Torsney remembers the moment in January 2009 when this cell phone video was taken. The moment a three-year international manhunt came to an end. That's our guy. That guy is Dr. Yazeed Issa, charged with the mysterious murder of his wife Rosemary in Cleveland, Ohio. Her family has been waiting ever since to hear the truth about what happened to her.
48 Hours
The Cyanide Killer
We're disappointed. Four days later, after Yazeed trades in his expensive suits for prison clothes.
48 Hours
The Cyanide Killer
After years of struggling to face his worst fears about Yazeed Issa, Dominic DiPuccia will finally address his sister's killer directly.
48 Hours
The Cyanide Killer
Protecting his chances for a successful appeal, Yazeed Issa doesn't say a word and barely flinches as the judge reads the sentence.
48 Hours
The Cyanide Killer
For us, Issa will have to cope with the knowledge that he, more than anyone, helped send his brother to prison.
48 Hours
The Cyanide Killer
Dominic DiPuccio has become legal guardian of Yazeed Issa's children. And he is looking into changing their last names to his own. cutting Yazeed's ties to the son and daughter he left behind in honor of the woman he took away.
48 Hours
The Cyanide Killer
and her husband's odyssey in five countries. Forged documents, foreign prisons, safe houses, and secret affairs. It's a story Issa's friends say is too bizarre to believe.
48 Hours
The Cyanide Killer
Two months before Yazeed Issa goes to court, they're conducting a mock trial.
48 Hours
The Cyanide Killer
It's a high-stakes mission in a case that Cleveland Plain Dealer reporter Leila Atassi says has taken on a high profile, too.
48 Hours
The Cyanide Killer
You'd be hard-pressed to find someone in the greater Cleveland area who hasn't heard of this case. Just the mere mention of the last name Issa will dredge up, you know, at least details, shadowy details of what happened. There you go.
48 Hours
The Cyanide Killer
What happened to Rosie tore a hole in her tight-knit family. Parents Rocco and Gigi still host their kids and grandkids for supper most Sunday nights.
48 Hours
The Cyanide Killer
Rosie's brother Dominic, an attorney, says she always loved a good dinnertime debate.
48 Hours
The Cyanide Killer
And he says his little sister never missed a chance to look out for others.
48 Hours
The Cyanide Killer
That calling led Rosie to become a nurse at Cleveland's now-defunct Mount Sinai Hospital. She was on ER rotation in 1995 when she met a dashing young doctor named Yazeed Issa. Everyone knew him as Yaz. And so I said, well, who's this guy Yaz everybody's talking about? Dr. Bob Kadar became Yaz Issa's best friend.
48 Hours
The Cyanide Killer
Yaz's brother Firas says growing up in a Palestinian-American family, they learned about life on the mean streets of Detroit before they moved to Cleveland in 1988 for Yaz to go to med school. As if Yaz wasn't busy enough with his studies, he and Farah started a beeper business. They would eventually own a satellite TV company worth millions.
48 Hours
The Cyanide Killer
Alexandra Herrera wasn't looking for love when she met Yazeed Issa at work in the hospital in 1995. but she found his lust for life impossible to resist. So you were drawn to him?
48 Hours
The Cyanide Killer
Within months, they were living together, but about a year later, she began to suspect he was seeing someone else. Sure enough, one day while she wasn't home, Yaz suddenly packed up and left.
48 Hours
The Cyanide Killer
She says Yaz couldn't stand her suspicions and told her and Rosie he found someone who didn't ask questions. About a year later, Rosie and Yazeed got married. It was September 11, 1999.
48 Hours
The Cyanide Killer
The next year, they had a son, Armand, and a daughter, Lena, two years after that. She liked being a mom?
48 Hours
The Cyanide Killer
Her sister-in-law, Julie, says they seemed to have it all. A comfortable home, loving marriage, two beautiful children, and even planning a third. But tragedy struck on February 24th, 2005. At about 2 p.m., Rosie left home to meet her sister for a movie.
48 Hours
The Cyanide Killer
She was only driving about 10 miles an hour when, at this intersection, she had a fender bender with another car, and her near-perfect life came to a bizarre halt.
48 Hours
The Cyanide Killer
But it was bad. Rosie was pronounced dead at 3.02 p.m., an almost impossible reality for her family because she was just 38, otherwise healthy. And her brother Rocky says she didn't have a scratch on her.
48 Hours
The Cyanide Killer
It was so emotional. As more relatives gathered, Yaz stood quietly apart. His behavior struck everyone as strange.
48 Hours
The Cyanide Killer
Yaz said he had no idea how Rosie could have died. Nobody else did either.
48 Hours
The Cyanide Killer
Now, Yazeed Issa is about to go on trial for murder. This is going to be contentious.
48 Hours
The Cyanide Killer
Sir, listen to my questions. It's going to be a ball-busting, down-in-the-trenches trial.
48 Hours
The Cyanide Killer
On January 25th, 2010, nearly five years after Rosemary Issa's mysterious death... She's right here, always.
48 Hours
The Cyanide Killer
Right away, defense attorney Stephen Bradley and prosecutor Steve Dever begin a battle to define Yazeed Issa for the jury.
48 Hours
The Cyanide Killer
When first responders arrived at the scene of Rosie's car accident, they found her on the brink of unconsciousness, slumped in the driver's side seat, clutching her open cell phone. She was trying to call her husband.
48 Hours
The Cyanide Killer
Julie remembers that Yaz remained distant as the DiPuccios gathered later that evening. A gathering that took a chilling turn about two hours later when Dominic got a phone call from Rosie's best friend, Eva McGregor.
48 Hours
The Cyanide Killer
Eva told him Rosie had called her that same afternoon from the car on the way to the movies. Do you solemnly swear to testify? Now, five years later, she tells the jury the same story.
48 Hours
The Cyanide Killer
Yazeed had insisted Rosie take calcium supplements that morning. Eva immediately suspected he'd tampered with those capsules and testifies she confronted him at Rosie's funeral.
48 Hours
The Cyanide Killer
In retrospect, Dominic says, Yaz seemed fine much too soon. He refused the family's offers of help with the kids and instead hired a pair of nannies, Margarita Montanez and Michelle Madeline.
48 Hours
The Cyanide Killer
Detective Gary McKee began investigating the strange case for the Highland Heights Police Department soon after Rosie died and discovered Yazeed's nannies were taken care of more than the children.
48 Hours
The Cyanide Killer
Back in court, one of those women, Nanny Margarita Montanez, tells the jury she met Yazeed at one of his beeper stores and started sleeping with him in 2001 while both of them were married.
48 Hours
The Cyanide Killer
Yazeed's other nanny, Michelle Madeline, is still struggling to put the relationship behind her and asked the judge to prohibit the media from showing her face on the witness stand. Were you falling in love with him? Eventually, yes.
48 Hours
The Cyanide Killer
Michelle testifies she also became involved with Yazeed before Rosie died. They worked together at the hospital, but would meet regularly on Wednesday nights in an apartment he kept upstairs from his satellite TV office.
48 Hours
The Cyanide Killer
But for us, Issa says Yazeed only cared for his wife and children. There were no problems in the marriage. Not that I was aware of.
48 Hours
An Eye For Murder
I submit to you that once you follow the timeline, once you say, show me the money, once you talk about dealing with time of death, you will then make the conclusion that this case is exactly what reasonable doubt is all about.
48 Hours
An Eye For Murder
There's never anybody that's ever said they saw him give him anything, so there's nothing that connects Dr. Schwartz, any money he got with Mr. Bigger.
48 Hours
An Eye For Murder
Hogwash. Hogwash. Just that simple. Because when this homicide happened, Dr. Stortz had gotten his license back. His practice was well on the upswing. He had been drug free for over a year and a half to two years.
48 Hours
An Eye For Murder
What was interesting about Mr. Walsh is that he was involved committing these crimes in and around the medical complex where Dr. Stidham had his office.
48 Hours
An Eye For Murder
Not one drop of blood or any other evidence of any violent crime is seen on Mr. Bigger. A, when he makes the calls from Denny's. B, when he gets into the cab. And C, when he gets to this restaurant Is that the car that you worked on? Yes, it is.
48 Hours
An Eye For Murder
If that's the case, Mr. Bigger couldn't have been the killer because he was with Dr. Swartz with Lisa Goldman.
48 Hours
An Eye For Murder
And because Dr. Swartz was a bore and talked about things that he had no business shooting his mouth off about and liked to apparently have quite a stable of female acquaintances, that doesn't make him a murderer.
48 Hours
An Eye For Murder
The state has not met their burden to prove Dr. Bradley Swartz guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.
48 Hours
An Eye For Murder
And if the case was clear cut and defined, then I think we would have to assume there would already be a verdict.
48 Hours
An Eye For Murder
The search is on tonight for a car that belonged to a man found murdered in Midtown.
48 Hours
Strange Truth
Jeff could go across the street and get a divorce and have to kill his wife to do that.
48 Hours
Strange Truth
I'm saying, so what? I'm saying they've charged him because he's an odd guy having an affair, but that doesn't make him a murderer.
48 Hours
Strange Truth
Ramona lived in the house for 25 plus years. She might have bled like all of us bleed in our own house.
48 Hours
Strange Truth
Jeff Croteen did not commit this crime. And if the Brook Park Police Department had done their job today, there might be another person sitting at that defense table. We think that Ramona left the party and was apprehended by either one or a group of people, robbed, beaten, and shot.
48 Hours
Strange Truth
At some point you thought somebody might be doing something to a person, am I correct?
48 Hours
Strange Truth
If for one minute you thought your father brutalized your mother in that house, what would you do?
48 Hours
The Peggy Hettrick Case - Part 1
Was ist, wenn die Lösung für unsere Probleme dort lauert, wo Menschen normalerweise gar nicht hinkommen? Ein Schatz aus der Tiefsee, Millionen Jahre alt, den es aber wirklich gibt und den manche jetzt heben wollen. Der Kampf um die Tiefsee, der hat längst begonnen. Das ist Enten, Land unter, von Andan und dem Futurium. Ab sofort auf Spotify.
48 Hours
The Peggy Hettrick Case - Part 1
Police believe it was on that walk, in the early morning hours, that Peggy Hetrick's murderer struck. And despite hours of denials from Tim Masters, Detective Broderick was growing more certain Masters did it.
48 Hours
The Peggy Hettrick Case - Part 1
Die Polizei war überrascht, als sie auf der Autopsie lernte, dass diese Mutilation auch zu einer weiblichen Zerstörung gehörte. All das war ein Teil des meisterlichen Planes, dachte Broderick.
48 Hours
The Peggy Hettrick Case - Part 1
The knives police found lay on the dresser. One had a scalpel inside the handle. And there was another scalpel on a table nearby. But there was no trace of Peggy's blood on any of them. Nor did they find her blood on any of Tim's clothes or shoes. They even searched the drains. Nothing.
48 Hours
The Peggy Hettrick Case - Part 1
Much as Peggy had been dragged, he thought, but as incriminating as the drawing seemed, the case was completely circumstantial. Weeks, then months passed, Mit keinem Arrest. Die Beweise consistierten im Grunde genommen an den Bildern und dem Fakt, dass er nicht das Körper berichtet hat? Genau. Was anderes? Nein. Keine Haare, Fibern, Fingerprinten, Blut, nichts?
48 Hours
The Peggy Hettrick Case - Part 1
Nichts überhaupt? Nicht ein bisschen Forensische Beweise, die ihn zu dem Bild verbunden hat?
48 Hours
The Peggy Hettrick Case - Part 1
Die Polizei hat endlich einen Plan gegründet, um die Beweise zu bekommen, die sie benötigten. Peggy Hetrick wurde fast genau vier Jahre nach dem Tod von Tims Mutter getötet. Die Theorie war, dass Tim von seiner Mutter verletzt wurde. Und so, die Polizisten dachten, wenn der Tag wieder zurückkommt, vielleicht kann er sich in etwas inkriminierendes machen.
48 Hours
The Peggy Hettrick Case - Part 1
Die Erwartungen waren, dass Timothy Masters verrückt werden würde, wenn man will.
48 Hours
The Peggy Hettrick Case - Part 1
Dann-Patrollmann Troy Krenning war einer der mehreren Anwesenden der 92-Mitarbeitenden, die Tim Masters beobachten mussten. Er war nicht zufrieden. Es war eine 24-7-Operation, die für etwa eine Woche dauerte.
48 Hours
The Peggy Hettrick Case - Part 1
Wir sind aus der Suche nach diesen Blödsinn-Theorien, dass ein 15-jähriger Kind in den Besuch gehen wird und Menschen töten wird.
48 Hours
The Peggy Hettrick Case - Part 1
They first scouted out vantage points at neighboring houses, including that of the eye surgeon, whose home overlooked the crime scene.
48 Hours
The Peggy Hettrick Case - Part 1
Most of the time he wasn't there. He would get up and go to school, come home, go to bed.
48 Hours
The Peggy Hettrick Case - Part 1
I remember at this briefing, one of the things that was talked about was that he might go down to the grave and revisit Peggy Hetrich's grave and maybe even lay on the grave. What? Lay on the grave? You know, what kind of silliness is that?
48 Hours
The Peggy Hettrick Case - Part 1
But the plan went still further. At one point, police duped a newspaper reporter into writing a phony story, saying an arrest was imminent. Sie haben sogar eine Kopie von Tims Mothers Obituary auf dem Windschutz eines Freundes-Trucks gelegt.
48 Hours
The Peggy Hettrick Case - Part 1
And what did this elaborate psychological experiment produce? Zero.
48 Hours
The Peggy Hettrick Case - Part 1
At that point it wouldn't have mattered, he says. The investigation already had wrecked his life.
48 Hours
The Peggy Hettrick Case - Part 1
He remembers thinking that someday, surely, everyone would understand that this had been a terrible mistake. But he'd not counted on one very determined cop.
48 Hours
The Peggy Hettrick Case - Part 1
Vier Jahre nach dem hektischen Mord dachte Tim Masters, er habe seine Reputation endlich gerettet.
48 Hours
The Peggy Hettrick Case - Part 1
Linda Wheeler learned she'd been picked to reopen the case. And her marching orders were clear.
48 Hours
The Peggy Hettrick Case - Part 1
She worked for a year with Masters in her sights before she stumbled on that apparent missing piece of the puzzle. Something Tim had mentioned to a friend.
48 Hours
The Peggy Hettrick Case - Part 1
She was sure it was a detail police never had made public. And I went, all right, we got him. In July of 1992, armed with an arrest warrant, Jim Broderick and Linda Wheeler hopped a flight to Philadelphia, where Tim's ship was in port. They grilled him again for a day and a half.
48 Hours
The Peggy Hettrick Case - Part 1
He told them that their big secret was in fact common knowledge at the high school, because incredibly, police had enlisted the help of students, explorer scouts, to search the field for body parts.
48 Hours
The Peggy Hettrick Case - Part 1
To the detective's complete shock, the former scout confirmed Tim's story.
48 Hours
The Peggy Hettrick Case - Part 1
The cop who'd been first to tie Tim Masters to the crime, now was the first to think she'd been wrong.
48 Hours
The Peggy Hettrick Case - Part 1
Wheeler wanted to reinvestigate, start from square one, enlist the help of the FBI.
48 Hours
The Peggy Hettrick Case - Part 1
Sie hat 1995 die Fort Collins Polizei verlassen. Jim Broderick hat sich mittlerweile frisch zu Supervisor eingeladen. Und er hat den Fall bald wieder geöffnet, fokussiert auf seinen Lieblingssuspekt.
48 Hours
The Peggy Hettrick Case - Part 1
Er hatte keine neuen Beweise, aber 1997 fand er einen Alli. Jemand, der einen neuen Spinn auf die beste Beweise, die er hatte. Tims ehrliche Bildern und was sie bedeuten.
48 Hours
The Peggy Hettrick Case - Part 1
Dr. Reed Molloy ist ein international bekanntes Experte auf sexuellen Verbrechen, interviewt hier im Jahr 2000.
48 Hours
The Peggy Hettrick Case - Part 1
Ein 15-Jähriger hat zwischendurch Müsings, bizarre Kunstwerke und Geschichten über Gewalt, Zerstörung und Tod. Disturbing? Sure, Tim said. For a nerdy kid trying to get attention, that was the point.
48 Hours
The Peggy Hettrick Case - Part 1
Einer zeigt, wie er glaubt, dass Tim Masters Peggys Körper bewegt hat.
48 Hours
The Peggy Hettrick Case - Part 1
Der andere Bild zeigt grafisch, was Dr. Molloy für Tim gemacht hat.
48 Hours
The Peggy Hettrick Case - Part 1
Malloy concluded that this was a textbook sexual homicide. An outgrowth of Tim's fury at being abandoned at 11 when his mother died.
48 Hours
The Peggy Hettrick Case - Part 1
Er führte nach Kalifornien, wo Tim arbeitete. Er wurde von der Armee verurteilt und ist jetzt 27 Jahre alt.
48 Hours
The Peggy Hettrick Case - Part 1
Als Broderick das Haus untersuchte, fand er Waffen, Knöpfe und Schilder, ähnlich zu denen, die er 1987 gefunden hatte. Ein paar Monate später brachte die Polizei Tim zurück nach Colorado.
48 Hours
The Peggy Hettrick Case - Part 1
Er ging auf Trial für den Tod von Peggy Hetrick im März 1999. Theories, but no physical evidence. Prosecutors Terry Gilmore and Jolene Blair admitted soon after the trial, they thought their case was pretty thin. There were times when Terry and I were looking at each other like, what are we doing?
48 Hours
The Peggy Hettrick Case - Part 1
He'd grown into an imposing figure, looking fully capable of the crime. Have you ever had any doubt that Tim Masters was innocent?
48 Hours
The Peggy Hettrick Case - Part 1
Seine beste Beweise waren diese inkriminierenden Schriftstücke und die Interpretation von Star-Expert-Witness Molloys, die sie bezeichneten.
48 Hours
The Peggy Hettrick Case - Part 1
As for that one incriminating drag drawing, Tim has always said he made it after seeing the body.
48 Hours
The Peggy Hettrick Case - Part 1
David Wymore, der Masters repräsentierte, sagte, der Staat hat seinen Fall nicht um Beweise gelegt, sondern um Angst.
48 Hours
The Peggy Hettrick Case - Part 1
Mehr als eine Dekade nach dem Verbrechen dauerte es dem Gericht nur einen Tag und einen halben, um Tim Masters zu beurteilen.
48 Hours
The Peggy Hettrick Case - Part 1
Er wurde verurteilt nach einem Leben hinter den Bars, ohne Parole.
48 Hours
The Peggy Hettrick Case - Part 1
But many birthdays would go by before a startling revelation that would challenge Tim's conviction.
48 Hours
The Peggy Hettrick Case - Part 1
Prosecutors were delighted with the guilty verdict in the Tim Masters case. Which way are we going?
48 Hours
The Peggy Hettrick Case - Part 1
Die Antwort auf diese Frage war, wie es Tims Berufe sagten, in einem Haus in Tims alten Gemeinschaft, das auch das Gebiet, wo Peggy Hetrichs Körper gefunden wurde. Vier Jahre bevor Tims Anruf, wurden die Polizisten dort zu einem anderen schrecklichen Krimi-Szenario ermordet.
48 Hours
The Peggy Hettrick Case - Part 1
Dann hat Patrol-Officer Linda Wheeler die Heimat eines prominenten Augenärzten, Dr. Richard Hammond, besucht.
48 Hours
The Peggy Hettrick Case - Part 1
Eine Verwirrung mit einigen ehrlichen Vergleichen zu der Peggy Hetrick-Fälle, die im Gäste-Bath-Zimmer der Hammond-Haus-Familie gespielt wurde.
48 Hours
The Peggy Hettrick Case - Part 1
Sie war richtig. Hinter dieser Ventur und zwei anderen kamen Dr. Hammonds Bathroom-Video-Kameras weg. When you walk in the bathroom and hit the light, it activates the camera. Each of them, says Masters-Lawyer David Wymore, positioned with loving care.
48 Hours
The Peggy Hettrick Case - Part 1
David Michelson says that when the puzzled house sitter heard an unmistakable sound, zzzz, zzzz, she started investigating.
48 Hours
The Peggy Hettrick Case - Part 1
Dann wusste sie, dass es eine Kamera war. In einem geschlossenen Raum, neben dem Kühlschrank, haben sie ein elaboretes Taping-System gefunden. In einem nahen Storage-Locker, ein estimate 13.000 Dollar wert von pornografischem Material. Ja, er hat die Receipts gehalten. And everywhere detailed files and stacks of videotapes.
48 Hours
The Peggy Hettrick Case - Part 1
A file for each victim, house sitters, family, friends. Seventy-eight victims in all, Wymore says. Among them this woman.
48 Hours
The Peggy Hettrick Case - Part 1
Nach seinem Angriff hat Dr. Hammond mehrere Tage in einer Psychiatrie-Unit verbracht und wurde dann auf Bond eingeladen. Nach einigen Tagen hat er sich in dieses Denver Motel eingeschaut, hat sich auf einen IV gefüllt mit Cyanid und hat sich verurteilt. Hast du jemals so etwas gesehen?
48 Hours
The Peggy Hettrick Case - Part 1
Aber das erstaunlichste Ding, sagen Meisters Berufe, ist, dass die Polizei Dr. Hammond nie in Verbindung mit dem Mörder von Hedrick beobachtet hat. Könnte also Dr. Hammond die Location des Körpers von seinem Haus sehen?
48 Hours
The Peggy Hettrick Case - Part 1
Dr. Hammond, ein Voyeur mit klinischen Fähigkeiten, besessen mit weiblichen Körperpartien, die so nah am Krimi-Szenario lebten, wie die Meister. Trotz dieses handgeschriebenen Notens in der Hammond-File, Blick auf Hetrick, war Broderick am Show.
48 Hours
The Peggy Hettrick Case - Part 1
Special Prosecutor Don Quick, who years later would review this entire case, says that camera receipts provided by Hammonds wife show he'd started the taping years after the Hetrick murder. No reason police should have linked the two. There's no physical evidence tying Dr. Hammond to the crime. The same could be said about Tim Masters.
48 Hours
The Peggy Hettrick Case - Part 1
Whether or not Dr. Hammond really had anything to do with Peggy Hedrick's murder, probably never will be known, in part because of what police did here, at the Larimer County Landfill, just six months after Dr. Hammonds' suicide.
48 Hours
The Peggy Hettrick Case - Part 1
They're out at the landfill, mashing up with a grater, all these tapes.
48 Hours
The Peggy Hettrick Case - Part 1
Because Detective Michelson wondered, what if Dr. Hammond had been secretly videotaping years earlier than police thought? What if, in all those hours of stored videotapes... You thought Peggy Hedrick might be on those tapes?
48 Hours
The Peggy Hettrick Case - Part 1
Aber bei Tims Trial hatten seine Berufe noch nie von Dr. Hammond gehört. Und Eric Fischer ist nicht überrascht, dass die Berufe ihn nicht erläuterten.
48 Hours
The Peggy Hettrick Case - Part 1
Fort Collins Police kept the specifics of Dr. Hammonds activities from the public. His name never was brought up in court. That alone, Tims outraged attorneys say, justifies a new trial.
48 Hours
The Peggy Hettrick Case - Part 1
Tim Masters fuhr 1999 ins Gefängnis und lebte für viel Zeit in diesem krampfen, dreckigen Gefängnis. Er wurde für einen gruseligen Mord verurteilt, den er nicht verurteilt hatte.
48 Hours
The Peggy Hettrick Case - Part 1
Tim Masters hat nur die Hoffnung für Freiheit. Stay tuned for part two tomorrow.
48 Hours
The Peggy Hettrick Case - Part 1
Es sah einfach nicht real aus. Nein. Nichts von diesem sah real aus.
48 Hours
The Peggy Hettrick Case - Part 1
Weil nach Jahren von Beratungen und Petitionen und unschuldigen Abläufen... Es ist klar ein konzertierter Versuch, Evidenz zu verstecken. Es ist meine Sache. ... ein Gericht am Ende ist, ein Gericht zu machen, das Masters frei setzen könnte.
48 Hours
The Peggy Hettrick Case - Part 1
Wenn er es tut, wird er eine kleine Armee von unmöglichen Unterstützern danken. Er war ungewohnt.
48 Hours
The Peggy Hettrick Case - Part 1
Alle, die behaupten, sie seien jahrelang sicher gewesen. Tim Masters hat es nicht getan.
48 Hours
The Peggy Hettrick Case - Part 1
Neun und eine halbe Jahre hat er im Gefängnis verbracht. Er ist seit 20 Jahren unter dieser Flasche von Überraschungen.
48 Hours
The Peggy Hettrick Case - Part 1
Masters, 37, ist seit 15 Jahren im Schatten dieses Mörders gestorben. Am Morgen des 11. Februar 1987 wurde ein halb nacktes Körper einer 37-jährigen Frau namens Peggy Hetrick in einem Feld in Fort Collins, Colorado gefunden. Ein Sturm aus Tim Masters' Haus.
48 Hours
The Peggy Hettrick Case - Part 1
Und einer von ihnen, 1987, war Veteranenkopf Linda Wheeler. Ich glaube, es war um 7.13 Uhr morgens.
48 Hours
The Peggy Hettrick Case - Part 1
Der Anwalt, der es beobachtet hat, hat es zuerst für ein Manneken verletzt. Das Körper war sehr sauber, wenn man es anschaut.
48 Hours
The Peggy Hettrick Case - Part 1
Es gab eine tiefe Stabwunde an Peggy Hetrichs oberen Rücken.
48 Hours
The Peggy Hettrick Case - Part 1
When Officer Jim Broderick arrived at the scene, he was struck by footprints along that trail, leading back to a pool of blood by the curb. And he was struck by the body itself.
48 Hours
The Peggy Hettrick Case - Part 1
Her Pants were pulled down to her knees. Her shirt pushed up to her chin. Part of one of her breasts had been removed.
48 Hours
The Peggy Hettrick Case - Part 1
The prospect of a madman sexually mutilating his victims created near panic. And Jim Broderick and the Fort Collins Police went into overdrive. Among the early persons of interest, Peggy Hetrick's one-time boyfriend, Matt Zollner.
48 Hours
The Peggy Hettrick Case - Part 1
I think she was seeing somebody else. She had mentioned it.
48 Hours
The Peggy Hettrick Case - Part 1
Then was released. Police, meanwhile, were canvassing every house near the crime scene. Talking with businessmen, housewives, even with a prominent eye surgeon, Dr. Richard Hammond. Jahre später würde Dr. Hammond in diesem Fall feststellen, aber damals war er nur ein Nachbar, der nichts Besonderes gesehen hätte. Aber Linda Wheeler war sicher, dass jemand etwas gesehen hätte.
48 Hours
The Peggy Hettrick Case - Part 1
Zu Hause für Clyde und seinen 15-jährigen Sohn Tim, der wenige Freunde hatte, aber keine Geschichte von Problemen.
48 Hours
The Peggy Hettrick Case - Part 1
Tim's mother had died four years earlier, when he was only 11 years old. Usually Tim cuts straight through the field to catch the school bus. But his father told police that on that morning he'd seen his son hesitate.
48 Hours
The Peggy Hettrick Case - Part 1
Tims Footprints were in the field, but he hadn't reported a thing.
48 Hours
The Peggy Hettrick Case - Part 1
A few hours later, police appeared at Tims High School and yanked him out of class for questioning. As Broderick recalled in this interview in 2000.
48 Hours
The Peggy Hettrick Case - Part 1
The passerby who called in the crime also first thought he'd seen a mannequin. But police weren't buying that story from Tim. Broderick searched the master's trailer and hit pay dirt.
48 Hours
The Peggy Hettrick Case - Part 1
Hier, Clyde, ich wundere dich. Mit Tims Vaters Erlaubnis, interrogierten Roderick und ein Team von Polizisten den 15-Jährigen für mehr als 10 Stunden. Ohne einen Lehrer. Kannst du mir sagen, was passiert ist?
48 Hours
The Peggy Hettrick Case - Part 1
Der offizielle Bericht der Testresultate wird heute verloren, aber Broderick sagt, Tim fehlte.
48 Hours
The Peggy Hettrick Case - Part 1
And Broderick was about to find evidence that for him erased all doubt. Tim Masters killed Peggy Hetrick.
48 Hours
The Peggy Hettrick Case - Part 1
Fort Collins Polizei begann ihre intense Interrogation von Tim Masters, am Tag, an dem Peggy Hetrichs Körper gefunden wurde.
48 Hours
The Peggy Hettrick Case - Part 1
And that evening, another officer, miles away in Florida, quietly made his way to the Hetrick family home.
48 Hours
The Peggy Hettrick Case - Part 1
There to break the terrible news to her father and brother, Tom.
48 Hours
The Peggy Hettrick Case - Part 1
The gruesome details were doubly hard to grasp, he says, because his older sister had been such a force of nature.
48 Hours
The Peggy Hettrick Case - Part 1
The Hetricks had lived all over the world, moving as Mr. Hetrick's job in the oil business required.
48 Hours
The Peggy Hettrick Case - Part 1
Peggy war rothaarig, unabhängig und er sagt, leidenschaftlich exzentrisch. Im Westen hat sie eine geile Interesse in der nativamerikanischen Kultur entwickelt.
48 Hours
The Peggy Hettrick Case - Part 1
What she was not interested in, he says, was getting married, although she'd had boyfriends, among them her ex, Matt Zollner.
48 Hours
The Peggy Hettrick Case - Part 1
Zollners on-again, off-again relationship with Peggy had been stormy at times.
48 Hours
The Peggy Hettrick Case - Part 1
Sein Tag bestätigte seine Geschichte, dass er mit ihr bis um 3 Uhr war. Aber er war einer der letzten, die Peggy lebendig gesehen haben. Er war in einer Parkplatte in einer Bar, um 12.30 Uhr, sagte er. Das war die erste Zeit, dass er sie gesehen hat, seit sie eine Woche vorher verbreitet haben. Und sie war nicht glücklich, ihn an einem Tag zu sehen.
48 Hours
Anchors Away
Aber Schuyler wusste, dass er Hilfe benötigen würde. Das war dann, als er diesen Mann entlassen hat. Alonso Machaine, ein junger Gefängnisarzt, den er, als er auf der Berge aufgetreten war, kennengelernt hatte.
48 Hours
Anchors Away
Am 6. November 2004 gingen Skyler und Alonso zum Wasserfront, um Tom und Jackie zu treffen.
48 Hours
Anchors Away
Und Thomas Hawkes war ein bisschen lehrig. Tom Hawkes fragte 435.000 Dollar für den Wettbewerb. Skyler sah einfach nicht so aus wie der Typ, der so viel Geld hat. Als Jackie mit ihrer neuen Tochter zufrieden war, sah Skyler seine Eröffnung, seine Familie.
48 Hours
Anchors Away
But the Hawks fell for it. Convinced they had a real buyer. They couldn't imagine the trap that was being set. No one could. The disgraced Marine sized up the lifelong public servant. Physically. Mentally.
48 Hours
Anchors Away
It gives a sick new meaning to ironic. Arrested more than 20 times, John Fitzgerald Kennedy joined the plot. Skyler setzte ein Datum, um das Boot zu testen, während Jennifer zu Hause saß, ihr Kind, das ihr Zweck sorgte. Es war November 15. Alonzo kam mit und JFK hat sogar eine Schuhe gewonnen. Skyler hat Tom und Jackie gesagt, Kennedy sei sein Accountant. the well deserved, headed out to sea.
48 Hours
Anchors Away
You were able to fool him? I think so. You're that good of a liar? I hate to say yeah, but I think so. Das Gute und das Schlechte versprachen sich in den Flächen von Newport Beach. Tom und Jackie Hawks führten den Wohlverdienten aus dem Schelter des Haarbergs. Aber als das Licht über die Wälder führte, setzte sich die Dunkelheit hinab.
48 Hours
Anchors Away
Sie wurden von den Passagieren, die sie anbieten mussten, aufgehoben. Alonso Machaine, John Kennedy und ihr unheilbarer Führer Skyler de Leon.
48 Hours
Anchors Away
On the boat. That is one of Skylers lies. The truth is, everything was deadly serious and meticulously plotted weeks before, when Skyler and Jennifer used their very own baby to con Tom Hawks into believing they were honest buyers.
48 Hours
Anchors Away
Detektiv-Sergeant Dave Byington und Sergeant Evan Saylor würden alles über Skylers Pläne wissen, bis zu den Tasern und Handschuhen, die er an Bord gebracht hat. Das gibt einen ganz neuen Sinn zum Konzept von Prämeditation, nicht wahr? Über alles, was ich mir vorstellen kann. Das ist, weil das Stehlen des 55-Fuß-Jahres nur der Anfang des Plans war.
48 Hours
Anchors Away
Wegen der Arbeit von Byington und Saylor würde das Wohlwollende Evidenz werden. Das unglaubliche Detektivwerk der beiden Polizisten würde am Ende jeden furchtbaren Moment des Tages am Meer zeigen. Aber das war wirklich ihr Zuhause?
48 Hours
Anchors Away
Das Boot war nun weit außerhalb von Newport Beach Harbour. Skyler DeLeon ging nach unten. Momente später kam John Kennedy, der hölkische Gangbanger, der Skylers Vertreter war, auch runter, um Sehnsucht zu vermeiden.
48 Hours
Anchors Away
Tom und Jackie huddled together on their bed. These are the details their sons Ryan and Matt would come to know. Agonizing flashbacks that will never fade.
48 Hours
Anchors Away
Letztendlich wurde die Depravität von Schuylers Plan entdeckt. Er produzierte dieses Set von komischen Dokumenten und schickte den Hawks eine Penne. Was war das Papier, das sie signen wollten?
48 Hours
Anchors Away
Jetzt war es Toms Zeit, das ehrliche Leben, das er so hart gearbeitet hat, zu signen. Für einen Mann, der einen ehrlichen Tag in seinem Leben nicht gearbeitet hat.
48 Hours
Anchors Away
Out towards the deep waters off Catalina Island, where Tom and Jackie had so many good times. Hi Jackie. And were only days before they had enjoyed a final cruise with friends on the well deserved.
48 Hours
Anchors Away
Handcuffed, gagged and now tied to one another with nautical ropes. Tom and Jackie were dragged up on deck. That is when they heard the sound.
48 Hours
Anchors Away
With the anchor chain tied around the couple, Skyler threw the anchor overboard. The chain fed out into the sea, yanking Tom and Jackie into the icy waters.
48 Hours
Anchors Away
The deed now done, the well deserved, headed back to Newport Beach. Skyler DeLeon called his wife Jennifer on his cell phone.
48 Hours
Anchors Away
Freunde und Familie glaubten, Tom und Jackie hätten nur das Beste verkauft. Sie gingen nach Prescott, um ihren neuen Sohn zu sehen. Matt und Ryan konnten nicht warten.
48 Hours
Anchors Away
Jim Hawks ist Toms Großbruder. Sie haben vor ein paar Tagen darüber gesprochen, wie Skyler und Jennifer das Boot kaufen.
48 Hours
Anchors Away
Aber es war schon seit einer Woche nach der letzten Konversation. Jim besuchte sein Bruders Boot, welches in Newport Beach befestigt wurde.
48 Hours
Anchors Away
Eleven days after Tom and Jackie last left port, Jim Hawks filed a missing persons report. That's when Byington and Saylor drew the case of a lifetime. At what point then did you first hear the names Skyler and Jennifer DeLeon?
48 Hours
Anchors Away
But he'd never taken it out of the harbor. Skyler said he had paid Tom Hawks in cash. And that Tom and Jackie had said something about heading down to Mexico.
48 Hours
Anchors Away
When asked where he got over $400,000 in cash, Schuyler came up with a doozy, saying the cash was profit from a drug deal.
48 Hours
Anchors Away
It threw detectives off, Schuyler confessing to a crime. Plus, he had all the paperwork to prove the boat was legally his. All those documents he had forced Tom and Jackie to sign.
48 Hours
Anchors Away
Police also spoke to Jennifer. And for the most part, the cops bought the couple's story.
48 Hours
Anchors Away
But their story began to fall apart. when the DeLeones went to Tom and Jackie's bank. With that phony power of attorney document, they tried to make a withdrawal.
48 Hours
Anchors Away
Und dann bekam die Polizei einen Tipp vom Parole-Officer von Skyler. Er hat gelernt, dass er die Verabschiedung von dem Land verlassen musste.
48 Hours
Anchors Away
Das war dann, als Skyler DeLeon verhaftet wurde. Aber nicht wegen des Mörders.
48 Hours
Anchors Away
Das Gefühl dauerte nicht lange. As police moved in, searching the cramped garage apartment, Skyler and Jennifer had so desperately wanted to leave behind.
48 Hours
Anchors Away
Matt Murphy mit seinem Lieblingssurfing Und seine Leidenschaft für Gerechtigkeit hat schnell die Enormität von dem passiert.
48 Hours
Anchors Away
Verteidiger Matt Murphy hatte ein Problem. Er hatte niemals mit so einer Krimi-Szene diskutiert. Und er wusste sehr wenig über Boote. Aber er wusste jemanden, der das gemacht hat.
48 Hours
Anchors Away
Salty Sam, a.k.a. Gary Burns, ein Freund von Murphys, 6000 Meilen entfernt in Darwin, Australien.
48 Hours
Anchors Away
Matt hat Gary angerufen und die schattelnden Ausgaben des Fortschritts beschrieben.
48 Hours
Anchors Away
Nun hatten die Bewerber ihre Theorie. Was sie brauchten, war ein Ereignis. Und Skyler hat einen gegeben. Sein Name ist Alonso Machaine. Alonso Machaine. Skyler hat den Polizisten erzählt, dass Alonso mit ihm war, als er das Boot gekauft hat. Und er konnte seine Geschichte beurteilen. But Skyler bet wrong on Alonso.
48 Hours
Anchors Away
After briefly fleeing to Mexico, Alonso returned to Newport Beach and made a full confession about his involvement.
48 Hours
Anchors Away
Gangmember John Fitzgerald Kennedy. March 2005. Alonso, JFK, und der Mastermind Skyler DeLeon sind alle verurteilt mit den Mördern von Tom und Jackie Hawks. Jennifer DeLeon sagte, eine lokale News-Crew, Skyler, sei wütend. Würde dein Mann jemanden für sein Geld töten wollen? Nein. Das ist nicht er. Aber Murphy & Co. waren noch nicht fertig.
48 Hours
Anchors Away
Sie hatten die sogenannten Tötungen, die auf dem Boot waren. Now it was time to focus on the one who dialed into the murder on a cell phone.
48 Hours
Anchors Away
Ein Monat nachdem ihr Mann, Jennifer DeLeon, auch mit einem Erstausgangsschaden verurteilt wurde.
48 Hours
Anchors Away
Matt Murphy war überzeugt, für Tom und Jackie Hawks Gerechtigkeit zu bekommen.
48 Hours
Anchors Away
Verteidiger Matt Murphy arbeitete über die Zeit, bereit, Skyler DeLeon und seine Crew zur Gerechtigkeit zu bringen.
48 Hours
Anchors Away
Mit Skyler als erster Ziel, Murphy beobachtete seine Frau Jennifer mit einem Deal.
48 Hours
Anchors Away
Jennifer refused to testify against her husband. But Skyler was willing to tell us about Jennifer. Whose idea was it to kill them?
48 Hours
Anchors Away
A young mother could spend the rest of her life in prison. First to stand trial, Jennifer DeLeon.
48 Hours
Anchors Away
And on November 17th, 2006, Jennifer is found guilty of first-degree murder and is sentenced to two life terms in a California prison. Schuyler would be tried next. What are your thoughts on him testifying?
48 Hours
Anchors Away
Und es scheint, Tom und Jackie können nicht Skylers einzige Gefühle sein. Wer ist J.P. Jarvie?
48 Hours
Anchors Away
Aber Gary Poulsen würde Skyler nicht über diesen Mann, John Jarvie, erzählen. Skyler hat Jarvie ein Jahr vorher getroffen, bevor er Tom und Jackie getroffen hat.
48 Hours
Anchors Away
Skyler ist verurteilt mit John Jarveys Mord, ohne die Frage zu stellen, dass der Kahnmann auch ein kaltblutiger Mörder ist. Hast du Tom und Jackie Hawks getötet?
48 Hours
Anchors Away
Schuyler is convicted of the murders of Tom and Jackie Hawks and John Jarvie. Now Gary Paulson was only fighting for one thing, keeping Schuyler off death row. That's all I'm going for. Aber diejenigen, die die Erinnerungen von Tom und Jackie besuchen, hatten sehr unterschiedliche Ideen.
48 Hours
Anchors Away
Bist du Angst, zu sterben? Nein. Skylers Leben lag in der Balance. Aber er blamierte immer noch alle, aber sich selbst. Und the people did. On April 10th, 2009, Skyler DeLeon is sentenced to death.
48 Hours
Anchors Away
In der Todesgeschichte, wie auch in der Lebensgeschichte, haben Tom und Jackie Hawks alle, die sie jemals getroffen haben, getroffen.
48 Hours
Anchors Away
Es sitzt kalt wie ein Turm. Wie geblasene Böden, die das Geheimnis zu einem Verbrechen, das die Menschheit enttäuscht, beurteilen. Das ist wahrscheinlich die 30.
48 Hours
Anchors Away
Das Einzige, was den Schock der Nacht ausweist, ist die Kraft des Liebes von Tom und Jackie Hawks. Es ist eine Fairytale-Romance, die hunderttausende Meilen entfernt vom Ozean begonnen hat, in den Bergen von Prescott, Arizona. Where Tom was raising two sons alone.
48 Hours
Anchors Away
Tom hat mit dem Probation-Office von Yavapai-County gearbeitet, um die Menschen, die in Schwierigkeiten sind, eine zweite Chance zu finden.
48 Hours
Anchors Away
John Ryder, Brian Gray und Bill Piano waren Toms Mitarbeiter und wussten, was für ein Mann er war.
48 Hours
Anchors Away
Aber etwas Großartiges war missbraucht. Dann hatte der schwere Vater sein Herz von Jackie O'Neill aufgelöst.
48 Hours
Anchors Away
Sie war sehr begeistert und sehr glücklich. Und bald waren Ryan und Matt auch so, weil es einen Vorteil gab, wenn man alleine mit dem Vater lebt.
48 Hours
Anchors Away
Both Matt and Ryan were still in elementary school. Did you think of Jackie as your mom also?
48 Hours
Anchors Away
So it came as no surprise when Tom sold their house... Und Jackie sagte Ja zu einem Traum, den ihr Mann jahrelang genutzt hatte.
48 Hours
Anchors Away
It was here in Newport Beach, California, that Tom and Jackie Hawks came to find paradise. Their dream was rooted in two simple things, being together and being on a boat. Few people had lived better lives, so it seemed almost like fate when the couple bought a 55-foot yacht that was already named the well-deserved.
48 Hours
Anchors Away
For Tom and Jackie, a dream had come true. Life was an endless cruise. We're heading out for these islands over here. Hi. Filled with good times and best friends.
48 Hours
Anchors Away
Von Catalina-Inseln nach Mexiko-Sea-Cortez. Das ist, worum es mit dem Reisen geht. Oh, ja.
48 Hours
Anchors Away
Während die Haare auf dem Meer lebten, war etwas Wundervolles in den Bergen von Prescott, Arizona. Etwas, das ihre Leben für immer verändern würde. Matt und seine Frau Nicole haben Baby Jace begrüßt.
48 Hours
Anchors Away
Nach drei Jahren am Meer, haben Tom und Jackie entschieden, dass es den Großeltern wert war, mehr als alle Sonnenscheine im Süden.
48 Hours
Anchors Away
They put a small ad in a boating magazine. The well deserved was on the market. All they needed now was an honest buyer.
48 Hours
Anchors Away
If the Hawks are all about family, Skyler, the man who answered the ad for the well-deserved, is all about the lack of it. Was it a happy childhood? No, my childhood, I hated it.
48 Hours
Anchors Away
Drei Male. Dann, ehrgeizig, sich von einem verletzten Zuhause zu entfernen, ist Skyler in die Marines eingegangen. Ich bin in die USA gegangen. Warst du AWOL?
48 Hours
Anchors Away
Skyler war fast driftenlos. Ich glaube, ich hatte einen Lebensplan. Und dann hat Skyler de Leon eine kleine Mädchen mit großen Ideen getroffen. Wie habt ihr euch getroffen?
48 Hours
Anchors Away
Jennifer grew up in Long Beach, California in a devoutly religious home. She'd finished high school and ended up working in a hair salon. After they chatted for a few weeks online, she and Skyler agreed to meet at the mall.
48 Hours
Anchors Away
Orange County Prosecutor Matt Murphy now knows everything about these two aimless young adults and their twisted relationship.
48 Hours
Anchors Away
They'd marry and soon Haley was born. Pressure mounted for Schuyler to support his new family. und seine Werte zu Jennifer zu zeigen.
48 Hours
Anchors Away
Aber Skyler konnte keinen Job halten. Er konnte keinen Weg finden, um seine junge Familie aus seinem Ehepaar-Garage-Apartment zu entfernen. Er wurde bescheuert. Hättest du jemals einen Krieg verursacht, bevor all das anfing? Nicht bis ich Jen getroffen habe. Skyler's new ambition led him to a new line of work, burglary.
48 Hours
Anchors Away
But he was arrested and ended up here, California's Seal Beach City Jail, leaving Jennifer to care for their baby.
48 Hours
Anchors Away
Es war diese Druck, die Skyler bei Tom und Jackie Hawks führte. Dort hat er die eine schreckliche Fähigkeit verwendet, die er wirklich hatte. Wie rate du Skyler als Kon-Artist?
48 Hours
Anchors Away
Das ist alles, was von Tom und Jackies Traum übrig bleibt. Das Wohlwollende ist jetzt in Dry Dock in einem Süd-Californien-Lot. Selbst diejenigen, die für ihre Lebensmacht Schreck fangen, sind enttäuscht von der Unabhängigkeit von dem, was hier passiert ist.
48 Hours
Anchors Away
It all began with that simple ad in a boating magazine. The ad that Tom had placed so he and Jackie could spend more time with their family. I called and I talked to him. Were you planning on buying the boat?
48 Hours
A Deadly Family Secret
Bob Dorotek was a successful engineer and a proud father of three. His wife, Jane, was a medical company executive.
48 Hours
A Deadly Family Secret
Married for 30 years, they lived with their daughter, Claire, on a beautiful horse farm.
48 Hours
A Deadly Family Secret
After new DNA testing, Jane Dorantik's murder conviction was overturned. Just before a planned retrial in 2022, the charges were dropped.
48 Hours
A Deadly Family Secret
But the truth was more sinister than that. It was obvious to me that it was a homicide. Imagine the shock when the trail of suspicion led right back home. Erin Moriarty investigates.
48 Hours
A Deadly Family Secret
Only one person that could have done this. It's Jane who is charged with the murder.
48 Hours
A Fight for Freedom
Oh, my God. I'm so excited. Thank you so much. You have just given me so much hope.
48 Hours
A Fight for Freedom
His head still is completely mobile. He can still turn it side to side, raise his neck.
48 Hours
A Fight for Freedom
Did this look like an accident or something else? Something entirely different.
48 Hours
A Fight for Freedom
Streaming on Paramount+. Everyone who comes into this clinic is a mystery.
48 Hours
A Fight for Freedom
Their bodies are the scene of the crime. Their symptoms and history are clues.
48 Hours
False Identity
And Patrick Welsh was allowed to continue his life in Galveston as Tim Kingsbury. But because of the forgery conviction, he had to use his old social security number, triggering a chain of events in Ohio that would ultimately lead to his arrest. And the model citizen left Galveston in handcuffs.
48 Hours
False Identity
Coming up... It's too simple to say, why did you do it? Patrick Welch faces his family... I had questions for him. ...for the first time in 15 years.
48 Hours
False Identity
When Elizabeth Walsh discovered her ex-husband was alive and well, she had a difficult decision to make.
48 Hours
False Identity
Where could I go right? Elizabeth pursued the man who had faked his own death and abandoned them 15 years earlier.
48 Hours
False Identity
When that didn't work. Did you hear back from him? No. She went to Galveston without Pat knowing. What did you see?
48 Hours
False Identity
With a Ford Explorer and a convertible in the driveway of his waterfront home.
48 Hours
False Identity
Elizabeth felt she had no choice but to call the authorities and have him brought back to Ohio.
48 Hours
False Identity
His defense attorney, Sam Weiner, is trying to get his $300,000 bond reduced.
48 Hours
False Identity
So he can be released to his girlfriend, Ann Anderson, and wait out his trial back in Galveston.
48 Hours
False Identity
Elizabeth and her sons finally had a chance to confront him face to face for the first time in 15 years.
48 Hours
False Identity
In 1964, Elizabeth Shank, a 16-year-old schoolgirl, began dating a boy who would change her life forever, Patrick Hennessy Welch.
48 Hours
False Identity
Pat Welsh pleads no contest to eight felony and four misdemeanor counts of fraud and non-support. So he not only needs his family's forgiveness.
48 Hours
False Identity
And so Elizabeth Shank became Elizabeth Welch. Elizabeth, whose nickname is Peachy, and Pat had two sons.
48 Hours
False Identity
While Patrick Welsh sits in an Ohio jail, back in Galveston, the tide of public support has begun to turn against him.
48 Hours
False Identity
As majority owner of the local radio station, Schwartz hired Patrick Welsh, alias Tim Kingsbury, as general manager.
48 Hours
False Identity
Schwartz, a former state senator, admits he's one of many people in Galveston who got duped by Welsh.
48 Hours
False Identity
And Schwartz says the Galveston County District Attorney, Mike Guarino, was also conned. I have written the district attorney and I've told him he got conned too. Even though Guarino charged Welsh with forgery and knew that this well-known public figure was living a lie, he never announced that accusation publicly. This man goes before the court, goes before the district attorney.
48 Hours
False Identity
Some people thought the district attorney should have called a press conference, should have had his picture plastered out there for the entire community to see. What's your response to that?
48 Hours
False Identity
But at the court hearing to determine Welsh's sentence, Guarino never informed the judge about Elizabeth and their two sons.
48 Hours
False Identity
District Court Judge Frank Carmona confirmed to 48 Hours that he was not told about Welsh's family. Guarino says he never brought it up because it was not a legal issue relevant to the forgery case. Did you feel it was your responsibility to try to seek out and locate the wife, the children of Patrick Welsh?
48 Hours
False Identity
But Schwartz is far more upset at his partner, Vandy Anderson, co-owner of the radio station and brother of Kingsbury's girlfriend.
48 Hours
False Identity
Vandy was on the air every day. Schwartz believes Anderson had an obligation as a news reporter to inform the public.
48 Hours
False Identity
Because of that, Swartz fired Anderson as news broadcaster. According to Babe, this man known as Tim Kingsbury conned you, conned your sister, conned everybody. Sure. Do you feel like you've been conned? No, not at all. Anderson's sister, Ann, remains loyal to him as well.
48 Hours
False Identity
Doug McLeod, chairman of Moody Gardens, a top tourist attraction, worked with Kingsbury in various civic groups.
48 Hours
False Identity
McCloud believes the people of Galveston are wiser from the whole experience. If a new person came to town tomorrow and donated a lot of time to community efforts, do you think you'd still check him out? I think... I think I know the answer to this.
48 Hours
False Identity
...Pat Welsh must also face his family, including his own father. Elizabeth Welsh comes to court with a new look and new determination that what she did was right.
48 Hours
False Identity
And finally, with Elizabeth, Chris, and Pat's father, Richard, watching. You have no conscience.
48 Hours
False Identity
Four years of prison and over $92,000 in fines. Is this ever going to be over for you?
48 Hours
False Identity
In 1980, Welsh was convicted of embezzlement, sentenced to 30 days in jail, and ordered to pay restitution.
48 Hours
False Identity
We've seen pictures of you with the boys, and you look so happy. You look like the model dad. What happens to a guy?
48 Hours
False Identity
48 Hours showed Pat's interview. I did a bad thing. To Elizabeth and her sons.
48 Hours
False Identity
Their lives seemed picture perfect until dad suddenly vanished. The last thing I remember is waiting for him to come home at night. Then they found his suicide note.
48 Hours
False Identity
But during dinner, Pat called from his office to say he wasn't going to make it.
48 Hours
False Identity
Overwhelmed with debt and humiliated by his past crime. I wish I could kiss you goodbye. Pat Welsh told his wife of 14 years. Please have my body cremated and not buried. That he had gone to San Francisco to commit suicide.
48 Hours
False Identity
And despite an exhaustive search by the FBI, local police, and the Welsh family, Pat's body was never found. With two young sons and a mortgage, Pat had left Elizabeth with few options. She didn't sleep.
48 Hours
False Identity
And that's exactly what Elizabeth Welsh did. She worked her way up really fast. Today, she is president of the Chamber of Commerce in Licking County, Ohio.
48 Hours
False Identity
But 15 years after Elizabeth first read Pat's suicide note, a shocking revelation arrived in the mail.
48 Hours
False Identity
Now, after 15 hard years on their own. My first thought was, could this possibly be true? A stunning discovery.
48 Hours
False Identity
Five years after Pat Welsh disappeared without a trace. As far as you were concerned, there was no reason for you to think that he was still alive. Elizabeth divorced her husband and had him declared dead.
48 Hours
False Identity
Little did she know those benefits would later provide the first clue to 15 years of lies and deception. My first thought was, could this possibly be true? Elizabeth received a shocking letter in the mail.
48 Hours
False Identity
According to the government, Pat Welsh was still alive. I was thinking, no, wait, Elizabeth. And they were demanding back their $56,000.
48 Hours
False Identity
Sally Testa was an aide to Elizabeth's congressman at the time, John Kasich.
48 Hours
False Identity
Elizabeth was starting to grasp a difficult reality. She called me and said, Elizabeth, sit down.
48 Hours
False Identity
In the winter of 1983, Patrick Welsh left his name and his past behind and pulled into Galveston, Texas on a bus with just a few dollars in his pocket. Residents say Galveston is a friendly and forgiving city, just the kind of place you might go if you wanted to reinvent your life.
48 Hours
False Identity
Kevin Doherty was just a teenager when a stranger named Tim Kingsbury moved into his mother's boarding house. What did you think of Tim? Nicest guy I've ever met in my life. Kingsbury told Doherty and others that he was a student here at the Galveston branch of the University of Texas Medical School.
48 Hours
False Identity
Would it surprise you to know that we checked with the folks at the medical school, and they said he was never enrolled there?
48 Hours
False Identity
It was the first of many deceptions as Tim Kingsbury slowly established himself in Galveston society. In his early years, he developed a reputation as a local character writing for a small newspaper. He wrote about learning to scuba dive, to sail, and running a marathon, complete with photos of himself.
48 Hours
False Identity
Responding to a feature on Galveston's eligible bachelors, the man who had abandoned his wife and two sons wrote, quote, Can you imagine my surprise to find out I was not mentioned? For a man on the run, Kingsbury didn't act like a man with much to hide. Six months after his arrival, he was hired as a part-time publicist for the prestigious Galveston Historical Foundation, referred to as GHF.
48 Hours
False Identity
He was eventually appointed president. This is a recording of his acceptance speech.
48 Hours
False Identity
While working at the foundation, he met Ann Anderson, a woman from a prominent Galveston family. He moved into her waterfront home, where they lived together for 10 years. Kingsbury eventually made his way into the inner circle of Galveston society, known as B-O-Y, born on the island.
48 Hours
False Identity
For 13 years, he lived in Galveston, a pillar of the community. Then one day, late in the winter of 1996, everything started to unravel. We had a citizen who came to us.
48 Hours
False Identity
Some partially filled out social security cards, a birth certificate or two. Now, just after you had seized those fraudulent documents, did you have suspicions about him? Certainly. Did you think that maybe he wasn't Tim Kingsbury? Oh, absolutely. At that point, Kingsbury confessed everything to the DA and to his friends.
48 Hours
False Identity
Kingsbury pleaded guilty to forgery and got four years probation, along with a $2,000 fine. But word of his false identity never got out into the community, never made the newspapers, never made the local news.
48 Hours
A Love Affair Turned Deadly
Now streaming, Academy Award winner Michelle Yeoh takes command.
48 Hours
A Love Affair Turned Deadly
What a cute idea. This is chaos. Let's get messy. Don't miss Star Trek Section 31. Now streaming exclusively on Paramount+.
48 Hours
A Love Affair Turned Deadly
In Section 31, a new Star Trek original movie on Paramount+. Section 31 is just a place for people to bend the rules.
48 Hours
A Love Affair Turned Deadly
Morris Chestnut is Watson. Now streaming on Paramount+. And new episodes return Sunday, February 16th on CBS.
48 Hours
Post Mortem | The Ivy League Murder
Now streaming, Academy Award winner Michelle Yeoh takes command. Gather your people. We're going to need every one of them. In Section 31, a new Star Trek original movie on Paramount+. Section 31 is just a place for people to bend the rules.
48 Hours
Post Mortem | The Ivy League Murder
What a cute idea. This is chaos. Let's get messy. Don't miss Star Trek Section 31. Now streaming exclusively on Paramount+.
48 Hours
Post Mortem | Deputy Spivey on Trial
Now streaming, Academy Award winner Michelle Yeoh takes command. Gather your people. We're going to need every one of them. In Section 31, a new Star Trek original movie on Paramount+. Section 31 is just a place for people to bend the rules.
48 Hours
Post Mortem | Deputy Spivey on Trial
What a cute idea. This is chaos. Let's get messy. Don't miss Star Trek Section 31. Now streaming exclusively on Paramount+.
48 Hours
Post Mortem | The Blackout Murder of Livye Lewis
This episode is brought to you by Shopify. Upgrade your business with Shopify, home of the number one checkout on the planet. ShopPay boosts conversions up to 50%, meaning fewer carts going abandoned and more sales going cha-ching. So if you're into growing your business, get a commerce platform that's ready to sell wherever your customers are. Visit Shopify.com to upgrade your selling today.
48 Hours
Post Mortem | The Blackout Murder of Livye Lewis
The phenomenon is back. The new season of Yellow Jackets, streaming February 14th on Paramount Plus with Showtime.
48 Hours
Post Mortem | The Blackout Murder of Livye Lewis
Think about how screwed up we would be if we had survived a plane crash only to end up eating each other.
48 Hours
Post Mortem | The Blackout Murder of Livye Lewis
This place will follow us for the rest of our lives.
48 Hours
Post Mortem | The Blackout Murder of Livye Lewis
The only way to truly be safe is to be the only one left.
48 Hours
Post Mortem | The Blackout Murder of Livye Lewis
This season, the past will come back to hunt you. You really are insane. Yellow Jackets, new season, streaming February 14th on the Paramount Plus with Showtime.
48 Hours
Post Mortem | The Blackout Murder of Livye Lewis
Now streaming, Academy Award winner Michelle Yeoh takes command.
48 Hours
Post Mortem | The Blackout Murder of Livye Lewis
In Section 31, a new Star Trek original movie on Paramount+.
48 Hours
Post Mortem | The Blackout Murder of Livye Lewis
Section 31 is just a place for people to bend the rules. Starfleet is here to make sure no one commits murder. What a cute idea. This is chaos. Let's get messy.
48 Hours
Post Mortem | The Blackout Murder of Livye Lewis
Don't miss Star Trek Section 31. Now streaming exclusively on Paramount+.
48 Hours
Post Mortem | The Blackout Murder of Livye Lewis
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48 Hours
Post Mortem | The Blackout Murder of Livye Lewis
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48 Hours
Post Mortem | The Blackout Murder of Livye Lewis
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48 Hours
Post Mortem | The Blackout Murder of Livye Lewis
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48 Hours
Post Mortem | The Blackout Murder of Livye Lewis
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48 Hours
A Campus Mystery Unraveled
But Erin ended her relationship with Folly almost as soon as it began.
48 Hours
A Campus Mystery Unraveled
With what Erin says were evil intentions. What was actually in Ben's hands? What did Ben have?
48 Hours
A Campus Mystery Unraveled
Neither did task force detectives, who continued questioning Folley about Taylor's disappearance. As they delved deeper into his past, they discovered a disturbing pattern.
48 Hours
A Campus Mystery Unraveled
In fact, Folley was convicted of assaulting one former girlfriend in 2003.
48 Hours
A Campus Mystery Unraveled
But the task force needed evidence linking Ben Folley to Taylor's disappearance. Under questioning, the only thing Folley would admit to was having sex with Taylor. But Taylor was a minor and that violation gave detectives what they needed to search Folley's apartment. What they found here disturbed even the most experienced investigators. A massive amount of child pornography.
48 Hours
A Campus Mystery Unraveled
Folley claimed it had been left behind by the previous tenant. Still, possessing child pornography is a felony.
48 Hours
A Campus Mystery Unraveled
But the search of Folly's computers yielded an unusual clue that led investigators to an unlikely crime solver.
48 Hours
A Campus Mystery Unraveled
Ben Folley, now 38, was in jail under arrest for the child pornography police had found on one of his six computers.
48 Hours
A Campus Mystery Unraveled
For Detective Jeffrey Dean, revelations about Folley began with the sheer volume of data he'd stored away.
48 Hours
A Campus Mystery Unraveled
In an endless variety of random photos, abandoned buildings, secluded locations, maps and weapons, the truly bizarre, along with photos of Taylor, investigators sensed a jigsaw puzzle of evidence.
48 Hours
A Campus Mystery Unraveled
Ben Folley was now a prime suspect in the disappearance of Taylor Beal, and police were looking for someone who could link the talented student to the temperamental college dropout. Erin Crable would be that someone.
48 Hours
A Campus Mystery Unraveled
Erin, as a one-time girlfriend of Folly's, soon figured out just what the police were beginning to conclude.
48 Hours
A Campus Mystery Unraveled
So when they showed you this, and it says Home Sweet Home, what was your reaction when you saw this picture?
48 Hours
A Campus Mystery Unraveled
After Erin Crabill told two VCU cops how she had once taken Ben Folley to this house in the photo, it was pure police instinct that led them to rural Virginia's Matthews County, 90 miles from Virginia Commonwealth University. Still, Erin wasn't sure what, if anything, police would find.
48 Hours
A Campus Mystery Unraveled
It was a month since Taylor Beal had disappeared. Erin Crable led the way. First officer said, do you smell something?
48 Hours
A Campus Mystery Unraveled
that Ben had killed her. It was not just the news of her daughter's death that hit Janet Pellisara so hard, but how Taylor died.
48 Hours
A Campus Mystery Unraveled
That's what Ben Folley told the police. In a rambling statement, he adamantly denied killing Taylor Beal. But he did admit he was with Taylor the night she died. It's not like we were hiding. But that would be virtually the only part of his story.
48 Hours
A Campus Mystery Unraveled
Folley claims that everything about that evening was consensual.
48 Hours
A Campus Mystery Unraveled
Starting with his picking up Taylor at her college dorm. Police discovered Folley on the college security videotape waiting just outside Taylor's dorm at 10.21 p.m. Minutes later is when the same camera captures Taylor leaving. Folly says they ended up at his apartment. He started drinking, and she started egging him on. How much had you been drinking? It was a bit. Narcotics? Yeah.
48 Hours
A Campus Mystery Unraveled
A daring teenager out for a thrill. That's how Ben Folley tells the tale. And he adds, there was much more that Taylor Bia wanted to do. So they drove her car out towards Matthews County and started to play a different, far deadlier game.
48 Hours
A Campus Mystery Unraveled
Ultimately, this is how 38-year-old petty thief Ben Folley claims 17-year-old college freshman Taylor Beale died at her own game, a sex game known as erotic asphyxia.
48 Hours
A Campus Mystery Unraveled
You had never heard of erotic asphyxia? Never. We only have your word for this.
48 Hours
A Campus Mystery Unraveled
We only have your word for this. And I'm aware of that. And what are you saying that Taylor wanted you to do that night?
48 Hours
A Campus Mystery Unraveled
So Folley claims at her urging, during sex in the backseat of her car, he tried various ways to restrict Taylor Beal's breathing.
48 Hours
A Campus Mystery Unraveled
Then he claims, unable to wake Taylor up, he froze into a stone cold panic. Why didn't you call for help?
48 Hours
A Campus Mystery Unraveled
You might have been able to save her. I might have. I don't know. And no one ever will, because Ben Folley then claims he panicked again, that he drove the body of Taylor Beale back to Richmond, left her in her car, went to sleep, and then a day later returned to Matthews County, dug a shallow grave, and left the once vibrant girl by the side of the road.
48 Hours
A Campus Mystery Unraveled
By the time her body was discovered, a month later, it was impossible to tell exactly how Taylor Beale died. You thought you could get away with it?
48 Hours
A Campus Mystery Unraveled
Ben Folley was charged with first degree murder, but he may not be the only one who was on trial.
48 Hours
A Campus Mystery Unraveled
One day after what should have been a celebration of Taylor Beal's 18th birthday, family and friends were instead mourning Taylor's death.
48 Hours
A Campus Mystery Unraveled
On that wet, gray October day, Janet Pellisara was filled with grief and rage for the man believed to have murdered her daughter.
48 Hours
A Campus Mystery Unraveled
But Ben Folley claims that Taylor's death was an accident, the result of a sex game that went horribly wrong.
48 Hours
A Campus Mystery Unraveled
You know, he says that Taylor Beal's death was an accident. I mean, isn't it possible it was?
48 Hours
A Campus Mystery Unraveled
The prosecution's theory? Foley took Taylor for a drive to a secluded area to have sex. When Taylor rejected him, an angry Foley strangled her.
48 Hours
A Campus Mystery Unraveled
Prosecutors point out that in Folley's own statement to police, he admits he flipped out and told Taylor to shut up.
48 Hours
A Campus Mystery Unraveled
Prosecutors also say Folly duct taped Taylor's wrists, not as part of a sex act, but to restrain her.
48 Hours
A Campus Mystery Unraveled
Her hands, according to your own statement, were tied behind her back.
48 Hours
A Campus Mystery Unraveled
Isn't that more consistent with an abduction than a sexual... I did not abduct Taylor.
48 Hours
A Campus Mystery Unraveled
In his statement recorded by police, Foley insists the duct tape was simply part of the game.
48 Hours
A Campus Mystery Unraveled
Do you think the jury is going to believe that this 17-year-old girl came up with this idea?
48 Hours
A Campus Mystery Unraveled
Attorneys Chris Collins and Bill Johnson are defending Ben Folley. How would Taylor Beal have any kind of knowledge about this bondage or any of these sexual practices?
48 Hours
A Campus Mystery Unraveled
And at trial, the defense plans to show that Taylor wasn't a naive college freshman.
48 Hours
A Campus Mystery Unraveled
It sounds as if in order to save Ben Folley from a long time in prison, you're going to really have to put the blame on Taylor Beale, the victim here.
48 Hours
A Campus Mystery Unraveled
Not according to Taylor's best friend and confidant, Glynis Keough says the defense theory is simply ridiculous.
48 Hours
A Campus Mystery Unraveled
In fact, prosecutor Chris Bullard says he was unable to find any evidence, other than Ben Folley's word, that Taylor had any interest in bondage and risky sex acts.
48 Hours
A Campus Mystery Unraveled
What's more, prosecutors say they can prove that Ben Folley is lying about how Taylor died that night. by reenacting Folley's story. Richmond police showed us what they learned.
48 Hours
A Campus Mystery Unraveled
The two young Richmond police officers are the same size as Taylor and Folley, and the car an exact replica.
48 Hours
A Campus Mystery Unraveled
Detective Jason Hudson read from Folley's own statement as a script.
48 Hours
A Campus Mystery Unraveled
The obvious takeaways say the officers... Someone could not get any kind of enjoyment out of this.
48 Hours
A Campus Mystery Unraveled
But will this be enough to prove that Folley intended to kill Taylor? Or, as the defense is counting on, will 12 jurors have their own doubts about the victim herself?
48 Hours
A Campus Mystery Unraveled
and Matthews County is as rural and conservative as it gets. Jan, you're on 1140 WRVA.
48 Hours
A Campus Mystery Unraveled
The quiet conservative community of Matthews County, Virginia was bracing for a sensational trial in the death of Taylor Beale.
48 Hours
A Campus Mystery Unraveled
Everyone seemed to know about the 17-year-old college freshman abandoned by the side of a country road.
48 Hours
A Campus Mystery Unraveled
For 17-year-old Taylor Beal of Vienna, Virginia, happiness was sipping cappuccino and listening to live music at her favorite neighborhood coffee shop.
48 Hours
A Campus Mystery Unraveled
Janet fears the trial will force her to confront the horror of what happened to her child. What scares you the most about this trial coming up?
48 Hours
A Campus Mystery Unraveled
The trial seemed set to begin when suddenly defense attorneys learned about a startling statement made by Ben Folley from behind bars. Even from the isolation of his cell, Folley managed to do what he had done all his life.
48 Hours
A Campus Mystery Unraveled
In a flip jailhouse conversation with an officer, Folley described his previous statement to police as nothing more than a cynical strategy to beat the system, leaving the impression his story about erotic asphyxia was completely made up. It put his lawyers in a very awkward position.
48 Hours
A Campus Mystery Unraveled
And then there was this jailhouse letter, penned to an ex-girlfriend.
48 Hours
A Campus Mystery Unraveled
Prosecutor Chris Bullard plans to use that letter against him in court.
48 Hours
A Campus Mystery Unraveled
The letter, coupled with his description of the proceedings against him as nothing more than a chess game, left Ben Folley with few options.
48 Hours
A Campus Mystery Unraveled
Trapped by his own boastful words, Ben Folley could only manage a whisper as he agreed to a plea deal.
48 Hours
A Campus Mystery Unraveled
But on Labor Day 2005, having spent the long weekend at home, all Taylor wanted was to get back to her freshman year of college. She was so excited.
48 Hours
A Campus Mystery Unraveled
Yes. The deal? Second-degree murder. And the child pornography charges dropped. Instead of life in prison, 30 years, which Folley's lawyers thought was a pretty good deal for him. If this is a big chess game, did you win or lose?
48 Hours
A Campus Mystery Unraveled
But Taylor's mother, Janet, had something to say to her daughter's killer.
48 Hours
A Campus Mystery Unraveled
But Janet Pellisara has vowed to keep going. She's written a book, Love You More. And this is what she left me when she went off to school.
48 Hours
A Campus Mystery Unraveled
That special little phrase she and Taylor always ended their conversations with.
48 Hours
A Campus Mystery Unraveled
Virginia Commonwealth University, known as VCU, was only two hours away in Richmond, but too far away for Taylor's mother, Janet Pellisara.
48 Hours
A Campus Mystery Unraveled
Matt Beale, Taylor's dad, and Janet divorced when Taylor was almost two. But they shared a profound love for their daughter.
48 Hours
A Campus Mystery Unraveled
When I say the name Taylor Beale, what first comes to mind? Her smile, actually.
48 Hours
A Campus Mystery Unraveled
So on that Labor Day weekend, no one wanted to see Taylor leave as she headed back to VCU.
48 Hours
A Campus Mystery Unraveled
A few hours later, Taylor arrived here in Richmond at her college dorm. She unpacked, chatted with a few friends, and then called both of her parents to let them know she was okay. But later that night, Taylor Beal disappeared.
48 Hours
A Campus Mystery Unraveled
Those were the last words Taylor said to her roommate, Emma Ellsworth. When did you really become worried about her?
48 Hours
A Campus Mystery Unraveled
Emma notified the VCU campus police, who told Janet that both her daughter and her car were missing. I paced around the house thinking, okay, do I panic? Did you try calling her on her cell phone? Yes. No answer. VCU police questioned friends and acquaintances. Could Taylor have simply wandered off?
48 Hours
A Campus Mystery Unraveled
A desperate mother turned to the press to get the story out. The search for Taylor went nationwide. Police in Richmond, Virginia say there's still no sign of a college freshman.
48 Hours
A Campus Mystery Unraveled
Ten days after Taylor's disappearance, VCU turned the case over to the Richmond Police. Chief Rodney Monroe organized a task force made up of university, state, and federal investigators.
48 Hours
A Campus Mystery Unraveled
Investigator Les Lozier of the Virginia Attorney General's Office feared the worst.
48 Hours
A Campus Mystery Unraveled
Then Folly was one of the last people to have seen Taylor the night she disappeared.
48 Hours
A Campus Mystery Unraveled
But when police interviewed the boyfriend, Jacob Cunningham, they learned that he and Taylor had dinner that night and had made up. We were on good terms. We left holding hands. Richmond Police Detective Jason Hudson.
48 Hours
A Campus Mystery Unraveled
After dinner, Taylor told Jacob she was planning on going skateboarding. Could you find anybody she had made plans to go skateboarding?
48 Hours
A Campus Mystery Unraveled
Not for that night. This is the last sighting of Taylor the night she disappeared, captured on campus surveillance video at 10.24 p.m.
48 Hours
A Campus Mystery Unraveled
Twelve excruciating days pass, and finally a break. Taylor's car is found on a quiet residential street not far from campus. Did that give you hope?
48 Hours
A Campus Mystery Unraveled
Detectives showed us how the bloodhound they called in picked up a scent around the car. That scent led them to a home five blocks away. Where did that scent ultimately take you?
48 Hours
A Campus Mystery Unraveled
Let me ask you something, Jesse. Do you know Taylor Beale? Almost two agonizing weeks had passed since the disappearance of Janet Pellisara's 17-year-old daughter, Taylor.
48 Hours
A Campus Mystery Unraveled
Task Force members Les Lozier, Jason Hudson, and John Venuti worked around the clock searching for clues.
48 Hours
A Campus Mystery Unraveled
A train coming straight at 23-year-old Jesse Schultz. Why would the police who are looking for Taylor Beal come to you?
48 Hours
A Campus Mystery Unraveled
A bloodhound led police from Taylor Beale's car to Schultz's relative's house. Investigators searched the house but came up empty until they asked one last question.
48 Hours
A Campus Mystery Unraveled
So detectives brought Jesse in, questioning him for several hours. Later, they asked him to take a polygraph. And how did he do on that polygraph?
48 Hours
A Campus Mystery Unraveled
Just as Jesse Schultz was being cleared, police were taking another look at Ben Folley, one of the last people to have seen Taylor before she disappeared.
48 Hours
A Campus Mystery Unraveled
Then Folley was known around campus for his colorful hair and his equally colorful van. A van so distinctive it was featured on local television.
48 Hours
A Campus Mystery Unraveled
Folley first met Taylor in February 2005 when she and her father Matt visited colleges and checked out the VCU campus. A very different looking Folley talked with us about the encounter.
48 Hours
A Campus Mystery Unraveled
Taylor planned on staying over with a friend already enrolled at the university. Folly was the friend's roommate.
48 Hours
A Campus Mystery Unraveled
Taylor's dad, Matt, spoke with Folly before leaving Taylor for the night. Did you have hesitation leaving Taylor with really a stranger?
48 Hours
A Campus Mystery Unraveled
What Matt didn't know was that Ben Folley was no longer a student at VCU. Even more alarming, Folley was 37 years old. How old did you think he was?
48 Hours
A Campus Mystery Unraveled
Back home, while still in high school, Taylor continued communicating with Folly by email. And when she visited the campus again, this time on her own, she again saw Folly.
48 Hours
A Campus Mystery Unraveled
Folly, an amateur photographer, took this series of pictures during one of Taylor's visits.
48 Hours
A Campus Mystery Unraveled
But at one point, Taylor shared with her best friend, Glynis Keough, that she and Folly had been intimate. It was a one night thing. She didn't regret it, but she didn't want to do it again. Erin Crable, another of Taylor's VCU friends, understands how Taylor could be drawn to folly. The 24-year-old once dated him. What attracted you to him?
48 Hours
Deadly Divorce, Part 2
Nobody disputes that Charla was there that morning in Darren's garage to drop off her daughter. Charla was so afraid of Darren, so most people think he must have made some sort of promise that he was going to end the fight over their divorce if she would just come in and talk to him. That is the only reason most people think she would have gone into that garage.
48 Hours
Deadly Divorce, Part 2
At one point, I think the Macs were a happily married couple. They did enjoy an alternative sort of lifestyle. They were swingers. They went to sex clubs and sex parties. They enjoyed swapping partners. They led a wild life, and by most accounts, they both enjoyed it. But there was absolutely no love in that garage that morning. There was bitter, bitter hate.
48 Hours
Deadly Divorce, Part 2
We've heard the official version about what happened that morning. Now we're going to hear Darren's story.
48 Hours
Deadly Divorce, Part 2
Multimillionaire Darren Mack is facing life in prison for the murder of his beautiful, sexy wife, Charla. There is a mountain of incriminating evidence against Darren. Is this the end of the story? Not by a long shot. When a sniper opened fire on the morning of June 12th at 11.05 in downtown Reno,
48 Hours
Deadly Divorce, Part 2
Darren's defense attorneys say that Charla was the aggressor. Charla attacked Darren.
48 Hours
Deadly Divorce, Part 2
Darren is a spoiled brat. Darren is the most selfish person I think I have ever come across in my years of reporting.
48 Hours
Deadly Divorce, Part 2
As this trial begins, we're going to hear two versions of a terrible story, a terrible murder.
48 Hours
Deadly Divorce, Part 2
We're going to hear Darren's story and we're going to hear the prosecutor's story. They're both going to be brutal and they're both going to be ugly.
48 Hours
Deadly Divorce, Part 2
the judge was rushed to the hospital in critical condition no one could have imagined the horror that had taken place only a few miles away two hours earlier in an upscale condominium complex. A woman had been brutally stabbed to death in a garage. Nobody knew what was going on and nobody had put the two events together.
48 Hours
Who's There?
Back in Olathe, the unsolved Harmon murder had been shelved for almost two decades, but never forgotten.
48 Hours
Who's There?
As detectives Bill Wall and Steve James began going over the 19-year-old evidence, they found it odd that blood spatter was all across Melinda Harmon's pillowcase.
48 Hours
Who's There?
With so much blood on the pillowcase, Wall and James were surprised how little blood was on Melinda and her nightgown.
48 Hours
Who's There?
Evidence was mounting, but they still didn't have a case. They needed to re-interview the suspects. In December 2001, Detectives Wall and James showed up at Melinda's home in Ohio.
48 Hours
Who's There?
and what happened next would forever change the course of this case had she not let you in where would we be today we would not be sitting here today so When Melinda Harmon left Olathe, Kansas in 1982, she never looked back. She moved to this Columbus, Ohio suburb and started over.
48 Hours
Who's There?
Known here as Melinda Rash, she's a soccer mom with two children, married to a successful dentist, active in her community and her church.
48 Hours
Who's There?
So when detectives Bill Wall and Steve James showed up out of the blue at the Rash home in 2001, they didn't expect her to talk to them.
48 Hours
Who's There?
As they sat in her kitchen, Rash told the detectives about the night her first husband, David Harmon, was murdered.
48 Hours
Who's There?
And Melinda didn't stop there. Instead of ending the conversation or calling her lawyer, she kept talking.
48 Hours
Who's There?
But they didn't go away. In fact, after three hours, Rash agreed to continue talking at the Sheriff's Department. Only now the interrogation would be videotaped. Because he'd established a rapport with Rash, Detective Bill Wall conducted the interview.
48 Hours
Who's There?
Investigators had always believed Melinda Harmon Rash and Mark Mangelsdorf conspired to murder David Harmon so they could be together. Now Bill Wall needed details of their romance to prove motive.
48 Hours
Who's There?
With their romance established, Bill Wall now needed rash to connect Mark Mangelsdorf to the murder.
48 Hours
Who's There?
Why is she saying she felt Mangelsdorf's presence rather than, I saw him bludgeon my husband?
48 Hours
Who's There?
Yeah, I need to know where I stand. Bill Wall called District Attorney Paul Morrison in Olathe.
48 Hours
Who's There?
After almost two decades of frustration, Morrison finally had a toehold. But it would take two more years of poring over every piece of evidence to make a case.
48 Hours
Who's There?
In 2003, with those ducks lined up, Melinda Harmon Rash was finally arrested and charged with her husband's murder. The news stunned Mark Mangelsdorf.
48 Hours
Who's There?
Melinda Rash's new story of the murder was the end for Mark and Christina Mangelsdorf's quiet life in Pelham, New York.
48 Hours
Who's There?
Living with a cloud of suspicion for 23 years, Mark Mangelsdorf knew this day could come. But for Christina, there was no preparing for what happened next.
48 Hours
Who's There?
Mark Mangelsdorf was arrested and escorted back to Kansas to face murder charges for the 1982 slaying of his close friend, David Harmon. He was charged with first-degree murder and conspiracy to commit murder, the same charges Rash is facing. Just one week after Mangelsdorf's arrest, Melinda Rash goes on trial for the murder of her first husband.
48 Hours
Who's There?
By her side, showing support, is her current husband. In spite of the dramatic interrogation tapes, prosecutor Paul Morrison knows getting a conviction after 23 years will be tough. He begins by setting out to establish a motive for the crime.
48 Hours
Who's There?
Morrison sets out to prove a case largely built on circumstantial evidence. Evidence of an alleged love affair. They were just standing very close together. And lies. First, Rash said she was in bed while her husband was being beaten to death. But prosecutors show her pillow covered in blood. Then there is her claim she was knocked out for more than an hour.
48 Hours
Who's There?
Prosecutors begin unraveling Rash's story of what happened that night, weaving a different story.
48 Hours
Who's There?
Prosecutors produce a stack of cards and letters found in Mark Mangelsdorf's apartment, suggesting signs of an intimate relationship.
48 Hours
Who's There?
As the evidence mounts, it is the 2001 police videotape that cements the case against her and Mark Mangelsdorf.
48 Hours
Who's There?
As prosecutors slowly built their case, Rash's defense team knew they had to confront the allegations of an affair and murder head on. To do that, they turned to the person at the center of this case to testify. But it was not their client, Melinda Rash, they called to the stand. It was Mark Mangelsdorf.
48 Hours
Who's There?
And for the first time in 23 years, Mark Mengelsdorf and Melinda Rash are together again. This time, the only thing they are sharing is the charge of murder.
48 Hours
Who's There?
Mengelsdorf's testimony is crucial for Rash's defense. and ultimately his own. The defense wants to show Mangelsdorf is not capable of murder and that he and Rash couldn't have conspired to commit such a crime.
48 Hours
Who's There?
Mark Mangelsdorf's defense attorney, Mickey Sherman, says it's a gamble worth taking, even though anything Mangelsdorf says could be used against him. Why were you so willing to have him testify?
48 Hours
Who's There?
Questioned by Rash's defense attorney, Tom Bath, Mangelsdorf answers questions point blank about accusations of an affair.
48 Hours
Who's There?
Mangelsdorf looks calm on the stand, even under tough cross-examination from prosecutor Paul Morrison.
48 Hours
Who's There?
For defense attorney Mickey Sherman, this was a dress rehearsal. He got to see how his client will do as a witness. But true crime writer Andy Hoffman believes Mengelsdorf taking the stand may not have been the best defense, for Rash or for himself.
48 Hours
Who's There?
Melinda Rash never took the stand or spoke publicly about the murder of her husband. After nearly three weeks of testimony and over 60 witnesses, Rash's trial comes to a close. After two days, the jury reaches a verdict.
48 Hours
Who's There?
Out on bail, Mark Mangelsdorf was at home with his wife, Christina, when they learned of Rash's fate. When you saw the word guilty, what was your reaction?
48 Hours
Who's There?
As Mangelsdorf now starts to prepare for his own trial, Melinda Rash, facing life in prison, sits in a Kansas County jail awaiting sentencing. But as he will learn, she's not sitting quietly. Here in Olathe, Kansas, Melinda Rash is behind bars, facing life in prison for the murder of her husband, David Harmon.
48 Hours
Who's There?
Back in Pelham, New York, Mark Mangelsdorf begins to prepare for his trial, confident a jury will find him innocent.
48 Hours
Who's There?
Defense attorney Mickey Sherman is on the offensive. What's your best evidence?
48 Hours
Who's There?
While Sherman makes his plans for Mangelsdorf's defense, he's unaware Melinda Rash is making plans of her own.
48 Hours
Who's There?
With few choices, Rash makes a stunning move and turns to prosecutor Paul Morrison, looking to make a deal. In exchange for a lighter sentence, she says she'll finally tell the truth of what happened that night her husband was brutally murdered. Melinda Rash admits for the first time she took part in the murder of her husband, David Harmon, and she says she did it with Mark Mengelsdorf's help.
48 Hours
Who's There?
It sounds like a big break for the prosecution, but it could be a bigger break for the defense.
48 Hours
Who's There?
Today, Olathe, Kansas is a major crossroads, a fast-growing suburb of Kansas City, home to a large conservative Christian community. But back in 1982, it was just a dot on the map.
48 Hours
Who's There?
The stakes are high. If convicted, Mangelsdorf, now a father of five, could spend the rest of his life in prison. In February 2006, appearing in court for a pretrial hearing, Mark Mangelsdorf shocks everyone with a statement of his own.
48 Hours
Who's There?
After 24 years of maintaining his innocence, Mark Mangelsdorf now admits he helped kill his close friend David Harmon.
48 Hours
Who's There?
Pleading to second-degree murder, Mangelsdorf stands there while prosecutor Paul Morrison reads Melinda Rash's confession.
48 Hours
Who's There?
And in the confession, Melinda Rash related a chilling scene. At her husband's funeral, Mark Mangelsdorf whispered in Rash's ear he got rid of the murder weapon. Remarkably, for a couple who now admits they committed this brutal murder to have a relationship, it was the last time they were together.
48 Hours
Who's There?
All rise. On May 12, 2006, in two separate hearings, Mark Mangelsdorf and Melinda Rash are sentenced for the horrific murder of David Harmon.
48 Hours
Who's There?
But for David's father, John, Melinda and Mark's apologies will never be enough.
48 Hours
Who's There?
It took 24 years, but for this small town of Olathe, Kansas, the memory of a haunting murder can finally be laid to rest. And for David Harmon, a 24-year-old injustice has come to an end.
48 Hours
Who's There?
There weren't a lot of homicides in Olathe, so the unsolved murder of David Harmon was a nightmare that stayed with them for more than two decades.
48 Hours
Who's There?
It might have stayed cold, if not for a simple request in 2001 and some new technology.
48 Hours
Who's There?
The Harmon case moved out of the evidence vault and into the hands of detectives Bill Wall and Steve James.
48 Hours
Who's There?
They went through all the evidence to learn what happened back in 1982. Once we get started to it, it's so intriguing, you don't want to put it down. There were accounts from police officers, including J.W. Larrick, then 27, one of the first responders.
48 Hours
Who's There?
David's wife, Melinda, was the only witness. She told police two men, possibly black, had broken into their duplex.
48 Hours
Who's There?
melinda says when she came to she ran next door for help her neighbor called the police then melinda asked her to call friend mark mangelsdorf it was a horrific incident a very close friend of mine was murdered and you know i was close friends both with he and his his wife they kind of took him in they'd have him over for dinner frequently he'd be over there hanging out
48 Hours
Who's There?
Their friendship began at Mid-America Nazarene College, where Melinda was a secretary.
48 Hours
Who's There?
One of the students she befriended was Mark Mangelsdorf, the student body president.
48 Hours
Who's There?
They shared a passion for sports, business, and their church. As word of David's murder spread, it stunned Olathe's Nazarene community. I remember when the phone call came, how unreal it was.
48 Hours
Who's There?
His friends at the Patron State Bank were shocked. Why? Why would this happen? Why, David? Joy Hempe and Hazel Hendricks.
48 Hours
Who's There?
Paul Morrison is now the district attorney, but back in 1982... I'm just a guppy back then, you know. ...he was still learning the job.
48 Hours
Who's There?
Police immediately staked out the bank in case anyone tried breaking in. Of course, it never happened. Stealing David's keys baffled Joy Hempe.
48 Hours
Who's There?
It didn't take long for investigators to realize the pieces of the puzzle just weren't adding up.
48 Hours
Who's There?
As doubts grew about Melinda Harmon's story, the focus of the investigation shifted.
48 Hours
Who's There?
Did they believe that Melinda Harmon was involved in her husband's murder? And they suspected she had help.
48 Hours
Who's There?
Even after all these years, the memories are still very painful for Pam Stelting. I thought I could talk about that crime, but... Pam and her husband Don still can't believe Olathe Police suspected Mark Mengelsdorf was involved in the murder of David Harmon.
48 Hours
Who's There?
But police and prosecutors say there were no signs of intruders. Instead, all the evidence seemed to point to those closest to David, his wife, Melinda, and his best friend, Mark. And what's more, investigators believed they knew the motive.
48 Hours
Who's There?
Andy Hoffman has covered the case for more than two decades. And what were they saying?
48 Hours
Who's There?
District Attorney Paul Morrison believed Melinda Harmon was unhappy in her marriage and caught up in a secret affair with Mark Mangelsdorf.
48 Hours
Who's There?
Mark Mangelsdorf and Melinda Harmon always denied they had a romantic relationship. And at first, they cooperated with investigators. But that soon stopped, and leads dried up.
48 Hours
Who's There?
Investigators had a bloody murder scene, but no footprints or fingerprints and no murder weapon. Not enough evidence to prosecute.
48 Hours
Who's There?
With no charges against them, Mangelsdorf and Harmon both left Olathe. Melinda Harmon headed back home to Ohio with her parents. Mark Mangelsdorf went off to Harvard Business School and became a successful corporate executive.
48 Hours
Who's There?
He and his second wife, Christina, live in a million-dollar home in Pelham, just outside New York City. He's the father of four, with one more on the way. The Mangelsdorffs sat down with 48 Hours for their only television interview. When's the first time that you heard about this?
48 Hours
The Mystery of Jane Mixer
In 2020, a group of young women found themselves in an AI-fuelled nightmare.
48 Hours
The Mystery of Jane Mixer
This is Leavittown, a new podcast from iHeart Podcasts, Bloomberg and Kaleidoscope about the rise of deepfake pornography and the battle to stop it. Listen to Levittown on Bloomberg's Big Take podcast. Find it on the iHeartRadio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts.
48 Hours
The Mystery of Jane Mixer
In 2020, a group of young women found themselves in an AI-fuelled nightmare.
48 Hours
The Mystery of Jane Mixer
This is Leavittown, a new podcast from iHeart Podcasts, Bloomberg and Kaleidoscope about the rise of deepfake pornography and the battle to stop it. Listen to Levittown on Bloomberg's Big Take podcast. Find it on the iHeartRadio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts.
48 Hours
The Mystery of Jane Mixer
In 2020, a group of young women found themselves in an AI-fuelled nightmare.
48 Hours
The Mystery of Jane Mixer
This is Levittown, a new podcast from iHeart Podcasts, Bloomberg and Kaleidoscope about the rise of deepfake pornography and the battle to stop it. Listen to Levittown on Bloomberg's Big Take podcast. Find it on the iHeart Radio app, Apple Podcasts or wherever you get your podcasts.
48 Hours
The Peggy Hettrick Case - Part 2
In 2011, Tim Masters was exonerated by the Colorado Attorney General. He received $10 million in settlements for wrongful imprisonment.
48 Hours
Marriage Secrets
Upfront and honest? Not exactly. He was still married and living with Jocelyn.
48 Hours
Marriage Secrets
As soon as Jocelyn learned her husband was cheating, they separated and she filed for divorce. It was a nasty split. According to prosecutor Randy Krantz, to get through it, Jocelyn had been seeing a therapist.
48 Hours
Marriage Secrets
Well, she was certainly on medication. What about the idea that her medication was increased?
48 Hours
Marriage Secrets
These are Jocelyn's journals, 17 spiral notebooks authorities believe hold the key to her life and her death. After his split with Jocelyn, Wesley Earnest took a job three hours away as an assistant principal at Great Bridge High School in Chesapeake, Virginia.
48 Hours
Marriage Secrets
It seems Wesley Ernest was a man of many faces. At trial, teacher Sonya Stevens says Ernest told her he was well off. He did not have to work for a living.
48 Hours
Marriage Secrets
Teacher Molly Sullivan said Ernest told her he wasn't just rich, but single, and even refused to accept her condolences after Jocelyn died.
48 Hours
Marriage Secrets
As Wesley and Jocelyn started divorce proceedings, it was the lake house, his prized possession, they fought over. She wanted it sold. He, investigators say, didn't want to let it go.
48 Hours
Marriage Secrets
He had tried to sell the lake house for about $2.9 million, but couldn't. It was 2007, and the housing bubble had burst. Ernest, in charge of the couple's finances, was in a fix with loans, credit card debt, and that more than $6,000 a month lake house mortgage.
48 Hours
Marriage Secrets
It turns out the math major and assistant principal, Wesley Earnest, was more than $1 million in debt.
48 Hours
Marriage Secrets
But after Jocelyn died, the bill collectors kept calling, and another person pitched in to bail Ernest out of debt, his new love, Shamika.
48 Hours
Marriage Secrets
Investigators thought they had their motive. Wesley Earnest killed his wife Jocelyn for money. But there was that puzzling phrase in the purported suicide note, Jocelyn's new love.
48 Hours
Marriage Secrets
Jocelyn's coworker and friend, Marcy Shepard, thought she knew who the new love was and stunned the courtroom with her answer. We kissed maybe three times.
48 Hours
Marriage Secrets
Prosecutor Wes Nance described their relationship as little more than a crush Marcy had on Jocelyn.
48 Hours
Marriage Secrets
Unhappy and afraid of Wesley Ernest, according to her best friend, Jennifer Kearns.
48 Hours
Marriage Secrets
Even more revealing, Jocelyn chronicled her feelings in these spiral notebooks she used as journals.
48 Hours
Marriage Secrets
It was explosive information. But the prosecution had a problem. Because Joslyn couldn't be questioned by the defense, her journals were considered hearsay. The judge ruled they couldn't be used as evidence.
48 Hours
Marriage Secrets
It happened while Assistant Principal Ernest was out on bond, awaiting trial.
48 Hours
Marriage Secrets
The cause of the fire was inconclusive. The judge ruled it could not be used as evidence in the murder trial because the fire could not be linked to Jocelyn's death. But, according to prosecutors, Ernest's behavior that day was suspicious.
48 Hours
Marriage Secrets
Prosecutors were confident Wesley Earnest was the trigger man. But without the journals, without the fire, could they prove it?
48 Hours
Marriage Secrets
Bring the jury here. Thank you. He claims he never had any money problems and that he didn't know about Marcy Shepard.
48 Hours
Marriage Secrets
The women who stand by Wesley Earnest believe the evidence against him does not add up.
48 Hours
Marriage Secrets
Jocelyn's father, Bill, was now face to face with an alleged murderer who used to be his son-in-law.
48 Hours
Marriage Secrets
The defense won't be easy. The prosecution painted the assistant principal as a manipulative, desperate, and greedy man who executed his wife. A few days before her death, Ernest borrowed a co-worker's pickup truck. He was on the highway for hours, they say. driving from Chesapeake to Jocelyn's home on Pine Bluff Drive.
48 Hours
Marriage Secrets
It was Wesley Earnest, prosecutors say, who cranked up Jocelyn's thermostat to 90 degrees to make it appear she had died much earlier in the day.
48 Hours
Marriage Secrets
They insist the note was not a suicide note, but a homicide note Ernest typed to stage the murder scene. Do you think that Wesley's capable of writing a fake suicide note?
48 Hours
Marriage Secrets
And that truck Ernest borrowed a few days before Jocelyn died? Oddly enough, he borrowed it again two weeks after her death.
48 Hours
Marriage Secrets
And if you're the next witness, come forward, please. Tire store manager Rick Kuhn remembers that truck and Wesley Earnest.
48 Hours
Marriage Secrets
Then, on April 1st, 2010, April Fool's Day, the star witness, Assistant Principal Wesley Earnest, would finally tell his side of the story.
48 Hours
Marriage Secrets
When asked about his whereabouts on the day Jocelyn died, Ernest testified he left work around 4 o'clock in the afternoon.
48 Hours
Marriage Secrets
Prosecutors believe the assistant principal's sore throat story was just one more lie, one more piece of his premeditated murder plot.
48 Hours
Marriage Secrets
Three hours and 35 minutes of deliberations, and then... If they do have a verdict, defendant, sir, if you would stand, please. We, the jury, find the defendant guilty of first-degree murder... Assistant Principal Dr. Wesley Earnest was guilty of murdering his wife, Jocelyn.
48 Hours
Marriage Secrets
A heartbreaking defeat for Earnest's family. He was now a convicted killer. But one month later, while waiting for sentencing...
48 Hours
Marriage Secrets
The guilty verdict was a victory for prosecutors. But it wouldn't last long. A posting on the local newspaper's website was about to turn this contentious case upside down.
48 Hours
Marriage Secrets
Turns out those journals, Jocelyn's handwritten heartfelt thoughts, had been placed in the wrong box and taken to the jury room.
48 Hours
Marriage Secrets
A special hearing was called and the jury admitted to reading the journals. The jurors said they based their guilty verdict on inadmissible evidence, Jocelyn's very own words.
48 Hours
Marriage Secrets
Ernest would get a second chance, and Jocelyn's family would have to face their nightmare all over again.
48 Hours
Marriage Secrets
We can do it for Jocelyn. Defense attorney Joey Sanzone believes a new jury will see reasonable doubt.
48 Hours
Marriage Secrets
Nearly seven months after the first trial, more than two and a half years after Jocelyn's death, assistant principal Wesley Earnest would once again face a jury for the murder of his wife. There were no TV cameras allowed at the second trial.
48 Hours
Marriage Secrets
The prosecution focused on the purported suicide note, Jocelyn's fear through the voices of her friends, her relationship with Marcy Shepard, and Earnest's debt and deceptive ways. The defense hammered on the unreliability of the fingerprint evidence and Ernest's alibi. And once again, the assistant principal, Wesley Ernest, would take the witness stand.
48 Hours
Marriage Secrets
Same judge, new jury. But this time, Ernest would be given more leeway to explain his answers, and it seemed the defense was gaining ground.
48 Hours
Marriage Secrets
They desperately needed a new approach. Prosecutor Nance came up with an idea at 4.15 in the morning.
48 Hours
Marriage Secrets
The plan was to confront Earnest about a very unusual timeline handwritten by Jocelyn, a detailed history of her life she'd been keeping as part of her therapy. It was discovered inside her home, and prosecutors were certain Wesley Earnest had altered it.
48 Hours
Marriage Secrets
Jocelyn's mother will never forget the question Prosecutor Nance asked her former son-in-law.
48 Hours
Marriage Secrets
Once again, Wesley Earnest was found guilty of first-degree murder. The jury recommended a sentence of life in prison plus three years, and the judge agreed.
48 Hours
Marriage Secrets
All the faces of Wesley Earnest hardened into one defining image, pale and resigned. Still, to his mother, he's a victim.
48 Hours
Marriage Secrets
There's an old photo of Ernest, a joke from his days as an assistant principal that seems like an eerie prediction. The prisoner for a day is now locked away for life.
48 Hours
Marriage Secrets
In March 2010, in this scenic southern community nestled near the Blue Ridge Mountains, 37-year-old high school assistant principal Wesley Ernest is on trial for his life. So how are you feeling heading into this trial?
48 Hours
Marriage Secrets
On December 19th, 2007, six days before Christmas, Jocelyn's close friend, Marcy Shepherd, who'd been texting with her all day, became concerned when Jocelyn never responded to messages she sent that evening. The next morning, Marcy drove over to Jocelyn's house. She let herself inside with Jocelyn's spare key, discovered her body, and called police.
48 Hours
Marriage Secrets
When investigators Mike Mayhew and Gary Babb stepped inside Jocelyn's home, they found a shiny revolver beside her, a bullet wound to her head, a note by the front door. What'd the note say?
48 Hours
Marriage Secrets
Financial problems, a new love. The notes seem to raise even more questions than answers. Did it seem like a suicide note?
48 Hours
Marriage Secrets
The note contained 83 typed words and those two fingerprints that authorities say matched Jocelyn's estranged husband, Wesley Earnest.
48 Hours
Marriage Secrets
But Wesley Earnest had been living and working in another city more than three hours away.
48 Hours
Marriage Secrets
Ernest hired a well-known and rather unusual defense team from Lynchburg, Virginia. Joey Sanzone and his daughter Blair are firmly convinced this case is not what it seems.
48 Hours
Marriage Secrets
Sanzone says forensic tests determined Ernest's fingerprints were not on the gun, and his DNA was nowhere to be found at the scene. Investigators believe she was shot sometime between 7.30 and 9 p.m. the night before, and her body had been moved. And there's no way that she could have moved herself.
48 Hours
Marriage Secrets
The heat inside her home was overwhelming. The thermostat had been jacked up to 90 degrees. Jocelyn's home appeared untidy, but there were no signs of forced entry. Her faithful black lab, Rufus, was discovered locked in his crate in her bedroom without food or water.
48 Hours
Marriage Secrets
Prosecutors Wes Nance and Randy Krantz believe the murder scene was set up to deflect attention away from the killer.
48 Hours
Marriage Secrets
It turns out the words on that mysterious note would reveal even more clues about a husband, a wife, and their very troubled life.
48 Hours
Marriage Secrets
Jocelyn, a 38-year-old financial services manager, had a playful sense of humor on the job and at home with her dad, Bill Branham.
48 Hours
Marriage Secrets
On the high school basketball team, she was number 21, a star shooting guard, team captain, and all-state honorable mention.
48 Hours
Marriage Secrets
At West Virginia University, Jocelyn was praised as one of the Mountaineers' best three-point shooters ever. Then, her junior year, Jocelyn, a business and economics major, met Wesley Ernest, a mathematics student.
48 Hours
Marriage Secrets
The newlyweds moved to Bedford County, Virginia. Jocelyn began working at Genworth Financial in Lynchburg. Ernest was the assistant principal at a high school.
48 Hours
Marriage Secrets
Despite their marriage troubles, they would start a new venture together. They built a luxurious weekend getaway on Smith Mountain Lake. Wesley Ernest had loved the lake since he was a boy.
48 Hours
Marriage Secrets
Their combined salary was nearly $200,000 a year, but this new second home would be expensive, a multi-million dollar project.
48 Hours
Marriage Secrets
The Lake home seemed to be on solid ground, but the couple's nine-year marriage was crumbling. Wesley Ernest says Jocelyn had an unconventional proposal.
48 Hours
Marriage Secrets
It was no joke to Wesley Earnest. He began seeing this woman, Shemeika Wright.
48 Hours
Murder in Paradise
The judge made a ruling, directed the jury to return verdicts of not guilty.
48 Hours
Murder in Paradise
Barbara Labrador collapsed. She kept saying over and over, where is the justice? Where is the justice? They immediately put handcuffs on him and whisked him out the door.
48 Hours
Murder in Paradise
Don't miss Star Trek Section 31. Now streaming exclusively on Paramount+.
48 Hours
Murder in Paradise
A special 48 Hours Mystery. Four young Americans, accustomed to the good life, were enjoying a taste of paradise.
48 Hours
Murder in Paradise
Lois McMillan, their friend and artist, was also there, spending the holidays with her family at their Caribbean retreat. Then, one night, she never came home.
48 Hours
Murder in Paradise
The unthinkable, Lois's body was found. Something happened and she was out of fear, fleeing from an attacker. Even more shocking, the four friends are arrested, charged with murder.
48 Hours
Murder in Paradise
Susan Spencer investigates. Where will the evidence lead? You had apparently bloodstained clothing. There were scratch marks on their arms. William Labrador, the key defendant, speaks out. You do not convict innocent human beings. And a dramatic new twist that will turn this case upside down. A 48 Hours Mystery, Prisoners in Paradise.
48 Hours
Stalking Shadows
Is it possible that he was such a good actor he really fooled all the doctors?
48 Hours
Stalking Shadows
With millions of dollars and their reputations at stake, Scott Struthers' doctors are fighting back by pointing the blame at Penny's own family.
48 Hours
Stalking Shadows
Cleveland Clinic attorney Jim Malone says doctors did all they could for both Struthers and the Changs, including taking the extraordinary step of calling the Chang family to tell them of Struthers' release. But was that phone call sending a mixed message? You're discharging him because you think he's safe. Why then do you feel an obligation to inform the Changs?
48 Hours
Stalking Shadows
That sounds like you weren't quite sure whether he was safe. Cleveland Clinic psychiatrist George Tessar.
48 Hours
Stalking Shadows
But the Changs say that phone call led them to believe they no longer had to worry about Struthers.
48 Hours
Stalking Shadows
But the hospital left out an important fact. Their assessment of Struthers was only meant for the short term. Did anybody tell the Changs that? Did anybody say, okay, today we think he might not be a risk, but a month down the road, it's anybody's bet and you better be careful.
48 Hours
Stalking Shadows
Whether or not the warning was adequate is an issue at trial because of what happened nearly three months later. The Changs claimed that phone call is the reason why they didn't become alarmed when out of the blue, Scott Struthers made contact again.
48 Hours
Stalking Shadows
This time, it was in the form of emails. Cleveland Plain Dealer reporter Mike Tobin.
48 Hours
Stalking Shadows
The same angry, rambling emails written in the third person were sent to Penny, her brother, and her father. But the Chengs didn't find them threatening.
48 Hours
Stalking Shadows
You are ruining yourself. Isn't it possible that Changs were still relying on the word of the hospital three months earlier? He's no longer a threat, and that's why they didn't react to the emails.
48 Hours
Stalking Shadows
One month later, just days before the murder, Struthers emailed the Changs again.
48 Hours
Stalking Shadows
This time, the Changs didn't read them, thinking they were simply more of Scott's harmless complaints. And I saw nothing dangerous in the first few pages. Had he read further, he would have been horrified. Buried within the 60 pages, Struthers spells out his plan to kill Penny.
48 Hours
Stalking Shadows
That's really creepy. He was warning them of what he was going to do and they didn't realize it. I thought he was doing better. Neither did Raina Krell, the therapist who had been treating Struthers at the same time he was writing out his murderous intentions.
48 Hours
Stalking Shadows
But Cleveland Clinic attorney Jim Malone says since only the Changs knew about the emails, only the Changs could have prevented their daughter's death by notifying the police.
48 Hours
Stalking Shadows
Was part of your strategy to deflect blame away from the hospital and onto the chair?
48 Hours
Stalking Shadows
But Dr. Chang still believes the psychiatrist could have done more. And since we first brought you this story, he's filed an appeal for a new trial.
48 Hours
Stalking Shadows
Energetic meteorologist George Kessler was the top-rated weatherman in Duluth, Minnesota.
48 Hours
Stalking Shadows
Outside Cleveland, Ohio, Mathematician C.L. Chang found what he couldn't in his native China, academic freedom and a culturally rich and diverse neighborhood where he and his wife, Yun Hua, could raise their four children.
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Stalking Shadows
I know. Is that frozen now? Kessler felt right at home in Duluth with his wife, Sheila, and their small children.
48 Hours
Stalking Shadows
But for George Kessler, the childlike security would turn into agony and fear in the very town he embraced at the same TV station he loved. It all began to unravel one day in March of 2000 when Kessler arrived for work.
48 Hours
Stalking Shadows
The caller was a man Kessler had never met. 42-year-old Sean Wayne Thorson, a psychiatric patient with a reputation for violence.
48 Hours
Stalking Shadows
Thorson ignored warnings from police, even a restraining order, to stop making the phone calls. For that, he spent four months in a mental institution. But after he was released, Thorson went straight back to the phone.
48 Hours
Stalking Shadows
Forensic psychiatrist Dr. Park Dietz has spent years investigating and testifying against serial killers and stalkers, including Jeffrey Dahmer and John Hinckley. Dietz says stalking of television news personalities is an occupational hazard that few in the TV industry are willing to discuss.
48 Hours
Stalking Shadows
Take a look, satellite picture in motion. And while George Kessler's ordeal wasn't unique, stalkers more frequently target women.
48 Hours
Stalking Shadows
Anchorwoman Melanie Moon was a rising star at WDBJ in Roanoke, Virginia, when in 1996, she started getting dark, suggestive letters from not one, but several viewers.
48 Hours
Stalking Shadows
By the fall of 1997, the FBI was searching for Melanie Moon's stalkers. Then she began hearing from 47-year-old David Lee Duff.
48 Hours
Stalking Shadows
Even after all she'd been through, Melanie Moon didn't think David Lee Duff was out to harm her. After all, he had only sent what she believed were fairly innocent tokens of his affection. But on November 5th, 1997, Duff crossed the line and came to visit Melanie at work. The confrontation was caught on videotape. Duff was told to leave, and he did so without incident.
48 Hours
Stalking Shadows
Roanoke police then warned him to stop contacting Moon, but the harassment didn't stop.
48 Hours
Stalking Shadows
It almost came to that. In March of 1998, Melanie Moon saw her stalker for the first time at the Roanoke City Courthouse.
48 Hours
Stalking Shadows
David Lee Duff was convicted of stalking, but all he got was a six-month suspended sentence.
48 Hours
Stalking Shadows
Joanne is a medical student. Sean is pursuing a master's degree in computer graphics.
48 Hours
Stalking Shadows
Melanie Moon got out of Roanoke, taking a new job in another city where she's better prepared for unwelcome attention. Tear gas on my key chain. Carrying tear gas on her key chain and a stun gun in her purse.
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Stalking Shadows
It's a warning, Dietz says, that not enough television personalities take seriously.
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Stalking Shadows
Minutes later, police arrive at the Wildwood Apartments and make a horrifying discovery. Popular local TV reporter Catherine Detman's nude body on the floor of her bedroom.
48 Hours
Stalking Shadows
The 36-year-old Detman had been on the verge of an important career move. She was taking a new job at a much larger TV station in Dallas. This would be her last day of small-town life in Temple, Texas.
48 Hours
Stalking Shadows
The suspect was 21-year-old neighbor Anthony Gary Silvestri. Police found him hiding in Catherine Dettman's bedroom.
48 Hours
Stalking Shadows
Friends of Catherine Detman say Silvestri had been stalking her. One co-worker told us Catherine had complained to him that Silvestri was following her at the apartment complex and showing up at her car when she came and left home.
48 Hours
Stalking Shadows
Yolanda Johnson was a receptionist at the station where Catherine worked and a close friend. She remembers Catherine mentioning Silvestri by name.
48 Hours
Stalking Shadows
Paula Brown considered Catherine Detman her best friend. She says Detman was a trusting person and just didn't recognize Silvestri's interests as potentially dangerous.
48 Hours
Stalking Shadows
Detman's naivete doesn't surprise Park Dietz, who says many on-air personalities aren't even aware they're being stalked.
48 Hours
Stalking Shadows
Anthony Gary Silvestri pled guilty to the murder of Catherine Detman and is serving a 40 years to life prison sentence.
48 Hours
Stalking Shadows
Police searched Silvestri's apartment and found this pair of binoculars, which they believe he used to spy on Detman. And a friend of Silvestri's told authorities that Silvestri had been watching her.
48 Hours
Stalking Shadows
In Duluth, Minnesota, weatherman George Kessler heard about what happened to Catherine Detman. Yeah, this is Sean again.
48 Hours
Stalking Shadows
And after enduring nearly a year of Sean Thorson's menacing phone calls, he made a drastic decision. Kessler quit his job and no longer works in television.
48 Hours
Stalking Shadows
A child who thrived in her adopted community, where no one would have predicted what happened.
48 Hours
Stalking Shadows
Mike Tobin, a reporter for the Cleveland Plain Dealer, says the problems began for the Chang family in the summer of 1998. Penny had a summer job working alongside Scott Struthers, her brother's best friend since middle school. How would you describe Scott back then?
48 Hours
Stalking Shadows
Scott had almost grown up at the Chang house. and went on to become Shawn's college roommate. He's just so nice, and he's just such a close friend of my brother's. Which is why no one was too concerned when Scott and Penny spent a lot of time together, although Penny was only 15 and Scott was 21. Did your parents think anything of it, that they were spending a lot of time together?
48 Hours
Stalking Shadows
But the family didn't realize how serious Scott's feelings were. Penny was pretty important to him.
48 Hours
Stalking Shadows
But to Scott Struthers, a family friend, Penny became an obsession. He started stalking her. There were threats.
48 Hours
Stalking Shadows
Scott Struthers began a journal later that year that described his relationship with Penny.
48 Hours
Stalking Shadows
When the summer ended and Penny began ignoring Scott, the Cheng family phone began ringing off the hook. How many phone calls?
48 Hours
Stalking Shadows
Days later, the police arrested Scott Struthers, Shaker Heights Police Chief Walter Ugrenic. Would you describe Scott Struthers as a stalker?
48 Hours
Stalking Shadows
Scott was arrested, hospitalized. He's in their psychiatric ward writing, how cool will you look when I walk up and blow your brains out? Then the unthinkable. Erin Moriarty has some tough questions. Are the doctors who treated him responsible for Penny's death? Are her parents? And they are the familiar faces on your local news. Are they in danger?
48 Hours
Stalking Shadows
Struthers was charged with telephone harassment and misdemeanor arson. But right before sentencing, he voluntarily admitted himself to this hospital for observation. Do you think Scott Struthers went to the Cleveland Clinic because he really wanted help?
48 Hours
Stalking Shadows
Whatever his motive, Struthers stayed here for five weeks. He was released on Thanksgiving Day, 1998, after doctors determined he was no longer a threat, even though the journal that Struthers began as part of his therapy here contained some very threatening entries.
48 Hours
Stalking Shadows
Three and a half months after being released from the Cleveland Clinic, At 7.30 on a cold March morning, Scott Struthers stalked Penny Chang one more time as she walked to school. He approached her from behind and shot her three times in the back of the head. Penny was rushed to the emergency room, but it was too late.
48 Hours
Stalking Shadows
Six months after the shooting, Scott Struthers pled guilty to murder. He's now serving a sentence of 23 years to life.
48 Hours
Stalking Shadows
But for the Cheng family, Scott isn't the only guilty party. Do you blame someone for Penny's death?
48 Hours
Stalking Shadows
For the entire five months prior to Penny's death, Scott Struthers was receiving psychiatric care. First as a patient here at the Cleveland Clinic, and then when he was released from a private therapist. The Changs believe these professionals could and should have stopped Struthers from killing their daughter. They're suing them for $20 million.
48 Hours
Stalking Shadows
Paul Kaufman is the Chang's attorney. What do you see as the biggest failing on the part of Cleveland Clinic?
48 Hours
Stalking Shadows
Everyone agrees that when Struthers first arrived at the Cleveland Clinic after stalking Penny and facing charges of harassment, he was a severely troubled young man. Do you remember meeting Scott? Yes, I do.
48 Hours
Stalking Shadows
Dr. Quinn says Struthers exhibited a number of behaviors which made him a significant risk for violence, including severe anger, homicidal thoughts, and a desire to obtain a gun.
48 Hours
Stalking Shadows
What's more, Struthers made no secret of his desire to kill Penny in his journal. But Struthers appeared to improve, and after just five weeks of treatment, he was discharged, even though hospital records show doctors still had some concerns.
48 Hours
Stalking Shadows
George Tessar was the attending psychiatrist who authorized Struthers' release.
48 Hours
Stalking Shadows
In an exclusive interview with 48 Hours, Dr. Tessar says he released Struthers only after seeing great improvement in his patient.
48 Hours
Stalking Shadows
Troy Roberts on being watched a little too closely. What did you want from her?
48 Hours
Stalking Shadows
According to Tessar, the homicidal thoughts expressed in Scott's journal were all in the past tense. At one point in his journal he writes, basically I was thinking how cool and superior will you look, bitch, when I blow your brains out into the ground. You can just get rid of those feelings a week or two later?
48 Hours
Stalking Shadows
He says expecting psychiatrists to predict violence that far into the future is expecting too much.
48 Hours
Stalking Shadows
If the Cleveland Clinic couldn't predict that Scott Struthers would become a killer, what about the private therapist who picked up his case and saw him regularly, right up until he bought a gun to kill Penny? Scott Struthers met with Raina Krell regularly for three and a half months. On March 12, 1999, Struthers bought a gun, took it to this shooting range, and practiced firing it.
48 Hours
Stalking Shadows
Although he had seen Crowell two days earlier, she saw no sign of his escalating anger. How did Raina Crowell not see that?
48 Hours
Hollywood Secrets
Tony Sirico is the actor best known as Paulie Walnuts of The Sopranos. But 30 years ago, Sirico was a Brooklyn tough guy trying to make it in Hollywood. Here he is in a 1978 movie, Fingers.
48 Hours
Hollywood Secrets
Krista's roommate, who to this day is too frightened to talk publicly, also told detectives that Tony took some of Krista's furs and clothing. At the time, police never questioned Tony.
48 Hours
Hollywood Secrets
But in 2006, when the new detectives took over, they paid him a visit. Have you spoken to him?
48 Hours
Hollywood Secrets
According to detectives, Sirico denied going to Krista's apartment and denied he even knew the roommate.
48 Hours
Hollywood Secrets
Years later, most of Krista's missing things did turn up at the home of Krista's closest friend, Lenny Baron, her designer and confidant.
48 Hours
Hollywood Secrets
Police now think it was Lenny who sent Tony Sirico to clean out Krista's apartment to protect her.
48 Hours
Hollywood Secrets
If he had so many of her things, her personal effects, is it possible that he may have been the one who had the audio tapes and the written diary?
48 Hours
Hollywood Secrets
Possible, but Lenny can't tell us. He died about 10 years ago. And Tony Sirico's manager says Tony didn't want to talk to us. But there's another new clue, this time from Krista's friend Darlene, who never spoke with police until now. Right before Krista died, she sent Darlene a postcard with a cryptic message.
48 Hours
Hollywood Secrets
Without Krista Helms' sex diary to guide them, detectives Tom Harris and Larry Brandenburg have had to dig deeper to find people who were involved with her.
48 Hours
Hollywood Secrets
So job one has been tracking down all those people Krista socialized with in her two years in Hollywood.
48 Hours
Hollywood Secrets
Brandenburg and Harris returned to the crime scene with the one witness who is happy to cooperate.
48 Hours
Hollywood Secrets
there was a side to Krista that seemed to provoke people. You sound almost charming. Because while many thought she was a barely passable actress on camera, Off camera, she was an infamous drama queen.
48 Hours
Hollywood Secrets
One of her recurring dramas starred her beautiful and younger sister, Marisa, who learned the hard way the lengths Krista would go to.
48 Hours
Hollywood Secrets
In an apparent jealous rage, Krista cut her sister off and threw her out of the apartment.
48 Hours
Hollywood Secrets
Would she use people? Yes, I would say so. Is that possible that that has played into what happened to her?
48 Hours
Hollywood Secrets
Harrison Brandenburg thinks so, too, and wonder if Krista might finally have crossed the wrong man. As they dig deeper into the case, they find a startling confession of sorts.
48 Hours
Hollywood Secrets
His name, Rudy Mazzella. And he was known for his anything goes parties where Christo was a frequent guest.
48 Hours
Hollywood Secrets
In this interview in July of 1977, a woman who frequented Mazzella's house told police what she had heard about him.
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Hollywood Secrets
With no other evidence tying Mazzello to the crime, the original investigators left it at that.
48 Hours
Hollywood Secrets
And now, three decades later, the cold case squad can only wonder, is there any other lead?
48 Hours
Hollywood Secrets
It does seem like something or someone had Krista spooked. My last visit with her, she had actually said that she was leaving Hollywood. Nicole now believes her mother realized she was in some kind of danger.
48 Hours
Hollywood Secrets
31 years into the Christa Helm case, detectives Larry Brandenburg and Tom Harris have uncovered a long string of boyfriends and girlfriends that Christa left in her wake. They now suspect jealousy may have been a motive in her murder.
48 Hours
Hollywood Secrets
So she had relationships with both men and women. Yes. And felt no compunction or loyalty to be with any one person. No. And no one person was off limits to her.
48 Hours
Hollywood Secrets
The detectives are now focusing on Krista's final stab at fame, a recording session she set up in the winter of 1977.
48 Hours
Hollywood Secrets
They've gotten a first-hand account of the session from backup singer Debbie Danilo. She and Krista became good friends.
48 Hours
Hollywood Secrets
The detectives now believe that the session exploded in a storm of jealousy and betrayal. It began when Krista apparently got involved with the record's producer, well-known DJ Frankie Crocker.
48 Hours
Hollywood Secrets
Debbie also claims Krista was having an affair with the other backup singer. Her name was Patti Collins, and Patti didn't like to share.
48 Hours
Hollywood Secrets
As if things weren't complicated enough, the Sessions' keyboard player, Blair Aronson, has told detectives that he was casually involved with Debbie.
48 Hours
Hollywood Secrets
Then Blair dropped a bombshell. He told detectives that he slept with Krista the night before she died and that Debbie caught him.
48 Hours
Hollywood Secrets
Debbie adamantly denies any involvement with Blair, or that she saw him in bed with Krista. And Blair declined to speak to 48 Hours. But detectives find the entire recording session suspicious, especially since Debbie and Patty were both abruptly pushed out. It seems Patty took the news especially hard.
48 Hours
Hollywood Secrets
When Debbie talked to the original investigators about Krista, she pointed the finger squarely at Patty.
48 Hours
Hollywood Secrets
Just days after Krista's murder, Debbie packed up her entire LA life, disguised herself in a wig, and then made a mad dash out of town.
48 Hours
Hollywood Secrets
Frankie Crocker is now dead. Still, the Colquet squad is left to wonder, could Krista's killer have been a woman? It just seems like a pretty violent, really vicious attack for a woman.
48 Hours
Hollywood Secrets
Then investigators get a break. One of Krista's fingernails, preserved for three decades, yields DNA.
48 Hours
Hollywood Secrets
Even more intriguing, that DNA is from another woman. Did you try to match the DNA to a specific person?
48 Hours
Hollywood Secrets
One of those people is Debbie Danilo. Do you consider Debbie Danilo a suspect?
48 Hours
Hollywood Secrets
Debbie Danilo put Hollywood and Krista Helm behind her many years ago. But she never really got over the murder that struck so close to home.
48 Hours
Hollywood Secrets
Krista Helms' daughter, Nicole, doesn't want us to mention her last name or reveal where she lives because her mother's killer has never been caught.
48 Hours
Hollywood Secrets
But detectives Harris and Brandenburg didn't just want Debbie's memories, they wanted her DNA. And what they really wanted to know was if it matched the scrapings they had found under Krista's fingernails.
48 Hours
Hollywood Secrets
So now I'm letting go. There is no other evidence tying Debbie to the murder either, and she has told police she had nothing to do with it.
48 Hours
Hollywood Secrets
With the help of an anonymous tip, the Colquet squad finally tracked down the woman they believe was Krista's girlfriend, Patty Collins.
48 Hours
Hollywood Secrets
Patty was happy to talk to the detectives and willingly gave them a DNA sample. But they were stunned by what she had to say.
48 Hours
Hollywood Secrets
But not until they get the DNA results and confirm her identity. Meanwhile, they'll go after other leads.
48 Hours
Hollywood Secrets
The Colquet squad's best lead might turn out to be the oldest lead of all. And it comes from the man who first worked the Christahelm case, 83-year-old Larry Gansey.
48 Hours
Hollywood Secrets
Remember, Sal Mineo was murdered a year before Krista on the same day, and in the same way, a stabbing, and in the same neighborhood.
48 Hours
Hollywood Secrets
The man ultimately convicted of Mineo's killing was 21-year-old Lionel Williams, and he was thought to be in jail at the time of Krista's murder. But the cold case squad recently learned that Williams wasn't arrested until after Krista's death. Even more surprising, he was never questioned about Krista's death.
48 Hours
Hollywood Secrets
Shortly afterwards, Gansey and his partner were reassigned, and then Gansey left the Los Angeles Sheriff's Department for good. That's when the Krista Helm case went cold.
48 Hours
Hollywood Secrets
Meanwhile, Lionel Williams served 12 years for the murder of Salminio. In 1990, he was released from prison.
48 Hours
Hollywood Secrets
So after sifting through all the drama of Krista Helms' life, the myriad lovers, the diary and the sex tapes, the tales of jealousy and betrayal, could it really be that detectives will discover that Krista was simply the victim of a random, late-night street robbery at the hands of a career criminal?
48 Hours
Hollywood Secrets
Krista's daughter, Nicole, now 40, hopes that discovering the truth about the murder will finally bring solace. She was 13 years younger than I am right now, and she died. All Nicole has to remember her mother by are a scrapbook, a couple of B movies, and the stuff nightmares are made of.
48 Hours
Hollywood Secrets
But Nicole still has a child's hope that justice will somehow be served, even after all this time.
48 Hours
Hollywood Secrets
Krista Helm had the kind of story that Hollywood legends are made from. Smart, sexy, and stunningly beautiful. She was the classic small-town girl with a big Hollywood dream. Krista was determined to become a star, and she had the energy and unyielding ambition to make it happen.
48 Hours
Hollywood Secrets
Not even a shotgun wedding when Krista was just 17 years old. She was a teenager.
48 Hours
Hollywood Secrets
That was back in 1967. Nicole came along a few months later. But within a couple of years, Nicole's young and ambitious mother grew restless and took off to follow her dream. The first stop, the bright lights of New York, where she found work as a model. Taking the city by storm would be impossible with a toddler in tow, so Nicole was left behind in the care of a good friend.
48 Hours
Hollywood Secrets
Her motto good looks and splashy personality made Krista unnatural for New York's party scene in the early 70s.
48 Hours
Hollywood Secrets
Krista's sister, Marisa Rahm, was also a sometime actress. She was often at Krista's side. Very driven, very ambitious, really, yeah. One of the first people Krista met in New York was a wealthy patron of the arts named Stuart Duncan. He took an interest in Krista's career, opening doors for her.
48 Hours
Hollywood Secrets
Krista also picked up a fancy new best friend for life. a flamboyant New York clothing designer named Lenny Baron.
48 Hours
Hollywood Secrets
And then in 1973, Krista got the break she'd been waiting for. Stuart Duncan gave her a starring role in a movie called Let's Go for Broke.
48 Hours
Hollywood Secrets
The movie opened up in Cincinnati in 1974 and promptly closed in just four days. Undeterred, a few months later, Krista headed straight for Hollywood. But there's only going to be one winner in this contest and you're looking at her. She landed bit roles in Wonder Woman.
48 Hours
Hollywood Secrets
That mansion belonged to a famous financier, Bernie Kornfeld, who was once profiled by Mike Wallace on 60 Minutes.
48 Hours
Hollywood Secrets
Krista was not only ambitious and adventurous, she also liked to keep score. Her friends say she kept a secret sex diary complete with a rating system.
48 Hours
Hollywood Secrets
While Krista partied in Hollywood, Nicole prepared for that much talked about mother-daughter reunion. But it would never happen. Krista Helm was stabbed to death.
48 Hours
Hollywood Secrets
Actor John Grise was 19 then. He was staying at his mother's house just down the street from where Krista was attacked.
48 Hours
Hollywood Secrets
Grise stood in his yard but didn't hear anything more or see anything and went back inside.
48 Hours
Hollywood Secrets
As the detectives started to investigate, they soon realized the case would be very difficult. With Krista's complicated life, there were plenty of people who might want to kill her.
48 Hours
Hollywood Secrets
At first, detectives thought Krista Helms' murder, that night back in 1977, might be connected to another sensational killing, the stabbing of actor Sal Mineo, best known for co-starring with James Dean in Rebel Without a Cause. The papers had a field day with the similarities. Krista had been stabbed and bludgeoned to death in front of her agent's house in West Hollywood.
48 Hours
Hollywood Secrets
Mineo was murdered one year earlier on the very same day, February 12th, in the very same neighborhood. There were no known witnesses in either case. But the Sal Mineo lead fizzled. The suspect in his murder was believed to be in jail when Krista was killed.
48 Hours
Hollywood Secrets
The 21-year-old murder suspect had to say in his jail cell when advised of his charges... So detectives started to look more closely at Krista's celebrity-studded love life and her infamous diary. Research, perhaps, for a tell-all book.
48 Hours
Hollywood Secrets
But Krista's scandalous diary had vanished. It may have been in her purse, which was missing from the crime scene. With that crucial piece of evidence gone, investigators hit a string of dead ends.
48 Hours
Hollywood Secrets
Nicole mourned the loss of her mother and the life they were supposed to have together. She raised her own family in the Northeast, but a few years ago, she felt compelled to find out what really happened.
48 Hours
Hollywood Secrets
After years of pressure from Nicole, a new generation of detectives took the case. Larry Brandenburg and Tom Harris are L.A. Sheriff's Department hotshots, homicide detectives with the Cold Case Unit. How do you go about investigating a murder that occurred three decades ago?
48 Hours
Hollywood Secrets
Krista's written diary wasn't the only way she kept track of that long list of lovers. It turns out Krista was tape recording her sexcapades with all those celebrity boyfriends.
48 Hours
Hollywood Secrets
Nothing but pleasure. Because those sex tapes could have supplied a motive for someone to kill Krista.
48 Hours
Hollywood Secrets
But here's a shocker. Just like Krista's diary, most of those tapes have also disappeared. The hunt for the missing tapes has led detectives to another new twist. It's an angle right out of The Sopranos.
48 Hours
A Preacher's Secret, Part 2
In 2009, three days before Halloween, a grisly crime stunned the seaport town of Anacortes, Washington.
48 Hours
A Preacher's Secret, Part 2
They soon discovered a story tangled in obsession. Who was the hunter and who was the hunted? Follow and listen to Train to Kill, the dog trainer, the heiress, and the bodyguard on the free Odyssey app or wherever you get your podcasts.
48 Hours
A Preacher's Secret, Part 2
Imagine if you could ask someone anything you wanted about their finances. How much do you make? Who paid for that fancy dinner? What did your house actually cost? On every episode of What We Spend, a different guest opens up their wallets, opens up their lives, really, and tells us all about their finances. For one week, they tell us everything they spend their money on.
48 Hours
A Preacher's Secret, Part 2
This is a podcast about all the ways money comes into our lives and then leaves again, which of course we all have a lot of feelings about. I really want these things. I want to own a house. I want to have a child. But this morning, I really wanted a coffee. Because whatever you are buying or not buying or saving or spending, at the end of the day, money is always about more than your balance.
48 Hours
A Preacher's Secret, Part 2
I'm Courtney Harrell, and this is What We Spend. Listen to and follow What We Spend, an Odyssey original podcast. Available now wherever you get your podcasts.
48 Hours
A Preacher's Secret, Part 2
In 2009, three days before Halloween, a grisly crime stunned the seaport town of Anacortes, Washington.
48 Hours
A Preacher's Secret, Part 2
They soon discovered a story tangled in obsession. Who was the hunter and who was the hunted? Follow and listen to Train to Kill, the dog trainer, the heiress, and the bodyguard on the free Odyssey app or wherever you get your podcasts.
48 Hours
Two Wigs and A Gun Pt 2
Piper Roundtree became eligible for parole in 2020. Her first parole petition was denied. Tina Roundtree died in 2020.
48 Hours
A Toxic Relationship
Mark, there's no question about that. And the only person that could have done that was you.
48 Hours
A Toxic Relationship
What can you tell me to disprove that? That's what I'm trying to figure out. I don't know. I honestly don't know.
48 Hours
Coerced Confessions
Tonight, new evidence is pointing toward another suspect in the murder.
48 Hours
Coerced Confessions
The most shocking news of all is that police may have had this evidence all along.
48 Hours
Coerced Confessions
Finally, our Nemo Boards shop also makes a good impression on mobile devices. And the illustrations on the boards are now much, much clearer, which is also important to us and what also makes up our brand.
48 Hours
The Black Dahlia Mystery
And this is Hollywood Boulevard, the business and theater center of the film capital.
48 Hours
"Dead Girls Don't Talk"
Detective Jonathan Vander Lee says the pressure was on to locate any evidence of what happened after Christy and Hilda met David Pierce that night.
48 Hours
"Dead Girls Don't Talk"
Police did have some luck, starting with this footage from outside that warehouse party, which they say shows the women leaving with Pierce, Osborne, and a friend of theirs, 47-year-old Michael Ansbach, on their way to Pierce's apartment. Police also uncovered this text exchange from moments earlier when the women were still inside that party. Do you want Coke, asks Hilda. Yes, replies Christy.
48 Hours
"Dead Girls Don't Talk"
Hilda texted back, I'm in the kitchen, let's do a line. Witnesses say Pierce supplied that cocaine, which Jan says was not a common choice for Christy.
48 Hours
"Dead Girls Don't Talk"
Police determined the group arrived at Pierce's apartment a little after 5 a.m. The women aren't seen again until 11 hours later when, at 4.30 in the afternoon, A security camera recorded this grainy image showing Pierce with Christy over his shoulder at the top of the stairs. Police say Osborne is carrying her bag.
48 Hours
"Dead Girls Don't Talk"
35 minutes later at the hospital, Pierce, wearing a black sweatshirt, helps take Christy's body out of the car. Osborne looks on. A full hour and a half later, this dark image shows the men leaving the apartment again, with Hilda. Police say Pierce is carrying her, and Osborne has her boots and coat.
48 Hours
"Dead Girls Don't Talk"
Half an hour later, the Prius arrives at that second hospital, where the men take Hilda out of the car together. It had been more than 13 hours since Christie texted Hilda, let's go. For two weeks, Hilda was on life support. With no hope of regaining consciousness, her family gathered to say their goodbyes.
48 Hours
"Dead Girls Don't Talk"
the family decided to donate Hilda's organs. Her mom remembers the medical staff lining the halls as the family accompanied Hilda to the OR.
48 Hours
"Dead Girls Don't Talk"
Like Christy, Hilda had suffered a drug overdose. Toxicology reports would later reveal that she had cocaine, MDMA or ecstasy, and elevated levels of fentanyl in her system. Police would also learn that while the women were in that apartment, the downstairs neighbor heard someone in pain and moaning on and off for six hours. Police believe that was Hilda.
48 Hours
"Dead Girls Don't Talk"
But the district attorney at the time went public, asking other women who knew Pierce to call in so police could better understand what he did to Hilda and Christy.
48 Hours
"Dead Girls Don't Talk"
As police continued building their case, Jan received a call that Pierce and Osborne were on the move. He recorded this video of the men loading up a moving van the day after Hilda died. Police say Pierce had also changed his phone number and it took them a week to locate him again. So the pressure is on. You got to get this guy. I got to come up with something quick, yes.
48 Hours
"Dead Girls Don't Talk"
On December 15th, 2021, David Pierce, Brant Osborne, and Michael Ansbach were arrested in connection with Hilda and Christy's deaths. The detectives still knew next to nothing about what had happened inside that apartment. Vander Lee says they decided to take a gamble and bring the men in. This is the only way we're going to get the info we need.
48 Hours
"Dead Girls Don't Talk"
Once the men were in custody, police conducted interviews with them one by one.
48 Hours
"Dead Girls Don't Talk"
They secretly recorded Pierce and Osborne while Ansbach was talking to police.
48 Hours
"Dead Girls Don't Talk"
This was suspicious because information that the women had likely died from fentanyl had not been released. I knew these girls died from fentanyl, but nobody else knew. Two months after his arrest, Ansbach reached out to police with details of what he says he witnessed that night.
48 Hours
"Dead Girls Don't Talk"
He says Piers had offered the women a ride to an after-party and then said he needed to make a quick stop at his house. Ansbach says Pierce was very insistent they stay and have a drink, and after the women talked about leaving, Pierce gave all three of them so-called special cocaine.
48 Hours
"Dead Girls Don't Talk"
Ansbach says he, Christy, and Hilda got sick immediately, and when he woke up hours later, he saw Christy without any signs of life. Ansbach says he told Pierce to take Christy and Hilda to the hospital and says Pierce then said repeatedly, quote, dead girls don't talk.
48 Hours
"Dead Girls Don't Talk"
But police had at least one woman who could talk about David Pierce at his upcoming trial.
48 Hours
"Dead Girls Don't Talk"
January 9th, 2025, opening arguments begin in the trial of David Pierce, charged with felony murder, and Bran Osborn, charged with accessory after the fact.
48 Hours
"Dead Girls Don't Talk"
Prosecutor Catherine Mariano has marshaled the forensic evidence to make her case. The toxicology results that found fentanyl in both women and the date rape drug GHB in Christy. Also, Pierce's DNA discovered on Christy's body and under Hilda's fingernails.
48 Hours
"Dead Girls Don't Talk"
But in order to prove felony murder, she must show that Pierce incapacitated Christy and Hilda to rape them. Without their testimony, she needs to establish he had a history of doing this to other women, putting drugs in their drinks, and then sexually assaulting them.
48 Hours
"Dead Girls Don't Talk"
But defense attorney Jeff Vahl says the fact that Christy and Hilda were using drugs before meeting Pierce that night means there is no case for murder.
48 Hours
"Dead Girls Don't Talk"
Vall is sixth in a long line of lawyers who have represented David Pierce in this case. He knows his client is problematic.
48 Hours
"Dead Girls Don't Talk"
Mariano has her own version of who David Pierce is, based on the accounts of the women who talked to investigators and chose to be anonymous.
48 Hours
"Dead Girls Don't Talk"
Jackie is Jane Doe number two. No cameras were allowed in the courtroom for any of the testimony, but she agreed to talk with us about her experience with Pierce in 2010 when she was a 24-year-old law student looking for a room to rent. She testified about her meeting with Pierce at his apartment on West Olympic Boulevard, where he gave her a tour and offered a drink.
48 Hours
"Dead Girls Don't Talk"
When she tried to take her phone out, he grabbed her arm so hard the phone flew and smashed into the wall. Unsteady on her feet and unable to call for help, she did everything she could to escape.
48 Hours
"Dead Girls Don't Talk"
But when she heard about Christy and Hilda, she decided to act. In all, 20 women came forward. Pierce was charged with seven sexual assaults. Detective Calvin Yu thinks that's just a fraction of those who suffered at the hands of David Pierce.
48 Hours
"Dead Girls Don't Talk"
And as the women testified one by one, defense attorney Voll could see what was happening. The prosecution strategy was working.
48 Hours
"Dead Girls Don't Talk"
After the Jane Does testified, the prosecution called Pierce's friend, Michael Ansbach, who was in the apartment that night and later arrested along with Pierce and Osborne. Ansbach took this video of Christy and Hilda minutes after Pierce gave them wine and cocaine at the apartment.
48 Hours
"Dead Girls Don't Talk"
In his testimony, Ansbach again said he also used the same cocaine, got violently ill, and then passed out. When he woke up, he said, Pierce asked him to check on Christy, and when he did, Ansbach said, it looked like she was not breathing. Hilda, he said, was in Pierce's bedroom. According to Ansbach, this is when Pierce told him, dead girls don't talk.
48 Hours
"Dead Girls Don't Talk"
Like Pierce and Osborne, Ansbach never called for help. His charges were later dropped. On day 11, and against the advice of his attorney, David Pierce, who pleaded not guilty, was sworn in and testified.
48 Hours
"Dead Girls Don't Talk"
On the 12th day, Pierce's roommate, Brant Osborne, who also pleaded not guilty, takes the stand.
48 Hours
"Dead Girls Don't Talk"
Osbourne testified he was dumbfounded by Pearce's behavior and was emotional, crying more than once on the stand, saying he played no part in a cover-up because he didn't have a complete picture of what was really going on. Jan, for one, was not buying it.
48 Hours
"Dead Girls Don't Talk"
The question is whether the jury will believe either man. After three weeks, the trial took a toll on Christie's family.
48 Hours
"Dead Girls Don't Talk"
In closing, Prosecutor Mariano hits back at the defense. Just because Christy and Hilda did drugs on their own that night doesn't make them responsible for their own deaths. David Pierce took care of that, Mariano argued.
48 Hours
"Dead Girls Don't Talk"
And she repeats the words of Ansbach attributed to David Pierce, the words that rang in the ears of everyone who loved Christy and Hilda.
48 Hours
"Dead Girls Don't Talk"
Attorneys for Osborne and Pierce told jurors there simply was not enough direct evidence linking them to the crime and that there's a strong case for reasonable doubt. Now it's up to the jury to draw its own conclusion about Brandt Osborne and David Pierce. Justy Giles made her decision a long time ago.
48 Hours
"Dead Girls Don't Talk"
For Christie's family, it's been a long and wrenching road to get here.
48 Hours
"Dead Girls Don't Talk"
And for Hilda's mother, who could not travel to be in court, the last three years without her daughter have been its own trial.
48 Hours
"Dead Girls Don't Talk"
February 4th, 2025, after two days of deliberations, the jury is back.
48 Hours
"Dead Girls Don't Talk"
And in November 2021, Detective Jonathan Vander Lee and Detective Calvin Yu had to figure out why a lifeless woman was left at this emergency room. This video from Southern California Hospital shows staff pulling a woman out of a black Prius and helping her onto a stretcher while two men look on. When the stretcher moves into the ER, it becomes clear the car has no license plates.
48 Hours
"Dead Girls Don't Talk"
But the jury is deadlocked when it comes to Brant Osborne. A mistrial is declared.
48 Hours
"Dead Girls Don't Talk"
Now there's an unbreakable bond between the mothers who must live without their daughters.
48 Hours
"Dead Girls Don't Talk"
And before she leaves the courthouse, there is a final plea from Dusty.
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"Dead Girls Don't Talk"
Two young women who loved their families, their animals, and their lives.
48 Hours
"Dead Girls Don't Talk"
Detective Vander Lee would later learn that the two men told the staff they found the woman, quote, passed out on the curb somewhere nearby, and they were trying to be good Samaritans. They left without giving their names or phone numbers. They were masked, disguised.
48 Hours
"Dead Girls Don't Talk"
The woman was Christy Giles, and her mother, Dusty, will never forget the call that came from the hospital, telling her her 24-year-old daughter was dead from a drug overdose.
48 Hours
"Dead Girls Don't Talk"
Two hours later, at a hospital just two miles away, a second woman was left at another emergency room by the same two men, also in a black Prius and wearing masks.
48 Hours
"Dead Girls Don't Talk"
That was Hilda Marcela Cabrales. The 26-year-old architect was still alive in the ICU and fighting for her life. And in Durango, Mexico, her mother, Hilda Marcela Plascencia, was getting the news about her eldest daughter and namesake.
48 Hours
"Dead Girls Don't Talk"
And in the earliest hours of the investigation, there were only questions. How could this happen to Christy? It was an unimaginable ending to a life bursting with exuberance.
48 Hours
"Dead Girls Don't Talk"
Christy was an adventurer, traveling the world as a high-fashion model for Wilhelmina. She ultimately made LA her home.
48 Hours
"Dead Girls Don't Talk"
At 21, her life took a dramatic turn. She met Jan Sillier, a South African-born artist, photographer, and special effects editor, 17 years her senior. They'd been together seven months when the couple went to Burning Man, an arts festival in the Nevada desert, where impulsively, they took a big leap.
48 Hours
"Dead Girls Don't Talk"
After they got married, Christy started studying interior design in Los Angeles, which led to a new friendship with Hilda Marcella. Hilda had just moved there to start her dream job, recalls her father, Luis.
48 Hours
"Dead Girls Don't Talk"
No one was surprised that the cum laude graduate of the prestigious university in Monterrey, Mexico, was thriving in LA, especially her sister Fernanda.
48 Hours
"Dead Girls Don't Talk"
Dancing, as this video shows, is what the two friends were doing that night. Christy's husband, Jan, was out of town visiting his father. He knew she and Hilda had planned a girls' night out, starting at Soho House and then on to a warehouse party after midnight to see a favorite DJ. A friend who was with them said they did ketamine, a popular club drug.
48 Hours
"Dead Girls Don't Talk"
But by the next day, Jan was on his way home, knowing Christy was gone.
48 Hours
"Dead Girls Don't Talk"
Hilda's father and mother rushed to be by her side. When they arrived, they found their daughter on life support.
48 Hours
"Dead Girls Don't Talk"
Christy's autopsy revealed that in addition to ketamine, she had cocaine, fentanyl, and GHB, known as the date rape drug, in her system.
48 Hours
"Dead Girls Don't Talk"
Jan needed answers, so he began to build a timeline based on the digital trail Christy left behind. Information gathered from her messages and phone, which he was able to track.
48 Hours
"Dead Girls Don't Talk"
He already knew what she'd been doing before she went out for the evening.
48 Hours
"Dead Girls Don't Talk"
Jan was able to track Christy's phone to a residence located at 8641 West Olympic Boulevard. At 5.30 a.m., Christy sends Hilda a wide-eye emoji and says, let's go. Hilda replies, I'll call an Uber. Ten minutes away.
48 Hours
"Dead Girls Don't Talk"
That was the last text message that Christy or Hilda ever sent. That Uber arrived, waited five minutes, and drove away empty.
48 Hours
"Dead Girls Don't Talk"
Acting on information supplied by Yon, LAPD detective Jonathan Vanderley and his partner headed here to 8641 West Olympic Boulevard a little after midnight on November 14th, only a few hours after getting that call from the second hospital.
48 Hours
"Dead Girls Don't Talk"
It was the home of 39-year-old David Pierce. Police would learn Christy and Hilda had met him for the first time at that warehouse party. Police also discovered Pierce had a registration for a black Prius and found it parked behind the building. It matched the car seen at both hospitals down to the black rims. Pierce lived on the second floor with a roommate, Brant Osborne, 42.
48 Hours
"Dead Girls Don't Talk"
After about 15 minutes, he says, Pierce and Osborne came out. Pierce denied owning a Prius.
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"Dead Girls Don't Talk"
At first, he says, Osbourne denied seeing Christy and Hilda at all.
48 Hours
"Dead Girls Don't Talk"
Vander Lee says Osborn eventually admitted the women had been at their apartment, but said he'd been asleep and when he woke up, realized Christy and Hilda were in distress. He said he and Pierce chose to go to two separate hospitals because, quote, we didn't know how it would look. Pierce, police say, did later admit he owned the Prius, but lied again, saying his license plates had been stolen.
48 Hours
"Dead Girls Don't Talk"
Vander Lee says he saw those plates on the ground by the vehicle. Then the men agreed to let detectives inside.
48 Hours
"Dead Girls Don't Talk"
By now, Vanderley says he knew Pierce and Osborne had dropped Hilda and Christy off and believed Pierce had drugged them, but he didn't have enough evidence to make an arrest. He thought he beat us that night for sure. He was happy. He smiled and said goodbye? Yeah.
48 Hours
"Dead Girls Don't Talk"
No, not by a long shot. Vander Lee knew he needed more evidence and turned to his colleague, Detective Calvin Yu. You hear the name David Pierce. What goes on in your mind?
48 Hours
"Dead Girls Don't Talk"
Detective Yu had investigated Pierce in 2020 for sexually assaulting a 19-year-old.
48 Hours
"Dead Girls Don't Talk"
The victim said Pierce had given her drugs to knock her out during a date, but the investigation had stalled and wasn't prosecuted at the time. Detective Yu knew Pierce had other prior charges, including another rape charge from 2014 that was also not prosecuted.
48 Hours
"Dead Girls Don't Talk"
They say his next step is to drug his victims and incapacitate them, often with a drink.
48 Hours
"Dead Girls Don't Talk"
Police would learn both Christy and Hilda showed signs of sexual assault, but they feared they would face challenges making the case.
48 Hours
The Ivy League Murder
One day I will get to see Kevin again, yeah, in heaven and when everything is made right. I thank Ms. Liu and Mr. Jiang for raising such a fine young man and for bringing him into the world.
48 Hours
The Ivy League Murder
If this world falls apart, it will be all right because we have each other's hearts.
48 Hours
The Ivy League Murder
Don't miss Star Trek Section 31. Now streaming exclusively on Paramount+.
48 Hours
The Ivy League Murder
To charge the mother of Penn 35 years in prison is too short and too light.
48 Hours
The Ivy League Murder
I wanted to address Pan specifically. Although your sentence is far less than you deserve, there is also mercy. May God have mercy on you, and may he have mercy on all of us.
48 Hours
TV Bailiff Spivey on Trial
Did you feel like your moods were up and down too during the time you were getting those shots? No. Do the shots affect your mood?
48 Hours
TV Bailiff Spivey on Trial
Renard had already told police the two were arguing on that fatal night.
48 Hours
TV Bailiff Spivey on Trial
Security footage in the Spivey's home recorded some of the couple's movements.
48 Hours
TV Bailiff Spivey on Trial
Renard says he was curious why Patricia was hiding her phone from him. After they went to bed, thinking that his wife was asleep, he says he grabbed her phone from her nightstand and brought it into the closet.
48 Hours
TV Bailiff Spivey on Trial
Tension between Renard and his wife Patricia turned frightening, he says.
48 Hours
TV Bailiff Spivey on Trial
Renard says he tried to do just that, and things unfolded quickly.
48 Hours
TV Bailiff Spivey on Trial
Two more times, he says. Patricia was hit in the chest and then hit by another bullet in her arm, as illustrated in the CBS News animation based on defense theory.
48 Hours
TV Bailiff Spivey on Trial
We're certain that the first shot that hit her went into her left chest, through her lungs and into her heart. We think that the second shot that hit her, hit her in the right arm and went basically in and out of the bicep and then into her upper right chest.
48 Hours
TV Bailiff Spivey on Trial
But former prosecutor Lisa Andrews says it is not certain that only two shots struck her. The medical examiner thought it was possible Patricia's wounds were the result of three shots, one to the left chest, one to the right arm, and a third to her right chest.
48 Hours
TV Bailiff Spivey on Trial
One shot is an accident. Three shots? Well, I mean, that's the question, right? Investigators poured over the home surveillance. Three gunshots are heard clearly. But authorities suspected Renard actually fired the gun four times. Three bullets fired at Patricia, and then one Renard would have fired at himself, wounding his leg to make it seem that Patricia shot him.
48 Hours
TV Bailiff Spivey on Trial
Investigators identified one piece of sound. You can hear it over the alarm ringing. Now this next clip picks up the tap. They say it's the gunshot recorded about a minute and a half after the three other shots. Different sound, different sound. There was a reason they say it sounds different than the others.
48 Hours
TV Bailiff Spivey on Trial
Renard's attorneys, Dick and Michael DeGaran, also listened to that surveillance tape.
48 Hours
TV Bailiff Spivey on Trial
They say the sound most likely is the click of another camera in the room being activated.
48 Hours
TV Bailiff Spivey on Trial
And keep in mind, there were three empty cartridges that were found.
48 Hours
TV Bailiff Spivey on Trial
But Lisa Andrews says there were other things that could point to Renard's guilt, like his call to 911.
48 Hours
TV Bailiff Spivey on Trial
It took Renard two and a half minutes to say he accidentally shot his wife.
48 Hours
TV Bailiff Spivey on Trial
It's on... You can hear the strain in his voice, so you know he's in pain. He was confused and probably going into shock.
48 Hours
TV Bailiff Spivey on Trial
But there are other things on that tape that caught Andrew's attention.
48 Hours
TV Bailiff Spivey on Trial
But a little while later, you can see on the home security cameras, Renard takes a break without mentioning it to the 911 operator.
48 Hours
TV Bailiff Spivey on Trial
Renard says he went to unlock the garage door to make sure medics could get to his wife as soon as possible.
48 Hours
TV Bailiff Spivey on Trial
This is the actual gun. It's cocked now. There is no external safety on this gun. And so any slight pull of the trigger We caused it to go off.
48 Hours
TV Bailiff Spivey on Trial
Renard's twin sister is not surprised her brother was emotional.
48 Hours
TV Bailiff Spivey on Trial
But Patricia's close friend Ezra Washington says just two days before Patricia died, she told him she was fed up with Renard's controlling ways and his suspected steroid use, which she blamed for the lack of intimacy in their relationship.
48 Hours
TV Bailiff Spivey on Trial
Ezra says on the day of the shooting, he had multiple phone conversations with Renard and that Renard told him they were getting a divorce. Ezra claims he confronted Renard about steroids.
48 Hours
TV Bailiff Spivey on Trial
Ezra says he told Renard to just leave the home, but Renard made a comment about Patricia not getting the house.
48 Hours
TV Bailiff Spivey on Trial
Ezra says he feels guilty for not reaching out to Patricia to warn her that night.
48 Hours
TV Bailiff Spivey on Trial
As Petrina and Sybil waited for the case to go to trial, they had arrived at the same conclusion with Ezra, that Renard had intentionally shot and killed Patricia.
48 Hours
TV Bailiff Spivey on Trial
But Renard Spivey's loved ones were convinced he would walk out a free man.
48 Hours
TV Bailiff Spivey on Trial
As Patricia Spivey's family waited for their day in court, the coronavirus pandemic stalled the proceedings. Four and a half years passed by.
48 Hours
TV Bailiff Spivey on Trial
Renard remained under house arrest, but after some time, his lawyer successfully filed a motion to remove his ankle monitor, and Renard joined the world of dating apps.
48 Hours
TV Bailiff Spivey on Trial
On November 28, 2023, Renard Spivey was back in court, this time not as a bailiff, but as the accused facing a life sentence if convicted.
48 Hours
TV Bailiff Spivey on Trial
The state told the jury Renard shot Patricia intentionally after she threatened to leave their marriage.
48 Hours
TV Bailiff Spivey on Trial
But according to Spivey's attorneys, this was simply a case of self-defense.
48 Hours
TV Bailiff Spivey on Trial
Self-defense fits because she was threatening him with a gun, and he grabbed her wrist and the gun in his own defense.
48 Hours
TV Bailiff Spivey on Trial
It was an unintentional discharge of the gun. Several discharges of the gun. When he told me what kind of gun it was, I'd had experience with that particular model of a Smith & Wesson semi-automatic. You have it right there. There is no external safety. on this gun. So if someone's finger is on that trigger, all it takes is a slight pressure and it goes off.
48 Hours
TV Bailiff Spivey on Trial
With someone that's gripping and trying to wrestle with the gun, that's enough pressure to engage the trigger and to fire the gun.
48 Hours
TV Bailiff Spivey on Trial
Dick DeGaran says once fired, the semi-automatic reloads itself instantaneously.
48 Hours
TV Bailiff Spivey on Trial
It recharges in split seconds. Each time it's fired, it's ready to fire again.
48 Hours
TV Bailiff Spivey on Trial
We went with DeGaran to the doorway of the closet in Spivey's house. It's a pretty sizable closet.
48 Hours
TV Bailiff Spivey on Trial
He saw that she had her finger on the trigger. With his left hand, he grabbed her right wrist and put his right hand on the top of the gun to force it down. And she pulled back away from me. And when she did that, it shot, hit him in the left thigh. And as they fell, he grabbed her again and grabbed the gun and tried to twist it out of her hand. Her left hand came off. Okay, left hand comes off.
48 Hours
TV Bailiff Spivey on Trial
Then Dick Aaron says the gun went off one more time and the third shot hit Patricia in the arm.
48 Hours
TV Bailiff Spivey on Trial
Her hand by that time was in relationship to her body, almost vertical to her body. That's why when the bullet went in, it went in by her elbow, came back out and went into her chest.
48 Hours
TV Bailiff Spivey on Trial
DeGarren says the powder burn mark on Renard's right hand proves he grabbed the gun as Patricia fired.
48 Hours
TV Bailiff Spivey on Trial
When the gun fires, This is where the gunpowder that's been fired comes out, and that's what burned his right hand.
48 Hours
TV Bailiff Spivey on Trial
But there was something that puzzled the prosecutors, and they raised it at trial.
48 Hours
TV Bailiff Spivey on Trial
She's laying on the floor. In Renard's telling, he and Patricia were fighting at the entrance of the closet. But Patricia's body was found deep inside the closet. Prosecutors believe it was because he cornered her.
48 Hours
TV Bailiff Spivey on Trial
Well, it ended up over in about the area that you are. But then after.
48 Hours
TV Bailiff Spivey on Trial
At trial, the defense team painted Patricia as the aggressor. And they point to her Internet activity that evening to demonstrate, they say, that her frustration with her husband was building. At 2.49 a.m., Patricia posted this meme on Facebook. Characterize people by their actions and you will never be fooled by their words. At 2.59 a.m., Patricia is seen on camera for the last time.
48 Hours
TV Bailiff Spivey on Trial
At 3.01 a.m., prosecutors suspect Patricia had enough and you can make out her saying the words, it's the same thing over and over again. But DeGaran says it is not clear what Patricia really meant.
48 Hours
TV Bailiff Spivey on Trial
Maybe that's what she said, but what did it mean? It's ambiguous. What is she complaining about over and over again?
48 Hours
TV Bailiff Spivey on Trial
At 3.03 a.m., Renard is seen in the kitchen, and then he goes into the bedroom. Four minutes later, at 3.07, you hear those three gunshots.
48 Hours
TV Bailiff Spivey on Trial
It was just after 3 a.m. in the warm Houston summer of 2019 when first responders arrived at Renard and Patricia Spivey's home and found 52-year-old Patricia dead in the closet from multiple gunshot wounds.
48 Hours
TV Bailiff Spivey on Trial
And at trial, Renard Spivey told the jury his wife Patricia was the one firing.
48 Hours
TV Bailiff Spivey on Trial
DeGaran says there is no evidence to contradict that. He says that a crime scene technician acknowledged at trial that the trigger was never separately swabbed for DNA.
48 Hours
TV Bailiff Spivey on Trial
She said, well, I was afraid that the gun would go off again. Now that tells you how dangerous that gun was.
48 Hours
TV Bailiff Spivey on Trial
But Petrina says her mom was not the type of person who would pull a gun on anyone.
48 Hours
TV Bailiff Spivey on Trial
Instead, Petrina believes her mom was in the closet that night because she was packing.
48 Hours
TV Bailiff Spivey on Trial
Prosecutors had Ezra Washington tell the jury about those phone conversations with Renard, where Renard talked about his frustrations.
48 Hours
TV Bailiff Spivey on Trial
But the prosecutors ran into a problem. They say Ezra told them he spoke to Renard using apps on his phone, and they were unable to find records of those calls. DeGarren says he doesn't believe those conversations ever took place.
48 Hours
TV Bailiff Spivey on Trial
I wouldn't call him a key witness, particularly when we were able to show that there was no record of those calls.
48 Hours
TV Bailiff Spivey on Trial
As the case went to the jury, no one knew who the jurors were going to believe.
48 Hours
TV Bailiff Spivey on Trial
If you were on the jury, what would be the most important evidence in this case? Chat now with the 48 Hours team on Facebook and X. I've never stopped having hope and have faith.
48 Hours
TV Bailiff Spivey on Trial
On December 6th, 2023, after 12 hours of deliberations over two days, the jury in Renard Spivey's murder trial reached a verdict.
48 Hours
TV Bailiff Spivey on Trial
On the other side of the aisle, Patricia's family and friends say they couldn't believe the jury's decision.
48 Hours
TV Bailiff Spivey on Trial
Renard's attorney says the jurors just weren't convinced beyond a reasonable doubt that his client was the one who fired that gun.
48 Hours
TV Bailiff Spivey on Trial
I think was very important to the jury that the prosecution never proved whose finger was on the trigger. And it's very important because the prosecution has a burden of proof. And the gun was so important. The fact that it's such a dangerous design of a gun that will go off so easily.
48 Hours
TV Bailiff Spivey on Trial
Her husband, Renard, had a bullet in his leg. He told officers the two had been arguing and fighting over a gun when it fired.
48 Hours
TV Bailiff Spivey on Trial
Since the trial, Patricia's family say they've had a hard time processing their loss.
48 Hours
TV Bailiff Spivey on Trial
Renard says since his acquittal, he has been active in his community.
48 Hours
TV Bailiff Spivey on Trial
Renard Spivey, a sheriff's deputy with Harris County, worked as a bailiff in courts. And played a bailiff on TV for Justice for All with Judge Cristina Perez. Renard didn't say much more about what happened. Police detained him and had him transported to a hospital. Patricia's 83-year-old father, who suffered from dementia, was also living with the Spiveys.
48 Hours
TV Bailiff Spivey on Trial
First responders on the scene wondered how a gun could go off multiple times by accident.
48 Hours
TV Bailiff Spivey on Trial
That's what I'm saying. And why a man of Renard's size, around 6'3 and weighing around 290 pounds, would need to struggle with his smaller wife to take control over a gun.
48 Hours
TV Bailiff Spivey on Trial
Petrina Marshall, Patricia's daughter from a previous relationship, arrived at the scene.
48 Hours
TV Bailiff Spivey on Trial
Petrina says an officer told her her mother had died during a struggle with her husband.
48 Hours
TV Bailiff Spivey on Trial
Petrina never thought her mother's life would end this way. Her mother fell quickly for Renard.
48 Hours
TV Bailiff Spivey on Trial
Five years after Patricia's death, Renard shared with us his feelings for Patricia.
48 Hours
TV Bailiff Spivey on Trial
Renard had popped the question in 2013 after Patricia pointed at a ring she liked at a store.
48 Hours
TV Bailiff Spivey on Trial
And then they built their dream house, a 3,000 square foot home with a three car garage. But within a few hours of Patricia's death, Renard found himself under suspicion for murder. At the hospital, detectives wanted to interview Renard, but he refused. He would later tell us why.
48 Hours
TV Bailiff Spivey on Trial
While investigators tried to figure out how exactly the shooting unfolded, the medical examiner was conducting an autopsy on Patricia. According to the report, Patricia had multiple gunshot entry and exit wounds. The fatal shot piercing through her lungs and heart. 48 Hours consultant and former prosecutor Lisa Andrews reviewed the case for us.
48 Hours
TV Bailiff Spivey on Trial
On July 29th, 2019, Renard Spivey was charged with his wife's murder.
48 Hours
TV Bailiff Spivey on Trial
Renard's twin sister, Renee Spivey Frazier, says she found out her brother was arrested when she got a call from a relative.
48 Hours
TV Bailiff Spivey on Trial
Renard's friend Gerald Graham, who Renard has mentored over the years, couldn't believe it either.
48 Hours
TV Bailiff Spivey on Trial
Renard Spivey hired prominent criminal defense attorneys, brothers Dick and Mike DeGaran and Mike's son, Michael DeGaran.
48 Hours
TV Bailiff Spivey on Trial
We wanted to see if there was anything there to provide a motive for wanting her to be harmed or dead or that there was trouble in the relationship. It was a very loving relationship, as I could tell.
48 Hours
TV Bailiff Spivey on Trial
And the deceased was his wife, Pat or Patricia Spivey. Spivey, who also worked for a time as a TV judge show bailiff, is now charged with his wife's murder.
48 Hours
TV Bailiff Spivey on Trial
48 hours after he was charged with the murder of his wife, Harris County Sheriff's Deputy Renard Spivey posted bond, $50,000.
48 Hours
TV Bailiff Spivey on Trial
And returned to the house he used to share with Patricia, where investigators believed he intentionally shot her.
48 Hours
TV Bailiff Spivey on Trial
But Renard never gave a statement to police about how the events unfolded that night. And Patricia's family questioned the circumstances around her death and why Renard was free on bond. Patricia's cousin, Sybil Shepherd.
48 Hours
TV Bailiff Spivey on Trial
There was a lot of publicity because he had been on a very popular reality TV show, Justice for All with Christina Perez.
48 Hours
TV Bailiff Spivey on Trial
Patricia worked as an executive assistant for the Methodist Hospital in Houston.
48 Hours
TV Bailiff Spivey on Trial
Renard's attorney, Dick DeGaran, says the Spiveys had a good life.
48 Hours
TV Bailiff Spivey on Trial
They were very happy. They went on cruises together. Every Friday night, they had a special dinner.
48 Hours
TV Bailiff Spivey on Trial
Renard has been a bodybuilder since his 20s. In the aftermath of his wife's death, he was placed under house arrest, but was allowed to continue with his training.
48 Hours
TV Bailiff Spivey on Trial
He was also free to go to church and spend time with his family, but he resigned from his career of more than 20 years with Harris County Sheriff's Department. His TV career also took a hit.
48 Hours
TV Bailiff Spivey on Trial
Renard had portrayed the bailiff for nine years and taped more than 100 episodes. He told us it was something his wife really liked about him. And what did Patricia think of your television career?
48 Hours
TV Bailiff Spivey on Trial
Patricia's childhood friend, Ezra Washington, had a small part as an extra on that show and remembered meeting Renard when Patricia and Renard got together.
48 Hours
TV Bailiff Spivey on Trial
Renard and Ezra became close friends. But over time, even before Patricia married Renard, Ezra says Renard was controlling with her.
48 Hours
TV Bailiff Spivey on Trial
The couple got back together, but their problems hardly went away, says Ezra, and eventually impacted Patricia's relationship with her cousin, Sybil.
48 Hours
TV Bailiff Spivey on Trial
When it comes to how your mom died, do you think it was accidental? No. It just, it didn't make sense. It didn't line up.
48 Hours
TV Bailiff Spivey on Trial
Petrina says her mom and Renard had no business being married. She says their relationship became strained once they moved into their new house.
48 Hours
TV Bailiff Spivey on Trial
Petrina says her mom looked up some of Renard's pills and told her she found proof Renard was using steroids.
48 Hours
TV Bailiff Spivey on Trial
Renard says he was never controlling with Patricia, but he doesn't deny there were issues in their marriage and says they began about a month before the shooting.
48 Hours
The Perplexing Death of Susann Sills
Collier Boyle was lying awake at night when he heard something horrible. It was going through your mind at that time.
48 Hours
The Perplexing Death of Susann Sills
He was, in many eyes, a saint. He was loved by his patients.
48 Hours
The Perplexing Death of Susann Sills
Dr. Sills was a great doctor, and Susan was a great advocate for women as well. And they were a team, not just married, but a team, and working well together.
48 Hours
The Perplexing Death of Susann Sills
She sounded like she was whispering. It was so different from the happy, jovial, excited voicemails I got before. This one was definitely things weren't good.
48 Hours
The Perplexing Death of Susann Sills
She said it was a topless photo of her that had appeared on a blog. This was some discussion she didn't want to have.
48 Hours
The Perplexing Death of Susann Sills
one family two deaths a haunting crime scene with a tangle of provocative evidence 48 hours peter van sant hosts a true crime limited series podcast blood is thicker the hargan family killings available wherever you get your podcasts subscribe now
48 Hours
The Perplexing Death of Susann Sills
They ran their clinic as partners. Suzanne took care of all the business side of things.
48 Hours
The Perplexing Death of Susann Sills
All of a sudden, there started to be another woman in photos, and he was out on dates, and they were going around town.
48 Hours
The Perplexing Death of Susann Sills
She was his number one supporter in everything that he did. They really looked like they had it all.
48 Hours
The Perplexing Death of Susann Sills
She and Scott were in a really rocky place, and she was thinking about leaving him.
48 Hours
The Perplexing Death of Susann Sills
Whatever was going on between her and Scott and this picture was just a pivotal point for her.
48 Hours
The Perplexing Death of Susann Sills
From Sony Music Entertainment and Orbit Media, this is Finding Mom's Killer, available now on the binge. Search for Finding Mom's Killer wherever you get your podcasts to start listening today.
48 Hours
The Perplexing Death of Susann Sills
What do you make of the defense that the dogs may have played a role in her death?
48 Hours
The Perplexing Death of Susann Sills
Tracy Smith reports the puzzling death of Suzanne Sills.
48 Hours
The Perplexing Death of Susann Sills
Thousands of women felt him to be a saint. From the saint all the way down to the devil. That's how it ended up being.
48 Hours
The Perplexing Death of Susann Sills
Scott Sills will be eligible for parole in 2033, though it could be sooner with good behavior. He is appealing his conviction. Need more time with 48 Hours? Go deep behind every true crime episode with firsthand accounts from 48 Hours Investigations. Were you at all prepared for what happened in this case?
48 Hours
The Perplexing Death of Susann Sills
Get inside the twists and turns and get in on the case. Listen to Postmortem from 48 Hours, now available wherever you get your podcasts.
48 Hours
The Perplexing Death of Susann Sills
Collier Boyle was lying awake at night when he heard something horrible. It was going through your mind at that time.
48 Hours
The Perplexing Death of Susann Sills
His best hope? To team up with a middle-aged detective with a chip on his shoulder. I got a partner now. Somebody who's going to help me find out what happened to my mother.
48 Hours
The Perplexing Death of Susann Sills
From Sony Music Entertainment and Orbit Media, this is Finding Mom's Killer, available now on the binge. Search for Finding Mom's Killer wherever you get your podcasts to start listening today.
48 Hours
The Perplexing Death of Susann Sills
We all live two lives. Only the most intimate people that we know really know who we are.
48 Hours
The Perplexing Death of Susann Sills
Collier Boyle was lying awake at night when he heard something horrible. We're going through your mind at that time.
48 Hours
The Perplexing Death of Susann Sills
His best hope? To team up with a middle-aged detective with a chip on his shoulder. I got a partner now. Somebody who's going to help me find out what happened to my mother.
48 Hours
The Perplexing Death of Susann Sills
From Sony Music Entertainment and Orbit Media, this is Finding Mom's Killer, available now on the binge. Search for Finding Mom's Killer wherever you get your podcasts to start listening today.
48 Hours
The Perplexing Death of Susann Sills
His best hope? To team up with a middle-aged detective with a chip on his shoulder. I got a partner now. Somebody who's going to help me find out what happened to my mother.
48 Hours
Could Angela Prichard Have Been Saved?
Wendy says Angela was furious when she found a tracking device in her car and two hidden cameras in the house.
48 Hours
Could Angela Prichard Have Been Saved?
Chris Pritchard seemed to have vanished in the vast wilderness. Even the police dogs had lost his scent, says Dustin Henningsen. How do you find somebody that doesn't want to be caught? This is where our local resources really help us. Right from the start, Henningsen had corralled state and local law enforcement agencies, even farmers and hunters, to help determine where he might be.
48 Hours
Could Angela Prichard Have Been Saved?
Cattle farmer Jeff Junk and girlfriend Kim Klein were once close friends with Chris Pritchard. Neighbors called them about the rumor racing through town. Pritchard had shot his wife, Angela.
48 Hours
Could Angela Prichard Have Been Saved?
A Jackson County chief deputy stopped by Junk's house to warn them. Pritchard was on the run and might be looking for help from his friends. Then there was a knock on the door. The knock on the front door, the one they'll always remember, came around 8.15 that October night, Kim Cline says. She and boyfriend Jeff Junk were not expecting company.
48 Hours
Could Angela Prichard Have Been Saved?
I see Chris. Chris Pritchard, their old friend, now a hunted fugitive suspected of murder, was standing in the dim light, holding a shotgun.
48 Hours
Could Angela Prichard Have Been Saved?
Jeff and Kim knew they had to call the police, but until they could do that safely, Kim says they were playing along. Chris told them he'd been running all day from the cops and their dogs.
48 Hours
Could Angela Prichard Have Been Saved?
The couple told him Angela was dead. Did he express any remorse?
48 Hours
Could Angela Prichard Have Been Saved?
The moment felt so surreal, Kim says, she snapped a photo.
48 Hours
Could Angela Prichard Have Been Saved?
And the time was finally right, says Jeff, to text the chief deputy who had stopped by earlier. I said, he's up here and he has passed out. Come get him. When police arrived around midnight, Chris was still in the lazy boy chair, out cold. He didn't know what was coming.
48 Hours
Could Angela Prichard Have Been Saved?
Special Agent Henningsen collected the evidence Chris Pritchard had left behind, a 20-gauge shotgun and his torn clothes.
48 Hours
Could Angela Prichard Have Been Saved?
Special Agent Kedley escorted Pritchard to the Jackson County Jail.
48 Hours
Could Angela Prichard Have Been Saved?
Shortly after 1 a.m. on October 9th, a despondent Chris Pritchard was booked into the county jail, eventually charged with first-degree murder and robbery. After hours on the run through Iowa's wilderness... I'm going to have you look right at me, okay?
48 Hours
Could Angela Prichard Have Been Saved?
Pritchard found himself surrounded by concrete and steel, largely put there by the weight of a single word.
48 Hours
Could Angela Prichard Have Been Saved?
Wendy says the day Pritchard ended her sister's life followed months of increasingly erratic behavior and escalating rage, which Angela had documented.
48 Hours
Could Angela Prichard Have Been Saved?
Dozens of Angela's brightly colored sticky notes told a dark story. The scribbled entries became Angela's diary of domestic abuse.
48 Hours
Could Angela Prichard Have Been Saved?
Wendy invited her sister to move in with her. Angela gratefully agreed.
48 Hours
Could Angela Prichard Have Been Saved?
The next day, Angela requested a second temporary no contact order, granted September 1st, 2022. A no contact order means just that, no contact of any kind with the protected person. In the state of Iowa, a single violation requires a mandatory arrest.
48 Hours
Could Angela Prichard Have Been Saved?
And it was in place when Angela went back to the home she once shared with Chris Pritchard to pick up a few things, says Wendy.
48 Hours
Could Angela Prichard Have Been Saved?
You were with her along with police. The Bellevue police were there just in case Pritchard showed up. The court had ordered him to move out temporarily.
48 Hours
Could Angela Prichard Have Been Saved?
Under Iowa law, with a no-contact order in place, Bellevue police should have taken Pritchard's guns. But for reasons unknown, he was allowed to keep them. Wendy and Angela's sons say throughout September, the frightening violations continued. Not physical assault, but psychological terror.
48 Hours
Could Angela Prichard Have Been Saved?
Bellevue police arrested Pritchard just once on September 15th for sending Angela a text message, another violation of the no contact order. He spent one night behind bars before posting bail. The next day, says Wendy, he resumed his flurry of offenses.
48 Hours
Could Angela Prichard Have Been Saved?
One night, says Wendy, Pritchard drove by six times in one hour.
48 Hours
Could Angela Prichard Have Been Saved?
But instead of making arrests, the Bellevue police were making excuses, St. Angela's sons, for not enforcing the law.
48 Hours
Could Angela Prichard Have Been Saved?
It was 5 a.m. at the Jackson County Jail. 21 hours after Angela was found dead, Chris Pritchard waved his Miranda rights and talked about the encounter at the dog kennels with Special Agents Dustin Henningsen and Ryan Kedley.
48 Hours
Could Angela Prichard Have Been Saved?
Pritchard pleaded not guilty to first-degree murder and robbery charges. His trial began February 7, 2024.
48 Hours
Could Angela Prichard Have Been Saved?
To prove premeditated murder, prosecutors Nicole Leonard and John Keyes told jurors Pritchard put his plan in motion on October 7th, 2022, the day before he shot his wife, the same day Angela's temporary restraining order became permanent.
48 Hours
Could Angela Prichard Have Been Saved?
Before taking Angela's life, Chris Pritchard took steps to cover his tracks, say the prosecutors. He borrowed this white pickup truck to avoid using his own vehicle.
48 Hours
Could Angela Prichard Have Been Saved?
Prosecutors say Pritchard secretly parked the borrowed truck inside a barn belonging to Lori and Mike Blaser, just a few miles from the Mississippi Ridge boarding kennels. We walk in, you know, notice this white pickup truck. With a note from Chris Pritchard saying he had gone hunting. Keys are in the truck if you need to move it. I'll be back. Chris.
48 Hours
Could Angela Prichard Have Been Saved?
The Blazers would soon become crucial witnesses for the prosecution. Shortly after finding the truck and note, they heard the news about a shooting at the dog kennels.
48 Hours
Could Angela Prichard Have Been Saved?
Clear in here, Jim. Prosecutors later viewed home surveillance footage from a camera on the Blazers' property, showing Chris Pritchard entering the barn, where the Blazers kept their horse trailer.
48 Hours
Could Angela Prichard Have Been Saved?
Pritchard left the horse trailer in the middle of the night, hiking through the dense woods to the kennels, says Prosecutor Leonard.
48 Hours
Could Angela Prichard Have Been Saved?
To prove it, the prosecutors played audio clips from Pritchard's police interviews for the jury.
48 Hours
Could Angela Prichard Have Been Saved?
And Pritchard kept adding details to the story of the accidental shooting, say the special agents.
48 Hours
Could Angela Prichard Have Been Saved?
But at trial, an Iowa State medical examiner testified the gunshot had a downward trajectory, meaning Pritchard had the weapon in his hands and was standing when he fired, say prosecutors.
48 Hours
Could Angela Prichard Have Been Saved?
Angela was shot dead center in the chest, testified the medical examiner, and died in seconds.
48 Hours
Could Angela Prichard Have Been Saved?
Prosecutors say Chris Pritchard's last words on the 911 call prove his actions were premeditated, a final explosion of violence.
48 Hours
Could Angela Prichard Have Been Saved?
Pritchard's defense attorneys, who declined our request for an interview, maintained the shooting was accidental and the case against Pritchard was a rush to judgment. After four days of testimony, the case went to the jury.
48 Hours
Could Angela Prichard Have Been Saved?
This man was also waiting for the verdict and already preparing for another trial, a federal lawsuit against the Bellevue Police Department. It failed Angela, he says, time and time again. If police took action, would Angela be alive today? Absolutely. In February 2024, 16 months after Angela's death, her family's wait for a measure of justice was over.
48 Hours
Could Angela Prichard Have Been Saved?
The jury found Chris Pritchard guilty of first-degree murder and robbery.
48 Hours
Could Angela Prichard Have Been Saved?
In March, Pritchard was sentenced to life in prison without parole.
48 Hours
Could Angela Prichard Have Been Saved?
Civil rights attorney Dave O'Brien represents Angela Pritchard's family. She would be alive today, he says, if the Bellevue Police Department had enforced a judge's order of protection.
48 Hours
Could Angela Prichard Have Been Saved?
Why? Because they didn't do their job. And it's that simple.
48 Hours
Could Angela Prichard Have Been Saved?
That lawsuit lists multiple failures to arrest Chris Prichard. O'Brien says this led to what's called a state-created danger. Meaning the officers' alleged inaction and indifference actually increased the threat to Angela Pritchard. Can a police officer decide, should I arrest him or not?
48 Hours
Could Angela Prichard Have Been Saved?
Is it up to their discretion? Absolutely not. Here in Iowa, only a judge can show discretion not to enforce this restraining order.
48 Hours
Could Angela Prichard Have Been Saved?
Starting September 1, 2022, when Angela's second no-contact order was issued, until her murder 37 days later, Chris Prichard violated the restraining order repeatedly, says O'Brien.
48 Hours
Could Angela Prichard Have Been Saved?
A dozen times during this relevant time period, Angela Pritchard called the Bellevue Police Department, and they failed to follow that law, that judge's order.
48 Hours
Could Angela Prichard Have Been Saved?
That's because O'Brien says the Bellevue police officers showed Pritchard favoritism.
48 Hours
Could Angela Prichard Have Been Saved?
We have reason to believe that he was friendly with law enforcement officers.
48 Hours
Could Angela Prichard Have Been Saved?
Well, just by the sheer number of times that it was not enforced.
48 Hours
Could Angela Prichard Have Been Saved?
In October 2024, Chief Federal Judge C.J. Williams dismissed the lawsuit in its entirety. The Bellevue Police Department, he ruled, did not put Angela in a more dangerous situation, and the three officers simply did not commit outrageous conduct. The judge added there was no evidence of police favoritism.
48 Hours
Could Angela Prichard Have Been Saved?
The alleged facts, even taken as true, are a far cry from establishing that any of the defendants were friends with Christopher. Dave O'Brien was granted a hearing in December 2024. After learning he says the three Bellevue officers had withheld evidence and made false statements, allegedly concealing their friendships with Chris Pritchard. Accusations they denied.
48 Hours
Could Angela Prichard Have Been Saved?
On the morning of October 8, 2022, the serene Mississippi River town of Bellevue, Iowa, population about 2,500, woke up to a calamity. News of an apparent homicide, the first in nearly a decade.
48 Hours
Could Angela Prichard Have Been Saved?
O'Brien argued the officers were well aware Chris Prichard was a serious threat to his wife. Nine days before her murder, the Jackson County attorney warned the Bellevue Police Department in an email, Chris Prichard had 24 hours to turn himself in. If he does not report, I will be requesting a warrant. I wanted all of you to be aware as I'm afraid he might try to do something tonight.
48 Hours
Could Angela Prichard Have Been Saved?
The next day, when Pritchard failed to appear at the county jail, the arrest warrant was issued. Seven days before her murder, O'Brien says this body cam footage of a Bellevue police officer speaking with Wendy and Angela... Because right now, I guarantee he's not thinking straight.
48 Hours
Could Angela Prichard Have Been Saved?
During the final week of Angela's life... My job is to protect you at all costs. O'Brien says Bellevue police could have protected her by finding and arresting Chris Pritchard, but they never did. Is it hard to find Chris?
48 Hours
Could Angela Prichard Have Been Saved?
We have not been provided with any record showing there was any effort made to enforce the arrest warrant once it was issued on the 30th of September.
48 Hours
Could Angela Prichard Have Been Saved?
At the December hearing, defense attorneys insisted the new information presented by O'Brien was improper, should be stricken, and not considered by the court.
48 Hours
Could Angela Prichard Have Been Saved?
Our ideal outcome would be just complete reversal of the judge's decision.
48 Hours
Could Angela Prichard Have Been Saved?
In January 2025, Judge Williams refused to reverse his dismissal. Bellevue Police Chief Dennis Schroeder issued this statement to a local newspaper, which read in part, We are pleased with the decision. We continue to strengthen our services and response efforts to prevent domestic violence and provide support to those in need.
48 Hours
Could Angela Prichard Have Been Saved?
I've heard people say that no contact orders aren't worth the paper they're written on. And in this case, that was true. But I firmly believe that they are worth something, but they have to be enforced.
48 Hours
Could Angela Prichard Have Been Saved?
Chris Prichard's life sentence also helped bring her family some comfort and the courage to move forward. They believe Angela would want them to make this public plea.
48 Hours
Could Angela Prichard Have Been Saved?
According to the Violence Policy Center, nearly three women in the US are killed by an intimate partner each day. If you or someone you know is a victim of domestic violence, contact the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-7233.
48 Hours
Could Angela Prichard Have Been Saved?
Dozens of investigators from six different law enforcement agencies were combing the crime scene at the Mississippi Ridge boarding kennels with body cameras rolling. The woman who ran the kennels, Angela Pritchard, 55, had been gunned down.
48 Hours
Could Angela Prichard Have Been Saved?
Her sister, Wendy Buddy, believed she knew who was responsible. Angela's husband, Chris Pritchard.
48 Hours
Could Angela Prichard Have Been Saved?
Wendy says Angela had been trying to leave him for months and lived in fear he would kill her.
48 Hours
Could Angela Prichard Have Been Saved?
Ryan Kedley and Dustin Henningsen are special agents with Iowa's DCI, the Department of Criminal Investigation. Bellevue's small police force with just several officers invited the state police to lead the investigation. While Angela's family was convinced Chris Pritchard was the killer, the special agents had to connect all the dots.
48 Hours
Could Angela Prichard Have Been Saved?
Those were the last words spoken by Angela and the first clue investigators had to identify her killer.
48 Hours
Could Angela Prichard Have Been Saved?
Pools of morning light illuminated pools of blood surrounding her body. Angela was lying face down in the kennel's washroom where she bathed the dogs.
48 Hours
Could Angela Prichard Have Been Saved?
How do you track him down? The special agents spotted a barely visible blood trail.
48 Hours
Could Angela Prichard Have Been Saved?
Digging into Chris Pritchard's life, the special agents soon learned about his volatile history with Angela, which included violence and violations of a restraining order.
48 Hours
Could Angela Prichard Have Been Saved?
Investigators reviewed the footage starting at midnight the day of the shooting. For hours, there was nothing to see. But just after 4 a.m., there was something to hear.
48 Hours
Could Angela Prichard Have Been Saved?
Henningsen believes Chris Pritchard entered the kennels and lay in wait for nearly four hours.
48 Hours
Could Angela Prichard Have Been Saved?
About two minutes after the gunshot, at 7.41, the man they now suspected to be her killer, Chris Pritchard, appeared.
48 Hours
Could Angela Prichard Have Been Saved?
Outside the kennels, miles of thick woods stretch to the horizon, an area the northeastern Iowa locals call the wilderness. It was rugged terrain. Chris Pritchard knew well, says Wendy.
48 Hours
Could Angela Prichard Have Been Saved?
Fanning out from the kennels, heavily armed officers searched nearby neighborhoods, house to house, barn to barn.
48 Hours
Could Angela Prichard Have Been Saved?
Angela Pritchard's world revolved around family, especially her two sons and six grandchildren.
48 Hours
Could Angela Prichard Have Been Saved?
And making memories with their mom later in life was Chris Pritchard, the very man investigators were now chasing. Wendy Budde and her husband Jim had known Pritchard for years.
48 Hours
Could Angela Prichard Have Been Saved?
Pritchard, a longtime Bellevue resident, was an established electrician in town. Soon, Angela found her calling.
48 Hours
Could Angela Prichard Have Been Saved?
After dating for nearly two years, they moved into this Bellevue home and even got married here in March 2019. The newlyweds were over the moon for about eight months. When did things change?
48 Hours
Could Angela Prichard Have Been Saved?
Fired and charged with first-degree theft, a felony, after he allegedly stole $36,000 worth of supplies from the electric company where he worked.
48 Hours
Could Angela Prichard Have Been Saved?
Awaiting trial, Pritchard was out on bail and out of work, says Wendy.
48 Hours
Could Angela Prichard Have Been Saved?
Pritchard finally took some odd jobs and helped Angela at the kennels. But in the summer of 2021, Wendy says Angela discovered her husband was using methamphetamine.
48 Hours
Could Angela Prichard Have Been Saved?
The simmering tension reached a boiling point on April 18th, 2022. She said, Chris hit me.
48 Hours
Could Angela Prichard Have Been Saved?
Police didn't have to go far to find Pritchard. He was in the garage.
48 Hours
Could Angela Prichard Have Been Saved?
Chris Pritchard was arrested and charged with domestic assault.
48 Hours
Could Angela Prichard Have Been Saved?
Chris spent the night in jail and was released awaiting trial, staying with family. Angela sought and received a temporary no-contact order.
48 Hours
Could Angela Prichard Have Been Saved?
Each had been married before, but had hoped this would be their last marriage, says Wendy. Angela withdrew the no-contact order.
48 Hours
Cati Blauvelt: Death of a Soldier’s Wife
Katie and John were known to have gone there, too. The friends made their way to the basement. They were horrified by what they found. One of them called 911.
48 Hours
Cati Blauvelt: Death of a Soldier’s Wife
Katie Blauvelt's body had been stuffed into that cold, concrete box. You believe Katie was killed outside the house and brought in?
48 Hours
Cati Blauvelt: Death of a Soldier’s Wife
It was October 26, 2016. Investigators made that official death notification visit to Blauvelt. They got their first sense of the resentment he held towards Katie. She flipped my life upside down. Morcraft and Schofield wanted more information from Blauvelt. And so, just a week later, they spoke with him.
48 Hours
Cati Blauvelt: Death of a Soldier’s Wife
He told them he visited Katie at the funeral home.
48 Hours
Cati Blauvelt: Death of a Soldier’s Wife
Blauvelt said he hadn't seen Katie in months. Their marriage had been a nonstop argument.
48 Hours
Cati Blauvelt: Death of a Soldier’s Wife
Sitting across, talking to this man, what are you sensing in John Blauvelt?
48 Hours
Cati Blauvelt: Death of a Soldier’s Wife
You do. Investigators confront Hannah, sensing she must know something.
48 Hours
Cati Blauvelt: Death of a Soldier’s Wife
And while they suspected Hannah might know something, they did not know exactly what. I can tell you already you're lying to me.
48 Hours
Cati Blauvelt: Death of a Soldier’s Wife
Investigators showed Hannah an autopsy photo of Katie. Look at her. She's right here.
48 Hours
Cati Blauvelt: Death of a Soldier’s Wife
With no help from Hannah, police hands were tied. We had to let him go. Potential hard evidence had to be processed, including Blauvelt's cell phone records and his DNA.
48 Hours
Cati Blauvelt: Death of a Soldier’s Wife
John Blauvelt, trained in survival and combat, suddenly loose on the open road.
48 Hours
Cati Blauvelt: Death of a Soldier’s Wife
And so did Hannah Thompson. Police believed she was with Blauvelt. Prosecutor Kinley Abe would begin building the case with the chilling evidence she says he left behind.
48 Hours
Cati Blauvelt: Death of a Soldier’s Wife
What you're holding there is what I'm seeing on this X-ray.
48 Hours
Cati Blauvelt: Death of a Soldier’s Wife
Simpsonville police knew they needed help to find John Blauvelt.
48 Hours
Cati Blauvelt: Death of a Soldier’s Wife
On October 24th of 2016, Katie Blauvelt went missing.
48 Hours
Cati Blauvelt: Death of a Soldier’s Wife
On November 18, 2016, John Blauvelt, still on the run, was charged with Katie's murder.
48 Hours
Cati Blauvelt: Death of a Soldier’s Wife
U.S. Marshal Will Cook based near Simpsonville, would become the point person in the hunt for Blauvelt, who had been skilled at evasion.
48 Hours
Cati Blauvelt: Death of a Soldier’s Wife
Investigators remained uncertain about Hannah Thompson's involvement in the murder, if any. but they knew for sure she was traveling with Blauvelt. They uncovered photos of Blauvelt and Thompson shopping and Blauvelt at an ATM. His red Yukon truck passing through Texas and New Mexico heading west. Were you able to get hits on where this vehicle was from time to time?
48 Hours
Cati Blauvelt: Death of a Soldier’s Wife
But by the time police were able to respond, Blauvelt was gone. In a game like this, all the seconds count. Then, after a month, investigators caught a break. Hannah Thompson made contact with her family from Eugene, Oregon. She wanted to come home to Simpsonville. Cheryl Schofield couldn't wait to talk to her. Hannah's story was that John had left her in Eugene, just up and walked away.
48 Hours
Cati Blauvelt: Death of a Soldier’s Wife
She had no idea where John was headed, but apparently she had enough of life on the run.
48 Hours
Cati Blauvelt: Death of a Soldier’s Wife
Any romantic notion Hannah may have had was derailed when John got the Yukon stuck in the mud in the Pacific Northwest. Couldn't get out. Could not get out.
48 Hours
Cati Blauvelt: Death of a Soldier’s Wife
The couple was reduced to panhandling for change. And they use that for food? Sustainment. Hannah says while on the road, Blauvelt confessed, sharing the awful details of the killing.
48 Hours
Cati Blauvelt: Death of a Soldier’s Wife
an adult can psychologically take advantage of a child. Do you believe, in a way, that's what was going on between John and Hannah?
48 Hours
Cati Blauvelt: Death of a Soldier’s Wife
Hannah told conflicting stories about her involvement, eventually saying she dropped Blauvelt off by PetSmart the day Katie disappeared and then left. Hannah says she did not know he planned to kill Katie, but later that day, he asked her to help hide Katie's car. She also admitted she had lied in her first interview just days after Katie's murder.
48 Hours
Cati Blauvelt: Death of a Soldier’s Wife
Investigators did not charge Hannah right away because they needed her.
48 Hours
Cati Blauvelt: Death of a Soldier’s Wife
But if Hannah knew where John was, she wasn't ready to tell them.
48 Hours
Cati Blauvelt: Death of a Soldier’s Wife
Blauvelt was still out there. Months turned into years. Lives changed. He's beating us, and we don't like to lose. It's driving you crazy. It's driving us crazy. Was it frustrating that you retired with this case still out there?
48 Hours
Cati Blauvelt: Death of a Soldier’s Wife
Those who knew Blauvelt thought justice for Katie might never come.
48 Hours
Cati Blauvelt: Death of a Soldier’s Wife
The cops in Simpsonville interviewed Hannah repeatedly over the years. Then in 2022, six years after Katie's murder, Hannah finally revealed a secret. She had been in regular contact with Blauvelt for years.
48 Hours
Cati Blauvelt: Death of a Soldier’s Wife
Authorities believe Hannah had matured, with time and distance away from John. She told them she realized what she had done was wrong and gradually offered more leads. John might still be in Oregon, and she added John told her he had been living with another woman for years.
48 Hours
Cati Blauvelt: Death of a Soldier’s Wife
Medford, a small city in the Northwest. Investigators jumped on the lead and discovered a phone number that John had used to text a mystery woman. And this sounds tantalizing, isn't it? Very tantalizing. Marshal Chris Tamayo is Will Cook's colleague in the Northwest. His team got an address that corresponded with the mystery woman's house. He took us to the scene.
48 Hours
Cati Blauvelt: Death of a Soldier’s Wife
But six years after John allegedly murdered Katie, how could investigators be certain they had their man?
48 Hours
Cati Blauvelt: Death of a Soldier’s Wife
He was just coming out shirtless. But was it for sure John Blauvelt? A pirate told the tale.
48 Hours
Cati Blauvelt: Death of a Soldier’s Wife
On July 20, 2022, some six years after Katie's death, Chris Tamayo joined marshals and other law enforcement for the takedown of the man they believed killed her.
48 Hours
Cati Blauvelt: Death of a Soldier’s Wife
John Glauvelt under arrest. He's getting handcuffed. Handcuffs. But the suspect told the marshals they had the wrong man. He said, I'm Ben Kline. I said, no, you're not.
48 Hours
Cati Blauvelt: Death of a Soldier’s Wife
When the marshals went inside the house, they realized the raid could have taken a fatal turn.
48 Hours
Cati Blauvelt: Death of a Soldier’s Wife
All of it was apparently news to the woman Blauvelt was living with when she returned to the house later that day.
48 Hours
Cati Blauvelt: Death of a Soldier’s Wife
Blauvelt's girlfriend told the Marshalls she had no idea who he really was.
48 Hours
Cati Blauvelt: Death of a Soldier’s Wife
She loved him. She loved him. The news hit Simpsonville like thunder.
48 Hours
Cati Blauvelt: Death of a Soldier’s Wife
John Blauvelt would go cross-country again, this time handcuffed, brought back to a South Carolina jail to await trial. Just three months later, Hannah Thompson would be charged with five felonies, including obstruction of justice and accessory after the fact. She would plead not guilty and be released on bail.
48 Hours
Cati Blauvelt: Death of a Soldier’s Wife
Prosecutor Kinley Abey, who began putting the case against Blauvelt together a few months after Katie was killed, would team with John Metters, preparing the case for trial, starting with that blade investigators found in Katie's neck.
48 Hours
Cati Blauvelt: Death of a Soldier’s Wife
He's been trained on how to defend himself. He's been trained on how to kill. Does that make him a unique fugitive? It does. So we don't know where he's going to go. We don't know what he could be doing next. When you heard that he was on the run, what'd you think?
48 Hours
Cati Blauvelt: Death of a Soldier’s Wife
they focused on that abandoned farmhouse where kids once partied, where they found Katie.
48 Hours
Cati Blauvelt: Death of a Soldier’s Wife
So do you think John was making a statement by placing her body... Absolutely. ...in this bin that normally you put trash?
48 Hours
Cati Blauvelt: Death of a Soldier’s Wife
Prosecutors say Blauvelt blamed Katie for the abrupt end of his military career. It's all Katie's fault. He's not responsible for what he did. He's blaming his wife. Yes. And there were John Blauvelt's own words. While on the run, he kept a journal that the marshals found. Like a diary, correct? Correct. And it held a damning entry. So at the end, it says boldly, I did it.
48 Hours
Cati Blauvelt: Death of a Soldier’s Wife
In September 2024, eight years after Katie's death, John Blauvelt went on trial for murder. Patti Piver described the child she adored. Ali Somerville stared at the man she once called a role model. He looked like a stone-cold killer to me. The prosecution's key witness was Hannah Thompson, she would admit to helping Blauvelt the day Katie died.
48 Hours
Cati Blauvelt: Death of a Soldier’s Wife
And prosecutors played this grainy video. Hannah says it shows John Blauvelt getting out of Katie's car and into his. Hannah was at the wheel of his Prius.
48 Hours
Cati Blauvelt: Death of a Soldier’s Wife
Once on the run, she says he told her the details of the murder.
48 Hours
Cati Blauvelt: Death of a Soldier’s Wife
But Blauvelt's defense team, Paul Neely and Anna Walker, made Hannah admit that her story changed over the years.
48 Hours
Cati Blauvelt: Death of a Soldier’s Wife
Then the defense zeroed in on the lack of DNA evidence at the scene. Was there any DNA that tied John Blaufeld to this murder? No.
48 Hours
Cati Blauvelt: Death of a Soldier’s Wife
And what about John Blauvelt's journal, in which he wrote, I did it? His lawyers told 48 Hours much of it was a fantasy.
48 Hours
Cati Blauvelt: Death of a Soldier’s Wife
The prosecution pointed to the importance of her testimony.
48 Hours
Cati Blauvelt: Death of a Soldier’s Wife
The trial lasted four days. The jury was out for some five hours.
48 Hours
Cati Blauvelt: Death of a Soldier’s Wife
John Blauvelt has been found guilty for the murder of his estranged wife, Katie Booter Blauvelt.
48 Hours
Cati Blauvelt: Death of a Soldier’s Wife
It was very emotional in the courtroom. Kind of quiet, but you could tell Katie's family was very emotional. As soon as the jurors got out, I just started crying.
48 Hours
Cati Blauvelt: Death of a Soldier’s Wife
John Blauvelt was sentenced to life in prison without parole.
48 Hours
Cati Blauvelt: Death of a Soldier’s Wife
And what did the family think about Hannah Thompson, who allegedly covered for Blauvelt for so long?
48 Hours
Cati Blauvelt: Death of a Soldier’s Wife
In the soft South Carolina night in the city of Simpsonville, Katie Blauvelt was missing. It had been two fearful days for her mom, Patty Piver.
48 Hours
Cati Blauvelt: Death of a Soldier’s Wife
What would you say to your sister today, if you could?
48 Hours
Cati Blauvelt: Death of a Soldier’s Wife
Then, past midnight, October 26, 2016, investigators Cheryl Schofield and Keith Moorcraft were dispatched to the scene. Katie's mangled body had been found in an abandoned farmhouse, 22 years old, a knife blade left in her body.
48 Hours
Cati Blauvelt: Death of a Soldier’s Wife
Moorcraft and another investigator went to tell John Blauvelt his wife's body had been found. We went to make the death notification.
48 Hours
Cati Blauvelt: Death of a Soldier’s Wife
At first, Blauvelt appeared distressed. But as the conversation progressed, his demeanor changed.
48 Hours
Cati Blauvelt: Death of a Soldier’s Wife
John Blauvelt did have one question, but it wasn't about Katie.
48 Hours
Cati Blauvelt: Death of a Soldier’s Wife
But they couldn't arrest him on a feeling. First, Moorcraft and Schofield had evidence to gather and a case to build. But just as they got started, John Blauvelt took to the road. Traveling with him, Hannah Thompson, his new girlfriend, all of 17. How concerned were you about Hannah's safety?
48 Hours
Cati Blauvelt: Death of a Soldier’s Wife
But John Blauvelt hadn't always been considered threatening. Back in 2014, in this quiet city of some 20,000, he was a welcome part of the community, the larger-than-life public face of the U.S. Army. A person of principle, someone willing to sacrifice for his country. Yes, that's what I think. These are all admirable traits, right? Exactly.
48 Hours
Cati Blauvelt: Death of a Soldier’s Wife
It was then that John met Katie, just yards from his recruiting office, at this sub shop where she worked. Katie turned 20. John was 26. They started dating.
48 Hours
Cati Blauvelt: Death of a Soldier’s Wife
In the summer of 2015, recruiter John Blauvelt convinced Katie to enlist. But after just two months, a health issue prevented her from finishing her training.
48 Hours
Cati Blauvelt: Death of a Soldier’s Wife
She got a medical discharge out of the Army. While Katie's military hopes were dashed, John told friends he had found his calling.
48 Hours
Cati Blauvelt: Death of a Soldier’s Wife
With his war stories about his deployments in Iraq, his sharp uniform decorated with service ribbons, John impressed local teenagers.
48 Hours
Cati Blauvelt: Death of a Soldier’s Wife
Allie Somerville, a close friend of Katie, says she often ate lunch with John at his recruiting booth in her school. She adds he also sometimes showed up at local hangouts. I thought he was cool. He was very interested in your life, what you were up to and things. Yeah, he made sure I was okay. But as he began dating Katie, her family was never half sure about John Blauvelt.
48 Hours
Cati Blauvelt: Death of a Soldier’s Wife
Then, after about a year and seemingly out of the blue, Katie surprised her family with an alarming announcement.
48 Hours
Cati Blauvelt: Death of a Soldier’s Wife
Staff Sergeant John Blauvelt and his new bride were putting down roots in the community. Katie had taken a job at the local PetSmart. Yeah, she's going to love that. And she did. And she was passionate about animals.
48 Hours
Cati Blauvelt: Death of a Soldier’s Wife
This could be a career for her. As for John, he already owned this four-bedroom home in Fountain Inn, right next to Simpsonville, where investigator Cheryl Schofield worked.
48 Hours
Cati Blauvelt: Death of a Soldier’s Wife
Katie moved in, and soon the house was crowded with kids, but not the kind Katie imagined.
48 Hours
Cati Blauvelt: Death of a Soldier’s Wife
John had invited Katie's niece to stay with them. And later, Hannah Thompson and Allie Somerville crashed there, too. Allie says it became a party destination for kids from their high school, where John often worked as an Army recruiter.
48 Hours
Cati Blauvelt: Death of a Soldier’s Wife
He was a recruiter for the military. He was someone that was respected by the community.
48 Hours
Cati Blauvelt: Death of a Soldier’s Wife
And Ali claimed it wasn't just weed that was the draw. She said at times there was booze, acid, and cocaine. This is with the U.S. Army recruiter, right?
48 Hours
Cati Blauvelt: Death of a Soldier’s Wife
Patty says it wasn't long before Katie grew frustrated with all of the partying and told John it had to stop. Her dream house turned into a party house. Right. And that's the last thing your sister wanted, right? Absolutely. As Katie and Blauvelt drifted, Hannah Thompson was there to fuel the fire.
48 Hours
Cati Blauvelt: Death of a Soldier’s Wife
And what was the nature of Hannah's relationship with John as time went on?
48 Hours
Cati Blauvelt: Death of a Soldier’s Wife
It was all too much for Katie. According to police records, after being married less than three months, Katie moved out. Captain Schofield says John and Hannah wasted no time.
48 Hours
Cati Blauvelt: Death of a Soldier’s Wife
Simpsonville is a tight-knit community. It's got that small-town Southern charm. This is a place where you bake a cake and take it to your neighbor next door.
48 Hours
Cati Blauvelt: Death of a Soldier’s Wife
Hannah's father went to the police and told them he hadn't seen his daughter for two weeks. That night, on February 26, 2016, cops showed up at John Blauvelt's house. When they arrived, what happens?
48 Hours
Cati Blauvelt: Death of a Soldier’s Wife
Allie Somerville was inside the house with John and some other minors when police arrived.
48 Hours
Cati Blauvelt: Death of a Soldier’s Wife
A veteran of the Iraq War. and they're having to pull their guns to get him out of the house. Yes. It's kind of extraordinary, isn't it?
48 Hours
Cati Blauvelt: Death of a Soldier’s Wife
John eventually opened the door and was questioned by police. On February 27, 2016, he was arrested and charged with contributing to the delinquency of a minor. His soldier's image replaced with a mugshot.
48 Hours
Cati Blauvelt: Death of a Soldier’s Wife
And soon, Blauvelt's troubles would get even worse. Police talked to Katie the day Blauvelt was arrested. She told them about a more troubling incident she says happened a month earlier.
48 Hours
Cati Blauvelt: Death of a Soldier’s Wife
John was a catch for Katie. She married him, was happy, wanted to have kids and get their life started.
48 Hours
Cati Blauvelt: Death of a Soldier’s Wife
Pulls out a gun, points it at her head, says what?
48 Hours
Cati Blauvelt: Death of a Soldier’s Wife
A restraining order was issued preventing Blauvelt and Katie from seeing each other.
48 Hours
Cati Blauvelt: Death of a Soldier’s Wife
That consequence came... just a few days later, when the Department of the Army cut John's pay and suspended him from the recruiting duty that defined him.
48 Hours
Cati Blauvelt: Death of a Soldier’s Wife
The Army reassigned him to a small back office and began an investigation that might lead to his dismissal.
48 Hours
Cati Blauvelt: Death of a Soldier’s Wife
Katie quickly moved on from her short, disastrous marriage and told her mother she planned to divorce John. Your daughter moves out. Does she move back with you? Yeah. But despite the restraining order, Katie and John still had some contact, including visits to the house she had shared with John.
48 Hours
Cati Blauvelt: Death of a Soldier’s Wife
As for Blauvelt, the military career he cherished was in tatters. And according to Allie Somerville, he planned to get revenge. Did he ever say anything about harming Katie?
48 Hours
Cati Blauvelt: Death of a Soldier’s Wife
What did John and Katie seem like as a couple to you?
48 Hours
Cati Blauvelt: Death of a Soldier’s Wife
Do you think he'd really go through with it? No, never.
48 Hours
Cati Blauvelt: Death of a Soldier’s Wife
Police say Katie Blauvelt was last seen alive on October 24th, 2016 at her job at PetSmart. But come morning in Simpsonville, no one had heard from her. Calls to her went to voicemail. Her mother reported her missing. Did she tell the officers she spoke with that she was suspicious of John Blauvelt? She did. The desperate search and the painful waiting began.
48 Hours
Cati Blauvelt: Death of a Soldier’s Wife
They had a little honeymoon after they got married, and once they got back, things were no longer as good as they were. It seemed like ever since then, just everything went downhill. Their marriage had fallen apart. Hannah Thompson and John were hanging out a lot.
48 Hours
Cati Blauvelt: Death of a Soldier’s Wife
But after midnight, two of Katie's friends followed a hunch that sent them deep in the woods to the old abandoned farmhouse.
48 Hours
A Day Care Worker Convicted of Murder
What do you make of Garrett Discovery's findings? Chat now with the 48 Hours team on Facebook and X.
48 Hours
A Day Care Worker Convicted of Murder
Her case was before the Prisoner Review Board in an effort to get clemency. People have to know the truth. I have to keep pushing, fighting no matter how much it hurts. I want people to know I'm innocent.
48 Hours
A Day Care Worker Convicted of Murder
Erin Moriarty reports, unraveling the case against Melissa.
48 Hours
A Day Care Worker Convicted of Murder
You may remember in 2009, Melissa Kaluzinski was working at a Lincolnshire daycare. She was given 31 years in prison for the death of a 16-month-old who was in her care. Since then, she and her supporters have been fighting back, calling this a wrongful conviction.
48 Hours
The Blackout Murder of Livye Lewis
So McDonough enlisted the help of the Texas Rangers and began piecing together what happened to Livy.
48 Hours
The Blackout Murder of Livye Lewis
Sean, a former Texas oil and gas man... once employed a then 20-year-old Matthew as a supervisor on his pipeline.
48 Hours
The Blackout Murder of Livye Lewis
Sean was also once a deputy sheriff and says in his personal and professional opinion, Matthew is innocent.
48 Hours
The Blackout Murder of Livye Lewis
Sean believes Matthew when he says he has no memory of what happened. The cause of death for that girl is not natural. And thinks this moment... Did they tell you her name? Libby. ...was very real.
48 Hours
The Blackout Murder of Livye Lewis
Sean won't name names, but Matthew and his mother Cindy have insinuated that someone else killed Livy. Montana.
48 Hours
The Blackout Murder of Livye Lewis
This is one of the last photos ever taken of Livy. She is with Montana, and they are at that party Matthew told investigators about at Bobby Ozan's place.
48 Hours
The Blackout Murder of Livye Lewis
Including Matthew and Montana's sons. Bobby told investigators Matthew spent the night watching Livvy and Montana party with everyone but him.
48 Hours
The Blackout Murder of Livye Lewis
Investigators learned that Livvy had broken up with Matthew just weeks earlier and he had taken up with another young woman in town.
48 Hours
The Blackout Murder of Livye Lewis
But it was clear to Bobby that Matthew wasn't over Livvy.
48 Hours
The Blackout Murder of Livye Lewis
As the party at Bobby Ozan's was winding down, Matthew Edgar says he called it a night.
48 Hours
The Blackout Murder of Livye Lewis
That's where Matthew's memory goes blank. But his ex-wife, Montana Bockell, remembers much more. The day is October the 31st. In this audio recording, Montana told investigators Matthew suddenly came back to the party and learned that Livvy had decided to stay overnight at Bobby's.
48 Hours
The Blackout Murder of Livye Lewis
That was too much for him. That was just too much. According to Montana, Matthew was so angry, he even took it out on her.
48 Hours
The Blackout Murder of Livye Lewis
Montana says she and Libby left in separate cars. In search of safety, Montana says she headed toward the home where Matthew's mother and grandparents lived, and that's where Matthew caught up with her.
48 Hours
The Blackout Murder of Livye Lewis
In all the racket, Montana says Matthew left and headed for his own home a short distance away on the same property. A shaken Montana says she asked to stay the night with Matthew's mother and grandparents and then began texting with Matthew.
48 Hours
The Blackout Murder of Livye Lewis
What does he say? You took part in it and you are guilty as she is, wrote Matthew, as he angrily accused Montana of playing a part in Libby's decision to spend the night with Bobby Ozan. Those texts would become damning evidence in the case against Matthew Edgar. He said, you knew what was going on. A decision that appears to have enraged him.
48 Hours
The Blackout Murder of Livye Lewis
Mark my words. At 3.22 a.m., Matthew texts, I'm leaving. Better get here and get your kids. McDonough says evidence shows that a drunk and angry Matthew then got behind the wheel of his truck, where he kept his rifle and went hunting for Livy.
48 Hours
The Blackout Murder of Livye Lewis
12 minutes after texting, I'm leaving, Matthew texted, I'm home. I got Libby's keys and her phone. Montana asked, where is she? Matthew's response, dead. Montana told investigators she didn't call 911 because she didn't believe he was serious. Instead, Montana texted Matthew, can I come down there? His reply, yeah.
48 Hours
The Blackout Murder of Livye Lewis
But Montana claims that Matthew's mother wouldn't let her leave, so she just fell asleep.
48 Hours
The Blackout Murder of Livye Lewis
But Matthew didn't go to bed. McDonough says evidence shows that not long after sending that text that Livvy was dead, Matthew did something no one can explain. He went back to the crime scene. this time in his cousin Zach's truck. It's that truck that was found parked behind Livvy's car. Why would he go back then? Why would he return to the scene of the crime?
48 Hours
The Blackout Murder of Livye Lewis
That would be a question you'd have to ask Matthew. I can't explain that. Also hard to explain, Montana's failure to call 911. It made no sense to Livvy's friend, Bailey.
48 Hours
The Blackout Murder of Livye Lewis
McDonough says he and his team of investigators wondered if Montana had been to the crime scene that morning to try and help Matthew cover up Libby's murder.
48 Hours
The Blackout Murder of Livye Lewis
Two months after the crime, Montana was given a polygraph exam.
48 Hours
The Blackout Murder of Livye Lewis
After monitoring her physiological responses, Montana was told she failed the polygraph.
48 Hours
The Blackout Murder of Livye Lewis
But after an in-depth multi-agency investigation, investigators concluded that Montana was never at the crime scene and had nothing to do with Libby's shooting or any coverup. And so to all those who think somehow she's involved, you say... Not true. Not true at all. All the evidence, says McDonough, points to one person, Matthew Edgar. Is there a motive in your mind? Jealousy. Jealousy.
48 Hours
The Blackout Murder of Livye Lewis
Plain and simple. In February 2021, the COVID pandemic shut down the courts and this case. With no grand juries being convened, a judge was forced by law to release a still unindicted Matthew Edgar on a reasonable bond, $50,000. For them to set it so low was insane to me. Months after Matthew's release, Darcy was at her local convenience store when Matthew just strolled in.
48 Hours
The Blackout Murder of Livye Lewis
Matthew pressed charges against Darcy, and she was arrested. The charges would eventually be dropped, but Darcy says she just wanted some answers.
48 Hours
The Blackout Murder of Livye Lewis
On March 16th, 2021, four and a half months after his arrest. The charge is going to be homicide. A grand jury finally heard the evidence against Matthew Edgar. and indicted him for the murder of Livy Lewis. But Matthew, who was still out on bail, wasn't done breaking the law and tormenting Livy's family.
48 Hours
The Blackout Murder of Livye Lewis
As January 2022 and the trial of Matthew Edgar approached, Darcy Bass was confident that the evidence in the murder of her daughter Livy would finally prove that Matthew had killed her.
48 Hours
The Blackout Murder of Livye Lewis
Then there were all those venomous texts between Matthew and Montana that Taylor and Bailey say ended with a clear confession.
48 Hours
The Blackout Murder of Livye Lewis
And remember that text that read, I got Livvy's keys and her phone? Well, Livvy's phone was found in the truck Matthew had driven to the crime scene. Her keys were found on the driveway at his grandparents' house and reluctantly handed over to investigators by Matthew's mother, Cindy Hogan. Is it true, in your opinion, that she tried to keep Livvy's keys from investigators? That was the indication.
48 Hours
The Blackout Murder of Livye Lewis
Cindy Hogan also tried to help her son by suggesting that Livy had been killed by a drug cartel because Matthew owed them money.
48 Hours
The Blackout Murder of Livye Lewis
On Monday, January 24th, 2022, the trial of Matthew Edgar began with jury selection. Matthew, who was still out on bond, walked in and out of court every day like a free man.
48 Hours
The Blackout Murder of Livye Lewis
On the first day of testimony, the state began presenting its case, which included DNA lab results that detected a tiny speck of Livy's blood on the pants Matthew was wearing when he was found at the crime scene. How important is that piece of evidence? It's critical. It puts him there at the time that that injury caused her death.
48 Hours
The Blackout Murder of Livye Lewis
But Matthews' court-appointed defense attorney, Rob Hughes, argued that a tiny drop of blood doesn't prove a thing. How else could that speck have gotten on his pant leg if not coming from blood spatter from the shooting?
48 Hours
The Blackout Murder of Livye Lewis
Hughes says there's no telling how long that blood had been there. And all that blood on Matthew's face that McDonough swabbed and had tested, it wasn't Livy's or Matthew's. And once they were excluded, investigators didn't pursue other matches. Hugh says there were additional DNA tests that also raised questions about who else may have been at the crime scene.
48 Hours
The Blackout Murder of Livye Lewis
Hughes tried his best to argue that the DNA should be considered reasonable doubt, but admits that his biggest obstacle in defending Matthew were those texts and Matthew's insistence that he has no memory of sending them.
48 Hours
The Blackout Murder of Livye Lewis
In your entire career as a defense attorney, have you ever had a client who was functioning during the course of a crime, texting, conversing with people, driving an automobile, who then said they had no memory whatsoever of the events?
48 Hours
The Blackout Murder of Livye Lewis
Hughes also asserted that the murder weapon had not been tested for fingerprints or DNA, but conceded the rifle belonged to Matthew. After a second day of testimony, the prosecutor notified Hughes that he would be resting his case the next morning And it would then be Hughes' turn to call witnesses.
48 Hours
The Blackout Murder of Livye Lewis
Sean Dunn says that he had been Snapchatting with Matthew, who was feeling optimistic about his chances.
48 Hours
The Blackout Murder of Livye Lewis
But the next morning, as Rob Hughes arrived at the courthouse, he got a panicked call from Matthew's mother, who told him her son was now a fugitive.
48 Hours
The Blackout Murder of Livye Lewis
Authorities say Matthew had simply waited for the battery on his ankle monitor to die and then left home, most likely on foot.
48 Hours
The Blackout Murder of Livye Lewis
Roughly two miles. Meanwhile, Matthew's trial went on without him. That very same day, defense attorney Rob Hughes began presenting his case. The jury was not told that Matthew had fled, but they must have wondered.
48 Hours
The Blackout Murder of Livye Lewis
No one was surprised when after deliberating for about an hour and a half, the jury found Matthew Edgar guilty of murder. But he was still on the loose, out there somewhere, an armed threat to himself and the community.
48 Hours
The Blackout Murder of Livye Lewis
Darcy says it felt like no one was searching for Matthew, so she became a mother on a mission and hung this homemade wanted poster all over town. But she wasn't alone. J.P. McDonough had been joined by Jeff Coulter, a special deputy with the Eastern District U.S. Marshal Service, and they were on the hunt for Matthew. Do you consider him right off the bat to be a dangerous fugitive?
48 Hours
The Blackout Murder of Livye Lewis
This is the very spot where 19-year-old Livy Lewis was murdered, now a memorial lovingly tended to by her mother, Darcy.
48 Hours
The Blackout Murder of Livye Lewis
It's also a place that Darcy is convinced Matthew Edgar visited after becoming a fugitive.
48 Hours
The Blackout Murder of Livye Lewis
Darcy says she also heard rumors that Matthew's mother had been spotted buying her son's favorite cigarettes and liquor in large quantities.
48 Hours
The Blackout Murder of Livye Lewis
One week after Matthew ran from the law, Jeff Coulter, a special deputy with the U.S. Marshals, was asked to take over the manhunt. When you first begin your investigation, do you start with his family to see if they've heard anything?
48 Hours
The Blackout Murder of Livye Lewis
Coulter says he quietly spent nearly a year working with the sheriff's office and other law enforcement agencies around the country to chase down every lead that came their way. We had put in a lot of hours, a lot of weekends, a lot of late nights. Then a tip that Matthew might actually be hiding in plain sight, just yards from his grandparents' property in this house.
48 Hours
The Blackout Murder of Livye Lewis
The house, which belonged to a family friend, was surrounded by woodlands. So Coulter enlisted the aid of two wardens with Texas Parks and Wildlife Department. The plan? To get as close as possible, under the cloak of darkness, using night vision to ID their man.
48 Hours
The Blackout Murder of Livye Lewis
While Coulter led a team of three men into the woods, J.P. McDonough and his deputies were on the opposite side of the house, near the driveway, but out of sight in their vehicles.
48 Hours
The Blackout Murder of Livye Lewis
If Coulter and his men made a positive ID on Matthew, they would finally have him cornered.
48 Hours
The Blackout Murder of Livye Lewis
They were 30 yards from the house when a second storm hit, but there was no giving up.
48 Hours
The Blackout Murder of Livye Lewis
This needed to end tonight. Drenched and exhausted, Coulter and his team could hear voices on the back porch of the house, but couldn't see faces. until about 8 p.m., when a man stepped off the porch.
48 Hours
The Blackout Murder of Livye Lewis
One of Coulter's men immediately recognized that man as Matthew Edgar. He goes, he's here. I got eyes on him.
48 Hours
The Blackout Murder of Livye Lewis
I have not. Colter says that's not all Matthew had to say that night. He said, please don't shoot my mother.
48 Hours
The Blackout Murder of Livye Lewis
Cindy Hogan was eventually charged with hindering apprehension. We reached out to her attorney for comment, but did not hear back. On January 3rd, 2023, Matthew Edgar was formally sentenced for the murder of Livy Lewis, 99 years in prison with the possibility of parole after serving 30 years.
48 Hours
The Blackout Murder of Livye Lewis
Darcy hopes to be there when Matthew comes up for parole and Taylor and Bailey say she won't be alone.
48 Hours
The Blackout Murder of Livye Lewis
Meanwhile, Darcy is trying to save up enough money to buy a headstone for Libby's grave. How do you carry on and honor your daughter's memory?
48 Hours
The Blackout Murder of Livye Lewis
Not a single one. The world seems to think that Matthew Edgar is a murderer. Do you believe that? I do not. Do you believe that someone else pulled that trigger?
48 Hours
The Blackout Murder of Livye Lewis
In the early morning hours of Halloween 2020, a day when the boundaries between the living and the dead become blurred, Libby Lewis was discovered draped over the steering wheel of her car, dead from a rifle shot to the neck. Here's her ID. Libby had just turned 19. I don't know if dispatch has notified her next of kin or not.
48 Hours
The Blackout Murder of Livye Lewis
It happened in Hemphill, a tiny town in Texas with a population just over 1,000, the kind of place where no one is a stranger and news spreads like wildfire.
48 Hours
The Blackout Murder of Livye Lewis
Yeah, that's what I was... That is how Livvy's mother, Darcy Bass, heard the news when a friend called to say that Livvy had been shot.
48 Hours
The Blackout Murder of Livye Lewis
By all accounts, Libby Lewis was a remarkable young woman, a straight-A student and recent high school grad with a scholarship to a local college.
48 Hours
The Blackout Murder of Livye Lewis
Libby was already a certified nursing assistant at a local nursing home.
48 Hours
The Blackout Murder of Livye Lewis
That's also where she met one of her best friends, fellow nursing assistant Taylor Barnett.
48 Hours
The Blackout Murder of Livye Lewis
Taylor was nearly six years older and had a young daughter, but she says Livvy fit right in.
48 Hours
The Blackout Murder of Livye Lewis
That's probably why Livvy fell for an older man, Matthew Edgar, who was 23 when they met.
48 Hours
The Blackout Murder of Livye Lewis
Livvy was still a senior in high school when she and Matthew began a secret relationship. Matthew was married to Montana Bokel, the mother of his two young sons. Phone records indicate that Livy and Matthew began texting each other in November 2019, when Matthew wrote, you do realize you cannot say a word to anybody that we are even texting, LOL.
48 Hours
The Blackout Murder of Livye Lewis
Livy responded, well, obviously I'm not gonna brag about texting a married man, but thanks for the clarification. It appears that after a very brief affair, Livy quickly and firmly ended things. But Matthew wasn't done. About four months later, he texted to complain about how unhappy he was in his marriage. I cheated again, he said. But Livvy held her ground.
48 Hours
The Blackout Murder of Livye Lewis
I'm not really down for being a homewrecker, she wrote. Nearly two months later, Matthew ended his marriage in this text exchange with his wife, where he said, ain't you, it's me. Me always cheating on you. Four days later, Montana hired a divorce attorney. Matthew moved out and circled back to Livy.
48 Hours
The Blackout Murder of Livye Lewis
At just 18, Livy was now navigating a relationship with a man who had two young sons and a soon-to-be ex-wife.
48 Hours
The Blackout Murder of Livye Lewis
You can call it that, absolutely. Sabine County Sheriff's investigator J.P. McDonough questioned Matthew about his relationship with Montana and Livvy.
48 Hours
The Blackout Murder of Livye Lewis
But Taylor says that as time went by, it was Matthew's behavior that became the most menacing.
48 Hours
The Blackout Murder of Livye Lewis
Phone records show that the relationship was a rollercoaster ride. while at times Matthew sent texts to Livvy like, Good night, baby. I love you. Livvy's texts alleged physical abuse. I don't know why you keep putting your hands on me like that. My body hurts today.
48 Hours
The Blackout Murder of Livye Lewis
Livy had been planning on moving to her new college campus. But in the summer of 2020, she stayed on that roller coaster ride, agreeing to move in with Matthew and help take care of him and his sons. She even redecorated the boys' rooms.
48 Hours
The Blackout Murder of Livye Lewis
But things seemed to have quickly turned ugly. In August of 2020,
48 Hours
The Blackout Murder of Livye Lewis
I'm scared of you. You've laid your hands on me multiple times. I deserve better than that. Had she told you at that time that she had been violent?
48 Hours
The Blackout Murder of Livye Lewis
Livy did tell her cousin, Sidney Ebar, what was going on. She sent you a disturbing photograph.
48 Hours
The Blackout Murder of Livye Lewis
It's not clear what caused the altercation, but texts would later show that Matthew was cheating on Livvy with, of all people, Montana. On October 4th, 2020, Livvy's birthday, Matthew texted Montana. I didn't cheat on Livvy with multiple women, just you, LOL.
48 Hours
The Blackout Murder of Livye Lewis
Livvy broke up with Matthew. But in a small town like Hemphill, you can run, but you can't really hide. In the early morning hours of Halloween 2020, Matthew and Livvy would end up together again. On the side of this road. The morning Livvy Lewis was killed on the side of the road, her ex-boyfriend Matthew Edgar found himself in a hospital bed, claiming he had no idea how he got there.
48 Hours
The Blackout Murder of Livye Lewis
Despite the blood on his face, Matthew wasn't injured. But he did admit to Sheriff's Investigator J.P. McDonough that he'd been drinking.
48 Hours
The Blackout Murder of Livye Lewis
Anything else? a few beers earlier in the day. He said he'd been at a party the night before at his friend Bobby Ozan's house. That's when he claims he last saw Livvy.
48 Hours
The Blackout Murder of Livye Lewis
And that's where Matthew claims he blacked out. and simply can't explain how he ended up in a fetal position between a black truck that wasn't his and Livvy's car.
48 Hours
The Blackout Murder of Livye Lewis
McDonough took swabs of the blood on Matthew's face for DNA testing. All right, Matthew, I'm going to do this one on the chin. and Matthew's clothing was taken into evidence. I'm going to go through some of your clothes, okay? Yes, sir. Then McDonough placed Matthew under arrest.
48 Hours
The Blackout Murder of Livye Lewis
But he didn't say, you're going to do what? I didn't do anything. Nothing at all? Nothing at all. With Matthew jailed, McDonough was on a legal deadline. According to Texas law, the district attorney's office now had 90 days to present enough evidence to a grand jury to indict Matthew, or they would have to release him on bond.
48 Hours
The Hit-and-Run Homicide of Davis McClendon
Collier Boyle was lying awake at night when he heard something horrible. It was going through your mind at that time.
48 Hours
The Hit-and-Run Homicide of Davis McClendon
From Sony Music Entertainment and Orbit Media, this is Finding Mom's Killer, available now on the binge. Search for Finding Mom's Killer wherever you get your podcasts to start listening today.
48 Hours
The Hit-and-Run Homicide of Davis McClendon
Anne Marie Greene reports the hit-and-run homicide of Davis McClendon.
48 Hours
The Hit-and-Run Homicide of Davis McClendon
Collier Boyle was lying awake at night when he heard something horrible. It was going through your mind at that time.
48 Hours
The Hit-and-Run Homicide of Davis McClendon
His best hope? To team up with a middle-aged detective with a chip on his shoulder. I got a partner now. Somebody who's going to help me find out what happened to my mother.
48 Hours
The Hit-and-Run Homicide of Davis McClendon
From Sony Music Entertainment and Orbit Media, this is Finding Mom's Killer, available now on the binge. Search for Finding Mom's Killer wherever you get your podcasts to start listening today.
48 Hours
The Hit-and-Run Homicide of Davis McClendon
Collier Boyle was lying awake at night when he heard something horrible. It was going through your mind at that time.
48 Hours
The Hit-and-Run Homicide of Davis McClendon
His best hope? To team up with a middle-aged detective with a chip on his shoulder. I got a partner now. Somebody who's going to help me find out what happened to my mother.
48 Hours
The Hit-and-Run Homicide of Davis McClendon
From Sony Music Entertainment and Orbit Media, this is Finding Mom's Killer, available now on the binge. Search for Finding Mom's Killer wherever you get your podcasts to start listening today.
48 Hours
The Hit-and-Run Homicide of Davis McClendon
His best hope? To team up with a middle-aged detective with a chip on his shoulder. I got a partner now. Somebody who's going to help me find out what happened to my mother.
48 Hours
The "No Body" Case of Dee Warner
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48 Hours
The "No Body" Case of Dee Warner
By now, Dee's family was growing suspicious of Dale. On the day Dee went missing, Dale told each of them what happened, but they say they all heard slightly different versions.
48 Hours
The "No Body" Case of Dee Warner
And there was another odd detail in the story Dale told Dee's family and police that Sunday.
48 Hours
The "No Body" Case of Dee Warner
Raquel, Zach, and Greg all say he showed them that ring on Sunday too, seeming to offer it as proof that Dee had left intentionally and maybe for good. But Greg says that ring is worth as much as $40,000. And leaving it behind didn't sound like Dee.
48 Hours
The "No Body" Case of Dee Warner
As time passed, the family's suspicions that Dale had harmed his wife only grew. About six weeks after Dee went missing, Greg says he confronted Dale about how he thought the investigation was progressing.
48 Hours
The "No Body" Case of Dee Warner
But believing Dale had something to do with Dee's disappearance was very different from being able to prove it. The Michigan State Police and the FBI helped the county sheriff conduct a large-scale search of their properties again in October. But there was still no sign of Dee alive or dead.
48 Hours
The "No Body" Case of Dee Warner
In February 2022, 10 months after Dee had gone missing, Shelly was watching an episode of 48 Hours featuring an investigator named Billy Little.
48 Hours
The "No Body" Case of Dee Warner
Greg Hardy was convinced Dale Warner was behind his sister's disappearance. Did she love living here? She did. Although the sheriff's office had conducted at least seven searches and interviewed Dale several times, Greg was growing impatient by what he saw as a lack of progress.
48 Hours
The "No Body" Case of Dee Warner
Authorities, says Greg, told him that without a body, it would be difficult to charge Dale with murder, which is why Greg called Billy Little.
48 Hours
The "No Body" Case of Dee Warner
Missouri-based attorney and investigator Billy Little made his first trip to Lenawee County in the spring of 2022.
48 Hours
The "No Body" Case of Dee Warner
Billy Little got to work on his own investigation and learn from Dee's family that the couple argued frequently, especially about money.
48 Hours
The "No Body" Case of Dee Warner
Dee's adult children told him their mom had often talked about divorce, but that she didn't want to split custody of their little sister Lena with Dale. Still, the day before Dee disappeared, they say something had changed. Had you really seen your mother like that before?
48 Hours
The "No Body" Case of Dee Warner
Dee's kids say that she had finally had enough and was going to tell Dale that night she wanted to sell the profitable trucking business and end her marriage. This was Dee's life. Why did she want to sell the business?
48 Hours
The "No Body" Case of Dee Warner
Greg told Billy Little that he thought Dale was moving money between the businesses after Dee disappeared. Greg had already filed a civil suit to protect Dee's interests and to get more information about what Dale was doing.
48 Hours
The "No Body" Case of Dee Warner
In court documents, Dale says he did move money on the advice of professionals. The more Billy Little learned, he says, the more he, like the family, became convinced that Dee was no longer alive.
48 Hours
The "No Body" Case of Dee Warner
Greg and Billy Little tried to increase the pressure on Dale. Friends had started a social media campaign called Justice for Dee, and Greg paid for this billboard that he says he wrote sarcastically saying, Help Dale Find Dee. It went up at a big intersection near Dale's farm, where Greg says drivers from the trucking company would be sure to see it every day.
48 Hours
The "No Body" Case of Dee Warner
But Little says he and Greg were mostly focused on trying to find evidence to help build a murder case without a body.
48 Hours
The "No Body" Case of Dee Warner
And they continued to search relentlessly for any trace of Dee.
48 Hours
The "No Body" Case of Dee Warner
This property, about three miles from Dale and Dee's home, is one of the places that stood out to Greg. Six months after Dee disappeared, there was a fire where the old farmhouse used to be. And Greg says the neighbors told him they thought Dale who owned the property with Dee, had set that fire. The fire was determined to be a controlled burn, which are common in the area.
48 Hours
The "No Body" Case of Dee Warner
Police searched this site in October 2021, just a few days after that fire. It's not known what, if anything, they learned. Greg and Billy Little came here themselves the next year.
48 Hours
The "No Body" Case of Dee Warner
They found nothing conclusive, but that old farm was just one site they thought was suspicious.
48 Hours
The "No Body" Case of Dee Warner
There was a field near Raquel's house that Dale had farmed. Which one?
48 Hours
The "No Body" Case of Dee Warner
and another field two towns over that Dale had access to. And many more places Greg wanted police to check further. And isn't the really hard part about this, Greg, is there's just so many places.
48 Hours
The "No Body" Case of Dee Warner
In August 2022, the Michigan State Police took over Dee's case. Greg and Billy Little had pushed for this because they say the State Police had more experience and resources than the County Sheriff.
48 Hours
The "No Body" Case of Dee Warner
After the state police took over the case, they interviewed Dale again and pressed him on his story. Dale told them that the argument with that employee just before Dee disappeared was partly about Dee taking money from the business.
48 Hours
The "No Body" Case of Dee Warner
But police did not have evidence that Dee had stolen money. In September, the family filed another suit to have Dee Warner declared legally dead. Greg says he wanted to be able to file a wrongful death suit against Dale one day. The family waited for news on the criminal case.
48 Hours
The "No Body" Case of Dee Warner
On November 21st, 2023, two and a half years after Dee Warner went missing, the news came that her husband Dale was under arrest. Stephanie was preparing for her mother's funeral when she got the call.
48 Hours
The "No Body" Case of Dee Warner
He pleaded not guilty, and Dee's family braced themselves for a long legal battle ahead.
48 Hours
The "No Body" Case of Dee Warner
This episode is brought to you by Amazon Prime. From streaming to shopping, Prime helps you get more out of your passions. So whether you're a fan of true crime or prefer a nail biting novel from time to time, with services like Prime Video, Amazon Music and fast free delivery, Prime makes it easy to get more out of whatever you're into or getting into. Visit Amazon.com slash Prime to learn more.
48 Hours
The "No Body" Case of Dee Warner
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48 Hours
The "No Body" Case of Dee Warner
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48 Hours
The "No Body" Case of Dee Warner
On May 1st, 2024, just a little more than three years after Dee Warner disappeared, her friends and family gathered here at the Lenawee County District Court for the first day of Dale Warner's preliminary hearing.
48 Hours
The "No Body" Case of Dee Warner
It would be up to Judge Anna Freshour to decide if the case should move to trial.
48 Hours
The "No Body" Case of Dee Warner
There is no body. There are no body parts. Dee had been recently declared dead in civil court. But Dale Warner's defense attorney, Mary Chartier, said this was a fact prosecutors would need to establish themselves in the criminal case.
48 Hours
The "No Body" Case of Dee Warner
Raise your right hand, please. Do you swear to tell the truth?
48 Hours
The "No Body" Case of Dee Warner
But the state was determined to show that while there was no body, there was also no evidence that Dee was still alive.
48 Hours
The "No Body" Case of Dee Warner
And prosecutor Jackie Wise worked to show there was no evidence that Dee had taken off on her own.
48 Hours
The "No Body" Case of Dee Warner
She asked Stephanie Vogel about that secret phone that Dale claimed his wife had.
48 Hours
The "No Body" Case of Dee Warner
Michigan State Police Detective Daniel Drouillard is the lead investigator on this case. You swear to tell the truth. He testified about the exhaustive searches law enforcement did to find any trace of activity from Dee over the three years she had been missing.
48 Hours
The "No Body" Case of Dee Warner
All their searches came up empty. But Dee's daughter, Raquel, had noticed something curious at the Warner home. On the stand, she said that on the day her mother disappeared, she saw tire tracks by the back of the house.
48 Hours
The "No Body" Case of Dee Warner
There were no security cameras pointed at this part of the property, but the prosecution suggested that the tracks Raquel saw were left by Dale using the farm's JCB front-end loader to remove Dee's body from their home.
48 Hours
The "No Body" Case of Dee Warner
Remember, Dale said his wife was asleep in the living room when he left that morning, close to those sliding doors.
48 Hours
The "No Body" Case of Dee Warner
In his 2022 interview with police, Dale had an explanation for those tracks. He said he thought he used the loader to go back to the house and get his worksheet for the sprayer at around 6.30 a.m.
48 Hours
The "No Body" Case of Dee Warner
The FBI searched Warner's Franklin Township property. They've looked everywhere.
48 Hours
The "No Body" Case of Dee Warner
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48 Hours
The "No Body" Case of Dee Warner
The defense emphasized there was no evidence Dale Warner had anything to do with Dee's disappearance. And in fact, his statements about what he was doing that morning were supported by security videos around the farm. The videos, played in court, showed Dale at 7 a.m. using that front-end loader. At 7.45 a.m., police say he texts Dee, going to be spraying, call you later.
48 Hours
The "No Body" Case of Dee Warner
He is seen three minutes later driving a sprayer onto the road and returning at 8.13 a.m.
48 Hours
The "No Body" Case of Dee Warner
The defense also argued that Dale had not acted like a guilty man. He allowed police to search his properties and spoke to them many times after D disappeared. Only parts of a few of those interviews were played in court, but his attorney said that Dale had repeatedly denied harming D.
48 Hours
The "No Body" Case of Dee Warner
Over and over, the defense underscored the lack of physical evidence in the case. Do you have a murder weapon in this case?
48 Hours
The "No Body" Case of Dee Warner
They hone in on Mr. Warner from the beginning. In her final statement to the judge, Mary Chartier argues that there is no basis for the charges.
48 Hours
The "No Body" Case of Dee Warner
Prosecutor Jackie Wise maintained that the state's case was strong.
48 Hours
The "No Body" Case of Dee Warner
The decision was now with the judge, and Dee's supporters were worried. Would Dale now face the murder charge at trial, or would he walk out as a free man?
48 Hours
The "No Body" Case of Dee Warner
It's been more than two years since Dee Warner's disappearance.
48 Hours
The "No Body" Case of Dee Warner
Now streaming, Academy Award winner Michelle Yeoh takes command.
48 Hours
The "No Body" Case of Dee Warner
Gather your people. We're going to need every one of them.
48 Hours
The "No Body" Case of Dee Warner
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48 Hours
The "No Body" Case of Dee Warner
Don't miss Star Trek Section 31. Now streaming exclusively on Paramount+.
48 Hours
The "No Body" Case of Dee Warner
On June 7, 2024, Judge Anna Freshour returned to court with her decision. She first spoke about Dee.
48 Hours
The "No Body" Case of Dee Warner
And there was nothing she heard, the judge said, that made her feel differently.
48 Hours
The "No Body" Case of Dee Warner
But there was enough evidence, she said, to believe that Dee Warner was dead and that her husband was likely the one behind it.
48 Hours
The "No Body" Case of Dee Warner
Dale Warner has been ordered to stand trial for the murder of his wife. But Billy Little knows the real work is still ahead.
48 Hours
The "No Body" Case of Dee Warner
law enforcement was still searching for physical evidence. And in August 2024, two months after that preliminary hearing concluded, that's exactly what they found. Breaking news in the case of Dee Warner. Dee's family heard about it first.
48 Hours
The "No Body" Case of Dee Warner
They met detectives at Greg and Shelley's farm. Police told them they had gone back to a property that Dale and Dee owned and taken away a large metal tank that was used to store fertilizer. According to a search warrant, that tank had a non-factory weld on the back and a sign on it that said, out of service, do not fill.
48 Hours
The "No Body" Case of Dee Warner
When the tank was scanned, investigators finally found what they had been looking for. It was my mom.
48 Hours
The "No Body" Case of Dee Warner
It took just days, authorities say, to confirm that the body inside that tank was Dee Warner. Her death was ruled a homicide.
48 Hours
The "No Body" Case of Dee Warner
Authorities are not granting any interviews about this case before the trial, but that warrant also says that security video from the day Dee was reported missing showed Dale in one of the farm buildings searching for something near the welding equipment.
48 Hours
The "No Body" Case of Dee Warner
For three years, police had been looking for Dee's body underground, and now they had come to believe that she might have been concealed above ground.
48 Hours
The "No Body" Case of Dee Warner
So Dale would have access to all this. He did. Greg says he has no doubt now that Dale killed Dee and hid her body.
48 Hours
The "No Body" Case of Dee Warner
Dale's defense attorney declined to speak to 48 Hours on Camera, but she told us that Dale maintains his innocence and said in this email, they're prepared to vigorously fight for him in court and present his defense. Isn't it likely that Dale's gonna argue, well, that was a cylinder sitting out in a barn.
48 Hours
The "No Body" Case of Dee Warner
Raquel says finding her mom's body after these three long years gave the family a sense of peace.
48 Hours
The "No Body" Case of Dee Warner
Dee's family laid her to rest in a private burial soon after her body was identified. Her daughter Lena, now 12, was with them.
48 Hours
The "No Body" Case of Dee Warner
Raquel and Zach say they miss their mother deeply and that her death has changed them in profound ways.
48 Hours
The "No Body" Case of Dee Warner
Dale Warner's trial is scheduled to begin on September 2nd, 2025.
48 Hours
The "No Body" Case of Dee Warner
Join me Tuesday for Postmortem from 48 Hours, where we'll dive even deeper into today's episode and answer your questions about the case.
48 Hours
The "No Body" Case of Dee Warner
Think about how screwed up we would be if we had survived a plane crash only to end up eating each other.
48 Hours
The "No Body" Case of Dee Warner
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48 Hours
The "No Body" Case of Dee Warner
Think about how screwed up we would be if we had survived a plane crash only to end up eating each other.
48 Hours
The "No Body" Case of Dee Warner
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48 Hours
The "No Body" Case of Dee Warner
It was Sunday, April 25th, 2021, a spring morning in the farmland of Lenawee County, Michigan. Raquel Bock drove the short distance from her house to her childhood home for her weekly breakfast with her mother, Dee Warner.
48 Hours
The "No Body" Case of Dee Warner
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48 Hours
The "No Body" Case of Dee Warner
Raquel says that when her mom was not there and not answering calls or texts, it just didn't feel right.
48 Hours
The "No Body" Case of Dee Warner
Hello? One of Dee's cars, a Hummer, was parked at the farm office just down the road. What about your mother's car that she drove all the time, the Cadillac?
48 Hours
The "No Body" Case of Dee Warner
No. The fertilizer sprayer, usually parked in a barn, was gone, and Raquel's stepfather, Dale Warner, was out on it working. Was that normal?
48 Hours
The "No Body" Case of Dee Warner
Raquel went down the road to Dee's brother Greg and his wife Shelly's house.
48 Hours
The "No Body" Case of Dee Warner
Raquel and her aunt Shelly went driving to look for Dee. They returned to her house with only more questions.
48 Hours
The "No Body" Case of Dee Warner
They looked upstairs in the bedroom and bathroom for clues.
48 Hours
The "No Body" Case of Dee Warner
Later, they learned Dee's phone and passport were missing too. The feeling that I had in my stomach was nothing but fear. Zach Bach, another of Dee's four children from her first marriage, soon came over to join the search. He went down to the farm office to look for any sign of his mom.
48 Hours
The "No Body" Case of Dee Warner
There was a security camera inside the office and a few more outside.
48 Hours
The "No Body" Case of Dee Warner
And there was something else out of the ordinary. Their nine-year-old sister Lena, Dee and Dale's only child together, had stayed at her cousin's house the night before. And Dee hadn't yet called or come to get her.
48 Hours
The "No Body" Case of Dee Warner
By now, it was late in the day on Sunday, and the Lenawee County Sheriff's Office sent a deputy to talk to Dale. the conversation was recorded on a body camera. This and other body cam footage has been adjusted at times for clarity.
48 Hours
The "No Body" Case of Dee Warner
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48 Hours
The "No Body" Case of Dee Warner
Dale told police he had last seen Dee that morning before he went out to work.
48 Hours
The "No Body" Case of Dee Warner
Dale seemed to believe his wife was alive and well and that she left intentionally.
48 Hours
The "No Body" Case of Dee Warner
Dale also told police that Dee had been upset and suffering from a migraine the night before after an argument with two of her employees.
48 Hours
The "No Body" Case of Dee Warner
Dale and Dee ran three main businesses from their farm. Zach was their bookkeeper.
48 Hours
The "No Body" Case of Dee Warner
There was a trucking business with about 15 employees that Dee managed.
48 Hours
The "No Body" Case of Dee Warner
And there was the farm itself and a chemical company that sold fertilizer and seed. Which was the most successful? Which did the best? 100% the trucking company. Stephanie Vogel worked for Dale and Dee and describes Dee as a good business person, tough, generous, and hardworking. But Raquel says that running that trucking business was not easy for Dee.
48 Hours
The "No Body" Case of Dee Warner
Dale told police that conflict between Dee and their employees was nothing new. I don't know.
48 Hours
The "No Body" Case of Dee Warner
On Saturday, the day before she went missing, Dee had texted Stephanie asking her how to block the driver who had quit from the company's Facebook page. I told her how to do it.
48 Hours
The "No Body" Case of Dee Warner
Dee's sister-in-law, Shelly, wondered if the pressures had just become too much for Dee. You're thinking at that point she might have taken her life?
48 Hours
The "No Body" Case of Dee Warner
What if there were a medicine that could heal almost anything?
48 Hours
The "No Body" Case of Dee Warner
But they didn't want you to know about it. Sorry, who's they? Some people are following me, and I brought my tortoise.
48 Hours
The "No Body" Case of Dee Warner
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48 Hours
The "No Body" Case of Dee Warner
No. After hearing nothing from Dee Warner, some of those closest to her feared she may have harmed herself. And they noticed that Dale, her husband, didn't seem very worried.
48 Hours
The "No Body" Case of Dee Warner
Dale had told police that Dee, when upset, had a history of spending the night elsewhere.
48 Hours
The "No Body" Case of Dee Warner
But the sheriff's office did not wait for Dee to show up. They came out on Monday and Tuesday to conduct interviews and search the property. On Thursday, four days after Dee disappeared, they searched the farm again. And Dale agreed to talk to them at length at the kitchen table. Dale now told investigators that he and Dee had had a fight on Saturday.
48 Hours
The "No Body" Case of Dee Warner
He said she had accused him of talking about her behind her back to the employees she had fought with, which Dale denied. He said he didn't talk to Dee again until that evening at home when their fight continued. Dale and Dee had been partners in life and business since they started their first company together in 2005, the year before they got married. Was this a love match?
48 Hours
The "No Body" Case of Dee Warner
They weren't an obvious pair. Dee's family and friends say she loved to have fun, dress up, go out, and dance. Dale, they say, just seemed to work a lot.
48 Hours
The "No Body" Case of Dee Warner
Dee's family later learned she had been having an affair. It didn't surprise them, they said, given the state of her marriage. But police say her affair partner was out of town the weekend she went missing and could not have had anything to do with the case. A week after her disappearance, Dee's brother Greg organized a search of the land around her home.
Aftermath: Hunt for the Anthrax Killer
Episode 6: Adult Male Loner
And the work they're doing, testing for anthrax spores, is especially difficult.
Aftermath: Hunt for the Anthrax Killer
Episode 6: Adult Male Loner
Agents carefully swab everything in the apartment, and then they've got to wait for results from the lab. But on Hatfield's computer, they find a clue that feels straight out of a bad movie.
Aftermath: Hunt for the Anthrax Killer
Episode 6: Adult Male Loner
No hard evidence against Hatfield, but claims there are a number of coincidences that make investigators interested in him. Hatfield wrote an unpublished novel about a bioterrorism attack.
Aftermath: Hunt for the Anthrax Killer
Episode 6: Adult Male Loner
a hard drive with a draft of an unpublished novel he'd co-written called Emergence, about a terrorist who attacks Washington, D.C. with a lethal bacteria.
Aftermath: Hunt for the Anthrax Killer
Episode 6: Adult Male Loner
Written three years before the anthrax attacks, the villain was a Middle Eastern terrorist. Through the eyes of that antagonist, Hatfield's novel states the U.S. was, quote, an incredibly easy target for biological terrorism. Suddenly, the FBI feels like they've got their man.
Aftermath: Hunt for the Anthrax Killer
Episode 6: Adult Male Loner
The timing of the Cipro prescriptions, the fact that he lied about them, the security clearance and direct anthrax experience now coupled with this book concept all have got the FBI's full attention. and the media's too.
Aftermath: Hunt for the Anthrax Killer
Episode 6: Adult Male Loner
Joby Warwick of the Washington Post was deep into the anthrax story at the time.
Aftermath: Hunt for the Anthrax Killer
Episode 6: Adult Male Loner
But despite all this momentum, there still isn't any hard evidence against him.
Aftermath: Hunt for the Anthrax Killer
Episode 6: Adult Male Loner
No anthrax residue, no handwriting that matched the letters. They were hoping for more. On the other hand, would one really expect a highly educated scientist to grow anthrax at his home? Or leave incriminating handwriting around his apartment? But there still might be some forensic clue waiting to be found in Hatfield's apartment. So the agents decide to take things to the next level.
Aftermath: Hunt for the Anthrax Killer
Episode 6: Adult Male Loner
What was it exactly that brought FBI agents and U.S. postal inspectors to the Maryland apartment of a former bioweapons researcher last week for a second search? The answer, it turns out, is dogs.
Aftermath: Hunt for the Anthrax Killer
Episode 6: Adult Male Loner
The FBI reached out to Ted Hamm and his team in Southern California. They're hoping his dogs can track a scent on the anthrax case that's now three months old.
Aftermath: Hunt for the Anthrax Killer
Episode 6: Adult Male Loner
so that these dogs could get out and work. Agents collect a human scent from the actual anthrax letters, and they go to Hatfield's apartment complex so the dogs can sniff for that scent. There are three bloodhound teams, and they all search at different times so the dogs don't give each other any spoilers.
Aftermath: Hunt for the Anthrax Killer
Episode 6: Adult Male Loner
For his part, Ted isn't told where he's going or who the suspect is, and he's banned from using his cell phone. He arrives in the neighborhood he's told to go to, ready to sick his new dog, Knight, on the case.
Aftermath: Hunt for the Anthrax Killer
Episode 6: Adult Male Loner
This is where Ted's dog marks a particular step with that pile of poop. And for Ted, standing there in that stairwell, thinking about his history with Knight, that poop means something. He's not wanting to leave.
Aftermath: Hunt for the Anthrax Killer
Episode 6: Adult Male Loner
Ted and his dogs got a reputation for finding criminals who were long gone, simply from the scent they'd left on items they'd touched. Which is why, in late 2002, the FBI got an idea. Could Ted and his dogs track a scent from a letter? Specifically, a letter sent by the anthrax killer?
Aftermath: Hunt for the Anthrax Killer
Episode 6: Adult Male Loner
To Ted, it's clear his dog smells some connection between the anthrax envelope and this landing.
Aftermath: Hunt for the Anthrax Killer
Episode 6: Adult Male Loner
All three dogs had clearly signaled outside Hatfield's apartment. The dogs also signal at Hatfield's ex-girlfriend's house.
Aftermath: Hunt for the Anthrax Killer
Episode 6: Adult Male Loner
The dog's findings don't look good for Hatfield, but the FBI still doesn't have anything solid enough to charge him or even officially name him as a suspect. But since his name is already out in the press, the FBI feels like they have to say something. So Attorney General John Ashcroft speaks to the press.
Aftermath: Hunt for the Anthrax Killer
Episode 6: Adult Male Loner
Person of interest. Today, people throw around that term all the time. It's even the name of a TV series. But in 2001, person of interest is a highly unusual term, rarely if ever used. In fact, when John Ashcroft said that phrase, almost no one in the general public had heard it before.
Aftermath: Hunt for the Anthrax Killer
Episode 6: Adult Male Loner
Whatever it means, the FBI officially has one, a person of interest. That and soon another break in the case from Trenton, New Jersey.
Aftermath: Hunt for the Anthrax Killer
Episode 6: Adult Male Loner
I'm Sarah Trelevan, and for over a year, I've been working on one of the most complex stories I've ever covered. There was somebody out there who was faking pregnancies. I started, like, warning everybody. Every doula that I know. It was fake. No pregnancy. And the deeper I dig, the more questions I unearth. How long has she been doing this?
Aftermath: Hunt for the Anthrax Killer
Episode 6: Adult Male Loner
From CBC and the BBC World Service, The Con, Caitlin's Baby. It's a long story. Settle in. Available now.
Aftermath: Hunt for the Anthrax Killer
Episode 6: Adult Male Loner
Back in Trenton, New Jersey, the U.S. Postal Inspectors and FBI hazmat teams had been dutifully swabbing mailboxes in the dead of night for weeks. They'd started to lose hope. But all of that changes on a hot day in August 2002, three days after the FBI publicly named Stephen Hatfield as a person of interest.
Aftermath: Hunt for the Anthrax Killer
Episode 6: Adult Male Loner
This mailbox is only steps away from Princeton University's campus, literally in front of one of its sororities and right on the college's main drag. And now, nearly a year after the anthrax letters were mailed, the blue box still has live spores inside it. FBI agents on Terry Kern's hazmat squad test its toxicity.
Aftermath: Hunt for the Anthrax Killer
Episode 6: Adult Male Loner
And that one mailbox was only a few hours' drive from Frederick, Maryland, where Stephen Hatfield lives. So the FBI tries to find any evidence that he'd been in Princeton.
Aftermath: Hunt for the Anthrax Killer
Episode 6: Adult Male Loner
They show pictures of Hatfield to store owners. Nobody recognizes him. And he's not in any security camera footage either.
Aftermath: Hunt for the Anthrax Killer
Episode 6: Adult Male Loner
Those couple dogs were about to make headlines. And one of them would leave a mark on the case that's hard to forget.
Aftermath: Hunt for the Anthrax Killer
Episode 6: Adult Male Loner
And the FBI doesn't find Hatfield's prints or DNA anywhere on the mailbox. After months of swabbing mailboxes all night and scouring their suspect's home, they've basically got nothing but a lot of circumstantial evidence and dog poop. So Hatfield seizes the moment and fights back. My name is Steve Hatfield.
Aftermath: Hunt for the Anthrax Killer
Episode 6: Adult Male Loner
Of all the media attention this case gets over the years, the press conference Stephen Hatfield calls maybe the moment people remember the most. Hatfield calls out the attorney general for the FBI's new phrase.
Aftermath: Hunt for the Anthrax Killer
Episode 6: Adult Male Loner
On the heels of Hatfield's press conference, and given the overwhelming lack of evidence, one of two things are clear. Either the FBI is chasing the wrong guy, or Hatfield is exceptionally good at hiding his tracks. At this point, Agent Decker starts to have doubts.
Aftermath: Hunt for the Anthrax Killer
Episode 6: Adult Male Loner
As a scientist, when Decker looks closely at Hatfield's background, he's not sure Hatfield has enough microbiology experience to properly grow the anthrax bacteria. But many agents disagree. They can't ignore his history, his proximity, the novel, the Cipro. And they refuse to fumble this lead. So they watch Hatfield's every move.
Aftermath: Hunt for the Anthrax Killer
Episode 6: Adult Male Loner
In fact, the FBI and Hatfield are in such close contact that at one point an agent even accidentally runs over Hatfield's foot with a surveillance car. And they interrogate his friends and his colleagues and boss. Hatfield continues to push his perspective to the media.
Aftermath: Hunt for the Anthrax Killer
Episode 6: Adult Male Loner
This is the story of how that crap leads to the FBI's first person of interest. I'm Jeremiah Kroll, and from Wolf Entertainment, this is Aftermath, the hunt for the anthrax killer. Episode 6, Adult Male Loner. It's November 2001, and there's mass panic about the anthrax attacks. Four letters that appear to have been sent by the same person have arrived in the mail.
Aftermath: Hunt for the Anthrax Killer
Episode 6: Adult Male Loner
Yeah, intentionally. In many agents' minds, there was no doubt that Hatfield was the guy. But they still don't have anything. We didn't have a good lead.
Aftermath: Hunt for the Anthrax Killer
Episode 6: Adult Male Loner
Decker's personal life was taking a hit, too. Trouble had started even before he'd disappeared into this case. He and his wife had decided on a trial separation a few months before anthrax showed up in Florida. And now the anthrax case was taking its toll.
Aftermath: Hunt for the Anthrax Killer
Episode 6: Adult Male Loner
He and his wife officially divorce. The anthrax case is unrelenting. It demands everything. And Decker gives it.
Aftermath: Hunt for the Anthrax Killer
Episode 6: Adult Male Loner
Then, in turning over those stones, they uncover something.
Aftermath: Hunt for the Anthrax Killer
Episode 6: Adult Male Loner
The FBI calls the bloodhounds back in. Decker and the FBI and Ted and his dogs all head to the hills.
Aftermath: Hunt for the Anthrax Killer
Episode 6: Adult Male Loner
Ted has three teams taking turns, each examining all these little trails and turnouts, scouring for a scent taken from the anthrax letters. Ted's dog, Knight, doesn't find much.
Aftermath: Hunt for the Anthrax Killer
Episode 6: Adult Male Loner
This little pond is part of a reservoir with drainage ponds, little lakes, where all three of the dogs independently picked up the scent that was on the anthrax letter. It feels like a potentially significant break in the case. Could Hatfield have worked here or dumped evidence in these lakes?
Aftermath: Hunt for the Anthrax Killer
Episode 6: Adult Male Loner
They don't know, but it's a lead, and they have so few of them that agents come up with a kind of crazy idea.
Aftermath: Hunt for the Anthrax Killer
Episode 6: Adult Male Loner
They decide to search the ponds underwater. They call in FBI crime divers. Agent Bobby Chacon created the Bureau's first national crime diving team.
Aftermath: Hunt for the Anthrax Killer
Episode 6: Adult Male Loner
Bobby had dove on a bunch of high-profile investigations, including the TWA Flight 800 crash. So now he goes to the lake to size it up.
Aftermath: Hunt for the Anthrax Killer
Episode 6: Adult Male Loner
The FBI puts a team of over 100 divers under Bobby's control. And that many divers creates a spectacle.
Aftermath: Hunt for the Anthrax Killer
Episode 6: Adult Male Loner
So with helicopters and news vans watching, Bobby and his team prep for the search. First, they divide the lake into dozens and dozens of 10-by-6-foot grids. Then he and his teams dive under the surface and begin to search, feeling their way along the bottom of the cold lake with guide ropes. And here's the crazy thing. It's pitch black down there.
Aftermath: Hunt for the Anthrax Killer
Episode 6: Adult Male Loner
Two sent to media companies in New York City, and two mailed to the nation's capital. The handwriting and the contents of these letters are all similar, but investigators still have no idea how to stop them from coming.
Aftermath: Hunt for the Anthrax Killer
Episode 6: Adult Male Loner
Bobby and his teams pull up every single item they find from the lake. It's grueling, unpleasant work.
Aftermath: Hunt for the Anthrax Killer
Episode 6: Adult Male Loner
While the underwater operation continues, Agent Scott Decker gets more personal bad news.
Aftermath: Hunt for the Anthrax Killer
Episode 6: Adult Male Loner
As if the pressure of both the anthrax case and his marriage falling apart aren't enough, Decker has to stop everything to do emergency surgery.
Aftermath: Hunt for the Anthrax Killer
Episode 6: Adult Male Loner
I didn't want to be home anymore. So Decker calls his boss and begs to be allowed to go back to work.
Aftermath: Hunt for the Anthrax Killer
Episode 6: Adult Male Loner
As Decker slowly heals, alone in that patrol car, the dive team isn't coming up with anything significant. It's getting late in the year, so they take a break for the holidays of 2002. And when they come back in January, Bobby Chacon's fear has come true. The lake is now frozen over.
Aftermath: Hunt for the Anthrax Killer
Episode 6: Adult Male Loner
After several days of work, one of the divers finds something that, at first, seems about as mundane as can be.
Aftermath: Hunt for the Anthrax Killer
Episode 6: Adult Male Loner
To Bobby and the divers, these are just pieces of plastic. I found stuff, but I don't think anything I found was of value. But to a scientist like Decker, that unremarkable plastic looks like something that could be more important.
Aftermath: Hunt for the Anthrax Killer
Episode 6: Adult Male Loner
At this time, Dan Mihalko is part of a little-known special division of America's mail system, the United States Postal Inspection Service. It's a law enforcement agency that investigates mail crimes.
Aftermath: Hunt for the Anthrax Killer
Episode 6: Adult Male Loner
A glove box is used in scientific labs. You've seen them in movies and TV shows. Basically an airtight, clear box with holes attached to a pair of gloves. Scientists use them to handle dangerous materials without being exposed.
Aftermath: Hunt for the Anthrax Killer
Episode 6: Adult Male Loner
If this box is what the FBI thinks it is, this would be their first physical evidence in nearly a year and a half. Decker sends the box to be analyzed. He's hoping they could find something. Anthrax? Fingerprints of Stephen Hatfield? Some other clue? But they decide not to wait for the results.
Aftermath: Hunt for the Anthrax Killer
Episode 6: Adult Male Loner
After all the work done by the FBI scouring the region, bringing in the bloodhounds, the hundred divers risking their lives under the frozen water, they make a bold decision.
Aftermath: Hunt for the Anthrax Killer
Episode 6: Adult Male Loner
the FBI decides to drain the entire one-acre lake, just in case there's residue or other evidence at the bottom. As the water level goes down, they haul in sump pumps and rusting pipes and lots of garbage. It takes a couple of weeks to finally reveal the mucky lake bed. And once they can see it all clearly, the only out-of-place items they find are one old gun, a bicycle, and some fishing lures.
Aftermath: Hunt for the Anthrax Killer
Episode 6: Adult Male Loner
And on top of that, once all the tests on the box they found in the pond come back, they're either negative or inconclusive for anthrax. It seems the glove box is just a regular plastic box, probably from Home Depot.
Aftermath: Hunt for the Anthrax Killer
Episode 6: Adult Male Loner
And it's here that Decker's doubts really skyrocket. He hears about another case where the very same bloodhounds they'd used had gotten it all wrong and the charges were dropped. What if that dog poop is just dog poop?
Aftermath: Hunt for the Anthrax Killer
Episode 6: Adult Male Loner
While Decker and the FBI doubt them, Ted Ham stands by his dogs.
Aftermath: Hunt for the Anthrax Killer
Episode 6: Adult Male Loner
Whether the dogs were right or not, there was just no evidence. No traces of anthrax, no witnesses, no evidence of any kind besides a few suspicious actions to show that Hatfield had touched anthrax in years. Most agents working the case at this point moved on from Hatfield. And for Joby Warwick, the Washington Post reporter, his trust in the FBI took a major hit.
Aftermath: Hunt for the Anthrax Killer
Episode 6: Adult Male Loner
The very thing the FBI was trying to avoid had happened again. They had accused the wrong suspect in a very public way. They had told themselves a story.
Aftermath: Hunt for the Anthrax Killer
Episode 6: Adult Male Loner
Stephen Hatfield eventually files a lawsuit accusing members of the FBI and the DOJ of violating his rights with a, quote, coordinated smear campaign. The Justice Department eventually settles with Hatfield for $4.6 million. The government didn't admit liability, but said that the settlement was, quote, in the best interest of the United States.
Aftermath: Hunt for the Anthrax Killer
Episode 6: Adult Male Loner
And now, this unit from the Colonial Times is facing its biggest, most public mail crime ever.
Aftermath: Hunt for the Anthrax Killer
Episode 6: Adult Male Loner
The FBI and the DOJ had now spent nearly two years on the anthrax case and millions upon millions of dollars.
Aftermath: Hunt for the Anthrax Killer
Episode 6: Adult Male Loner
They'd focused so much of that time on Stephen Hatfield, and now had so little to show for it. But not everything went down the drain in that lake. As ice divers scoured under the pond, Agent Decker was struck by an odd event that took place on the shore.
Aftermath: Hunt for the Anthrax Killer
Episode 6: Adult Male Loner
That may not sound so strange to the average person, anthrax expert at an anthrax investigation. But agents knew this expert. He worked at USAMRID. So as a potential suspect, the FBI would never allow him at a possible crime scene. Yet this guy had found a way in.
Aftermath: Hunt for the Anthrax Killer
Episode 6: Adult Male Loner
Why did anthrax vaccine expert Bruce Ivins travel over ice and snow to serve coffee at a crime scene? Next time.
Aftermath: Hunt for the Anthrax Killer
Episode 6: Adult Male Loner
I remember reading that and immediately having a terrible sinking feeling. Just a gut feeling.
Aftermath: Hunt for the Anthrax Killer
Episode 6: Adult Male Loner
And this is where the breakthrough happens.
Aftermath: Hunt for the Anthrax Killer
Episode 6: Adult Male Loner
Aftermath, The Hunt for the Anthrax Killer is a production of Wolf Entertainment, USG Audio, and Digg Studios in collaboration with CBC Podcasts. The series is hosted by me, Jeremiah Kroll. It's created, written, and executive produced by Scott Tiffany and me at Digg Studios.
Aftermath: Hunt for the Anthrax Killer
Episode 6: Adult Male Loner
But Dan's unit, the Postal Inspection Service, gets an important clue. It wasn't related to the content of the letters or the strain of anthrax. It was actually on the envelopes themselves.
Aftermath: Hunt for the Anthrax Killer
Episode 6: Adult Male Loner
Aftermath is executive produced by Dick Wolf, Elliot Wolf, and Stephen Michael at Wolf Entertainment, Josh Block at USG Audio, and Janiel Kastner at Spoke Media. The series is produced by Kelly Kolf. Story editing by Janiel Kastner. Sound design and mix by Evan Arnett. Original composition by John O'Hara. Production by Spoke Media. Production support for USG Audio by Josh Laulangi.
Aftermath: Hunt for the Anthrax Killer
Episode 6: Adult Male Loner
Tanya Springer is the senior manager of CBC Podcasts. Arif Noorani is the director of CBC Podcasts. Thank you for listening. Tune in next week for an all-new episode of Aftermath, The Hunt for the Anthrax Killer. Or you can binge the whole series ad-free by subscribing to CBC True Crime Premium on Apple Podcasts. For more CBC Podcasts, go to cbc.ca slash podcasts.
Aftermath: Hunt for the Anthrax Killer
Episode 6: Adult Male Loner
Now that they have a location, the postal inspectors and the FBI develop a theory about how the killer mailed the letters.
Aftermath: Hunt for the Anthrax Killer
Episode 6: Adult Male Loner
If you're going to drop off mail, you'll either do that at the post office itself or at one of those little blue mailboxes you see on street corners. It would make sense that the anthrax killer wouldn't want to be seen at a public post office.
Aftermath: Hunt for the Anthrax Killer
Episode 6: Adult Male Loner
This is a CBC Podcast. In the 1990s, Ted Hamm was a veteran search and rescue worker living in Southern California. Most of his work involved tracking down hikers or hunters who'd gone missing. Until one day, two strangers approached him and his team.
Aftermath: Hunt for the Anthrax Killer
Episode 6: Adult Male Loner
625 blue collection boxes, to be exact. Postal inspectors and the FBI put the boxes under surveillance. They decide they need to check every single blue mailbox to see if they can find any anthrax spores. Specially trained FBI hazmat agents from Philadelphia, Boston, and as far away as San Francisco are brought in to help.
Aftermath: Hunt for the Anthrax Killer
Episode 6: Adult Male Loner
But once again, they have to balance their need to test in public places with the risk of creating panic.
Aftermath: Hunt for the Anthrax Killer
Episode 6: Adult Male Loner
they decide to test all of those mailboxes under the cover of night. Here's what that looks like. Teams of disease detectives, two each, decked out in white Tyvek suits, purple nitrile gloves, rubber boots, and respirators, fanning out into the quiet suburbs around Trenton, New Jersey, in the dead of night, using Q-tips to test the mailboxes for anthrax.
Aftermath: Hunt for the Anthrax Killer
Episode 6: Adult Male Loner
Each team is then trailed by a New Jersey state trooper, all hoping to avoid detection.
Aftermath: Hunt for the Anthrax Killer
Episode 6: Adult Male Loner
But at the very least, if the Postal Inspection Service could find spores in one of those blue mailboxes, they'd have pinpointed the exact spot the anthrax killer mailed those letters. And if they knew that, they could start to search for other clues there. There might be closed-circuit cameras, fingerprints, or eyewitnesses even who saw something.
Aftermath: Hunt for the Anthrax Killer
Episode 6: Adult Male Loner
Scanning 625 blue collection boxes night by night might be the long way of getting there. But if it works, the payoff will be huge. While that painstaking search is underway, the FBI, in the hopes of finally getting some leads, makes a bold choice.
Aftermath: Hunt for the Anthrax Killer
Episode 6: Adult Male Loner
Remember, weeks ago, the FBI had sent off copies of the anthrax letters to their forensic psychologists, and that team had come up with a profile of the killer. So far, agents had kept it to themselves to avoid tipping that person off, wherever they might be. But now, two weeks later, still without any real suspects, the FBI shows its hand.
Aftermath: Hunt for the Anthrax Killer
Episode 6: Adult Male Loner
After sharing the profile wide, leaders in the FBI, like Assistant Director Van Harp, push for somebody, anybody, to speak up.
Aftermath: Hunt for the Anthrax Killer
Episode 6: Adult Male Loner
The first place they send this profile is to a spot where Decker knows a lot of folks personally.
Aftermath: Hunt for the Anthrax Killer
Episode 6: Adult Male Loner
They're looking for matches. It's like, desperate FBI seeks adult male loner, non-confrontational, quiet, and knows a lot about microbiology.
Aftermath: Hunt for the Anthrax Killer
Episode 6: Adult Male Loner
Given the crowd, a lot of the guys there might fit that profile. But if it works, it would be a quick way to narrow down the field of suspects.
Aftermath: Hunt for the Anthrax Killer
Episode 6: Adult Male Loner
And it works. They get some hits. One of them comes from anthrax vaccine whiz Bruce Ivins at USAMRID, the Army's biological weapons lab in Maryland.
Aftermath: Hunt for the Anthrax Killer
Episode 6: Adult Male Loner
Princeton is just 11 miles from Trenton, New Jersey, where the anthrax letters were postmarked. It's a promising lead, and yet the FBI had just experienced a media frenzy when they questioned an innocent public health expert from Pakistan. The attention from being a potential suspect had nearly ruined his life, not to mention made the FBI look terrible.
Aftermath: Hunt for the Anthrax Killer
Episode 6: Adult Male Loner
That moment led Ted down a career path he'd never imagined, using an unusual and pretty special tool.
Aftermath: Hunt for the Anthrax Killer
Episode 6: Adult Male Loner
They've got to be even more careful to make sure they're separating solid leads from racism or personal grievances, those poison pen leads.
Aftermath: Hunt for the Anthrax Killer
Episode 6: Adult Male Loner
One microbiologist suggests that vaccine whiz Bruce Ivins himself may be guilty. A former colleague tells the FBI that he was overly friendly and asked personal questions about her college days, including her sorority, and now her personal life.
Aftermath: Hunt for the Anthrax Killer
Episode 6: Adult Male Loner
It's a bit of a leap from uncomfortably friendly scientist to anthrax killer. But all of a sudden, there's a bunch of head turns and squinting at colleagues in the world of microbiology. Anthrax expert Paul Keim in Arizona, who'd helped the FBI identify this anthrax strain to begin with, says it became a strange time to be an anthrax scientist.
Aftermath: Hunt for the Anthrax Killer
Episode 6: Adult Male Loner
To be safe, the FBI subpoenas samples from Keim, Ivins, and any scientist they can find who's known to have had access to anthrax. And agents give lie detector tests to key experts at USAMRID. None of the scientists seem particularly suspicious. Until they get an anonymous tip about one particular anthrax scientist. Stephen Hatfill, until recently, worked at a major defense contractor.
Aftermath: Hunt for the Anthrax Killer
Episode 6: Adult Male Loner
But three weeks before the anthrax attacks began, his top security clearance there had been suspended. The reason why he lost that security clearance is debated. But at the time, it's widely reported that he'd failed a polygraph test.
Aftermath: Hunt for the Anthrax Killer
Episode 6: Adult Male Loner
Ted had gotten interested in bloodhound dogs a few years back. He was so impressed with their abilities. Some experts say they can track a scent for nearly two weeks. So he began training them and using them in his search and rescue efforts. And since then, he's always had his dogs close. In fact, it's hard to talk to Ted without them making their presence known.
Aftermath: Hunt for the Anthrax Killer
Episode 6: Adult Male Loner
Stephen Hatfield lives in Frederick, Maryland, just three miles from Fort Dietrich and the Usamerid Lab, where he'd been a research fellow until 1999.
Aftermath: Hunt for the Anthrax Killer
Episode 6: Adult Male Loner
The FBI begins months of research on Hatfield. A search warrant records what they find, that in the late 1970s, Hatfield worked as a mercenary for the Rhodesian military, who, it's believed, during those years used toxic chemicals and biological agents against rebels in a civil war.
Aftermath: Hunt for the Anthrax Killer
Episode 6: Adult Male Loner
The search warrant also records that during his time serving there, the rebel-held areas of Rhodesia experienced the worst anthrax outbreak in world history. It killed 182 people and infected more than 10,000.
Aftermath: Hunt for the Anthrax Killer
Episode 6: Adult Male Loner
So the FBI questions Hatfield in March 2002. And Decker says he's cool.
Aftermath: Hunt for the Anthrax Killer
Episode 6: Adult Male Loner
Hatfield wants to help with the investigation so much that he agrees to have the FBI search his house, his car, and a storage locker he rents.
Aftermath: Hunt for the Anthrax Killer
Episode 6: Adult Male Loner
But his story seems to have holes. Hatfield tells agents he had taken the antibiotic Cipro in early 2001. Cipro is the drug you take before or after an anthrax exposure. It's what Congress took after the Daschle letter and what Johanna was clamoring for at the drugstore with her fellow New Yorkers. Cipro works on other bacteria too, so there are plenty of reasons Hatfield might have taken it.
Aftermath: Hunt for the Anthrax Killer
Episode 6: Adult Male Loner
But he specifically says he hadn't taken any in the couple of months leading up to 9-11 and the anthrax attacks. But when the FBI reviews his pharmacy records, they find a different story. Hatfield had filled prescriptions twice in those months, exactly two days before the New York letters were mailed, and again, two days before the Capitol Hill letters were mailed.
Aftermath: Hunt for the Anthrax Killer
Episode 6: Adult Male Loner
Perfect enough for the FBI to put Hatfield under surveillance. And remember, Hatfield had agreed already to let them search his apartment. In exchange for that, Hatfield says the FBI promised him something too, that the process would be very discreet, which it is until the day of the search.
Aftermath: Hunt for the Anthrax Killer
Episode 6: Adult Male Loner
Someone, potentially within the FBI, had leaked to the press that they were going to search Hatfield's apartment.
Aftermath: Hunt for the Anthrax Killer
Episode 6: Adult Male Loner
Media swarm Hatfield's suburban neighborhood. As he later told Matt Lauer on the Today Show, this felt like a huge betrayal of what the FBI had promised him.
Aftermath: Hunt for the Anthrax Killer
Episode 6: Adult Male Loner
I mean, this is, what a show. For the investigators inside Hatfield's apartment, that show is all very real. And the pressure is mounting.
Aftermath: Hunt for the Anthrax Killer
Episode 6: Adult Male Loner
But until that moment with the detectives, he'd never considered using the dogs in criminal cases. But the idea appealed. To Ted, at least.
Aftermath: Hunt for the Anthrax Killer
Episode 6: Adult Male Loner
Terry Kearns was one of the FBI agents in a hazmat suit that day searching Hatfield's apartment.
Aftermath: Hunt for the Anthrax Killer
Episode 1: Isolated Incident
All this coming just a day after the FBI warned Americans that another terrorist attack could be imminent.
Aftermath: Hunt for the Anthrax Killer
Episode 1: Isolated Incident
The deadly bacteria have now turned up in the American capital.
Aftermath: Hunt for the Anthrax Killer
Episode 1: Isolated Incident
House of Representatives is closing offices today until— What is perhaps worrying Americans the most is that they still have no idea who is behind these attacks.
Aftermath: Hunt for the Anthrax Killer
Episode 1: Isolated Incident
Thousands are dead and injured. The skyline of New York and the psyche of the American population has been forever changed.
Aftermath: Hunt for the Anthrax Killer
Aftermath: Hunt for the Anthrax Killer — Trailer
This is a CBC Podcast. In the fall of 2001, while Americans were still grappling with the horror of September 11th, another terror was quietly brewing.
Aftermath: Hunt for the Anthrax Killer
Aftermath: Hunt for the Anthrax Killer — Trailer
So who was responsible for the anthrax attacks? What really happened during one of the FBI's most intense and controversial investigations? And why do so many questions remain, even now?
Aftermath: Hunt for the Anthrax Killer
Aftermath: Hunt for the Anthrax Killer — Trailer
From Wolf Entertainment and USG Audio, this is Aftermath, the hunt for the anthrax killer. Coming soon, wherever you get your podcasts. For more CBC Podcasts, go to cbc.ca.
Aftermath: Hunt for the Anthrax Killer
Aftermath: Hunt for the Anthrax Killer — Trailer
Envelopes filled with white powder started showing up at media outlets and government buildings. It turns out that there's another letter.
Aftermath: Hunt for the Anthrax Killer
Aftermath: Hunt for the Anthrax Killer — Trailer
These letters dominated the news cycle. They created panic, ruined lives, and helped start a war. It was the deadliest bioterror attack in U.S. history. But what's strange is if you ask people now what happened with the anthrax case, almost no one knows. It's like the whole story just disappeared. Who mailed those letters? Do you know?
Aftermath: Hunt for the Anthrax Killer
Aftermath: Hunt for the Anthrax Killer — Trailer
In Aftermath, the hunt for the anthrax killer, we go inside one of the largest investigations in FBI history with the agents, scientists, and experts who were there racing to find the killer.
Aftermath: Hunt for the Anthrax Killer
Aftermath: Hunt for the Anthrax Killer — Trailer
We'll follow insiders through the twists and turns of this truly wild investigation.
Aftermath: Hunt for the Anthrax Killer
Aftermath: Hunt for the Anthrax Killer — Trailer
And we'll explore the people this case left its mark on. It'll haunt me for the rest of my life. And its impact on our lives today.
All The Feelings • The Sins & Virtues
Gluttony: It's Not Just About the Donuts
Here's another show you can enjoy in the True Story FM family of entertainment podcasts. Hey, Pete, ever wonder what Steven Spielberg's favorite film is? You know, Andy, I've heard he loves classics like Lawrence of Arabia, Meet Me in St. Louis. Imagine chatting with him about why those films resonate with him so much. That's exactly what we do on our podcast, Movies We Like.
All The Feelings • The Sins & Virtues
Gluttony: It's Not Just About the Donuts
All the Feelings presents Sins and Virtues. This episode... Gluttony.
All The Feelings • The Sins & Virtues
Gluttony: It's Not Just About the Donuts
They share their favorite films and the impact they've had on their careers, offering fascinating insights into the craftsmanship and storytelling techniques that make these movies so special.
All The Feelings • The Sins & Virtues
Gluttony: It's Not Just About the Donuts
Join us on Movies We Like as we explore the movies we all like with the people who make them. And Stephen, our people will call your people. Let's make this happen, puppy. Subscribe today.
All-In with Chamath, Jason, Sacks & Friedberg
GPT-4o launches, Glue demo, Ohalo breakthrough, Druck's Argentina bet, did Google kill Perplexity?
Rain Man, David Sachs.
All-In with Chamath, Jason, Sacks & Friedberg
GPT-4o launches, Glue demo, Ohalo breakthrough, Druck's Argentina bet, did Google kill Perplexity?
Open source it to the fans, and they've just gone crazy with it. Love you, Wes. Nice.
All-In with Chamath, Jason, Sacks & Friedberg
GPT-4o launches, Glue demo, Ohalo breakthrough, Druck's Argentina bet, did Google kill Perplexity?
Rain Man, David Saxon.
All-In with Chamath, Jason, Sacks & Friedberg
GPT-4o launches, Glue demo, Ohalo breakthrough, Druck's Argentina bet, did Google kill Perplexity?
Love you guys. Bye.
American History Tellers
Buffalo Soldiers | The Last to Leave | 3
Picture this. You're transported back in time, witnessing history unfold right before your eyes, without any modern-day interruptions. That's the magic of Wondery Plus. Immerse yourself in the stories that shaped our nation with ad-free episodes, early access to new seasons, and exclusive bonus content.
American History Tellers
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You swallow hard. Lizelle looks at you with suspicion and disdain. You've seen that look a thousand times since you've arrived at West Point. It's clear he doesn't believe you. Lizelle pulls a piece of paper out of his pocket and holds it up.
American History Tellers
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In the fall of 1880, the death of the Apache leader Victorio helped restore peace to West Texas and New Mexico. But a group of Victorio's followers had escaped capture, and they were determined to avenge their leader's death. Among them was an aging warrior known as Nana. He was 75 years old and walked with a limp, but he had a reputation as a fearsome fighter.
American History Tellers
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And after Victorio's death, Nana took refuge in Mexico's Sierra Madre Mountains with 15 men. They spent months collecting guns and ammunition to plot their campaign of revenge, and in July 1881, they crossed the border into the United States and began raiding farms, ranches, and army supply trains in the New Mexico Territory.
American History Tellers
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Nana recruited more men along the way until his force numbered 40 warriors. Their campaign quickly became a problem for the Army and the Buffalo soldiers stationed in the region. General John Pope later complained, They rushed through the country from one mountain range to another like a pack of hungry wolves, killing everybody they met and stealing all the horses they could get their hands on.
American History Tellers
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That summer, Company I of the 9th Cavalry was stationed in Fort Craig, a lonely outpost on a main road between Mexico and New Mexico. Among the men there was a seasoned 1st Sergeant named Moses Williams. When Williams first enlisted in the Army in 1866, he could only sign his papers with an axe.
American History Tellers
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But after learning to read and write in the Army, he was able to sign his name when he re-enlisted five years later. By 1881, he had spent 11 years with the 9th Cavalry and had far more experience than his white commanding officer, Lieutenant George Burnett, who was just one year out of West Point.
American History Tellers
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And it was on August 16, 1881, while Company I was on patrol near Cuchillo, New Mexico, when a panicked Mexican man ran into their camp. He announced that Nana had murdered his family at a nearby ranch. Burnett, Williams, and 14 other soldiers hurried out and, when they arrived, discovered the mutilated bodies of a woman and three children.
American History Tellers
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The soldiers set off in pursuit and caught up with Nana and his band in the foothills of New Mexico's Cuchillo Negro Mountains. Bullets started flying from the rocks and crevices where the warriors had taken cover. Moses Williams led repeated flanking attacks, rallying his fellow troopers to regroup and keep fighting, and in so doing, forced the Apache to retreat deeper into the foothills.
American History Tellers
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But still, the U.S. Army soldiers struggled to dislodge Nana's men completely. Then, hours into the battle, 9th Cavalry reinforcements arrived at the scene. Their commander ordered the soldiers to fall back to a stronger position. Burnett, Williams, and another Buffalo soldier, Private Augustus Wally, held the Apache at bay while the remainder withdrew to a ridgeline behind them.
American History Tellers
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But then a voice cried out for help, and Burnett realized that three of his soldiers had been left behind at the front. They'd been pinned down behind prairie dog mounds 200 yards away and couldn't flee without exposing themselves to enemy fire. Burnett, Williams, and Wally jumped to the rescue, braving a storm of bullets to reach the stranded men and carry them to safety.
American History Tellers
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Meanwhile, as night fell, Nana and his men disappeared into the hills. Burnett, Williams, and Wally would eventually receive the Medal of Honor for risking their lives to rescue their comrades. Burnett praised Williams for his coolness, bravery, and unflinching devotion to duty that day. But their work wasn't done, and the 9th Cavalry kept up pursuit.
American History Tellers
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By that fall, they drove Nana and his followers back across the Mexican border, and the task of subduing the final remnants of Apache resistance fell to other regiments, including Colonel Benjamin Grierson's 10th Cavalry. The soldiers of the 10th Cavalry took up the pursuit of Geronimo, a medicine man and the last major Apache war leader.
American History Tellers
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When Geronimo was a young man, Mexican soldiers massacred his wife, mother, and three young children. This experience instilled in him a deep-seated hatred for anyone who threatened his people's freedom. And he found a new enemy as the United States extended its reach into the Southwest. In 1874, the U.S.
American History Tellers
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government forcibly removed 4,000 members of Geronimo's tribe to the San Carlos Reservations in eastern Arizona. Soldiers dubbed the barren landscape Hell's Forty Acres because summer temperatures hovered between 100 and 120 degrees with no shade and little water or game. These conditions made it impossible for the Apache to hunt or grow their own food, and U.S. government rations fell short.
American History Tellers
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In 1877, the U.S. Army captured Geronimo and relocated him to San Carlos, but he refused to give up on his dream of securing his people's freedom. In the fall of 1881, he broke out of San Carlos with 75 followers. They spent the next several years raiding the Southwest and sometimes killing civilians, all while evading Mexican and American forces, including the 10th Cavalry.
American History Tellers
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His stamina became legendary. One white veteran remembered, Geronimo could march 70 miles during a night, fight all day, and appear no more weary than an ordinary man after an ordinary day's labor. In 1884, Geronimo agreed to return to the reservation, but he didn't stay long. Only a year later, in May 1885, he fled San Carlos again, this time with 130 followers.
American History Tellers
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To win sympathy? You shake your head, fighting to control your rising frustration.
American History Tellers
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The army put thousands of soldiers into the field to hunt them down, and the men of the 10th Cavalry spent months in the saddle guarding watering holes and mountain passes with no success and having to endure extreme hardship. One trooper recalled, "...in the fall of 1885, we encountered a very severe snowstorm. We got lost in the mountains for four days and we could not get out."
American History Tellers
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This same soldier claimed later to have developed symptoms of scurvy, including the loss of teeth and a bladder disorder that affected him for the rest of his life. A blacksmith that served with the regiment would also later recall, "...that is where I lost my health in the line of duty, trying to protect my country." Eventually, one quarter of the entire standing U.S.
American History Tellers
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Army was deployed to track Geronimo and his tiny band. At last, in August 1886, Geronimo finally surrendered in exchange for the promise that he and his people would be allowed to return to Arizona after a period of exile in Florida.
American History Tellers
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The vast majority of Apache had remained on the San Carlos reservation during Geronimo's resistance, but army officials decided to punish the peaceful Indians along with Geronimo's followers. They too would suffer the pain of exile to a strange and distant land. Imagine it's August 1886, and the afternoon sun is beating down on the dry, cracked earth of the San Carlos Reservation in Arizona.
American History Tellers
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You're a soldier in the 10th Cavalry, and you and your fellow troopers are rounding up dozens of Apache families for relocation. You approach an older Apache man who sits in the shadow of the commissary, watching his grandson play nearby.
American History Tellers
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The man looks up, his gaze defiant.
American History Tellers
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You shift your stance, feeling uncomfortable.
American History Tellers
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His stare is too much to endure, so you glance away just as your commander rides up on his horse. You snap to attention and salute.
American History Tellers
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The commander turns his horse around and rides off in the direction of another family. You return your gaze to the old man.
American History Tellers
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Join Wondery Plus in the Wondery app or on Apple Podcasts and experience American history like never before. A listener note. This episode contains graphic descriptions of racial violence and may not be suitable for everyone. Imagine it's April 6th, 1880, and you're a cadet at the U.S. Military Academy in West Point, New York. You're sitting up in a bed at the infirmary.
American History Tellers
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You have no choice but to obey. So you push yourself out of bed, wincing as you straighten up to salute Lizelle. You begin to stagger out of the infirmary, cold knot forming in your stomach. You've endured years of harassment and isolation, and you've never felt so alone. Still, you refuse to give up.
American History Tellers
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his drawn, hollow-eyed expression makes you wonder if he even heard you. But at last, he rises. The boy clings to his grandfather's pant leg as they walk toward the line of Apache families being ushered into wagons. You tell yourself it's just another order, that you're doing your duty. But the weight of your uniform suddenly feels unbearable.
American History Tellers
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After Geronimo's surrender, half of the companies of the 10th Cavalry were tasked with arresting and transporting 400 Apache men, women, and children to Holbrook, Arizona, where they would board a train bound for Fort Marion in St. Augustine, Florida. It was a place they considered even worse than San Carlos, far from their cherished homeland.
American History Tellers
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Later that fall, the 10th Cavalry captured the last hostile Apache chief on the Arizona frontier. This surrender marked the end of Apache resistance in the West. Several black soldiers received official commendations for their performance against the Apache. By then, more than a dozen Buffalo soldiers had carried out acts of bravery that would earn them medals of honor.
American History Tellers
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It was a record of service that made Grierson proud when he finally gave up his command of the 10th Cavalry in 1888. He recalled the regiment's splendid record of nearly 22 years' service to the government, in the field and at the most isolated posts on the frontier, always in the vanguard of civilization and in contact with the most warlike and savage Indians of the Plains.
American History Tellers
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Despite the outstanding service of Buffalo soldiers on the frontier, Black cadets at West Point still faced severe opposition. In 1889, Charles Young, the son of a Civil War veteran, became the third Black man to graduate from West Point, following Henry Ossian Flipper and another cadet named John Hanks Alexander.
American History Tellers
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Twelve black men had been admitted to the military academy since 1870, but violent harassment and discrimination had caused nine of those twelve to leave before they graduated. And the advent of Jim Crow segregation ensured that Young would be West Point's last black graduate for nearly half a century.
American History Tellers
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Soon, Buffalo Soldiers would take part in the final chapter of the Indian Wars and the federal government's long and bloody quest to displace and subjugate Native people. But despite their service and sacrifice, their own opportunities for advancement and equality began to disappear.
American History Tellers
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By 1890, the United States had seized millions of acres from the Lakota Sioux, driven them from their homelands, and confined them to half a dozen reservations in the Dakotas. The Lakota chafed under the restrictions of reservation life. White settlers and sport hunters had annihilated the buffalo they depended on.
American History Tellers
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The once free-roaming people were forced to farm plains stricken by drought, leaving them no choice but to rely on government-issued rations for survival. But in 1889, Congress slashed the Lakota rations budget. Severe winter weather pushed families to the brink of starvation. In this harsh environment, many Lakota became drawn to a spiritual movement called the Ghost Dance.
American History Tellers
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It promised a future utopia in which Indians would be free from white oppression and a trance-inducing ritual that would allow Indians to glimpse this new world. The Ghost Dance swept through Sioux reservations in 1890. It was a peaceful movement, but the sight of large numbers of dancing Indians alarmed white settlers.
American History Tellers
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In November 1890, the new agent at the Pine Ridge Reservation in South Dakota dashed off a panic letter to Washington demanding that the Army restore order. In November 1890, five companies from the 9th Cavalry and eight white units arrived at Pine Ridge and the neighboring Rosebud Reservation.
American History Tellers
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Their presence frightened the Lakota and prompted hundreds of families to withdraw to a remote corner of Pine Ridge. Tensions worsened after the Lakota learned that the influential leader Sitting Bull had been killed by U.S. agents during a botched arrest attempt. Some fled Pine Ridge. The 9th Cavalry was ordered to track down the Indians who had escaped.
American History Tellers
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On December 29th, the soldiers of the 9th were still in pursuit when, 20 miles away from Pine Ridge at Wounded Knee Creek, the 7th Cavalry committed one of the most notorious massacres of Native Americans in U.S. history. The soldiers surrounded a Lakota camp and opened fire, killing as many as 300 Lakota. Most of the dead were unarmed, and many were women and children.
American History Tellers
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The day after this slaughter, furious Lakota warriors trapped the 7th Cavalry in a canyon and fired on them. Major Guy Henry and the soldiers at the 9th mounted their horses and hurried to the rescue. They charged and scattered the attackers, saving the white soldiers' lives. The clash that day was the final battle between Buffalo soldiers and Native Americans.
American History Tellers
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In the weeks that followed, the remaining Lakota returned to Pine Ridge and surrendered. Wounded Knee marked the end of Indian resistance to the U.S. Army. After decades of bloodshed, the Indian wars were over. The White regiments quickly returned to their regular posts, but four companies of the 9th Cavalry spent a frigid winter at Pine Ridge on guard duty.
American History Tellers
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One private composed a poem calling out the injustice of their extended service in South Dakota, writing, We were the first to come. We'll be the last to leave. Why are we compelled to stay? Why this reward receive? In war barracks, our recent comrades take their ease while we poor devils and the Sioux are left to freeze.
American History Tellers
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Finally, in March 1891, the troopers filed out of the reservation for the last time. But there was good news awaiting them. Major Henry was so impressed with the courage and effectiveness of the 9th Cavalry that he fought for the regiment to be rewarded with an assignment to the prestigious Fort Myer, located just outside Washington, D.C., in Virginia.
American History Tellers
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His efforts paid off when the 9th Cavalry's K Troop was stationed at Fort Myer in May 1891. The soldiers took pride in performing ceremonial burials at Arlington Cemetery and serving in the Presidential Parade Unit. The assignment of Buffalo soldiers to Fort Myer prompted the Army and Navy Journal to declare the death of prejudice against blacks in the Army.
American History Tellers
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Despite the Journal's optimism, black and white soldiers would be kept segregated in the military for another 50 years, and in broader society, racial segregation would worsen in the late 19th century. In the 1890s, Southern states enacted ruthless Jim Crow laws to legalize discrimination and disenfranchise Black Americans.
American History Tellers
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The 1896 Supreme Court decision Plessy v. Ferguson established the doctrine of separate but equal and gave Jim Crow the backing of the highest court in the land. Still, Black men continued to serve in the Army after the Indian Wars. Buffalo soldiers were among the first National Parks Rangers.
American History Tellers
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When America intervened in Cuba's struggle for independence from Spain, the 9th and 10th Cavalries joined Theodore Roosevelt and his Rough Riders in the famous charge up San Juan Hill. When the United States invaded the Philippines, West Point graduate Charles Young was named captain of a 9th Cavalry troop.
American History Tellers
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Despite their accomplishments, many veterans in the Indian Wars discovered that their struggles were not yet over. After leaving the Army, they would continue to fight for support and recognition. Imagine it's September 1904 in Fort Robinson, Nebraska.
American History Tellers
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You are a veteran of the 9th Cavalry, and for hours you've been seated in the waiting area of the Fort Hospital, avoiding the gaze of white soldiers and veterans who eye you suspiciously. You've come here today to see a doctor about your kidney condition. The nurse at the front desk tried to turn you away, but you refused to leave until you received care.
American History Tellers
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The nurse walks back into the waiting area, accompanied by a doctor wearing a crisp white coat. He looks like he's just out of medical school.
American History Tellers
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You stand and step toward him, trying to ignore the pain in your stiff knees. But he holds out his hand to stop you.
American History Tellers
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The doctor folds his arms and frowns.
American History Tellers
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The doctor's gaze flicks to the white veterans in the seats beside you.
American History Tellers
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He turns to help an older white veteran, and you lower yourself back into the hard chair, feeling the stares of everyone in the room. You're forced to reckon with the bitter truth that you've been forgotten by the very nation you served. In 1904, a veteran Buffalo soldier named George Jordan sought treatment for kidney disease at the Army Hospital in Fort Robinson, Nebraska.
American History Tellers
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Jordan had enlisted on Christmas Day, 1866. In the years that followed, he won promotions to corporal and sergeant and received a Medal of Honor for his bravery during the Victorio campaign. Despite his service, the doctor at Fort Robinson turned him away. He died soon after at the age of 57. He had just $11 to his name.
American History Tellers
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The fort's black chaplain wrote that Jordan had died for the want of proper attention. Even the most distinguished Buffalo soldiers found they had little to show for their sacrifices. The Army provided retired soldiers with transportation home, the possibility of a bed in the old soldier's home in Washington, and in some cases, a small pension.
American History Tellers
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But it was far short of what most veterans needed in order to survive. Reuven Walder was a 10th Cavalry veteran who'd taken part in the famous rescue of George Forsythe's White Scouts in 1868.
American History Tellers
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Years later, he reflected, "...we were regular soldiers, and we had to make the West safe for the soldiers of the Civil War to get homesteads in and $72 per month pensions, while we poor regulars got nothing." Many of these veterans returned home to the South where they faced racial violence, Jim Crow segregation, and limited economic opportunities. Even so, Black men continued to enlist.
American History Tellers
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Black soldiers served courageously in segregated regiments in World War I and World War II. It was not until 1948 that President Harry Truman finally desegregated the Army. Some of the Black regiments in World War I, World War II, and the Korean War wore buffalo insignia on their shoulder patches, calling back to the generation that paved the way for their service.
American History Tellers
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For 25 years after the Civil War, thousands of Black men faithfully carried out the nation's agenda of supporting westward expansion. In extreme conditions, they protected shelters, built roads, and laid telegraph lines. Complicating their legacy, they helped subjugate Native people and remove them from their homelands.
American History Tellers
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For many Black soldiers, service in the segregated military was one of the only available avenues for honor, dignity, and opportunity. But in the end, they found little reward for their dedicated service and sacrifice on behalf of their country. From Wondery, this is episode three of our three-part series, Buffalo Soldiers, from American History Tellers.
American History Tellers
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On the next episode, I speak with Lieutenant Colonel Rory McGovern, an associate professor in the Department of History at West Point, and the co-editor of Race, Politics, and Reconstruction, the first Black cadets at Old West Point. If you like American history tellers, you can binge all episodes early and ad-free right now by joining Wondery Plus in the Wondery app or on Apple Podcasts.
American History Tellers
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Prime members can listen ad-free on Amazon Music. And before you go, tell us about yourself by filling out a short survey at wondery.com slash survey. American History Tellers is hosted, edited, and produced by me, Lindsey Graham, for Airship. Audio editing by Christian Paraga. Sound design by Molly Bond. Music by Lindsey Graham. Voice acting by Ace Anderson.
American History Tellers
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In the spring of 1880, West Point authorities accused a Black cadet of staging a brutal attack on himself to win sympathy. Once again, a Black cadet faced widespread hostility and distrust while battling to be accepted at the nation's leading officer training school.
American History Tellers
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This episode is written by Ellie Stanton. Edited by Dorian Marina. Produced by Alita Rozanski. Managing producer is Desi Blaylock. Senior managing producer, Callum Clues. Senior producer, Andy Herman. And executive producers are Jenny Lauer Beckman, Marsha Louis, and Erin O'Flaherty for Wondery.
American History Tellers
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And meanwhile, in West Texas, West Point's first Black graduate faced difficulties of his own, when a careless mistake led to a court-martial for embezzlement, while the rest of the Buffalo soldiers of the 9th and 10th Cavalries grappled with systemic racism while enduring relentless warfare on unforgiving desert terrain.
American History Tellers
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They fought against skilled Apache warriors determined to resist displacement from their ancestral lands, and they stood guard during the final campaign of the Indian Wars— But when their service was no longer needed, they found themselves cast aside by their country. This is Episode 3, The Last to Leave.
American History Tellers
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On the morning of April 6, 1880, a black West Point cadet named Johnson Chestnut Whitaker failed to appear at morning roll call. He was found unconscious in his room. His arms and legs were tied to his bed. His ears had been slashed with a razor and his hair had been shorn in several places. He was covered in blood that also splattered the floor and the door to the room.
American History Tellers
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Whittaker was born enslaved in Camden, South Carolina. After the Civil War, his mother sent him to a school set up by Northern missionaries. And after attending the University of South Carolina, he won a congressional appointment to West Point and passed his entrance exams in 1876.
American History Tellers
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During his first year at the military academy, he roomed with Henry Ossian Flipper, who became the first Black cadet to graduate from West Point the following year in 1877. West Point was home to the U.S. Military Academy, the training ground for America's future military leaders.
American History Tellers
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Nestled along the banks of the Hudson River in West Point, New York, it served as the gateway to becoming a commissioned officer in the U.S. Army. It was founded in 1802, but it did not accept Black cadets until 1870. And the handful of Black men who first attended West Point faced the same high standards and rigorous training as their white classmates—
American History Tellers
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Upon graduation, they would lead troops as commissioned officers, putting their lives on the line to serve their country. But the environment they encountered at West Point was charged with hatred.
American History Tellers
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Like the two black cadets who had preceded him, Whitaker faced hostility and abuse from his white classmates, culminating in the violent attack Whitaker experienced in April 1880, just weeks before he was set to graduate. The cadet who found Whitaker unconscious in his dorm room ran for help and summoned a doctor to examine him.
American History Tellers
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After noticing a flicker in Whitaker's eyelids, the doctor decided Whitaker was exaggerating or faking his injuries. Lieutenant Colonel Henry M. Lazell, the commandant of cadets at the academy, arrived on the scene and commanded Whitaker to get up and be a man. Whitaker rose and limped to the wash basin, and then began to recount what happened.
American History Tellers
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He said that in the middle of the night, three men wearing cadet gray seized him by the throat and choked him until he almost suffocated. Then he reported that he was struck on the left temple and on the nose with something horrid. The attackers overpowered him and threw him to the floor.
American History Tellers
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And there, one of them slashed his earlobes, declaring that they wanted to mark him like they do hogs down south. Finally, the attackers tied him to the bed and warned him to stay silent about what had happened. After interrogating Whitaker about the attack, Lizell sent him back to class.
American History Tellers
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And despite Whitaker's detailed account of the attack and his serious injuries, West Point authorities quickly made up their minds that he had staged the incident. Lizell led the investigation and accused Whitaker of inflicting his own wounds, cutting his hair and binding himself.
American History Tellers
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He even had Whitaker's soiled room and blood-stained clothes cleaned, destroying what could have been illuminating evidence. Then he offered Whitaker a choice. Withdraw from the Academy outright or face a court inquiry into the matter. Whitaker chose the court of inquiry, similar to a grand jury investigation, which convened on April 9th.
American History Tellers
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The case dragged on for weeks, and Whitaker's ordeal became a national news story. West Point superintendent gave a series of interviews with major newspapers, casting doubt on Whitaker's account, and the press debated his guilt and offered competing theories on what had actually happened. In the meantime, the court of inquiry decided to bar Whitaker from attending the sessions.
American History Tellers
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Last night, you were brutally attacked by three masked men in your dormitory. Your head is pounding, and you can feel bruises forming on your neck where you were choked. Lieutenant Colonel Henry Lazell approaches your bed, and you brace for an interrogation. Good morning, sir.
American History Tellers
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So his knowledge of the proceedings that would determine his fate was limited to what he read in newspapers or overheard in the halls. Yet despite the stress and isolation, Whitaker remained composed. Even the Army and Navy Journal, the military's main media organ, praised his nerve, coolness, self-possession, and defensive power that excited astonishment amongst all.
American History Tellers
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Then, finally, at the end of May 1880, the Court of Inquiry issued a report concluding that Whitaker had staged the attack, and U.S. President Rutherford B. Hayes ordered that Whitaker be tried by court-martial. In June 1881, Whitaker was once again found guilty, and he was sentenced to expulsion from West Point and dishonorable discharge from the military.
American History Tellers
Buffalo Soldiers | The Last to Leave | 3
The case would later be overturned by President Chester Arthur, who cited procedural issues. But it made no difference. Citing an exam he had failed in the weeks after his attack, West Point finalized Whitaker's dismissal, and he would not graduate.
American History Tellers
Buffalo Soldiers | The Last to Leave | 3
Commenting on the case, newspapers like the Washington Post compared Whitaker's character to that of another black cadet, former roommate Henry Ossian Flipper. The Post wrote that many consider Whitaker ignorant and low in all his instincts. By contrast, the newspaper described Flipper as gentlemanly, intelligent, and brave.
American History Tellers
Buffalo Soldiers | The Last to Leave | 3
But within weeks, Flipper would find himself, pending his own court-martial, confined in a six-by-four-foot cell in Fort Davis, Texas. Flipper was a second lieutenant in the 10th Cavalry, and America's first black commissioned officer, a promising start in the Army.
American History Tellers
Buffalo Soldiers | The Last to Leave | 3
After fighting in Victorio's war, he won praise from both his commanding officer Nicholas Nolan and 10th Cavalry Commander Colonel Benjamin Grierson. In the fall of 1880, Flipper was transferred to Fort Davis in West Texas, where he served as quartermaster and commissary officer, responsible for managing the store's cash.
American History Tellers
Buffalo Soldiers | The Last to Leave | 3
During that time, he developed a close friendship with a white woman named Molly Dwyer, the sister-in-law of Nolan. The pair often went horseback riding together, But things took a turn in the spring of 1881, when Colonel William Shafter took command of Fort Davis.
American History Tellers
Buffalo Soldiers | The Last to Leave | 3
Shafter had a reputation as a harsh commander, and his former company, the All Black 24th Infantry, had leveled several harassment and misconduct charges against him.
American History Tellers
Buffalo Soldiers | The Last to Leave | 3
So that July, when Flipper discovered a large shortage in the commissary funds caused by his sloppy bookkeeping and willingness to extend credit, he feared Shafter's severe judgment and tried to cover up the mistakes by writing a personal check for $1,440 to replace the missing money.
American History Tellers
Buffalo Soldiers | The Last to Leave | 3
Flipper had recently published an autobiography about his time at West Point called The Colored Cadet, and he believed that royalties from the sales of this book had been deposited in a bank account in San Antonio and that there would be more than enough to cover the shortfall.
American History Tellers
Buffalo Soldiers | The Last to Leave | 3
Unbeknownst to Flipper, there were no funds in his name at the San Antonio bank, so without realizing it, Flipper had submitted a fraudulent check. His desperate attempt to cover up his mistake threatened to put his hard-won career in peril. Imagine it's August 13th, 1881, a sweltering day in Fort Davis, Texas.
American History Tellers
Buffalo Soldiers | The Last to Leave | 3
You take a seat across the desk from Colonel William Shafter, the commander of the fort. First Lieutenant Frank Edmonds stands in the corner observing. You believe you know why Shafter summoned you to his office, so you try to keep your expression as neutral as possible as Shafter puts down his pen and levels you with a stern gaze.
American History Tellers
Buffalo Soldiers | The Last to Leave | 3
Shafter scratches his mustache and leans back in his chair. It creaks under the weight of his stout figure.
American History Tellers
Buffalo Soldiers | The Last to Leave | 3
Your heart hammers in your chest so hard, your certain shafter can hear it. You try to keep your voice steady.
American History Tellers
Buffalo Soldiers | The Last to Leave | 3
Shafter sighs and locks eyes with the lieutenant standing by the door.
American History Tellers
Buffalo Soldiers | The Last to Leave | 3
The lieutenant nods and exits the office. As you turn back to Shafter, it feels like the room is spinning.
American History Tellers
Buffalo Soldiers | The Last to Leave | 3
You nod, but inside you're screaming. It seems unlikely that your superiors will believe that you didn't steal the money, but you have to fight the charges. You've worked too hard to get where you are to lose everything now. Flipper planned to replace the missing money with his own funds. But before he had the chance, Shafter discovered the discrepancy.
American History Tellers
Buffalo Soldiers | The Last to Leave | 3
He accused Flipper of stealing the money and had him arrested for embezzlement. Flipper's friends pooled money to replace the missing funds, but it changed nothing. Shafter convened a court-martial in Fort Davis' chapel in September 1881. During the proceedings, fellow soldiers and local white civilians testified to Flipper's good character.
American History Tellers
Buffalo Soldiers | The Last to Leave | 3
Colonel Grierson wrote a long letter praising Flipper and asking the court for leniency. He declared, Lieutenant Flipper's character and standing as an officer and gentleman have certainly been beyond reproach. Although he may have been careless and indiscreet and may have committed irregularities from want of experience, my confidence in his honesty of purpose has not been shaken.
American History Tellers
Buffalo Soldiers | The Last to Leave | 3
You almost laugh at the absurdity of the question.
American History Tellers
Buffalo Soldiers | The Last to Leave | 3
Then, when Flipper himself came before the judges, he acknowledged the shortfall, but insisted that he had no intention of defrauding the government. His defense attorney argued that the case was about something more than missing funds, telling the court, "...the question before you is whether it is possible for a colored man to secure and hold a position as an officer in the Army."
American History Tellers
Buffalo Soldiers | The Last to Leave | 3
That question was answered in December 1881, when the court finally issued its verdict following months of testimony. Flipper was found innocent of embezzlement, but guilty of conduct unbecoming of an officer and a gentleman. He was promptly dismissed from the Army. Despite appeals, President Arthur upheld the sentence, and Flipper would spend the rest of his life contesting the charges.
American History Tellers
Buffalo Soldiers | The Last to Leave | 3
He believed that he was a man marked for retribution when Colonel Shafter and other white officers noticed his developing friendship with Molly Dwyer, Captain Nolan's white sister-in-law. So with the court-martials of Flipper and Whitaker, the U.S. Army was without a single black commissioned officer, and West Point was once again without a single black cadet.
American History Tellers
Buffalo Soldiers | The Last to Leave | 3
These two men's experience revealed how even the most determined struggled to escape the burdens of institutional racism within the Army. And those burdens persisted into the 1880s, as Buffalo soldiers continued supporting the government's agenda of westward expansion. It was a policy that would enact a devastating toll on Native American lives.
American History Tellers
Buffalo Soldiers | The Last to Leave | 3
And in the years to come, these Plains Indians who resisted the Army's advance were betrayed, expelled from their homes, and forced to suffer deadly violence.
American History Tellers
The Wright Brothers | Fliers or Liars | 2
He was hip-hop's biggest mogul, the man who redefined fame, fortune, and the music industry. The first male rapper to be honored on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, Sean Diddy Cone. Diddy built an empire and lived a life most people only dream about.
American History Tellers
The Wright Brothers | Fliers or Liars | 2
But just as quickly as his empire rose, it came crashing down.
American History Tellers
The Wright Brothers | Fliers or Liars | 2
Until you're wearing an orange jumpsuit, it's not real. Now it's real. From his meteoric rise to his shocking fall from grace, from law and crime, this is The Rise and Fall of Diddy. Listen to The Rise and Fall of Diddy exclusively with Wondery+.
American History Tellers
Listen Now: Scam Factory
You know, those suspicious text messages and scam calls that we all get. Well, behind them and the spam flooding your inbox lies a nightmare that's all too real. Scam Factory is a gripping new true crime podcast from Wondery, exposing a multi-billion dollar criminal empire operating in plain sight.
American History Tellers
Listen Now: Scam Factory
Every suspicious text you ignore masks a vast network of compounds where thousands are held captive and forced to scam others under the threat of death. Told through one family's harrowing account of sleepless nights, desperate phone calls, and dangerous rescue attempts, Scam Factory reveals a brutal truth. The only way out is to scam their way out.
American History Tellers
Listen Now: Scam Factory
Binge all episodes of Scam Factory early and ad-free on Wondery Plus. Join Wondery Plus in the Wondery app or on Apple Podcasts.
American History Tellers
Listen Now: Scam Factory
You're about to hear a clip from Scam Factory where one character, Jella, learns horrifying news while she's trapped inside the Scam Factory. While you're listening, follow Scam Factory on the Wondery app or wherever you get your podcasts.
Anatomy of Murder
Justice Delayed (Vickie Lynn Belk)
I'll explain the reason why I showed you her picture. August of 1979, her body was found in Brian's room. When I say her body, she was deceased.
Anatomy of Murder
Justice Delayed (Vickie Lynn Belk)
She was sexually assaulted and she was shot in the head.
Anatomy of Murder
Justice Delayed (Vickie Lynn Belk)
I clearly had sex with her at some point. Probably.
Anatomy of Murder
Justice Delayed (Vickie Lynn Belk)
I'll explain the reason why I showed you her picture. August of 1979, her body was found in Brian's ribs. When I say her body, she was deceased. Okay. She was sexually assaulted and she was shot in the head.
Armchair Expert with Dax Shepard
Reid Hoffman Returns (on an optimistic AI)
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Armchair Expert with Dax Shepard
Reid Hoffman Returns (on an optimistic AI)
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Armchair Expert with Dax Shepard
Seth Rogen Returns Again
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Armchair Expert with Dax Shepard
Seth Rogen Returns Again
Imagine this. You help your little brother land a great job abroad. But when he arrives, the job doesn't exist. Instead, he's trapped in a heavily guarded compound, forced to sit at a computer and scam innocent victims. all while armed guards stand by with shoot-to-kill orders.
Armchair Expert with Dax Shepard
Seth Rogen Returns Again
Scam Factory, the explosive new true crime podcast from Wondery, exposes a multibillion-dollar criminal empire operating in plain sight. Told through one family's harrowing account of sleepless nights, desperate phone calls, and dangerous rescue attempts, Scam Factory reveals a brutal truth. The only way out is to scam their way out.
Armchair Expert with Dax Shepard
Seth Rogen Returns Again
Follow Scam Factory on the Wondery app or wherever you get your podcasts. You can binge all episodes of Scam Factory early and ad-free right now by joining Wondery Plus.
Armchair Expert with Dax Shepard
Seth Rogen Returns Again
Can you imagine if you fucked up your line twice?
Armchair Expert with Dax Shepard
Seth Rogen Returns Again
Stay tuned for more Armchair Expert, if you dare. Armchair Expert
Armchair Expert with Dax Shepard
Blaise Aguirre (on overcoming self-hatred)
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Armchair Expert with Dax Shepard
Blaise Aguirre (on overcoming self-hatred)
Imagine this, you help your little brother land a great job abroad, but when he arrives, the job doesn't exist. Instead, he's trapped in a heavily guarded compound, forced to sit at a computer and scam innocent victims. all while armed guards stand by with shoot-to-kill orders.
Armchair Expert with Dax Shepard
Blaise Aguirre (on overcoming self-hatred)
Scam Factory, the explosive new true crime podcast from Wondery, exposes a multibillion-dollar criminal empire operating in plain sight. Told through one family's harrowing account of sleepless nights, desperate phone calls, and dangerous rescue attempts, Scam Factory reveals a brutal truth. The only way out is to scam their way out.
Armchair Expert with Dax Shepard
Blaise Aguirre (on overcoming self-hatred)
Follow Scam Factory on the Wondery app or wherever you get your podcasts. You can binge all episodes of Scam Factory early and ad-free right now by joining Wondery Plus.
Armchair Expert with Dax Shepard
Blaise Aguirre (on overcoming self-hatred)
Stay tuned for more Armchair Expert, if you dare. Stay tuned for the fact check. It's where the party's at.
Armchair Expert with Dax Shepard
Mary Claire Haver (on menopause)
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Armchair Expert with Dax Shepard
Mary Claire Haver (on menopause)
Imagine this. You help your little brother land a great job abroad. But when he arrives, the job doesn't exist. Instead, he's trapped in a heavily guarded compound, forced to sit at a computer and scam innocent victims. all while armed guards stand by with shoot-to-kill orders.
Armchair Expert with Dax Shepard
Mary Claire Haver (on menopause)
Scam Factory, the explosive new true crime podcast from Wondery, exposes a multibillion-dollar criminal empire operating in plain sight. Told through one family's harrowing account of sleepless nights, desperate phone calls, and dangerous rescue attempts, Scam Factory reveals a brutal truth. The only way out is to scam their way out.
Armchair Expert with Dax Shepard
Mary Claire Haver (on menopause)
Follow Scam Factory on the Wondery app or wherever you get your podcasts. You can binge all episodes of Scam Factory early and ad-free right now by joining Wondery+.
Armchair Expert with Dax Shepard
Mary Claire Haver (on menopause)
Stay tuned for more Armchair Expert, if you dare.
Armchair Expert with Dax Shepard
Mary Claire Haver (on menopause)
Thank you. We're so glad we finally got you. Thank you so much. Stay tuned for the fact check. It's where the party's at.
Armchair Expert with Dax Shepard
Mary Claire Haver (on menopause)
Stay tuned for more Armchair Expert, if you dare.
Armchair Expert with Dax Shepard
Allison Jones (Award-Winning Casting Director)
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Armchair Expert with Dax Shepard
Allison Jones (Award-Winning Casting Director)
It was crazy. And Mitch Rouse.
Armchair Expert with Dax Shepard
Allison Jones (Award-Winning Casting Director)
Stay tuned for more Armchair Expert, if you dare.
Armchair Expert with Dax Shepard
Allison Jones (Award-Winning Casting Director)
$45 upfront payment equivalent to $15 per month. New customers on first three-month plan only. Taxes and fees extra. Speeds lower above 40 gigabytes. See details.
Armchair Expert with Dax Shepard
Allison Jones (Award-Winning Casting Director)
Paramount Plus brings you an exclusive all-access window into the life of America's biggest soccer star with its brand-new docuseries, Pulisic. Go behind the scenes on and off the pitch as American captain Christian Pulisic navigates his stellar season abroad with AC Milan, leads the U.S. men's national team internationally, and and prepares for the 2026 World Cup on home soil.
Armchair Expert with Dax Shepard
Allison Jones (Award-Winning Casting Director)
Catch the all-new Paramount Plus original docuseries, Polisic, presented by Michelob Ultra. Featuring soccer legends Clint Dempsey, Weston McKinney, Zlatan, Jurgen Klopp, and more. Streaming now on Paramount Plus. Sign up at ParamountPlus.com today.
Armchair Expert with Dax Shepard
Allison Jones (Award-Winning Casting Director)
Did you know that parents rank financial literacy as the number one most difficult life skill to teach? Meet Greenlight, the debit card and money app for families. With Greenlight, you can send money to kids instantly, set up chores, automate allowance, and keep an eye on your kids' spending with real-time notifications.
Armchair Expert with Dax Shepard
Allison Jones (Award-Winning Casting Director)
Kids learn to earn, save, and spend wisely, and parents can rest easy knowing their kids are learning about money with guardrails in place. Sign up for Greenlight today at greenlight.com slash wondery. That's greenlight.com slash wondery.
Armchair Expert with Dax Shepard
Allison Jones (Award-Winning Casting Director)
Stay tuned for the fact check.
Armchair Expert with Dax Shepard
Allison Jones (Award-Winning Casting Director)
Stay tuned for more Armchair Expert, if you dare.
Armchair Expert with Dax Shepard
Allison Jones (Award-Winning Casting Director)
Now more than ever, people are relying on their community pharmacy. Fortunately, CVS pharmacy team members are passionate about their local communities. In fact, 87% of pharmacists wish their customers would ask more questions about their health needs. Does your CVS pharmacist go above and beyond for you? We'd love to hear your story. Share it at cvs.com slash stories.
Armchair Expert with Dax Shepard
Allison Jones (Award-Winning Casting Director)
That's cvs.com slash stories. CVS, making healthier happen together.
Armchair Expert with Dax Shepard
Allison Jones (Award-Winning Casting Director)
They say Hollywood is where dreams are made, a seductive city where many flock to get rich, be adored, and capture America's heart. But when the spotlight turns off, fame, fortune, and lives can disappear in an instant. When TV producer Roy Radin was found dead in a canyon near LA in 1983, There were many questions surrounding his death.
Armchair Expert with Dax Shepard
Allison Jones (Award-Winning Casting Director)
The last person seen with him was Laney Jacobs, a seductive cocaine dealer who desperately wanted to be part of the Hollywood elite. Together, they were trying to break into the movie industry. But things took a dark turn when a million dollars worth of cocaine and cash went missing. From Wondery comes a new season of the hit show Hollywood and Crime, The Cotton Club Murder.
Armchair Expert with Dax Shepard
Allison Jones (Award-Winning Casting Director)
Follow Hollywood and Crime, The Cotton Club Murder on the Wondery app or wherever you get your podcasts. You can binge all episodes of The Cotton Club Murder early and ad-free right now by joining Wondery Plus.
Armchair Expert with Dax Shepard
Jonathan Haidt Returns (on the Anxious Generation)
Imagine this. You help your little brother land a great job abroad. But when he arrives, the job doesn't exist. Instead, he's trapped in a heavily guarded compound, forced to sit at a computer and scam innocent victims. all while armed guards stand by with shoot-to-kill orders.
Armchair Expert with Dax Shepard
Jonathan Haidt Returns (on the Anxious Generation)
Scam Factory, the explosive new true crime podcast from Wondery, exposes a multi-billion dollar criminal empire operating in plain sight. Told through one family's harrowing account of sleepless nights, desperate phone calls, and dangerous rescue attempts, Scam Factory reveals a brutal truth. The only way out is to scam their way out.
Armchair Expert with Dax Shepard
Suzanne O'Sullivan (on over diagnosis)
Stay tuned for more Armchair Expert, if you dare.
Armchair Expert with Dax Shepard
Suzanne O'Sullivan (on over diagnosis)
Imagine this. You help your little brother land a great job abroad. But when he arrives, the job doesn't exist. Instead, he's trapped in a heavily guarded compound, forced to sit at a computer and scam innocent victims. all while armed guards stand by with shoot-to-kill orders.
Armchair Expert with Dax Shepard
Suzanne O'Sullivan (on over diagnosis)
Scam Factory, the explosive new true crime podcast from Wondery, exposes a multibillion-dollar criminal empire operating in plain sight. Told through one family's harrowing account of sleepless nights, desperate phone calls, and dangerous rescue attempts, Scam Factory reveals a brutal truth. The only way out is to scam their way out.
Armchair Expert with Dax Shepard
Suzanne O'Sullivan (on over diagnosis)
Follow Scam Factory on the Wondery app or wherever you get your podcasts. You can binge all episodes of Scam Factory early and ad-free right now by joining Wondery+.
Armchair Expert with Dax Shepard
Suzanne O'Sullivan (on over diagnosis)
Stay tuned for more Armchair Expert, if you dare.
Armchair Expert with Dax Shepard
Suzanne O'Sullivan (on over diagnosis)
Stay tuned for more Armchair Expert if you dare.
Armchair Expert with Dax Shepard
Acquired Podcast on the NFL (with Ben Gilbert and David Rosenthal)
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Armchair Expert with Dax Shepard
Acquired Podcast on the NFL (with Ben Gilbert and David Rosenthal)
I was going to say,
Armchair Expert with Dax Shepard
Acquired Podcast on the NFL (with Ben Gilbert and David Rosenthal)
Stay tuned for more Armchair Expert.
Armchair Expert with Dax Shepard
Acquired Podcast on the NFL (with Ben Gilbert and David Rosenthal)
Yeah.
Armchair Expert with Dax Shepard
Acquired Podcast on the NFL (with Ben Gilbert and David Rosenthal)
You with me?
Armchair Expert with Dax Shepard
Acquired Podcast on the NFL (with Ben Gilbert and David Rosenthal)
You got along so far?
Armchair Expert with Dax Shepard
Acquired Podcast on the NFL (with Ben Gilbert and David Rosenthal)
Who?
Armchair Expert with Dax Shepard
Acquired Podcast on the NFL (with Ben Gilbert and David Rosenthal)
Oh, really? Yeah.
Armchair Expert with Dax Shepard
Herman Pontzer (on evolutionary anthropology)
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Armchair Expert with Dax Shepard
Herman Pontzer (on evolutionary anthropology)
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Armchair Expert with Dax Shepard
Herman Pontzer (on evolutionary anthropology)
Wikipedia says 12 feet. 12 feet.
Armchair Expert with Dax Shepard
Wondery Presents: New Heights
Calling all 92 percenters, Jason Kelsey and Travis Kelsey are football's funniest family duo, and every week they provide next-level access to life in the league as it unfolds. In New Heights, the two brothers and Super Bowl champions drop weekly insights about their games and share unique perspectives on trending NFL news and sports headlines.
Armchair Expert with Dax Shepard
Wondery Presents: New Heights
Plus, entertaining stories from a combined 21 years in the league. Off-field interests and engaging conversations with incredible guests like LeBron James, Will Ferrell, Adam Sandler, and Caitlin Clark, just to name a few. Here's a clip of New Heights. Follow New Heights on the Wondery app or wherever you get your podcasts.
Armchair Expert with Dax Shepard
Wondery Presents: New Heights
You can listen to new and exclusive episodes early and ad-free on Wondery Plus. Join Wondery Plus in the Wondery app, Apple Podcasts, or Spotify.
Armchair Expert with Dax Shepard
Wondery Presents: New Heights
Join Wondery Plus in the Wondery app or on Apple Podcasts.
Armchair Expert with Dax Shepard
Wondery Presents: Reclaiming with Monica Lewinsky
You've heard her name in headlines, during trivia nights, and as a punchline, Monica Lewinsky. She's been a major reference in pop culture since she was 24 years old, when a scandal made her a household name overnight. Since then, she's fought to redefine her reputation. And now she's ready to use her experience to encourage others to take back their power too.
Armchair Expert with Dax Shepard
Wondery Presents: Reclaiming with Monica Lewinsky
On her new podcast, Reclaiming with Monica Lewinsky, Monica leads honest and wide-ranging conversations about what it means to write your own narrative. Each week, guests share how they've rediscovered purpose, rebuilt relationships, and redefined success after their most vulnerable moments.
Armchair Expert with Dax Shepard
Wondery Presents: Reclaiming with Monica Lewinsky
A single incident can shape how the world views someone's life. It might be a public scandal, a viral moment, a career setback, or a personal struggle thrust into the spotlight. Through raw conversations with actors, athletes, activists, and everyday people, Reclaiming explores what happens after the headlines fade and how to find your voice when the world thinks it already knows your story.
Armchair Expert with Dax Shepard
Wondery Presents: Reclaiming with Monica Lewinsky
That was just a preview of Reclaiming with Monica Lewinsky. Watch new episodes on YouTube or listen wherever you get your podcasts.
Armchair Expert with Dax Shepard
Wondery Presents: Reclaiming with Monica Lewinsky
You're about to hear a preview of Reclaiming with Monica Lewinsky. While you're listening, follow Reclaiming with Monica Lewinsky wherever you get your podcasts.
Armchair Expert with Dax Shepard
Josh Gad Returns
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Armchair Expert with Dax Shepard
Josh Gad Returns
Because the absurdity is very clear to a nine-year-old.
Armchair Expert with Dax Shepard
Josh Gad Returns
Stay tuned for more Armchair Expert, if you dare. We are supported by Ollie. Gosh, I love Ollie.
Armchair Expert with Dax Shepard
Ike Barinholtz Returns Again
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Armchair Expert with Dax Shepard
Ike Barinholtz Returns Again
I found them, man. Stay tuned for more Armchair Expert, if you dare.
Armchair Expert with Dax Shepard
Lauren Graham Returns
Yeah, because your opinion means nothing. I can't gang up.
Armchair Expert with Dax Shepard
Lauren Graham Returns
Stay tuned for more Armchair Expert, if you dare.
Armchair Expert with Dax Shepard
Lauren Graham Returns
Imagine this. You help your little brother land a great job abroad. But when he arrives, the job doesn't exist. Instead, he's trapped in a heavily guarded compound, forced to sit at a computer and scam innocent victims. all while armed guards stand by with shoot-to-kill orders.
Armchair Expert with Dax Shepard
Lauren Graham Returns
Scam Factory, the explosive new true crime podcast from Wondery, exposes a multibillion-dollar criminal empire operating in plain sight. Told through one family's harrowing account of sleepless nights, desperate phone calls, and dangerous rescue attempts, Scam Factory reveals a brutal truth. The only way out is to scam their way out.
Armchair Expert with Dax Shepard
Lauren Graham Returns
Follow Scam Factory on the Wondery app or wherever you get your podcasts. You can binge all episodes of Scam Factory early and ad-free right now by joining Wondery+.
Armchair Expert with Dax Shepard
Lauren Graham Returns
Stay tuned for more Armchair Expert, if you dare. Armchair Expert
Armchair Expert with Dax Shepard
Mindy Kaling
Stay tuned for more Armchair Expert, if you dare. Armchair Expert
Armchair Expert with Dax Shepard
Mindy Kaling
Well, the city is not going to acknowledge it, but the buyer is going to acknowledge it.
Armchair Expert with Dax Shepard
Best of Friday 2024
Behind the closed doors of government offices and military compounds, there are hidden stories and buried secrets from the darkest corners of history. From covert experiments pushing the boundaries of science, to operations so secretive they were barely whispered about.
Armchair Expert with Dax Shepard
Best of Friday 2024
Each week on Redacted Declassified Mysteries, we pull back the curtain on these hidden histories, 100% true and verifiable stories that expose the shadowy underbelly of power. Consider Operation Paperclip, where former Nazi scientists were brought to America after World War II, not as prisoners, but as assets to advance U.S. intelligence during the Cold War.
Armchair Expert with Dax Shepard
Best of Friday 2024
These aren't just old conspiracy theories. They're thoroughly investigated accounts that reveal the uncomfortable truths still shaping our world today. The stories are real. The secrets are shocking. Follow Redacted Declassified Mysteries on the Wondery app or wherever you get your podcasts. You can listen to Redacted early and ad-free right now on Wondery+.
Armchair Expert with Dax Shepard
Armchair Anonymous: Children's Party
Imagine this. You help your little brother land a great job abroad. But when he arrives, the job doesn't exist. Instead, he's trapped in a heavily guarded compound, forced to sit at a computer and scam innocent victims. all while armed guards stand by with shoot-to-kill orders.
Armchair Expert with Dax Shepard
Armchair Anonymous: Children's Party
Scam Factory, the explosive new true crime podcast from Wondery, exposes a multibillion-dollar criminal empire operating in plain sight. Told through one family's harrowing account of sleepless nights, desperate phone calls, and dangerous rescue attempts, Scam Factory reveals a brutal truth. The only way out is to scam their way out.
Armchair Expert with Dax Shepard
Armchair Anonymous: Children's Party
Follow Scam Factory on the Wondery app or wherever you get your podcasts. You can binge all episodes of Scam Factory early and ad-free right now by joining Wondery+.
Armchair Expert with Dax Shepard
Armchair Anonymous: DNA Testing
Imagine this. You help your little brother land a great job abroad. But when he arrives, the job doesn't exist. Instead, he's trapped in a heavily guarded compound, forced to sit at a computer and scam innocent victims. all while armed guards stand by with shoot-to-kill orders.
Armchair Expert with Dax Shepard
Armchair Anonymous: DNA Testing
Scam Factory, the explosive new true crime podcast from Wondery, exposes a multibillion-dollar criminal empire operating in plain sight. Told through one family's harrowing account of sleepless nights, desperate phone calls, and dangerous rescue attempts, Scam Factory reveals a brutal truth. The only way out is to scam their way out.
Armchair Expert with Dax Shepard
Armchair Anonymous: DNA Testing
Follow Scam Factory on the Wondery app or wherever you get your podcasts. You can binge all episodes of Scam Factory early and ad-free right now by joining Wondery Plus.
Armchair Expert with Dax Shepard
Armchair Anonymous: I Quit
Imagine this. You help your little brother land a great job abroad. But when he arrives, the job doesn't exist. Instead, he's trapped in a heavily guarded compound, forced to sit at a computer and scam innocent victims. all while armed guards stand by with shoot-to-kill orders.
Armchair Expert with Dax Shepard
Armchair Anonymous: I Quit
Scam Factory, the explosive new true crime podcast from Wondery, exposes a multibillion-dollar criminal empire operating in plain sight. Told through one family's harrowing account of sleepless nights, desperate phone calls, and dangerous rescue attempts, Scam Factory reveals a brutal truth. The only way out is to scam their way out.
Armchair Expert with Dax Shepard
Armchair Anonymous: I Quit
Follow Scam Factory on the Wondery app or wherever you get your podcasts. You can binge all episodes of Scam Factory early and ad-free right now by joining Wondery Plus.
Armchair Expert with Dax Shepard
Armchair Anonymous: Wild Card VII
Imagine this. You help your little brother land a great job abroad. But when he arrives, the job doesn't exist. Instead, he's trapped in a heavily guarded compound, forced to sit at a computer and scam innocent victims. all while armed guards stand by with shoot-to-kill orders.
Armchair Expert with Dax Shepard
Armchair Anonymous: Wild Card VII
Scam Factory, the explosive new true crime podcast from Wondery, exposes a multibillion-dollar criminal empire operating in plain sight. Told through one family's harrowing account of sleepless nights, desperate phone calls, and dangerous rescue attempts, Scam Factory reveals a brutal truth. The only way out is to scam their way out.
Armchair Expert with Dax Shepard
Armchair Anonymous: Wild Card VII
Follow Scam Factory on the Wondery app or wherever you get your podcasts. You can binge all episodes of Scam Factory early and ad-free right now by joining Wondery+.
Armchair Expert with Dax Shepard
Armchair Anonymous: Sports Event
Imagine this. You help your little brother land a great job abroad. But when he arrives, the job doesn't exist. Instead, he's trapped in a heavily guarded compound, forced to sit at a computer and scam innocent victims. all while armed guards stand by with shoot-to-kill orders.
Armchair Expert with Dax Shepard
Armchair Anonymous: Sports Event
Scam Factory, the explosive new true crime podcast from Wondery, exposes a multibillion-dollar criminal empire operating in plain sight. Told through one family's harrowing account of sleepless nights, desperate phone calls, and dangerous rescue attempts, Scam Factory reveals a brutal truth. The only way out is to scam their way out.
Armchair Expert with Dax Shepard
Armchair Anonymous: Sports Event
Follow Scam Factory on the Wondery app or wherever you get your podcasts. You can binge all episodes of Scam Factory early and ad-free right now by joining Wondery+.
Bad Friends
More Heart, More Fart w/ Lisa Gilroy
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Bad Friends
More Heart, More Fart w/ Lisa Gilroy
No. Because weirdly, you put a little vocal on there. You put your voice in.
Bad Rap: The Case Against Diddy
Party's Over
This Friday, the amateur arrives in IMAX. I want to find and kill the people who murdered my wife. Critics rave the amateur is a tense, unpredictable ride. You're just not a killer, Charlie. Train me. That constantly finds new and inventive ways to up the stakes. The first one you kill, you let the other ones know you're coming. I want them all.
Bad Rap: The Case Against Diddy
Party's Over
Academy Award winner Rami Malek and Academy Award nominee Laurence Fishburne. The Amateur, rated PG-13. Maybe inappropriate for children under 13. Only in theaters and IMAX Friday. Get tickets now.
Bad Rap: The Case Against Diddy
Party's Over
Put the good in your morning. GMA 7A on ABC. The final season of The Handmaid's Tale has arrived.
Bad Rap: The Case Against Diddy
Party's Over
Rebellion. Has begun. How many bodies are you going to throw in the fire? When is enough enough? When there's no one left to fight. Where is June Osborne? Rise up and fight for your freedom. The Hulu original series, The Handmaid's Tale. New episodes Tuesdays, only on Hulu.
Bad Rap: The Case Against Diddy
Party's Over
Wait. The Hulu Original Series. Good American Family. New episodes Wednesdays.
Bad Rap: The Case Against Diddy
Downfall
It's graphic surveillance footage that appears to show Combs repeatedly hitting his then-girlfriend Cassie inside of a hotel. This is back in 2016, and we do want to warn you, what you're about to see is very disturbing.
Bad Rap: The Case Against Diddy
Introducing 'Bad Rap: The Case Against Diddy'
The Diddy parties were parties that everybody went to. Every celebrity, every influencer, everybody that wanted to be at the most lit party wanted to go to Diddy's party.
Bad Rap: The Case Against Diddy
Me & U
The Stolen Girl series premiere April 16th on Freeform and stream on Hulu.
Bad Rap: The Case Against Diddy
Me & U
Please, let her come back home safely. April 16th. The kidnappers plundered meticulously. If money is what it takes to get her back, we're going to pay it. The secrets they hide. You can't talk about this. You can't write about it. Are the clues.
Bad Rap: The Case Against Diddy
Invincible
When it happened in 1991, Diddy was, as the New York Times put it, a largely unknown rap promoter. Writer and music journalist Doré says Diddy was buried in bad press.
Bad Rap: The Case Against Diddy
Invincible
Before he got into the music business, he spent a year in the NFL as a defensive end for the Los Angeles Rams. In 1995, he was running one of hip-hop's two big record labels, Death Row Records out of LA. Now, after thanking God, Suge didn't go on to give a standard acceptance speech.
Bad Rap: The Case Against Diddy
Invincible
But by 1999, some eight years later, when many of the lawsuits from the stampede were coming to an end, Diddy was a millionaire with a couple Grammys. His career hadn't been stunted at all.
Bad Rap: The Case Against Diddy
Invincible
Some of that perceived invincibility came from his earlier success at Uptown Records. He moved up pretty quickly from intern to executive. Torres says Diddy thrived because he was tapped into hip-hop at the street level.
Bad Rap: The Case Against Diddy
Invincible
Diddy helped turn Mary J. Blige and R&B group Jodeci into stars. But that success led to a power struggle between him and his boss, Andre Harrell. So in 1993, Harrell fired his eager young protege.
Bad Rap: The Case Against Diddy
Invincible
Those rappers were Craig Mack and Biggie Smalls, and Diddy knew what to do with their talent. Justin Tinsley, the reporter from ESPN's Anscape, says in particular, Diddy had a strong vision for Biggie.
Bad Rap: The Case Against Diddy
Invincible
As Biggie became one of the most famous rappers in the world, Diddy signed more artists to Bad Boy. By 1997, the year Biggie died, Bad Boy had an impressive roster of talent, including The Lox, Mase, Faith Evans, and 112.
Bad Rap: The Case Against Diddy
Invincible
And it wasn't just about the music. Bad Boyz artists had an era-defining style, a look, baggy, bold, flashy clothes.
Bad Rap: The Case Against Diddy
Invincible
But after an incredible rapid rise to the top of the charts in cultural power, Bad Boy hit somewhat of a sophomore slump.
Bad Rap: The Case Against Diddy
Invincible
In 1998 and 99, Bad Boy put out new albums by Faith Evans, Total, and 112. But initially, only 112's album was meeting the high expectations for the Bad Boy label. What were those high expectations? The album's going platinum, selling more than one million copies quickly. Diddy's second album, Forever, was also not as successful as his first.
Bad Rap: The Case Against Diddy
Invincible
Forever debuted at number two on the charts in 1999, but fell to number 13 within three weeks. He was nominated for a Grammy for the single Satisfy You featuring R. Kelly. But they lost to The Roots and Erykah Badu's You Got Me. The label's revenue dropped significantly. Bad Boy Records was mostly riding on the clout and running off the royalties of its legendary earlier albums.
Bad Rap: The Case Against Diddy
Invincible
Still very well-known and cool, but kind of stalled. A cover story in the December 1999 edition of Vibe magazine wrote that Sean Combs was fighting to prove he still got it. This was just two years after Rolling Stone had called him the new king of hip-hop. And in 1999, Diddy faced setbacks beyond Bad Boys dropping sales. He got into more legal trouble.
Bad Rap: The Case Against Diddy
Invincible
And I can kind of see Suge Knight's comment about Diddy wanting to be in music videos hanging over him. Because this legal trouble started with Diddy trying to control his image in a music video. Diddy was featured on the rapper Nas' song, Hate Me Now.
Bad Rap: The Case Against Diddy
Invincible
They were producing a music video to air on MTV, just as more people than ever were watching the network. So a lot of time and money was put into music videos and the expectation was that millions of people would end up watching them. Nas and Diddy's music video was meant to be flashy, edgy, and attention grabbing. It depicted both rappers being crucified like Jesus Christ.
Bad Rap: The Case Against Diddy
Invincible
Steve Stout alleges that Diddy punched him in the face and bashed his head with a phone. Diddy was charged with a crime of assault, but he ended up pleading guilty to a lesser non-criminal charge of harassment, a violation, and was sentenced to a one-day anger management course. He and Stout reached a separate civil settlement out of court. It was all bad press for Diddy.
Bad Rap: The Case Against Diddy
Invincible
But culture critic Jameela Lemieux says besides his reputation as a hit maker, he had another source of perceived invincibility. He knew how to redirect attention and put his cool guy image back in the spotlight. In 1999, when Diddy was turning 30, that meant getting headlines for a new relationship with It Girl actor and singer Jennifer Lopez.
Bad Rap: The Case Against Diddy
Invincible
She had recently had her breakout role as a star of the Selena movie, played a glamorous queen in the music video for Diddy's song, Been Around the World, and now she was making her connection to Diddy and his music world official.
Bad Rap: The Case Against Diddy
Invincible
Everyone knew who he was talking about, Sean Diddy Combs, or, as he was known back then, Puff, Puffy, or Puff Daddy, the head of the other big hip-hop label, Bad Boy Records, based in New York City. Unlike most producers and record execs, Diddy wasn't happy just sitting in the crowd or getting on stage to accept an award. He was an aspiring rapper himself and craved the spotlight.
Bad Rap: The Case Against Diddy
Invincible
The cover of Jet Magazine read, Puffy Combs and Jennifer Lopez, showbiz's most talked about couple. Other headlines said, call it chemistry, Jennifer Lopez and Puff Daddy. And Bright and Hot, superstar couple riding rollercoaster romance. A couple days before New Year's Eve in 1999, the influential couple went to a club near Times Square.
Bad Rap: The Case Against Diddy
Invincible
While they're in the club, there was a dispute with a guy named Scar, who's deceased now. Derek Parker is a retired NYPD detective who responded to the scene at the club. I think money was thrown in his face, or money was thrown at Diddy or something like that. A shooting broke out, and three people were injured. Diddy and Jennifer Lopez fled the scene and got into a car.
Bad Rap: The Case Against Diddy
Invincible
When they were pulled over, police say they found a gun in the front seat.
Bad Rap: The Case Against Diddy
Invincible
Prosecutors ultimately dropped the charges against Jennifer Lopez, but Diddy and his bodyguard were charged.
Bad Rap: The Case Against Diddy
Invincible
As the criminal case moved forward, news reports pointed back to the City College Stampede of 91 and the attack on Steve Stout earlier in 99. And they began to ask whether Diddy had a pattern of causing violence.
Bad Rap: The Case Against Diddy
Invincible
Diddy and his bodyguard pleaded not guilty to the weapons charges and were ultimately acquitted at trial. But someone was convicted for the shooting. A young rapper from Belize named Shine who Diddy had signed to his bad boy label. Shine had run out of the club that night with a gun in his waistband and some officers caught him while others chased after Diddy and Jennifer Lopez.
Bad Rap: The Case Against Diddy
Invincible
Shine was convicted of multiple assault charges, gun possession, and reckless endangerment. He went to prison for nearly nine years and was deported back to Belize after his release. He spoke to ABC News about the shooting and his relationship with Diddy last year.
Bad Rap: The Case Against Diddy
Invincible
He was an extraordinary coach. He was able to bring the best out of me. Shine admits he had a gun and used it as the fight broke out, but he says that he shot it into the air, not at anyone. He thinks that Diddy should have stood up for him in court. Even now, he calls himself the fall guy.
Bad Rap: The Case Against Diddy
Invincible
In fact, when artists from his label went up to perform a medley that night, he joined them. Well, he actually started the whole thing.
Bad Rap: The Case Against Diddy
Invincible
Diddy's representatives told ABC News he categorically denies Shine's allegations, including any suggestion that he orchestrated Shine taking the fall for him. Shine became a politician in Belize, but his music career, well, that ended that night in 1999. But once again, diddies did not.
Bad Rap: The Case Against Diddy
Invincible
Jameela Lemieux, the culture critic, says the assault on Steve Stout and the shooting just didn't stick in most people's minds.
Bad Rap: The Case Against Diddy
Invincible
His relationship with Jennifer Lopez was much more compelling, more tantalizing. The couple was a mainstay on red carpets and eventually, Jennifer Lopez's fashion headlines drowned out the more negative press. There were two outfits in particular that really defied her time with Diddy.
Bad Rap: The Case Against Diddy
Invincible
That's a green and blue sheer dress she wore to the Grammys in 2000. It was so low cut, you could see her belly button.
Bad Rap: The Case Against Diddy
Invincible
After the break, his new image was all about being more than a rapper and record executive. It was focused on being an all-around mogul, someone even more powerful and unavoidable, even more invincible.
Bad Rap: The Case Against Diddy
Invincible
Suge Knight and Diddy were already rivals, businessmen vying for their record label to be king. But Justin Tinsley, a reporter at ESPN's sports, race, and culture outlet, Anscape, says Suge's speech at the Source Awards was a turning point. their rivalry became much darker. About a month after the awards, they were both in Atlanta for the birthday party of a rapper and producer, Jermaine Dupri.
Bad Rap: The Case Against Diddy
Invincible
By 2010, when Diddy was in his 40s, it was hard to believe he had ever floundered as a businessman. Sure, his Bad Boy record label wasn't as hot as it was when it first started, but he still had a popular catalog of artists he helped make famous. And in the 2000s, Bad Boy put out new music by Boyz n the Hood, Mase, and Young Jock.
Bad Rap: The Case Against Diddy
Invincible
Diddy also released an album of remixes of bad boy songs that showed his deep connections in the music world. It included hit artists like Usher, Ludacris, and Missy Elliott. But Diddy knew the way to get really, really rich and stay powerful was to diversify his brand. It's what other rappers like Jay-Z were doing too. So by 2010, he wasn't just a music guy anymore.
Bad Rap: The Case Against Diddy
Invincible
He had influence and money in fashion, TV, and alcohol. His wealth skyrocketed.
Bad Rap: The Case Against Diddy
Invincible
He seemed to encapsulate the word mogul. And that's why in 2010, ABC's Nightline profiled him for a segment called Modern Mogul.
Bad Rap: The Case Against Diddy
Invincible
Diddy was an early adopter of the idea that a celebrity should extend their reach beyond just one industry. And he proved to be really good at building a sprawling business empire. One of his first steps in becoming the curator of cool was launching his Sean John clothing line. The idea behind the brand was to introduce hip-hop fashion to a global audience.
Bad Rap: The Case Against Diddy
Invincible
Music writer Toure says Sean John was really successful. Diddy even won the Council of Fashion Designers of America Menswear Designer of the Year Award in 2004.
Bad Rap: The Case Against Diddy
Invincible
Diddy got into another popular celebrity investment, the alcohol business, by partnering with Ciroc. He showed up in many of their ads.
Bad Rap: The Case Against Diddy
Invincible
Tinsley says tensions between Suge and Diddy and their entourages were high.
Bad Rap: The Case Against Diddy
Invincible
Atlanta police said Diddy's bodyguard, Anthony Wolf Jones, was their prime suspect. Jones' attorney said he had absolutely nothing to do with the shooting, and no one was ever charged. But the shooting made the friction between Diddy and Suge worse. And that's partly because their beef was part of something much bigger, the East Coast-West Coast rap rivalry.
Bad Rap: The Case Against Diddy
Invincible
Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you.
Bad Rap: The Case Against Diddy
Invincible
which people have obsessed over for decades and we could probably write a whole other podcast about. But here's what you need to know to understand what happened next. Diddy represented one of the East Coast's biggest rap stars, the Notorious B.I.G., or Biggie Smalls. Suge Knight represented one of the biggest West Coast rappers with his own unique approach to music, Tupac Shakur, or Tupac.
Bad Rap: The Case Against Diddy
Invincible
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Bad Rap: The Case Against Diddy
Invincible
and both rappers and their styles were vying to be the biggest in the country. So the beef between Diddy and Suge was also connected to a rivalry between Biggie and Tupac. And I'm not just talking about a couple of diss tracks like Kendrick and Drake today. Tupac was shot and killed in 1996. Biggie was shot and killed in 1997.
Bad Rap: The Case Against Diddy
Invincible
knew his power, especially a young singer hoping to make it in a cutthroat world like Cassie Ventura.
Bad Rap: The Case Against Diddy
Invincible
They were all there for the second annual Source Awards. It was a celebration of hip-hop, a music genre that was rapidly moving from underground to mainstream. The event felt like a pretty standard award show. An eager crowd filled the auditorium waiting to hear the results.
Bad Rap: The Case Against Diddy
Invincible
Bad Rap, The Case Against Diddy is a production of ABC Audio. I'm Brian Buckmeyer. This podcast was written and produced by Camille Peterson, Vika Aronson, and Nancy Rosenbaum. Tracy Samuelson is our story editor. Associate producer, Amira Williams. Production help from Shane McKeon. Fact checker, Audrey Mostek. Story consultant, Sweeney St. Phil. Supervising producer, Sasha Aslanian.
Bad Rap: The Case Against Diddy
Invincible
Original music by Evan Viola. Mixing by Rick Kwan. Arielle Chester is our social media producer. This podcast was powered by the journalists at Impact by Nightline, 2020, GMA, and the ABC News Investigative Unit. Thanks to those teams. And special thanks to Stephanie Maurice, Liz Alessi, and Katie Dendas. Josh Cohan is ABC Audio's Director of Podcast Programming.
Bad Rap: The Case Against Diddy
Invincible
The two stars, only in their 20s and at the start of promising careers, were suddenly dead. Their murders captured international attention and really marked this era of hip-hop music. Their deaths also generated tons of unsubstantiated theories. In particular, there were theories that each rapper was killed by someone tied to their rival's label.
Bad Rap: The Case Against Diddy
Invincible
No one has been convicted for either Tupac or Biggie's deaths. But this is the bottom line. A feud heated up after Suge Knight publicly called out Diddy's need for attention.
Bad Rap: The Case Against Diddy
Invincible
Just like at the Source Awards, Diddy took center stage. He put out his first album as Puff Daddy in 1997, the same year Biggie died. It was called No Way Out and included the hit song I'll Be Missing You, a tribute to Biggie featuring his widow Faith Evans, who was also an artist on the Bad Boy label.
Bad Rap: The Case Against Diddy
Invincible
That song was the first hip-hop song ever to debut at the top of the Billboard 100. And that year, Diddy received seven Grammy nominations, including for Best New Artist.
Bad Rap: The Case Against Diddy
Invincible
Suge had made fun of him for wanting to be in the spotlight. But lo and behold, there he was, basking in it. In an interview later that year, Diddy was asked about the perception that he was exploiting Biggie's death. It wasn't just that one of his album's singles was a tribute to the late rapper. He also used some of Biggie's lyrics for the album.
Bad Rap: The Case Against Diddy
Invincible
1997, the year Biggie died, was a wildly successful year for Diddy. Vibe magazine reported that his Bad Boy label sold $200 million worth of records and had the number one spot on the Billboard Hot 100 for 22 straight weeks. Rolling Stone approached Bad Boy Records about putting someone associated with the label on the magazine cover. Kirk Burrows was the president of Bad Boy at the time.
Bad Rap: The Case Against Diddy
Invincible
In 2024, he told Rolling Stone that he urged Diddy to put Biggie on the cover. His posthumous album, Life After Death, had been at the top of the charts all year, and he was still on people's minds.
Bad Rap: The Case Against Diddy
Invincible
West Coast rapper Snoop Doggy Dogg, also known as Snoop Dogg, won Artist of the Year. East Coast rapper The Notorious B.I.G. won Album of the Year for Ready to Die. And Outkast, a duo from Atlanta, won Best New Artist of the Year. The night was filled with performances and acceptance speeches. And one of those speeches turned the 1995 Source Awards into one of hip-hop's most infamous nights.
Bad Rap: The Case Against Diddy
Invincible
In response to the Rolling Stone piece that included this story from Burroughs, one of Diddy's attorneys said he cannot address every allegation picked up by the press. Diddy ended up on that 97 Rolling Stone cover, and Kirk Burroughs lost his job later that year. He unsuccessfully sued Diddy in 2003, alleging he was wrongfully fired. In the cover shot, Diddy is shirtless with B.I.G.
Bad Rap: The Case Against Diddy
Invincible
written on his chest. He's wearing white Versace shorts and an oversized brown overcoat. There's water dripping down him, and he has black paint under his eyes like a football player. The title of the story? The new king of hip hop, Puff Daddy. I'm Brian Buckmeyer. From ABC Audio, this is Bad Rap, the case against Diddy. Episode two, Invincible.
Bad Rap: The Case Against Diddy
Invincible
Sean Diddy Combs knew how to put himself at the center of things. That started with music and lavish A-list parties, but eventually it became much bigger. He ventured into fashion, alcohol, and TV. The whole time he proved himself to be an expert at branding and reinvention, cultivating this cool guy image and protecting it fiercely.
Bad Rap: The Case Against Diddy
Invincible
In this episode, we'll trace Diddy's rise from musician to mogul, from the center of hip hop to the center of American culture. But that rise wasn't always a smooth ascent. Long before he was charged with sex trafficking and racketeering conspiracy, he was associated with moments of violence and brushes with the law.
Bad Rap: The Case Against Diddy
Invincible
Were they just lapses in judgment or warnings that signaled a much darker side to his success?
Bad Rap: The Case Against Diddy
Invincible
Before Sean Diddy Combs was crowned the new king of hip-hop by Rolling Stone, he was a kid with a temper. In fact, that's why he says he got the name Puffy. He'd huff and puff whenever he got angry. Combs was born in Harlem, but grew up about 10 miles north in Mount Vernon, New York. Writer and music journalist Toray interviewed Diddy many times.
Bad Rap: The Case Against Diddy
Invincible
Yeah, yeah. Record executive Suge Knight and rapper Danny Boy won the award for Best Motion Picture Soundtrack for their work on the movie Above the Rim. Suge climbed on stage in a bright red button-down shirt. First of all, I'd like to thank God. Suge is not a small guy by any stretch of the imagination. He stands at maybe 6'2", and is definitely over 260 pounds.
Bad Rap: The Case Against Diddy
Invincible
Diddy's father, Melvin Combs, was believed to be part of a heroin-selling operation, and he was killed in what some think was a drug deal gone bad.
Bad Rap: The Case Against Diddy
Invincible
His single mom sent him to private Catholic high school. He then went on to attend the prestigious historically black college Howard University in Washington, D.C. in 1987. But he knew he wanted to be in the music industry. So he started working on convincing Andre Harrell, who at least I considered to be a godfather of hip-hop and R&B, to hire him as an intern.
Bad Rap: The Case Against Diddy
Invincible
Harrell was a former rapper but is better known for founding and running Uptown Records in New York City. In a 2017 Vanity Fair interview, Diddy talked about why working with Harrell was so important to him.
Bad Rap: The Case Against Diddy
Invincible
Diddy wanted to be at the pulse of music too, and his determination to get the internship paid off. He dropped out of Howard his sophomore year and started promoting rappers in New York City, really starting to build his music network while interning at Uptown Records. In 1991, he and rapper Heavy D organized a charity basketball game at the City College of New York.
Bad Rap: The Case Against Diddy
Invincible
It was advertised as a chance to see New York City rap stars like Run DMC and Boyz II Men compete on the court. And people flocked to the game. It was clear, even then, that Diddy understood how to create and market an event everyone wanted to go to. but he was young and inexperienced. The gym had a 2,700-person capacity, but almost 5,000 people showed up.
Bad Rap: The Case Against Diddy
Invincible
On an August night in 1995, the four corners of the hip-hop world gathered at the Paramount Theater in Midtown Manhattan. Artists from the South, the Midwest, and from the East and West Coast were all under the same roof.
Bad Rap: The Case Against Diddy
Invincible
As the crowd rushed to get in, 29 people were injured and nine died in a stampede. One headline from that day read, "'The Carnage at City College.'" Days later, a 22-year-old Diddy gave a press conference at the Plaza Hotel in Manhattan. He looked so young, so defeated. At one point, he put his hand over his eyes and nose as if he were overwhelmed and exhausted.
Bad Rap: The Case Against Diddy
Invincible
That incident followed Diddy for years. In that same 1997 interview when Diddy was asked about capitalizing on Biggie's death, he was also asked to reflect on the City College stampede.
Bad Rap: The Case Against Diddy
Invincible
No criminal charges were ever filed for the Stampede, but civil lawsuits from victims and their families went on for years, directed at Diddy, Heavy D, and the City College of New York. A judge in one lawsuit filed by four victims found that Diddy, Heavy D, and the college were equally responsible for the injuries and deaths. Here's what really stands out to me about the City College Stampede.
Behind the Bastards
Part Five: Is Oprah Winfrey a Bastard?
What are you looking for in a new smart TV? 4K picture quality? High quality and immersive sound? A sleek design? All of those are givens, but only the new Roku Pro series has all of those and the Roku Streaming Experience, an award-winning OS.
Behind the Bastards
Part Five: Is Oprah Winfrey a Bastard?
Get fast, easy access to all your apps like iHeart, where you can stream all your favorite music, radio, and podcasts all day, and regular, all-inclusive trips to Roku City. The new Roku Pro series, a smart TV built by the streaming pros.
Behind the Bastards
Part Five: Is Oprah Winfrey a Bastard?
18 plus terms and... Amazon One Medical presents Painful Thoughts.
Behind the Bastards
Part Five: Is Oprah Winfrey a Bastard?
Next time, make an appointment with an Amazon One Medical provider. There's no waiting and no sweaty guy. Amazon One Medical. Healthcare just got less painful.
Behind the Bastards
Part Five: Is Oprah Winfrey a Bastard?
When it comes to playtime, never let your squad down. Unlock elite gaming tech at Lenovo.com. Push your gameplay beyond performance with 13th Gen Intel Core processors. Upgrade to smooth, high-quality streaming with Intel Wi-Fi 6E. And maximize game performance with enhanced overclocking. Win the tech search and head to Lenovo.com.
Behind the Bastards
Part Five: Is Oprah Winfrey a Bastard?
Did you know you can now buy a Hyundai on Amazon? The same place where you order yoga mats, a toothbrush, and pretty much everything else. All from the comfort of your home. Just locate a nearby dealer. Pick your color, your options, check the price. And with a few dotting of some I's and crossing of some T's, voila, your Hyundai is ready for pickup. It's that easy.
Behind the Bastards
Part Five: Is Oprah Winfrey a Bastard?
Visit HyundaiUSA.com for more details. Limited availability. Pick up through a participating Hyundai dealer in select markets.
Behind the Bastards
Part Five: Is Oprah Winfrey a Bastard?
Have you ever wondered what it would be like to have supervision, enhanced hearing, extraordinary reflexes to be, dare we say, superhuman? Well, Roku's new Pro Series TV can't do any of that for you. But with a 4K screen, side firing speakers and a blazing fast refresh rate, it'll sure feel like it.
Behind the Bastards
Part Five: Is Oprah Winfrey a Bastard?
Elevate your entertainment using all your favorite apps like iHeart and play all your music, radio, and podcasts with the new Roku Pro series. Your senses aren't better. Your TV is.
Behind the Bastards
Part Five: Is Oprah Winfrey a Bastard?
Amazon One Medical presents Painful Thoughts.
Behind the Bastards
Part Five: Is Oprah Winfrey a Bastard?
Next time, make an appointment with an Amazon One Medical provider. There's no waiting and no sweaty guy. Amazon One Medical. Healthcare just got less painful.
Behind the Bastards
Part Five: Is Oprah Winfrey a Bastard?
When it comes to playtime, never let your squad down. Unlock elite gaming tech at Lenovo.com. Push your gameplay beyond performance with 13th Gen Intel Core processors. Upgrade to smooth, high-quality streaming with Intel Wi-Fi 6E. And maximize game performance with enhanced overclocking. Win the tech search and head to Lenovo.com.
Behind the Bastards
Part Three: Is Oprah Winfrey a Bastard?
He was a Boy Scout leader, a church deacon, a husband, a father.
Behind the Bastards
Part Three: Is Oprah Winfrey a Bastard?
He was a monster, hiding in plain sight.
Behind the Bastards
Part Three: Is Oprah Winfrey a Bastard?
Journey inside the mind of one of history's most notorious killers, BTK, through the voices of the people who know him best. Listen to Monster BTK on the iHeartRadio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you listen to your favorite shows.
Behind the Bastards
Part Three: Is Oprah Winfrey a Bastard?
He was a Boy Scout leader, a church deacon, a husband, a father.
Behind the Bastards
Part Three: Is Oprah Winfrey a Bastard?
Journey inside the mind of one of history's most notorious killers, BTK, through the voices of the people who know him best. Listen to Monster BTK on the iHeartRadio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you listen to your favorite shows.
Behind the Bastards
Part Three: Is Oprah Winfrey a Bastard?
He was a Boy Scout leader, a husband, a father, but he was leading a double life. He was a monster, hiding in plain sight. Journey inside the mind of one of history's most notorious killers, BTK, through the voices of the people who know him best. Listen to Monster BTK on the iHeartRadio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you listen to your favorite shows.
Behind the Bastards
Part Three: Is Oprah Winfrey a Bastard?
He was a Boy Scout leader, a husband, a father, but he was leading a double life. He was a monster, hiding in plain sight. Journey inside the mind of one of history's most notorious killers, BTK, through the voices of the people who know him best. Listen to Monster BTK on the iHeartRadio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you listen to your favorite shows.
Behind the Bastards
Part Two: How Woody Guthrie Turned Folk Music into a Weapon
He was a Boy Scout leader, a church deacon, a husband, a father.
Behind the Bastards
Part Two: How Woody Guthrie Turned Folk Music into a Weapon
But he was leading a double life.
Behind the Bastards
Part Two: How Woody Guthrie Turned Folk Music into a Weapon
He was a monster, hiding in plain sight.
Behind the Bastards
Part Two: How Woody Guthrie Turned Folk Music into a Weapon
Journey inside the mind of one of history's most notorious killers, BTK, through the voices of the people who know him best. Listen to Monster BTK on the iHeartRadio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you listen to your favorite shows.
Behind the Bastards
Part Two: How Woody Guthrie Turned Folk Music into a Weapon
When a young woman is murdered, a desperate search for answers takes investigators to some unexpected places. He believed it could be part of a satanic cult...
Behind the Bastards
Part Two: How Woody Guthrie Turned Folk Music into a Weapon
A long investigation stalls until someone changes their story. I like saw the whole thing that happened. An arrest, trial, and conviction soon follow. He just saw his body just kind of collapsing. Two decades later, a new team of lawyers says their client is innocent. He did not kill her. There's no way. Is the real killer rightly behind bars or still walking free? Are you capable of murder?
Behind the Bastards
Part Two: How Woody Guthrie Turned Folk Music into a Weapon
Listen to The Real Killer Season 3 on the iHeartRadio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts.
Behind the Bastards
Part Two: How Woody Guthrie Turned Folk Music into a Weapon
Great. He was a Boy Scout leader, a husband, a father, but he was leading a double life. He was a monster, hiding in plain sight. Journey inside the mind of one of history's most notorious killers, BTK, through the voices of the people who know him best. Listen to Monster BTK on the iHeartRadio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you listen to your favorite shows.
Behind the Bastards
Part Two: How Woody Guthrie Turned Folk Music into a Weapon
A long investigation stalls until someone changes their story. I, like, saw a whole thing that happened. An arrest, trial, and conviction soon follow. He did not kill her. There's no way. Is the real killer rightly behind bars or still walking free? Did you kill her? Listen to The Real Killer, Season 3, on the iHeartRadio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts.
Behind the Bastards
Part Two: How Woody Guthrie Turned Folk Music into a Weapon
He was a Boy Scout leader, a church deacon, a husband, a father.
Behind the Bastards
Part Two: How Woody Guthrie Turned Folk Music into a Weapon
But he was leading a double life.
Behind the Bastards
Part Two: How Woody Guthrie Turned Folk Music into a Weapon
He was a monster, hiding in plain sight.
Behind the Bastards
Part Two: How Woody Guthrie Turned Folk Music into a Weapon
Journey inside the mind of one of history's most notorious killers, BTK, through the voices of the people who know him best. Listen to Monster BTK on the iHeartRadio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you listen to your favorite shows.
Behind the Bastards
Part Two: How Woody Guthrie Turned Folk Music into a Weapon
When a young woman is murdered, a desperate search for answers takes investigators to some unexpected places. He believed it could be part of a satanic cult.
Behind the Bastards
Part Two: How Woody Guthrie Turned Folk Music into a Weapon
A long investigation stalls until someone changes their story. I saw the whole thing that happened. An arrest, trial, and conviction soon follow. He just saw his body just kind of collapsing. Two decades later, a new team of lawyers says their client is innocent. He did not kill her. There's no way. Is the real killer rightly behind bars or still walking free? Are you capable of murder?
Behind the Bastards
Part Two: How Woody Guthrie Turned Folk Music into a Weapon
Listen to The Real Killer Season 3 on the iHeartRadio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts.
Behind the Bastards
Part Two: How Woody Guthrie Turned Folk Music into a Weapon
He was a Boy Scout leader, a husband, a father, but he was leading a double life. He was a monster, hiding in plain sight. Journey inside the mind of one of history's most notorious killers, BTK, through the voices of the people who know him best. Listen to Monster BTK on the iHeartRadio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you listen to your favorite shows.
Behind the Bastards
Part Two: How Woody Guthrie Turned Folk Music into a Weapon
A long investigation stalls until someone changes their story. I, like, saw a whole thing that happened. An arrest, trial, and conviction soon follow. He did not kill her. There's no way. Is the real killer rightly behind bars or still walking free? Did you kill her? Listen to The Real Killer, Season 3, on the iHeartRadio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts.
Behind the Bastards
Part Two: Tony Alamo: The Worst Preacher
Introducing pickle lovers' newest obsession, Cauliflower's Dill Pickle Pizza. Think luxurious bechamel sauce infused with dill pickle brine, roasted garlic, melty mozzarella, and fresh dill on Cauliflower's stone-fired cauliflower crust. And because it's Cauliflower, you know it's made better for you. Packed with 14 grams of protein, and you can eat half the pizza for just 400 calories.
Behind the Bastards
Part Two: Tony Alamo: The Worst Preacher
Don't miss the flavor everyone's talking about and grab Cauliflower's Dill Pickle Pizza. Now available at Whole Foods Market.
Behind the Bastards
Part Two: Tony Alamo: The Worst Preacher
Cauliflower has done it again, and pickle lovers, this one's for you. Introducing the first and only frozen dill pickle pizza, and it's going to blow your taste buds away. This one-of-a-kind creation starts with Cauliflower's iconic stone-fired crust, made with real cauliflower florets, now topped with the number one trending flavor of the year.
Behind the Bastards
Part Two: Tony Alamo: The Worst Preacher
Picture a luxurious creamy white sauce infused with savory dill pickle brine, garlic roasted to perfection, Melty mozzarella cheese and fresh dill. It's a flavor explosion that's as unique as it is craveable. And because it's Kali Power, you know it's made better for you. It's gluten-free, clean label, and packed with 14 grams of protein.
Behind the Bastards
Part Two: Tony Alamo: The Worst Preacher
And best of all, you can eat half the pizza for just 400 calories. Find Kali Power's Dill Pickle Pizza now at Whole Foods Market nationwide. It's time to taste the buzz everyone's talking about, and it's kind of a big deal.
Behind the Bastards
Part Two: Tony Alamo: The Worst Preacher
Cauliflower has done it again, and pickle lovers, this one's for you. Introducing the first and only frozen dill pickle pizza, and it's going to blow your taste buds away. This one-of-a-kind creation starts with Cauliflower's iconic stone-fired crust, made with real cauliflower florets, now topped with the number one trending flavor of the year.
Behind the Bastards
Part Two: Tony Alamo: The Worst Preacher
Picture a luxurious creamy white sauce infused with savory dill pickle brine, garlic roasted to perfection, Melty mozzarella cheese and fresh dill. It's a flavor explosion that's as unique as it is craveable. And because it's Kali Power, you know it's made better for you. It's gluten-free, clean label, and packed with 14 grams of protein.
Behind the Bastards
Part Two: Tony Alamo: The Worst Preacher
And best of all, you can eat half the pizza for just 400 calories. Find Kali Power's Dill Pickle Pizza now at Whole Foods Market nationwide. It's time to taste the buzz everyone's talking about, and it's kind of a big deal.
Behind the Bastards
Part Two: Tony Alamo: The Worst Preacher
Introducing pickle lovers' newest obsession, Cauliflower's Dill Pickle Pizza. Think luxurious bechamel sauce infused with dill pickle brine, roasted garlic, melty mozzarella, and fresh dill on Cauliflower's stone-fired cauliflower crust. And because it's Cauliflower, you know it's made better for you. Packed with 14 grams of protein, and you can eat half the pizza for just 400 calories.
Behind the Bastards
Part Two: Tony Alamo: The Worst Preacher
Don't miss the flavor everyone's talking about and grab Cauliflower's Dill Pickle Pizza. Now available at Whole Foods Market.
Behind the Bastards
Part Three: P. Diddy: A Life in Crimes
Behind the Bastards is now available on YouTube. New episodes every Wednesday and Friday. Subscribe to our channel, youtube.com slash at Behind the Bastards.
Behind the Bastards
Part Two: Is Oprah Winfrey a Bastard?
He was a Boy Scout leader, a husband, a father, but he was leading a double life. He was a monster, hiding in plain sight. Journey inside the mind of one of history's most notorious killers, BTK, through the voices of the people who know him best. Listen to Monster BTK on the iHeartRadio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you listen to your favorite shows.
Behind the Bastards
Part Two: Is Oprah Winfrey a Bastard?
He was a Boy Scout leader, a church deacon, a husband, a father.
Behind the Bastards
Part Two: Is Oprah Winfrey a Bastard?
He went to a local church. He was going to the grocery store with us. He was the guy next door.
Behind the Bastards
Part Two: Is Oprah Winfrey a Bastard?
He could get into their home, take something, and get out and not be caught. He felt very powerful.
Behind the Bastards
Part Two: Is Oprah Winfrey a Bastard?
Someone killed four members of a family. It just didn't happen here.
Behind the Bastards
Part Two: Is Oprah Winfrey a Bastard?
Journey inside the mind of one of history's most notorious killers, BTK, through the voices of the people who know him best. Listen to Monster BTK on the iHeartRadio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you listen to your favorite shows.
Behind the Bastards
Part Two: Is Oprah Winfrey a Bastard?
It was big news. I mean, white girl gets murdered, found in a cemetery, big, big news.
Behind the Bastards
Part Two: Is Oprah Winfrey a Bastard?
When a young woman is murdered, a desperate search for answers takes investigators to some unexpected places. He believed it could be part of a satanic cult.
Behind the Bastards
Part Two: Is Oprah Winfrey a Bastard?
A long investigation stalls until someone changes their story. I like saw the whole thing that happened. An arrest, trial, and conviction soon follow. He just saw his body just kind of collapsing. Two decades later, a new team of lawyers says their client is innocent. He did not kill her. There's no way. Is the real killer rightly behind bars or still walking free? Are you capable of murder?
Behind the Bastards
Part Two: Is Oprah Winfrey a Bastard?
Did you kill her? Listen to The Real Killer Season 3 on the iHeartRadio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts.
Behind the Bastards
Part Two: Is Oprah Winfrey a Bastard?
He was a Boy Scout leader, a church deacon, a husband, a father.
Behind the Bastards
Part Two: Is Oprah Winfrey a Bastard?
He went to a local church. He was going to the grocery store with us. He was the guy next door.
Behind the Bastards
Part Two: Is Oprah Winfrey a Bastard?
He could get into their home, take something, and get out and not be caught. He felt very powerful.
Behind the Bastards
Part Two: Is Oprah Winfrey a Bastard?
Someone killed four members of a family. It just didn't happen here.
Behind the Bastards
Part Two: Is Oprah Winfrey a Bastard?
Journey inside the mind of one of history's most notorious killers, BTK, through the voices of the people who know him best. Listen to Monster BTK on the iHeartRadio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you listen to your favorite shows.
Behind the Bastards
Part Two: Is Oprah Winfrey a Bastard?
It was big news. I mean, white girl gets murdered, found in a cemetery, big, big news.
Behind the Bastards
Part Two: Is Oprah Winfrey a Bastard?
When a young woman is murdered, a desperate search for answers takes investigators to some unexpected places. He believed it could be part of a satanic cult.
Behind the Bastards
Part Two: Is Oprah Winfrey a Bastard?
A long investigation stalls until someone changes their story. I saw the whole thing that happened. An arrest, trial, and conviction soon follow. He just saw his body just kind of collapsing. Two decades later, a new team of lawyers says their client is innocent. He did not kill her. There's no way. Is the real killer rightly behind bars or still walking free? Are you capable of murder?
Behind the Bastards
Part Two: Is Oprah Winfrey a Bastard?
Did you kill her? Listen to The Real Killer Season 3 on the iHeartRadio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts.
Behind the Bastards
Part Two: Is Oprah Winfrey a Bastard?
He was a Boy Scout leader, a husband, a father, but he was leading a double life. He was a monster, hiding in plain sight. Journey inside the mind of one of history's most notorious killers, BTK, through the voices of the people who know him best. Listen to Monster BTK on the iHeartRadio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you listen to your favorite shows.
Behind the Bastards
Behind the Bastards Presents: Sixteenth Minute (of Fame)
She worked hard. Up at 7 in the morning, all day in school, and jobs between classes to earn a little extra money, and then home to earn a room and board to help me with cooking and dishes and a little ironing. and then study until midnight, I don't think she ever had more than six hours sleep.
Behind the Bastards
Behind the Bastards Presents: Weird Little Guys
You wake up, put on your Ray-Ban Meta glasses. You're living all in. You realize you need coffee, so you say... Hey Meta, how do I make a latte?
Behind the Bastards
Behind the Bastards Presents: Weird Little Guys
After Meta AI gets you caffeinated, you're ready for some beats.
Behind the Bastards
Behind the Bastards Presents: Weird Little Guys
You head to meet some friends, but can't remember the place.
Behind the Bastards
Behind the Bastards Presents: Weird Little Guys
Ray-Ban Meta Glasses, the next generation of AI glasses. Just say, hey, Meta, to harness the power of Meta AI. Shop now at meta.com slash smart glasses.
Behind the Bastards
Behind the Bastards Presents: Weird Little Guys
You wake up, put on your Ray-Ban Meta glasses. You're living all in. You realize you need coffee, so you say, Hey Meta, how do I make a latte?
Behind the Bastards
Behind the Bastards Presents: Weird Little Guys
After Meta AI gets you caffeinated, you're ready for some beats.
Behind the Bastards
Behind the Bastards Presents: Weird Little Guys
You head to meet some friends, but can't remember the place.
Behind the Bastards
Behind the Bastards Presents: Weird Little Guys
Ray-Ban Meta Glasses, the next generation of AI glasses. Just say, hey, Meta, to harness the power of Meta AI. Shop now at meta.com slash smart glasses.
Behind the Bastards
Behind the Bastards Presents: Hood Politics with Prop
He was a Boy Scout leader, a husband, a father, but he was leading a double life. He was a monster, hiding in plain sight. Journey inside the mind of one of history's most notorious killers, BTK, through the voices of the people who know him best. Listen to Monster BTK on the iHeartRadio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you listen to your favorite shows.
Behind the Bastards
Behind the Bastards Presents: Hood Politics with Prop
He was a Boy Scout leader, a church deacon, a husband, a father.
Behind the Bastards
Behind the Bastards Presents: Hood Politics with Prop
He went to a local church. He was going to the grocery store with us. He was the guy next door.
Behind the Bastards
Behind the Bastards Presents: Hood Politics with Prop
But he was leading a double life.
Behind the Bastards
Behind the Bastards Presents: Hood Politics with Prop
He was certainly a peeping Tom, looking through the windows, looking at people, fantasizing about what he could do. He then began entering the houses.
Behind the Bastards
Behind the Bastards Presents: Hood Politics with Prop
He could get into their home, take something, and get out and not be caught. He felt very powerful.
Behind the Bastards
Behind the Bastards Presents: Hood Politics with Prop
He was a monster, hiding in plain sight.
Behind the Bastards
Behind the Bastards Presents: Hood Politics with Prop
Someone killed four members of a family. It just didn't happen here.
Behind the Bastards
Behind the Bastards Presents: Hood Politics with Prop
Journey inside the mind of one of history's most notorious killers, BTK, through the voices of the people who know him best. Listen to Monster BTK on the iHeartRadio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you listen to your favorite shows.
Behind the Bastards
Behind the Bastards Presents: Hood Politics with Prop
He was a Boy Scout leader, a church deacon, a husband, a father.
Behind the Bastards
Behind the Bastards Presents: Hood Politics with Prop
He went to a local church. He was going to the grocery store with us. He was the guy next door.
Behind the Bastards
Behind the Bastards Presents: Hood Politics with Prop
But he was leading a double life.
Behind the Bastards
Behind the Bastards Presents: Hood Politics with Prop
He was certainly a peeping Tom, looking through the windows, looking at people, fantasizing about what he could do. He then began entering the houses.
Behind the Bastards
Behind the Bastards Presents: Hood Politics with Prop
He could get into their home, take something, and get out and not be caught. He felt very powerful.
Behind the Bastards
Behind the Bastards Presents: Hood Politics with Prop
He was a monster, hiding in plain sight.
Behind the Bastards
Behind the Bastards Presents: Hood Politics with Prop
Someone killed four members of a family. It just didn't happen here.
Behind the Bastards
Behind the Bastards Presents: Hood Politics with Prop
Journey inside the mind of one of history's most notorious killers, BTK, through the voices of the people who know him best. Listen to Monster BTK on the iHeartRadio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you listen to your favorite shows.
Behind the Bastards
Behind the Bastards Presents: Hood Politics with Prop
It was big news. I mean, white girl gets murdered, found in a cemetery, big, big news.
Behind the Bastards
Behind the Bastards Presents: Hood Politics with Prop
When a young woman is murdered, a desperate search for answers takes investigators to some unexpected places. He believed it could be part of a satanic cult.
Behind the Bastards
Behind the Bastards Presents: Hood Politics with Prop
A long investigation stalls until someone changes their story. I like saw what happened. An arrest, trial, and conviction soon follow. He just saw his body just kind of collapsing. Two decades later, a new team of lawyers says their client is innocent. He did not kill her. There's no way. Is the real killer rightly behind bars or still walking free? Are you capable of murder?
Behind the Bastards
Behind the Bastards Presents: Hood Politics with Prop
I definitely am not. Did you kill her?
Behind the Bastards
Behind the Bastards Presents: Hood Politics with Prop
Listen to The Real Killer Season 3 on the iHeartRadio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts.
Behind the Bastards
Behind the Bastards Presents: Hood Politics with Prop
It was big news. I mean, white girl gets murdered, found in a cemetery, big, big news.
Behind the Bastards
Behind the Bastards Presents: Hood Politics with Prop
When a young woman is murdered, a desperate search for answers takes investigators to some unexpected places. He believed it could be part of a satanic cult.
Behind the Bastards
Behind the Bastards Presents: Hood Politics with Prop
A long investigation stalls until someone changes their story. I, like, saw the whole thing that happened. An arrest, trial, and conviction soon follow. He just saw his body just kind of collapsing. Two decades later, a new team of lawyers says their client is innocent. He did not kill her. There's no way. Is the real killer rightly behind bars or still walking free? Are you capable of murder?
Behind the Bastards
Behind the Bastards Presents: Hood Politics with Prop
I definitely am not. Did you kill her?
Behind the Bastards
Behind the Bastards Presents: Hood Politics with Prop
Listen to The Real Killer Season 3 on the iHeartRadio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts.
Behind the Bastards
Behind the Bastards Presents: Hood Politics with Prop
He was a Boy Scout leader, a husband, a father, but he was leading a double life. He was a monster, hiding in plain sight. Journey inside the mind of one of history's most notorious killers, BTK, through the voices of the people who know him best. Listen to Monster BTK on the iHeartRadio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you listen to your favorite shows.
Behind the Bastards
Bonus: The Bastards of Oprah
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Behind the Bastards
Bonus: The Bastards of Oprah
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Behind the Bastards
Bonus: The Bastards of Oprah
Upgrade the whole team at Lenovo.com. Unlock AI experiences with the ThinkPad X1 Carbon, powered by Intel Core Ultra processors, so you can work, create, and boost productivity all on one device. Win the tech search for business PCs at Lenovo.com.
Behind the Bastards
Bonus: The Bastards of Oprah
Upgrade the whole team at Lenovo.com. Unlock AI experiences with the ThinkPad X1 Carbon, powered by Intel Core Ultra processors, so you can work, create, and boost productivity all on one device. Win the tech search for business PCs at Lenovo.com.
Behind the Bastards
Bonus: The Bastards of Oprah
Upgrade the whole team at Lenovo.com. Unlock AI experiences with the ThinkPad X1 Carbon, powered by Intel Core Ultra processors, so you can work, create, and boost productivity all on one device. Win the tech search for business PCs at Lenovo.com.
Behind the Bastards
Bonus: The Bastards of Oprah
I could catch anything sitting in this doctor's waiting room. Ugh, a kid just wiped his runny nose on my jacket. And the guy next to me, sitting in a pool of perspiration, insists on sharing my armrest. Ugh.
Behind the Bastards
Bonus: The Bastards of Oprah
Next time, make an appointment with an Amazon One Medical provider. There's no waiting and no sweaty guy. Amazon One Medical. Healthcare just got less painful.
Behind the Bastards
Bonus: The Bastards of Oprah
When it comes to playtime, never let your squad down. Unlock elite gaming tech at Lenovo.com. Push your gameplay beyond performance with 13th Gen Intel Core processors. Upgrade to smooth, high-quality streaming with Intel Wi-Fi 6E. And maximize game performance with enhanced overclocking. Win the tech search and head to Lenovo.com.
Behind the Bastards
Bonus: The Bastards of Oprah
Did you know that there's a victim of identity theft every three seconds? It's identity theft awareness week, which means it's the perfect time to protect your identity with LifeLock. Lots of places like doctor's offices and retailers can accidentally expose your personal info, leaving you open to identity threats.
Behind the Bastards
Bonus: The Bastards of Oprah
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Behind the Bastards
Bonus: The Bastards of Oprah
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Behind the Bastards
Bonus: The Bastards of Oprah
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Behind the Bastards
Bonus: The Bastards of Oprah
Did you know that there's a victim of identity theft every three seconds? It's Identity Theft Awareness Week, which means it's the perfect time to protect your identity with LifeLock. Lots of places like doctor's offices and retailers can accidentally expose your personal info, leaving you open to identity threats.
Behind the Bastards
Bonus: The Bastards of Oprah
That's why LifeLock monitors hundreds of millions of data points a second and alerts you to more uses of your personal information. And if you do become a victim of identity theft, LifeLock has professional restoration specialists with the experience and know-how to fix identity theft issues guaranteed or your money back.
Behind the Bastards
Bonus: The Bastards of Oprah
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Behind the Bastards
Bonus: The Bastards of Oprah
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Behind the Bastards
Bonus: The Bastards of Oprah
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Behind the Bastards
Bonus: The Bastards of Oprah
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Big Time
Dead Fish Tell No Tales: Part 1 | 2
Nobody could figure it out. I mean, they fished the same waters, had their fish inspected by the same officials, and weighed them on the same scale at the same time as everybody else's. How much luck was reasonable?
Big Time
Dead Fish Tell No Tales: Part 1 | 2
Another team followed them because they thought Chase and Jake knew a shortcut. But no.
Big Time
Dead Fish Tell No Tales: Part 1 | 2
We know this because the other team had a dash cam in their truck that was recording, and they asked Chase what he was doing with all those extra fish. If you missed it, let me translate. Chase is explaining that he has a new lady friend in his hotel room who has never eaten walleye, so he's just going to cook one up for her. I have doubts. Do tell.
Big Time
Dead Fish Tell No Tales: Part 1 | 2
Yeah, Chase was reminded of that. And he had an explanation.
Big Time
Dead Fish Tell No Tales: Part 1 | 2
And let's not forget, nothing less than the reputation of Rossford is at stake here, too. Nobody wants to be the walleye cheating capital of the world.
Big Time
Dead Fish Tell No Tales: Part 1 | 2
Even more for the walleye. That summer 2022, a quiet controversy followed the boats from tournament to tournament like a strange little storm cloud on a sunny day. As the walleye migrated east to colder, deeper waters, the fishermen and the cloud followed. Along the way, Chase and Jake kept gathering checks.
Big Time
Dead Fish Tell No Tales: Part 1 | 2
By that, he means transforming Rossford, population 6,300, into a major destination. Here's what he has to work with. Five square miles on the edge of Toledo, a handful of budget hotels next to the Turnpike, an Amazon distribution center, and a Bass Pro Shop. Oh, and there's one more thing. A river runs through it.
Big Time
Dead Fish Tell No Tales: Part 1 | 2
This is Mike Miller. He's been fishing tournaments since 2005, though he took a few years off to get his deck building business established. He's been suspicious of Chase and Jake from the very beginning, especially Chase.
Big Time
Dead Fish Tell No Tales: Part 1 | 2
Summer turned to fall, and the walleye were surely getting tired. It's the end of September, and boats are gathered in Cleveland for the Walleye Trail Championship. That's Jason Fisher's big tournament. The event is also a fundraiser for a little boy with cancer. Giving back is not unusual in this community. Free rods for kids, a little swag to get the next generation excited, that sort of thing.
Big Time
Dead Fish Tell No Tales: Part 1 | 2
At the end of the weekend, Team of the Year will be crowned. Chase and Jake are top contenders. Here's Jason Fisher.
Big Time
Dead Fish Tell No Tales: Part 1 | 2
That's a fraction of their usual haul. In Rossford, they brought in more than 30 pounds of fish on both days.
Big Time
Dead Fish Tell No Tales: Part 1 | 2
Jason, who weighs hundreds of walleyes every month, knows that.
Big Time
Dead Fish Tell No Tales: Part 1 | 2
Walleye are predator fish with big milky eyeballs that help them hunt in dark, murky lake water. Because you might be wondering, no, they are not in fact walleyed. Both eyes point in the same direction, but that doesn't make them any easier to catch.
Big Time
Dead Fish Tell No Tales: Part 1 | 2
Locally, they're a cultural touchstone. Walleye are to Lake Erie what lobster is to Maine, or saltwater taffy is to the Jersey Shore.
Big Time
Dead Fish Tell No Tales: Part 1 | 2
In Ohio, you can even get a walleye on your license plate.
Big Time
Dead Fish Tell No Tales: Part 1 | 2
Competitive walleye tournaments happen all up and down Lake Erie from spring through the fall. Weekend after weekend, you see fleets of fishermen towing their boats from town to town along the lake for these walleye competitions. They usually fish in teams of two, and the basic rules are mostly the same.
Big Time
Dead Fish Tell No Tales: Part 1 | 2
You fish in a designated area, the five biggest walleye you catch that day or weighed that day, and the heaviest catch wins.
Big Time
Dead Fish Tell No Tales: Part 1 | 2
Aspirations of global domination. I see no way this plan could go awry.
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Dead Fish Tell No Tales: Part 1 | 2
Rossford aimed for VIP service, and word got around. The next year, there were twice as many teams, and the purse was twice as big.
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Dead Fish Tell No Tales: Part 1 | 2
That's Jason Fisher. He owns and runs the Lake Erie Walleye Trail, a series of roving tournaments that run all season. You just heard him at the end of the 2021 season when Chase Kaminsky and his fishing partner, Jacob Runyon, dominated with wins at the Walleye Fall Brawl, the Walleye Slam, and the Lake Erie Walleye Trail Championship. That's a walleye triple crown.
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Dead Fish Tell No Tales: Part 1 | 2
And yep, the man who runs the fishing tournaments is named Fisher. He's probably so tired of that.
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Dead Fish Tell No Tales: Part 1 | 2
Every small town that wants to be a bigger town has to come up with something special, claim to fame, has to be hyper-local and plentiful, which means it may be a little odd.
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Dead Fish Tell No Tales: Part 1 | 2
The tournament regulars, they pretty much know each other. They fish together and against each other month after month and year after year. For the most part, they're friends or at least friendly. I mean, nobody is really a stranger here, at least not for long.
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Dead Fish Tell No Tales: Part 1 | 2
In December 2021, their names and fish had just disappeared from the website, quietly and without any initial explanation.
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Dead Fish Tell No Tales: Part 1 | 2
So really, only the walleye knew that a murky little mystery was about to unfold. On Thursday, April 14th, boats started pulling into Rossford for the 2022 Walleye Roundup. Chase and Jake arrived in style, hauling Chase's $100,000 Ranger 662 light gray. Two days of fishing would commence the next morning.
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Dead Fish Tell No Tales: Part 1 | 2
There are storm clouds gathering on the horizon. Mayor Neal does not notice because the next morning is perfect. Sunny, 50 degrees, 20 grand on the table.
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Dead Fish Tell No Tales: Part 1 | 2
Every other year, the boats had launched from Rossford. But remember, that's eight miles up the river from Lake Erie. So for 2022, the launch moved to Cullen Park in Toledo, right on the water.
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Dead Fish Tell No Tales: Part 1 | 2
It's late afternoon and all the boats putter back to Cullen Park with their five biggest walleye. A tournament official inspects the boats as usual, looking in the live well. That's the compartment on your boat full of water. It's like a well that keeps the fish alive. And he looks in there and he counts the fish. One, two, three, four, five. Yeah, yeah, yeah.
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Dead Fish Tell No Tales: Part 1 | 2
And he makes sure that they're all still alive. That's part of the rules.
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Dead Fish Tell No Tales: Part 1 | 2
That's 20 minutes alone, unsupervised, with your walleye.
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Dead Fish Tell No Tales: Part 1 | 2
Super unhappy by the time they're put on a scale in Rossford. But as police chief Todd Kitzler knows, dead fish tell no tales.
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Dead Fish Tell No Tales: Part 1 | 2
But that would be cheating. After the first day, there's no clear frontrunner, no big trophy fish to get everybody stoked. Chase and Jake had a good catch. Nothing of remarkable size, but heavy enough to be in contention.
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Dead Fish Tell No Tales: Part 2 | 3
Ten days in jail and $2,500 in fines, apparently. That's the sentence the judge handed both. He also gave them 18 months probation and took away their fishing licenses for three years. Before they were led away, both men apologized, said they were super embarrassed and very sorry for whatever that's worth.
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Dead Fish Tell No Tales: Part 2 | 3
Meh, it's not worth much. This might have been Jake's first major run of the law, but this wasn't the first time Chase had been charged with a crime. For him, it was small-time stuff. Trespassing, theft, all misdemeanors. Plus, in 2013, he pleaded guilty to tattooing a minor.
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Dead Fish Tell No Tales: Part 2 | 3
And in February, just months after he'd done that super embarrassing thing with the fish, he was arrested with his son for passing fake $100 bills at a bowling alley. Not counterfeits, fakes. Prop money. For movies. Says so right on the front. For motion picture purposes, not legal tender. Chase's son pled guilty and was sentenced to a year of probation.
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Dead Fish Tell No Tales: Part 2 | 3
And Chase pled no contest and was sentenced to six months to a year behind bars.
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The Lake Erie Walleye Trail, Jason's tournament series, rebounded from the scandal just fine.
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Dead Fish Tell No Tales: Part 2 | 3
Jason is holding up a small, oblong lead weight. Nobody is shocked because a lot of people already suspect Chase and Jake are cheaters.
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It's in Ashtabula, Ohio. Coincidentally, Jake's hometown. He's not here.
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That's Mayor Neal in Rossford. When this story went viral, global, there was a picture that often went with it. It's of Chase and Jake at the 2022 Rossford Walleye Roundup. Jake is holding up a big wrestling-style championship belt. Chase is on one side with one of those giant novelty checks. On Jake's other side, smiling, almost beaming, is Mayor Neal.
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Mayor Neal, a public servant who only wanted to make the best damn walleye tournament in the universe. He certainly didn't deserve any of this.
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To be very clear, Rossford got rolled by Chase and Jake, just like everyone else. But when it's your picture in the New York Times, well, the 2023 Walleye Roundup was canceled.
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We need to figure this out. Chase and Jake gave walleye fishing such a black eye, the Roundup's main sponsor, Bass Pro Shop, pulled out. Mayor Neal says it was a mutual decision. But this, he hopes, is only a bump, a temporary stumble.
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And yet everybody is shocked because, holy hell, they stuffed a fish full of lead. So that's how they did it. Total chaos. It goes on for a while.
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Dead Fish Tell No Tales: Part 2 | 3
Of course they will. When you're a small town with big dreams, you don't just give up. You stay focused on the dream.
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Dead Fish Tell No Tales: Part 2 | 3
On the scale, those fish weigh almost 34 pounds. Disemboweled, it's closer to 25 pounds. Inside the five total fish are seven pounds of lead and almost a pound of walleye fillets, which keep the lead weights from clanking around.
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Dead Fish Tell No Tales: Part 2 | 3
It's a clever touch. Clanking would totally give it away.
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Dead Fish Tell No Tales: Part 2 | 3
Everybody's recording the outrage and zooming in on the weights and the sad autopsy fish and zooming out to capture the bedlam.
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That's Mike Miller, a veteran of the Lake Erie walleye tournaments. He's been suspicious of Chase and Jake since the previous season.
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Dead Fish Tell No Tales: Part 2 | 3
They only needed 17 pounds of fish to win. They didn't need to cheat. About 100 miles to the west, in tiny Rossford, Ohio, Mayor Neal was not closely following the late-season walleye tournaments.
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Dead Fish Tell No Tales: Part 2 | 3
Mayor Neal did not, at first, recognize the names or the faces.
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Dead Fish Tell No Tales: Part 2 | 3
But it didn't take long to make the connection. Those same two guys, Chase and Jake, had won the Rossford Walleye Roundup back in April. And they'd been accused of cheating, which meant that in the Rossford Walleye Roundup record books, there appeared to be a pretty big asterisk next to 2022.
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Dead Fish Tell No Tales: Part 2 | 3
No, I mean a fundamental question. The cliche is all fishermen are liars, right? I mean, the internet knows this, and yet that went viral. Like, it was a shock to people.
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September 30th, 2022. Cleveland, Ohio. A gorgeous fall day on the shore of Lake Erie. Dozens of people are gathered in a park for the end of the Lake Erie Walleye Trail Championship. They're restless, agitated. Because the winning catch, Chase Kaminsky and Jacob Runyon's five walleye, well, those fish don't look right.
Big Time
Dead Fish Tell No Tales: Part 2 | 3
Well, because it is. It's one thing to lie when there's nothing at stake. Every fisherman's got a story about the big one that got away, and ain't no way, no how anyone can prove him wrong. But here, the evidence just tumbled out in the most damning and humiliating and undeniable way possible. At this level of fishing, there's actually quite a bit at stake.
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Dead Fish Tell No Tales: Part 2 | 3
The day they got caught, Chase and Jake were about to walk away with more than $28,000 in prize money.
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Dead Fish Tell No Tales: Part 2 | 3
For a small-time crook, competitive fishing is a pretty good mark. Low risk, high reward.
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Dead Fish Tell No Tales: Part 2 | 3
Unless somebody cuts your fish open, and then there's proof. Heavy lead proof that you cheated to win $28,000, which is actually stealing. So, a lot of tournaments hire people like Stan Fulmer, a polygraph examiner.
Big Time
Dead Fish Tell No Tales: Part 2 | 3
He's been told pretty much every kind of lie by every kind of liar.
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Dead Fish Tell No Tales: Part 2 | 3
People have been known to hide fish to catch big ones ahead of time and keep them in a trap under a dock or near a secluded bank so they can grab them when no one's looking. You could have friends out fishing too, buddies who aren't officially in the tournament, but who'll bring you any big ones they reel in. The thing about fishing tournaments, they happen on open water.
Big Time
Dead Fish Tell No Tales: Part 2 | 3
Lake Erie is the smallest of the Great Lakes, but it may as well be an ocean. It's not hard to slip out of view.
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Dead Fish Tell No Tales: Part 2 | 3
I caught up with Stan at a redfish tournament, Redfish Madness, in North Carolina, right after he'd polygraphed the winners, who were not, for the record, suspected of cheating. It's just protocol.
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Dead Fish Tell No Tales: Part 2 | 3
Hiring a polygraph examiner like Stan is not uncommon in the big money tournaments or even the medium money ones. Knowing there will be a polygraph at the end is both a deterrent and an assurance. People who don't win want to believe that those who did, did so honestly.
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Dead Fish Tell No Tales: Part 2 | 3
I knew that there was something wrong. That's Jason Fisher. He runs the tournament. He's inspecting those suspicious fish. He has his hands on one, and he feels something hard inside.
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Dead Fish Tell No Tales: Part 2 | 3
Well, there's not a lot of room for mercy. You can't get arrested for failing a fishing tournament polygraph. But you will get disqualified and ostracized. But wait. Why didn't Chase and Jake take any tests?
Big Time
Dead Fish Tell No Tales: Part 2 | 3
They did, but not all tests are equal. A lot of tournaments use what's called a voice stress analysis to see if anyone cheated. But a voice stress test is pretty much worthless. A study by the National Institute of Justice found that they're no more reliable than a coin toss. Heads you're lying, tails you're not. Not hard to beat. Polygraphs, like the ones Stan administers, are much more reliable.
Big Time
Dead Fish Tell No Tales: Part 2 | 3
And we know that Chase and Jake failed at least one of those. Remember at the end of the 2021 season, when they won the big fall brawl, and soon after that they were mysteriously disqualified? At first, nobody knew why. But then it came out that one of them, either Chase or Jake, failed the polygraph.
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Dead Fish Tell No Tales: Part 2 | 3
But that hadn't been enough to stop them. Failing a polygraph is not a crime. In the context of the tournaments, that would merely suggest that you had cheated. It wouldn't prove anything. But actual lead weights tumbling out of your fish, that's different. That's proof that you cheated. And if you cheated to fraudulently obtain $28,000 in prize money, that's a crime.
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Dead Fish Tell No Tales: Part 2 | 3
It's called attempted grand theft. And in Ohio and most other places, it's a felony. Not a rules violation, though I suppose it's that too, but a real crime. And when there are viral videos of the shenanigans, the authorities, like, say, the Cuyahoga County Prosecutor's Office, they're going to notice.
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Dead Fish Tell No Tales: Part 2 | 3
Fishing is all fun and games until someone's charged with felonies, which both Chase and Jake were.
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Dead Fish Tell No Tales: Part 2 | 3
Two weeks after those walleye were gutted, a Cuyahoga County grand jury indicted Chase and Jake on four charges each. One was a misdemeanor, and kind of a weird one. Unlawful ownership of wild animals. It's perfectly legal to catch a walleye and kill it and eat it. But you're not allowed to stuff pieces of it into another walleye to keep your cheatin' weights from clankin' together.
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That apparently is an impermissible use of your dead fish. In legalese, unlawful ownership of wild animals.
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The other three charges were felonies. One was cheating. Really, there's a crime called cheating. And there was attempted grand theft. And finally, the coup de grace, possessing criminal tools. That's Chase's very expensive vote.
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Dead Fish Tell No Tales: Part 2 | 3
In the spring of 2023, Chase and Jake sat behind a defendant's table in a wood-paneled courtroom in Cleveland. They wore matching gray suits with black dress shirts. Prosecutors played a selection of those viral videos on a screen up front. There's stuffed fish being sliced, close-ups of the weights, a whole bunch of angry people yelling at Jake.
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Dead Fish Tell No Tales: Part 2 | 3
In the courtroom, Jake mostly stared straight ahead with a hanged dog look on his face. Chase seemed more alert, more tuned in.
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They were there to be sentenced. A few months earlier, in March 2023, Jake and Chase had both pleaded guilty to two charges, cheating and illegal possession of wildlife. The other two, attempted theft and possession of criminal tools, were dismissed. But they still had to forfeit the boat. Here's prosecutor Andrew Rogalski explaining why to the judge.
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Dead Fish Tell No Tales: Part 2 | 3
A secret compartment. A hidey hole. That doesn't sound like something you'd use only once. Here's the prosecutor again.
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Dead Fish Tell No Tales: Part 2 | 3
Jason Fisher, the walleye tournament director, he had a few things he wanted to tell the judge before he passed sentence.
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Dead Fish Tell No Tales: Part 2 | 3
That was nice, to acknowledge that. For all the attention that Chase and Jake's shenanigans generated, it was usually sort of a giggle in the background. But to folks involved, this was seriously unsettling. The emotion you hear in those videos, that's not people reacting to anonymous grifters, some faceless burglars. This was personal, and it wasn't just about the money.
Blink | Jake Haendel's Story
10. The Silent Witness
In 2009, three days before Halloween, a grisly crime stunned the seaport town of Anacortes, Washington.
Blink | Jake Haendel's Story
10. The Silent Witness
They soon discovered a story tangled in obsession. Who was the hunter and who was the hunted? Follow and listen to Train to Kill, the dog trainer, the heiress, and the bodyguard on the free Odyssey app or wherever you get your podcasts.
Blink | Jake Haendel's Story
6: Blink Twice
And in this particular episode, pregnancy and child loss is also mentioned. Content warnings for each episode are included in the show notes. Resources for drug addiction and domestic abuse can be found in the show notes and on our website, blinkthepodcast.com.
Blink | Jake Haendel's Story
6: Blink Twice
So while Jake didn't quite understand the changes in behavior from his wife, he was determined as ever to communicate again. Working daily with a speech therapist at Spalding Rehabilitation Hospital, Jake worked on getting his voice back. Here's Michelle Braley, the speech and language pathologist who was assigned to his case.
Blink | Jake Haendel's Story
6: Blink Twice
It would take him about 45 seconds to blink in response, but he could do it, and gradually he moved up to using a letter board to communicate. The board contained five rows of color-coded letters, A-E-I-O-U, in the first column, and the person who wanted to communicate with Jake would go row by row, and he would stick out his tongue to signal yes.
Blink | Jake Haendel's Story
6: Blink Twice
Helen was still spending time in the hospital with Jake, and Michelle recalls her interactions with her.
Blink | Jake Haendel's Story
6: Blink Twice
Michelle remembers that Ellen had set up the letter boards throughout Jake's room so that he could study it and become faster at communicating.
Blink | Jake Haendel's Story
6: Blink Twice
I asked Jake if he had memory of this, and he did. She wasn't a guest on the show, which is what I initially thought. Rather, she was front row, outside, with Jake on FaceTime, talking to one of the hosts as they walked onto stage, attempting to tell this host about her hospitalized husband in the few seconds they had before the show went live.
Blink | Jake Haendel's Story
6: Blink Twice
So it sounds like, while the hospital staff struggled to reach her, Jake still did have occasional contact. But I guess occasional is the key word here.
Blink | Jake Haendel's Story
6: Blink Twice
There wasn't much Derone could do with a restraining order, but a couple of months later, when his sister Varda traveled up to Massachusetts for Derone's trial, which was the trial involving Ellen and the stairs, Derone asked Varda if she wanted to go with him to see Jake.
Blink | Jake Haendel's Story
6: Blink Twice
For the next 48 hours, Jake cried on and off in the hospital, refusing all medications, food, and therapy. The last year and a half had been absolute hell for him. But Jake had had Ellen. She somehow always knew what Jake needed in every moment.
Blink | Jake Haendel's Story
6: Blink Twice
She'd lay next to him and paint a picture of their future, what they'd do together when he recovered, and the home that they would have, the family they would create. And for Jake, this hope was his lifeline, and Ellen was the love of his life. But then she was gone.
Blink | Jake Haendel's Story
6: Blink Twice
Jake did bounce back. On the third morning, when medical staff entered his room, he stuck out his tongue to accept his medication. He may have lost his wife, but that didn't mean he couldn't get her back. He was now more motivated than ever to recover fully and to prove to Ellen that the magical recovery they dreamed of was just around the corner.
Blink | Jake Haendel's Story
6: Blink Twice
Jake has told me that he feels that he's a very powerful manifester, and I agree. He's so driven and motivated, and he puts all of his effort into obtaining a goal that he visualizes for himself. In this moment, getting better for Ellen, despite their strained relationship, was all the motivation he needed. And just two weeks after asking for divorce, that wish seemed a little closer to reality.
Blink | Jake Haendel's Story
6: Blink Twice
Ellen came to visit again, and with her carried a life-sized teddy bear.
Blink | Jake Haendel's Story
6: Blink Twice
Hospital staff and a social worker inquired about this new home. Did it have the proper equipment? What preparations had been made? Jake had been making incredible strides in the hospital. Did he really want to leave now?
Blink | Jake Haendel's Story
6: Blink Twice
He could be transferred to a different rehabilitation hospital in western Massachusetts, close to where Ellen had bought their new home. Jake's speech therapist, Michelle, assured him that this was going to be a good option.
Blink | Jake Haendel's Story
6: Blink Twice
Unbeknownst to Jake, a family member had tracked him down at Spalding.
Blink | Jake Haendel's Story
6: Blink Twice
Jake's belongings were packed and he was transferred to Western State Hospital, which is a little over a two-hour drive from where he previously was being treated. Jake tells me that this was like moving from a five-star hotel to a Motel 6. But Ellen had put in a lot of extra effort to make the room feel more homey.
Blink | Jake Haendel's Story
6: Blink Twice
She had decorated the walls with photos of the two of them, and Jake was trying to be optimistic.
Blink | Jake Haendel's Story
6: Blink Twice
Jake asked the hospital to help him make contact. Ellen wasn't answering calls, and she hadn't visited. They helped Jake set up an email account for himself, and his very first email was sent to Ellen.
Blink | Jake Haendel's Story
6: Blink Twice
The hospital wanted to set up a call with Jake's family to go over medical history and care routine, as they do with all new patients. But at this point in time, Ellen was Jake's only family. Finding a time that worked for her took some time.
Blink | Jake Haendel's Story
6: Blink Twice
The call did eventually take place, and Jake remembers it going well. He was in a wheelchair in the room and listened as the hospital staff went over everything in his care plan with Ellen, who had called in. After that, Jake said that Ellen never returned to the hospital. He was now abandoned in this hospital, hours away from his now estranged family, with no way to get in contact with anyone.
Blink | Jake Haendel's Story
6: Blink Twice
With no one left, he chose to focus his efforts on his recovery. First, he needed to get his voice back. I've mentioned to him a few times how impressed I am with his attention to detail during his storytelling and just how much effort he puts into providing facts. And he reminded me that he was without his voice for so long and he is so determined to never be misunderstood again.
Blink | Jake Haendel's Story
6: Blink Twice
in the hospital, that was something that happened pretty frequently. And Jake recalls one of these humorous moments.
Blink | Jake Haendel's Story
6: Blink Twice
Jake was now missing, the home seemingly abandoned, and looked to be that way for some time. Where was Jake? With Ellen having power of attorney over Jake's care, there was no legal obligation for medical personnel to divulge any information that they may have on his whereabouts. And so Derone began a months-long search for his son.
Blink | Jake Haendel's Story
6: Blink Twice
practice that for like three months finally his speech therapist thought he had the phrase down perhaps it was time to use it it was suggested that ellen could be invited to a therapy session to see jake's progress and to hear him speak i'm like i don't think that'd be a good idea guys
Blink | Jake Haendel's Story
6: Blink Twice
Despite the opportunity to be with Ellen again being the main motivator for Jake in his recovery, he was hesitant to reach out after everything that had happened. They had been exchanging texts and emails briefly during this time, mostly about his care, given that she was still his healthcare proxy and his power of attorney.
Blink | Jake Haendel's Story
6: Blink Twice
He thought about his speech therapist's suggestion for a week, and then decided to FaceTime Ellen instead.
Blink | Jake Haendel's Story
6: Blink Twice
The testimonies and opinions expressed by guests of the show are their own and do not necessarily reflect the views of myself or affiliates of this podcast. After timing out of hospice care, Jake's motionless body was physically removed from the bed. The borrowed medical equipment stripped away, and then, just like that, he was left on the floor. It's almost impossible to wrap my head around.
Blink | Jake Haendel's Story
6: Blink Twice
Jake's face deflates as he revisits this time in his life. I apologize to him that he has to relive all of these memories. And he says it's okay, but that he still doesn't quite understand why everything happened the way that it did.
Blink | Jake Haendel's Story
6: Blink Twice
it seems that everyone who ever cared for Jake, despite him being under their care or not, still tried to follow his case and still tried to help.
Blink | Jake Haendel's Story
6: Blink Twice
Thank you for listening to Blink. This podcast is hosted and produced by me, Corinne Vien, alongside my co-creator and survivor, Jake Handel. Our original music is composed by the brilliant and talented Michael Marguet. We're so grateful for your support. If you enjoyed this episode, please consider rating, reviewing, and sharing this story with others.
Blink | Jake Haendel's Story
6: Blink Twice
For additional resources, updates, and behind-the-scenes content, visit our website, BlinkThePodcast.com. Blink will return with a new episode next Sunday.
Blink | Jake Haendel's Story
6: Blink Twice
Jake's story is unlike anything most of us could ever imagine. The idea of being trapped, completely aware but unable to move, speak, or signal for help, is the kind of nightmare that feels almost too horrifying to be real. When people hear about Jake's case, they think about the isolation, the months spent in silence. But what's even more unthinkable is the pain.
Blink | Jake Haendel's Story
6: Blink Twice
Jake wasn't drifting into some unconscious dream state. He was awake, and he was alert. And he felt every ounce of agony coursing through his body.
Blink | Jake Haendel's Story
6: Blink Twice
the mental endurance it took to survive that, and while his own family whispered their goodbyes and told him that it was okay to let go. It's just beyond comprehension. But Jake refused to let go. He fought. And I had to know. Where did that strength come from? When surrendering seemed like the easiest escape, what made Jake keep fighting?
Blink | Jake Haendel's Story
6: Blink Twice
Jake describes to me how the voice from his heart was panicked, constantly asking questions about his life to the deeper, wiser voice that lived in his head. The wiser voice would answer and prompt him to seek the answers from within, guiding him to where he needed to be mentally to break down these barriers and face his demons.
Blink | Jake Haendel's Story
6: Blink Twice
And it reminded me a bit of EMDR therapy or even hypnosis, but Jake had never done either of those before. yet he was somehow acting as his own therapist and patient, and then there's this placement of the voices. I couldn't help but make the connection between how Jake was describing these voices and where they existed in his body relating to the chakras.
Blink | Jake Haendel's Story
6: Blink Twice
The wise one at the crown of his head, aligning with the crown chakra, which governs wisdom, awareness, and inner peace, and then the wounded one in his heart, the heart chakra, which is associated with self-love and the ability to forgive and find acceptance."
Blink | Jake Haendel's Story
6: Blink Twice
How could this happen? How could someone so vulnerable be discarded like an afterthought? Every new detail in Jake's story just leaves my jaw on the floor. Just when I think I've heard it all, there's something else. While Jake lay there, his family was left in the dark, desperate for answers. For all they knew, he was dead. Had he suffered in his final moments? No. Had he been in pain?
Blink | Jake Haendel's Story
6: Blink Twice
Jake's case is already challenging science's understanding of the brain and consciousness, but moments like this makes me wonder, what else could his experience unlock? Hi, it's Corinne, your host. You may not know this, but I'm also the co-host of Two Girls, One Ghost, the most haunted podcast in America, with my sister witch, Sabrina.
Blink | Jake Haendel's Story
6: Blink Twice
For two months, Jake would engage in these really difficult conversations, the sort of self-help therapy retreat. At one point, the wise voice told him that he had not yet grieved his mother's death properly. His heart disagreed, yet he was forced to face the pain of that experience again.
Blink | Jake Haendel's Story
6: Blink Twice
And the most haunting question of all, was this the end of Jake's story? Would they ever see him again, even if only at his funeral?
Blink | Jake Haendel's Story
6: Blink Twice
It made me wonder how many other people there are that have to have those conversations with themselves. How many people are trapped in their bodies, unable to communicate with the outside world, thought to be brain dead, lacking awareness and any sort of comprehension. It's a really scary thought, and a topic that we will get into in future episodes.
Blink | Jake Haendel's Story
6: Blink Twice
But luckily for Jake, he would not be stuck in this state for much longer. After hospice timed out, Jake's wife did not call an ambulance. Rather, she contacted Dr. Venna, the chief of neuroimmunology and neuroinfectious diseases at Massachusetts General Hospital. Dr. Venna had been one of the only doctors to give Jake hope, telling Jake... He thought he would survive.
Blink | Jake Haendel's Story
6: Blink Twice
And I haven't been able to secure Dr. Avena for an interview as he's incredibly busy working on the world's most complex cases. But I am so curious how he felt when Ellen had contacted him. Did he really believe that Jake would survive?
Blink | Jake Haendel's Story
6: Blink Twice
Dr. Venna, hearing that Jake was still alive and needing help, had Jake brought back to Massachusetts General Hospital to the same floor that he had been in months before. But now he was under the care of Dr. Stephen Levison, who was the head of complex care at MGH. July of 2018, over a year after Jake was first admitted to the hospital, something in Jake's body changed.
Blink | Jake Haendel's Story
6: Blink Twice
There was a small movement in his wrist, and Dr. Levison took notice.
Blink | Jake Haendel's Story
6: Blink Twice
This was a miraculous medical recovery. Jake had been in stage four of acute toxic progressive leukoencephalopathy. No one had ever recovered from the stage before. And yet here was Jake communicating through eye blink.
Brooke and Jeffrey: Second Date Update
Second Date Update: The Rudy Of Dating
In Mississippi, Yazoo Clay keeps secrets. 7,000 bodies out there, or more. A forgotten asylum cemetery.
Brooke and Jeffrey: Second Date Update
Second Date Update: The Rudy Of Dating
In Mississippi, Yazoo Clay keeps secrets. 7,000 bodies out there or more. A forgotten asylum cemetery.
Brooke and Jeffrey: Second Date Update
Second Date Update: Love On The Rocks
Introducing pickle lovers' newest obsession, Cauliflower's Dill Pickle Pizza. Think luxurious bechamel sauce infused with dill pickle brine, roasted garlic, melty mozzarella, and fresh dill on Cauliflower's stone-fired cauliflower crust. And because it's Cauliflower, you know it's made better for you. Packed with 14 grams of protein, and you can eat half the pizza for just 400 calories.
Brooke and Jeffrey: Second Date Update
Second Date Update: Love On The Rocks
Brooke and Jeffrey in the morning. Introducing Pickle Lover's newest obsession, Cauliflower's Dill Pickle Pizza. Think luxurious bechamel sauce infused with dill pickle brine, roasted garlic, melty mozzarella, and fresh dill on Cauliflower's stone-fired cauliflower crust. And because it's Kali Power, you know it's made better for you.
Brooke and Jeffrey: Second Date Update
Second Date Update: Love On The Rocks
Packed with 14 grams of protein and you can eat half the pizza for just 400 calories. Don't miss the flavor everyone's talking about and grab Kali Power's Dill Pickle Pizza. Now available at Whole Foods Market.
Brooke and Jeffrey: Second Date Update
Second Date Update: Love On The Rocks
Oh, please. Let us see.
Brooke and Jeffrey: Second Date Update
Second Date Update: Love On The Rocks
Don't miss the flavor everyone's talking about and grab Cauliflower's Dill Pickle Pizza. Now available at Whole Foods Market.
Brooke and Jeffrey: Second Date Update
Second Date Update: Phone Paux
The number one hit podcast, The Girlfriends, is back with something new. The Girlfriends Spotlight, where each week you'll hear women share their stories of triumph over adversity. You'll meet Luanne, who escaped a secretive religious community. Do I want my freedom or do I want my family? And now helps other women get out too. I loved my girls. I still love my girls. Come and join our girl gang.
Brooke and Jeffrey: Second Date Update
Second Date Update: Phone Paux
On this week's episode of Eating While Broke, a podcast presented by the Black Effect Podcast Network, Nick Cannon joins us to discuss his journey from teenage comedian to entertainment mogul.
Brooke and Jeffrey: Second Date Update
Second Date Update: Phone Paux
Brooke and Jeffrey in the morning. The number one hit podcast, The Girlfriends, is back with something new. The Girlfriends Spotlight, where each week you'll hear women share their stories of triumph over adversity. You'll meet June, who founded an all-female rock band in the 1960s. I might as well have said, we're going to walk on the moon. But she showed them who's boss.
Brooke and Jeffrey: Second Date Update
Second Date Update: Phone Paux
They would rush up and say, not bad for chicks. Come and join our girl gang. Listen to The Girlfriend Spotlight on the iHeartRadio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts.
Brooke and Jeffrey: Second Date Update
Second Date Update: Phone Paux
On this week's episode of Eating While Broke, a podcast presented by the Black Effect Podcast Network, Nick Cannon joins us to discuss his journey from teenage comedian to entertainment mogul.
Brooke and Jeffrey: Second Date Update
Second Date Update: Phone Paux
Listen to Eating While Broke from the Black Effect Podcast Network on America's number one podcast network, iHeart. Follow Eating While Broke and start listening on the free iHeartRadio app today.
Brooke and Jeffrey: Second Date Update
Second Date Update: Phone Paux
Listen to Eating While Broke from the Black Effect Podcast Network on America's number one podcast network, iHeart. Follow Eating While Broke and start listening on the free iHeartRadio app today.
Brooke and Jeffrey: Second Date Update
Second Date Update: Phone Paux
Listen to The Girlfriend Spotlight on the iHeartRadio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts.
Brooke and Jeffrey: Second Date Update
Second Date Update: Phone Paux
Let's not forget that David Bloom was a professional con artist, so you didn't stand a chance.
Brooke and Jeffrey: Second Date Update
Awkward Tuesday: Worst Best Man
Introducing pickle lovers' newest obsession, Cauliflower's Dill Pickle Pizza. Think luxurious bechamel sauce infused with dill pickle brine, roasted garlic, melty mozzarella, and fresh dill on Cauliflower's stone-fired cauliflower crust. And because it's Cauliflower, you know it's made better for you. Packed with 14 grams of protein, and you can eat half the pizza for just 400 calories.
Brooke and Jeffrey: Second Date Update
Awkward Tuesday: Worst Best Man
Brooke and Jeffrey in the morning. Introducing pickle lovers' newest obsession, Cauliflower's Dill Pickle Pizza. Think luxurious bechamel sauce infused with dill pickle brine, roasted garlic, melty mozzarella, and fresh dill on Cauliflower's stone-fired cauliflower crust. And because it's Cauliflower, you know it's made better for you.
Brooke and Jeffrey: Second Date Update
Awkward Tuesday: Worst Best Man
Packed with 14 grams of protein, and you can eat half the pizza for just 400 calories. Don't miss the flavor everyone's talking about and grab Cauliflower's Dill Pickle Pizza. Now available at Whole Foods Market.
Brooke and Jeffrey: Second Date Update
Awkward Tuesday: Worst Best Man
Well, not me, but me with someone else's body parts. This is Levittown, a new podcast from iHeart Podcasts, Bloomberg and Kaleidoscope about the rise of deepfake pornography and the battle to stop it. Listen to Levittown on Bloomberg's Big Take podcast. Find it on the iHeart Radio app, Apple Podcasts or wherever you get your podcasts.
Brooke and Jeffrey: Second Date Update
Awkward Tuesday: Worst Best Man
Don't miss the flavor everyone's talking about and grab Cauliflower's Dill Pickle Pizza. Now available at Whole Foods Market.
Brooke and Jeffrey: Second Date Update
Awkward Tuesday: Worst Best Man
It's awkward. It's Tuesday. It's awkward Tuesday phone call.
Brooke and Jeffrey: Second Date Update
Awkward Tuesday: Worst Best Man
It's Tuesday. It's Awkward Tuesday phone call.
Brooke and Jeffrey: Second Date Update
Awkward Tuesday: Worst Best Man
Well, not me, but me with someone else's body parts. This is Levittown, a new podcast from iHeart Podcasts, Bloomberg and Kaleidoscope about the rise of deepfake pornography and the battle to stop it. Listen to Levittown on Bloomberg's Big Take podcast. Find it on the iHeart Radio app, Apple Podcasts or wherever you get your podcasts.
Brooke and Jeffrey: Second Date Update
Awkward Tuesday: A.I Fail
Are your money skills total trash? Well, trust me, you are not alone. Personal finance ignorance is as American as apple pie, but you can improve. Think, Matt, if your emergency fund was invested, especially given the volatility we're experiencing right now. Ouchies. Investing, it is ultimately a necessity, but you've got to keep that emergency fund accessible.
Brooke and Jeffrey: Second Date Update
Awkward Tuesday: A.I Fail
In 2020, a group of young women found themselves in an AI-fuelled nightmare. Someone was posting photos. It was just me naked.
Brooke and Jeffrey: Second Date Update
Awkward Tuesday: A.I Fail
Well, not me, but me with someone else's body part. This is Leavittown, a new podcast from iHeart Podcasts, Bloomberg and Kaleidoscope about the rise of deepfake pornography and the battle to stop it. Listen to Levittown on Bloomberg's Big Take podcast. Find it on the iHeartRadio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts.
Brooke and Jeffrey: Second Date Update
Awkward Tuesday: A.I Fail
Are your money skills total trash? Well, trust me, you are not alone. Personal finance ignorance is as American as apple pie, but you can improve. Think, Matt, if your emergency fund was invested, especially given the volatility we're experiencing right now. Ouchies. Investing, it is ultimately a necessity, but you've got to keep that emergency fund accessible.
Brooke and Jeffrey: Second Date Update
Awkward Tuesday: A.I Fail
It needs to be cash parked in your savings. It's time to learn, and How to Money is here to bring the knowledge. Listen to How to Money on the iHeartRadio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts.
Brooke and Jeffrey: Second Date Update
Awkward Tuesday: A.I Fail
It needs to be cash parked in your savings. It's time to learn, and How to Money is here to bring the knowledge. Listen to How to Money on the iHeartRadio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts.
Brooke and Jeffrey: Second Date Update
Awkward Tuesday: A.I Fail
In 2020, a group of young women found themselves in an AI-fuelled nightmare. Someone was posting photos.
Brooke and Jeffrey: Second Date Update
Awkward Tuesday: A.I Fail
It was just me naked. Well, not me, but me with someone else's body part. This is Leavittown, a new podcast from iHeart Podcasts, Bloomberg and Kaleidoscope about the rise of deepfake pornography and the battle to stop it. Listen to Levittown on Bloomberg's Big Take podcast. Find it on the iHeartRadio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts.
Brooke and Jeffrey: Second Date Update
Second Date Update UPDATE: We Built This Thing Together
Listen to My Legacy on the iHeartRadio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts. This is My Legacy.
Brooke and Jeffrey: Second Date Update
Second Date Update UPDATE: We Built This Thing Together
Listen to My Legacy on the iHeartRadio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts. This is My Legacy.
Brooke and Jeffrey: Second Date Update
Say Yes To The Ex: Frat Man's Last Stand
Introducing pickle lovers' newest obsession, Cauliflower's Dill Pickle Pizza. Think luxurious bechamel sauce infused with dill pickle brine, roasted garlic, melty mozzarella, and fresh dill on Cauliflower's stone-fired cauliflower crust. And because it's Cauliflower, you know it's made better for you. Packed with 14 grams of protein, and you can eat half the pizza for just 400 calories.
Brooke and Jeffrey: Second Date Update
Say Yes To The Ex: Frat Man's Last Stand
Listen to Soul Incarcerated on the iHeartRadio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts.
Brooke and Jeffrey: Second Date Update
Say Yes To The Ex: Frat Man's Last Stand
Is there another radio show we could call?
Brooke and Jeffrey: Second Date Update
Say Yes To The Ex: Frat Man's Last Stand
Introducing Pickle Lover's newest obsession, Cauliflower's Dill Pickle Pizza. Think luxurious bechamel sauce infused with dill pickle brine, roasted garlic, melty mozzarella, and fresh dill on Cauliflower's stone-fired cauliflower crust. And because it's Kali Power, you know it's made better for you. Packed with 14 grams of protein and you can eat half the pizza for just 400 calories.
Brooke and Jeffrey: Second Date Update
Say Yes To The Ex: Frat Man's Last Stand
Don't miss the flavor everyone's talking about and grab Kali Power's Dill Pickle Pizza. Now available at Whole Foods Market.
Brooke and Jeffrey: Second Date Update
Say Yes To The Ex: Frat Man's Last Stand
45 years ago, a Virginia soul band called the Edge of Daybreak recorded their debut album, Behind Bars. Record collectors consider it a masterpiece. The band's surviving members are long out of prison, but they say they have some unfinished business. The Edge of Daybreak, Eyes of Love, was supposed to have been followed up by another app.
Brooke and Jeffrey: Second Date Update
Say Yes To The Ex: Frat Man's Last Stand
Listen to Soul Incarcerated on the iHeartRadio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts.
Brooke and Jeffrey: Second Date Update
Say Yes To The Ex: Frat Man's Last Stand
Don't miss the flavor everyone's talking about and grab Cauliflower's Dill Pickle Pizza. Now available at Whole Foods Market.
Brooke and Jeffrey: Second Date Update
Say Yes To The Ex: Frat Man's Last Stand
45 years ago, a Virginia soul band called the Edge of Daybreak recorded their debut album, Behind Bars. Record collectors consider it a masterpiece. The band's surviving members are long out of prison, but they say they have some unfinished business. The Edge of Daybreak, Eyes of Love, was supposed to have been followed up by another album.
Brooke and Jeffrey: Second Date Update
Closure Call: Case of the Missing Roommate
If it was something I did when I lived with you, could you please give me a specific example that I could grow from?
Brooke and Jeffrey: Second Date Update
Closure Call: Case of the Missing Roommate
Sure. But remember, when we write these, we don't have the answers back one at a time. We send them all in one mass email.
Brooke and Jeffrey: Second Date Update
Closure Call: Case of the Missing Roommate
I feel optimistic about where this is going. So his response was, OK, you want more? Yeah. What about Netflix Sundays when we would plan on watching a movie together every Sunday? And then once we were a half hour in, you'd pause the film and tell me the ending.
Brooke and Jeffrey: Second Date Update
Closure Call: Case of the Missing Roommate
You thought it was hilarious and did that 10 times until I stopped watching movies with you. Oh, bro.
Brooke and Jeffrey: Second Date Update
Closure Call: Case of the Missing Roommate
I am so offended. Sometimes it's better to spoil the ending so you don't suffer through a bad movie.
Brooke and Jeffrey: Second Date Update
Closure Call: Case of the Missing Roommate
Wow. I mean, Brooke is really offended over the spoiling of movies.
Brooke and Jeffrey: Second Date Update
Closure Call: Case of the Missing Roommate
Oh, wow. diabolical. That's hysterical.
Brooke and Jeffrey: Second Date Update
Closure Call: Case of the Missing Roommate
He likes that one. Give him ideas. Maybe if you need a new roommate, Brooke's husband could be it.
Brooke and Jeffrey: Second Date Update
Closure Call: Case of the Missing Roommate
No, he did. Yeah, Brooke, this is not a closure call for you and your movie watching and book reading. This is for Adam with his old roommate, Roy.
Brooke and Jeffrey: Second Date Update
Closure Call: Case of the Missing Roommate
Question number three that we sent to Roy. Yeah, I don't even know if I need to hear anymore. Well, Brooke needs to hear it. She's invested. I am upset. We sent, I know it's been a long time, but it would really mean a lot to me if you came to my birthday party next month.
Brooke and Jeffrey: Second Date Update
Closure Call: Case of the Missing Roommate
I would love to see you.
Brooke and Jeffrey: Second Date Update
Closure Call: Case of the Missing Roommate
I'd like him there. It's my birthday.
Brooke and Jeffrey: Second Date Update
Closure Call: Case of the Missing Roommate
So Roy responded back saying, are you trolling me with this? Don't you remember the great birthday disaster?
Brooke and Jeffrey: Second Date Update
Closure Call: Case of the Missing Roommate
Oh, no, there's a birthday disaster.
Brooke and Jeffrey: Second Date Update
Closure Call: Case of the Missing Roommate
You threw me that surprise birthday party but forgot to invite me. Or did you do it on purpose?
Brooke and Jeffrey: Second Date Update
Closure Call: Case of the Missing Roommate
I came home and the party was done. All my friends had left. Then you showed me the pics on Instagram.
Brooke and Jeffrey: Second Date Update
Closure Call: Case of the Missing Roommate
What happened there, Adam?
Brooke and Jeffrey: Second Date Update
Closure Call: Case of the Missing Roommate
We were having fun. I'm sure you left him a slice of cake for when he got home, right?
Brooke and Jeffrey: Second Date Update
Closure Call: Case of the Missing Roommate
It was a really good party that he threw, obviously.
Brooke and Jeffrey: Second Date Update
Closure Call: Case of the Missing Roommate
Hold on. We have time for one more question here. Oh, This could salvage the entire friendship and maybe even have him moving back in with you.
Brooke and Jeffrey: Second Date Update
Closure Call: Case of the Missing Roommate
Adam wrote, no matter what I did, do you think you could ever forgive me?
Brooke and Jeffrey: Second Date Update
Closure Call: Case of the Missing Roommate
Brooke doesn't forgive you, but that doesn't matter.
Brooke and Jeffrey: Second Date Update
Closure Call: Case of the Missing Roommate
The cat you kind of stole and renamed and locked in your bedroom. So he responded, no. Dot, dot, dot, dot, dot, dot, dot, dot. And I know all this would happen again if we hung out. You're way too immature and life's a big joke to you. Like every time you'd ask me to stop at the drive-thru on the way home and pick up food, then you'd call ahead and tell the workers I was a missing person.
Brooke and Jeffrey: Second Date Update
Closure Call: Case of the Missing Roommate
That was funny, though. And it was creative. Even Brooke's laughing at that one.
Brooke and Jeffrey: Second Date Update
Closure Call: Case of the Missing Roommate
You know, at the end of the day, the goal was to get some closure for you, Adam, about what happened to your roommate. Do you feel like you got it?
Brooke and Jeffrey: Second Date Update
Closure Call: Case of the Missing Roommate
Anyway, go ahead, Adam. Feel free to hop on Craigslist and get yourself a new roommate.
Brooke and Jeffrey: Second Date Update
Closure Call: Case of the Missing Roommate
And happy belated birthday to Roy, by the way.
Brooke and Jeffrey: Second Date Update
Closure Call: Case of the Missing Roommate
Who knows you better than anyone else? You may think your mom or your sibling or your spouse, but no, the truth is nobody sees you like a roommate sees you.
Brooke and Jeffrey: Second Date Update
Closure Call: Case of the Missing Roommate
Yeah, they know all your annoying little habits, your lazy tendencies, and what your soapy silhouette looks like through that shower curtain.
Brooke and Jeffrey: Second Date Update
Closure Call: Case of the Missing Roommate
That's why one of our listeners is so distraught because he and his roommate became real close friends until everything suddenly changed on a random day four years ago. Oh. And he has never got the answers for what really happened on that day. That's why he's enlisted our help for a brand new closure call. We're going to get some answers coming up right after this.
Brooke and Jeffrey: Second Date Update
Closure Call: Case of the Missing Roommate
Who knows you better than anyone else? You may think your mom or your sibling or your spouse, but no, the truth is nobody sees you like a roommate sees you.
Brooke and Jeffrey: Second Date Update
Closure Call: Case of the Missing Roommate
Yeah, they know all your annoying little habits, your lazy tendencies, and what your soapy silhouette looks like through that shower curtain.
Brooke and Jeffrey: Second Date Update
Closure Call: Case of the Missing Roommate
They've seen. That's why one of our listeners is so distraught because he and his roommate became real close friends till everything suddenly changed on a random day four years ago. And he has never got the answers for what really happened on that day. That's why he's enlisted our help for a brand new closure call. We're going to get some answers coming up right after this.
Brooke and Jeffrey: Second Date Update
Closure Call: Case of the Missing Roommate
It's a little confusing. But today is interesting. Because I'd say not a lot of people feel like they need closure from a past roommate.
Brooke and Jeffrey: Second Date Update
Closure Call: Case of the Missing Roommate
I mean, I try to avoid most of mine, but apparently that's what our listener Adam is looking for today. Closure with one of his past roommates. So, Adam, welcome to the show. Hey, y'all. Thank you.
Brooke and Jeffrey: Second Date Update
Closure Call: Case of the Missing Roommate
And because this is a closure call, how long has it been since you were roommates with this guy?
Brooke and Jeffrey: Second Date Update
Closure Call: Case of the Missing Roommate
What? I thought you said that you guys were like good buddies.
Brooke and Jeffrey: Second Date Update
Closure Call: Case of the Missing Roommate
Well, did he label it?
Brooke and Jeffrey: Second Date Update
Closure Call: Case of the Missing Roommate
If you didn't want me to eat it, don't put it in our fridge. It's a shared space. You're going to label each side of the couch now?
Brooke and Jeffrey: Second Date Update
Closure Call: Case of the Missing Roommate
Yeah, so if our audience doesn't know or remember how this segment works, Adam does, obviously. Our producers have been working with him to track down his roommate, Roy, and we went to Roy's Instagram, actually. Our producer's been sending him a lot of messages, and Roy finally responded. We asked him if we could send him four questions from Adam.
Brooke and Jeffrey: Second Date Update
Closure Call: Case of the Missing Roommate
He did agree to answer four brand new questions.
Brooke and Jeffrey: Second Date Update
Closure Call: Case of the Missing Roommate
And we got his responses ready right now.
Brooke and Jeffrey: Second Date Update
Closure Call: Case of the Missing Roommate
This could get a little bit intense for you, Adam. Are you ready for it? Did you already read them? Do you already know what he said? I haven't read them, no.
Brooke and Jeffrey: Second Date Update
Closure Call: Case of the Missing Roommate
Well, I'm just guessing.
Brooke and Jeffrey: Second Date Update
Closure Call: Case of the Missing Roommate
We're all going to read them together and find out what happened to your old roommate, Roy. Hopefully give you a little bit of finality on it when we do what, Brooke?
Brooke and Jeffrey: Second Date Update
Closure Call: Case of the Missing Roommate
If that's not in the questions that was asked, then we don't have an answer.
Brooke and Jeffrey: Second Date Update
Closure Call: Case of the Missing Roommate
The cat is sitting by my feet right now.
Brooke and Jeffrey: Second Date Update
Closure Call: Case of the Missing Roommate
Well, maybe earmuff that cat when we come back and do the rest of your closure call right after this. Thank you. If you're just joining us, we're in the middle of a closure call with Adam, who, just to recap, had a roommate named Roy. And four years ago, Adam came home to find Roy was gone.
Brooke and Jeffrey: Second Date Update
Closure Call: Case of the Missing Roommate
Along with most of his belongings, left behind his cat and a video game system.
Brooke and Jeffrey: Second Date Update
Closure Call: Case of the Missing Roommate
No note or indication as to where Roy went. So Adam's been wondering for years, where did my buddy go? And who's going to do my dishes now? Because Adam, you admitted there were certain things you did as a roommate that were not so good. Certain things were really good. But what was the overall dynamic between you and Roy? If I were to paint a picture,
Brooke and Jeffrey: Second Date Update
Closure Call: Case of the Missing Roommate
Exactly. And before we get to these questions, that's the reason that Adam reached out to us in the first place, because hearing stuff like that must hurt.
Brooke and Jeffrey: Second Date Update
Closure Call: Case of the Missing Roommate
oh no you know him he wouldn't say that all right well let's get right to it because we have the four questions that you sent to roy he has answered all four of them let's get to question number one you said hey man it's been almost four years i still don't know why you moved out without telling me or leaving a note i felt like we were great friends and i'd like some closure
Brooke and Jeffrey: Second Date Update
Closure Call: Case of the Missing Roommate
Not much of a question. That's more of a statement there, but you know, I'm not going to critique you.
Brooke and Jeffrey: Second Date Update
Closure Call: Case of the Missing Roommate
Okay. Yeah. There was no question. It's like, can you explain?
Brooke and Jeffrey: Second Date Update
Closure Call: Case of the Missing Roommate
So Roy responded. He wrote, really? You have no idea, Adam.
Brooke and Jeffrey: Second Date Update
Closure Call: Case of the Missing Roommate
For starters, you stole my cat.
Brooke and Jeffrey: Second Date Update
Closure Call: Case of the Missing Roommate
Yeah, he left the cat here. That's it? He says, I was the one who brought the cat into the house and called him Paul. You changed his name to Fluffy Bottoms and even got his tag changed to reflect that.
Brooke and Jeffrey: Second Date Update
Closure Call: Case of the Missing Roommate
Well, there's more to his first answer. He also said you would keep him in your room at night, then lock your door and pretend to be asleep when I wanted to see Paul. So that's one example of your incredibly toxic behavior right there.
Brooke and Jeffrey: Second Date Update
Closure Call: Case of the Missing Roommate
The cat wanted to sleep with me.
Brooke and Jeffrey: Second Date Update
Closure Call: Case of the Missing Roommate
Okay. The only person who could honestly answer that is his cat. And so we don't have time to do a whole questionnaire for the cats. We have to stick with the questions to Roy here. Let's go to number two. It says, I know I wasn't the perfect roommate.
Brooke and Jeffrey: Second Date Update
Textual Healing: Hot Teacher Nick
So hang on because it's going to be a fun ride. Cue the music.
Brooke and Jeffrey: Second Date Update
Textual Healing: Hot Teacher Nick
You had to grab the lamp and smash it against the walls.
Brooke and Jeffrey: Second Date Update
Textual Healing: Hot Teacher Nick
Welcome to Pod of Rebellion, our new Star Wars Rebels rewatch podcast. I'm Vanessa Marshall, voice of Harrison Doolis, Spectre 2.
Brooke and Jeffrey: Second Date Update
Textual Healing: Hot Teacher Nick
From the producers who brought you Princess of South Beach comes a new podcast, The Setup. The Setup follows a lonely museum curator, but when the perfect man walks into his life... Well, I guess I'm saying I like you.
Brooke and Jeffrey: Second Date Update
Textual Healing: Hot Teacher Nick
So hang on because it's going to be a fun ride. Cue the music.
Brooke and Jeffrey: Second Date Update
Textual Healing: Hot Teacher Nick
He actually is too good to be true.
Brooke and Jeffrey: Second Date Update
Textual Healing: Hot Teacher Nick
Listen to The Setup on the iHeartRadio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts.
Brooke and Jeffrey: Second Date Update
Textual Healing: Hot Teacher Nick
You had to grab the lamp and smash it against the walls.
Brooke and Jeffrey: Second Date Update
Textual Healing: Hot Teacher Nick
Welcome to Pod of Rebellion, our new Star Wars Rebels rewatch podcast. I'm Vanessa Marshall, voice of Harrison Doolis, Spectre 2.
Brooke and Jeffrey: Second Date Update
Blind Love Is? Fluent in Flirting
45 years ago, a Virginia soul band called the Edge of Daybreak recorded their debut album, Behind Bars. Record collectors consider it a masterpiece. The band's surviving members are long out of prison, but they say they have some unfinished business.
Brooke and Jeffrey: Second Date Update
Blind Love Is? Fluent in Flirting
45 years ago, a Virginia soul band called the Edge of Daybreak recorded their debut album, Behind Bars. Record collectors consider it a masterpiece. The band's surviving members are long out of prison, but they say they have some unfinished business. Listen to Soul Incarcerated on the iHeartRadio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts.
Brooke and Jeffrey: Second Date Update
Blind Love Is? Fluent in Flirting
The Edge of Daybreak, Eyes of Love, was supposed to have been followed up by another album.
Brooke and Jeffrey: Second Date Update
Blind Love Is? Fluent in Flirting
Listen to Soul Incarcerated on the iHeartRadio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts.
Brooke and Jeffrey: Second Date Update
Awkward Tuesday: Cut, Color & Flirt
Introducing pickle lovers' newest obsession, Cauliflower's Dill Pickle Pizza. Think luxurious bechamel sauce infused with dill pickle brine, roasted garlic, melty mozzarella, and fresh dill on Cauliflower's stone-fired cauliflower crust. And because it's Cauliflower, you know it's made better for you. Packed with 14 grams of protein, and you can eat half the pizza for just 400 calories.
Brooke and Jeffrey: Second Date Update
Awkward Tuesday: Cut, Color & Flirt
Brooke and Jeffrey in the morning. Introducing Pickle Lover's newest obsession, Cauliflower's Dill Pickle Pizza. Think luxurious bechamel sauce infused with dill pickle brine, roasted garlic, melty mozzarella, and fresh dill on Cauliflower's stone-fired cauliflower crust. And because it's Kali Power, you know it's made better for you.
Brooke and Jeffrey: Second Date Update
Awkward Tuesday: Cut, Color & Flirt
Packed with 14 grams of protein and you can eat half the pizza for just 400 calories. Don't miss the flavor everyone's talking about and grab Kali Power's Dill Pickle Pizza. Now available at Whole Foods Market.
Brooke and Jeffrey: Second Date Update
Awkward Tuesday: Cut, Color & Flirt
Don't miss the flavor everyone's talking about and grab Cauliflower's Dill Pickle Pizza. Now available at Whole Foods Market.
Brooke and Jeffrey: Second Date Update
Awkward Tuesday: Cut, Color & Flirt
It's Awkward. It's Tuesday. It's Awkward Tuesday phone call.
Brooke and Jeffrey: Second Date Update
Awkward Tuesday: Cut, Color & Flirt
It's Awkward. It's Tuesday. It's Awkward Tuesday phone call.
Brooke and Jeffrey: Second Date Update
Say Yes To The Ex: Exes Have Layers
You say you'd never give in to a meltdown and never fill your feed with kid photos. You say you'd never put a pacifier in your mouth to clean it and never let them run wild through the grocery store. So when you say you'd never let them get into a car without you there,
Brooke and Jeffrey: Second Date Update
Say Yes To The Ex: Exes Have Layers
Which is just a very extra way of saying... A podcast! Listen to Locatora Radio Season 10 on the iHeartRadio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts.
Brooke and Jeffrey: Second Date Update
Say Yes To The Ex: Exes Have Layers
You say you'd never give into a meltdown and never fill your feed with kid photos. You say you'd never put a pacifier in your mouth to clean it and never let them run wild through the grocery store. So when you say you'd never let them get into a car without you there. The best things in life are on the other side of difficult conversations.
Brooke and Jeffrey: Second Date Update
Say Yes To The Ex: Exes Have Layers
But if we're honest, most people run from them, staying silent, missing chances, and holding themselves back.
Brooke and Jeffrey: Second Date Update
Say Yes To The Ex: Exes Have Layers
The Golden State Warriors once again are NBA champions.
Brooke and Jeffrey: Second Date Update
Say Yes To The Ex: Exes Have Layers
which is just a very extra way of saying a podcast. Listen to Locatora Radio Season 10 on the iHeartRadio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts.
Brooke and Jeffrey: Second Date Update
Say Yes To The Ex: Exes Have Layers
The Golden State Warriors once again are NBA champions.
Brooke and Jeffrey: Second Date Update
Say Yes To The Ex: Exes Have Layers
know it can happen one in four hot car deaths happen when a kid gets into an unlocked car and can't get out never happens before you leave the car always stop look lock brought to you by nizza and the ad council the best things in life are on the other side of difficult conversations but if we're honest most people run from them staying silent missing chances and holding themselves back
Brooke and Jeffrey: Second Date Update
Awkward Tuesday: Ex-Expectations
Introducing pickle lovers' newest obsession, Cauliflower's Dill Pickle Pizza. Think luxurious bechamel sauce infused with dill pickle brine, roasted garlic, melty mozzarella, and fresh dill on Cauliflower's stone-fired cauliflower crust. And because it's Cauliflower, you know it's made better for you. Packed with 14 grams of protein, and you can eat half the pizza for just 400 calories.
Brooke and Jeffrey: Second Date Update
Awkward Tuesday: Ex-Expectations
Think luxurious bechamel sauce infused with dill pickle brine, roasted garlic, melty mozzarella, and fresh dill on Cauliflower's stone-fired cauliflower crust. And because it's Cauliflower, you know it's made better for you. Packed with 14 grams of protein, and you can eat half the pizza for just 400 calories. Don't miss the flavor everyone's talking about and grab Cauliflower's dill pickle pizza.
Brooke and Jeffrey: Second Date Update
Awkward Tuesday: Ex-Expectations
Now available at Whole Foods Market.
Brooke and Jeffrey: Second Date Update
Awkward Tuesday: Ex-Expectations
In Mississippi, Yazoo Clay keeps secrets. 7,000 bodies out there or more. A forgotten asylum cemetery.
Brooke and Jeffrey: Second Date Update
Awkward Tuesday: Ex-Expectations
Don't miss the flavor everyone's talking about and grab Cauliflower's Dill Pickle Pizza. Now available at Whole Foods Market.
Brooke and Jeffrey: Second Date Update
Awkward Tuesday: Ex-Expectations
In Mississippi, Yazoo Clay keeps secrets. 7,000 bodies out there or more. A forgotten asylum cemetery.
Brooke and Jeffrey: Second Date Update
Awkward Tuesday: Ex-Expectations
It's Awkward. It's Tuesday. It's Awkward Tuesday phone call.
Brooke and Jeffrey: Second Date Update
Second Date Update Classic: Cowboy Confusion
Hey, all you women's hoops fans and folks who just don't know yet that they're women's hoops fans. We've got a big week over at Good Game with Sarah Spain as we near the end of one of the most exciting women's college basketball seasons ever.
Brooke and Jeffrey: Second Date Update
Second Date Update Classic: Cowboy Confusion
Hey, all you women's hoops fans and folks who just don't know yet that they're women's hoops fans. We've got a big week over at Good Game with Sarah Spain as we near the end of one of the most exciting women's college basketball seasons ever.
Brooke and Jeffrey: Second Date Update
Second Date Update Classic: Cowboy Confusion
The most parody we've seen in years with games coming down to the wire and everyone wondering which team will be crowned national champions this weekend in Tampa. Listen to Good Game with Sarah Spain on the iHeartRadio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts.
Brooke and Jeffrey: Second Date Update
Second Date Update Classic: Cowboy Confusion
Are your ears bored?
Brooke and Jeffrey: Second Date Update
Second Date Update Classic: Cowboy Confusion
From the producers who brought you Princess of South Beach comes a new podcast, The Setup. The Setup follows a lonely museum curator, but when the perfect man walks into his life... Well, I guess I'm saying I like you.
Brooke and Jeffrey: Second Date Update
Second Date Update Classic: Cowboy Confusion
He actually is too good to be true.
Brooke and Jeffrey: Second Date Update
Second Date Update Classic: Cowboy Confusion
Listen to The Setup on the iHeartRadio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts.
Brooke and Jeffrey: Second Date Update
Second Date Update Classic: Cowboy Confusion
The best things in life are on the other side of difficult conversations. But if we're honest, most people run from them, staying silent, missing chances and holding themselves back. I know this is true because I used to be like that until I realized that negotiation isn't a talent. It's a skill that anyone can learn. And once I did, everything changed.
Brooke and Jeffrey: Second Date Update
Second Date Update Classic: Cowboy Confusion
The best things in life are on the other side of difficult conversations. But if we're honest, most people run from them, staying silent, missing chances and holding themselves back. I know this is true because I used to be like that until I realized that negotiation isn't a talent. It's a skill that anyone can learn. And once I did, everything changed.
Brooke and Jeffrey: Second Date Update
Second Date Update Classic: Cowboy Confusion
I went from people pleaser to confident communicator. And now I teach Fortune 500 leaders and top executives how to do the same. Listen to Negotiate Anything on the iHeartRadio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts.
Brooke and Jeffrey: Second Date Update
Second Date Update Classic: Cowboy Confusion
The most parody we've seen in years with games coming down to the wire and everyone wondering which team will be crowned national champions this weekend in Tampa. Listen to Good Game with Sarah Spain on the iHeartRadio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts.
Brooke and Jeffrey: Second Date Update
Second Date Update Classic: Cowboy Confusion
I went from people pleaser to confident communicator. And now I teach Fortune 500 leaders and top executives how to do the same. Listen to Negotiate Anything on the iHeartRadio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts.
Brooke and Jeffrey: Second Date Update
Second Date Update Classic: Cowboy Confusion
From the producers who brought you Princess of South Beach comes a new podcast, The Setup. The Setup follows a lonely museum curator, but when the perfect man walks into his life... Well, I guess I'm saying I like you.
Brooke and Jeffrey: Second Date Update
Second Date Update Classic: Cowboy Confusion
He actually is too good to be true.
Brooke and Jeffrey: Second Date Update
Second Date Update Classic: Cowboy Confusion
Listen to The Setup on the iHeartRadio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts.
Brooke and Jeffrey: Second Date Update
Second Date Update Classic: Cowboy Confusion
Are your ears bored?
Brooke and Jeffrey: Second Date Update
Second Date Update Classic: Cowboy Confusion
That's so awkward.
Brooke and Jeffrey: Second Date Update
Second Date Update Classic: Whack Beach Wedding
Introducing pickle lovers' newest obsession, Cauliflower's Dill Pickle Pizza. Think luxurious bechamel sauce infused with dill pickle brine, roasted garlic, melty mozzarella, and fresh dill on Cauliflower's stone-fired cauliflower crust. And because it's Cauliflower, you know it's made better for you. Packed with 14 grams of protein, and you can eat half the pizza for just 400 calories.
Brooke and Jeffrey: Second Date Update
Second Date Update Classic: Whack Beach Wedding
That's right.
Brooke and Jeffrey: Second Date Update
Second Date Update Classic: Whack Beach Wedding
Brooke and Jeffrey in the morning. Introducing pickle lovers' newest obsession, Cauliflower's Dill Pickle Pizza. Think luxurious bechamel sauce infused with dill pickle brine, roasted garlic, melty mozzarella, and fresh dill on Cauliflower's stone-fired cauliflower crust. And because it's Kali Power, you know it's made better for you.
Brooke and Jeffrey: Second Date Update
Second Date Update Classic: Whack Beach Wedding
Packed with 14 grams of protein and you can eat half the pizza for just 400 calories. Don't miss the flavor everyone's talking about and grab Kali Power's Dill Pickle Pizza. Now available at Whole Foods Market.
Brooke and Jeffrey: Second Date Update
Second Date Update Classic: Whack Beach Wedding
Don't miss the flavor everyone's talking about and grab Cauliflower's Dill Pickle Pizza. Now available at Whole Foods Market.
Brooke and Jeffrey: Second Date Update
Second Date Update Classic: Whack Beach Wedding
Start your test today for 1 euro per month on shopify.de slash radio.
Brooke and Jeffrey: Second Date Update
Second Date Update Classic: I Got the Ick
In Mississippi, Yazoo Clay keeps secrets. 7,000 bodies out there or more. A forgotten asylum cemetery.
Brooke and Jeffrey: Second Date Update
Second Date Update Classic: I Got the Ick
In Mississippi, Yazoo Clay keeps secrets. 7,000 bodies out there or more. A forgotten asylum cemetery.
Brooke and Jeffrey: Second Date Update
Second Date Update Classic: Secret Mission
Introducing pickle lovers' newest obsession, Cauliflower's Dill Pickle Pizza. Think luxurious bechamel sauce infused with dill pickle brine, roasted garlic, melty mozzarella, and fresh dill on Cauliflower's stone-fired cauliflower crust. And because it's Cauliflower, you know it's made better for you. Packed with 14 grams of protein, and you can eat half the pizza for just 400 calories.
Brooke and Jeffrey: Second Date Update
Second Date Update Classic: Secret Mission
Yeah. Introducing pickle lovers' newest obsession, Cauliflower's Dill Pickle Pizza. Think luxurious bechamel sauce infused with dill pickle brine, roasted garlic, melty mozzarella, and fresh dill on Cauliflower's stone-fired cauliflower crust. And because it's Cauliflower, you know it's made better for you. Packed with 14 grams of protein, and you can eat half the pizza for just 400 calories.
Brooke and Jeffrey: Second Date Update
Second Date Update Classic: Secret Mission
Don't miss the flavor everyone's talking about and grab Cauliflower's Dill Pickle Pizza. Now available at Whole Foods Market.
Brooke and Jeffrey: Second Date Update
Second Date Update Classic: Secret Mission
Don't miss the flavor everyone's talking about and grab Cauliflower's Dill Pickle Pizza. Now available at Whole Foods Market.
Brooke and Jeffrey: Second Date Update
Second Date Update: Hockey Fan Gets Hosed
Listen to Soul Incarcerated on the iHeartRadio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts.
Brooke and Jeffrey: Second Date Update
Second Date Update: Hockey Fan Gets Hosed
45 years ago, a Virginia soul band called the Edge of Daybreak recorded their debut album, Behind Bars. Record collectors consider it a masterpiece. The band's surviving members are long out of prison, but they say they have some unfinished business.
Brooke and Jeffrey: Second Date Update
Second Date Update: Hockey Fan Gets Hosed
Listen to Soul Incarcerated on the iHeartRadio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts.
Brooke and Jeffrey: Second Date Update
Second Date Update: Hockey Fan Gets Hosed
45 years ago, a Virginia soul band called The Edge of Daybreak recorded their debut album, Behind Bars. Record collectors consider it a masterpiece. The band's surviving members are long out of prison, but they say they have some unfinished business. The Edge of Daybreak, Eyes of Love, was supposed to have been followed up by another album.
Brooke and Jeffrey: Second Date Update
Second Date Update: Claus For Concern
Introducing pickle lovers' newest obsession, Cauliflower's Dill Pickle Pizza. Think luxurious bechamel sauce infused with dill pickle brine, roasted garlic, melty mozzarella, and fresh dill on Cauliflower's stone-fired cauliflower crust. And because it's Cauliflower, you know it's made better for you. Packed with 14 grams of protein, and you can eat half the pizza for just 400 calories.
Brooke and Jeffrey: Second Date Update
Second Date Update: Claus For Concern
Can I text it? Not say it out loud? Yes.
Brooke and Jeffrey: Second Date Update
Second Date Update: Claus For Concern
Introducing pickle lovers' newest obsession, Cauliflower's Dill Pickle Pizza. Think luxurious bechamel sauce infused with dill pickle brine, roasted garlic, melty mozzarella, and fresh dill on Cauliflower's stone-fired cauliflower crust. And because it's Cauliflower, you know it's made better for you. Packed with 14 grams of protein, and you can eat half the pizza for just 400 calories.
Brooke and Jeffrey: Second Date Update
Second Date Update: Claus For Concern
Don't miss the flavor everyone's talking about and grab Cauliflower's Dill Pickle Pizza. Now available at Whole Foods Market.
Brooke and Jeffrey: Second Date Update
Second Date Update: Claus For Concern
Don't miss the flavor everyone's talking about and grab Cauliflower's Dill Pickle Pizza. Now available at Whole Foods Market.
Brooke and Jeffrey: Second Date Update
Second Date Update: Ex-Aversary
Introducing pickle lovers' newest obsession, Cauliflower's Dill Pickle Pizza. Think luxurious bechamel sauce infused with dill pickle brine, roasted garlic, melty mozzarella, and fresh dill on Cauliflower's stone-fired cauliflower crust. And because it's Cauliflower, you know it's made better for you. Packed with 14 grams of protein, and you can eat half the pizza for just 400 calories.
Brooke and Jeffrey: Second Date Update
Second Date Update: Ex-Aversary
Brooke and Jeffrey in the morning. Introducing Pickle Lover's newest obsession, Cauliflower's Dill Pickle Pizza. Think luxurious bechamel sauce infused with dill pickle brine, roasted garlic, melty mozzarella, and fresh dill on Cauliflower's stone-fired cauliflower crust. And because it's Kali Power, you know it's made better for you.
Brooke and Jeffrey: Second Date Update
Second Date Update: Ex-Aversary
Packed with 14 grams of protein and you can eat half the pizza for just 400 calories. Don't miss the flavor everyone's talking about and grab Kali Power's Dill Pickle Pizza. Now available at Whole Foods Market.
Brooke and Jeffrey: Second Date Update
Second Date Update: Ex-Aversary
Or if hypnotism is real? But what's inside a black hole?
Brooke and Jeffrey: Second Date Update
Second Date Update: Ex-Aversary
Don't miss the flavor everyone's talking about and grab Cauliflower's Dill Pickle Pizza. Now available at Whole Foods Market.
Brooke and Jeffrey: Second Date Update
Second Date Update: Ex-Aversary
Why is my cat not here? And I go in and she's eating my lunch.
Brooke and Jeffrey: Second Date Update
Second Date Update: Red Flaggy Much?
45 years ago, a Virginia soul band called the Edge of Daybreak recorded their debut album, Behind Bars. Record collectors consider it a masterpiece. The band's surviving members are long out of prison, but they say they have some unfinished business.
Brooke and Jeffrey: Second Date Update
Second Date Update: Red Flaggy Much?
The band's surviving members are long out of prison, but they say they have some unfinished business. Listen to Soul Incarcerated on the iHeartRadio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts.
Brooke and Jeffrey: Second Date Update
Second Date Update: Red Flaggy Much?
Listen to Soul Incarcerated on the iHeartRadio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts.
Brooke and Jeffrey: Second Date Update
Second Date Update: After Date Double Trouble
The number one hit podcast, The Girlfriends, is back with something new, The Girlfriends Spotlight. Each week, you'll hear women triumph over adversity. You'll meet Tracy, who survived a terrifying attack.
Brooke and Jeffrey: Second Date Update
Second Date Update: After Date Double Trouble
The number one hit podcast, The Girlfriends, is back with something new, The Girlfriends Spotlight. Each week, you'll hear women triumph over adversity. You'll meet Tracy, who survived a terrifying attack.
Brooke and Jeffrey: Second Date Update
Second Date Update: After Date Double Trouble
Listen to The Girlfriend Spotlight on the iHeartRadio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts.
Brooke and Jeffrey: Second Date Update
Second Date Update: After Date Double Trouble
And turn that darkness into light.
Brooke and Jeffrey: Second Date Update
Second Date Update: After Date Double Trouble
So come and join our girl gang. Listen to The Girlfriend Spotlight on the iHeartRadio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts.
Brooke and Jeffrey: Second Date Update
Second Date Update: Offline and Oblivious
The more you listen to your kids, the closer you'll be. So we asked kids, what do you want your parents to hear?
Brooke and Jeffrey: Second Date Update
Second Date Update: Offline and Oblivious
Listening is a form of love. Find resources to help you support your kids and their emotional well-being at SoundItOutTogether.org. That's SoundItOutTogether.org. Brought to you by the Ad Council and Pivotal.
Brooke and Jeffrey: Second Date Update
Second Date Update: Offline and Oblivious
The more you listen to your kids the closer you'll be. So we asked kids what do you want your parents to hear?
Brooke and Jeffrey: Second Date Update
Second Date Update: Offline and Oblivious
Listening is a form of love. Find resources to help you support your kids and their emotional well-being at SoundItOutTogether.org. That's SoundItOutTogether.org. Brought to you by the Ad Council and Pivotal.
Brooke and Jeffrey: Second Date Update
Second Date Update: V-Day Pass Out
Introducing pickle lovers' newest obsession, Cauliflower's Dill Pickle Pizza. Think luxurious bechamel sauce infused with dill pickle brine, roasted garlic, melty mozzarella, and fresh dill on Cauliflower's stone-fired cauliflower crust. And because it's Cauliflower, you know it's made better for you. Packed with 14 grams of protein, and you can eat half the pizza for just 400 calories.
Brooke and Jeffrey: Second Date Update
Second Date Update: V-Day Pass Out
Brooke and Jeffrey in the morning. Introducing pickle lovers' newest obsession, Cauliflower's Dill Pickle Pizza. Think luxurious bechamel sauce infused with dill pickle brine, roasted garlic, melty mozzarella, and fresh dill on Cauliflower's stone-fired cauliflower crust. And because it's Cauliflower, you know it's made better for you.
Brooke and Jeffrey: Second Date Update
Second Date Update: V-Day Pass Out
Packed with 14 grams of protein, and you can eat half the pizza for just 400 calories. Don't miss the flavor everyone's talking about and grab Cauliflower's Dill Pickle Pizza. Now available at Whole Foods Market.
Brooke and Jeffrey: Second Date Update
Second Date Update: V-Day Pass Out
Don't miss the flavor everyone's talking about and grab Cauliflower's Dill Pickle Pizza. Now available at Whole Foods Market.
Brooke and Jeffrey: Second Date Update
Second Date Update: That Name Sounds Familiar
On the new limited podcast series, Dub Dynasty, we hear from head coach Steve Kerr on how Steph Curry almost never even joined the Warriors. In fact, I thought we had a draft day deal to end up getting him to Phoenix. For the entire behind-the-scenes story of Golden State's incredible 10-year run, listen to Dub Dynasty on the iHeartRadio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts.
Brooke and Jeffrey: Second Date Update
Second Date Update: That Name Sounds Familiar
Second date update.
Brooke and Jeffrey: Second Date Update
Second Date Update: That Name Sounds Familiar
Second Date Update.
Brooke and Jeffrey: Second Date Update
Second Date Update: That Name Sounds Familiar
On the new limited podcast series, Dub Dynasty, we hear from head coach Steve Kerr on how Steph Curry almost never even joined the Warriors. In fact, I thought we had a draft day deal to end up getting him to Phoenix. For the entire behind-the-scenes story of Golden State's incredible 10-year run, listen to Dub Dynasty on the iHeartRadio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts. It's
Brooke and Jeffrey: Second Date Update
Second Date Update: Philippines or Bust
Introducing pickle lovers' newest obsession, Cauliflower's Dill Pickle Pizza. Think luxurious bechamel sauce infused with dill pickle brine, roasted garlic, melty mozzarella, and fresh dill on Cauliflower's stone-fired cauliflower crust. And because it's Cauliflower, you know it's made better for you. Packed with 14 grams of protein, and you can eat half the pizza for just 400 calories.
Brooke and Jeffrey: Second Date Update
Second Date Update: Philippines or Bust
Brooke and Jeffrey in the morning. Introducing pickle lovers' newest obsession, Cauliflower's Dill Pickle Pizza. Think luxurious bechamel sauce infused with dill pickle brine, roasted garlic, melty mozzarella, and fresh dill on Cauliflower's stone-fired cauliflower crust. And because it's Cauliflower, you know it's made better for you.
Brooke and Jeffrey: Second Date Update
Second Date Update: Philippines or Bust
Packed with 14 grams of protein, and you can eat half the pizza for just 400 calories. Don't miss the flavor everyone's talking about and grab Cauliflower's Dill Pickle Pizza. Now available at Whole Foods Market.
Brooke and Jeffrey: Second Date Update
Second Date Update: Philippines or Bust
On this episode of Dope Labs, poet and relationship expert Young Pueblo breaks down the psychology of love and provides eye-opening insights and advice we all need.
Brooke and Jeffrey: Second Date Update
Second Date Update: Philippines or Bust
Don't miss the flavor everyone's talking about and grab Cauliflower's Dill Pickle Pizza. Now available at Whole Foods Market.
Brooke and Jeffrey: Second Date Update
Second Date Update: Philippines or Bust
On this episode of Dope Labs, poet and relationship expert Young Pueblo breaks down the psychology of love and provides eye-opening insights and advice we all need.
Campus Files
Harvard's Secret Court
A chancellor having a pornographic double life is an extremely rare case.
Candace
I’m “Just Asking Questions” About The Daily Wire | Candace Ep 159
Since the advent of Christianity, Christ as King has been a cry for connection to the divine, a declaration of faith, a moving signal between Christians of their shared values. But what happens when it becomes a manipulation tactic designed to deceive Christians? Mentions of Christ as King have increased five-fold on platforms like X in just the past four years.
Candace
I’m “Just Asking Questions” About The Daily Wire | Candace Ep 159
At first glance, it would seem hopeful as people begin to reinvestigate faith in the face of increasing secularization and chaos in the world. But the NCRI, an organization at the forefront of monitoring deep trends in data, observed a striking and nefarious development around the phrase Christ as King beginning in 2021.
Candace
I’m “Just Asking Questions” About The Daily Wire | Candace Ep 159
In 2024, more than 50% of all engagements around Christ is King posts were driven by extremist influencers. The word extremist gets used a lot, and many are understandably skeptical at its use. But we're talking about people like this. I used sex as a tool to make women love me so they'd obey me and live in my house and make me money.
Candace
I’m “Just Asking Questions” About The Daily Wire | Candace Ep 159
Posts like these achieved over 13.6 million views and more than 100,000 engagements during Easter 2024 alone. While co-opting the phrase for their toxic narrative, figures like Candace Owens and Jake Shields repeat hateful blood libels. And shockingly, by 2024, the most frequently associated term with Crisis King was the word Jew. The intent is clear.
Candace
I’m “Just Asking Questions” About The Daily Wire | Candace Ep 159
Manipulate well-meaning, faithful Christians into having their beliefs tethered to psychopaths. This is nothing short of diabolical. We're caught watching Christ is King being taken by the supremacist right more and more each day. These connections matter. The spiritual, the linguistic, the interpersonal. They shape us, they shape our society, and they shape the world.
Candace
I’m “Just Asking Questions” About The Daily Wire | Candace Ep 159
So what kind of connections do we want to build? And more importantly, what kind of world will we help create? Help retake our values.
Candace
Harvey Speaks: Jessica Mann & The Five Year Affair | Ep 3
Mann says she completely broke down on the witness stand when it came out in court that she had been sexually assaulted when she was younger. She left the courtroom and could be heard screaming from a back room. And some questioned whether her emotional collapse would affect the trial.
Candace
Harvey Speaks: Jessica Mann & The Five Year Affair | Ep 3
At the close of the trial, Mann read a letter to the judge aloud, explaining her screams that day.
Candace
Uh Oh, Ryan Reynolds! Hugh Jackman WILL Be Deposed. | Candace Ep 160
No. It's not every day a guy gets to interview the love interest of his best friend's wife and the guy trying to replace Ryan as a husband and me as his best mate. Holy s***. What the hell are you doing messing with my best buddy's wife? Sir, I have no idea what's happening at all today.
Candace
Uh Oh, Ryan Reynolds! Hugh Jackman WILL Be Deposed. | Candace Ep 160
Right. Well, you know, it's just ridiculous.
Conan O’Brien Needs A Friend
Conan, Sona, and Matt Discuss the LA Fires
Fall is here, hear the yell. Back to school, ring the bell. Brand new shoes, walking blues. Climb the fence, books and pens. I can tell that we are gonna be friends. Yes, I can tell that we are gonna be friends.
Consider This from NPR
Tariffs will boost prices a lot — here's how much
On Trump's terms, we have followed the first hundred days of this administration.
Consider This from NPR
Tariffs will boost prices a lot — here's how much
Elon Musk and Doge. We will make mistakes. Deportations. Litigation.
Consider This from NPR
Tariffs will boost prices a lot — here's how much
Those first hundred days are coming to a close, but the pace of the news will likely continue. Follow NPR's coverage of President Trump trying to do things no other president has on Trump's terms from NPR.
Consider This from NPR
What will it take to get measles under control?
On February 12, 1993, President Bill Clinton took the lectern at a public health center in Arlington, Virginia. Thank you. He was surrounded by kids sitting on the stage in front of him. Some had just received vaccinations.
Consider This from NPR
What will it take to get measles under control?
Catherine Wells is the director of public health in Lubbock, a city near the heart of the current measles outbreak in West Texas.
Consider This from NPR
What will it take to get measles under control?
So far, there have been around 500 cases in West Texas since late January. Two kids there have died. The outbreak has spread to neighboring states, including New Mexico. On top of that, the Federal Department of Government Efficiency, or DOGE, announced it would terminate hundreds of millions of dollars in grants to the Texas Department of State Health Services.
Consider This from NPR
What will it take to get measles under control?
Lubbock is one of the cities which will lose that money. Consider this. 25 years after measles was officially eliminated in the U.S., the disease is once again spreading in West Texas and New Mexico. What can be done to get the virus under control? From NPR, I'm Ari Shapiro.
Consider This from NPR
What will it take to get measles under control?
Clinton was just a few weeks into his presidency, and he was announcing what would become a major initiative of his first term, a massive push by the federal government to vaccinate children.
Consider This from NPR
What will it take to get measles under control?
It's Consider This from NPR. The last major measles outbreak in the U.S. was 2019. More than 1,200 people got sick. At the time, NPR spoke with Anthony Fauci, who was then head of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases.
Consider This from NPR
What will it take to get measles under control?
That's Dr. Caitlin Rivers of the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health. She just wrote a book called Crisis Averted about the history of public health victories, and I asked her what the U.S. needs to do to avert this crisis.
Consider This from NPR
What will it take to get measles under control?
From your research on the book, is there a specific example of a public health victory that you think is especially useful here today?
Consider This from NPR
What will it take to get measles under control?
Remember, this was 1993. A prolonged measles outbreak between 1989 and 91 killed more than 100 people and sickened tens of thousands. A federal advisory committee found that pricey vaccines, cuts to federal support for vaccination, and low vaccination rates among young children had caused the outbreak to be so severe. This is what Clinton wanted to fix. So did lawmakers.
Consider This from NPR
What will it take to get measles under control?
You said messaging from the federal government isn't as clear as it needs to be. Of course, HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. has a long history of vaccine skepticism. Earlier this week, he said the MMR vaccine is the most effective way to prevent the spread of measles. Do you think that message did what it needed to do?
Consider This from NPR
What will it take to get measles under control?
And on funding, we have seen widespread cuts across the government, including in the public health establishment. Do you think that is going to trickle down to states that need resources to fight measles outbreaks?
Consider This from NPR
What will it take to get measles under control?
Just to return to the question of whether a country is declared to have measles eliminated, if you've got children dying of the disease, if you have regular outbreaks, if you are not doing everything that could be done to fight this disease, why does it matter whether it is officially, formally declared to have been eliminated or not?
Consider This from NPR
What will it take to get measles under control?
That was Dr. Caitlin Rivers of the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health. We had additional reporting from Olivia Aldridge of member station KUT in Austin. This episode was produced by Noah Caldwell and edited by Courtney Dorning. Our executive producer is Sammy Yenigan. It's Consider This from NPR. I'm Ari Shapiro.
Consider This from NPR
What will it take to get measles under control?
Six months after that event at the Public Health Center, Congress passed Clinton's Comprehensive Childhood Immunization Act. The law helped the government purchase vaccines and negotiate prices with drug manufacturers. It made vaccines free for many children and helped the Department of Health and Human Services track childhood immunizations.
Consider This from NPR
What will it take to get measles under control?
By the end of Clinton's second term in office, the World Health Organization had declared the elimination of measles in the United States. Fast forward 25 years.
Consider This from NPR
Over a dozen lawsuits to stop DOGE data access are betting on a 1974 law
A couple months ago here at Planet Money, we stumbled across our favorite kind of economic mystery.
Consider This from NPR
Over a dozen lawsuits to stop DOGE data access are betting on a 1974 law
A deal that seemed way too good to be true.
Consider This from NPR
Over a dozen lawsuits to stop DOGE data access are betting on a 1974 law
Join us on our adventure to find out exactly how much a diamond is worth. Planet Money from NPR, wherever you get your podcasts. At Planet Money, we'll take you from a race to make rum in the Caribbean. Our rum, from a quality standpoint, is the best in the world. To the labs streaming up the most advanced microchips.
Consider This from NPR
Over a dozen lawsuits to stop DOGE data access are betting on a 1974 law
To the back rooms of New York's Diamond District. What, you looking for the stupid guy here? They're all smart, don't worry about it. Planet Money from NPR. We go to the story and take you along with us wherever you get your podcasts.
Consider This from NPR
Over a dozen lawsuits to stop DOGE data access are betting on a 1974 law
Having news at your fingertips is great, but sometimes you need an escape. And that's where Shortwave comes in. We're a joy-filled science podcast driven by wonder and curiosity that will get you out of your head and in touch with the world around you. Listen now to Shortwave, the science podcast from NPR.
Consider This from NPR
AI and the Environment
This message comes from Mint Mobile. Mint Mobile took what's wrong with wireless and made it right. They offer premium wireless plans for less, and all plans include high-speed data, unlimited talk and text, and nationwide coverage. See for yourself at mintmobile.com.
Consider This from NPR
AI and the Environment
Shortwave thinks of science as an invisible force showing up in your everyday life. Powering the food you eat, the medicine you use, the tech in your pocket. Science is approachable because it's already part of your life. Come explore these connections on the Shortwave podcast from NPR.
Consider This from NPR
How an obscure legal theory shaped the immunity decision and Trump's second term
The president has been talking about his day one actions, and it's believed 200 orders will be executed.
Consider This from NPR
How an obscure legal theory shaped the immunity decision and Trump's second term
In a 6-3 opinion, the Supreme Court ruled the former presidents have absolute immunity from prosecution for official acts related to their core constitutional powers.
Consider This from NPR
How an obscure legal theory shaped the immunity decision and Trump's second term
Orders the Navy SEAL Team 6 to assassinate a political rival? Immune.
Consider This from NPR
How an obscure legal theory shaped the immunity decision and Trump's second term
This decision was written as if America has never had a corrupt president.
Consider This from NPR
How an obscure legal theory shaped the immunity decision and Trump's second term
The administration plans to issue a new memo in the coming days directing agencies to prepare for large-scale firings.
Consider This from NPR
How an obscure legal theory shaped the immunity decision and Trump's second term
organizes a military coup to hold on to power. Immune. This is one of the worst opinions in American history from the Supreme Court. Immune, immune, immune, immune.
Consider This from NPR
How an obscure legal theory shaped the immunity decision and Trump's second term
Chief Justice Roberts, he was my colleague. He was just down the hall from me. And tonight I'm honored to announce that I am nominating him to serve as Associate Justice of the Supreme Court. Justice Alito was in the Reagan administration. I'm pleased to announce my nomination of Judge Samuel A. Alito Jr.
Consider This from NPR
How an obscure legal theory shaped the immunity decision and Trump's second term
Judge Clarence Thomas, to serve as Associate Justice of the United States Supreme Court.
Consider This from NPR
After weeks of chaos, the future is uncertain for thousands of federal workers
Last week, more employees across the federal government received termination notices as the Trump administration forged ahead with its plan to drastically reduce the federal workforce. One agency hit hard by layoffs was the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau. Taylor Sonney was a compliance examiner at CFPB based in Houston, Texas.
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After weeks of chaos, the future is uncertain for thousands of federal workers
Days later, Goggin received the fork-in-the-road email sent to nearly every federal employee, giving them a deadline to resign and stay on the payroll through September.
Consider This from NPR
After weeks of chaos, the future is uncertain for thousands of federal workers
Goggin came to the VA a decade ago and loves working with veterans. But she thought if she could resign and keep getting paid through September, it might be the best move for her family after her husband lost his income.
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After weeks of chaos, the future is uncertain for thousands of federal workers
Goggin got an automated reply saying her response had been received. But a few days later, she got an email from the VA saying she isn't eligible to resign.
Consider This from NPR
After weeks of chaos, the future is uncertain for thousands of federal workers
Consider this. The Trump administration's chaotic federal overhaul is underway, and that's left many federal workers scared, confused, or out of a job. From NPR, I'm Andrew Limbaugh. It's Consider This from NPR. President Donald Trump is forging ahead with his plans to dramatically shrink the government.
Consider This from NPR
After weeks of chaos, the future is uncertain for thousands of federal workers
Federal workers are facing mass layoffs as the Trump administration takes aim at agencies across the federal government. Thousands, likely tens of thousands of federal workers have lost their jobs, with many more expected to follow. So with us now is NPR's Andrea Hsu, who has been talking with federal workers as all of this unfolds. Hey, Andrea. Hey. All right.
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After weeks of chaos, the future is uncertain for thousands of federal workers
So there's been so much disruption, so much chaos. How are people reacting to the layoffs?
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After weeks of chaos, the future is uncertain for thousands of federal workers
He'd been working at the CFPB for 11 months, just one month shy of the end of his probationary period, when he found out he'd lost his job.
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After weeks of chaos, the future is uncertain for thousands of federal workers
At the same time, I understand that these workers want to get their story out, but they're in this weird limbo, right? And I imagine because of the precarity of their situation, they don't want to talk on the record necessarily.
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After weeks of chaos, the future is uncertain for thousands of federal workers
I can't imagine that kind of work was going to continue if, you know, Trump and Doge crew like continue at this sort of clip.
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After weeks of chaos, the future is uncertain for thousands of federal workers
You know, it does seem like the Trump administration is pursuing like multiple paths all at once for downsizing the government, right? Like you just mentioned, there's that crackdown on DEI. There are the layoffs of probationary employees. But also there's the requirement that everyone return to office full time, you know, ending telework. How's that going?
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After weeks of chaos, the future is uncertain for thousands of federal workers
Sonny and his colleagues are weighing what happens next. There could be opportunities for recourse, like filing an appeal if they believe they were fired for partisan political reasons. But for now, Sonny is processing the loss of his job and what mass layoffs could mean for the future of the CFPB.
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After weeks of chaos, the future is uncertain for thousands of federal workers
You know, I think anybody who's worked anywhere ever for a long time, if you ask them, really, they'll be like, OK, I see there's some waste. There's some bloat here. I can imagine some cutting. And, you know, Trump was elected on the promise that he'd make the government better and more efficient and smaller. Is that message resonating with any of the federal workers you've heard from?
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After weeks of chaos, the future is uncertain for thousands of federal workers
That's Andrew Hsu, NPR's labor and workplace correspondent. Thanks, Andrew.
Consider This from NPR
After weeks of chaos, the future is uncertain for thousands of federal workers
This episode was produced by Catherine Fink and Connor Donovan. It was edited by Jeanette Woods and Courtney Dorning. Our executive producer is Sammy Yenigan. It's Consider This from NPR. I'm Andrew Limbaugh.
Consider This from NPR
After weeks of chaos, the future is uncertain for thousands of federal workers
Across federal agencies, many who still have jobs are worried about what will happen next. Liz Goggin is a licensed clinical social worker for the Department of Veterans Affairs who lives with her family in Washington, D.C. After Trump's funding freeze, her job at the VA was safe. But her husband's foreign aid job wasn't.
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A pastor's sermons on social justice causes conflict among congregation
Coming up, NPR's Frank Langfitt reports on a liberal church in North Carolina with a rich civil rights history, yet it pushed out its pastor, who had spent years promoting racial justice and who had repeatedly called out Donald Trump. From NPR, I'm Sasha Pfeiffer.
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A pastor's sermons on social justice causes conflict among congregation
It's Consider This from NPR. Publicly, church leaders at the liberal-leaning Myers Park Baptist in Charlotte, North Carolina, say the recent move to oust their pastor had nothing to do with politics or his preaching, but some congregants feel betrayed. They say the conflict inside their church reflects a broader one within the American left. NPR's Frank Langfitt takes it from here.
Consider This from NPR
A pastor's sermons on social justice causes conflict among congregation
That's Episcopal Bishop Mary Ann Buddy giving a sermon at Washington National Cathedral earlier this month. This was at an interfaith service held the day after the second inauguration of President Donald Trump. In her sermon, she spoke directly to the president, who was seated up front with Vice President J.D. Vance and their families.
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A pastor's sermons on social justice causes conflict among congregation
Bishop Buddy went on to talk about immigrants who may be at risk of deportation under new Trump policies.
Consider This from NPR
A pastor's sermons on social justice causes conflict among congregation
Reactions to her sermon lit up social media and national news outlets. The backlash from Trump supporters was immediate and intense. Lorenzo Sewell is the pastor of Detroit's non-denominational 180 Church. and he spoke at the Republican National Convention. He attended that sermon and shared his outrage on Fox News.
Consider This from NPR
A pastor's sermons on social justice causes conflict among congregation
NPR's Frank Langfitt reporting from Charlotte, North Carolina. This episode was produced by Elena Burnett and was edited by Catherine Laidlaw and Jeanette Woods. Our executive producer is Sammy Yenigan. It's Consider This from NPR. I'm Sasha Pfeiffer.
Consider This from NPR
A pastor's sermons on social justice causes conflict among congregation
Consider this. Across the country, people are wrestling with how to approach issues of racial and social justice in a polarized environment. And divisions aren't just between the political left and the political right. Even people with shared political views often disagree on how much is too much.
Consider This from NPR
Why did Israel restart the war? One answer: Bezalel Smotrich.
In Israel, the voices opposing the resumption of the war against Hamas are loud, and they are many. Last weekend, more than 100,000 took to the streets in cities across the country, according to protest organizers. In Tel Aviv, protesters chanted, if an agreement isn't reached, it is murder for the hostages.
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Why did Israel restart the war? One answer: Bezalel Smotrich.
which was conducting a separate investigation into his administration. And he's also trying to push through an overhaul of the judicial system that would give him more power. That effort has prompted mass protests. Netanyahu needs the far-right parties in his coalition to keep his government afloat. In particular, he needs his ultra-nationalist finance minister, Batsalal Smoltrich.
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Why did Israel restart the war? One answer: Bezalel Smotrich.
who had threatened to collapse Netanyahu's government if he did not resume the war on Hamas. Consider this. Where Israel's war in Gaza goes next might depend in large part on B'Tsalal Shmultrich. So what does he want? From NPR, I'm Scott Detrow. It's Consider This from NPR. But Salah Smoltrich's views were once fringe in Israel.
Consider This from NPR
Why did Israel restart the war? One answer: Bezalel Smotrich.
He's an ultra-nationalist, a West Bank settler, and he has repeatedly called for Israel to resettle the Gaza Strip. His rise to power in Israeli politics has been a long one. NPR's Hadil Al-Shalchi takes the story from here.
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Why did Israel restart the war? One answer: Bezalel Smotrich.
Israel believes there are still 24 hostages alive in Gaza, along with the bodies of many more. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu says he resumed the war and ended an earlier ceasefire in an effort to pressure Hamas to release the remaining hostages. Israeli peace activist Gershon Baskin says this is risking the hostages' lives.
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Why did Israel restart the war? One answer: Bezalel Smotrich.
Back in 2011, he negotiated with Hamas to win the release of the captured Israeli soldier Gilad Shalit.
Consider This from NPR
Why did Israel restart the war? One answer: Bezalel Smotrich.
That was NPR's Hadil Alshalchi in Jerusalem. That sound of protest from the top of the episode came from reporting by NPR's Kat Lonsdorff. This episode was produced by Michael Levitt and Connor Donovan with audio engineering by Hannah Glovna. It was edited by William Troop and James Heider. Our executive producer is Sammy Yannigan.
Consider This from NPR
Why did Israel restart the war? One answer: Bezalel Smotrich.
Before we go, a quick thank you to our Consider This Plus listeners who support the show. Your contribution makes it possible for NPR journalists all around the world to do their jobs. Supporters also hear every episode without messages from sponsors. You can learn more at plus.npr.org. It's Consider This from NPR. I'm Scott Detrow.
Consider This from NPR
Why did Israel restart the war? One answer: Bezalel Smotrich.
Polls show Israeli public opinion is not on Netanyahu's side. But in this moment, Netanyahu's fate does not depend on public opinion. depends on holding together his coalition.
Consider This from NPR
Why did Israel restart the war? One answer: Bezalel Smotrich.
Alan Pincus is a former Israeli diplomat who served under Netanyahu's predecessors. He has no political life expectancy outside the prime minister's office. Netanyahu is also still on trial for bribery, fraud, and breach of trust. And if convicted, he could face prison. And he's also trying to fire the head of Israel's internal security service.
Consider This from NPR
The long history of Russia's broken promises to Ukraine
These include 176 intercontinental ballistic missiles and some 1,500 warheads targeted at the United States.
Creating Confidence with Heather Monahan
Introducing the Thais Gibson Show
Hey guys, if you're enjoying our show where we delve into high achieving people with transformative lives, then I have an exciting recommendation for you. Introducing the Thais Gibson podcast, a show that dives deep into creating long lasting change by starting at the subconscious level. Did you know 95% of our conscious decisions are actually determined by our subconscious?
Creating Confidence with Heather Monahan
Introducing the Thais Gibson Show
Thais, an expert in attachment theory is a creator behind the podcast. She uses her expertise to help you transform your relationships, health, career, and every other area of your life by leveraging the power of your subconscious mind. So if you're ready to break those limiting patterns and create the life you truly desire, tune into the Thais Gibson podcast.
Creating Confidence with Heather Monahan
Introducing the Thais Gibson Show
You can find it on all major podcast platforms. Trust me, you won't want to miss it.
Creating Confidence with Heather Monahan
Confidence Classic: Bust Through Limiting Beliefs & Harness Your Highest Potential with Jenn Drummond, Motivational Keynote Speaker, World Record Holder, Author
Why is MitoPure important to you?
CreepCast
My Crew And I Are Stuck Aboard An Abandoned Ship | Creep Cast
I saw Andrew and Spencer. No, Will.
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My Crew And I Are Stuck Aboard An Abandoned Ship | Creep Cast
No, Will's the guy who ran off with Diana. I'm saying the one who, when they were in the room with the car who turned out to be a ghost.
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My Crew And I Are Stuck Aboard An Abandoned Ship | Creep Cast
You know what? Just just for that attitude, I think I'm going to draw it out a little bit longer. Vinny, however, looked unsure, as unsure as I felt inside. I remembered that Wyatt had babbled to us before throwing himself overboard.
CreepCast
My Crew And I Are Stuck Aboard An Abandoned Ship | Creep Cast
If they got that pissed off to serve as a suggestion to rob them, and even more about trying to sabotage the engines, what will they do to us if we try and set the ship on fire? My heart of hearts, I knew it was a bad idea. I knew that as the captain second in command, I was de facto leader now. Even if the ship I would have been leader of was long gone.
CreepCast
My Crew And I Are Stuck Aboard An Abandoned Ship | Creep Cast
But I also knew that if I tried to force the others away, there might be another fight. One that could clue our host aware of our intentions. So instead, I quickly jotted down another note. I honestly don't know if trying to burn the ship is a good idea, but I'll put it to a vote. If you want to burn the ship, write an X beneath this. If you don't, draw a circle.
CreepCast
My Crew And I Are Stuck Aboard An Abandoned Ship | Creep Cast
And with that, he turned and left the wheelhouse, heading back outside to help the others store the gear in preparation for our departure. I could hear the faint sound of them yelling to each other as they rushed about, the music playing again as well. I walked to the starboard windows and gazed out. The storm appeared closer now. The lightning flashes were becoming more frequent.
CreepCast
My Crew And I Are Stuck Aboard An Abandoned Ship | Creep Cast
Quickly, I drew a circle and passed the paper to them. Andrew and Spencer scribbled their answers down instantly. Finney took a while longer, all the while shooting glances at the others who gave him almost judgmental eyes. Finally, he took the pen and jotted his answer down, passing the paper back to me. Three X's stood beside my circle. Shit. I took a deep breath and looked at them.
CreepCast
My Crew And I Are Stuck Aboard An Abandoned Ship | Creep Cast
I knew I'd been right. Any attempt to dissuade them would make things worse. But was making things worse now worse than what might to come? I didn't have a chance to ponder that for long as I saw the others regarding the map of the ship. Andrew's face lit up as he tapped the half-moon-shaped room at the very front of the promenade deck, one that was marked Observation Lounge.
CreepCast
My Crew And I Are Stuck Aboard An Abandoned Ship | Creep Cast
He tapped at the label below it, Cocktail Bar. I knew what they wanted to go there for, alcohol, which they could make into Molotov cocktails. I shut the laptop down and closed it up as they stood, moving to the door as quietly as possible. As they did, the memory of being called to through the door suddenly forced its way to the front of my mind.
CreepCast
My Crew And I Are Stuck Aboard An Abandoned Ship | Creep Cast
I remembered hearing the three voices calling to me. First, Will.
CreepCast
My Crew And I Are Stuck Aboard An Abandoned Ship | Creep Cast
I like how every character in the story gets a British accent, but the one that's explicitly British. I refuse to give the actual British character a British voice. Then finally, the words that had followed me into my dreams, my nightmares. Those of the captains speaking directly to me. Nathan, we were so wrong to have been afraid of them.
CreepCast
My Crew And I Are Stuck Aboard An Abandoned Ship | Creep Cast
but i'm okay now i promise please open the door and come have a drink with me it's funny to imagine like this old soggy captain like pressed up against the door like nathan nathan i'm sorry nathan you gotta take me back could you also send a picture of you with your pants now
CreepCast
My Crew And I Are Stuck Aboard An Abandoned Ship | Creep Cast
you know that okay where my bit was going in my head is there's that you know that thing that's like can you send a picture of you like from the front from the back one you know i'm talking about where it's like all right i didn't know whether it truly had been the man i looked up to for so long or just another facsimile to torment me i don't know which would be worse After a moment, I didn't.
CreepCast
My Crew And I Are Stuck Aboard An Abandoned Ship | Creep Cast
A particularly bright flash came. For a moment, my eyes locked on a particular cloud formation that had been silhouetted in it. I blinked my eyes rapidly, the rational side of my brain attempting to wrangle in the other. No, there's no way you just saw that. You know full well storms play trick on your eyes.
CreepCast
My Crew And I Are Stuck Aboard An Abandoned Ship | Creep Cast
The hallway was deserted as we slowly made our way towards the staircase to the upper decks. As we walked, I noticed with growing unease, and yes, dread, that there seemed to be more signs of life on the ship than there had been when we first arrived.
CreepCast
My Crew And I Are Stuck Aboard An Abandoned Ship | Creep Cast
Sets of period shoes ranging from men's wingtips to women's high heels had been left out in the hall next to closed cabin doors for someone to come and shine them. Ashtrays were passed contained cigarette butts. and as we stepped onto the landing, saw a sign on the concierge desk that read, Sorry, we stepped out for a moment. We'll be back shortly.
CreepCast
My Crew And I Are Stuck Aboard An Abandoned Ship | Creep Cast
It is like the ship is slowly coming back to life, like the ghosts on board are becoming more active the more the ship steams along. The thought caused another shiver to shoot up my spine. I couldn't understand why I'd had the thought, not right at that moment, anyways.
CreepCast
My Crew And I Are Stuck Aboard An Abandoned Ship | Creep Cast
climbed the stairs until we reached the landing to the promenade deck i've been looking down the steps as i climbed lost in thought when i accidentally walked straight into vinnie's back i stumbled backwards a little feeling as though i were about to begin tumbling back down the stairs like a scene from a comedy movie my nose painfully throbbed and i shot a look up all three men had come to a dead stop looking down the hallway to the right at something i couldn't see
CreepCast
My Crew And I Are Stuck Aboard An Abandoned Ship | Creep Cast
Despite our situation, a pang of irritation bubbled up inside me and I pushed past Vinny, beginning to speak in a whisper. Why the hell did you guys... But my words died in my throat as I saw what they'd been looking at. Or, to be more precise, what they weren't looking at. The captain's body was gone. From where we stood, we could plainly see the entrance to the lounge where he'd been killed.
CreepCast
My Crew And I Are Stuck Aboard An Abandoned Ship | Creep Cast
We could even see the bloodstain which still stained the carpet. A mop and bucket standing next to it as if someone had been about to try cleaning it up. But the captain's body no longer lay there. And to make matters worse, there didn't appear to be any sign he'd been tracked off. As if he just vanished.
CreepCast
My Crew And I Are Stuck Aboard An Abandoned Ship | Creep Cast
Dread and tension permeated the air as we stared, and I felt the biggest chill yet run up my... He has had a lot of chills run up his spine, hasn't he? So many. It's cold. It's a very cold chill. It's a very chilly, chilly ship. This ship is freezing. Felt the chill run up my spine as I imagined the man's bloody corpse standing on the other side of the cabin door knocking. A smile on his face.
CreepCast
My Crew And I Are Stuck Aboard An Abandoned Ship | Creep Cast
And I don't see any links on their stuff to like any books or offsite, but they are an incredibly prolific no sleep writer. There are a ton of stories, titles like I used to love driving late at night or I don't shower with the door jar anymore. Or my wife and I went to Las Vegas for our honeymoon. They have a ton of stories. And this one comes highly recommended, at least on No Sleep Itself.
CreepCast
My Crew And I Are Stuck Aboard An Abandoned Ship | Creep Cast
I don't know about that. I would be more likely to say I think he'll run and scream. Oh, okay.
CreepCast
My Crew And I Are Stuck Aboard An Abandoned Ship | Creep Cast
Yes, so here's the order of events I think I'll have. I think he will see something and he'll almost scream. Oh, true. He'll choke on his words. He'll choke on his words and he'll almost scream, but then he'll see something else and that will cause a chill up his spine that causes him to run and then he'll scream as he's running. Yeah, okay. That's what they call it. That formula seems correct.
CreepCast
My Crew And I Are Stuck Aboard An Abandoned Ship | Creep Cast
That's my call. Yeah. Come on. Andrew finally whispered the move forward heading for the bow of the ship. As we followed the signs to the observation deck and cocktail bar, I began to feel sure and sure that this wasn't just a big mistake. This was going to be a fatal one. Along with it came a new feeling, a new thought. Why the hell am I just playing along with this malarkey?
CreepCast
My Crew And I Are Stuck Aboard An Abandoned Ship | Creep Cast
Shaking my head, I returned to the helm, turning off the autopilot and nudging the throttle forwards, hearing the rumble of the engines increase. I kept telling myself that I'd been seeing things, but another shiver ran up my spine as I couldn't shake the image from my mind. The image of a cloud formed to the shape of a human skull. What a delightful trip. Absolute hell. Nothing bad happening.
CreepCast
My Crew And I Are Stuck Aboard An Abandoned Ship | Creep Cast
The captain chose me because I always knew what's best. I laid him down by doing this. That thought was what decided for me. Picked up the pace and sped past the three, coming to a stop in the middle of the hallway and shooting my arms out to the side to block the way. I spoke, my voice low. Guys, no.
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My Crew And I Are Stuck Aboard An Abandoned Ship | Creep Cast
Guys, stop it. Guys, think this through. Let's talk about this.
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My Crew And I Are Stuck Aboard An Abandoned Ship | Creep Cast
I saw a surprise enter Vinny's face. On Andrew and Spencer's, I saw irritation, even anger flash. Get the hell out of the way, Nate. Spencer hissed, shook my head.
CreepCast
My Crew And I Are Stuck Aboard An Abandoned Ship | Creep Cast
If you keep doing that voice, I'm enjoying myself. If you do that voice, me and the audience are going to immediately lose it.
CreepCast
My Crew And I Are Stuck Aboard An Abandoned Ship | Creep Cast
Veins popped out of his forehead. I could see any rational side of him had been overtaken by emotion. He wasn't thinking. He wanted to lash out one final time at them for the deaths of our crewmates. I knew what would come next, but I didn't budge. Instead, shaking my head and standing my ground. Even though I anticipated it, the punch still caught me half by surprise.
CreepCast
My Crew And I Are Stuck Aboard An Abandoned Ship | Creep Cast
I didn't realize just how strong Andrew was with how wiry of a build he had. I crashed into a heap on the floor. My head smashed into the wooden wall as he loomed over me, fistballed as if ready to take another swing at me. He leaned down and got right in my face, spit striking my nose and cheeks as he spat at me.
CreepCast
My Crew And I Are Stuck Aboard An Abandoned Ship | Creep Cast
With that, he strode past me. Spencer only stopped and just spit at me before following. I looked up at Vinny, feeling a small trickle of blood begin dripping from just above my eyebrow where Andrew's ring had caught me. Please don't. For a moment, he looked like he wanted to agree with me. Then he shook his head, his shoulders slumping as he succumbed to the peer pressure of the others.
CreepCast
My Crew And I Are Stuck Aboard An Abandoned Ship | Creep Cast
I'm sorry. He whispered softly before following after them. That's funny how he went from like, the captain shows me. I'm the new captain. Like men stop. And now he's like on the ground bleeding. He's on the ground.
CreepCast
My Crew And I Are Stuck Aboard An Abandoned Ship | Creep Cast
I turned and watched him hurry down the hall before disappearing out of sight around a corner. I fought the urge to scream after them. Sangry and hopeless as I felt, I didn't want to bring the spectral horde their way. You stupid fucks. I whispered quietly to myself before slowly hauling myself to my feet. I stood there, trying to calm myself for a moment. Felt almost impossible to do.
CreepCast
My Crew And I Are Stuck Aboard An Abandoned Ship | Creep Cast
And in the heat of the moment, I made the grade A mistake I will forever regret. The one that will eat away at my soul forever. I didn't follow after them. Instead, I turned and stalked away in the opposite direction. The rational side of my brain screamed at me how dumb an idea this was. What are you doing? You're not supposed to split up. This is leaving you so damn vulnerable and open.
CreepCast
My Crew And I Are Stuck Aboard An Abandoned Ship | Creep Cast
But I didn't care. The anger that consumed me silenced my inner warnings, and I walked back onto the landing. I stopped there, breathing heavily. I again cursed the others. You fucking morons. As I stood there trying to compose myself, a familiar but most unwelcome feeling washed over me. A massive shiver shot up my spine. Ah, there we go. Another shiver up the spine.
CreepCast
My Crew And I Are Stuck Aboard An Abandoned Ship | Creep Cast
That's one for the bingo card. The light of so cold.
CreepCast
My Crew And I Are Stuck Aboard An Abandoned Ship | Creep Cast
Mate, it is frigid. Did I mention it was five degrees Fahrenheit?
CreepCast
My Crew And I Are Stuck Aboard An Abandoned Ship | Creep Cast
I know. Let's get on the point of no return. Let's go out farther than we're supposed to. Watch Perfect Storm.
CreepCast
My Crew And I Are Stuck Aboard An Abandoned Ship | Creep Cast
Washed away by a surge of fear and terror.
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My Crew And I Are Stuck Aboard An Abandoned Ship | Creep Cast
Oh, hell, dude. Slowly, I turned to look behind me and I felt my blood run cold, still cold, skin cold, at what I saw.
CreepCast
My Crew And I Are Stuck Aboard An Abandoned Ship | Creep Cast
Oh, God, I can't. It's so cold. The scene of him, like, stamping, like, he's on a ghost ship where, like, you can get trapped in hell. And he's like, well, I know I shouldn't go off on myself, but I'm just so upset.
CreepCast
My Crew And I Are Stuck Aboard An Abandoned Ship | Creep Cast
Oh, that's right. I forgot how cold it was. I'm shivering. Yep. Standing almost directly on the spot where the captain's body had been lying, in the middle of the bloodstain was one of the shadowy figures. It stood dead still, and even though it had no face, I could tell from the feeling I'd had that it was looking directly at me.
CreepCast
My Crew And I Are Stuck Aboard An Abandoned Ship | Creep Cast
Then a new fear began to flood into me, one that came with a thought that, as I might, I couldn't push away. What if that's... the captain? I let out a gasp, feeling my heart begin to beat harder in my chest. I couldn't take the thought that I might be about to be attacked by the spirit of the man I'd looked up to as a father figure.
CreepCast
My Crew And I Are Stuck Aboard An Abandoned Ship | Creep Cast
So I turned and hurried into the opposite hall, heading in the direction of the stern. The feeling of being watched intensified as I hurried down the hall, and I mentally cursed myself for letting my emotions lead me into such a dangerous spot. Stupid, stupid, stupid. I shot glances over my shoulder, feeling that at any moment I'd see the figure shoot around the corner in pursuit of me.
CreepCast
My Crew And I Are Stuck Aboard An Abandoned Ship | Creep Cast
Or worse, see all of them appear. Trying to find someplace I could duck into to potentially hide. A sign appeared, hanging down from the ceiling with an arrow pointing to the right. Theater. Not knowing where else to go, I jogged right until I saw the large door with an identical sign above it. Yanking open the heavy door, I jumped inside and pulled it shut behind me.
CreepCast
My Crew And I Are Stuck Aboard An Abandoned Ship | Creep Cast
uh having an unsuspected storm that's not being caught on your radar i don't know i like that it's fun it's a classic like ocean mystery setup i think i did yeah very like scooby-doo we only made it about seven or eight miles west when the storm overtook us i've been on the water my entire life and i've been fishing on commercial vessels since i was 18 years old
CreepCast
My Crew And I Are Stuck Aboard An Abandoned Ship | Creep Cast
Trying not to breathe loudly, I pulled back on the inner handle as hard as I could, seeing with a sinking feeling that there was no lock on this side of the door. Not like it would do much good if they went in here. But as the moments ticked by into minutes, nothing came. No force ripped the door out of my hands. I began to breathe a little easier.
CreepCast
My Crew And I Are Stuck Aboard An Abandoned Ship | Creep Cast
Feeling my heartbeat begin to slow as relief swept over me. Feeling safe that I wasn't about to be swarmed, I finally turned around to look at the room I'd entered. I found myself staring past red drapes, which had been pulled back. In the low light, I saw dozens, no, hundreds of empty red seats stretching out away from me towards the back of the room, and blue carpeting covered the floor.
CreepCast
My Crew And I Are Stuck Aboard An Abandoned Ship | Creep Cast
I only had a moment to look at the ivory white walls before I froze, realizing something. It should have been dark, almost pitch black in there. There was no windows to the outside, meaning it should have been like trying to walk around with your eyes closed. But it wasn't, and my eyes flickered up at the back wall. I realized why. The projector was playing.
CreepCast
My Crew And I Are Stuck Aboard An Abandoned Ship | Creep Cast
I suddenly became aware of sounds playing from the speakers on the walls. A lump formed in my throat, and even though every fiber of my being told me to leave, I instead stepped from the entryway into the theater itself. taking half a dozen steps or so until I was halfway up the far right aisle. I turned to look at the screen.
CreepCast
My Crew And I Are Stuck Aboard An Abandoned Ship | Creep Cast
A movie was indeed playing, and not knowing what else to do, I sat down in one of the seats. I could tell the movie was old, both by the fact that it was in black and white, and the scene of what had to be London in the mid-50s.
CreepCast
My Crew And I Are Stuck Aboard An Abandoned Ship | Creep Cast
Well, the craziest thing to, to me about it, because it was like the family sold the rights to the story or something like that. The craziest thing to me is how he's depicted, especially in the movie where in real life he was, I think they like adopted him when he was like 14, 15 and he was already like a pretty good football player. And they just kind of like helped him get into a good school.
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My Crew And I Are Stuck Aboard An Abandoned Ship | Creep Cast
But in the movie, it's like he's so stupid. He doesn't know what football is. So the eight year old white kid has to explain to him how football works.
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My Crew And I Are Stuck Aboard An Abandoned Ship | Creep Cast
Oh yeah, almost certainly. Like, I... The real story seems so... That's a fucking horror film right there.
CreepCast
My Crew And I Are Stuck Aboard An Abandoned Ship | Creep Cast
The real plot of it, yeah. Oh, you can say with us. Don't worry. Um... Now, it's wild to me to be like, imagine you adopted like a kid who sure was from a troubled background, but he was like fine. And like, you know, you like took care of him and stuff. And then when it's time to make the movie, you're like, what if we make him stupid?
CreepCast
My Crew And I Are Stuck Aboard An Abandoned Ship | Creep Cast
I've seen many strange and sometimes unexplainable things, and I've seen my fair share of storms, some very bad. But I'm not exaggerating when I tell you I've never seen a storm as fierce as this one. Twenty minutes after the dark gray, almost black clouds slid over my head. The point of no return was being hammered by twelve to fourteen foot swells crashing water under the deck.
CreepCast
My Crew And I Are Stuck Aboard An Abandoned Ship | Creep Cast
Because the whole movie, it's like, oh, he actually has a heart of gold because the character in the film is too dumb to say things. There's the scene where he gets into a car wreck and he sticks his arm out to save the kid.
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My Crew And I Are Stuck Aboard An Abandoned Ship | Creep Cast
And he can't just be like, He can't be like, Oh, I'm injured. My arm hurts. Cause I was trying to take care of the kid. He's covering it.
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My Crew And I Are Stuck Aboard An Abandoned Ship | Creep Cast
I do remember that. You're going to Bama.
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My Crew And I Are Stuck Aboard An Abandoned Ship | Creep Cast
He's like, oh, there was that whole era of like the white savior films that happened for a while.
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My Crew And I Are Stuck Aboard An Abandoned Ship | Creep Cast
I grew up evangelical, like, well, maybe not even adjacent to evangelical stuff. So that movie was like all anyone talked about. That was a big deal for us.
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My Crew And I Are Stuck Aboard An Abandoned Ship | Creep Cast
The wind howled as fiercely as a banshee, and the world around us turned almost pitch black, the only illumination coming from the almost blinding flashes of lightning, which were followed by roars of thunder. I gripped the helm with hands that had begun turning white at the knuckles, bracing my legs for each impact.
CreepCast
My Crew And I Are Stuck Aboard An Abandoned Ship | Creep Cast
There was a lot of that growing up where it was drilled into my head for so long. When you get out of churches and Christian schools, because I went to Christian school growing up, it's like, they're going to hate you. You're going to like you're going to be the enemy.
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My Crew And I Are Stuck Aboard An Abandoned Ship | Creep Cast
Everyone's going to be like like I see tick tocks about now where people are like what I thought the world would be like outside of church. And it was like, oh, you want to go to you want to shop at the Starbucks? Well, you have a cross on your necklace. So security, if you get this idea, you're going to be like super persecuted. So like that was that kind of gave it.
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My Crew And I Are Stuck Aboard An Abandoned Ship | Creep Cast
But no, the idea of a college professor being like right down on a piece of paper that you renounce your religion is insane.
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My Crew And I Are Stuck Aboard An Abandoned Ship | Creep Cast
Yeah. Just like, this is, this is insane. Malpractice.
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My Crew And I Are Stuck Aboard An Abandoned Ship | Creep Cast
I'd visited the city in 2004 as a teenager, and I instantly recognized Trafalgar Square as different as I was seeing it now. The scene began to follow a woman in a trench coat who always walked with her back to the camera as she got into a cab and was shortly dropped off. As she walked, I suddenly noticed something. The woman had very familiar platinum blonde hair hanging down to her shoulders.
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My Crew And I Are Stuck Aboard An Abandoned Ship | Creep Cast
Instantly, the little curiosity I had vanished, and I felt a heavy pit begin to form itself inside my stomach, but it was as if I had been paralyzed. I could do nothing but watch as the scene continued, the woman reaching a door and attempting to open it before hiding as what looked like an old thunderbird rounded the corner.
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My Crew And I Are Stuck Aboard An Abandoned Ship | Creep Cast
As another woman got out and the music began to swell, I felt my heart begin to thump in my chest, dread washing over me in waves. But not because of the tension the movie was clearly trying to give off, it was because I felt sure of who I was about to see.
CreepCast
My Crew And I Are Stuck Aboard An Abandoned Ship | Creep Cast
And as the blonde woman reappeared again, pulling a revolver from her purse and aiming it at her, the camera changed, revealing her face, and she began to fire. I let out a strangled scream. He screamed so much. Fuck Nathan. You're looking at a screen. You know where you're at.
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My Crew And I Are Stuck Aboard An Abandoned Ship | Creep Cast
The captain stood beside me, gripping the metal railing next to the helm to keep from falling. Just keep going! He yelled at me. Some of the crew stood behind us, staring out at the maelstrom with wide, frightened eyes. It was a fear that I found infectious. For as much as I kept calm for all outer appearances, inside I was terrified.
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My Crew And I Are Stuck Aboard An Abandoned Ship | Creep Cast
The one I'd seen with her arm around him in the pool. Diane. You know, this was my proudest moment as an actress. I felt the blood drain from my face. The voice, sultry one with an unmistakable British accent. The same one. The same one I heard calling to us through the door last night hadn't come from the speakers. Come from directly behind me.
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My Crew And I Are Stuck Aboard An Abandoned Ship | Creep Cast
Feeling my body begin to shake as fear and adrenaline surge through my system. Slowly turn and look behind me. and a pair of sapphire blue eyes gazed back. That did it. I leapt out of the chair, spinning to face the woman as she rose from her own. She gestured to the screen where the movie continued to play.
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My Crew And I Are Stuck Aboard An Abandoned Ship | Creep Cast
She let out a small snort of laughter.
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My Crew And I Are Stuck Aboard An Abandoned Ship | Creep Cast
The wistful... I'm British. The wistful look left her eyes and focused on me.
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My Crew And I Are Stuck Aboard An Abandoned Ship | Creep Cast
Every fiber of my being was screaming at me. Every fiber of my being was screaming at me to run. But it was as though I'd once again been paralyzed. I couldn't move. I couldn't even speak. Only stand and stare. That's when her face changed, instantly turning from the half-warm, half-eerie smile to ice. You're right, you know.
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My Crew And I Are Stuck Aboard An Abandoned Ship | Creep Cast
All it's going to do is make us mad. My eyes went wide as the realization hit. Renewed horror filling me. They know. You know how we get when we get angry, Nathan. I finally managed to take a step back, seemingly able to speak again. The words of one of you that I'd often seen flash through my mind. Of asking these ghosts, demons, whatever, a question. My mind still screamed at me to run.
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My Crew And I Are Stuck Aboard An Abandoned Ship | Creep Cast
It was a slight hope that I could reason with them, perhaps convince them to let us go was too much. So, I asked, my voice trembling.
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My Crew And I Are Stuck Aboard An Abandoned Ship | Creep Cast
Instantly, I realized how dumb my choice had been as Diana began to laugh. Small snickers at first, then blossoming into loud giggles. They stopped as she smiled at me, one that, despite the fact it made her look strikingly beautiful, made me feel as though I wanted to scream. We want you, Nathan. We want all of you. She took a step forward. I took a step back.
CreepCast
My Crew And I Are Stuck Aboard An Abandoned Ship | Creep Cast
As horrifying as horror movie monsters are made out to be, they don't hold a candle to the existential dread and terror that Mother Nature at her worst can instill you with. Suddenly, Wyatt, one of our engineers, flew up the stairs from below. Captain, we're taking on water somewhere, and I can't find the source! So many of the crew's faces go pale, but the captain remained calmed.
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My Crew And I Are Stuck Aboard An Abandoned Ship | Creep Cast
My eyes flicker into the exit behind me as she spoke again.
CreepCast
My Crew And I Are Stuck Aboard An Abandoned Ship | Creep Cast
Her eyes flew open again, locking on me. I just began to take a step back when I again felt rooted to the spot.
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My Crew And I Are Stuck Aboard An Abandoned Ship | Creep Cast
Her face suddenly contorted into the most wicked, evil smirk I've ever seen in my life.
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My Crew And I Are Stuck Aboard An Abandoned Ship | Creep Cast
Her words stabbed into my soul, filling me with horror the likes I'd never felt before. In that instant, I knew there was no reasoning with them. There was no bargain that could be made for us to leave. They would never let us leave. They wanted to take us back to where God only knew. And they'd done it to countless other people. How many people lost at sea is due to them.
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My Crew And I Are Stuck Aboard An Abandoned Ship | Creep Cast
I let out an involuntary gasp as I finally manage... You know what? If I know anything about my boy Nathan, I know he's working up a scream. If I, you know, shot in the dark, if this man gets a noise out, it either is a scream or it's working its way to his scream.
CreepCast
My Crew And I Are Stuck Aboard An Abandoned Ship | Creep Cast
Yeah, and run and get cold. I let out an involuntary gasp as I finally managed to take another step back and froze. See? Cold. My blood turned to ice in my veins. See?
CreepCast
My Crew And I Are Stuck Aboard An Abandoned Ship | Creep Cast
I finally did scream because Diana's eyes weren't the only ones on me anymore. There were hundreds of eyes. Hungry eyes that occupied every seat in the room. I turned and ran. Ran for the exit as every person in their seats melted into the horrific shadowy figures that had chased and terrified us ever since we'd come aboard.
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My Crew And I Are Stuck Aboard An Abandoned Ship | Creep Cast
The whispering, laughter, and screaming which had plagued my nightmares was so loud in my ears I felt as though my eardrums burst and began bleeding.
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My Crew And I Are Stuck Aboard An Abandoned Ship | Creep Cast
It's like, I'm not going in there. Would you do it for two Scooby snacks? Yeah, yeah.
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My Crew And I Are Stuck Aboard An Abandoned Ship | Creep Cast
I think you're right, but I don't think it will be an item. It will be like an emotional thing. Like you'll remember like literally it might literally be a dog treat. I don't know. That'd be great. Okay. My arm stretched out and reach to the door of the hallway. I slammed into it with all my might and bounced off it, crashing back onto my ass on the floor. What the hell?
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My Crew And I Are Stuck Aboard An Abandoned Ship | Creep Cast
I stumbled to my feet, running for the door and slamming into it again. And just like the first time, it didn't budge at all. No! I screamed out, ramming it a third time. But the metal refused to give. It was locked. I froze, my body beginning to violently shake as the voice reached me. A voice I knew well. A voice which had called to me through the door last night, along with Diana and Will.
CreepCast
My Crew And I Are Stuck Aboard An Abandoned Ship | Creep Cast
For a moment, nobody moved until he barked again. Do you want to end up at the bottom of the ocean? Move your asses! That got their attention, and they quickly followed Wyatt down the stairs to the crew quarters and lower decks. As we crested another huge swell, I spared a glance at the radar screen.
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My Crew And I Are Stuck Aboard An Abandoned Ship | Creep Cast
I slowly turned to look behind me. All the shadowy figures stood less than ten feet away from me. The whispering, laughter, and screaming had stopped, allowing the speaker to be heard. One of the shadows took the first step forward, and then it spoke again. It's time for you to join us. I turned and began hammering on the doors the captain's word echoed in my ears, sheer terror fueling my screams.
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My Crew And I Are Stuck Aboard An Abandoned Ship | Creep Cast
Somebody open the fucking door! I began to cry. This is it. These are the last moments of your life, all because you screwed up. You're dead. My mind began to shut down, trying in some physical reaction to spare me the horror that was about to happen to me. I snap back to reality. That's a dude. Okay. All right. I'll give you one. I'll give you one.
CreepCast
My Crew And I Are Stuck Aboard An Abandoned Ship | Creep Cast
But the third time of making me think about Eminem in the middle of a ghost story, the main influences for the ghost ship story was, uh, I snapped back to reality as the voice came from the other side of the door. For a moment, I thought I'd finally snapped like Wyatt had. Then the voice came again. Nate, are you in there? It's Vinny, my mind screamed at me.
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My Crew And I Are Stuck Aboard An Abandoned Ship | Creep Cast
I began furiously pounding on the door again. Seeing out of the corner of my eye, the figures began to sweep towards me. Vinny, unlock the door for God's sake. I heard the sound of him beginning to fumble with the lock. I shot a glance over my shoulder and screamed. I shot a glance over my shoulder and screamed again as I saw the figures less than a foot away from me.
CreepCast
My Crew And I Are Stuck Aboard An Abandoned Ship | Creep Cast
Now in my head, it's like, it's like a Oni plays animation of like, ah! The door wrenched open and I was suddenly falling forwards, crashing to the floor and feeling pain as the abrasive carpet tore at my hands and elbows. For a moment, I was unable to think, the realization that I'd been saved causing my brain to short circuit.
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My Crew And I Are Stuck Aboard An Abandoned Ship | Creep Cast
till the horror of realizing where Vinny stood smashed into me like a brick wall. I flipped around, my eyes wide, as I screamed at my friend. Vinny, get away from the door! But it was too late.
CreepCast
My Crew And I Are Stuck Aboard An Abandoned Ship | Creep Cast
The only way I can describe what happened in those next moments is that it happened exactly like the scene in the 1999 remake of House on Haunted Hill, the one where Chris Kattan's character opens the basement door to let the others out and is snatched and dragged into the evil mass inside. So I went to Vinny.
CreepCast
My Crew And I Are Stuck Aboard An Abandoned Ship | Creep Cast
I caught a split-second look of the horror on his face as he saw the figures reaching out to grab him. The next, he was gone. Yanked inside the theater, the door slamming shut behind him. I screamed helplessly, reaching out a hand as if I could pull him back through the door with sheer will, but nothing happened. Vinny! The ship became deathly silent again for a moment, but only for a moment.
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My Crew And I Are Stuck Aboard An Abandoned Ship | Creep Cast
It still showed no sign of the storm on its green screen as the line made its way around in a circle. I shook my head, feeling a strange feeling, one I couldn't place come over me. But I pushed it away, forcing myself to focus. Everyone's counting on you, Nate. Keep your head in the game, and pray to the good lord above you make it out of this. I shot a glance at the captain.
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My Crew And I Are Stuck Aboard An Abandoned Ship | Creep Cast
The sound of racing feet suddenly sprang up from behind me. I spun around, beginning to frantically crab walk backwards as my mind screamed at me that the figures were now coming for me. Instead, I felt a wave of shock as Andrew and Spencer flew around the corner, terrified looks in their eyes. Knight, get the fuck up!
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My Crew And I Are Stuck Aboard An Abandoned Ship | Creep Cast
Spencer screamed at me, reaching out a hand and almost tearing my arm out of my socket as he wrenched me into my feet. Run! Run! I didn't question him, I just ran. I ran after the two as the ominous, terrifying sounds of whispering, laughing, and screaming began filtering down from the hallway they'd emerged from.
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My Crew And I Are Stuck Aboard An Abandoned Ship | Creep Cast
It scared me almost more than anything in how pissed it sounded, more than when they'd caught us trying to sabotage the engines. We sprinted for the stairs, taking them down two at a time, and only able to think about staying a step ahead of our pursuers. I don't know how long we ran, only that I was only able to keep going from the sheer amount of adrenaline that kept filling me.
CreepCast
My Crew And I Are Stuck Aboard An Abandoned Ship | Creep Cast
That, and the image of Vinny being dragged into the theater to fade I can only pray was quick. We headed for the only place we knew, our cabin. We slammed inside, shut it, locked it, and proceeded to pile as much furniture in the room against it, trying to make what was likely a futile barricade, but one nonetheless. It was the only thing we could think to do.
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My Crew And I Are Stuck Aboard An Abandoned Ship | Creep Cast
When we finished, I turned to the two men. What the fuck happened? I demanded. For a moment, neither of them said anything. Andrew spoke, his voice shaking.
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My Crew And I Are Stuck Aboard An Abandoned Ship | Creep Cast
Looked down at the floor, unable to speak anymore. There was silence in the room for a while.
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My Crew And I Are Stuck Aboard An Abandoned Ship | Creep Cast
Andrew finally asked. My eyes flashed up to him, and I felt the heat of rage burn in my stomach. I wanted to scream at him, strike him like he'd done to me, but I held it back as I saw the look in his eyes. He was broken. So I simply answered. He didn't make it. In my words, I saw both men's shoulders slump. We're not getting out of here alive, are we?
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My Crew And I Are Stuck Aboard An Abandoned Ship | Creep Cast
I took a deep breath and spoke, a voice calm and authoritative, like the captain had always spoken.
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My Crew And I Are Stuck Aboard An Abandoned Ship | Creep Cast
I didn't say the last part out loud, but I didn't have to. And so as the sun began to set again on the horizon, we planned. Their sleep now both passed out on the bed, but not after each went into the bathroom for a few minutes and then softly crying to themselves. Part of my heart felt for them, but another still burned with the fire and hatred of a thousand sons.
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My Crew And I Are Stuck Aboard An Abandoned Ship | Creep Cast
You really think we're going to make it through this, Gabe? I asked, the seriousness in my using his first name, making him look hard at me before clapping a hand on my shoulder.
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My Crew And I Are Stuck Aboard An Abandoned Ship | Creep Cast
Whoa, whoa, whoa, whoa, whoa, whoa, whoa. That's where, where did that come from? If it hadn't been for their harebrained idea, everything that happened today wouldn't have. It was your idea. Didn't you make the... Okay, whatever. If Andrew hadn't punched me, I wouldn't have stormed off.
CreepCast
My Crew And I Are Stuck Aboard An Abandoned Ship | Creep Cast
Unable to think straight. I would have gotten to that theater and video and still be alive. This dude sucks. Yeah, I hate Nathan. He's so annoying. But as much as it kills me inside to say, I'm as much to blame as they are. No, Nathan, you are more to blame. He's like, I'll admit a little fault.
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My Crew And I Are Stuck Aboard An Abandoned Ship | Creep Cast
Did I tell you the other guys cried earlier? Crumb of accountability. But they cried. That's the more important factor. I should have been more level-headed. I shouldn't have let my emotions get the best of me. And part of me thinks I should have just let the figures take me. That would have been best for everyone. Instead of him ending up as a sacrificial alternate for me. Benny, I'm so sorry.
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My Crew And I Are Stuck Aboard An Abandoned Ship | Creep Cast
I'm so, so sorry. I'm staring out the porthole now as I type this out. I watch the moon rise in the sky and glimmer off the waves. It's all I feel like I mentally can do now. But I know I have to pull myself together before dawn. We want to have any chance to escape off the Queen Elizabeth alive.
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My Crew And I Are Stuck Aboard An Abandoned Ship | Creep Cast
There's no choice but for it to be tomorrow, because as I said here typing this, another program was jammed underneath the cabin door, flying under our barricade. When I flicked on my flashlight, I saw that someone had written in black ink at the bottom, for Nathan only. When I flipped it open, I noted two things. The first is that the date on this one doesn't say 2023 like the last one.
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My Crew And I Are Stuck Aboard An Abandoned Ship | Creep Cast
The date says Monday, June 25th, 1956. Second, it's the first notice at the top of the left page. Two days until arrival in New York City. If you have not already bought your travel papers in the purser's office, please do it no later than 4 p.m. tomorrow evening. Thank you. I honestly don't know if the words that Diana told me are true or not.
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My Crew And I Are Stuck Aboard An Abandoned Ship | Creep Cast
about the past ever dying, simply moving to a different dimension when it changes, where the world stays stuck forever in one time period, endlessly repeating over and over for eternity. But I honestly don't want to know. The idea of such a world horrifies me almost worse than everything we've been through.
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My Crew And I Are Stuck Aboard An Abandoned Ship | Creep Cast
And I think if she's right and we don't escape tomorrow, the New York City we'll arrive in won't be ours. So I'm going to try and rest. The music's beginning again from the lounge. Not a big band song this time, but a slow love ballad. A song my grandfather used to sing to my grandmother. Earth Angel by the Penguins.
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My Crew And I Are Stuck Aboard An Abandoned Ship | Creep Cast
He declared, pulling out a pipe from his pocket and lighting it. Thick, hazy smoke filled the room as he spoke again. I've been through far worse than this, after all. Somehow, I doubted the man's words, but I tried to let them bring some much-needed comfort to me. A large wave crashed over the bow, splashing the front windows with water and obscuring my view ahead for a few moments.
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My Crew And I Are Stuck Aboard An Abandoned Ship | Creep Cast
As much as I dread the nightmares that are going to come, seeing Vinny be taken, I need my rest. Need as much of it as I can get. If we're going to carry out our plan, dump all the lifeboats off the starboard side of the ship, then leap off the stern far enough away from the propellers where we won't be sucked in and swim for them. Hopefully make it back to land.
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My Crew And I Are Stuck Aboard An Abandoned Ship | Creep Cast
I'm not going to ask you guys for advice this time. This is the one time I don't think you can help us. I can never thank you enough, all of you. You've helped us, kept us going when we didn't have any clue what to do. You've given us the hope to keep going, a tiny connection to the world, to sanity, and everything good. You're all wonderful people, and I'm indebted to you for life.
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My Crew And I Are Stuck Aboard An Abandoned Ship | Creep Cast
But now, now's the part we have to do on our own. But if we don't make it, thank you for help giving us a fighting chance, at least. I do ask you one thing, though. Please, wish us luck.
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My Crew And I Are Stuck Aboard An Abandoned Ship | Creep Cast
All right, final part. It's finally over. As I sit here typing these words out on the laptop with the ocean spray splashing my face, I almost can't believe it. The last few days have felt like nothing more than one long, continuous nightmare that I can never wake from. It's what I imagine it must be like for someone in a coma, locked in endless sleep. But it's over. The nightmare's over.
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My Crew And I Are Stuck Aboard An Abandoned Ship | Creep Cast
Before I tell you what happened, let me just say one thing to all of you reading this, all of you who did all you could to help me and give me advice. I know I've said it so many times now that I probably sound like a broken record, but I need to say it one final time. Thank you. I forget any of you for everything you did for me, and if I can ever return the favor, I will.
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My Crew And I Are Stuck Aboard An Abandoned Ship | Creep Cast
That being said, it's time. Time to tell you what happened. When the three of us woke up, it was still dark out. According to my wristwatch, it was only a little after six in the morning. None of us said a word to each other, only exchanging nervous but determined glances as we packed the things we thought we needed to a single bag, including all the food and water we had left.
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My Crew And I Are Stuck Aboard An Abandoned Ship | Creep Cast
As I shoved the final things in, Andrew came up beside me, holding out another sheet of paper on which he'd written something. Nate, I'm so, so sorry about yesterday. I read the note and looked up at the man's somber face. I still felt the angry heat in me, but I pushed it down and simply nodded at him. Now wasn't the time to hold a grudge, regardless of whether it was deserved or not.
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My Crew And I Are Stuck Aboard An Abandoned Ship | Creep Cast
I took the pen and wrote a message back. Let's just focus on getting out of here. Nothing else matters. He read it then nodded, seeming a bit relieved. I cast one final look at the program, which had been shoved under the door last night. I lay on the room's writing desk, the declaration of reaching port staring up at me like a tombstone. Freedom or death, I thought. One of them happens today.
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My Crew And I Are Stuck Aboard An Abandoned Ship | Creep Cast
Stealing myself, I motioned to our barricade, which I gratefully managed to hold through the night. Trying to remain as quiet as possible, we pulled the chairs, nightstands, and other items away until the door was clear. I took a deep breath, feeling a mixture of fear and anticipation be unrising. then reached out and took the doorknob in my hand.
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My Crew And I Are Stuck Aboard An Abandoned Ship | Creep Cast
I looked up, locking my eyes with Andrew and Spencer. He slowly nodded at me. Here we go. I turned the knob, pulling the door open. In silence, we crept down the hallway, looked as deserted as always, though the shoes still sat next to cabin doors. I became aware of one difference from yesterday, though, something that made the fear and uneasiness increase. The ship was no longer silent.
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My Crew And I Are Stuck Aboard An Abandoned Ship | Creep Cast
When it cleared, the world outside was again pitch black, the outer lights of the boat barely illuminating twenty feet around us. Strong vibrations suddenly emanated from the floor beneath my feet and I shot a glance down at the metal. What the hell was that? My answer was given a moment later as another crew member, Andrew, ran up the stairs.
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My Crew And I Are Stuck Aboard An Abandoned Ship | Creep Cast
The intercom had been turned on again sometime during the night. As I listened, I realized the first ever song that had played when we'd powered the ship up was filtering out from the speakers. You belong to me. I shivered slightly, but listening to the music strengthened my resolve. Yeah, see about belonging to you.
CreepCast
My Crew And I Are Stuck Aboard An Abandoned Ship | Creep Cast
And also just the premise, the title of it seemed really cool. My crew and I are stuck aboard an abandoned ship and we don't do like I'm terrified of the sea and I like nautical stories and like nautical horror and stuff like that. So I am eager for any excuse to crack into a story like this. So I'm looking forward to it.
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My Crew And I Are Stuck Aboard An Abandoned Ship | Creep Cast
Making sure the bag over my shoulder didn't make any sound, we entered the landing. The first thing I noticed was that a sign had been set up next to the floor's concierge desk. I stopped for a second to read it. Horse Racing Sign Up. Next to it was an open ledger, inside which many people had signed their names, along with their cabin numbers.
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My Crew And I Are Stuck Aboard An Abandoned Ship | Creep Cast
My eyes flickered down the list, seeing many names that I didn't recognize. Ones of people who had passed from this world decades ago or longer. Then I froze. It felt like someone had dumped the frigid seawater down my back. My eyes read and reread the last three names on the signup list. I saw Will's name, the captain's name, and Vinny's. Wait a minute. That means that Wyatt isn't trapped, right?
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My Crew And I Are Stuck Aboard An Abandoned Ship | Creep Cast
Wyatt and Kenny? Yeah, maybe. That means that it's... Okay, so we're back to your plan, Hunter, of throwing ourselves into the ship propeller. It works. Thank God. I closed my eyes and turned away from the ledger, feeling as though my emotions were about to overwhelm me. Seeing his name, knowing that all three of my crewmates were among them, shattered a piece of my soul.
CreepCast
My Crew And I Are Stuck Aboard An Abandoned Ship | Creep Cast
Especially because I knew there was nothing I could do for them. Not now. Someone patted me on the shoulder, opened my eyes, turning to find Spencer standing beside me. He wore a grim expression on his face and looked from me to the letter, having seen the same horrific sight I had. For a moment, I did nothing. Then I nodded at him, turning to follow him and Andrew up the stairs.
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My Crew And I Are Stuck Aboard An Abandoned Ship | Creep Cast
The lifeboats were hooked up on the promenade deck, which is where we were heading. The plan was to hide the bag of supplies near the stern railing of the ship behind a few of the giant cleats used for mooring. Then ready all the lifeboats on the starboard side of the ship to drop.
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My Crew And I Are Stuck Aboard An Abandoned Ship | Creep Cast
Normally they would slowly be lowered from the davits via steel cables, but I had noted there was a sort of quick disconnect switch, which would allow the small boat to simply free fall to the water. All of us knew damn well that the moment the ship's inhabitants realized what we were doing, they would send everything they had after us to stop us.
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My Crew And I Are Stuck Aboard An Abandoned Ship | Creep Cast
And that meant the second we launched the last of the lifeboats, we would have to quite literally run for our lives to the stern, snatching up the supplies before leaping overboard. From there, it was simply a matter of making it to one of the lifeboats, climbing inside and rowing like mad away.
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The idea conjured up an image from an old horror 80s horror movie I'd seen about a possessed ship of it turning to run down its escaping prey. It was replaced by the horrific sight of the Queen Elizabeth coming about to do the same to us. I pray to God that doesn't decide to do that, because we'll be sitting ducks.
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My Crew And I Are Stuck Aboard An Abandoned Ship | Creep Cast
He was soaked with seawater and his eyes darted around in their sockets in panic.
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My Crew And I Are Stuck Aboard An Abandoned Ship | Creep Cast
Shaking the thought and image from my mind, we reached the top stairs of the promenade deck, looking around. The music continued to play, the song changing to Mr. Sandman by the Chardettes. Aside from that, though, the ship was silent in the gloom, which meant that they hadn't caught on to our plan yet, and that gave us more of a fighting chance.
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I whispered the first words any of us had uttered that day. Motioning to them, I knelt down into a crouch and slowly began moving down the corridor, two following close behind. As we reached a corner, a sign hanging overhead pointed in the direction which showed the way to the outer deck. Something filtered out from down the hall in the other direction, in the direction of the theater.
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My Crew And I Are Stuck Aboard An Abandoned Ship | Creep Cast
It was the sound of laughter. Not eerie, sinister laughter, but the genuine, infectious laughter of people who have been bowled over by something hilarious. Even still, the sound sent chill after chill down my back. They're watching a movie, I realized. For a moment, I wondered if our lost crewmates were sitting beside them, watching. I shook my head. Knock it off, Nate.
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I jerked my head, putting my finger to my lips as we reached the door to outside. Feeling my entire body tense up, I reached out, grabbing the handle and slowly pulling it down. It opened, the smell of the ocean immediately rushing into my nostrils in the hall. Moving quickly, we stepped outside and closed the door behind us.
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My Crew And I Are Stuck Aboard An Abandoned Ship | Creep Cast
Andrew easing the door shut as quietly as he could, then he finally spoke, his whisper almost torn away by the whipping wind.
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My Crew And I Are Stuck Aboard An Abandoned Ship | Creep Cast
Together, the three of us descended a few sets of stairs until we reached the stern deck. Thankfully, it seemed as deserted as the rest of the ship. Moving quickly, we scuttled over and set down the bag. Step one was complete. As we slowly began to back away, the hairs on the back of my neck stretched straight up.
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My Crew And I Are Stuck Aboard An Abandoned Ship | Creep Cast
I froze as the shiver, which came with the sensation of being watched, passed over me. My heart began to beat hard and fast in my chest.
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My Crew And I Are Stuck Aboard An Abandoned Ship | Creep Cast
Captain cursed and turned to me.
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My Crew And I Are Stuck Aboard An Abandoned Ship | Creep Cast
shit swallowing I slowly turned and looked at the massive decks over our heads expected to see a shadowy figure staring down at me no one was there what what'd you see Andrew hissed at me steered up for a moment longer before shaking my head nothing nothing I just thought we were being watched for a moment their faces paled slightly at my words but they nodded come on let's get back upstairs
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My Crew And I Are Stuck Aboard An Abandoned Ship | Creep Cast
So the color began to come back to their faces, the fearful looks melting back into the determined ones they had until now. I shot a look off the side of the ship. The sun was beginning to raise itself over the horizon, the orange glow giving way to the yellow glare as it looked to be pulling itself out of the sea. Turning back, I jerked my head forwards. Let's go.
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My Crew And I Are Stuck Aboard An Abandoned Ship | Creep Cast
We made our way back up to the promenade deck and began readying our potential escape vessels to drop. It was extremely, almost painfully slow going, especially trying to be quiet. Some of the hinges had formed patches of rust, making the davits hard to swing out and the levers even harder to raise.
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My Crew And I Are Stuck Aboard An Abandoned Ship | Creep Cast
But eventually, every single lifeboat on the starboard side of the Queen Elizabeth dangled high above the water, which moved by below. The three of us stopped for a moment to wipe our brows, and we allowed ourselves a small smile at our accomplishment. We might actually make it out of this. We might actually pull this off. Thoughts in a surge of hope, almost giddiness to flow through me.
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My Crew And I Are Stuck Aboard An Abandoned Ship | Creep Cast
Not giving me a chance to answer, he turned away, beginning to head towards the companionway stairs. I just turned back to look out the window when the brightest flash of lightning came, turning the world around us for night to day. It also revealed something dead ahead, something that made my heart almost stop. Oh, fuck my life. Racing towards the point of no return was a rogue wave. Oh, fuck.
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My Crew And I Are Stuck Aboard An Abandoned Ship | Creep Cast
When I get back home, I'm going to literally kneel down and kiss the ground beneath my feet, and I'm never setting foot on or in the ocean again. Now came the final task, making sure that the coast was clear and that we hadn't been spotted and swarmed. None of us had discussed this portion of the plan yet, mostly due to the fact of what it entailed.
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My Crew And I Are Stuck Aboard An Abandoned Ship | Creep Cast
Simultaneous looks of guilt and relief entered the other men's eyes, and after a moment in which I saw them inwardly fight with themselves, they nodded. I began to turn away when Spencer spoke.
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I looked back, seeing the barely disguised fear on his face. Not fear for him, for me. Yeah? I asked, took a deep breath, and answered.
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My Crew And I Are Stuck Aboard An Abandoned Ship | Creep Cast
A small bit of gratitude for the gesture flooded me and I nodded at him.
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My Crew And I Are Stuck Aboard An Abandoned Ship | Creep Cast
With that, I opened the door and slipped back inside. Tension filled every fiber and sinew of muscle in my body as I crept forwards, hearing the pounding of my heart inside my eardrums as sweat began trickling down my face. Everything seemed the same. The music still played over the speakers and the ship still remained silent.
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My Crew And I Are Stuck Aboard An Abandoned Ship | Creep Cast
I didn't hear the laughter anymore, but that could just be because whatever film they were watching wasn't in the middle of a funny scene right now. At least, I hoped. Took another few steps towards the T-junction ahead, straining my ears for any abnormal sound. Still it remained quiet, but they really don't know what we're up to.
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My Crew And I Are Stuck Aboard An Abandoned Ship | Creep Cast
Keeping my breathing as quiet and shallow as possible, I finally reached the T-junction, taking a single, deep breath before stepping out into the middle of it. I cast a look in all directions I could see. Nothing moved in the stillness. Time to leave. I turned and gave the two faces in the door's porthole a thumbs up, then crossed my arms and made a slicing motion.
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My Crew And I Are Stuck Aboard An Abandoned Ship | Creep Cast
Both of them burst into elated grins and disappeared, dashing to begin dropping the boats as I turned to joy them.
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My Crew And I Are Stuck Aboard An Abandoned Ship | Creep Cast
The voice from over my right shoulder froze me on the spot, my feet rooting themselves to the floor. Every ounce of hope and happiness I had was sucked away from me like a loved one in the grip of a tsunami, replaced by the mixture of horror, fear, and dread. Oh, fuck. My breathing became ragged and I felt tears begin to spill from my eyes. Slowly, I turned my head to look behind me.
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My Crew And I Are Stuck Aboard An Abandoned Ship | Creep Cast
Will stood there, looking as alive and human as he had the last time I'd seen him, next to the pool. He cocked his head, slowly giving it a shake as a sad, pitying smile played over his lips. It was a valiant effort.
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My Crew And I Are Stuck Aboard An Abandoned Ship | Creep Cast
He jerked his head towards the door leading outside to the last hope of my salvation.
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My Crew And I Are Stuck Aboard An Abandoned Ship | Creep Cast
Especially getting those two bird brains to work together with you. A second voice spoke up to my right. But the game's over now, darling. My head swiveled to see that Diana now stood between me and the exit. And she wasn't alone. It looked like at least a dozen men, women, and children stood beside and behind her, all wearing clothing from the mid-20th century.
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My Crew And I Are Stuck Aboard An Abandoned Ship | Creep Cast
They all wore amused smiles on their faces, their eyes fixated on me. Behind them, I could hear the dull thunk of the lifeboats being released. My dear boy, Nathan. The biggest chill yet ran up my spine, and I slowly turned around to find three of the four hallways packed with people. Hundreds, no, thousands, were stretched away and out of sight.
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My Crew And I Are Stuck Aboard An Abandoned Ship | Creep Cast
Wearing not only old clothing, but crew uniforms as well. They're all here. Then my eyes fixated on the man who'd spoken. Spoken with the voice I'd heard through the radio that second day, welcoming me aboard. He was dressed in a captain's uniform, a white cap sitting atop his head. I knew instantly who he was. It was the man that Andrew and Spencer had seen.
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My Crew And I Are Stuck Aboard An Abandoned Ship | Creep Cast
I tried setting on fire and then running from the captain of the Queen Elizabeth. He smiled an ear-to-ear smile that reminded me of the Cheshire Cat from Alice in Wonderland. Only this grin wasn't going to be followed with raising any philosophical points or trying to cheer me up. This grin held a wicked hunger and it made me feel as though I were staring at the devil himself.
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My Crew And I Are Stuck Aboard An Abandoned Ship | Creep Cast
One that dwarfed all the swells around us. My mind screamed at me that it had to be at least 30 or 40 feet high, enough that it blocked out the sky ahead. Captain! I screamed at the top of my lungs. I heard him stop and the sound of his footsteps as he dashed back next to me.
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My Crew And I Are Stuck Aboard An Abandoned Ship | Creep Cast
Then two figures stepped out behind him. Two figures had made the blood drain from my face. The captain spoke again. I think you know what you have to do now, everyone. And I finally wrenched my mouth open and screamed. Why? Why would you? He's scared. I know. He's scared. He's so scary.
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My Crew And I Are Stuck Aboard An Abandoned Ship | Creep Cast
Scream was all the air in my lungs as I watched him, Vinny, and the captain, my captain, and all of them melted to the shadowy figures that had stalked and pursued us from the day we'd stepped aboard. I didn't wait for them to make a move. I turned and ran. I ran in the only direction that was available to me, back down the hallway that led to the lounge and the stairs.
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My Crew And I Are Stuck Aboard An Abandoned Ship | Creep Cast
Sparing a glance behind me, I screamed again as what I can only describe as a maelstrom flew after me. The maddening whispers, screams and laughs emanating from them melting together into what I can only assume is what hell itself sounds like.
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My Crew And I Are Stuck Aboard An Abandoned Ship | Creep Cast
Running faster than I ever had in my life, I reached the landing and made a dash for the stairs, but I'd only taken a few steps down when I heard even more of the infernal noise rising up from down below. I peered over the banister and down the space between the stairwell, and I felt a new surge of terror as I saw even more swirling figures surging up the stairs. Shit!
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My Crew And I Are Stuck Aboard An Abandoned Ship | Creep Cast
I yelled, turning and sprinting back up the stairs. I emerged back onto the landing just as the figures which had originally started chasing me entered. Black, soot-like arms reached out to snatch me, and I ducked, managing to dodge them with less than an inch to spare.
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My Crew And I Are Stuck Aboard An Abandoned Ship | Creep Cast
I ran towards the open doors to the lounge, my momentary thoughts of running for the observation room squashed, as I heard yet still more whispers coming from around the corner of the hallway to it. I had no other choice aside from turning around and letting them take me, and that was not happening.
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My Crew And I Are Stuck Aboard An Abandoned Ship | Creep Cast
I burst into the lounge, almost tripping over one of the chairs that still lay on its side and racing forward the crew hallway we'd first entered the ship from. As I made it to the center of the room, I could see it, the door hanging slightly open. I have to make it. It's my only way to escape.
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My Crew And I Are Stuck Aboard An Abandoned Ship | Creep Cast
Momentary surge of hope filled me as I reached it, heaving it open, and then died as a shadowy hand thrust out from the darkened companionway, trying to snatch me and pull me in. I stumbled backwards, almost falling as I turned to run the other way. Panic and fear that was slowly driving me now as I made it to the middle of the room. And skidded to a stop. I was completely surrounded.
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My Crew And I Are Stuck Aboard An Abandoned Ship | Creep Cast
Spun around in a circle, feeling the strongest wave of horror burst forth as I saw the shadowy figures had made a circle around me. There was nowhere left for me to run. I began to shake uncontrollably as I watched them slowly close the circle more. Tears began to fall from my eyes as the grim reality of my situation slammed into me. There's nowhere for me to run anymore. Nowhere for me to go.
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My Crew And I Are Stuck Aboard An Abandoned Ship | Creep Cast
I'm not getting out of this. I'm going to die here. I just hope Spencer and Andrew manage to make it off. And then one more thought. God, please don't let it hurt. I closed my eyes. Nate! My eyes shot open, flicking over the shoulders of the shadowy figures as they stopped and turned back to look. At Andrew and Spencer, who had dashed to the doorway of the lounge, panicked looks on their faces.
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My Crew And I Are Stuck Aboard An Abandoned Ship | Creep Cast
Their eyes found mine, and I saw their faces go pale, and they saw my situation. Then, to my horror, some of the figures turned and began to move towards them. "'No!' I began screaming. "'Hey, I'm here!
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My Crew And I Are Stuck Aboard An Abandoned Ship | Creep Cast
Figures turned back to me, and I heard the whispers morph until the only sound I could hear was them laughing. It's when I heard Andrew scream at me. Nate, look out! I looked up to see him pointing his finger. Behind me, I spun around, catching a glimpse of something rocketing towards me.
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My Crew And I Are Stuck Aboard An Abandoned Ship | Creep Cast
With a terrified realization, I recognized it as one of the giant lamps that had been set up in the four corners of the lounge. And at that speed, the huge marble and glass behemoth was traveling. I would be killed instantly if it hit me. It was what was meant to kill me. I didn't think there wasn't time to. I simply turned and dove to the floor.
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My Crew And I Are Stuck Aboard An Abandoned Ship | Creep Cast
The carpet slammed into my face as I felt the monstrosity whizz less than a foot over my head. Seconds later, I heard it slam into the opposite wall with a thunderous crash. For a moment, I could do nothing but lay there, the shock of not being dead all I could feel. Then I got to my feet.
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My Crew And I Are Stuck Aboard An Abandoned Ship | Creep Cast
I turned to see him snatching for the microphone handset, which connected the wheelhouse to the ship's intercom as I began ripping the helm to port. Oh my gosh.
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My Crew And I Are Stuck Aboard An Abandoned Ship | Creep Cast
Andrew and Spence's faces were horrified expressions at how close I'd come to death, and they could do nothing but stare at me. But as I did, I realized something. Something that sent a bolt of hope through me. Some of the figures were still moving towards the two men. Quite a few of them, in fact. Enough that they made a mistake and left a narrow but noticeable gap in the circle. I ran.
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My Crew And I Are Stuck Aboard An Abandoned Ship | Creep Cast
Instantly, the figures realized their error and attempted to pluck the hole in their line. But they were just a moment too slow as I managed to sprint between them, feeling the tips of their fingers brush the collar of my jacket. A new sound rose from them as I flew out of their grasp, one that spurred me to move faster. A single, unanimous scream of rage.
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My Crew And I Are Stuck Aboard An Abandoned Ship | Creep Cast
Rage at having to have me dead to rights and then letting me slip out of their grasp. As I broke free, I shot another look up towards the others. I'd been ready to yell at them to run, to head for the stern of the ship, but I saw I didn't need to. They were already bolting for the exit. I felt fresh tears begin to well up in my eyes, this time ones of hope.
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My Crew And I Are Stuck Aboard An Abandoned Ship | Creep Cast
I crashed into the corner as I saw them ripping open the exit door, sheer adrenaline powering me on as I raced to catch up to them. Come on, you're so close, move! I spared a look behind me, fear adding more fuel to my escape as I saw the mass of figures spill around the corner I'd just come from. They were desperate to keep us from escaping.
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My Crew And I Are Stuck Aboard An Abandoned Ship | Creep Cast
I slammed into the door, yanking on the handle as it flew open. The sun momentarily blinded my eyes. It slammed into the outer wall with a crash, and as I caught sight of Andrew and Spencer racing down the stairs, they shot a terrified look back at the sound.
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My Crew And I Are Stuck Aboard An Abandoned Ship | Creep Cast
I was too focused on staying ahead of the horde to say anything, the only sound I made being the labored breathing as I took the stairs down two at a time. The stern section came into view and I raced down the final set of stairs, and I saw Andrew snatching up the supply bag. The screams of anger and desperation behind me now filled the air, drowning out the cry of the gulls overhead.
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My Crew And I Are Stuck Aboard An Abandoned Ship | Creep Cast
I saw my two crewmates take two bounding steps, jumping and pushing off the stern railing with their feet, and they disappeared out of sight. A moment later, I jumped as well. The frigid cold water took my breath away as it enveloped me. For a moment, I thrashed underwater, then my head broke the surface. I sputtered out sea water and looked around. The lifeboat. I saw that our plan had worked.
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My Crew And I Are Stuck Aboard An Abandoned Ship | Creep Cast
At least half a dozen of the small boats had successfully survived their fall and floated away from the ship. I began swimming for them as hard as I could, seeing the others do the same. Behind me came the biggest scream yet. I spared a glance over my shoulder to see the Queen Elizabeth steaming away from us. For whatever reason, they couldn't pursue us. The sight slammed the reality home to me.
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My Crew And I Are Stuck Aboard An Abandoned Ship | Creep Cast
We made it. We're free. Moments later, we reached the closest one and hauled ourselves on board. For a few moments, we could do nothing but lay there, gasping for air as the sun rose higher in the sky. The warmth that radiated down felt like heaven to me. Slowly, I heard Spencer begin to chuckle triumphantly. Andrew joined in a moment later. Finally, so did I.
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My Crew And I Are Stuck Aboard An Abandoned Ship | Creep Cast
It's all we were able to do, being so mentally and emotionally fried from what we'd experienced. You know what? I'm sorry. But I can't. I can't lie to you. Not after all you did for me. I know that's what you wanted, though, wasn't it?
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My Crew And I Are Stuck Aboard An Abandoned Ship | Creep Cast
You wanted to read about how the three of us managed to beat the odds, managed to escape the nightmare ship, and are floating somewhere in the Atlantic, that we're going to be alright. Am I right? Well, I'm afraid I'm going to have to burst that bubble. I can't imagine you sitting there now, all of you reading this. Wait, what? You'll scream a shocked expression on your faces.
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My Crew And I Are Stuck Aboard An Abandoned Ship | Creep Cast
He lied at the start. But did I? I said at the start that it was finally over. I said what I felt was a night... I said what I felt was a nightmare was finally over. I never said I escaped, though. You only took it to mean as much. Fuck off. Yeah. The truth is, everything I just told you actually happened. Until the point where I turned to see the giant lamp fly towards me.
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My Crew And I Are Stuck Aboard An Abandoned Ship | Creep Cast
I never dove out of the way. I didn't have time to. It slammed into me with the force of a 747. I can still remember it. I remember flying across the room before being crushed into the wall. Truth be told, it was so quick that I didn't even feel anything. I didn't suffer, if that makes you feel better. I actually kind of want Nathan to suffer because he's so insufferable.
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My Crew And I Are Stuck Aboard An Abandoned Ship | Creep Cast
I also didn't lie about standing up to the horrified looks on Andrew and Spencer's faces. They did indeed have horrified looks, and they did look back terrified as they slammed open the door to chase after them. Because I was rushing after them to tell them how wrong we'd been, how wrong we'd all been.
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My Crew And I Are Stuck Aboard An Abandoned Ship | Creep Cast
I realized it as soon as I stood up, looking down at myself and seeing the shadows clinging to my body. They were right. Will, Diana, the captain, they were all right about it being beautiful. About the past not dying, the other reality, all of it. There truly was never anything to fear. Because I feel so happy. I never have to worry about death again, about growing old.
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My Crew And I Are Stuck Aboard An Abandoned Ship | Creep Cast
I never have to worry about things changing, about the world moving on, whether I want it to or not. To tell you the truth, I feel so silly for being afraid this whole time. If I'd known the truth, I never would have run from them. I would have let them take me. I didn't lie about them escaping either. Injured Spence, I mean.
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My Crew And I Are Stuck Aboard An Abandoned Ship | Creep Cast
Behind me, I heard Andrew let out a strangled scream as he spied the behemoth racing toward us.
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My Crew And I Are Stuck Aboard An Abandoned Ship | Creep Cast
They really did leaf off the stern of the ship into the water and swam to a lifeboat. I can see them now, actually. I can see them trying to row away as I lay on a sun lounge on the promenade deck with others. The laptop I left in our cabin in my lap. Diana and Will are smiling and laughing together as they share a drink on my left. Vinny and the captain are lounging on my right.
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My Crew And I Are Stuck Aboard An Abandoned Ship | Creep Cast
My heart warms as I see them shoot me smiles, almost as warm as the beating summer sun. But I can't help feeling sad for Andrew and Spence. They're never going to be able to experience this, just like Wyatt and Kenny won't.
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My Crew And I Are Stuck Aboard An Abandoned Ship | Creep Cast
I even asked the captain of the Queen Elizabeth if they could return, if I could try and convince them to come back to us, but he said because they tried to burn the ship down, it wouldn't be possible. As much as that sucks, I could see his point. But I can't help but feel a little bad for them.
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My Crew And I Are Stuck Aboard An Abandoned Ship | Creep Cast
Seeing their little lifeboat get farther and farther away as the storm rolls in to swallow them up, I hope they don't suffer too much. We're so close to arriving in New York City. I'm so excited. When I look over the railing towards the bow, I can see the first glimpse of it on the horizon. And it looks so amazing, seeing it as it is, 1956, without any of the ugly modern buildings ruining it.
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My Crew And I Are Stuck Aboard An Abandoned Ship | Creep Cast
Diana told us that she's going to show us around the city, that she's going to take us to her home in Los Angeles. We're even going to go see Elvis perform. I can't wait. After the traditional horse race and party tonight, of course, which brings me to something I wanted to tell you about. You see, Diana also told me that when newcomers arrive, they do have to do something.
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My Crew And I Are Stuck Aboard An Abandoned Ship | Creep Cast
They need to contribute to help them. Queen Elizabeth will eventually leave New York, heading back out for open sea. She'll cruise between here, over to England, and then back through the Atlantic, where we first came across her. Crossing from this world to ours, to yours, thanks to the tether that the floating hotel her sister ship became.
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My Crew And I Are Stuck Aboard An Abandoned Ship | Creep Cast
But because after enough time, the four of us will stop being new faces to everyone here. We'll stop being new faces to us. And it gets ever so lonely not seeing any new faces. So, I'd like to do something for you. Before I finally lose the signal the computer has back to you. Before we fully cross over. The entire reason I'm posting this last update.
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My Crew And I Are Stuck Aboard An Abandoned Ship | Creep Cast
Below, I heard the terrified shouts of the crew spring up. I clenched the helm in a death grip as tears silently poured out of my eyes. In my head, the scene from The Perfect Storm flashed. The Andrea Gale being flipped and driven into the ocean. I only had enough time for one quick thought. Please, God, no. smashed into us with all the force of a dozen runaway semi-trucks.
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My Crew And I Are Stuck Aboard An Abandoned Ship | Creep Cast
Remember at the start when I said, if I could ever return the favor for all you've done, for all the advice. If I could do anything in return for you all being such kind-hearted people, I would. Well, there is. I'd like to extend you all an invitation. If you're able, charter a boat and sail for the Flemish Cap, or for the route the ship used to take in your world across the Atlantic.
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My Crew And I Are Stuck Aboard An Abandoned Ship | Creep Cast
Look for the dark and storm clouds and steer course for them. You'll be battered about a great deal, unfortunately. Won't be pleasant, but you'll eventually see the great ship appear on the horizon. Steer course for Come On Board, where we wait to welcome you with open arms. We're always looking for new people to join us.
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My Crew And I Are Stuck Aboard An Abandoned Ship | Creep Cast
There it is. Okay. So I still, I still thought it was fun. I still like it. Um, it's good. Uh, it needs a second draft. Uh, but the author has talked about that in some of his posts and whatnot. Um, where he's like, I'm going to rework it for book. I think if you, I think if you shorten it, condense it down, um,
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My Crew And I Are Stuck Aboard An Abandoned Ship | Creep Cast
cut out some of the filler, change the verbiage a bit to where there's not as many repeating words. Um, and then I, I like, I know it's part of no sleep saying, but if you remove like the Reddit stuff, I feel like they didn't contribute that much. I feel like this is a very workable, very good. And I love the concept of a ghost ship in the middle of the ocean. Like what's not fun about that.
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My Crew And I Are Stuck Aboard An Abandoned Ship | Creep Cast
Um, so I drew, I enjoyed it. I thought it was good. It just bogged down a bit. And I don't like the, it was all a dream ending. Um, However, I will add that that is my ultimate pick for how it ends, that the guys who hated him, Spence and Andrew, they make it out and Nathan dies. So I am happy about that part.
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My Crew And I Are Stuck Aboard An Abandoned Ship | Creep Cast
Like his solution at the end. Even if this isn't Nathan at the ending and it's like his spirit that's been altered or whatever, at least play that off some way with...
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My Crew And I Are Stuck Aboard An Abandoned Ship | Creep Cast
because the only real mentions we get of Nathan's like he talks about the horror of his family around a cross that's made for him and stuff so maybe like a return to his family and then at the end there's like a rejection of it but well even if it wasn't that it was him looking for family the whole time and at the end he could find it in this new crew and it could be like a bittersweet
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My Crew And I Are Stuck Aboard An Abandoned Ship | Creep Cast
So say that like, well, if it's the 1950s, we can go find your aunt. When we get to New York, we'll find her, you know, she'll be younger. You can spend, you know, she could be your friend or whatever. And like, you could play off of his emotions.
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My Crew And I Are Stuck Aboard An Abandoned Ship | Creep Cast
The port side windows of the ship shattered into a thousand pieces and the freezing sea water rushed over us in a seemingly unending wave. For a moment, my mind was unable to comprehend what had happened. And then it began screaming at me as I felt the world begin to rotate. We're underwater. We're flipping underwater in the wave.
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My Crew And I Are Stuck Aboard An Abandoned Ship | Creep Cast
The realization horrified me, and I felt certain that we would begin sinking like a stone to the bottom of the ocean. I led a silent prayer for my death to be quick. And then, to my astonishment, we emerged back into the world above the waves. The shock at still being alive froze me in place, and then I looked around.
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My Crew And I Are Stuck Aboard An Abandoned Ship | Creep Cast
I spied the captain, locked his arms in a death grip around the metal bar next to me. Andrew had been tossed to the back of the wheelhouse. I saw a large gash in his head as he stumbled to his feet, coughing out water. Instantly, the captain ran to the stairs and shouted down them.
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My Crew And I Are Stuck Aboard An Abandoned Ship | Creep Cast
As he did, I looked down at the screens in front of me. I felt a wave of despair wash over me as I saw most short-circuited after their meeting with the ocean. The radar still glowed green as the screen crackled and flickered as though it would go out in a second. Wyatt appeared at the top of the stairs, blood dripping from his right arm and soaked to the bone. Give me some good news, Wyatt.
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My Crew And I Are Stuck Aboard An Abandoned Ship | Creep Cast
The captain yelled over the howl of the wind that screamed into the wheelhouse through the broken windows. To me, it sounded almost more like a plea than a demand. Wyatt shook his head.
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My Crew And I Are Stuck Aboard An Abandoned Ship | Creep Cast
I let out a shaky breath and looked at the floor before finishing.
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My Crew And I Are Stuck Aboard An Abandoned Ship | Creep Cast
For a moment, nobody spoke. The implication of the man's words hung like nooses around all our necks. The pumps were dead, and so were we. It was only a matter of time before the ship filled up with too much water and foundered. We're now running on borrowed time, I thought numbly. When the captain spoke again, his tone was more subdued.
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My Crew And I Are Stuck Aboard An Abandoned Ship | Creep Cast
Just do it! Wyatt took a step back and turned wordlessly and headed back down the gangway. and then turned to Andrew, who had begun shaking slightly, a result of both the freezing water covering him and fear.
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My Crew And I Are Stuck Aboard An Abandoned Ship | Creep Cast
You know the drill. For a moment, the younger man stood as still as a statue. Then he rushed to the radio and jammed his hands down on the transmit button.
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My Crew And I Are Stuck Aboard An Abandoned Ship | Creep Cast
I tuned his words out as he began to repeat, turning instead to look out the broken windows. I didn't say it out loud, but I knew we were royally screwed. Wyatt's right. These waves will tear the raft to pieces long before anyone reaches us. The numbness began to spread as I was faced with the unavoidable thought that these might be the final minutes of my life.
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My Crew And I Are Stuck Aboard An Abandoned Ship | Creep Cast
Moments of my past flashed in front of my eyes. Growing up as a child in Portsmouth, Spending weekends at friends of my mother's in Kittery Point. Visiting BG's boathouse with my mother and aunt. My relationship with Dana, my ex. A single image suddenly appeared in my mind. My friends and family, crowded around a cross commemorating us, crying.
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My Crew And I Are Stuck Aboard An Abandoned Ship | Creep Cast
My breath began to come in short, ragged gasps as I tried to force away the image. Bing. The sound snapped me out of the inner battle with my mortality, and I blinked for a second. What the? Then it came again. Bing. The realization suddenly crashed into me as hard as the wave had. The radar. Looking down, I watched the flickering screen as the line made its way around again.
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My Crew And I Are Stuck Aboard An Abandoned Ship | Creep Cast
This time, as the sound rang through the wheelhouse a third time, I saw the large shape appear. And it sent a bolt of renewed hope through me.
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My Crew And I Are Stuck Aboard An Abandoned Ship | Creep Cast
Be sure to continue to like and support us on audio platforms. Thank you all for your time. Be sure to support the author. You know the drill. You all are great. Great community and we're lucky to have you.
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My Crew And I Are Stuck Aboard An Abandoned Ship | Creep Cast
The sound of Andrew's distress call stopped as both men turned towards me.
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My Crew And I Are Stuck Aboard An Abandoned Ship | Creep Cast
Instantly, the man was at my side, gazing down at the screen. I don't believe it! You're right! He breathed out in an astonished tone, then he locked eyes with me. Are you thinking what I'm thinking, Nate? He asked. I swallowed.
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My Crew And I Are Stuck Aboard An Abandoned Ship | Creep Cast
He looked at me for another second before nodding. Head approximately south, southwest, and pour on the power. For the next 20 minutes, we crashed through the storm in silence, aside from Andrew, who returned attempting a distress call. Finally, he gave up. Captain, the rogue wave must have snapped off the radio antennae. Still, we continued on.
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My Crew And I Are Stuck Aboard An Abandoned Ship | Creep Cast
I strayed my eyes against the lashing wind and rain pouring through the windows, praying to catch sight of our only chance at survival. And then, in the flash of lightning, I saw it. Even a few miles away from us, I could tell the ship was huge. She rose, almost imposingly out of the water, rolling up and down in the waves of the storm.
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My Crew And I Are Stuck Aboard An Abandoned Ship | Creep Cast
Another flash of lightning showed that her hull was black, while her upper decks were painted white. Two large red and black smokestacks rose in the sky, almost disappearing out of sight. I heard the captain let out a low whistle as he spotted it as well. She's gotta be, what, 800 feet long? I called over the wind. Try more like a thousand!
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My Crew And I Are Stuck Aboard An Abandoned Ship | Creep Cast
By now, most of the rest of the crew had reappeared from the below deck. They brought the gear the captain had ordered up and had packed it into waterproof bags. I'd also requested that the satellite phone and laptop be brought up as well. Unfortunately, the phone was very much dead from being submerged, but the laptop, according to Will, was able to be salvaged.
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My Crew And I Are Stuck Aboard An Abandoned Ship | Creep Cast
When they caught sight of the giant ship, they let out cheers and turned to hug one another. I realized I hadn't been the only one feeling that death was breathing down our necks. As we drew within half a mile of the ship, I realized something was off. Captain, she's dead in the water. Not moving at all. If she'd been under power, it would have taken longer to draw near.
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My Crew And I Are Stuck Aboard An Abandoned Ship | Creep Cast
Captain looked hard but nodded.
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My Crew And I Are Stuck Aboard An Abandoned Ship | Creep Cast
Saw the crew's faces at the news. So what do we do now? Kenny, the other engineer, asked. Captain turned to them as I steered us closer. We stick to the plan.
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My Crew And I Are Stuck Aboard An Abandoned Ship | Creep Cast
We transfer our equipment on board and then we'll go from there. The look of hope returned in some of their eyes, but I saw apprehension in her others. I didn't blame them one bit. Fear still coursed through my veins. All it takes is one screw up, one mistake, and we're all dead. The captain ordered me to move around to the ship's port side so as to give us a small bit of shelter from the storm.
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My Crew And I Are Stuck Aboard An Abandoned Ship | Creep Cast
He then snapped on the powerful searchlight, which thankfully, had it been taken out by the wave and traced it over the ship. A few minutes later, I heard him let out a triumphant laugh.
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My Crew And I Are Stuck Aboard An Abandoned Ship | Creep Cast
He was right. I saw the white lines and wooden steps flailing about in the wind. Sparing a glance behind us and seeing that the ocean was beginning to creep over the back of the transom, I hastily maneuvered the point of no return over to the ladder, nudging the throttle into neutral as we drew alongside.
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My Crew And I Are Stuck Aboard An Abandoned Ship | Creep Cast
Sparing a glance out of the open side door, I saw Spencer and Will reaching out with boat hooks to snatch the ladder. Yes, the two men hooked it and lashed it onto our railing.
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My Crew And I Are Stuck Aboard An Abandoned Ship | Creep Cast
Slowly, almost painfully, the eight members of our crew made their way up the ladder and onto the ship. As I watched Wyatt climb out of sight, a sound caught my attention. I looked down to see all of the remaining gauges die, and the sound of the remaining engine idling died away. Crap. Almost immediately afterwards, I became aware of a new sound. It was one that spurred a new wave of panic in me.
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My Crew And I Are Stuck Aboard An Abandoned Ship | Creep Cast
It was the sucking sound of the sea rapidly flooding the point of no return.
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My Crew And I Are Stuck Aboard An Abandoned Ship | Creep Cast
I screamed, snatching up the last bag of supplies. I saw the man give an almost pained look as he cast a final look at the vessel he'd worked his entire life to afford before shouting at me and Kenny, last to aboard besides himself.
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My Crew And I Are Stuck Aboard An Abandoned Ship | Creep Cast
Kenny went up the ladder first, unable to wait for him to make it all the way up. The captain and I unsnapped the ladder from our railing and began climbing after him. We were halfway up when I heard the sucking sound increase to a fever punch. Stopping and sparing to look below me, I saw the point of no return bow lift out of the water as we turned to slip below the waves.
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My Crew And I Are Stuck Aboard An Abandoned Ship | Creep Cast
She rapidly began to sink, and I turned to continue climbing. That was when a scream came from overhead. I snapped my gaze up to see a body fall past me, missing me by less than a foot. For a moment, shock kept my mind from working until I realized who I'd seen in the split-second flash of lightning.
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My Crew And I Are Stuck Aboard An Abandoned Ship | Creep Cast
I screamed out into the dark, but when the lightning flashed again, I saw no sign of him floating in the waves, only the bow of our ship as it finally slipped below the waves. I shouted the man's name again, the wind tearing the cry from my lips and off into the storm. Nathan, he's gone! Came a cry from below me. I shot a look down, seeing the captain looking up at me with a horrified expression.
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My Crew And I Are Stuck Aboard An Abandoned Ship | Creep Cast
Get at the ladder! I fought my emotions for a moment, then climbed as quickly as I could for the railing. A few moments later, both the captain and I hauled ourselves over, collapsing onto the wooden deck with sputtering coughs and groans. When I raised my head, it was to see the ashen face of Wyatt looking down at us. Where's Kitty? I took in a shaky breath and shook my head slowly at him.
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My Crew And I Are Stuck Aboard An Abandoned Ship | Creep Cast
I saw the shock and horror flash into his face. The same happened to all of the men standing behind him. For my part, I simply felt numb. Even though I'd lost my aunt to ovarian cancer in 2009, lost one of my mom's family friends to a brain tumor in 2012, I'd never actually seen someone die before. Not in real life, anyway. My mind was a jumble. I couldn't think properly.
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My Crew And I Are Stuck Aboard An Abandoned Ship | Creep Cast
Thankfully, though, the captain stood up and spoke up, his voice shaking only for a second before hardening.
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My Crew And I Are Stuck Aboard An Abandoned Ship | Creep Cast
His words seemed to bolster everyone, even myself, and we all stood, gathering our supplies and moving to find a door inside. After a few minutes searching, we found one. And after snapping on the waterproof flashlights we all had, we stepped inside the ship. Again, I've got to say, that was awesome.
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My Crew And I Are Stuck Aboard An Abandoned Ship | Creep Cast
That entire sequence of like the ship going down and the storm and them rolling and everything and having to catch the ladder. Oh, that was so good. You just said yeah without the British accent. Yeah. Yeah, there we go.
CreepCast
My Crew And I Are Stuck Aboard An Abandoned Ship | Creep Cast
Anyway, that whole thing was great. I really loved it. The descriptions of like the captain in the final moments, watching the ship go down, like the terror of it, the intensity. That was great. That was awesome. And now how cool of a concept. There's a ghost ship in the middle of the ocean, in the middle of this storm that they have to go on to. Oh, man, that's so cool. This is great.
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My Crew And I Are Stuck Aboard An Abandoned Ship | Creep Cast
This is stellar. I love this. Okay, anyway. Instantly, the sound of the howling wind grew fainter as we found ourselves inside a companionway of some kind. It seemed like it was meant for the crew. It seemed more spartan and function over form than what I'd seen from the rest of the ship. Nobody said a word as we made our way down until we came to another door.
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My Crew And I Are Stuck Aboard An Abandoned Ship | Creep Cast
Will, being the first in line, reached out and opened it, and we stepped into what I can only describe as the most luxurious lounge I've ever been in. The walls were plastered with wood that reflected back in the glow of our lights. What appeared to be marble lined the ceilings overhead.
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My Crew And I Are Stuck Aboard An Abandoned Ship | Creep Cast
Actually, while you were doing whatever it is that you're doing, I was scrolling through his Reddit, and I have an exciting announcement about this guy. He is incredibly active in r slash creepcast.
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My Crew And I Are Stuck Aboard An Abandoned Ship | Creep Cast
I saw dozens of tables and chairs, ones that had been once scattered across the room, lying overturned or on their sides, no doubt thrown about by the storm. Walking further into the room, I turned to the left and aimed my flashlight at the wall. It nearly jumped out of my skin as my light reflected off a huge face that gazed back at me. Jesus! Feeling my heart begin to marathon in my chest. What?
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My Crew And I Are Stuck Aboard An Abandoned Ship | Creep Cast
What is it? I heard Andrew call out. All the men ran to me and aimed their lights at what I'd seen. Instantly, the tension that filled the room was replaced by the sound of laughter.
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My Crew And I Are Stuck Aboard An Abandoned Ship | Creep Cast
So Vinny, another one of our crew, asked as he fought for breath. I let out a shaky breath of my own as I played the light over what I now saw was a painting, one of Queen Elizabeth II. Then I began to laugh along with him. Good lord, Nathan, you really are a pussy. For a minute, we all stood there, laughing and feeling the mood lighten somewhat.
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My Crew And I Are Stuck Aboard An Abandoned Ship | Creep Cast
The levity helped lighten the sadness that we all felt. It was cut short by the captain's voice as a loud rumble of thunder came from outside.
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My Crew And I Are Stuck Aboard An Abandoned Ship | Creep Cast
And with that, everyone began to fan out, finding a lone corner to change in without being seen. As they did, I approached the captain. Gabe. I sat tapping the man on the shoulder. He turned to look at me and I instantly saw the haunted look in his eyes. The poor man blames himself for Kenny. I wanted to say something, say that it wasn't his fault.
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My Crew And I Are Stuck Aboard An Abandoned Ship | Creep Cast
Instead, I told him I wanted to stay up a little, get the laptop out and try and get a signal from the satellite connection, try and find a way to send out a call for help. After a moment's hesitation, he agreed, gesturing towards the vast amount of chairs and tables. Go ahead, just try and get some sleep afterwards. I nodded, patted him again on the shoulder before turning away.
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My Crew And I Are Stuck Aboard An Abandoned Ship | Creep Cast
That's where I am now. I changed into dry clothes and found a thick, cushioned armchair on its side. I set it upright and pulled out the laptop. The battery was, thankfully, fully charged. I have a solar charger if it gets low, which survived. But, as I said at the start, it had to have sustained some kind of water damage because it won't let me go to many, if any, sites. Only this one.
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My Crew And I Are Stuck Aboard An Abandoned Ship | Creep Cast
I'm the only one of us left awake now. All around me I can hear the snores of my fellow crew members, hear them rolling over to get comfortable on the carpeted floors. I still hear the rain pounding on the roof of the great ship, hear the thunder rubble, and feel the ship lurching up and down in the waves. I pray she doesn't hit any rocks during the night.
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My Crew And I Are Stuck Aboard An Abandoned Ship | Creep Cast
Someone mentioned his story in our subreddit, r slash creepcast, saying the guys have to read this soon. And the author replied and says... I do indeed plan on eventually when I have the money to do the cover art and editing justice, release it as a novel. So he has plans to put this story that we're about to read into a novel and seems very hyped.
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My Crew And I Are Stuck Aboard An Abandoned Ship | Creep Cast
We don't need another problem on our hands. There is one final thing I have to say, though I can't help but feel foolish about it. I know that we're the only ones on board. Otherwise, people would have already come by now. We'd be swarmed with crew or passengers. And yet, I can't shake the feeling of being watched. I know it's ridiculous, but I can't make the feeling go away.
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My Crew And I Are Stuck Aboard An Abandoned Ship | Creep Cast
I feel like a goldfish with its owner staring in at me. And I don't like it one bit. I even took a walk around outside this lounge to reassure myself nobody else is here. I know the captain wouldn't have liked me doing so, but I wouldn't have been able to sleep otherwise. If anyone reads this, can anyone help us?
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My Crew And I Are Stuck Aboard An Abandoned Ship | Creep Cast
We're only fishermen who've dealt with a 70 foot long liner, not a giant cruise ship or ocean liner. Does anyone know what we have to do to get power going again, where we have to go, if we can get power restored? We might be able to get the radio on board working again and let people know we're out here. And is there anything else important we should do tomorrow? Anything at all you can think of?
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My Crew And I Are Stuck Aboard An Abandoned Ship | Creep Cast
Please let me know if anyone sees this. Check back in the morning, see if anyone has. Oh, and one final thing. I don't know if it'll help, but when I went for my walk to prove to myself no one else is here, I found a life ring which had the name of the ship stamped into it. Maybe someone can look to see if the ship has been labeled missing or something?
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My Crew And I Are Stuck Aboard An Abandoned Ship | Creep Cast
Which would work to try and get someone to know where we are. The name of the ship bears the same name as the huge, almost creepy-looking painting on the wall that, in the dark, I try not to look at. The RMS Queen Elizabeth.
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My Crew And I Are Stuck Aboard An Abandoned Ship | Creep Cast
I got to say, I got to say. Go ahead and say it. What do you got to say? I like it. I like this a lot. Just the uniqueness of the premise. We were a fishing vessel that found this abandoned cruise ship, it looks like, but no one's on it. And like, we don't know where we're at. And there's a storm. And I feel like there's some entity watching us. Just got to say,
CreepCast
My Crew And I Are Stuck Aboard An Abandoned Ship | Creep Cast
Like I already have it like a soft spot for like ocean stories or nautical stuff. And this is hitting every checking every box I have for a story like this. It is so cool. I'm I'm liking this a lot right now.
CreepCast
My Crew And I Are Stuck Aboard An Abandoned Ship | Creep Cast
Um... I thought that name, Queen Elizabeth, was familiar. And I was like, what's that? So I look up RMS Queen Elizabeth. In 1972, while she was undergoing refurbishment in Hong Kong Harbor, a fire broke out aboard under unexplained circumstances, and the vessel was capsized by the water used to fight the fire.
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My Crew And I Are Stuck Aboard An Abandoned Ship | Creep Cast
The following year, the wreck was deemed an obstruction to shipping in the area, and in 1974 and 75, it was partially scrapped on site. Well... Well, that doesn't seem too good. Well, that's not great. Just got to say, being on that ship now, not a good thing, I would argue. Anyway, so, yeah, they're on a ghost ship.
CreepCast
My Crew And I Are Stuck Aboard An Abandoned Ship | Creep Cast
You know what? I was thinking about that. I was like, there's a skull in the cloud and there's a mention before the wreck of the captain lighting a pipe. But I'm also having so much fun with the tone of the story. It's great. The ship and like, Captain, we're taking on water or whatever that I'm willing to forgive it. I'm willing to look over it. Yeah, it's okay if it's a little cheesy.
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My Crew And I Are Stuck Aboard An Abandoned Ship | Creep Cast
I mean, they're on a ghost ship in an ocean, right? Yeah, no, I'm having a great time with it. All right, so we are now on to part two. Thank God. To say I'm relieved that the first post got through would be an understatement of massive proportions. Even though it seems like not many people saw it, the fact that anybody did is a blessing in itself.
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My Crew And I Are Stuck Aboard An Abandoned Ship | Creep Cast
Gives me hope that all of us might make it out of this situation yet. First and foremost, to the people who did see it and commented, I can't thank you enough. Especially to the person who suggested a plan for what to do and regarding the power. It was actually thanks to you that I was able to give the captain and the others a suggestion of what to do today.
CreepCast
My Crew And I Are Stuck Aboard An Abandoned Ship | Creep Cast
Unfortunately, due to the fact we were so excited to get off the point of no return before she sank out from under us, we didn't bring the life raft with us. Only the supplies we thought we'd need. We were too caught up in the fact we had a better alternative to remember to lug it up the ladder. I do have to confess one thing to you all, though.
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My Crew And I Are Stuck Aboard An Abandoned Ship | Creep Cast
He says at the end, I'm hoping the guys will see your recommendation and cover it in a future episode. So, well, that's pretty cool.
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My Crew And I Are Stuck Aboard An Abandoned Ship | Creep Cast
When I first woke up this morning and checked the comments you left, I thought people were either pulling my leg, thinking I was bullshitting you all, or that you had to be mistaken. After all, if the Queen Elizabeth caught fire and sank years, if not decades ago, how the hell could we be on board? Ghost ships, legitimate ones, only exist in horror films, not real life.
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My Crew And I Are Stuck Aboard An Abandoned Ship | Creep Cast
There'd be a mistake made here. However, after some of the things that have happened today, I can't help but start to wonder if you're right. And if you are, we're in a whole lot bigger trouble than I thought we were. I'm jumping the gun though. I should tell you what went down today. When I first woke up, the first thing I realized was that the storm had passed.
CreepCast
My Crew And I Are Stuck Aboard An Abandoned Ship | Creep Cast
The rain no longer pounded on the roof of the ship and it no longer twisted about in the swells. For a moment, it was so calm that I forgot where we were, what had happened yesterday. Then everything came crashing back to me, causing me to sit up straight in my sleeping bag. The first thing I saw was the captain, who sat in one of the lounge chairs. He must have woken up a while ago.
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My Crew And I Are Stuck Aboard An Abandoned Ship | Creep Cast
Here you go. Here you go. Good one.
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My Crew And I Are Stuck Aboard An Abandoned Ship | Creep Cast
His head turned in my direction as I pulled myself out of the bag and to my feet, and he gave a short nod. Winding my way around the sleeping forms of the others, I made my way over to him. "'How long you been up, Cap?' I whispered as I picked up another chair and set it beside him. He shrugged. A little well now.
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My Crew And I Are Stuck Aboard An Abandoned Ship | Creep Cast
I could still see that losing Kenny still weighed heavily on his shoulders. The man likely had got much sleep due to it eating away at him. I decided to say something.
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My Crew And I Are Stuck Aboard An Abandoned Ship | Creep Cast
For a moment, I saw his eyes harden and his mouth open as if to snap at me. Then he slumped into the chair, his body seeming to sag.
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My Crew And I Are Stuck Aboard An Abandoned Ship | Creep Cast
I wanted to argue, but I saw that no amount of it would change his mind. Instead, I nodded and turned to look out across the massive room. We roused the others a few minutes later, and as they opened up the supplies we'd brought to bring out some food and water, the captain reminded me to check the laptop.
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My Crew And I Are Stuck Aboard An Abandoned Ship | Creep Cast
Booting it up, I saw the battery was low, making a mental reminder to set the solar power charger in the sunlight outside to charge it back up. Then I checked the post it had made. Hope and excitement surged through me as I saw comments left below. You guys. People saw what I wrote. In seconds, I was surrounded as everyone crowded around me.
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My Crew And I Are Stuck Aboard An Abandoned Ship | Creep Cast
I will. So I'll say this. If we like this story, we will finance it. The cover art, at least that part of it. But if Hunter does not, if we cannot break his accent by the end of it.
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My Crew And I Are Stuck Aboard An Abandoned Ship | Creep Cast
A bottle of water and a granola bar were shoved into my hands as they read the comments you all had left. There was silence for a few moments, then Spencer spoke up. That can't be right. He said softly. He looked up at us.
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My Crew And I Are Stuck Aboard An Abandoned Ship | Creep Cast
Do you know if there was a ship called the Queen Elizabeth that did catch fire and sink? He stayed quiet for a moment, seemingly lost in thought before answering.
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My Crew And I Are Stuck Aboard An Abandoned Ship | Creep Cast
He stood up, seeming to push away any remaining thoughts of the matter from his head.
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My Crew And I Are Stuck Aboard An Abandoned Ship | Creep Cast
point out a particular comment that gave an idea of what to do he leaned down silently reading it before nodding that's our plan for the day he declared before splitting us up into two teams one team comprising of myself andrew spencer and will would explore as much of the ship as we could while the captain wyatt and the only other remaining member of our crew a tall muscular italian man named vinnie would try and find their way down to the bowels of the ship to restore power
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My Crew And I Are Stuck Aboard An Abandoned Ship | Creep Cast
With the plan made, and a set of walkie-talkies given to the captain and me to maintain contact with each other, we exchanged a last, good luck and stay safe, left the lounge. Flicking on our flashlights, the four of us slowly walked back through the hallway we'd taken to get inside. A moment later, we emerged into the bright light of day.
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My Crew And I Are Stuck Aboard An Abandoned Ship | Creep Cast
The sun felt nice and warm on my face, and I couldn't help but let a small smile cross my face. It disappeared, though, as my eyes looked out beyond the railing. The endless ocean surrounded us, stretching far beyond the horizon. No sign of land anywhere.
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My Crew And I Are Stuck Aboard An Abandoned Ship | Creep Cast
Small shivers shot through me as the image of our ship slipping beneath the waves replayed in my mind, along with watching Kenny fall to his doom. I shook my head. Snap yourself out of it, Nate. Keep focused. I pulled the solar charger from my pocket and set it down next to the open hatch. Pick it up later when we came back this way.
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My Crew And I Are Stuck Aboard An Abandoned Ship | Creep Cast
Andrew spoke up, pointing to the row of lifeboats that hung from Davids that spread out away from us. You think those would still be safe to use? I shrugged my shoulders.
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My Crew And I Are Stuck Aboard An Abandoned Ship | Creep Cast
I will finance it entirely myself. But if he breaks at any point from here on out, we have to split it.
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My Crew And I Are Stuck Aboard An Abandoned Ship | Creep Cast
I pushed the hair out of my eyes and pushed my glasses up my nose. All right, let's keep moving, guys. For the next few hours, the four of us explored both the inside and outside of the ship, occasionally stopping to radio our position back to the captain. The Queen Elizabeth was indeed a luxury ship in every sense of the word.
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My Crew And I Are Stuck Aboard An Abandoned Ship | Creep Cast
The wood on the outside decks was well varnished and teaked, shining brilliantly in the sunlight. The same was true for the miles of wood that plastered the walls of the carpeted hallways and rooms that crisscrossed the inside like a maze. I was almost in awe of how beautiful it was. However, there was one thing that surprised me, and I wasn't the only one to notice.
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My Crew And I Are Stuck Aboard An Abandoned Ship | Creep Cast
As we walked through another lounge, Will said the words that incessantly reverberated in my head.
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My Crew And I Are Stuck Aboard An Abandoned Ship | Creep Cast
Andrew shrugged his shoulders.
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My Crew And I Are Stuck Aboard An Abandoned Ship | Creep Cast
His words reassured me a little, but I still couldn't help but feel a little uncomfortable. The entire time we'd been exploring the ship, an indescribable feeling had followed me like an annoying dog. And to make matters worse, the feeling of being washed I'd had last night hadn't gone away. Every so often, I would shoot a look behind us as we had walked away.
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My Crew And I Are Stuck Aboard An Abandoned Ship | Creep Cast
aiming my light back the way we'd come. I saw nothing, but for whatever reason, it felt like something had been there and pulled back just out of sight every single time I'd look. As we entered what, according to the sign above the door, was the first class smoking room, the radio on my belt chirped.
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My Crew And I Are Stuck Aboard An Abandoned Ship | Creep Cast
There's a layer of static above everything due to the massive amount of steel and wood in the way, but the words of the captain were unmistakable.
CreepCast
My Crew And I Are Stuck Aboard An Abandoned Ship | Creep Cast
Can you help us? Part one. Go ahead. If you're seeing this, then that means the prayer that I've been making with every single ounce of hope left in my body has been answered. Thank God. I've been trying for the last three and a half hours to get through any way possible to the outside world with no luck.
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My Crew And I Are Stuck Aboard An Abandoned Ship | Creep Cast
I heard a small trace of surprise in the man's voice as he continued.
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My Crew And I Are Stuck Aboard An Abandoned Ship | Creep Cast
Spencer's face crunched up in confusion.
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My Crew And I Are Stuck Aboard An Abandoned Ship | Creep Cast
I shrugged my shoulders and hit the transmit button. Can you get the power going? There was another wave of static before he answered.
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My Crew And I Are Stuck Aboard An Abandoned Ship | Creep Cast
remember seeing on a map on the wall that there's a first-class gym on this deck the four of us could go and lift some weights until they get everything going or if we fancy a swim there's a swim pool as well or hell we could even he kept speaking but i'd stop listening to him the feeling of being watched at return this time with the vengeance that caused a cascade of shivers to shoot out my spine for a moment i resisted the urge to look around then i cast my eyes towards a set of windows to the outside
CreepCast
My Crew And I Are Stuck Aboard An Abandoned Ship | Creep Cast
where someone peered in at us on the outside of a cruise ship. Oh man.
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My Crew And I Are Stuck Aboard An Abandoned Ship | Creep Cast
Oh, well, I mean, it's, he's looking outside. So it would be on the side of the ship, right? Well, I assume that he's probably like on a deck looking in is what I would assume. Oh, I see what you're saying. Yeah.
CreepCast
My Crew And I Are Stuck Aboard An Abandoned Ship | Creep Cast
I only caught a glimpse of the figure for a moment before they realized they'd been spotted and yanked their head back out of sight, but it was enough to see what looked like a small boy or young teenager. Hey! I shouted out, rushing over to the window. It didn't open, but I was able to crane my neck enough to look around the corner.
CreepCast
My Crew And I Are Stuck Aboard An Abandoned Ship | Creep Cast
The deck was empty in all directions, but I knew I hadn't seen things. There had been someone there. Hey, guys! Did any of you see that? There's no answer from behind me. I can imagine them looking at me like I just groaned two heads. They probably think I'm nuts. Seriously, I'm not kidding. I saw someone out there. They still didn't respond.
CreepCast
My Crew And I Are Stuck Aboard An Abandoned Ship | Creep Cast
I felt a slight ping of irritation flow through me and turn back, beginning to speak. Guys, don't be assholes. I'm asking you... The smoking room was empty. My voice died in my throat, and I felt a wave of confusion wash over me. What the hell? I looked around, my eyes wandering to the ornate wooden bar that lined the back of the room. There's no movement over there either. What the hell?
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My Crew And I Are Stuck Aboard An Abandoned Ship | Creep Cast
I breezed out incredulously. The irritation I'd felt a moment ago reared its head again, and I strode to the open doors to the hallway.
CreepCast
My Crew And I Are Stuck Aboard An Abandoned Ship | Creep Cast
I'm no computer expert, but the water damage my laptop has suffered must have severely screwed up the satellite link up something fierce. Any attempt to reach any website, be it the official Coast Guard one, or even most social media sites like Facebook or Twitter, have all yielded with the computer crashing and rebooting.
CreepCast
My Crew And I Are Stuck Aboard An Abandoned Ship | Creep Cast
My voice echoed away into the gloom, bouncing off the wooden walls and dying away, but nobody answered. A thought suddenly entered my mind. Oh, this better not be a prank. This is not the time or place for that shit. I knew that the three men loved to play practical jokes on themselves and the rest of the crew, but I would have thought they'd known better than to pull them with this predicament.
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My Crew And I Are Stuck Aboard An Abandoned Ship | Creep Cast
I let out a deep sigh and began to walk down the hall, my footsteps muted by the carpeted floor. If this is a joke, I'll fucking wring your necks. I muttered, reaching a T-junction and shining my light down it. Empty, empty and silent. Kept going straight, passing by a sign showing the direction of the gym and movie theater. I remembered hearing Spencer talk about it and quickened my pace.
CreepCast
My Crew And I Are Stuck Aboard An Abandoned Ship | Creep Cast
I expected the sound of their voice to slowly begin filtering down to me. But as I approached the door to it, I still heard nothing. And when I shone the light inside, reflecting off rowing machines, stationary bikes, and other exercise equipment I didn't recognize, my exasperation grew. Know what? Screw this.
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My Crew And I Are Stuck Aboard An Abandoned Ship | Creep Cast
I said through a grid of teeth, snatching the walkie-talkie from my belt and thumbing it.
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My Crew And I Are Stuck Aboard An Abandoned Ship | Creep Cast
Wall of Static greeted me as I let go of the transfer button. Nobody answered. I hit the button again.
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My Crew And I Are Stuck Aboard An Abandoned Ship | Creep Cast
Wall of Static began to fiddle with the dials, changing channels. Interference. Stupid piece of shit. I hit the button again. Hello? Does anybody read me? Over. The static suddenly stopped. The hallway went silent, a silence I've never experienced before, one that seemed to be alive, if that makes any sense. Then a voice suddenly tumbled from the walkie-talkie speaker. Hello, Nathan.
CreepCast
My Crew And I Are Stuck Aboard An Abandoned Ship | Creep Cast
My eyes shot down to the radio in my hand, my breath catching in my throat. It felt like someone had just poured a bucket of ice water down my back. That wasn't the captain's voice. That wasn't any of the crew's voice. For a moment, I debated saying nothing, and I slowly pressed down the transmit button. My throat had gone as dry as cotton.
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My Crew And I Are Stuck Aboard An Abandoned Ship | Creep Cast
My voice coming out gaspy and ragged. For a few seconds, there was no reply, and then came the voice again. A man's voice, deep and low. Welcome aboard, to all of you. My heart began to thump hard in my chest, and my breathing quickened. What the actual fuck, man? I forced myself to hit the button again, forced my voice to come out much calmer than I felt. Who the hell are you?
CreepCast
My Crew And I Are Stuck Aboard An Abandoned Ship | Creep Cast
There's another stretch of silence in which I began to furiously look over my shoulders, the feeling of paranoia growing by the second, and then my blood turned to ice as a new sound emanated from the radio speaker. Sound of the man beginning to laugh. Another laugh joined the first, this time a woman.
CreepCast
My Crew And I Are Stuck Aboard An Abandoned Ship | Creep Cast
But for reasons unknown to me, Reddit, or I should be more specific and say this particular page on Reddit managed to load perfectly without any issues. So I'm asking here and now if anyone reads this for help. For the record, my name is Nathan Rogers. I'm 33 years old and I am, I mean, I was the helmsman of fishing vessel called The Point of No Return. That is a bad idea to name a boat. Right.
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My Crew And I Are Stuck Aboard An Abandoned Ship | Creep Cast
I stared at the radio as if it were possessed as more and more people's laughter began to filter out of it, sounding as if an entire room full of people had just found what I'd said the most hilarious thing they'd ever heard. Fear began to fill every fiber of my being, a new kind of fear different than the one I'd felt in the storm last night.
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My Crew And I Are Stuck Aboard An Abandoned Ship | Creep Cast
And then it climaxed as a horrifying scream, one that sounded like a woman being brutally murdered tore from the speaker. I practically flung the walkie-talkie out of my hand to the floor, clapping a hand over my mouth as I backed up into the wall. As soon as the scream finished, the radio went silent. Dead.
CreepCast
My Crew And I Are Stuck Aboard An Abandoned Ship | Creep Cast
For a few moments I stood there, hands still clapped over my mouth and staring at the radio like it was about to sprout legs and chase me. I fought to get my racing heart shuddering, breathing under control. The logical part of my mind trying to make sense of things. You're panicking, Nathan. You're panicking and you're panicking so much that you're beginning to experience auditory hallucinations.
CreepCast
My Crew And I Are Stuck Aboard An Abandoned Ship | Creep Cast
When the mind breaks, it conjures up things that aren't there. What you need to do is get outside into the fresh air. The fresh air will do you good. I took a deep breath, feeling myself beginning to calm down. The fear I'd felt began to melt away like ice in spring. I shook my head. Yeah, you're supposed to be the calm and rational type, Rogers. I whispered to myself.
CreepCast
My Crew And I Are Stuck Aboard An Abandoned Ship | Creep Cast
I let out a soft laugh and took a step towards my dropped radio, but I stopped as I felt my foot step on something. Something that wasn't the carpet. I looked down at the floor. There, crushed under my foot, was what appeared to be a folder of some sort? No, not a folder. I crouched down, aiming my light as I picked the object up. There was artwork on the cover.
CreepCast
My Crew And I Are Stuck Aboard An Abandoned Ship | Creep Cast
I could see a violin, a film reel, shuffleboard, and other items decorating the cover. Big, blocky black letters in the middle of the cover read, Program for Today. And in the bottom right-hand corner was the word CUNNERED in cursive scrawl. I looked at the cover as I walked over and picked the radio up, clipping it back to my belt.
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My Crew And I Are Stuck Aboard An Abandoned Ship | Creep Cast
Focusing my attention on it was helping me rapidly calm, and I started to quickly flip it open and see what it said. There were only two pages inside. The top of the left page was adorned with the word notices, while the right page was headlined by program of events. My eyes began to slide down them, silently reading it out, until my mind caught up with my eyes. Wait, I didn't just see that, did I?
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My Crew And I Are Stuck Aboard An Abandoned Ship | Creep Cast
flash the light back up to the top right of the page where the date was stamped thursday june 21st 1956 i blinked my eye a couple times silently praying that the date would change i was seeing things but no it remained the same i began to feel my heart pound in my chest again
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My Crew And I Are Stuck Aboard An Abandoned Ship | Creep Cast
For a moment, my mind flashed back to the comment I'd seen that morning about the ship having sunk decades ago. I shook my head, tried to stay calm. Just get the hell outside, Nathan. Taking a breath, I turned to head back in the direction of the smoking room and froze. The program fell from my hand to the floor. My heart thundered in my chest and my breathing came in short, ragged gasps.
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My Crew And I Are Stuck Aboard An Abandoned Ship | Creep Cast
There were figures standing in the hallway down by the T-junction. I couldn't tell how many, but there were enough that they blocked the way back. In the gloom I couldn't see any features, just the dark outlines of them. Remembering the flashlight in my hands, I began to raise it to aim at them. That's when the light flickered out.
CreepCast
My Crew And I Are Stuck Aboard An Abandoned Ship | Creep Cast
I was plunged into gloom as I stared down at the light, smacking it and mentally pleading for it to come back to life, but it was no use. The light was dead. Realization suddenly filled me as my mind screamed at me that I'd taken my eyes away from the figures. When I snapped my head up, I almost screamed. They had drawn closer.
CreepCast
My Crew And I Are Stuck Aboard An Abandoned Ship | Creep Cast
Packing the hallway from wall to wall, they made no noise at first, and then I heard the whispering begin. It started quietly, almost to the point I thought I was hearing things, but then it began to grow louder. I couldn't tell what was being said, the voices were so low it was impossible to distinguish individual words.
CreepCast
My Crew And I Are Stuck Aboard An Abandoned Ship | Creep Cast
Even so, I felt a new bolt of terror shoot through me at the sound, and then my fear compounded as I saw the figures take a step towards me. I began to violently shake as I slowly began to back away. Then they came for me. The figures were suddenly a blur of motion, moving far faster than any human being could. They streamed towards me, the whispering suddenly intensifying to a fever pitch.
CreepCast
My Crew And I Are Stuck Aboard An Abandoned Ship | Creep Cast
Caught off guard, I stumbled backwards, tripping over my own feet and falling to the floor. My right elbow slammed into the wood paneling, and I felt a bolt of pain shoot up my arm. The figure swarmed over me, the whispering morphing into laughter, laughter and screaming. A moment later, more screaming began. My screams. I raised my arms over my head, covering my face and curling into a ball.
CreepCast
My Crew And I Are Stuck Aboard An Abandoned Ship | Creep Cast
Exactly. Sometimes they'll give like warships brutal names like that. Right. Like the ones that the Northwest Passage crew were lost on were called the Erebus and the Terror. They were only called that because they were previously war vessels.
CreepCast
My Crew And I Are Stuck Aboard An Abandoned Ship | Creep Cast
Tears began rolling down my face and I felt at any moment I'd be torn apart. The shout cut through the silence. I stopped screaming but kept my arms over my head protectively. Then I felt a hand begin to roughly shake me. The terror returned and I lashed out. The voice came again.
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My Crew And I Are Stuck Aboard An Abandoned Ship | Creep Cast
The realization made me lower my arms and open my eyes. Three faces, etched with panic and fear, looked down at me. For a second, I fought to find my voice.
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My Crew And I Are Stuck Aboard An Abandoned Ship | Creep Cast
Relief crossed the faces of my crewmates. He's back! Andrew said quietly, wiping visible sweat from his brow. I uncurled myself and sat up, looking around. I was lying on the floor of the smoking room, close to the windows I'd seen the figure outside. Sunlight still streamed in, landing on where I'd collapsed to the floor. I looked up at the others. What the hell happened?
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My Crew And I Are Stuck Aboard An Abandoned Ship | Creep Cast
Spencer shook his head, still looking rattled, but Andrew again answered me.
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My Crew And I Are Stuck Aboard An Abandoned Ship | Creep Cast
Let out a shaky breath of his own. You scared the ever-living shit out of us. I blinked rapidly, my mind trying to make sense of his words. Had I really hallucinated everything? Had it all just been in my head? I stumbled to my feet, aided by Will and Spencer. Andrew just kept looking at me, a concerned look on his face. It's a deep breath of my own. I'm okay.
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My Crew And I Are Stuck Aboard An Abandoned Ship | Creep Cast
My voice sounded far calmer and sure than I felt. You sure? I nodded.
CreepCast
My Crew And I Are Stuck Aboard An Abandoned Ship | Creep Cast
I could see the other two relax immediately, taking my words at face value, but Andrew continued to look at me for a moment, seemingly unconvinced. Finally, he nodded. The sound of static stabbed through the air, causing me to almost jump out of my skin. Then the sound of the captain's voice rang over the radio on my belt.
CreepCast
My Crew And I Are Stuck Aboard An Abandoned Ship | Creep Cast
I heard him declare happily. A moment later, I felt the floor beneath my feet shudder slightly from what must have been the boilers coming to life. Then the lights came on all throughout the ship. The smoking room became ablaze with the yellow light of what had been the incandescent bulbs, banishing away the gloom that lurked in the corners like monsters in the closet.
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My Crew And I Are Stuck Aboard An Abandoned Ship | Creep Cast
I began to say something to the others when a new sound began. Music. Music began spilling out from what had been the hidden speakers in the walls or ceiling. It echoed all throughout the deck. I could hear the instruments, along with the woman's crooning voice reverberating far down the hallway, likely all throughout the ship as well. Spencer looked up the walls.
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My Crew And I Are Stuck Aboard An Abandoned Ship | Creep Cast
Man, that's one hell of an old song. Andrew nodded, still looking hard at me. Will suddenly snapped his fingers. I know this song. My grandmother used to play it all the time when I was a little kid. He began snapping his fingers again, thinking hard. It's by a singer from the 40s and 50s called, I think, Joe Stafford. Now Andrew did take his eyes off me, looking over at him.
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My Crew And I Are Stuck Aboard An Abandoned Ship | Creep Cast
the terror too i just want to say great show if you haven't seen the show it is it's a great show um check it out because it's bloody brilliant um it takes a lot of like historical liberty the terror tv show does it takes a lot of historical liberties and like some of the visions or maybe stories they had or what was talking them but as far as the actual like setting and timeline and like the people involved it's actually very accurate
CreepCast
My Crew And I Are Stuck Aboard An Abandoned Ship | Creep Cast
What's the song's name? He asked, mildly interested. Will thought for another moment before answering. You belong to me. as if on cue the singing voices sang out the four words. Couldn't help but shiver slightly at them, still feeling as if I'd jumped through from Kansas to Oz and then been booted back to reality. Cleared my throat.
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My Crew And I Are Stuck Aboard An Abandoned Ship | Creep Cast
They looked at me for a moment, thinking.
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My Crew And I Are Stuck Aboard An Abandoned Ship | Creep Cast
Feeling relieved, I nodded. Spencer spoke up. Come on, we should try and meet back up with the captain. Figure out what to do next. With that, he walked out of the room, Will following close after him. Andrew shot me one more look. Sure you're alright? I nodded.
CreepCast
My Crew And I Are Stuck Aboard An Abandoned Ship | Creep Cast
I lied. I raised my right arm to rub the back of my neck as he began to leave the room. but I stopped as a throbbing pain suddenly shot up my arm. I let out a small gasp of pain, bringing my left hand over to feel the back. As soon as my fingers touched my right elbow, another sear of pain rippled out. I turned and looked at where I'd fallen.
CreepCast
My Crew And I Are Stuck Aboard An Abandoned Ship | Creep Cast
There was nothing there for me to have slammed my elbow into, and the carpet had been thick and plush, too plush to have hurt myself. The mental image of falling back in the hallway suddenly burst forth in my mind, falling as those figures rushed towards me, whispering and laughing and screaming. Maya slowly rose to look down the now brightly lit hallway.
CreepCast
My Crew And I Are Stuck Aboard An Abandoned Ship | Creep Cast
Even from where I could see the sign showing the location of the gym, it shuddered. It was just a hallucination, wasn't it? I swallowed hard, forcing the thought from my head and hurried to catch up to the others. We met the captain and the others back in the lounge we'd spent the night in. They found a way to turn the music off, and for that I was thankful.
CreepCast
My Crew And I Are Stuck Aboard An Abandoned Ship | Creep Cast
All we'd heard as we walked through the ship had been songs that sounded like they were 70 years ago or older. All they did was remind me of the program I'd clutched in my hand, seeing the date on it. We could tell they must have been breaking their backs to get the boilers going. Sweat and black stains covered their faces and clothes. The captain glanced down at his watch.
CreepCast
My Crew And I Are Stuck Aboard An Abandoned Ship | Creep Cast
We all nodded and hurried after the man as he led the way. The room wasn't hard to find at all. Once we'd entered the upper levels of the ship, ones I could tell were meant for crew only, signs led us right to it. My hopes of being able to get off rose with each step we took, and then were dashed as we reached the closed door to it.
CreepCast
My Crew And I Are Stuck Aboard An Abandoned Ship | Creep Cast
The captive reached out and attempted to turn the handle, but it refused to turn. A few of us gathered up next to him and attempted to force it to open, but it wouldn't budge a single inch. Damn it! It's locked! Captain growled as he finally gave up. I felt my heart sink. I could see the same expression in everyone else's face. But then the captain continued.
CreepCast
My Crew And I Are Stuck Aboard An Abandoned Ship | Creep Cast
I felt equal parts dismay and anxiety as I followed the others back to the lounge, and as much as I tried to ignore it, I still felt watched. The lights didn't help one bit. I kept looking back over my shoulder, afraid I would see the boy I'd seen in the smoking room window again, or worse, the shadowy figures.
CreepCast
My Crew And I Are Stuck Aboard An Abandoned Ship | Creep Cast
Thankfully, though, I never did, and we made it uneventfully back to the lounge where we ate our dinner, packages of MREs that had been part of our emergency supplies, and then began to settle down for the night. I used the solar charger I'd left outside all day to charge the laptop. As I booted it up, Will came over to me. You truly alright, man? He quietly asked me.
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My Crew And I Are Stuck Aboard An Abandoned Ship | Creep Cast
I nodded at him, giving him a false smile. He sighed.
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My Crew And I Are Stuck Aboard An Abandoned Ship | Creep Cast
He let out a soft laugh, then patted me on the shoulder and walked away to his sleeping bag. I watched him go, then looked over at the captain. Gazed around at everyone, looked over at me, and I started slightly. I saw something in his eyes that I wasn't used to seeing. Worry. Worry and fear. Did he see something down in the engine room?
CreepCast
My Crew And I Are Stuck Aboard An Abandoned Ship | Creep Cast
Also, but my prediction, by the way, is what was that guy's name who just got Will? Will 100% is going to get like sucked into the 1950s time loop after that quote.
CreepCast
My Crew And I Are Stuck Aboard An Abandoned Ship | Creep Cast
He is going to the abyss. He's going to the time prison on the ship. Just as quickly, it washed away and he nodded at me. I returned the gesture and he pointed at the laptop in my lap. It was an unspoken question. Are you going to try sending a message out again?
CreepCast
My Crew And I Are Stuck Aboard An Abandoned Ship | Creep Cast
I nodded and he stood up, stretching his arms over his head and yawning before shaking his head slightly and heading for his own sleeping bag. And now here I am, the only one left awake again. The captain turned out most of the lights in the lounge, something I really did not like. So I moved over to a table that remained upright, one that had a lamp built into the middle of it, turned it on.
CreepCast
My Crew And I Are Stuck Aboard An Abandoned Ship | Creep Cast
I now sat here typing this out. but I can't help but look up, my eyes darting around the dark, expansive room. I'm terrified every time I take my eyes off the screen. I'll see those figures again. I standing in the dark and staring at me.
CreepCast
My Crew And I Are Stuck Aboard An Abandoned Ship | Creep Cast
I wish so much that we could just jump into one of the lifeboats on the side of the ship, lured into the sea and row away from this godforsaken place as fast as we could. But with only about a week and a half's worth of food and supplies, no idea where we are. We could end up rowing directly into the middle of the Atlantic if we're not there already.
CreepCast
My Crew And I Are Stuck Aboard An Abandoned Ship | Creep Cast
The point of no return seems like an intense name for like a fishing vessel. Seems a bit metaphorical probably, right? Yeah, probably, yeah. What I'm afraid is I'm going to get used to the accent and I'm going to quit thinking about it. I'm afraid that's going to lie.
CreepCast
My Crew And I Are Stuck Aboard An Abandoned Ship | Creep Cast
Like I said at the start, when I first started this day, I felt for sure you all had to be wrong. That just because this ship was named Queen Elizabeth, it didn't mean it was the same one that caught fire and sank long ago.
CreepCast
My Crew And I Are Stuck Aboard An Abandoned Ship | Creep Cast
But after what I saw in that hallway, both the program from 1956 and those things, things that I truly don't know whether I hallucinated or not, I'm starting to believe you might be right. As much as my logical mind tries to tell me it's impossible, I think we might have jumped out of the frying pan of our sinking ship and into the literal fire. And honestly, I'm beyond terrified.
CreepCast
My Crew And I Are Stuck Aboard An Abandoned Ship | Creep Cast
I have no idea how I'm going to sleep tonight. I think in the morning I'll see about getting myself some kind of weapon. A chair leg, a knife, something. May not do anything against any kind of ghost, but it might make me feel better, at least. Please, if you're still there, if you end up reading this, please let me know what we should do tomorrow.
CreepCast
My Crew And I Are Stuck Aboard An Abandoned Ship | Creep Cast
Should we try and find the keys to the radio room like the captain suggested? Should we do something else? Is there anything that I might be missing here? Does anyone know anything more about the Queen Elizabeth? Anything that might give me a clue as to why this is happening or just to direct us to any important places? Anything you can think of might help us.
CreepCast
My Crew And I Are Stuck Aboard An Abandoned Ship | Creep Cast
God knows right now we need all the help we can get.
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My Crew And I Are Stuck Aboard An Abandoned Ship | Creep Cast
Yeah, I think it's... It is a theoretically corny idea, but it's played in such a way here where it's more personal torment and like... I think I'm just so in love with the setting that I'm willing to look over any... Any other issues?
CreepCast
My Crew And I Are Stuck Aboard An Abandoned Ship | Creep Cast
Yeah, every time you quote him, I imagine Captain Price from Call of Duty. It sounds in my head. But then I like the idea of Andrew being kind of skeptical of him and stuff like that. It's playing it pretty well so far. On to part three. The only phrase I know how to describe our current situation right now is up shit creek without a paddle.
CreepCast
My Crew And I Are Stuck Aboard An Abandoned Ship | Creep Cast
Things have gone from bad to far, far worse since last night. And to tell the truth, everyone now is scared out of their damn minds. Well, almost everyone, but I'll get to that in a minute. Before I say anything, let me again say thank you to those of you who commented on last night's post.
CreepCast
My Crew And I Are Stuck Aboard An Abandoned Ship | Creep Cast
Despite everything that happened today, we managed to make some progress and I can't help but think it was thanks to you all giving us some direction. Let me quickly answer a few things that you have brought up.
CreepCast
My Crew And I Are Stuck Aboard An Abandoned Ship | Creep Cast
First and foremost, as soon as I opened the laptop and saw the comment, I went and pulled one of the maps of the ship off the wall, looking to see if there's indeed any sort of chapel or religious gathering areas for us to hole up in. Unfortunately, the Queen Elizabeth seems to never have had one built aboard her, so that idea is out.
CreepCast
My Crew And I Are Stuck Aboard An Abandoned Ship | Creep Cast
I say was because currently she's thousands of feet beneath my feet and the churning surface of the North Atlantic. Then I'm getting ahead of myself. In case anything happens to us before anyone reads this or I permanently lose connection, I should give as much of a detailed account as I can. That way someone might know where to find us or at least know what happened.
CreepCast
My Crew And I Are Stuck Aboard An Abandoned Ship | Creep Cast
Secondly, the reason why we set up base camp in the lounge is because it was the first place we reached when we came aboard. It's the place we know best. After yesterday, though, and specifically with our current predicament, I'm beginning to think moving to one or two adjoining cabins might be a better idea. Not as much room for anyone or anything to creep on us.
CreepCast
My Crew And I Are Stuck Aboard An Abandoned Ship | Creep Cast
That being said, let me tell you what happened today. We were aroused by the captain just after 10 in the morning. Come on, Nate. He said softly to me, shaking my shoulder. We've got work to do today. Then he moved away to wake the others. For another minute, I simply lay there, staring up at the ornate ceiling high above our heads.
CreepCast
My Crew And I Are Stuck Aboard An Abandoned Ship | Creep Cast
The horrible mental images of the shadowy figures had followed me into my nightmares, and I dreamed of running down dark and seemingly endless hallways, the figures always just a step behind me. I shivered slightly as I remembered the voice welcoming me, welcoming all of us aboard. I attempted to force the image out of my head as I pulled myself from the sleeping bag into my feet.
CreepCast
My Crew And I Are Stuck Aboard An Abandoned Ship | Creep Cast
Once everyone was awake, we all quickly had breakfast before I broke out the computer to see what people had said. I quickly scrolled down to the comments I saw were there as the others came over. As much as I wanted to tell the others about what I'd seen yesterday, a small part of me whispered that none of them would believe me.
CreepCast
My Crew And I Are Stuck Aboard An Abandoned Ship | Creep Cast
especially after what Andrew, Spencer, and Will said they saw happen to me. If anything similar happens to me or anyone else, I'll tell them, but not until then. Everyone gathered around to read what you all suggested. I could tell to them it was like a lighthouse beacon, helping guide them to safety.
CreepCast
My Crew And I Are Stuck Aboard An Abandoned Ship | Creep Cast
I couldn't help but feel a small ping of disappointment flow through me as they again dismissed the ghost ship comments, even though I'd known it was coming. Apart from potentially the captain to me, nobody else had seen anything out of the ordinary.
CreepCast
My Crew And I Are Stuck Aboard An Abandoned Ship | Creep Cast
I shot a glance his way as he leaned in to read the screen, but any trace of fear I'd seen last night had been wiped away, replaced by his usual calm, calculated expression.
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My Crew And I Are Stuck Aboard An Abandoned Ship | Creep Cast
He said finally, standing back up and seeming somewhat pleased, Wyatt leaned in and pointed at another comment.
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My Crew And I Are Stuck Aboard An Abandoned Ship | Creep Cast
Just as the same as yesterday, we were paired off into two teams. Captain Andrew and Spencer would head off to the crew quarters to try and find the keys, while myself, Wyatt, Will and Vinny tried to find any food we could add to our slowly dwindling supplies. I very much didn't want us splitting up again, not after both what you all had said and what I'd experienced.
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My Crew And I Are Stuck Aboard An Abandoned Ship | Creep Cast
But try as I might to say so to the captain, he remained steadfast. We need to cover as much ground as possible, mate. He said after we dumped our stuff into some adjoining cabins near the lounge. And with that, he turned and hustled the other two in his group away. I watched them go, saying a silent prayer for them to be safe before turning to the others.
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My Crew And I Are Stuck Aboard An Abandoned Ship | Creep Cast
Finny asked, gesturing to the many hallways that branched away from us. I looked down and studied the map of the ship for a moment. My eyes drifted past the maze of rooms and lounging areas before settling on a large area near the stern of the ship. How about we start here? At what looks like a restaurant called the Veranda Grill? The three men craned to look at the map. Sure, why not?
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My Crew And I Are Stuck Aboard An Abandoned Ship | Creep Cast
We left our home port of Portsmouth, New Hampshire about a week and a half ago. Oh, they're not even British. Their home port's New Hampshire.
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My Crew And I Are Stuck Aboard An Abandoned Ship | Creep Cast
Wyatt said, shrugging his shoulders. With our destination set, we turned and began heading aft. Passing through the lounge, we found ourselves in more hallways that seemed to stretch on forever. Man, they had a lot of cabins just in first class alone. Vinny said as we passed a small setting area, looking out onto the starboard side of the ship, and he lowered his voice slightly.
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My Crew And I Are Stuck Aboard An Abandoned Ship | Creep Cast
The question caused me to stop dead in my tracks. What do you mean weird? Everyone stop now. Wyatt let out a soft groan.
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My Crew And I Are Stuck Aboard An Abandoned Ship | Creep Cast
But I could tell he wasn't being completely honest. Will's brow furrowed. What are you guys talking about? Took a step towards Vinny.
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My Crew And I Are Stuck Aboard An Abandoned Ship | Creep Cast
Wyatt let out another protest, but Vinny seemed to ignore him.
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My Crew And I Are Stuck Aboard An Abandoned Ship | Creep Cast
Vinny shot a slightly irritated stare at him before turning back to Will and me. I just need to know, did any of you have anything weird or unusual happen to you guys yesterday? In exchange to glance with Will, his expression was that of a perfect poker face, but the look in his eyes portrayed what raced behind them. For a moment, neither of us said anything.
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My Crew And I Are Stuck Aboard An Abandoned Ship | Creep Cast
I debated whether to come clean about my experience, but Will spoke before I did.
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My Crew And I Are Stuck Aboard An Abandoned Ship | Creep Cast
Yeah, they shouldn't do that. That's a horrible idea.
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My Crew And I Are Stuck Aboard An Abandoned Ship | Creep Cast
He should be like, no, this is a thing that happened. We don't know what's going on. We need to have all the cards on the table. This is not time for whatever this is. Yeah, absolutely not. I felt a wave of surprise shoot through me. The entire time I'd known Will, I'd never known him to deliberately lie. He was someone who always told the truth, even if it ended bad for him.
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My Crew And I Are Stuck Aboard An Abandoned Ship | Creep Cast
Where the hell did this side of him come from? There, see? All is as well as it can be. Wyatt said triumphantly. Happy now, Vin? We saw him study our faces for another moment before shrugging.
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My Crew And I Are Stuck Aboard An Abandoned Ship | Creep Cast
And with that, he turned and began walking down the hall again. I spared another glance at Will, but he simply shrugged at me and turned to follow them. I stared after him for a moment, unable to move, until a familiar shiver shot up my spine, one that indicated I was being watched. I swung my head around, looking behind me back down the hallway. Nobody was there. Nobody I could see, anyway.
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My Crew And I Are Stuck Aboard An Abandoned Ship | Creep Cast
Until another shiver passed through me, I turned and jogged to catch up to the others. We found a set of stairs that, according to the sign next to them, led down to the restaurant deck from where we were on the main deck. Heading down a few flights, we found ourselves on yet another landing. Will suddenly let out a small laugh and pointed. Hey guys, check it out!
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My Crew And I Are Stuck Aboard An Abandoned Ship | Creep Cast
Across the landing from us was what looked like a small booth. Glass and metal bars separated the person who sat inside from everyone outside. Looking up, I saw a sign hanging over the window. Purser's office.
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My Crew And I Are Stuck Aboard An Abandoned Ship | Creep Cast
Then he said in a displeased tone. Now it was Wyatt's turn to give him an irritated look. He's just kidding, jeez. He looked down to the floor. Killjoy. For my part, I gave him a long look, then looked over at the purser's office again. I don't think it'd be anyone on land who'd be pissed if we stole anything, I thought. If anyone else could say anything, the radio let out a squawk.
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My Crew And I Are Stuck Aboard An Abandoned Ship | Creep Cast
My heart momentarily began to thud in my chest. For a moment, I was terrified I'd hear the man's voice from it again. Instead, the elated voice of the captain came. A feeling of relief washed over me, and I pulled the walkie-talkie from my belt and thumbed it as I saw relieved smiles cross the other's faces. The man spoke again, a sharp burst of static masking his voice.
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My Crew And I Are Stuck Aboard An Abandoned Ship | Creep Cast
Now the man's voice came in loud and clear.
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My Crew And I Are Stuck Aboard An Abandoned Ship | Creep Cast
veranda grill this way four of us made our way down the hallway a porthole stood open halfway down it as we passed it the smell of the ocean filtered in i slowed to take a deep breath of it letting it invigorate me a bit it froze I didn't just see that. I did not just see that, but I knew I had.
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My Crew And I Are Stuck Aboard An Abandoned Ship | Creep Cast
As we passed the porthole, I'd shot a glance out, hoping to catch a quick glimpse of the relatively calm waters, and I'd caught a split-second glimpse of someone walking past it. It had been too quick to see anything besides a blur, but it had been enough. I felt the fear of yesterday return. Oh shit, not again, man. A heart raced in my chest, and I felt a lump in my throat.
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Hey, you all right, Nate? The voice snapped me back, and I looked up to see the others had turned to look at me. All of them were confused expressions on their faces. I thought to find my voice for a second, then spoke, trying to sound calm.
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My Crew And I Are Stuck Aboard An Abandoned Ship | Creep Cast
Wilcox just headed me, giving me an odd look, but didn't say anything. Fusing the urge to look out the porthole again, I started walking, pushing past them to begin leading the way. Come on. Let's go get this over with. For a moment, I heard nothing behind me. And then I heard the others follow. Holy freaking shitballs. Wyatt breathed out. That's... Wow.
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My Crew And I Are Stuck Aboard An Abandoned Ship | Creep Cast
We stood at the entrance to the restaurant, next to a small sign that read, Please wait here to be seated. For my part, I couldn't blame him for such a reaction, even after what just happened. I couldn't help but feel in awe of the expansive room in front of us. Like the rest of the ship, wooden paneling covered the walls.
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My Crew And I Are Stuck Aboard An Abandoned Ship | Creep Cast
The only difference was that in here, squares of tiles of aquamarine had been indented into them. Some had ornate shapes and across the room saw a massive painting or stitching of what appeared to be a woman clad in ancient Greek or Roman clothing. Below her, four horses reared up as if to charge, while several men seemed to hold everything up in the midair.
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My Crew And I Are Stuck Aboard An Abandoned Ship | Creep Cast
Tables with expensive-looking tablecloths littered the room, the sea-green upholstered chairs around them almost inviting people to come and sit in them. Shooting a glance to my right, I saw a huge grand piano set against the far wall and a huge aquamarine curtain covering what must be a window to the stern deck.
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My Crew And I Are Stuck Aboard An Abandoned Ship | Creep Cast
Vinny said, causing everyone to laugh softly. You're not joking. I replied, then pointed across the room at a metal swinging door. Look, there's the door to the kitchen. Winding our way through the sea of tables and chairs, we reached the door and stopped in front of it. I turned back to the others.
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My Crew And I Are Stuck Aboard An Abandoned Ship | Creep Cast
Taking a deep breath, I put my hand to the metal and pushed. We found ourselves in a huge industrial kitchen, pots and pans of all kinds hung from hooks on the ceiling and multiple stoves stretched away on the far wall. Fading out, we began to explore the room, opening cabinets and drawers. Got what looks like flour here. Benny called, holding up a large white bag. That's something, at least.
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My Crew And I Are Stuck Aboard An Abandoned Ship | Creep Cast
Wyatt suddenly yelled, slamming the fridge closed with a slam. He leaned back against the door, leaning his head back. Benny spoke softly.
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My Crew And I Are Stuck Aboard An Abandoned Ship | Creep Cast
Wyatt's eyes snapped open and he glared at the man.
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My Crew And I Are Stuck Aboard An Abandoned Ship | Creep Cast
I realized the situation must have been eating heavily at him, and it was finally bursting out. Then he narrowed his eyes and took a step towards him, clenching his fists.
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My Crew And I Are Stuck Aboard An Abandoned Ship | Creep Cast
The two of them began to shout at each other, their voices filling up the room and bouncing off the metal walls. I shot a glance at Will, who wore a helpless expression on his face. Finally, it got to the point where I couldn't take it anymore. Shut up, both of you! I screamed out the top of my lungs, feeling my own anger flare up at their petty squabbling.
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My Crew And I Are Stuck Aboard An Abandoned Ship | Creep Cast
I stood there, breathing in deeply as the two went dead silent, turning to look at me with slightly astonished looks on their faces. I'm not someone who yells often. Usually, I'm quiet and calm. When I yell, people take notice. For a few moments, there was nothing but silence in the kitchen as we all stared at each other.
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My Crew And I Are Stuck Aboard An Abandoned Ship | Creep Cast
Looks of shame and guilt felt over Wyatt and Benny's faces, and I saw them open their mouths to speak, likely to apologize. Whatever words they might have said died away as a sound suddenly sprang up behind us, back through the metal door. the sound of a piano began to play. That wasn't the sound that caused all of our faces to go pale, though.
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My Crew And I Are Stuck Aboard An Abandoned Ship | Creep Cast
That made the blood in my veins turn to ice and a gas to escape my lips. No, that was because, along with the piano, came the sounds of people talking and laughing softly.
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My Crew And I Are Stuck Aboard An Abandoned Ship | Creep Cast
occasionally the sound of cutlery or glasses being picked up and put down punctuated in between my breasts began to come in short ragged gasps as I slowly turned to look at the swinging door Vinny was the one who spoke first his voice barely above a whisper oh fuck I turned back to look at him his mouth hung wide open his lower lip trembling slightly sight frightened me more than the sounds emanating from back the way we'd come
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My Crew And I Are Stuck Aboard An Abandoned Ship | Creep Cast
Vinny isn't someone who spooks easily, after all. Then again, this isn't exactly your normal level of creepy shit. The sounds continued. I heard what sounded like a woman let out a particularly loud laugh. Wyatt spoke up. Um, what do we do? The unspoken answer was one I've been trying to avoid in my head. Aside from the door, there's no other way out of the kitchen.
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My Crew And I Are Stuck Aboard An Abandoned Ship | Creep Cast
I forced myself to take a step towards the door. Nate.
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My Crew And I Are Stuck Aboard An Abandoned Ship | Creep Cast
Vinny hissed at me, but I ignored him, taking another step forward. With each step I took, the feeling of terror I'd had yesterday returned, rearing its ugly head to begin tearing apart my insides. I pictured dozens of shadowy figures waiting just on the other side of the door, waiting for us. Waiting for us to step out so they could rush us.
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My Crew And I Are Stuck Aboard An Abandoned Ship | Creep Cast
But it was either set in the kitchen until the sounds went away, if they go away, or open the door and peek out. By the time I stood next to the door, my heart felt like I had just finished running a furlong, and sweat rolled down my face. God, please, don't let it happen again. Don't let them be there.
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My Crew And I Are Stuck Aboard An Abandoned Ship | Creep Cast
Slowly, I reached out with a trembling hand, watching as it made its way to rest on the metal, which felt shockingly cold to the touch. I turned and gave one last look at the others. They looked absolutely petrified. As I began to turn back, a new sound came, this one louder, almost ear-piercing. "'Toot?' I ripped my hand away from the door, clapping both over my ears as they threatened to burst."
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My Crew And I Are Stuck Aboard An Abandoned Ship | Creep Cast
What the shit? It continued for a few moments and the realization slammed into my brain what the source was. It's the freaking ship's horn. Then it ceased, dying away but leaving the sound echoing in my head. Slowly pulled my hands away, looking up to see everyone else doing the same. That's when I realized everything had gone dead silent.
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My Crew And I Are Stuck Aboard An Abandoned Ship | Creep Cast
Sounds of the piano and the people no longer came from the other side of the door. It was as if they'd never even been there in the first place. Turning, I saw the others had realized it as well. Wyatt suddenly strode forward, pushing past me and slamming his shoulder into the door. Flew open, softly hitting the wall behind it with a thunk, revealing the empty restaurant.
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My Crew And I Are Stuck Aboard An Abandoned Ship | Creep Cast
As empty as it had been when we'd entered. For a moment, he simply stood there as we gathered behind him and looked out. Then he took two steps into the room.
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My Crew And I Are Stuck Aboard An Abandoned Ship | Creep Cast
He softly muttered to himself. He swung around an almost wild look in his eyes. I mean, you all heard that too, right? Slowly, we nodded. His eyes darted around as he looked at the floor. That's freaking impossible. We're alone in the ship.
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My Crew And I Are Stuck Aboard An Abandoned Ship | Creep Cast
He suddenly swung around, raising his arms and screaming into an empty room. What the fuck is going on? The three of us slowly left the kitchen. Vinny went to stand beside Wyatt, trying to calm him down, but I could see that the experience had, for lack of a better phrase, royally screwed up the man's brain. That wasn't even half as terrifying as what I saw yesterday.
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My Crew And I Are Stuck Aboard An Abandoned Ship | Creep Cast
Thought made me snap my head up and look around the restaurant, half expecting to see the shadowy figures emerging from the corners, but nothing stirred. The radio on my hip squawked. I reached down, trying to steady myself, took a deep breath, and thumbed the walkie-talkie. I'm here. What's up, Cap? The man's voice came again. I noted with a ping of surprise that there was a trace of anger in it.
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My Crew And I Are Stuck Aboard An Abandoned Ship | Creep Cast
I looked up from the radio, seeing that everyone had turned to look at me. I saw the same expression of confusion and worry as I must have had on my face. I hit the button again. We're on our way. Sparing a last look around the restaurant, I motioned for the others to follow as I hurried for the hallway.
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My Crew And I Are Stuck Aboard An Abandoned Ship | Creep Cast
The captain demanded, the veins in his neck bulging out from barely disguised rage. Everyone stood in front of the radio room, which now hung wide open, the metal door swinging slightly, letting out soft creaks. I looked inside, seeing the ancient setup sitting along the left wall of the room.
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My Crew And I Are Stuck Aboard An Abandoned Ship | Creep Cast
My eyes ran over all the equipment stacked neatly on top of each other, finally coming to rest on the place where the microphone used for transmitting radio calls stood. I should say where it should have stood. Instead, the space lay bare, and I saw that it hadn't been gently pulled out of the system either.
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My Crew And I Are Stuck Aboard An Abandoned Ship | Creep Cast
Freight and snap wires hung from the jack still hooked into the radio, showing someone had ripped it out with great force. I finally found my voice.
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My Crew And I Are Stuck Aboard An Abandoned Ship | Creep Cast
Shadow glared at all of us and shook the keys in his hand for emphasis.
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My Crew And I Are Stuck Aboard An Abandoned Ship | Creep Cast
The man's eyes snapped up to look at him. I saw Spencer shoot an accusatory look at us.
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My Crew And I Are Stuck Aboard An Abandoned Ship | Creep Cast
Then you said that you guys were on your way and you'd meet us here. A mix of shock and further confusion began to rise in me as I saw Wyatt and Vinny exchange puzzled looks. No, that ain't right. Wyatt finally said.
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My Crew And I Are Stuck Aboard An Abandoned Ship | Creep Cast
Captain turned an incredulous eye on Wyatt.
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My Crew And I Are Stuck Aboard An Abandoned Ship | Creep Cast
Everyone began to argue, but the sound was drifting away from my ears as my mind raced. He's right. He never said anything to me about restaurants before we split up. Just supplies. A shiver shot up my spine as another dot connected. I never said anything about the restaurant when I replied to him. He was the one who the realization slammed into me like a truck.
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My Crew And I Are Stuck Aboard An Abandoned Ship | Creep Cast
I felt all the blood drain from my face as a simple but terrifying conclusion came to the surface. That wasn't the captain. Everyone stopped arguing to stare at me. What? Andrew asked, seeming confused. I slowly turned to look at the three who'd been with me, quietly repeating myself. That wasn't the captain who was talking to us.
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My Crew And I Are Stuck Aboard An Abandoned Ship | Creep Cast
I saw the realization slam into Wyatt and Vinny's faces, saw their faces turn as pale as mine was.
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My Crew And I Are Stuck Aboard An Abandoned Ship | Creep Cast
Wyatt whispered, his eyes beginning to frantically dart around in their sockets. Somebody want to explain to me just what the hell you're saying? Captain demanded, but I didn't answer. I stared at the shocked and frightened faces of my crewmates. My two crewmates. Forced my voice out in a squeak.
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My Crew And I Are Stuck Aboard An Abandoned Ship | Creep Cast
Everyone went silent as they began to look around. Then they began to call his name. Finally, everyone began to run around, searching for our missing friend. Spencer dashed up the stairs to the bridge, returning later to confirm it was deserted. Panic began to well up inside me as he moved from the bridge back down to the promenade deck. The guy was here not even five minutes ago.
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My Crew And I Are Stuck Aboard An Abandoned Ship | Creep Cast
How the hell did he slip away? Will! I heard the captain call as he led the way to the main lounge, which stood as empty as it had when we left. He looked around, a look of panic on his face. Where the hell did he go? As he continued to run for the other end of the room, a thought slowly began to push forward in my mind.
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My Crew And I Are Stuck Aboard An Abandoned Ship | Creep Cast
For the life of me, I still can't explain why it came to me, but the more it persisted, the more I became convinced I was right. The Veranda Grill! I shouted out. Everyone turned to look at me, realizing most of them didn't know what I meant. I stabbed towards the aft section of the deck. The restaurant we went to! White and Vinny's faces changed as their minds clicked.
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My Crew And I Are Stuck Aboard An Abandoned Ship | Creep Cast
Moments later, the three of us were racing down the hallways, the others struggling to keep up. We took the stairs down to the restaurant deck two at a time, the marble steps threatening to fling our feet out from under us. Reaching the landing, we sprinted past the purser's office and down the hall. I didn't even spare a glance at the still-open porthole.
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My Crew And I Are Stuck Aboard An Abandoned Ship | Creep Cast
I didn't look at anything until we reached the entrance to the veranda grill, where I stopped dead in my tracks.
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My Crew And I Are Stuck Aboard An Abandoned Ship | Creep Cast
The captain began, but his voice died away as he heard it as well. Everyone stood as still and silent as a statue, listening. There were voices coming from inside the restaurant, just out of sight around the corner. I felt my pulse quicken and my heart begin to pound again. The first voice I instantly recognized as Will's. The man's snorting laughter was unmistakable.
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My Crew And I Are Stuck Aboard An Abandoned Ship | Creep Cast
But it was the second voice, a woman's voice, that, for yet another time that day, froze my blood in my veins. Like Will's voice, the voice spoke too softly for me to be able to make out any specific words. But it was loud enough I was able to make out one specific detail. The woman spoke with a clear British accent. Redeemed.
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My Crew And I Are Stuck Aboard An Abandoned Ship | Creep Cast
What the actual fuck? Andrew managed out. I slowly turned to look at the captain. His face had turned white as a sheet. I saw his lower lip quiver slightly. Then it set and he strode forward. I whispered, reaching out to snag his arm, but he tore himself out of my grip and walked into the restaurant.
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My Crew And I Are Stuck Aboard An Abandoned Ship | Creep Cast
Instantly, the voices stopped speaking and he simply stood there, staring at something out of sight. Then he gestured for us to come and join him. We all walked quietly to stand next to him. The restaurant was empty, looking exactly as it had when we'd left, with one exception. At a table near the piano, Will sat with his back to us.
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My Crew And I Are Stuck Aboard An Abandoned Ship | Creep Cast
He didn't turn around as we entered, simply continued to sit and stare at the wall. Everyone exchanged a look. The captain led us over to him. As we approached him, I suddenly became aware of a smell which hung in the restaurant, one which was impossible to miss. Perfume?
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My Crew And I Are Stuck Aboard An Abandoned Ship | Creep Cast
It grew stronger as we stepped next to him, and for a moment, I was terrified that we'd see him dead, his mouth retched open in a silent, unending scream. Instead, to our surprise, a happy, content smile adorned his face. His eyes were glazed over, almost as if he were drunk or hypnotized. Will? The captain finally asked, his voice low and gentle.
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My Crew And I Are Stuck Aboard An Abandoned Ship | Creep Cast
At his words, he swung his head to look at all of us.
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My Crew And I Are Stuck Aboard An Abandoned Ship | Creep Cast
He said, his voice sounding almost like a character in a cartoon who'd been struck by Cupid's arrow. Wyatt spoke up.
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My Crew And I Are Stuck Aboard An Abandoned Ship | Creep Cast
You scared the hell out of us. Will shrugged his shoulders.
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My Crew And I Are Stuck Aboard An Abandoned Ship | Creep Cast
A chill ran up my spine in his words. What woman? I managed out. He smiled.
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My Crew And I Are Stuck Aboard An Abandoned Ship | Creep Cast
Then he turned more towards us, exposing the other side of his face. If I hadn't felt so mentally fried, I might have gasped. There was a red lipstick mark on Will's right cheek. The kind you get when a woman wearing it kisses you. It stood out clear as day, and even from this distance, I could still see it looked...
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My Crew And I Are Stuck Aboard An Abandoned Ship | Creep Cast
wet will smile grew she likes me you know he declared looking like the happiest man in the world in any other situation it'd be a sight that would warm my heart and make me happy for the man in this situation scared the ever-loving out of me okay this is too creepy Spencer finally said, his voice trembling slightly as he looked around the restaurant. You're not kidding, man, I silently said.
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My Crew And I Are Stuck Aboard An Abandoned Ship | Creep Cast
The captain turned to us, where he now clearly etched on his face. Does anyone know what the hell is going on? It's time to come clean and tell him. To love him the truth, I forced myself to speak.
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My Crew And I Are Stuck Aboard An Abandoned Ship | Creep Cast
Everyone turned to me, took a deep breath, then I began to speak, told them everything. That all the things you guys said, the things they denied, about the horrifying things I saw in the dark hallway yesterday, and about what the four of us experienced. Not even half an hour ago, right in this very restaurant. As I spoke, I saw some of my crewmates' faces go pale.
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My Crew And I Are Stuck Aboard An Abandoned Ship | Creep Cast
Others seemed to fight what I was saying. I saw Spencer and Andrew didn't believe a word I said, or at least didn't want to, but I saw that the captain did. When I finished, there was a long silence. Then the captain spoke.
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My Crew And I Are Stuck Aboard An Abandoned Ship | Creep Cast
But this... He gestured to Will's still smiling face and the lipstick on his face.
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My Crew And I Are Stuck Aboard An Abandoned Ship | Creep Cast
At his words, Will's face suddenly turned worried.
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My Crew And I Are Stuck Aboard An Abandoned Ship | Creep Cast
The captain grabbed Will by the arm and hoisted him to his feet. The younger man began to protest and struggle, trying to wrench himself out of his grasp, but the captain was stronger and he pulled him towards the exit. He was almost shouting as we entered the hallway.
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My Crew And I Are Stuck Aboard An Abandoned Ship | Creep Cast
I felt a chill at his words, but continued following the captain. We just reached the bottom of the stairs when a huge vibration surged up through the floor and to our feet. It was so strong that I nearly fell on my ass.
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My Crew And I Are Stuck Aboard An Abandoned Ship | Creep Cast
Vinny spoke the same words aloud. A new sound began filtering up from beneath our feet, a deep, low-pitched hum that slowly began to intensify. I suddenly saw the captain's face pale even farther than it already had. No. He breathed, then began tearing up the stairs, dragging Will behind him. As we followed, I suddenly realized why he reacted the way he did.
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My Crew And I Are Stuck Aboard An Abandoned Ship | Creep Cast
When I was a little child in the 90s, I traveled aboard a cruise ship with my aunt and uncle, and I clearly remembered the noise the giant engines made as they powered up before we left port. The engines are starting. Everyone raced for the nearest door to the outside deck. I prayed that I was wrong, that the ship would still be dead in the water when we emerged outside. I wasn't.
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My Crew And I Are Stuck Aboard An Abandoned Ship | Creep Cast
When we emerged on the deck in the fading light, it was to see that the ship had begun moving, accelerating far quicker than I thought such a huge ship ever could. The water at the stern stretched out behind us in a foam, churned up by the ship's huge propellers. As we stood on the deck, I felt a sinking, hopeless feeling fall over me. We can't escape in a lifeboat now.
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My Crew And I Are Stuck Aboard An Abandoned Ship | Creep Cast
We'd be sucked under and torn apart. Slowly, silently, everyone turned away from the sight, unsure looks in their faces, except for Wills. or grinning, ecstatic look. We're back in our cabins now. We've partnered up, each having three or four people per room. Nobody wants to be alone now. The captain took Will into his room, refuses to let him out of his sight.
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My Crew And I Are Stuck Aboard An Abandoned Ship | Creep Cast
The doors are firmly locked, though I doubt after what I've seen, if they truly want in, they'll find a way. and the fire axes we've brought into the rooms with us won't do a damn bit of good. Somehow, the others have fallen asleep. Spencer and Andrew on the giant bed, Wyatt on the floor with a blanket and pillow. I think I'm the only one still awake. The ship doesn't want us to leave.
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My Crew And I Are Stuck Aboard An Abandoned Ship | Creep Cast
About a week and a half ago, bound for the Grand Banks off the coast of Newfoundland, The point of no return is a long liner, and our aim was mainly to catch swordfish, along with cod and haddock. The prime season for a good haul was coming to a close, and with our haul during the summer falling short of our usual quota, we decided to make one final run to try and make some extra dough.
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My Crew And I Are Stuck Aboard An Abandoned Ship | Creep Cast
Enough to fire up its own engines to take off or where, I don't know. I'm terrified. I don't know what's going to happen to us. I want to ask you what we should do now, but I don't know if any of you would have any idea of what to do in a situation like this. And yet, I have to. It's the only shred of hope I have left. So please, what should we do? How can we attempt to stop the ship?
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My Crew And I Are Stuck Aboard An Abandoned Ship | Creep Cast
How in the hell can we defend ourselves against things that are already dead? And what the hell's happening to Will? And did that woman he spoke of, Diana, what did she do to him? I was about to finish, but I have to tell you of two final things. Two things that scare me almost more than anything that's happened today. The first is that I hear music.
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My Crew And I Are Stuck Aboard An Abandoned Ship | Creep Cast
Not music over the intercom, but actual live music filtering in through the door and walls. It's an old song, one I recognize, a song my grandmother used to listen to constantly. A big band song called In the Mood by Glenn Miller. Worse is that I hear voices. I hear laughter and occasionally I hear screaming. But that's not the part that scares me the most. That fills me with an existential dread.
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My Crew And I Are Stuck Aboard An Abandoned Ship | Creep Cast
As I was sitting here typing, something was forced under the door. When I flicked on my flashlight with shaking fingers and aimed it, I saw one of those programs, like the one I found yesterday. When I went over to it, though, I saw it was different.
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My Crew And I Are Stuck Aboard An Abandoned Ship | Creep Cast
A smiling cartoon octopus stared up at me from the corner, one that was playing a trumpet and violin, stenticles holding the same objects that had been on the other program. When I flipped it open with shaking hands, I saw two things that made me want to scream. The first was the date in the upper right-hand corner, Wednesday, December 6th, 2023.
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My Crew And I Are Stuck Aboard An Abandoned Ship | Creep Cast
can you help us part one of part six you know me i like boats in the sea so i'm very excited to read this story he found out an hour ago that this story involves british people and he has not quit the accent since you might be a little more culture this episode because i might do the whole thing in this accent So this story is written by an author, goes on Reddit as JLGoodwin1990.
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My Crew And I Are Stuck Aboard An Abandoned Ship | Creep Cast
Second was what was on the left-hand page under the notices bulletin. We would like to welcome aboard our newest passengers, Gabrielle Lerner, Wyatt Strosky, Vincent Gaetano, William Jenkins, Andrew Weber, Spencer Michaels, and Nathan Rogers. We hope you enjoy your stay with us. God help us.
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My Crew And I Are Stuck Aboard An Abandoned Ship | Creep Cast
Maybe not specifically, because my idea of The Shining was it was all about Jack's mental break, like the members of the hotel were convincing him to murder his family, right? This seems more so like everyone's screwed. Like maybe they're pulling in Will with a seductress route.
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My Crew And I Are Stuck Aboard An Abandoned Ship | Creep Cast
There's a horror example. I know there's several about like a place where you die and your spirit doesn't leave. Right.
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My Crew And I Are Stuck Aboard An Abandoned Ship | Creep Cast
during that wave, like when the ship... Oh, that's an interesting idea, yeah.
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My Crew And I Are Stuck Aboard An Abandoned Ship | Creep Cast
What is, oh, Pirates of the Caribbean 3, right? You flip the ship and you're in the underworld, right? You're on the other side.
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My Crew And I Are Stuck Aboard An Abandoned Ship | Creep Cast
Well, no, you remember the scene where, like, they have to go get Jack from the afterlife, so they flip the boat by running back and forth across both sides of it?
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My Crew And I Are Stuck Aboard An Abandoned Ship | Creep Cast
When we arrived, we started off hauling in many good-sized fish. Everyone was happy.
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My Crew And I Are Stuck Aboard An Abandoned Ship | Creep Cast
Okay, okay, okay. Those movies are incredible. They are great. I'm not saying they're not. I'm just saying I haven't seen them in a long time. You are putting it down a little bit with that attitude. No, I'm not. But there is a scene in the third one where they have to go into the afterlife and you do it by flipping the ship at sunset. So they like flip the ship by running back and forth.
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My Crew And I Are Stuck Aboard An Abandoned Ship | Creep Cast
The point I'm making is that similar here, maybe the ship flipped, they all died, and they're in this afterlife, and everything that's happened since then, like coming across the Elizabeth, was a part of that. Or the figure in the clouds or whatever is just kind of like a vessel that this Queen Elizabeth ship travels through. Who knows? But as mentioned with the earlier parts... This is great.
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My Crew And I Are Stuck Aboard An Abandoned Ship | Creep Cast
This is so much fun. There's not a lot... And I understand why. But there's not a lot of horror stories we read that just want to have fun. Right? Like, a lot of them are so... And they're good stories. I'm not saying they're not. But a lot of them are so, like... It has to be a home invasion or it has to be like there's this one scary monster. It needs it. It takes itself seriously.
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My Crew And I Are Stuck Aboard An Abandoned Ship | Creep Cast
And a lot of them deserve to be taken seriously. But this one's just like fun. Like you have a crew of like salty sailors who are a board to go ship that burned down in the 1970s. Like, that's great.
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My Crew And I Are Stuck Aboard An Abandoned Ship | Creep Cast
It's, it's doing very well. Uh, I'm stoked. I couldn't be happier with where it's at right now. So part four, the captain is dead. Oh, Oh, that's so rough. No, I'm sorry. Come back.
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My Crew And I Are Stuck Aboard An Abandoned Ship | Creep Cast
When we first started today, the seven of us were thoroughly creeped out, terrified of what might lie in wait for us as we woke in our cabins. Me especially, after hearing the music, voices and screaming filtering in from down the hall, and the very lounge we'd slept in for the last two nights. But I never imagined that when the day would end... there would be two less of us. Three, technically.
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My Crew And I Are Stuck Aboard An Abandoned Ship | Creep Cast
As hard as it may be to concentrate on anything but that horrible fact, I'll try and get to what you guys have said and commented. To say I appreciate everything you've suggested, to say all of us are thankful would be a massive understatement. I feel like you guys are what's helping me to cling to the last vestiges of sanity remaining in my mind.
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My Crew And I Are Stuck Aboard An Abandoned Ship | Creep Cast
To the people who have commented about making it to either the engine room or the bridge to try and stop, sabotage, or even change the course of the ship, that was the very idea that the captain came to us with when we gathered.
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My Crew And I Are Stuck Aboard An Abandoned Ship | Creep Cast
But as I'll explain in a minute, it seems the, I don't know what to call them, ghosts, entities, evil spirits, hell, demons, for all I know, anticipated the move on our parts. So I'm sure like this is part of the thing, like the ARG interacting with the comments and stuff like that.
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My Crew And I Are Stuck Aboard An Abandoned Ship | Creep Cast
With like a super strong, like... Colton Spencer, the youngest member of our crew, as the first fish was hauled on board. But it was short-lived. After a few days, we began to fail to catch anything. It was as if all the fish had disappeared from the area. With our holds not even a quarter full, Gabe, our captain, made the call to sail even farther east, to the Flemish Cap.
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My Crew And I Are Stuck Aboard An Abandoned Ship | Creep Cast
But I never get that from these stories because every time I scroll the comments, the first five are like, have you thought about killing yourself? Yeah.
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My Crew And I Are Stuck Aboard An Abandoned Ship | Creep Cast
Just rip it out of... Yeah, you know, sometimes it's nice.
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My Crew And I Are Stuck Aboard An Abandoned Ship | Creep Cast
Yeah, yeah. And thankfully, it seems to just be the first couple and last couple paragraphs. But I'm with you.
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My Crew And I Are Stuck Aboard An Abandoned Ship | Creep Cast
cutthroat so i mean i mean i wouldn't be surprised if they have to include it in every segment that they do you know yeah yeah there's a good chance yeah yeah salt was one of the few ingredients we didn't seem to find in the veranda grill though from what the map of the ship shows there are numerous more restaurants on board so we're going to keep our eyes open for it i just hope you'll be right about these things being unable to cross it
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My Crew And I Are Stuck Aboard An Abandoned Ship | Creep Cast
To the person who mentioned the Morse Co. transmitter, I'd forgotten to mention last night that it had been torn out along with the radio microphone. These things very much do not want us trying to call for help. We're most definitely not splitting up anymore, either. Knowing what we do now, it's just too dangerous, even if it means more slower going. But I should get on and tell what happened.
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My Crew And I Are Stuck Aboard An Abandoned Ship | Creep Cast
The four of us were woken up by several rapid bangs on our cabin door. After seeing the program, which had been shoved under the door last night, I was only able to catch small spurts of sleep.
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My Crew And I Are Stuck Aboard An Abandoned Ship | Creep Cast
Ones that were all interlaced with horrendous nightmares of dozens, hundreds, thousands of the specters outside pressing up against our cabin, asking us to open the door and inviting us to the party down the hall before bursting into laughter and screams.
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My Crew And I Are Stuck Aboard An Abandoned Ship | Creep Cast
So when the knocking began, I shot up from where I'd been curled up on the room's left seat, my clouded, half-asleep mind filling with panic and terror. They're here. They're here for us. However, the voice on the other side of the door filled us with a momentary sense of calm. It was the captain's voice.
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My Crew And I Are Stuck Aboard An Abandoned Ship | Creep Cast
But remembering what had happened with the walkie-talkie yesterday, Wyatt shushed us and crept to the door, putting his eye against the people. He stood there for a moment, pulled away, a look of relief in his eyes. It really is him. He breathed out before unlocking the door. Instantly, the captain strode in, followed close behind by Vinny.
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My Crew And I Are Stuck Aboard An Abandoned Ship | Creep Cast
For a moment, the relief returned, until I realized that they were alone. He answered my unmasked question before I was able to open my mouth. Will's gone. He put a hand over his face, taking a deep breath before continuing.
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My Crew And I Are Stuck Aboard An Abandoned Ship | Creep Cast
The man's words hung and the tension and dread filled the air. Every single one of us knew exactly where he'd gone. He's gone off to find that woman again, Diana. Finally, the silence was broken by Andrew.
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My Crew And I Are Stuck Aboard An Abandoned Ship | Creep Cast
A pained look crossed the captain's face.
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My Crew And I Are Stuck Aboard An Abandoned Ship | Creep Cast
I shook my head and began to turn to boot up the laptop when I caught sight of the program line on the floor. I knew if I showed it to them, the already palpable fear infecting our group would grow. At this point, hiding anything might end up being a fatal mistake. They need to see it. I cleared my throat.
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My Crew And I Are Stuck Aboard An Abandoned Ship | Creep Cast
I picked up the program and handed it to the captain. Everyone crowded around as he flipped it open. Saw the men's faces turn pale as they read the notice inside. Saw their own names written there. Andrew let out a shaky breath.
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My Crew And I Are Stuck Aboard An Abandoned Ship | Creep Cast
Thanks to a few of us making the mistake of watching the perfect storm to pass the time on the trip out, a few of us understandably had reservations about going so far from any landmass, but the captain pointed out the obvious. "'Boys, I wish it weren't necessary to do,' he began, rubbing his thick white beard."
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My Crew And I Are Stuck Aboard An Abandoned Ship | Creep Cast
After that, we quickly broke out the laptop and checked her comments. After reading them for a few moments, Wyatt pointed, smiling slightly.
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My Crew And I Are Stuck Aboard An Abandoned Ship | Creep Cast
The captain stared for another second at the screen before nodding. Then that settles it.
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My Crew And I Are Stuck Aboard An Abandoned Ship | Creep Cast
Shut a glance back at the open door to our cabin.
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My Crew And I Are Stuck Aboard An Abandoned Ship | Creep Cast
Putting away the laptop, I quickly took a moment to set the solar charger on the lift of the porthole together to charge. The laptop's battery had gotten precariously low, and the six of us moved out in the hall, closing the door behind us. We now carried three fire axes we'd taken from red emergency boxes scattered around the ship.
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My Crew And I Are Stuck Aboard An Abandoned Ship | Creep Cast
My head swung on a swivel as we passed each T-junction, half expecting something, or now someone, to lunge at us from around a corner. The silence, only broken by the low throbbing sound of the ship's engines rising from far below us, didn't help the tense atmosphere that had fallen over us. I didn't know if I was more afraid of running into the ship's inhabitants again, or our own colleague.
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My Crew And I Are Stuck Aboard An Abandoned Ship | Creep Cast
So what's the over-under that one of them has a hallucination and kills another one with an axe?
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My Crew And I Are Stuck Aboard An Abandoned Ship | Creep Cast
I agree. I think my money says that's how the captain dies. That's my prediction. Yeah. When we reached the door to the lounge, however, all thoughts evaporated in my head as we froze, staring into the room. It still looked the same as it had yesterday, with two large exceptions.
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My Crew And I Are Stuck Aboard An Abandoned Ship | Creep Cast
The first is that the raised section of floor near the back of the room where a band would play, one that was desolate and empty when we'd arrived, no longer was. Even from across the room, I saw instruments set up on it. Violins, trumpets, bass, a drum set, and more were set up as though they'd just been put down by a band. A realization flashed through my mind.
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My Crew And I Are Stuck Aboard An Abandoned Ship | Creep Cast
The music I heard last night wasn't a hallucination. It was real. Second noticeable change in the room was the clear after remnants of a party. Confetti and balloons, which had lost the helium needed to keep them afloat, littered the dance floor. And on a few tables, we could see half empty wine and cocktail glasses. They had themselves one hell of a shindig last night.
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My Crew And I Are Stuck Aboard An Abandoned Ship | Creep Cast
Vinny said softly, shut a glance at him. The look on his face mirrored the emotions I felt. In any other situation, the scene would have been one to feel happy about, people celebrating something. Here now, though, it evoked the sort of dread and fear that one would get stepping into a haunted house. The captain shook his head slowly, the gesture to us. Come on, let's keep moving.
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My Crew And I Are Stuck Aboard An Abandoned Ship | Creep Cast
and moving quickly across the lounge, kicking balloons out of our way before heading to the bridge. "'What the hell?' Spencer exclaimed as we stood in front of the hatch which led to the bridge area of the ship, which yesterday had stood wide open, held in place by the metal hook which had been set into an eye swivel on the wall. But now, as we stared in disbelief, it had been tightly shut.
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My Crew And I Are Stuck Aboard An Abandoned Ship | Creep Cast
He looked to the sky, which looked clear. Besides, the radar says there shouldn't be any storms for the duration of our trip. Up until now, I've never believed in the concept of jinxing, but I can't help but swear that he jinxed the hell out of us with those words.
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My Crew And I Are Stuck Aboard An Abandoned Ship | Creep Cast
Not just shut, but locked. Try as hard as we might to the point our hands turned red and stung from exertion, the handle refused to spin."
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My Crew And I Are Stuck Aboard An Abandoned Ship | Creep Cast
Andrew muttered as the captain began patting at his pockets. His head snapped up, his eyes wide as he realized something. The keys are gone. He said before shaking his head. Will must have lifted them from me before he snuck out. The realization that we've been effectively blocked from reaching the helm caused the hopeless feeling we had yesterday, seeing the ship moving to return.
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My Crew And I Are Stuck Aboard An Abandoned Ship | Creep Cast
I let out a sigh and put my back to the hatch, resting my head on the cool metal. After a minute, we slowly made our way down to the bowels of the ship. I already knew full well what we'd find, but we still followed the increasingly hunched shoulders of the captain down the narrow, graded steps, flicking on our flashlights as the incandescent bulbs over our heads became fewer and farther between.
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My Crew And I Are Stuck Aboard An Abandoned Ship | Creep Cast
When we reached the hold and rounded the final corner, I saw what I expected. The metal hatch, above which the words engine and boiler rooms were stamped, was closed. Wyatt suddenly burst into a sprint, pushing past the captain to the door, where he frantically, almost hysterically, began yanking on the handle.
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My Crew And I Are Stuck Aboard An Abandoned Ship | Creep Cast
It was as if he hoped he'd be able to wrench it open by sheer will, but it remained steadfast. Finally, he stopped and began kicking the door. Fuck you, you stupid fucking ship! He screamed, his voice bouncing off the grated floor and pipes echoing away in the gloom.
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My Crew And I Are Stuck Aboard An Abandoned Ship | Creep Cast
He collapsed to the floor, beginning to cry softly. I couldn't do anything but watch, stunned by the man's apparent mental breakdown. Andrew, the captain, and Spencer moved to comfort him, leaving me and Vinny standing in the hallway. I shot a look to my left, seeing another closed and likely locked hatch. The sign above this door declared it the auxiliary machine room.
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My Crew And I Are Stuck Aboard An Abandoned Ship | Creep Cast
Sign, I placed my head in my hands. They knew we would try this. They knew, and they got ahead to cut us off, likely with Will's help. I was just trying to calm myself when the sound, one that was almost so quiet I missed it, reached my ears. Nathan. I froze in place. A massive shiver racing up my spine at the call. It was replaced by a steady stream of chills as my eyes widened behind my fingers.
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My Crew And I Are Stuck Aboard An Abandoned Ship | Creep Cast
For a moment I waited, barely breathing as I strained my ears to hear. My heart was doing the Macarena inside my chest. All I could hear was the soft hissing of the pipes that ran alongside us and over our heads in the ceiling, along with the soft voices of the men ahead of me. I forced myself to let out a deep breath, trying to relax. You're hearing things, buddy. It's just the pipes.
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My Crew And I Are Stuck Aboard An Abandoned Ship | Creep Cast
It was the man's voice I'd heard on the radio on the second day aboard. The one I'd heard through the radio. It called out to me in a mocking, sing-song manner. Without seeing anything, I knew the owner of the voice was smiling. Not a pleasant smile, either. I slowly stood up straight, pulling my hands away from my eyes as my breath became ragged and shallow.
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My Crew And I Are Stuck Aboard An Abandoned Ship | Creep Cast
Then, just when I thought it was impossible to feel any more frightened, the feeling of being watched came again. Now, from directly off to my right, another chill shot through me as I realized where I was standing. I was standing almost directly in the middle of a T-junction. Oh, shit. Swallowing hard, I slowly turned, ebbing my flashlight with shaking hand down the hallway. I almost screamed.
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My Crew And I Are Stuck Aboard An Abandoned Ship | Creep Cast
The shadowy figures were back. They stood at the end of the hallway underneath the sign labeled Water Softer and Air Conditioning Plant. I couldn't tell how many there were, but they packed the hall from one side to the other, standing just out of reach of my flashlight's beam. Horror and dread filled every crevice of my body, and I felt myself begin to shake.
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My Crew And I Are Stuck Aboard An Abandoned Ship | Creep Cast
I attempted to speak, but the voice seemed to catch in my throat, and then they took a step forward. The horror I felt increased as I saw the overhead lamp wink out, pledging the next section into darkness. I found my voice struggling to pass a single word over my lips. Fuck. Out of the corner of my eye, I saw Vinny turn and look at me.
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My Crew And I Are Stuck Aboard An Abandoned Ship | Creep Cast
Slight curiosity on his face immediately melted as he caught sight of the expression I wore. "'Nate, what the hell's wrong?' he asked. Faintly, I heard the others stop talking, as well as them slowly begin to make their way back to me. I kept trying to force more words out. I have to warn them, my mind screamed at me, but it was as though I'd lost my grasp on the English language.
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My Crew And I Are Stuck Aboard An Abandoned Ship | Creep Cast
I felt Vinny step next to me and saw his flashlight aimed down the corridor.' and then I felt him go stiff as a board as he caught sight of what I'd seen. Oh, shit. And then a little louder. Um, guys? But now the rest of our group had reached us, and everyone collectively aimed their lights down the hall. I heard Wyatt suddenly begin to hyperventilate as the figures took another step forward.
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My Crew And I Are Stuck Aboard An Abandoned Ship | Creep Cast
The captain whispered. Spencer said nothing, but I knew he had to be scared shitless. Finally, face to face with what he denied about until now. As the third light went out, I finally found my voice again. Gabe. I felt the captain put a hand on my shoulder. What is it, Nate? I swallowed hard and spoke the words I knew in the marrow of my bones to be true.
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My Crew And I Are Stuck Aboard An Abandoned Ship | Creep Cast
The next moment, all of us were turning and sprinting back the way we'd come. Behind us, I more felt than heard our pursuers give chase, and I heard a noise that chilled me to the bone. The sound of the overhead lights just behind us, not just clicking off, but shattering in their housings.
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My Crew And I Are Stuck Aboard An Abandoned Ship | Creep Cast
The metal halls rang out with our screams and shouts as we urged each other to move faster, reaching the stairs and beginning to climb. Move your asses, everyone! The captain shouted as he dragged Wyatt off the top of the stairs. As we climbed, my eyes flashed to the metal signs indicating what deck we were on. We passed G deck, then F deck, making our way up.
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My Crew And I Are Stuck Aboard An Abandoned Ship | Creep Cast
As we reached the top of the landing, I spared a look down, and this time, I did scream. The figures were swirling up after us. Some didn't even touch the floor, flying through the air in pursuit. I heard the whispers, laughter, and screaming I'd heard when I'd been cornered by the gym. This time, however, the voices somehow held even more malevolence than they originally. They're angry.
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My Crew And I Are Stuck Aboard An Abandoned Ship | Creep Cast
They're downright pissed that we just tried to sabotage the ship. I raced to keep up with the group. We just reached EDEC when a loud clanging sound came from above us. I reached the bottom of the next set of stairs when the others had gathered and looked up. and I almost screamed again. More shadowy figures were swirling down from above towards us.
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My Crew And I Are Stuck Aboard An Abandoned Ship | Creep Cast
We were trapped in a pincher moment, no way to escape. For a moment, the existential dread I'd felt facing the rogue wave that night came again, and I felt sure this was the end of us all until Spencer let out a cry. Look there! Spinning around, I saw a closed hatch standing a few feet away from us. The sign above it read, Cargo Motor Car Hold.
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My Crew And I Are Stuck Aboard An Abandoned Ship | Creep Cast
Just want to point that out. Right, right. It's partially their fart as well. Right. We made way for the cap and reached it about a day or so later. To our shock, and of course our elation, we began to haul in a metric ton of fish. Any apprehensiveness we had melted away like butter in a pan, and we all became infected by the thought of how much money we were going to make.
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My Crew And I Are Stuck Aboard An Abandoned Ship | Creep Cast
I was the closest to it and leapt for it, my hands locking around the handle and praying that it wouldn't be locked. To my relief, though, the handle spun and the hatch swung open. Come on! I yelled, moving out of the way to let the others in. As soon as the captain dragged Wyatt through, I slammed the hatch closed as I heard the man's voice ring out again.
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My Crew And I Are Stuck Aboard An Abandoned Ship | Creep Cast
I felt someone slam into the hatch next to me, turning to see Vinny begin locking the hatch. Reaching up, I did the same on my side. Not a moment too soon either. As soon as the last lock had flipped into place, something slammed into the hatch with the force of a speeding freight train. The two of us leapt back as the banging continued for a few seconds. Then abruptly, it stopped.
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My Crew And I Are Stuck Aboard An Abandoned Ship | Creep Cast
An eerie, unsettling silence fell over the hold, and after fighting to get my breath back, I turned to look into the room. Crates and other large boxes rose high around us, seeming to go on forever. Directly ahead, my light glinted off something powder blue. Focusing my light, I saw it had found what looked like an old mid-50s Cadillac convertible.
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My Crew And I Are Stuck Aboard An Abandoned Ship | Creep Cast
The top was down, and I saw a matching blue leather interior, excellent with white stitching. For a moment, everyone fought to find their breath. Then the captain spoke.
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My Crew And I Are Stuck Aboard An Abandoned Ship | Creep Cast
Trying to stay as close to each other as we could, we began to move across the huge fold to find it. I stopped as I reached the Cadillac, reaching out and putting a hand on the quarter panel. The cool metal felt nice against my sweaty hand, and I was suddenly overcome with the feeling that I was about to collapse. My legs felt like jelly under me. I needed to sit for a minute.
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My Crew And I Are Stuck Aboard An Abandoned Ship | Creep Cast
Sliding down, I put my back against the car and slid to the floor, putting my head in my hands. I felt myself begin to shake as the image of the figures chasing us replayed in my mind. Get a hold of yourself, Nate. You're okay. You're okay. Just keep it together. I whispered. Suddenly a voice came from nearby.
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My Crew And I Are Stuck Aboard An Abandoned Ship | Creep Cast
It was Vinny. Not wanting him to see my fragile mental state, I chose to keep my head in my hands and nodded.
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My Crew And I Are Stuck Aboard An Abandoned Ship | Creep Cast
I sighed. He was right. I know, man. I began before letting out a shaky breath. Just, I honestly don't know if we're going to get off this ship alive, and that scares me. Speaking the truth felt like a massive weight had been lifted off my shoulders. I felt the car rock slightly, indicating he'd leaned against it. I let out a deep breath.
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My Crew And I Are Stuck Aboard An Abandoned Ship | Creep Cast
For a moment, the man's words comforted me, knowing someone else felt the same. Then he continued. But, I mean, maybe it won't be so bad. And another one bites the dust. Vinny is gone. Goodbye. Vinny. Speaking of another one biting the dust, there's six of them, right? Or seven counting our narrator, right?
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My Crew And I Are Stuck Aboard An Abandoned Ship | Creep Cast
The, so, so Vinny Vinny's about to die or he's going to be the next, uh, will the same thing that happened to him. Uh, but the line Vinny said where he was like, you shouldn't walk away from the group like that. Did our narrator walk away from, And that's what caused his hallucination early on? I think so. Because I figured that was... Okay, okay. Yeah. Confusion washed over me. What?
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My Crew And I Are Stuck Aboard An Abandoned Ship | Creep Cast
Until, that is, the dark clouds began to move in on the horizon. I'd been at my station at the helm, and I'd looked out the starboard windows to see the ominous darkness rolling towards us. What the hell? According to the weather reports, the nearest storm was hundreds of miles away, and yet here I was staring one dead in the face. You gotta be fucking kidding me.
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My Crew And I Are Stuck Aboard An Abandoned Ship | Creep Cast
Oh, man. He let out a sort of laughter, but it hadn't sounded like the way I knew Vinny laughed. His laugh was a deep, booming laugh. This one had been short and nasally. Another chuckle came. The realization suddenly flashed through me as I remembered the radio call yesterday. They can imitate our voices.
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My Crew And I Are Stuck Aboard An Abandoned Ship | Creep Cast
Oh, a fresh dose of fear coursed through my veins as I slowly pulled my hands away from my head, suddenly feeling extremely vulnerable, realizing just how stupid I'd been. But there was nobody there.
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My Crew And I Are Stuck Aboard An Abandoned Ship | Creep Cast
So Vinny didn't make it then.
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My Crew And I Are Stuck Aboard An Abandoned Ship | Creep Cast
So, for one, that's really cool. Because Will could have been like that the whole time yesterday or whatnot. And anyone could be like that at any point. You constantly have to do a head count. But also, do you think everyone else can see him or just our narrator?
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My Crew And I Are Stuck Aboard An Abandoned Ship | Creep Cast
telling each other what they've seen or what they, you know, everyone's being way too bravado, tough guy about this and it's getting, it's making everyone confused and die.
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My Crew And I Are Stuck Aboard An Abandoned Ship | Creep Cast
It's like if I acknowledge it, then it becomes real, right? So if I don't think about it, then it's all figurative until then, yeah. Yeah. The voice came directly over my head. I began to violently shake, began to hyperventilate as I heard all pretext to my crewmate's voice melt away. I was terrified to look up, but I couldn't help myself.
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My Crew And I Are Stuck Aboard An Abandoned Ship | Creep Cast
Slowly, feeling as though I were about to die of a heart attack at any moment, I craned my neck to look above me. A pair of eyes stared down at me, peeking over the side of the Cadillac's hood, one that held both amusement and malevolence to them. The next few moments are nothing but a blur to me. The only thing I can remember is hearing my own shrill screams.
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My Crew And I Are Stuck Aboard An Abandoned Ship | Creep Cast
That and blindly running away as I heard the confused, terrified shouts of the others as they attempted to chase after me. I didn't even become cognizant of anything until I found myself in an unfamiliar foyer. Snapping back to reality. Oh, there goes gravity. Oh, snapping back to reality. I looked around. I could hear the other's voices filtering up from below, calling out my name.
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My Crew And I Are Stuck Aboard An Abandoned Ship | Creep Cast
Okay, our narrator's got to keep it together. He screams way too much. He's running. He's sprinting. I understand this is a stressful scenario, but you're making things way more complicated. There's one segment back there where I think he said he was about to scream five times in a row. I'm fully imagining... I'm about to scream. I'm going to do it.
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My Crew And I Are Stuck Aboard An Abandoned Ship | Creep Cast
I'm fully imagining shaggy levels of like, oh, let's get out of here.
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My Crew And I Are Stuck Aboard An Abandoned Ship | Creep Cast
Yes, yes, 100%. And it makes that noise. It's like... Like the legs winding up. Yep, yep. What just happened? Swallowing, I turned and looked over the railing. I could see the flashlights wildly aiming around. I swallowed, then yelled, Here! I'm here! A light flashed up, hitting me in the face, momentarily blinding me. I found him! I heard the captain's voice call.
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My Crew And I Are Stuck Aboard An Abandoned Ship | Creep Cast
I muttered, flicking on the ship's autopilot and walking for the door that led outside. I pushed it open, the thick smell of the ocean and fish wafting over me, looking down at the aft deck. I saw the captain helping the others ready the lines for their next drop. I yelled out, raising my voice to be heard above the boombox blasting out hard rock music.
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My Crew And I Are Stuck Aboard An Abandoned Ship | Creep Cast
We're coming up. Alright. I called back down, but took a step back, aiming my light to see where I was. My light flashed off the sign which declared I'd somehow dashed all the way up to C deck. Three decks? Then the image of the eyes staring down at me swam forward in my mind, began to shake again, hearing the thing's voice imitating Vinny echo inside my head.
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My Crew And I Are Stuck Aboard An Abandoned Ship | Creep Cast
Trying to calm myself, I took a few steps into the middle of the foyer, aiming my light around. It reflected off another sign, one that stuck out from the wall. First class swimming pool. Beneath it were a set of double doors which stood open, the light inside spilling out into the landing. I couldn't see much inside, so I took a few more steps until I could see clearly. I blinked a few times.
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My Crew And I Are Stuck Aboard An Abandoned Ship | Creep Cast
Am I seeing things? I wasn't. A swimming pool was packed. I saw people in old-style bathing suits swimming in the pool. A woman wearing a bathing cap swam by heading left during the butterfly stroke. A happy cry of children laughing could be heard. And two suddenly flashed by the doorway as they chased one another. I realized music filtered out from the room as well.
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My Crew And I Are Stuck Aboard An Abandoned Ship | Creep Cast
Old swing music, which was playing from an intercom inside. None of that was what caused me to gasp. It was who I saw standing across the other side of the pool. I struggled to find my voice before calling out, Will. At my call, he turned to look at me. A huge grin spread across his face, and he raised an armed wave at me.
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My Crew And I Are Stuck Aboard An Abandoned Ship | Creep Cast
He looked nothing less like the happiest man on the planet, and he wasn't alone. A second pair of eyes had turned to regard me at my call.
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My Crew And I Are Stuck Aboard An Abandoned Ship | Creep Cast
pair of blue almost sapphire eyes ones that for a moment made me feel as though i were falling under some kind of spell platinum blonde hair bobbed around the shoulders and voluptuous lips pulled back into a smile one that held equal amounts of warmth and eeriness to them she wore a white turtleneck and slacks that accentuated her figure her bracelet dangled from one wrist
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My Crew And I Are Stuck Aboard An Abandoned Ship | Creep Cast
The lips contorted into a smirk as she snaked an arm around Will's shoulders. One eye closed in a wink. I'd never seen the woman before, but instantly I knew who she was. Diana. Do you want to explain what the moaning is that you were doing during that whole paragraph? Excuse me? Okay. Then the doors to the pool slammed shut on their own. Will! Will!
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My Crew And I Are Stuck Aboard An Abandoned Ship | Creep Cast
I screamed, sprinting for the doors as I heard the others reach the landing. I heard them call out to me, but I was ramming my shoulder into the doors, trying desperately to get them to open. What's happening? I heard the captain cry out. Will, he's in there! I screamed. Instantly, the others joined me in pushing. After a moment, the doors suddenly swung inwards, almost sending us into the pool.
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My Crew And I Are Stuck Aboard An Abandoned Ship | Creep Cast
I glanced up, shielding his eyes so he could see me better. I stabbed my finger towards the gathering storm, which occasionally flashed with lightning. Still perfectly remember how the captain's face filled with shock and surprise as he turned to see it. The rest of the crew turned and spotted it as well.
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My Crew And I Are Stuck Aboard An Abandoned Ship | Creep Cast
Diana. Then the door slammed shut. I trailed off, looking at the others. Some held frightened expressions on their faces, but some, like Andrew and Spencer, I saw it confused, disbelieving looks on theirs. I felt a wave of anger flash through me. I'm not crazy! I suddenly began screaming.
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My Crew And I Are Stuck Aboard An Abandoned Ship | Creep Cast
Not if the hell we just went through or down below. Instantly, I saw reality crash into them. Looks of guilt and shame passed over their faces. They know they're in the wrong cure. Saw Spencer begin to open his mouth. Okay. From everyone else's perspective. They ran through the porthole and then our narrator starts freaking out and screaming and sprints away.
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My Crew And I Are Stuck Aboard An Abandoned Ship | Creep Cast
And then they find him three stories up and he's like, but, but Will was here and Diana and a party.
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My Crew And I Are Stuck Aboard An Abandoned Ship | Creep Cast
He seems to be like, sure, him and the captain happened simultaneously on the first day or the first full day on board. But like, even then, the captain got a hold of himself, at least outwardly.
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My Crew And I Are Stuck Aboard An Abandoned Ship | Creep Cast
That's good. Well, I don't know if he killed the captain, but they still give him his laptop and let him type out the story.
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My Crew And I Are Stuck Aboard An Abandoned Ship | Creep Cast
Then maybe I see what you're saying. I got you. Like in one of his deliriums, he does it right. Nathan definitely seems the most susceptible. but I was cut off is why I began to scream behind them. You know what? Fuck this. The others turned to see him running for another of the red boxes, which contained a fire hose and ax.
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My Crew And I Are Stuck Aboard An Abandoned Ship | Creep Cast
To my shock, he punched straight through the glass with his bare hands, something that should have broken them. Somehow, he yanked an axe from it without a glance at his shredding and bleeding hands. His eyes danced wildly around in his sockets, and I instantly recognized that he'd gone off the deep end. He began to scream again, both at us and around him in general. Fuck this, man.
CreepCast
My Crew And I Are Stuck Aboard An Abandoned Ship | Creep Cast
Well, that's fine, because I'm coming for you. And with that, he turned and bolted up the stairs for the upper decks. Wyatt! Just let that guy go. Wyatt, wait! The captain yelled, but he was already out of sight.
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My Crew And I Are Stuck Aboard An Abandoned Ship | Creep Cast
I heard him scream. The captain turned to us. Come on!
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My Crew And I Are Stuck Aboard An Abandoned Ship | Creep Cast
We all began sprinting up the stairs, following the man's voices, ranted and raved about wiping them all out. He really has gone over the deep end. He's yelling about killing already dead people with an axe. Pursuing Wyatt, we reached the promenade deck and stopped on the landing. Wyatt had stopped screaming. The entire ship had gone dead silent.
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My Crew And I Are Stuck Aboard An Abandoned Ship | Creep Cast
Will, another of our crew, shouted out exasperatedly, dropping the hooks and lines to the deck. The rest of the crew let our curses and some turn to the captain, asking him questions I couldn't hear over the music. After speaking to him for a minute, he walked over and turned off the boombox before making his way up the steps, standing beside me. Where exactly in the hell did that come from?
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My Crew And I Are Stuck Aboard An Abandoned Ship | Creep Cast
Not just dead silent, a deadly silence that held the worst connotations to it. Oh, oh no, I thought. I saw the same realization reflected in everyone else's face. I swallowed. What? I called out, my voice muted, bouncing off the carpet and wooded paneled walls. There was no answer. White, buddy, talk to me. Where are you at? Andrew yelled out, still nothing.
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My Crew And I Are Stuck Aboard An Abandoned Ship | Creep Cast
And then, slowly at first, a new sound began reaching us. The sound of sobbing and mumbling.
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My Crew And I Are Stuck Aboard An Abandoned Ship | Creep Cast
Wyatt? Come on! The Captain urged us, leading the way down the hall towards the lounge. The door still stood open, and I could see the balloons and decorations still on the floor. As we drew close, my blood turned to ice as I heard Wyatt begin to scream, half angry, half terrified.
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My Crew And I Are Stuck Aboard An Abandoned Ship | Creep Cast
The captain yelled out. Wyatt! We're coming! He was the first to reach the doorway. The axe suddenly swung around from the right side of the doorway faster than I thought possible. In that horrible split second, my lips began to yell out a warning, but it was too late. The axe buried itself into the captain's stomach, stopping the older man dead in his tracks.
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My Crew And I Are Stuck Aboard An Abandoned Ship | Creep Cast
I heard him let out a strangled cry, more of a gasp as he doubled over. The axe pulled out of him, blood spilling to the floor from the man's wound. A moment later, White emerged from around the corner. A wild, insane rage plastered on his face. I got you, you fucking ghost. He screamed in the captain's face. I saw him raise the axe again, this time high over his head as he screamed again.
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My Crew And I Are Stuck Aboard An Abandoned Ship | Creep Cast
Bleed, you shitter! I saw Vinny and Andrew begin rushing towards him, trying to stop what they saw was coming. But again, I saw it was too late. I closed my eyes and turned away quickly. I didn't want to see the axe slam into the captain's head. I had the man who'd taken me under his wing and kept me from going broke. To help pay for my aunt's funeral when she passed away, I couldn't bear to.
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My Crew And I Are Stuck Aboard An Abandoned Ship | Creep Cast
But I heard it, and it's a sound I'll never be able to forget. Horrified silence settled over the room, and I turned back feeling like I was about to vomit as I saw the axe buried into his skull. He lay on his back on the floor, a rapidly spreading pool of blood beginning to surround him, staining the carpet.
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My Crew And I Are Stuck Aboard An Abandoned Ship | Creep Cast
Wide, horrified eyes stared unblinkingly up at the ceiling, and his mouth was frozen open in shock. The man was very, very dead. I swung my gaze up. Vinny and Andrew had frozen in place, their arms still stretched out as if to still try to stop the atrocity that had just occurred. Spencer clapped his hands over his mouth, his face white as a sheet as his body shook uncontrollably.
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My Crew And I Are Stuck Aboard An Abandoned Ship | Creep Cast
My eyes lifted to the blood-splattered face of the captain's murderer. The look of insane rage and bloodlust lingered in Wyatt's eyes for another moment. Then I saw it die away. I saw him snap back to reality. He asked in a whisper, looking down at the corpse. His breathing quickened, and he lifted his own hands to stare at them, as though he were just beginning to comprehend what he'd done.
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My Crew And I Are Stuck Aboard An Abandoned Ship | Creep Cast
His eyes lifted to us, and I saw the panic begin to reappear in them.
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My Crew And I Are Stuck Aboard An Abandoned Ship | Creep Cast
He muttered, pulling his hat off his head and scratching at the tufts of gray hair that remained there. I don't know, sir. I admitted, watching another bolt of lightning flash inside it.
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My Crew And I Are Stuck Aboard An Abandoned Ship | Creep Cast
I swing for my life, and... He cut off, beginning to shake as violently as Spencer was. He looked directly at me. Then he turned and began sprinting through the lounge, towards the companionway we'd taken to get inside the first night. We remained frozen for a moment, then began to chase after him. Wait, wait! Finney shouted at him.
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My Crew And I Are Stuck Aboard An Abandoned Ship | Creep Cast
Wyatt's terrified, hysterical scream flew back at us as he rounded a corner. Fuck you! I'm not staying on board this ship! I'll swim home if I have to! He slammed into the final corner, and a new, horrific realization hit me. I remembered what I thought about the lifeboats when Queen Elizabeth had begun moving. We'll be sucked under. And... Wyatt, don't!
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My Crew And I Are Stuck Aboard An Abandoned Ship | Creep Cast
I screamed out as we reached the corner, but it was too late. I caught a split-second glimpse of Wyatt flinging himself over the railing. Then, he was gone. Out of sight. None of us heard a splash. We ran to the railing and peered over. For a moment, we saw nothing. Then, White's head broke the water's surface. Coughing out waters, he began to thrash, attempting to swim away from the ship.
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My Crew And I Are Stuck Aboard An Abandoned Ship | Creep Cast
Then he was pulled under. Oh, fuck! Spencer yelled, then began running for the stern of the ship. Vinny, Andrew, and I right behind him. Part of me prayed that he would miss the propellers, that he'd be spat out the back of the ship. Drowning would be a less painful way to die than this. but as we reached the stern railing, I felt despair and horror flood into me.
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My Crew And I Are Stuck Aboard An Abandoned Ship | Creep Cast
Seeing the dark red stain emerge from beneath the ship, spread out with the foam which drifted behind us in the ship's wake. We stood there for a long time, staring out at the water as if doing so would return our lost crewmate, our lost friend. Could have been their minutes, could have been their hours.
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My Crew And I Are Stuck Aboard An Abandoned Ship | Creep Cast
All I know is, the next thing I knew, I was looking up to see the sun beginning to set on the horizon. None of us knew what to do. We were numb. Numb and unable to function. So we did the only thing we could do. We went back to our cabin and locked the door. That's where I am now. There's only five of us left now. Others have. For the life of me, I don't know how, managed to fall asleep.
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My Crew And I Are Stuck Aboard An Abandoned Ship | Creep Cast
I can only guess how much mental and physical energy was sat for them, to the point they couldn't stay awake, even if they wanted to. Me? I'm too afraid to sleep. Afraid I'll dream of the horrifying things I've seen today. Of the figures. Of the voice. The eyes staring hungrily down at me from the hood of the car in the hold. Of Wyatt, either driven insane or hallucinating.
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My Crew And I Are Stuck Aboard An Abandoned Ship | Creep Cast
A false image brought on by these ghosts plunging the axe into the captain's body. And of him disappearing into the water. Of him being sliced to pieces by the giant propeller blades. The ship is doing everything it can to drive us insane, have us kill each other, or just flat out take us. It's already taken Will. I know he's lost now. There's no way to bring Kim back. He's one of them now.
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My Crew And I Are Stuck Aboard An Abandoned Ship | Creep Cast
It makes me realize something. I said that there is only five of us left, but in reality, there's only four. For how much longer, though, I don't know. The compass I have in my supply spins around non-stop. I can't even tell which direction we're heading in, and I don't know how to position our location by the stars. The only person who knew how to do that was the captain, and he's dead.
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My Crew And I Are Stuck Aboard An Abandoned Ship | Creep Cast
For a moment he stared down at it, then lightly began to smack at it.
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My Crew And I Are Stuck Aboard An Abandoned Ship | Creep Cast
All I know is this. I'm not going to roll over and let the ship take me. I'm going to fight and try to find a way off.
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My Crew And I Are Stuck Aboard An Abandoned Ship | Creep Cast
help get myself and the others back home or die trying will might have wanted to stay in the 1950s forever but i want to go back to the peace and normality of 2023 compared to this hell the relative peace and normality anyways i don't know though do any of you guys have any ideas any ideas at all of what to do now even if it's the dumbest idea in the world i'll take it
CreepCast
My Crew And I Are Stuck Aboard An Abandoned Ship | Creep Cast
Anything's better than just letting the hopelessness overwhelm me. Just please give us any direction to take that might help us get off this damn ship. Please. The music started again. I hear it filtering through the walls. Different tune now, but again, one I recognize. Sing, Sing, Sing by Benny Goodman. It's not the worst part, though.
CreepCast
My Crew And I Are Stuck Aboard An Abandoned Ship | Creep Cast
Someone began softly knocking a few minutes ago on the cabin door. Then began calling in, asking for us to come and join the party. The voice that asked it was Will's. And then another voice joined him. A woman's voice. One that asked the same question with a British accent. And finally, a third voice. One that made me want to break down in tears. The captain's voice.
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My Crew And I Are Stuck Aboard An Abandoned Ship | Creep Cast
The implications pierced my heart and soul like a dagger. To Will, the ship was, is heaven. A place where he can eternally spend frozen in time period he wanted to go back to. To me, it's hell.
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My Crew And I Are Stuck Aboard An Abandoned Ship | Creep Cast
So I like this. It's a lot of fun. Something I like about this that a lot of like set piece horror doesn't do, because we'll read a lot or you'll see a lot of movies about like a horror movie set in, I don't know, a shopping mall, a farm, whatever. Is there not unique enough with the kills a lot of the time? Like they don't use it to their advantage.
CreepCast
My Crew And I Are Stuck Aboard An Abandoned Ship | Creep Cast
But so far, we've had one person get murdered by an axe. We've had one person succumb to the demon's temptation. We had another one get like physically captured or overwhelmed by them in the staircase. And then we had someone jump off the boat and get crunched up by a propeller. Like that's, that is utilizing your setting and it's excellent. I love it. Yeah.
CreepCast
My Crew And I Are Stuck Aboard An Abandoned Ship | Creep Cast
A small wave of confusion swept over me. I'd personally repaired the system the last time it wonked out, and as far as I knew, it had been working perfectly. But as I stepped next to him, I saw he was right. No storm clouds were displayed on the radar in the direction the storm was coming from. What the... A shiver rushed up my spine, one I didn't understand why it had.
CreepCast
My Crew And I Are Stuck Aboard An Abandoned Ship | Creep Cast
This is, this is an incredibly fun story to me. So it's a will to the captain to everything. Like it's, I'm having a great time. Got to say, um, good one. It's looking pretty good for, uh, me and Hunter paying your, uh, book cover as soon as I get Hunter to break.
CreepCast
My Crew And I Are Stuck Aboard An Abandoned Ship | Creep Cast
but I will keep doing the voices. Okay. All right. Part five. So I've got good news and bad news. Good news is we have a plan. If all goes as smoothly and precisely as possible, tonight will be the last we spend on this God forsaken ship. I'll tell you about that in a minute, but as uncertain as we might be, seems like the only chance we have of making it out alive.
CreepCast
My Crew And I Are Stuck Aboard An Abandoned Ship | Creep Cast
The bad news is what started this morning as four of us. It's now into just three. So it's one of those good news, bad news, good news. We got a plan. Bad news. One of us is dead. Also, like, does this sound like a heaven to you? Because to me, this just sounds like torment, like being in one place for eternity. But it's just like a place like a party, you know? Yeah.
CreepCast
My Crew And I Are Stuck Aboard An Abandoned Ship | Creep Cast
I mean, you could say that about heaven, though.
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My Crew And I Are Stuck Aboard An Abandoned Ship | Creep Cast
Here's, here's the difference though, to me with heaven. It's like, you are like an altered form of yourself. You're like a different creation and you're among like infinity, like infinite creation. So there's always something else to be on a boat from the 1950s forever. Yeah. I feel like that is just like a purgatory.
CreepCast
My Crew And I Are Stuck Aboard An Abandoned Ship | Creep Cast
Yeah, yeah. And I can't help but feel consumed with guilt because the only reason that is is because I made a stupid mistake. A grade A dumbass move that most people would yell at a character in a horror movie for doing. Shit. Let me get to what you've said first and foremost. I feel myself beginning to precariously dangle near to insanity.
CreepCast
My Crew And I Are Stuck Aboard An Abandoned Ship | Creep Cast
Focusing on your comments will help keep me going the way of Wyatt. Mentally breaking. To the person who made the biggest, most detailed comment, any of the ideas you suggested along with others and what is going to ultimately go into our plan, so for that, thank you. Fortunately, your idea about crossing out our names in the activity program, as good an idea as it was, is impossible to do.
CreepCast
My Crew And I Are Stuck Aboard An Abandoned Ship | Creep Cast
When we returned to our cabin to hole up for the night, I noticed that it had been taken. Whether that's because an action like that would have worked or not, I don't know. As much as the idea of dropping the anchor seems like a decent idea, none of us dares tread down into the crew decks and bow to the ship again. Not after yesterday.
CreepCast
My Crew And I Are Stuck Aboard An Abandoned Ship | Creep Cast
As for the idea of holy water, while I may consider myself a believer, it's been many years since I've stepped inside a church, let alone kneel down and prayed. Any power of faith I might have is so damn weak it'd effectively be like flicking the nose of a hungry tiger and hoping it'll make it go away. And the others, as far as I know, are not the religious types.
CreepCast
My Crew And I Are Stuck Aboard An Abandoned Ship | Creep Cast
But there's others who have said things I appreciate. But I should and need tell you about today. When the four of us first woke up, nobody said a word. The first few days aboard, we'd all gathered round and discuss aloud what the plan for the day was. Now, though, after the horrific and soul-destroying things we saw yesterday, any attempt at conversation seemed pointless.
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My Crew And I Are Stuck Aboard An Abandoned Ship | Creep Cast
The cabin was warm and comfortable, and yet it felt as if we'd just walked through thick fog. Finding my voice, I looked at the captain, who held a thoughtful gaze. So, what do we do? He took a second to answer, then sighed.
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My Crew And I Are Stuck Aboard An Abandoned Ship | Creep Cast
Without any prompting from anyone, I booted up the laptop, hoping against hope that someone might have an idea which would germinate into an escape plan. I felt the numbness which had settled over me lift somewhat as I scrolled through your comments. My eyes flickered over the suggestions, and I began to open my mouth to call for the others to join me.
CreepCast
My Crew And I Are Stuck Aboard An Abandoned Ship | Creep Cast
But I shut it just as quickly, seeing the comment one of you made about the specters likely listening to us. I silently cursed myself at the realization hit me, they're right. They've likely been listening to us the entire time. It's been how they've managed to always stay a step ahead of us. Just because we can't see them doesn't mean they aren't there.
CreepCast
My Crew And I Are Stuck Aboard An Abandoned Ship | Creep Cast
The thought made me cast a wary and somewhat paranoid eye to the far corners of the cabin, ones filled with shadows that even the bedside lamps couldn't banish. The mental image of a grinning face slowly appearing out from the gloom swam forward in my mind, and I felt myself beginning to breathe quicker. I forced it away, willing myself to calm down.
CreepCast
My Crew And I Are Stuck Aboard An Abandoned Ship | Creep Cast
Instead, I snapped my fingers and beckoned the others to join me. Putting a finger to my lips, I pointed to the screen. The others crowded around me and read as I silently scrolled past the suggestions. Then, fumbling around for a moment, I found some stationary, likely one-shoes to send letters while aboard, along with a pen. I hastily scribbled down a message and passed it around to the others.
CreepCast
My Crew And I Are Stuck Aboard An Abandoned Ship | Creep Cast
Any of these ideas seem good to you? After a moment, the three of them took turns writing things down quickly before sliding the paper back to me. Bidding over, I saw the ideas about jumping from the stern of the ship, ejecting as many lifeboats as possible to use, and even feigned insanity to throw chairs and tables overboard to use as flotation were all ideas they liked.
CreepCast
My Crew And I Are Stuck Aboard An Abandoned Ship | Creep Cast
Okay, now we're getting somewhere, I thought, feeling a little lighter, until I saw the final thing my crewmates had written. The idea of burning the ship, making her catch fire like she did in the 70s. Yes, let's burn this thing down.
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My Crew And I Are Stuck Aboard An Abandoned Ship | Creep Cast
I feel like, I feel like you're, I know they're in dire straits, but to be like, okay, plan a, we jump off the ship, but we throw off chairs and we'll use those after we jump off the ship.
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My Crew And I Are Stuck Aboard An Abandoned Ship | Creep Cast
But what if you die and then you just still are stuck on the ship?
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My Crew And I Are Stuck Aboard An Abandoned Ship | Creep Cast
So you're in eternity with, like, your Diana, your blonde-haired lady, and after, like, 2,000 years, you're like, well, at least I tried to jump. Yeah. At least I did something.
CreepCast
My Crew And I Are Stuck Aboard An Abandoned Ship | Creep Cast
I looked up, arching my eyebrow and gesturing to the line. I saw Andrew and Spencer immediately nod enthusiastically. Vinny, however, looked unsure, as unsure as I felt inside. Wait, isn't Vinny dead?
Crime, Conspiracy, Cults and Murder
Ep. 45 | 3 Murders With INSANE Plot Twists
Think about the person that you trust most. The person that knows all of your secrets. Who sees you when you're vulnerable and comforts and smiles. Now picture them sitting quietly across from you, nodding and laughing, while secretly deciding how they're going to end your life. No break-ins, no warning, just betrayal. All wrapped up in a familiar face.
Crime, Conspiracy, Cults and Murder
Ep. 45 | 3 Murders With INSANE Plot Twists
And police were curious about this, but they were hesitant on buying it completely because the evidence was starting to stack up. So without any proof that intruders actually came into the house because they couldn't find footprints or other DNA evidence, they would charge Jodi with first degree murder. And only after her arrest did the truth actually come out.
Crime, Conspiracy, Cults and Murder
Ep. 45 | 3 Murders With INSANE Plot Twists
And this is what actually happened June 4th, 2008. So Travis was in his house and Jodi would show up unannounced and uninvited, but Travis would let her in nonetheless. And after talking for a bit, they would slip into old habits, having intercourse, laughing, and taking some photographs.
Crime, Conspiracy, Cults and Murder
Ep. 45 | 3 Murders With INSANE Plot Twists
And at around 5.22 PM, Jodi would pick up Travis's brand new camera and start taking pictures of him in the shower. And this would be that last photo that we would ever see of him alive. And something at this point had shifted. Maybe Travis said something that she didn't like, or maybe he told her that this was really the end of their relationship. But whatever it was, Jodi completely snapped.
Crime, Conspiracy, Cults and Murder
Ep. 45 | 3 Murders With INSANE Plot Twists
And in a sudden explosion of violence, she attacked Travis with everything she had in her, stabbing him repeatedly. And Travis would naturally fight back, trying to get away, and he would leave those bloody handprints on the wall in the process. But she was relentless and animalistic. And she would go on to slash his throat so deeply he was nearly decapitated.
Crime, Conspiracy, Cults and Murder
Ep. 45 | 3 Murders With INSANE Plot Twists
Then after he was almost dead, she would shoot him in the head as well. And afterward, in a panic, she would try to clean up the scene, deleting the photos and throwing the camera in the washing machine. And then she would get in her car and drive off to Utah for a work conference. And she would even go so far as to meet another man in Utah and take pictures smiling next to him just days later.
Crime, Conspiracy, Cults and Murder
Ep. 45 | 3 Murders With INSANE Plot Twists
And later, during interviews and in court, Jodi would lie again and again, just changing her story constantly. And she would eventually change her story to self-defense. But the evidence told a completely different story. It was basically chalked up to cold-blooded, calculated revenge from a woman who couldn't let go.
Crime, Conspiracy, Cults and Murder
Ep. 45 | 3 Murders With INSANE Plot Twists
And she would eventually break down in court as the prosecutor recounted the details of the stabbing and slashing. And in 2013, after a sensational trial that gripped the nation, Jodi Arias was found guilty of first degree murder. And she was sentenced to life in prison without parole in 2015. And Jodi continues to serve her sentence to this day.
Crime, Conspiracy, Cults and Murder
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with David, but he was missing something in his life. And that was Stacy. And when he met Stacy, everything just felt right and whole. And like David's life already, being with Stacy just felt comfortable and practical because Stacy was really organized and reliable. David had a really regimented life and she fit perfectly into that.
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Despite the verdict, people still love her for some fucked up reason. And she's even selling some artwork from behind bars. Let's take a look at that. This is so weird. I hate all of this. I hate it. Mostly because she murdered a, you know, person. So I won't be buying, won't be purchasing. She would also appeal in October of 2019, but the original conviction was upheld.
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And in the end, Travis Alexander escaped his broken childhood only to be caught in a nightmare he never saw coming. And the person he once hoped to share his future with became the architect for his own violent end. Though there are many that maintain Travis was not as innocent as many versions of the story try to paint him.
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In a Reddit post, somebody actually claims that Travis wasn't who he claimed to be essentially. And you can read the post here if you want to, but either way, killing is wrong and I don't think it's ever justified unless it really is in self-defense. just a sad horrible situation all around but with that let's move on to our last case Betsy Faria was the kind of person you just don't forget.
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She was born on March 24th, 1969, and she was warm, bubbly, and a little scatterbrained, but who isn't, you know? She was a bit short on cash, but she was rich in laughter and in friendships. Betsy actually worked at a local gas station, which gave her the time to pursue her passions.
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Because Betsy actually ran her own DJ business called Party Starters, which is very fitting for a woman who could just light up any room with her smile. And Betsy also had a ton of hobbies. She loved to spend time outdoors. She loved to play tennis. She loved to go camping. And she also loved cards and board games. And to top it off, she met somebody that she fell in love with.
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And in 2000, she would marry Russ Faria. And together they would raise their two beautiful daughters. And he would even utilize his computer expertise to help with her business. And he would actually create a computerized DJ playlist for Betsy. So they were able to live together, work together, and it was just a harmonious relationship. Life wasn't necessarily perfect, when is it? But it was good.
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But a decade would go by and things would start to change because Betsy would be diagnosed with breast cancer. And Betsy being Betsy didn't wanna waste the time that she had left because she already lived life to the fullest. So she was gonna do that when she was given the diagnosis. So she made plans for a celebration of life cruise with Russ, their daughters, and their friends.
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And in late 2011, before they took their cruise, the news actually got worse because her cancer had spread to her liver and the doctors told her the clock was ticking. So Betsy chose to take advantage of the time where the effects of treatment were minimal. Because once you start treatment for cancer, you just feel sick most of the time.
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So they would go on this cruise and she would laugh and have fun with her loved ones. And she would focus on memories and not endings. And there was one friend in particular who stepped up during Betsy's battle and her name was Pam Hupp. And the two had actually met years earlier at a state farm office. And they would just kind of hit it off and become friends.
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And after Betsy's diagnosis, Pam started driving her to her chemotherapy sessions. And Betsy was so grateful. Pam was just helping out whenever she could and was just a very comforting presence and was just a loyal, steady friend. And obviously she had help from her husband and her daughters as well. So December 27th, 2011 felt ordinary enough.
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That morning, Betsy went to Siteman Cancer Center for her chemotherapy. And later that afternoon, Betsy would text Russ to say she didn't need a ride home because her friend Pam had offered to give her a ride in his stead. And at around 7 p.m., Pam had dropped Betsy off at her house in Troy, Missouri.
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So Stacy basically had everything that seemed to complement the life David had already built for himself. So they would get hitched and marry in August of 2003. Now, Stacey had two daughters from a previous relationship. So when they got hitched, he moved Stacey and her two daughters, Ashley and Bree, into his own life.
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And Russ, meanwhile, was at his usual Tuesday night game night with his friends, just laughing and snacking and watching movies. So Russ would finish up with his friends and then he would get into his car and head home. And supposedly he grabbed some fast food before arriving. And it was at around 9.40 p.m. that Russ would walk into the front door and his world would be shattered.
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because Betsy was lying on the living room floor covered in blood, a knife still protruding from her neck.
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And Russ, being completely frantic and horrified, would dial 911, just sobbing, telling the dispatcher it looked like his wife had killed herself because she had been depressed about her cancer after all, so he didn't know why she would, but it was definitely a possibility because who else would do this to her? But when the police arrived, it was very clear to them that this wasn't a slewer slide.
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Betsy had been stabbed 55 times. So whoever had done this had been furious. So naturally the investigators would zero in on Russ immediately. It was Betsy's husband, she had cancer, there was insurance money involved. It just made sense.
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But despite the fact that he had an airtight alibi, because he had witnesses because he was at that game night that night, and he also had a timestamped Arby's receipt from a stop on his way home, police would barely look beyond him and Russ would be detained just days later.
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They essentially just ignored the witness statements that he was with his friends the entire evening and ignored the alibi receipts. So Russ would go to trial and there would be numerous witnesses, one of which was Betsy's best friend, Pam. And she would testify against Russ, painting a picture of an angry husband who wanted Betsy's life insurance money. And naturally, the jury bought it.
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And in 2013, Russ Faria was convicted of first degree murder and sentenced to life in prison. Case closed, or so it seemed. Because two years later, cracks in the case started to show. New attorneys picked up Russ's appeal and uncovered staggering problems because they found evidence suggesting Betsy's life insurance had been changed just four days before her death.
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In the name of the sole new beneficiary, Pam Hupp. And allegedly, they were just worried about how Russ would handle the funds. But they would find proof that Pam kept the entire $150,000 payout, despite promising it would go to Betsy's daughters. And there were records of Pam showing that she was giving inconsistent stories about where she was that night.
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First claiming she never went inside Betsy's house at all and then admitting that she had. But it all pointed to one chilling direction and that was Pam Hupp, not Russ, who was currently in jail. So in 2015, Russ was granted a new trial. And at this time, the truth unraveled very quickly.
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And without Pam's extremely misleading testimony and with clear evidence that he could never have been at the scene, Russ was thankfully acquitted. And he would walk out of prison a free man. But for Pam Hopp, the walls were slowly closing in. And in 2016, Pam would make another move. One even more bizarre and horrifying. Pam would go on to lure a man named Louie Gumpenberger into her home.
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And Louie would have mental and physical disabilities from a car crash, but she would bring him in nonetheless under the pretense of being a Dateline producer offering money for a reenactment, which is ironic given this whole case I believe was actually on Dateline, but I digress. But as we know, Pam was not a Dateline producer and she would just shoot Louis in the head.
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though it was not without friction, because David had a life with no kids and not any sort of responsibility in that way. And now he had two teenagers that were, well, teenagers. So David's relationship with the girls was rocky to say the least. And like I said, David had a very regimented life.
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And then she would claim self-defense. But police thankfully would quickly realize it was all bullshit and it was staged. And they would also find a hastily written note on his body. And it was clear that this was an attempt to create a fake kidnapping tied to Russ Faria. So Pam would naturally be arrested. And when the arrest occurred, Pam would request to use the restroom.
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This woman has plan A, B, C, D, E, F, G. I swear to the Lord. Oh my God. So she would go to the restroom and then she would proceed to stab herself with a ballpoint pen in the neck and the wrists. In an act described as consciousness of guilt. So glad you realize that you're a piece of shit and trying to take the easy way out. And after all that, she was still alive.
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She would even go on to get her mug shots with bandages around her neck and wrists. And moving on to trial, prosecutors would seek the death penalty for her. And she would initially plead not guilty, which like... How? And later, at her trial in June 2019, she entered a Alford plea.
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And this is where one pleads guilty to accept a plea bargain, but maintains that they're actually, in fact, innocent. Just the piece of shit plea, basically. Because people only do this because they see the evidence stacked against them, and they know that they would be fucked, basically. So she would take the plea, but she would be sentenced to life in prison.
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So the Alford plea basically just allowed her to avoid the death penalty. And in July of 2021, nearly a decade after Betsy's murder took place, Pam was officially charged of the first degree murder of Betsy while she was already serving the sentence for the murder of Louie. And Pam's story garnered so much attention that it inspired a true crime drama called
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The Thing About Pam, which was an NBC limited series starring Renee Zellweger. That cover is crazy. I can't get over that cover. Oh my God. That is so scary. So Betsy spent her last day surrounded by friends she thought she could trust.
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And the person she trusted most, the one who drove her home that night, the one she believed was helping her this whole time, just turned out to be the one who betrayed her in the most brutal and unimaginable way. Pam Hopp wasn't just a friend, she was a killer in plain sight. So that concludes our three true crime stories. I'm just glad justice was served in all of these.
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They're all absolutely terrible, but I mean, the most common thing is the people that are closest to you, so watch out.
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goes out to the families involved and i'm glad all these people are rotting in jail hopefully thinking about what they've done every single day of their lives and i hope it it ruins them and uh haunts them constantly every second of the day but anyway i appreciate you all if you have any other cases you want me to check out let me know down in the comments below i always read your comments i very much appreciate it and be safe out there all right i will see you in the next one
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So when he became a new stepfather, he was pretty strict, demanding that they follow all of his rules without any sort of question. And as we know with teenagers, they don't really respond to that very well. It's like me when I was a kid with my stepdad, I would just be like, you're not my dad. That was me slamming the door. Jay, put in a door slam.
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But still, from the outside looking in, this family seemed pretty stable. You have a hardworking man like David and a very supportive wife like Stacey, and just this big blended family just trying to figure things out. But beneath the surface, a darker reality was starting to take shape.
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Because on August 22nd, 2005, two years after David and Stacey got married, Stacey would place a very frantic 911 call. And David, she said, had locked himself in their bedroom after an argument and he wasn't answering. And when the police arrived, Sergeant Robert Willoughby knocked on the bedroom door, but nobody would answer.
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Because sometimes the last thing you see isn't the danger coming toward you, it's the person you thought would never hurt you. And once you realize the truth, well, it's already too late. Crime, conspiracy, cults, serial killers, and murder, all things that I love to consume, and I know you do too, you sick, intellectually twisted, beautiful-minded freak.
Crime, Conspiracy, Cults and Murder
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So he would bang louder and louder, but there was no response from David. So with nobody answering and him being worried that something's wrong with David, he would force himself in opening the door. And what he would find would look like David had just taken his own.
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Because when he busted through the door and into the bedroom, he would find David just laying across the bed, sprawled out completely naked and deceased. And on the nightstand sat a glass of bright green liquid alongside a bottle of apricot brandy, cranberry juice, and on the floor, an open container of antifreeze. And it was just lying there almost like too casually.
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And after the sergeant broke in and examined the area, obviously Stacy came into the room and would see David's body sprawled across the bed. And Stacy would just be beside herself and collapse into hysterics. I mean, her brand new husband was now dead.
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So she would just be screaming and sobbing, just unable to control her emotions and telling the officers that she didn't understand what happened, but she did say that he was very depressed and had been drinking very heavily recently. And the scene told the same story that Stacy was putting forth.
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There was no sign of any sort of struggle in the room, no bruises, no wounds, just a mand and a drink. So an investigative team would be called and they would start combing through the bedroom. But as they were combing through the bedroom, they would start finding tiny inconsistencies.
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Naturally, they would test for fingerprints on the antifreeze glass, given that that's how they assumed he took his own life. But they couldn't find his fingerprints on the glass. And they also found that there weren't any of David's fingerprints on the antifreeze either. And the only fingerprints that they could find were Stacy's fingerprints, but it was her room.
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So they weren't thinking much of it yet. But then they found the turkey baster. Yes, the turkey baster. So while investigators were searching the rooms and the rest of the house, they would start digging through the kitchen's garbage. And investigators would find a turkey baster. And on the inside, they would see a substance and they would find out that it was just sticky with antifreeze.
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And the tip was covered in David's DNA. And this just painted a horrifying picture. Someone had clearly taken this turkey baster and forced it into David's mouth, just force feeding him poison until he passed. And investigator suspicions would deepen when they looked into Stacey's past and found another husband. And her previous husband would be Michael Wallace.
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And he actually died five years previous under mysterious circumstances. But his death was just written off as a heart attack at the time. And an autopsy was requested, but Stacey would deny it. Hmm, strange. And she would just say that she was satisfied with the doctor's heart attack diagnosis. I bet you were. In 2007, Stacey actually invited her oldest daughter, Ashley, to join her for drinks.
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And this would be an early celebration for her 21st birthday. So Stacy and her eldest daughter sat together, just laughing and relaxing and talking. And then Ashley, naturally trusting her mother, drank what she was given. But 17 hours later, Ashley was found unconscious in her bed. And she would be discovered by her sister, Bree. And beside Ashley would be a slower slide note.
Crime, Conspiracy, Cults and Murder
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And today, we're getting into some M. Night Shyamalama Ding Dong true crime twisted stories. So without further ado, let's unbuckle our seat belts, go Mach 5 down the highway, slam on the brakes, and bust through this windshield into these twisted true crime cases together. David Castor lived a life that most people would consider quite ordinary. He was born in Syracuse, New York in 1957.
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Is she clashing? Yes, she's making noise. Is she breathing normally? No. An entire bottle of vodka, Ashley. Is that her? No, she's throwing up. She left a letter. She left a letter? That's a no. Oh my God. And she was scared that her daughter had died, but her daughter hadn't actually died. Ashley luckily survived and unluckily for Stacy.
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So when Ashley woke up in the hospital, confused and terrified, she swore she had no memory of writing any such note. And forensic analysis later proved that that note had been typed up at the time when Ashley had been sitting in class, miles away from the family computer. And the note also included mispronunciation for antifreeze as anti-free, which was noted earlier in the police interview.
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Girl's just giving herself up. So the truth was now unmistakable. Stacey Castor had poisoned her own daughter trying to stage a slower slide.
Crime, Conspiracy, Cults and Murder
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and forged an entire confession all to frame her eldest daughter for her other crimes so given all this information investigators would exhume Michael's body Stacy's previously deceased husband and forensic testing would uncover crystals of ethylene glycol which is the chemical found in let's all say it together antifreeze antifreeze and it preserved in his tissues.
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So two husbands, same woman, same poison. Needless to say, it wasn't a coincidence. It was an MO. So detectives set up surveillance on Stacey, tapped her phones and watched her every move. And during a police interview, Stacey made a critical slip. She started to say she poured her husband the anti, I mean, cranberry juice. How could you fuck that up, you dumb bitch? I mean, I'm glad you did, but.
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So it was a simple stumble, but in a murder investigation, it was like a gunshot. And they made note of this interesting mispronunciation. And in September of 2007, Stacey would be arrested. And at her trial in 2009, Stacey would actually stand in her own defense. And she would even claim innocence, just spinning stories, trying to sow doubt. But the evidence was just stacked against her.
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From the fingerprints, to the turkey baster, to the toxicology reports, to the forged note. And it would take the jury less than two days to find her guilty. Thank God. And Stacey Castor would be sentenced to 51 years to life in prison. But this wouldn't be a sentence that she would ever complete.
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Because in 2016, while serving her time at Bedford Hills Correctional Facility, Stacey would die of a heart attack. And she would never confess. And she never apologized. She just slipped away. The same way her husband's had, and the same way she almost claimed her own daughter. So the woman that everyone once saw as the perfect wife had been hiding in plain sight.
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A predator, a manipulator, a killer. And I say, good riddance. Bye bye, waste of oxygen. And with that, let's move on to the next story. Travis Victor Alexander didn't have the type of childhood you'd expect from someone who would grow up to inspire people. He was born in 1977 in Riverside, California. And let's just say Travis's early life was rough. The kind you survive and not live.
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Because his parents both struggled with severe addiction. So his home life was just utter chaos all the time. So by 11 years old, Travis just had enough. And he would move in with his paternal grandparents. And throughout his childhood, he would just search for something his birth home just couldn't give him, which was stability.
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So it was in that new home under the strict but loving care of his grandmother that Travis found two things that would define him, ambition and faith. So eventually he would become a very devoted member to the Church of the Jesus Christ of the Latter-day Saints. And from there, he would just start to dream big and he would succeed at most things that he did.
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And by his early 20s, he was a rising star at the prepaid legal services. So he was a part-time salesman and he was also a part-time motivational speaker, just pulling people left and right into his orbit with his sheer charisma. And people would say Travis was funny, ambitious, and charming, and that he always just wanted to make something of himself. So he had become very successful in his job.
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And one day he would have to go to a conference in Las Vegas. And this was in 2006. And at this conference, he would meet Jody Arias. And that's when his whole life turned upside down and everything changed. And Travis's close friends say that their chemistry was instant. Jodi was beautiful and magnetic, and Travis was just hooked from the start.
Crime, Conspiracy, Cults and Murder
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So right after that conference, they would start a long distance relationship, stretching between Mesa, Arizona and Palm Desert, California. But eventually they didn't want to do long distance anymore. So she would move to Mesa to be closer to him. And Jodi would even go so far as to convert to Mormonism and Travis himself would even baptize her.
Crime, Conspiracy, Cults and Murder
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So they were in love and happy, but that wouldn't last forever and cracks would begin to show. Friends of Travis would notice how Jodi just clung to Travis all the time. She's very codependent. And not only was she codependent, she was also very jealous and very possessive of Travis.
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And Sky Hughes, one of Travis's closest friends, last remembered warning him, quote unquote, I'm afraid we're gonna find you chopped up in her freezer. Whoa.
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that's not good and it was just a joke at the time but unfortunately it wasn't a joke for too long so their relationship would get a little rocky and they would kind of be off and on through the years but they would never really sever ties even when they broke up they would continuously keep talking and sleeping together so it's almost like a friends with benefits situation when they weren't actually together
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But it was at some point during this weird friends with benefit relationship thing that Jodi's behavior kind of went off the rails. She kept popping up uninvited and reading his emails and quite literally stalking him. And Travis's friends were terrified because Travis was telling them what was happening and they're like, Run! What the fuck are you doing?
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So Travis was just in the middle here, caught between guilt and affection, especially because Mormonism forbid premarital sex, but it couldn't seem to pull him away from Jodi. But no one, not even Travis, could have guessed just how far things would go.
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So on June 9th, 2008, after days of unanswered calls and missed meetings, Travis's friends broke into his home, because they didn't know where he was. And the scene inside the home was their friend's worst. nightmare. They would get into the house and they would see a blood trail that led to the master bedroom. So they would follow the blood trail into the master bedroom.
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And that's where they would find Travis slumped in a very awkward position in a pool of blood inside of his own shower. And at this point he had been dead for days.
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days so naturally the friends would call the police and when the police arrived even seasoned investigators were shocked at the sheer violence of the whole scene because Travis had endured 27 stab wounds a throat so deeply cut it was nearly severed and a bullet wound to the head just overkill, beyond overkill.
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And David just had this overall steady presence. And he built his entire world around him with good old hard work. He owned his own heating and air conditioning business and was pretty successful with it. And he would fill his free time with outdoor activities like boating, snowmobiling, and anything to feel the cold wind come across his face. So all was well.
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So whoever had done this wasn't just trying to kill Travis, they were trying to destroy him. And friends were obviously very quick to point fingers at Jodi. So they would tell police about Jodi's obsessive behavior, the break-ins, and the pure jealousy that was just constant in their relationship. But at the time it just sounded too obvious because wasn't it always just the crazy ex?
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So police would tread carefully and open up an investigation carefully. So they would go on and examine the house and they would actually find a damaged camera in Travis's washing machine. And they were actually able to recover photos from the camera. And the images that they would see from this camera were so disturbing because the images would show Travis in the shower
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and not just alive, but right before he was murdered in the shower. And through searching the house, DNA evidence would pop up as well. They would actually find a bloody palm print on the wall and it would contain two DNA profiles. One was Travis's and the others was, you guessed it, Jodi's. And this would obviously be enough to bring her in.
Crime, Conspiracy, Cults and Murder
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So investigators would bring Jodi in and they would interview her. And when questioned, Jodi just played it cool as a cucumber. First, she denied ever being there at all. And then when pressed even further, Jodi came out with the truth. She told them that masked intruders had actually broke into the house while she and Travis were there and killed Travis, but that ended up letting her go.
Crime, Conspiracy, Cults and Murder
Ep. 34 | The Hello Kitty Murder | **SHOCKING CONTENT**
However, he would be later caught by police on the 14th of February, 2000. after irregularities in his passport were found. And he would then be sent back to Hong Kong for the 17th of February trial. And the Yongshin Cho was put on Interpol's most wanted list, so he was sent back to Hong Kong as well to bring justice to Fan Manyi finally. So on October 20th, 2000, the trial would finally begin.
Crime, Conspiracy, Cults and Murder
Ep. 34 | The Hello Kitty Murder | **SHOCKING CONTENT**
Ah Fang would testify in this trial in exchange for her immunity. And during this trial, Chan and his accomplices denied intending to kill Fan. okay, stating that they were just meaning to rough her up. Tell you what, you come over to my place, I'll rough you up, all right? However, they did not deny the fact that they dismembered her body in such a sadistic way and also hid the remains.
Crime, Conspiracy, Cults and Murder
Ep. 34 | The Hello Kitty Murder | **SHOCKING CONTENT**
Why? Why? For what? And the court was obviously fucking mortified. And the prosecutor describing it as one of the worst cases in Hong Kong's history. And the defendant's faces, while the crimes were stated, showed a complete lack of remorse, especially from Cheung, who was just stone faced the entire time, just punchable faced the entire time.
Crime, Conspiracy, Cults and Murder
Ep. 34 | The Hello Kitty Murder | **SHOCKING CONTENT**
And apparently during the trial, Leong Wai Loon's sister experienced a mental breakdown and his brother would smash and break a court door when the guilty verdict was called. And unfortunately, they were only charged with manslaughter an unlawful imprisonment. Make it make sense. So they were charged with life imprisonment somehow with the possibility of parole.
Crime, Conspiracy, Cults and Murder
Ep. 34 | The Hello Kitty Murder | **SHOCKING CONTENT**
And then the men who were examined at Castle Peak Hospital and Sulam Hospital described the trio of men as remorseless, even though the court had not learned of a case as depraved, brutal, and vicious. And what's absolutely mind-boggling to me is that Liangshen Chou was actually let out early in 2011 despite being sentenced to life. And after his 18 years, he was completely freed.
Crime, Conspiracy, Cults and Murder
Ep. 34 | The Hello Kitty Murder | **SHOCKING CONTENT**
Therefore she had to get a job and that led her into falling into desperation, which led her into Lady of the Nighting, if you know what I mean. YouTube really doesn't like me using literally any type of terminology that involves Lady of the Nighting for some reason, which I think is weird because it's a very real thing.
Crime, Conspiracy, Cults and Murder
Ep. 34 | The Hello Kitty Murder | **SHOCKING CONTENT**
However, he was then charged again and put in jail in 2022 for indecently assaulting a 10-year-old girl for 12 months. Don't let monsters out of jail. Because monsters remain monsters. And the media was obviously shocked, to say the least. Horrified that there were people so cruel in the world, let alone in their backyard.
Crime, Conspiracy, Cults and Murder
Ep. 34 | The Hello Kitty Murder | **SHOCKING CONTENT**
And they were glad that the vermin, at the time at least, were off the street and locked away from the public. And TVB reporters themselves even felt sick, describing the trial as crazy and scary. And many, many articles have been written about this, but many have been lost in time. However, two movies would be made about the case. One called Human Pork Chop, which... No words, basically.
Crime, Conspiracy, Cults and Murder
Ep. 34 | The Hello Kitty Murder | **SHOCKING CONTENT**
And another called There is a Secret...
Crime, Conspiracy, Cults and Murder
Ep. 34 | The Hello Kitty Murder | **SHOCKING CONTENT**
in my soup the titles alone are tone deaf and terrible but i mean this is from a different time from a completely different place where i'm from so i don't i don't want to i don't i'm not i don't have a lot to say about that um but if they're anything like what actually happened i'm sure they're extremely horrifying and brutal even the movie art for the cover alone is pretty horrifying but the aftermath of all of this finally let fun have her rest
Crime, Conspiracy, Cults and Murder
Ep. 34 | The Hello Kitty Murder | **SHOCKING CONTENT**
Thank God. And the rest of her corpse was burned and cremated on March 26, 2000. And the apartment building now linked with this horrifying murder was eventually demolished in September of 2012 and has since been rebuilt into a hotel named Soravit. Soravit? I'm not sure. In 2016. And it's still heavily debated whether these people got what they deserved.
Crime, Conspiracy, Cults and Murder
Ep. 34 | The Hello Kitty Murder | **SHOCKING CONTENT**
I don't think they did, but no doubt if this was committed today, there would have been a lot more serious of a punishment, at least I hope. However, what we can all agree on is that this murder was completely brutal. And all that's left to remember, fawn by, is this story and also a necklace that was found at the apartment where she died in that was actually given to her son after the fact.
Crime, Conspiracy, Cults and Murder
Ep. 34 | The Hello Kitty Murder | **SHOCKING CONTENT**
So at least he's able to have something from his mom. But man, this case broke me pretty good. Just the brutality and inhuman people involved. It's hard to wrap my head around. I mean, I know I talk about a lot of these cases and can remain somewhat stoic, but this one was hard to get through. Anyway, I just want to say thank you for watching the video.
Crime, Conspiracy, Cults and Murder
Ep. 34 | The Hello Kitty Murder | **SHOCKING CONTENT**
If you have any other cases you want me to go over, let me know down below. Anything from crime, conspiracy cults, serial killers, murder, whatever paranormal Anything down below. I I would love to read the reason why I did this video is because so many of you suggested it Um, but yeah until next time I will see you a beautiful face in the next video. All right. Bye
Crime, Conspiracy, Cults and Murder
Ep. 34 | The Hello Kitty Murder | **SHOCKING CONTENT**
But anyway, eventually at 21 years old, she was able to get a job at a brothel called Romance Villa in Shamshuipo, where she would be able to pay for her addiction. So right out the gate, I mean, she started off in a terrible situation
Crime, Conspiracy, Cults and Murder
Ep. 34 | The Hello Kitty Murder | **SHOCKING CONTENT**
went through another terrible situation which was being in an orphanage and then was kicked down into the street at 15 years old and not that she is the villain at any point in the story but she is the victim and I feel like so many victims we see of serial killers or regular killers or just people wanting to take advantage of women specifically often come from this lifestyle and it's just it's heartbreaking but that is exactly what would happen to Fan Manyi.
Crime, Conspiracy, Cults and Murder
Ep. 34 | The Hello Kitty Murder | **SHOCKING CONTENT**
which is kind of concerning, a lot of you requested I go over the Hello Kitty case. Now, I've heard of this here and there. I hadn't heard all the details, and my lord, is it grim. So all the trigger warnings there, from torture to horror, hauntings, this case shocked all of Hong Kong and the world. And they called it one of the worst and most horrible sides of humanity ever seen.
Crime, Conspiracy, Cults and Murder
Ep. 34 | The Hello Kitty Murder | **SHOCKING CONTENT**
But anyway, she would go on to work at this brothel, and eventually she would cozy up to one of her clients, Ong Chi Yuen, and get married to said client in 1996. And this guy was a piece of shit, okay? He was not stable at all, and to boot, he was also a drug addict. And eventually, she would give birth to a son two years into her relationship in November of 1998.
Crime, Conspiracy, Cults and Murder
Ep. 34 | The Hello Kitty Murder | **SHOCKING CONTENT**
And their relationship was not great, as you could probably guess. Both of them were addicted to drugs. They had quite an abusive relationship as well, with neighbors constantly reporting loud shouting and arguments. And the child, of course, of them doing drugs and yelling at each other would be crying and screaming, so the neighbors would constantly send noise complaints because of them.
Crime, Conspiracy, Cults and Murder
Ep. 34 | The Hello Kitty Murder | **SHOCKING CONTENT**
So it was a less than peaceful environment as you can imagine. And realizing this was no place to raise her son and her habits were getting in the way of her child, she decided she wanted to turn her life around. So she quit drugs and Lady of the Nighting. Two very dangerous things in her life that didn't benefit her son in any way and decided to work at a different place.
Crime, Conspiracy, Cults and Murder
Ep. 34 | The Hello Kitty Murder | **SHOCKING CONTENT**
And she would eventually get a job as a hostess at a nightclub called Empress Karaoke Club. Love karaoke. And to ensure that her son was truly safe, she would leave her piece of shit, drug-addicted husband and fly solo to take care of her child. But although that she was living a much safer life now, she was not making as much money and was really struggling financially to help her baby.
Crime, Conspiracy, Cults and Murder
Ep. 34 | The Hello Kitty Murder | **SHOCKING CONTENT**
and herself. And it wasn't until about a year later in 1997 that she became close with another one of her clients named Chanman Lok, a 34 year old man. And Chan was not the best person to be friends with if you were wanting to turn your life around. And Phan would begin to fall back into her old life and drug addiction. And after a while, Chan realized that they had a lot in common as well.
Crime, Conspiracy, Cults and Murder
Ep. 34 | The Hello Kitty Murder | **SHOCKING CONTENT**
Fan was a lady of the night and drug addict, and Chan just so happened to be a pimp and a drug dealer. So just a... Match made in hell, basically. And eventually, after spending so much time with Chan, she would become very familiar with his crew as well. Particularly his two henchmen who were beneath him named Leong Shing Cho, aged 26, and Leong Wei Loon, aged 21. And Chan wasn't just any pimp.
Crime, Conspiracy, Cults and Murder
Ep. 34 | The Hello Kitty Murder | **SHOCKING CONTENT**
He was a straight up gangster, okay? Being a part of the Wo Shing Wo triad, a very long standing gang in Hong Kong. But despite the frequent business, money was still tight and Phan was hanging out with gangsters who were throwing money like no tomorrow. And she started to become really used to that and she just wanted more and more money.
Crime, Conspiracy, Cults and Murder
Ep. 34 | The Hello Kitty Murder | **SHOCKING CONTENT**
But the next thing that she would do would change her life entirely. And it would change her life for the worst. So on one of their drug binges in 1999, Vonn stole Chan's wallet with 4,000 Hong Kong dollars in it, which is about $500 USD.
Crime, Conspiracy, Cults and Murder
Ep. 34 | The Hello Kitty Murder | **SHOCKING CONTENT**
And she would do this because she was struggling with money and with these guys throwing money at her constantly, she was starting to get used to having a little bit more money and she was so desperate to have more money that she thought that this was some sort of solution, but it just made things so much worse.
Crime, Conspiracy, Cults and Murder
Ep. 34 | The Hello Kitty Murder | **SHOCKING CONTENT**
And Chan, of course, would find out that he was $500 or 4,000 Hong Kong dollars short, obviously. And the only person who he could blame was the girl that he was drug binging with and the only person that he was around when the money had disappeared. So he would then send his goons to contact her, stating that she needed to pay the money back.
Crime, Conspiracy, Cults and Murder
Ep. 34 | The Hello Kitty Murder | **SHOCKING CONTENT**
Which, I mean, she did steal the money, and paying him back, I mean, that's fine, that's all civil, nothing necessarily wrong there, the only wrong thing is that she stole money, but it gets worse than that. Because since she went behind Chan's back and stole his money, he kind of wanted to make an example of her.
Crime, Conspiracy, Cults and Murder
Ep. 34 | The Hello Kitty Murder | **SHOCKING CONTENT**
So he said, you know what, you also need to pay a fee of 10,000 Hong Kong dollars, around 1300 USD, which is more than double than what she stole. And this was considered interest for stealing his money, basically. And the intention behind that, not only making an example of her, was that now he could force her to work under him to pay off this debt.
Crime, Conspiracy, Cults and Murder
Ep. 34 | The Hello Kitty Murder | **SHOCKING CONTENT**
So without further ado, let's unbuckle our seatbelts, go Mach 5 down the highway, slam on the brakes, and bust through this windshield into this gruesome case together. So born in 1976 in Shenzhen, China, Fan Manyi was a troubled child. It began with her living with her parents who decided to abandon her as a child, leaving her to end up in an all girls orphanage in Matawai.
Crime, Conspiracy, Cults and Murder
Ep. 34 | The Hello Kitty Murder | **SHOCKING CONTENT**
And this amount of money to recuperate would take a very long time for Fan, especially if she was pooling it into her child and drug habits. So she would eventually pay that initial $500 or 4,000 Hong Kong dollars back to Chan, but the rest would take a long time and Chan was getting... impatient. Obviously, Chan wanted Fan to learn a lesson.
Crime, Conspiracy, Cults and Murder
Ep. 34 | The Hello Kitty Murder | **SHOCKING CONTENT**
The lesson being not to steal from someone who has been so gracious to you and who also had a reputation to uphold as well. Therefore, Chan would send his two henchmen, Liang Weilun and Liang Xingqiu, to her flat, which was located in Liyu Estate on March 17th, 1999. However, it wasn't just the two goons that Chan would send to grab Fan, but also a
Crime, Conspiracy, Cults and Murder
Ep. 34 | The Hello Kitty Murder | **SHOCKING CONTENT**
14-year-old girl named Ah Phong, who will be important later in the story. So they would take Phan from her apartment and take her to a different apartment on number 31 Granville Road, Shim Sa Sui. And this was a very large apartment complex with over five bedrooms. And it was rented by Chan, not owned. However, he had full access to it due to his rent.
Crime, Conspiracy, Cults and Murder
Ep. 34 | The Hello Kitty Murder | **SHOCKING CONTENT**
And the original idea was to teach Phan a lesson forcing her to work completely under Chan until he was satisfied, pimping her out to any man who would have her. However, before she could get back to work, they would begin to torture her. And this is where all the trigger warnings apply, so just a heads up.
Crime, Conspiracy, Cults and Murder
Ep. 34 | The Hello Kitty Murder | **SHOCKING CONTENT**
Chan, like I said, had changed his mind in getting her to be a lady of the night for him, believing he should make an example of any of the girls who dare cross him. Therefore, she would instead be tortured in this abandoned building, muffling her screams with a dirty rag. And her torture was absolutely brutal. Like there is a special dark place in hell for the people that did this to her.
Crime, Conspiracy, Cults and Murder
Ep. 34 | The Hello Kitty Murder | **SHOCKING CONTENT**
And it ranged from physical to psychological abuse to eventual SA. So supposedly she was beaten with metal bars until her bones were all fractured. And she would also be tied up with metal wires that dug into her skin and they would continually beat her all through the day and all through the night, just taking turns. And the torture would just progressively get worse and worse.
Crime, Conspiracy, Cults and Murder
Ep. 34 | The Hello Kitty Murder | **SHOCKING CONTENT**
These people were incredibly sadistic and would just experiment essentially on her in different ways. to torture her. She would be strangled with a metal wire until she couldn't breathe. They would whip her as well. And she would often dive in and out of consciousness throughout these ordeals with the pain just being so severe.
Crime, Conspiracy, Cults and Murder
Ep. 34 | The Hello Kitty Murder | **SHOCKING CONTENT**
And to ensure the pain was even worse, these pieces of shit would put chili powder into her open wounds just to make it hurt more just because they're... spawns of Satan. They would use other torture methods as well, such as burning her with lighters. And even on one occasion, Chan forced Fan to eat his own feces. Are you okay? I mean, nobody's okay. None of this is okay.
Crime, Conspiracy, Cults and Murder
Ep. 34 | The Hello Kitty Murder | **SHOCKING CONTENT**
But like this, just this poor, poor, poor girl, like so awful. But in short, all of the people that were involved with Chan would take part in this torture against Fang. And the young girl, the 14 year old Laming Fang, known as Ah Fang as a pseudonym, would also reportedly take part in the torture towards Fang.
Crime, Conspiracy, Cults and Murder
Ep. 34 | The Hello Kitty Murder | **SHOCKING CONTENT**
Now, just a little bit about Afang, she was one of the girls that was currently being groomed by Chang. So, I mean, in this situation, I'm going to safely assume she didn't really have a choice. She sees another woman that went against this person that she's with. Also, she doesn't want to be going through that. So she was, I'm going to safely assume. forced to go through this, just awful.
Crime, Conspiracy, Cults and Murder
Ep. 34 | The Hello Kitty Murder | **SHOCKING CONTENT**
And on one occasion, she would recollect seeing Chan kick Phong in the head over 50 times. And Ah Phong then also kicked her in the head, like joining in essentially. And during all of this, just all of this, horrible pain and suffering, Fawn was forced to say she enjoyed it the whole time.
Crime, Conspiracy, Cults and Murder
Ep. 34 | The Hello Kitty Murder | **SHOCKING CONTENT**
And they would say that she had to say this in order for it to stop, but they would often just continue to do it and torture her anyway and in more severe ways. And eventually, as you can expect, Fawn did succumb to her torture. Surviving around a month of continuous torture on either April 14th or April 15th, 1999, that is the day that she died.
Crime, Conspiracy, Cults and Murder
Ep. 34 | The Hello Kitty Murder | **SHOCKING CONTENT**
And this would spark an argument between them, believing that one of the torturers didn't watch over her hard enough, and that she probably got access to methamphetamine to overdose on it. Which again, we don't know for sure. Either way, they now had a corpse that they needed to get rid of, and they had a sinister idea of how to do that. Just more trigger warnings of getting rid of a body. Just...
Crime, Conspiracy, Cults and Murder
Ep. 34 | The Hello Kitty Murder | **SHOCKING CONTENT**
putting it out there. So they decided they needed to get rid of this body. So they would drag Fawn's body to an empty bathtub. They would then grab a hacksaw and begin to cut her up into small pieces, therefore making it easier not only to relocate, but also get rid of However, you can't just throw a body in the trash.
Crime, Conspiracy, Cults and Murder
Ep. 34 | The Hello Kitty Murder | **SHOCKING CONTENT**
The smell will lead others to investigate and throw off their entire operation. So they decided to do something else. They would boil each body part two at a time in a big pot. And by boiling the body, it would kill the DNA and germs and be easier to get rid of, leaving little trace.
Crime, Conspiracy, Cults and Murder
Ep. 34 | The Hello Kitty Murder | **SHOCKING CONTENT**
And this pot and stove that they boiled Fawn's body on was the same place that they would cook food that they would eat as well, which is just sickening. But their sadistic thoughts somehow did not end there because they had extra plans for her head specifically. So due to boiling body parts, most of the time, everything would fall off the bone, leaving just the bone exposed essentially.
Crime, Conspiracy, Cults and Murder
Ep. 34 | The Hello Kitty Murder | **SHOCKING CONTENT**
And in the time she was there, she would never be adopted. And with an age limit set on taking care of young girls, she was sent into the world alone at the age of 15.
Crime, Conspiracy, Cults and Murder
Ep. 34 | The Hello Kitty Murder | **SHOCKING CONTENT**
So after the head was completely boiled, they would take the skull and do something completely unthinkable. Supposedly, the home was decorated with a decent amount of Hello Kitty memorabilia.
Crime, Conspiracy, Cults and Murder
Ep. 34 | The Hello Kitty Murder | **SHOCKING CONTENT**
So these insane f**ks, instead of throwing out the head, would take the skull of Fawn and grab a Hello Kitty mermaid doll and remove the Hello Kitty mermaid doll's head and then stuff Fawn's skull inside the doll and sew it back onto the Hello Kitty mermaid's body. So Fawn's skull was now inside the Hello Kitty mermaid doll. And they would just set it back on the shelf like nothing ever happened.
Crime, Conspiracy, Cults and Murder
Ep. 34 | The Hello Kitty Murder | **SHOCKING CONTENT**
And this is where the story of the name of this case comes from. So a few weeks would go by after this whole
Crime, Conspiracy, Cults and Murder
Ep. 34 | The Hello Kitty Murder | **SHOCKING CONTENT**
up event and they seem to have gotten away with their crime however the child in our story the 14 year old child ah fong felt different from what she had experienced and felt urged to go to the police now why do you ask would she just randomly decide to go to the police especially with the danger of chan finding out anything you know but it was because she experienced some paranormal
Crime, Conspiracy, Cults and Murder
Ep. 34 | The Hello Kitty Murder | **SHOCKING CONTENT**
On May 24th, 1999, Afong would go to the police and tell them that she had been haunted for days and nights, even in her dreams, by a woman who was bound with electrical wire and who was tortured to death. Sound familiar? And the police would just blow her off thinking that she was just a teenager with a very descriptive imagination. and they wouldn't think anything of it.
Crime, Conspiracy, Cults and Murder
Ep. 34 | The Hello Kitty Murder | **SHOCKING CONTENT**
However, she would clarify that this ghostly presence she was feeling was due to her involvement in the murder of this exact woman that was currently haunting her. That'll do it. And willing to show them everything that had happened, she would do so if, in exchange, she was granted protection.
Crime, Conspiracy, Cults and Murder
Ep. 34 | The Hello Kitty Murder | **SHOCKING CONTENT**
So again, that just kind of coincides with she was just afraid that entire time that she was living in under Chan, which is Again, just so incredibly sad. And she would then begin to describe everything that happened, everything that we already spoke about. And completely shocked, the police would get up and immediately go run down to the flat to which a Hello Kitty doll was sitting on the bed.
Crime, Conspiracy, Cults and Murder
Ep. 34 | The Hello Kitty Murder | **SHOCKING CONTENT**
And as expected, it was an extremely hard life living out on the streets. She experienced the worst type of things and eventually she would get herself into the wrong crowd and get addicted to drugs. And this habit would lead her to rely on them as it happens with drugs. And the only way to afford said drugs is with money.
Crime, Conspiracy, Cults and Murder
Ep. 34 | The Hello Kitty Murder | **SHOCKING CONTENT**
And inside the Hello Kitty doll, the police would find a skull and a ton of rotting insects as well. And all that was left of Fawn was a few teeth and a fridge with internal organs stuffed in it as well, and the skull that was retrieved from the doll. And the apartment and living conditions she was left in were disgusting and absolutely mortifying.
Crime, Conspiracy, Cults and Murder
Ep. 34 | The Hello Kitty Murder | **SHOCKING CONTENT**
Trash was left all over the floor and it was just a decrepit place. So the police would try to be swift with their arrests, knowing how serious this crime was and his connection to the triads. The arrest was an absolute must. And Chan was just living it up, absolutely clueless to the events that were about to transpire. He would be at his home with his wife. A wife, what?
Crime, Conspiracy, Cults and Murder
Ep. 34 | The Hello Kitty Murder | **SHOCKING CONTENT**
Spending quality time with a newborn child. Just letting that sink in. And that is when a SWAT raid team would come in early morning on May 28th and rip his dumb fucking bitch ass out of there. And this arrest would be announced in the news and the paper. And Liang Weilun fled to mainland China before he could be arrested as well.
Crimeatorium
60 Seconds of True Crime | Grandmother is Accused Of The Unthinkable
Hyde Park is a small town located in northern Utah and it is the home of 75-year-old Ruth Worthen. Multiple individuals have come forward accusing Worthen of sexually assaulting them when they were children. The alleged abuse occurred over a span of 30 years.
Crimeatorium
60 Seconds of True Crime | Grandmother is Accused Of The Unthinkable
The individuals, which include both male and female and ranged in age from 18 months to 13 years, claimed Worthen repeatedly raped and molested them and forced them to engage in sexual activities with other children and adults. Some of the alleged victims were relatives of Worthen, a woman they should have felt safe with.
Crimeatorium
60 Seconds of True Crime | Grandmother is Accused Of The Unthinkable
The assaults are said to have taken place at a turkey farm, a park, Worthen's home, in the mountains, and in the church bathroom. It is alleged that the use of objects, as well as psychological abuse, including threats of physical violence, were used in the commission of the assaults against these children.
Crimeatorium
60 Seconds of True Crime | Grandmother is Accused Of The Unthinkable
One victim described Worthen's predatorial nature, claiming that she took every opportunity to prey on her victims at family parties and other events. Friends and neighbors of Worthen are shocked by the allegations. A secretly recorded phone call with one of Worthen's relatives was made during the investigation.
Crimeatorium
60 Seconds of True Crime | Grandmother is Accused Of The Unthinkable
This person claimed to have known about the sexual abuse due to a vision he had, but decided to let it go. Worthen was arrested and booked into jail on 18 felony offenses, including aggravated sexual abuse of a child and object rape of a child. Ruth Worthen is presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
Crimeatorium
The Tragic Murder of Suzanne Maria Rossetti: The 1977 Crime That Shook Saugus
But according to records, this employment didn't last long. Suzanne took a job at a skin bank for burn victims. By 1981, Suzanne had carved out a wonderful life for herself. She had a good job, a good circle of friends, and an apartment. She often spoke with her mother, Louise, about the possibility of starting a family of her own, if, of course, the right man came into her life.
Crimeatorium
The Tragic Murder of Suzanne Maria Rossetti: The 1977 Crime That Shook Saugus
Finally, after two weeks of watching transactions, trying to follow Suzanne's car, Gillies and Logan were arrested for her murder. During his arrest, Gillies asked what would happen if found guilty. The officer responded that he would face the gas chamber. Gillies' response was, All that for killing that bitch?
Crimeatorium
The Tragic Murder of Suzanne Maria Rossetti: The 1977 Crime That Shook Saugus
Gillies remained closed off to investigators, but his partner in crime, Mike Logan, was more than happy to sell his friend down the river in exchange for a lighter sentence. Logan agreed to testify against Gillies in exchange for Arizona not seeking the death penalty. Days after his arrest, Mike Logan led a team of investigators to the site of Suzanne's murder and grave.
Crimeatorium
The Tragic Murder of Suzanne Maria Rossetti: The 1977 Crime That Shook Saugus
The team were horrified by the level of brutality inflicted upon Suzanne. Court documents noted that it took two officers to remove the rocks that had been placed on her body. The state's report also noted the right cheek of the victim had been crushed and the eye was missing from the right socket.
Crimeatorium
The Tragic Murder of Suzanne Maria Rossetti: The 1977 Crime That Shook Saugus
The medical examiner described various lacerations, abrasions, avulsions, and fractures to the skull and body of the victim. The victim tested positive for seminal fluid. Suzanne's parents were shielded by investigators from a lot of the details and promised that her body would be returned.
Crimeatorium
The Tragic Murder of Suzanne Maria Rossetti: The 1977 Crime That Shook Saugus
Both Jesse Gillies and Mike Logan were deemed fit to stand trial, with the latter being sentenced to life with a minimum of 25 years for his cooperation. Jesse Gillies, on the other hand, who was also found guilty, was sentenced to death. The court spent several days determining whether the crime met the criteria for death, which it ultimately did.
Crimeatorium
The Tragic Murder of Suzanne Maria Rossetti: The 1977 Crime That Shook Saugus
Mike Logan's testimony was vital in building the case against both men and it culminated in the pair being found guilty. No guilty plea or death sentence will ever pay for what they did to sweet Suzanne. Her kindness was exploited in one of the most monstrous ways imaginable. In January 1999, Jesse Gillies was executed by the state of Arizona.
Crimeatorium
The Tragic Murder of Suzanne Maria Rossetti: The 1977 Crime That Shook Saugus
For his last meal, Gillies requested a rare cooked steak with mushrooms, two eggs, ten pieces of bacon, toast with butter and jam, milk, apple juice, and a large chocolate milkshake. Gillies refused to give any final words, simply telling the officers, let's get on with it. Unfortunately, Peter Rossetti passed away in 1992, never living to see Jesse Gillies or Mike Logan face any real justice.
Crimeatorium
The Tragic Murder of Suzanne Maria Rossetti: The 1977 Crime That Shook Saugus
Following Peter's passing, Louise continued to keep her daughter's name alive. In 1992, a Louise Rossetti's Women 5K race was created to pay tribute to Suzanne. Also, the Suzanne Maria Rossetti Memorial Juried Art Contest was established 42 years ago in her memory as well.
Crimeatorium
The Tragic Murder of Suzanne Maria Rossetti: The 1977 Crime That Shook Saugus
In 2002, Louise carried the Olympic torch for the Salt Lake City Games, naming her run in honor of Suzanne and her two surviving children, Donna and Peter Jr. In June 2014, Louise Rossetti passed away at the age of 93. Michael Logan never saw parole as he is reported to have passed away behind bars in 2021. In 2012, Ronald J. Watkins published a book called Evil Intentions about Suzanne's case.
Crimeatorium
The Tragic Murder of Suzanne Maria Rossetti: The 1977 Crime That Shook Saugus
While Suzanne's family supported Watkins, they asked that no pictures of Suzanne be included in the book. Suzanne Rossetti's life was cut short by two disturbed individuals who took pleasure in exploiting others. Jesse Gillies paid for the crime with his life, and Mike Logan died behind bars.
Crimeatorium
The Tragic Murder of Suzanne Maria Rossetti: The 1977 Crime That Shook Saugus
Suzanne's parents gave a handful of interviews in the 90s where they felt no punishment on earth could match the acts they had committed against Suzanne.
Crimeatorium
The Tragic Murder of Suzanne Maria Rossetti: The 1977 Crime That Shook Saugus
Peter and Louise visited Arizona every winter to be with Suzanne. The winter of 1981 was no exception. Peter and Louise Rossetti arrived in Phoenix in early January of that year. They planned to spend three weeks with Suzanne before returning home on January 29th. The first few weeks were unremarkable.
Crimeatorium
The Tragic Murder of Suzanne Maria Rossetti: The 1977 Crime That Shook Saugus
Suzanne was said to have always had a packed social life, so Peter and Louise didn't mind roaming around the city alone while Suzanne met with friends. January 28, 1981 was one such day. That afternoon, Suzanne unknowingly said goodbye to her parents for the last time before heading out with friends. According to reports, Suzanne and friends attended the 8 p.m.
Crimeatorium
The Tragic Murder of Suzanne Maria Rossetti: The 1977 Crime That Shook Saugus
showing of the Broadway show, Danson, following which Suzanne would reunite with her parents and drive them to the airport for their 3 a.m. flight. But Suzanne never made it. Peter and Louise would later tell the police they had arranged to meet at the rodeo inn, leave their rented car behind, and get a ride from Suzanne to the airport. When midnight came and went, the Rossettis became worried.
Crimeatorium
The Tragic Murder of Suzanne Maria Rossetti: The 1977 Crime That Shook Saugus
Suzanne Maria Rossetti was born on May 3, 1954, in Saugus, Massachusetts.
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The Tragic Murder of Suzanne Maria Rossetti: The 1977 Crime That Shook Saugus
They waited a little while longer, but they were under a time constraint and risked missing their flight home. The pair decided to head for the airport, thinking Suzanne had forgotten their plans and was planning on meeting them there. But as they arrived, their hearts began to sink. There was no sign of Suzanne. The time was crunching closer to 3 a.m.
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The Tragic Murder of Suzanne Maria Rossetti: The 1977 Crime That Shook Saugus
and the last call for their gate was announced. Knowing their daughter would never abandon them, Peter and Louise missed their flight home and headed for their daughter's apartment. Wild thoughts and scenarios played through their minds. Had Suzanne had a medical episode? Had she fallen asleep after a long night with friends? Or had something far darker taken place?
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The Tragic Murder of Suzanne Maria Rossetti: The 1977 Crime That Shook Saugus
Sometime in the early morning hours of January 29th, the Rosettis reached Suzanne's apartment, but again, there was no sign of Suzanne. Her apartment was in disarray and bizarrely, the clock had stopped ticking at 12.47. Peter and Louise became frantic as hours ticked away.
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The Tragic Murder of Suzanne Maria Rossetti: The 1977 Crime That Shook Saugus
She was doted on by her parents, Peter and Louise. People described the Rossettis as an honest and hardworking family, with Peter and Louise working to set an example for their children, Suzanne, Peter Jr., and Donna. Suzanne displayed a bright intellect from an early age and dreamed of attending college.
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The Tragic Murder of Suzanne Maria Rossetti: The 1977 Crime That Shook Saugus
Suzanne's neighbors hadn't seen her the night before and the last person to see her alive, Joe Heckel, had no idea where she could have gone after the theater closed. While Suzanne's parents searched every inch of the apartment complex, Suzanne's fate had already been sealed. At 11 p.m. the night before, January 28, Suzanne had deviated slightly from her route to the Rodeo Inn.
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The Tragic Murder of Suzanne Maria Rossetti: The 1977 Crime That Shook Saugus
She had stopped off at the U-Totem convenience store to grab a few items. For a few minutes, Suzanne milled around the store before grabbing chewing gum and leaving. When Suzanne approached her car, she realized she had locked her keys inside. She initially asked the store employee for help, but he advised her he wasn't allowed to leave the store. Suzanne returned to her car, but she wasn't alone.
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The Tragic Murder of Suzanne Maria Rossetti: The 1977 Crime That Shook Saugus
Two men approached Suzanne and introduced themselves, Jesse Gillies and Mike Logan. The encounter made Suzanne somewhat uncomfortable, but with no other options available, she told the men what was wrong. Gillies and Logan assured her they would be able to help and that they were not a threat.
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The Tragic Murder of Suzanne Maria Rossetti: The 1977 Crime That Shook Saugus
The two spoke about their lives to Suzanne, saying they were interested in nature and conservation like her, putting her at ease. What they neglected to tell her was that they were career criminals with checkered pasts, and they had been sizing her up this entire time. Upon purchasing a screwdriver from the U-Totem store, Gillies managed to wiggle the window open just enough to retrieve the keys.
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The Tragic Murder of Suzanne Maria Rossetti: The 1977 Crime That Shook Saugus
Relieved, Suzanne unlocked her car and asked the pair what she could do to thank them. The two looked at each other, giving the signal. Gillies requested a pack of beer and a ride home, telling Suzanne this would make them square, but the night was far from over. The U-Totem employee watched the entire event go down and sold Suzanne this six-pack of beer.
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The Tragic Murder of Suzanne Maria Rossetti: The 1977 Crime That Shook Saugus
This would be the last time she was ever seen alive again. The U-Totem employee did not raise the alarm, believing he had witnessed two kind Samaritans coming to a distressed woman's aid. Suzanne had also told Gillies and Logan she needed to be quick as she was meeting her parents to take them to the airport in a few hours.
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The Tragic Murder of Suzanne Maria Rossetti: The 1977 Crime That Shook Saugus
As Suzanne drove out of sight of the store and toward the ranch, she felt a warm trickle on her head. Gillies had struck her several times in the head, causing the Ford Pinto to come to a halt. Confused, Suzanne was dragged out of the driver's seat by the pair. Gillies announced that it was now Logan's turn to have fun with Suzanne.
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The Tragic Murder of Suzanne Maria Rossetti: The 1977 Crime That Shook Saugus
Logan attacked Suzanne, raping her before holding the screwdriver to her head. Terrified, Suzanne complied with the men, telling them where she lived. Logan and Gillies bundled themselves into the front of the car, taking directions to her apartment. When they arrived, they forced Suzanne into her bedroom, where she would be raped several more times by each man.
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The Tragic Murder of Suzanne Maria Rossetti: The 1977 Crime That Shook Saugus
While one man attacked her, the other would search her apartment, looking for valuables and other things to steal. In a last-ditch effort to save herself and leave behind evidence, Suzanne grabbed the clock, stopping it at exactly 12.47. Hours later, her parents would discover the scene and find the clock. They would know that whatever had happened to their daughter happened after midnight.
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The Tragic Murder of Suzanne Maria Rossetti: The 1977 Crime That Shook Saugus
By 1976, that dream had come to fruition, with Suzanne proudly walking across the stage in her cap and gown. But now, the real test for Suzanne would begin. What did she want to do with her life and newly gained degree? Well, it turns out that Suzanne wasn't too sure.
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The Tragic Murder of Suzanne Maria Rossetti: The 1977 Crime That Shook Saugus
Once the pair were satisfied with looting her apartment, they dragged her out to her Ford Pinto, throwing her in the back. The pair drove around Phoenix thinking of ways to get rid of Suzanne while she lay in the back covered with a blanket. During the raid of her apartment, the two found her ATM card and decided to try their luck. Under the threat of further violence, Suzanne gave them the pin.
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The Tragic Murder of Suzanne Maria Rossetti: The 1977 Crime That Shook Saugus
CCTV cameras captured the pair withdrawing $200 from her account. The bank declined further transactions at this hour, leaving Suzanne to once again be beaten and assaulted. Suzanne had earlier let it slip that she had a handsome sum of a few thousand dollars in her account, so the pair slipped her card into their pockets for safekeeping.
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The Tragic Murder of Suzanne Maria Rossetti: The 1977 Crime That Shook Saugus
Several hours had passed since they had first kidnapped Suzanne, and the pair were growing tired. They knew the longer they had her in the car, the riskier it became. After much discussion in earshot of Suzanne, the pair decided to drive her Ford Pinto to the Superstition Mountains east of downtown Phoenix.
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The Tragic Murder of Suzanne Maria Rossetti: The 1977 Crime That Shook Saugus
At that moment, Suzanne knew she was going to die, and it is horrific to imagine what she may have been feeling. As the Ford Pinto came to an abrupt halt, Gillies and Logan grabbed Suzanne out of the car, forcing her to walk the rocky and unpredictable terrain. The trio approached the edge of the cliff, where Suzanne uttered, I guess you're going to kill me now. And she was right.
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The Tragic Murder of Suzanne Maria Rossetti: The 1977 Crime That Shook Saugus
The pair threw Suzanne off the cliffside, sending her plummeting 40 feet below. Incredibly, she was still alive. Gillies and Logan sensed this immediately, racing down the side to catch her. Unsatisfied, the pair repeated the process, but Suzanne prevailed. Bloodied and bruised, Suzanne asked for a final act of mercy, telling them to leave her alone as she was going to die anyway.
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The Tragic Murder of Suzanne Maria Rossetti: The 1977 Crime That Shook Saugus
Mike Logan coldly responded, That's right, bitch, you are, before grabbing a rock and smashing her in the head. Gillies joined in with the pair, calling her a bitch and a whore. By this point, Suzanne had suffered significant damage to her body, with the left side of her face being almost completely crushed and her eye dislodged from her socket.
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The Tragic Murder of Suzanne Maria Rossetti: The 1977 Crime That Shook Saugus
Even after suffering several blows to the head, Suzanne was alive, whimpering and begging for her life. Gillies and Logan were now growing frantic. No matter how many cliffs they threw her from or how many times they hit her, she prevailed. The two concocted their final plan, one that would get rid of their problem once and for all.
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The Tragic Murder of Suzanne Maria Rossetti: The 1977 Crime That Shook Saugus
In court documents, Gillies testified the plan was to bury her alive, but the pair didn't have a shovel. Instead, they covered Suzanne's battered and broken body in large rocks until she was completely entombed. As Suzanne's whimpers grew weaker and weaker, Gillies and Logan took the moment to sit on the cliff and smoke a few cigarettes.
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The Tragic Murder of Suzanne Maria Rossetti: The 1977 Crime That Shook Saugus
Following graduation, Suzanne traveled across the country for a while, tasting different ways of life in various states before settling in Arizona. Despite being far away from home, Suzanne was only a call away. She kept a regular schedule of calling home to speak with her family. Suzanne had settled in Arizona after accepting a job at the Grand Canyon National Park.
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The Tragic Murder of Suzanne Maria Rossetti: The 1977 Crime That Shook Saugus
Unbeknownst to Gillies and Logan, Suzanne lived for a further 10 to 20 minutes after being buried alive. Not that either man would have cared. Some documents state in her final moments, Logan told Suzanne, sorry, but this was how it had to be. It is unclear whether Logan had experienced a brief lapse in his conscience or whether he was simply taunting Suzanne.
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The Tragic Murder of Suzanne Maria Rossetti: The 1977 Crime That Shook Saugus
Once the cigarettes ran out, Logan and Gillies trekked back to Suzanne's Ford Pinto and continued to ride around the city. Twenty-year-old Mike Gillies had a rough start in his life. His mother made it very clear she did not want him and he was left to his own devices. By his teen years, Gillies had already committed a slew of crimes and was known for his violent behavior towards his family.
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The Tragic Murder of Suzanne Maria Rossetti: The 1977 Crime That Shook Saugus
The downward spiral continued into his late teens, culminating in several prison sentences, including one at Juvie for stealing a car at the age of 12. Prison is often heralded as the school of crime, and Gillies learned a lot of valuable information from hardened criminals and lifers.
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The Tragic Murder of Suzanne Maria Rossetti: The 1977 Crime That Shook Saugus
By 1981, Gillies had been released and found his way to a ranch just outside of Phoenix where he would meet Mike Logan. Like Gillies, Logan was also a lifelong criminal, one who in 1981 should have still been behind bars. A hardened drinker, Logan had just escaped a Michigan prison and wanted nothing more than to leave the country.
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The Tragic Murder of Suzanne Maria Rossetti: The 1977 Crime That Shook Saugus
Gillies, seeing himself in Logan, quickly forged a friendship with the man on the run and wanted to help him raise the $2,000 necessary to flee to Australia. This is how the dangerous duo came to be. On January 28, 1981, the two went on the prowl, looking for unsuspecting victims to rob. They had no idea where the night would take them, but it was clear that murder was on their minds.
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The Tragic Murder of Suzanne Maria Rossetti: The 1977 Crime That Shook Saugus
While Gillies and Logan paraded around in Suzanne's stolen Ford Pinto, Louise and Peter Rossetti were out of their minds with worry. They had tried to report Suzanne missing at 5 a.m. on January 29, but were told they needed to wait at least 24 hours. Three hours later, a Phoenix police officer finally met them and gave them an unconventional solution.
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The Tragic Murder of Suzanne Maria Rossetti: The 1977 Crime That Shook Saugus
There may have been a 24 hour wait for missing persons, but there was no wait on reporting a car missing. Thankfully for investigators, Gillies and Logan were still using Suzanne's Pinto and it didn't take long for them to track the vehicle down. The pressure was mounting and Gillies began to crack.
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The Tragic Murder of Suzanne Maria Rossetti: The 1977 Crime That Shook Saugus
Hours after murdering Suzanne, he returned to the ranch with Logan, where he proceeded to brag about his crimes. His colleagues were horrified, but Gillies claimed it was all a joke. This would come back to bite him weeks later. Peter and Louise continued to stay at Suzanne's apartment, awaiting news from the police. Suzanne's number plate and bank card had been flagged several times in the city.
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The Tragic Murder of Suzanne Maria Rossetti: The 1977 Crime That Shook Saugus
According to Arizona v. Gillies documents, Logan and Gillies accessed Suzanne's bank 28 times between January 28th and February 3rd. Out of the 28 attempts, 13 were unsuccessful as they had exceeded the $250 daily withdrawal allowance. Investigators were keeping an eye on the transactions as it gave them a similar area of the city to work in.
Criminal
A Murder in the Forest
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A Murder in the Forest
That's q-u-i-n-c-e dot com slash criminal to get free shipping and 365-day returns. quince.com slash criminal. Growing up in the Javari Valley in the 1980s, Iliesio Marubo said he felt very safe.
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A Murder in the Forest
Iliesio says they would sometimes meet people from a state agency who gave them toys.
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A Murder in the Forest
This was in a part of northwestern Brazil called the Javari Valley. It's near the borders of Peru and Colombia. There were two men on the trip. One of them was Brazilian, Bruno Pereira, an expert on indigenous issues who lived and worked in the region. The other man was a British journalist named Dom Phillips.
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A Murder in the Forest
When Iliasio returned to the Javari Valley, he says he noticed a change.
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A Murder in the Forest
Today, the entire Amazon rainforest is home to about 30 million people. A lot of people came in the early to mid-1900s to collect sap from rubber trees and sell it.
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A Murder in the Forest
They called it Operation Amazon, and the military built highways through the forest.
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A Murder in the Forest
The Javari Valley is designated indigenous territory, meaning non-indigenous people are not allowed to hunt there. But lots of other people live in the region, near the indigenous territories, and it's hard to make a living. In the nearest city, only 7% are employed.
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A Murder in the Forest
He had lived in Brazil for over 15 years, but was visiting the Javari Valley to write about Bruno's work. They'd planned to set out from a small town and sail down the Ittaquai River, which cuts through the rainforest. The night before they left, Dom Phillips stayed in one of the only hotels in town.
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A Murder in the Forest
Organized crime and drug traffickers are said to control a lot of the illegal poaching and logging in the area, and don't want reporters or scouts coming around. Over the past decade, at least 300 people, many of them indigenous, have been killed in the Amazon. In 2018, Jair Bolsonaro was elected president of Brazil.
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A Murder in the Forest
At a press conference for international journalists, Dom Phillips asked Bolsonaro about some of the threats facing the Amazon. Bolsonaro replied, the Amazon is Brazil's, not yours. And at one point, he said data showing a rise in deforestation was lies.
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A Murder in the Forest
Before Bruno Pereira started working with Univasha, he worked for a government agency. One day, poachers attacked their base, firing shots at the building. There were at least eight attacks in a year. And then, one night in 2019, one of Bruno's colleagues, a man named Maxiel Pereira dos Santos, was shot in the back of the head and killed while sitting on his motorcycle.
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A Murder in the Forest
The murder has not yet been solved. Bruno requested a leave from work. He wrote that he needed a break after the murder of his friend and colleague and because of the, quote, climate of tension. He told people that he was waiting for Bolsonaro's term to end before he would return to the government agency. Instead, he went to work with Iliasio Marubo and Unavaja, training indigenous scouts.
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A Murder in the Forest
Univaja started receiving threats, delivered to Iliasio Marubo's office.
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A Murder in the Forest
But actually, they were heading south. Terry McCoy is the Washington Post's Rio de Janeiro bureau chief.
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A Murder in the Forest
In 2022, Washington Post Bureau Chief Terry McCoy traveled to the Javari Valley. He wanted to find out what had happened in the weeks and months leading up to the murders of Bruno Pereira and Dom Phillips. He read the scouts' reports and spoke with people who knew Bruno.
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A Murder in the Forest
And he learned about something that had happened while Bruno was out on the river with the scouting teams, weeks before he disappeared.
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A Murder in the Forest
They saw a man they knew well. They knew he was involved in illegal fishing, and the scouts had collected information about him. He led a team of six men who carried shotguns and went into the indigenous territories at night to fish illegally.
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A Murder in the Forest
As they passed his stilt house on the river, he fired a shot. It went over their heads.
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A Murder in the Forest
A few weeks later, Dom Phillips arrived in the Javari Valley. Dom and Bruno spent a couple of days along the river, interviewing people. Sometimes they shadowed indigenous scouts. On the second day, they saw Pilato in his boat, and he raised his shotgun at some of the scouts as a warning. Months after their deaths, Bruno's phone was found in the forest.
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A Murder in the Forest
It contained photographs of Dom interviewing people, and also two videos of Pilato sailing past them. Terry McCoy decided to take the same trip down the river that Dom and Bruno had taken months earlier.
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A Murder in the Forest
They'd made a plan to go and visit one of Bruno Pereira's friends and collaborators when they got back, an indigenous lawyer named Iliesio Marubo. They'd worked together protecting indigenous territory in the rainforest. Bruno had called Iliesio to let him know they would be coming.
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A Murder in the Forest
On the last day of their trip, Dom Phillips and Bruno Pereira knew they would have to sail past Pilato's house to get back to town. So they decided to leave early in the morning.
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A Murder in the Forest
Amarildo da Costa de Oliveira, or Pilato, and another man named Jefferson de Silva Lima confessed to the murders of Bruno Pereira and Dom Phillips. They told police what happened that morning. Pilato said they shot Bruno and shot Dom, and that Bruno returned fire but didn't hit them.
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A Murder in the Forest
In a statement, then-President Bolsonaro called Dom and Bruno's trip, quote, "...an adventure that isn't recommendable for anyone." Bruno Pereira's wife, anthropologist Beatriz Matos, told Brazilian TV that she was hurt by the statements which, quote, contradict the extreme dedication, seriousness, and commitment that Bruno has with his work.
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A Murder in the Forest
The police arrested Pilato Jefferson and Pilato's brother for the murders.
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A Murder in the Forest
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A Murder in the Forest
In 2001, the area was turned into an indigenous territory to protect the uncontacted tribes. Other riverside communities could no longer fish and hunt the way they used to.
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A Murder in the Forest
Pilato and Jefferson da Silva Lima are awaiting trial. Pilato's brother was just released after 27 months in prison. A federal court ruled there wasn't enough evidence against him.
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A Murder in the Forest
Last year, police arrested another man, who is believed to be the leader of an illegal phishing network. He's been charged with ordering the murders. And then, another man was arrested for assisting him and for interfering with the investigation and intimidating witnesses. Last year, Brazil got a new president, Lula da Silva.
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A Murder in the Forest
And Brazil got its first indigenous minister, heading a newly created Ministry of Indigenous Affairs. Last year, she took a trip to the Javari Valley, along with Dom and Bruno's wives, Alessandra Sampaio and Beatriz Matos. She told an audience of mostly indigenous people, we're here to reestablish the presence of the Brazilian government in the Javari Valley region.
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A Murder in the Forest
Iliasio told The Guardian that he thinks the police investigation needs to continue. He suspects there's been a cover-up of the murders, and he said he believes the case goes beyond the people who've been arrested so far.
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A Murder in the Forest
Criminal is created by Lauren Spohr and me. Nadia Wilson is our senior producer. Katie Bishop is our supervising producer. Our producers are Susanna Roberson, Jackie Sajico, Lily Clark, Lena Sillison, and Megan Kinane. Our show is mixed and engineered by Veronica Simonetti. Julian Alexander makes original illustrations for each episode of Criminal. You can see them at thisiscriminal.com.
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A Murder in the Forest
This episode was fact-checked by Michelle Harris. Special thanks to journalist Julia Carnero. A group of journalists are at work completing Dom Phillips' book titled How to Save the Amazon, Ask the People Who Know. It will be out next year. We hope you'll join our new membership program, Criminal Plus.
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A Murder in the Forest
Once you sign up, you can listen to Criminal episodes without any ads, and you'll get bonus episodes with me and Criminal co-creator Laurence Borer, too. To learn more, go to thisiscriminal.com slash plus. We're on Facebook and Twitter at Criminal Show and Instagram at criminal underscore podcast. We're also on YouTube at youtube.com slash criminal podcast.
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A Murder in the Forest
Criminal is part of the Vox Media Podcast Network. Discover more great shows at podcast.voxmedia.com. I'm Phoebe Judge. This is Criminals. Support for criminal comes from better help. That back-to-school feeling can come at any age. I know a lot of people love it. It's not my favorite feeling. I like summer. But the fall is a good time to take stock of where you are and where you'd like to be.
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A Murder in the Forest
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A Murder in the Forest
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A Murder in the Forest
Eliezo Marubo is speaking to us in Portuguese. Reporter Julia Carneiro translates.
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A Murder in the Forest
Iliesio started worrying that other people might be attacked too. Things felt so unsafe to him that he left his home.
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A Murder in the Forest
Elieziu is my first name, and my last name comes from our people, the Marubu people. Elieziu grew up in the Javari Valley Indigenous Territory, one of the most remote areas in the world. It's about the size of Portugal. The territory is home to 26 indigenous tribes. 19 tribes are what's called uncontacted, and basically have no communications with the outside world.
Criminal
A Murder in the Forest
The Javari Valley is home to the largest known number of uncontacted people. There are no roads in the territory. People use the rivers for transportation. Iliasio says his community largely lives off the forest, hunting and fishing, and keeping small plantations.
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A Murder in the Forest
A tapir sort of looks like a pig crossed with an anteater. They're sometimes called the living fossil, because they've been around for 55 million years. People illegally hunt the taper, along with yellow-spotted river turtles and a prehistoric fish that looks like a giant snake. It's known as the Amazon giant and can grow up to 10 feet long. There's also illegal logging.
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A Murder in the Forest
People cut down the forest to sell the wood and to make space for gold mining and large cattle farms.
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A Murder in the Forest
A few years ago, a government agency captured a video of a member of an uncontacted tribe. The man was the last survivor of his community. The government agency believes everyone else was likely killed by ranchers or illegal miners. The man lived alone in the forest for over two decades, avoiding contact with other people. His body was found in 2022.
Criminal
A Murder in the Forest
Iliasio Marubo works as a lawyer for a small organization called Unavaja, or Union of Indigenous People of the Javari Valley. In 2020, Iliasio Marubo filed a lawsuit against American evangelists trying to approach uncontacted tribes in the forest to convert them. Bruno Pereira was also working with Unavaja when he disappeared on the river,
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A Murder in the Forest
Iliasio and Bruno had known each other for years and had first met through Iliasio's brother. The three of them all had daughters who were close in age.
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A Murder in the Forest
Bruno Pereira was born far away from the Javari Valley, in a city in the northeast of Brazil. He often went on expeditions into the forest that lasted for weeks, and he learned to speak at least four indigenous languages.
Criminal
A Murder in the Forest
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A Murder in the Forest
At Univasha, they felt that the authorities weren't doing enough to protect indigenous populations from poachers or people encroaching on their territory. They decided that if the government wouldn't investigate criminal activity in the forest, they would do it themselves. They formed groups of people who would work as scouts.
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A Murder in the Forest
They would travel the forest and the rivers to find out about people who were poaching, fishing, or logging illegally.
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A Murder in the Forest
So Bruno would go out on the water with the scouts, and then he and his colleagues would share what they found with the police, hoping that they would arrest the poachers. British journalist Dom Phillips wanted to write about Bruno's work with the Scouts.
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A Murder in the Forest
They decided to spend a few days on the river. During his 15 years in Brazil, Dom Phillips had written about the impact of agriculture on the rainforest, especially big cattle farms. He'd written about JBS, which is the world's biggest meat processor. They sell meat under more than 100 brands. The U.S. is the second biggest importer of Brazilian beef.
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A Murder in the Forest
Dom Phillips reported that some JBS beef comes from cows raised on land that's been illegally cleared.
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A Murder in the Forest
He was inspired by what he saw on his reporting trips, how indigenous communities hunt and grow things with no fertilizers. And he was going to write a book. He got a grant to go on reporting trips and interview indigenous people, including the scouting teams fighting illegal poaching and logging that Bruno was leading.
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A Murder in the Forest
His river trip in the Javari Valley with Bruno was one of the last reporting trips he'd planned. And then they disappeared. Ten days later, their bodies were found deep in the forest. We'll be right back. Thanks to Squarespace for their support. These days, whenever you're curious about a business or brand, the first place you usually look is online. That first impression matters.
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A Murder in the Forest
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A Murder in the Forest
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A Murder in the Forest
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A Murder in the Forest
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A Murder in the Forest
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Turtle vs. Toilet, a Monster in the Closet, and a Surprise Possum
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Turtle vs. Toilet, a Monster in the Closet, and a Surprise Possum
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Criminal
Turtle vs. Toilet, a Monster in the Closet, and a Surprise Possum
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Criminal
Turtle vs. Toilet, a Monster in the Closet, and a Surprise Possum
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Criminal
Turtle vs. Toilet, a Monster in the Closet, and a Surprise Possum
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Criminal
Dexter Wade
Coming to ABC and Hulu. Amanda Riley was a mother, wife, speaker at her church. And then she got diagnosed with cancer. A beloved young Christian woman fighting a battle undeserved. We thought she was God's gift, but she was a liar.
Criminal
Dexter Wade
From the number one smash hit podcast. It was only a matter of time until Amanda's whole world came tumbling down. You're not going to believe this. Scamanda. New episodes Thursday nights on ABC and stream on Hulu.
Criminal
The Pride of Pine Hill
Everything in one place. Check out squarespace.com slash criminal for a free trial. And when you're ready to launch, use the offer code criminal to save 10% off your first purchase of a website or domain. Support for criminal comes from better help. Therapy can feel like an expense that's hard to justify, both in terms of time and money.
Criminal
The Pride of Pine Hill
In May of 1996, the issue went to print. The whole cover was a picture of Joanna McClay as Jolene Strickland.
Criminal
The Pride of Pine Hill
And how long was the profile inside? I mean, this wasn't a short article.
Criminal
The Pride of Pine Hill
Jolene Strickland was 48. She always wore red. She once told her mother she hoped that someday she wouldn't have to clip coupons. And her mother said, Joe, you stop practicing thrift and the devil will move into your kitchen.
Criminal
The Pride of Pine Hill
Her campaign manager told the Independent that they'd returned a $10,000 campaign contribution because Joe believes the governor of North Carolina should be elected, not bought. She had a husband named Bob and a son named Bobby. The dog was named Mercy Me. Jolene met Bob when she was 18, on her way home from her job at the Utterly Butterly Dairy Barn.
Criminal
The Pride of Pine Hill
Bob was participating in a strike for better working conditions at a poultry plant. They dated for five years. She joined the Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee and got her teaching certificate from UNC. They got married, and her parents gave them a book of baby names and a year's supply of ground chalk.
Criminal
The Pride of Pine Hill
She described teaching public school during the day and watching news from Vietnam at night. Quote, anyone not in a coma was getting the political lesson of a lifetime. Bob is quoted as saying, Jolene can smell a pile of you-know-what from a mile away, and she doesn't rest until it's cleaned up. She went on to become the mayor of the, quote, storybook town, Pine Hill.
Criminal
The Pride of Pine Hill
And one of the things she focused on in her campaign to challenge Jim Hunt and Robin Hayes and the governor's race was crime. She said building new prisons was a wasteful and useless so-called solution to a serious problem. She wanted job programs for nonviolent offenders, drug rehabilitation and education programs. She was quoted as saying, Crime does not pay is such a tired cliché.
Criminal
The Pride of Pine Hill
We've got to teach kids that a life well lived does pay. She wanted clean rivers, affordable health care, and strict rules about money and politics. What was the reaction?
Criminal
The Pride of Pine Hill
Did anyone say, oh, no, they're sending in contributions and they're buying buttons? What are we going to do?
Criminal
The Pride of Pine Hill
Robin Hayes also suggested that people could use Lysol to prevent STDs, leading some people to refer to him as Lysol Man.
Criminal
The Pride of Pine Hill
Two weeks after the article about Jolene Strickland ran, the Independent published a follow-up article. They dropped more obvious hints, reiterating her campaign slogan, Too Good to Be True, and saying outright that her campaign was conveniently headquartered here at the Independent. They quoted three readers who said they doubted that there was a real Jolene Strickland.
Criminal
The Pride of Pine Hill
They repeatedly referred to her as the Independent Candidate. But they also published Jolene Strickland's response to her skeptics.
Criminal
The Pride of Pine Hill
And my daddy once said that too many politicians are like that monster Dr. Frankenstein brought to life, loud, scary, and held together by some rich guy's money. The paper sought comments from her opponents. A spokesperson for the Republican candidate, Robin Hayes, said, she's for universal health care and she's very pro-abortion.
Criminal
The Pride of Pine Hill
He went on to say, if she does the right things, she might catch on. The press secretary for the sitting Democratic governor, Jim Hunt, said that the governor would be willing to debate Jolene Strickland.
Criminal
The Pride of Pine Hill
His mother had contributed a million dollars to his gubernatorial campaign and an additional $500,000 to the Republican National Committee, telling a reporter that she made the donation because, quote, "...my son is very anxious to continue the things he started in the legislature."
Criminal
The Pride of Pine Hill
The follow-up article also announced that there would be a press conference on May 30th at the state legislature so that Jolene Strickland could answer questions in person. It would be the first time that Joanna McClay would be in front of other journalists and have to respond to their questions in real time.
Criminal
The Pride of Pine Hill
Barry remembers that they gave her a list of talking points and a statement to read, but that was about it in the way of prep. Still, everyone was confident that she could make it seem believable.
Criminal
The Pride of Pine Hill
One journalist asked about her claim that her town, Pine Hill, wasn't on any maps because it was too small. Jolene Strickland said, Well, you know maps. You know mapmakers. You know, they're not perfect. Someone asked how long she'd been mayor of Pine Hill. She said since 1986. But her own campaign had printed her election date as 1993. The reporters kept asking questions.
Criminal
The Pride of Pine Hill
At the time, Barry Yeoman was working for an alt weekly based in Durham, North Carolina, called the Independent Weekly. The newspaper was covering the governor's race closely. In 1996, Barry's editor was Bob Moser. Bob had started out as the calendar and arts editor. He was only 32 when he became the editor-in-chief.
Criminal
The Pride of Pine Hill
Joanna McClay remembered finally telling one reporter, look, all these questions you're asking, it sounds like you're trying to say that I'm not real. The reporter said, that's right.
Criminal
The Pride of Pine Hill
The column read, We Made Her Up. Jolene was one of those inspired ideas that springs from frustration. We wanted to address real issues. How to have universal health care. How to give everyone a fair chance at a prosperous life. How could we address such complicated issues without putting everyone to sleep? If you believed in Jolene, you're an awfully good company.
Criminal
The Pride of Pine Hill
Not only the company of a couple of astute political reporters and a bunch of shrewd readers, but also the offices of the actual gubernatorial candidates. Maybe we made Jolene too believable. And maybe in the process, we eroded your trust in the basic factuality of what we report. If so, we sincerely apologize.
Criminal
The Pride of Pine Hill
The disclaimer read, And they kept writing about her. In one article, the reporter described Jolene Strickland's visit to a polluted river, where she waded through dead fish and picked up trash, fortified by a glass of iced tea and a cheese sandwich. and gave a statement, quote, it's a question of who really owns these rivers, the businesses that pollute them or the citizens of North Carolina.
Criminal
The Pride of Pine Hill
We need a governor willing to withstand the wrath of big money. The pieces were a mix of policy and personal details. Jolene speaking about the loss of generational family farms to land developers while putting peanuts in her Coke. Jolene speaking against tax deductions for corporations in front of the Piggly Wiggly grocery store.
Criminal
The Pride of Pine Hill
A reference to her cousin Donna's You Pick Strawberry Farm in the middle of a piece about the state's Department of Transportation. Jolene at a fiddle festival. How did the other politicians and their campaigns react when they realized this was all a stunt?
Criminal
The Pride of Pine Hill
And did you get any strong criticism from anyone else, from other newspapers, from people writing in saying, why would you do this? I don't trust you anymore.
Criminal
The Pride of Pine Hill
One reader named Jim Emery from Chapel Hill wrote in a letter to the paper, Boy, do I feel deflated. This profile was exhilarating to read, and it stirred up a lot of talk. But how will we know if future stories are truth or fiction? It goes on to say, The overall feeling I'm left with is like a bad taste in my mouth. Sign me a hurt admirer of your paper.
Criminal
The Pride of Pine Hill
The Augusta Chronicle in Georgia wrote an article about Jolene saying, Faster than you could say liar, liar, pants on fire, the newspaper's senior staff writer admitted that it was not factual reporting, but a stunt to bring out certain issues during the summer's campaign. The article quoted Barry Yeoman, who said, Newspapers have a lot of functions.
Criminal
The Pride of Pine Hill
One of them is reporting what happens in government. One of them is helping readers imagine the possibilities. He was also quoted saying, Every politician is in some way fictitious. The Augusta Chronicle wrote, Mr. Yeoman is, of course, full of it. Real newspapers don't make up candidates. They do their best to expose bad ones.
Criminal
The Pride of Pine Hill
That piece reads, "'Irony is a marvelous tool, but its uses are regrettably limited in a modern newspaper. A specialized publication like The Independent is freer to experiment.' And by supplying a foil for the real politicians, a fictional Jolene Strickland has the potential to clarify what the race for governor is really all about. The writer said, We'll be right back.
Criminal
The Pride of Pine Hill
Jim Hunt won re-election in the 1996 North Carolina governor's race. He went on to be the longest-serving governor in the state's history. Robin Hayes, the Republican candidate, went on to become the chairman of the North Carolina Republican Party. In 2019, he was accused of bribery and pled guilty to lying to the FBI. He was later pardoned by President Trump.
Criminal
The Pride of Pine Hill
So when you went back to Bob Moser and said, okay, you wanted us to come up with something, here's what we came up with. We're going to create our own candidate. What did he say?
Criminal
The Pride of Pine Hill
Are you nostalgic at all for a time when Alt Weeklys were more of an institution?
Criminal
The Pride of Pine Hill
Barry Yeoman wrote the last piece about Jolene Strickland for The Independent. It's set on election night, 1996, and describes the scene at her campaign headquarters. 200 people crowded together eating ham biscuits, macaroni, and lemon chess pie. He described everyone watching the results roll in, and then Strickland giving a concession speech.
Criminal
The Pride of Pine Hill
She tells her supporters it's impossible to get elected in North Carolina unless you have lots of your own cash or know how to kowtow to those who do. At the end of her speech, she says, the struggle continues. Besides, there's plenty of food left, and Bob and I don't have enough Tupperware to take it all home. And you can sign up for our newsletter at thisiscriminal.com slash newsletter.
Criminal
The Pride of Pine Hill
We hope you'll consider supporting our work by joining our membership program, Criminal Plus. You can listen to Criminal, This is Love, and Phoebe Reads a Mystery without any ads. Plus, you'll get bonus episodes.
Criminal
The Pride of Pine Hill
The first alt-weekly in America is generally considered to be The Village Voice, which was first published in New York City in October of 1955. New York Times book critic Dwight Garner wrote, quote, For many oddballs and lefties and malcontents out in America's hinterlands, finding their first copy of The Voice was more than eye-opening. Here was a dispatch from another, better planet.
Criminal
The Pride of Pine Hill
There was nothing else like it. Dan Wolf, the editor and co-founder, said, The Village Voice was originally conceived as a living, breathing attempt to demolish the notion that one needs to be a professional to accomplish something in a field as purportedly technical as journalism. The Village Voice didn't take itself too seriously.
Criminal
The Pride of Pine Hill
The first edition included a short piece by a four-year-old titled A Joke by Philip. It read, A horse can't say yes or no, but a donkey can. But the paper didn't hold back. They ranked the worst landlords in New York City. They reported on abortion suits in the 1960s before Roe v. Wade, covering the most famous abortion doctor on the East Coast.
Criminal
The Pride of Pine Hill
To cover an anti-prostitution measure in New York that said that women could not be served at bars and restaurants if they were not in a group that included men, a group of women voice reporters went from restaurant to restaurant and demanded to be served.
Criminal
The Pride of Pine Hill
When a bartender seemed to panic about the big group of women at the bar, the author of the article wrote, What do you think we are, a whorehouse on a field trip?
Criminal
The Pride of Pine Hill
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Criminal
The Pride of Pine Hill
This is Tricia Romano. She started as an intern at The Village Voice in 1997 and worked as a writer and fact-checker there for many years.
Criminal
The Pride of Pine Hill
She published an oral history about the village voice. In it, she writes, These factors have shrunk the media landscape, whittling it down to the largest, most powerful publications, leaving a void most largely felt in local and independent news. Barry Yeoman says at The Independent, the writers and editors wore their values on their sleeves, for better or for worse.
Criminal
The Pride of Pine Hill
little bit about the character, the politician that you created. Who was she?
Criminal
The Pride of Pine Hill
She would be perfect. We'll be right back. Thanks to Squarespace for their support. Squarespace is the all-in-one platform designed to help you make a great website. Whether you're just starting out or trying to grow your business, Squarespace gives you everything you need to choose a URL, show off what you're selling, reach more customers, get paid. And do it all while looking professional.
Criminal
The Pride of Pine Hill
Your well-being is worth it, and now it's within reach. Visit betterhelp.com slash criminal to get 10% off your first month. That's betterhelp, H-E-L-P dot com slash criminal. What was going on during the 1996 campaign season here in North Carolina? Who was running?
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The Pride of Pine Hill
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The Pride of Pine Hill
With Squarespace, you can upload your videos into an organized, paywalled library, and they make it easy to collect payment with thoughtfully designed invoices and online payments. Plus, they have tools that make it convenient for people to keep in touch with you. Tools that help you send emails to potential customers, or that let your customers schedule their own appointments.
Criminal
The Pride of Pine Hill
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Criminal
The Pride of Pine Hill
The first draft of the first article about Jolene Strickland was written by a journalist at the Independent named Melinda Rooley. Barry Yeoman says that the hope was that, quote, everybody would know that this was fictional, but they would have this really happy place where they could go and just dream about what an election would look like with a candidate who actually spoke to their needs.
Criminal
The Pride of Pine Hill
But he says the first draft was so believable that he and the other journalists at The Independent worried that readers wouldn't be able to tell that this wasn't an actual candidate for governor.
Criminal
The Pride of Pine Hill
They realized they needed to include a photograph of their candidate. So they had to find someone who looked like a retired school teacher from a small town. Barry Yeoman said he knew the perfect person. She was the mother of a friend of his named Joanna McClay. Joanna McClay was a professor at the University of Illinois, but was in North Carolina that spring on sabbatical.
Criminal
The Pride of Pine Hill
I sure am. They even found a dog for her to pose with. They decided Jolene Strickland would have a dog. Do you remember the night before the story was going to be published, thinking, well, this is exciting, I wonder how this is going to go over?
Crook County
7 | The Devil Won't Leave Me Alone
I remember seeing Mike a lot when I was a kid. Of all my dad's friends, he was my favorite. Sure, he was big and loud and the perfect picture of an 80s-era Chicago firefighter. But I think it's because I've never seen my dad laugh as hard as when he was around his buddy Mike. Plus, he rocked the best mustache I've probably ever seen.
Crook County
7 | The Devil Won't Leave Me Alone
Ken war nur ein Feuerwehrleiter für ein Jahr oder so, bevor Mike an der gleichen Station eingeladen wurde. Aber auch so früh in seiner Karriere hatte er bereits einen Namen für sich selbst gemacht.
Crook County
7 | The Devil Won't Leave Me Alone
Listen to the hit iHeart Podcast that inspired the new TV series. Happy Face tells the story of Melissa Moore finding out her father was the notorious Happy Face killer in 1995. Listen to Happy Face on the iHeart Radio app, Apple Podcasts or wherever you listen to podcasts.
Crook County
7 | The Devil Won't Leave Me Alone
He tells me a story about Ken's first partner before he and Mike became partners.
Crook County
7 | The Devil Won't Leave Me Alone
Weißt du das alte Sagen? Du kannst den Jungen aus der Mafia nehmen, aber du kannst den Jungen aus der Mafia nehmen.
Crook County
7 | The Devil Won't Leave Me Alone
Mit Ken und Mike, die jetzt zusammengearbeitet sind, bekamen sie schnell eine Reputation als bossig und konfrontierend. Und wahrscheinlich ein bisschen psychotisch.
Crook County
7 | The Devil Won't Leave Me Alone
Rule or not, Mike and Ken are gonna do what Mike and Ken are gonna do.
Crook County
7 | The Devil Won't Leave Me Alone
Krupp County is released weekly and brought to you absolutely free. But if you want to hear the whole season right now, it's available ad-free on Tenderfoot+. For more information, check out the show notes. Enjoy the episode.
Crook County
7 | The Devil Won't Leave Me Alone
Er erzählt mir ein paar andere schreckliche Geschichten von Polizistbrutalität. Aber dieser nächste war so krank und weich, dass es mich wirklich erschreckt.
Crook County
7 | The Devil Won't Leave Me Alone
Als erstes wusste ich nicht, warum die Verbrechung von Mördern für diese kranken Polizisten eine benötigte Teil der Arbeit wäre. Und noch mehr, wie nicht zu tun es unsere Familie zerstören könnte. Aber Jeff Cohen von der Chicago Tribune ist nicht überrascht und hat eine interessante Perspektive auf diese traurige Realität.
Crook County
7 | The Devil Won't Leave Me Alone
Aber diese Verletzungen sind nicht nur ein Symptom der Klausel der Chicago-Kriegsfamilie in der Gefängnisverwaltung. Denn es gibt eine andere Familie mit ihrer eigenen Regelung, die diese Art von Ungerechtigkeiten ermöglicht hat, zu wachsen.
Crook County
7 | The Devil Won't Leave Me Alone
Growing up is tough, but finding out your dad is not who you thought he was is downright terrifying.
Crook County
7 | The Devil Won't Leave Me Alone
Listen to the hit iHeart Podcast that inspired the new TV series. Happy Face tells the story of Melissa Moore finding out her father was the notorious Happy Face Killer in 1995. Listen to Happy Face on the iHeart Radio app, Apple Podcasts or wherever you listen to podcasts.
Crook County
7 | The Devil Won't Leave Me Alone
Mike tells me there were other hints, too, that Ken was probably connected. One incident in particular took place at my parents' wedding, which was right around the time Mike and my dad became partners and a year before I was born.
Crook County
7 | The Devil Won't Leave Me Alone
My name is Kyle Tequila. Welcome to Crook County. Crushed by the wind, I'm tired.
Crook County
7 | The Devil Won't Leave Me Alone
Ob Mike gut für den Scrap war oder nicht, von dem, was ich über meinen Vaters Vergangenheit gelernt habe, denke ich, dass Mike richtig war. Ken hat wahrscheinlich sein Leben am Tag gerettet. Und so nahe Mike und Ken waren, bin ich sicher, dass mein Vater alles getan hat, was er konnte, um diesen dunklen Weltraum von seinem Freund wegzuhalten. So wie er es von uns weggehalten hat.
Crook County
7 | The Devil Won't Leave Me Alone
Ich sage es einfach. Krook County is a production of iHeart Podcasts and Tenderfoot TV in association with Common Enemy. All episodes are written, produced and hosted by me, Kyle Tequila. Executive producers are Donald Albright and Payne Lindsey. Original score by Makeup and Vanity Set. Main title song is called Crush by the band Starry Eyes.
Crook County
7 | The Devil Won't Leave Me Alone
End credit song is called Aloha also by the band Starry Eyes. Sound mix by Cooper Skinner. Thank you to Oren Rosenbaum and the excellent team at UTA for their support and to my fearless attorney Wendy Bench for her guidance. To stay updated on all things Crook County, follow us on all socials at crookcountypodcast or leave us a voicemail by visiting crookcountypodcast.com.
Crook County
7 | The Devil Won't Leave Me Alone
For more podcasts like Crook County, search Tenderfoot TV on your favorite podcast app or visit tenderfoot.tv. Thanks for listening. The story continues next week.
Crook County
7 | The Devil Won't Leave Me Alone
And life did go on. And it was good. A few years after I was born, we welcomed baby Cory into the family. Mom retired from work to focus on raising the kids and dad was full time at the firehouse. It couldn't have been more different from the nightmare Ken was living only a few years prior. Just a regular, boring, suburban family doing regular, boring, family shit. Exactly how he wanted it.
Crook County
7 | The Devil Won't Leave Me Alone
Und der Vater von dem Kind war nicht glücklich, dass Ken... Ken war Coach. Er war der Coach auf der Hockey-Team. Der Vater auf dem anderen Team war nicht glücklich, dass Ken seinen Sohn ausgelöst hat.
Crook County
7 | The Devil Won't Leave Me Alone
Er versucht, sich über den Tisch zu werfen. Oh, der andere Kerl? Ja, der Vater versucht, sich in die Box zu werfen, um nach Ken zu gehen. Und Ken legt den Arschlöcher raus.
Crook County
7 | The Devil Won't Leave Me Alone
Und natürlich geht das ganze Gebäude wie Bananen. Es ist nur Chaos. Und dann kommen die Polizisten und die Feuerwehr kommt.
Crook County
7 | The Devil Won't Leave Me Alone
Es gibt Anwesende. Er hat versucht, in meine Box zu kommen und meine Kinder zu schützen. Und sie haben ihn verlassen. Und sie haben den anderen Mann verhaftet. Es ist einfach so großartig.
Crook County
7 | The Devil Won't Leave Me Alone
Es gab natürlich die gewöhnlichen Flaschen von Gewalt, die wir als Erwachsener erlebt haben, die uns schockierend und verwirrend machten. Aber andere Zeichen, noch subtiler, aber noch gefährlicher, waren uns damals unbekannt, obwohl sie uns richtig unter die Nase hielten.
Crook County
7 | The Devil Won't Leave Me Alone
Ich weiß nicht, wie man die Details einer Wunde vergessen kann, auch wenn es nur zwei sind. Aber ich glaube, wenn man das Leben lebt, das er gelebt hat, sind ein paar Schüsse am Arm nicht wirklich viel wert. Das Schreckliche ist, dass diese Blutwunden nach meinem Geburtstag geschehen sind. Nachdem er das Outfit verlassen hatte.
Crook County
7 | The Devil Won't Leave Me Alone
I asked my mom about these gunshot wounds and here's what she had to say.
Crook County
7 | The Devil Won't Leave Me Alone
Ich finde es so interessant, dass sein Job als Feuerwehrmann, die Stunden sind 24 auf und 48 ab, also ist es der perfekte Beweis für ihn, wenn er etwas für das Outfit tun muss, um zu sagen, ich nehme einen zusätzlichen Schiff. und einen Tag oder zwei weg zu gehen und das zu behandeln.
Crook County
7 | The Devil Won't Leave Me Alone
Das sind mehr Zuschauer als jede Saison von The Bachelor zusammen. Schaut es euch an. Das ist ein Fakt. Und um zu feiern, haben die guten Leute von Tenderfoot TV diese unglaublichen Crook County T-Shirts geschaffen. Das ist richtig. Jetzt können Sie meinen eigenen persönlichen Familiennachtmerk unter Ihrem wunderschönen Körper zeigen.
Crook County
7 | The Devil Won't Leave Me Alone
So what the hell was happening all that time? Why is my dad getting shot at if he supposedly left the mob?
Crook County
7 | The Devil Won't Leave Me Alone
Growing up is tough, but finding out your dad is not who you thought he was is downright terrifying. So who is your dad and what is he known as?
Crook County
7 | The Devil Won't Leave Me Alone
Growing up is tough, but finding out your dad is not who you thought he was is downright terrifying.
Crook County
7 | The Devil Won't Leave Me Alone
Listen to the hit iHeart Podcast that inspired the new TV series. Happy Face tells the story of Melissa Moore finding out her father was the notorious Happy Face Killer in 1995. Listen to Happy Face on the iHeart Radio app, Apple Podcasts or wherever you listen to podcasts.
Crook County
6 | Fire In The Sky
The more you listen to your kids, the closer you'll be. So we asked kids, what do you want your parents to hear?
Crook County
6 | Fire In The Sky
Listening is a form of love. Find resources to help you support your kids and their emotional well-being at SoundItOutTogether.org. That's SoundItOutTogether.org. Brought to you by the Ad Council and Pivotal.
Crook County
6 | Fire In The Sky
The more you listen to your kids, the closer you'll be. So we asked kids, what do you want your parents to hear?
Crook County
6 | Fire In The Sky
Listening is a form of love. Find resources to help you support your kids and their emotional well-being at SoundItOutTogether.org. That's SoundItOutTogether.org. Brought to you by the Ad Council and Pivotal.
Crook County
6 | Fire In The Sky
you're listening to crook county the views and opinions expressed in this podcast are solely those of the individuals participating in the podcast this episode also contains subject matter including graphic depictions of violence which may not be suitable for everyone listener discretion is advised previously on crook county
Crook County
1 | Give Me Your F**kin Money
you're listening to crook county the views and opinions expressed in this podcast are solely those of the individuals participating in the podcast this episode also contains subject matter including graphic depictions of violence which may not be suitable for everyone listener discretion is advised chicago
Crook County
Inside Crook County: Behind the Mic with Kyle Tekiela
Get the upgrade you and your devices dream of. Switch to Frontier Fiber Internet. Plan starting at $29.99 per month for Fiber 200 Internet. Hurry now and get free premium Wi-Fi and free expert installation. Frontier Fiber. Good to go.
Crook County
Inside Crook County: Behind the Mic with Kyle Tekiela
Shame, guilt, propriety. Something keeps it all buried deep. Until it's not. I'm Larison Campbell, and this is Under Yazoo Clay. Listen on the iHeartRadio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts.
Crook County
Inside Crook County: Behind the Mic with Kyle Tekiela
I was going to say golf simulator.
Crook County
Inside Crook County: Behind the Mic with Kyle Tekiela
Get the upgrade you and your devices dream of. Switch to Frontier and experience reliable 100% fiber internet powered by the speed of light. Plan starting at $29.99 per month for fiber 200 internet. Hurry now and get free premium Wi-Fi and free expert installation. Frontier Fiber. Good to go. In select areas, price for 12 months with AutoPay. ETF terms apply. Max speeds wired.
Crook County
Inside Crook County: Behind the Mic with Kyle Tekiela
Actual average and Wi-Fi speed vary.
Crook County
Inside Crook County: Behind the Mic with Kyle Tekiela
Something unexpected happened after Jeremy Scott confessed to killing Michelle Schofield in Bone Valley Season 1. I just knew him as a kid. Long, silent voices from his past came forward.
Crook County
Inside Crook County: Behind the Mic with Kyle Tekiela
And they had secrets of their own to share.
Crook County
Inside Crook County: Behind the Mic with Kyle Tekiela
I was no longer just telling the story. I was part of it.
Crook County
Inside Crook County: Behind the Mic with Kyle Tekiela
I was becoming the bridge between a killer and the son he'd never known.
Crook County
Inside Crook County: Behind the Mic with Kyle Tekiela
I never expected to find myself in this place. Now, I need to tell you how I got here.
Crook County
Inside Crook County: Behind the Mic with Kyle Tekiela
Listen to new episodes of Bone Valley Season 2 on the iHeartRadio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts. And to hear the entire new season ad-free with exclusive content, subscribe to Lava for Good Plus on Apple Podcasts.
Crook County
Inside Crook County: Behind the Mic with Kyle Tekiela
There's a type of soil in Mississippi called Yazoo clay. It's thick, burnt orange, and it's got a reputation.
Crook County
Inside Crook County: Behind the Mic with Kyle Tekiela
Yazoo clay eats everything, so things that get buried there tend to stay buried. Until they're not. In 2012, construction crews at Mississippi's biggest hospital made a shocking discovery.
Crook County
Inside Crook County: Behind the Mic with Kyle Tekiela
7,000 bodies out there, or more. All former patients of the old state asylum.
Crook County
Inside Crook County: Behind the Mic with Kyle Tekiela
But in this corner of the South, it's not just the soil that keeps secrets.
Crook County
Inside Crook County: Behind the Mic with Kyle Tekiela
When you peel back the layers of Mississippi's Yazoo clay, nothing's ever as simple as you think.
Crook County
Inside Crook County: Behind the Mic with Kyle Tekiela
Get the upgrade you and your devices dream of. Switch to Frontier Fiber Internet. Plan starting at $29.99 per month for Fiber 200 Internet. Hurry now and get free premium Wi-Fi and free expert installation. Frontier Fiber, good to go. In select areas, price for 12 months auto pay. ETF terms apply. Max speeds wired. Actual average Wi-Fi speed varied.
Crook County
Inside Crook County: Behind the Mic with Kyle Tekiela
Something unexpected happened after Jeremy Scott confessed to killing Michelle Schofield in Bone Valley Season 1.
Crook County
Inside Crook County: Behind the Mic with Kyle Tekiela
I was becoming the bridge between Jeremy Scott and the son he'd never known.
Crook County
Inside Crook County: Behind the Mic with Kyle Tekiela
Listen to new episodes of Bone Valley Season 2 on the iHeartRadio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts.
Crook County
Inside Crook County: Behind the Mic with Kyle Tekiela
In Mississippi, Yazoo Clay keeps secrets. 7,000 bodies out there or more. A forgotten asylum cemetery.
Crook County
Inside Crook County: Behind the Mic with Kyle Tekiela
Shame. Guilt. Propriety. Something keeps it all buried deep. Until it's not. I'm Larison Campbell, and this is Under Yazoo Clay. Listen on the iHeartRadio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts.
Crook County
Inside Crook County: Behind the Mic with Kyle Tekiela
I was becoming the bridge between Jeremy Scott and the son he'd never known.
Crook County
Inside Crook County: Behind the Mic with Kyle Tekiela
Something unexpected happened after Jeremy Scott confessed to killing Michelle Schofield in Bone Valley Season 1. I just knew him as a kid. Long, silent voices from his past came forward.
Crook County
Inside Crook County: Behind the Mic with Kyle Tekiela
And they had secrets of their own to share.
Crook County
Inside Crook County: Behind the Mic with Kyle Tekiela
I was no longer just telling the story. I was part of it.
Crook County
Inside Crook County: Behind the Mic with Kyle Tekiela
I was becoming the bridge between a killer and the son he'd never known.
Crook County
Inside Crook County: Behind the Mic with Kyle Tekiela
I never expected to find myself in this place. Now, I need to tell you how I got here.
Crook County
Inside Crook County: Behind the Mic with Kyle Tekiela
Listen to new episodes of Bone Valley Season 2 on the iHeartRadio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts.
Crook County
Inside Crook County: Behind the Mic with Kyle Tekiela
Listen to new episodes of Bone Valley Season 2 on the iHeartRadio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts. And to hear the entire new season ad-free with exclusive content, subscribe to Lava for Good Plus on Apple Podcasts.
Crook County
Inside Crook County: Behind the Mic with Kyle Tekiela
There's a type of soil in Mississippi called Yazoo clay. It's thick, burnt orange, and it's got a reputation.
Crook County
Inside Crook County: Behind the Mic with Kyle Tekiela
Yazoo clay eats everything, so things that get buried there tend to stay buried. Until they're not. In 2012, construction crews at Mississippi's biggest hospital made a shocking discovery.
Crook County
Inside Crook County: Behind the Mic with Kyle Tekiela
7,000 bodies out there or more. All former patients of the old state asylum.
Crook County
Inside Crook County: Behind the Mic with Kyle Tekiela
But in this corner of the South, it's not just the soil that keeps secrets.
Crook County
Inside Crook County: Behind the Mic with Kyle Tekiela
When you peel back the layers of Mississippi's Yazoo clay, nothing's ever as simple as you think.
Crook County
Inside Crook County: Behind the Mic with Kyle Tekiela
In Mississippi, Yazoo Clay keeps secrets. 7,000 bodies out there or more. A forgotten asylum cemetery.
Darknet Diaries
143: Jim Hates Scams
I love this part. You can hear this guy's brain just breaking real time.
Darknet Diaries
143: Jim Hates Scams
At this point, the entire call center is listening in on this call, like, what is happening here? And they even have them on speakerphone, and this new lady jumps on the call.
Darknet Diaries
143: Jim Hates Scams
Now Priya picks the phone back up and she's really curious and wants some answers.
Darknet Diaries
143: Jim Hates Scams
Gosh, that sounds even more bizarre. Have these victims never paid for anything in their life before? In what world is it normal to wrap cash up in pinfoil and stuff it in a book and then ship it somewhere to get your computer fixed?
Darknet Diaries
141: The Pig Butcher
They gave him an amulet to protect him from gunshots. He still wore a bulletproof vest, though. But this is what I mean. The culture there is really big into this. And you know, luck is a weird thing. It feels like a mysterious force.
Dateline NBC
Silent Witness
In October 2006, when Michelle was four months pregnant, Jason became deeply involved with another woman. and not just any woman. Michelle Money was one of Michelle Young's close friends from college, one of those Charlie's Angels. In early October, days before his third wedding anniversary, Jason flew to Florida to see Michelle Money. She testified they both knew it was wrong.
Dateline NBC
Silent Witness
Jason was crazy about her, his friend Josh Alton said. He basically told me that he thought he was in love with her. Michelle's mother, Linda Fisher, testified that in the final weeks of Michelle's life, she could see the toll the failing marriage was taking on her pregnant daughter.
Dateline NBC
Silent Witness
The caller was Meredith Fisher. She had just discovered, on the floor of the master bedroom, the savagely beaten body of her elder sister, 29-year-old Michelle Young, a woman who, in death, was about to be famous.
Dateline NBC
Silent Witness
Two days before she was murdered, Michelle phoned her sister Meredith to report yet another blow-up with Jason.
Dateline NBC
Silent Witness
Jason was telling one of his close friends the same thing. And prosecutors said just days before Michelle was murdered, he indulged in one last transgression. A casual hookup with an old friend named Carol Ann Sowerby in his own living room. Michelle was away at the time.
Dateline NBC
Silent Witness
Still, one big question remained. Was a good-time guy like Jason Young even capable of murder? Genevieve Cargo was engaged to Jason in 1999, before he met Michelle. And she took the stand to testify about a fight they'd had over Jason's excessive drinking.
Dateline NBC
Silent Witness
Prosecutors hoped to convince the jury it all added up to a motive for murder. So how would the defense counterattack? With a witness who could refute every charge...
Dateline NBC
Silent Witness
And it would take a true artist to repaint the prosecution's dark portrait of Jason Young. So, what could defense attorney Mike Klinkeson do? Well, to begin with, as he told the jury, he agreed with the prosecution. Jason Young was not a good husband.
Dateline NBC
Silent Witness
The defense was not about to make any more concessions, mind you. That jewelry box in the bedroom, there was DNA on it. Didn't match either Michelle or Jason. The suspicious activity at the hotel? There was a fingerprint on that camera, and it wasn't Jason Young's. And there wasn't any forensic evidence that tied Jason to the crime scene. And there was no blood in his car.
Dateline NBC
Silent Witness
Who better to make that argument than Jason Young himself? But so far, remember, he had never said a word to anyone about that November night and almost five years' silence.
Dateline NBC
Silent Witness
Beth Karras is a former prosecutor and legal analyst. She covered the trial.
Dateline NBC
Silent Witness
With his mother sitting in the front row, Jason Young prepared to do just that. Defense attorney Brian Collins hit it hard off the top. Did you kill your wife, Michelle?
Dateline NBC
Silent Witness
But what about Jason's missing hush puppies that matched the partial shoe print? He no longer owned them, he said.
Dateline NBC
Silent Witness
No, sir. They were all ratty, he said. Told Michelle to give them to Goodwill. And as for the night of the murder, after he checked into the hotel, Jason testified, he left his room twice, the first time to get a power cord for his laptop. I was going over the sales call that I had the next day.
Dateline NBC
Silent Witness
As she spoke, Meredith was cradling her two-and-a-half-year-old niece, Cassidy, who had crawled out from under the bedclothes on her parents' bed just feet from where her mother lay. Cassidy's voice, chattering to her aunt, was caught on the recorded call. Had Cassidy witnessed the murder? Awakened, alone, to find this?
Dateline NBC
Silent Witness
That newspaper run explained why he was seen at the front desk he's at around midnight.
Dateline NBC
Silent Witness
No, sir. Next morning, after his sales call, Jason testified, he realized he'd left some eBay printouts sitting on the computer printer at home. They showed purses. He was thinking of buying one for Michelle as a belated anniversary present.
Dateline NBC
Silent Witness
So around noon November 3rd, he called his sister-in-law Meredith from the car to ask if she'd go to the house and get those eBay papers.
Dateline NBC
Silent Witness
Then he headed to his mother's place in the mountains nearby. And it was there, he testified hours later, that he learned Michelle had been murdered.
Dateline NBC
Silent Witness
Family members drove him back to Raleigh. During the drive, he said, his friends called.
Dateline NBC
Silent Witness
The defense also addressed the motives prosecutors had laid out that Jason wanted to escape a bad marriage and keep custody of Cassidy and spend time with his new love.
Dateline NBC
Silent Witness
As for that violent episode with his ex-fiancee, Jason had an explanation for it. Did you throw her around on the bed like she said?
Dateline NBC
Silent Witness
He also explained why he gave up custody of his daughter without a fight.
Dateline NBC
Silent Witness
So he didn't come off as contrived or phony? Like he had put this together very carefully in order to account for all the evidence that they had?
Dateline NBC
Silent Witness
By now, Wake County investigators were descending on the house. And having secured the crime scene, Earp's job was done. But on his way out, he saw Cassidy again. She was still in her pink pajamas, still in Meredith's arms.
Dateline NBC
Silent Witness
It was riveting. Almost five years of silence about his wife's murder. I went back to my room. Broken here in this courtroom. I loved Cassidy and I loved Michelle.
Dateline NBC
Silent Witness
Now Prosecutor Becky Holt began pulling apart a story she had just heard for the first time.
Dateline NBC
Silent Witness
The cross-examination lasted a full hour, and the next day, the case went to the jury.
Dateline NBC
Silent Witness
Four voted guilty. Judge Stevens declared a mistrial. Was serious consideration given to dropping the case?
Dateline NBC
Silent Witness
So the prosecutors decided they would try again, but this time with the one thing they didn't have the first time, Jason's own story. The second trial began in February 2012. This time, Howard Cummings led the prosecution, hoping to use Jason's own words to convict him. Put your left hand on the Bible and raise your right hand.
Dateline NBC
Silent Witness
But first, prosecutors called that night clerk at the gas station, Gracie, who remembered Jason complaining about the locked pumps.
Dateline NBC
Silent Witness
A time when Jason said he was at the hotel. Call your next witness. Then prosecutors had new witnesses and new testimony. They wanted jurors to hear about Cassidy, whose bloody footprints, they contended, made her a silent witness to murder.
Dateline NBC
Silent Witness
Daycare worker Ashley Palmentier took the stand. I noticed what she was doing. She told jurors she watched Cassidy playing, alone, days after her mother was murdered.
Dateline NBC
Silent Witness
As unsettling as it was, the prosecutors wanted jurors to know the killer had left a silent witness behind, a witness he would never harm. The fact that Cassidy was spared, did that mean anything to you, or would that mean anything to a jury?
Dateline NBC
Silent Witness
Fiona Childs took the stand. Prosecutors pressed her about a life insurance policy Jason arranged.
Dateline NBC
Silent Witness
After Michelle died, Fiona found out the true amount of the policy was actually $4 million.
Dateline NBC
Silent Witness
And prosecutors also told the jury about civil lawsuits against Jason brought by Michelle's mother and sister. One was a wrongful death case filed in 2008, a year before he was charged with murder. Over the defense's objection, court clerk Lauren Freeman testified about that lawsuit.
Dateline NBC
Silent Witness
Yeah, somebody did. But who? Was it the same person who murdered the little girl's mother? On this November day, all they had were questions. Sergeant Richard Spivey of the Wake County Sheriff's Office probably knows the case better than anyone.
Dateline NBC
Silent Witness
Freeman went on to testify that Jason never responded to the allegations, and that led to a default judgment against him. That judgment said Jason killed his wife.
Dateline NBC
Silent Witness
And the prosecutor made sure the jury heard just who signed that ruling. I'm reading from this judgment, which is signed actually by Judge Stevens. Judge Stevens, the very judge sitting before them in this trial.
Dateline NBC
Silent Witness
Prosecutors also called the attorney involved in that custody case over her daughter Cassidy. And those same allegations were repeated yet again.
Dateline NBC
Silent Witness
But the headline act came when prosecutors played Jason Young's entire testimony from the first trial.
Dateline NBC
Silent Witness
Prosecutors tried to show that Jason's call to Meredith to pick up those eBay printouts was merely a ploy to get her to discover the body and find Cassidy. Why else would he print an eBay auction ad and leave it on the printer and then hit the road where he couldn't bid during the actual auction? They called Sergeant Spivey to the stand.
Dateline NBC
Silent Witness
Just hours before the murder. Now prosecutors tried to prove Jason lied about his reasons for leaving the hotel room. I didn't pull the door all the way to the room. In his original testimony, he told the court he left the first time to get a power cord for his laptop.
Dateline NBC
Silent Witness
But Special Agent Mike Smith took the stand to say Young didn't use his laptop for work that night. It's an Internet site dedicated to sports. Jason said he went out a second time to smoke a cigar. But prosecutors contended Jason was a fierce anti-smoker. And the weather that night was freezing, windy.
Dateline NBC
Silent Witness
Jason chose not to testify this time, but the defense fought back, of course. They argued the gas station attendant's memory couldn't be trusted because of a childhood brain injury.
Dateline NBC
Silent Witness
They showed that Jason Young actually owned a humidor and he'd once made a purchase at a cigar store.
Dateline NBC
Silent Witness
And then it was over again. And time for another jury to consider whether Jason Young would go to jail or walk out of court a free man.
Dateline NBC
Silent Witness
For more than five years, Michelle Young's family and friends had been waiting for answers. Who killed their pretty pregnant Michelle? Many thought they knew.
Dateline NBC
Silent Witness
One jury failed to decide. And now attorneys were making their final arguments to a second jury.
Dateline NBC
Silent Witness
Soon that jury was behind closed doors in the Wake County Superior Court. After two days, they were back with a verdict.
Dateline NBC
Silent Witness
So detectives started investigating the victim and everyone else around her. Michelle Young was born and raised on Long Island, New York.
Dateline NBC
Silent Witness
Guilty of first-degree murder. Jason Young didn't flinch. Behind him, his mother was equally stoic. On the other side of the court, Michelle Young's bereaved mother and sister wept. Fiona at home got the news from a friend.
Dateline NBC
Silent Witness
Jason Young received a life sentence. Chose not to address the court. Even as the bailiffs led him away, he remained expressionless. The prosecutors were, they told us, relieved.
Dateline NBC
Silent Witness
But was it? A year and a half ticked by. Thank you. Thank you very much. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you.
Dateline NBC
Silent Witness
Michelle was a cheerleader in high school and a straight-A student. Jennifer Powers felt drawn to her.
Dateline NBC
Silent Witness
Lots of people did. And when she chose a college far from home, North Carolina State, she was soon surrounded again by an admiring group of women friends, best friends, buddies. Fiona Childs was her sorority big sister.
Dateline NBC
Silent Witness
It was sometime in 2001 when friends started hearing about Michelle's new guy. A fellow student named Jason Young heard how he'd grown up in the North Carolina mountains, how he loved to camp, how he was the life of tailgate parties. Michelle fell hard and fast.
Dateline NBC
Silent Witness
Michelle and Jason married in October 2003. The day after the wedding, they shared their big secret. Michelle was pregnant. Their daughter Cassidy was born early the next year.
Dateline NBC
Silent Witness
And when she came along, it was love at first sight. Michelle was an enthusiastic mother. Huh? By all accounts, Jason was a good dad.
Dateline NBC
Silent Witness
The Youngs moved into the big fine house on Birchleaf in 2005. Both of them worked. He a salesman, she a financial specialist. In the summer of 2006, Michelle got pregnant again. They kept the news to themselves, but it was clear something good was happening.
Dateline NBC
Silent Witness
But just a few months later, Michelle was dead. Jason was 170 miles away in Virginia on a business trip the night of the murder. He heard the news the next afternoon and returned to Raleigh. Stacia Grossman got word from her mother.
Dateline NBC
Silent Witness
The very questions that Wake County investigators were asking themselves.
Dateline NBC
Silent Witness
The facts were stark and ugly. One night in November 2006, while her husband was away on business, Michelle Young was attacked in her own bedroom and brutally beaten to death. Her body discovered the next day by her sister, Meredith, along with her two-and-a-half-year-old daughter, Cassidy, who'd been left to wander in her blood.
Dateline NBC
Silent Witness
For the investigators who set out to find her killer, no way to get those little footprints out of their minds. Sergeant Richard Spivey, lead investigator.
Dateline NBC
Silent Witness
Michelle's husband, Jason, a medical software salesman, was 170 miles away the night of the murder. Even so, investigators had to look at him.
Dateline NBC
Silent Witness
Jason Young's business trip that night was routine. Security tape showed him getting gas about 7.30 p.m. as he left Raleigh. Two hours later, he was seen on tape at a Cracker Barrel restaurant in Greensboro. Later, he checked into this Hampton Inn in Hillsville, Virginia. This is him, front desk, about 11 p.m. And him again at midnight. He also made a phone call around midnight.
Dateline NBC
Silent Witness
And that was the last time anybody heard from Jason Young until he made another call at 7.40 the next morning. A normal person would look at this and say, he was 170 miles away. He's got an alibi.
Dateline NBC
Silent Witness
Couldn't explain them. A jewelry box was missing two drawers. So was it a bungled burglary? Then there were footprints near the body that seemed to eliminate Jason. An obvious print on a pillow was a size 10, but Jason wore a size 12. But this was weird. There was another partial footprint. It defied easy identification. So they began calling in shoe experts.
Dateline NBC
Silent Witness
And now they wondered, were there two attackers? Of course, investigators discovered early on that Michelle and Jason's marriage was strained. And in the last weeks of Michelle's life, things were not good.
Dateline NBC
Silent Witness
Jennifer Powers told investigators about another fight that October. Michelle wanted her mother to stay with them for the holidays. And Jason, who had a tense relationship with his mother-in-law, wanted to limit her stay. And said so in an email, along with another nugget.
Dateline NBC
Silent Witness
So, of course, investigators wanted to interview Jason Young. Maybe he could tell them something. But he refused to talk to them.
Dateline NBC
Silent Witness
No. Perhaps, investigators thought, that business trip deserved a second look. So they went to the hotel, poked around, and discovered some odd activities that night in a stairwell near an exit.
Dateline NBC
Silent Witness
If that was Jason Young's work, is it possible he did make the 340-mile round trip? Could he have killed his wife and cleaned up his daughter all in seven and a half hours without ever being seen? To find out, investigators played a hunch.
Dateline NBC
Silent Witness
They visited every gas station along the route, showed Jason's photo, talked to the night clerks, and came across a woman named Gracie Doms in a tiny place called King, North Carolina. She took one look at that photograph and recognized it instantly. He was the foul-mouthed customer, she said, who came storming into the store to complain that the pumps were locked. And what time was it?
Dateline NBC
Silent Witness
If that attendant was right, investigators may have undercut Jason's alibi. Still, it wasn't enough. So they plotted ahead. Painstaking work took time. And then, years after the murder, they finally got a match for that partial footprint.
Dateline NBC
Silent Witness
Throughout the investigation, Jason steadfastly maintained his silence. And rather than face a legal battle where he'd be asked some tough questions, Spivey said, he even gave Michelle's family custody of his daughter.
Dateline NBC
Silent Witness
It was the 3rd of November, 2006, early afternoon. Deputy Scott Earp of the Wake County Sheriff's Department had been dispatched to a quiet and leafy neighborhood called Enchanted Oaks, the outskirts of Raleigh, North Carolina. Here, because of the 911 call from this place, on Birchleaf Drive...
Dateline NBC
Silent Witness
Investigators had heard enough. They believed they had a case, circumstantial, but a case. And three years after Michelle Young's body was found on the bedroom floor, Jason Young was charged with her murder. Investigators and prosecutors knew that very little pointed directly toward Jason Young, but so far, nothing pointed away.
Dateline NBC
Silent Witness
Jason Young went on trial for the murder of his pregnant wife, Michelle, in June 2011. By then, he'd spent 18 months in a jail cell. The guy who lived for tailgates, the guy who loved to party, that guy was long gone. Prosecutor Becky Holt opened for the state.
Dateline NBC
Silent Witness
With no murder weapon found, the prosecution's case was built on that partial shoe print. They knew now that Jason once owned a pair of hush puppies like these that matched the print. They were now missing. They also told jurors about that early morning visit to the gas station and the suspicious activity at the hotel. But the thrust of their case was this.
Dateline NBC
Silent Witness
Jason Young was trying in the most violent possible way to get out of a troubled marriage.
Dateline NBC
Silent Witness
I was well aware. Meredith Fisher, Michelle's sister, lived near the couple and for a period was Cassidy's nanny. As the young's fights intensified, she took on the role of a marriage counselor, too.
Dateline NBC
Silent Witness
Prosecutors called friends to the stand to paint a picture of a marriage that was unraveling, out loud and in public.
Dateline NBC
Silent Witness
And at parties, said Fiona Childs, Jason's X-rated tricks were famously over the top.
Dateline NBC
Deadly Obsession
One couple had extra reason to celebrate. You had never seen Mike and Karen so happy. No, they were especially happy that night. with no reason to think the fun would end anytime soon. You had no idea something was coming that was going to rock your family to the core.
Dateline NBC
Deadly Obsession
A message for sure. But from whom? The police are looking at everyone initially as a possible suspect.
Dateline NBC
Deadly Obsession
The families of Karen and Mike thought they might hear word of an engagement that Sunday afternoon. Instead, loved ones like Mike's sister Kathy and her husband Mark were processing news of the couple's murder.
Dateline NBC
Deadly Obsession
But on Sunday night, July 7th, Chad was spending time with lead detective Volley at the Topeka Police Department, where the conversation was anything but comforting. The police are looking at everyone initially as a possible suspect.
Dateline NBC
Deadly Obsession
For Detective Woolley, no one in the couple's orbit was in the clear. You have to start talking to everyone in their circle.
Dateline NBC
Deadly Obsession
And there's a lot of people. They have a lot of friends, a lot of family.
Dateline NBC
Deadly Obsession
That also included Chad's father, Karen's ex-husband. The divorce had been Karen's idea, not his.
Dateline NBC
Deadly Obsession
So was there any thought that this divorce maybe wasn't amicable or there was some money perhaps at play for Karen's ex or jealousy that he may have wanted to get, you know, Mike and Karen out of the picture?
Dateline NBC
Deadly Obsession
He too was asked to take a polygraph. Volley and his team also took a closer look at Mike's side of the family. That included his two teenage children, Haley and Dustin. Mike's son, Dustin, you learned was out of town.
Dateline NBC
Deadly Obsession
Volley also learned that Mike had a good relationship with Dustin, but things between father and daughter had been strained.
Dateline NBC
Deadly Obsession
Just a few weeks before the murders, Mike and Haley's issues reached a boiling point.
Dateline NBC
Deadly Obsession
So there's a lot of problems going on between Haley and her boyfriend and Mike. Yes. You had to take a hard look at that.
Dateline NBC
Deadly Obsession
The day after the murders, the detective asked Haley to come in for an interview. She told Foley she was with Chris at his parents' house in North Topeka the night Mike and Karen were killed.
Dateline NBC
Deadly Obsession
I don't know. Haley went on to suggest a theory police had already ruled out, that the crime was connected to Karen and Mike's casino winnings.
Dateline NBC
Deadly Obsession
And appeared to get emotional. Still, Haley's rift with her father was hard to ignore.
Dateline NBC
Deadly Obsession
Someone was stealing from Mike's bank account. Wow. I mean, this must really pique your interest. Certainly. Somebody pretending to be Mike.
Dateline NBC
Deadly Obsession
Did you think it was possible that the killer might have cashed the check?
Dateline NBC
Deadly Obsession
But would there be enough evidence? You've got all these receipts and gas and you're doing all the math, but... Nothing physical, no. The only thing certain in that moment, two people in love were gone. Their celebration over. It was the end of a long Fourth of July weekend. Mike Sisko and Karen Harkness had planned a small cookout for that Sunday afternoon, July 7, 2002.
Dateline NBC
Deadly Obsession
A new lead that would point Volley to someone close to Mike's inner circle. Close enough to kill? Investigators were running down a promising lead in the double homicide of Mike and Karen. Someone forged Mike's signature on one of his checks.
Dateline NBC
Deadly Obsession
And they did. It was a small-time criminal, one who had a connection to Haley's boyfriend. Was that a friend of Chris's?
Dateline NBC
Deadly Obsession
Did it lead you to focus back on Chris, that maybe Chris had something to do with Mike's murder and then gave his associate the checkbook?
Dateline NBC
Deadly Obsession
Turns out, though, the guy who forged the check was in jail the night of the murders. So he's out as the killer.
Dateline NBC
Deadly Obsession
But that didn't put the young couple in the clear. The detective had to be sure. Haley and Chris, you did have them take polygraph tests.
Dateline NBC
Deadly Obsession
And their alibis checked out, as did those given by Karen's ex and her son, Chad. They were all cleared.
Dateline NBC
Deadly Obsession
But the next name on the detectives' list seemed an unlikely one. Mike's ex-wife, Dana Chandler. Unlikely because she had recently moved to Denver, which was an eight-hour drive from Topeka.
Dateline NBC
Deadly Obsession
Dana and Mike had lived in Colorado when their kids were young, and it's where Haley felt particularly close to her dad.
Dateline NBC
Deadly Obsession
Haley said her mom, who stayed home to raise her and her brother, worked hard to keep the household running.
Dateline NBC
Deadly Obsession
Ann Hammer, who met Dana in AA, says Dana worked hard to get her life back together. Both were recovering alcoholics and became instant best friends.
Dateline NBC
Deadly Obsession
Just the two of them and their parents on the back deck of Karen's house in Topeka, Kansas. Carol Sisko is Mike's mother.
Dateline NBC
Deadly Obsession
She did very much. Anne says Dana was driven, had gone back to school to get her master's degree in accounting. She also remembers the fun times they had together, like at a New Year's Eve party where she grabbed this photo of Dana. And just two days before the murders, during that long 4th of July holiday, she and Dana spent an enjoyable day in the mountains together.
Dateline NBC
Deadly Obsession
The next time you hear from Dana, she has some terrible news to share with you.
Dateline NBC
Deadly Obsession
Later that week, Dana drove down to Topeka for Mike's funeral. Detective Volley had already spoken to Dana on the phone, but figured while she was in town, they could meet.
Dateline NBC
Deadly Obsession
Dana spoke so softly, she could barely be heard on the police recording. Did she offer any suspects for you of someone she thought might have wanted Mike and Karen dead?
Dateline NBC
Deadly Obsession
Like the time she said Mike got into a bar fight years earlier. And when the detective asked where she was the night of the murders, Dana said she was in her Colorado apartment. In fact, she shared what she did that entire weekend, saying she spent most of her Saturday shopping.
Dateline NBC
Deadly Obsession
After a night alone, she said she got up early Sunday to drive two hours west to Granby, Colorado. There, she said she went hiking by herself for a few hours. And she could prove she'd been to many of those places she stopped at that weekend. She had receipts. All that's adding up.
Dateline NBC
Deadly Obsession
The interview ended and it seemed like a dead end. But was there more to her story?
Dateline NBC
Deadly Obsession
It was pretty great. Detective Volley had been asking the families a lot of questions. And he was still looking at Mike's ex-wife Dana, who seemed to have a strong alibi.
Dateline NBC
Deadly Obsession
they saw the sliding glass door was slightly open. They stepped inside, into the kitchen, took a bottle of wine out of the fridge, and made themselves comfortable.
Dateline NBC
Deadly Obsession
Dana told him she bought a cigarette lighter and didn't mention anything else. But Dana's bank statement, which showed the total but not what Dana actually bought, indicated more than just a lighter.
Dateline NBC
Deadly Obsession
The detective became more curious after he subpoenaed her cell phone records.
Dateline NBC
Deadly Obsession
And there was something else about Dana's story, that she drove west from Denver and went hiking in the mountains.
Dateline NBC
Deadly Obsession
So the detective figured Dana wasn't telling the truth about where she was. And Dana's account seemed even more wobbly after he got a call from one of her friends expressing concern. His name was Jeff. Jeff told the detective Dana had asked him to help out with her attorney's fees following the murders. But first he wanted to know more.
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Deadly Obsession
Jeff was skeptical, and so was Detective Volley. Because Dana told him she spent Saturday night in her Denver apartment and left for the mountains on Sunday morning. He started putting the pieces together. A shifting alibi, an off-the-grid cell phone, and two gas cans. And he had a huge lightbulb moment.
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Deadly Obsession
Instead of heading west to go hiking, what if Dana really drove more than 500 miles east on I-70 to Kansas to kill Mike and Karen?
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Deadly Obsession
You had a feeling that even though Dana Chandler had the gas cans, she may have stopped somewhere along the way between Denver and Topeka, perhaps to use the restroom.
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Deadly Obsession
None of the gas stations had security camera video of Dana or her car. But about halfway along the route, in Kansas, the detective got lucky.
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Deadly Obsession
Still, he knew he needed more. Was there anything at all that placed her in Topeka during the window of the murders?
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Deadly Obsession
No confession, no eyewitness seeing her go into the house. None of that.
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Deadly Obsession
Two months after the murders, he dropped in on Dana's close friend, Ann.
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Deadly Obsession
Up to this point, all you knew was that Mike was dead, and that was it. And now it's a double homicide? Right. And Dana might be involved? Right.
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Deadly Obsession
It would take more than two decades to put the whole story together. After secrets crawled out into the open... I had been recording our conversations. ...and danger never seemed far away. Did you worry your mom might try to seek revenge on you? Absolutely.
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Deadly Obsession
Karen's dad headed downstairs to her bedroom. Within minutes, he was back, his face pale.
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Deadly Obsession
Richard Volley was a homicide detective for Topeka's police department back then. He was on the scene within minutes of getting the call.
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Deadly Obsession
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Deadly Obsession
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Deadly Obsession
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Deadly Obsession
At first, the detective saw Karen face down on her bed. She had been shot at least twice. He assumed Mike had killed her before turning the gun on himself. But when he walked to the other side of the bed, he found Mike. His body was on the floor, wedged between the wall and bed, as if he'd just tumbled off.
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Deadly Obsession
You're terrified of the one woman who is supposed to love you the most in this world. Absolutely. Dana Chandler was living in Oklahoma at the time. It was 2011, nearly a decade since Mike and Karen had been killed. Authorities caught up with her in a parking lot and arrested her with guns drawn. She was charged with two counts of first-degree murder.
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Deadly Obsession
Dana pleaded not guilty and went on trial in a Topeka courtroom in March 2012.
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Deadly Obsession
Sherman Smith is editor-in-chief of the Kansas Reflector, covering state politics. Back then, he was an editor for the Topeka Capital Journal.
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Deadly Obsession
The prosecution argued Dana was the only person who hated Mike and Karen enough to kill them.
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Deadly Obsession
To prove motive, prosecutors called friends and family, including Haley, who was by then 27.
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Deadly Obsession
The prosecutor said Mike was scared of Dana and got a protection from abuse order against her, which she violated. The defense countered that there was no physical evidence tying Dana to the crime scene. It took less than 90 minutes for the jury to find her guilty of both counts of first-degree murder. She was given two life sentences.
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Deadly Obsession
Haley, who was just a teenager when her father was killed, says she felt almost reborn.
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Deadly Obsession
Sergeant Volley, who had fulfilled his promise to Karen's dad to never give up on the case, retired in 2014. But this fresh start for all of them came to a screeching halt. You get some news that's going to rock your world.
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Deadly Obsession
In 2018, six years after the trial, the state's highest court ruled the prosecutor had misled the jury about that protection from abuse order. It never existed, and the prosecutor knew it. Both murder convictions were tossed.
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Deadly Obsession
Haley knew that if the state chose not to re-prosecute the case, her mother would walk free.
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Deadly Obsession
The fate of Dana Chandler's case was in the hands of Mike Kege, the third district attorney to oversee it. What was your biggest concern going in, deciding to retry this?
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Deadly Obsession
Kage believed it did. Dana Chandler would remain behind bars until her retrial. Her case and her cause began attracting attention.
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Deadly Obsession
Daryl Burton is the founder of a nonprofit organization called Miracle of Innocence. Its mission is to help those who may have been wrongly accused.
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Deadly Obsession
Convicted of murder in 1985 and exonerated in 2008, Darrell believed Dana's case mirrored his own. To him, the lack of physical evidence spoke volumes.
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Deadly Obsession
towards her ex and his new girlfriend. But then there's that, you know, where's the smoking gun?
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Deadly Obsession
His organization hired a top-notch defense team to represent Dana in her high-stakes retrial. What would this new jury think? I'm sure your stomach is turning.
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Deadly Obsession
In August 2022, Dana Chandler stood trial for a second time for the murders of Mike Sisko and Karen Harkness 20 years earlier. Prosecutor Charles Kitt acknowledged the evidence the state didn't have.
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Deadly Obsession
The prosecution's case remained largely unchanged from the first trial. Haley once again took the stand.
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Deadly Obsession
She told the jury how her mom seemed perversely fixated on her dad and Karen.
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Deadly Obsession
But the prosecution told the jury it wasn't just what Dana said. It was also what she did, like showing up in Topeka unannounced or incessantly calling Mike and Karen.
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Deadly Obsession
Mike's brother-in-law, Mark, testified about Mike's growing concern over what his ex-wife might be capable of.
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Deadly Obsession
He had no idea an investigative and legal saga was just beginning. It would span more than 20 years.
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Deadly Obsession
And the state argued Dana's changing alibis for the weekend of the murders were full of holes. A weekend in which her cell phone went dark for more than 24 hours. Perhaps the most chilling testimony came from Dana's friend Ann Hammer. She now believed Dana was guilty and told the jury about a road trip Dana said she took about a month before the murders.
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Deadly Obsession
Did you think that Dana's story about the drive was possibly a dry run for what she ended up being accused of? That's absolutely what I did think of it. She's just practicing.
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Deadly Obsession
But Dana Chandler's defense attorney, Tom Bath, reminded the jury of the glaring holes in the prosecution's case.
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Deadly Obsession
The defense argued this was a classic example of a botched investigation led by a detective with tunnel vision.
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Deadly Obsession
The defense highlighted Volley's many missteps, hammering him on cross-examination about the parts of the investigation he failed to document.
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Deadly Obsession
Right. And taking him to task for the things he did document that later went missing.
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Deadly Obsession
As for that dry run, the defense pressed Dana's old friend on her memory.
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Deadly Obsession
Absolutely. The defense argued the rest of the prosecution's case was just noise. Dana wasn't angry or obsessed and never harassed Mike or Karen. All those phone calls, for instance, just a mom trying to reach her kids. And so what if her cell phone went dark for 27 hours? This was 2002. Service was limited. Roaming charges were sky high.
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Deadly Obsession
And in fact, said the defense, there was evidence someone else was in that house. A hair found on a shell casing did not match Dana or either of the victims.
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Deadly Obsession
Jury deliberations started after three weeks of testimony. One day passed, then another, then another. Day one, day two, day three, day four. This is going on almost a week. That wasn't good.
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Deadly Obsession
On the sixth day of deliberations, the jury filed back into the courtroom.
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Deadly Obsession
The judge declared a mistrial. All right, thank you very much. And the families found themselves right back where they started. Oh, it hurt.
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Deadly Obsession
And there was no getting off as the case careened towards a third trial. And this time, all bets were off. There is a big, big twist coming that you did not see coming.
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Deadly Obsession
In the fall of 2022, despite two trials behind them, prosecutors decided to roll the dice again and try Dana Chandler for a third time. The victim's families were relieved, but the long wait for trial wouldn't be easy. Dana was granted bond.
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Deadly Obsession
The prosecutor's decision to retry Dana was a major disappointment for her friend Daryl. He vowed to stick by her and for the next two and a half years continue to raise money to keep lawyer Tom Bath on the case. How are you feeling heading into trial number three?
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Deadly Obsession
Dana's third trial began this past February in a county northwest of Topeka. The courthouse was different, but the players were the same. Until, minutes before opening statements, Dana made a stunning decision. She fired her attorneys. Dana would represent herself. She really flips the switch on this one. Yeah, that was a blind side. Even her staunchest supporters were dumbfounded.
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Deadly Obsession
47-year-old Mike Sisko and 53-year-old Karen Harkness had been found murdered in her basement bedroom. Detective Richard Volley was trying to make sense out of what he was seeing.
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Deadly Obsession
When it was Dana's turn, everyone knew they were in for something different. And sure enough, she threw the typical trial playbook out the window. For her first witness, Dana called herself, speaking in a monologue about herself.
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Deadly Obsession
With her sisters and other supporters looking on, Dana told the jury she was a woman who'd been dealt a bad hand. She said her ex-husband left her impoverished and shut out of her children's lives. And she'd endured a lonely battle against alcoholism. Yes, she said some of her behavior was ugly, like those graphic messages she'd sent Haley about her dad and Karen's sex life.
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Deadly Obsession
She took the blame for that, but not for all the rest. She said she was actually getting along with Mike at the time of the murders. And that all those damning stories told by Mike and Karen's families were either misrepresented or never happened.
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Deadly Obsession
And Dana said she hadn't changed her alibi about where she was the night of the murders. She'd slept in her car in the Colorado mountains.
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Deadly Obsession
As Dana moved around the courtroom, she didn't always come across like a polished attorney. She struggled with her computer. Stopped testimony to put on her puffy coat. And she complained about our cameras.
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Deadly Obsession
Of course, the fact that Dana was her own attorney meant that she got to question every witness herself, including the man she felt had tormented her for 20 years, Detective Volley. Morning.
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Deadly Obsession
Dana worked him over on the stand, pressing him on every move he made during the investigation.
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Deadly Obsession
She used a note he'd written to portray him as a man desperate to solve the case, not for justice, but to protect his reputation, an allegation he denied.
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Deadly Obsession
Yet even though he turned her life upside down, Dana said the detective still couldn't produce a single piece of direct evidence that tied her to the crime.
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Deadly Obsession
What was that like having your murder suspect keeping you on the stand for two days just line by line of all your work? I mean, the tables have turned. She's now interviewing you.
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Deadly Obsession
But the person who dreaded the face-to-face with Dana most was her daughter.
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Deadly Obsession
What was your strategy with her, your approach, knowing that your mom's playing the role of attorney?
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Deadly Obsession
He figured the couple had been sleeping when their killer opened fire. Do you believe that the perpetrator was inside the house waiting for them, or do you think they came in after? Any idea?
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Deadly Obsession
You want me to seal? If Haley was Dana's child, you couldn't tell. She attacked Haley's memories, suggesting Mike was the unhinged parent after the divorce, not her.
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Deadly Obsession
And she made Haley revisit disagreements they'd had in the past, laying bare their fractured relationship for the jury.
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Deadly Obsession
Despite their problems, Dana insisted she tried to be there for Haley after her father was killed.
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Deadly Obsession
Dana Chandler had had her say. Now, prosecutors would have a chance to question her. A double murder case that began on a 4th of July weekend was about to end with its own fireworks. Ms.
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Deadly Obsession
But the decision to represent herself came at a cost. There were constant delays as Dana sifted through documents and corralled her witnesses. She tested the judge's patience.
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Deadly Obsession
The prosecution took advantage of Dana's inexperience at key moments. Remember the gas station clerk who believed she saw Dana in Kansas the weekend of the murders? Because that woman died, the judge had ruled her story inadmissible. But Dana asked the detective a question that allowed him to talk about it.
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Deadly Obsession
The prosecutor played the revelation for all it was worth, showing the jury how the clerk had identified Dana in a photo lineup.
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Deadly Obsession
The prosecutor also had a chance to do something he'd been wanting to do for years, question Dana on the stand. By testifying, she'd put herself in that precarious spot. The prosecutor asked Dana a series of yes or no questions and called her out when she refused to comply. Ms.
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Deadly Obsession
He took aim at her alibi and got her to admit that she had told different stories about that weekend.
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Deadly Obsession
The prosecutor also pointed out the sheer number of witnesses who Dana said hadn't told the truth about her.
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Deadly Obsession
He was certain after he looked around a bit more. Was there any forced entry into Karen's place?
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Deadly Obsession
When both sides rested and the case went to the jury, Mark and Kathy were optimistic.
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Deadly Obsession
I was feeling great. And they wouldn't have to wait long for the decision. Three and a half hours after deliberations began, everyone gathered in the courtroom for the verdict.
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Deadly Obsession
23 years after Mike and Karen were killed, their families are just starting to get used to life after Dana Chandler. But for Karen's daughter Erin, the pain of her mother's death is never far away.
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Deadly Obsession
Haley feels that ache, too. She was just a teen when she lost her father. Now she's a mother of three. I'm sure he would have made a great grandpa to your kids.
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Deadly Obsession
As police continued investigating the scene, Karen's parents and Mike's mom were busy calling their families.
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Deadly Obsession
Her grandmother continued calling the rest of the family. She said something awful's happened. Mike's sister, Kathy Boots, and her husband, Mark, could hardly believe it. They had just seen Mike a week earlier. They'd been fishing together.
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Deadly Obsession
Always upbeat, they said, despite having weathered a divorce four years earlier. Mike was traveling constantly as a salesman.
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Deadly Obsession
Oh, those are nice. And then he met Karen during a night out with friends. She was also divorced with two kids. After that, his family said you couldn't keep the smile off his face. He lightened up when he met Karen.
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Deadly Obsession
Karen knew how to draw people in. Her friend Linda Bryden saw it every day at the Topeka Tourism Office where they worked together.
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Deadly Obsession
That's likely why he had that brochure on his table, the one his mom saw. It was there among recent photos and a coffee cup. That cup caught the detective's eye.
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Deadly Obsession
suggesting the couple had been out shortly before their deaths. But where? Maybe it was a place where luck, the good and the bad, collide. Did you see them on the video?
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Deadly Obsession
Lead detective Richard Volley was working the case of his career, a double homicide with the killer still at large. So far, all he had was a lot of unanswered questions. The biggest unknown, who would want to kill Karen and Mike? And even more baffling, why?
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Deadly Obsession
Volley and his team began at the beginning, tracking the couple's whereabouts during their last hours alive. One of their first leads, those two coffee cups found at the scene. From a, like a convenience store?
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Deadly Obsession
Volley's investigators traced the cups to a gas station near a casino called Sack and Fox. Had the couple spent time there? Your investigators spoke to a neighbor about a conversation with Mike the night before?
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Deadly Obsession
Volley wondered if they'd won some money and attracted the wrong kind of attention. Did you think that maybe someone followed them from the casino to rob them of their winnings?
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Deadly Obsession
Just before 1.30 a.m., Karen and Mike left the casino. Did the cameras follow them outside?
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Deadly Obsession
The fourth exploded on a Thursday that year, blazing its way into a long weekend.
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Deadly Obsession
Is it possible that there was someone near their car that just wasn't picked up?
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Deadly Obsession
Minutes later, the couple could be seen pulling out in Mike's Ford Expedition. Anyone suspicious around them or anything going on with Mike and Karen?
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Deadly Obsession
So that kind of you know, puts a damper on the possible idea of someone following them from the casino.
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Deadly Obsession
Then another sound. Michelle Delgado was 18 at the time and living a few doors down with her mother.
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Deadly Obsession
Crime scene investigators spent hours processing the house, but in the end, they determined nothing of value was taken.
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Deadly Obsession
So if robbery wasn't the motive, maybe the autopsies would offer a clue. The coroner's report revealed that Karen took three bullets in the shoulder, one in her arm, and one in the buttocks. Mike was shot at least once in the back, twice in his chest, and twice in the stomach. Did this feel very personal to you, the locations, the number of shots fired, the location of the victims in bed?
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The Devil Wore White
There's always more to the story. To go behind the scenes of tonight's episode, listen to our Talking Dateline series with Josh and Keith. Available Wednesday.
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Death of a Golden Girl
But this party ended a little early. He pulled out a photocopy of her earring and I knew it was her. A brutal murder that left her boyfriend devastated and first on the list of people police wanted to interview. There's history of domestic violence. He hit her, she hit him. Case closed, not after investigators find a secretly recorded video, her last appearance before the cameras.
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The Premonition
There's always more to the story. To go behind the scenes of tonight's episode, listen to our Talking Dateline series with Andrea and Blaine, available Wednesday.
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Poison Twist
Still, her sisters never forgot a story Mary told them. It happened before her wedding, 38 years earlier.
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Poison Twist
It was no secret that in the years that followed, Bill would often disappear on weekends.
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Poison Twist
Janine kept wondering about that day Mary dropped by her house out of the blue. Did she want to tell her something about her marriage?
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Poison Twist
And right after Mary died, she and her sisters were surprised that Bill didn't seem as distraught as they were.
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Poison Twist
Mary, who lived nearby, was a chiropractor, loving wife and mother of three. It seemed Mary had something to confide that day, something to share.
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Poison Twist
and certainly no one wanted to believe that Mary's own husband would harm her.
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Poison Twist
Any fair-minded detective would need that evidence, too, along with a clear idea of a motive. Did Bill stand to inherit everything that was Mary's, everything in the marriage?
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Poison Twist
Detectives told Mary's daughters not to talk about the investigation, especially not to their father.
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Poison Twist
It had taken months for authorities to get involved in the case. And now that they believed it was a homicide, detectives decided to quietly keep tabs on the husband. After a few weeks of surveillance, they called Bill for an interview.
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Poison Twist
Bill spoke to them for five hours, and he gave investigators permission to search the couple's chiropractic business, where deputies collected computers, a typewriter, and a fax machine.
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Poison Twist
And they had a lot of questions for Bill. At the top of the list, something they'd learned while they were tracking him. It turns out Bill was already dating again. In fact, it was Mary's mother who first called it.
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Poison Twist
As the detective took a deeper dive into Bill's relationship, a new lead surfaced, and it would change everything. You might have a smoking gun here.
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Poison Twist
Detective Robert Nelson was working Mary Yoder's homicide when he learned that her husband, Bill, had a girlfriend.
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Poison Twist
Why is it important to determine now if this relationship started before Mary's death?
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Poison Twist
Then an unexpected clue landed on the detective's desk, and it pointed the investigation in a whole new direction. It was an anonymous letter.
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Poison Twist
Adam was Adam Yoder, Mary and Bill's son. The letter said he was the killer. The person who penned the letter claimed to be close to Adam, writing, "...he got a bottle of colchicine off online and put the toxin in one of her vitamins when he was over at his parents' house." With a jolt, the letter dramatically shifted the focus of the investigation from father to son.
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Poison Twist
Adam was in his mid-twenties, the youngest of the Yoder children. He had worked in the family practice as the office manager. Before he passed that job off to his girlfriend Katie, Katie's parents, Vin and Kathy, knew him well.
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Poison Twist
Did you at any point feel like maybe I should say something or did you totally stay out of it?
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Poison Twist
If there was any truth to the letter, what motive would Adam have? The letter itself seemed to have an answer.
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Poison Twist
And the letter told authorities something else. The colchicine container is under the front seat passenger side of his Jeep until he figures out where to dispose of it next. What's your strategy going in with Adam?
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Poison Twist
Soon, a murder investigation was underway, one that would tear a family apart.
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Poison Twist
And when Adam arrived to talk to the detectives, he was driving the Jeep in question.
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Poison Twist
What was his demeanor over that letter? Shocked. Did you feel his reaction was genuine?
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Poison Twist
Adam eventually gave investigators permission and they went outside to the parking lot. Moment of truth, you open the vehicle door and what do you find inside?
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Poison Twist
And just like that, the detectives seem to have the weapon right in his hand. That's your big moment in this case?
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Poison Twist
The anonymous letter had been right. The colchicine used to kill Mary Yoder was under the front passenger seat of her son Adam's Jeep. It was a pure form of the drug, far more potent than what doctors prescribe. And Adam? What's his reaction? I think he was shocked at that point when he saw us pull that out. The poison is in his Jeep? Yes.
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Poison Twist
What's more, in the Jeep, along with the colchicine, there was a receipt for the drug. And on the receipt?
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Poison Twist
Adam said he'd never seen the Colchicine before in his life. Someone must have planted it. In that moment, what are you thinking?
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Poison Twist
Could Adam really have poisoned his mother? When they looked into his whereabouts on the day Mary got sick, they discover Adam was more than 300 miles away visiting his sister on Long Island.
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Poison Twist
The investigation led them to talk to Adam's cousin and roommate, David King. He's the son of Mary's sister, Janine. David told them that after Mary died, Adam was enrolled in college, but his life seemed to be falling apart.
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Poison Twist
It was only when detectives were interviewing David that he realized Adam was a person of interest in Mary's death. Did that just floor you?
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Poison Twist
It was a July morning in 2015. Dr. Mary Yoder's day began with a full schedule here at her clinic in Whitesboro, New York. At 60 years old, the respected chiropractor was the picture of health.
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Poison Twist
David would later wonder if his cousin's behavior was the result of grief or guilt. Adam's sisters, on the other hand, had no doubt Adam was innocent. They were convinced he was being framed. Who did you think could have framed him?
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Poison Twist
But detectives didn't have enough evidence to prove any of their theories.
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Poison Twist
One possible motive, that new relationship Bill began so soon after Mary's death. Had it actually started while she was still alive? In his police interview, Bill denied cheating on Mary. He said the relationship began after she died. And when detectives looked into his phone records, they seemed to confirm it.
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Poison Twist
Looking for new insight, detectives turned to someone outside the Yoder clan, Katie, who dated Adam and worked for Bill and Mary.
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Poison Twist
Often employees are the ones who hear and see a lot. Katie was in the middle of final exams at college, but made time to come in for an interview. Did you wonder why?
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Poison Twist
She was fit and beautiful. She ran triathlons. Janine and her sisters, Sally and Sharon, say Mary was the shining light of the family.
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Poison Twist
Did they have a lot of questions? They did. Investigators talked to Katie three times over the next few days. By the third interview, she started telling them the same thing Adam's cousin had said. Adam hadn't been himself lately.
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Poison Twist
As detectives listen to Katie talk about Adam, her ex, they wondered where this was going. A light bulb went off for investigators.
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Poison Twist
They had found the person who wrote that letter pointing the finger at Adam. But the discovery was about to point them in a new direction. That's a twist.
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Poison Twist
Detectives had been trying to figure out who wrote that anonymous letter pointing the finger at Mary Yoder's son Adam as the killer. Now Katie, Adam's ex-girlfriend, admitted it was her. They started recording the interview.
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Poison Twist
She said Adam confessed to her. He poisoned his mother with colchicine. In the letter, she said Adam hid the poison in one of Mary's vitamin pills. But Katie wasn't sure if he really meant to kill his mother.
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Poison Twist
As for how she knew where Adam had stashed the poison, Katie said he told her when she was literally sitting on top of it.
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Poison Twist
But as that busy day in July wore on, Mary began to feel sick. By late afternoon, she had grown violently ill. And the next morning, Mary's husband Bill reached out to their daughters, Tamron and Liana, who was a doctor.
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Poison Twist
Katie and Adam had been friends since high school, but now she told the detectives she didn't know what he was capable of. She said she didn't report Adam sooner for one simple reason. She was afraid of him.
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Poison Twist
Katie's admission that she was the letter writer seemed like the big break detectives needed. And it was, but not in the way you might think. You thought that possibly the killer wrote the letter.
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Poison Twist
She also said something they thought was just plain weird. She made an observation about who uses poison.
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Poison Twist
Of course, that didn't prove Katie was Mary's killer. She was free to go. But she had not done much during that interview to dispel the detective's suspicions either. Far from it.
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Poison Twist
They started to dig and quickly thought they were on the right track. For one thing, Katie had opportunity. She was with Mary at the office that day. Poison experts thought Mary had ingested the colchicine around lunchtime.
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Poison Twist
You think it's Katie, but where's your hard evidence? How do you now go about proving it's Katie? Because she's now your prime suspect, correct?
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Poison Twist
Digital records showed that it was Katie's computer, not Adam's, that had logged into that Gmail account, the one used to buy the poison.
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Poison Twist
In fact, the entire digital trail seemed to lead detectives right to Katie's doorstep. On her phone, they found several searches for the word Colchicine.
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Poison Twist
But there was a gaping hole in their theory. If Katie really was Mary's killer, why had she done it? By all accounts, this seemed like a very nice relationship between a younger woman and an older woman.
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Poison Twist
Mary was anything but fine. By the time family members arrived at the hospital, she was fighting for her life.
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Poison Twist
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Dateline NBC
Poison Twist
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Dateline NBC
Poison Twist
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Poison Twist
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Dateline NBC
Poison Twist
But Katie's defense said they were wrong. Far from being a criminal mastermind, it was Katie who had been framed. What's going through your mind when you learn of this relationship? Unbelievable. On day 11 of Katie Conley's trial, the defense began its case. Rooting for her were some unlikely supporters. She's on trial for murdering your sister and you're standing behind the defendant.
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Poison Twist
But there was another one of Mary's sisters who wasn't sitting on the defense's side. a sister they didn't talk to anymore. Her name is Kathy, and it turns out she is the woman Bill started dating so quickly after Mary's death.
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Poison Twist
In court, Katie's attorney, Christopher Pelley, told the jury that Mary's killer wasn't Katie. It was Bill.
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Poison Twist
Bill said the romance with Kathy started after Mary died. Kathy told the jury the same thing.
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Poison Twist
But this woman, one of Kathy's neighbors, told a different story. She said she'd seen the two kissing on Kathy's porch a couple of weeks before Mary's death. Bill was holding Kathy, and he was kissing her and looking in her eyes, and it was very intense. The defense said not only did Bill have a new relationship, he'd just received a big pile of money too.
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Poison Twist
So if Bill had motive, did he also have opportunity? Bill denied he was in the office the day Mary got sick. Remember, her patients hadn't seen him. But Katie's defense said that didn't mean he wasn't there. This witness used to work with Bill at the office.
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Poison Twist
Sometimes he might say, you know, don't tell the patient I'm here because they might want to see me. The defense also suggested Bill had a second opportunity to harm his wife when he was by her side at the hospital. Toxicologist Gina Maroffa told the jury she couldn't rule out the possibility that Mary got a second dose of poison.
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Poison Twist
Katie's DNA may have been found on the colchicine bottle, but the defense said she handled all the deliveries to the practice. As for the sales rep who said she talked to a woman with a sweet young voice?
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Poison Twist
And think about this, the defense attorney told the jury. Bill had access to Katie's work computer and office typewriter. If Bill were to frame Katie, you believe it wouldn't be all that hard.
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Poison Twist
Bill told us he did not poison Mary and had nothing to do with her death. He served as a witness at Katie's grand jury hearing, and in New York State, all grand jury witnesses are given automatic immunity from prosecution. No matter what happens, is he protected? For life.
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Poison Twist
But what about those searches for colchicine on Katie's phone? How do you get around that? She's looking up this very rare drug that I had never heard of until I started working on this story.
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Poison Twist
The defense said the idea that Katie killed Mary to get back together with Adam was absurd. According to her sisters, she was the one who initially dumped him.
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Poison Twist
As for the anonymous letter pointing the finger at Adam, the defense never explained why Katie wrote it, if Bill was the real killer. But he wanted the jury to see the lengths Katie had gone to help the investigation, enduring hours of intense questioning. You wanted the jury to know how cooperative... Katie was?
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Poison Twist
Her attorney said detectives lied to Katie, falsely claiming to have footage of her at the store buying those prepaid credit cards, the ones used to purchase the Colchicine.
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Poison Twist
That's why the defense said the jury should ignore anything Katie said during that interview.
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Poison Twist
I think not. Detectives say their techniques were by the book. But Mary's sister Sharon couldn't believe what Katie went through.
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Poison Twist
Sharon was more convinced than ever that Katie was innocent and Bill guilty. She said as much in open court. It is still my theory that he killed my sister.
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Poison Twist
It was up to a jury to decide if Katie Conley was Mary's killer. In the courthouse, Mary's divided family waited, her husband and children on one side, three of her sisters on the other, still in Katie's corner.
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Poison Twist
Thank you. But defense attorney Chris Pelley was confident Katie would be acquitted.
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Poison Twist
Two days became three. What were they talking about in there? The detective hoped the jury would see past the pretty, put-together young woman in court. Was Katie really what she seemed?
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Poison Twist
The jury deliberated all through day four. And on day five, they passed a note to the judge.
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Poison Twist
There was no verdict. The crowd went silent. Mary's daughters were devastated. They'd hoped that a guilty verdict would be justice for their mother and also vindicate their father.
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Poison Twist
Five months later, everyone filed back into the Oneida County Courthouse for trial number two.
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Poison Twist
But Katie had a new defense attorney and a new twist to her strategy. He said, yes, Katie was innocent. And yes, Katie was framed. But this time, her lawyer was pointing the finger not at Bill, but at someone else.
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Poison Twist
Adam, Mary's son. Defense attorney Frank Policelli argued that the crime happened just the way Katie described in that letter.
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Poison Twist
As for how Katie's digital fingerprints ended up on everything related to the colchicine transaction, Katie's attorney suggested that could easily have been Adam.
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Poison Twist
A key witness this time was Adam's cousin and former roommate, David King. In the years since Mary's death, David had come to doubt Adam and defend Katie. Do you believe Katie had anything to do with the murder of Mary Yoder?
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Poison Twist
Katie's attorney said Adam could have hacked her devices, or maybe he didn't need to. David testified he saw Adam with Katie's laptop.
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Poison Twist
And the defense said Adam had access to Katie's work computer, too. David testified that years earlier, he and Adam used to drop by the office when no one else was there.
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Poison Twist
And the defense said there was something else, something important. Remember in her interview with detectives how fearful Katie said she was of Adam?
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Poison Twist
A year before Mary's death, Katie filed a police report accusing Adam of rape. The defense read a text message Katie wrote to Adam.
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Poison Twist
Adam denied the allegation and Katie dropped the complaint. But the defense hoped the jury would see Katie as a victim, not as a killer.
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Poison Twist
Adam Yoder had given his side of the story to detectives early on. What would he say now?
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Poison Twist
At the first trial, the defense said Katie had been framed by Mary's husband, Bill. But at trial number two, the alternate suspect right from the start was Mary's son.
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Poison Twist
And it just was one allegation after another. Now, in court, Adam took the stand to respond to the defense firsthand. Good morning.
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Poison Twist
Adam told the jury he did not plant evidence on Katie's computers or phone. A prosecution computer expert said Katie's devices had never been hacked. And Adam told the jury he was hardly the hacker Katie's side portrayed.
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Poison Twist
A case that spanned nearly a decade, an unlikely suspect, two trials, and now a new day in court.
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Poison Twist
No, I do not. And no, I am not. To the defense's claim that Adam physically abused Katie, he did admit to one incident.
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Poison Twist
But as for the alleged rape, no charges were ever filed against Adam. And he told the jury he had zero memory of the night it supposedly happened. He'd been drinking heavily.
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Poison Twist
He said the next morning things seemed fine between them. It wasn't until about three months later that Katie accused him in that text message.
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Poison Twist
As Adam testified, an accusation against Katie emerged. Adam suggested Katie might have poisoned him, too. A couple of months before his mother's death, he said Katie handed him a bottle of supplements to help him get through final exams.
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Poison Twist
After taking the pills, Adam said he had to go to the ER with symptoms similar to his mother's.
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Poison Twist
Do you believe that Katie gave him something that made him sick? Absolutely. The prosecution's suggestion was clear. Maybe Katie tried out the colchicine on Adam first.
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Poison Twist
Katie's defense said she had nothing to do with Adam's illness, and a lab test on the remaining supplements found no contamination. In fact, the defense had been the one to bring up Adam's illness in court, suggesting that he made himself sick, handling colchicine he bought for the murder.
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Poison Twist
Like his father, Adam also testified before the grand jury and received full immunity from prosecution. He was also cleared by authorities.
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Poison Twist
And there was one last discovery that pointed away from Adam. The state's computer experts had gotten their hands on a digital backup of Katie's phone. In the files, they found evidence of more incriminating searches they said were done several weeks before the colchicine was ordered.
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Poison Twist
Katie's defense disputed the timing of those searches and said there was no way to prove she was the one who did them. After both sides rested, Katie's fate was once again in the hands of a jury. It's inconceivable.
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Poison Twist
The charge was second-degree murder, but this time around, the judge allowed the jury to consider a lesser charge of manslaughter. To convict, the jury would only have to find that Katie intended to hurt Mary, not kill her. A day passed without word. On day two, the judge received a note.
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Poison Twist
It was looking like another mistrial. We almost got to the point where we were like, is this all ever going to be worth it? The judge encouraged the jury to keep trying.
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Poison Twist
As Katie absorbed the news, her mom ran out of the courtroom in tears. Katie tried to reassure her family, but her sisters were distraught.
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Poison Twist
Katie was sentenced to 23 years in prison. Was justice done with the guilty verdict? There's an accountability. Yes, she did not get away with it. But that wasn't the end of it. Not at all.
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Poison Twist
Katie Conley was in New York's Bedford Hills Correctional Facility, serving 23 years for poisoning Mary Yoder. Journalist and radio host Rocco LaDuca followed both trials and says not everyone agreed Katie belonged there.
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Poison Twist
Among those calling for her release, three of Mary's own sisters still on her side.
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Poison Twist
Katie did file an appeal, but lost. That's when she reached out to attorney Melissa Swartz, a specialist in post-conviction motions.
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Poison Twist
A quick look at the warrant and Melissa saw red flags. What was the problem that you could see and Katie could see with the search warrant?
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Poison Twist
The warrant didn't include any of that. Melissa agreed to represent Katie and began digging into what happened at both of her trials.
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Poison Twist
The state's toxicologist told the jury that Mary was poisoned around noon, leaving Katie, the office manager, the most viable suspect. Melissa hired her own toxicologist, who believed that Mary could have been poisoned up to 16 hours earlier.
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Poison Twist
She identified another mistake she says Katie's defense made, bringing up Adam Yoder's alleged poisoning. Remember, Katie's second lawyer wanted the jury to think Adam accidentally poisoned himself with colchicine.
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Poison Twist
Mary was active. She was an avid gardener and a musician. Here she is singing a duet with her sister Sally. Her sisters say she was game for almost anything, even this.
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Poison Twist
And then, of course, the prosecution runs with this, that this is Katie poisoning Adam.
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Poison Twist
This defense that the attorney was launching just backfired spectacularly. Brutally backfired. Melissa says it added up to ineffective assistance of counsel. And in 2022, she filed what's called a 440 motion.
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Poison Twist
On the stand, Katie's first lawyer, Christopher Pelley, admitted he made a mistake by not challenging the search warrant for Katie's phone.
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Poison Twist
Her second trial lawyer didn't challenge it either. How important is that cell phone evidence in all of this?
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Poison Twist
And Melissa succeeded. In December 2024, she argued Katie's case in front of the New York State Appellate Court.
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Poison Twist
On February 5th, after seven years behind bars, Katie Conley was released from prison. Did she do anything special after getting out? Did she go anywhere on the drive home?
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Poison Twist
The current district attorney could refile charges and try Katie again. He told Dateline he's reviewing the case.
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Poison Twist
It still doesn't change that someone was searching for, you know, poisons on Katie's phone. What is her story on that? Is she saying that someone was using her phone?
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Poison Twist
As all sides process the news of Katie's release, Mary's daughters still mourn the family they once had. So many lives shattered. This destroyed an entire family.
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Poison Twist
Mary grew up in upstate New York in a family of six sisters and two brothers.
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Poison Twist
Mary's loved ones may be divided over who killed her, but there's one thing they can agree on. It's not how Mary died that should be remembered. It's how she lived.
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Poison Twist
Bill and Mary both became chiropractors, opened a clinic together, and eventually started a family. Liana is the oldest. Tamarin is the younger sister.
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Poison Twist
After high school, Adam helped out at the family business. Then his girlfriend Katie took his place as office manager.
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Katie says she had a particularly strong bond with Mary, considered her a mentor and a friend. You couldn't help but to like her. Did you feel inspired by her at all?
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Poison Twist
Mary was a big believer in herbal supplements and often recommended them to her patients.
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Poison Twist
In 2015, after 30 years in the business, Mary was thinking about slowing down. But then she was gone. How did you get the news that Mary had died?
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Poison Twist
A few days after Mary died, daughter Liana, the physician, got a call from the medical examiner.
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Poison Twist
While the family waited for those results, Janine ran into one of Mary's doctors, who made a stunning revelation. He didn't think Mary died of colitis.
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Poison Twist
But identifying Mary's cause of death was proving difficult. The medical examiner sought the opinion of Dr. Gina Maroffa at the Upstate New York Poison Center.
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Poison Twist
It was a roll of the dice, but Dr. Maroffa suggested checking for a drug called colchicine, normally used to treat gout, a form of arthritis. In a high enough dose, it becomes toxic.
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Poison Twist
Three months after Mary's death, Sharon decided to contact the police. Lieutenant Robert Nelson, now retired, was a detective with the Oneida County Sheriff's Office.
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Poison Twist
The detective learned there was nothing in Mary's medical history to explain why she'd be taking colchicine. Why would she have this poison, this drug, in her system?
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Poison Twist
The notion that Mary intentionally took an excessive number of pills seemed impossible.
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Poison Twist
now began the hunt for a killer. And some of Mary's sisters thought they knew where investigators should be looking.
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Poison Twist
It was early afternoon on a Tuesday in central New York's scenic Mohawk Valley. That's where a woman who cherished life and family lived. On that midsummer day, she dropped by her sister Janine's house.
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Poison Twist
Months after Mary Yoder's death, investigators told the family they were convinced Mary had been murdered. What is that moment like when your mom is now a murder victim?
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Poison Twist
And Mary's daughters believed their mother hadn't just been killed. She'd practically been tortured.
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Poison Twist
Potential suspects? No, not at first. But Detective Nelson had to start somewhere. What about the person closest to Mary, her husband? What was it that was leading you in Bill's direction?
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Poison Twist
Katie Conley was the office manager. She worked for both Bill and Mary. Mary ran the practice with her husband Bill? Yes. It definitely sounds like Mary was the popular doctor in the office.
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A Walk Through the Woods
Investigators were at that moment collecting evidence. You found some clues at the crime scene?
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A Walk Through the Woods
A crime scene investigator noticed a bullet peeking through leaves between the girls.
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A Walk Through the Woods
Liggett believed the killer racked his gun to scare the girls into submission, not realizing the evidence he was leaving.
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A Walk Through the Woods
ejects the bullet out the side and lands on the ground there was more as crime scene investigators moved abby's body they discovered a shoe and beneath that we found libby's phone they immediately sent the phone to a forensics analyst for testing meanwhile officers continued collecting evidence hoping for dna searched for surveillance cameras on nearby businesses and spoke to property owners
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A Walk Through the Woods
Like Ron Logan, he spoke to WTHR shortly after the girls were discovered on his property.
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A Walk Through the Woods
Investigators also talked to anyone who'd been in the area that day. Indiana State Police Lieutenant Jerry Holman.
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A Walk Through the Woods
Three girls described a man on the trail around 1.30, about 20 minutes before Abby and Libby arrived.
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A Walk Through the Woods
Though they agreed, he was overdressed for the warm day and avoided eye contact. A woman walking close to the bridge thought she saw the same man.
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A Walk Through the Woods
Others came forward but had nothing really to offer. One woman saw the story on the news and urged her husband to report he'd been out there that day. Did he see anything unusual? No.
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A Walk Through the Woods
But one woman did report something disturbing. She saw a man near the trails while she was driving. He was walking along the road covered in mud and blood. Are you thinking, wow, she witnessed the killer? Right. I mean, who else would have blood and mud on them like that?
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A Walk Through the Woods
The girls' autopsies revealed they had been killed with a sharp object. There were no signs of sexual assault. Police kept those and many other details of the investigation from the public. Then, a major announcement. Police had obtained a photo of a man on the bridge that day.
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A Walk Through the Woods
Police described him as a possible witness. Viewers responded, flooding the tip line. Several identified the same man, Ron Logan, that property owner.
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A Walk Through the Woods
In the days after the murders, people in Delphi came out to support the families. They released lanterns in remembrance. They gathered for prayer vigils and hung ribbons with the girls' favorite colors. Libby's family says a CVS worker even made free copies of the girls' photos for their visitation. The line for it stretched the length of the building.
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A Walk Through the Woods
But the small Delphi community was changing. People were fearful.
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A Walk Through the Woods
The whole community was scared. And what about that man in the photo? Investigators described him as a possible witness. Was he something more? Were you trying not to scare the killer, maybe try to draw him in? Yeah, a little bit of both.
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A Walk Through the Woods
When he doesn't come forward, he becomes your prime suspect that you have named Bridge Guy. They now believed he had to be the killer. Officers and agents from almost every corner of law enforcement were scrambling to figure out who he was. A week after the murders, they had an important update about that photo. For the first time, they revealed where the image had come from.
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A Walk Through the Woods
One of the girls took a photo of the other, inching her way across the bridge. A final moment of innocence. Because the real danger wasn't beneath them. It was behind. A silhouette taking shape, growing as it picked up speed on the bridge, coming toward them. It makes the hair on the back of your neck stand up. Absolutely. When you think about these two girls, they knew something wasn't right.
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A Walk Through the Woods
It wasn't taken by some random eyewitness or even a security camera. Incredibly, Libby herself captured the killer on her phone.
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A Walk Through the Woods
When you think about these two girls. The phone's data revealed Libby hit record at 2.13 p.m., roughly six minutes after she posted that photo of Abby to Snapchat.
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A Walk Through the Woods
To investigators, it sounded as though the man was ordering the girls down the hill to their deaths. And they thought they heard something else in that video, though they didn't reveal it at the time.
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A Walk Through the Woods
A young victim recording her killer was more than enough to turn a small town's grief into a national news story.
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A Walk Through the Woods
Tips were pouring in, thousands to sort through. When Connie Dillman learned where the girls were found, she believed she knew the killer.
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A Walk Through the Woods
Ron Logan was Connie's ex-boyfriend, the man who owned the property where the girls were found.
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A Walk Through the Woods
He just finally killed somebody. Connie said Ron once barricaded her inside his house. Another time, she said, he attacked her in his yard.
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A Walk Through the Woods
Barbara McDonald covered the Delphi murders for Court TV. She spoke to some of those women.
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A Walk Through the Woods
But Logan was never charged with any crimes related to the women's allegations.
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A Walk Through the Woods
Logan was a 77-year-old retiree living alone at the time of the murders. He told police he wasn't home the afternoon the girls were killed. He was out with his cousin running an errand.
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A Walk Through the Woods
As in, he had not driven Logan to the store. Why would he lie about that?
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A Walk Through the Woods
Not only that, the cousin said Logan asked him to lie before the girls' bodies had even been found. It was time for investigators to take a closer look at Ron Logan.
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A Walk Through the Woods
The hunt for a killer was still on, but some in town thought they already knew who it was. Ron Logan. His ex-girlfriend Connie wasn't the only person to report him. As many as 15 tips came in suggesting he was involved in the girls' murders. The investigation was nearly a month old when police arrested him, but not for the murders.
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A Walk Through the Woods
All they had left in that moment, a cell phone, each other, and a split second to act. Delphi, Indiana, population 3,000, more or less. A rural community about an hour and a half's drive north of Indianapolis.
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A Walk Through the Woods
Investigators pressed Logan about the murders to see if he'd confess, but he denied any involvement. They also searched his house.
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A Walk Through the Woods
Logan pleaded guilty to an unrelated charge and violating his probation. He was sentenced to four years in prison. Police continued to investigate him, but Detective Holman had doubts Logan was involved in the murders. Did he look like Bridge Guy at all? His build, his age, his weight?
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A Walk Through the Woods
They didn't find any direct evidence tying Logan to the case, and investigators eventually cleared him. But if not Logan, then who? What's going on?
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A Walk Through the Woods
Where is this guy? Residents worried he would strike again. This was potentially a ticking time bomb with this killer. Big time.
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A Walk Through the Woods
Five months after the murders, investigators released a sketch. It was based on information from that woman who'd reported seeing a muddy and bloody man.
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A Walk Through the Woods
If the photo of Bridge Guy had been fuzzy, the sketch of him was detailed.
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A Walk Through the Woods
Instead, it kicked up a hornet's nest. People were accusing each other on social media with little or no proof.
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A Walk Through the Woods
More months ticked by. Libby's grandparents and Abby's mother, Anna Williams, tried to keep the case in the public eye.
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A Walk Through the Woods
The first anniversary of the girls' murders came and went. As the second anniversary approached, the families were frustrated there was still no arrest.
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A Walk Through the Woods
A few months after the second anniversary, Superintendent Carter held a press conference. His hope, smoke out the killer.
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A Walk Through the Woods
Investigators believe their killer was someone living among them, someone from Delphi.
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A Walk Through the Woods
One more thing to come out of that press conference. For the first time, investigators showed a short clip of Bridge Guy played on a loop.
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A Walk Through the Woods
Still do, he says, though maybe a little less since that Monday, February 13th, 2017. The morning had started off promising. Blue skies, warm weather. Better yet, classes were canceled to make up for an unused snow day.
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A Walk Through the Woods
The video generated more tips. None panned out. Then suddenly, there was a new name in the news.
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A Walk Through the Woods
Who was this mystery man? And what did he have to do with the murders? You learned that Liberty had been in communication with shots.
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A Walk Through the Woods
In early 2020, Delphi investigators were trying to figure out if the murders of Abby and Libby were linked to other crimes in the area. They reached out to Libby's sister, Kelsey.
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A Walk Through the Woods
Kelsey told police in the days before the murders Libby had been chatting with Schatz.
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A Walk Through the Woods
The profile showed a floppy-haired heartthrob with abs and tats who was rich and drove fancy sports cars. Police learned after the girls went missing, Kelsey looked for clues in Libby's social media.
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A Walk Through the Woods
At the time, Kelsey didn't tell investigators about Schatz. But three years later, they knew a lot about him, including a disturbing connection he had with Libby. He had asked for explicit photos.
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A Walk Through the Woods
Well, there wasn't a plan. Becky Patty is talking about her granddaughter, 14-year-old Liberty German, and her best friend, 13-year-old Abigail Williams, Libby and Abby. They'd had a sleepover at Becky's the night before.
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A Walk Through the Woods
And there was something else alarming. Police discovered the guy Libby had been talking to didn't exist. It turned out Anthony Schatz was not Anthony Schatz.
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A Walk Through the Woods
While investigating the murders of Abigail Williams and Liberty German... More than a year later in 2021, investigators asked the public for help.
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A Walk Through the Woods
As journalists and true crime bloggers race to identify the person who created the fake profile, local NBC station WTHR tracked down the man in those photos.
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A Walk Through the Woods
His real name is Vincent Kowalski. Once a model, he'd changed careers and joined law enforcement.
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A Walk Through the Woods
Kowalski had nothing to do with sordid images of young girls or the murders of Abby and Libby.
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A Walk Through the Woods
Even though he looked casual, interviewing as he worked out, this father of two girls was outraged when he learned someone had used his photos as bait.
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A Walk Through the Woods
Police had a catfisher on their hands. But who was it? Are you thinking that this guy could be the killer, given the fact that he was talking to Libby over Snapchat not too long before the murders?
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A Walk Through the Woods
To uncover the truth, the investigation would go into dark places. He's definitely a bad person who was doing bad things. And there would be allegations of something even more sinister.
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A Walk Through the Woods
When investigators went public with the Anthony Schatz profile, they actually knew much more about the person behind it than they were letting on.
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A Walk Through the Woods
So you just knew that he had been misrepresenting himself to young girls?
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A Walk Through the Woods
Turned out he'd been the target of an entirely different investigation two counties away from Delphi. Back in 2017, a few days after Abby and Libby were murdered, the man posing as Anthony Schatz got an underage girl to send him her address. A day later, she saw a figure in a ski mask peeping through her bedroom window and reported the scary encounter.
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A Walk Through the Woods
Police investigated and traced the account to a 22-year-old man named Kagan Klein. Who is Kegan Klein?
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A Walk Through the Woods
Not long after that Peeping Tom incident, law enforcement raided Klein's home. They turned up more than a hundred sexually explicit photos and videos of underage girls on his electronic devices. It took three years, but he was arrested on child pornography charges. And that's when Delphi investigators spoke with him.
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A Walk Through the Woods
Klein seemed to have a strong alibi that he was in Vegas at the time of the murders. But after a deep dive into the data on his phones, the Delphi investigators found out that wasn't true.
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A Walk Through the Woods
The public trails on the outskirts of town. Kelsey dropped them off just before 2. They planned to stay for an hour, then call for a ride home. The hour came and went. Becky called Libby. Was it ringing or was it going straight to voicemail?
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A Walk Through the Woods
When Court TV's Barbara McDonald learned Klein was in jail on child pornography charges, she contacted him. What happened? He talked to me. He gave me an interview from jail.
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A Walk Through the Woods
Klein's phone activity showed he was at his grandmother's house 40 minutes from Delphi.
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A Walk Through the Woods
And in the end, investigators couldn't prove he killed Abby and Libby.
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A Walk Through the Woods
She alerted Abby's family that they couldn't find the girls. Then she reached out to her husband, Mike, Libby's grandfather.
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A Walk Through the Woods
Klein would eventually plead guilty to 25 charges, including child porn and child exploitation. He was sentenced to 40 years in prison. Then, after years of dead ends, investigators would finally get a break. A conscientious volunteer happened to find a box and stumbled upon a new name on a tip sheet. I mean, could you believe it?
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A Walk Through the Woods
The double murder case that law enforcement once thought would be solved quickly had haunted them for over five long years.
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A Walk Through the Woods
By then, they'd received tens of thousands of tips, some from the earliest stages of the investigation hadn't been filed away properly.
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A Walk Through the Woods
I'm here to help in any way. Over the years, a local volunteer named Kathy Shank dedicated countless hours organizing and digitizing those files.
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A Walk Through the Woods
She was a former investigator with Child Protective Services and had an eye for detail.
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A Walk Through the Woods
In September 2022, as the team prepared to move to a new location, Kathy was packing up files and stumbled on a box in the bottom of a drawer. Inside was a tip from early in the investigation before Kathy joined. It involved that man whose wife had seen the story on the news and urged him to report he'd been at the trail that day.
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A Walk Through the Woods
Correct, yeah. To Kathy Shank, this could be their man. This could be Bridge Guy.
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A Walk Through the Woods
Back then, a conservation officer met and spoke to the man who explained he'd been out of the trails around 1.30 to 3.30. The officer's report somehow got overlooked. Until now.
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A Walk Through the Woods
The man who'd come forward all those years ago was Richard Allen, a 50-year-old Delphi man who worked at the local CVS. He was married with a grown daughter. So this is an average Joe, it seems like.
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A Walk Through the Woods
Squeaky clean as far as law enforcement goes. Correct. Investigators went back over the evidence, including surveillance video from a business near the trail. In it was a black car. They couldn't confirm the license plate or who was driving, but they knew Allen owned something similar.
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A Walk Through the Woods
Back to the investigation center, where Sheriff Liggett and another detective began their interview. Allen chose not to have an attorney present.
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A Walk Through the Woods
When detectives showed Allen the picture of Bridge Guy, he bristled. He said it wasn't him, that he never saw Abby or Libby at the trail. And he changed his timeline. Now he said he was there earlier in the day. But what about that video of the black car? Did you confront him with that?
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A Walk Through the Woods
The interview ended. He was free to go. But the investigation into Allen was just beginning. They got a search warrant and went back to his Delphi home. What do you find from the search warrants?
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A Walk Through the Woods
Bridge guy? Yes. And they found something else, a Sig Sauer pistol like this one. They sent the pistol to the crime lab, where a state firearms expert tested it using .40 caliber bullets. She then compared markings on the bullets made by the gun with markings on the bullet found at the crime scene. Soon after, Sheriff Liggett got a call. Was it a match?
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A Walk Through the Woods
Investigators thought they heard someone racking their gun on that video from Libby's phone. Now, with the bullet match, they were convinced it was Allen.
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A Walk Through the Woods
Allen agreed to come in, again without an attorney. Lieutenant Holman did the interview this time and told Allen how the crime scene bullet matched to his gun.
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A Walk Through the Woods
The tone in the interrogation room quickly became heated, and the lieutenant says Allen eventually threatened him.
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A Walk Through the Woods
Liggett was a detective back in 2017. He figured the teens would show up soon enough.
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A Walk Through the Woods
The detective had heard enough, and soon after that interview, police arrested Richard Allen for the murders of Abby and Libby. After so many false leads, Libby's grandparents were cautious when they heard the news.
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A Walk Through the Woods
And on Halloween 2022, Today is not a day to celebrate. police unmasked the alleged killer.
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A Walk Through the Woods
The case had become an international story, even more so after a stunning allegation surfaced. Could others have been behind the murders?
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A Walk Through the Woods
For the people of Delphi, the news was still settling in that there'd been an arrest.
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A Walk Through the Woods
Libby's grandparents were, of course, relieved. And as for the identity of the suspect, do you know Richard Allen? No.
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A Walk Through the Woods
Many in Delphi did know Richard Allen. or at least had seen him working at that neighborhood CVS. A disturbing detail is that this man is the man who prepared the photos for the girls' funerals.
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A Walk Through the Woods
For the victims' families, the arrest marked the first of many more startling revelations. The defense was about to drop an alternate theory of who did this and why, and it was a shocker.
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A Walk Through the Woods
Eleven months after his arrest... Allen's attorneys surprised many with a pretrial filing, claiming the girls might have been killed in those woods by members of a pagan religion called Odinism.
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A Walk Through the Woods
Though when he heard they'd been at the trail, he did wonder about the bridge.
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A Walk Through the Woods
To explain that theory, Allen's attorneys met us in an area similar to the crime scene.
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A Walk Through the Woods
Jennifer Ogier, Brad Rosey, and Andy Baldwin represented Allen. They say those sticks that were partially covering the girls' bodies were meant to send a message. and demonstrated for us how some of them were placed.
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A Walk Through the Woods
Did not. They believe the sticks formed letters from an ancient alphabet known as runes, a way Odinism followers can communicate.
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A Walk Through the Woods
And they point out that Libby's blood was found on a nearby tree and say it appears someone used it to create another Odinistic symbol that looked like this, an F. There's just no natural way that that shape
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A Walk Through the Woods
While some thought the ritualistic killing theory was far-fetched, Allen's attorney said they weren't the first to bring it up.
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A Walk Through the Woods
The Monon High Bridge is a relic from a past century. Trains once used it to cross Deer Creek, more than 60 feet below.
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A Walk Through the Woods
Soon after the murders, it was the police who had looked into the possibility of a ritualistic killing.
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A Walk Through the Woods
Sheriff Liggett says law enforcement concluded there was no connection between Odinism and the murders.
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A Walk Through the Woods
Then, Allen's attorneys found themselves in hot water after some crime scene photos were leaked to several media outlets. Turned out, they came from their camp.
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A Walk Through the Woods
Allen's attorney say a former associate who had access to their office copied the photos and unbeknownst to them sent the images around.
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A Walk Through the Woods
The attorneys appealed the judge's decision and the state Supreme Court reinstated them. But the fallout from those leaked photos continued.
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A Walk Through the Woods
A podcaster texted them to Becky. It was the first time she and Mike had seen the gruesome images of the girls.
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A Walk Through the Woods
Libby's cousin, Sadie Mowdy, says the abandoned bridge was where young daredevils chose to hang out. I wouldn't even go out to the first platform.
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A Walk Through the Woods
The defense now had to focus on the trial, which was just weeks away.
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A Walk Through the Woods
The prosecution, on the other hand, had a possible ace up its sleeve, prison calls that would reveal some stunning conversations. When you heard that, did you think, game over?
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A Walk Through the Woods
In the summer of 2024, Richard Allen's lawyers were revving up for trial. At a pretrial hearing, they presented that key part of their defense, that followers of a pagan cult killed Abby and Libby.
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A Walk Through the Woods
Huge. Carroll County Prosecutor Nicholas McCleeland acknowledged that as strong as some of the evidence appeared to be, his case had holes too. Male DNA had been recovered at the crime scene, but the sample was too small to match to anyone.
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A Walk Through the Woods
The image from the phone was grainy. The voice isn't perfect. So many things that... would be cons to a prosecution.
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A Walk Through the Woods
Did you know if they were planning to venture out onto the bridge? No, we didn't.
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A Walk Through the Woods
Nearly eight years after the murders, Richard Allen's trial got underway.
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A Walk Through the Woods
Libby's and Abby's families did their best to drown out the noise. They sat on the same side of the courtroom in a show of solidarity.
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A Walk Through the Woods
No cameras were allowed in court. Prosecutor McClellan set out to convince the jury there was only one man responsible for these murders, Richard Allen, a.k.a. Bridge Guy. He opened with this. This is about Bridge Guy, this is about a bullet, and this is about two young girls who were murdered. You made it very straightforward.
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A Walk Through the Woods
He began his case by calling officers who described the crime scene and evidence gathered in vivid detail.
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A Walk Through the Woods
he drove home the full horror of the murders by showing photographs of what had been done to Abby and Libby.
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A Walk Through the Woods
McClellan laid out for the jurors his theory of how Allen carried out the murders.
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A Walk Through the Woods
The prosecutor put the state's firearms expert on the stand. Her opinion was the bullet found between Abby's and Libby's bodies had to have come from Richard Allen's gun based on marks matching the gun's mechanism.
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A Walk Through the Woods
McCleeland argued the moment Alan racked the gun could be heard on the 43 seconds of video captured by Libby.
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A Walk Through the Woods
The prosecution said the phone provided a key timeline for the murders and a link to the killer. A number of witnesses testified the man in the video was the one they saw that day, including the woman who reported a man covered in mud and blood. All agreed he was Bridge Guy.
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A Walk Through the Woods
As the trial progressed, the prosecutor used Richard Allen's own words against him. He argued Allen told law enforcement, before later changing his story, that he was on the trails during the window of the murders.
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A Walk Through the Woods
It turned out that while he had been in jail, officers recorded some 700 phone calls between Allen and his wife and mother. In some of those calls, he confessed.
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A Walk Through the Woods
Libby's family listened intently to the recordings. Did they seem believable?
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A Walk Through the Woods
When the sun went down, Liggett started to worry. Soon, word was out and Delphi sprang into action. Its residents joined the search.
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A Walk Through the Woods
And Alan didn't just make confessions to his family. Over the course of 21 months in jail, he made more than 60 apparent confessions to corrections officers, inmates, and also to the jail psychologist, Dr. Monica Walla. She said he told her he marched the girls across the creek and killed them with a box cutter, that he had planned to rape them, but got spooked by a passing van on a nearby drive.
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A Walk Through the Woods
As the prosecution rested, it appeared it could be game over for Richard Allen. But Allen's attorneys argued nothing was what it seemed. They would counter that those weren't real confessions, that it wasn't Allen's bullet, and there was no proof he was Bridge Guy.
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A Walk Through the Woods
As Richard Allen's defense team saw it, even though they had some setbacks before trial, the case against their client was thinned. There's just not much there.
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A Walk Through the Woods
What's more, they argued, none of the witnesses could say for sure that Richard Allen was Bridge Guy.
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A Walk Through the Woods
And while Allen stands about 5'6", some witnesses described Bridge Guy as medium height or even tall.
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A Walk Through the Woods
Neighbors and police, armed with flashlights, searched for hours in the dark, around trees and brush, along unsteady paths. But yet no one saw anything around the bridge area.
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A Walk Through the Woods
The defense attorneys also poured cold water on the 43 seconds of audio and video captured by Libby. They argued the audio was muddy, the video grainy.
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A Walk Through the Woods
But what about the unfired bullet found at the scene? The defense pushed back hard on the state's expert who said it was a match to Allen's gun.
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A Walk Through the Woods
He argued there's a difference between fired bullets and unfired bullets ejected from a gun after it's been racked.
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A Walk Through the Woods
But perhaps the most insurmountable evidence would be those 60-plus jail confessions.
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A Walk Through the Woods
The defense argued they were false confessions made under duress. Following his arrest, Richard Allen was jailed for months in a maximum security segregation unit. The state said it was for his own safety. His lawyers disagreed.
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A Walk Through the Woods
Liggett was at the station the next day when the call came in. It was a little past noon. It was the worst possible news.
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A Walk Through the Woods
They argued those conditions also played into Allen's confessions to the psychologist.
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A Walk Through the Woods
To bolster their argument, defense attorneys pointed to Allen's police interviews. Time after time, he insisted he was innocent.
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A Walk Through the Woods
For nearly three weeks, jurors and the Delphi community were consumed by a trial that was as grueling as it was heartbreaking. Enduring it all and sitting together were Abby's and Libby's families.
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A Walk Through the Woods
Abby and Libby lay in a hidden depression of the forest floor about a quarter mile beyond the bridge. It was clear the girls had been murdered.
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A Walk Through the Woods
In closing arguments, the defense told jurors not to trust much of the state's case, especially the testimony about the crime scene bullet matching Allen's gun.
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A Walk Through the Woods
The prosecution hammered home that confession Allen gave to his prison psychologist about seeing the van on the day of the murders.
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A Walk Through the Woods
The case was now in the hands of the jury. The defense felt confident.
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A Walk Through the Woods
A verdict wouldn't come quickly. Hours soon turned into days. The jury goes out, and they're out for days. That's a long time for a jury.
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A Walk Through the Woods
Guilty on all charges. Outside the courthouse where the press and spectators had gathered, cheers erupted.
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A Walk Through the Woods
A shaken town would want answers and an arrest. Neither would happen quickly. This was a long journey with a lot of suspects along the way.
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A Walk Through the Woods
Good morning. A few weeks later at a press conference, the prosecutor recognized an unsung hero of the case, Kathy Shank. She was the woman who five years after the murders found that file that led to Richard Allen.
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A Walk Through the Woods
That sentence was 130 years, 65 years for Libby and 65 for Abby. Allen is appealing. Yet out of all the pain and sorrow came a ray of light.
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A Walk Through the Woods
They checked with Abby's family and together came up with a plan.
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A Walk Through the Woods
It's called Abby and Libby Memorial Park, a place where Delphi's heartbreak is slowly rewritten in every cheer, every moment of joy, a tribute to two best friends, forever together. What would you say to people watching?
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A Walk Through the Woods
Sheriff Liggett, back at the station, could hardly believe what he was hearing. Two local girls found murdered near the Monon High Bridge in Delphi, Indiana. He raced to the area a short drive away.
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A Walk Through the Woods
He was directed down a hill near the bridge and onto a patch of privately owned land.
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A Walk Through the Woods
It was grim. Abby and Libby lay dead a few feet apart. Libby at the foot of a tree. Their throats had been cut.
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A Walk Through the Woods
Becky and Mike were searching in a different area when they heard the girls had been found. They raced back to the trail, assuming they were okay. Becky didn't realize her sister was one of the searchers who'd come upon the girls' bodies.
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A Walk Through the Woods
Investigators brought the families back to the station where they had set up a command center for the search.
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A Walk Through the Woods
It fell to Mike to formally identify both girls. He remembered how surreal it felt. Just hours earlier, his granddaughter and Abby had been brimming with life, giggling during their sleepover.
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A Walk Through the Woods
Now the Patties and Abby's family had been thrust into a new, terrible kind of normal, one in which their girls existed only in photos and memories. I mean, there's so many beautiful photos of Libby and Abby, just two happy-go-lucky girls.
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A Walk Through the Woods
Abby had been the only child of a single mom. Libby and her sister Kelsey came to live with their grandparents after their mother and father split up.
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A Walk Through the Woods
Both Abby and Libby were good students. Abby loved crafts and music. Libby, music and sports.
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A Walk Through the Woods
She loved challenging anyone, especially her uncle, into ridiculous stunts.
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A Walk Through the Woods
Two girls, funny and sweet. Their families and the community were in mourning and on edge. Then, just hours into the case, investigators caught a break.
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A Walk Through the Woods
I mean, this phone could be everything, depending on what you find on it.
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A Walk Through the Woods
Mike and Becky Patty knew nothing would ever be the same. Their granddaughter Libby and her friend Abby had been taken from them, and so violently.
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A Walk Through the Woods
Winter was masquerading as spring, teasing those tired of the cold to step outside. Two girls set out for a walk through the woods.
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A Walk Through the Woods
Yeah. The rest of the family gathered at the house to help any way they could.
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A Walk Through the Woods
Sadie Mowdy remembers her Aunt Becky looking for Libby's older sister, Kelsey.
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A Walk Through the Woods
At that point, police were still not releasing the girls' names. But everyone in Delphine knew. This is a small town, so word travels fast. This is a community that is hurting. Reporter Emily Longnecker covered the story for NBC's Indianapolis affiliate, WTHR. You could see it on people's faces.
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A Walk Through the Woods
The investigation team included Indiana State Police. Doug Carter was the agency's superintendent. He was already fielding questions from the public, like, is this the work of a drifter, a serial killer, or someone already known to police?
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The Pin at Apartment 210
That pin led them to yet another apartment complex. The family made their way into the building. Just started knocking on every single door. What are people telling you?
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The Pin at Apartment 210
So you're just trying to narrow down which floor, which apartment.
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The Pin at Apartment 210
Finally, they got the perfect hit. Apartment 210. You knock on the door?
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The Pin at Apartment 210
So they knocked on the next door, apartment 212. A couple answered. The family asked if they'd seen anything. Seen? No, the couple said. But they had heard something.
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The Pin at Apartment 210
The neighbors clocked that scream at 2.15 a.m., just three minutes before Jazzy dropped that pin. They said it sounded like it came from next door, apartment 210.
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The Pin at Apartment 210
The family slowly made their way into the small one-bedroom apartment. Right away, something caught Katrina's eye.
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The Pin at Apartment 210
As you guys continue looking around the apartment, what else did you see?
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The Pin at Apartment 210
They opened it and saw a name. Jason Chen. And then we proceeded to call the police. For the second time that night, police met the family. The officer told them an investigator had already been assigned to the case.
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The Pin at Apartment 210
That was news to the family, who said they'd not been contacted by anyone.
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The Pin at Apartment 210
They'd only find out later if they had gone too far. Chattanooga, Tennessee, 2022, just two days before Thanksgiving. Jackie White and her family were heartbroken. The family matriarch, Granny, had cancer, and the prognosis wasn't good.
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The Pin at Apartment 210
The police issued a warning. Do not go back into the apartment.
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The Pin at Apartment 210
Jasmine Pace's loved ones had done all they could, and maybe more than they should, to find her. They'd broken into an apartment, then defied police instructions, and gone in again. What was it like to just be inside that apartment?
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The Pin at Apartment 210
They didn't find anything new, but they were convinced Jazzy had been there. What's more, they were sure Jason Chen, the guy Jazzy had been seeing, lived in the apartment. His name was on the notebook and a neighbor confirmed it. Jason was the son of Chinese immigrants who owned a restaurant. The family lived 30 minutes outside of Nashville.
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The Pin at Apartment 210
But Jason moved to attend the University of Tennessee Chattanooga, where he majored in computer science. That's where Ryan Barrett met him in the summer of 2020.
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The Pin at Apartment 210
Ryan says he and Jason became good friends, that he was fun to be around. What was his demeanor like?
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The Pin at Apartment 210
The two got along so well, they became roommates and even landed jobs at the same place, a soap company.
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The Pin at Apartment 210
Now, Jazzy's family was convinced Jason had something to do with her disappearance. They took everything they'd gathered that could be used as evidence, Jazzy's driver's license and credit card, the cell phones and a tablet, and gave it to the police. And they didn't stop there. They had their family lawyer reach out to the district attorney general asking for help.
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The Pin at Apartment 210
Detective Zach Crawford headed to the apartment. When you got in there, how did you find the apartment? Was it clean? Was it messy?
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The Pin at Apartment 210
When you say blood transfer, you mean like a bloody footprint?
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The Pin at Apartment 210
It would now be Detective Crawford's job to find out. I mean, is your next step find Jason Chen?
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The Pin at Apartment 210
Detectives searching for missing Jasmine Pace found so much blood evidence, they knew they had a homicide on their hands. What they didn't have was a body or a suspect in custody. It was now their mission to find both.
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The Pin at Apartment 210
The family all gathered at the hospital, including Jackie's cousin, Jasmine Pace. Jazzy, as the family called her, adored Granny.
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The Pin at Apartment 210
They homed in on the day after Jasmine disappeared. Jason's phone records revealed he went to Walgreens and Walmart, and security footage showed someone resembling Jason buying cleaning supplies.
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The Pin at Apartment 210
Once Jason Chen left his apartment on November 23rd, he never went back. Detectives continued to track his phone. Ultimately, where did you find Jason Chen?
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The Pin at Apartment 210
Jason refused to tell investigators anything. As news of his arrest spread across Chattanooga, one person listened with particular interest, his former roommate, Ryan Barrett. How unbelievable was it that your former roommate was wanted for murder?
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The Pin at Apartment 210
Ryan and Jason had their own strange falling out a few months before Jazzy disappeared. Ryan's online accounts were hacked. He suspected Jason was behind it, since he was the only one who had easy access to Ryan's phone.
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The Pin at Apartment 210
He even got fired from his job, he says, after some messages and social media posts from his account.
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The Pin at Apartment 210
Ryan says he doesn't know why Jason would do that to him, but he'd had enough and moved out.
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The Pin at Apartment 210
Ryan says they never spoke again. The day after Jason's arrest, Jasmine's family was on edge, desperate for the one thing still missing, her body. Talk to me about that process.
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The Pin at Apartment 210
Detectives continued to search for clues as to where Jazzy's body might be. Location data from November 23rd put Jason on the banks of the Tennessee River. On December 1st, 2022, they searched the area and found her.
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The Pin at Apartment 210
Jasmine had been stuffed in a suitcase. She was handcuffed. And it got worse.
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The Pin at Apartment 210
60 stab wounds in all. As the family grieved, the man accused of killing Jasmine Pace sat behind bars. Thanks in large part, prosecutors said, to her family. How crucial was her family's involvement in all of this? Extremely. Hamilton County District Attorney General Cody Womp.
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The Pin at Apartment 210
I don't know how the police department would have ended up getting a search warrant had it not been for her family.
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The Pin at Apartment 210
Crucial? Absolutely. But it was also a ticking time bomb. Jason Chen's attorney, Josh Weiss, says the entire crime scene was compromised the moment Jazzy's family stepped inside.
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The Pin at Apartment 210
Her family gathered in a courtroom to see Jason Chin stand trial for her murder. Jason's parents and brother were there too. What was it like for you to be in there, to be in that courtroom and be in the same courtroom as Jason Chin?
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The Pin at Apartment 210
By now, the judge had ruled to allow in evidence from Jason's apartment. Armed with that, prosecutors laid out their theory of what happened that night. The couple fought, and Jason launched a vicious, drawn-out attack. This wasn't heat of the moment, they said. It was premeditated murder. Prosecutor Paul Moyle, what would you identify as the challenges in this case?
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The Pin at Apartment 210
Jackie grieved with her cousin Jazzy. The two worried about their moms. Granny had raised them both. So they made plans for the family to gather on Thanksgiving, just two days away. Jazzy helped lead the charge.
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The Pin at Apartment 210
This is the suitcase. in which Jason Chin stuffed the 98-pound body of Jasmine Pace. You know, he didn't just stab her 60 times. He then put her body in trash bags. He then put her body in a suitcase.
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The Pin at Apartment 210
The first witness up for the prosecution? Jasmine's mom, Katrina.
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The Pin at Apartment 210
Were you concerned at that point about the police investigation?
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The Pin at Apartment 210
Prosecutors knew the stakes. If they couldn't prove Jason meant to kill Jasmine, the jury could drop it to second-degree murder or even voluntary manslaughter. All of it was on the table.
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The Pin at Apartment 210
This was prolonged to some extent. We know that she was in his apartment until he leaves with the suitcase to go drop her body by the river.
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The Pin at Apartment 210
After that, prosecutors said Jason abandoned Jazzy's car in that parking lot where her family found it. Jason had pleaded not guilty to premeditated murder. So what his attorney, Joshua Weiss, said stunned everyone.
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The Pin at Apartment 210
It's certainly not often that you hear a criminal defense attorney say that his client's guilty.
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The Pin at Apartment 210
Weiss said Jason did kill Jazzy, but it wasn't premeditated, as prosecutors argued. Instead, he said, the evening began with the couple hanging out and drinking wine.
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The Pin at Apartment 210
Prosecutors completely dismissed the self-defense theory and even brought in a forensic tech expert who testified that Jason was not on Tinder at the time Jazzy was killed. In fact, The only time he was on the dating app, they said, was the next morning.
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The Pin at Apartment 210
He's on social media, on Tinder, hitting on girls, and Jasmine is dead in his apartment, which really says everything you need to know.
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The Pin at Apartment 210
When it came time to cross-examine Jasmine's mother, Weiss tried to thread a very small needle, showing sympathy while still questioning the evidence.
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The Pin at Apartment 210
Sarah Reed was juror number 11. There was no question that Jason killed Jazzy. The issue on the table was premeditation.
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The Pin at Apartment 210
Yeah. Surprising? I assumed that they were going to find Jason guilty, but that it might be over a period of hours or days. What we now know is that we had done our job.
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The Pin at Apartment 210
Now, Drewers had one more job to do, sentence Jason Chen. Before deliberating, they would hear from Jasmine's cousin, Jackie.
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The Pin at Apartment 210
Jurors had two choices, the possibility of parole in 51 years or life in prison with no chance of getting out.
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The Pin at Apartment 210
Jason Chen is now serving a life sentence, no possibility of parole. Jazzy's family feels like they are serving a life sentence too. A lifetime of missing the beautiful spirit they all loved so much.
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The Pin at Apartment 210
The day before Thanksgiving, Jackie texted Jazzy to see how she was holding up.
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The Pin at Apartment 210
But then Jazzy texted to say she was spending Thanksgiving with a friend instead of the family.
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The Pin at Apartment 210
Jazzy's half-sister, Gabby Pace, also found it strange. especially when she got this Snapchat from Jazzy, a photo with the message, Baby, I'm good. What did you think?
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The Pin at Apartment 210
By that Friday morning, worry started to creep in. Jazzy's mother, Katrina, realized nobody had actually spoken to Jazzy in three days since the night Granny died.
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The Pin at Apartment 210
Her family catapulted the investigation. They took matters into their own hands.
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The search for Jazzy would force the family to go places and do things they never imagined.
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At this point, I mean, I'm not saying... It sounds like you all went into full investigation mode.
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November 26th, 2022. It had been four days since family and friends last saw Jasmine Pace. It was totally unlike Jazzy to disappear like that. Her family started tracking her down.
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Especially, they figured, for a bright and fun 22-year-old who was normally in constant touch. What was she like? Sweet.
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And also outdoorsy. She liked walking along the banks of the Tennessee River. Family friend Brianna Edge had known Jasmine since she was born. She always wanted to be where the adults were.
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The Pin at Apartment 210
As she got older, Jazzy wanted to be a part of the family business too. She started working at her mom and stepdad Scott's construction company.
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Jazzy had always been someone they could lean on in times of crisis. Her number one, I would say, was her family. Now, Jazzy might be the one in crisis. Her family kicked into high gear. Not only were they determined to find her, they were tech savvy. They went to the Verizon store and pulled Jazzy's phone records. One call in particular caught their attention. It happened on the day Granny died.
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The Pin at Apartment 210
A 71-minute call to a number they didn't recognize. The next day, her phone turned off. They couldn't ping her location, but they thought of something else.
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Once they got into Jazzy's email account... They found out that the passwords to her bank and social media accounts had been changed. It sounds like you all went into full investigation mode.
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By now, the family had accessed Jazzy's car app. Since the last time the family saw her, her car had been to two locations, and it was still at one of them, Mountain Creek Road. Jazzy's mom and stepdad raced over. Gabby arrived shortly after. And there it was, in the parking lot, Jazzy's SUV. But no sign of Jazzy. Jazzy's mom called the police. Hello.
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And before long, a patrol officer showed up, body cam rolling. So what's going on exactly? That's mom Katrina on the left, stepdad Scott on the right. They told the officer everything they'd learned so far.
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Just then, while the family stood in the lot, Jazzy seemed to emerge. A racy photo popped up on her Facebook account. That's when I got scared.
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Jazzy's mom wanted more. She asked them to pull any security footage from that parking lot.
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As Jazzy's family waited on that security footage, her mom remembered that long call Jazzy made the day Granny died. When she didn't recognize the number, she had called Jackie, who was helping from home.
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Jackie got right to work. While still on the phone with Jazzy's mom, she ran the number through one of her mobile payment apps.
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Katrina knew Jazzy had been casually seeing a guy named Jason Chen for a few months. Maybe he could help find her. So there, right in front of police, Katrina called him.
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The Pin at Apartment 210
Jasmine Pace's parents were busy tracking her digital footprint, trying to determine her movements since they last saw her. They learned she'd had a phone call with Jason Chen, a guy she'd met on a dating app. The two had been casually dating for a few months and had gone on a trip to Chicago together. Now, Jazzy's mom was on the phone with him.
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Jason told Katrina he hadn't spoken to Jazzy since that Monday, but she knew that wasn't true.
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Jason said he did remember talking to Jazzy that day. He'd simply forgotten. For police, it wasn't much to go on.
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Eventually, the officers left. If police wouldn't follow the leads, the family would.
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How far would you go for your family? For the people you love most in the world?
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They went to the address they had for Jason, but all they found was an abandoned house. Frustrated, Jazzy's mom went back through Jazzy's texts from that night. And suddenly, Katrina realizes she has a text on her phone. Mm-hmm.
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At 2.18 a.m., on the night she disappeared, Jazzy had sent her mother a pin with her location on it. Katrina was grieving Granny's passing, and never saw it. How shocking was that for her?
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A Little Patch of Perfect
There's always more to the story. To go behind the scenes of tonight's episode, listen to our Talking Dateline series with Keith and Andrea, available Wednesday.
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A big disappointment for investigators, but the tips kept pouring in.
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And the man seen running just miles from where the boys disappeared. Anything to give us a clue. All of them turned up nothing. How low could you get in those choppers?
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As they continued to pursue more than 700 tips, police developed other theories about the case. Could someone who knew Susan be behind the kidnapping? They questioned friends and coworkers, including that new boyfriend of hers, Tom Finley. family members, too.
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Tonight, the tragedy that gripped a nation 30 years ago and still won't let go.
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including David Smith. Susan had custody of Michael and Alex. Could David or someone else have conspired to have the boys kidnapped?
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investigators gave David a polygraph test, which he passed. What did the sheriff, what did those investigators tell you privately about their theories, what they thought may have happened?
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Then suddenly, a new tip from 3,000 miles away, and this one sounded different.
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Day six in the search for Michael and Alex Smith was Halloween, warm and sunny. But fear hung in the air in Union as parents and kids headed out to trick-or-treat.
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Michael Cogdell was a reporter for WYFF, the NBC affiliate in Greenville, South Carolina.
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Two brothers missing for nine agonizing days. A nationwide manhunt with a heartbreaking end. And the mother at the center of it all, speaking out for the first time in decades. While the father continues his fight for justice.
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I grew up in South Carolina and remember the extensive media coverage and the endless waiting.
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For you, day in, day out, the roller coaster of emotions, how did you grapple with it?
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He cooperated, hoping law enforcement would stop looking at him and find the carjacker.
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The national search for Michael and Alex continued while local investigators worked their way down the list of Susan's family and friends. They focused on her relationship with Mitchell Sinclair, the man she said she was going to visit on the night of the carjacking. Sheriff Wells was especially interested in Sinclair after seeing an interview he did with a reporter for Current Affair.
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Says it is. Police questioned him several times. Turned out, he wasn't even home that night.
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Investigators were also taking a close look at Susan as a mom and heard nothing but good things.
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Then on the eighth day, a true glimmer of hope. At 3.30 a.m., a call came into the command center, a sighting of a young boy who matched the description of 14-month-old Alex riding in a car with South Carolina plates. He'd been dropped off at a motel in Washington State.
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Susan and David rushed to the command center. Three hours passed. The town of Union held its breath. Then Sheriff Wells addressed the press once again.
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The news was crushing. The little boy abandoned in Washington State was not Alex Smith after all.
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Soon after, what everyone hoped would be a joyous appearance by Susan and David became yet another anguished plea.
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But almost as soon as Susan and David finished their nationally televised plea, the story took another turn. That night, Dateline got a tip that crime lab technicians were headed to Susan's home. Our cameras captured law enforcement going into the house. They took photographs, examined paperwork, dusted apparently for fingerprints, and went into the crawl space underneath the home.
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Can you tell us what you're doing? The search ended about two hours later with investigators carrying several paper bags out of the house. To outsiders, it didn't look like investigators were any closer to answering the painful question, where were Michael and Alex?
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But for insiders, the investigation was becoming laser-focused on the only witness in the case, the woman at its center, Susan Smith herself. For more than a week, the public saw a heartbreaking scene. Two young parents pleading for their children's safe return.
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But at the command center, Sheriff Wells had been verifying Susan's story. And not everything checked out.
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Information from the Department of Public Safety had landed on Sheriff Wells' desk. He learned there was no way that light could have turned red.
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Without another car, the light would stay green. The sheriff tried to keep his doubts about Susan's story under wraps, but other officers were coming to the same conclusion. What do you recall about how members of law enforcement were talking about the case?
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While retracing the steps Susan said she made that night, investigators discovered something astonishing. That night, you were actually having her followed.
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It all started in the tiny town of Union, South Carolina. A rural community, textiles and farming were the big businesses there. It had just a few traffic lights. Church-going neighbors would wave on their morning walks. The people here are friendly. Harold Thompson grew up in Union and is now the mayor.
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Tiffany then went to visit a friend nearby. And when she came back 45 minutes later, Susan's car was gone.
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Investigators couldn't find any witnesses who saw where Susan went that night. They were becoming more and more convinced she was hiding something. So they brought in SLED agent Peter Logan, a polygraph expert, to meet with Susan. We interviewed him back in 2000. Susan Smith showed up with her family, and I introduced myself to her.
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Agent Logan quickly built a rapport with Susan and asked her if she would agree to a polygraph test. She said yes. Then there comes a point where Susan says to you that she thought that she was probably a suspect. When she said that to you, what did you think?
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He didn't tell her the results. Instead, he said she'd done enough for the day and sent her home. But it didn't take long before rumors that Susan failed a polygraph circulated through the small town of Union.
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Susan was supposed to come back the next day to continue the polygraph. But that didn't happen.
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Agent Logan shared with Dateline this newly unearthed tape of that call.
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Then he brought up a rumor he'd heard that Susan told her mom she'd failed a polygraph. He tried to reassure her, saying the results were inconclusive.
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He asked her to write down everything she could remember from that night. She agreed and said she'd meet with him again the next day.
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When Susan returned the next morning to continue a polygraph, Agent Logan gently explained that part of her story did not make sense, that the light would not have turned red.
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But then she said the agent was right. The carjacking had happened somewhere else, 15 miles away in a town called Carlisle.
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She told him that when she was 18, she had an affair with a married man who used to live in Carlisle.
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By the time Susan and the agent left Carlisle, it had grown dark. So he told her to go home and write down exactly what happened at this new location.
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So Agent Logan alerted Sheriff Wells that Susan had changed her story. Then they put their heads together and came up with a plan for the next day. A carefully orchestrated dance that would lead to an unimaginable admission.
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But that all changed the night of October 25th, 1994. Around 9 p.m., a young woman banged frantically on the door of this house. Homeowner Shirley McLeod answered.
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November 3rd, 1994. For nine days, Americans had been glued to their TVs, hoping for the safe return of two young boys.
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The public had no idea Susan had changed her story, but it was clear feelings toward her were shifting. Katie Couric asked about the police search of her home the night before.
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Just hours after that interview, Susan handed agent Pete Logan a written statement of her new version of the car jacket. Logan recorded their interview that day.
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Agent Logan says he could tell she was getting tired. It was time to set in motion the plan he and Sheriff Wells had worked out. He asked the sheriff to come into the interview room and explain that Susan had changed her story, pretending the sheriff didn't already know.
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Susan repeated her news story that the carjacking actually happened in Carlisle. That gave Sheriff Wells an opportunity to pounce.
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After nine days of intense investigation, hundreds of tips, and a search that consumed the country, Susan Smith finally told the truth. She'd killed her two young boys.
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They gave her a pen and paper, and she wrote down her confession. I dropped to the lowest when I allowed my children to go down that ramp into the water without me. She told the sheriff where to look for her car. A few hours later, divers found it at the bottom of John D. Long Lake, two small bodies strapped in car seats in the back. Sheriff Wells alerted the press.
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No. The question of what happened to the boys had been answered, but why it happened would take years to untangle. A highly emotional trial would rivet the nation and have neighbors taking sides. What were people saying leading up to the trial?
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Family secrets would spill out, setting the stage for an emotional showdown.
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Susan's attempts to blame a black man inflame painful stereotypes. Union Sheriff Jeff Bailey.
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Susan's brother, Scotty, addressed the racial issue at a press conference.
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Amidst the tense climate, police drove Susan to the courthouse the day after her confession.
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Three days after Susan Smith confessed to killing her sons, Michael and Alex Smith were laid to rest. Their father, David, inconsolable as he walked into the church to say a final goodbye.
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Scores of strangers felt his pain and gathered outside the church to pay their respects. You still can't grasp and say, why would somebody do anything like that, let alone a mother? Nearly a month later, David gathered the courage to face Susan.
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Did she ask you to do anything during that conversation? Did she ask... For you to testify on her behalf, did she ask? No, she didn't even ask for my forgiveness. Did you ask her why?
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David did not buy Susan's apology or her apparent remorse. and neither did prosecutors. They believed Susan's actions were premeditated and decided to seek the death penalty. Despite her confession, Susan pleaded not guilty to two counts of murder. What were people saying leading up to the trial?
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Many in the community were uncomfortable with the idea of sentencing a person to death, especially a woman. But the young prosecutor in charge of the case, Tommy Pope, decided that shouldn't matter.
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Susan and her husband David lived in Union and had two little boys, Michael, three, and Alex, 14 months.
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Less than a year after she killed her boys, Susan stood trial for their murders.
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Once again, news crews from all over the country descended on the small town of Union.
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Prosecutors told the jury Susan's guilt was not in question. Her handwritten confession made that clear. Then they presented their theory of why she did it.
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That man was Tom Finley, the wealthy coworker Susan dated after her marriage fell apart. The prosecution argued Susan was in love with him. There was just one problem.
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Prosecutors showed jurors a letter Tom wrote to Susan a week before she killed her children. In it, he explained why he ended their relationship. Susan, I could really fall for you. But, like I have told you before, there are some things about you that aren't suited for me. And yes, I am speaking about your children. The fact is, I don't want children.
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And I don't want to be responsible for anyone else's children either. Prosecutors argued those words pushed Susan to murder.
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The prosecution argued that Susan's carjacking story was a cold, calculated plan. Her failure to try and save her own sons was proof.
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Experts testified it took six minutes for Susan's car to sink, and played the simulation video for the jury.
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Day after day, David listened to testimony about the deaths of his sons. And each day, he was forced to look at the woman who killed them. As you sat there, what was going through your mind?
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I did. Of course, David never acted on those thoughts. He was hoping the state would put Susan to death. But defense attorneys would have something to say about that. They had a very different explanation for why Susan killed her children.
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Susan Smith's lawyers had done everything they could to keep the death penalty off the table. Was there ever a plea deal offered? Absolutely, yes.
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The defense saw just one option, lay out the case for why Susan should not be sentenced to death.
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The time that you spent with her, preparing for her defense, what was she like?
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Out of the gate, they offered a very different explanation for why Susan killed her sons.
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They argued Susan wasn't homicidal that night. She was suicidal. To prove it, defense attorneys would present the details of Susan's past attempts to take her own life. Law enforcement agents were also called as witnesses to share what Susan told them.
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Agent Pete Logan spent days observing Susan during the search for her boys. He testified he believed her account, that she tried to take her own life as well that night.
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They told the jury Susan didn't kill her children to be with a wealthy man. To be clear, there was a wealthy boyfriend. Yes. Okay.
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The defense argued what happened at the lake stemmed from trauma far older than a recent breakup. It began when she was a child.
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Susan told him she was driving with her boys that night to visit a friend named Mitch Sinclair and stopped at a red light. She said that's when a black man suddenly accosted her with a gun. After giving her statement, Susan called her husband David. What do you remember about that?
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The defense hired a renowned psychiatrist to evaluate Susan and testify about her past.
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And the defense argued those untreated scars and depression led to suicidal thoughts.
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The last attempt, so serious, Susan, was hospitalized. While you were dating, even when you were married, did she seem like she was mentally ill at any point? No. No depression? No. No. Seemed totally normal. Yes.
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Susan's attorneys presented even more evidence to shed light on her behavior. It involved her relationship with stepfather Beverly Russell.
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Susan reported the abuse to a teacher. Social services investigated and Russell confessed. But after a closed court hearing, no criminal charges were filed. Russell did agree to move out and undergo family counseling. After Susan's arrest, it was Russell who took out a mortgage to pay for her defense. Bev Russell's quite the interesting character in all of this.
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She's an abuser, and oh, by the way, he hires you to represent her. Yes. Expert witnesses testified the sexual abuse was a major contributor to Susan's depression, promiscuity, and insecurity. And it all came crashing down at that lake.
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In the year leading up to the boys' deaths, the defense told the jury that Beverly Russell had more sexual encounters with Susan.
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The defense argued Susan worried it would come out during her divorce.
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The defense had done all it could to garner sympathy for Susan Smith and rested its case. But the trial would have one more twist. At the last minute, the judge allowed jurors to consider a lesser charge. It took the prosecution by surprise.
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Would the jury spare Susan Smith's life? On July 22nd, 1995, in the sweltering heat of a South Carolina summer, the jury and the Susan Smith trial started deliberations. Do you remember what it was like, Tommy, waiting for that verdict to come back from the jury?
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Just two hours later, the jury returned with the verdict, guilty on two counts of murder.
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And right on cue, Mother Nature offered the town a bit of relief as well.
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The prosecution had won the first battle, but another lay ahead. The penalty phase. Given the evidence, given the confession, given the mounting publicity, how worried were you that she was in fact going to be executed?
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This time, the defense could call character witnesses to testify, people who knew Susan well. What was the strongest testimony that you had?
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But the defense's most riveting testimony came from Susan's stepfather, Beverly Russell. He read from a letter he'd written to Susan after her arrest. In it, he acknowledged his sexual abuse and apologized for the damage he'd caused.
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But the prosecution had a completely different take and reminded the jury that Susan wasn't the victim in this trial. Her sons were. David took to the stand to share his fondest memories.
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The prosecution wanted Susan to pay for the terrible agony she'd caused and hoped the jurors would too. They deliberated just two hours before agreeing on a sentence. Life in prison.
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Lead prosecutor Tommy Pope says it was a hard loss to accept, but he has no regrets.
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The sheriff put out an APB while David and Susan went on camera to appeal for help.
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A few weeks after the verdict, Dateline's Dennis Murphy talked to five of the jurors.
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But that life sentence didn't guarantee Susan would spend the rest of her days in prison. After 30 years, she'd be eligible for parole, something David could not live with and would fight tooth and nail to prevent.
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In the years after his boys were murdered, David Smith's heartbreak was so all-consuming, he sometimes thought about taking his own life. There were a few times. Take me back to one of those times.
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But thank goodness he didn't do it. Susan's life sentence didn't put David at ease. She would still be eligible for parole after 30 years, and it weighed on him.
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At first, David put the thought of Susan's potential freedom in the back of his mind. He and Tiffany, who'd remained by his side, focused on building a life together. They married in 2003.
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And while David didn't think he would have more kids, along came a daughter, Savannah. How does something like that change you as a father? When you lose two kids the way you lost them,
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As for Susan, her name still made headlines periodically, mostly when she found herself in trouble. In 2000, two guards were fired and later convicted of having inappropriate relationships with her. Susan was transferred to a different prison. She was also punished several times for possessing illegal drugs.
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Not much else was known about Susan's life in prison. And then, in 2004, Dateline producer Carol Gable wrote to Susan asking for an interview. Though South Carolina doesn't allow prisoners to do on-camera or phone interviews, Susan was allowed to write letters.
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The correspondence would continue for 20 years and give a rare look into Susan's life in her own words. When you wrote that initial letter to her, what were you hoping to accomplish?
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Susan would end up sending more than 50 letters, some casual, others more revealing.
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As the years passed, Susan sent cards. She wrote about getting therapy, medication, and a job.
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One thing Susan can never change is what she did at the lake that night. In a recent letter, she included what she says is her best explanation for what happened.
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She said she stopped the car from going into the lake several times before finally jumping out, and then she let it roll in.
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Susan says she accepts responsibility for what she did. David disagrees.
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By November 2024, Susan was 53 and believed she was ready to reenter society. She would argue as much at her parole hearing, but David would also be there fighting to keep Susan in prison. You don't think she's been rehabilitated?
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The months before Susan's parole hearing were anxious times for David and Tiffany Smith.
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The day finally arrived, a rainy November morning in 2024. For David and Tiffany, it was deja vu.
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But Susan would not face the cameras outside. She appeared virtually from prison where she'd spent decades. Her trial attorney, David Brunk, believes Susan should be released.
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Michael and Alex are beyond harm or help. Susan's parole attorney, Tommy Thomas, told the board Susan's untreated mental health issues led her to the lake that night.
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He said Susan would live with her brother back in Union and try to become a counselor if granted release.
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And then, for the first time since 1994, Susan Smith appeared on camera to speak on her own behalf.
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The board asked what she would say to the law enforcement community who worked tirelessly for nine days to find her children.
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Susan acknowledged she hasn't been a model prisoner but claimed she's changed.
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For Sheriff Wells, it was an all hands on deck moment. He sprang into action, ordering his deputies to hunt down the carjacker and find Michael and Alex.
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But the hearing wasn't over. David and Tiffany were about to address the board. They filed into the room, flanked by family and friends, all wearing a pinned photo of Michael and Alex on their chests. Tiffany cautioned the board not to be swayed by any of Susan's arguments.
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After three decades, Susan's fate lay in the hands of the parole board. Its decision was just moments away. After an hour of tense, emotional testimony at Susan Smith's parole hearing, the decision came quickly in the end. The board denied Susan's request. By that point, she had left the Zoom hearing. Once again, David spoke to the swarm of cameras outside.
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For now, Susan Smith remains in prison. But going forward, she'll be up for parole every two years.
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But what police hoped would be a quick search stretched into nine days that captivated the country. We'll take you inside the investigation with newly unearthed audio tapes.
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And every time he goes up to the parole board, Tiffany says she will be there with him. How hard has this been on you over the last 30 years?
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David and Tiffany don't live in Union anymore. They have a home near Spartanburg where David continues to get up every morning and work at a manufacturing company. How have you been able to do it? What has been the secret to not letting what happened define your life?
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But he says there's another painful struggle he faces daily, trying to remember his boys.
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the place where this whole tragedy began. Stopping at the memorial the community erected for the boys, people still come here to pay their respects. Michael and Alex have touched so many hearts. The lake, he says, looks a little different.
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David listened to the quiet wind blow over the lake, then shared a few final words for his little boys.
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That's all for this edition of Dateline. And check out our Talking Dateline podcast. Craig Melvin and Josh Mankiewicz will go behind the scenes of tonight's episode, available Wednesday in the Dateline feed wherever you get your podcasts. We'll see you again next Friday at 9, 8 Central. I'm Lester Holt. For all of us at NBC News, good night.
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All from those nine fateful days and the unspeakable crime that left everyone asking one question. Why?
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In the early morning hours of October 26th, deputies scoured South Carolina searching for a kidnapper.
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Sheriff Wells asked Susan for a more detailed description, and she was happy to comply.
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Susan described a tall black man, 30 to 40 years old, wearing a knit hat.
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As daylight broke, reporter Heather Hoopes Matthews drove into work at WISTV, the NBC affiliate in Columbia, South Carolina. How did you actually hear about the case initially?
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As Heather and the other local reporters began digging around Union, they started to learn a lot more about Susan and David Smith. What were your impressions of them initially?
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Return to the Lake
A mother's unthinkable crime. A father's unforgettable courage. The case of Susan Smith. Tonight, a revealing new look. I'm Lester Holt, and this is Dateline. Here's Craig Melvin with Return to the Lake.
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Return to the Lake
Both Susan and David had grown up in Union in modest, church-going families. How did you meet? We were both working at a local grocery store. Winn-Dixie?
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Return to the Lake
Small talk soon led to dating, and the young couple married in 1991. Susan was 19. David was 20.
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Return to the Lake
Susan later left her job at Winn-Dixie and got a position as a secretary to the CEO of a major textile company in town. David says she was an attentive mom.
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Return to the Lake
But not long after Alex was born, David and Susan's marriage started to fall apart.
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Return to the Lake
The couple separated in the spring of 1994. By the next fall, David had a new girlfriend, Tiffany. Yes, the same Tiffany who knew Susan in high school.
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Return to the Lake
Susan had started dating someone else too, Tom Finley, a coworker at that textile company. But with the boys missing, David knew he had to be there to support his wife any way he could.
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Return to the Lake
As Susan and David got their message out to the media, deputies and volunteers widened their search to the woods surrounding Union with bloodhounds on the ground and helicopters in the air.
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Return to the Lake
Mark Keel is now the chief of the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division, known as SLED. But in 1994, he was attending law school and working as a pilot. So he joined the search team.
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Return to the Lake
Reporter Heather Hoopes Matthews began following along with the search teams.
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Return to the Lake
As the search expanded, so did the media coverage. What happens to that small town?
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Return to the Lake
Union was now in a hot media spotlight, but still with no sign of those little boys. With time slipping away, police released a new bit of video to jumpstart their investigation. Would it work? October 28, 1994, a Friday. Michael and Alex Smith had been missing for three days. The family released this video of Susan with the boys celebrating Alex's first birthday.
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Return to the Lake
While David stood by Susan, his new girlfriend Tiffany joined the search. What do you remember about that eight or nine day period?
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Under the Bay Bridge
How did Bob talk about his work and what he did for a living and what he wanted to do?
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Under the Bay Bridge
Bob and Krista had their first child in 2005. A Star Trek-themed wedding followed in Vegas. Honeymoon on Rigel 7.
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Under the Bay Bridge
As the Lee family grew, so did Bob's influence in the tech world. Here he is at MobileCoin's 2021 conference.
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Under the Bay Bridge
Financial success followed and all that comes with it. Lavish trips, VIP lounges, private parties.
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Under the Bay Bridge
Correct to say that money and success changed him or it just allowed him to be who he always would have been?
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Under the Bay Bridge
Generally, divorce in America equals friction of some kind. Sure. But not here.
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Under the Bay Bridge
In 2022, Bob moved to Miami, but made frequent trips back to San Francisco to be with his kids. In fact, when he was killed, Bob had come to San Francisco to see Scout perform in a school play. It's difficult for her to talk about.
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Under the Bay Bridge
Now, Bob's family was talking with investigators and learning more about his final minutes. On those security videos from near the crime scene, police found something heartbreaking. Moments after he's been stabbed, Bob approaches a car stopped at a red light, and it looks like he's asking for help. Instead, the person drives off, and a badly wounded Bob drops to the ground.
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Under the Bay Bridge
Well, it is tough to watch because he is stumbling down the street. He's clearly been hurt.
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Under the Bay Bridge
In life, Bob Lee's name was once known primarily to tech insiders. Now, in death, he was about to achieve a whole new level of notoriety. Elon Musk is talking about it and saying, calling you out specifically. Yes.
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Under the Bay Bridge
When you hear about Bob, you hear words like, you know, brilliant, innovator, visionary, selfless, right? Murder. Not one of them. No.
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Under the Bay Bridge
He fumbled with his phone and then somehow managed to get up and take a few more steps. Within a few minutes, officers arrived to find him unresponsive.
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Under the Bay Bridge
Police are trying to solve a murder mystery. It happened early Tuesday morning. Especially when that dramatic video of his collapse outside the apartment building... became public.
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Under the Bay Bridge
Reporter Sergio Quintana said many believed Bob's death was a symptom of a bigger issue in Bob's beloved San Francisco.
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Under the Bay Bridge
Even Elon Musk joined the discussion about Bob Lee's murder, writing, violent crime in San Francisco is horrific, and even if attackers are caught, they are often released immediately. Although that clearly was not true, it made an impact.
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Under the Bay Bridge
In the post, Musk mentioned District Attorney Brooke Jenkins, who had recently taken office. Elon Musk is talking about it and calling you out specifically.
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Under the Bay Bridge
At that point, nothing was known about who'd killed Bob Lee, whether it was a repeat offender or whether it was a person living on the street or whether it was something else.
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Under the Bay Bridge
With all that attention on Bob's death, his friend Ajit was left angry and shocked.
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Under the Bay Bridge
They did CPR. The average adult male has about five quarts of blood. One, two, three. This guy had already parted ways with a lot of his. San Francisco has long been a destination for pioneers and explorers, up to and including the more modern gold rush of the digital age. Then as now, a place to stake your claim in the California dream.
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Under the Bay Bridge
Krista knew Bob would never put himself in a dangerous situation. That made his murder even more puzzling.
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Under the Bay Bridge
Sergeant Brent Dittmer was sure from early on that the person who stabbed Bob to death wasn't after his money.
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Under the Bay Bridge
The idea of a mugging didn't seem plausible to you, but Bob being targeted, that's even harder to believe.
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Under the Bay Bridge
Confused and scared, especially after Krista received a mysterious text message.
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Under the Bay Bridge
Bob's impact was discussed in all corners of Silicon Valley. You have layers of processors and ISOs. In the tech world and beyond. As his family and friends gathered for memorial services.
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Under the Bay Bridge
his brother Oliver caught a glimpse of Bob's generosity as he handled Bob's finances after his death.
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Under the Bay Bridge
Except the feeling that I helped somebody. Yeah. Now investigators were trying to figure out why anyone would want Bob dead. They had already dug up a possible lead from that security video they pulled at the crime scene. On it, you can see a white car.
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Under the Bay Bridge
In another video, where Bob lifts up his shirt, maybe to see how badly he's wounded, there's the white car again in the background.
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Under the Bay Bridge
In other videos, police saw what looked like the same white car speeding away from the area. They were able to follow the car as it got onto the Bay Bridge. Then they lost sight of it. Had the driver seen something or was the driver involved? Can't get a license number. No. But you start looking for that car on other cameras of other buildings? Yes. Sort of backtracing where it came from? Yes.
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Under the Bay Bridge
How many other angles of that car do you get along its trip? Probably six or seven. Can you tell who's inside? No. Then they got a break. A friend of Bob's told police that on the night he died, Bob might have gone to a luxury high-rise called Millennium Tower. Everybody in San Francisco knows the Millennium Tower.
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Under the Bay Bridge
For years, the 58-story high-rise has been plagued by structural issues that caused it to lean and sink. sparking countless lawsuits from its wealthy residents. A lot of units in that building. A lot of people live there, and almost all of them have money. Yes. It was the same building mentioned in that alarming text to Krista.
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Under the Bay Bridge
It's also a city where you can become both famous and infamous, and where success and failure get an equal amount of ink. So when fated fortune collided in the shadow of the Bay Bridge, people may have thought they knew what happened. Well, this was no ordinary crime, nor ordinary circumstances. And that man on the ground was no ordinary victim.
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Under the Bay Bridge
Without saying who it was they feared, the texter provided Krista Lee a clue.
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Under the Bay Bridge
That was exactly what police were doing. And fortunately, the Millennium Tower had security cameras. Lots of them. Sergeant Dittmer sent an investigator to pull that footage for any sign of Bob. Right away, they saw something interesting from a camera outside the building.
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Under the Bay Bridge
Nima Momeni. Police now focused on him. there was just one problem.
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Under the Bay Bridge
Speculation about Bob Lee's murder continued to dominate the headlines. What wasn't on the news was that police now had a name to go on, Nima Momeni. It was still unclear how Nima fit into their case, so Sergeant Dittmer decided to put off talking with him.
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Under the Bay Bridge
And maybe you're not on the right track here. That's possible. When you run him, ask people about him, learn more about him, what picture emerges of Nemo Momeni?
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Under the Bay Bridge
Investigators would learn Nima was born in Iran, and at 14, he moved to the Bay Area with his mother and his sister, Khazar. His mother, Manaz Tehrani. How did your son adjust to moving to the United States?
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Under the Bay Bridge
Manas says she and the kids all worked hard and scraped by. it all seemed to pay off. By 2023, Nima and his family appeared to be doing pretty well.
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Under the Bay Bridge
Eleni Balakrishnan is a criminal justice reporter for the news site Mission Local, who did some digging on Nima.
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Under the Bay Bridge
For all the information investigators gathered on Nima, one thing was missing.
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Under the Bay Bridge
If this involves Neiman and Bob, that seems maybe off a little bit because these guys aren't friends. They're not in business together. They don't even really know each other.
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Under the Bay Bridge
Khazar, Nima's younger sister. The two were about a year apart, and by all accounts, extremely close. Your son and your daughter have always got along really well. Yes. Is your son protective of your daughter?
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Under the Bay Bridge
Nima and his sister spent a lot of time together. And if Nima was fairly muted... Khazar was anything but. Reporter Sergio Quintana.
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Under the Bay Bridge
Khazar is also married to Dino Eliasnia, a top plastic surgeon in the Bay Area.
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Under the Bay Bridge
Investigators soon discovered that while Bob didn't know Nima, he knew Kazar and knew her quite well. The two seemed to run in the same social circles. They'd met about eight years earlier at The Battery, an exclusive social club in San Francisco.
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Under the Bay Bridge
It was Khazar Momeni, not Nima, who lived in the glitzy Millennium Tower. police discovered she and her husband lived in separate apartments on separate floors. That living arrangement appeared to mirror their lifestyle and their marriage.
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Under the Bay Bridge
Had Bob somehow gotten into the middle of Kazar and Dino's marriage? He and Kazar clearly had a relationship. Whether this was some sort of love triangle remained unclear.
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Under the Bay Bridge
Sergeant Dittmer went to the scene at the corner of Main Street and Harrison in the Rincon Hill neighborhood of San Francisco.
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Under the Bay Bridge
She was at a party that included Bob, some friends, and some pharmaceuticals. It was not uncommon for Bob to use drugs.
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Under the Bay Bridge
Soon, the investigation would follow a trail of drugs, blood, and anger, and it would lead to a suspect, a shocking video.
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Under the Bay Bridge
Silicon Valley has a reputation among its success stories lies also a culture of extremes.
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Under the Bay Bridge
Uniformed officers followed that blood trail to this fence. about half a block from where the man collapsed. They scanned with flashlights, and then there it was.
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Under the Bay Bridge
Yes. That blood was on the blade of this small paring knife, the blade only three and a half inches long, and the brand, Joseph Joseph. Police sent that to the crime lab, looking for a DNA sample. What's the time lag from when they log it in to when you actually get some kind of result back?
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Under the Bay Bridge
cameras were not allowed inside the courtroom in which prosecutors Omid Talai and Dane Reinstadt would present their case.
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Under the Bay Bridge
Prosecutors argued this was simple. Nima Momeni was the last person to see Bob Lee before he was stabbed. And they had plenty of security video to prove their case.
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Under the Bay Bridge
Either Nima is aware that there are cameras and he's concealing how furious he is at Bob, or he wasn't furious at Bob yet.
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Under the Bay Bridge
Prosecutors first played that 911 call. In court, that was a painful moment for Bob's family. They had never heard that call before.
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Under the Bay Bridge
And they played for jurors that body came video, showing officers trying to revive a close-to-lifeless Bob Lee.
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Under the Bay Bridge
One question. Had Nima's sister and mother helped him go on with his life? That's because in those first few days, police were not able to find that white BMW.
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Under the Bay Bridge
Then jurors watched that undercover police video of Nima speaking with his attorney's private investigator. the court required Nima's mouth to be blurred, so the jury couldn't try to make out the conversation.
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Under the Bay Bridge
Beyond the reenacting, prosecutors believed they had a powerful piece of evidence, video of the actual killing. It's low quality. Police recovered it from a building right across from the crime scene.
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Under the Bay Bridge
There they are at the bottom of the screen. It's hard to make out, so we put a spotlight on them. Prosecutors believe the darker figure is Bob. The lighter one is Nima. Talai says the video shows Nima lunging forward toward Bob. and then throwing the knife over the fence to dispose of it. That video is pretty blurry.
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Under the Bay Bridge
Down here? Detectives started knocking on doors. Maybe someone had seen or heard something. This is Main Street, after all. Except, the 911 call came in around 2.30 a.m.
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Under the Bay Bridge
While prosecutors argue the videos place Nima at the scene, The backbone of their case was the forensics. Those DNA tests ordered on the knife had come back.
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Under the Bay Bridge
The state is not required to prove motive, but prosecutors wanted to address the burning question. Why would Nima want to kill Bob?
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Under the Bay Bridge
To answer that, they called Kazar Momeni, Bob's friend and the defendant's sister.
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Under the Bay Bridge
Through a subpoena, Kazar was forced to testify against her own brother. It was clear she did not want to be there.
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Under the Bay Bridge
Because Kazar refused to give a formal statement to police, prosecutors were not sure exactly what she would testify to in court. They hoped she would talk about that party at Jeremy Boivin's place. And she did. She told jurors she was high on LSD, cocaine, and nitrous oxide. After Bob left... Jeremy gave her GHB, known as a date-rape drug, and she willingly took it.
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Under the Bay Bridge
In fact, that tense phone call Bo witnessed between Bob and Nima was all about the alleged sexual assault. What kinds of things is Nima saying in that phone call?
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Under the Bay Bridge
When Bob visited Nima and Kazar at the Millennium Tower later that night, prosecutors believe Nima was furious.
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Under the Bay Bridge
On the stand, at least, Kazar insisted there was no beef between Bob and Nima.
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Under the Bay Bridge
Still, prosecutors believed they had enough evidence to piece together their motive.
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Under the Bay Bridge
That's a very convoluted motive, that Nima is angry enough at Bob to want to kill him for something Bob wasn't even present for. Why isn't he going after Jeremy?
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Under the Bay Bridge
Now it was the defense's turn, and they were about to challenge the state's motive and Khazar's credibility.
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Under the Bay Bridge
No, no, no, I don't. For nearly a month, Nima Momeni's mother, Manaz, watched prosecutors portray her son as a cold-blooded killer.
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Under the Bay Bridge
Sergeant Dittmer's team began pulling videos from buildings around the area. Is that an area where there are a lot of cameras?
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Under the Bay Bridge
That's it. He insists Bob Lee's stature in the tech business added a different layer to the case.
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Under the Bay Bridge
He sought to take apart the prosecution's case, starting with the murder weapon. The blade's this big.
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Under the Bay Bridge
The defense went after that grainy video prosecutors say showed Nima stabbing Bob.
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Under the Bay Bridge
Also not credible to the defense, that undercover police video of Nima speaking with his attorney's PI.
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Under the Bay Bridge
And Zangaday said there was a reasonable explanation why Nima's family tried to sell his white BMW after his arrest.
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Under the Bay Bridge
According to the defense, the weakest part of the prosecution's case was the motive. What reason would Nima Momeni have to want to kill Bob Lee?
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Under the Bay Bridge
It was during the search for video that Dittmer got a call. The victim had been identified.
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Under the Bay Bridge
Zanganeh told jurors she had no credibility and to disregard her version of what happened that night. You believe anything comes out of Kazar's mouth?
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Under the Bay Bridge
On the stand, Kazar said she had sought help for her substance abuse problems and completed a rehab program. Jeremy Boivin was never called to testify. While he admits smacking Kazar's backside, he denies ever assaulting her.
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Under the Bay Bridge
In court, Kazar acknowledged Jeremy stayed in her apartment after Bob's death. She didn't remember for how long and said it wasn't sexual. After her testimony, Jeremy claimed Kazar apologized to him for making the assault allegation. And she said, I'm sorry, I shouldn't have said that? Yes. So to you, at least, she's admitting to lying on the witness stand.
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Under the Bay Bridge
Whatever happened at Jeremy Boivin's apartment didn't matter, argued NEMA's attorneys. They were about to offer a whole new theory about what happened that night.
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Under the Bay Bridge
Nemo Momente's attorneys were prepared to turn the case upside down. While the prosecution blamed Nemo, they were going to blame Bob Lee.
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Under the Bay Bridge
The defense focused on Bob's partying in the days and hours leading up to his death. Bob, they said, was sleep-deprived and full of drugs and alcohol. Neva's attorneys argued a drug-fueled bender like that could have caused Bob to become violent.
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Under the Bay Bridge
Zanganeh said Bob, not Nima, was the one with a knife. And it could have come from Khazar's or somewhere else.
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Under the Bay Bridge
So, who was Bob Lee? And just as important, What brought him to that downtown street in the small hours of that April morning?
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Under the Bay Bridge
Even though he pleaded not guilty, Nima was about to admit he was responsible for Bob's death. He said it was self-defense.
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Under the Bay Bridge
Nima said the night unfolded like this. Yes, Khazar told him Jeremy assaulted her. At first, he was upset. But when he spoke with others at that party, he concluded his sister was probably exaggerating. He denied being angry at Bob. Nima also said a couple of other things. He confirmed his sister had an open marriage. And he said he, Khazar, and Bob all did coke together.
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Under the Bay Bridge
before Nima and Bob left the Millennium Tower. They'd talked about going on to a strip club, and Nima offered to give him a ride.
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Under the Bay Bridge
Nima told jurors he pulled over to that area underneath the Bay Bridge to help clean up the mess.
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Under the Bay Bridge
Nima even had an explanation about why he threw the knife over the fence and drove away.
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Under the Bay Bridge
Defense attorneys were prepared to show jurors exactly how they claim Bob attacked Nima. We had a digital animation made. That's Nima on the right wearing the beanie.
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Under the Bay Bridge
The defense said it was at this moment that Nima grabbed Bob's arm and pushed the knife toward him. That's how Bob got stabbed in the chest.
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Under the Bay Bridge
And according to the defense, that's how Nima's DNA got on the knife handle. Nima's attorneys had hoped to play that animation in trial. The judge did not allow it.
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Under the Bay Bridge
Bob's brother Oliver watched the trial and thought Nima's story was ridiculous.
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Under the Bay Bridge
Even Nima's own attorney admits his client lost his temper during cross-examination.
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Under the Bay Bridge
Respectfully, to me, those are the actions of someone who knows that they did something wrong and is trying to avoid responsibility.
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Under the Bay Bridge
Nima's attorneys thought their case was strong enough to sway the jury, and they still had one last card to play.
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Under the Bay Bridge
Jurors had heard two different accounts about what happened in the early morning hours of April 4th, 2023. In one of them, Nima Momeni was the attacker. In the other, he was the victim. During his closing arguments, defense attorney Sam Zanganeh had one more surprise.
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Under the Bay Bridge
Reporter Sergio Quintana was in the courtroom when the defense played a new security video.
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Under the Bay Bridge
The defense told the jury Bob was doing cocaine using a small object.
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Under the Bay Bridge
The defense said this was proof Bob had a knife that night, not Nima.
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Under the Bay Bridge
All culminating in a trial about what really happened under the Bay Bridge.
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Under the Bay Bridge
That's not Bob Lee doing cocaine off the knife that ended up being the murder weapon?
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Under the Bay Bridge
Bo told us he never saw Bob with a knife that night or ever. What would jurors believe? As they filed into the deliberation room, all everyone could do was wait and wait.
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Under the Bay Bridge
The first day goes by, there's no verdict. You're not worried. Correct. Second day, third day, you're okay.
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Under the Bay Bridge
Finally, after seven days of deliberations... The jurors sent word. They had reached a decision. But it was late in the day. Everyone would have to return the next morning. How'd you sleep that night?
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Under the Bay Bridge
Honestly, I threw up a couple times that morning. And you've got to be thinking to yourself, why has it taken so long and what does that mean? All of that.
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Under the Bay Bridge
And perhaps it wasn't enough. Nima Momeni was found not guilty of first-degree murder.
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Under the Bay Bridge
Well, the jury wasn't done. The verdict for second degree murder? Guilty. Guilty. Second degree.
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Under the Bay Bridge
Nima Momani will face 16 years to life when he's sentenced. He plans to appeal the conviction. His mother spoke after the verdict.
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Under the Bay Bridge
The Lee family say they plan to sue the Momenes in civil court for wrongful death.
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Under the Bay Bridge
The skies were still dark over San Francisco Bay when Krista Lee felt the first inkling. Something was just not right on that Tuesday morning in April.
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Under the Bay Bridge
Three missed calls, in fact. All from the same unknown number. So she looked it up.
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Under the Bay Bridge
Dad was Bob Lee, divorced from Krista for years, but maintaining a close friendship and co-parenting relationship for their two children.
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Under the Bay Bridge
And then Scout, 14 at the time, told her where the phones seemed to be located. It was at the police station. Specifically, the SFPD's Southern Station.
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Under the Bay Bridge
Krista reminded herself locating a phone that way was an inexact science. And besides, Bob was staying at a hotel nearby since he'd recently relocated to Miami.
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Under the Bay Bridge
So Krista got on with the morning rush, dropped Scout off at school, and when she got home, she tried that missed number from the hospital.
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Under the Bay Bridge
The friend told Krista he'd go down to the police station just to check.
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Under the Bay Bridge
That's never good when they ask that. And it wasn't good. The police told the friend Bob was at the hospital.
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Under the Bay Bridge
Krista rushed home to her children, Sirius, then 17, and Scout, who'd been taking an after-school nap.
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Under the Bay Bridge
Sergeant Dittmer spoke with Bob's family. And when you say to Krista, is there some obvious suspect, she says... There wasn't.
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Under the Bay Bridge
Now it was up to police to figure out if this was a random crime or whether someone in Bob's life would want to hurt him. Police were about to learn the late Bob Lee was no average guy. At first, police knew little about Bob Lee, the man stabbed to death in the shadow of San Francisco's Bay Bridge. Reporter Sergio Quintana covered the case for NBC Bay Area.
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Under the Bay Bridge
Soon police were starting to learn what the tech world already knew.
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Under the Bay Bridge
Bob's friends and former co-workers, Ajit Varma and Carlos Witt. He was building some of the best tools on the planet. You've probably heard of and maybe even used some of Bob's tools. He helped develop Android for Google. He founded the financial service Cash App, and he was a top executive at Square and MobileCoin, just to mention a few.
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Under the Bay Bridge
from this lonely block on the streets of San Francisco. The man never gave his name. He had only one desperate plea for the operator on the other end of the line. And he kept repeating it. Security cameras captured the man as he staggered to the front of a luxury apartment building, grabbed onto the call box, and then fell to the pavement.
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Under the Bay Bridge
By high school, Bob was creating computer games for his friends and even programs for the school. He was their tech expert for the high school. Bob went to college, but not for long. The dot-com boom of the late 90s beckoned. He was at the breaking wave of tech.
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Under the Bay Bridge
In 2001, Bob first made a name for himself by solving a major problem. He developed a fix for a dangerous computer virus called Code Red. Oliver said his brother had big money offers to sell the software he had created.
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Under the Bay Bridge
Life was not all computers for Bob. Not long after Code Red, Bob met Krista.
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Good & Evil
Coming up... A suspected serial killer, acting as his own attorney, turns the case against him upside down.
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Good & Evil
Two suspected killers on the hunt, hunting them, a detective devoted to justice, and more.
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Good & Evil
Coming up, four young women in two neighboring towns now missing or dead. Was there a link?
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Good & Evil
Tracking a killer, victim by victim. Or is it two killers? They were in the same car. They were in the same vehicle. When Dateline continues.
Dateline NBC
A star defense witness takes the stand. The Zizians' leader in court. And a new scam called pig butchering.
And it is important to note that at some point in the last several years, Mr. Lusota faked his death, we believe, to escape investigation at that time.
Dateline NBC
A star defense witness takes the stand. The Zizians' leader in court. And a new scam called pig butchering.
It all just really came out of the blue.
Dateline NBC
A star defense witness takes the stand. The Zizians' leader in court. And a new scam called pig butchering.
A lot of people's heads are spinning with all of this.
Dateline NBC
A star defense witness takes the stand. The Zizians' leader in court. And a new scam called pig butchering.
Jack Lasoda, who identifies as a woman, Michelle Zico, and Daniel Blank, they face trespassing and handgun charges here in Maryland. All three were arrested Sunday in Frostburg. People who've interacted with them say they act like a cult. Consisting of mostly transgender tech workers who subscribe to what's called radical veganism.
Dateline Originals
Deadly Mirage - Ep. 2: The Man on the Motorcycle
If Rob Lamone was upset by the way his wife looked at this young stranger, the way she stood so close to him as the night wore on, he said nothing. At least, not there. Rob had plenty to say to Sabrina once they got home.
Dateline Originals
Deadly Mirage - Ep. 2: The Man on the Motorcycle
The Bernatines say they might have accepted that explanation at face value, if not for the fact that soon after that night at the bar, Jonathan began texting Jason.
Dateline Originals
Deadly Mirage - Ep. 2: The Man on the Motorcycle
The reward was for information leading to an arrest and conviction. A hundred grand. And wouldn't you know it, the tip line phones soon started ringing.
Dateline Originals
Deadly Mirage - Ep. 2: The Man on the Motorcycle
The Bernatines told Detective Meyer that a few weeks later, Rob was over at their house helping with some remodeling work. It just so happened that while Rob was there... Jason received another text message from Jonathan.
Dateline Originals
Deadly Mirage - Ep. 2: The Man on the Motorcycle
Suddenly, this thing with Jonathan seemed as serious as a heart attack. Jason knew where this was going, and he didn't like it, not one bit.
Dateline Originals
Deadly Mirage - Ep. 2: The Man on the Motorcycle
And you're thinking, oh, God, this is the last thing I wanted to hear.
Dateline Originals
Deadly Mirage - Ep. 2: The Man on the Motorcycle
It was then that Jason walked back to the house and handed his phone to Rob.
Dateline Originals
Deadly Mirage - Ep. 2: The Man on the Motorcycle
Rob told the Bernatines that shortly after the March Madness outing, he and Sabrina had gone to a wedding and Sabrina had too much to drink. On the drive home, she evidently sent out a group text that included Jonathan Hearn. Rob told them Hearn had responded to that text with a flurry of text messages of his own.
Dateline Originals
Deadly Mirage - Ep. 2: The Man on the Motorcycle
This is the story of that hunt for a killer and of the twisted trail that led to a conspiracy to hide the truth. Truthful people usually don't get caught in those kind of traps. In this episode, you'll hear how the murder of Rob Lamone shined a bright light on high times in the high desert.
Dateline Originals
Deadly Mirage - Ep. 2: The Man on the Motorcycle
Rob told the Bernatines he and Sabrina made up the next day and that he'd bought her a new phone. Rob had hoped that would be the end of it. But now, here was Hearn again on the phone.
Dateline Originals
Deadly Mirage - Ep. 2: The Man on the Motorcycle
The Bernatines were as good as their word. For more than a year, they kept the Lamone family secret from the rest of the Wolfpack. As far as they could tell, everything in the Lamone household was back to normal. They assumed Sabrina's affair was a thing of the past. They were wrong.
Dateline Originals
Deadly Mirage - Ep. 2: The Man on the Motorcycle
Kelly Bernatine was in a hurry that day in February 2014 when she decided to quickly dash into the Costco in Victorville to pick up a few groceries. Normally, she would have texted Sabrina to ask if she was working that day so Kelly could say hi. On that day, she did not.
Dateline Originals
Deadly Mirage - Ep. 2: The Man on the Motorcycle
Naturally, when Kelly told Jason about that encounter, he hit the roof.
Dateline Originals
Deadly Mirage - Ep. 2: The Man on the Motorcycle
And you're like, yeah, now you've got it.
Dateline Originals
Deadly Mirage - Ep. 2: The Man on the Motorcycle
Rob Lamone was dead. Jason told Detective Meyer how at first he did not think Rob's murder and Sabrina's affair could possibly be connected because he couldn't imagine a straight arrow guy like Jonathan Hearn having anything to do with murder. Then Jonathan left him that voicemail.
Dateline Originals
Deadly Mirage - Ep. 2: The Man on the Motorcycle
Jason was curious enough as to what all of this was about that he pressed play.
Dateline Originals
Deadly Mirage - Ep. 2: The Man on the Motorcycle
Was this about the affair? As far as Jason knew, Jonathan's affair with Sabrina had ended months earlier. Now he wondered if perhaps Hearn's tone was hinting at something else.
Dateline Originals
Deadly Mirage - Ep. 2: The Man on the Motorcycle
Jason listened to all of it. Then he listened to all of it again.
Dateline Originals
Deadly Mirage - Ep. 2: The Man on the Motorcycle
You'll hear how that murder destroyed close friendships.
Dateline Originals
Deadly Mirage - Ep. 2: The Man on the Motorcycle
That was on a Friday morning. It was later that afternoon when Jason Bernatine dug out Detective Meyer's business card and first gave him a call. The following Monday was Labor Day. the day Jason agreed to meet with Detective Meyer. And even before that meeting took place, Kelly was able to add a new piece of information to the puzzle. This one came from Sabrina herself.
Dateline Originals
Deadly Mirage - Ep. 2: The Man on the Motorcycle
and how the investigation revealed some stunning secrets that many were desperately trying to keep hidden.
Dateline Originals
Deadly Mirage - Ep. 2: The Man on the Motorcycle
Absolutely. Along with the flowers, Sabrina told Kelly how Jonathan had written her a sympathy note that read in part, quote, All the things that I have read in the paper and on Facebook about Robert was that he was such an amazing man. I'm going to try to live my life like him. Unquote.
Dateline Originals
Deadly Mirage - Ep. 2: The Man on the Motorcycle
As far as the rest of the wolf pack was concerned, nothing appeared to be out of the ordinary. Sabrina filled the role of grieving widow just the way everyone expected she would. She posted a glowing tribute to Rob on Facebook. She sent out thank you cards to funeral guests. She was somber and emotional when speaking of her late husband.
Dateline Originals
Deadly Mirage - Ep. 2: The Man on the Motorcycle
None of the other members of the Wolfpack knew anything about Sabrina's relationship with Jonathan Hearn. Well, except, of course, for the Bernatines. In the weeks after Rob's murder, they say, their feelings for Sabrina began to change from sympathy to suspicion. Coming up next on Deadly Mirage.
Dateline Originals
Deadly Mirage - Ep. 2: The Man on the Motorcycle
Deadly Mirage is a production of Dateline and NBC News. Tim Beecham is the producer. Ryan Drew, Kelly Laudeen, and Marshall Hausfeld are audio editors. Carson Cummins is associate producer. Adam Gorfain is co-executive producer. Paul Ryan is executive producer. And Liz Cole is senior executive producer. From NBC News Audio, sound mixing by Katie Lau. Bryson Barnes is head of audio production.
Dateline Originals
Deadly Mirage - Ep. 2: The Man on the Motorcycle
Episode 2, The Man on the Motorcycle. It was late afternoon on the Friday before Labor Day. Detective Randall Meyer rocked back in his office chair, leafing through the Lamone murder file. Police reports, witness statements, tip line leads. Two weeks had gone by since Rob Lamone's murder, and as far as Meyer could see, it all added up to a nickel's worth of nothing.
Dateline Originals
Deadly Mirage - Ep. 5: Busted
Coming up next on Deadly Mirage... My wife and I and Rob and Sabrina would engage in sexual activities, but it was not wife swapping. Good morning, sir. Can you tell us your name and spell your first and last name for the record?
Dateline Originals
Deadly Mirage - Ep. 2: The Man on the Motorcycle
He tossed the file back on the desk and stared at it, half hoping a solution would pop out of that pile of paper, like a fly ball to shallow right. Well, none did. So he reviewed it all again. The limping man seen on security camera video? Well, investigators found a man living nearby who matched that description. However, he had a solid alibi for the time of the shooting.
Dateline Originals
Deadly Mirage - Ep. 2: The Man on the Motorcycle
There was also a theory going around that Rob Lamone's killing might have been a case of mistaken identity because Rob had only been filling in that day. And on short notice at that, some wondered if a killer had come looking for somebody else.
Dateline Originals
Deadly Mirage - Ep. 2: The Man on the Motorcycle
That theory even seemed plausible when the guy Rob was covering for told investigators he'd had a run-in with someone in a bar the night before Rob was killed.
Dateline Originals
Deadly Mirage - Ep. 2: The Man on the Motorcycle
The bar's security camera seemed to confirm the railroad man's story. Except... All that unblinking eye saw that night was some alcohol-fueled jawing.
Dateline Originals
Deadly Mirage - Ep. 2: The Man on the Motorcycle
Except it was the night before Rob Lema was killed. Yes. One of the more promising leads in the file had come from the tip line. a gunsmith in Tehachapi called in to say the day after the murder, one of his regulars, a man named Mark, had brought him a .44 caliber Ruger to repair.
Dateline Originals
Deadly Mirage - Ep. 2: The Man on the Motorcycle
I'm no gun expert, but how often do people change out the firing pins in their guns?
Dateline Originals
Deadly Mirage - Ep. 2: The Man on the Motorcycle
Cops went to work tracking down that gun's owner. Turned out, Mark was an older guy who owned a business there in the industrial complex. He did not limp, and he did not own a motorcycle. At the time, all investigators knew about the murder weapon was that it had been a large caliber weapon.
Dateline Originals
Deadly Mirage - Ep. 2: The Man on the Motorcycle
Then the report came back from firearms analysis, and it turned out the slug pulled from Rob Lamone's brain was a .45, not a .44. meaning the Ruger with the new firing pin, was not the gun they were looking for.
Dateline Originals
Deadly Mirage - Ep. 2: The Man on the Motorcycle
It also attracts train robbers or tweakers who prey upon any trains that might break down there. Keeping those tracks clear and the trains moving is the job of the rapid responders who work out of the Burlington Northern Santa Fe shop east of town. That was the job Rob Lamone was doing on the day he died in August 2014. Remember, this wasn't his normal gig.
Dateline Originals
Deadly Mirage - Ep. 2: The Man on the Motorcycle
Of the remaining clues, one still nagged at the detective. It was the security camera video of that motorcyclist riding through the industrial park on the afternoon Rob Lamone died. the man was wearing a backpack, a helmet, long sleeves, and long pants. The timestamps on that video made for a compelling timeline. At 4.15, the rider is seen traveling east toward the railroad shop.
Dateline Originals
Deadly Mirage - Ep. 2: The Man on the Motorcycle
The detective knew Rob Limone was not at the shop at that point because the same security camera had recorded him leaving the complex minutes earlier. About an hour later, Rob returns. Now, here's the thing. According to cell phone records, Rob's last text message, his last sign of life, really, was at 528. And the motorcyclist? Well, at 548, the rider is seen headed west out of the complex.
Dateline Originals
Deadly Mirage - Ep. 2: The Man on the Motorcycle
Where had that rider been for those 20 minutes? The detective didn't know. He did, though, he needed more facts before he could get beyond a lot of unanswerable questions. It was about then that his phone rang. On the other end of the line was a man's voice, said his name was Bernatine, Jason Bernatine. He told the detective he was a firefighter in Hellandale and a close friend of the Lamones.
Dateline Originals
Deadly Mirage - Ep. 2: The Man on the Motorcycle
He said he knew some things about the Lamones he thought the detective should know. Then he said something about a creepy voicemail he'd received that morning from a fellow firefighter.
Dateline Originals
Deadly Mirage - Ep. 2: The Man on the Motorcycle
The detective told Jason Bernatine he'd meet him on Monday at the firehouse in Hallandale. It was a little after 5 when Detective Meyer arrived at San Bernardino County Fire Station No. 4 in Hellendale. It was Labor Day 2014. Soon after he walked in the door, he recognized Jason Bernatine. Meyer had met Jason and his wife Kelly a week earlier.
Dateline Originals
Deadly Mirage - Ep. 2: The Man on the Motorcycle
At 36, Jason Bernatine looked like an Eagle Scout, clean cut and wide eyed, as wholesome as a tall glass of milk. After shaking hands and finding a quiet place to talk, Jason got straight to the point.
Dateline Originals
Deadly Mirage - Ep. 1: Death in the High Desert
This is the story of what happened that afternoon in 2014 and why. But it's also about much more.
Dateline Originals
Deadly Mirage - Ep. 2: The Man on the Motorcycle
Every day they roll through Tehachapi, California by the dozens. Freight trains, some several miles long, are traveling what's called the Tehachapi Loop. It's a 19th century engineering marvel, one that enables heavy trains to cross the Tehachapi Mountains, climbing 77 feet in less than a mile. The loop is essentially a big helix, which attracts train buffs from around the world.
Dateline Originals
Deadly Mirage - Ep. 2: The Man on the Motorcycle
A prior affair with Sabrina Lamal?
Dateline Originals
Deadly Mirage - Ep. 2: The Man on the Motorcycle
Who had told you there were no problems in her marriage? Yes. According to Jason Bernatine, the affair started a couple of years earlier when Sabrina got involved with a firefighter Jason used to work with, a guy named Jonathan Hearn. Jason told Detective Meyer that he'd thought the affair had ended.
Dateline Originals
Deadly Mirage - Ep. 2: The Man on the Motorcycle
But then days earlier, he'd gotten some texts and an odd voicemail from Jonathan Hearn that made him think maybe he was wrong.
Dateline Originals
Deadly Mirage - Ep. 2: The Man on the Motorcycle
Jason Bernatine played the message for Detective Meyer.
Dateline Originals
Deadly Mirage - Ep. 2: The Man on the Motorcycle
To the detective, the voicemail sounded like the anguished cry of a guilty conscience. There was a lot of talk about contrition and forgiveness and the almighty.
Dateline Originals
Deadly Mirage - Ep. 2: The Man on the Motorcycle
Rob usually worked 90 miles away at the big train yard in Barstow. He just happened to be filling in that day, doing a favor for a friend. Had Rob been killed by a tweaker, someone who'd wandered into the train shop looking for something to steal, That's what Rob's friends thought.
Dateline Originals
Deadly Mirage - Ep. 1: Death in the High Desert
The first sign of trouble came at 6.48 that evening when Sean Ware, the rapid responder who was supposed to be relieving Rob called 911.
Dateline Originals
Deadly Mirage - Ep. 2: The Man on the Motorcycle
Detective Meyer's attention was now laser focused on Jonathan Hearn. He wanted to know more of the backstory. So he listened intently to what Jason Bernatine and later his wife Kelly had to say about Jonathan Hearn and their good friend, Sabrina Limon. According to the Bernatines, it all started back in the fall of 2012.
Dateline Originals
Deadly Mirage - Ep. 2: The Man on the Motorcycle
That's when Sabrina Limon got a part-time job handing out free food samples at the Costco in Victorville, a town about 15 miles south of Hellendale. It was there that she met a young fireman who was doing the shopping for his firehouse. Soon after, Sabrina mentioned meeting the fireman to Jason and his wife, Kelly.
Dateline Originals
Deadly Mirage - Ep. 2: The Man on the Motorcycle
And that was all there was to it. Or so it seemed at the time.
Dateline Originals
Deadly Mirage - Ep. 2: The Man on the Motorcycle
That year, the Silver Lakes Wolfpack celebrated Christmas and New Year's together. as they always did.
Dateline Originals
Deadly Mirage - Ep. 2: The Man on the Motorcycle
Sabrina, wearing a black blouse and hot pink pants, lifted her wine glass and toasted the camera with a smile and an air smooch.
Dateline Originals
Deadly Mirage - Ep. 2: The Man on the Motorcycle
The alcohol flowed freely that night while love and laughter filled the room. Though none of her friends knew it at the time, Sabrina Limon's life had already taken a turn. According to the Bernatines, the first sign something was going on with her came a few months later in March 2013 at another Wolfpack gathering.
Dateline Originals
Deadly Mirage - Ep. 1: Death in the High Desert
Alright, what I mean is flat on his back. Okay, very gently, as easy as you can, turn him over flat on his back. He's got a big knot on his head. Okay. Can you hear me? Okay, okay. Is he getting flat on his back? I can't get him on his back. Okay. Okay. Alright, put your hand on his back or his chest and see if you can feel any air coming in and out.
Dateline Originals
Deadly Mirage - Ep. 2: The Man on the Motorcycle
Since five members of the Wolfpack had birthdays in March, the group typically celebrated those birthdays with a big night on the town. They called this annual outing March Madness. This particular year, the Wolfpack caravan to a bar called Beefo Brady's in Hesperia, a town about 20 miles south of Silver Lakes. Kelly Bernatine remembers the evening this way.
Dateline Originals
Deadly Mirage - Ep. 2: The Man on the Motorcycle
Small world, isn't it? Jonathan Hearn was a tall, handsome guy, clean cut, a thick thatch of brown on his head, conservatively cut, blue-gray eyes, bright as high beams. Hearn said he lived there in Hesperia. He looked younger than the Wolfpack crowd, and he was, just 22 that evening. Even so, Kelly says, he seemed to mingle easily with the older men at the bar.
Decoder with Nilay Patel
The AI election deepfakes have arrived
One challenge that fraud fighters like Ian face is that scam victims sometimes feel too ashamed to discuss what happened to them. But Ian says one of our best defenses is simple.
Decoder with Nilay Patel
The AI election deepfakes have arrived
Learn more about how to protect yourself at vox.com slash Zelle. And when using digital payment platforms, remember to only send money to people you know and trust.
Decoder with Nilay Patel
The AI election deepfakes have arrived
Fox Creative. This is advertiser content from Zelle. When you picture an online scammer, what do you see?
Decoder with Nilay Patel
The AI election deepfakes have arrived
That's Ian Mitchell, a banker turned fraud fighter. These days, online scams look more like crime syndicates than individual con artists. And they're making bank. Last year, scammers made off with more than $10 billion.
Decoder with Nilay Patel
Why AI image editing isn’t “just like Photoshop”
Fox Creative. This is advertiser content from Zelle. When you picture an online scammer, what do you see?
Decoder with Nilay Patel
Why AI image editing isn’t “just like Photoshop”
That's Ian Mitchell, a banker turned fraud fighter. These days, online scams look more like crime syndicates than individual con artists. And they're making bank. Last year, scammers made off with more than $10 billion.
Decoder with Nilay Patel
Why AI image editing isn’t “just like Photoshop”
One challenge that fraud fighters like Ian face is that scam victims sometimes feel too ashamed to discuss what happened to them. But Ian says one of our best defenses is simple.
Decoder with Nilay Patel
Why AI image editing isn’t “just like Photoshop”
Learn more about how to protect yourself at vox.com slash zelle. And when using digital payment platforms, remember to only send money to people you know and trust.
Distractible
Illegal Advice Too
Good evening, gentle listeners and watchers, and welcome to Destructible, this episode. Mosquito-maskering Mark gets ponderous party performance and asks the gents for remedies to rage. Bouncing Bob nearly loses James, suggests a stitch-up.
Distractible
Illegal Advice Too
miasmas, creed cripplings and cloning wise guy Wade gets vandalized by Serviday advises stuffing tailpipes Jason, Hammer Time and Steve Rogers from lint free nostrils to kissy beads yes it's time for illegal advice 2 now sit back and prepare to be distracted and enjoy the show What is up, people?
Distractible
When Was That Again?
Good evening, gentle listener, and welcome to Distractible. This episode, Burly Bob loves cutlery cannons, Mane's prop hunt, and Tester Jen's tactical recall rate. Sticky Munitions Mark has misfired love bullets, advises cocaine, and knows the history of tubes. Wipable Wade hasn't touched his balls in over a decade, and diverts from nuclear Armageddon.
Distractible
When Was That Again?
From re-lubing bullet condoms to replicant replacement. Yes! It's time for When Was That Again? Now sit back and prepare to be distracted and enjoy the show.
Distractible
We've Never Done This Before
Good evening, gentle listeners and watchers, and welcome to Destructible. This episode... Brain-damaged Bob gets boned by the Doc, then wants to get closer to the boys. Monster Wild Wade ranks hard, has Sheev as a shrink, and snaffles a shit kebab. Mendacious Mark has amazing girth, but never finishes, and gets screwed by exchanges. From suing over long ones, to cooking... Yes!
Distractible
We've Never Done This Before
It's time for We've Never Done This Before. Now sit back and prepare to be distracted and enjoy the show.
Distractible
The Council of Distractible (Part 2)
Good evening, gentle listener, and welcome to Distractible, this episode. Well-born Wade the Dino Dude suggests distractible doobies, disengages, and tests his tribunate powers. Magneto Mark abuses caffeine, creates convolution, then defends democracy and magic bowls. Barbarian Bob is Fry the Fiend, refutes his legal cred, suggests extra spins, and slams the subreddit.
Distractible
The Council of Distractible (Part 2)
From disturbing dentistry to rewritten regulations. Yes! It's time for The Council of Distractible, Part 2. Now sit back and prepare to be distracted and enjoy the show.
Distractible
September 10th
Good evening, Rough Riding listeners or watchers, and welcome to Destructible. This episode, Maneuverable Mark gets reamed by Reddit, acts the alchemist, then gets the boys to fuck with reality. Bookworm Bob loves the library, threatens explosions, pilfers Pokemon, and emancipates Kemet. Well-received Wade goes after Dumbass, receives the Lash, and apes J.T. Kirk.
Distractible
September 10th
From various equities to the Second Amendment. Yes! It's time for September 10th. Now sit back and prepare to be distracted and enjoy the show.
Distractible
WordPad Broke
Good evening, gentle listener, and welcome to Distractible. This episode, war-headed Wade loses his D&D doodles, has superhero relatives, and Microsoft eats his notes. Bullying Bob lays into Wade, finds ninja apartments, talks tosh about wingspan, and the biggest Mac muncher. Melting Mark talks AI, big chests, needing to exercise. pee, bigger beds and inappropriate oils.
Distractible
WordPad Broke
From lubed were-clowns to killer bidets. Yes! It's time for Word Pad Broke. Now sit back and prepare to be distracted and enjoy the show.
Distractible
Nah, I'd Win (Part 3)
Good evening, gentle listener and watchers, and welcome to Distractable. This episode, Maze-like Mark leads a terrible trio into catastrophic conundrums. Bragging Bob builds for his boy, plays in pizza. Grease Gary gets zapped and squashed, but escapes via estuary. Birthday boy White Whiskered Wade fucks his former day family, survives sex, and is victorious over Venus.
Distractible
Nah, I'd Win (Part 3)
From calamitous cams to malevolent meteors, yes, it's time for Nah, I'd Win, Part 3. Now sit back and prepare to be distracted and enjoy the show.
Distractible
Right In The Sauce Box
Good evening, gentle listener, and welcome to Distractable. This episode, Wide Ty Wade, the huge-handed, demands his dudes uplift anachronistic idioms. Munching Mark propounds making peens, drops a F-word, cripples with crinkling, and cooks the ketchup. Bumbling Bob talks door cams, wants tail or a penguin penis, and knows his sarcophagi and shyness. From soup snaffling to microchoppers.
Distractible
Right In The Sauce Box
It's time for Right in the Sauce Box. Now sit back and prepare to be distracted and enjoy the show.
Distractible
Faster or Slower?
Good evening, gentle listener or watcher, and welcome to Distractible. This episode, ball-drooping Bob gives a righteous update, demystifies Mammon's machinations, then asks the fellas to factor fleetness. Woven Wade has a stroke for splashing cash, focuses on faeces, Armageddon, the fiscus, and follicles.
Distractible
Faster or Slower?
Moderator Mark manifests industrialism and emissions, explains being sprayed, and bogus biopsies. From actively assenting to orifice exploration. Yes! It's time for Faster or Slower. Now sit back and prepare to be distracted and enjoy the show.
Distractible
Who Want Million?
Good evening, gentle listener, and welcome to Distractable. This episode, Meredith Mark ails in Amsterdam, assaults Ethan, explains CNC construction, then asks the big buck questions. Warmer Wade plows hard with his powerful tool and is frankly brilliant about his grapefruits. Building Bob fastens his feathery nest, sees Canadian scrappiness, Topsy's Tata and Sir Siri Swine.
Distractible
Who Want Million?
From Shakira's well-being to Matt Murdock. Yes! It's time for Who Want Million? Now sit back and prepare to be distracted and enjoy the show.
Distractible
The Best, The Worst
Good evening, gentle listeners and watchers, and welcome to Distractible. This episode, well-received Wade loses pet access, burns the bangles, then asks for opinions. Multicultural Mark invokes pretty privilege with Prusa, slams the evil echoes of spelunking, and enjoys bambi blasting. Barely Bob clamps for carpentry, gives great tidings, explains organized sports, and heckles headgear.
Distractible
The Best, The Worst
From irritating lube to crap concepts. Yes! It's time for the best, the worst. Now sit back and prepare to be distracted and enjoy the show.
Distractible
Mark's One Man Show
Good evening, gentle listener, and welcome to Distractible. This episode, business-like Bob diagnoses Dr. P, benches Wade, cautions drivers, asks more easy questions, and gets horrific. Wildcat Wade muppets out, cuts the Colombian, and slings out softies. Medicinal Mark crusades against caffeine-penile shrinkage, and performs a tour de force while being battered by the boys.
Distractible
Mark's One Man Show
From René Descartes to sempiternal stingers. Yes! It's time for Mark's One Man Show. Now sit back and prepare to be distracted and enjoy the show.
Distractible
Our Shirts Are Out
Good evening, gentle listeners or watchers, and welcome to Distractable. This episode, Weiner gagging Wade, whops out his tool, rejects modernity, and tasks the trio to identify outdated idioms. Muggle managing Mark, props for Prusa, ocular golden showers, and amazing avatar erections. Heartbroken Bob, needs your love for Lexi, touts battlefield breeding, and suspects Semaphore.
Distractible
Our Shirts Are Out
From tragic news to fucking foxes. Yes! It's time for Our Shirts Are Out. Now sit back and prepare to be distracted and enjoy the show.
Distractible
Mark Prepared For This
Good evening, gentle listener, and welcome to Distractible, this episode. Massacring Mark threatens a micro-knifing, plays a trailer, points out ploom-boom poisoning, and butthole biology. Bizarre Bob gets goosey, and Agent Anus doesn't get wood, recollects eating chalky octopi and tungsten tootsies.
Distractible
Mark Prepared For This
Have you ever felt the chill run up your spine? Well, it was like something trapped me on the shoulder, but when I turned around... Get ready to forget everything you know about everything.
Distractible
Mark Prepared For This
people just turning round and round endlessly all right if someone doesn't say they're smelling what i'm smelling i swear i'm oh my god what happened to the moon you expect me to believe we're surrounded by gases that we cannot see i know what clouds look like those are clouds welcome to the show that was formerly known as don't look up but we were sued by some dumb ass in a movie studio this is it's in the air
Distractible
Mark Prepared For This
Whittling Wade talks melting piles and crouching crabs, antagonising the Arbiter and Riz's radiologists. From dominating Cincinnati to crispy babies. Yes! It's time for Mark Prepared for This. Now sit back and prepare to be distracted and enjoy the show.
Distractible
Mark Prepared For This
Have you ever felt the chill run up your spine? It was like something tapped me on the shoulder, but when I turned around... Get ready to forget everything you know about everything.
Distractible
Mark Prepared For This
A whole city of people just turning round and round endlessly. All right, if someone doesn't say they're smelling what I'm smelling, I swear I'm...
Distractible
Mark Prepared For This
You expect me to believe we're surrounded by gases that we cannot see? I know what clouds look like. Those aren't clouds!
Distractible
Slice of Life
Good evening, gentle listeners or watchers, and welcome to Distractible, this episode. Warrior Wade gets wheels for his wife, then drives the dudes down Diagon Alley. Bishop Bob buys a miter, manifests a meme, is scared of soccer, but not Brosnan. Motorist Mark gets his own storefront, solves swappiness, stares at Sol, wow, and the frigid wall. From Distracti-babies to Paradise Lost.
Distractible
Slice of Life
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Distractible
Slice of Life
Yes, it's time for Slice of Life. Now sit back and prepare to be distracted and enjoy the show.
Distractible
Hide The Penny
Good evening, gentle listener, and welcome to Distractable. This episode, befouled Bob screws his printer, then challenges the boys to hide and seek. Maneuverable Mark wants to shill bamboo, tools up for a tantrum, manhandles a cashier, and frees a naked freshman. Waist-weakening Wade rips on toddler truckers. reports Mark to the 5-0 and searches condoms. From doggy drinks to Abraham Lincoln.
Distractible
Hide The Penny
Yes! It's time for Hide the Penny. Now sit back and prepare to be distracted and enjoy the show.
Distractible
Acronyms, But Better
Good evening, gentle listener, and welcome to Distractible, this episode. Bronzed Bob becomes Rorschach and Batman, butchers Le Francais and attempts to improve annoying abbreviations. Wasteful Wade gets blown off by support, collects frozen feces, sniffs of fists, and advises dicking. Maneuverable Mark clears colossal poops, evokes empathy, and gets crusty.
Distractible
Acronyms, But Better
with blood-sucking boners, from shit-talking to telekinetic porn. Yes! It's time for Acronyms But Better. Now sit back and prepare to be distracted and enjoy the show.
Distractible
Distractible Travel Guide: Cincinnati
Good evening, gentle listener, and welcome to Distractible. This episode, Bumbling Bob builds his March Madness, and the Terrific Triad trade tour tips. Wishing Wade stocks up on Scout Snacks, berates Babel Coasters, Crackers, Ballers, and Ass Chili. Monstrous Mark the Render Ranger gets railed by the Power People. Miss Lays Tyler favors Phantoms and rags La Rosas.
Distractible
Distractible Travel Guide: Cincinnati
From sartorial satisfaction to plush parks. Yes! It's time for Distractible Travel Guide Cincinnati. Now sit back and prepare to be distracted and enjoy the show.
Dumb Blonde
TBT: Viking Barbie
Bonnie, who used to be a former sex worker, now hosts the podcast Dumb Blonde.
Dumb Blonde
Ask, Tell, Confess: I Hate The Way My Vagina Looks
tinder story is not mine but a friend of mine now obviously that raises you know we're not necessarily big fans of big fans of that but you know it works it works crazy some suspicions yes absolutely some eyebrows this story happened in vienna my friend met a guy on tinder and went on a few dates with him about for about a month one day she decided after a date to finally invite him to her house for a drink
Dumb Blonde
Ask, Tell, Confess: I Hate The Way My Vagina Looks
During these drinks, she started feeling some weird vibes from him. So when... Sorry. Weird vibes from him. So when it was time to go to bed, she asked him if he would be okay with sleeping on the couch in the living room. He said yes. Good man, as you should. For some reason, she decided to lock her bedroom. She's always been a little bit paranoid. And then she went to sleep.
Dumb Blonde
Ask, Tell, Confess: I Hate The Way My Vagina Looks
In the middle of the night, she heard her door handle move. She woke up and asked him, are you okay? Thinking maybe he was looking for the bathroom and he didn't answer. She got very spooked and called the police. The police arrived and she warily opened the door and told them he was in the living room. A police officer went into the living room down the hall and came back.
Dumb Blonde
Ask, Tell, Confess: I Hate The Way My Vagina Looks
He got on his walkie-talkie immediately and told her not to go into the living room. Apparently, there was a bunch of knives in the living room floor and plastic over some of the furniture. Had she not locked the door, she would probably be dead. Unfortunately...
Evil Next Door
Marc O'Leary
Warning, this program contains graphic material including disturbing descriptions and language. Listener discretion is advised.
Evil Next Door
Marc O'Leary
Mark O'Leary was charged with sexual assault, kidnapping, menacing, and burglary.
Evil Next Door
Marc O'Leary
There were other victims. Police searching through O'Leary's photos would learn he violently assaulted two women while living in Washington State years earlier. One was an 18-year-old who reported being raped in her home, only to be charged for making a false report by police who did not believe her. Her story became the basis for the Netflix series Unbelievable.
Evil Next Door
Marc O'Leary
Jeffrey Dugan, attorney with Marathon Law and O'Leary's defense attorney.
Evil Next Door
Marc O'Leary
Almost three and a half years after his first violent attack, Marco Leary pled guilty to 28 counts, including rape and other felonies.
Evil Next Door
Marc O'Leary
The judge agreed, handing down a sentence of 327 and a half years for the Colorado attacks. O'Leary would get 68 more years in Washington. You've lost your privilege to be free in society. Facing a life in prison, O'Leary started talking and gave investigators a glimpse inside the twisted mind of a serial predator.
Evil Next Door
Marc O'Leary
This has been in collaboration with Fox Nation. Go to foxtruecrime.com for more series like this or wherever you get your favorite podcasts.
Evil Next Door
Marc O'Leary
a disturbing call to 911 would reveal just how ruthless he was the call came in from a woman who had said that someone had entered her home and raped her
Evil Next Door
Marc O'Leary
A real-life horror story unlike any that Detective Stacy Galbraith had ever heard before.
Evil Next Door
Marc O'Leary
The masked assailant held her down, bound her, and sexually assaulted her for four hours. Somehow, she managed to keep her wits about her, hoping to get information on her attacker.
Evil Next Door
Marc O'Leary
As the victim was taking mental pictures of her attacker, he was taking pictures of his own. As if the assault itself wasn't traumatizing enough, he used a pink Sony CyberShot camera to snap a series of photos.
Evil Next Door
Marc O'Leary
Detective Galbraith was right, but she had no idea just how big this case was going to become.
Evil Next Door
Marc O'Leary
What started as a discussion about work led the two to believe this assault may have been linked to other attacks in the area.
Evil Next Door
Marc O'Leary
Six months prior to the Golden attack, a masked intruder came through the window of a 59-year-old woman living alone in Westminster, Colorado. He sexually assaulted her for hours. Ten months before that, in Aurora, Colorado, a 65-year-old reported being raped by a masked man who tied her up, took pictures, and threatened to post them online.
Evil Next Door
Marc O'Leary
and he meticulously cleaned all of the crime scenes. But he made simple yet costly mistakes in both Aurora and Westminster.
Evil Next Door
Marc O'Leary
It was the fourth case Detective Galbraith learned about. But this one had a very different outcome. Just one month before the Westminster attack, a woman who lived alone was startled awake by a noise in her hallway. A masked intruder holding a knife entered the room and straddled her. He attempted to bind her wrists, but she refused to go down without a fight.
Evil Next Door
Marc O'Leary
Four violent attacks over two years all led to one unknown suspect. Although he was good at covering his tracks, investigators were a formidable foe, and the hunter was now the hunted.
Evil Next Door
Marc O'Leary
Fox News Audio presents the Fox Nation Investigates podcast, Evil Next Door. Exploring the life and crimes of five serial predators from across the United States. It's a very disturbing case. Never before heard interviews and firsthand perspectives.
Evil Next Door
Marc O'Leary
The Fox Nation Investigates podcast, Evil Next Door. Listen and follow now with Amazon Music. Must listen to podcasts from Fox News Audio.
Evil Next Door
Marc O'Leary
For a span of three years, the suburbs of Seattle, Washington, and Denver, Colorado were plagued by a sexual predator. Beginning in 2008, police received reports of a serial rapist who would break into women's homes, bind his victims, and rape them for hours on end.
Evil Next Door
Marc O'Leary
It appeared to be the same truck that was reported near another crime scene.
Evil Next Door
Marc O'Leary
Police had their first suspect, although his name didn't raise any red flags, 32-year-old Mark O'Leary, an Army veteran with no criminal history. He was studying at Red Rocks Community College.
Evil Next Door
Marc O'Leary
His appearance may have been right out of college central casting, but Professor Melinda Wilding says his schoolwork was not.
Evil Next Door
Marc O'Leary
belongings that police were anxious to look through. But to get a warrant, they needed more evidence. So they put his home under surveillance.
Evil Next Door
Marc O'Leary
The violent perpetrator was meticulous about not leaving any evidence behind at the crime scene, making the hunt for the expert criminal all the more difficult. This is Evil Next Door, Episode 2, Mark O'Leary.
Evil Next Door
Marc O'Leary
Turns out that guy was the wrong guy. Investigators back at the house learned that when they knocked on the door.
Evil Next Door
Marc O'Leary
The DNA investigators pulled from the diner was a match to the crime scenes.
Evil Next Door
Marc O'Leary
Police had just one last piece to complete the puzzle, to make sure Mark was the O'Leary they were looking for.
Evil Next Door
Marc O'Leary
and what they found was a treasure trove of damning evidence. Lock picks, pocket knives, a handgun, gloves with prints matching those found at the crime scene, Adidas sneakers, same size as the assailants, and a collection of women's underwear hidden in a speaker, and a pink Sony CyberShot camera.
Evil Next Door
Marc O'Leary
Golden, Colorado. A former gold rush town, this scenic area sits in the rolling hills of the Rockies. In January of 2011, this quaint neighborhood became a hunting ground for a serial sexual predator who was stalking unsuspecting single women in the Denver area, spending weeks learning their schedules and waiting for the perfect moment to creep into their homes.
Fantasy Footballers - Fantasy Football Podcast
Start/Sit Courage + Hungry For More, TNF Preview - Fantasy Football Podcast for 12/18
Thursday Night Breakdown
Fantasy Footballers - Fantasy Football Podcast
Start/Sit Courage + Hungry For More, TNF Preview - Fantasy Football Podcast for 12/18
Mailbag!
Fantasy Footballers - Fantasy Football Podcast
Start/Sit Courage + Hungry For More, TNF Preview - Fantasy Football Podcast for 12/18
Welcome to Hungry for More, presented by Uber Eats.
Fantasy Footballers - Fantasy Football Podcast
Start/Sit Courage + Hungry For More, TNF Preview - Fantasy Football Podcast for 12/18
Thank you for listening to another episode of the Fantasy Footballers Podcast. Join our fantasy football community on jointhefoot.com and follow us on Twitter at the FFBallers.
Fantasy Footballers - Fantasy Football Podcast
Start/Sit Courage + Hungry For More, TNF Preview - Fantasy Football Podcast for 12/18
News and notes from around the league. Presented by USAA Insurance.
Fantasy Footballers - Fantasy Football Podcast
Start/Sit Courage + Hungry For More, TNF Preview - Fantasy Football Podcast for 12/18
The Fantasy Footballers Studio is brought to you by Amazon Prime. Welcome to the Fantasy Footballers Podcast with your hosts, Andy Holloway, Jason Moore, and Mike Wright.
Fantasy Footballers - Fantasy Football Podcast
The TRUTH: WRs Part 2 + Where’s Jason? - Fantasy Football Podcast for 2/4
Welcome to the Fantasy Footballers Podcast with your hosts, Andy Holloway, Jason Moore, and Mike Wright.
Fantasy Footballers - Fantasy Football Podcast
The TRUTH: WRs Part 2 + Where’s Jason? - Fantasy Football Podcast for 2/4
DraftKings has the tools to help you play within your limits. Don't budge on your budget. With the options to set time limits and deposit limits, schedule time away from play, manage your payment methods, and keep track of your recent stats, you'll have all the tools to create a winning game plan. Because when it comes to betting, it's more fun when it's for fun. The crown is yours.
Fantasy Footballers - Fantasy Football Podcast
The TRUTH: WRs Part 2 + Where’s Jason? - Fantasy Football Podcast for 2/4
Gambling problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER. Visit rg.draftkings.com for more info.
Fantasy Footballers - Fantasy Football Podcast
The TRUTH: WRs Part 2 + Where’s Jason? - Fantasy Football Podcast for 2/4
We're going. Oh, my gosh. We're doing it live.
Fantasy Footballers - Fantasy Football Podcast
The TRUTH: WRs Part 2 + Where’s Jason? - Fantasy Football Podcast for 2/4
Goodbye. Thank you for listening to another episode of the Fantasy Footballers Podcast. Join our fantasy football community on jointhefoot.com and follow us on Twitter at the FFBallers.
Fantasy Footballers - Fantasy Football Podcast
The TRUTH: WRs Part 2 + Where’s Jason? - Fantasy Football Podcast for 2/4
News and notes from around the league.
Fantasy Footballers - Fantasy Football Podcast
The TRUTH: QBs Part 2 + Deep Dives, Pendulum Swings - Fantasy Football Podcast for 1/21
I think I'm entitled to that. You want answers? You want the truth? You can't handle the truth. So did you.
Fantasy Footballers - Fantasy Football Podcast
The TRUTH: QBs Part 2 + Deep Dives, Pendulum Swings - Fantasy Football Podcast for 1/21
Thank you for listening to another episode of the Fantasy Footballers Podcast. Join our fantasy football community on jointhefoot.com and follow us on Twitter at the FFBallers.
Fantasy Footballers - Fantasy Football Podcast
The TRUTH: QBs Part 2 + Deep Dives, Pendulum Swings - Fantasy Football Podcast for 1/21
Welcome to the Fantasy Footballers Podcast with your hosts, Andy Holloway, Jason Moore, and Mike Wright.
Fantasy Footballers - Fantasy Football Podcast
Draft Fallers + Combine Buzz, New Offenses - Fantasy Football Podcast for 2/27
News and notes from around the league.
Fantasy Footballers - Fantasy Football Podcast
Draft Fallers + Combine Buzz, New Offenses - Fantasy Football Podcast for 2/27
Thank you for listening to another episode of the fantasy footballers podcast. Join our fantasy football community on join the foot.com and follow us on Twitter at the FF ballers.
Fantasy Footballers - Fantasy Football Podcast
Draft Fallers + Combine Buzz, New Offenses - Fantasy Football Podcast for 2/27
Welcome to the Fantasy Footballers Podcast with your hosts Andy Holloway, Jason Moore, and Mike Wright.
Fantasy Footballers - Fantasy Football Podcast
Starts of the Week + Week 17 Breakdown, RAIN Alert! - Fantasy Football Podcast for 12/26
Welcome to the Fantasy Footballers Podcast with your hosts, Andy Holloway, Jason Moore, and Mike Wright.
Fantasy Footballers - Fantasy Football Podcast
Starts of the Week + Week 17 Breakdown, RAIN Alert! - Fantasy Football Podcast for 12/26
It's time for Fantasy Forecast, presented by DraftKings Sportsbook.
Fantasy Footballers - Fantasy Football Podcast
Starts of the Week + Week 17 Breakdown, RAIN Alert! - Fantasy Football Podcast for 12/26
News and notes from around the league. Presented by USAA Insurance.
Fantasy Footballers - Fantasy Football Podcast
Starts of the Week + Week 17 Breakdown, RAIN Alert! - Fantasy Football Podcast for 12/26
Oops-a-doozles.
Fantasy Footballers - Fantasy Football Podcast
Mock Draft! Top 12 Picks for 2025 - Fantasy Football Podcast for 2/20
Goodbye. Thank you for listening to another episode of the Fantasy Footballers podcast. Join our fantasy football community on jointhefoot.com and follow us on Twitter at the FFBallers.
Fantasy Footballers - Fantasy Football Podcast
Mock Draft! Top 12 Picks for 2025 - Fantasy Football Podcast for 2/20
Welcome to the Fantasy Footballers Podcast, with your hosts, Andy Holloway, Jason Moore, and Mike Wright.
Fantasy Footballers - Fantasy Football Podcast
Mock Draft! Top 12 Picks for 2025 - Fantasy Football Podcast for 2/20
The Fantasy Footballers Mock Draft.
Fantasy Footballers - Fantasy Football Podcast
Starts of the Week + Week 16 Breakdown, Playoff Pressure - Fantasy Football Podcast for 12/19
It's time for Fantasy Forecast, presented by DraftKings Sportsbook.
Fantasy Footballers - Fantasy Football Podcast
Starts of the Week + Week 16 Breakdown, Playoff Pressure - Fantasy Football Podcast for 12/19
It was once he said the first game tomorrow and it was Titans.
Fantasy Footballers - Fantasy Football Podcast
Starts of the Week + Week 16 Breakdown, Playoff Pressure - Fantasy Football Podcast for 12/19
Starts of the week.
Fantasy Footballers - Fantasy Football Podcast
Starts of the Week + Week 16 Breakdown, Playoff Pressure - Fantasy Football Podcast for 12/19
The Fantasy Footballers Studio is brought to you by Amazon Prime. Welcome to the Fantasy Footballers Podcast with your hosts, Andy Holloway, Jason Moore, and Mike Wright.
Fantasy Footballers - Fantasy Football Podcast
The TRUTH: Top 10 Fantasy QBs + Scramby Daniels - Fantasy Football Podcast for 1/16
Fantasy Face-Off, presented by DraftKings.
Fantasy Footballers - Fantasy Football Podcast
The TRUTH: Top 10 Fantasy QBs + Scramby Daniels - Fantasy Football Podcast for 1/16
News and notes from around the league. Presented by USAA Insurance.
Fantasy Footballers - Fantasy Football Podcast
The TRUTH: Top 10 Fantasy QBs + Scramby Daniels - Fantasy Football Podcast for 1/16
You want answers? I think I'm entitled. You want answers.
Fantasy Footballers - Fantasy Football Podcast
The TRUTH: Top 10 Fantasy QBs + Scramby Daniels - Fantasy Football Podcast for 1/16
Welcome to the Fantasy Footballers Podcast with your hosts, Andy Holloway, Jason Moore, and Mike Wright.
Fantasy Footballers - Fantasy Football Podcast
Week 17 Matchups + Championship Choices, Weather Worries? - Fantasy Football Podcast for 12/27
It's time for Fantasy Forecast, presented by DraftKings Sportsbook.
Fantasy Footballers - Fantasy Football Podcast
Week 17 Matchups + Championship Choices, Weather Worries? - Fantasy Football Podcast for 12/27
Welcome to the Fantasy Footballers Podcast with your hosts, Andy Holloway, Jason Moore, and Mike Wright.
Fantasy Footballers - Fantasy Football Podcast
Week 17 Matchups + Championship Choices, Weather Worries? - Fantasy Football Podcast for 12/27
Fantasy Face-Off, presented by DraftKings.
Fantasy Footballers - Fantasy Football Podcast
Week 17 Matchups + Championship Choices, Weather Worries? - Fantasy Football Podcast for 12/27
Wheel of Shame.
Fantasy Footballers - Fantasy Football Podcast
Week 17 Matchups + Championship Choices, Weather Worries? - Fantasy Football Podcast for 12/27
Putt Clan Friday.
Fantasy Footballers - Fantasy Football Podcast
Week 17 Matchups + Championship Choices, Weather Worries? - Fantasy Football Podcast for 12/27
News and notes from around the league. Presented by USAA Insurance.
Fantasy Footballers - Fantasy Football Podcast
Week 15 Matchups + Inside Thoughts, Wheel of Shame - Fantasy Football Podcast for 12/13
It's time for Fantasy Forecast, presented by DraftKings Sportsbook.
Fantasy Footballers - Fantasy Football Podcast
Week 15 Matchups + Inside Thoughts, Wheel of Shame - Fantasy Football Podcast for 12/13
Hey, I'm Ryan Reynolds. Recently, I asked Mint Mobile's legal team if big wireless companies are allowed to raise prices due to inflation. They said yes. And then when I asked if raising prices technically violates those onerous two-year contracts, they said, what the f*** are you talking about, you insane Hollywood a**hole?
Fantasy Footballers - Fantasy Football Podcast
Week 15 Matchups + Inside Thoughts, Wheel of Shame - Fantasy Football Podcast for 12/13
So to recap, we're cutting the price of Mint Unlimited from $30 a month to just $15 a month. Give it a try at mintmobile.com slash switch.
Fantasy Footballers - Fantasy Football Podcast
Week 15 Matchups + Inside Thoughts, Wheel of Shame - Fantasy Football Podcast for 12/13
This episode is brought to you by AWS. Amazon Q Business is the new generative AI assistant from AWS. Many tasks can make business slow, like wading through mud. Help! Luckily, there's a faster, easier, less messy choice. Amazon Q can securely understand your business data to help you streamline tasks, like summarizing quarterly results or doing complex analyses in no time. Q got this.
Fantasy Footballers - Fantasy Football Podcast
Week 15 Matchups + Inside Thoughts, Wheel of Shame - Fantasy Football Podcast for 12/13
Learn what Amazon Q Business can do for you at aws.com slash learn more.
Fantasy Footballers - Fantasy Football Podcast
Week 15 Matchups + Inside Thoughts, Wheel of Shame - Fantasy Football Podcast for 12/13
Fantasy Face-Off, presented by DraftKings.
Fantasy Footballers - Fantasy Football Podcast
Week 15 Matchups + Inside Thoughts, Wheel of Shame - Fantasy Football Podcast for 12/13
Wheel of Shame.
Fantasy Footballers - Fantasy Football Podcast
Week 15 Matchups + Inside Thoughts, Wheel of Shame - Fantasy Football Podcast for 12/13
Gambling problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER. In New York, call 877-8-HOPE-NY or text HOPE-NY 467-369. In Connecticut, help is available for problem gambling. Call 888-789-7777 or visit ccpg.org. Please play responsibly. On behalf of Boot Hill Casino and Resort in Kansas, 21 and over. Age and eligibility varies by jurisdiction. Void in Ontario, one plus promotion per day.
Fantasy Footballers - Fantasy Football Podcast
Week 15 Matchups + Inside Thoughts, Wheel of Shame - Fantasy Football Podcast for 12/13
Promotion, sport, eligibility, and requirements vary. Ends December 31st, 2024. For additional terms and responsible gaming resources, see sportsbook.draftkings.com.
Fantasy Footballers - Fantasy Football Podcast
Week 15 Matchups + Inside Thoughts, Wheel of Shame - Fantasy Football Podcast for 12/13
Putt Clan Friday.
Fantasy Footballers - Fantasy Football Podcast
Week 15 Matchups + Inside Thoughts, Wheel of Shame - Fantasy Football Podcast for 12/13
News and notes from around the league. Presented by USAA Insurance.
Fantasy Footballers - Fantasy Football Podcast
Week 15 Matchups + Inside Thoughts, Wheel of Shame - Fantasy Football Podcast for 12/13
The Fantasy Footballer Studio is brought to you by Amazon Prime. Welcome to the Fantasy Footballers Podcast with your hosts, Andy Holloway, Jason Moore, and Mike Wright.
Farm4Profit Podcast
Hunting, Bourbon, and Ag Tech: Hanging out with a Doctor! - Eric Scherder
All without the need to jump through hoops. See what you'll gain with America's most trusted herbicide system protecting your Enlist E3 soybean fields at Enlist.com.
Farm4Profit Podcast
Hunting, Bourbon, and Ag Tech: Hanging out with a Doctor! - Eric Scherder
Farming comes with trade-offs. An extra pass means dinner in the cab. An early morning becomes a late night. Unnecessary restrictions turn into headaches. But when you make Enlist Herbicide the foundation of your herbicide program, the trade-offs will be in your favor. Effective weed control that's ready to work when you are. Flexible tank mix options and neighbor-friendly applications.
Farm4Profit Podcast
Hunting, Bourbon, and Ag Tech: Hanging out with a Doctor! - Eric Scherder
All without the need to jump through hoops. See what you'll gain with America's most trusted herbicide system protecting your Enlist E3 soybean fields at Enlist.com.
Farm4Profit Podcast
Hunting, Bourbon, and Ag Tech: Hanging out with a Doctor! - Eric Scherder
Farming comes with trade-offs. An extra pass means dinner in the cab. An early morning becomes a late night. Unnecessary restrictions turn into headaches. But when you make Enlist Herbicides the foundation of your herbicide program, the trade-offs will be in your favor. Effective weed control that's ready to work when you are. Flexible tank mix options and neighbor-friendly applications.
Farm4Profit Podcast
Farmers Say the Funniest Things: Listener Comments of 2024
There is a podcast in Iowa. Fought for profit was named by the Facebook.
Farm4Profit Podcast
Farmers Say the Funniest Things: Listener Comments of 2024
Making Buffet was their first goal, oh boy, oh boy, oh boy Soon may the farmers come to bring us guests and beer and fun One day when the recording's done, we'll take our mics and go Before we knew, conversations grew, growing corn even said FU So won't you join tenor, decor, and crew, please like, share, review Soon may the farmers come to bring us guests and beer and fun One day when the recording's done, we'll take our mics and go
Farm4Profit Podcast
8th-Generation Farmer Zoe Kent on Running a Farm & Owning Her Story
It was their first goal, oh boy, oh boy, oh boy Soon may the farmers come to bring us guests and beer and fun One day when the recording's done, we'll take our mics and go Before we knew, conversations grew, growing corn even said, So won't you join tenor decor and crew, please like, share, review Soon may the farmers come to bring us guests and beer and fun One day when the recording's done, we'll take our mics and go
Farm4Profit Podcast
Soybean Cyst Nematode: The Silent Threat Stealing Your Yield
Farming comes with trade-offs. An extra pass means dinner in the cab. An early morning becomes a late night. Unnecessary restrictions turn into headaches. But when you make Enlist herbicides the foundation of your herbicide program, the trade-offs will be in your favor. Effective weed control that's ready to work when you are.
Farm4Profit Podcast
Soybean Cyst Nematode: The Silent Threat Stealing Your Yield
Flexible tank mix options and neighbor-friendly applications, all without the need to jump through hoops. See what you'll gain with America's most trusted herbicide system protecting your Enlist E3 soybean fields at Enlist.com.
Farm4Profit Podcast
Soybean Cyst Nematode: The Silent Threat Stealing Your Yield
Ladies and gentlemen, farmers, ranchers, and distinguished guests, thank you for listening to the Farm for Profit podcast, where we discuss the latest ideas, methods, trends, and techniques available to help your farm achieve higher levels of farm profitability. Remember, if you aren't farming for profit, you won't be farming for long.
Farm4Profit Podcast
Soybean Cyst Nematode: The Silent Threat Stealing Your Yield
Remember, if you aren't farming for profit, you won't be farming for long.
Farm4Profit Podcast
Soybean Cyst Nematode: The Silent Threat Stealing Your Yield
Where have you guys been?
Farm4Profit Podcast
Soybean Cyst Nematode: The Silent Threat Stealing Your Yield
Farming comes with trade-offs. An extra pass means dinner in the cab. An early morning becomes a late night. Unnecessary restrictions turn into headaches. But when you make Enlist Herbicides the foundation of your herbicide program, the trade-offs will be in your favor. Effective weed control that's ready to work when you are.
Farm4Profit Podcast
Soybean Cyst Nematode: The Silent Threat Stealing Your Yield
Flexible tank makes options and neighbor-friendly applications, all without the need to jump through hoops. See what you'll gain with America's most trusted herbicide system protecting your Enlist E3 soybean fields at Enlist.com.
Farm4Profit Podcast
Making Smart Crop Insurance Decisions for 2025
Flexible tank mix options and neighbor-friendly applications, all without the need to jump through hoops. See what you'll gain with America's most trusted herbicide system protecting your Enlist E3 soybean fields at Enlist.com.
Farm4Profit Podcast
Making Smart Crop Insurance Decisions for 2025
Right. Farming comes with trade-offs. An extra pass means dinner in the cab. An early morning becomes a late night. Unnecessary restrictions turn into headaches. But when you make Enlist herbicides the foundation of your herbicide program, the trade-offs will be in your favor. Effective weed control that's ready to work when you are.
Farm4Profit Podcast
Making Smart Crop Insurance Decisions for 2025
Flexible tank makes options and neighbor-friendly applications, all without the need to jump through hoops. See what you'll gain with America's most trusted herbicide system protecting your Enlist E3 soybean fields at Enlist.com.
Farm4Profit Podcast
Making Smart Crop Insurance Decisions for 2025
Remember, if you aren't farming for profit, you won't be farming for long.
Farm4Profit Podcast
Making Smart Crop Insurance Decisions for 2025
Ladies and gentlemen, farmers, ranchers, and distinguished guests, thank you for listening to the Farm for Profit podcast, where we discuss the latest ideas, methods, trends, and techniques available to help your farm achieve higher levels of farm profitability. Remember, if you aren't farming for profit, you won't be farming for long.
Farm4Profit Podcast
Making Smart Crop Insurance Decisions for 2025
Farming comes with trade-offs. An extra pass means dinner in the cab. An early morning becomes a late night. Unnecessary restrictions turn into headaches. But when you make Enlist Herbicides the foundation of your herbicide program, the trade-offs will be in your favor. Effective weed control that's ready to work when you are.
Farm4Profit Podcast
Inside the Farm Plan: Corey Talks Growing Season Strategies w/ AgXplore
Ladies and gentlemen, farmers, ranchers, and distinguished guests, thank you for listening to the Farm for Profit podcast, where we discuss the latest ideas, methods, trends, and techniques available to help your farm achieve higher levels of farm profitability. Remember, if you aren't farming for profit, you won't be farming for long.
Farm4Profit Podcast
Inside the Farm Plan: Corey Talks Growing Season Strategies w/ AgXplore
Remember, if you aren't farming for profit, you won't be farming for long.
Farm4Profit Podcast
Breaking Down the November WASDE Report: Andrew Kaabes - Lighthouse Commodities
Ladies and gentlemen, farmers, ranchers, and distinguished guests, thank you for listening to the Farm for Profit podcast, where we discuss the latest ideas, methods, trends, and techniques available to help your farm achieve higher levels of farm profitability. Remember, if you aren't farming for profit, you won't be farming for long.
Farm4Profit Podcast
Breaking Down the November WASDE Report: Andrew Kaabes - Lighthouse Commodities
Remember, if you aren't farming for profit, you won't be farming for long.
Fest & Flauschig
Du kriegst das Geld, ich krieg das Tier!
Die großen fünf. Definiert von Böhmermann und Schultz.
Fest & Flauschig
Du kriegst das Geld, ich krieg das Tier!
Die großen Fünf. Definiert von Böhmermann und Schultz.
First Date Follow Up - The Jubal Show
Why is Carissa ghosting Dave?
First date follow-up. Powered by the Advocates Injury Attorneys. Online at advocateslaw.com.
First Date Follow Up - The Jubal Show
Why is Carissa ghosting Dave?
First date follow-up. Powered by the Advocates Injury Attorneys. Online at advocateslaw.com.
First Date Follow Up - The Jubal Show
Why is Carissa ghosting Dave?
Jubal's First Date Follow-Up. Powered by the Advocates Injury Attorney. Online at advocateslaw.com.
First Date Follow Up - The Jubal Show
Greg Said What On Their Hike?
Bombing. Bombing. With Eric Andre.
Freakonomics Radio
EXTRA: The Downside of Disgust (Update)
This is Freakonomics Radio, the podcast that explores the hidden side of everything with your host, Stephen Dubner.
Freakonomics Radio
The Show That Never Happened
The Freakonomics Radio Network. The hidden side of everything.
Freakonomics Radio
625. The Biden Policy That Trump Hasn’t Touched
This is Freakonomics Radio, the podcast that explores the hidden side of everything with your host, Stephen Dubner.
Freakonomics Radio
Should America Be Run by … Trader Joe’s? (Update)
This is Freakonomics Radio, the podcast that explores the hidden side of everything with your host, Stephen Dubner.
Freakonomics Radio
623. Can New York City Win Its War on Rats?
This is Freakonomics Radio, the podcast that explores the hidden side of everything with your host, Stephen Dubner.
Freakonomics Radio
623. Can New York City Win Its War on Rats?
In my experience, rats are better for self-administration of drugs.
Freakonomics Radio
623. Can New York City Win Its War on Rats?
The Freakonomics Radio Network. The hidden side of everything.
Freakonomics Radio
629. How Is Live Theater Still Alive?
That was Doris Kearns Goodwin was the other conversation.
Freakonomics Radio
629. How Is Live Theater Still Alive?
The hip-hop musical about a founding father was, of course, Hamilton by Lin-Manuel Miranda. Hamilton was such a sensation that it seemed to change the rules for producers, creators, performers, the audience. It opened up new possibilities. But for Joe DiPietro, there was a puzzle to solve. Alexander Hamilton had been relatively obscure to most people. Abraham Lincoln, quite the opposite.
Freakonomics Radio
629. How Is Live Theater Still Alive?
When you feel like you're getting overwhelmed by American political history, it must be nice to have Doris Kearns Goodwin on your side.
Freakonomics Radio
629. How Is Live Theater Still Alive?
When he was starting out, the thing in his imagination was a musical that he wanted to call Big River. The plan was to take an American literary classic. Mark Twain's Huckleberry Finn. It was my favorite novel. And set it to music with new songs by the country legend Roger Miller.
Freakonomics Radio
629. How Is Live Theater Still Alive?
DiPietro did get hooked, but he's a playwright, not a composer, and a musical isn't a musical without music. So coming up after the break.
Freakonomics Radio
629. How Is Live Theater Still Alive?
I'm Stephen Dubner. This is Freakonomics Radio. We will be right back. The playwright Joe DiPietro had been commissioned to write the script for a new musical about Abraham Lincoln. DiPietro is white, as was Lincoln, but the story is really about slavery, ending slavery. And the other main character is the Black abolitionist Frederick Douglass.
Freakonomics Radio
629. How Is Live Theater Still Alive?
As a kid growing up in the Carolinas, Watts played sports. He took dance and gymnastics. He has always had a high level of energy. Everyone was like, sit down. Daniel, sit down. I'm like, yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah. Sure, sure, sure, sure. I got things to do. Watts has been performing on Broadway since 2006. He was nominated for a Tony Award for playing Ike Turner in Tina, the Tina Turner musical.
Freakonomics Radio
629. How Is Live Theater Still Alive?
He has also appeared in The Little Mermaid, The Color Purple, and yes, Hamilton. So what did he think about the idea of a Lincoln musical?
Freakonomics Radio
629. How Is Live Theater Still Alive?
When Landesman heard that Miller was playing a club date in New York, he went to the show and afterward he talked his way backstage.
Freakonomics Radio
629. How Is Live Theater Still Alive?
The music and the lyrics, to me, it seems really, really hard to write lyrics for a musical first without the music. Is that not really hard?
Freakonomics Radio
629. How Is Live Theater Still Alive?
A composer perhaps like this one. And warning, there's a bit of off-color language here.
Freakonomics Radio
629. How Is Live Theater Still Alive?
Sign me up for that church. And you went to the University of Virginia, correct?
Freakonomics Radio
629. How Is Live Theater Still Alive?
You got a master's in education as well. Is that right?
Freakonomics Radio
629. How Is Live Theater Still Alive?
Rent, like Hamilton, was another huge and groundbreaking Broadway hit, the kind of show that changes how people think about what's possible. Later in this series, we'll hear from Jeffrey Seller, a lead producer of both Rent and Hamilton. For Crystal Monet Hall, performing in a Broadway hit was a great gig, but even a union acting job barely covers the rent when the rent is in New York City.
Freakonomics Radio
629. How Is Live Theater Still Alive?
Almost every theatrical performer has a side hustle. Hall taught herself guitar and began writing songs. She went on tour with Mickey Hart of the Grateful Dead, and she released a record of her own. At one point, she moved to California, but she soon came back to New York. She performed in the Alicia Keys jukebox musical Hell's Kitchen at the Public Theater before the show moved to Broadway.
Freakonomics Radio
629. How Is Live Theater Still Alive?
And then she got a call from Joe DiPietro and Daniel Watts about a new musical they were writing called Three Summers of Lincoln.
Freakonomics Radio
629. How Is Live Theater Still Alive?
Making something out of nothing is hard. In the beginning, all you have is your imagination. It's your only tool, your only muscle. But if you are determined and lucky, that thing in your imagination can become real. And then if you are very lucky, people will pay to see it.
Freakonomics Radio
629. How Is Live Theater Still Alive?
Two years, three, four years. Yes, it can easily take that long to create a musical. And who pays for all this? Well, it depends. In this case, the producers Alan Shore and Richard Winkler were writing the checks.
Freakonomics Radio
629. How Is Live Theater Still Alive?
So Landesman flew out to Reno where Miller was performing. And once again, he went backstage afterwards.
Freakonomics Radio
629. How Is Live Theater Still Alive?
Are you willing to tell me what you're making for composing Three Summers of Lincoln?
Freakonomics Radio
629. How Is Live Theater Still Alive?
Older me is like, Daniel, you're doing a lot. How does your salary shooting a TV show compare to your salary and the time it takes also creating a musical?
Freakonomics Radio
629. How Is Live Theater Still Alive?
So by the time Three Summers of Lincoln makes it to Broadway, assuming it makes it to Broadway, you will have been working on it for years by then, right? Years, yes. Years. And the fee that you get for being the co-lyricist and choreographer on this show, you could make that much money in how many days or weeks of shooting TV or film? I can make that in an episode. Oh, my God.
Freakonomics Radio
629. How Is Live Theater Still Alive?
I made it this weekend. So basically, we should be very grateful to TV and film for subsidizing theater work. Essentially, honestly, yeah. Thank you.
Freakonomics Radio
629. How Is Live Theater Still Alive?
Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you.
Freakonomics Radio
629. How Is Live Theater Still Alive?
Now, there was no book yet. There was no book.
Freakonomics Radio
629. How Is Live Theater Still Alive?
But of course, Landesman did have a career, a big one. He produced several more hits, a Guys and Dolls revival, Angels in America, The Producers. And he wound up running Jujamson Theatres, the third largest Broadway landlord. So when a Freakonomics Radio listener wrote in to say that they'd always wondered about the economics of live theater and that we should make a series about that.
Freakonomics Radio
629. How Is Live Theater Still Alive?
Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you.
Freakonomics Radio
629. How Is Live Theater Still Alive?
Rocco was one of the first people I thought of, not just because he knows things. There are plenty of people in the industry who know things, but because he is willing to say them, which many people are not. For instance, I asked him about a couple of recent Broadway disasters, $25 million musicals that bombed.
Freakonomics Radio
629. How Is Live Theater Still Alive?
Quentin Darrington, who goes by Q, has been performing on Broadway for more than 15 years. His credits include Cats and MJ the Musical. He is a deeply religious man who sees his talent as something to be shared. Here he is offstage, out of character.
Freakonomics Radio
629. How Is Live Theater Still Alive?
Before that, though, I mean, you were singing in the choir. What were you missing from that?
Freakonomics Radio
629. How Is Live Theater Still Alive?
And here's a scene from the workshop. Frederick Douglass is at the White House about to meet the president for the first time. Lincoln's valet, William Slade, introduces Douglass.
Freakonomics Radio
629. How Is Live Theater Still Alive?
The two men talk about their favorite authors. For Douglas, it's Charles Dickens. Because, Douglas explains, he writes of society's injustices. Lincoln's favorite author is Shakespeare, he says, for he writes of the burdens of kings.
Freakonomics Radio
629. How Is Live Theater Still Alive?
The relationship between Douglas and Lincoln and the interplay between Quentin Darrington and Brian Stokes Mitchell is riveting. And even though this was just a workshop, the story and songs and performances are undeniably moving. Yeah! I was sitting next to Debbie Buchholz, who runs the La Jolla Playhouse.
Freakonomics Radio
629. How Is Live Theater Still Alive?
As soon as the performance was over, a friend rushed up to her and said, you better start practicing your Tony speech.
Freakonomics Radio
629. How Is Live Theater Still Alive?
It was exciting to see and hear so much excitement, to see the coming together of a story that was just a flicker in someone's imagination, to see it live and breathe and make people laugh and gasp and grieve. The gestation period for a new musical is so long and difficult and expensive that every time it moves forward, it feels like a major accomplishment. But there's a lot more to be done.
Freakonomics Radio
629. How Is Live Theater Still Alive?
They fall in love with the shows. So today on Freakonomics Radio, investors who fall in love with shows, performers who fall in love with the stage, and audiences who fall in love with the whole enterprise. There is, of course, one huge problem.
Freakonomics Radio
629. How Is Live Theater Still Alive?
Next will come some rewrites and then more workshopping with the actors and then a whole other layer of creative work that will feed into the production at La Jolla. Lighting design and scenic design, costumes and choreography. The La Jolla Playhouse has a strong subscriber base, and this new Lincoln show has begun to catch their attention.
Freakonomics Radio
629. How Is Live Theater Still Alive?
Subscribers are particularly jazzed about Brian Stokes Mitchell in the lead role. To have a performer of that caliber star in a new Broadway-bound musical at a regional theater is a real attraction. But then, one day before tickets go on sale for the world premiere of Three Summers of Lincoln, I hear from one of the show's producers. Brian Stokes Mitchell has quit the project. Personal reasons.
Freakonomics Radio
629. How Is Live Theater Still Alive?
That's all anyone is saying. Everyone is shaken. Rumors fly. We'll hear more about that later in the series. Coming up next time in part two, is the theater business actually a business? We're not a real business. We go up and we go down. We have hits. But in between those hits, we have four flops in a row. That's next time on the show. Until then, take care of yourself.
Freakonomics Radio
629. How Is Live Theater Still Alive?
And if you can, someone else too. Freakonomics Radio is produced by Stitcher and Renbud Radio. You can find our entire archive on any podcast app. also at Freakonomics.com, where we publish transcripts and show notes. This series is being produced by Alina Cullman, and we had research assistance from Julie Canfor. This episode was mixed by Jasmine Klinger with help from Jeremy Johnston.
Freakonomics Radio
629. How Is Live Theater Still Alive?
The Freakonomics Radio Network staff also includes Augusta Chapman, Dalvin Abawaji, Eleanor Osborne, Ellen Frankman, Elsa Hernandez, Gabriel Roth, Greg Rippin, John Schnarz, Morgan Levy, Neil Carruth, Sarah Lilly, Tao Jacobs, and Zach Lipinski. Our theme song is Mr. Fortune by the Hitchhikers, and our composer is Luis Guerra. As always, thanks for listening. Nice work if you can get it, yeah?
Freakonomics Radio
629. How Is Live Theater Still Alive?
So here's the question. In a time with so much entertainment, including an infinite stream of digital and virtual entertainments, how can it be that this very expensive, handmade, live every night thing even exists? Theater isn't going away. People telling stories is not going away. We take a hard look at theatrical finances. Are you trying to get me killed?
Freakonomics Radio
629. How Is Live Theater Still Alive?
And we follow one new musical from the very beginning.
Freakonomics Radio
629. How Is Live Theater Still Alive?
Please take your seats. Our show is about to begin.
Freakonomics Radio
629. How Is Live Theater Still Alive?
The live theater industry in the US is estimated at under $6 billion a year with around 27,000 employees. So not very big, but there is a lot going on beneath the surface that most of us don't see when we buy a ticket. You could imagine a pyramid with Broadway at the top.
Freakonomics Radio
629. How Is Live Theater Still Alive?
Broadway is both a goal and the engine that drives a lot of the activity further down the pyramid in regional and repertory theaters, most of which are nonprofits. in community theater, in high school and college theater, and in any number of church halls and garages and living rooms where someone decides to put on a show.
Freakonomics Radio
629. How Is Live Theater Still Alive?
But the Broadway economy is by far the most visible and the most influential. Over the past couple decades, it has gotten much more expensive to produce shows on Broadway, and ticket prices have also spiked. The average now is around $130. This leads some people to conclude that Broadway is unsustainable, that it is sick and perhaps dying.
Freakonomics Radio
629. How Is Live Theater Still Alive?
But keep in mind that people have been saying that forever. One of Broadway's many nicknames is The Fabulous Invalid, which comes from a Kaufman Hart play first produced in 1938. Lately, you may have seen encouraging headlines about Broadway box office, like when George Clooney decides to star in a play for a few months.
Freakonomics Radio
629. How Is Live Theater Still Alive?
This led one producer to complain that throwing movie stars at the Broadway model is just a way of cauterizing the bleeding. By the way, that producer was Scott Rudin, who had been sent into exile for throwing a stapler at his assistant, among other allegations. One thing about Broadway, it is not dull. This series won't be dull either.
Freakonomics Radio
629. How Is Live Theater Still Alive?
We will tell you about the real estate cartel that controls Broadway, the theatrical unions that get good wages for their members and drive producers absolutely crazy. The performers and other creatives who in pursuit of their dreams are willing to scrape by on relatively low pay. So, let's start with...
Freakonomics Radio
629. How Is Live Theater Still Alive?
DiPietro remembers exactly how he started down this career path. His parents took him to see the musical 1776 on Broadway.
Freakonomics Radio
629. How Is Live Theater Still Alive?
He's now been writing for more than 30 years. His credits include the musical Memphis, for which DiPietro won two Tony Awards, and All Shook Up, an Elvis Presley jukebox musical. So what is this new show he's working on, Three Summers of Lincoln?
Freakonomics Radio
629. How Is Live Theater Still Alive?
Richard Winkler worked for years on Broadway as a lighting designer.
Freakonomics Radio
629. How Is Live Theater Still Alive?
That was 16 years ago. Alan Shore, who lives in Boston, spent most of his career in financial services. He started producing around 12 years ago. So what does a Broadway producer actually do?
Freakonomics Radio
629. How Is Live Theater Still Alive?
Diana, as in Diana, Princess of Wales. It was a musical, also written by Joe DiPietro, and it was scheduled to open on Broadway in March of 2020. Then came COVID. All 41 Broadway theaters shut down for what turned out to be 18 months. So what do you do now if you're a producer who has already spent millions to develop a show?
Freakonomics Radio
629. How Is Live Theater Still Alive?
And so a filmed stage version of Diana premiered on Netflix in October 2021. Critics hated it. And so did viewers. Cringeworthy, they called it, and exploitative and tawdry. The Guardian named Diana the year's most hysterically awful hate watch.
Freakonomics Radio
629. How Is Live Theater Still Alive?
The producers did finally bring Diana live to Broadway. It didn't work there either. It closed after barely a month and reportedly lost around $10 million. Maybe Princess Diana just wasn't the right character to build a new musical around. So how about Abraham Lincoln? I asked Alan Shore to explain the genesis of that idea.
Freakonomics Radio
629. How Is Live Theater Still Alive?
I'm a Broadway producer and the former chair of the National Endowment for the Arts. I've known Rocco for a long time. He was one of the first important people I got to know when I was starting out as a writer in New York. And he was easily one of the most interesting, too. Very sharp and also very blunt, with a reputation as a bit of a rogue, which he seemed to enjoy.
Fresh Air
Amanda Knox Is 'Free,' But Is That Enough?
American Amanda Knox entered an Italian courtroom.
Fresh Air
Amanda Knox Is 'Free,' But Is That Enough?
At rush hour downtown, the otters would swim toward each other and there are literally tens of thousands of people who are on their way to work.
Fresh Air
Amanda Knox Is 'Free,' But Is That Enough?
At Planet Money, we'll take you from a race to make rum in the Caribbean. Our rum, from a quality standpoint, is the best in the world. To the labs streaming up the most advanced microchips. It's very rare for people to go inside. To the back rooms of New York's Diamond District. What, you looking for the stupid guy here? They're all smart, don't worry about it. Planet Money from NPR.
Fresh Air
Amanda Knox Is 'Free,' But Is That Enough?
We go to the story and take you along with us wherever you get your podcasts.
Fresh Air
The Gutting Of The Department Of Education
On the Embedded Podcast. No. It's called denying a freedom of speech. It's misinformation. Like so many Americans, my dad has gotten swept up in conspiracy theories. These are not conspiracy theories. These are reality. I spent the year following him down the rabbit hole, trying to get him back. Listen to Alternate Realities on the Embedded Podcast from NPR. All episodes available now.
Fresh Air
ICE Campus Arrests & The 'Struggle For The Soul' Of America
Do you remember when discovering a new artist felt like finding buried treasure? At All Songs Considered, NPR's music recommendation podcast, we put that kind of magic back into discovering new tracks. We're here to make the hunt for new music easy, delivering you the cream of the crop from every genre. We'll help you make music feel fun again, only on All Songs Considered from NPR.
Fresh Air
ICE Campus Arrests & The 'Struggle For The Soul' Of America
We care about whether we're seen as a good person, whether others see us as a good person, and whether we feel like good people.
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ICE Campus Arrests & The 'Struggle For The Soul' Of America
These days, there is a lot of news. It can be hard to keep up with what it means for you, your family, and your community. Consider This from NPR is a podcast that helps you make sense of the news. Six days a week, we bring you a deep dive on a story and provide the context, backstory, and analysis you need to understand our rapidly changing world. Listen to the Consider This podcast from NPR.
Fresh Air
The Campaign To Silence Journalists & Undermine Free Speech
Making time for the news is important, but when you need a break, we've got you covered on All Songs Considered, NPR's music podcast. Think of it like a music discovery show, a well-deserved escape with friends, and yeah, some serious music insight. I'm gonna keep it real. I have no idea what this story is about. Hear new episodes of All Songs Considered every Tuesday, wherever you get podcasts.
Fresh Air
The Campaign To Silence Journalists & Undermine Free Speech
These days, there's so much news, it can be hard to keep up with what it all means for you, your family, and your community. The Consider This podcast from NPR features our award-winning journalism. Six days a week, we bring you a deep dive on a news story and provide the context and analysis that helps you make sense of the news. We get behind the headlines. We get to the truth.
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The Campaign To Silence Journalists & Undermine Free Speech
Listen to the Consider This podcast from NPR.
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The Campaign To Silence Journalists & Undermine Free Speech
It would have been a crisis. The man who saw a dangerous omission in the U.S. Constitution and took it upon himself to fix it. Find NPR's ThruLine wherever you get your podcasts.
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The Campaign To Silence Journalists & Undermine Free Speech
Listen wherever you listen. Bella DePaulo is glad if you're happily married, but she is perfectly happy being single.
Fresh Air
The Campaign To Silence Journalists & Undermine Free Speech
From yourself to your dog to your spouse are significant others. That's on the TED Radio Hour from NPR.
Fresh Air
The Campaign To Silence Journalists & Undermine Free Speech
On the ThruLine podcast, the myth linking autism and vaccines was decades in the making and was a major moment for vaccine hesitancy in America, tapping into fears involving the pharmaceutical industry and the federal government.
Fresh Air
The Campaign To Silence Journalists & Undermine Free Speech
Listen to ThruLine from NPR wherever you get your podcasts.
Fresh Air
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It would have been a crisis. The man who saw a dangerous omission in the U.S. Constitution and took it upon himself to fix it. Find NPR's ThruLine wherever you get your podcasts.
Fresh Air
Comic Bill Burr [Extended Version]
Here on Shortwave, we believe that science is for everyone and that every question is worth asking, no matter your age.
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Comic Bill Burr [Extended Version]
Tools for managing our emotions. That's on the TED Radio Hour podcast from NPR.
Fresh Air
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On the Embedded Podcast. No. It's called denying a freedom of speech. It's misinformation. Like so many Americans, my dad has gotten swept up in conspiracy theories. These are not conspiracy theories. These are reality. I spent the year following him down the rabbit hole, trying to get him back. Listen to Alternate Realities on the Embedded Podcast from NPR. All episodes available now.
Fresh Air
Comic Bill Burr [Extended Version]
Our podcast is for the curious at heart. Come embrace your inner child when you listen now to Shortwave from NPR.
Fresh Air
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Extreme weather disasters like wildfires and floods can devastate communities. On the Sunday story from Up First, we ask, are there places that just aren't safe to live anymore? People are going to die. They will be me and my neighbors, and I don't want that to happen. How we respond to disasters in an era of climate insecurity. Listen now on the Up First podcast from NPR.
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Jason Isbell On Love, Heartbreak & Songwriting
A couple months ago here at Planet Money, we stumbled across our favorite kind of economic mystery.
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Jason Isbell On Love, Heartbreak & Songwriting
A deal that seemed way too good to be true.
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Jason Isbell On Love, Heartbreak & Songwriting
Join us on our adventure. Talk to me, show me what you got. To find out exactly how much a diamond is worth. Planet Money from NPR, wherever you get your podcasts.
Fresh Air
Best Of: Seth Rogen / Can The Dems Win Back The Bros?
This message comes from Penguin Random House with Everything is Tuberculosis. Best-selling author John Green tells the story of a young TB patient in Sierra Leone and systems of injustice fueling the world's deadliest infectious disease. Available where books and audiobooks are sold.
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Best Of: Seth Rogen / Can The Dems Win Back The Bros?
Over 70% of us say that we feel spiritual, but that doesn't mean we're going to church. Nope. The girls are doing Reiki. The bros are doing psychedelics. And a whole lot of us are turning inward to manifest our best selves. On It's Been a Minute from NPR, I'm looking at why maybe you and your closest friends are buying into wellness for spirituality.
Fresh Air
Best Of: Seth Rogen / Can The Dems Win Back The Bros?
That's on the It's Been a Minute podcast from NPR. On the embedded podcast.
Fresh Air
Best Of: Seth Rogen / Can The Dems Win Back The Bros?
No. It's called denying a freedom of speech. It's misinformation. It's misinformation. Like so many Americans, my dad has gotten swept up in conspiracy theories. These are not conspiracy theories. These are reality. I spent the year following him down the rabbit hole, trying to get him back. Listen to Alternate Realities on the Embedded Podcast from NPR. All episodes available now.
Fresh Air
Best Of: Seth Rogen / Can The Dems Win Back The Bros?
Support for NPR and the following message come from the Lemelson Foundation, working to harness the power of invention and innovation to accelerate climate action and improve lives around the world. Learn more at lemelson.org.
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Best Of: Seth Rogen / Can The Dems Win Back The Bros?
This message comes from today's Open Book with Jenna podcast. Each week, Jenna Bush Hager is joined by celebrities, experts, bestselling authors, and friends who share candid stories and exciting new projects. Search Open Book with Jenna to follow now.
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When Malcolm Gladwell presented NPR's Throughline podcast with a Peabody Award, he praised it for its historical and moral clarity. On Throughline, we take you back in time to the origins of what's in the news, like presidential power, aging, and evangelicalism. Time travel with us every week on the Throughline podcast from NPR.
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Best Of: Richard Kind / Melinda French Gates
We go to the story and take you along with us wherever you get your podcasts.
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Best Of: Comic Bill Burr / Actor Simu Liu
Support for NPR and the following message come from Jarl and Pamela Moan, thanking the people who make public radio great every day, and also those who listen. Support for NPR and the following message come from the estate of Joan B. Crott,
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Best Of: Comic Bill Burr / Actor Simu Liu
whose bequest serves as an enduring investment in the future of public radio and seeks to help NPR be the model for high-quality journalism in the 21st century.
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Convicted of a horrid crime in a foreign land. Sentenced to 26 years for killing a roommate. Her pleas for innocence seemed more cold and calculating than remorseful.
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Best Of: Amanda Knox / 'Adolescence' Co-Creator & Actor Stephen Graham
You have your job, but you also have a life. And you're not just one thing. Neither is the Here and Now Anytime podcast. Every weekday, we break down the biggest story of the day and something else, like a new trend everyone's talking about. It's Here and Now Anytime, a daily podcast from NPR and WBUR.
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Best Of: Amanda Knox / 'Adolescence' Co-Creator & Actor Stephen Graham
Cell phones, cars, coffee. How do these goods make their way to us from overseas? And what will President Trump's tariffs mean for their price tags? Join the 1A podcast as we explore supply chains and costs associated with some of your favorite products. It's our series, How Did This Get Here? Every Wednesday, listen to the 1A podcast from NPR and WAMU.
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Best Of: Amanda Knox / 'Adolescence' Co-Creator & Actor Stephen Graham
These days, there is a lot of news. It can be hard to keep up with what it means for you, your family, and your community. Consider This from NPR is a podcast that helps you make sense of the news. Six days a week, we bring you a deep dive on a story and provide the context, backstory, and analysis you need to understand our rapidly changing world. Listen to the Consider This podcast from NPR.
Fresh Air
Questlove Digs Into 50 years Of 'SNL' Musical Hits (And Misses)
Some classic performances are run full length. Others are sampled in cleverly compiled montages and mashups. It's such a solid, well-selected overview that I can think of only one SNL music performance I really wish had been included. Paul Simon, backed by Ladysmith Black Mambazo, on their thrilling 1986 rendition of Diamonds on the Soles of Her Shoes. But Questlove covers a lot.
Fresh Air
Questlove Digs Into 50 years Of 'SNL' Musical Hits (And Misses)
Not only infamous appearances by Elvis Costello, Sinead O'Connor, Ashley Simpson, and Kanye, but even comedy sketches and videos built around music. The infamous Dick in a Box Christmas song, with Justin Timberlake and SNL cast member Andy Samberg, is deconstructed. So is another classic SNL musical moment, featuring guest host Paul Rudd and musical guest Beyoncé.
Fresh Air
Questlove Digs Into 50 years Of 'SNL' Musical Hits (And Misses)
Timberlake tells how that got on the air, with Timberlake, Samberg, and cast member Bobby Moynihan as her music video backup dancers. Partway through Timberlake's account, we hear the start of the actual single lady's sketch.
Fresh Air
Questlove Digs Into 50 years Of 'SNL' Musical Hits (And Misses)
Morgan Neville's SNL documentary series is broken into four episodes, each one looking at a different aspect of the show and its history. The first one looks at the original audition tapes by many of the people who tried out for SNL, with those same people watching and reacting to their younger selves. Some scream, some cringe, some cry, some, like Pete Davidson, laugh.
Fresh Air
Questlove Digs Into 50 years Of 'SNL' Musical Hits (And Misses)
Another episode spends a week observing how an installment of SNL is created by following the process from start to finish, mostly from the point of view of the writers. A third episode gets even more laser-focused, spending an hour on a single sketch. And it's a brilliant choice, coming from the midway point of the show's 50-year run.
Fresh Air
Questlove Digs Into 50 years Of 'SNL' Musical Hits (And Misses)
It's the sketch Recording Session, featuring guest star Christopher Walken and cast members Will Ferrell, Jimmy Fallon, Chris Parnell, and others. You may know it better by the name most associated with it, More Cowbell. It's a sketch Walken and Farrell elevated after the dress rehearsal by going all out in character.
Fresh Air
Questlove Digs Into 50 years Of 'SNL' Musical Hits (And Misses)
The sketch was set during the recording session for Blue Oyster Cult's 1970s hit Don't Fear the Reaper. Farrell plays a very loud cowbell, and Walken portrays the track's very enthusiastic music producer. Jimmy Fallon remembers.
Fresh Air
Questlove Digs Into 50 years Of 'SNL' Musical Hits (And Misses)
Once the sketch began on the live show, Farrell, who had written it, knew they had connected big time with the studio audience.
Fresh Air
Questlove Digs Into 50 years Of 'SNL' Musical Hits (And Misses)
I'm like, oh, they're in. They're in. Oh, goody, there's more coming. In this new recounting, we do not hear from Christopher Walken himself, which Dana Carvey says is writing character for him. Carvey even slips into character as Walken to make his point.
Fresh Air
Questlove Digs Into 50 years Of 'SNL' Musical Hits (And Misses)
The final episode of Neville's documentary series hones in on one seemingly random but ultimately seminal year. The 1985-86 season, when executive producer Lorne Michaels, who had left the show after its first successful five-year cycle with the original cast, was asked back by NBC executive Brandon Tartikoff.
Fresh Air
Questlove Digs Into 50 years Of 'SNL' Musical Hits (And Misses)
SNL was in free fall, and the common wisdom was that Lorne never would return to a sinking ship. But he did.
Fresh Air
Questlove Digs Into 50 years Of 'SNL' Musical Hits (And Misses)
I kind of enjoyed being me. It's one of the few times in either documentary we hear from Michaels. Clearly, he prefers to let the cast and crew and the shows speak for themselves. And they do. Tina Fey and Amy Poehler, among others, tell some really great stories.
Fresh Air
Questlove Digs Into 50 years Of 'SNL' Musical Hits (And Misses)
There may not be enough screen time given to some SNL veterans in their stories, from Bill Murray to Kate McKinnon and Sarah Sherman, but there are an awful lot of laughs and memories and music and insights. And just the right amount of cowbell.
Fresh Air
Questlove Digs Into 50 years Of 'SNL' Musical Hits (And Misses)
The two new Saturday Night Live documentaries come from filmmakers who bring their own interests and perspectives. NBC's Ladies and Gentlemen, 50 Years of SNL Music comes from Amir Questlove-Thompson, who's both a musician and a music historian.
Fresh Air
Questlove Digs Into 50 years Of 'SNL' Musical Hits (And Misses)
And the four-part SNL 50 Beyond Saturday Night, now streaming on Peacock, comes from Morgan Neville, who's as interested in the creative process as he is in letting people tell their own stories. Questlove, in his movie-length study, mines the archive of a half-century of musical performances, as well as the emergence of hip-hop and other genres, into the show and the culture.
Global News Podcast
Trump and intelligence chiefs play down Signal app group chat leak
Bitcoin-Mining didn't build Zengamida Hydro Plant, but there's no doubt it's been a win, not just for the energy company and the Bitcoin miners, but also for the local town. However, the plant has received a huge amount of investment and will soon be expanding. They hope to sell any excess energy eventually back to the grid.
Global News Podcast
Trump and intelligence chiefs play down Signal app group chat leak
So Philipp and team have got to hit the road and find a new place as perfect as this.
Global News Podcast
Trump and intelligence chiefs play down Signal app group chat leak
Immer schon Immo. Die Baufinanzierung der Sparkassen. Jetzt Banner klicken und zeitlos gute Infos erhalten.
Global News Podcast
Trump and intelligence chiefs play down Signal app group chat leak
Meine Uroma wünschte sich ein Haus im Jugendstil. Mein Opa im Bauhausstil. Meine Eltern haben ein Bungalow. Und ich habe auch schon Pläne für mein eigenes Zuhause. Übrigens immer mit dabei die Sparkasse.
Global News Podcast
Zelensky says Trump 'living in disinformation space' created by Russia
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Global News Podcast
Zelensky says Trump 'living in disinformation space' created by Russia
Hello, I'm Robin Ince. And I'm Brian Cox. And we would like to tell you about the new series of The Infinite Monkey Cage. We're going to have a planet of Jupiter versus Saturn. It's very well done that, because in the script it does say wrestling voice. After all of that, it's going to kind of chill out a bit and talk about ice.
Global News Podcast
Zelensky says Trump 'living in disinformation space' created by Russia
And also in this series we're discussing history of music, recording with Brian Eno and looking at nature's shapes.
Global News Podcast
Zelensky says Trump 'living in disinformation space' created by Russia
And I'm Brian Cox. And we would like to tell you about the new series of The Infinite Monkey Cage. We're going to have a planet of Jupiter versus Saturn. It's very well done that, because in the script it does say wrestling voice. After all of that, it's going to kind of chill out a bit and talk about ice.
Global News Podcast
Zelensky says Trump 'living in disinformation space' created by Russia
And also in this series we're discussing history of music, recording with Brian Eno and looking at nature's shapes.
Global News Podcast
Zelensky says Trump 'living in disinformation space' created by Russia
Deine innere Stimme, die dir sagt, wie du dir den Job für deine Zukunft vorstellst. Mit Freude und Unterstützung im Team und Projekten, die dich und andere weiterbringen. Dann hör auf dich, finde ihn auf sparkasse.de slash karriere. Wir machen den Job wahr, den du dir vorstellst. Sparkasse, weil es um mehr als Geld geht.
Global News Podcast
Zelensky says Trump 'living in disinformation space' created by Russia
Hörst du das? Nicht mich, dich! Deine innere Stimme, die dir sagt, wie du dir den Job für deine Zukunft vorstellst. In einem Team, das zusammenhält. Bei einem Unternehmen, das unsere Gesellschaft voranbringt. Dann hör auf dich. Finde ihn auf sparkasse.de. Wir machen den Job wahr, den du dir vorstellst. Sparkasse. Weil's um mehr als Geld geht. Hörst du das? Nicht mich, dich!
Global News Podcast
Man detained after Russian general's assassination
Yoga is more than just exercise. It's the spiritual practice that millions swear by. And in 2017, Miranda, a university tutor from London, joins a yoga school that promises profound transformation.
Global News Podcast
Man detained after Russian general's assassination
But soon, that calm, welcoming atmosphere leads to something far darker, a journey that leads to allegations of grooming, trafficking and exploitation across international borders.
Global News Podcast
Man detained after Russian general's assassination
World of Secrets is where untold stories are unveiled and hidden realities are exposed. In this new series, we're confronting the dark side of the wellness industry with a hope of a spiritual breakthrough gives way to disturbing accusations. You just get sucked in so gradually.
Global News Podcast
Man detained after Russian general's assassination
World of Secrets, Season 6, The Bad Guru. Listen wherever you get your podcasts.
Global News Podcast
US says it's cautiously optimistic that a deal to end fighting in Gaza is within reach
Yoga is more than just exercise. It's the spiritual practice that millions swear by. And in 2017, Miranda, a university tutor from London, joins a yoga school that promises profound transformation.
Global News Podcast
US says it's cautiously optimistic that a deal to end fighting in Gaza is within reach
But soon, that calm, welcoming atmosphere leads to something far darker, a journey that leads to allegations of grooming, trafficking and exploitation across international borders.
Global News Podcast
US says it's cautiously optimistic that a deal to end fighting in Gaza is within reach
World of Secrets is where untold stories are unveiled and hidden realities are exposed. In this new series, we're confronting the dark side of the wellness industry with the hope of a spiritual breakthrough gives way to disturbing accusations. You just get sucked in so gradually.
Global News Podcast
US says it's cautiously optimistic that a deal to end fighting in Gaza is within reach
World of Secrets, Season 6, The Bad Guru. Listen wherever you get your podcasts.
Global News Podcast
Talks between Israel and Hamas continue in Qatar
where the hope of spiritual breakthroughs leaves people vulnerable to exploitation.
Global News Podcast
Talks between Israel and Hamas continue in Qatar
World of Secrets, The Bad Guru. Listen wherever you get your BBC podcasts.
Global News Podcast
Talks between Israel and Hamas continue in Qatar
World of Secrets is where untold stories are exposed and in this new series we investigate the dark side of the wellness industry following the story of a woman who joined a yoga school only to uncover a world she never expected.
Global News Podcast
Talks between Israel and Hamas continue in Qatar
World of Secrets is where untold stories are exposed. And in this new series, we investigate the dark side of the wellness industry, following the story of a woman who joined a yoga school only to uncover a world she never expected.
Global News Podcast
Talks between Israel and Hamas continue in Qatar
where the hope of spiritual breakthroughs leaves people vulnerable to exploitation.
Global News Podcast
Talks between Israel and Hamas continue in Qatar
World of Secrets, The Bad Guru. Listen wherever you get your BBC podcasts.
Global News Podcast
Roof collapse at Dominican Republic nightclub kills scores of people
This BBC Podcast is supported by ads outside the UK.
Global News Podcast
Roof collapse at Dominican Republic nightclub kills scores of people
Still to come... Now it's being claimed that they have been brought back into existence. Is that true?
Global News Podcast
Roof collapse at Dominican Republic nightclub kills scores of people
Jeden Dienstag und Freitag mindestens 10 Millionen Euro im Eurojackpot. Das Leben könnte so Jackpot sein. Mit Eurojackpot. In jeder Lotto-Annahmestelle und auf lottobayern.de. Lotto Bayern. Nimm dein Glück in die Hand. Spielteilnahme ab 18. Chance auf den Höchstgewinn 1 zu 140 Millionen. Glücksspiel kann süchtig machen. Hilfe unter bzga.de. Lotto Bayern. Wünscht viel Spaß beim folgenden Podcast.
Global News Podcast
Roof collapse at Dominican Republic nightclub kills scores of people
Die Direwolves sind mehr als 10.000 Jahre hervorgegangen. Es wurde gedacht, dass sie weggingen, weil der Verlust großer Herbivore, wie Mammut, sowie klimatischer Veränderung und Wettbewerb von anderen Speziesen. Jetzt, Texas-based colossal biosciences claims to have brought them back. That is the howling of the six-month-old pups Romulus and Remus and a three-month-old girl called Khaleesi.
Global News Podcast
Roof collapse at Dominican Republic nightclub kills scores of people
To create them, scientists took DNA from a 13,000-year-old dire wolf tooth and a 72,000-year-old skull. They identified genes they believed accounted for the species' distinctive characteristics, such as its powerful build and white coat, and inserted these into the genetic information of a grey wolf.
Global News Podcast
Roof collapse at Dominican Republic nightclub kills scores of people
The researchers then made embryos, which were put in the wombs of domestic dogs and brought to term. Pontus Skoglund is the group leader of the Francis Crick Institute's Ancient Genomics Laboratory. He says these hybrid beasts can't be called direwolves.
Global News Podcast
Roof collapse at Dominican Republic nightclub kills scores of people
Heute ein Audi, morgen dein Audi. Mit attraktiven Leasingkonditionen ab sofort bei den Audi Gebrauchtwagen Plus Wochen. Sichere dir jetzt eines der zahlreichen sofort verfügbaren Audi Modelle bei deinem Audi Gebrauchtwagen Plus Partner. Nur bis zum 28.04. bei Fischer Automobile in Ursen-Sollen.
Global News Podcast
Roof collapse at Dominican Republic nightclub kills scores of people
I mean, are we talking about some clients losing millions just in a matter of minutes?
Global News Podcast
Roof collapse at Dominican Republic nightclub kills scores of people
Luca, wie ist es für dich in den letzten paar Tagen, all das zu sehen?
Global News Podcast
Roof collapse at Dominican Republic nightclub kills scores of people
I mean, $6 trillion were wiped off the US stock market since the tariff announcement last Wednesday.
Global News Podcast
Roof collapse at Dominican Republic nightclub kills scores of people
Irgendetwas fehlt mir noch zum Grillen.
Global News Podcast
Roof collapse at Dominican Republic nightclub kills scores of people
Wie wär's mit einem eigenen Sternekoch? Nur für die Soßen.
Global News Podcast
Roof collapse at Dominican Republic nightclub kills scores of people
No supplies, humanitarian or commercial, have been allowed into Gaza for more than a month. The Fourth Geneva Convention requires Israel as the occupying power to ensure the population has food and medicine. Hospitals and health workers must be protected. Essential services like water and sanitation must be maintained. None of this, Antonio Guterres said, is happening in Gaza.
Global News Podcast
Roof collapse at Dominican Republic nightclub kills scores of people
He urged a renewal of the ceasefire, pointing out that previous pauses in fighting had allowed Israeli hostages to be released. And he paid tribute to aid workers in Gaza, describing them as heroes who were doing all they could to help people. Er beantragte eine unabhängige Untersuchung über die Taten von 15 Arbeiter, die letztes Monat von israelischen Kräften getötet wurden. Imogen, folks.
Global News Podcast
First deaths as wildfires wreak havoc in LA
Start listening to Oliver Berkman, Epidemics of Modern Life. Available to purchase wherever you get your audiobooks.
Global News Podcast
First deaths as wildfires wreak havoc in LA
Discover how to lead a better life in our age of confusion.
Global News Podcast
First deaths as wildfires wreak havoc in LA
Start listening to Oliver Berkman, Epidemics of Modern Life. Available to purchase wherever you get your audiobooks.
Global News Podcast
First deaths as wildfires wreak havoc in LA
Start listening to Oliver Berkman, Epidemics of Modern Life. Available to purchase wherever you get your audiobooks.
Global News Podcast
Trump says US to 'takeover' and 'own' Gaza
Yoga is more than just exercise. It's the spiritual practice that millions swear by. And in 2017, Miranda, a university tutor from London, joins a yoga school that promises profound transformation.
Global News Podcast
Trump says US to 'takeover' and 'own' Gaza
But soon, that calm, welcoming atmosphere leads to something far darker, a journey that leads to allegations of grooming, trafficking and exploitation across international borders.
Global News Podcast
Trump says US to 'takeover' and 'own' Gaza
World of Secrets is where untold stories are unveiled and hidden realities are exposed. In this new series, we're confronting the dark side of the wellness industry with a hope of a spiritual breakthrough gives way to disturbing accusations. You just get sucked in so gradually.
Global News Podcast
Trump says US to 'takeover' and 'own' Gaza
World of Secrets, Season 6, The Bad Guru. Listen wherever you get your podcasts.
Global News Podcast
BBC team reaches Khartoum and finds overwhelming destruction
This BBC podcast is supported by ads outside the UK. On our podcast, Good Bad Billionaire, we explain how the world's billionaires made all their money.
Global News Podcast
BBC team reaches Khartoum and finds overwhelming destruction
Pop stars and tech titans, founders and filmmakers, inventors and investors, we cover them all. And for the first time, we're talking about a video game designer.
Global News Podcast
BBC team reaches Khartoum and finds overwhelming destruction
On our podcast, Good Bad Billionaire, we explain how the world's billionaires made all their money.
Global News Podcast
BBC team reaches Khartoum and finds overwhelming destruction
Pop stars and tech titans, founders and filmmakers, inventors and investors, we cover them all. And for the first time, we're talking about a video game designer.
Global News Podcast
BBC team reaches Khartoum and finds overwhelming destruction
Yep, we're talking about Marcus Persson, the Swedish coding king who programmed the world's most successful game, Minecraft, all by himself.
Global News Podcast
BBC team reaches Khartoum and finds overwhelming destruction
He made a billion, but is he good, bad, or just another billionaire? Find out on Good Bad Billionaire, listen on the BBC app, or wherever you get your podcasts.
Global News Podcast
BBC team reaches Khartoum and finds overwhelming destruction
On our podcast, Good Bad Billionaire, we explain how the world's billionaires made all their money.
Global News Podcast
BBC team reaches Khartoum and finds overwhelming destruction
Pop stars and tech titans, founders and filmmakers, inventors and investors. We cover them all. And for the first time, we're talking about a video game designer.
Global News Podcast
BBC team reaches Khartoum and finds overwhelming destruction
Yeah, we're talking about Marcus Persson, the Swedish coding king who programmed the world's most successful game, Minecraft, all by himself.
Global News Podcast
BBC team reaches Khartoum and finds overwhelming destruction
He made a billion, but is he good, bad or just another billionaire? Find out on Good Bad Billionaire. Listen on the BBC app or wherever you get your podcasts.
Global News Podcast
BBC team reaches Khartoum and finds overwhelming destruction
Yep, we're talking about Marcus Persson, the Swedish coding king who programmed the world's most successful game, Minecraft, all by himself.
Global News Podcast
BBC team reaches Khartoum and finds overwhelming destruction
He made a billion, but is he good, bad, or just another billionaire? Find out on Good Bad Billionaire, listen on the BBC app, or wherever you get your podcasts.
Global News Podcast
Sudanese military accused of carrying out massacre in Darfur
This BBC podcast is supported by ads outside the UK. On our podcast, Good Bad Billionaire, we explain how the world's billionaires made all their money.
Global News Podcast
Sudanese military accused of carrying out massacre in Darfur
On our podcast, Good Bad Billionaire, we explain how the world's billionaires made all their money.
Global News Podcast
Sudanese military accused of carrying out massacre in Darfur
Pop stars and tech titans, founders and filmmakers, inventors and investors, we cover them all. And for the first time, we're talking about a video game designer.
Global News Podcast
Sudanese military accused of carrying out massacre in Darfur
Yep, we're talking about Marcus Persson, the Swedish coding king who programmed the world's most successful game, Minecraft, all by himself.
Global News Podcast
Sudanese military accused of carrying out massacre in Darfur
He made a billion, but is he good, bad, or just another billionaire? Find out on Good Bad Billionaire, listen on the BBC app, or wherever you get your podcasts.
Global News Podcast
Sudanese military accused of carrying out massacre in Darfur
Pop stars and tech titans, founders and filmmakers, inventors and investors, we cover them all. And for the first time, we're talking about a video game designer.
Global News Podcast
Sudanese military accused of carrying out massacre in Darfur
On our podcast, Good Bad Billionaire, we explain how the world's billionaires made all their money.
Global News Podcast
Sudanese military accused of carrying out massacre in Darfur
Yep, we're talking about Marcus Persson, the Swedish coding king who programmed the world's most successful game, Minecraft, all by himself.
Global News Podcast
Sudanese military accused of carrying out massacre in Darfur
Pop stars and tech titans, founders and filmmakers, inventors and investors, we cover them all. And for the first time, we're talking about a video game designer.
Global News Podcast
Sudanese military accused of carrying out massacre in Darfur
Yep, we're talking about Marcus Persson, the Swedish coding king who programmed the world's most successful game, Minecraft, all by himself.
Global News Podcast
Sudanese military accused of carrying out massacre in Darfur
He made a billion, but is he good, bad, or just another billionaire? Find out on Good Bad Billionaire, listen on the BBC app, or wherever you get your podcasts.
Global News Podcast
Sudanese military accused of carrying out massacre in Darfur
He made a billion, but is he good, bad, or just another billionaire? Find out on Good Bad Billionaire, listen on the BBC app, or wherever you get your podcasts.
Global News Podcast
Britain announces biggest increase in defence spending in decades
Jemanden, der dir den Rücken frei hält und dich auf deinem Weg zum Erfolg unterstützt? Keine Sorge, wir reden ausnahmsweise nicht über Online-Dating. Es geht um Online-Business. Wenn wir über Online-Business reden, habe ich die perfekte Lösung für euch. Shopify. Wenn wir über Online-Business reden, habe ich die perfekte Lösung für euch. Shopify.
Global News Podcast
Britain announces biggest increase in defence spending in decades
Teste Shopify kostenlos und bring dein Geschäft auf das nächste Level. Auf shopify.de Lifestyle. Gemacht für Deutschland. Powered by Shopify. Teste Shopify kostenlos und bring dein Geschäft auf das nächste Level. Auf shopify.de Lifestyle. Gemacht für Deutschland. Powered by Shopify.
Global News Podcast
Britain announces biggest increase in defence spending in decades
Wünschst du dir manchmal jemanden an deiner Seite, der dich so gut versteht wie niemand sonst? Jemanden, der dir den Rücken frei hält und dich auf deinem Weg zum Erfolg unterstützt? Keine Sorge, wir reden ausnahmsweise nicht über Online-Dating. Es geht um Online-Business. Wünschst du dir manchmal jemanden an deiner Seite, der dich so gut versteht wie niemand sonst?
Global News Podcast
Israel launches waves of strikes on Gaza
This BBC podcast is supported by ads outside the UK. On our podcast, Good Bad Billionaire, we explain how the world's billionaires made all their money.
Global News Podcast
Israel launches waves of strikes on Gaza
And then there were none. The passing of Group Captain John Hemingway marks the end of an era, and his wartime exploits were extraordinary. Originally from Dublin, he joined the Royal Air Force before World War II. At 21, he was drafted in as a fighter pilot in the Battle of Britain.
Global News Podcast
Israel launches waves of strikes on Gaza
Across the summer of 1940, British Empire and Allied airmen defended the skies of southeast England against a rampant German air force. Hitler was looking to invade, but needed to knock out the RAF first. He couldn't. Those who fought in the battle came to be known as the few, after a speech by the then Prime Minister Winston Churchill. Hemingway was shot down four times.
Global News Podcast
Israel launches waves of strikes on Gaza
He was forced to bail out of his single-seat fighter twice, once dropping into the North Sea. Another time he was forced to abandon his aircraft, little more than 180 metres above ground. He broke his hand on the tail section, then his parachute failed to open. Fortunately, three branches broke his fall. Decorations followed.
Global News Podcast
Israel launches waves of strikes on Gaza
In 1941, he was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross, a military medal for courage and valour. En route to accepting the gong from the king, he had a lucky escape. His aircraft crashed on take-off. The current Prince of Wales has paid tribute to his passing. We owe so much to Paddy and his generation for our freedoms today, Prince William said.
Global News Podcast
Israel launches waves of strikes on Gaza
Their bravery and sacrifice will always be remembered. Speaking to the BBC in 2023, the centenarian was humble about his role in the country's most important battle. We were just fighting a war which we were trained to fight, he insisted. I'm not a great man, I'm just a lucky man.
Global News Podcast
Israel launches waves of strikes on Gaza
Four years earlier, the old soldier was in the news when the wreckage of his Hurricane aircraft was recovered in English marshland. The plane's control column and gun button were frozen in time. It was still set to fire.
Global News Podcast
Israel launches waves of strikes on Gaza
On our podcast, Good Bad Billionaire, we explain how the world's billionaires made all their money.
Global News Podcast
Israel launches waves of strikes on Gaza
Yeah, we're talking about Marcus Persson, the Swedish coding king who programmed the world's most successful game, Minecraft, all by himself.
Global News Podcast
Israel launches waves of strikes on Gaza
Yep, we're talking about Marcus Persson, the Swedish coding king who programmed the world's most successful game, Minecraft, all by himself.
Global News Podcast
Israel launches waves of strikes on Gaza
On our podcast, Good Bad Billionaire, we explain how the world's billionaires made all their money.
Global News Podcast
Israel launches waves of strikes on Gaza
Yep, we're talking about Marcus Persson, the Swedish coding king who programmed the world's most successful game, Minecraft, all by himself.
Global News Podcast
Canadian PM Mark Carney says he wants to reduce security reliance on the US
This BBC podcast is supported by ads outside the UK. On our podcast, Good Bad Billionaire, we explain how the world's billionaires made all their money.
Global News Podcast
Canadian PM Mark Carney says he wants to reduce security reliance on the US
Pop stars and tech titans, founders and filmmakers, inventors and investors, we cover them all. And for the first time, we're talking about a video game designer.
Global News Podcast
Canadian PM Mark Carney says he wants to reduce security reliance on the US
On our podcast, Good Bad Billionaire, we explain how the world's billionaires made all their money.
Global News Podcast
Canadian PM Mark Carney says he wants to reduce security reliance on the US
Pop stars and tech titans, founders and filmmakers, inventors and investors, we cover them all. And for the first time, we're talking about a video game designer.
Global News Podcast
Canadian PM Mark Carney says he wants to reduce security reliance on the US
Yep, we're talking about Marcus Persson, the Swedish coding king who programmed the world's most successful game, Minecraft, all by himself.
Global News Podcast
Canadian PM Mark Carney says he wants to reduce security reliance on the US
He made a billion, but is he good, bad, or just another billionaire? Find out on Good Bad Billionaire, listen on the BBC app, or wherever you get your podcasts.
Global News Podcast
Canadian PM Mark Carney says he wants to reduce security reliance on the US
Yep, we're talking about Marcus Persson, the Swedish coding king who programmed the world's most successful game, Minecraft, all by himself.
Global News Podcast
Canadian PM Mark Carney says he wants to reduce security reliance on the US
On our podcast, Good Bad Billionaire, we explain how the world's billionaires made all their money.
Global News Podcast
Canadian PM Mark Carney says he wants to reduce security reliance on the US
Pop stars and tech titans, founders and filmmakers, inventors and investors, we cover them all. And for the first time, we're talking about a video game designer.
Global News Podcast
Canadian PM Mark Carney says he wants to reduce security reliance on the US
Yep, we're talking about Marcus Persson, the Swedish coding king who programmed the world's most successful game, Minecraft, all by himself.
Global News Podcast
Canadian PM Mark Carney says he wants to reduce security reliance on the US
He made a billion, but is he good, bad, or just another billionaire? Find out on Good Bad Billionaire, listen on the BBC app, or wherever you get your podcasts.
Global News Podcast
Canadian PM Mark Carney says he wants to reduce security reliance on the US
He made a billion, but is he good, bad, or just another billionaire? Find out on Good Bad Billionaire, listen on the BBC app, or wherever you get your podcasts.
Global News Podcast
Negotiators close to securing Gaza ceasefire deal - White House
Our lives today can feel like miniature versions of this relentless churn of activity. We find we're rushing around more crazily than ever. Somewhere, when we weren't looking, it's like busyness became a way of life.
Global News Podcast
Negotiators close to securing Gaza ceasefire deal - White House
Our lives today can feel like miniature versions of this relentless churn of activity. We find we're rushing around more crazily than ever. Somewhere, when we weren't looking, it's like busyness became a way of life.
Global News Podcast
Pakistan militants attack train in Balochistan
This BBC podcast is supported by ads outside the UK. On our podcast, Good Bad Billionaire, we explain how the world's billionaires made all their money.
Global News Podcast
Pakistan militants attack train in Balochistan
On our podcast, Good Bad Billionaire, we explain how the world's billionaires made all their money.
Global News Podcast
Pakistan militants attack train in Balochistan
Yeah, we're talking about Marcus Persson, the Swedish coding king who programmed the world's most successful game, Minecraft, all by himself.
Global News Podcast
Pakistan militants attack train in Balochistan
Yep, we're talking about Marcus Persson, the Swedish coding king who programmed the world's most successful game, Minecraft, all by himself.
Global News Podcast
Pakistan militants attack train in Balochistan
On our podcast, Good Bad Billionaire, we explain how the world's billionaires made all their money.
Global News Podcast
Pakistan militants attack train in Balochistan
Yep, we're talking about Marcus Persson, the Swedish coding king who programmed the world's most successful game, Minecraft, all by himself.
Global News Podcast
Trump again accuses Zelensky of not wanting peace
On June the 21st, Ruth Ellis was found guilty of murder at the Old Bailey and sentenced to death in accordance with the law. On July the 13th, she was executed in accordance with the law. But Britain's conscience was uneasy. During those three weeks, while public controversy mounted, one man had a terrible decision to make, Home Secretary William Lloyd George.
Global News Podcast
Trump again accuses Zelensky of not wanting peace
As he went about his public duties, he had to decide whether or not to write the grim words, the law must take its course. But in the end he had no choice. As the law stands and as precedent dictates, Ruth Ellis had to die. For the hundreds who waited at Holloway Jail on execution morning, and for the millions who stayed away, three questions remain. Should a woman hang? Should anyone hang at all?
Global News Podcast
Trump again accuses Zelensky of not wanting peace
Or should there be degrees of murder?
Global News Podcast
Trump again accuses Zelensky of not wanting peace
Immer schon Immo. Die Baufinanzierung der Sparkassen. Jetzt Banner klicken und zeitlos gute Infos erhalten.
Global News Podcast
Trump again accuses Zelensky of not wanting peace
Immer schon Immo. Die Baufinanzierung der Sparkassen. Jetzt Banner klicken und zeitlos gute Infos erhalten.
Global News Podcast
Myanmar remembers earthquake dead with a minute's silence
This BBC podcast is supported by ads outside the UK. On our podcast, Good Bad Billionaire, we explain how the world's billionaires made all their money.
Global News Podcast
Myanmar remembers earthquake dead with a minute's silence
In Lebanon, the authorities say around 4,000 people were killed and almost 18,000 wounded in the conflict. A ceasefire was agreed in November, but it didn't put an end to the suffering here. Kifakila was one of the border towns almost completely destroyed by the Israeli military during the war.
Global News Podcast
Myanmar remembers earthquake dead with a minute's silence
I've come to the top of the hill here and I can see the whole of Kifakila and it is just very difficult to describe the scale of the devastation here, the destruction. It really compares with the result of an earthquake. There's nothing really left standing here. Alya, a mother of three, came to see what she could salvage from her home.
Global News Podcast
Myanmar remembers earthquake dead with a minute's silence
No one knows who is going to help pay to rebuild what's been destroyed. Lebanon's international allies say they will only provide help if the government acts to curb Hezbollah's power, because Hezbollah's opponents see this as a unique opportunity to disarm it. For some supporters, like Alia, that's unthinkable.
Global News Podcast
Myanmar remembers earthquake dead with a minute's silence
It isn't surprising that people here remain defiant. For many, Hezbollah is a fundamental part of their lives. In Lebanon, the group is more than a militia. It is also a political party and a social movement. But there have been whispers of dissent within Hezbollah's ranks.
Global News Podcast
Myanmar remembers earthquake dead with a minute's silence
This is a Hezbollah supporter who is now critical of the group. To protect his identity, his words in English and Arabic are spoken by our producers.
Global News Podcast
Myanmar remembers earthquake dead with a minute's silence
Any discussions about disarmament are likely to be difficult, full of risks. Pushing the group too hard too quickly could result in even more violence. Many here are tired of conflict, but there are plenty too who still really believe in Hezbollah, its purpose and the role it plays in their lives.
Global News Podcast
Myanmar remembers earthquake dead with a minute's silence
They were careless people, Tom and Daisy. They smashed up things and creatures and then retreated back into their money or their vast carelessness or whatever it was that kept them together and let other people clean up the mess they had made.
Global News Podcast
Myanmar remembers earthquake dead with a minute's silence
On our podcast, Good Bad Billionaire, we explain how the world's billionaires made all their money.
Global News Podcast
Myanmar remembers earthquake dead with a minute's silence
Yep, we're talking about Marcus Persson, the Swedish coding king who programmed the world's most successful game, Minecraft, all by himself.
Global News Podcast
Myanmar remembers earthquake dead with a minute's silence
Yep, we're talking about Marcus Persson, the Swedish coding king who programmed the world's most successful game, Minecraft, all by himself.
Global News Podcast
Myanmar remembers earthquake dead with a minute's silence
This is Adam. He's a Hezbollah member who works as a nurse at a hospital in Lebanon. On the 17th of September last year, pages of Hezbollah members across Lebanon suddenly exploded, killing around a dozen people and wounding thousands.
Global News Podcast
Myanmar remembers earthquake dead with a minute's silence
Adam lost his thumb and several fingers and was blinded in one eye and still has shrapnel in his chest and head.
Global News Podcast
Myanmar remembers earthquake dead with a minute's silence
Hezbollah is designated a terrorist organisation by countries including the UK and the US. But here, being a Hezbollah member doesn't necessarily mean you are a fighter. Adam himself says he's never been one. The Pager attack was carried out by Hezbollah's great enemy, Israel. It was a turning point in the conflict.
Global News Podcast
Myanmar remembers earthquake dead with a minute's silence
For almost a year, the two sides had been exchanging fire after Hezbollah launched strikes on Israel in support of Gaza following the Hamas attacks on the 7th of October. What followed was a devastating Israeli bombing campaign and a ground invasion of southern Lebanon. Israel said it was acting to stop Hezbollah's rocket attacks and to allow its displaced residents to return home.
Global News Podcast
Trump officials accuse journalist of lying after Signal app leak published in full
This BBC Podcast is supported by ads outside the UK.
Global News Podcast
Trump officials accuse journalist of lying after Signal app leak published in full
Der Ostern-Pre-Sale ist da. Sichere dir jetzt mit deiner MyKick Vorteilskarte 50% Rabatt auf unser vielseitiges Ostersortiment. Wie festliche Dekoration, Bastelartikel, Süßwaren und mehr. Schnell zuschlagen und vor allen anderen sparen. Auch online auf kick.de. Kick. Mehr als du denkst.
Global News Podcast
Trump officials accuse journalist of lying after Signal app leak published in full
Auf unserem Podcast Good Bad Billionaire erklären wir, wie die Welt's Billionaires all their money made.
Global News Podcast
Trump officials accuse journalist of lying after Signal app leak published in full
Popstars and tech titans, founders and filmmakers, inventors and investors. We cover them all. And for the first time, we're talking about a video game designer.
Global News Podcast
Trump officials accuse journalist of lying after Signal app leak published in full
Yeah, we're talking about Markus Persson, the Swedish coding king who programmed the world's most successful game, Minecraft, all by himself.
Global News Podcast
Trump officials accuse journalist of lying after Signal app leak published in full
He made a billion, but is he good, bad or just another billionaire? Find out on Good Bad Billionaire, listen on the BBC app or wherever you get your podcasts.
Global News Podcast
Trump officials accuse journalist of lying after Signal app leak published in full
On our podcast, Good Bad Billionaire, we explain how the world's billionaires made all their money.
Global News Podcast
Trump officials accuse journalist of lying after Signal app leak published in full
Popstars and tech titans, founders and filmmakers, inventors and investors, we cover them all. And for the first time, we're talking about a video game designer.
Global News Podcast
Trump officials accuse journalist of lying after Signal app leak published in full
Yep, we're talking about Markus Persson, the Swedish coding king who programmed the world's most successful game, Minecraft, all by himself.
Global News Podcast
Trump officials accuse journalist of lying after Signal app leak published in full
He made a billion, but is he good, bad or just another billionaire? Find out on Good Bad Billionaire, listen on the BBC app or wherever you get your podcasts.
Global News Podcast
Trump officials accuse journalist of lying after Signal app leak published in full
Auf unserem Podcast Good Bad Billionaire erklären wir, wie die Welt's Billionaires all their money made.
Global News Podcast
Trump officials accuse journalist of lying after Signal app leak published in full
He made a billion, but is he good, bad or just another billionaire?
Global News Podcast
Trump officials accuse journalist of lying after Signal app leak published in full
Find out on Good Bad Billionaire, listen on the BBC app or wherever you get your podcasts.
Global News Podcast
Trump officials accuse journalist of lying after Signal app leak published in full
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Global News Podcast
Donald Trump wants to abolish the US emergency response agency
Yoga is more than just exercise. It's the spiritual practice that millions swear by. And in 2017, Miranda, a university tutor from London, joins a yoga school that promises profound transformation.
Global News Podcast
Donald Trump wants to abolish the US emergency response agency
But soon, that calm, welcoming atmosphere leads to something far darker, a journey that leads to allegations of grooming, trafficking and exploitation across international borders.
Global News Podcast
Donald Trump wants to abolish the US emergency response agency
World of Secrets is where untold stories are unveiled and hidden realities are exposed. In this new series, we're confronting the dark side of the wellness industry with the hope of a spiritual breakthrough gives way to disturbing accusations. You just get sucked in so gradually.
Global News Podcast
Donald Trump wants to abolish the US emergency response agency
World of Secrets, Season 6, The Bad Guru. Listen wherever you get your podcasts.
Global News Podcast
Trump threatens Russia with sanctions
With the best all-inclusive vacation deals to Mexico and the Caribbean. Booking your getaway with Cheap Caribbean Vacations means you have more freedom to do your deal. Whether you want to enjoy snorkeling, endless margaritas, and more. Or simply soak up the sun and sand in a tropical paradise. Cheap Caribbean Vacations has your deal for that.
Global News Podcast
Trump threatens Russia with sanctions
Plan and book the exact getaway you want at exactly the right price for you by using our exclusive budget beach finder. Or find a featured all-inclusive package to Ocean by H10 Hotels and do your deal at CheapCaribbean.com.
Global News Podcast
Trump threatens Russia with sanctions
Our lives today can feel like miniature versions of this relentless churn of activity. We find we're rushing around more crazily than ever. Somewhere, when we weren't looking, it's like busyness became a way of life.
Global News Podcast
Trump threatens Russia with sanctions
Our lives today can feel like miniature versions of this relentless churn of activity. We find we're rushing around more crazily than ever. Somewhere, when we weren't looking, it's like busyness became a way of life.
Global News Podcast
Trump threatens Russia with sanctions
Celebrate these awesome savings at your favorite beach and book your next all-inclusive vacay at cheapcaribbean.com. Your $250 off is waiting.
Global News Podcast
Trump threatens Russia with sanctions
Our lives today can feel like miniature versions of this relentless churn of activity. We find we're rushing around more crazily than ever. Somewhere, when we weren't looking, it's like busyness became a way of life.
Global News Podcast
Guilty verdicts and jail sentences in France's biggest rape trial
Yoga is more than just exercise. It's the spiritual practice that millions swear by. And in 2017, Miranda, a university tutor from London, joins a yoga school that promises profound transformation.
Global News Podcast
Guilty verdicts and jail sentences in France's biggest rape trial
But soon, that calm, welcoming atmosphere leads to something far darker, a journey that leads to allegations of grooming, trafficking and exploitation across international borders.
Global News Podcast
Guilty verdicts and jail sentences in France's biggest rape trial
You just get sucked in so gradually.
Global News Podcast
Guilty verdicts and jail sentences in France's biggest rape trial
World of Secrets, Season 6, The Bad Guru. Listen wherever you get your podcasts.
Global News Podcast
Last minute hitch in Gaza ceasefire deal
With the best all-inclusive vacation deals to Mexico and the Caribbean, booking your getaway with Cheap Caribbean Vacations means you have more freedom to do your deal. Whether you want to enjoy snorkeling, endless margaritas and more, or simply soak up the sun and sand in a tropical paradise, Cheap Caribbean Vacations has your deal for that.
Global News Podcast
Last minute hitch in Gaza ceasefire deal
Plan and book the exact way you want at exactly the right price for you by using our exclusive budget beach finder. Or find a featured all-inclusive package to Blue Diamond Resorts and do your deal at CheapCaribbean.com.
Global News Podcast
Last minute hitch in Gaza ceasefire deal
Plan and book the exact getaway you want at exactly the right price for you by using our exclusive budget beach finder. Or find a featured all-inclusive package to re-you Negril and do your deal at CheapCaribbean.com.
Global News Podcast
Last minute hitch in Gaza ceasefire deal
With the best all-inclusive vacation deals to Mexico and the Caribbean, booking your getaway with Cheap Caribbean Vacations means you have more freedom to do your deal. Whether you want to enjoy snorkeling, endless margaritas, and more, or simply soak up the sun and sand in a tropical paradise, Cheap Caribbean Vacations has your deal for that.
Global News Podcast
China says it won't bow to pressure from Trump tariffs
This BBC podcast is supported by ads outside the UK. On our podcast, Good Bad Billionaire, we explain how the world's billionaires made all their money.
Global News Podcast
China says it won't bow to pressure from Trump tariffs
Pop stars and tech titans, founders and filmmakers, inventors and investors, we cover them all. And for the first time, we're talking about a video game designer.
Global News Podcast
China says it won't bow to pressure from Trump tariffs
On our podcast, Good Bad Billionaire, we explain how the world's billionaires made all their money.
Global News Podcast
China says it won't bow to pressure from Trump tariffs
Pop stars and tech titans, founders and filmmakers, inventors and investors, we cover them all. And for the first time, we're talking about a video game designer.
Global News Podcast
China says it won't bow to pressure from Trump tariffs
Yeah, we're talking about Marcus Persson, the Swedish coding king who programmed the world's most successful game, Minecraft, all by himself.
Global News Podcast
China says it won't bow to pressure from Trump tariffs
He made a billion, but is he good, bad, or just another billionaire? Find out on Good Bad Billionaire, listen on the BBC app, or wherever you get your podcasts.
Global News Podcast
China says it won't bow to pressure from Trump tariffs
Yep, we're talking about Marcus Persson, the Swedish coding king who programmed the world's most successful game, Minecraft, all by himself.
Global News Podcast
China says it won't bow to pressure from Trump tariffs
He made a billion, but is he good, bad, or just another billionaire? Find out on Good Bad Billionaire, listen on the BBC app, or wherever you get your podcasts.
Global News Podcast
China says it won't bow to pressure from Trump tariffs
On our podcast, Good Bad Billionaire, we explain how the world's billionaires made all their money.
Global News Podcast
China says it won't bow to pressure from Trump tariffs
Pop stars and tech titans, founders and filmmakers, inventors and investors, we cover them all. And for the first time, we're talking about a video game designer.
Global News Podcast
China says it won't bow to pressure from Trump tariffs
Yep, we're talking about Marcus Persson, the Swedish coding king who programmed the world's most successful game, Minecraft, all by himself.
Global News Podcast
China says it won't bow to pressure from Trump tariffs
He made a billion, but is he good, bad, or just another billionaire? Find out on Good Bad Billionaire, listen on the BBC app, or wherever you get your podcasts.
Global News Podcast
UN Secretary-General warns US against 'ethnic cleansing' in Gaza
This BBC podcast is supported by ads outside the UK. This podcast is sponsored by Wise, the app for doing things in other currencies. If you're sending or spending money abroad, you should use Wise. You'll have up to 40 currencies in the palm of your hand. Wise gives you the real exchange rate, which means you'll spend less on fees and more of your money gets where you need it to be.
Global News Podcast
UN Secretary-General warns US against 'ethnic cleansing' in Gaza
This podcast is sponsored by Wise, the app for doing things in other currencies. If you're sending or spending money abroad, you should use Wise. You'll have up to 40 currencies in the palm of your hand. Wise gives you the real exchange rate, which means you'll spend less on fees and more of your money gets where you need it to be. Download the Wise app today or visit wise.com. T's and C's apply.
Global News Podcast
UN Secretary-General warns US against 'ethnic cleansing' in Gaza
This podcast is sponsored by Wise, the app for doing things in other currencies. If you're sending or spending money abroad, you should use Wise. You'll have up to 40 currencies in the palm of your hand. Wise gives you the real exchange rate, which means you'll spend less on fees and more of your money gets where you need it to be. Download the Wise app today or visit wise.com. T's and C's apply.
Global News Podcast
UN Secretary-General warns US against 'ethnic cleansing' in Gaza
Download the Wise app today or visit wise.com. T's and C's apply.
Global News Podcast
New Orleans attack: death toll rises to 15
She thought, right, I'll just do it. She thought about others rather than herself.
Global News Podcast
New Orleans attack: death toll rises to 15
There's a real sense of urgency in them, that resistance has to be mounted, it has to be mounted now. Follow History's Youngest Heroes wherever you get your podcasts.
Global News Podcast
Myanmar earthquake deaths surpass 1600
This BBC Podcast is supported by ads outside the UK.
Global News Podcast
Myanmar earthquake deaths surpass 1600
Es ist nicht klar, wie viele französische Firmen die Botschaft erhalten haben. Es erzeugt Sorgen über extra-territorialen Überreichtum. A French official quoted by the Reuters news agency said France will remind the US that practices differ in the two countries.
Global News Podcast
Myanmar earthquake deaths surpass 1600
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Global News Podcast
Mayor of Istanbul dismisses charges against him
Despite the closures of school, girls in Afghanistan remain hopeful and determined to learn in any setting they can.
Global News Podcast
Mayor of Istanbul dismisses charges against him
Amina's hopes of becoming a doctor were halted when the Taliban government banned girls aged 12 and above from going to school.
Global News Podcast
Mayor of Istanbul dismisses charges against him
I met Amina in a cold, dimly lit basement in Kabul. Teenage girls huddled together, reading books and sewing together material with a yellow and red flower pattern. Once finished, it will be addressed. They are students, not at a mainstream school, but at a madrasa, an educational centre offering mainly a religious education.
Global News Podcast
Mayor of Istanbul dismisses charges against him
Since the Taliban banned schools for girls, some have expanded the teaching of subjects like languages and science. While schools remain closed, madrasas are the only option available to girls over the age of 12. Before the Taliban returned, the number of registered madrasas is believed to have been around 5,000. The Taliban say there are now more than 21,000.
Global News Podcast
Mayor of Istanbul dismisses charges against him
There is fear among critics that limiting education and focusing on religion is pushing a hotline agenda. I wanted to visit another madrasa to get more of a sense of what is being taught in the classes they offer. At a madrasa in the centre of Kabul, I met 13-year-old Takwa, who told me about her studies.
Global News Podcast
Mayor of Istanbul dismisses charges against him
The focus on religion seemed much stronger here. When I asked about what other subjects were taught, the teacher showed me a handful of tattered maths and science textbooks. While they do offer opportunities to learn and socialise, one of the teachers in Amina's madrasa is adamant that they are not enough.
Global News Podcast
Gaza special: Three freed hostages back in Israel
Our lives today can feel like miniature versions of this relentless churn of activity. We find we're rushing around more crazily than ever. Somewhere, when we weren't looking, it's like busyness became a way of life.
Global News Podcast
Gaza special: Three freed hostages back in Israel
Our lives today can feel like miniature versions of this relentless churn of activity. We find we're rushing around more crazily than ever. Somewhere, when we weren't looking, it's like busyness became a way of life.
Global News Podcast
Netanyahu issues warning ahead of Gaza ceasefire
Yoga is more than just exercise. It's the spiritual practice that millions swear by. And in 2017, Miranda, a university tutor from London, joins a yoga school that promises profound transformation.
Global News Podcast
Netanyahu issues warning ahead of Gaza ceasefire
But soon, that calm, welcoming atmosphere leads to something far darker, a journey that leads to allegations of grooming, trafficking and exploitation across international borders.
Global News Podcast
Netanyahu issues warning ahead of Gaza ceasefire
World of Secrets is where untold stories are unveiled and hidden realities are exposed. In this new series, we're confronting the dark side of the wellness industry with the hope of a spiritual breakthrough gives way to disturbing accusations. You just get sucked in so gradually.
Global News Podcast
Netanyahu issues warning ahead of Gaza ceasefire
World of Secrets, Season 6, The Bad Guru. Listen wherever you get your podcasts.
Global News Podcast
Netanyahu issues warning ahead of Gaza ceasefire
Start listening to Oliver Berkman, Epidemics of Modern Life. Available to purchase wherever you get your audiobooks.
Global News Podcast
Netanyahu issues warning ahead of Gaza ceasefire
Start listening to Oliver Berkman, Epidemics of Modern Life. Available to purchase wherever you get your audiobooks.
Global News Podcast
US launches wave of air strikes on Yemen's Houthis
This BBC podcast is supported by ads outside the UK. On our podcast, Good Bad Billionaire, we explain how the world's billionaires made all their money.
Global News Podcast
US launches wave of air strikes on Yemen's Houthis
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Global News Podcast
US launches wave of air strikes on Yemen's Houthis
On our podcast, Good Bad Billionaire, we explain how the world's billionaires made all their money.
Global News Podcast
US launches wave of air strikes on Yemen's Houthis
Pop stars and tech titans, founders and filmmakers, inventors and investors, we cover them all. And for the first time, we're talking about a video game designer.
Global News Podcast
US launches wave of air strikes on Yemen's Houthis
Yep, we're talking about Marcus Persson, the Swedish coding king who programmed the world's most successful game, Minecraft, all by himself.
Global News Podcast
US launches wave of air strikes on Yemen's Houthis
He made a billion, but is he good, bad or just another billionaire? Find out on Good Bad Billionaire, listen on the BBC app or wherever you get your podcasts.
Global News Podcast
US launches wave of air strikes on Yemen's Houthis
On our podcast, Good Bad Billionaire, we explain how the world's billionaires made all their money.
Global News Podcast
US launches wave of air strikes on Yemen's Houthis
Pop stars and tech titans, founders and filmmakers, inventors and investors, we cover them all. And for the first time, we're talking about a video game designer.
Global News Podcast
US launches wave of air strikes on Yemen's Houthis
Yep, we're talking about Marcus Persson, the Swedish coding king who programmed the world's most successful game, Minecraft, all by himself.
Global News Podcast
US launches wave of air strikes on Yemen's Houthis
He made a billion, but is he good, bad, or just another billionaire? Find out on Good Bad Billionaire, listen on the BBC app, or wherever you get your podcasts.
Global News Podcast
US launches wave of air strikes on Yemen's Houthis
Pop stars and tech titans, founders and filmmakers, inventors and investors, we cover them all. And for the first time, we're talking about a video game designer.
Global News Podcast
US launches wave of air strikes on Yemen's Houthis
Yep, we're talking about Marcus Persson, the Swedish coding king who programmed the world's most successful game, Minecraft, all by himself.
Global News Podcast
US launches wave of air strikes on Yemen's Houthis
He made a billion, but is he good, bad, or just another billionaire? Find out on Good Bad Billionaire, listen on the BBC app, or wherever you get your podcasts.
Global News Podcast
Six-day state funeral for Jimmy Carter begins in Georgia
Our lives today can feel like miniature versions of this relentless churn of activity. We find we're rushing around more crazily than ever. Somewhere, when we weren't looking, it's like busyness became a way of life.
Global News Podcast
Six-day state funeral for Jimmy Carter begins in Georgia
Yoga is more than just exercise. It's the spiritual practice that millions swear by. And in 2017, Miranda, a university tutor from London, joins a yoga school that promises profound transformation.
Global News Podcast
Six-day state funeral for Jimmy Carter begins in Georgia
But soon, that calm, welcoming atmosphere leads to something far darker, a journey that leads to allegations of grooming, trafficking and exploitation across international borders.
Global News Podcast
Six-day state funeral for Jimmy Carter begins in Georgia
World of Secrets is where untold stories are unveiled and hidden realities are exposed. In this new series, we're confronting the dark side of the wellness industry with a hope of a spiritual breakthrough gives way to disturbing accusations. You just get sucked in so gradually.
Global News Podcast
Six-day state funeral for Jimmy Carter begins in Georgia
World of Secrets, Season 6, The Bad Guru. Listen wherever you get your podcasts.
Global News Podcast
Six-day state funeral for Jimmy Carter begins in Georgia
Our lives today can feel like miniature versions of this relentless churn of activity. We find we're rushing around more crazily than ever. Somewhere, when we weren't looking, it's like busyness became a way of life.
Global News Podcast
Ukraine: 'Moscow bombs boarding school'
Our lives today can feel like miniature versions of this relentless churn of activity. We find we're rushing around more crazily than ever. Somewhere, when we weren't looking, it's like busyness became a way of life.
Global News Podcast
Ukraine: 'Moscow bombs boarding school'
It's like a nice katana. You can fight the ninjas with it, or you can use it as a cane. Great stick.
Global News Podcast
Ukraine: 'Moscow bombs boarding school'
Our lives today can feel like miniature versions of this relentless churn of activity. We find we're rushing around more crazily than ever. Somewhere, when we weren't looking, it's like busyness became a way of life.
Global News Podcast
Ukraine: 'Moscow bombs boarding school'
Last time this happened, for example, there were retaliation on things like Florida orange juice, Tennessee bourbon, places which were strong Republican Trump supporting states was where Canadians felt they had most leverage. Do we expect that again?
Global News Podcast
Ukraine: 'Moscow bombs boarding school'
Justin Trudeau is stepping down. You've got candidates vying to succeed him within weeks. Is there a danger that the candidates to be the next leader will try and out-tough each other to the point of not being very pragmatic for Canadian interests in this?
Global News Podcast
Ukraine: 'Moscow bombs boarding school'
Our lives today can feel like miniature versions of this relentless churn of activity. We find we're rushing around more crazily than ever. Somewhere, when we weren't looking, it's like busyness became a way of life.
Global News Podcast
Ukraine: 'Moscow bombs boarding school'
One day they'll come to Burundi. We're not going to accept war. It will be regionalised. We have a threat in the region. It's not just Burundi, Tanzania, Uganda, Kenya. It's the whole region. It's a threat. If Eastern Congo has no peace, the region has no peace.
Global News Podcast
Putin 'ready' to discuss Ukraine war with Trump
Our lives today can feel like miniature versions of this relentless churn of activity. We find we're rushing around more crazily than ever. Somewhere, when we weren't looking, it's like busyness became a way of life.
Global News Podcast
Putin 'ready' to discuss Ukraine war with Trump
Yoga is more than just exercise. It's the spiritual practice that millions swear by. And in 2017, Miranda, a university tutor from London, joins a yoga school that promises profound transformation.
Global News Podcast
Putin 'ready' to discuss Ukraine war with Trump
But soon, that calm, welcoming atmosphere leads to something far darker, a journey that leads to allegations of grooming, trafficking and exploitation across international borders.
Global News Podcast
Putin 'ready' to discuss Ukraine war with Trump
World of Secrets is where untold stories are unveiled and hidden realities are exposed. In this new series, we're confronting the dark side of the wellness industry with the hope of a spiritual breakthrough gives way to disturbing accusations. You just get sucked in so gradually.
Global News Podcast
Putin 'ready' to discuss Ukraine war with Trump
World of Secrets, Season 6, The Bad Guru. Listen wherever you get your podcasts.
Global News Podcast
Putin 'ready' to discuss Ukraine war with Trump
Our lives today can feel like miniature versions of this relentless churn of activity. We find we're rushing around more crazily than ever. Somewhere, when we weren't looking, it's like busyness became a way of life.
Global News Podcast
Erdogan condemns Turkey protests as dozens arrested
Pop stars and tech titans, founders and filmmakers, inventors and investors, we cover them all. And for the first time, we're talking about a video game designer.
Global News Podcast
Erdogan condemns Turkey protests as dozens arrested
On our podcast, Good Bad Billionaire, we explain how the world's billionaires made all their money.
Global News Podcast
Erdogan condemns Turkey protests as dozens arrested
Pop stars and tech titans, founders and filmmakers, inventors and investors. We cover them all. And for the first time, we're talking about a video game designer.
Global News Podcast
Erdogan condemns Turkey protests as dozens arrested
Yeah, we're talking about Marcus Persson, the Swedish coding king who programmed the world's most successful game, Minecraft, all by himself.
Global News Podcast
Erdogan condemns Turkey protests as dozens arrested
He made a billion, but is he good, bad or just another billionaire? Find out on Good Bad Billionaire. Listen on the BBC app or wherever you get your podcasts.
Global News Podcast
Erdogan condemns Turkey protests as dozens arrested
On our podcast, Good Bad Billionaire, we explain how the world's billionaires made all their money.
Global News Podcast
Erdogan condemns Turkey protests as dozens arrested
Pop stars and tech titans, founders and filmmakers, inventors and investors, we cover them all. And for the first time, we're talking about a video game designer.
Global News Podcast
Erdogan condemns Turkey protests as dozens arrested
Yep, we're talking about Marcus Persson, the Swedish coding king who programmed the world's most successful game, Minecraft, all by himself.
Global News Podcast
Erdogan condemns Turkey protests as dozens arrested
He made a billion, but is he good, bad, or just another billionaire? Find out on Good Bad Billionaire, listen on the BBC app, or wherever you get your podcasts.
Global News Podcast
Erdogan condemns Turkey protests as dozens arrested
Yep, we're talking about Marcus Persson, the Swedish coding king who programmed the world's most successful game, Minecraft, all by himself.
Global News Podcast
Erdogan condemns Turkey protests as dozens arrested
He made a billion, but is he good, bad, or just another billionaire? Find out on Good Bad Billionaire, listen on the BBC app, or wherever you get your podcasts.
Global News Podcast
Erdogan condemns Turkey protests as dozens arrested
On our podcast, Good Bad Billionaire, we explain how the world's billionaires made all their money.
Global News Podcast
The Happy Pod: The 'terrible' artist in high demand
This BBC podcast is supported by ads outside the UK. This podcast is sponsored by Wise, the app for doing things in other currencies. If you're sending or spending money abroad, you should use Wise. You'll have up to 40 currencies in the palm of your hand. Wise gives you the real exchange rate, which means you'll spend less on fees and more of your money gets where you need it to be.
Global News Podcast
The Happy Pod: The 'terrible' artist in high demand
This podcast is sponsored by Wise, the app for doing things in other currencies. If you're sending or spending money abroad, you should use Wise. You'll have up to 40 currencies in the palm of your hand. Wise gives you the real exchange rate, which means you'll spend less on fees and more of your money gets where you need it to be. Download the Wise app today or visit wise.com. T's and C's apply.
Global News Podcast
The Happy Pod: The 'terrible' artist in high demand
Download the Wise app today or visit wise.com. T's and C's apply.
Global News Podcast
The Happy Pod: The 'terrible' artist in high demand
This is the Happy Pod from the BBC World Service.
Global News Podcast
The Happy Pod: The 'terrible' artist in high demand
This podcast is sponsored by Wise, the app for doing things in other currencies. If you're sending or spending money abroad, you should use Wise. You'll have up to 40 currencies in the palm of your hand. Wise gives you the real exchange rate, which means you'll spend less on fees and more of your money gets where you need it to be. Download the Wise app today or visit wise.com. T's and C's apply.
Global News Podcast
Is Putin serious about a ceasefire in Ukraine?
This BBC podcast is supported by ads outside the UK. On our podcast, Good Bad Billionaire, we explain how the world's billionaires made all their money.
Global News Podcast
Is Putin serious about a ceasefire in Ukraine?
Pop stars and tech titans, founders and filmmakers, inventors and investors, we cover them all. And for the first time, we're talking about a video game designer.
Global News Podcast
Is Putin serious about a ceasefire in Ukraine?
It combines the door-to-door convenience of the private car with the speed and relaxation of public transport at its best.
Global News Podcast
Is Putin serious about a ceasefire in Ukraine?
The undercarriage slides under the track and the star car begins to glide along an electrified rail.
Global News Podcast
Is Putin serious about a ceasefire in Ukraine?
You press a destination button on a dashboard route map... and electronic controls take over.
Global News Podcast
Is Putin serious about a ceasefire in Ukraine?
On our podcast, Good Bad Billionaire, we explain how the world's billionaires made all their money.
Global News Podcast
Is Putin serious about a ceasefire in Ukraine?
Pop stars and tech titans, founders and filmmakers, inventors and investors, we cover them all. And for the first time, we're talking about a video game designer.
Global News Podcast
Is Putin serious about a ceasefire in Ukraine?
Yep, we're talking about Marcus Persson, the Swedish coding king who programmed the world's most successful game, Minecraft, all by himself.
Global News Podcast
Is Putin serious about a ceasefire in Ukraine?
He made a billion, but is he good, bad, or just another billionaire? Find out on Good Bad Billionaire, listen on the BBC app, or wherever you get your podcasts.
Global News Podcast
Is Putin serious about a ceasefire in Ukraine?
Yep, we're talking about Marcus Persson, the Swedish coding king who programmed the world's most successful game, Minecraft, all by himself.
Global News Podcast
Is Putin serious about a ceasefire in Ukraine?
He made a billion, but is he good, bad, or just another billionaire? Find out on Good Bad Billionaire, listen on the BBC app, or wherever you get your podcasts.
Global News Podcast
Is Putin serious about a ceasefire in Ukraine?
On our podcast, Good Bad Billionaire, we explain how the world's billionaires made all their money.
Global News Podcast
Is Putin serious about a ceasefire in Ukraine?
Pop stars and tech titans, founders and filmmakers, inventors and investors, we cover them all. And for the first time, we're talking about a video game designer.
Global News Podcast
Is Putin serious about a ceasefire in Ukraine?
Yep, we're talking about Marcus Persson, the Swedish coding king who programmed the world's most successful game, Minecraft, all by himself.
Global News Podcast
Is Putin serious about a ceasefire in Ukraine?
He made a billion, but is he good, bad, or just another billionaire? Find out on Good Bad Billionaire, listen on the BBC app, or wherever you get your podcasts.
Global News Podcast
Ukraine's Zelensky meets US vice-president at Munich security conference
This BBC podcast is supported by ads outside the UK. On our podcast, Good Bad Billionaire, we explain how the world's billionaires made all their money.
Global News Podcast
Ukraine's Zelensky meets US vice-president at Munich security conference
Pop stars and tech titans, founders and filmmakers, inventors and investors, we cover them all. And for the first time, we're talking about a video game designer.
Global News Podcast
Ukraine's Zelensky meets US vice-president at Munich security conference
On our podcast, Good Bad Billionaire, we explain how the world's billionaires made all their money.
Global News Podcast
Ukraine's Zelensky meets US vice-president at Munich security conference
Pop stars and tech titans, founders and filmmakers, inventors and investors, we cover them all. And for the first time, we're talking about a video game designer.
Global News Podcast
Ukraine's Zelensky meets US vice-president at Munich security conference
Yep, we're talking about Marcus Persson, the Swedish coding king who programmed the world's most successful game, Minecraft, all by himself.
Global News Podcast
Ukraine's Zelensky meets US vice-president at Munich security conference
He made a billion, but is he good, bad, or just another billionaire? Find out on Good Bad Billionaire, listen on the BBC app, or wherever you get your podcasts.
Global News Podcast
Ukraine's Zelensky meets US vice-president at Munich security conference
Yep, we're talking about Marcus Persson, the Swedish coding king who programmed the world's most successful game, Minecraft, all by himself.
Global News Podcast
Ukraine's Zelensky meets US vice-president at Munich security conference
Global News Podcast
Ukraine's Zelensky meets US vice-president at Munich security conference
He made a billion, but is he good, bad, or just another billionaire? Find out on Good Bad Billionaire, listen on the BBC app, or wherever you get your podcasts.
Global News Podcast
The secret police's grip on Syria under Assad
Yoga is more than just exercise. It's the spiritual practice that millions swear by. And in 2017, Miranda, a university tutor from London, joins a yoga school that promises profound transformation.
Global News Podcast
The secret police's grip on Syria under Assad
But soon, that calm, welcoming atmosphere leads to something far darker, a journey that leads to allegations of grooming, trafficking and exploitation across international borders.
Global News Podcast
The secret police's grip on Syria under Assad
World of Secrets is where untold stories are unveiled and hidden realities are exposed. In this new series, we're confronting the dark side of the wellness industry with the hope of a spiritual breakthrough gives way to disturbing accusations. You just get sucked in so gradually.
Global News Podcast
The secret police's grip on Syria under Assad
World of Secrets, Season 6, The Bad Guru. Listen wherever you get your podcasts.
Global News Podcast
The Happy Pod: The woman helping thousands of premature babies
I had done a bicycle trip when I was a But I did 13,000 kilometres in eight months and a half, something like that. And since I'd never been nowhere in North America or South America, it was kind of an easy choice to travel from North America to South America.
Global News Podcast
The Happy Pod: The woman helping thousands of premature babies
Probably the most intense one was definitely starting in the Arctic because it was like minus 40 minus 50 i traveled like for 100 days by backcountry skiing and snow kiting without seeing like i spent two times one month without seeing anybody and i didn't see any trees for like 100 days and then also probably for sure uh the amazon which is also very different So that was also very special.
Global News Podcast
The Happy Pod: The woman helping thousands of premature babies
Yeah, people helped me a lot. Like a lot of people welcomed me or offered me a meal or things like this. Everyone was really nice and welcoming. But definitely, again, like the Arctic, I started in Nunavut. I think the Inuits, they have a very specific bond with nature. And it's the same in the Amazon as well, even if it's very, very different.
Global News Podcast
The Happy Pod: The woman helping thousands of premature babies
Nothing is impossible. And if you prepare well and you understand what you're getting into, I think 99% of the time you're going to have an amazing experience.
Global News Podcast
The Happy Pod: The woman helping thousands of premature babies
People living in the Amazon also have a special link, like a relationship with nature. I think that was very special to me.
Global News Podcast
The Happy Pod: The woman helping thousands of premature babies
First, I learned to know myself better, which was one of the main goals. You learn also your limits and also that, well, what are your limits and also that you can do much more than you think you can. And also, I guess that everything is about perspective. And a lot of times when you're in a difficult situation, you cannot change the situation itself, but you can change the way you look at it
Global News Podcast
The Happy Pod: The woman helping thousands of premature babies
Yeah, well, it's definitely like it's a big sport challenge. So when you get into that, you have to get to be aware of what you're getting into. So for sure, like the polar bear was something possible. I knew it was possible that it happens because I was in polar bear country for a very long time. But yeah, it's something you have to be aware of because definitely it's dangerous.
Global News Podcast
The Happy Pod: The woman helping thousands of premature babies
And not just polar bears, the fact that it was my niece. 50, it's a very dangerous environment.
Global News Podcast
The Happy Pod: The woman helping thousands of premature babies
I would say believe in yourself. We are much more stronger than we think we are. Nothing is impossible. And if you prepare well and you research things and you understand what you're getting into, I think 99% of the time you're going to have an amazing experience.
Global News Podcast
The Happy Pod: Getting engaged in the ashes of our home
Before setting sail, Craig talked to my colleague Shabnam Yunus Jewel and told her why he decided to take on this challenge.
Global News Podcast
The Happy Pod: Getting engaged in the ashes of our home
Und warum ein ehemaliger Soldat und Triple Amputee einen Solo-Sailing-Rekord setzen wollen.
Global News Podcast
The Happy Pod: Getting engaged in the ashes of our home
Craig Wood, talking to the BBC's Sports Hour programme, which you can find wherever you get your podcasts. We heard earlier about Brian and Stephanie getting engaged in the unusual surroundings of their burnt-out home. Our next story also involves a couple who found love in circumstances not normally associated with romance, a car accident.
Global News Podcast
The Happy Pod: Getting engaged in the ashes of our home
Let's start with the story of a man who feared his marriage proposal plans had gone up in smoke in the LA fires. Brian McShea had been planning to pop the question to Stephanie Rayner and had hidden the engagement ring at their home in San Gabriel Valley until the right moment. But when their house and all their belongings were destroyed, he assumed the ring had been lost.
Global News Podcast
The Happy Pod: Getting engaged in the ashes of our home
Our Asia-Pacific editor Celia Hatton has been telling Rebecca Wood the unexpected story.
Global News Podcast
The Happy Pod: Getting engaged in the ashes of our home
The couple, who met at Music College in 2013, told their story to my colleague Harry Bly.
Global News Podcast
The Happy Pod: Getting engaged in the ashes of our home
Celia Hatton reporting. Now to a group that's tackling loneliness and mental health issues all through the simple idea of going for a walk. It was set up by a Scottish couple in Glasgow to help people make friends and benefit from the restorative powers of getting out into nature. One of those who joined the group, Sam, explained what it meant to him.
Global News Podcast
The Happy Pod: Getting engaged in the ashes of our home
It was set up by Jack Glass and Billy Allen Mandeville, who got the idea after they were left feeling isolated by the Covid pandemic.
Global News Podcast
The Happy Pod: Getting engaged in the ashes of our home
Now as the seasons change, for many of us getting out into nature can bring extra happiness at this time of year with warmer weather and blossoming flowers of spring or a welcome autumn chill in the air after a long hot summer. We'd like to hear what you love about this time of year.
Global News Podcast
The Happy Pod: Getting engaged in the ashes of our home
And if the changing seasons are bringing you joy in your garden or when you're out and about, we'd love to hear about it. Drop us a voice note. The email address is globalpodcast at bbc.co.uk. And that's all from the Happy Pod for this week. This edition was mixed by Mark Pickett. The producers were Holly Gibbs and Rachel Barkley. The editor is Karen Martin. I'm Andrew Peach. Thanks for listening.
Global News Podcast
The Happy Pod: Getting engaged in the ashes of our home
And until next time, goodbye.
Global News Podcast
The Happy Pod: Getting engaged in the ashes of our home
Hörst du das? Nicht mich, dich. Deine innere Stimme, die dir sagt, wie du dir den Job für deine Zukunft vorstellst. Neue Karriereziele setzen und erreichen und unsere Gesellschaft voranbringen. Dann hör auf dich. Finde ihn auf sparkasse.de slash Karriere. Wir machen den Job wahr, den du dir vorstellst. Sparkasse, weil es um mehr als Geld geht.
Global News Podcast
The Happy Pod: Getting engaged in the ashes of our home
Wenn die Zeit kommt, wollen die Leute gut tun, was ein tolles Gefühl ist. Glückwunsch an Brian und Stephanie. Wir haben letztens darüber gesprochen, was die Großeltern von ihren Großeltern gesagt haben. Aber in der afrikanischen Inseln der Madagaskar sind ein Gruppe von Großeltern auch dabei, Energie für ihre Familien und Wälder zu bringen.
Global News Podcast
The Happy Pod: Getting engaged in the ashes of our home
They're being trained to install solar panels in remote areas. Grandmothers were chosen for this, as they were thought to be the most likely to return and then stay in their villages after learning these skills. The scheme hopes to train more than 700 by 2030, bringing electricity to around 630,000 homes. Sira Thierry has been to meet some of those who benefited.
Global News Podcast
The Happy Pod: Getting engaged in the ashes of our home
If you leave something behind at an airport, what are the chances you'll ever see it again?
Global News Podcast
The Happy Pod: Getting engaged in the ashes of our home
But what if it's something really important, like a much-loved soft toy? Stay with us.
Global News Podcast
The Happy Pod: Getting engaged in the ashes of our home
That report from Sira Thierry. And you can hear more about renewable energy projects on People Fixing the World, wherever you get your BBC podcasts. Now, we all know how upsetting it can be for children to lose a much-loved soft toy. So when a cuddly rabbit got left behind at Pittsburgh International Airport, staff there were determined to reunite it with its young owner.
Global News Podcast
The Happy Pod: Getting engaged in the ashes of our home
Rather than simply adding it to the lost property pile, they made Bunny a social media star. documenting adventures from exploring baggage claim to taking escalator rides. Word soon spread and reached the relatives of six-year-old Waylon, who dropped Bunny on the way home from Florida. Rachel Carson from the airport's social media team talked to my colleague Tony Livesey.
Global News Podcast
The Happy Pod: Getting engaged in the ashes of our home
This is Andrew Peach and on the way how Stephanie and Brian's engagement ring survived the LA fires.
Global News Podcast
The Happy Pod: Getting engaged in the ashes of our home
On the way in the happy pod, how going for a walk can improve your mental health.
Global News Podcast
The Happy Pod: Getting engaged in the ashes of our home
We did, we were inside the house. The grandmas bringing solar power to parts of Madagascar.
Global News Podcast
The Happy Pod: Getting engaged in the ashes of our home
70% der Anleger verlieren Geld. Der Handel an den Finanzmärkten kann eine einsame Angelegenheit sein. Wenn Sie also wissen möchten, wie man den Dunkelmodus auf Ihrer Plattform aktiviert oder wie Sie auf Ihr Konto einzahlen können, dann ist es gut, wenn Sie mit einem echten Menschen sprechen.
Global News Podcast
The Happy Pod: Getting engaged in the ashes of our home
Bei Capital.com sprechen unsere Teams Deutsch, Französisch, Italienisch, Spanisch und viele andere Sprachen. Setzen Sie sich mit uns in Verbindung und wir helfen Ihnen gerne bei der Beantwortung Ihrer Fragen zum Thema Trading. Capital.com. Entdecken Sie einen Broker, der Ihre Sprache spricht. CFDs sind mit einem hohen Risiko behaftet. 70% der Anleger verlieren Geld.
Global News Podcast
The Happy Pod: Getting engaged in the ashes of our home
Craig Wood was just 18 when he lost both of his lower legs and his left hand in a roadside bomb while serving with the British Army in Afghanistan. 16 years later he's hoping to become the first triple amputee to sail solo non-stop across the Pacific Ocean from Mexico to Japan.
Global News Podcast
The Happy Pod: The professionals and tradespeople cleaning up Ghana
That's seven-year-old Lacey talking about five-year-old Betsy. The two girls have a very special friendship. They live close to each other in the Welsh town of Bridgend and they attend the same school, but they did not meet until April 2023 when they received the same diagnosis of acute lymphoblastic leukaemia within three weeks of each other.
Global News Podcast
The Happy Pod: The professionals and tradespeople cleaning up Ghana
Betsy's mum Charlotte said she received a text message from a mutual friend who had heard about Lacey's similar diagnosis and put the families in touch. A message which Lacey's mum Jess says she was thankful for.
Global News Podcast
The Happy Pod: The professionals and tradespeople cleaning up Ghana
Since then, the families have become very close and formed a support bubble. Charlotte says the girls have found comfort in each other during their treatment.
Global News Podcast
The Happy Pod: The professionals and tradespeople cleaning up Ghana
Acute lymphoblastic leukemia affects around 440 children a year in the UK. The parents of Betsy and Lacey couldn't believe two girls in the same school had the same diagnosis. The girls' nurse, Leslie, visits them every week in school. She says she's watched the friendship flourish.
Global News Podcast
The Happy Pod: The professionals and tradespeople cleaning up Ghana
Betsy and Lacey are in the maintenance phase of their treatment, which is due to be completed in 2025. They still have to take daily medication and have frequent hospital appointments. But, as both the girls say, they have each other.
Global News Podcast
The Happy Pod: The professionals and tradespeople cleaning up Ghana
Yoga is more than just exercise. It's the spiritual practice that millions swear by. And in 2017, Miranda, a university tutor from London, joins a yoga school that promises profound transformation.
Global News Podcast
The Happy Pod: The professionals and tradespeople cleaning up Ghana
But soon, that calm, welcoming atmosphere leads to something far darker, a journey that leads to allegations of grooming, trafficking and exploitation across international borders.
Global News Podcast
The Happy Pod: The professionals and tradespeople cleaning up Ghana
World of Secrets is where untold stories are unveiled and hidden realities are exposed. In this new series, we're confronting the dark side of the wellness industry with a hope of a spiritual breakthrough gives way to disturbing accusations. You just get sucked in so gradually.
Global News Podcast
The Happy Pod: The professionals and tradespeople cleaning up Ghana
World of Secrets, Season 6, The Bad Guru. Listen wherever you get your podcasts.
Global News Podcast
The Happy Pod: Learning to play the guitar one handed
This BBC podcast is supported by ads outside the UK. On our podcast, Good Bad Billionaire, we explain how the world's billionaires made all their money.
Global News Podcast
The Happy Pod: Learning to play the guitar one handed
On our podcast, Good Bad Billionaire, we explain how the world's billionaires made all their money.
Global News Podcast
The Happy Pod: Learning to play the guitar one handed
Pop stars and tech titans, founders and filmmakers, inventors and investors, we cover them all. And for the first time, we're talking about a video game designer.
Global News Podcast
The Happy Pod: Learning to play the guitar one handed
Yeah, we're talking about Marcus Persson, the Swedish coding king who programmed the world's most successful game, Minecraft, all by himself.
Global News Podcast
The Happy Pod: Learning to play the guitar one handed
He made a billion, but is he good, bad, or just another billionaire? Find out on Good Bad Billionaire, listen on the BBC app, or wherever you get your podcasts.
Global News Podcast
The Happy Pod: Learning to play the guitar one handed
Pop stars and tech titans, founders and filmmakers, inventors and investors, we cover them all. And for the first time, we're talking about a video game designer.
Global News Podcast
The Happy Pod: Learning to play the guitar one handed
On our podcast, Good Bad Billionaire, we explain how the world's billionaires made all their money.
Global News Podcast
The Happy Pod: Learning to play the guitar one handed
Pop stars and tech titans, founders and filmmakers, inventors and investors, we cover them all. And for the first time, we're talking about a video game designer.
Global News Podcast
The Happy Pod: Learning to play the guitar one handed
Yeah, we're talking about Marcus Persson, the Swedish coding king who programmed the world's most successful game, Minecraft, all by himself.
Global News Podcast
The Happy Pod: Learning to play the guitar one handed
He made a billion, but is he good, bad, or just another billionaire? Find out on Good Bad Billionaire, listen on the BBC app, or wherever you get your podcasts.
Global News Podcast
The Happy Pod: Learning to play the guitar one handed
Yep, we're talking about Marcus Persson, the Swedish coding king who programmed the world's most successful game, Minecraft, all by himself.
Global News Podcast
The Happy Pod: Learning to play the guitar one handed
He made a billion, but is he good, bad, or just another billionaire? Find out on Good Bad Billionaire, listen on the BBC app, or wherever you get your podcasts.
Global News Podcast
The Happy Pod: From security guard to sculptor at the Met Museum
Delve into a world of secrets. The BBC's Global Investigations podcast, breaking major news stories around the world.
Global News Podcast
The Happy Pod: From security guard to sculptor at the Met Museum
Delve into a world of secrets. The BBC's Global Investigations podcast, breaking major news stories around the world.
Global News Podcast
The Happy Pod: From security guard to sculptor at the Met Museum
Delve into a world of secrets. The BBC's Global Investigations podcast, breaking major news stories around the world.
Global News Podcast
Turkey protests: More than 1,000 people arrested in 5 days
This BBC podcast is supported by ads outside the UK. On our podcast, Good Bad Billionaire, we explain how the world's billionaires made all their money.
Global News Podcast
Turkey protests: More than 1,000 people arrested in 5 days
On our podcast, Good Bad Billionaire, we explain how the world's billionaires made all their money.
Global News Podcast
Turkey protests: More than 1,000 people arrested in 5 days
Pop stars and tech titans, founders and filmmakers, inventors and investors, we cover them all. And for the first time, we're talking about a video game designer.
Global News Podcast
Turkey protests: More than 1,000 people arrested in 5 days
Yep, we're talking about Marcus Persson, the Swedish coding king who programmed the world's most successful game, Minecraft, all by himself.
Global News Podcast
Turkey protests: More than 1,000 people arrested in 5 days
He made a billion, but is he good, bad, or just another billionaire? Find out on Good Bad Billionaire, listen on the BBC app, or wherever you get your podcasts.
Global News Podcast
Turkey protests: More than 1,000 people arrested in 5 days
Pop stars and tech titans, founders and filmmakers, inventors and investors, we cover them all. And for the first time, we're talking about a video game designer.
Global News Podcast
Turkey protests: More than 1,000 people arrested in 5 days
On our podcast, Good Bad Billionaire, we explain how the world's billionaires made all their money.
Global News Podcast
Turkey protests: More than 1,000 people arrested in 5 days
Pop stars and tech titans, founders and filmmakers, inventors and investors, we cover them all. And for the first time, we're talking about a video game designer.
Global News Podcast
Turkey protests: More than 1,000 people arrested in 5 days
Yep, we're talking about Marcus Persson, the Swedish coding king who programmed the world's most successful game, Minecraft, all by himself.
Global News Podcast
Turkey protests: More than 1,000 people arrested in 5 days
He made a billion, but is he good, bad, or just another billionaire? Find out on Good Bad Billionaire, listen on the BBC app, or wherever you get your podcasts.
Global News Podcast
Turkey protests: More than 1,000 people arrested in 5 days
Yep, we're talking about Marcus Persson, the Swedish coding king who programmed the world's most successful game, Minecraft, all by himself.
Global News Podcast
Turkey protests: More than 1,000 people arrested in 5 days
He made a billion, but is he good, bad, or just another billionaire? Find out on Good Bad Billionaire, listen on the BBC app, or wherever you get your podcasts.
Global News Podcast
US inauguration special
This BBC podcast is supported by ads outside the UK. Our lives today can feel like miniature versions of this relentless churn of activity. We find we're rushing around more crazily than ever. Somewhere, when we weren't looking, it's like busyness became a way of life.
Global News Podcast
US inauguration special
Our lives today can feel like miniature versions of this relentless churn of activity. We find we're rushing around more crazily than ever. Somewhere, when we weren't looking, it's like busyness became a way of life.
Global News Podcast
Washington gears up for Trump inauguration
Yoga is more than just exercise. It's the spiritual practice that millions swear by. And in 2017, Miranda, a university tutor from London, joins a yoga school that promises profound transformation.
Global News Podcast
Washington gears up for Trump inauguration
But soon, that calm, welcoming atmosphere leads to something far darker, a journey that leads to allegations of grooming, trafficking and exploitation across international borders.
Global News Podcast
Washington gears up for Trump inauguration
world of secrets is where untold stories are unveiled and hidden realities are exposed in this new series we're confronting the dark side of the wellness industry where the hope of a spiritual breakthrough gives way to disturbing accusations you just get sucked in so gradually
Global News Podcast
Washington gears up for Trump inauguration
World of Secrets, Season 6, The Bad Guru. Listen wherever you get your podcasts.
Global News Podcast
Trump and Putin to hold Ukraine peace talks on Tuesday
This BBC podcast is supported by ads outside the UK. On our podcast, Good Bad Billionaire, we explain how the world's billionaires made all their money.
Global News Podcast
Trump and Putin to hold Ukraine peace talks on Tuesday
On our podcast, Good Bad Billionaire, we explain how the world's billionaires made all their money.
Global News Podcast
Trump and Putin to hold Ukraine peace talks on Tuesday
Yep, we're talking about Marcus Persson, the Swedish coding king who programmed the world's most successful game, Minecraft, all by himself.
Global News Podcast
Trump and Putin to hold Ukraine peace talks on Tuesday
Yep, we're talking about Marcus Persson, the Swedish coding king who programmed the world's most successful game, Minecraft, all by himself.
Global News Podcast
Trump and Putin to hold Ukraine peace talks on Tuesday
On our podcast, Good Bad Billionaire, we explain how the world's billionaires made all their money.
Global News Podcast
Trump and Putin to hold Ukraine peace talks on Tuesday
Yeah, we're talking about Marcus Persson, the Swedish coding king who programmed the world's most successful game, Minecraft, all by himself.
Global News Podcast
Arrests made after many fatalities in North Macedonia nightclub fire
This BBC podcast is supported by ads outside the UK. On our podcast, Good Bad Billionaire, we explain how the world's billionaires made all their money.
Global News Podcast
Arrests made after many fatalities in North Macedonia nightclub fire
On our podcast, Good Bad Billionaire, we explain how the world's billionaires made all their money.
Global News Podcast
Arrests made after many fatalities in North Macedonia nightclub fire
Pop stars and tech titans, founders and filmmakers, inventors and investors. We cover them all. And for the first time, we're talking about a video game designer.
Global News Podcast
Arrests made after many fatalities in North Macedonia nightclub fire
Yeah, we're talking about Marcus Persson, the Swedish coding king who programmed the world's most successful game, Minecraft, all by himself.
Global News Podcast
Arrests made after many fatalities in North Macedonia nightclub fire
He made a billion, but is he good, bad or just another billionaire? Find out on Good Bad Billionaire. Listen on the BBC app or wherever you get your podcasts.
Global News Podcast
Arrests made after many fatalities in North Macedonia nightclub fire
Pop stars and tech titans, founders and filmmakers, inventors and investors, we cover them all. And for the first time, we're talking about a video game designer.
Global News Podcast
Arrests made after many fatalities in North Macedonia nightclub fire
On our podcast, Good Bad Billionaire, we explain how the world's billionaires made all their money.
Global News Podcast
Arrests made after many fatalities in North Macedonia nightclub fire
Pop stars and tech titans, founders and filmmakers, inventors and investors, we cover them all. And for the first time, we're talking about a video game designer.
Global News Podcast
Arrests made after many fatalities in North Macedonia nightclub fire
Yep, we're talking about Marcus Persson, the Swedish coding king who programmed the world's most successful game, Minecraft, all by himself.
Global News Podcast
Arrests made after many fatalities in North Macedonia nightclub fire
He made a billion, but is he good, bad, or just another billionaire? Find out on Good Bad Billionaire, listen on the BBC app, or wherever you get your podcasts.
Global News Podcast
Arrests made after many fatalities in North Macedonia nightclub fire
Yep, we're talking about Marcus Persson, the Swedish coding king who programmed the world's most successful game, Minecraft, all by himself.
Global News Podcast
Arrests made after many fatalities in North Macedonia nightclub fire
He made a billion, but is he good, bad, or just another billionaire? Find out on Good Bad Billionaire, listen on the BBC app, or wherever you get your podcasts.
Global News Podcast
Starmer warns US backstop needed for Ukraine peace deal
Hörst du das? Nicht mich, dich. Deine innere Stimme, die dir sagt, wie du dir den Job für deine Zukunft vorstellst. Neue Karriereziele setzen und erreichen und unsere Gesellschaft voranbringen. Dann hör auf dich. Finde ihn auf sparkasse.de slash karriere. Wir machen den Job wahr, den du dir vorstellst. Sparkasse, weil es um mehr als Geld geht.
Global News Podcast
Starmer warns US backstop needed for Ukraine peace deal
Next to Mexico and the singer they call the Queen of the People.
Global News Podcast
French ministers arrive in Mayotte after devastating cyclone
Yoga is more than just exercise. It's the spiritual practice that millions swear by. And in 2017, Miranda, a university tutor from London, joins a yoga school that promises profound transformation.
Global News Podcast
French ministers arrive in Mayotte after devastating cyclone
But soon, that calm, welcoming atmosphere leads to something far darker, a journey that leads to allegations of grooming, trafficking and exploitation across international borders.
Global News Podcast
French ministers arrive in Mayotte after devastating cyclone
You just get sucked in so gradually.
Global News Podcast
French ministers arrive in Mayotte after devastating cyclone
World of Secrets, Season 6, The Bad Guru. Listen wherever you get your podcasts.
Global News Podcast
Hundreds, possibly thousands, feared dead in Mayotte cyclone
Yoga is more than just exercise. It's the spiritual practice that millions swear by. And in 2017, Miranda, a university tutor from London, joins a yoga school that promises profound transformation.
Global News Podcast
Hundreds, possibly thousands, feared dead in Mayotte cyclone
But soon, that calm, welcoming atmosphere leads to something far darker, a journey that leads to allegations of grooming, trafficking and exploitation across international borders.
Global News Podcast
Hundreds, possibly thousands, feared dead in Mayotte cyclone
You just get sucked in so gradually.
Global News Podcast
Hundreds, possibly thousands, feared dead in Mayotte cyclone
World of Secrets, Season 6, The Bad Guru. Listen wherever you get your podcasts.
Global News Podcast
Zelensky offers exchange of North Korean soldiers
Mohamed Al-Fayed was like an apex predator.
Global News Podcast
Zelensky offers exchange of North Korean soldiers
Mohamed Al-Fayed was like an apex predator.
Global News Podcast
Syrian government says operation against Assad loyalists over
This BBC podcast is supported by ads outside the UK. On our podcast, Good Bad Billionaire, we explain how the world's billionaires made all their money.
Global News Podcast
Syrian government says operation against Assad loyalists over
Pop stars and tech titans, founders and filmmakers, inventors and investors, we cover them all. And for the first time, we're talking about a video game designer.
Global News Podcast
Syrian government says operation against Assad loyalists over
On our podcast, Good Bad Billionaire, we explain how the world's billionaires made all their money.
Global News Podcast
Syrian government says operation against Assad loyalists over
Pop stars and tech titans, founders and filmmakers, inventors and investors, we cover them all. And for the first time, we're talking about a video game designer.
Global News Podcast
Syrian government says operation against Assad loyalists over
Yep, we're talking about Marcus Persson, the Swedish coding king who programmed the world's most successful game, Minecraft, all by himself.
Global News Podcast
Syrian government says operation against Assad loyalists over
He made a billion, but is he good, bad, or just another billionaire? Find out on Good Bad Billionaire, listen on the BBC app, or wherever you get your podcasts.
Global News Podcast
Syrian government says operation against Assad loyalists over
Yep, we're talking about Marcus Persson, the Swedish coding king who programmed the world's most successful game, Minecraft, all by himself.
Global News Podcast
Syrian government says operation against Assad loyalists over
He made a billion, but is he good, bad, or just another billionaire? Find out on Good Bad Billionaire, listen on the BBC app, or wherever you get your podcasts.
Global News Podcast
Syrian government says operation against Assad loyalists over
On our podcast, Good Bad Billionaire, we explain how the world's billionaires made all their money.
Global News Podcast
Syrian government says operation against Assad loyalists over
Pop stars and tech titans, founders and filmmakers, inventors and investors, we cover them all. And for the first time, we're talking about a video game designer.
Global News Podcast
Syrian government says operation against Assad loyalists over
Yep, we're talking about Marcus Persson, the Swedish coding king who programmed the world's most successful game, Minecraft, all by himself.
Global News Podcast
Syrian government says operation against Assad loyalists over
He made a billion, but is he good, bad, or just another billionaire? Find out on Good Bad Billionaire, listen on the BBC app, or wherever you get your podcasts.
Global News Podcast
Hamas says it will postpone Israeli hostage release
This BBC podcast is supported by ads outside the UK. On our podcast, Good Bad Billionaire, we explain how the world's billionaires made all their money.
Global News Podcast
Hamas says it will postpone Israeli hostage release
Pop stars and tech titans, founders and filmmakers, inventors and investors. We cover them all. And for the first time, we're talking about a video game designer.
Global News Podcast
Hamas says it will postpone Israeli hostage release
Yeah, we're talking about Marcus Persson, the Swedish coding king who programmed the world's most successful game, Minecraft, all by himself.
Global News Podcast
Hamas says it will postpone Israeli hostage release
He made a billion, but is he good, bad or just another billionaire? Find out on Good Bad Billionaire. Listen on the BBC app or wherever you get your podcasts.
Global News Podcast
Hamas says it will postpone Israeli hostage release
Pop stars and tech titans, founders and filmmakers, inventors and investors, we cover them all. And for the first time, we're talking about a video game designer.
Global News Podcast
Hamas says it will postpone Israeli hostage release
On our podcast, Good Bad Billionaire, we explain how the world's billionaires made all their money.
Global News Podcast
Hamas says it will postpone Israeli hostage release
Pop stars and tech titans, founders and filmmakers, inventors and investors, we cover them all. And for the first time, we're talking about a video game designer.
Global News Podcast
Hamas says it will postpone Israeli hostage release
Yep, we're talking about Marcus Persson, the Swedish coding king who programmed the world's most successful game, Minecraft, all by himself.
Global News Podcast
Hamas says it will postpone Israeli hostage release
He made a billion, but is he good, bad, or just another billionaire? Find out on Good Bad Billionaire, listen on the BBC app, or wherever you get your podcasts.
Global News Podcast
Hamas says it will postpone Israeli hostage release
Yep, we're talking about Marcus Persson, the Swedish coding king who programmed the world's most successful game, Minecraft, all by himself.
Global News Podcast
Hamas says it will postpone Israeli hostage release
He made a billion, but is he good, bad, or just another billionaire? Find out on Good Bad Billionaire, listen on the BBC app, or wherever you get your podcasts.
Global News Podcast
Hamas says it will postpone Israeli hostage release
On our podcast, Good Bad Billionaire, we explain how the world's billionaires made all their money.
Global News Podcast
Trump threatens to escalate trade war with China
This BBC podcast is supported by ads outside the UK. On our podcast, Good Bad Billionaire, we explain how the world's billionaires made all their money.
Global News Podcast
Trump threatens to escalate trade war with China
On our podcast, Good Bad Billionaire, we explain how the world's billionaires made all their money.
Global News Podcast
Trump threatens to escalate trade war with China
Yeah, we're talking about Marcus Persson, the Swedish coding king who programmed the world's most successful game, Minecraft, all by himself.
Global News Podcast
Trump threatens to escalate trade war with China
Yep, we're talking about Marcus Persson, the Swedish coding king who programmed the world's most successful game, Minecraft, all by himself.
Global News Podcast
Trump threatens to escalate trade war with China
On our podcast, Good Bad Billionaire, we explain how the world's billionaires made all their money.
Global News Podcast
Trump threatens to escalate trade war with China
Yep, we're talking about Marcus Persson, the Swedish coding king who programmed the world's most successful game, Minecraft, all by himself.
Global News Podcast
Global stock markets plunge amid Trump tariff turmoil
This BBC podcast is supported by ads outside the UK. On our podcast, Good Bad Billionaire, we explain how the world's billionaires made all their money.
Global News Podcast
Global stock markets plunge amid Trump tariff turmoil
The Taco Fashion Action Deal of the Week. Airy, light ladies' muslin blouses and men's linen shirts. For every $9.99 instead of $19.99. But only until Sunday. Discover the cheap prices to continue at Taco Fashion. Now in the store or at taco.com.
Global News Podcast
Global stock markets plunge amid Trump tariff turmoil
On our podcast, Good Bad Billionaire, we explain how the world's billionaires made all their money.
Global News Podcast
Global stock markets plunge amid Trump tariff turmoil
Pop stars and tech titans, founders and filmmakers, inventors and investors, we cover them all. And for the first time, we're talking about a video game designer.
Global News Podcast
Global stock markets plunge amid Trump tariff turmoil
Yep, we're talking about Marcus Persson, the Swedish coding king who programmed the world's most successful game, Minecraft, all by himself.
Global News Podcast
Global stock markets plunge amid Trump tariff turmoil
He made a billion, but is he good, bad, or just another billionaire? Find out on Good Bad Billionaire, listen on the BBC app, or wherever you get your podcasts.
Global News Podcast
Global stock markets plunge amid Trump tariff turmoil
On our podcast, Good Bad Billionaire, we explain how the world's billionaires made all their money.
Global News Podcast
Global stock markets plunge amid Trump tariff turmoil
Pop stars and tech titans, founders and filmmakers, inventors and investors, we cover them all. And for the first time, we're talking about a video game designer.
Global News Podcast
Global stock markets plunge amid Trump tariff turmoil
Yep, we're talking about Marcus Persson, the Swedish coding king who programmed the world's most successful game, Minecraft, all by himself.
Global News Podcast
Global stock markets plunge amid Trump tariff turmoil
He made a billion, but is he good, bad or just another billionaire? Find out on Good Bad Billionaire, listen on the BBC app or wherever you get your podcasts.
Global News Podcast
Global stock markets plunge amid Trump tariff turmoil
Pop stars and tech titans, founders and filmmakers, inventors and investors, we cover them all. And for the first time, we're talking about a video game designer.
Global News Podcast
Global stock markets plunge amid Trump tariff turmoil
Yep, we're talking about Marcus Persson, the Swedish coding king who programmed the world's most successful game, Minecraft, all by himself.
Global News Podcast
Global stock markets plunge amid Trump tariff turmoil
He made a billion, but is he good, bad, or just another billionaire? Find out on Good Bad Billionaire, listen on the BBC app, or wherever you get your podcasts.
Global News Podcast
Moscow says West "fragmenting" over Ukraine
As an academy of science, the Royal Society, based here in the UK, does not routinely make news headlines. It traces its roots back to the 17th century and its usual mission is to promote excellence in science for the benefit of humanity.
Global News Podcast
Moscow says West "fragmenting" over Ukraine
Their task, how to lead the charge in ending fighting, despite Donald Trump's very public spat with the Ukrainian president at the White House on Friday. But Moscow has responded with derision, saying Western governments are fragmenting. President Putin's spokesman, Dmitry Peskov, has said peace can't be achieved while Europe pumps more military aid into Ukraine.
Global News Podcast
Moscow says West "fragmenting" over Ukraine
But a meeting of the prestigious Academy's fellows later on Monday may just draw wider interest because of a proposal to expel one of their number, the billionaire Elon Musk. More than 3,000 scientists have signed an open letter claiming the Tesla and SpaceX founder has broken their code of conduct by promoting unfounded conspiracy theories. Esme Stallard reports.
Global News Podcast
Moscow says West "fragmenting" over Ukraine
The Democratic Republic of Congo's Prime Minister, Judith Seminwa-Tuluka, has told the BBC the government will only hold direct talks with Rwanda and not rebels. This is despite calls from regional leaders to engage rebels in dialogue to try to resolve the conflict in the east of the country.
Global News Podcast
Moscow says West "fragmenting" over Ukraine
In the last few weeks, the Rwanda-backed M23 rebels have captured swathes of territory, including the cities of Goma and Bukavu. More than 8,500 people have been killed and hundreds of thousands displaced in the fighting. Last week, the British government suspended its bilateral aid to Rwanda and asked the country to withdraw its troops from the DRC.
Global News Podcast
Moscow says West "fragmenting" over Ukraine
The Prime Minister spoke to the BBC's senior Africa correspondent, Anne Soy. who began by asking what impact Western sanctions will have on the conflict.
Global News Podcast
Moscow says West "fragmenting" over Ukraine
The DRC's Prime Minister, Judith Saminwa-Tuluka. An antiques dealer in Singapore has been sentenced to more than two years in prison after he admitted to secretly selling a client's 18th century vase and replacing it with a copy. More from our Asia-Pacific regional editor Celia Hatton.
Global News Podcast
Moscow says West "fragmenting" over Ukraine
Mr Peskov also said no coordinated peace plan was on the agenda yet. Here's Danny Eberhard.
Global News Podcast
Moscow says West "fragmenting" over Ukraine
Celia Hatton reporting. The Nigerian-born US-based author Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie has been listed as one of Time magazine's 100 most influential people. Over the years, she's written award-winning novels such as Half a Yellow Sun, as well as poetry and short stories. Now her new book, Dream Count, heralds a hotly anticipated return to fiction after more than a decade away. So why the long wait?
Global News Podcast
Moscow says West "fragmenting" over Ukraine
She spoke to the BBC's Emma Barnett.
Global News Podcast
Moscow says West "fragmenting" over Ukraine
The Nigerian-American author Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie speaking to Emma Barnett. To Kenya now, where an investigation by the BBC has found that TikTok is making profits there from live streams that sell sexual content, some involving teenagers as young as 15.
Global News Podcast
Moscow says West "fragmenting" over Ukraine
Whistleblowers from the company that moderates the social media platform say TikTok knows it's happening, but is failing to take adequate action, despite its own guidelines which ban the selling of sex. Dabula Kamoli has this report from Nairobi.
Global News Podcast
Moscow says West "fragmenting" over Ukraine
Debula Kemmerle reporting. To hear the full investigation, search BBC The Documentary online or wherever you get your podcasts. And that's all from us for now, but there'll be a new edition of the Global News Podcast later. If you want to comment on this podcast or the topics covered in it, you can send us an email. The address is globalpodcast at bbc.co.uk.
Global News Podcast
Moscow says West "fragmenting" over Ukraine
You can also find us on X at BBC World Service. Use the hashtag Global News Pod. This edition was mixed by Kai Perry and the producer was David Lewis. The editor is Karen Martin. I'm Bernadette Keogh. Until next time, goodbye.
Global News Podcast
Moscow says West "fragmenting" over Ukraine
Ukrainian officials and media have expressed scepticism about the outcome of the London summit. Vitaly Shevchenko is from BBC Monitoring.
Global News Podcast
Moscow says West "fragmenting" over Ukraine
Vitaly Shevchenko. And we'll be putting your questions about Ukraine, that Trump news conference and the subsequent diplomatic fallout to our BBC correspondence. Let us know what you'd like answered by sending us an email or a voice note to globalpodcast at bbc.co.uk. The UN's human rights chief has said he's concerned by what he called a fundamental shift in the United States.
Global News Podcast
Moscow says West "fragmenting" over Ukraine
Volker Turk didn't mention Donald Trump during his annual speech on the state of human rights worldwide, but he warned of a climate of disinformation, intimidation and threats against journalists and other public officials.
Global News Podcast
Moscow says West "fragmenting" over Ukraine
Mr Turk also expressed alarm about the dehumanisation of migrants in Europe and pointed to serious rights violations in countries like Sudan, Myanmar and the Democratic Republic of Congo. As we record this podcast, reports from Germany say that a car has been driven into a crowd of people in the western city of Mannheim.
Global News Podcast
Moscow says West "fragmenting" over Ukraine
Videos posted on social media showed police vehicles and ambulances rushing through the city streets. More details from David Lewis.
Global News Podcast
Moscow says West "fragmenting" over Ukraine
This is the Global News Podcast from the BBC World Service. Russia says Western governments are starting to fragment over the war in Ukraine, describing Friday's public row between Vladimir Zelensky and Donald Trump as unprecedented. Police in the German city of Mannheim say at least one person has died after a car drove into a crowd of people.
Global News Podcast
Moscow says West "fragmenting" over Ukraine
There's been widespread condemnation in the Arab world of the Israeli decision to withhold aid supplies going into Gaza. When the ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hamas was announced in January, Israelis and Palestinians celebrated.
Global News Podcast
Moscow says West "fragmenting" over Ukraine
But now, after the first phase of the deal came to an end at the weekend, there are fears that the fighting, which reduced Gaza to rubble, killed tens of thousands of Palestinians and threatened the lives of hostages, could resume. I heard more from our chief international correspondent, Lise Douzette, who's in Cairo.
Global News Podcast
Moscow says West "fragmenting" over Ukraine
Lise, why is Israel blocking aid going into Gaza?
Global News Podcast
Moscow says West "fragmenting" over Ukraine
The new chancellor is Christian Stocker, and he will lead a coalition that excludes the far-right Freedom Party, which came first in September's poll. Our correspondent Bethany Bell reports from Vienna.
Global News Podcast
Moscow says West "fragmenting" over Ukraine
Anora, the story of a stripper in New York, sweeps the Oscars board.
Global News Podcast
Moscow says West "fragmenting" over Ukraine
Bethany Bell. Last week, Donald Trump announced plans to impose an additional 10% tariff on goods from China, saying he didn't think enough was being done to prevent drug trafficking. Imports from China already face taxes of 10% at the US border after a tariff that went into effect in February. Now we appear to have Beijing's response.
Global News Podcast
Moscow says West "fragmenting" over Ukraine
State media in China claim a series of countermeasures have been prepared, raising the prospect of an all-out trade war between the world's top two economies. Our China correspondent Laura Bicker reports.
Global News Podcast
Moscow says West "fragmenting" over Ukraine
It's been 95 years since the first Oscars were awarded to recognise the best achievers in film. So you'd be forgiven for thinking there's not much new ground left to break. But Sunday night's Academy Awards did make history. The writer and director, Sean Baker, became the first person to pick up four awards in the same year for the same film.
Global News Podcast
Moscow says West "fragmenting" over Ukraine
Anora, about a stripper who marries a Russian playboy, also took the gong for Best Actress. Our Los Angeles correspondent Emma Vardy reports.
Global News Podcast
Moscow says West "fragmenting" over Ukraine
Stinging words from the UN on what they see as happening in the United States. Over the weekend, a raft of international leaders descended on London for talks on Ukraine. President Zelensky was there, as were the heads of government of France, Germany, Italy and Canada.
Global News Podcast
Moscow says West "fragmenting" over Ukraine
TikTok is accused of failing to act despite knowing children are selling sexual content via its platform.
Global News Podcast
Myanmar earthquake kills at least 144
This BBC podcast is supported by ads outside the UK. On our podcast, Good Bad Billionaire, we explain how the world's billionaires made all their money.
Global News Podcast
Myanmar earthquake kills at least 144
Pop stars and tech titans, founders and filmmakers, inventors and investors, we cover them all. And for the first time, we're talking about a video game designer.
Global News Podcast
Myanmar earthquake kills at least 144
The weasel testicles one, the theory probably is sympathetic medicine, that this part of an animal might have healing properties for a corresponding part of the human body. Medieval people lived in a world that was divinely ordained and created for So that's probably the theory behind that particular slightly odd treatment for infertility.
Global News Podcast
Myanmar earthquake kills at least 144
You take the sourest apples that you can find, roast them in a fire until they're soft and then mix quicksilver, mercury, in with them and then slather this on your body and this will destroy all the lice on your body. I mean, I'm sure it will do a few other things as well and I don't recommend people try it.
Global News Podcast
Myanmar earthquake kills at least 144
There is no tidy, clear division in the medieval period between science and magic. They're not in their mutually opposing spheres like they are nowadays. So medical practitioners were also trying these ritualistic treatments that involved reciting certain words, making signs of the cross. And there's one treatment for fevers called
Global News Podcast
Myanmar earthquake kills at least 144
which involves writing certain formulae on a person's hand, washing it off the person's hand, and then making them drink the liquid that's washed the writing off.
Global News Podcast
Myanmar earthquake kills at least 144
On our podcast, Good Bad Billionaire, we explain how the world's billionaires made all their money.
Global News Podcast
Myanmar earthquake kills at least 144
Pop stars and tech titans, founders and filmmakers, inventors and investors, we cover them all. And for the first time, we're talking about a video game designer.
Global News Podcast
Myanmar earthquake kills at least 144
Yep, we're talking about Marcus Persson, the Swedish coding king who programmed the world's most successful game, Minecraft, all by himself.
Global News Podcast
Myanmar earthquake kills at least 144
He made a billion, but is he good, bad, or just another billionaire? Find out on Good Bad Billionaire, listen on the BBC app, or wherever you get your podcasts.
Global News Podcast
Myanmar earthquake kills at least 144
Yep, we're talking about Marcus Persson, the Swedish coding king who programmed the world's most successful game, Minecraft, all by himself.
Global News Podcast
Myanmar earthquake kills at least 144
He made a billion, but is he good, bad, or just another billionaire? Find out on Good Bad Billionaire, listen on the BBC app, or wherever you get your podcasts.
Global News Podcast
Myanmar earthquake kills at least 144
Also in this podcast... You take the sourest apples that you can find, roast them in a fire until they're soft, and then mix quicksilver, mercury, in with them, and then slather this on your body.
Global News Podcast
Myanmar earthquake kills at least 144
On our podcast, Good Bad Billionaire, we explain how the world's billionaires made all their money.
Global News Podcast
Myanmar earthquake kills at least 144
Pop stars and tech titans, founders and filmmakers, inventors and investors, we cover them all. And for the first time, we're talking about a video game designer.
Global News Podcast
Myanmar earthquake kills at least 144
Yeah, we're talking about Marcus Persson, the Swedish coding king who programmed the world's most successful game, Minecraft, all by himself.
Global News Podcast
Myanmar earthquake kills at least 144
He made a billion, but is he good, bad, or just another billionaire? Find out on Good Bad Billionaire, listen on the BBC app, or wherever you get your podcasts.
Global News Podcast
European leaders reaffirm support for Ukraine
This BBC podcast is supported by ads outside the UK. On our podcast, Good Bad Billionaire, we explain how the world's billionaires made all their money.
Global News Podcast
European leaders reaffirm support for Ukraine
Pop stars and tech titans, founders and filmmakers, inventors and investors, we cover them all. And for the first time, we're talking about a video game designer.
Global News Podcast
European leaders reaffirm support for Ukraine
On our podcast, Good Bad Billionaire, we explain how the world's billionaires made all their money.
Global News Podcast
European leaders reaffirm support for Ukraine
Pop stars and tech titans, founders and filmmakers, inventors and investors, we cover them all. And for the first time, we're talking about a video game designer.
Global News Podcast
European leaders reaffirm support for Ukraine
Yep, we're talking about Marcus Persson, the Swedish coding king who programmed the world's most successful game, Minecraft, all by himself.
Global News Podcast
European leaders reaffirm support for Ukraine
He made a billion, but is he good, bad, or just another billionaire? Find out on Good Bad Billionaire, listen on the BBC app, or wherever you get your podcasts.
Global News Podcast
European leaders reaffirm support for Ukraine
Yep, we're talking about Marcus Persson, the Swedish coding king who programmed the world's most successful game, Minecraft, all by himself.
Global News Podcast
European leaders reaffirm support for Ukraine
He made a billion, but is he good, bad, or just another billionaire? Find out on Good Bad Billionaire, listen on the BBC app, or wherever you get your podcasts.
Global News Podcast
European leaders reaffirm support for Ukraine
On our podcast, Good Bad Billionaire, we explain how the world's billionaires made all their money.
Global News Podcast
European leaders reaffirm support for Ukraine
Pop stars and tech titans, founders and filmmakers, inventors and investors, we cover them all. And for the first time, we're talking about a video game designer.
Global News Podcast
European leaders reaffirm support for Ukraine
Yep, we're talking about Marcus Persson, the Swedish coding king who programmed the world's most successful game, Minecraft, all by himself.
Global News Podcast
European leaders reaffirm support for Ukraine
He made a billion, but is he good, bad, or just another billionaire? Find out on Good Bad Billionaire, listen on the BBC app, or wherever you get your podcasts.
Global News Podcast
Huge protests in Greece over train crash justice
This BBC Podcast is supported by ads outside the UK.
Global News Podcast
Huge protests in Greece over train crash justice
Wir machen den Job wahr, den du dir vorstellst. Sparkasse. Weil es um mehr als Geld geht.
Global News Podcast
Huge protests in Greece over train crash justice
A perilous journey across the river Rusesi from the DRC to Burundi. Possessions including jerry cans are used as a life raft. The journey is frightening for both adults and children. In the distance, in the middle of the river, I can see a man wearing a cap, being pushed by the current. He's clinging on to a huge black bag, which he pushes in front of him.
Global News Podcast
Huge protests in Greece over train crash justice
As he emerges from the river, he wipes his face and takes a deep breath. He then goes straight to Burundian forces nearby, who want to make sure he's not carrying any weapons. His name is Jordan Bita.
Global News Podcast
Huge protests in Greece over train crash justice
Ich kam hier für Gerechtigkeit, um endlich herauszufinden, warum so viele junge Menschen verloren wurden. Um endlich herauszufinden, warum es Accidents gibt, die die Leben jeden Tag riskieren.
Global News Podcast
Huge protests in Greece over train crash justice
The BBC has not been able to independently verify this claim. In the last two weeks, at least 20 people, including children, have been swept away as they attempt to swim up to 300 meters across a river, which at some point is 10 meters deep. It is thought many of the drownings have been unreported. Jordan is among the lucky ones who made it. They say the choice is stark.
Global News Podcast
Huge protests in Greece over train crash justice
Either stay and risk forced conscription into the M23, or swim and risk the waters of the Rossisi. Amani Sebakungu agrees with Jordan.
Global News Podcast
Huge protests in Greece over train crash justice
We are interrupted by the Burundian troops who order us to vacate the area. Sie haben M23-Rebel, die nach der Berge reisen, beobachtet. Safety in Burundi means living in makeshift camps like this one here in Rugombo. As many as 25 people share a tent and food is rationed to only one meal a day.
Global News Podcast
Huge protests in Greece over train crash justice
87 years old and blind, the lines on Magega Mwarui's face tell the story of the hardship she's endured since the 1960s due to instability in the DRC.
Global News Podcast
Huge protests in Greece over train crash justice
With the recent rapid advance of the M23 rebellion, Granny Magega must be wondering if she'll ever go back to her home country. Or whether she's even safe in this one.
Global News Podcast
Huge protests in Greece over train crash justice
Hörst du das? Nicht mich, dich! Deine innere Stimme, die dir sagt, wie du dir den Job für deine Zukunft vorstellst. Neue Karriereziele setzen und erreichen und unsere Gesellschaft voranbringen. Dann hör auf dich, finde ihn auf sparkasse.de. Wir machen den Job wahr, den du dir vorstellst. Sparkasse, weil es um mehr als Geld geht. Das ist der Global News Podcast von der BBC World Service.
Global News Podcast
Huge protests in Greece over train crash justice
In der Distanz, im Mittelpunkt des Rivers, sehe ich einen Mann, der eine Kappe trägt, die durch den Strom gedrängt wird. Er klingelt auf eine große schwarze Tasche, die er vor ihm drückt.
Global News Podcast
Israeli airstrikes have hit several targets inside Yemen
I've spent a fair bit of time in India.
Global News Podcast
Israeli airstrikes have hit several targets inside Yemen
We'll be right back. Remember, no matter who you are, there's a Lisa just for you.
Global News Podcast
Heathrow shutdown causes travel chaos
This BBC podcast is supported by ads outside the UK. On our podcast, Good Bad Billionaire, we explain how the world's billionaires made all their money.
Global News Podcast
Heathrow shutdown causes travel chaos
Pop stars and tech titans, founders and filmmakers, inventors and investors, we cover them all. And for the first time, we're talking about a video game designer.
Global News Podcast
Heathrow shutdown causes travel chaos
On our podcast, Good Bad Billionaire, we explain how the world's billionaires made all their money.
Global News Podcast
Heathrow shutdown causes travel chaos
Pop stars and tech titans, founders and filmmakers, inventors and investors, we cover them all. And for the first time, we're talking about a video game designer.
Global News Podcast
Heathrow shutdown causes travel chaos
Yep, we're talking about Marcus Persson, the Swedish coding king who programmed the world's most successful game, Minecraft, all by himself.
Global News Podcast
Heathrow shutdown causes travel chaos
He made a billion, but is he good, bad, or just another billionaire? Find out on Good Bad Billionaire, listen on the BBC app, or wherever you get your podcasts.
Global News Podcast
Heathrow shutdown causes travel chaos
On our podcast, Good Bad Billionaire, we explain how the world's billionaires made all their money.
Global News Podcast
Heathrow shutdown causes travel chaos
Pop stars and tech titans, founders and filmmakers, inventors and investors, we cover them all. And for the first time, we're talking about a video game designer.
Global News Podcast
Heathrow shutdown causes travel chaos
Yep, we're talking about Marcus Persson, the Swedish coding king who programmed the world's most successful game, Minecraft, all by himself.
Global News Podcast
Heathrow shutdown causes travel chaos
He made a billion, but is he good, bad, or just another billionaire? Find out on Good Bad Billionaire, listen on the BBC app, or wherever you get your podcasts.
Global News Podcast
Heathrow shutdown causes travel chaos
Yep, we're talking about Marcus Persson, the Swedish coding king who programmed the world's most successful game, Minecraft, all by himself.
Global News Podcast
Heathrow shutdown causes travel chaos
He made a billion, but is he good, bad, or just another billionaire? Find out on Good Bad Billionaire, listen on the BBC app, or wherever you get your podcasts.
Global News Podcast
Putin responds to Trump's ceasefire plan
This BBC podcast is supported by ads outside the UK. On our podcast, Good Bad Billionaire, we explain how the world's billionaires made all their money.
Global News Podcast
Putin responds to Trump's ceasefire plan
On our podcast, Good Bad Billionaire, we explain how the world's billionaires made all their money.
Global News Podcast
Putin responds to Trump's ceasefire plan
Pop stars and tech titans, founders and filmmakers, inventors and investors, we cover them all. And for the first time, we're talking about a video game designer.
Global News Podcast
Putin responds to Trump's ceasefire plan
Yep, we're talking about Marcus Persson, the Swedish coding king who programmed the world's most successful game, Minecraft, all by himself.
Global News Podcast
Putin responds to Trump's ceasefire plan
He made a billion, but is he good, bad, or just another billionaire? Find out on Good Bad Billionaire, listen on the BBC app, or wherever you get your podcasts.
Global News Podcast
Putin responds to Trump's ceasefire plan
Pop stars and tech titans, founders and filmmakers, inventors and investors, we cover them all. And for the first time, we're talking about a video game designer.
Global News Podcast
Putin responds to Trump's ceasefire plan
On our podcast, Good Bad Billionaire, we explain how the world's billionaires made all their money.
Global News Podcast
Putin responds to Trump's ceasefire plan
Pop stars and tech titans, founders and filmmakers, inventors and investors, we cover them all. And for the first time, we're talking about a video game designer.
Global News Podcast
Putin responds to Trump's ceasefire plan
Yep, we're talking about Marcus Persson, the Swedish coding king who programmed the world's most successful game, Minecraft, all by himself.
Global News Podcast
Putin responds to Trump's ceasefire plan
He made a billion, but is he good, bad or just another billionaire? Find out on Good Bad Billionaire, listen on the BBC app or wherever you get your podcasts.
Global News Podcast
Putin responds to Trump's ceasefire plan
Yep, we're talking about Marcus Persson, the Swedish coding king who programmed the world's most successful game, Minecraft, all by himself.
Global News Podcast
Putin responds to Trump's ceasefire plan
He made a billion, but is he good, bad, or just another billionaire? Find out on Good Bad Billionaire, listen on the BBC app, or wherever you get your podcasts.
Global News Podcast
Dozens killed in clashes in Syria
This BBC podcast is supported by ads outside the UK. This podcast is sponsored by Wise, the app for doing things in other currencies. If you're sending or spending money abroad, you should use Wise. You'll have up to 40 currencies in the palm of your hand. Wise gives you the real exchange rate, which means you'll spend less on fees and more of your money gets where you need it to be.
Global News Podcast
Dozens killed in clashes in Syria
This podcast is sponsored by Wise, the app for doing things in other currencies. If you're sending or spending money abroad, you should use Wise. You'll have up to 40 currencies in the palm of your hand. Wise gives you the real exchange rate, which means you'll spend less on fees and more of your money gets where you need it to be. Download the Wise app today or visit wise.com. T's and C's apply.
Global News Podcast
Dozens killed in clashes in Syria
Download the Wise app today or visit wise.com. T's and C's apply.
Global News Podcast
Dozens killed in clashes in Syria
This is the Global News Podcast from the BBC World Service.
Global News Podcast
Dozens killed in clashes in Syria
This podcast is sponsored by Wise, the app for doing things in other currencies. If you're sending or spending money abroad, you should use Wise. You'll have up to 40 currencies in the palm of your hand. Wise gives you the real exchange rate, which means you'll spend less on fees and more of your money gets where you need it to be. Download the Wise app today or visit wise.com. T's and C's apply.
Global News Podcast
Dozens killed in clashes in Syria
Your inner voice that tells you how you imagine the job for your future. In a team that holds together. In a company that promotes our society. Then listen to you. Find it on sparkasse.de slash career. We do the job you imagine. Sparkasse. Because it's about more than money.
Global News Podcast
EU agrees to boost defence spending
I was living for a few weeks alone in the Dolomites, sleeping in these bivaki or mountain huts, which are tiny unmanned sort of shepherd huts that are very high up, which climbers and walkers use to sleep in safety overnight. So I was there on my own with a camera, a rucksack and a field recorder.
Global News Podcast
EU agrees to boost defence spending
Just spending time there and trying to be amongst the mountains and really sort of listen and experience. I ended up recording wind and cowbells. And as I hiked, I found things that were stranger and stranger.
Global News Podcast
EU agrees to boost defence spending
Like on top of one mountain, I found this organ of chimes, which is just this huge wooden pole with thousands of metal chimes on, which blew in the wind and made music and was just kind of inexplicably there. So that was an amazing recording. The more I listened and the more I heard, the more I kind of started to see this place as a soundscape.
Global News Podcast
EU agrees to boost defence spending
And building on that, I started to see it almost as a choir. And from that experience, I wanted to create a piece, which was a choral work for the mountain and for me. All these mountain huts have little guestbooks in them, which are used by most visitors to write about their experience spending the night there. They're actually quite funny.
Global News Podcast
EU agrees to boost defence spending
Musik ist ein wichtiges emotionales Fahrzeug. Ich denke, Musik ist wirklich besonders, weil es sich nicht an Sachen wie Sound, Skate, Rekordungen oder Schreibung oder Bildung interessiert. Musik ist nicht referenziert. Es ist sich selbst. Es spricht nicht zu etwas anderem. Und ich finde immer, dass Musik Emotionen erreichen kann, die subtiler, detaillierter und seltsamer als andere Dinge sind.
Global News Podcast
EU agrees to boost defence spending
Und es fühlt sich sehr wichtig an, dass es solche Preise gibt, die Musik und Natur erkennen. Musik und Natur.
Global News Podcast
EU agrees to boost defence spending
Still to come... The sound artist who turns nature into music.
Global News Podcast
As stock markets tumble again, Trump calls for a cut to interest rates
This BBC podcast is supported by ads outside the UK. On our podcast, Good Bad Billionaire, we explain how the world's billionaires made all their money.
Global News Podcast
As stock markets tumble again, Trump calls for a cut to interest rates
Pop stars and tech titans, founders and filmmakers, inventors and investors, we cover them all. And for the first time, we're talking about a video game designer.
Global News Podcast
As stock markets tumble again, Trump calls for a cut to interest rates
On our podcast, Good Bad Billionaire, we explain how the world's billionaires made all their money.
Global News Podcast
As stock markets tumble again, Trump calls for a cut to interest rates
Pop stars and tech titans, founders and filmmakers, inventors and investors, we cover them all. And for the first time, we're talking about a video game designer.
Global News Podcast
As stock markets tumble again, Trump calls for a cut to interest rates
Yep, we're talking about Marcus Persson, the Swedish coding king who programmed the world's most successful game, Minecraft, all by himself.
Global News Podcast
As stock markets tumble again, Trump calls for a cut to interest rates
He made a billion, but is he good, bad, or just another billionaire? Find out on Good Bad Billionaire, listen on the BBC app, or wherever you get your podcasts.
Global News Podcast
As stock markets tumble again, Trump calls for a cut to interest rates
On our podcast, Good Bad Billionaire, we explain how the world's billionaires made all their money.
Global News Podcast
As stock markets tumble again, Trump calls for a cut to interest rates
Pop stars and tech titans, founders and filmmakers, inventors and investors, we cover them all. And for the first time, we're talking about a video game designer.
Global News Podcast
As stock markets tumble again, Trump calls for a cut to interest rates
Yep, we're talking about Marcus Persson, the Swedish coding king who programmed the world's most successful game, Minecraft, all by himself.
Global News Podcast
As stock markets tumble again, Trump calls for a cut to interest rates
He made a billion, but is he good, bad, or just another billionaire? Find out on Good Bad Billionaire, listen on the BBC app, or wherever you get your podcasts.
Global News Podcast
As stock markets tumble again, Trump calls for a cut to interest rates
Yep, we're talking about Marcus Persson, the Swedish coding king who programmed the world's most successful game, Minecraft, all by himself.
Global News Podcast
As stock markets tumble again, Trump calls for a cut to interest rates
He made a billion, but is he good, bad, or just another billionaire? Find out on Good Bad Billionaire, listen on the BBC app, or wherever you get your podcasts.
Global News Podcast
Trump tariffs trigger steepest US stocks drop since 2020
This BBC podcast is supported by ads outside the UK. On our podcast, Good Bad Billionaire, we explain how the world's billionaires made all their money.
Global News Podcast
Trump tariffs trigger steepest US stocks drop since 2020
On our podcast, Good Bad Billionaire, we explain how the world's billionaires made all their money.
Global News Podcast
Trump tariffs trigger steepest US stocks drop since 2020
Yep, we're talking about Marcus Persson, the Swedish coding king who programmed the world's most successful game, Minecraft, all by himself.
Global News Podcast
Trump tariffs trigger steepest US stocks drop since 2020
Yep, we're talking about Marcus Persson, the Swedish coding king who programmed the world's most successful game, Minecraft, all by himself.
Global News Podcast
Trump tariffs trigger steepest US stocks drop since 2020
On our podcast, Good Bad Billionaire, we explain how the world's billionaires made all their money.
Global News Podcast
Trump tariffs trigger steepest US stocks drop since 2020
Yep, we're talking about Marcus Persson, the Swedish coding king who programmed the world's most successful game, Minecraft, all by himself.
Good Guys
Love is NOT Blind with Paige O'Brien Peck
Please note that this episode may contain paid endorsements and advertisements for products and services individuals on the show may have a direct or indirect financial interest in products or services referred to in this episode.
Good Guys
Mob Adjacent with The Queen of Melrose
Welcome to Chloe in Wonderland. I don't know how many people remember this. Oh, shit. You are one decision away from a different life. I know for a fact that it was her who sold this to the media.
Good Guys
Mob Adjacent with The Queen of Melrose
I do explain to Mason how drinking affected me. I think it breaks them so much more that you forgave them. Every week, I'll sit down with fascinating guests
Good Guys
Mob Adjacent with The Queen of Melrose
It wasn't nearly as bad as what I went through emotionally with the pregnancy I had with my daughter. For real conversations. You remember when we wrestled? Like straight up crazy drunk wrestled. That's how rumors get started. Was it helpful for people to come in when you were with like your ex-husband and be like, you should be with somebody better?
Good Guys
Mob Adjacent with The Queen of Melrose
If people are broken, they have to fix themselves. This is a window into my world and the stories that make it meaningful. Welcome to Chloe in Wonderland. New episodes drop every Wednesday on X and on Thursday wherever you get your podcasts. See you there.
Hidden Brain
Marching To Your Own Drummer
And so my eyes got wider and he carried on and he said, no, there's no such thing as a free lunch.
Hidden Brain
Marching To Your Own Drummer
One in four of them said that they had lied about a question on the survey.
Hidden Brain
Marching To Your Own Drummer
I carried on. I carried on having the CT scan. And I was like, oh, this is not working. People are not registering my discomfort. And so I just lay back in the scanner and was perplexed.
Hidden Brain
Marching To Your Own Drummer
That's right. He thanked the massage therapist and then paid him and gave him a tip and then had a very painful subway ride back home.
Hidden Brain
When To Pivot
The supermarket shelves throughout America will have the new Coke by Memorial Day weekend, summer's kickoff, and the soft drink season.
Hidden Brain
When To Pivot
Mr. Buckley, there's no reason on earth for you to feel personally persecuted. We may be the only phone company in town, but we sock it to everybody.
Hidden Brain
When To Pivot
Rounder, yet bolder. It's a more harmonious flavor. You're a pretty good copywriter.
Hidden Brain
When To Pivot
Dear Chief Dodo, what ignoramus decided to change the formula of Coke? The new formula is unexciting and it's as bad as Pepsi. Burn it.
Honestly with Bari Weiss
How Not to Die in 2025
Brian Johnson is a multi-millionaire tech entrepreneur and probably the world's most famous biohacker.
Honestly with Bari Weiss
How Not to Die in 2025
Often called a vampire for doing the first multi-generational plasma transfusion with his father and son, he spends $2 million a year attempting to reverse the aging process.
Honestly with Bari Weiss
The UK Grooming Gangs and the Cowardice of the West
Well, the UK's rape grooming scandal, let's call it a rape scandal, not really about even grooming, it's just about people raping young, often underage girls, is a grotesque stain on Britain's standing as a world leader in morality and the rule of law.
Honestly with Bari Weiss
The UK Grooming Gangs and the Cowardice of the West
One evening in 2006, a 12-year-old girl went into this police station. She reported that she had been molested in a local graveyard. The police officers here told her to sober up and come back later.
Honestly with Bari Weiss
The UK Grooming Gangs and the Cowardice of the West
She was accosted by two further men who took her away in a car and raped her. They gave her money for a bus fare and dropped her in the streets in this town in Greater Manchester. She was picked up...
Honestly with Bari Weiss
Can America Win the AI War with China?
Yeah, John, we've got a bit of a tech sell-off this morning, and it's being caused by earth-shattering developments in the AI space. So let's take a look at this. Did you see the Dow? Down more than 140 points. On track for one of its worst days in the past two years. And here's why.
Honestly with Bari Weiss
Can America Win the AI War with China?
Let's talk about DeepSeek because it is mind-blowing and it is shaking this entire industry to its core.
Honestly with Bari Weiss
Can America Win the AI War with China?
Buzz started growing about DeepSeek's latest AI model being more efficient while running on a lot less, a lot less advanced NVIDIA chips. Released last week, it's already being called what is a major breakthrough, as the app shows. It's work, it's reasoning.
Honestly with Bari Weiss
Can America Win the AI War with China?
I mean, this tech route and massive market sell-off, it's a wake-up call. It is for me.
How to Get a Girlfriend with Connell Barrett
LIVE Approaches: Hear Me Chat Up Cuties IRL—Listen NOW to Get Numbers and Dates Tonight! (Part 4)
It's OK.
How to Get a Girlfriend with Connell Barrett
LIVE Approaches: Hear Me Chat Up Cuties IRL—Listen NOW to Get Numbers and Dates Tonight! (Part 4)
I have not.
How to Get a Girlfriend with Connell Barrett
LIVE Approaches: Hear Me Chat Up Cuties IRL—Listen NOW to Get Numbers and Dates Tonight! (Part 4)
I have not.
How to Get a Girlfriend with Connell Barrett
LIVE Approaches: Hear Me Chat Up Cuties IRL—Listen NOW to Get Numbers and Dates Tonight! (Part 4)
You're
How to Get a Girlfriend with Connell Barrett
LIVE Approaches: Hear Me Chat Up Cuties IRL—Listen NOW to Get Numbers and Dates Tonight! (Part 4)
Okay, so I give her a hug goodbye here.
How to Get a Girlfriend with Connell Barrett
Introducing ‘It’s Rom-Complicated!’ How to Find Love by Watching Rom-Com Movies (Seriously!) Episode 1: ‘Groundhog Day’
Whose living life won. Like there's no tomorrow. Don't drive angry. Because there isn't. I am an immortal. I have been stabbed, shot, frozen, electrocuted. You're a god. I'm a god. I'm not the god. Groundhog Day. Rated PG. At theaters Friday.
IHIP News
How Far Will MAGA Bend For Orange Skinned Old Man?
Lastly, we have another executive order that President Trump signed relating to independent agencies.
IHIP News
How Far Will MAGA Bend For Orange Skinned Old Man?
This executive order would establish important oversight functions in the Office of Management and Budget and its subsidiary office, OIRA, supervising independent agencies and many of their actions, and also reestablishes the longstanding norm that only the president or the attorney general can speak for the United States when stating an opinion as to what the law is.
IHIP News
MAGA Reps FACEPLANT at Town Halls
In Wisconsin, constituents showered two Republican congressmen with booze in two contentious town halls. Elon Musk's role in the Trump White House was a concern.
IHIP News
MAGA Reps FACEPLANT at Town Halls
Ukraine also a topic of discussion with Congressman Scott Fitzgerald disagreeing with President Trump's false claim that Ukraine started the war. No, Ukraine didn't start the war.
IHIP News
MAGA Reps FACEPLANT at Town Halls
According to CNN affiliate WTMJ, no Trump supporters spoke up at Congressman Fitzgerald's town hall.
Infamous
Murder at Lululemon | Part 4
You want to say it was their executive VP of HR actually came by today?
Infamous
Encore: Dubai's Missing Princesses I Part 4
Cold weather means more time indoors for both me and my cats. But the last thing I want is my cozy space ruined by litter box odors. Pretty Litter's advanced odor control keeps my apartment fresh, even when the windows stay shut. My old litter left a lingering smell no matter how often I cleaned it. But Pretty Litter traps odor, lasts longer, plus it ships right to my door.
Infamous
Encore: Dubai's Missing Princesses I Part 4
So no dragging heavy litter around on the subway. And Pretty Litter gives me peace of mind. It changes color to warn me about potential health issues in my cats, like UTIs or kidney problems, so I can catch them early. Indoor cats and indoor humans agree. Pretty Litter helps my apartment smell fresh and clean.
Infamous
Encore: Dubai's Missing Princesses I Part 4
When a young woman named Patty vanishes without a trace, her best friend launches a desperate search, and the trail leads to Kat Torres, a charismatic influencer with millions of followers. Her social media presence showcases a picture-perfect life, and she promises her followers a spiritual awakening. All they have to do is follow her lead.
Infamous
Encore: Dubai's Missing Princesses I Part 4
But behind the glamorous posts and inspirational quotes, a sinister truth unravels. From Wondery, Don't Cross Cat is a chilling investigation that asks the question, if an influencer promised you a dream life, what would you sacrifice? Based on the Brazilian true crime saga that captivated a nation, Don't Cross Cat is a story of ambition, control, and the lives destroyed by empty promises.
Infamous
Encore: Dubai's Missing Princesses I Part 4
What starts as an investigation into a missing persons case explodes into a story of manipulation, coercion, prostitution, and human trafficking, all orchestrated behind a curated social media facade. You can binge all episodes of Don't Cross Cat early and ad-free right now by joining Wondery Plus.
Infamous
Encore: Dubai's Missing Princesses I Part 4
Go to prettylitter.com slash infamous to save 20% on your first order and get a free cat toy. That's prettylitter.com slash infamous to save 20% on your first order and get a free cat toy. prettylitter.com slash infamous. Terms and conditions apply. See site for details. Hey, Infamous listeners. This is episode four of our series on Dubai's missing princesses.
Infamous
Encore: Dubai's Missing Princesses I Part 4
If you haven't listened to the first three episodes, you can scroll down in your feed and listen to those now.
Infamous
Encore: Dubai's Missing Princesses I Part 3
She turned a childhood passion into a profession when she went on to represent her country at the Olympics in Australia in 2000.
Infamous
Encore: Dubai's Missing Princesses I Part 3
next time on infamous princess haya bint al-hussein the wife of the ruler of dubai has fled the united arab emirates the ruler of dubai sheikh muhammad al-matum has been found by the high court to have illegally hacked the mobile phones of those opposing him there is five policemen outside and two police women i can't even go outside to get any fresh air it showed that the uae had lied to the world
Infamous
Encore: Dubai's Missing Princesses I Part 3
When a young woman named Patty vanishes without a trace, her best friend launches a desperate search, and the trail leads to Kat Torres, a charismatic influencer with millions of followers. Her social media presence showcases a picture-perfect life, and she promises her followers a spiritual awakening. All they have to do is follow her lead.
Infamous
Encore: Dubai's Missing Princesses I Part 3
But behind the glamorous posts and inspirational quotes, a sinister truth unravels. From Wondery, Don't Cross Cat is a chilling investigation that asks the question, if an influencer promised you a dream life, what would you sacrifice? Based on the Brazilian true crime saga that captivated a nation, Don't Cross Cat is a story of ambition, control, and the lives destroyed by empty promises.
Infamous
Encore: Dubai's Missing Princesses I Part 3
Hey, infamous listeners. This is episode three of our series on Dubai's missing princesses. If you haven't listened to the first two episodes, please pause this episode and scroll back in your feed so you can get all caught up.
Infamous
Encore: Dubai's Missing Princesses I Part 3
What starts as an investigation into a missing persons case explodes into a story of manipulation, coercion, prostitution, and human trafficking, all orchestrated behind a curated social media facade. You can binge all episodes of Don't Cross Cat early and ad-free right now by joining Wondery Plus.
Infamous
Encore: Dubai's Missing Princesses I Part 3
This private family matter has caused significant upset and distress for all concerned, most of all Sheikha Latifa. She and her family are looking forward to celebrating her birthday today, in privacy and peace, and to building a happy and stable future for her.
Infamous
Encore: Dubai's Missing Princesses I Part 2
The whole plan was for Hervé to help her escape. And once he got her out, the daughter was going to get to the dad and say, I want $3 million or else I'll tell all to the media. It was a con. It was a corrupt scheme gone haywire.
Infamous
Encore: Dubai's Missing Princesses I Part 2
Avail was the best way to go around Dubai without being questioned or even addressed by another person.
Infamous
Encore: Dubai's Missing Princesses I Part 2
When a young woman named Patty vanishes without a trace, her best friend launches a desperate search, and the trail leads to Kat Torres, a charismatic influencer with millions of followers. Her social media presence showcases a picture-perfect life, and she promises her followers a spiritual awakening. All they have to do is follow her lead.
Infamous
Encore: Dubai's Missing Princesses I Part 2
But behind the glamorous posts and inspirational quotes, a sinister truth unravels. From Wondery, Don't Cross Cat is a chilling investigation that asks the question, if an influencer promised you a dream life, what would you sacrifice? Based on the Brazilian true crime saga that captivated a nation, Don't Cross Cat is a story of ambition, control, and the lives destroyed by empty promises.
Infamous
Encore: Dubai's Missing Princesses I Part 2
What starts as an investigation into a missing persons case explodes into a story of manipulation, coercion, prostitution, and human trafficking, all orchestrated behind a curated social media facade. You can binge all episodes of Don't Cross Cat early and ad-free right now by joining Wondery+.
Infamous
Encore: Dubai's Missing Princesses I Part 1
Giant islands the shape of palms that could be seen from space. The world's tallest skyscraper, a modern day Tower of Babel.
Infamous
Encore: Dubai's Missing Princesses I Part 1
Sheikh Mohammed, whatever the Sheikh wants gets done, and fast.
Infamous
Encore: Dubai's Missing Princesses I Part 1
When a young woman named Patty vanishes without a trace, her best friend launches a desperate search, and the trail leads to Kat Torres, a charismatic influencer with millions of followers. Her social media presence showcases a picture-perfect life, and she promises her followers a spiritual awakening. All they have to do is follow her lead.
Infamous
Encore: Dubai's Missing Princesses I Part 1
But behind the glamorous posts and inspirational quotes, a sinister truth unravels. From Wondery, Don't Cross Cat is a chilling investigation that asks the question, if an influencer promised you a dream life, what would you sacrifice? Based on the Brazilian true crime saga that captivated a nation, Don't Cross Cat is a story of ambition, control, and the lives destroyed by empty promises.
Infamous
Encore: Dubai's Missing Princesses I Part 1
What starts as an investigation into a missing persons case explodes into a story of manipulation, coercion, prostitution, and human trafficking, all orchestrated behind a curated social media facade. You can binge all episodes of Don't Cross Cat early and ad-free right now by joining Wondery Plus.
Infamous
What If Joey Buttafuoco Was Your Dad? Listen to Gratitudeology with Jamie Hess
Amy Fisher coming face to face with her victim. Amy Fisher?
Infamous
What If Joey Buttafuoco Was Your Dad? Listen to Gratitudeology with Jamie Hess
Would you ride through the storm? Will you walk on a wire? Will you save me if I fall? Will you break through the madness? Set us down where we're safe? I'll be right here waiting till you find me again.
Infamous
Who Sold Pam, Paris and Kim's Sex Tapes?
When a young woman named Patty vanishes without a trace, her best friend launches a desperate search, and the trail leads to Kat Torres, a charismatic influencer with millions of followers. Her social media presence showcases a picture-perfect life, and she promises her followers a spiritual awakening. All they have to do is follow her lead.
Infamous
Who Sold Pam, Paris and Kim's Sex Tapes?
But behind the glamorous posts and inspirational quotes, a sinister truth unravels. From Wondery, Don't Cross Cat is a chilling investigation that asks the question, if an influencer promised you a dream life, what would you sacrifice? Based on the Brazilian true crime saga that captivated a nation, Don't Cross Cat is a story of ambition, control, and the lives destroyed by empty promises.
Infamous
Who Sold Pam, Paris and Kim's Sex Tapes?
What starts as an investigation into a missing persons case explodes into a story of manipulation, coercion, prostitution, and human trafficking, all orchestrated behind a curated social media facade. You can binge all episodes of Don't Cross Cat early and ad-free right now by joining Wondery+.
Insights Unlocked
How smart content drives better customer experiences
Want to keep the conversation going? You can find the show notes at usertesting.com slash podcast. If you haven't already, don't forget to follow us on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Overcast, or Google Play so you never miss an episode. And if you enjoyed today's show, please share it with a friend or leave us a rating and review on Apple Podcasts.
Insights Unlocked
How smart content drives better customer experiences
And until next time, this is Insights Unlocked, an original podcast from User Testing.
Insights Unlocked
How smart content drives better customer experiences
Welcome to Insights Unlocked, an original podcast from User Testing, where we bring you candid conversations and stories with the thinkers, doers, and builders behind some of the most successful digital products and experiences in the world, from concept to execution.
LUIGI
COMING March 24: Law&Crime's LUIGI
We're talking about the CEO of the biggest private health insurance corporation in the world. And the suspect.
LUIGI
The Manhunt: 1
The following podcast explores an active investigation unfolding in real time. Luigi Mangione is considered innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
Last Podcast On The Left
Side Stories: Investigation Alien w/ George Knapp
It really was. It looks great.
Late Nights with Nexpo
Abandoned by God
Catherine is non-verbal, but Arthur doesn't need to hear her speak to know what's been happening. The staff, they've been beating her. Fury and guilt sweep through him. Fury at the monsters who would treat children this way, and guilt for actually believing that his daughter was being cared for. It's all Arthur can do to keep from marching up to Director Berman's office and doing the same to him.
Late Nights with Nexpo
Abandoned by God
Across the state, special needs children are being neglected, mistreated even. Maybe it's the stigma. Maybe it's that families are reeling from the Great Depression and don't have the means to take care of disabled children. But the fact is, not enough people are stepping up to care for these kids.
Late Nights with Nexpo
Abandoned by God
But he reminds himself that right now, what matters most is that he gets Catherine away from here. And so Arthur carries Catherine out of Willowbrook and brings her home. Enraged over what he witnessed, Arthur raises a fuss, and the governor orders an investigation. But it's clear from the start that the investigation is a sham.
Late Nights with Nexpo
Abandoned by God
State doctors claim that they can't find anything out of the ordinary at Willowbrook. Once they've had a chance to tidy up, Director Berman and other officials from the Department of Mental Hygiene invite reporters to come to Willowbrook to see for themselves, stating, Our school is as fine as any.
Late Nights with Nexpo
Abandoned by God
Arthur knows this is a lie, and he expects the other parents of Willowbrook students to rally around him. But that support never comes, at least not publicly. A number of parents confide their suspicions to Arthur in private, but they never speak out. Arthur realizes, to his horror, that many Willowbrook parents are terrified of being blacklisted from the school, even if it's hell on earth.
Late Nights with Nexpo
Abandoned by God
Without Willowbrook, there's simply nowhere else to send their special needs children. There are no other options on the table. And so, the investigation runs its course, but nothing really changes at Willowbrook. Director Berman keeps his job, Dr. Krugman continues his research, and Willowbrook's young patients continue to be exploited. 1964
Late Nights with Nexpo
Abandoned by God
Dr. Krugman has published his research into a hepatitis vaccine, including his methods. The medical community is outraged when they realize that Dr. Krugman developed his research by sidestepping countless safeguards designed to prevent such abuses. This time, the public pressure is too much, and Director Berman steps down. He's replaced by another physician, Dr. Jack Hammond.
Late Nights with Nexpo
Abandoned by God
But sometimes the devil you know is better than the devil you don't. Director Hammond takes control of Willowbrook near the height of its overcrowding crisis, with roughly 6,000 patients crammed into the compound, far beyond its maximum stated capacity of 4,000. Patient care is beyond abysmal. Patients are constantly dying.
Late Nights with Nexpo
Abandoned by God
Even from activities as benign as mealtime or overworked attendance, take three minutes with each patient, shoveling a mushy mixture of corn, bread, green vegetables, and milk into their mouths. Since the patients don't get solid food, their teeth fall out. Sometimes patients vomit the mush up or even start choking. Attendants don't always notice.
Late Nights with Nexpo
Abandoned by God
And one year, nine patients die from choking alone. The women's wards are packed so tightly with beds that patients and staff have to climb over one to get to another. The only way patients can pass the time is to lie there, staring up at the flaking and crumbling walls, day after day after day. In the children's wards, things are even worse.
Late Nights with Nexpo
Abandoned by God
In an attempt to correct this horrifying trend, the New York State Department of Mental Hygiene is tasked with building an institution capable of housing all of them. A suitable tract of land over 300 acres in size is found in the borough of Staten Island. But the local residents immediately revolt. They're convinced that a mental institution will flood their neighborhood with insane criminals.
Late Nights with Nexpo
Abandoned by God
Kids are either being kept in cribs like caged animals, or they get strapped into wheelchairs. When the children's ward showers malfunction one night, two of them are burned to death in the scalding hot water. Nothing, however, is as bad as the men's ward where the threat of physical violence is ever present.
Late Nights with Nexpo
Abandoned by God
There, it's all the attendants can do to keep the patients from hurting and even killing one another. And things only get worse in 1970 when a hiring freeze causes the number of employees to drop by 25%. By this point, it's clear that the school's conditions aren't improving under Director Hammond.
Late Nights with Nexpo
Abandoned by God
And this is when a Willowbrook employee named Dr. Michael Wilkins decides to actually do something about this. After several years on the job, Dr. Wilkins has become disillusioned with his work at Willowbrook State School. The patients are being subjected to inhumane conditions every day, and no one else seems to care, least of all Director Hammond.
Late Nights with Nexpo
Abandoned by God
Half of Wilkins' job is navigating a treacherous network of fellow employees, many of whom are involved in illicit activities. There's an active black market at Willowbrook, where certain attendants deal in drugs intended for the patients. They even resell items stolen from the patients. When different dealers run afoul of one another, it isn't unheard of for violent fights to break out.
Late Nights with Nexpo
Abandoned by God
There are even reports of attendants raping and killing patients. So many victims are dying at Willowbrook, in fact, that Wilkins can't even guess what the annual total might be. It's certainly dozens, if not hundreds. One janitor in particular creeps Dr. Wilkins out. He's got a large, flat nose, big, dark eyes, deep creases in his cheeks, and a thousand-yard stare.
Late Nights with Nexpo
Abandoned by God
Sometimes he lingers a little too long near some of the children, and Wilkins has to shoo him away. It seems like the only one who shares Wilkins' concerns about Willowbrook is a social worker named Elizabeth Lee. Together, they appeal directly to Director Hammond to find ways to improve conditions.
Late Nights with Nexpo
Abandoned by God
When their concerns are ignored, they begin telling parents of the patients about the terrible conditions at Willowbrook and urging them to seek reform. When Director Hammond catches wind of this, he fires Wilkins and Lee immediately. But even still, they refuse to be silenced. Right away, Wilkins and Lee decide to go to the press. They believe the public must know what's happening at Willowbrook.
Late Nights with Nexpo
Abandoned by God
Not the version through rose-colored glasses, but the reality. What's actually happening? Because it's not that the public isn't aware that things are bad inside Willowbrook. They are. But it's a fictionalized understanding. Willful ignorance, perhaps. To people on the outside, Willowbrook is something of an urban legend.
Late Nights with Nexpo
Abandoned by God
Summer campers in Staten Island tell each other stories about Willowbrook around campfires. And the most famous legend is about Cropsey. a deranged Willowbrook patient who's said to escape at night and abduct children. Even the adults feed into these legends, telling their kids that if they don't behave, they'll be sent to Willowbrook.
Late Nights with Nexpo
Abandoned by God
But Wilkins wants the public to understand the truth, the raw, unspeakable reality that happens inside Willowbrook's walls every single day. 1972 Geraldo Rivera is a 28-year-old reporter with the New York City ABC affiliate. His phone rings for the hundredth time that day, and he's surprised to hear the voice of Dr. Wilkins on the other end. Rivera and Wilkins have worked together before.
Late Nights with Nexpo
Abandoned by God
Department of Mental Hygiene Commissioner Fred McCurdy is spearheading the initiative. The last thing he wants is for the project to get mired in local politics and lose momentum. And so, he tells a little white lie. To get construction underway, McCurdy assures the residents of Staten Island that this new mental institution will be a school, not an asylum.
Late Nights with Nexpo
Abandoned by God
Years prior, Wilkins gave Rivera a scoop about Native American nurses being underpaid at a government hospital. But this time, Wilkins wants Rivera to do another expose on the unspeakable conditions at Willowbrook State School where he used to work. Rivera isn't sure his producer will think the story's worth running on the 6 p.m. news.
Late Nights with Nexpo
Abandoned by God
After all, everyone in their state has heard the urban legends, but Wilkins keeps talking how most patients get hepatitis within six months, how there are 5,300 patients crammed into just a few buildings, how his ward is literally filled with children lying in their own feces. Wilkins' descriptions of Willowbrook certainly paint a picture in the mind, and suddenly, Geraldo Rivera is all ears.
Late Nights with Nexpo
Abandoned by God
He meets Wilkins and Lee at a local diner, and there, they provide Rivera with specific details as well as something even more valuable, a key to Ward No. 6, which director Hammond forgot to confiscate when he fired them. Rivera wastes no time. He and his crew arrive at Willowbrook that same day, completely unannounced.
Late Nights with Nexpo
Abandoned by God
What Wilkins told him about Willowbrook's staffing shortages are obviously true. Not one employee even tries to stop them from entering the grounds, cameras rolling and all. They approach the front door of ward number six without issue. Rivera instructs his crew to spread out once they get inside in order to capture as much footage as they can.
Late Nights with Nexpo
Abandoned by God
Adrenaline coursing through him, Rivera delivers his opening monologue just outside the ward, nailing the delivery in one take.
Late Nights with Nexpo
Abandoned by God
He warns viewers that they're about to see some of the most inhuman conditions possible.
Late Nights with Nexpo
Abandoned by God
With that, Rivera unlocks the door. And despite all the preamble, he was in no way prepared for what was on the other side.
Late Nights with Nexpo
Abandoned by God
New Yorkers are outraged, and so is Dr. Hammond, but for an entirely different reason. He can't believe that two of his own employees broke ranks like this. Sure, the conditions are deplorable, but that's the state's fault, not his or any other employees. When reporters start calling, he declines to make any comment. Following this, he tries to save face, just like his predecessors taught him.
Late Nights with Nexpo
Abandoned by God
Hammond wants to get the media on his side, and so a few days later, he gives a different news crew a guided tour and shows the kids well-dressed and well taken care of. But by this point, it's far too late. The cat is already out of the bag. Resultingly, parents organize and demand change at Willowbrook.
Late Nights with Nexpo
Abandoned by God
While he'd previously told a New York Times reporter that there were only a few deaths at Willowbrook, Hammond is forced to admit that 129 people died at the institution in 1971 alone. And in the end, all of the chaos is too much for Dr. Hammond. He dies in 1973, obstinate to the end.
Late Nights with Nexpo
Abandoned by God
It'll only house children, and they won't be a danger to anyone. Their community will not be negatively impacted, and rather, Staten Island's residents will be lauded for accepting these vulnerable children with open arms. This line ends up working, and construction begins.
Late Nights with Nexpo
Abandoned by God
In 1975, new guidelines are laid out for the school and goals set for the gradual reduction in the number of patients. The public thinks that Willowbrook's darkest days are behind it. However, unfortunately, there is one final flurry of horror that's yet to play out. October 24th, 1978. An employee named Ethel Atwell arrives at the Willowbrook compound around 6 a.m.
Late Nights with Nexpo
Abandoned by God
She parks her car in the shrouded parking lot and heads for the front door. But before she can make it, someone grabs her from behind. Inside the school, her fellow employees hear her scream, but the parking lot is far too dark to see anything. They call the police. However, Ethel is never seen again. That same year, the body of another employee, Shin Lee, is found on the grounds.
Late Nights with Nexpo
Abandoned by God
Her murder goes unsolved. As the years go on, women and children continue to mysteriously disappear from the area. The Pied Piper of Staten Island, as the individual supposedly responsible comes to be known, evades capture year after year. Although the police suspect that they know exactly who it is.
Late Nights with Nexpo
Abandoned by God
A man with a flat nose, dark eyes, and deep creases in his cheeks who camps on the outskirts of the Willowbrook grounds. This man's name is Andre Rand. Over the years, Rand has made quite the name for himself around Staten Island. He's been accused of sexual assault, stalking, and was caught trying to lure a group of kids away from a local YMCA.
Late Nights with Nexpo
Abandoned by God
The police, however, have never been able to put him away for good. In 1987, Rand is seen walking near Willowbrook with Jennifer Schweiger, a 12-year-old girl with Down syndrome. Shortly after, Schwager's body is found in a shallow grave on the grounds of Willowbrook, around where Rand was known to have a campsite. Police arrest him and charge him with kidnapping and murder.
Late Nights with Nexpo
Abandoned by God
But as it turns out, Rand didn't just camp on Willenbrook's grounds. He worked there, too. He had been hired as a custodian and aide in 1966, and had been around the area ever since. Though never proven, it seems possible that at least some of the school's unexplained murders and disappearances were Rand's handiwork.
Late Nights with Nexpo
Abandoned by God
And so, the legend of Cropsey turned out to be true, though it was an attendant, not a deranged patient, stalking local children. In truth, children were disappearing from Willowbrook going all the way back to 1949, yet we'll never know just how many ran away or were killed by monsters like Rand. Willowbrook was emptied out in 1987, the same year Jennifer Schweiger's body was found.
Late Nights with Nexpo
Abandoned by God
Today, it's home to the College of Staten Island, a fitting end considering Willowbrook was always supposed to be a school. As for Dr. Saul Krugman, who infected countless Willowbrook patients with his experiments, he never faced legal consequences for his actions. Quite the opposite, in fact.
Late Nights with Nexpo
Abandoned by God
The telephone rings, and a male voice is on the other end. Professional. Practiced. His voice is so measured, in fact, that it takes you a moment to realize the truth. This is a bad, bad phone call. The calm voice on the other end is actually giving you the worst news you've ever received in your life. Your little girl, the voice explains. is dead.
Late Nights with Nexpo
Abandoned by God
Over the next few years, an imposing six-story red brick building rises up from the ground, looming high as the centerpiece of the eerie, sprawling compound. Finally, in the late 1940s, after the completed compound does a brief stint as a World War II military hospital, the so-called Willowbrook State School opens its doors to students.
Late Nights with Nexpo
Abandoned by God
Dr. Krugman, as it turned out, went on to receive the prestigious Albert Lasker Public Service Award and became president of the American Pediatric Society. The terrible irony of Willowbrook State School is that it was built to protect the most vulnerable members of society. However, instead, its brick walls trapped them inside, subjecting them to new, unthinkable horrors.
Late Nights with Nexpo
Abandoned by God
And while it's easy to point the finger at Willenbrook's administrators, staff, and researchers, we also have to acknowledge the indifference of those on the outside, who allowed the so-called school to carry out an unchecked reign of terror spanning over five decades. Late Nights with Nexpo is created and hosted by me, Nexpo. Executive produced by me, Mr. Ballin, Nick Witters, and Zach Levitt.
Late Nights with Nexpo
Abandoned by God
Our head of writing is Evan Allen. This episode was written by Greg Castro. Copy editing by Luke Baratz. Audio editing and sound design by Alistair Sherman. Mixed and mastered by Schultz Media. Research by Abigail Shumway, Camille Callahan, Evan Beamer, and Stacey Wood. Fact-checking by Abigail Shumway. Production supervision by Jeremy Bone and Cole Locasio.
Late Nights with Nexpo
Abandoned by God
Production coordination by Samantha Collins and Avery Siegel. Artwork by Jessica Claxton Kiner and Robin Vane. Theme song by Ross Bugden. Thank you for listening to Late Nights with Nexpo. I love you all, and good night.
Late Nights with Nexpo
Abandoned by God
But despite what it says on their sign, it's not a school at all. Very little education happens within its walls. Plus, Willowbrook isn't even exclusively for children, as McCurdy promised it would be. As it turned out, adult patients are quietly admitted to Willowbrook as well.
Late Nights with Nexpo
Abandoned by God
McCurdy's uneasy about misleading the public, but the fact is, 20 adults with intellectual handicaps need somewhere to go, and so he accepts them into Willowbrook, telling himself that the adult patients can help the school by performing maintenance.
Late Nights with Nexpo
Abandoned by God
After all, Willowbrook is short on staff, caring for the mentally disabled is demanding work, and McCurdy simply can't find qualified people willing to fill the needed roles. Word leaks out that Willowbrook is being loose with its age requirements, and within one year, the school's adult population has ballooned from 20 to 100.
Late Nights with Nexpo
Abandoned by God
The child population is set to quintuple in size as well, as word about Willowbrook is spreading and families across the state are banging down their doors to get their kids enrolled. The school, which is already barely functioning from understaffing, is experiencing absolutely staggering growth and McCurdy quickly realizes that he's in over his head.
Late Nights with Nexpo
Abandoned by God
he decides to hand Willowbrook off to someone more qualified. Someone who's able to give Willowbrook's patients the full-time attention they deserve. The job falls to Dr. Harold Berman, a respected physician who claims that he wants to help destigmatize mental illness and treat each patient as an individual. Berman says all the right things.
Late Nights with Nexpo
Abandoned by God
However, transforming Willowbrook is easier said than done. And as it turns out, conditions do not improve when Berman takes over as director. In fact, this is when the children start to go missing. When director Berman first walks into Willowbrook, he finds patients crammed into wards and only a handful of aides scrambling to look after all of them.
Late Nights with Nexpo
Abandoned by God
She passed away at her school and there was nothing the staff could do to save her. But what the voice doesn't tell you is that your daughter is not the first to die or disappear or be tortured within the walls of this school. In fact, this isn't even the first phone call like this he's made. And it certainly won't be the last. It's 1938 and New York has a problem.
Late Nights with Nexpo
Abandoned by God
Right as they get one patient settled, another will undress and run down the ward, or start hurting themselves, or start hurting someone else. Berman attempts to secure more funding to help with the understaffing issue, but the money is slow to materialize. Change will not come to Willowbrook overnight, if ever. a quiet apathy starts to take hold of Director Berman.
Late Nights with Nexpo
Abandoned by God
His dream of turning Willowbrook into a safe, effective care facility is already fading. He simply isn't being given the resources he needs. There isn't enough staff to look after all these kids, and it's only a matter of time before something terrible happens. And that day arrives in August of 1949. That month, an eight-year-old boy vanishes from the compound.
Late Nights with Nexpo
Abandoned by God
Staff members scour every inch of Willowbrook's 300 acres, but the young patient is nowhere to be found. He's gone. And a few months later, in December, two more Willowbrook patients go missing. In less than a year, Director Berman has already placed more heartbreaking phone calls to patients' family members than he ever anticipated.
Late Nights with Nexpo
Abandoned by God
He wishes there was something he could do to improve the conditions at Willowbrook State School, but with every passing day, the school becomes more impossible to manage. Hundreds of new students are flowing in each week, causing the staffing disparity to grow ever worse.
Late Nights with Nexpo
Abandoned by God
Whether he's to blame or not, the fact is that Director Berman has checked out, and his Willowbrook State School has quietly become an extremely dangerous place to be a patient. And a new physician is about to arrive and make things even worse. There is one thing that keeps Dr. Saul Krugman awake at night. Hepatitis.
Late Nights with Nexpo
Abandoned by God
Thankfully, Krugman doesn't have the disease himself, but he spent his entire career studying it. Hepatitis is an inflammation of the liver often caused by a virus. It spreads in unsanitary conditions, such as the battlefields in World War II, where tens of thousands of soldiers contracted the often fatal disease.
Late Nights with Nexpo
Abandoned by God
From his time as a flight surgeon in the war, Dr. Krugman knows that a cure is desperately needed, and so he begins to work on one. When Director Berman hears about Krugman's hepatitis research, he reaches out. Berman explains how hepatitis is running rampant at Willowbrook due to its unavoidable overcrowding and uncleanliness.
Late Nights with Nexpo
Abandoned by God
Director Berman suggests that Willowbrook could provide a mutually beneficial situation. Krugman needs test subjects for human trials, and Willowbrook needs a cure. Intrigued, Krugman goes to the Armed Forces Epidemiological Board with the proposal and secures funding to begin his research at Willowbrook.
Late Nights with Nexpo
Abandoned by God
But the research Dr. Krugman intends to perform is, to put it lightly, ethically questionable. He intends to actually infect the healthy patients with the disease, and he aims to do this by feeding them fecal matter. Director Berman surprisingly has no problem with this. If anything, he's excited about the optics of a prestigious medical professional performing research at their institution.
Late Nights with Nexpo
Abandoned by God
But Dr. Krugman needs more than Director Berman's permission. He needs the children's families to agree to it, too. Director Berman helps by pushing consent forms on the parents, many of whom say yes because of the supposed quality attention and care that Krugman is offering. Parents fear that if they say no, their children will suffer untreated in a different ward.
Late Nights with Nexpo
Abandoned by God
Soon, Dr. Krugman has all the human test subjects he could hope for, and Willowbrook is now his own personal laboratory. Dr. Krugman takes healthy patients from the wards and quarantines them. Then he mixes a concoction that is one part chocolate milk, one part infected feces from other patients. Following this, he monitors their infection.
Late Nights with Nexpo
Abandoned by God
However, Krugman doesn't allow the children who beat hepatitis to return to their wards. Instead, he keeps them quarantined and reinfects them to see if they've retained any immunity. The children are completely unsuspecting. They all have various mental limitations. They see the world in different ways, understanding things to different degrees. They miss their families, their homes.
Late Nights with Nexpo
Abandoned by God
They appreciate the extra attention Dr. Krugman gives them, but then their signs begin to hurt. They start to vomit, then cramp and soil themselves uncontrollably. They don't understand why they're in such pain. They don't understand why any of this is happening. It's a living nightmare for the parents as well.
Late Nights with Nexpo
Abandoned by God
They aren't allowed to visit or even comfort their sick kids because of Krugman's strict quarantine orders. Once their consent forms have been signed, there's no going back. There's nothing they can do, nothing anyone can do. But in 1955, one parent decides to challenge that. His name is Arthur Devol, and he's worried about his young daughter, Catherine.
Late Nights with Nexpo
Abandoned by God
He committed her to Willowbrook a few months prior, and he's now having trouble getting updates on her. He calls Willowbrook almost daily for any word about her. He gets different doctors every time. They give Arthur conflicting information. Catherine's fine. Catherine's sick. She's in quarantine. He can come see her next week. She's still in quarantine. He can't come see her.
Late Nights with Nexpo
Abandoned by God
It's a complete mess and impossible for him to figure out what the hell is going on. A tight knot of worry and frustration starts to form in Arthur's stomach. A feeling that he's being lied to. That he's made a bad deal. That he's been conned into harming his own mentally disabled daughter. Arthur just can't shake the sense that he's somehow made a terrible mistake.
Late Nights with Nexpo
Abandoned by God
At last, one day, he speaks with a staffer on the phone who lets it slip that Catherine is finally out of quarantine. And so, Arthur jumps on this chance and drives straight over to the Willowbrook State School campus. He parks in the shadow of the massive red brick building where his daughter is allegedly being kept. He takes a deep breath and barges in.
Late Nights with Nexpo
Abandoned by God
Once inside, it's harder to locate his daughter than Arthur anticipated. It's room after room filled to the brim with patients, most of them naked. It makes Arthur think of the death camps he's heard about from the war. The patients exhibit a wide array of afflictions. Some present as neurotypical adults or children.
Late Nights with Nexpo
Abandoned by God
while some are more obviously impaired and seem like they should be receiving special care. The more rambunctious patients are in straitjackets, struggling against them. Some bang their heads against the wall. Arthur cringes at the sight of a man scraping his skin against a concrete wall, blood and flesh peeling away with each blow. The aides do nothing to help him.
Late Nights with Nexpo
Abandoned by God
In fact, they don't even notice. They're too busy dealing with patients who are fighting or having seizures on the floor. But despite all of this, what affects Arthur most is the smell. No matter which ward he pokes his head into, he's always hit with a wall of foul stench that he has no words to describe. But the stench's source is clear enough to see.
Late Nights with Nexpo
Abandoned by God
Patients across Willowbrook are being left in their own urine and feces. And what's worse, these patients are sick. Their urine is brown, the feces chalky white. He has never seen anything like it. He gags. He wants to get out of this building so badly, but he pushes on. He must find his daughter. His eyes race across every face, trying to find Catherine. Until finally, there she is.
Late Nights with Nexpo
Abandoned by God
At first, Arthur can barely recognize her. She's lying on the floor, most of her hair missing. She's shaking, covered in her own urine and feces. He picks her up and discovers two things. First, she's lighter than he expected. She's lost a shocking amount of weight. Second, he discovers that Catherine's body is covered in welts.
Late Nights with Nexpo
The Boy in the Ravine
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Late Nights with Nexpo
The Boy in the Ravine
Later that evening, around 5.30 p.m., three neighborhood boys make a gruesome discovery in Newburgh Heights. They're walking past a ravine behind the Republic Steel Yards when a horrifying sight stops them in their tracks. There's a body there, lying face up, wearing a yellow t-shirt and no shoes. It's Kurt Sova. His body is only 500 yards away from Susan's duplex.
Late Nights with Nexpo
The Boy in the Ravine
The kids run straight to the Newburgh Heights Police, a department so small that it has no forensic specialist and only one detective. They swarm to the scene. When the officers arrive, Kurt Sofa's body looks laid out, almost like he was crucified. But in spite of the dramatic pose, the body is not in poor shape. Apart from a few scratches, there's little evidence of physical violence.
Late Nights with Nexpo
The Boy in the Ravine
His right shoe is lying 10 feet away. The left shoe is nowhere to be found. There's no way the search party missed this ravine on Saturday. He must have been dropped here after death. The state of the body seems to confirm this. He's only been dead for 24 to 36 hours. This places the time of death sometime between Sunday and Monday. The police call the Sova family to give them the news.
Late Nights with Nexpo
The Boy in the Ravine
When a young woman named Desiree vanishes without a trace, the trail leads to Cat Torres, a charismatic influencer with millions of followers. But behind the glamorous posts and inspirational quotes, a sinister truth unravels. Binge all episodes of Don't Cross Cat early and ad-free on Wondery+.
Late Nights with Nexpo
The Boy in the Ravine
They think they've found Kurt's body. Someone will have to come to the coroner's office to identify him. And ultimately, it's Kenneth who makes the trip. They conduct the autopsy not long after. The medical examiner finds a bruise on Kurt's cheek and additional bruises on his shins. But aside from that, no visible injuries. He wasn't shot, stabbed, or injected with anything.
Late Nights with Nexpo
The Boy in the Ravine
And when they test his blood, they find that he had a blood alcohol level of 0.11. He had been drunk, but at no risk of alcohol poisoning. Other drug tests turn up negative. They cannot determine how he died, and his paperwork simply reads, probable accident. Dorothy Sova is baffled. How could the coroner not know how he died?
Late Nights with Nexpo
The Boy in the Ravine
He was a healthy 17-year-old boy with no previous medical conditions that would put him at risk. The investigation for her is merely beginning. There has to be something she's missing that'll shed light on the death of her son. What happened to Kurt between Friday and Tuesday? That gap of unaccounted for time would ultimately become the focus of Dorothy's investigation.
Late Nights with Nexpo
The Boy in the Ravine
Early on a Friday evening. A teenager named Sam Carroll waits on a curb for his friend to arrive. It's chilly already, the sun dipping below the horizon. He suppresses a shiver and tightens his jacket. At last, he spots his friend bounding across the pavement toward him, smiling broadly and concealing something in his coat. This is 17-year-old Kurt Sova, a small lanky kid with long brown hair.
Late Nights with Nexpo
The Boy in the Ravine
Meanwhile, only a few blocks from her home, a new clue drops into her lap. On Thursday morning, Judy Oros is opening up the record shop as usual. She's heard about Kurt's death, and it reminds her of the chilling encounter she had with the homeless man on Monday. How had he known that the Sova boy would turn up dead?
Late Nights with Nexpo
The Boy in the Ravine
As she's pulling out the keys to unlock her store's front door, one of the neighboring shopkeepers gets her attention. Someone's dropped off a delivery for her. It's a bouquet of flowers, and with it, a note. Judy opens it and reads, Roses are red, the sky is blue. They found him dead, and they'll find you, too. Weeks pass. Dorothy Soba's investigation is slowing to a crawl.
Late Nights with Nexpo
The Boy in the Ravine
She's gathered newspaper clippings, interview notes, maps and timelines describing her son's movements on Friday. She knows about the party. She's even heard about David Trusnick's sighting of Kurt that Monday. But none of it fits into a cohesive whole. There's still far too much missing information. And the police aren't holding up their end of the case either.
Late Nights with Nexpo
The Boy in the Ravine
At the record shop, Judy Oros had called the cops after receiving the threatening note, seemingly connected to Kurt's disappearance. The police had listened to her story, even taking the homeless man in for questioning. But ultimately, they wind up releasing him, dismissing him as just a crazy, harmless transient. When Dorothy hears this whole story, her frustration only increases.
Late Nights with Nexpo
The Boy in the Ravine
There's no coordination on the police side. They're treating her son's death as an accident that doesn't need investigation. With no new info coming to light, time rolls by slowly. Kurt's absence in the Sova household is a painful daily reminder. Then in December, a curious name pops up in the local headlines. A young man named Craig H. Franco is shot dead at a gas station in Cleveland.
Late Nights with Nexpo
The Boy in the Ravine
His employers offer a $10,000 reward for any information as to the perpetrator, but no one comes forward, and the killer is never found. The man's name, Franco, leads some to believe that he could have been driving the unmarked van Kurt got into the Monday after his disappearance. But there's no way to prove this. There are no apparent connections between Craig H. Franco and Kurt Sova.
Late Nights with Nexpo
The Boy in the Ravine
In February, another local news story catches the Sova's attention. One of their neighbor's kids, 13-year-old Eugene Kvet, has been found in a ravine across town. The similarities with Kurt's case are undeniable. Eugene, a teenage boy from the same neighborhood, had left for school, then somehow wound up dead at the bottom of a ravine. And much like Kurt, he was missing a shoe.
Late Nights with Nexpo
The Boy in the Ravine
However, in this case, the coroner doesn't hesitate to declare the death an accident. Eugene, it's determined, fell into the ravine and drowned in the stream. Police seem confident that there's no connection between Eugene and Kern's deaths. Any similarities are merely a coincidence.
Late Nights with Nexpo
The Boy in the Ravine
Dorothy accepts their explanation, and yet a small part of her has to wonder whether some other boy from the neighborhood will be next. Almost a year later, more shocking news arrives for Dorothy, this time from her husband. Kenneth arrives home after a walk, looking like he's seen a ghost. He frantically explains to Dorothy how just now, a woman named Angeline Reddix stopped him on the street.
Late Nights with Nexpo
The Boy in the Ravine
She apologized for not coming to him sooner because she has a piece of crucial information related to Kurt's disappearance. She believes she saw the men who killed Kurt. Dorothy's jaw drops. It's been ages since they've had any new leads, and this is an eyewitness account. She urges Kenneth to go on. He explains that Angeline lives near the ravine where Kurt was found.
Late Nights with Nexpo
The Boy in the Ravine
During the initial investigation, Angeline recalled looking out of her window and seeing two men dragging an unconscious teenage boy down the alleyway next to her house. At the time, she thought it was just a couple teens who had too much to drink. And when she heard of Kurt's death, her husband had told her to mind her own business.
Late Nights with Nexpo
The Boy in the Ravine
And so, for nearly a year, Angeline had kept this information secret from the police, from the Sovas, from everyone. But now, the cat was out of the bag. Dorothy says that they have to give this new info to someone, but contacting the Newburgh Heights Police Force seems increasingly pointless.
Late Nights with Nexpo
The Boy in the Ravine
He gives Sam a peek at what's hidden in his coat. It's a bottle of Everclear, already partly empty. Kurt hiccups and proudly explains how he convinced a liquor store patron to buy it for him. Sam's impressed. He hadn't thought of Kurt as much of a party animal, but his friend's been full of surprises lately. Sam asks for the bottle, and Kurt passes it over without hesitation.
Late Nights with Nexpo
The Boy in the Ravine
She's called regularly ever since Kurt's disappearance, and their only detective, Robert Karras, wants nothing to do with her. The feeling is mutual. Dorothy wants to go over his head and get a competent detective on the case. Since the Sovas live in Cleveland, she hopes that she can get a more well-funded police force to look into his death. Finally, she succeeds.
Late Nights with Nexpo
The Boy in the Ravine
The Cleveland police were lent to Dorothy's constant pestering, and they agreed to send a detective from their department to take over the case from Detective Karras. Dorothy is elated. For the first time in as long as she can remember, she has hope. Even if they can't get justice, maybe they can at least get answers.
Late Nights with Nexpo
The Boy in the Ravine
The Cleveland PD assigns Detective Al Figler to the case, and from the moment he arrives at the Newburgh Heights Police Station, he can tell why Dorothy Sova wanted him to come on board. Detective Robert Karras is a difficult personality, and he doesn't seem to be particularly good at his job either. After Karras hands the Kurt Sova case file over, Detective Figler can't believe what he's seeing.
Late Nights with Nexpo
The Boy in the Ravine
This so-called case file is a handful of pieces of paper and four Polaroids haphazardly stuffed into a manila folder. To make matters worse, all of the Polaroids show the body on the stretcher as it was taken away, not a single picture of how they found the body. And even more baffling, it seems Detective Karras wasn't properly following up on the developments in the case.
Late Nights with Nexpo
The Boy in the Ravine
The similarities to Eugene Kvet, the death of Craig H. Franco, Angeline Reddick's eyewitness account, none of it was being seriously investigated. It was the most amateur-looking case file Figler had seen in a long time. When he asks Karas about the incomplete file, the detective just answers with a shrug. There wasn't a lot of information, Karas argues.
Late Nights with Nexpo
The Boy in the Ravine
When word of the woefully incomplete case file reaches the press, the local police chief defends his department, saying that Detective Karras did a fine job with the sparse information he had. Figler is understandably irritated by this response. If Newburgh Heights was understaffed, they should have contacted Cleveland or any other larger police department to provide aid.
Late Nights with Nexpo
The Boy in the Ravine
But there's nothing he can do to fix what's already been mishandled. he dives into the case and fortunately has plenty to work with because for the past year, Dorothy Sova has been tirelessly collecting all of the information Detective Karras was supposed to be gathering. Detective Al Figler winds up working this case for eight years, following up on leads that Karras didn't even consider.
Late Nights with Nexpo
The Boy in the Ravine
With Dorothy's help, he rebuilds the case file from the ground up. There are some things they'll never be able to recreate, though. The original crime scene, for instance. But by pulling together info from the Cleveland PD, they could build a more complete timeline and catalog of evidence.
Late Nights with Nexpo
The Boy in the Ravine
Finally, in 1990, something begins to come into focus, and Figler begins to understand the reason why Kurt's initial investigation might have been botched way back in 1981. 1990. Nine years have passed since the death of Kurt Sova. Detective Karras drives through the darkened streets of Newburgh Heights. Everything seems to be going wrong for him. His career is in jeopardy.
Late Nights with Nexpo
The Boy in the Ravine
He didn't expect the chief to mind the beatings, but the drugs. Someone must have ratted him out. Fury rises in his chest with nowhere to go. Up ahead, he sees a car waver. He turns on his police lights and siren. Not your lucky day, pal. When the man pulls over, he has a heavy flashlight and walks over to his car. Karas demands that the man turn off the engine and get out of the car.
Late Nights with Nexpo
The Boy in the Ravine
The curb they're standing on is not far from where Kurt lives with his parents and three older brothers. These are the outskirts of Cleveland, Ohio, where the city gives way to rural neighborhoods, factories, and farms. Sam wouldn't exactly describe Kurt as a yokel, but he's closer to one than any of the Cleveland boys he knows. Passing the bottle back and forth, the two boys walk up the street.
Late Nights with Nexpo
The Boy in the Ravine
The driver does, hands up defensively, asking what's wrong. Karas accuses the man of drunk driving. When the suspect objects, Karas demands that he hand over his keys. He refuses. Karas hefts his police flashlight and clumps the man across the head. As he's stunned, Karas handcuffs him. He picked the wrong guy to talk back to.
Late Nights with Nexpo
The Boy in the Ravine
On the way to the police station, Kara stops the car behind JL Goodman Furniture. It's a desolate part of town, ravines and empty parking lots, the perfect place for him to let off some steam. He opens the rear door as if to give the suspect a chance to run. Let's play games. The suspect, holding his head, refuses to take the bait.
Late Nights with Nexpo
The Boy in the Ravine
Kara scoffs and slams the car door, and the two of them drive on to the police station. It wasn't until later that the suspect would realize where Karras had taken him. It was the ravine where Kurt Sova's body had been found. The unsolved death that Detective Karras has always seemed so disinterested in solving.
Late Nights with Nexpo
The Boy in the Ravine
In the years since Kurt Sova's death, it becomes abundantly clear that Newburgh's only detective is a menace. The driver Caras hit with his flashlight is the fifth suspect the detective has beaten in the past three years. Compounding the charges of police brutality, Caras is found guilty of 76 counts of drug trafficking. In January of 1991, he's fired from the Newburgh Heights Police Department.
Late Nights with Nexpo
The Boy in the Ravine
The police chief who had defended the handling of the Sova case had been banned from law enforcement five months prior. As the detective's career goes down in flames, he receives an accusation from a Cuyahoga County assistant prosecutor. Did he have any hand in the death of Kurt Sova? Karas denies any involvement, and afterward, refuses to talk to reporters.
Late Nights with Nexpo
The Boy in the Ravine
He vanishes from the case soon after, and no tangible evidence tying him to the Sova death ever emerges. And so, the uncertain question hovers over the case for years. Was he just a corrupt cop, or did he have more to hide than his drugs and taste for violence? In 2014, Dorothy Sova succumbs to a brain aneurysm, but the questions that drove her do not die with her.
Late Nights with Nexpo
The Boy in the Ravine
In 2019, there is only one member of the Sova family still alive, Kurt's older brother, Kevin. Out of nowhere, Kevin gets a call from the Newburgh Heights police chief. They're interested in reopening Kurt's case alongside criminal justice students from the nearby Tiffin University. Kevin is elated.
Late Nights with Nexpo
The Boy in the Ravine
He still has the closet full of evidence his mother left behind, and he takes it all back to Newburgh. The investigation again begins, and soon, word spreads far beyond Tiffin University into the greater true crime community. Today, Kevin maintains a Facebook page and tip line to monitor for any developments. There's a $5,000 reward for anyone who can give them a new lead about Kurt's death.
Late Nights with Nexpo
The Boy in the Ravine
It's understandable why this case continues to fascinate people to this very day. We know just enough about Kurt Soba's movements to provide a timeline, but not enough to have a grasp of what happened. That fateful weekend between October 23rd and October 28th haunts us with possibilities. According to the coroner, Kurt was alive for as many as three days after he vanished from Susan's party.
Late Nights with Nexpo
The Boy in the Ravine
If his friend David is to be believed, he was still active around that Monday, being driven around in a strange unmarked van by someone called Franco. If there's a connection between the 1981 murder victim, Craig H. Franco, and Kurt's death, however, it has yet to be definitively proven. The questions remain. If Kurt was out and about after Susan's party, why hadn't he checked in with his parents?
Late Nights with Nexpo
The Boy in the Ravine
The Everclear stings Sam's throat. It's strong. He might even have a good buzz going by the time they reach the party. When Kurt asks about the party, Sam explains that it's being held at a duplex that's technically outside the Cleveland city limits and the adjacent town of Newburgh Heights. Still, it's not far and they'll be able to walk there.
Late Nights with Nexpo
The Boy in the Ravine
Why hadn't any of his brothers heard from him? Even at his most rebellious, this was severely out of character for him. Had he been held against his will somewhere or cut off from a phone? the homeless man from the record store was able to perfectly predict how the case would turn out from a single glance. Perhaps the Cleveland PD had been too quick to dismiss this man as a lunatic.
Late Nights with Nexpo
The Boy in the Ravine
Even if he wasn't one of the killers, perhaps he had known something that only a man living on the street would have been able to see. There are plenty of other loose ends to choose from. The two mysterious men seen dragging a teenager down an alleyway. The abandoned cot in Susan's basement. Unexplained to this day.
Late Nights with Nexpo
The Boy in the Ravine
The threatening note left for Judy Oros, which may have been written by the homeless man or some unknown third party. And then there's Robert Karras, the lone detective in Newburgh Heights during the time of Kern's death. A man who was proven to be violent and unstable, as well as tied up with drugs.
Late Nights with Nexpo
The Boy in the Ravine
If he had some connection to the crime, he was in the perfect position to destroy the trail of evidence. And for all we know, perhaps he did. Even still, it's quite likely that the real culprit is someone who was never identified. At the heart of this case is a story of an everyday teen, growing more independent from his family.
Late Nights with Nexpo
The Boy in the Ravine
His parents didn't know many of his new friends, and he was increasingly interested in spending time away from his brothers. It's this very distance that enabled him to disappear so completely from their lives. Whether someone killed him or whether he died of some drunken mishap, it's this realization that's haunted his family afterwards. None more so than his dedicated mother.
Late Nights with Nexpo
The Boy in the Ravine
In her final years, Dorothy wished that she could have been closer to him, could have known his life a bit more. In any other context, this is a normal part of growing up. But in the case of Kurt Sova, it was an opportunity for the unspeakable to happen. It's a truth that all parents must eventually come to terms with. You simply can't protect your kids from everything forever.
Late Nights with Nexpo
The Boy in the Ravine
Late Nights with Nexpo is created and hosted by me, Nexpo. Executive produced by me, Mr. Ballin, Nick Witters, and Zach Levitt. Our head of writing is Evan Allen. This episode was written by Robert Diemstra. Copy editing by Luke Baratz. Audio editing and sound design by Alistair Sherman. Mixed and mastered by Schultz Media.
Late Nights with Nexpo
The Boy in the Ravine
Research by Abigail Shumway, Camille Callahan, Evan Beamer, and Stacey Wood. Fact-checking by Abigail Shumway. Production supervision by Jeremy Bone and Colt Ocasio. Production coordination by Samantha Collins and Avery Siegel. Artwork by Jessica Claxton-Kiner and Robin Vane. Theme song by Ross Bugden. Thank you all so much for listening to Late Nights with Nexpo. I love you all, and good night.
Late Nights with Nexpo
The Boy in the Ravine
The host of the party is a girl named Susan, who shares the upstairs unit with two roommates. Kurt doesn't know Susan or her roommates, but says he's excited to meet them. Sam doesn't doubt that. Kurt's been branching out a lot lately, meeting a lot of new people. People that Kurt's parents and brothers don't even know about. Kurt stumbles a couple times on their walk, but laughs it off.
Late Nights with Nexpo
The Boy in the Ravine
You can listen to new episodes of Late Nights with Nexpo early and ad-free right now by joining Wondery Plus in the Wondery app, Apple Podcasts, or Spotify. You can also watch episodes of Late Nights with Nexpo on my YouTube channel, youtube.com slash nexpo. Before you go, tell us about yourself by completing a short survey at wondery.com slash survey.
Late Nights with Nexpo
The Boy in the Ravine
Sam, though, is growing wary. He takes the Everclear bottle from his friend, hinting that maybe they should pace themselves. Kurt is already unsteady, and they haven't even reached the party yet. Sam quietly hopes that he won't have to babysit his friend all night. Kurt and Sam arrive at the duplex. They step inside and disappear into the noise of raucous voices and teenage revelry.
Late Nights with Nexpo
The Boy in the Ravine
Sam loses track of Kurt and the crowd, but before long, someone's tapping his shoulder to get his attention. It's one of Susan's roommates, frowning with their arms crossed. She tells Sam that his little friend Kurt is making a mess of the place. He's thrown up and is knocking things over. Someone needs to get him out of there. Sam tries to reassure her.
Late Nights with Nexpo
The Boy in the Ravine
His friend is a lightweight and he just needs some air. He locates Kurt and, with a little difficulty, guides him down the stairs and out into the cold October night. Sam immediately regrets not bringing their jackets along. He had been in such a rush to get Kurt outside that their boat's still in t-shirts, and it's well below freezing. Sam tells Kurt that he'll be right back.
Late Nights with Nexpo
The Boy in the Ravine
He's going to run upstairs and grab their jackets. Figuring Kurt's too drunk to feel the cold anyway, Sam leaves him leaning up against a chain-link fence and darts back inside. Upstairs, he locates his and Kurt's among the massive pile of coats, then returns outside, and Kurt is gone. The chain-link fence he had been hanging on is empty. Right away, Sam scours the area.
Late Nights with Nexpo
The Boy in the Ravine
The moment you see the yellow t-shirt, you know it's him. The missing boy. The one whose poster is plastered all over town. A number of emergency vehicles are on the scene by now, each contributing its own set of flashing emergency lights to the chaotic symphony of colors bouncing off every surface. All eyes are on you as you kneel beside the body and feel for a pulse.
Late Nights with Nexpo
The Boy in the Ravine
He expects to find Kurt passed out by the front porch, or maybe wandering aimlessly around the back of the house. But he's not there. He's not anywhere. Sam calls out into the dark, jacket clutched in his shivering hands. He starts walking through the neighborhood, shouting for his friend. He knows Kurt can't have gone far, not in the state he's in.
Late Nights with Nexpo
The Boy in the Ravine
And yet, the streets around the duplex are empty. So too is the nearby parking lot, which belongs to a J.L. Goodman furniture warehouse. Sam is baffled, because there aren't many places a teenager could hide around here, even at night. Eventually, Sam returns to the party. He figures that Kurt went home, probably picked up by one of his older brothers.
Late Nights with Nexpo
The Boy in the Ravine
After all, he disappeared so fast that he must have taken a car. Kurt can take care of himself, Sam decides. Newburgh Heights is a small, quiet town. There's no need to be alarmed. Right? The following morning, Saturday, October 24th, Kurt's mother, Dorothy Sova, waits in the kitchen for her sons to come downstairs for breakfast. She rubs the sleep from her eyes as she cooks at the stove.
Late Nights with Nexpo
The Boy in the Ravine
As the mother of four boys, she's accustomed to losing sleep over worrying, but last night was especially bad. She hasn't seen her youngest, Kurt, since yesterday morning. Dorothy didn't hear him come home last night either, although that's to be expected. The Sova household is a two-unit family home. Dorothy and her husband Kenneth lived downstairs while her four boys were side up above.
Late Nights with Nexpo
The Boy in the Ravine
The upstairs unit has its own entrance, so it would have been fully possible for Kurt to come home late last night without her noticing. Kurt's three older brothers arrive for breakfast. Dorothy anxiously keeps an eye on the door, hoping Kurt will cross that threshold next. But her youngest son doesn't show. Dorothy asks the others if they know where Kurt is, but they can only shrug.
Late Nights with Nexpo
The Boy in the Ravine
They didn't see or hear him come home last night, either. Unsettled, Dorothy picks up the phone. She's no helicopter parent. The Sova boys have always been given a long leash. But 24 hours with no check-in from Kurt is setting off alarm bells for her. She calls the neighbors to ask if Kurt is there.
Late Nights with Nexpo
The Boy in the Ravine
He and two of the neighbor's kids are inseparable, to the point that they're known around the neighborhood as the Three Musketeers. But the neighbors haven't seen Kurt. He didn't hang out with the Musketeers at all yesterday, not even at school, because Kurt never showed up to class. At this point, Kurt's father, Kenneth, grabs his keys and starts scouring the neighborhood in his car.
Late Nights with Nexpo
The Boy in the Ravine
Dorothy continues making calls. Word spreads fast, and many of the Sova's friends join in the search effort. By the end of the day, there are upwards of 40 people searching for him. They check nearby ravines, schoolyards, back alleys, and parking lots. Dorothy becomes so desperate that she even starts checking dumpsters. But none of them find anything.
Late Nights with Nexpo
The Boy in the Ravine
The next day, after another sleepless night, Dorothy escalates her efforts. She files a missing person report and prints out flyers. She wallpapers the surrounding streets with pictures of her son, handing them to local store owners and placing them on telephone poles. That afternoon, Dorothy gets her first tangible lead.
Late Nights with Nexpo
The Boy in the Ravine
Sam Carroll reaches out and tells her about the house party that Kurt attended Friday night. Dorothy is beyond grateful for the information and she drives straight over to Susan's duplex. There, a girl answers the door, one of the roommates who shares the house with them. Dorothy asks if she knows about the party that was held there the other night.
Late Nights with Nexpo
The Boy in the Ravine
it doesn't seem likely that the boy is still alive. But then again, stranger things have happened, especially with this case. Days ago, a prediction was made about this missing boy. It was dismissed as the crazed ramblings of a homeless man at the time. But now it might be time to reconsider. Because as unbelievable as it may be, his haunting words are proving true. October 23rd, 1981.
Late Nights with Nexpo
The Boy in the Ravine
Yet the girl, perhaps hoping to avoid trouble with an irate parent, insists that there was no party on Friday. But Dorothy doesn't buy it. By now, she's heard about the party from two separate sources, Sam Carroll and also a delivery man who delivered pizza to a rowdy party at this very address on Friday night. Dorothy demands the truth. She doesn't care about the underage drinking.
Late Nights with Nexpo
The Boy in the Ravine
She's just trying to find her son. She keeps pestering them, calling them, and knocking on their door repeatedly until the roommates finally reach their breaking point. They admit that there was a party, and they provide Dorothy with proof that Kurt was there. His jacket, which was left behind after all the other partygoers went home that night.
Late Nights with Nexpo
The Boy in the Ravine
Susan and her roommates insist that they don't know anything else about Kurt's whereabouts, and they demand that Dorothy stop bothering them about it. They even go as far as to report Dorothy to the police for harassment. Reluctantly, Dorothy agrees to stay away from the duplex, for now. But she's determined to find the truth. Someone knows more than they're letting on. She's sure of it.
Late Nights with Nexpo
The Boy in the Ravine
It's Monday morning now, a little over two days since Kurt Sova was last seen. A few blocks away from the Sova's house, a woman named Judy Oros is opening her record shop for the week. She's used to strange encounters with odd customers. It's just part of the job. But that morning, a strange man shuffles up to her shop, pointing to something in the store window. She's seen him before.
Late Nights with Nexpo
The Boy in the Ravine
He's a local homeless man, someone who usually doesn't cause much trouble. When Oro steps out to ask the man if she can help him with anything, he shakes his head. He's not pointing to any of the records, but rather at the missing persons poster of Kurt Sova. He tells her that she should take it down, and when she asks why, he responds with this chilling statement.
Late Nights with Nexpo
The Boy in the Ravine
They're going to find him in two days, and they're not going to know what happened to him. On Monday morning, at practically the same time the homeless man is making his cryptic prophecy, something else is happening a couple miles away across town. A young man named David Trusnick is out driving when he spots something up ahead. A teenager he knows from the neighborhood is out walking, alone.
Late Nights with Nexpo
The Boy in the Ravine
The boy has long brown hair, a yellow t-shirt, and skirt sova. At this point, Kurt's family hasn't seen him for over two days. Yet here he is, walking around town in broad daylight. But the driver, David, doesn't know any of this. He hasn't heard about Kurt's disappearance yet. He hasn't seen any of the missing person signs.
Late Nights with Nexpo
The Boy in the Ravine
The most surprising thing about this situation is that Kurt isn't at school on a Monday morning. He's not about to ride him out, though. Instead, David pulls over to ask Kurt if he needs a ride to wherever he's headed. He never gets the chance, though, because Kurt has just noticed something across the street. An unmarked van that David has never noticed around these parts before.
Late Nights with Nexpo
The Boy in the Ravine
Kurt's eyes light up when he notices it, and he jogs off towards it, shouting out a name and greeting, as he disappears into the vehicle. David thinks little of it and drives on. It's not until later, once he hears about Kurt's disappearance, that he realizes the importance of what he saw that morning. He is now the last person to have seen Kurt.
Late Nights with Nexpo
The Boy in the Ravine
The boy is alive, but for whatever reason, he hasn't made contact with his friends or family. When asked about the name Kurt shouted out as he jogged towards the van, David replies that it sounded something like Franco. Tuesday, October 27th. Day four since Kurt was last seen at the house party. The phone at the Sova household rings and Kenneth snatches it up immediately.
Late Nights with Nexpo
The Boy in the Ravine
His son is still missing and desperation is starting to set in. The voice on the other end doesn't introduce itself. All it says is that it has information that the Sovas need to hear. Kenneth presses the receiver tightly to his ear and asks the voice to go on. They explain that underneath the duplex where Susan's party was held, there's a basement.
Late Nights with Nexpo
The Boy in the Ravine
In this basement, there's a boy sleeping on a cot. Though the individual doesn't say it outright, the implication is clear. This is where Kurt's been for the last four nights. the family springs into action. Kenneth and Kurt's three brothers pile in the car and race over to see for themselves. It doesn't matter that the duplex's residents have accused Dorothy of harassment.
Late Nights with Nexpo
The Boy in the Ravine
This is their chance to find Kurt, and they won't be denied. Kenneth doesn't knock or even alert the duplex residents upstairs. He walks straight to the basement door and kicks it down. Calling Kurt's name, he and his boys rush inside. The basement is unfurnished, barren concrete with sparse light pouring in from ground-level windows. There's a cot on the floor, but no Kurt.
Late Nights with Nexpo
The Boy in the Ravine
If there was a boy being kept here, by this point, he's been moved. Deflated, Kenneth and his sons retreat back to their car before Susan or her roommates can add breaking and entering to their list of complaints against the Sovas. They return home to give Dorothy the bad news that they still have no clue where Kurt might be. This claim, however, is about to change.
Late Nights with Nexpo
Under The Midnight Sun
Wondery Plus subscribers can listen to new episodes of Late Nights with Nexpo early and ad-free right now. Join Wondery Plus in the Wondery app or on Apple Podcasts. You awake from a shallow sleep. For a moment you think it's morning already, but then you remember it's still night. During the summer in Finland, midnight is indistinguishable from dawn.
Late Nights with Nexpo
Under The Midnight Sun
At 50 years old, Carl owns the roadside stand that the four teens visited before heading to the lake. Though often day-to-day operations are handled by his wife and 12-year-old daughter, his wife had directly interacted with the victims on the day before the murder while selling them soft drinks and beer. Carl is the reason there were so few campers by that side of the lake.
Late Nights with Nexpo
Under The Midnight Sun
He's known to be a temperamental alcoholic who treats the shore of Lake Bodum like it's his backyard. He's had numerous run-ins with campers and day trippers over the years, and has been known to throw rocks at people, cut the cords of tents, and even fire warning shots with his shotgun.
Late Nights with Nexpo
Under The Midnight Sun
He looks nothing like the blonde man in the police sketch, but otherwise he fits the perfect profile of someone who would have a violent outburst at noisy teens. On top of that, he lives just a mere 800 meters from the scene of the crime. However, he too has an alibi.
Late Nights with Nexpo
Under The Midnight Sun
Carl's wife claims that he was with her and their two children the entire night the murders took place, and Carl's 12-year-old daughter corroborates this story. No new leads turn up, and the case starts to grow cold. August 1969, nine years after the murders by Link Bodum. Carl Chilstrom is drunk again, as usual. He's made his house a living hell for his wife and two kids.
Late Nights with Nexpo
Under The Midnight Sun
At the tail end of his most recent binge, his daughter, now 21, has had enough. The two of them get into a heated argument, during which she threatens to call the police. Carl leaves the house to cool off and finds a neighbor who will lend a sympathetic ear. The two men spend the afternoon together, and their conversation eventually turns serious. Extremely serious.
Late Nights with Nexpo
Under The Midnight Sun
Carl confesses that something has been quietly eating away at him for years. That he, Carl Chilstrom, is the man responsible for the Lake Bodum murders. Through tears, Carl asks what he should do. The neighbor, alarmed by this confession, replies that there's nothing for Carl to do. He might as well just walk into the lake, because he has no future but jail if he confesses to the police.
Late Nights with Nexpo
Under The Midnight Sun
Carl falls silent for a long time, then finally asks for another drink. That evening, someone tells Carl's son that his father was seen swimming in the lake a little before 6 p.m. Alarmed, Carl's son borrows a boat, speeding to his father's swimming spot, but he can't find him out on the water anywhere. The family calls the local authorities.
Late Nights with Nexpo
Under The Midnight Sun
Before long, Carl's body is found, three meters from where the murders took place. He's clothed, with a pair of wine bottles floating alongside him. At first, Carl's wife rushes to defend her dead husband, insisting that the neighbor must have misunderstood what Carl was saying. But in time, she changes her tune.
Late Nights with Nexpo
Under The Midnight Sun
After years of claiming that Carl spent the night of the murders with her, she ultimately admits that Carl had slept on the couch that night. She had been too afraid of her husband to not protect him. The press labeled Carl's death as a suicide, but this was never confirmed by police. For their part, they remain unconvinced that Carl is the killer.
Late Nights with Nexpo
Under The Midnight Sun
The confession was only witnessed by one person and under unreliable circumstances. Both men were drunk and there's still no probable cause. Even though Carl was a drunk who did hate campers with a fiery passion, there's a big difference between harassing people and violently killing them. For the second time in a decade, they dismiss the possibility that Carl Tilstrom is a killer.
Late Nights with Nexpo
Under The Midnight Sun
Meanwhile, the other long-dismissed Lake Bodum suspect, Hans Osman, actively cultivates a reputation as a Lake Bodum boogeyman. He eagerly tells fanciful, unverifiable stories of his life to true crime magazines. He claims, among other things, that he was a member of the German SS during the Second World War and that he was later employed by the KGB.
Late Nights with Nexpo
Under The Midnight Sun
Though he never admits anything about Lake Bodum, it's clear that he enjoys the limelight. Finally, in 1997, at the age of 73, he invites a journalist to his deathbed. In a rambling interview, he alleges his own involvement in a number of unspecified crimes. the journalist assumes that Hans is referencing another unsolved double murder in the area from 1959, just a year before Lake Bodum.
Late Nights with Nexpo
Under The Midnight Sun
This case, in which two young campers were killed in their tent at night, near a lake, bears undeniable similarities to the Lake Bodum case. However, when the journalist inquires directly about Lake Bodum, Hans doesn't confess. Ultimately, Hans Osman dies shortly thereafter, leaving his true life story clouded by exaggeration.
Late Nights with Nexpo
Under The Midnight Sun
For a while, it seemed like nothing new would ever happen to revive interest in Lake Bodum. Any hope at truth has been lost to time and crime scene mismanagement. The 90s roll into the early 2000s, and then, shockingly, there's a sudden development. Forensic science has advanced considerably since the 1960s, prompting re-examination of old evidence.
Late Nights with Nexpo
Under The Midnight Sun
This directs police to a new suspect, and it's one who's been hiding under their nose the entire time. April 2004. Nils Gustafsson has lived a normal life for the past 45 years. Now in his early 60s, he's retired with a wife and two kids. The events of Lake Bodum seem so distant now, like they happened to another man in another life. That is, until he receives a visit from the police.
Late Nights with Nexpo
Under The Midnight Sun
They tell him that he's under arrest for the murder of Anya, Myla, and Seppo, and he's shot. There's no statute of limitations on murder, but Nils had moved on from that traumatic period of his life. Or at least, so we thought. The blunders the police made back in 1960 make it a particularly thorny case to relitigate. But one particular piece of evidence seems to have opened up new possibilities.
Late Nights with Nexpo
Under The Midnight Sun
The bloody shoes that belonged to Nils. The ones that were found over a kilometer away from the scene of the crime. A forensic analysis of the shoes determines that the blood came from Nils' murdered friends, but none of it is from Nils himself.
Late Nights with Nexpo
Under The Midnight Sun
The other is driven by Nils Gustafsson, with his girlfriend Mila Bjorklund in the back. Myla's 16th birthday is coming up, so it's the perfect excuse for the friends to escape the city for a weekend camping trip. And soon, their destination, Lake Bodum, comes into view.
Late Nights with Nexpo
Under The Midnight Sun
The conclusion prosecutors draw from this is that the killer was wearing shoes when he attacked the tent, and the killer, by this reasoning, is Nils himself. The original description Nils gave of the attacker, that of the blonde man with the square jaw, is no longer considered relevant, as it was given under hypnosis. And so, Nils is held in jail for a year, preparing for his defense.
Late Nights with Nexpo
Under The Midnight Sun
While he waits, the case becomes a media sensation. Long dormant speculation about the murders splashes across tabloid headlines. It's now where they have a juicy new angle to explore in this case. The lurid story of a teen who murdered his girlfriend and got away with it for 45 years. August 2005. The trial begins.
Late Nights with Nexpo
Under The Midnight Sun
The prosecution paints a damning story of what happened almost a half century ago. They theorize that June 4th was a tense day by the lake. Nils had gotten drunk and became aggressive, fighting with his girlfriend Myla. It got so bad that he was exiled by the others from their shared tent. After midnight, Seppo attempted to calm him down.
Late Nights with Nexpo
Under The Midnight Sun
This was unsuccessful, sparking a fight between the two boys. Seppo had won this fight, explaining the blunt force trauma that Nils suffered to his jaw and skull. Seppo then returned to their tent, leaving the defeated Nils behind. Sometime after 4am, when he was sure the others were asleep, Nils returned to the tent with a knife and a rock.
Late Nights with Nexpo
Under The Midnight Sun
He viciously stabbed and bludgeoned his friends to death, then made it look like a burglary. He took the keys for the motorcycles, Seppo's leather jacket, their wallets and watches, and got rid of them somewhere nearby, likely the lake. This explains why the motorcycle keys were missing, but the murderer did not use either vehicle for a quick getaway.
Late Nights with Nexpo
Under The Midnight Sun
Once he staged the scene, Nils got rid of his shoes and returned to the scene of the crime, where he laid down beside his dead girlfriend and waited for their bodies to be discovered. The injuries Nils had received earlier that evening at the hands of Seppo helped make it seem as if the killer had attacked him as well. The prosecution's case hangs on two key pieces of evidence.
Late Nights with Nexpo
Under The Midnight Sun
The shoes which were likely worn by the murderer and the state of the tent which had been slashed to ribbons. Nils, who had been found lying on top of the tent, had only received wounds to his head. The prosecutor claims that he would have been severely cut as well if he had been inside alongside them. The other pieces of evidence are circumstantial.
Late Nights with Nexpo
Under The Midnight Sun
The state of the bodies implies things about the killer that the prosecution say can only be explained by their story. Of the three bodies, Miles was left in the worst state. She was stabbed many times, even after she died, and her lower body was stripped naked. This, the prosecution says, shows us that Nils was furious at his girlfriend in particular.
Late Nights with Nexpo
Under The Midnight Sun
A random burglar would not target one of the two girls so brutally. Neal's lawyer does not account for the blood on the shoes, nor does she account for the awful state of Myla's body. But she does provide a stirring rebuttal to the allegation that her client is some sort of mastermind at staging a crime scene.
Late Nights with Nexpo
Under The Midnight Sun
It's about 3 kilometers long and 1 kilometer wide, surrounded by pine and birch trees that make it feel quite remote, in spite of its relatively close proximity to the city of Espoo. At an intersection near the lake, they stop at a roadside stand. The mature woman working the kiosk is less than pleasant to them. She seems wary of their group, and when asked, she suggests that they camp far away.
Late Nights with Nexpo
Under The Midnight Sun
If the prosecution is to be believed, then that means Nils committed a crime of passion out of blind rage, then arranged the scene meticulously to hide his horrible deeds. She implies that someone who has just murdered three people on violent impulse does not lie down and pretend to be unconscious beside his victims. Besides, there's a factor that the prosecution has completely overlooked.
Late Nights with Nexpo
Under The Midnight Sun
The severity of the injuries Nils received that same night. When he was picked up by police, Nils had a broken jaw and skull fractures. He was unable to speak due to his severe head injuries. Pictures of him at the hospital following the attack show his entire jaw bandaged and braced and one of his eyes swollen shut.
Late Nights with Nexpo
Under The Midnight Sun
The prosecution's story alleges that these injuries came from a fight with Seppo sometime after 2 a.m. while Myla was writing her diary entry and Anya was probably already asleep. This means that Seppo hurt his friend badly enough that Nils couldn't even talk the following morning. Would a young man with head injuries this severe be able to overpower three people even if he surprised them?
Late Nights with Nexpo
Under The Midnight Sun
Would he have been able to walk half a mile away from the campsite to dispose of his incriminating shoes before returning and pretending to be unconscious? Head wounds are temperamental things. They can impede clear thought, memory, motor functions.
Late Nights with Nexpo
Under The Midnight Sun
The version of Nils Gustafsson that the prosecution has painted is someone who was both severely injured and preternaturally controlled in his revenge. This picture of Nils, his attorney argues, does not square with the facts. Besides, there's always the fact that teenage Nils' hair was decidedly more brown than blonde.
Late Nights with Nexpo
Under The Midnight Sun
Nils, for his part, maintains that his own memory of the night in question is spotty thanks to his head injuries. In the end, the jury finds Nils not guilty. He's released from custody and is allowed to return to his quiet life with his family. But even still, he's not done with his life in the spotlight. The last year has been a harrowing relitigation of the most traumatic event of his life.
Late Nights with Nexpo
Under The Midnight Sun
And so, Nils sues the Finnish government for unjustified imprisonment, the case is settled, and Nils walks away with the payment of nearly 45,000 euros. Nils' life eventually goes back to normal, and his innocence is never questioned again. So, who's responsible for the Lake Bodum murders?
Late Nights with Nexpo
Under The Midnight Sun
Was it Hans Osman, the unreliable attention seeker, who loved to imply that he knew more than he let on, even making many suspicious statements on his deathbed? Was it Karl Kjellström who was often violent towards campers at the lake he considered his property? Was it Nils Gustafsson who committed a crime of passion that could never be proven in court?
Late Nights with Nexpo
Under The Midnight Sun
Or was it a random person long since disappeared somewhere in Finland? Curiously, another suspect came to light in the late 1960s, just a couple months before Carl took his own life. A man named Pentti Soinenen, who hanged himself while in prison. For many years, he bragged to fellow inmates that he committed the Lake Bodum murders.
Late Nights with Nexpo
Under The Midnight Sun
He did indeed grow up near Lake Bodum, but otherwise his claims were given little credence by police. Soinonen was only 14 or 15 years old at the time of the murders, and it seems unlikely he could have overpowered four people, two of whom were 18-year-old men. Though guilty of plenty of other crimes, Soinonen is considered innocent in the Lake Bodum murders.
Late Nights with Nexpo
Under The Midnight Sun
However, his alleged confession shows a chilling possibility. Perhaps the murderer's name was never known to police at all. The tall blonde man supposedly on the shores that morning and allegedly photographed among the crowd at the funeral in 1960 was never identified. Even if he was just a bystander who looked suspicious to passersby, the real murderer could be just as anonymous.
Late Nights with Nexpo
Under The Midnight Sun
A nameless face in the crowd that helped trample evidence after the killing. And lest we forget, the murder weapon has, to this day, never been found. Wherever it lies, whether at the bottom of Lake Bodum, buried on its shores, or somewhere else entirely, even the midnight sun may never reach it. Late Nights with Nexpo is created and hosted by me, Nexpo.
Late Nights with Nexpo
Under The Midnight Sun
Confused but undeterred, the group buys some soda and beer, then heads off to find a campsite, as planned. As they pull away, Myla shoots a glance back at the stand. The woman is watching them go. Myla finds herself wondering whether it's safe to camp here. She's already noticed that there are not many tents set up along the lake shore.
Late Nights with Nexpo
Under The Midnight Sun
Executive produced by me, Mr. Ballin, Nick Winters, and Zach Levitt. Our head of writing is Evan Allen. This episode was written by Robert Teamstra. Copy editing by Luke Baratz. Audio editing and sound design by Alistair Sherman. Mixed and mastered by Brendan Cain. Research by Abigail Shumway, Camille Callahan, Evan Beamer, and Stacey Wood. Fact-checking by Abigail Shumway.
Late Nights with Nexpo
Under The Midnight Sun
Production supervision by Jeremy Bone and Cole Locasio. Production coordination by Samantha Collins and Avery Siegel. Artwork by Jessica Claxton Kiner and Robin Vane. Theme song by Ross Bugden. Thank you all so much for listening to Late Nights with Nexpo. I love you all, and good night.
Late Nights with Nexpo
Under The Midnight Sun
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Late Nights with Nexpo
Under The Midnight Sun
There are plenty of hikers and swimmers, and the occasional boat out on the lake. It seems odd that there aren't more overnight campers on the weekend. As they scour the lake shore for a campsite, Myla, Nils, Seppo, and Anya encounter a handful of day trippers, people there for hiking or fishing, but they make sure to find a nice secluded space to set up.
Late Nights with Nexpo
Under The Midnight Sun
It's not long before they find the perfect spot, a small outcropping on the south shore. They're right by the water, but screened from public view by the trees. They lean their two motorcycles against nearby trees and pitch a small tent that's just big enough to fit them all inside.
Late Nights with Nexpo
Under The Midnight Sun
Myla keeps thinking back to the woman who sold them their drinks, the look she gave to the four of them, her cryptic warnings. Myla hopes that they won't get in trouble for staying here. Since this is her birthday celebration, she'd feel awful if something happened. But her concern starts to evaporate as everyone settles in by the lake.
Late Nights with Nexpo
Under The Midnight Sun
It's been an especially hot summer, so the cool breeze over the water is just what they needed. The boys crack open their beers. Anya stops complaining about how annoying her dad was about letting her go on this trip. And finally, Milo relaxes as well. The day comes to an end, but the sun doesn't set.
Late Nights with Nexpo
Under The Midnight Sun
From where you lay inside your tent, the night sounds perfectly peaceful. Crickets chirp softly outside. Not far away, the lake's gentle waves lap rhythmically against the shore. It's idyllic. And yet, you can't shake the sense that something is wrong. Something imminent. Then you hear it. A crunch of foliage outside the tent. Then a quick twang. The sound of a rope snapping.
Late Nights with Nexpo
Under The Midnight Sun
They may be in southern Finland, but they're still close enough to the Arctic Circle that the sun never fully sets in the summer. It dips low until it's barely touching the horizon and stays there. And as night falls, the sky dims to a sort of warm twilight, a phenomenon known as a midnight sun. All in all, it gives everything a beautiful, eerie look.
Late Nights with Nexpo
Under The Midnight Sun
By 2 a.m., both of the boys are drunk and Anya is sleeping. It gives Mila enough privacy to make a quick entry in her diary made possible by the light of the midnight sun. She writes that the boys are still awake, that Seppo is out fishing. She doesn't write for long and soon she's putting away her diary to try to get some sleep. That entry would be her final words. Nine hours later.
Late Nights with Nexpo
Under The Midnight Sun
Morning, by the shores of Lake Bodum. The midnight sun has brightened to a warm summer's day once again. A local man, Esko Johansen, arrives with his two sons. They take in the stunning scene before them. If today's going to be anything like yesterday, it'll be perfect weather for swimming. They make a brisk walk towards the lakeshore, eager to plunge into the refreshing water.
Late Nights with Nexpo
Under The Midnight Sun
Yet, on their way, an unusual sight stops them. From a distance, it looks like a pile of trash. Suddenly, Esko seems tense. Uneasy. He stops both his sons from walking any farther and tells them to stay where they are. He's going to go investigate and make sure everything's alright. He approaches and sees that the pile of trash is actually a tent.
Late Nights with Nexpo
Under The Midnight Sun
It's collapsed in on itself and there are dark stains all over the shredded cloth. It looks like blood. As he draws nearer, his fears are confirmed. There's a bruised and mutilated boy lying on top of the tent, and the body of a young girl partially concealed by the torn fabric.
Late Nights with Nexpo
Under The Midnight Sun
Immediately, Esko runs to the nearest phone and calls 112, Finland's emergency services number, and within an hour, the police are swarming the scene. The body that had first drawn Esko's attention is that of Nils. He's barefoot and covered in blood. His face and skull show signs of intense blood force trauma, and the tent beneath him is slashed to ribbons.
Late Nights with Nexpo
Under The Midnight Sun
The other body spilling out of the tent belongs to Mila, and the state of her body is even more horrifying. Her bones are broken, and she's covered with deep stab wounds. She's been stripped from the waist down. Inside the tent, the police find both Seppo and Anya, with similar wounds all over their bodies. Though none as extreme as Mila's, Each of the teenagers have been stabbed and bludgeoned.
Late Nights with Nexpo
Under The Midnight Sun
They all have broken jaws and severely fractured skulls. While searching the tent, the police make a shocking discovery. Nils is still alive. The 18-year-old boy stirs, moaning in pain. Blood bubbles up from his mouth. He can't do anything besides moan. His severely broken jaw prevents him from speaking, and immediately an ambulance whisks him off to the nearest hospital.
Late Nights with Nexpo
Under The Midnight Sun
By this point, bystanders are already starting to crowd around the crime scene, morbidly curious about what all the commotion is about. As the number of bystanders grows, it becomes clear that the police have neglected to set up a perimeter. The crime scene becomes an absolute mess, with countless pieces of forensic evidence trampled or lost.
Late Nights with Nexpo
Under The Midnight Sun
Amidst the commotion, what police are able to piece together is this. There's no obvious murder weapon, though the tent has been slashed as if by some sort of blade. It seems the attacker struck at them from outside the tent and the teenagers fought to escape before succumbing to their injuries. Out of everyone, Nils was the only one who managed to get out.
Late Nights with Nexpo
Under The Midnight Sun
The tent itself seems to have been roughly ransacked, its contents scattered around the woods. A few key items are missing, including wallets and watches belonging to the boys, the shoes that Nils had been wearing, and the motorcycle keys. However, even so, the motorcycles have not been stolen as both are still parked near the campsite.
Late Nights with Nexpo
Under The Midnight Sun
Myla still has her diary on her, but it doesn't provide any substantial clues. It seems she was too busy relaxing by the lake to note if anything was amiss. The only thing of note is that she was still awake at 2am, and that both boys were drunk, though it's unsurprising for a pair of teenagers on a weekend getaway. The police also find the shoes that belonged to Nils about a kilometer from camp.
Late Nights with Nexpo
Under The Midnight Sun
They're half-buried in the undergrowth and covered in blood. a couple of birdwatchers come forward to police with the description of a potential suspect, a tall, blonde man with a square jaw. They claim that they saw him near the campsite in the early hours of the morning. This is corroborated by a 14-year-old boy who was fishing around 6 a.m.
Late Nights with Nexpo
Under The Midnight Sun
and claims to have seen a blonde man standing beside the shedded tent from afar. Neither the fishermen or the birdwatchers, however, were close enough to see the bodies. Locals continue to come forward with their own theories, their own suspects, and soon the police are overwhelmed. What they really need is for Nils, the sole survivor, to help make sense of all of this information.
Late Nights with Nexpo
Under The Midnight Sun
Someone is cutting the cords that hold up your tent. You try to escape, but the tent is already collapsed down around you, smothering your cries for help. June 4th, 1960. A pair of motorcycles drive through the countryside of southern Finland, carrying four teenagers and their camping gear. On one motorcycle sits Seppo Boisman and his girlfriend Anja Tuleki-Maki.
Late Nights with Nexpo
Under The Midnight Sun
He's recovering from his injuries, unable to talk to anyone, but the police are certain that once they have his account of what took place that night, the story will fall into place. But there's only one problem. As he lies in his hospital bed, Nils can't remember a thing. Later on, when Nils is finally able, he gives a short statement to the police.
Late Nights with Nexpo
Under The Midnight Sun
He remembers little to nothing of the day before. His only memory of the attack is that of a dark shape which he glimpsed through the holes in their tent. Any other crucial details have been lost in the head trauma he suffered. The police, drowning in clues offered up by locals, want to see if they can jog his memory.
Late Nights with Nexpo
Under The Midnight Sun
After he's discharged from the hospital, they pay him another visit, and with his consent, they hypnotize Nils and ask him again, Who killed your friends? What did you see? In his interview, the results are more concrete. Nils describes the attack, fighting to get free of the tent as the intruder batters away from the outside.
Late Nights with Nexpo
Under The Midnight Sun
He says he got free of the canvas, only for the mysterious man to kick him in the jaw, breaking it and knocking him unconscious. Afterwards, he was left for dead. Nils describes the attacker as a man around 20-30 years old, about 5'8", with blonde hair combed back and a strong chin. This is promising news.
Late Nights with Nexpo
Under The Midnight Sun
His description seems to match up with the figure multiple eyewitnesses placed near the scene. The police hypnotize the 14-year-old who claimed to have seen the blonde man, and again ask for a description. He says the same thing. A blonde man with a square jaw.
Late Nights with Nexpo
Under The Midnight Sun
Using the descriptions given by Nils and the eyewitness, the police are able to create a rough composite sketch of the man they're looking for. The three deceased teens are buried the following week. The event is photographed by the press, and when these photos are developed afterwards, they reveal something that no one noticed at the time.
Late Nights with Nexpo
Under The Midnight Sun
Among the crowd of heartbroken mourners, there stood an unidentified man, a blonde man, with a strong jawline. The authorities' first real lead on a suspect comes from the staff of Helsinki Surgical Hospital, located about 25 kilometers southeast of Lake Bodum. On June 6th, the Monday after the murders, a distressed blonde man is brought into the ward.
Late Nights with Nexpo
Under The Midnight Sun
He's requested urgent assistance, though the doctors don't notice anything physically wrong with him. His shirt is stained red with what he claims is paint. This man, as it turns out, is already known to the Finnish police. He's a 36-year-old German expatriate named Hans Osman. His background is shrouded in mystery due to his habit of lying and exaggerating his past.
Late Nights with Nexpo
Under The Midnight Sun
Unsubstantiated claims Hanses made about himself include that he was a Nazi guard at Auschwitz, was reassigned when he fell in love with a Jewish woman, and that he was recruited by the KGB after the war. In spite of his suspect backstory, Hans has an airtight alibi. He claims he was with a girlfriend in Helsinki at the time, and she and her family confirm this story.
Late Nights with Nexpo
Under The Midnight Sun
it would have been nearly impossible for him to drive all the way to Lake Bodum, commit a gruesome crime, and get back to Helsinki without them noticing. The authorities dismiss him as a suspect, confident that he's not the man they're looking for, and his red-stained clothes are never tested. Around this time, another suspect comes to their attention. It's a local named Carl Chilstrom.
Late Nights with Nexpo
What Happened to the Sodder Children?
In her mind, she returns to the moment after she hung up the phone. She closed the curtains, she locked the door, but no, she didn't turn the lights off before going back to bed. She left them on for her daughter. So if the house had electricity at the time, the lights should have been on, and they were. All at once, a realization rushes over them. Her eyes meet his, and the word on their lips.
Late Nights with Nexpo
What Happened to the Sodder Children?
Arson. At this point, there's no stopping it. George and Ginny's minds are running wild, considering every possibility. They've lost so much, and the idea that someone could have wished this upon them, that someone could have actually done this to their family, is staggering. Everything Ginny thought she knew has been thrown into question.
Late Nights with Nexpo
What Happened to the Sodder Children?
She asks herself, if it's possible that someone in their community had started this fire on purpose, then what else is possible? What else could the investigators and officials have been wrong about? Can she believe anything she's been told about the fire, about the fate of her five little children? Doubt begins to gnaw at her.
Late Nights with Nexpo
What Happened to the Sodder Children?
she can't stop thinking about that night, picking apart every tiny detail in her mind. Ginny can't bring herself to accept that her five young children actually perished in those flames. Perhaps it's the wishful thinking of a mother who has suffered an unthinkable loss, but perhaps not. Because what really keeps Ginny awake at night are the facts of this case, or rather, the lack thereof.
Late Nights with Nexpo
What Happened to the Sodder Children?
Why were there no screams or cries for help during the fire? Why are there no skeletal remains in the wreckage? They say burning flesh can be smelled from miles away, and if that's true, why in the world didn't they smell it? She begins to fixate on these details and on the bones. She hears about something that happened in a neighboring community, another fire.
Late Nights with Nexpo
What Happened to the Sodder Children?
In it, seven people died, but in that case, seven skeletons were recovered. And this gnaws at her. She can't understand why there were no skeletons in the ashes of her home. she decides to conduct an experiment.
Late Nights with Nexpo
What Happened to the Sodder Children?
She has plenty of animal bones in the trash from cooking chicken and pork chops for the family, and so she decides to take these bones and put them in her oven, making it as hot as she can. Interestingly, no matter how hot she gets the oven, she can't get the bones to turn to ash. Now, it's not the most scientific experiment.
Late Nights with Nexpo
What Happened to the Sodder Children?
Everyone else has beds on the second floor. The older kids, John, Marion, and George Jr. share one room. The younger kids, Maurice, Martha, Louis, Ginny, and Betty sleep in another upstairs room. At this point, the Sauter children begin to trickle off to bed. But not all. Some of the younger ones are too excited about Christmas to go to sleep just yet.
Late Nights with Nexpo
What Happened to the Sodder Children?
Her oven is not as hot as the house fire would have been, but to her, it's enough. Ginny in her state won't be convinced otherwise. In her heart, she knows that her children's bones could not have possibly been turned to ash. And with this, an employee at a local crematorium concurs, informing Ginny that human bones remain after being subjected to temperatures comparable to that of a house fire.
Late Nights with Nexpo
What Happened to the Sodder Children?
It's not definitive proof, but it's more than enough for a mourning mother to cling to. No bones were recovered, which means that there's a chance, even if a small one, that the Sauter children weren't in the fire at all. And if they weren't in the fire, it's possible that they're still alive. But this is hardly a comforting thought, because if they are still alive, where are they?
Late Nights with Nexpo
What Happened to the Sodder Children?
Ginny knows that there's no chance that they wandered off before the fire, or fled during it and somehow got lost. They were young, but not so young that they couldn't find help. Maurice, the oldest, was 14. And if they had escaped the fire, but succumbed to the elements, their bodies surely would have been found by now.
Late Nights with Nexpo
What Happened to the Sodder Children?
So the Sauter children didn't wander off, and it seems like they didn't die in the fire either. This leaves one other possibility, but it's unthinkable. It's insane. Ginny and George both know it, and yet they can't bring themselves to believe any other explanation than this. That fire was nothing but a distraction, a cover for the real crime that took place that night. Kidnapping.
Late Nights with Nexpo
What Happened to the Sodder Children?
Now, instead of grieving, the Sodders begin to think back on every strange moment from the months prior, every confrontation or mysterious occurrence, the kinds of events a person writes off as nothing to worry about, resurfacing and filled with sinister possibility. Which is to say that, to the Sodders, every acquaintance, every neighbor, is now a suspect.
Late Nights with Nexpo
What Happened to the Sodder Children?
George thinks back, trying to recall any recent interactions that felt a bit strange at the time, and one in particular comes to mind right away. Months prior, a strange man showed up at the Sodder's home, inquiring if George, who owned a hauling company, was hiring. George said that he wasn't, and yet the traveler still hung around the house a bit, like he wasn't taking no for an answer.
Late Nights with Nexpo
What Happened to the Sodder Children?
It was an uncomfortable situation. George followed him around the yard, trying to ride the line between being polite and getting the traveler to move on. The young man started to point out things about the yard, as if trying to impress him with his handyman knowledge.
Late Nights with Nexpo
What Happened to the Sodder Children?
And circling to the home's rear, George recalls that the man pointed to the fuse boxes on their wall and said, this is going to cause a fire someday. In that moment, George concluded that this man had no idea what he was talking about. After all, he had just had the boxes looked at and approved by the power company. Eventually, the man left, and George put the incident out of his mind.
Late Nights with Nexpo
What Happened to the Sodder Children?
But now, George can't help but wonder, had the traveler really moved on down the road? Or did he hang around, bitter about being turned down for work? In another instance, Ginny recalls something else. Another curious event that happened shortly before the fire. One day, she was working in the kitchen when, through the window, she saw the kids coming home from school.
Late Nights with Nexpo
What Happened to the Sodder Children?
But in that moment, her eyes were drawn to something else. Behind her kids, a car she didn't recognize was parked on the street. Inside it was a man, and he appeared to be watching them. All of them, it seemed. The children, Ginny, the house itself, and the way he was looking at them. It felt unusual. Aggressive, even.
Late Nights with Nexpo
What Happened to the Sodder Children?
And Marion, the eldest daughter, stays up on the couch to watch them play a little while longer. Though other children still have chores to do, Maurice and Louis must go outside to feed the animals before they turn in. It's not an enviable chore. Maurice and Louis layer on hats and coats and journey out into the freezing darkness to feed them.
Late Nights with Nexpo
What Happened to the Sodder Children?
It made Ginny uneasy, but once her kids were inside, the car drove away, and she sighed in relief. But now, she's left to wonder, was this man doing some sort of reconnaissance? But unfortunately, that's only the beginning of the suspect list. As an Italian immigrant, George had strong beliefs about the leader of the country he left behind.
Late Nights with Nexpo
What Happened to the Sodder Children?
He was an outspoken critic of Mussolini, which ruffled the feathers among Fayetteville's Italian-American community. George had one business associate in particular, who we'll call Nick. He and Nick fell out over their politics, and in their final fight, Nick allegedly shouted, "'Your goddamn house is going up in smoke!' and your children are going to be destroyed.
Late Nights with Nexpo
What Happened to the Sodder Children?
You're going to pay for the dirty remarks you've been making about Mussolini. Finally, Ginny remembers the strange call she received on the phone right before the fire. It seemed like a wrong number, but now she thinks maybe it was the conspirators calling to make sure they were home. George and Jenny share their suspicions with the police.
Late Nights with Nexpo
What Happened to the Sodder Children?
Though they're not convinced, they agree to investigate and put up notices around town and in the newspaper, asking for leads relating to the missing children or the fire. And soon after, a series of disturbing reports start rolling in. Around April 1946, a spectator from the morning after the fire reveals that they saw a young man remove something from the ashes.
Late Nights with Nexpo
What Happened to the Sodder Children?
It's unclear if this was before or after the firefighters arrived, though once they got there, there was a crowd of people for the thief to blend into. The police track down this lead and identify the young man as Lonnie Johnson, a local thief. And with this, an item belonging to the Sodders is discovered in his possession.
Late Nights with Nexpo
What Happened to the Sodder Children?
It's a block and tackle of sort of rope and pulley George often used to repair vehicles for work. Lonnie swears up and down that he had nothing to do with the fire, and yet when pushed, he admits that not only did he steal this tool, but he was at the house the night before the fire. In a stunning revelation, Lonnie says that he took the ladder and that he used it to cut the phone line.
Late Nights with Nexpo
What Happened to the Sodder Children?
Ostensibly, this was so that if he was caught stealing, the Sodders couldn't call the police before he escaped. But he says he never did steal anything other than that block and tackle, which he only took after the house had already burned down. It's a very odd thing to admit to, while denying any further involvement.
Late Nights with Nexpo
What Happened to the Sodder Children?
Like the man in the car, or George's business associate Nick, Lonnie by all accounts seems like an agent in a larger conspiracy. But in order to prove something of that magnitude, the Sodders are going to need a staggering amount of new evidence. And surprisingly, that's exactly what's about to arrive. In 1946, an eyewitness comes forward to the police. The man is a bus driver.
Late Nights with Nexpo
What Happened to the Sodder Children?
He claims that while driving past the Sodders' home during the night of the fire, he witnessed a person throwing, quote, "'balls of fire' at the house." It's unclear why he didn't report this at the time. Perhaps he thought it was some sort of Christmas celebration or a controlled demolition. Or maybe he thought it was an act of violence and he just didn't want to get involved.
Late Nights with Nexpo
What Happened to the Sodder Children?
It's a stark contrast from the warmth, joy, and laughter of the living room to the quiet, eerie stillness of the outdoors. Two hours later, a silence has fallen over their home. And then, at 12.30 a.m., the phone rings. Jenny, the mother, awakens with a startle. She looks around her bedroom, orienting herself. George and little Sylvia are sleeping soundly next to her.
Late Nights with Nexpo
What Happened to the Sodder Children?
But nevertheless, it's enough to compel the family to return to the scene of the fire, to see if there's anything they might have missed. While the family's there, toddler Sylvia gets away from her mother. A strange ball-like object in the yard catches her eye. She travels across the lawn on her small feet, arriving at the object and picking it up.
Late Nights with Nexpo
What Happened to the Sodder Children?
It's shaped like a ball, but it has a weird cap on one end. Her parents finally notice her and come over, taking the device from her hand. George has no idea what it could be, but his oldest, John, who's now home on leave from the army, identifies it immediately. It's an incendiary grenade, a weapon specifically designed to start fires.
Late Nights with Nexpo
What Happened to the Sodder Children?
This would explain the thump on the roof right before the fire began, as well as the rolling noise that came afterward. It also supports what the Sodders have suspected all along, that the fire started upstairs and not in a downstairs fuse box as the police investigation determined.
Late Nights with Nexpo
What Happened to the Sodder Children?
The Saunders are bewildered by this new evidence, but confident that it'll finally convince local law enforcement to investigate the fire as an arson case. But surprisingly, the police do no such thing. Military weaponry found at the scene is evidently not convincing enough. But even still, other jaw-dropping evidence continues to pour in. That same year, a pair of women reach out to the police.
Late Nights with Nexpo
What Happened to the Sodder Children?
They claim to have seen the Sauter children alive. One of them who works at a roadside restaurant hours outside of Fayetteville says she saw them the morning after the fire. She served them breakfast and also noticed a car with Florida license plates parked outside.
Late Nights with Nexpo
What Happened to the Sodder Children?
The other woman who works at a hotel in Charleston, West Virginia says she saw four of the five children check in around midnight a week or so after the fire. with a group of unfriendly adults who spoke Italian. When the Sodders learn of this, it sparks an array of conflicting emotions. There's joy because their kids might still be alive, but new horrors too.
Late Nights with Nexpo
What Happened to the Sodder Children?
What if their kids were taken by fellow Italians as revenge for George's anti-Mussolini views? If that's true, the children could be back in Italy, thousands of miles beyond the reach of the police in West Virginia. By this point, the Sodders are beyond frustrated with the lack of results from law enforcement.
Late Nights with Nexpo
What Happened to the Sodder Children?
For the past year, it's been one staggering revelation after another, yet the local police are behaving as though the faulty wiring explanation still holds water. The Sodders recognize that they must appeal to a higher authority, and so in 1947, they write to the FBI. They receive a response from FBI Director J. Edgar Hoover himself, but it isn't good news.
Late Nights with Nexpo
What Happened to the Sodder Children?
Hoover maintains that this case is a local matter, and that the FBI has no jurisdiction. But even still, the Sodders refuse to be stonewalled, and in 1947, they hire a private investigator to get to the bottom of it. As the PI questions various people around Fayetteville, he keeps hearing one particular rumor again and again.
Late Nights with Nexpo
What Happened to the Sodder Children?
That Fire Chief Morris himself, the man responsible for responding to the fire, discovered a human organ in the ashes. It's a bizarre and potentially major revelation. On Christmas Day, the firefighters claimed that there was absolutely no trace of the children's bodies. But this rumor, conflictingly, implies that they did recover human remains and hid the evidence.
Late Nights with Nexpo
What Happened to the Sodder Children?
Even stranger, it's been said that they placed the organ in a wooden dynamite box and buried it somewhere on the property. It's a strange, strange story, and the PI doesn't quite know what to make of it, but he hears it from so many people that he's compelled to tell the Sodders about it. Right away, the family rushes back to the scene of the fire, and thereafter, they begin digging.
Late Nights with Nexpo
What Happened to the Sodder Children?
It's painful to disturb the flowers they planted in honor of their lost children, but they'll do anything to learn more about what happened. And soon, sure enough, one of their shovels hits something. It's wooden, hollow. George, Ginny, and their surviving children gather around as the box is uncovered and hoisted to the surface. It's a dynamite box, just like their PI said it would be.
Late Nights with Nexpo
What Happened to the Sodder Children?
Collectively, they hold their breath as the lid comes off, and inside, as promised, is an undeniable lump of dried and shriveled flesh. Resultingly, a local funeral director is brought in to examine the contents. But they're even more confused than the saunters are, because it's not a human organ. Rather, it's beef. A beef liver, to be exact. And even stranger, it's not even burnt.
Late Nights with Nexpo
What Happened to the Sodder Children?
She gets out of her warm bed, clutching her nightgown against the cold. Bewildered as to who could be calling at this hour, she exits her room and crosses to the table where the phone is. The lights, she notices, are still on. They should be turned off now that all the children are in bed, all save for Marion, who's fallen asleep on the living room couch.
Late Nights with Nexpo
What Happened to the Sodder Children?
At their wit's end, the Sodders decide to confront Fire Chief Morris face to face. And once pushed, Morris makes an astonishing confession. Except it's not a confession to some sinister conspiracy. Rather, he states that he was only trying to help, but made a mistake. Morris states that he's certain that the kids died in the fire.
Late Nights with Nexpo
What Happened to the Sodder Children?
But watching the Sodder family desperately search for evidence to the contrary and destroying what was left of their own emotional well-being in the process was too much for him to bear. And so Morris says he did something very unorthodox. He got a hold of some beef liver, put it in the box, and buried it at the site.
Late Nights with Nexpo
What Happened to the Sodder Children?
He then planted the rumors himself in the hopes that the Sodders might hear of it and dig up the box. From his strange, distorted point of view, he thought that this might be enough to get the Saunders to believe that their kins were truly dead. It's an odd scheme, one that doesn't seem likely to have ever worked. And it gets even stranger.
Late Nights with Nexpo
What Happened to the Sodder Children?
When the Saunders go to retrieve the liver from the coroner, they find that it's disappeared from his office. But even as this line of inquiry fails, another rises. The PI has one more lead to pursue, and it's perhaps the most promising. In 1947, the family's PI investigates one final lead in his search for the missing Sauter kids.
Late Nights with Nexpo
What Happened to the Sodder Children?
He's curious about George's former business associate, Nick, who George fell out with over politics. The one who furiously made the bizarre claim about their house going up in smoke. George tells the PI that Nick was actually his employee at one time. They were close enough that, when George needed a cosigner for an insurance policy on his home, Nick was willing to step in.
Late Nights with Nexpo
What Happened to the Sodder Children?
However, they stopped talking after their fights over Mussolini. The PI secures a copy of the insurance policy, and shockingly, it's been updated since when George last saw it. As it turned out, Nick had increased the amount on George's home insurance by $250 right before the fire without telling George.
Late Nights with Nexpo
What Happened to the Sodder Children?
It seems odd that such a move would even be possible without George's consent, but it does mean that, as a cosigner, Nick might have benefited if the entire Sauter family died in the fire. But that isn't even the most damning detail that the private investigator uncovers. As it turned out, Nick didn't just stand to benefit from the fire.
Late Nights with Nexpo
What Happened to the Sodder Children?
He was actually a member of the coroner's jury that ultimately ruled the fire as an accident. Now, this fact is incredibly bizarre. A coroner's jury is made up of random citizens, like any jury, but their job is to look at the evidence presented in a mysterious death and determine if foul play was involved. Nick should not have been a part of this based upon his relationship to the family alone.
Late Nights with Nexpo
What Happened to the Sodder Children?
And on top of that, as someone who could have benefited from their deaths, he's an obvious suspect. And yet, he was on the very jury that could have recommended he be investigated. Armed with this information, the Sodders go to the local prosecuting attorney and demand that Nick be investigated.
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What Happened to the Sodder Children?
It would seem like they had a decent case, but to their horror, the attorney looks at the evidence, then back to them and politely states, I don't want to bring a case against people with whom I live and eat. The Sodders are bewildered by this response. They're certain they're the victims of arson. Their kids are either dead or kidnapped, and they have strong evidence suggesting who did it.
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What Happened to the Sodder Children?
Ginny reaches the phone, grabs the receiver off the hook, and offers a blunt hello. But the voice on the other end doesn't introduce themselves. Instead, what Ginny hears is laughter. And it's not pleasant laughter either. It feels cruel, almost as though this caller is mocking her. And then suddenly it stops.
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What Happened to the Sodder Children?
On top of this, there's evidence suggesting that there was misconduct among the coroner's jury, and now the prosecutor is refusing to do his job. Is this man in on it? Is he a part of the pro-Mussolini elements in town that wanted to see his family burn? Has Nick paid him off? What secrets is this West Virginia community keeping from its own members? Years pass.
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What Happened to the Sodder Children?
It's 1953 now, nearly 8 years after the fire, and the family is out of ideas. All that's left to them is to take out a billboard on the side of the road near their house. It features pictures of all 5 children, and it reads, what was their fate? Kidnapped? Murdered? Or are they still alive? With a $5,000 reward offered for information.
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What Happened to the Sodder Children?
Over the next decade, George and Jenny frequently receive letters in the mail from all over the country, with people claiming to have seen one of the children. They chase every lead, no matter how tenuous. Once, George sees a picture in the newspaper of a little girl who lives in New York.
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What Happened to the Sodder Children?
He thinks she looks like one of his missing daughters, and so he goes all the way there and demands that her parents let him see her. Unsurprisingly, they refuse. Yet, in his mind, he believes that they could be the beneficiaries of the kidnapping. But at the same time, it's just as possible that they're frightened parents with no reason to let a strange man see their daughter.
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What Happened to the Sodder Children?
And ultimately, he has to respect their wishes and return home. Ginny also pursues some rather thin leads with a similar level of aggression. She recalls the woman's testimony from the roadside motel, the one that claimed to see the children taken away in a car with a Florida license plate.
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What Happened to the Sodder Children?
As it turns out, Ginny has a brother who lives in Florida, and she gets it into her head to call him to see if he had anything to do with the alleged kidnapping. It's unclear why she would suspect this of her own brother, but she actually has the police produce records to prove that all of her brother's kids are his own. 1966, 21 years since the fire.
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What Happened to the Sodder Children?
By this point, the Sodders are searching for children who have, officially, been dead longer than they were alive. But the leads don't stop, so neither do they. That year, the family received a letter from a woman who writes that she overheard two men talking to each other, evidently claiming that they were Louis and Maurice Sodder.
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What Happened to the Sodder Children?
George travels to Texas to meet with them, however, the lead goes nowhere. A year later, in 1967, the Sodders receive another mysterious letter. Enclosed is a photograph of a young man with the same features and complexion as the men in their family. And sure enough, on the back of the photograph, there's a note that reads, Lewis Sodder.
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What Happened to the Sodder Children?
But this letter didn't come from Texas and came from Kentucky, but without a return address, no means of contacting the sender. And so, the Sodders hire yet another PI to go to Kentucky to find out what he can. But once the PI travels to Kentucky, the family never hears from him again. Perhaps he was just a conman who took the solder's money and ran, or maybe it was something darker.
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What Happened to the Sodder Children?
Regardless, his disappearance is a final gut punch, because that is where the trail runs cold for the very last time. And so, we're left to grapple with the same questions that tortured the Saunders themselves. It is, of course, possible that the children simply died in the fire. Maybe all five bodies really were incinerated.
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What Happened to the Sodder Children?
The voice on the line finally speaks and asks for a name, someone that doesn't live there. And so Ginny informs them that they have the wrong number and hangs up. Unsettled, Ginny surveys the room around her. A number of unusual things pop out to her now. It's not just that the lights are all on. The curtains are wide open, too. And when Ginny walks to the front door, she finds it unlocked.
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What Happened to the Sodder Children?
Or maybe the firefighters just didn't search thoroughly enough to find what remained. But an accidental fire burning hot all night doesn't explain the many contradictions and lies embedded in the evidence. It seems at least possible that their kids were kidnapped. Yet in some ways, it might be less chilling to believe that they all died in that fire. Grief can do strange things to a person.
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What Happened to the Sodder Children?
By not accepting the deaths, Ginny and George became their own tormentors. As horrifying as the death of a child can be, there's nothing more terrifying than the unknown. Not accepting the simplest explanation meant that they forced themselves to imagine the worst.
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What Happened to the Sodder Children?
Forced themselves through years of false leads and disappointment, and led themselves to hurl terrible accusations at both strangers and family. The Unknown That is what ruined their lives. Not the fire, not the loss, just simply not knowing. The soldered children stared down from their billboard on the highway, asking every driver who passes, what was our fate?
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What Happened to the Sodder Children?
Late Nights with Nexpo is created and hosted by me, Nexpo. Executive produced by me, Mr. Ballin, Nick Witters, and Zach Levitt. Our head of writing is Evan Allen. This episode was written by Greg Castro. Copy editing by Luke Baratz. Audio editing and sound design by Alistair Sherman. Mixed and mastered by Brendan Cain. Research by Abigail Shumway, Camille Callahan, Evan Beamer, and Stacey Wood.
Late Nights with Nexpo
What Happened to the Sodder Children?
Fact checking by Abigail Shumway. Production supervision by Jeremy Bone and Cole Locasio. Production coordination by Samantha Collins and Avery Siegel. Artwork by Jessica Claxton Kiner and Robin Vane. Theme song by Ross Bugden. Thank you for listening to Late Nights with Nexpo. I love you all, and good night.
Late Nights with Nexpo
What Happened to the Sodder Children?
She sighs. Her children know perfectly well how to lock up for the night. She considers waking Marion to chastise her, but thinks better of it. It's Christmas, after all. The kids were probably just excited and forgetful. Ginny locks the door herself and closes the curtains. Then she hurries back to the warmth of her bed and slowly drifts off to sleep. A strange noise comes from above.
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What Happened to the Sodder Children?
Night. You're driving along a lonely stretch of West Virginia Highway. The only light comes from the headlights of your car, which shine on the dark forest lining the road. The scenery is a blur. Until suddenly, up ahead, you see it. A strange billboard looming low to the ground at the side of the road. From it, the faces of five unsmiling children staring back at you.
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What Happened to the Sodder Children?
Ginny's eyes blink open. She sits up groggily, trying to get her bearings, and still dark out. Now she hears a new noise overhead. A rolling sound, like something landed on the roof with a thud and rolled off. And then, silence. Ginny tells herself that it was just an animal. She tries to fall back asleep, but then an acrid scent hits her nostrils. Her eyes fly open. She's wide awake now.
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What Happened to the Sodder Children?
It's because she knows that smell. It's smoke. In an instant, Ginny's up and out of bed, hoisting little Sylvia into her arms and screaming for George to wake up. She sees smoke pouring into the bedroom from beneath the door. George, Ginny, and Sylvia burst out of their bedroom, and they're met with an apocalyptic scene. Their house is becoming engulfed in flames.
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What Happened to the Sodder Children?
They race to the telephone to call the fire department, only to discover, to their horror, that the phone line, which worked perfectly just a little while ago, is dead. Amidst the chaos, what springs to the front of Ginny's mind is a number. Nine. Nine of her children are in the house right now. Only two of Ginny's children are accounted for at the moment.
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What Happened to the Sodder Children?
Her youngest, Sylvia, is wailing in her arms. And nearby, her eldest daughter, Marion, has awakened on the first floor couch. Ginny locks her gaze on the staircase leading to the upstairs bedrooms. It's impassable. The heat coming from the upper floor is too intense. The smoke is too thick. And so, that makes it seven. Seven of Ginny's kids are trapped upstairs.
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What Happened to the Sodder Children?
Their photos are haunting enough. But then you read the words plastered above. What was their fate? Kidnapped or murdered? Or are they still alive? Christmas Eve, 1945. Just outside Fayetteville, West Virginia. Freezing temperatures make the trees creak and the river run still. But inside the Sauter family's house, it's warm. George and Jenny Sauter are there with nine of their ten children.
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What Happened to the Sodder Children?
Ginny screams up the staircase, her eyes stinging from the smoke. She keeps them open though, praying to see her children. Finally, a figure emerges from the smoke and hurtles down the stairs. Another follows close behind. It's two of the oldest boys, John and George Jr., and their hair is singed from the flames. The boys are hysterical.
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What Happened to the Sodder Children?
They tell their parents that they tried to get into their younger sibling's bedroom, but they couldn't. Now the noise, the heat, everything else disappears from Jenny's world. She casts a final glance upstairs as her husband pulls her away toward the exit. The number in Jenny's head is now five. Five of her kids are up those stairs and none of them are coming down.
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What Happened to the Sodder Children?
A moment later, Jenny, George, and the four kids who were accounted for are standing outside. It's freezing cold, and they're all still in their nightgowns. But George doesn't hesitate. He races off to fetch the ladder they keep against the side of the house. The others follow, their bare feet slapping against the icy ground. But around the corner of the home, another shock awaits them.
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What Happened to the Sodder Children?
Their ladder is gone. Following this, they go to their garage to get their truck, so they can drive it up to the window and climb up. Now, the Sodders have two trucks, but when George tries the ignition on both of them, neither engine will start. George can't believe it. Both trucks worked perfectly fine just yesterday.
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What Happened to the Sodder Children?
He bolts out of the garage, desperately searching for something, anything that might help. There's an old rain barrel near the home, and so George tries to throw some water into the flames, but it's no use. The water inside the barrel is frozen solid. Because of this, George is reduced to shouting the children's names over and over at the house.
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What Happened to the Sodder Children?
But in return, all he hears is the roar of the inferno. While the house continues to burn, the oldest daughter Marion dashes away, down the dark, freezing road. The solder's phone doesn't work, but their neighbors just might. She's still barefoot, and there isn't another house for quite a while.
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What Happened to the Sodder Children?
At last, she arrives, and tears of relief flow down her cheeks as the neighbor lets her in and points her to their phone. Shaking from head to toe, Marion manages to place the call, but the operator doesn't respond. Marion is beside herself. This can't be happening. The neighbor grabs his coat and rushes for the door, informing her that he'll drive into town and alert the fire chief in person.
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What Happened to the Sodder Children?
Fayetteville's fire chief, F.J. Morris, is fast asleep when the Sodder's neighbor arrives. Once Morris gets filled in, he begins the process of alerting Fayetteville's other volunteer firefighters. Their department operates by using a phone tree, which means one calls the other, calls the other, calls the other.
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What Happened to the Sodder Children?
It's time-consuming, and it takes a while for all the volunteers to be notified, assemble at the firehouse, and then drive out to the Sodders' home. But even so, the emergency response to the fire feels less than urgent. The Sodders' home is only two and a half miles from the firehouse, and yet the firefighters don't arrive on the scene until seven hours later.
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What Happened to the Sodder Children?
By this point, the sun is up and the house is gone. For hours, George and his family have helplessly watched the entire structure be reduced to ashes before their eyes, with their five children apparently trapped inside. There is no urgency from George or his family once the fire trucks finally pull up to the scene. There's no shouting or waving of arms. The time for that has long passed.
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What Happened to the Sodder Children?
For the past seven hours, George has experienced more emotions than in the rest of his life combined. Complete terror, complete helplessness, rage at the firefighters' lackluster response, and finally, the horrific bitterness of losing five children before his very eyes. Now, on Christmas morning, 1945, he's simply numb. The firefighters douse the smoldering wreckage with water.
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What Happened to the Sodder Children?
They search for the bodies of the missing children, but they can't find even a single bone. Fire Chief Morris says the fire must have incinerated them completely, and so he declares the children dead at the scene. The next day, December 26th, a coroner's jury declares the fire accidental, and by December 30th, death certificates are issued for the five kids.
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What Happened to the Sodder Children?
A state police inspector eventually arrives. Given that the house burned for so long and so completely, it's not easy to determine a cause, but in the end, he attributes the fire to faulty wiring. To George, it all happened so fast. Too fast.
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What Happened to the Sodder Children?
The fire department took so long to come put the fire out, but then afterwards, officials practically sprinted to declare the fire an accident and the children dead. It makes George uneasy. But what can he do? The Sodders try to move on. In the new year, George brings in dirt from off-site and covers the ruins. They plant a garden in remembrance of the children they lost.
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What Happened to the Sodder Children?
If the story ended here, it would be a mercy. The Sodders could mourn in peace. However, our story is just beginning. Shocking details are about to emerge. Details that suggest that this fire was no accident, and that the supposedly deceased Sodder children may actually be alive. It's spring. On a day like today, the sound of children's laughter should be echoing across the Sodder's property.
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What Happened to the Sodder Children?
Yet instead, it's silent. The surviving Sodders have been without a home for months, and the time has come to rebuild. But their new house won't be where the previous one stood, as the site of the fire is to remain a memorial garden forever. George is overseeing the construction of the family's new home nearby when he sees one of the workers approaching him.
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What Happened to the Sodder Children?
It's a telephone repairman, and he's discovered something odd. He leads George over to a nearby telephone pole and explains that when he ascended the pole on his ladder, he expected to find the remnants of the telephone wire that used to lead to the solder's old house. Instead, though, he found no burned wire dangling there at all. Rather, it was completely severed, cut cleanly, intentionally.
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What Happened to the Sodder Children?
Immediately, George realizes what that means. The phone lines didn't melt in the fire. Someone cut them and they would have needed a ladder to do it. A ladder. George thinks back to the night of the fire, and suddenly he takes off across the yard, searching wildly under bushes and rubble.
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What Happened to the Sodder Children?
It's not until reaching the back of the property where the yard falls off into a ditch that he finds what he's looking for. It's his ladder. The one that he kept propped up on the side of the house. The one that he could not find to save his children on the night of the fire. And it's here where he realizes it wasn't misplaced. Someone moved it. George feels dizzy. Nauseous, even.
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What Happened to the Sodder Children?
The only member of the family that's not present is Joe, the Sauter's second-to-oldest son, who's away serving in the army. The youngest children, who have just received some new toys from the local dime store, play happily in the living room. As it gets late, the parents retire to their bedroom on the first floor, taking their three-year-old daughter Sylvia with them.
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What Happened to the Sodder Children?
The blood is pounding in his temples. A whole new series of details are flooding his mind. The wrong number in the middle of the night. The thump on the roof. His trucks that wouldn't start when he needed them most. And this is when it hits him. This fire may not have been an accident at all. George forces himself to breathe and tries to clear his head.
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What Happened to the Sodder Children?
He reminds himself that the investigators already determined the cause. It was faulty wiring. And yet, George can't bring himself to believe it. He was in the house when it happened. The investigators weren't. Now, a final memory comes back to George. When he emerged from his dark bedroom into the living room, it was bright. And not just because of the flames, either.
Late Nights with Nexpo
What Happened to the Sodder Children?
He's certain that the lights were still on. And if the lights in the house were on, it means the fire couldn't have been started by an electrical short. Otherwise, the house's power would have failed, and it would have been completely out. He rushes to tell Ginny, and she remembers it all the same way he does. In her recollection, the lights were definitely on when they came out of the bedroom.
Late Nights with Nexpo
The Billion Dollar Mystery
It would be fair to label Barry Sherman's company, Apotex, as Big Pharma. Apotex's business model is to make generic versions of brand-name drugs, then sell their version of the drug for less. It's all common practice and completely legal, so as long as they wait for the brand-name drug's patent to run its course. You see, in the pharmaceutical industry, patents are a big deal.
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The Billion Dollar Mystery
When a new drug gets invented, the inventor may be awarded a patent which gives them the exclusive right to sell that drug for a period of time, often for 20 years. Once the period of exclusivity ends, though, generic drug manufacturers like Apotex are allowed to flood the market with cheaper, virtually identical replicas. But Apotex doesn't always wait for the period of exclusivity to expire.
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The Billion Dollar Mystery
Instead, they, like many other generic pharmaceutical companies, often introduce their products at risk. This means that they release their copycat drug before the original drug maker's patents expire, then try to invalidate the original patents in court in the meantime. If the original manufacturer loses in court, the generic manufacturer keeps the money they make from selling their drug.
Late Nights with Nexpo
The Billion Dollar Mystery
But if they lose, then they must pay the original drug maker damages. This is the risk Apotex and companies like to take on. They understand that they'll win some court battles and lose others. But as long as they win more than they lose, they stand to make incredible amounts of money.
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The Billion Dollar Mystery
It's a legal strategy that Barry Sherman, who is neither a doctor or lawyer, was able to exploit again and again and again for years. Shortly before Barry's death, though, Apotex would lose a massive $500 million lawsuit, and this was hardly the only court battle Barry engaged in around this time. There are dozens, including one against members of his own family.
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The Billion Dollar Mystery
It's the morning of Friday, December 15th, 2017. There's a for-sale sign in the front of the Sherman's home, and it's been there for weeks. The Sherman's realtor is scheduled to show their home to potential buyers at around 11 o'clock, but the Sherman's housekeeper, who arrives every Friday, is the very first to arrive at 8.30 a.m.
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The Billion Dollar Mystery
In 2007, Barry's cousins claimed that they were owed a 20% ownership in Apotex and filed a lawsuit against Barry. On December 6, 2017, a decade after the court battle began and just seven days before Barry is last seen alive, a Superior Court judge dismisses the cousins' lawsuit and orders them to pay Barry $300,000 to cover his legal fees.
Late Nights with Nexpo
The Billion Dollar Mystery
So with this in mind, to Jonathan and his siblings, the police's murder-suicide theory feels improbable, irresponsible even. In their eyes, not only are the police wrong, but their theory is also destroying a great man's legacy in the process. No matter how you look at it, a targeted double homicide simply cannot be ruled out.
Late Nights with Nexpo
The Billion Dollar Mystery
Barry had too many powerful enemies and bitter business rivals who lost against him in court. And besides, who on earth commits suicide by ligature neck strangulation? It's outlandish. If they were a family of average means, Jonathan and his siblings might have had no choice but to quietly sit by and let the Toronto PD's investigation run its course. But Jonathan and his siblings are billionaires.
Late Nights with Nexpo
The Billion Dollar Mystery
They have the means to hire a completely independent team of experts and private investigators. They have the means to fund their own investigation, one that'll bring the truth to light and restore their father's good name. Jonathan and his siblings act quickly. They hire criminal defense lawyer Brian Greenspan to lead a private, parallel investigation into their parents' deaths.
Late Nights with Nexpo
The Billion Dollar Mystery
Greenspan's first order of business is to arrange a second set of autopsies. For this, he taps Dr. David Chason, a veteran forensic pathologist with an excellent reputation. Greenspan knows that it's crucial that his investigation is done by the book and in the light of day.
Late Nights with Nexpo
The Billion Dollar Mystery
And so he invites everyone who was present at the initial autopsies to attend the second autopsies, including a number of Toronto police officers and detectives assigned the Sherman case. Oddly, though, every single one of them declines. The Toronto PD, it seems, doesn't appreciate having their work picked over. Even so, however, there is one person who accepts Greenspan's invitation.
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The Billion Dollar Mystery
Dr. Michael Pickup, the young staff pathologist who performed the initial autopsies of Barry and Honey Sherman. To Greenspan's surprise, Dr. Pickup takes no offense to having his work double-checked. Rather, he's eager to help. Pickup explains that he delivered his preliminary report days after the Sherman's bodies were found, but the official autopsy report would take about a month to complete.
Late Nights with Nexpo
The Billion Dollar Mystery
So the preliminary report was precisely that, preliminary. The only conclusion Dr. Pickup reached in this preliminary report was the medical cause of death, ligature neck compression for both Barry and Honey. But what this preliminary report didn't reach any conclusions about was the manner of death.
Late Nights with Nexpo
The Billion Dollar Mystery
The manner of death refers to the circumstances surrounding a death, whether it was natural or intentional, suicide or homicide, etc. And in this section of his preliminary report, Dr. Pickup merely listed out the three possible options, murder-suicide, double homicide, and double suicide, with the intention of narrowing the list down in his final report.
Late Nights with Nexpo
The Billion Dollar Mystery
Immediately upon arrival, though, a few things strike her as slightly unusual. First, the morning newspaper is still lying on the ground out front. It hasn't been taken inside. This only happens when the Shermans are out of town, but the housekeeper can plainly see that the Shermans are home.
Late Nights with Nexpo
The Billion Dollar Mystery
And so, on December 20th, Dr. Chaison carries out the second set of autopsies with Dr. Pickup and Greenspan's small team of private investigators in attendance. With this, Dr. Pickup proves to be invaluable. He tanks Dr. Chaison through his thought process and the incisions he made in his initial autopsies.
Late Nights with Nexpo
The Billion Dollar Mystery
He also brings crime scene photos that show Barry and Honey's bodies exactly as they were found on the morning of December 15th. Photos that Greenspan's investigation would not have had access to otherwise. Four weeks later, on January 19th, the Toronto Star publishes the findings of the second autopsies. And perhaps unsurprisingly, it obliterates the Toronto Police's working theory.
Late Nights with Nexpo
The Billion Dollar Mystery
First off, it's clear that Barry and Honey were not strangled to death with the thick leather belts found around their necks. The thin markings left on their throats indicate that they were both strangled by a very thin rope or strap, likely a garrotte as seen in mafia movies. This means that the leather belts were likely put around both Barry and Honey's necks after they were already dead.
Late Nights with Nexpo
The Billion Dollar Mystery
But no garrote or thin rope was found anywhere in the house, so the idea that Barry could have killed himself was out of the question. Barry couldn't have strangled himself, then gotten rid of the garrote afterwards. It's simply impossible. On top of this, there were thin markings on both Barry and Honey's wrists, indicating that their hands were bound at some point, possibly with zip ties.
Late Nights with Nexpo
The Billion Dollar Mystery
Once again, nothing of the sort was found anywhere in the house, implying that whoever bound them took that evidence with them when they left. Dr. Chaison's report also addresses the matter of Barry's intact hyoid bone. Chaison, who happens to have researched this exact topic extensively, points out that the hyoid bone doesn't always break during strangulation.
Late Nights with Nexpo
The Billion Dollar Mystery
His report also re-emphasizes a key fact that may have been overlooked in Dr. Pickup's preliminary report. That Barry's isn't the only hyoid bone that's intact. Honey's is fully intact, too. Likewise, Greenspan's team makes sure the press hears about certain pieces of crime scene evidence that haven't been properly emphasized by the Toronto Police.
Late Nights with Nexpo
The Billion Dollar Mystery
Like the fact that an exterior door leading to the basement was found unlocked at the crime scene, and that one of the home's windows was found ajar. The fact that there was no sign of forced entry doesn't necessarily make Barry Sherman the killer, as the Shermans lived in an extremely upscale and safe neighborhood, and they were evidently a bit lax about home security.
Late Nights with Nexpo
The Billion Dollar Mystery
For all they knew, their killer could have simply walked inside that evening, completely undetected. Greenspan's team also discovers that Toronto Police failed to collect all of the fingerprints and potential DNA at the scene, and their private team discovers at least 25 new palm or fingerprints that the police missed.
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The Billion Dollar Mystery
Honey Sherman's Lexus is parked in the circular driveway, still dusted in snow from the storm Wednesday night. The side entrance most commonly used to enter the home is locked, second unusual thing. Even so, she knocks, expecting Honey or Barry to come let her in. However, no one comes to the door. Finally, she lets herself in with her key and goes to disarm the home security system.
Late Nights with Nexpo
The Billion Dollar Mystery
In light of all of this new information, Greenspan's team asserts that Toronto Police are headed down the wrong path, and that perhaps Barry and Honey were actually the victims of a targeted double homicide. The private investigation's findings begin to turn the tide, just as Jonathan and his siblings had hoped it would. And now, the pressure is on the Toronto Police to respond.
Late Nights with Nexpo
The Billion Dollar Mystery
A week later, the Toronto PD calls a press conference. They walk back their murder-suicide theory and announce that they're now investigating the Sherman's deaths as a targeted double homicide. With this, Jonathan and his siblings are relieved, but not satisfied. Their father's reputation might be saved, but justice has not been served.
Late Nights with Nexpo
The Billion Dollar Mystery
And so, they announce a $10 million reward to anyone with info leading to the arrest of their parents' killer, and wait to see what comes of it. But what about Honey Sherman? Why was she killed? If her husband was targeted by a business rival or something along those lines, then why did Honey become wrapped up in all of it?
Late Nights with Nexpo
The Billion Dollar Mystery
If a lifelong killer really did gain access to the home through their basement, the very basement where Barry was most certainly working, then why did they go upstairs in search of Honey? It's not like Honey could have accidentally stumbled in on a murder in progress in her basement. Her knees were far too weak to even come down the stairs.
Late Nights with Nexpo
The Billion Dollar Mystery
No, if Barry was the only target that night, then the killer could have strangled him, then left without bothering Honey at all. I don't know, it just feels like something else is at play here. Something personal, perhaps. After all, it isn't just Barry's enemies who stand to benefit from his death, as some people very, very close to them stand to benefit most of all.
Late Nights with Nexpo
The Billion Dollar Mystery
At the time of his death, Barry Sherman has his hands in a number of business ventures besides Apotex. He regularly loans his money to friends, associates, and family members. Massive amounts of money in the tens of millions of dollars.
Late Nights with Nexpo
The Billion Dollar Mystery
The so-called Bank of Barry is extremely generous to those in his orbit, and as a result, more than a few people have become dependent on the Bank of Barry to finance their reckless lifestyles and business ventures. One such person is Frank D'Angelo, someone who met Barry in the year 2000 and quickly became friends.
Late Nights with Nexpo
The Billion Dollar Mystery
The Bank of Barry starts lending Frank massive amounts of money to open restaurants and launch a line of energy drinks. But in the end, Frank squanders all of it, and in 2007, his company files for bankruptcy. It's at this point also where Frank owes Barry more than $100 million. But Barry still doesn't stop lending Frank money for some reason, as he can't seem to say no to him.
Late Nights with Nexpo
The Billion Dollar Mystery
Frank continues to use the money to fund a series of terrible B-movies and to defend himself against sexual assault and obstruction of justice charges in court. Expectedly, Frank becomes more indebted to Barry by the day. But because Barry considers Frank a friend, he never stops lending. But Frank is far from the only bottom feeder drawn in by Barry's generosity. There are others.
Late Nights with Nexpo
The Billion Dollar Mystery
Many others, in fact. And they're slowly sucking Barry's fortune dry. Meanwhile, Barry and Honey's four children are not happy about this. From their perspective, Barry is squandering his fortune, a fortune that they will one day inherit. But Barry's children have little room to complain. After all, they're dependent on the bank of Barry too.
Late Nights with Nexpo
The Billion Dollar Mystery
But surprisingly, there's no need to. It's disabled. This housekeeper has worked for the Shermans for three years, and this is the very first time she's ever seen the alarm system completely off. Something is wrong. The housekeeper can sense it. But she has a job to do, so she begins moving from room to room, cleaning and tidying as she goes and dreading what she might find around the next corner.
Late Nights with Nexpo
The Billion Dollar Mystery
Jonathan himself has accepted over $100 million in loans from his father to fund his own business ventures. But out of nowhere, in July of 2017, the situation changed. The bank of Barry stops lending. And Barry sends an email to Jonathan, warning his son that he may be facing a liquidity issue soon. As it turned out, the $500 million judgment from the Apotex lawsuit was looming.
Late Nights with Nexpo
The Billion Dollar Mystery
And on top of this, Barry's misguided loans to the likes of Frank D'Angelo were hurting him tremendously. It all comes to a head about a month before Barry and Honey's deaths, as Barry informs Jonathan that he needs his son to repay everything he owes, more than $50 million. Years later, Jonathan confesses to the Toronto Star that a rift had formed between him and his sister, Alexandra.
Late Nights with Nexpo
The Billion Dollar Mystery
According to Jonathan, Alexandra had accused him of being involved in their parents' murders, at which point he cut off communication with her. Jonathan, for his part, maintains that he had nothing to do with his parents' deaths whatsoever. Arguably, Jonathan stood more to gain from his parents' deaths than anyone, as Barry's financial troubles were about to drag Jonathan down with him.
Late Nights with Nexpo
The Billion Dollar Mystery
But when Barry and Honey died, it magically solved everything for him. he not only retained his $50 million, he secured his windfall inheritance before Barry could manage to fetter it all away. If this theory were true, it would help explain why both Barry and Honey were killed. Barry's will stated that his entire fortune would fall to Honey in the case of his death.
Late Nights with Nexpo
The Billion Dollar Mystery
But should Honey die as well, the fortune was to be split evenly among their four adult children. Alexandra never publicly accuses her brother of being involved in the killings, but she does hire additional security guards for herself, just in case she's next on the killer's list. A year and a half passes. The $10 million reward does not get claimed, and the murders remain unsolved.
Late Nights with Nexpo
The Billion Dollar Mystery
But out of nowhere, in 2019, security camera footage that supposedly never existed begins to surface. While it's true that the Shermans had no security cameras on their own property, one of their neighbors did. Because of the way the neighbor's cameras were positioned, they captured footage of the street in front of the Sherman's home. And on the night of the murders, these cameras were running.
Late Nights with Nexpo
The Billion Dollar Mystery
No, this footage was available to Toronto police officers from day one of their investigation. On the morning of December 5th, 2017, when police first taped off the crime scene at the Sherman's home, the neighbor walked over and told a Toronto police officer about his cameras. But because the Toronto PD believed the case to be a murder-suicide, they dragged their heels.
Late Nights with Nexpo
The Billion Dollar Mystery
The neighbor actually had to remind the police about the footage on four separate occasions before they finally came to retrieve it days later. But even then, they still didn't review it right away, and the footage became lost in the shuffle.
Late Nights with Nexpo
The Billion Dollar Mystery
But in 2019, and now that the case is being investigated as a double homicide by both the Toronto PD and Greenspan's private investigation, this footage gets dug up and finally receives the attention it deserves. and let me tell you, it definitely deserved it.
Late Nights with Nexpo
The Billion Dollar Mystery
According to investigators who have seen this footage, the most shocking portion takes place on the morning of December 14th, just hours after the Shermans were likely killed and a day before their bodies were discovered. A man parks his four-door sedan on the street in front of their home, and the car remains there for over an hour.
Late Nights with Nexpo
The Billion Dollar Mystery
During this time, a man takes three separate trips into the Sherman's home. And not just to the front porch, he physically goes inside their home three separate times. This unidentified man spends a total of 29 minutes inside the mansion, his facial features and the car's license plate too grainy to make out. But it's a shocking revelation. Could this man have been involved in their murders?
Late Nights with Nexpo
The Billion Dollar Mystery
Did he clean up or otherwise tamper with forensic evidence while inside? Was he the one who staged the bodies in their bizarrely casual cross-legged positions? If the police have any answers, they sure remain tight-lipped. But even stranger, as it turns out, this is not the only camera footage the police have been sitting on.
Late Nights with Nexpo
The Billion Dollar Mystery
In 2021, on the four-year anniversary of Barry and Honey's deaths, the Toronto PD released a second clip of security camera footage that has left them equally baffled. It comes from a different home in the area, located 1.3 kilometers away from the Sherman home. In this 22nd clip, an unidentified man is seen walking in the direction of their home.
Late Nights with Nexpo
The Billion Dollar Mystery
The bed in the master bedroom is already made, but Honey always leaves the bed unmade on Friday mornings for housekeeping to handle. In Honey's bathroom, the sink is dry, implying that Honey didn't go through her morning ritual at her mirror. A thought occurs to the housekeeper. She remembers that Barry and Honey were planning a Florida vacation.
Late Nights with Nexpo
The Billion Dollar Mystery
During the time window, police believe Barry and Honey were killed. And after poring through 2,000 hours of security camera footage taken from the area that night, this unidentified man is the only individual whose presence in the area police can't explain. It's unclear whether it's the same man who parked his sedan on the street on December 14th.
Late Nights with Nexpo
The Billion Dollar Mystery
The walking man, as he'll come to be known, is bundled up against the cold, making it impossible to see his face clearly. But it is strange that he would be out walking alone at night and below freezing temperatures, with no apparent reason in such a suburban area. The police have used cell phone location data to review the movements of everyone in the vicinity of the Sherman's home that night.
Late Nights with Nexpo
The Billion Dollar Mystery
Everyone else captured on security camera, the police are able to match to a cell phone. But the walking man evidently has no cell phone on his person. Cell towers cannot track his movements or verify his identity. And the Sherman's neighbors don't recognize his distinctive gait in which the walking man kicks up his right foot with every step. At last, investigators have a suspect.
Late Nights with Nexpo
The Billion Dollar Mystery
But unless they find him, he will forever exist as nothing but a phantom. Years pass. The investigation loses steam and the media frenzy dies away. The Sherman's mansion is demolished, from Jonathan and the siblings' request. No one comes forward to identify the walking man, and no other breakthroughs pop up.
Late Nights with Nexpo
The Billion Dollar Mystery
Based on the tireless efforts of many people, including the Toronto PD, Brian Greenspan's private investigation team, internet sleuths, and the Toronto Star's chief investigative reporter, Kevin Donovan, who followed the case closely for years and wrote a book called The Billionaire Murders, the general consensus about the case is this.
Late Nights with Nexpo
The Billion Dollar Mystery
The police's initial theory that Barry Sherman killed Honey in an act of murder-suicide is not widely regarded as viable. While it's true that the Shermans were having marital issues around the time of their deaths, the pathology reports essentially prove that Barry couldn't have done it.
Late Nights with Nexpo
The Billion Dollar Mystery
Given that both Barry and Honey were strangled with a thin cord before the belts were placed around their neck, there simply had to be a third party involved. And for what it's worth, there was no suicide note either.
Late Nights with Nexpo
The Billion Dollar Mystery
In the months preceding the Sherman's deaths, there were a number of residential break-ins in the area, and it's been theorized that the Shermans could have been victims of a home invasion termed double homicide. But nothing of value was taken from the Sherman's home, and the method by which they were killed, strangulation by Garrotte, feels awfully personal, awfully premeditated.
Late Nights with Nexpo
The Billion Dollar Mystery
There were no ropes or zip ties matching Barry and Honey's wounds found anywhere in the home, so these restraints were likely brought to the scene by the killer. Many believe that someone in Barry's orbit likely hired a professional hitman. Even Barry himself acknowledged that an attempt on his life was a very real possibility.
Late Nights with Nexpo
The Billion Dollar Mystery
In an interview in the late 1990s, he was quoted as saying, But who ordered the hit, and whether or not Barry was the only intended target, is still heavily debated. As for the strange, casual poses that Barry and Honey's bodies were found in, the police are still seeking answers.
Late Nights with Nexpo
The Billion Dollar Mystery
Perhaps those plans had changed and they simply left earlier than planned. Maybe as soon as it began snowing on Wednesday, the couple impulsively decided to bolt for warmer weather and overlooked a few things as they rushed out the door. The housekeeper reassures herself that this is what happened and continues her work.
Late Nights with Nexpo
The Billion Dollar Mystery
But many believe there to be a connection between Barry and Honey's bodies by the pool and the creepy junk sculptures in the hobby room. Both pairs, the two statues and the two humans, were posed with eerie similarities. Whatever the connection or significance is, it may have been a cryptic clue left by the killer for some unknown purpose. A clue that, to this day, still taunts investigators.
Late Nights with Nexpo
The Billion Dollar Mystery
As of 2021, the rift between Jonathan and Alexandra continues. And on the five-year anniversary of his parents' deaths, Jonathan Sherman announced that the reward was being raised to $35 million. To this day, it remains unclaimed, and the Sherman case remains one of the most high-profile murder mysteries of this century. Late Nights with Nexpo is created and hosted by me, Nexpo.
Late Nights with Nexpo
The Billion Dollar Mystery
Executive produced by me, Mr. Ballin, Nick Witters, and Zach Levitt. Our head of writing is Evan Allen. This episode was written by Luke Baratz. Copy editing by Luke Baratz. Audio editing and sound design by Alistair Sherman. Mixed and mastered by Brendan Cain. Research by Abigail Shumway, Camille Callahan, Evan Beemer, and Stacey Wood. Fact checking by Abigail Shumway.
Late Nights with Nexpo
The Billion Dollar Mystery
Production supervision by Jeremy Bone and Cole Locasio. Production coordination by Samantha Collins and Avery Siegel. Artwork by Jessica Claxton Kiner and Robin Vane. Theme song by Ross Bugden. Thank you for listening to Late Nights with Nexpo. I love you all, and good night.
Late Nights with Nexpo
The Billion Dollar Mystery
Shortly before 11 a.m., the Sherman's realtor comes into the home with a pair of interested buyers. And to start, their tour begins on the upper floors. Oddly, they find Honey's iPhone lying on the floor of a small powder room near the front of the house. But otherwise, the house is tidy and the showing goes well. The buyers, at first, seem interested. But then it's time to show the basement.
Late Nights with Nexpo
The Billion Dollar Mystery
The realtor has shown the house enough times to know that the basement portion of this tour is where buyers always get cold feet. So as they descend the stairs, the realtor braces herself for the worst. The problem with the basement is that it makes people uncomfortable. It's almost completely devoid of color or decor. It's just beige and gray surfaces everywhere.
Late Nights with Nexpo
The Billion Dollar Mystery
But there is one room in the basement that has decor. And that's the hobby room. In the corner of it, two life-sized human statues sit on large speakers, with their legs and arms positioned in an attempt at being casual. The statues are so-called junk sculptures, constructed entirely of brightly colored trash. They do stand out in the otherwise drab space, but not in a good way.
Late Nights with Nexpo
The Billion Dollar Mystery
There's no other way to put it, the statues are creepy. So when the tour group reaches the bottom of the staircase, the realtor rushes them past the hobby room and towards one that they think will make a better first impression, the indoor pool room. This massive room is dark when they arrive. The realtor flips on the overhead lights and immediately there's a gasp from someone in the group.
Late Nights with Nexpo
The Billion Dollar Mystery
A moment later, the realtor sees why. Barry and Honey Sherman are in the room with them, across the way by the far edge of the pool. From this distance, the realtor can't tell what they're doing. It looks as though they might be doing yoga, but whatever they're up to, it's strange that they're doing it in a completely dark room.
Late Nights with Nexpo
The Billion Dollar Mystery
He does his best thinking at nighttime, and his employees are used to receiving emails and calls from Barry at all hours. But on this night, the night of Wednesday, December 13th, 2017, his employees received no late night messages from Barry at all. In fact, it's the first time they recall this ever happening.
Late Nights with Nexpo
The Billion Dollar Mystery
The realtor quickly ushers the clients from the room and mentions the scene to a gardener working on the property. In response, the gardener offers to go see what's up. The gardener enters the pool room and walks up to the Shermans. However, upon closer inspection, it becomes clear that the Shermans are not doing yoga at all. Barry is in his work clothes, and Honey in her everyday attire.
Late Nights with Nexpo
The Billion Dollar Mystery
Their legs and arms are positioned in an almost casual manner. They almost look like they're politely seated in a waiting room, except their posture is too unnatural. They're both reclined too far back, and it looks uncomfortable, if not impossible. Now right on top of them, the gardener can see exactly why Barry and Honey seem so uncomfortable.
Late Nights with Nexpo
The Billion Dollar Mystery
Two leather belts, one around each of their necks, are tied tight like nooses, tethering them to one of the pool's low metal railings so that they're left dangling in their strange, half-sitting positions.
Late Nights with Nexpo
The Billion Dollar Mystery
In no time at all, the realtor is on the phone with 911, frantically trying to explain the grotesque scene to the dispatcher, trying to explain that Barry and Honey Sherman are dead, murdered right inside their own mansion. One week later, the Toronto Police Department is settling into their investigation, but the case is making international headlines now and the public wants answers.
Late Nights with Nexpo
The Billion Dollar Mystery
It's December in Toronto. It's snowing tonight. A 12,000 square foot mansion stands dark. None of its windows are illuminated, not even the basement office. That's unusual. This is the home of billionaire power couple Barry and Honey Sherman, owing to the wild success of his generic pharmaceutical company, Apotex. Barry is both a workaholic and an insomniac.
Late Nights with Nexpo
The Billion Dollar Mystery
Everyone wants to know who killed Barry and Honey Sherman. At this point, the police have a working theory, but they're keeping it under wraps until they're more certain. So far, though, the facts are as follows. In November, Barry and Honey Sherman put their mansion on the market for just under $7 million. Their plan was to build an even larger $20 million mega mansion closer to the city.
Late Nights with Nexpo
The Billion Dollar Mystery
The mega mansion wasn't anywhere near completion, however, so the Shermans were still using their current home as a primary residence at the time of their deaths. Early Wednesday evening, just hours before they were believed to have been killed, Barry and Honey met with a team of custom home builders to go over the plans for their new dream home.
Late Nights with Nexpo
The Billion Dollar Mystery
The meeting was held at Barry's offices at Apotex headquarters near downtown Toronto, and their building security cameras captured the three home builders arriving for that meeting around 5 p.m. Honey left Apotex a half hour later, around 5.30, did some shopping, then drove home in her Lexus. Barry stayed behind for a few more hours to finish up his work that day.
Late Nights with Nexpo
The Billion Dollar Mystery
He sent his final work email at 8.23 p.m., then made his 25-minute drive home. At 9.01 p.m., there was an incoming call to Barry's Blackberry, but Barry didn't answer it. And as a matter of fact, Barry never picked up a phone call ever again. Weeks later, pathology reports will suggest that Barry and Honey likely died somewhere around this time, either late on Wednesday or early Thursday.
Late Nights with Nexpo
The Billion Dollar Mystery
What the employees don't yet realize, though, is that they'll never receive a message from Barry Sherman ever again. And it's because deep within the bowels of the Sherman mansion, something gruesome is happening, and it'll haunt investigators and the community for years to come. Two days later, the sun rises on the Sherman's upscale neighborhood. It's no longer snowing.
Late Nights with Nexpo
The Billion Dollar Mystery
The home shows no signs of forced entry. There are no security cameras on the Sherman's property, but there is a home security system. Interestingly though, the security alarm is never triggered during the time frame in question, and as we know, was discovered by the housekeeper two days later, unarmed and turned off.
Late Nights with Nexpo
The Billion Dollar Mystery
In the kitchen, some items that Honey would have brought in from her car, such as her purse and shopping bags, are placed on the table, right where they normally would be. Honey's cell phone, however, was not with those items. It was discovered in a completely different part of the house, in an out-of-the-way powder room where, according to the housekeeper, Honey never really went.
Late Nights with Nexpo
The Billion Dollar Mystery
At the indoor pool in the basement, the bodies of Barry and Honey are still dressed in the attire that they likely were wearing around 9pm, Wednesday evening. There's a wound on Honey's face as though she was struck, yet no such injuries exist on Barry. The housekeeper informs police that Honey had bad knees, and that the steep basement staircase was too difficult for her to manage on her own.
Late Nights with Nexpo
The Billion Dollar Mystery
As a result, Honey never went down there if she could help it. Two days after the bodies are found, police announce that, according to autopsies, Barry and Honey both had the same cause of death, ligature neck compression, aka strangulation with a rope or constricting band.
Late Nights with Nexpo
The Billion Dollar Mystery
The preliminary autopsy report for Barry notes that the fragile, U-shaped hyoid bone in his neck is still intact, unbroken, which is odd because typically, deaths involving strangulation break it. Because of this, investigators see this as an indication that this case was not a double homicide, but rather a murder-suicide, in which Barry Sherman killed his wife, then took his own.
Late Nights with Nexpo
The Billion Dollar Mystery
Self-strangulation is an extremely difficult way to kill oneself. Remember, Barry did not hang himself. His feet were touching the floor, meaning that he could have reflexively stood up at any time once he became desperate for oxygen. This is why ligature neck compression is such a rare way for one to commit suicide, yet it's not completely unheard of.
Late Nights with Nexpo
The Billion Dollar Mystery
Police investigators are intrigued by the murder-suicide theory because it fits with so much of the evidence they've gathered. If Barry Sherman is their killer, it would explain why there was no sign of forced entry, why the home security system never went off, and why no unexpected DNA or fingerprints were found in the house.
Late Nights with Nexpo
The Billion Dollar Mystery
And also, if Barry attacked Honey, it would explain why Honey's face showed signs of violence, while his didn't. On top of everything, though, another reason the police are pursuing this theory so aggressively is because of its potential motive. Barry and Honey's 40-year marriage, as it turns out, was secretly on the rocks.
Late Nights with Nexpo
The Billion Dollar Mystery
According to those who knew the Shermans well, Honey and Barry were a completely different couple in private than they were in public. Outside their home, Barry and Honey presented themselves as a happily married couple, constantly attending fundraisers and events on each other's arm. But within the privacy of their own home, Honey and Barry reportedly kept their distance.
Late Nights with Nexpo
The Billion Dollar Mystery
There were rumors that they'd begin sleeping in separate beds, and that Barry spent nearly all of his time at home, working in his basement office. These rumors were bolstered by emails and text messages obtained by police. Honey seemed frustrated with Barry's workaholic tendencies, while in return, he accused her of being quote, abusive to him and their children for years.
Late Nights with Nexpo
The Billion Dollar Mystery
And so, the Toronto police quietly adopt the idea that Barry Sherman killed Honey and then himself as their working theory, proceeding to investigate this as a murder-suicide. But police aren't quite ready to present their working theory to the press, as there are still some pieces of evidence that don't quite fit with the murder-suicide narrative.
Late Nights with Nexpo
The Billion Dollar Mystery
And investigators know they'll need to get them cleared up before they publicly accuse the legendary businessman and philanthropist Barry Sherman of something so heinous. That's the plan anyway, but it doesn't quite work out that way. Instead, the investigator's working theory gets leaked almost immediately, leading to all hell to break loose. The funeral is massive.
Late Nights with Nexpo
The Billion Dollar Mystery
More than 6,000 people show up to give their respects, including the Canadian Prime Minister. Also in attendance are Barry and Honey's four adult children, Lauren, Jonathan, Alexandra, and Kaylin, all of whom are now set to inherit an equal share of their parents' multi-billion dollar empire. Their son Jonathan stands at the podium and delivers a heartfelt eulogy.
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The Billion Dollar Mystery
Today, he allows himself to grieve, because tomorrow, the battle to salvage his father's legacy and good name begins in earnest. The police's leaked murder-suicide theory is already being reported across the globe, but Jonathan and his siblings don't buy it for a second. They know that their father could never have done this.
Late Nights with Nexpo
The Billion Dollar Mystery
They don't understand why the police are investigating this case as anything but a double homicide. After all, their father has many enemies. As a businessman, Barry Sherman was notoriously aggressive and litigious. There are many, many individuals who would benefit from his death, some of whom are in attendance at this funeral.
Late Nights with Nexpo
Madness on the Mountain
Siberia, August 1993. The river is freezing cold. Snow melts from the Kamar-Daban mountain range, which looms overhead. Your kayak cuts through the water. You take in the fresh mountain air and the rugged landscape. It's a long overdue escape from the city. Out here, the only signs of civilization are power lines running over the mountains, which are easy enough to ignore.
Late Nights with Nexpo
Madness on the Mountain
Finally, at dawn, Liu and Mila tells them it's time to go. They must descend immediately. After a quick breakfast of canned stew, the group begins hiking back down the mountain to the south. While they're still roughly following their planned route, they've abandoned any attempt to summit the peak, and instead seek protection from the severe weather 2.5 miles below where there's tree cover.
Late Nights with Nexpo
Madness on the Mountain
Everyone else is dead. a week earlier, August 2, 1993. Two hiking groups from Kazakhstan climb up a steep trail, away from the nearest town. They're heading into the wilds of southern Siberia's Khmar Dabon mountain range. They're a school-sponsored hiking expedition, mostly in their teens and early twenties. One group is led by a man named Konstantin Kazantsev.
Late Nights with Nexpo
Madness on the Mountain
The heavy winds continue, making it difficult to progress. Visibility is dismal. Then suddenly, at about 11 am, Sasha falls down. The other hikers help him to his feet, but soon he collapses again. He's starting to fall behind. Lyudmila hangs back to help him, telling the other hikers to go ahead. She and Sasha will catch up.
Late Nights with Nexpo
Madness on the Mountain
The five other students comply, grabbing onto each other to stabilize themselves against the wind. Like a phalanx of Roman soldiers, they make their way slowly and deliberately down the mountain. They're making progress and the treeline is beginning to feel achievable. But soon, they hear Liudmila's voice shouting from behind them. She's screaming for help.
Late Nights with Nexpo
Madness on the Mountain
Leaving the phalanx, 17-year-old Valentina rushes back to help their leader. She arrives to find Liudmila crouched by Sasha's body, despondent. The young man who had been complaining of cold mere hours before isn't moving. Valentina looks closer, and she sees that his eyes are vacant, staring off into the distance. Sasha is dead.
Late Nights with Nexpo
Madness on the Mountain
Overcome with shock, Valentina is momentarily unable to speak or breathe. It feels like she's stumbled into a nightmare. But the nightmare is only beginning. Because a moment later, Liudmila collapses as well. The other students see her go down, and panic sweeps through the group like a wildfire. The phalanx breaks. Valentina looks on in terror as chaos breaks out.
Late Nights with Nexpo
Madness on the Mountain
Everyone is screaming, flailing, but not because they're afraid. They're all in pain. Valentina's fellow students are bleeding from their ears, eyes, and noses. They're foaming at the mouth. This doesn't make sense. None of it makes sense. A couple of them are tearing at their clothes frantically, madly. Valentina has never seen anything like it.
Late Nights with Nexpo
Madness on the Mountain
And suddenly, to her shock, more of them begin to collapse to the ground, one by one. Valentina tries to pull Victoria to her feet, only for the girl to rabidly bite Valentina's hand. She tries again, pulling the convulsing girl down the mountain with her. They're only able to make it a few more steps before Victoria fights free again, but she doesn't go far.
Late Nights with Nexpo
Madness on the Mountain
She falls to the ground and stops moving. Valentina keeps going, maybe if she makes it to a nearby cluster of rocks, maybe then she'll be safe from this madness. But when she nears the rocks, she halts, stopped in her tracks by yet another terrifying sight. One of the other girls, Tatiana, is already at the rocks, and is bashing her own head against them, over and over again.
Late Nights with Nexpo
Madness on the Mountain
A curtain of blood obscures her face from view. Tatiana keeps smashing her head into these rocks until eventually she stops moving. Valentina is frozen, paralyzed by complete shock and panic. In the span of minutes and with zero warning, her entire group has dropped dead. Suddenly, a hand shoves Valentina, shaking her out of her stupor. Someone is still alive. It's one of the boys, Dennis.
Late Nights with Nexpo
Madness on the Mountain
He's on his hands and knees, bleeding from the ears and mouth. Yet he's able to muster up enough energy to give her one single command. Run. This shocks Valentina into action. She bolts downhill, making for the treeline. Behind her, Dennis tries to crawl after her, but he has no strength. She glances over her shoulder to make sure he's following, yet he isn't.
Late Nights with Nexpo
Madness on the Mountain
He's lying face-flat in the snow, completely immobile. By now, it's just Valentina. Overcome with fear and a burning desire to survive, she advances downhill through the swirling wind and blinding snow. Stumbling, crawling, before at last, she finally reaches the treeline and a shelter from the wind. She digs a sleeping bag out of her backpack and crawls inside.
Late Nights with Nexpo
Madness on the Mountain
She huddles into a bowl for warmth before she passes out. A day later, the weather subsides. Valentina wakes up on August 6th, and it's quiet. No screams, no howling wind, just the gentle rustling of trees and the drip, drip, drip of the melting snow. She cautiously emerges from her sleeping bag. The sun is out. Even though she slept for almost 24 hours, she doesn't feel rested.
Late Nights with Nexpo
Madness on the Mountain
The horrific sights from the day before are clear in her mind's eye. She wishes that she could dismiss it as a nightmare, something caused by a lack of sleep or exhaustion. But she knows the truth. She can't kid herself. She's alone. Valentina slowly starts to trudge back up the mountain. She's gotta see her fellow hikers. She needs to have some sense of what happened.
Late Nights with Nexpo
Madness on the Mountain
Before too long, the bodies come into sight. A cluster of four of them by the rocks, and two farther up the slope. They're all still and silent. Stealing herself, Valentina walks from body to body. She can't do anything for them now besides close their eyes. She passes Tatiana, the 24-year-old secretary, the one who smashed her face into the rocks not long ago.
Late Nights with Nexpo
Madness on the Mountain
She passes the small body of Timur, who was only 15 years old. He was the youngest of the group. Victoria was also there. Valentina couldn't help but feel some kinship with the other girl. Only a year younger than her, she had been so eager to hike that she had her parents persuade Liudmila to let her join them, even though she was an inexperienced hiker.
Late Nights with Nexpo
Madness on the Mountain
It breaks her heart to see Dennis, the boy who saved her, lying on the slope. If he hadn't told her to run, she might have died there as well. Once she's closed all their eyes, Valentina does her best to cover the bodies with one of the tents. She gathers whatever supplies she can from their packs, food, Liudmila's map, and a compass.
Late Nights with Nexpo
Madness on the Mountain
But as it turns out, the map and compass are of little use, because Valentina is lost. The snowdrifts make it impossible to follow the path that Liudmila planned for them. They were less than halfway through the 40km route, and Valentina doesn't want to risk hiking over the snowy peak alone. Instead, she decides to head back down in the general direction their group climbed up.
Late Nights with Nexpo
Madness on the Mountain
She needs to get to a more reasonable altitude as soon as possible. As she continues her descent, a promising sight greets her eyes. Thin cables running above the treetops. Power lines which run to the nearby peak of the mountain. Making her choice, she continues walking, her eye on the power lines, trusting that they'll show her a way to safety.
Late Nights with Nexpo
Madness on the Mountain
The other is led by Lyudmila Korovina, an experienced hiker who has traveled these mountains before and who also happens to be the mother of one of Konstantin's student hikers. Lyudmila's group will be taken a high altitude route across the mountain range, before descending back down towards civilization.
Late Nights with Nexpo
Madness on the Mountain
After all, when there's power, there's bound to be civilization. Even though it's entirely downhill, it's an arduous journey. Her supplies wear thin fast. She eats a dried golden root, foraged by the group several days before. It's rich in minerals and keeps her going. Her home feels impossibly far away in these desolate mountains, yet one thought pushes Valentina forward.
Late Nights with Nexpo
Madness on the Mountain
The thought of her home back in Kazakhstan, the thought of her family who had trusted Liudmila to bring their little Valium home safe. Valentina has to survive to see them again. She travels from tower to tower, pausing to catch her breath, but never stopping. She treks for four days, growing delirious. And one fortunate night, she finds a winter hut, unlocked.
Late Nights with Nexpo
Madness on the Mountain
She collapses inside, grateful for the shelter. But she's on her feet the next day, determined not to die alone in the mountains. She doesn't notice when she catches a cold, but she can feel a fever eating away at her, and has to pause every so often to allow herself to cough.
Late Nights with Nexpo
Madness on the Mountain
At lower altitude, there is less snow, but aside from the cabin, she hasn't seen any civilization, not a town or even an outpost. Because of this, doubts begin to eat away at her. Perhaps she should have tried to retrace her group's footsteps instead, back to the town they started out from. Finally, Valentina reaches a river. This gives her some hope.
Late Nights with Nexpo
Madness on the Mountain
Many of the rivers in the area flow from Lake Baikal, which is where they started their trip. She follows the rocky shore, heading upstream in hopes that someone will see her. And eventually, by the grace of God, someone does. On August 9, 1993, tourists from Ukraine cross her path. One of the tourists, Aleksandr Kovidnitsky, sees her and swims to her side. Valentina has done the impossible.
Late Nights with Nexpo
Madness on the Mountain
She survived. When she's rescued, she is incoherent and is only able to give local police a scattered account of what happened. Nevertheless, while Valentina is sent home to her family, a search efforts mounted to find the bodies of her companions. And what rescuers find defies explanation, even to this day. August 24th, 1993. Helicopters fly over the peak of the Qamar Dabon mountain range.
Late Nights with Nexpo
Madness on the Mountain
They've been searching for weeks, trying to locate the missing group of hikers from Kazakhstan. Finally, someone sees something and the helicopters descend. They found the summit group's final campsite, and with this, the bodies. The snow around the peak has melted, revealing a gruesome sight. After 19 days of exposure to the elements, their bodies are in poor condition.
Late Nights with Nexpo
Madness on the Mountain
On the map, their route follows a rough arc across the mountains and back to a small lake called Lake Padovoi. They have two tents and will camp along the 40-kilometer route. While Liudmila's group takes the summit, Konstantin will guide his group along a lower altitude valley route following the river.
Late Nights with Nexpo
Madness on the Mountain
The tent that Valentina draped over them couldn't prevent them from rotting. None of the bodies have eyes, and worms writhe in their empty sockets. With increased visibility on the mountain, rescuers are able to see that the hikers died only a few hundred feet short of Tytran's peak.
Late Nights with Nexpo
Madness on the Mountain
A wooden tower is indeed there, which would have protected them against the elements far better than a flimsy tent on the side of a mountain. Why Liudmila hadn't fought to get there safely puzzles the search party, even as they gather the unfortunate victims. More puzzling is the fact that they find only a single can of stew by the campsite.
Late Nights with Nexpo
Madness on the Mountain
Nothing else, no other food, not even a candy bar wrapper. It's this evidence that seems to indicate that this group was underfed and needlessly exposed to the elements. They zip up the bodies in bags and load them onto the helicopter. The smell is unbearable as they take them back to be autopsied. The bodies are found to be protein deficient and malnourished.
Late Nights with Nexpo
Madness on the Mountain
The leader of the search party, Yuri Goliath, has seen enough. The can of stew, the hazardous placement of their campsite. To him, it's no mystery what happened to these kids on the mountain. And he knows exactly who to blame. Lyudmila herself. Yuri is familiar with Lyudmila and has long believed that she mistreated her students.
Late Nights with Nexpo
Madness on the Mountain
Based on his previous encounters with her, Yuri claims that she often pushed her teenage students to their limits, including underfeeding them and not providing them with proper clothing for the elements. In Yuri's mind, there's no doubt that Lyudmila's poor leadership contributed to the deaths of the group at Kemar Daban.
Late Nights with Nexpo
Madness on the Mountain
Even further, he claimed that he wouldn't put it past Lyudmila to choose a poor campsite in order to, quote, toughen her students up. But even still, not everyone agrees with Yuri's assertion. Valentina, after years of silence in the wake of this horrific event, spoke out in support of Lyudmila Korovinna.
Late Nights with Nexpo
Madness on the Mountain
She claims that the summit group was well fed and cared for throughout the hike, and that Lyudmila knew that they were hikers of varying experience, and so she planned for a diet of 2400 calories a day. The official cause of death for the five students is listed as hypothermia. As for Lyudmila herself, it's believed that she died of a heart attack upon seeing Sasha die before her eyes.
Late Nights with Nexpo
Madness on the Mountain
But the details of the event itself defy such an easy conclusion. For instance, why was Valentina able to survive if all of them were in the same state of malnutrition and exposure? How was she, a 17-year-old girl, able to outlast an experienced mountaineer and her own peers? And most of all, why did their deaths happen so suddenly and within such close proximity?
Late Nights with Nexpo
Madness on the Mountain
Despite the lower elevation, Konstantin's group's route is technically the more difficult of the two. The difficulty of the Russian alpine routes are measured on a scale of 1 to 6, with 1 being a beginner slope and 6 being near vertical, only to be attempted by experts. Liudmila's route is rated a 3, which makes it a moderately difficult slope, around 35 to 45 degrees in icy.
Late Nights with Nexpo
Madness on the Mountain
Satisfactory answers unfortunately remain elusive. However, as it stands, the facts are these. Six healthy individuals died very suddenly in close proximity to each other. All of them displayed strange, unexplained symptoms in their final moments that included self-harm, bleeding from the ears, eyes, or throat, and sudden, debilitating pain.
Late Nights with Nexpo
Madness on the Mountain
All of these details come from Valentina herself, who describes the experience like a horror movie. Now, hypothermia could explain some of the symptoms Valentina noticed, such as the attempts to frantically disrobe. This is a phenomenon known as paradoxical undressing. In extreme cold weather, a person's blood vessels constrict to save heat.
Late Nights with Nexpo
Madness on the Mountain
As hypothermia sets in, the constriction of these blood vessels fails, causing warm blood to flood back into the extremities, making someone feel like they're overheating even as they literally freeze to death. People in this state frequently tear off items of clothing, only hastening their own demise. But smashing your own head into rocks? Sudden, inexplicable bleeding?
Late Nights with Nexpo
Madness on the Mountain
Neither of these are symptoms of hypothermia, nor should they be contagious in the way that they seem to be among Lyudmila's group. Another theory is that these hikers suffered from altitude sickness, which can trigger any number of adverse effects in the human body. Among these can be pulmonary edema, a buildup of fluid in the lungs, which can trigger heart palpitations and bloody coughing.
Late Nights with Nexpo
Madness on the Mountain
Perhaps it could have been something they ate or drank. The strange behavior that Valentina witnessed could have been caused by a poisonous plant that the others had consumed and she had fortunately avoided. Or perhaps contaminated water was the culprit.
Late Nights with Nexpo
Madness on the Mountain
Lake Baikal is known for high levels of contamination, and if hikers filled their water bottles from one of its rivers, they could have poisoned themselves without even knowing it. In the pursuit of truth, curious researchers have turned away from the direct events of the hike and towards increasingly elaborate conspiracy theories.
Late Nights with Nexpo
Madness on the Mountain
The most dramatic of these is that these hikers were unwitting participants in a Russian weapons test, victims of some nerve agent that got unleashed under the cover of the storm. Novichok chemicals, for instance, were developed in the late stages of the Cold War by the Soviet Union.
Late Nights with Nexpo
Madness on the Mountain
Phosphorus-based and designed to be undetectable, they cause disorientation as well as foaming at the mouth and can be administered in aerosol form. A similar, if slightly outlandish theory assumes that the sudden hysteria and death among the group was caused by infrasound. The term infrasound refers to low-level frequencies that can occur naturally, emitted by geophysical phenomena.
Late Nights with Nexpo
Madness on the Mountain
These sounds, while not audible to the human ear, can be felt by the cochlea and the inner ear, causing extreme discomfort. In certain extreme conditions, infrasound has been known to cause sudden sickness and even death. At certain frequencies, it's theorized that these sounds could cause the internal organs of someone to vibrate, causing internal damage.
Late Nights with Nexpo
Madness on the Mountain
But even still, what could have caused these sounds? Why would they have affected only six of the seven hikers? Every single theory inevitably runs up against the central question of this entire incident. How did Valentina survive? When a journalist asks her how she managed to live when the others didn't, her answer is simple. She was in very good physical condition.
Late Nights with Nexpo
Madness on the Mountain
She lived on a farm her whole life and was used to high altitude and strenuous exercise. But this description could apply to any one of the hikers present. Even the youngest member of the group, 15-year-old Timur, was an experienced outdoorsman. The only hiker with questionable experience was the 16-year-old Victoria, who had previously suffered from fatigue on easy hikes.
Late Nights with Nexpo
Madness on the Mountain
There just has to be something missing, some detail that got lost in the noise of Valentina's trauma and the punishing weather. But if there is a key that helps us understand what happened at Camar de Bon, it seems, unfortunately, to have been irretrievably lost. Like the dead, the mountain keeps its secrets.
Late Nights with Nexpo
Madness on the Mountain
This requires confidence and sure footing, but it's not a grain that requires special equipment. Konstantin's route, by comparison, is a 4, which usually indicates some steep rocky sections at an incline of more than 55 degrees.
Late Nights with Nexpo
Madness on the Mountain
And if there's one thing to take away from all of this, their campsites will forever hold a mystery. Late Nights with Nexpo is created and hosted by me, Nexpo. Executive produced by me, Mr. Ballin, Nick Witters, and Zach Levitt. Our head of writing is Evan Allen. This episode was written by Robert Teamstro. Copy editing by Luke Baratz. Audio editing and sound design by Alistair Sherman.
Late Nights with Nexpo
Madness on the Mountain
Mixed and mastered by Brendan Cain. Research by Abigail Shumway, Camille Callahan, Evan Beamer, and Stacey Wood. Fact-checking by Abigail Shumway. Production supervision by Jeremy Bone and Colt Locasio. Production coordination by Samantha Collins and Avery Siegel. Artwork by Jessica Clarkston Kiner and Robin Vane. Theme song by Ross Bugden. Thank you for listening to Late Nights with Nexpo.
Late Nights with Nexpo
Madness on the Mountain
The plan is for the two groups to begin and end the multi-day hike together, with several days in between, in which the two groups will separate and hike their respective routes. So when the trail forks, the valley group will take the low road, the summit group will take the high road, and on August 5th, they'll meet back up at the designated lake.
Late Nights with Nexpo
Madness on the Mountain
While it's still summer, weather up in the mountains can be fickle in Siberia, with snowfall beginning as early as late August. Anticipating this, Lyudmila contacted local weather monitoring stations ahead of time. They told her the worst she could expect is a mild chance of wind and rain. Nothing to be too concerned about. Well, except for this.
Late Nights with Nexpo
Madness on the Mountain
They were given a stark, cryptic warning as they departed a nearby town for the mountains. One of the locals urged the hikers to be careful as wildlife in the area was behaving strangely, aggressively. No one could explain why, but something in the mountains was driving animals insane. And most recently, bears in the area had been witnessed throwing themselves in front of trains.
Late Nights with Nexpo
Madness on the Mountain
Liudmila and Konstantin's groups arrive at the fork in the trail. Liudmila does a quick headcount of her six students. Sasha, Dennis, Timur, Victoria, Tatiana, and Valentina. They're all here, all ready to go. The groups say goodbye for now and part ways. Following her map, Liudmila guides her summit group along a river through a nearby pass.
Late Nights with Nexpo
Madness on the Mountain
Before long, their group is walking uphill at a steady pace, through the trees and into the mountains. So far, the weather is favorable, warm summer air. Lyudmila is relieved that the weather forecast remains accurate, as there are some inexperienced hikers in her group.
Late Nights with Nexpo
Madness on the Mountain
But out of nowhere, something catches your eye and the peaceful atmosphere dissolves. There's someone standing on the far shore of the river, framed starkly against the trees. It's a teenage girl. She's waving her arms frantically, screaming for you to stop. From this distance, you can't quite make it out, but it looks almost like her jacket is stained with blood. You don't hesitate.
Late Nights with Nexpo
Madness on the Mountain
Lyudmila, aware that her group must keep up their strength, insists that they eat four times a day, including snacks during rest stops. She knows that some people think of her as hardened, a survivalist drill sergeant for her students, pushing them to their limits. But in her own mind, the safety of her hikers is always her first concern.
Late Nights with Nexpo
Madness on the Mountain
They're making good time, and are able to summit the first ridge ahead of schedule. Even the least experienced hikers, the 24-year-old Tatiana and the 16-year-old Victoria, manage to keep up. For both of them, it's their first Grade 3 hike, a major milestone of any aspiring mountaineer. For now, the summit group is riding high, but they know a lot more terrain awaits them over the coming days.
Late Nights with Nexpo
Madness on the Mountain
And something else awaits them, something they can't possibly know about, because they're miles from any remaining civilization. The winds and weather forecasts for Camar de Bon are shifting, and it's clear it's for the worse. August 4th. Two days into the hike. Liudmila's early confidence starts to wane. The group reaches a treeless alpine zone, and here their fortunes turn. The weather sours.
Late Nights with Nexpo
Madness on the Mountain
Heavy rain and wind whips and tears at the seven hikers. Visibility is poor, and the temperature is dropping rapidly. Their progress slows to a crawl. Liudmila clutches onto her map like a lifeline, making sure that they stay on the proper path. One of the worst things that can happen in these conditions is to stray off course and get lost.
Late Nights with Nexpo
Madness on the Mountain
Liudmila knows her students won't make the ridge before nightfall, and so she barks orders through the raging wind, instructing the group to make camp. The students spring to action and begin setting up their tents in an open flat area about two miles above the treeline. It's exposed, but Liudmila reasons that they had better play it safe and not push themselves.
Late Nights with Nexpo
Madness on the Mountain
She urges her students to forage before it gets too dark. Keeping their strength up is important, and there's no telling how long they're going to need to wait out the storm. The group manages to find deposits of golden root in the area, and they hurriedly gather as much as they can. It's rich in minerals and nutrients, a perfect supplement to their cache of supplies.
Late Nights with Nexpo
Madness on the Mountain
Once camp is set up, they cluster into two tents for the night, one for the boys and one for the girls. Liudmila hunkers down with Tatiana, Victoria, and Valentina, trying their best to stay warm. Outside, the temperature plummets, and the rain turns to snow. Liudmila does her best not to show it, but she's concerned. This isn't where they were supposed to camp for the night. It's too exposed.
Late Nights with Nexpo
Madness on the Mountain
Also, for days, she's been growing increasingly concerned that her map of the area is inaccurate. At the summit, known as Titran's Peak, there would be a sturdy structure and firewood waiting for them, but Liudmila can't tell how close they are to it. She decides that it isn't worth the gamble to try and reach a wooden structure that may or may not actually be where her map claims it is.
Late Nights with Nexpo
Madness on the Mountain
As of now, the students are shivering, but otherwise seem in good spirits. Liudmila's concern is growing. If the storm goes on for much longer, things could turn sour very, very quickly. But even still, she puts on a brave face for her students. She's been on worse hikes than this, and they all know it.
Late Nights with Nexpo
Madness on the Mountain
It's her confidence and experience that gives courage to even the least experienced hiker, even if it's all for show. Meanwhile, far below, Constantine's valley group is having a perfectly pleasant time. At their lower elevation, there's no wind or snow, and they all get a restful night's sleep in relative comfort. On August 5th, they arrive at Lake Padovoy, right on schedule.
Late Nights with Nexpo
Madness on the Mountain
The small lake is the agreed-upon rendezvous point where Constantine's Valley Group and Liudmila's Summit Group are to link back up. But there was no sign of the Summit Group when Constantine arrives. So he tells his students to unshoulder their packs and relax a while. They can wait. One of the members of this party is Natalia Korovina, Lyudmila's 16-year-old daughter.
Late Nights with Nexpo
Madness on the Mountain
She takes off her backpack and helps the others set up their tents. She isn't concerned about her mother's tardiness. She understands better than anyone that Lyudmila is a cautious person. Plus, the summit group has several inexperienced teenagers. She'd want to make sure her group is safe before moving on.
Late Nights with Nexpo
Madness on the Mountain
When they're finished setting up the tents, she starts to wander along the lake shore, looking up at the Camar de Bon mountains. From the lake, she doesn't have a direct view of where her mother would be, but she notices something strange about the trees in the distance. They aren't standing upright, but are at an angle, like they've been smoothed over by an enormous comb.
Late Nights with Nexpo
Madness on the Mountain
You dive into the frigid water and swim to shore. And when you reach the girl, she collapses into your arms. She's delirious, inconsolable. You can barely make out half of what she's saying through her sobs. She says she's scared, that she's all alone. You wonder why this girl is out in the wild by herself. But what she says next answers your question and makes your blood run as cold as the river.
Late Nights with Nexpo
Madness on the Mountain
Combined with some scattered clouds around the peaks, she assumes that means there are pockets of bad weather at the high altitude. Lyudmila and her students might be getting some rain and wind, which is concerning, but nothing she hasn't handled before. Suddenly, however, Natalia stops in her tracks. A set of eyes are staring out at her from the foliage nearby, unblinking. It's a moose.
Late Nights with Nexpo
Madness on the Mountain
Natalia's mouth falls open and she wants to call the other hikers, but she doesn't. Mooses always steer clear of hikers, but for some reason, this one isn't intimidated by their presence at all. In fact, there's an almost aggressive air to its posture. It's an unsettling encounter, and that's when she remembers what the people in town told her about the bears in the area.
Late Nights with Nexpo
Madness on the Mountain
Something isn't right, and the animals can feel it. Slowly she backs away. The moose boldly stands its ground. Natalia returns to her group and tries to put the moose out of her mind. She reminds herself that animals sometimes behave strangely, just like people do. She'll have to remember to tell her mother about this. A day passes, then another. The mood begins to shift, and concern sets in.
Late Nights with Nexpo
Madness on the Mountain
There's a chance that the summit group isn't even on the mountain at all. Maybe when the weather got bad, they retraced their steps and went back out the way they hiked in. Or perhaps they hustled down to the rendezvous point early and continued on before the valley group arrived. But then again, maybe not. The uncertainty of it all weighs heavily on them, especially Natalia.
Late Nights with Nexpo
Madness on the Mountain
On the second night, she dreams about her mother. In this dream, Lyudmila speaks directly to her, telling her that she can't get off the mountain. Natalia wakes in shock and has difficulty sleeping the rest of the night. Thoughts and fears about her mother's safety keep her awake.
Late Nights with Nexpo
Madness on the Mountain
She tries to tell herself that she's just being silly, that her mother's group is so late simply because Lyudmila is being cautious about the weather. But after 48 hours, these excuses ring more and more hollow. At breakfast, she tells Constantine about her dream. She pleads with him to go back up the mountain in search. It is a grade 3 hike after all, and they don't need special gear.
Late Nights with Nexpo
Madness on the Mountain
Constantine is sympathetic to her concerns, but reminds her that they only have enough supplies for their full trek. They don't want to double back in search of Liudmila, only to run out of food and put their own hikers at risk. He's reassuring, firm, a good leader like her mother, and so she accepts his reasoning.
Late Nights with Nexpo
Madness on the Mountain
They're skilled hikers, sure, but they're not a professional search and rescue team. Soon after, they reach their final destination, a small town on the shores of the enormous Lake Baikal. But a cloud hangs over their arrival, because there's no sign of Liudmila's group here either. Natalia is beside herself now. They came together. The two groups were supposed to leave together.
Late Nights with Nexpo
Madness on the Mountain
Lyudmila even has train tickets for the whole group. Natalia doesn't know what to do. She's always looked up to her mother for strength, confidence, and this uncertain danger has no easy solution. Constantine's eyes return to the high peaks looming in the distance. He begins to fear that he's made a terrible decision that'll haunt him for the rest of his life.
Late Nights with Nexpo
Madness on the Mountain
What on earth, he wonders, is happening up on the mountain? The night of August 4th. On the pink, Lyudmila and her students aren't getting any sleep. In the early morning hours, one of the students from the boys' tent trudges over to Lyudmila's tent. It's Sasha, an inexperienced 23-year-old hiker. He's like a surrogate son to Lyudmila. He tells her that the boys are uncomfortable.
Late Nights with Nexpo
Madness on the Mountain
The wind and the cold are too much to bear. At this elevation, there's no tree cover, no protection from the storm. Their tents are no match for the relentless wind. At four in the morning, the tether snapped. Everyone scrambles out into the bitter cold, struggling to re-secure their shelters. Snow seeps into the tents, soaking through the sleeping bags. It's a miserable, punishing night.
Late Nights with Nexpo
Unit 731
Wondery Plus subscribers can listen to new episodes of Late Nights with Nexpo early and ad-free right now. Join Wondery Plus in the Wondery app or on Apple Podcasts. There's nothing wrong with the patient strapped to the operating table. He's terrified and fighting against the restraints. But otherwise, this man is in perfect health until your supervisor steps forward and shoots him in the leg.
Late Nights with Nexpo
Unit 731
It seems only logical. No one outside of the army can have knowledge of his work, and there are always more test subjects to be found. He moves his operation a few miles away from their previous location to the Pingfan neighborhood of Harbin. There, the Japanese army forcibly removes 600 families to make way. Shiro again uses Chinese prison labor to construct his base of operations.
Late Nights with Nexpo
Unit 731
But this new compound is a much, much larger project. It's hardly comparable to Togo Unit at all. Stretching out over 800 acres, this new compound features 150 buildings, offices, civilian housing, farms, and even a power plant. Everything it needs to be entirely self-sufficient. But that's all in service to his real goal. The goal of performing human experiments.
Late Nights with Nexpo
Unit 731
There are entire buildings devoted to surgeries and autopsies. One even has refrigeration units to allow Shiro's men to conduct their frostbite experiments year-round. But buildings number seven and eight, hidden secretly within an even larger one, are the most important. Codenamed Ro and Ha, they house the male, female, and child prisoners.
Late Nights with Nexpo
Unit 731
Shiro doesn't want any saboteurs attacking the new facility, so he keeps all of their activities confidential. At night, he has prisoners brought in through an underground tunnel, tied up in bags and hidden in truck beds. While they're mostly Chinese, there are also Russians, European Jews, Mongolians, Koreans, and by 1939, even Allied soldiers.
Late Nights with Nexpo
Unit 731
The new prisoners are watched over by Shiro's own brother, the new prison warden. Having a family member oversee security ensures that the weakness his guards showed in the past will never trouble him again. Effectively, Shiro has absolute authority over this complex. And here he is a god. The cover story for this complex is that it's not a prison, but a logging facility.
Late Nights with Nexpo
Unit 731
And so, Shiro starts referring to his prisoners as Maruta, the Japanese word for logs. With this, he makes sure all of his soldiers and scientists do the same. It's another step towards completely wiping away the humanity of these prisoners. Something Shiro understands is absolutely crucial. He now oversees thousands of Japanese soldiers and medical personnel on the compound.
Late Nights with Nexpo
Unit 731
And if Shiro is to keep everyone in line, they must all view the prisoners the same way he does. All less than human. Shiro won't repeat the same mistakes from Toko Unit. The past is water under the bridge. Now, there is only Unit 731. Shiro develops a routine, traveling back and forth from Japan and China to further his work.
Late Nights with Nexpo
Unit 731
As much as he relishes showing off for his superiors back home, his favorite times are always when he's back at the main Unit 731 complex, witnessing science in action. On one of his many routine inspections, he sits in as a young doctor performs his first practice surgery. They do these a bit differently at Unit 731 than at the universities in the motherland.
Late Nights with Nexpo
Unit 731
Amused, Shiro watches to see how the young doctor reacts when he's told to perform surgeries on an otherwise healthy patient. The young doctor hesitates, and Shiro despises that. But once Shiro steps forward, allowing his presence to be known to this new doctor, he notices a shift in the young man's eyes. The doctor's confusion is replaced with understanding.
Late Nights with Nexpo
Unit 731
Ignoring Shiro Ishii's orders would be a dangerous choice. The young doctor complies and takes up his scalpel. Content, Shiro steps back into the shadows and watches the doctor perform a human vivisection, cutting into the screaming, thrashing Chinese patients on the operating table, removing pieces of organ and flesh.
Late Nights with Nexpo
Unit 731
However, when it's time to put the patient down, to throw the log into the fire, so to speak, The young doctor, again, hesitates. This does not impress Shiro, and so he marches forward, takes off his own belt, and wraps it around the patient's neck. He looks the doctor in the eye as he squeezes the life from the patient without a second thought. This is how it's done.
Late Nights with Nexpo
Unit 731
This is all these creatures deserve. Shiro ensures that the doctor is scheduled for several more practice sessions, and he reminds him that only traitors hesitate. Shiro much prefers the work of the colleagues who have been with him for quite some time. He commends the perseverance of the doctors studying STDs.
Late Nights with Nexpo
Unit 731
They have to contend with difficult female prisoners who were wrongly inseminated by male prisoners at gunpoint. And once the women come to term, the doctors perform difficult surgeries on them, operating on the women as they give birth to see how the infection has spread to the fetus and how trauma impacts it.
Late Nights with Nexpo
Unit 731
When Shiro observes these surgeries, he can't help but find it fascinating just how much pain his lungs can endure. Shiro is equally amazed by the creativity of his men. As he walks through his 800-acre playground, he witnesses an experiment where a log is hung upside down to see how long it takes for it to choke to death.
Late Nights with Nexpo
Unit 731
In another building, he happens upon an experiment in where a log's right hand is sawed off and moved to his left arm to see if it still functions. And at the final stop of Shiro's inspection, he watches with pride as some of his men construct a giant centrifuge. They strap logs to it and spin them around at extreme speeds to see just how much G-Force a human can withstand before dying.
Late Nights with Nexpo
Unit 731
Though Shiro is unashamed of the work being done at Unit 731, he knows that they can't be too transparent when publishing their results. At least not until Japan is able to bring the Emperor's might to the rest of the world. So when the unit publishes its research, they claim that they used not humans, but monkeys as test subjects.
Late Nights with Nexpo
Unit 731
Internally, the prisoners are logs, a resource to be used, and in the wider world, they're animals sacrificed for the greater good. But nowhere in this line of thinking, in Shiro's mind, are they ever considered humans. Shiro is fascinated by Unit 731's discoveries relating to the limits of the human body.
Late Nights with Nexpo
Unit 731
However, Japanese high command is less interested in how best to protect soldiers from frostbite and infection, and more interested in how to better kill the enemy. That was, after all, how Shiro sold them on the entire Unit 731 program. And he hasn't been slacking on that front. One of the buildings at Unit 731 is entirely dedicated to rats. In fact, the building houses over 3 million of them.
Late Nights with Nexpo
Unit 731
It's 1932, and deep in the heart of Japanese-occupied Manchuria, something monstrous is taking shape. Near the city of Harbin, Chinese prisoners are being forced to construct a mysterious compound. It seems to be part army base, part laboratory. But the prisoners don't know what they're building.
Late Nights with Nexpo
Unit 731
The rodents are kept in special containment and are infected with fleas that themselves have been infected with a variety of deadly diseases. The rats eventually die, but the fleas are resilient and are collected and loaded into ceramic bombs. This may have been an odd delivery method, but Shiro has his reasons. Any kind of combustible shell will incinerate the fleas.
Late Nights with Nexpo
Unit 731
He wants something lightweight and fragile. The ceramic will shatter and the fleas will survive, spreading throughout enemy territory and infecting the population. The West might have uranium, but Japan has Shiro Ishii, and what Shiro understands is that there's more than one way to build a weapon of mass destruction.
Late Nights with Nexpo
Unit 731
He first tests his biological weapons in October of 1940, and by 1945, there are Unit 731 satellite facilities throughout China breeding their own infected fleas for deployment. The fleas are bloated into ceramic bombs, which crack open upon impact without incinerating the payload. The fleas' infections are passed along to Chinese villagers in the area who develop terrible, debilitating fevers.
Late Nights with Nexpo
Unit 731
Essentially, they have contracted the plague. Yet it doesn't end there. They notice strange yellow blisters on their bodies. These blisters ooze yellow pus. Their bodies are rotting. They have been infected with anthrax. Shiro didn't just drop the bombs with fleas. Rather, he dropped a variety of them that infected both the land and water with everything from anthrax to typhoid.
Late Nights with Nexpo
Unit 731
Not knowing this, the villagers do their best to improve sanitation. Rats are killed on sight. When a villager succumbs to the illness, their bodies quickly buried outside of town. But of course, it's not enough. Once the villagers get desperate, Shiro sends his men in. They set up triage centers, pretending as though they want to aid the infected populace.
Late Nights with Nexpo
Unit 731
But once the villagers enter these triage tents, they never come out. Shiro's men learn what they can from the infected by dissecting the villagers alive. They don't bother using anesthesia. Shiro's biological weapon attacks will kill 300,000 Chinese civilians over the duration of this war. But Shiro's obsession with biological weapons and his blind loyalty to the Emperor comes with a price.
Late Nights with Nexpo
Unit 731
World War II is about to take a sudden turn for the unexpected, placing Japan and Shiro in a precarious position. For the first time in years, Shiro has to stop thinking about how to kill others, and for once, start worrying about how to keep himself alive. On August 9th, 1945, Shiro Ishii receives orders from his superiors. Destroy all evidence of Unit 731. He wastes no time in complying.
Late Nights with Nexpo
Unit 731
He has all prisoners immediately removed from their cells and cremated. It's as horrific an act as any Shiro has ever committed. Shiro sets about destroying the very compound he worked his entire life to build. He instructs his men to place dynamite throughout the main Unit 731 complex to reduce it to rubble. They, of course, obey his orders.
Late Nights with Nexpo
Unit 731
Their Japanese oppressors make them wear blinders as they work, like horses, to keep them from grasping the full picture. Because the horrifying truth is, many of these Chinese prisoners will never leave this place alive. They're erecting a concentration camp for their very own extermination. Overseeing the construction is an army medical officer named Shiro Ishii.
Late Nights with Nexpo
Unit 731
Shiro orders some of his men at the satellite facilities near the Russian border to do the same, and issues them potassium cyanide pills in case they're captured by the Soviets. Shiro, however, does not go down with the ship. Even after the deaths of so many prisoners, so many Chinese civilians, so many of his own subordinates, he still feels no guilt and takes zero responsibility.
Late Nights with Nexpo
Unit 731
As always, this man is only focused on himself. And so, he attempts to fake his own death, spreading word that he was killed by the enemy. Japan surrenders to the Americans in September of 1945, and soon, American forces are sweeping both Japan and China to learn what they can about their defeated enemy's operations.
Late Nights with Nexpo
Unit 731
General Douglas MacArthur, responsible for the Pacific Theater, eventually discovers Shiro's lab in Tokyo and the ruins of his facility in Harbin. But when American officials interrogate Japanese high command, they're repeatedly told that the Japanese authorities had zero knowledge of any biological warfare programs. Rather, they blame everything on Shiro Ishii.
Late Nights with Nexpo
Unit 731
It seems that Shiro was far too infamous and left too much of a trail for the Americans to follow, because in January 1946, America locates him. But Shiro's always been good at sucking up to his superiors, and that's not gonna stop now. Even if they betrayed him to the Americans, Shiro is still deluded enough to have loyalty to the ruling class he was born into.
Late Nights with Nexpo
Unit 731
It's acceptable for a commanding officer to throw an inferior under the bus, but that same inferior should continue to protect higher-ups. If nothing else, Shiro knows that sticking to this cone means he'll be rewarded when he comes out the other side of this ordeal, if he can play his cards right. Shiro has always been a complex man. His morbid curiosity, his lack of empathy got him this far.
Late Nights with Nexpo
Unit 731
But now, his instincts for self-preservation kick in. Shiro knows that the Americans know what he's been up to. Unit 731 was already the world's worst-kept secret. Their research was too widely published and too well-reviewed for his blatant lie to still hold up. Students in Tokyo have been shown graphic photography of his vivisections as part of their curriculum. In essence, he's famous.
Late Nights with Nexpo
Unit 731
And now MacArthur's men have had months to comb through the ruins, interrogate witnesses, and learn more about what Shiro was really up to. And all that's left to Shiro is survival. When he's interrogated, Shiro informs the Americans that he will talk under one condition, that General MacArthur grant him and the other Unit 731 staff full immunity.
Late Nights with Nexpo
Unit 731
Shiro has destroyed all of the evidence, but he and his men have detailed memories of their research. They shared some things with the public through their research papers, but the most important data, how their weapons performed in the field, that is what the Americans want. And that information exists only in the minds of Shiro and his underlings.
Late Nights with Nexpo
Unit 731
The US State Department is horrified at the proposition. For the past year, they've been prosecuting Nazis for war crimes, and by comparison, Shiro puts even their atrocities to shame. But MacArthur, and by extension, President Eisenhower, feel that the research is too valuable.
Late Nights with Nexpo
Unit 731
As horrific as Unit 731's experiments were, they did provide insights into pathology that the Americans can put to use in their upcoming Cold War against the Soviets. Shiro's offer is accepted. He and his men go free, and their research is labeled top secret, meaning that it can't be used as evidence of war crimes.
Late Nights with Nexpo
Unit 731
Shiro is a man of medicine, a man of ambition. This facility is the culmination of everything he's worked for. It'll be his personal playground, a place to perform unthinkable medical experiments on human beings with complete impunity. Only he knows the horrors that are to come. Shiro has always believed that people deserve the lives they're born into.
Late Nights with Nexpo
Unit 731
On top of this, Shiro maintains his lie that Japanese high command knew nothing about his research. He goes to great lengths to protect them and the Emperor. In the end, there were thousands of soldiers and doctors in Unit 731, and yet only 12 are ever punished when the Soviets capture them and put them on trial. The U.S.
Late Nights with Nexpo
Unit 731
government doesn't even change its mind in the 1970s when it comes to light that hundreds of American POWs were experimented on like lab rats by Unit 731. Shiro and his men are never held accountable. They go about their lives. They reintegrate into society.
Late Nights with Nexpo
Unit 731
They go on to occupy some of the highest positions at Japanese medical schools, pharmaceutical companies, and even Japan's medical association. Perhaps this is the scariest thing of all, because whether they knew it at the time or not, every single Japanese soldier and doctor at Unit 731 contributed, at some level, to the unspeakable evil that took place there.
Late Nights with Nexpo
Unit 731
But they weren't all psychopaths like Shiro Ishii. Many were average people, manipulated into following orders. These people were told it was for their country and their emperor. They were told it was okay because Japan is superior. Unit 731 is proof that it only takes a few monsters to turn an entire group into a terrifying horde.
Late Nights with Nexpo
Unit 731
And with that being the case, the chilling question we're left with is, could Unit 731 ever happen again? Late Nights with Nexpo is created and hosted by me, Nexpo. Executive produced by me, Mr. Ballin, Nick Witters, and Zach Levitt. Our head of writing is Evan Allen. This episode was written by Greg Castro. Copy editing by Luke Baratz. Audio editing and sound design by Alistair Sherman.
Late Nights with Nexpo
Unit 731
Mixed and mastered by Brendan Cain. Research by Abigail Shumway, Camille Callahan, Evan Beamer, and Stacey Wood. Fact-checking by Abigail Shumway. Production supervision by Jeremy Bone and Colt Locasio. Production coordination by Samantha Collins and Avery Siegel. Artwork by Jessica Claxton-Kiner and Robin Vane. Theme song by Ross Bugden.
Late Nights with Nexpo
Unit 731
Thank you all so much for listening to Late Nights with Nexpo. I love you all, and good night. You can listen to new episodes of Late Nights with Nexpo early and ad-free right now by joining Wondery Plus in the Wondery app, Apple Podcasts, or Spotify. You can also watch episodes of Late Nights with Nexpo on my YouTube channel, youtube.com slash nexpo.
Late Nights with Nexpo
Unit 731
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Late Nights with Nexpo
Unit 731
As a child, this meant that the peasants working his wealthy family's land deserved the brutal mistreatment they received from Shiro's father. Poverty and suffering were simply their lot in life. Shiro also believes he deserves the wealth and privilege he was raised in. The gods have smiled upon him. He's destined for greatness.
Late Nights with Nexpo
Unit 731
Shiro considers it his duty to socially climb, and if lesser people get crushed under him along the way, well, then so be it. This attitude has served Shiro well. By shrewdly placing himself near powerful people, he's received incredible medical research opportunities and has rapidly advanced up the ranks of the Japanese army.
Late Nights with Nexpo
Unit 731
But the real reason he stands here today overseeing the construction of a unique medical base catered to him is because an idea occurred to Shiro. An idea so horrific that few others would dare to even think it, let alone speak it out loud. But Shiro dared because he saw this idea as an opportunity to serve the most powerful person in all of Japan, Emperor Hirohito himself.
Late Nights with Nexpo
Unit 731
Just a few years prior, as a curious student of medicine and biological weaponry, the idea comes to Shiro while he's familiarizing himself with the Geneva Protocol. This agreement, signed by the League of Nations in 1925, bans the use of chemical and biological weapons in war. Japan is emerging from a period of isolation, trying to learn from other nations and find advantages.
Late Nights with Nexpo
Unit 731
Remove the bullet you're instructed, so you obey. You've performed this procedure many times in school, but never on a patient like this, who's been given no anesthesia or painkillers whatsoever. You work as carefully and compassionately as you can, but the patient screams and writhes the entire time. It's torture. Once the bullet's out, you receive your next task.
Late Nights with Nexpo
Unit 731
But just because the Europeans decided to ban these weapons, doesn't mean Japan has to follow. In fact, Shiro believes that the greatest men in the empire are those who can out-thank those cocky Westerners. One of his heroes is Togo Hayajiro, a Japanese admiral who achieved incredible military victories by ignoring many of the European rules of warfare. Shiro wants to be just like him.
Late Nights with Nexpo
Unit 731
Admiral Togo was a sailor who used innovative naval maneuvers. Shiro is a doctor who will use biological weapons. He thinks that they'll be of great use to the Emperor. After all, Japan doesn't have access to uranium like the Great Powers do. But then again, they don't need uranium for biological weapons.
Late Nights with Nexpo
Unit 731
Shiro believes this may even be why the West banned their use, because biological weapons could give lesser nations equal footing with the Great Powers. The way Shiro sees it, if Western nations are so afraid of these weapons, then Japan should use them to make the West uneasy. And to realize his goal, Shiro just needs test subjects, humans specifically.
Late Nights with Nexpo
Unit 731
The only problem is, the Japanese government that Shiro serves won't experiment on its own people. Performing medical experiments on the precious subjects of his majesty is simply a bridge too far. But as fate would have it, Japan invades China in 1931, looking to take control of resources to fuel their growing empire.
Late Nights with Nexpo
Unit 731
Japanese high command might not be willing to experiment on their fellow countrymen, But they'll have no problem experimenting on foreigners. In fact, they don't even see them as fully human. So Shiro gets permission to carry out these human experiments in Manchuria, the eastern region of China that Japan has occupied.
Late Nights with Nexpo
Unit 731
His base of operations, called Togo Unit after his hero, is established near the Manchurian city of Harbin, a mixing pot of Chinese, Mongolian, and Russian cultures. It'll provide him with diverse test subjects, and plenty of them. But Shiro's experiments will soon go beyond the horrors of biological warfare and into territory that is somehow much more disturbing.
Late Nights with Nexpo
Unit 731
In the fall of 1934, one of Togo Unit's Chinese prisoners, whom we'll call Lee, has seen enough. For the past year, he's witnessed firsthand the cruelty these Japanese invaders are capable of. They experiment on Lee's countrymen as if they're lab rats, often killing their test subjects in the process. But at this point, Lee no longer fears death.
Late Nights with Nexpo
Unit 731
He's accepted that it arrives for all Togo unit prisoners eventually. What concerns Lee more is how it'll arrive for him. Will he be fortunate enough to receive a quick and relatively painless death? Or will he go like so many of the others, screaming in agony from inside one of the compound's mysterious operation rooms? It's autumn now, which makes Lee uneasy.
Late Nights with Nexpo
Unit 731
He knows all too well that the worst experiments come in the cold months. Lee will never forget last winter, when he and the other prisoners were given frostbite so the Japanese could learn how best to treat it in their own soldiers. Sometimes they were taken outside and forced to dip their hands in cold water. They then had to wait for hours while their hands froze.
Late Nights with Nexpo
Unit 731
Others had to stand in the snow until their feet froze. And once they were thoroughly frostbitten, the prisoners were taken inside where their frozen limbs were plunged into different buckets of water. The Japanese tested different water temperatures, finding out that 98 degrees Fahrenheit was the optimal temperature for treating their affliction. Sometimes the prisoners' limbs recovered.
Late Nights with Nexpo
Unit 731
Other times they were sawed off for further study. Lee used to consider himself one of the lucky ones because he survived. But now, a year into his imprisonment, he's no longer so sure. He used to love autumn. But now, as Lee looks out through the bars of his cell at the colorful foliage outside, he sees the bright leaves for what they really are. Like Lee himself, the leaves are already dead.
Late Nights with Nexpo
Unit 731
He knows it's time to make a bold decision, because this may be the last opportunity he ever gets. The day of the local mid-autumn festival arrives, a time of celebration. Li watches the Japanese guards drink one bottle of sake after another. The usual patrols of the cell blocks slowly fall off as more and more guards are pulled into the festivities, leaving the prisoners unattended.
Late Nights with Nexpo
Unit 731
The few guards left in the cell blocks are drunk and are falling asleep at their posts. As one guard after another slips into unconsciousness, Lee calls out to the prisoners in his cell block. They need to act now. He rallies them, telling them it's now or never. If they're gonna die, let them die as men, not lab rats. Li's fellow prisoners agree to follow him.
Late Nights with Nexpo
Unit 731
Remove a piece of the patient's intestine. After that, a piece of his arm. And after that, a chunk of his brain. You understand now. This patient is not meant to leave this operating table alive. He's one of the truly unfortunate ones. He'll be kept conscious the entire time until scientific experiments become too much for his body to handle.
Late Nights with Nexpo
Unit 731
He seizes a wine bottle from a nearby sleeping guard, smashes him over the head with it, and steals his keys. He opens every cell, telling the prisoners to get ready. They're about to make a break for the wall. Some of the prisoners have their feet shackled. Li didn't plan for this. but there isn't time to find every key for every pair of cuffs.
Late Nights with Nexpo
Unit 731
The shackled prisoners will just have to try their best to keep up, even held back by their restraints. Moments later, the prisoners burst out into the night. The cold autumn air whips at their faces. They creep behind several buildings, careful to avoid the areas of celebration. Finally, they reach the wall and climb over a spot that the drunken guards have left unattended.
Late Nights with Nexpo
Unit 731
Despite the cold, Lee is sweating profusely. He hisses at his comrades, urging them to scale the wall as quickly as possible. Two, three, four, five. Soon, most of the 16 prisoners are over the wall. and that's when they begin to hear shouting from nearby. The Japanese guards have spotted them. Now it's every man for himself.
Late Nights with Nexpo
Unit 731
As the guards swarm towards them, Lee scrambles up the wall and hurls himself over the top. A moment later, his feet hit the ground outside, and he and the others who managed to get out bolt straight for the tree line. Lee shudders to think of what might happen when those he left behind are recaptured. What will happen to him if he's recaptured?
Late Nights with Nexpo
Unit 731
Lee and his comrades press through the woods, traveling mostly at night. They have nothing to cover their hands and feet, and they're severely weakened from the Japanese experiments. Some of the less healthy escapees die of exposure before they finally stumble across a friendly Chinese village. Out of everyone, 12 of the 16 prisoners who attempted escape have survived.
Late Nights with Nexpo
Unit 731
Though Li is now free, he has difficulty moving on. At night, he's haunted by the faces of the men who didn't survive, and by the screams of men who were taken into the operating rooms. And as much as he longs to enjoy his freedom, thoughts of revenge begin to consume him. When he learns of the escape, Shiro Ishii is furious.
Late Nights with Nexpo
Unit 731
Until now, he's managed to keep Togo Unit's activities secret from the Chinese populace. But now that 12 prisoners are loose in the wild, the cat is out of the bag. He doles out harsh punishments to everyone involved, prisoners and guards alike, so as to ensure that no one ever escapes again. But the tighter he squeezes, the more things begin to slip through his fingers.
Late Nights with Nexpo
Unit 731
A few months later, something explodes. The blast rocks the compound, and Shiro Ishii emerges onto the grounds to find a massive fire raging across several of the buildings and a huge hole blown in the fortress wall. He scrambles his men, fearing that this might be a full-on assault from the Chinese. But as Shiro watches and waits, no enemy troops appear.
Late Nights with Nexpo
Unit 731
Eventually, Shiro pinpoints the source of the explosion, the guards' ammunition stores. Somehow, they were ignited. This time, Shiro isn't sure where to aim his range. Is this more weakness, more incompetence from his men? Have they lost the stomach for their important work here? Or is the Chinese resistance responsible for this blast?
Late Nights with Nexpo
Unit 731
And once his body is wheeled off to the crematorium, another patient, another victim, will be brought in at his place. Again, you take up your scalpel and make the first incision. You block out the patient's screams as well as your own conscience. This is no time to debate right from wrong. You've already seen what happened to the other doctors who questioned orders in Unit 731.
Late Nights with Nexpo
Unit 731
He can't even allow himself to fathom the possibility that the prisoner Lee and some of the other rebels could have overcome his defenses and sabotaged his facility. Shiro cannot and will not let it happen again. His career and his service to the Japanese high command are all that matter.
Late Nights with Nexpo
Unit 731
He aims to prove to the world just how strong he is by constructing a new facility, one that'll be bigger, more secure, and carry out even worse atrocities in the name of science and his own morbid curiosity. Shiro returns to Japan and uses his guile to seek funding for the new facility.
Late Nights with Nexpo
Unit 731
Japan's high command is so impressed with Shiro's research results that they completely overlook the prisoner escape and explosion mishaps. And rather than chastising Shiro, they grant him funding and promote him to colonel. Shiro returns to Harbin with permission to construct a new facility that fully meets his needs. He orders the old one demolished and has all of its prisoners executed.
Legends of Avantris
Beneath Dark Wings | Ep. 35 | Unnatural Law: Part 1
Well, you are one of the special, chosen, foreseen ones going where I can't follow. So you got a bigger fish to fry than that old Revali freeway.
Legends of Avantris
Beneath Dark Wings | Ep. 35 | Unnatural Law: Part 1
Yeah, it's dark. It was sunset when you left. There's a beautiful bluish-violet color to the sky as the large moon rises. The stars out here look incredibly bright and large, and they twinkle just absolutely stunningly.
Legends of Avantris
Beneath Dark Wings | Ep. 35 | Unnatural Law: Part 1
Well, I think it's interesting that, so the statue of him cutting off the arm, how old was this boy? He looked very young, probably in his teens, late teens.
Legends of Avantris
Beneath Dark Wings | Ep. 35 | Unnatural Law: Part 1
So he was chopping the arm off. Yeah. And stabbing with the spear. Yep. Oh, I thought that you said he was the head.
Legends of Avantris
Beneath Dark Wings | Ep. 35 | Unnatural Law: Part 1
The raven was looking over him. And it was a young Corvathian soldier. And he was surrounding the feathers. Where he cut the arm off and he stabbed. And the feathers were surrounding. Yeah, I don't know what that was about.
Legends of Avantris
Beneath Dark Wings | Ep. 35 | Unnatural Law: Part 1
It seems to be the wear and tear from sitting on the road in the mud.
Legends of Avantris
Beneath Dark Wings | Ep. 35 | Unnatural Law: Part 1
You could probably deconstruct it, separate it from the handle and all of that, but it's not anything special or magical.
Legends of Avantris
Beneath Dark Wings | Ep. 35 | Unnatural Law: Part 1
It was something that he made. You know that he wasn't a huge fighter, but he was generally not an axeman.
Legends of Avantris
Beneath Dark Wings | Ep. 35 | Unnatural Law: Part 1
With that, you all enjoy the evening, enjoy each other's company. Iris, you leave your friends behind. You make your way through Mogra Kai, and no one stops you. You see guards, you see hawks flying around, yetis and tigers, but none stop you.
Legends of Avantris
Beneath Dark Wings | Ep. 35 | Unnatural Law: Part 1
You make your way to the gates of the town, the city, I presume, one of the many, and as soon as you make way to leave, you don't even have to ask, and the gates are raised for you, and you are undisturbed. The moon rises and shimmerers across the city and the various rivers and streams going through this town, and it paints this picturesque scene as you walk alone. What do you do?
Legends of Avantris
Beneath Dark Wings | Ep. 35 | Unnatural Law: Part 1
Okay. You do that. You continue walking.
Legends of Avantris
Beneath Dark Wings | Ep. 35 | Unnatural Law: Part 1
What direction are you walking?
Legends of Avantris
Beneath Dark Wings | Ep. 35 | Unnatural Law: Part 1
Okay. You do that. And you continue to walk. And you're gonna go as far as you can. And you pick a random direction. And you continue to walk. And then it gets late. Back at your camp, and Iris hasn't returned. I don't know if anyone is staying up for her.
Legends of Avantris
Beneath Dark Wings | Ep. 35 | Unnatural Law: Part 1
Could you make a... Are you looking for... You ride around town and you don't see her. She's nowhere to be seen. You look around and you see no Tabaxi at all. You just see orcs. Once again, they don't stop you.
Legends of Avantris
Beneath Dark Wings | Ep. 35 | Unnatural Law: Part 1
Golden Lotus will decide what will happen to him. It is our way.
Legends of Avantris
Beneath Dark Wings | Ep. 35 | Unnatural Law: Part 1
I would say there's really nothing.
Legends of Avantris
Beneath Dark Wings | Ep. 35 | Unnatural Law: Part 1
If, I would say that you can make, I would say that at the point you're going, there wouldn't be, it's been so long and there's so much, you see tiger tracks maybe and yeti tracks, but it's been, at this point, it's been all, any tracks you would've left have been swept away.
Legends of Avantris
Beneath Dark Wings | Ep. 35 | Unnatural Law: Part 1
I would say that you are told by certain guards that a tabaxi that wasn't a golden lotus left the city. And you get the sense that she is very long gone. Hours ago.
Legends of Avantris
Beneath Dark Wings | Ep. 35 | Unnatural Law: Part 1
Our clan has our traditions. She will know what to do. So Golden Lotus is a person, like one person.
Legends of Avantris
Beneath Dark Wings | Ep. 35 | Unnatural Law: Part 1
You guys go to bed? Yeah, I'm asleep. I'm asleep, yeah. Okay. As you all drift off to sleep, Iris, you go to bed and peace is... sleep is peaceful. And suddenly there's fire. Fire all around you. It dances and flickers.
Legends of Avantris
Beneath Dark Wings | Ep. 35 | Unnatural Law: Part 1
as you suddenly see you feel warmth all around you you feel exactly what you said to toe the warm desert winds and the sands whipping around you as you feel yourself in the flames and you You look as darkness past the fire starts to almost swallow you, but then you feel the smooth sandstone of what feels like a great tomb.
Legends of Avantris
Beneath Dark Wings | Ep. 35 | Unnatural Law: Part 1
As you look up above you as the fire now gone, beyond two flickering torches, besides a large sandstone seat. And sitting in this seat is a figure, muscular, dark, furred skin, wearing nothing more than barely concealed cloths and tunics. And adorned in simple but respectable-looking jewelry, you see the form of a man, three times the size of you at least.
Legends of Avantris
Beneath Dark Wings | Ep. 35 | Unnatural Law: Part 1
But where a man's head would be, you see two tall, pointed ears. I feel a lot better about that. Jesus. A long, pointed snout and a small nose. Two eyes. gold, that with paint going down around cheeks, makeup to look like a piece of artwork, as you see the jackal-headed god.
Legends of Avantris
Beneath Dark Wings | Ep. 35 | Unnatural Law: Part 1
You immediately, that's been more like that in the banter.
Legends of Avantris
Beneath Dark Wings | Ep. 35 | Unnatural Law: Part 1
You immediately bow down as you see Anubis sitting in his throne beneath the mountain, the tomb, And he looks down at you. And you hear his voice rumble out, firm, but warm. Personal, yet distant. Just how you think it. Exactly how you know and believe it to be true.
Legends of Avantris
Beneath Dark Wings | Ep. 35 | Unnatural Law: Part 1
Yes. We've heard him. You've seen him, but not had a full... Not like this. Yes. As... As you see his mouth move and you hear that low rumbling voice and it shakes the tomb.
Legends of Avantris
Beneath Dark Wings | Ep. 35 | Unnatural Law: Part 1
And the realm of death itself hangs in the balance. That is why you are here in Striga. It is why I sent you.
Legends of Avantris
Beneath Dark Wings | Ep. 35 | Unnatural Law: Part 1
Iris, when I sent you the vision in the flames for the first time, you understood where to go. But where I was sending you was not to a place. It was to a family.
Legends of Avantris
Beneath Dark Wings | Ep. 35 | Unnatural Law: Part 1
You have never let me down. And you hear kind of a rumbling in the stone.
Legends of Avantris
Beneath Dark Wings | Ep. 35 | Unnatural Law: Part 1
As Anubis stands up and you see two massive sandaled feet step forward, kicking up dust in the tomb. She's going to be dunking.
Legends of Avantris
Beneath Dark Wings | Ep. 35 | Unnatural Law: Part 1
You see as gold eyes blazing with brilliance. You almost for a moment feel the need to cower as you stare into the eyes of a god. And it's almost... You get the sense that if you weren't dreaming that this could be mind-melting, but you are... Oh, it is. You are...
Legends of Avantris
Beneath Dark Wings | Ep. 35 | Unnatural Law: Part 1
staring directly up, and you see his jackal snout move as it speaks, and you see in his hand is his massive staff in one and the crook and flail in the other. As he looks and he leans down, the end of your road, Iris,
Legends of Avantris
Beneath Dark Wings | Ep. 35 | Unnatural Law: Part 1
There will be times where you doubt your friends going forward. There will be times you doubt yourself going forward. It is impossible to trust when there's this much at stake. But you must continue walking your own path. Even if you decide to leave everything behind here tonight, you will have made it for me and for yourself. And you will always have my approval as your god.
Legends of Avantris
Beneath Dark Wings | Ep. 35 | Unnatural Law: Part 1
Until the end. The world turns to black. But until then, do what you think is right. Do what you think my teachings would instruct you to do.
Legends of Avantris
Beneath Dark Wings | Ep. 35 | Unnatural Law: Part 1
The land of death is in turmoil. Souls misguided, not being judged. a great atrophy threatening to disrupt the cycle of life and death from continuing.
Legends of Avantris
Beneath Dark Wings | Ep. 35 | Unnatural Law: Part 1
And it will be made right in the land to the east.
Legends of Avantris
Beneath Dark Wings | Ep. 35 | Unnatural Law: Part 1
I will make a note of it. And she pauses for a moment and looks over at Baruk, the orc that she had smashed in, and says, If you let your orcish savagery consume you again, my fist will go straight to your neck. And he kind of struggles a little bit, and then just kind of, after looking down at his arm that's been healed, he just hangs over dejectedly and does not move.
Legends of Avantris
Beneath Dark Wings | Ep. 35 | Unnatural Law: Part 1
You do that, and you feel a, you hear a low breath, and it almost shakes the tomb as the flame whips around you and disappears, and you drift off into sleep.
Legends of Avantris
Beneath Dark Wings | Ep. 35 | Unnatural Law: Part 1
Oh, you jolt awake immediately.
Legends of Avantris
Beneath Dark Wings | Ep. 35 | Unnatural Law: Part 1
Was that? Yeah. Yeah. He's, like, humanoid from the waist up, right? No, it's human feet, I apologize. Oh, he's humanoid. So he's humanoid, but, like, he's got the dark, like, his dark, thin, like, skin and dark, like, thin fur.
Legends of Avantris
Beneath Dark Wings | Ep. 35 | Unnatural Law: Part 1
Yes, he's very muscular and ripped.
Legends of Avantris
Beneath Dark Wings | Ep. 35 | Unnatural Law: Part 1
Okay, so you're not even stealthing in the camp. No. Okay, so you walk by. Once again, as soon as you approach, they open, and I would say... You were in the common room, right?
Legends of Avantris
Beneath Dark Wings | Ep. 35 | Unnatural Law: Part 1
Yeah, as soon as you're sitting by the fire, you all hear Iris approach. And as you're sitting around the torchlight, it is probably like... 4.30 in the morning, I would say, at the very least. And you are feeling tired. And then you hear soft footsteps and a rustling as you see the fire pit, the fire in the pit, catch on gold jewelry as Iris walks back into camp.
Legends of Avantris
Beneath Dark Wings | Ep. 35 | Unnatural Law: Part 1
And she extends her mighty gauntleted hand and says, I am Dokkani Sunfist. And she reaches out for your forearm.
Legends of Avantris
Beneath Dark Wings | Ep. 35 | Unnatural Law: Part 1
are orcs, beautifully armored with that beautiful ghost iron or ghost steel that you've gotten accustomed to being in Grond, and the one with the flag looks at all of you as they draw their weapons and point them at you. The one in the center is holding a large spear in one hand, and on her other, she has a massive golden gauntlet with spikes on where each knuckle would be.
Legends of Avantris
Beneath Dark Wings | Ep. 35 | Unnatural Law: Part 1
And everyone enjoys a long rest.
Legends of Avantris
Beneath Dark Wings | Ep. 35 | Unnatural Law: Part 1
You are far more high priority. Can we do both? I mean, there's a serious threat coming.
Legends of Avantris
Beneath Dark Wings | Ep. 35 | Unnatural Law: Part 1
She looks around and thinks, and just nods at the other female old woman with the shaved head. And she simply nods back and she lets out a and spins her finger around and says, let's ride out to the next town. And they all mount up, leaving Baruk behind. And Dokkani, their mounts let out a roar, and they begin to sprint off to, you see, a small town not too far from you.
Legends of Avantris
Beneath Dark Wings | Ep. 35 | Unnatural Law: Part 1
The entire camp, half of the campsite is now bisque.
Legends of Avantris
Beneath Dark Wings | Ep. 35 | Unnatural Law: Part 1
She happily licks it. She'll eat it. She actually goes to the ground and starts licking up all of it, and you see Revali's just like...
Legends of Avantris
Beneath Dark Wings | Ep. 35 | Unnatural Law: Part 1
Can you just be, like, more quiet while you do that?
Legends of Avantris
Beneath Dark Wings | Ep. 35 | Unnatural Law: Part 1
You see, finally, several stone steps carved into the mountain almost out of nowhere. The wind is howling, but then you hear the sound of this horrible, guttural howling.
Legends of Avantris
Beneath Dark Wings | Ep. 35 | Unnatural Law: Part 1
Says Toa as you hear the tap of the glade and you see Golden Lotus arrive and she smiles at you and says, I trust you all slept well. Yes.
Legends of Avantris
Beneath Dark Wings | Ep. 35 | Unnatural Law: Part 1
It seems to be a herding community. A great number of yaks and goats and pigs. running around, you can kind of almost smell the wafting manure from where you are. And you see that there's a number of wagons leaving as they begin to go assist in the evacuation.
Legends of Avantris
Beneath Dark Wings | Ep. 35 | Unnatural Law: Part 1
She leads you out of the courtyard and across the bridge to one of the more main thoroughfares, and you make your way back to her quarters, and she guides you up the steps into that same area, the antechamber and then the room where you had given your offerings. And then the door opens into the very small room where the pool and the two trees had been.
Legends of Avantris
Beneath Dark Wings | Ep. 35 | Unnatural Law: Part 1
And this was built into the side of the mountain. And you see as she reaches behind a hanging tapestry and she pulls it up and you see that there is a small passage.
Legends of Avantris
Beneath Dark Wings | Ep. 35 | Unnatural Law: Part 1
Okay, you do that. You feel the magic wash over you with the Arcane Guardian. And she holds it up and says, please, follow me. Not even the Warchief has been here. It is a sacred place, so please, be respectful.
Legends of Avantris
Beneath Dark Wings | Ep. 35 | Unnatural Law: Part 1
That will not be necessary. You will need them.
Legends of Avantris
Beneath Dark Wings | Ep. 35 | Unnatural Law: Part 1
And she leads you through a passageway that goes on for many feet. It's dark, but it's marked by several small lanterns. And you make your way through, and you see the end of this hallway. And it's dark, but not from any kind of tapestry. It seems as if by leaves. And...
Legends of Avantris
Beneath Dark Wings | Ep. 35 | Unnatural Law: Part 1
You see bits of the sun's rays poking through as she takes her glaive and presses it through and pulls it aside and immediately the beautiful pinks and purples of dawn wash over you as you step into a beautiful what looks like a valley grove, completely surrounded by the mountains and the peaks all around you, out of view from every single building of Mogra Kai.
Legends of Avantris
Beneath Dark Wings | Ep. 35 | Unnatural Law: Part 1
And you see the great wall, the great mighty wall that is before you with a number of gates, these several roads, all on the plains, snaking their way to various entrances with the great gates and, and, It's not long that you are alone with Dokani and Baruk, and she looks at all of you and says, I was told that you would be capable fighters, that you would be able to save us from the Calamity.
Legends of Avantris
Beneath Dark Wings | Ep. 35 | Unnatural Law: Part 1
However, you can see the sun cresting above the mountains as dawn is painting the sky, a tapestry of gorgeous colors. And you see a beautiful, tranquil, It almost feels like the air is still as the smell of saffron assaults your nostrils. And you all feel calm as there is a lick out in front of you. And... You don't see a single fish in it.
Legends of Avantris
Beneath Dark Wings | Ep. 35 | Unnatural Law: Part 1
The water is crystal clear, and it is ringed with these beautiful cherry blossom trees with petals of gold and white and pink. And this, you feel the, almost like a sense of touch of the divine. as you enter this sacred place.
Legends of Avantris
Beneath Dark Wings | Ep. 35 | Unnatural Law: Part 1
And as you all enter, she lets the bush go, and you can see that it's ringed with bushes, and out of sight, you don't even see a single hawk flying over, as you are basically almost, it feels like you're at the top of the world in this grove. And she, Golden Lotus turns to you and smiles and says, what do you think? Is this not the most beautiful place that you've ever been?
Legends of Avantris
Beneath Dark Wings | Ep. 35 | Unnatural Law: Part 1
I will take that as a beautiful compliment.
Legends of Avantris
Beneath Dark Wings | Ep. 35 | Unnatural Law: Part 1
Wonderful. This is my home. This is where I retire to every evening. This is the place where the Eternal Blossom sent me when I first came to Grond, those many decades ago. And this is where her... her agent, her... her representation, her emissary to us mortals. This is where he comes and communes with me.
Legends of Avantris
Beneath Dark Wings | Ep. 35 | Unnatural Law: Part 1
But first, now that you are trusted by the Warchief, and we are in this sacred grove, not even the powerful magics of Virgil Zurn can peer through this veil. I can tell you where you will be going and how you will be saving us from Baphomet, the Prince of Beasts. You know how we would lose this? I do.
Legends of Avantris
Beneath Dark Wings | Ep. 35 | Unnatural Law: Part 1
But you will not meet him yet. Oh, we'll meet him later? Yes, soon. It will be soon. and he will guide you. But I first must tell you of the plan, the great plan of the eternal blossom. There's only one thing in the multiverse. that can stop the calamity and the destruction and the entropy that is threatening this land. This name. Thanks. This name, I know, will not be new to you. The Rod of Law.
Legends of Avantris
Beneath Dark Wings | Ep. 35 | Unnatural Law: Part 1
You know it, don't you? And you do know that Virgil Zurn himself was seeking it, do you not? I am happy to inform you, he has not found a single piece of the Seven, the Rod of the Seven Parts.
Legends of Avantris
Beneath Dark Wings | Ep. 35 | Unnatural Law: Part 1
You're welcome. And if there's one thing that can send Baphomet and his horned legion back to the Abyss, it is this artifact, the Rod of Seven Parts, reforged into the Rod of Law. It is... My life's work. It is why I have lived this long. And there's only one piece remaining. And only you will be able to retrieve it.
Legends of Avantris
Beneath Dark Wings | Ep. 35 | Unnatural Law: Part 1
Decades. Decades of our time here on the Material Plane. Once the Rod was destroyed, all seven pieces were scattered across the planes, hidden, guarded. And if it were not for the Eternal Blossom,
Legends of Avantris
Beneath Dark Wings | Ep. 35 | Unnatural Law: Part 1
For you see, the emissary of the Eternal Blossom, the servant of the Eternal Blossom, is a traveler of the planes, able to travel where he pleases. and has spent decades for her, the Eternal Blossom, to find the pieces and return them to me. For it was foretold that this day, this week would happen.
Legends of Avantris
Beneath Dark Wings | Ep. 35 | Unnatural Law: Part 1
very soon, but I must tell you, I will not call on him until you agree to your destiny and tell you where you must go. The emissary of the Eternal Blossom has traveled across all of the planes, some more treacherous than others, but There's one place he has found it, but is not able to go. Are you familiar with the planes beyond the material?
Legends of Avantris
Beneath Dark Wings | Ep. 35 | Unnatural Law: Part 1
Then you will know when I say the final piece of the rod. is in the place that you would expect least, the place where it should not be and could not be, the plane of chaos, of course, limbo.
Legends of Avantris
Beneath Dark Wings | Ep. 35 | Unnatural Law: Part 1
Every time he does, it is very dangerous. And death is always a possibility every time. It is one of the most treacherous and dangerous of all the planes. She continues to smile.
Legends of Avantris
Beneath Dark Wings | Ep. 35 | Unnatural Law: Part 1
the the plane of chaos limbo yes it is held in a place that cannot be traversed by fiends by celestials by dragons elementals aberrations only humanoids and of course being an agent of the divine a celestial cannot penetrate the great adamantine citadel of maladraxxus how does he do it
Legends of Avantris
Beneath Dark Wings | Ep. 35 | Unnatural Law: Part 1
Well, he's a Kirin, of course. What's a Kirin? I'm sorry, a what? It is one of the most beautiful divine creatures in existence.
Legends of Avantris
Beneath Dark Wings | Ep. 35 | Unnatural Law: Part 1
Celestial, did you think a mere mortal could travel the planes and collect all the pieces?
Legends of Avantris
Beneath Dark Wings | Ep. 35 | Unnatural Law: Part 1
You're going to send us right now. Yes. Once you all agree, I will call upon Hizaki. How long will you be there? As long as it takes. It should not be long. With your skill, I have sent many orcs to attempt to retrieve it, and none have returned.
Legends of Avantris
Beneath Dark Wings | Ep. 35 | Unnatural Law: Part 1
I saw in the blossoms, I saw that there was a great calamity, a great chaos, and not just the chaos beyond, not just the chaos of Baphomet and the Hoenn Legion, but beyond, far worse, and only one thing to stop it. What could be worse? The evil that lies, the entropy, the chaos that surrounds all of us right now, threatening to be released. How does the rod do that?
Legends of Avantris
Beneath Dark Wings | Ep. 35 | Unnatural Law: Part 1
It is an artifact of law and good. It banishes chaos.
Legends of Avantris
Beneath Dark Wings | Ep. 35 | Unnatural Law: Part 1
Once it is reforged, we will know what to do. The blossoms will tell me, I am assured.
Legends of Avantris
Beneath Dark Wings | Ep. 35 | Unnatural Law: Part 1
And he's, like, rattling around.
Legends of Avantris
Beneath Dark Wings | Ep. 35 | Unnatural Law: Part 1
Yes, of course. How does that work? It is a process that is very involved and difficult, but once we have retrieved the pieces, I am certain we will be able to do it.
Legends of Avantris
Beneath Dark Wings | Ep. 35 | Unnatural Law: Part 1
And Revali raises his not-good hand. How is Revali looking?
Legends of Avantris
Beneath Dark Wings | Ep. 35 | Unnatural Law: Part 1
There will be a way to save us all.
Legends of Avantris
Beneath Dark Wings | Ep. 35 | Unnatural Law: Part 1
We have some of the best blacksmiths in the world. within these walls.
Legends of Avantris
Beneath Dark Wings | Ep. 35 | Unnatural Law: Part 1
We will attempt to do so, but I am confident in our craftsmanship and our skill. Well? We are blessed by the eternal blossom. I guess we'll cross that bridge when we come to it, and we agreed to help, so you've got my agreement to go to Limbaugh.
Legends of Avantris
Beneath Dark Wings | Ep. 35 | Unnatural Law: Part 1
I will call on him, and he will come to greet you after I leave.
Legends of Avantris
Beneath Dark Wings | Ep. 35 | Unnatural Law: Part 1
He's still, he's rough, but he's not, like, on the verge of death. He's just looking kind of tired and haggard, like he needs his gonk-zonk. And... And he's got bags under his eyes and he says, well...
Legends of Avantris
Beneath Dark Wings | Ep. 35 | Unnatural Law: Part 1
Is he invisible? I would say that possibly Felix and Iris and Herja would loosely know that he's a divine creature, an interplanar divine creature. Do we know if they're inherently good? Yeah, they serve the gods, the good gods. Good gods.
Legends of Avantris
Beneath Dark Wings | Ep. 35 | Unnatural Law: Part 1
And you see Dokkani mount her tiger again, and she whistles up to the sky, and she raises her metal gauntlet, and you hear a screech as one of the gray hawks that is soaring above you circles around, and And begins to fly off. And with that, apologies, I can't do animal noises.
Legends of Avantris
Beneath Dark Wings | Ep. 35 | Unnatural Law: Part 1
I would love to go to Limbo. I should warn you it will be very treacherous. There is a very high chance of death and destruction on your part. However, I believe that you will be victorious. I have not seen one way or the other in the blossoms.
Legends of Avantris
Beneath Dark Wings | Ep. 35 | Unnatural Law: Part 1
But within Maladaxus, the Adamantine Citadel, is Shivatu the Awakened, a Githzerai who has taken the peace and is using it to bind an army of Sladi to his will.
Legends of Avantris
Beneath Dark Wings | Ep. 35 | Unnatural Law: Part 1
Sladi, horrific beings of pure chaos.
Legends of Avantris
Beneath Dark Wings | Ep. 35 | Unnatural Law: Part 1
No, you will have to kill him.
Legends of Avantris
Beneath Dark Wings | Ep. 35 | Unnatural Law: Part 1
What was that? Yes, Shivatu the Awakened. Shivatu the Awakened.
Legends of Avantris
Beneath Dark Wings | Ep. 35 | Unnatural Law: Part 1
Yeah, let's do this. Let's do the plan. I'm excited about the plan. That is so good to hear. I'm glad that the sleep did you well and purged all of the doubt that you may have had. But it is your destiny.
Legends of Avantris
Beneath Dark Wings | Ep. 35 | Unnatural Law: Part 1
I believe that she is not very well suited for that. You will not be able to ride her there.
Legends of Avantris
Beneath Dark Wings | Ep. 35 | Unnatural Law: Part 1
Okay. She nods and understands and says, let's see you soon. And she pops out.
Legends of Avantris
Beneath Dark Wings | Ep. 35 | Unnatural Law: Part 1
She gives a... She gives a moo, and she wouldn't have been able to get here with the tunnel and all of that, but that's fine. Okay. Yeah, you said goodbye, and she's fine. Okay. And so Lotus looks at all of you and says, So are you all ready? Yes. Yeah. Ready and willing. Very well. Wait here and stare at the blossoms in the water. Do we have to? Yes. Okay. Okay. And she turns.
Legends of Avantris
Beneath Dark Wings | Ep. 35 | Unnatural Law: Part 1
And she turns and she sticks the glaive through and pushes the branches aside and ducks. And you all look. As a light breeze whips through and the leaves, the blossoms fall onto the water. And right as the sun rises above the tallest peak that surrounds you, a ray of sunlight hits the water and the blossoms begin to swirl around. And they rise into the air as the water drips from them.
Legends of Avantris
Beneath Dark Wings | Ep. 35 | Unnatural Law: Part 1
And they swirl around and suddenly a burst of golden light. You're all nearly blinded as you have to shield your eyes. And as soon as the light dims enough for you to see, you see a huge, brilliant creature, floating above the water's edge by mere inches.
Legends of Avantris
Beneath Dark Wings | Ep. 35 | Unnatural Law: Part 1
You see what looks like a strange combination of deer and horse and dragon, as it looks at you with gold and green and red scales, two large antlers going back, but a singular, almost unicorn-like horn. you all hear in your minds telepathically a voice. It's so good to meet new friends. Thank you so much for listening to the Legends of Avantris podcast. We hope you enjoyed the session.
Legends of Avantris
Beneath Dark Wings | Ep. 35 | Unnatural Law: Part 1
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Legends of Avantris
Beneath Dark Wings | Ep. 35 | Unnatural Law: Part 1
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Legends of Avantris
Beneath Dark Wings | Ep. 35 | Unnatural Law: Part 1
And with that, it circles around and begins to fly away, and she looks at you and says, is this the only amount that you have?
Legends of Avantris
Beneath Dark Wings | Ep. 35 | Unnatural Law: Part 1
And with that, she guides you with a bark slumped over, the tiger not needing any kind of lead, just following behind Dokkane. As you make your way, you stop at a small farming village, and there is a family that gladly gives up a wagon that they have when they hear that Golden Lotus needs this wagon for the Eternal Blossom.
Legends of Avantris
Beneath Dark Wings | Ep. 35 | Unnatural Law: Part 1
And it looks like they were kind of packing it up and getting ready to get out. But then they start taking it off and just putting saddlebags onto their family yak. And you are all able to hitch up Peyton and all get in this wagon and move a little bit quicker.
Legends of Avantris
Beneath Dark Wings | Ep. 35 | Unnatural Law: Part 1
And she looks down at you, and you see that she has a very large nose ring, larger than all the others. Her tendrils on her chin are even longer than all of the others as well, with adorned in jewelry and rings. And she looks at you, not... gnashing or raving, no rage, but a stern, accusatory look.
Legends of Avantris
Beneath Dark Wings | Ep. 35 | Unnatural Law: Part 1
You know, Hersha, Sometimes words can cut deeper than a beast-plagued minotaur cleaving your hand off and slicing your face in half. And he just gets off of Peyton and gets in the back next to Felix.
Legends of Avantris
Beneath Dark Wings | Ep. 35 | Unnatural Law: Part 1
It is our way. We don't intend to get in your way.
Legends of Avantris
Beneath Dark Wings | Ep. 35 | Unnatural Law: Part 1
It takes you... I think it was just me. It takes you about two days travel. Oh. To, at your pace. Going considerably slower than a tiger's at full sprint, being in a wagon, but still moving along far faster than walking.
Legends of Avantris
Beneath Dark Wings | Ep. 35 | Unnatural Law: Part 1
You are no longer under arrest.
Legends of Avantris
Beneath Dark Wings | Ep. 35 | Unnatural Law: Part 1
Yes, there was a bunch of other knacks around, but the only thing from of your father's make was the axe. With that, it takes you about two days of travel. We enjoy a long rest. You enjoy a long rest. A small village allows you to stay at their house. once again, commandeered. It's for the good of the Golden Lotus. I'll play some songs for them. Yeah, and they enjoy it. They feed you.
Legends of Avantris
Beneath Dark Wings | Ep. 35 | Unnatural Law: Part 1
It's a warm meal. It's not much, but it is... It's good to get at least a home-cooked meal. It's not your rations. And you are eventually able to make your way, winding, and you see the great mountains to the north and to the east running down in its...
Legends of Avantris
Beneath Dark Wings | Ep. 35 | Unnatural Law: Part 1
in the cruck of, what do you call that, like the intersection of these mountain ranges, you see a great city built into the mountains, another wall as you make your way through that first massive wall going into the inner kingdom and you see it looming before you. A massive city built on large peaks of rock with huge ravines and chasms in between connected by huge bridges.
Legends of Avantris
Beneath Dark Wings | Ep. 35 | Unnatural Law: Part 1
Great shingled roofs glittering with gold and beautiful trees growing out of these tall, towering mountains and peaks. The very, very top of these, lightly snow capped, but it's not, it does get chillier, but not unbearably so. As you eventually see Mogra Kai in all of its glory directly in front of you.
Legends of Avantris
Beneath Dark Wings | Ep. 35 | Unnatural Law: Part 1
The wall's not even close to as large as Zentra's and not nearly as defended, but still a great number of warriors manning it. Some machines of war as well. And all above you see the hawks soaring above and the massive gate opens up
Legends of Avantris
Beneath Dark Wings | Ep. 35 | Unnatural Law: Part 1
for you as one of the many roads that you've shared with evacuees and refugees making their way, and you see that there were a great number of farmers, villagers that had been fleeing the Outer Kingdom. Many villages were overloaded, but relatively hospitable to each other and welcoming each other.
Legends of Avantris
Beneath Dark Wings | Ep. 35 | Unnatural Law: Part 1
That same kind of very peaceful, reserved nature that you're seeing from a lot of these orcs, not what you were expecting. As you enter Mogra Kai, and I'll change the music a bit.
Legends of Avantris
Beneath Dark Wings | Ep. 35 | Unnatural Law: Part 1
You enter this city, and it almost feels as if you pass into... It's very large, but as soon as you approach, you get the scent of saffron.
Legends of Avantris
Beneath Dark Wings | Ep. 35 | Unnatural Law: Part 1
This is our land, and you don't look like you're from here. In fact, you look like you're from Corovacchia. We have Corovacchian agents, and I wouldn't expect... You don't look like I'm from Corovacchia.
Legends of Avantris
Beneath Dark Wings | Ep. 35 | Unnatural Law: Part 1
The wind runs cool, but not unpleasant, as you see that despite the looming death, destruction, utter horrible evil of Baphomet and the Horned Legion, there is a peace. and tranquility to all of the individuals around. And the city, the guardsmen and the soldiers there are very regimented, orderly. Every motion perfectly in lockstep with the other.
Legends of Avantris
Beneath Dark Wings | Ep. 35 | Unnatural Law: Part 1
You see great braziers in the middle of all of the squares of the city going off to various districts. You see a market, a trader's area. You see a great barracks and a military quarter with smoke rising from various buildings. And you see what looks almost like a large temple sitting at the center of these peaks connected by these massive bridges.
Legends of Avantris
Beneath Dark Wings | Ep. 35 | Unnatural Law: Part 1
And as you see that the trees rising up have these beautiful petals of pink and gold, and you see rivers running through and lakes filled with colorful fish and you see the hawks all around perched on every single building.
Legends of Avantris
Beneath Dark Wings | Ep. 35 | Unnatural Law: Part 1
They ruffle their feathers and look at you, a little bit larger than the hawks you're used to, but they're gray feathered and look at you with large black eyes as you make your way and you see the streets being patrolled by more of these saber-toothed white tigers. padding along, incredibly peaceful, mighty and stern, but completely in control of these beastmasters.
Legends of Avantris
Beneath Dark Wings | Ep. 35 | Unnatural Law: Part 1
And occasionally, you almost jump as you turn a corner and you see a massive, white-furred, horned yeti. and it just looks at you and continues on its way with two or rather four guards on either side of it, not even chained, as it just looks around and controls the city with these forks. These people are badass. And...
Legends of Avantris
Beneath Dark Wings | Ep. 35 | Unnatural Law: Part 1
and you see that there's a large rookery for all of the Hawks, and as you finally make your way towards this large, mighty structure that looks like a temple or a palace, you're led off to a bridge that is besides the palace, but is much smaller, but far more adorned in gold and glittering gems and jewels.
Legends of Avantris
Beneath Dark Wings | Ep. 35 | Unnatural Law: Part 1
Um, you see, uh, opals, lapis lazuli, sunstones, uh, uh, uh, zionite, sardonyx, and you see it glittering in this, uh, what looks like a, uh, a shrine of some kind. And as you're all approaching, uh, Dokani looks at you and says, um,
Legends of Avantris
Beneath Dark Wings | Ep. 35 | Unnatural Law: Part 1
She takes it as an offering and it brings good fortune and luck.
Legends of Avantris
Beneath Dark Wings | Ep. 35 | Unnatural Law: Part 1
it is our way i don't want a fan you must decide what you wish to part with what you wish to give the eternal blossom you know like gift giving guidelines like nothing more than twenty dollars kind of thing does she want a gift raft
Legends of Avantris
Beneath Dark Wings | Ep. 35 | Unnatural Law: Part 1
While you look through your bags, I will take him. And she reaches out and knees Baruk. Please let her know.
Legends of Avantris
Beneath Dark Wings | Ep. 35 | Unnatural Law: Part 1
And she looks at you and says, I will tell her of your request.
Legends of Avantris
Beneath Dark Wings | Ep. 35 | Unnatural Law: Part 1
She will know what to do. And with that, she... She reaches down and grabs him. And even though he is massive, she slings him over her shoulder and carries him in. And as you get closer, you see that she enters these beautiful jade adorned doors and covered in gold plates. And the smell of saffron hits you even stronger.
Legends of Avantris
Beneath Dark Wings | Ep. 35 | Unnatural Law: Part 1
as the door opens, and you see this faint glow inside of low, but beautiful and gilded. As the door closes, you see that Barok seems to be struggling a bit more. His eyes are a bit more red, and the doors close, and you are free to discuss.
Legends of Avantris
Beneath Dark Wings | Ep. 35 | Unnatural Law: Part 1
She kicks her tiger, and it takes two massive steps, and its mouth is about 12 inches from you as it lets out a low growl.
Legends of Avantris
Beneath Dark Wings | Ep. 35 | Unnatural Law: Part 1
I'm going to give her a bread maker.
Legends of Avantris
Beneath Dark Wings | Ep. 35 | Unnatural Law: Part 1
It's not much longer. It's not much longer until the doors open up, and you see that Dukani still has a bark over his shoulder. And Bark, rather than struggling, seems to be incredibly docile now, and he's kind of slumped over. Oh my god, they lobotomized him. And she steps forward and says, this is where we part ways.
Legends of Avantris
Beneath Dark Wings | Ep. 35 | Unnatural Law: Part 1
I will do what the Eternal Blossom asks of me. Goodbye. And she turns, and you see as she turns around that Baruk is slung over her shoulder. He seems to be... In better health, his color looks better, and there's a bit of smile to the corner of his mouth as he looks down, and he just kind of looks back at you, and all of the red that had been in his eyes is gone.
Legends of Avantris
Beneath Dark Wings | Ep. 35 | Unnatural Law: Part 1
And he kind of then slumps back over, and they turn the corner.
Legends of Avantris
Beneath Dark Wings | Ep. 35 | Unnatural Law: Part 1
My eyes. I would say make an intelligence check at disadvantage. That she used to freak me out with those metal prior overs. I feel you. Intelligence? Just straight up? Nine. Nine.
Legends of Avantris
Beneath Dark Wings | Ep. 35 | Unnatural Law: Part 1
We'll be right behind you. You... You open the doors and that smell of saffron is almost overwhelming and it's incredibly calming as you enter a... a small antechamber that leads further into a room that is beautifully gilded in gold with gemstones and rich jades in tiger's eyes.
Legends of Avantris
Beneath Dark Wings | Ep. 35 | Unnatural Law: Part 1
And as you turn the corner, you see that there is a large, shallow bowl in the center of the room, and it's filled with gold pieces, strange knickknacks, trinkets, statues with gem eyes and strange jewels as...
Legends of Avantris
Beneath Dark Wings | Ep. 35 | Unnatural Law: Part 1
You do that, and no one is in this chamber yet. It's a circular room, and there's a door at the back, and you see that there are sticks of incense burning all around, and you see that there are actually panels built into the walls, and behind it, actually, it's filled with water, and there are fish swimming around. And you can...
Legends of Avantris
Beneath Dark Wings | Ep. 35 | Unnatural Law: Part 1
You can see that it's very pleasant and calming in here, and Iris just drops, replaces the climber's kit, and it kind of rustles and slides down. So there's nobody in here, though? Not yet. Don't you want her to see you put it in there? Yeah, it's like a tip jar. You've got to make sure they see.
Legends of Avantris
Beneath Dark Wings | Ep. 35 | Unnatural Law: Part 1
I don't know, but let's kill it and sleep in it. You're uncovering a statue, and almost the fervor that you feel to get rid of the snow, you're shoving it off. It's falling thousands of feet down below as you stand on this precipice, completely bathed in the wind. Pazuzu. No! Pazuzu. Pazuzu. Pazuzu. Pazuzu. Suddenly, you realize you're standing at the top of the mountain.
Legends of Avantris
Beneath Dark Wings | Ep. 35 | Unnatural Law: Part 1
Not much longer does the door slowly open and you see, once again, the fragrant aroma gets even stronger as you see a humanoid figure standing Dressed in a beautiful gold and green and red robes, holding a large, what at first you think to be a staff, but beautiful adornment. It actually seemed to be a large glaive with a golden dragon's head at the top with a blade coming out. Pure gold. As...
Legends of Avantris
Beneath Dark Wings | Ep. 35 | Unnatural Law: Part 1
She, as you see, a tabaxi, holding it, smiling, white fur with black stripes of a white tiger variety. And she looks at all of you and smiles and says, I have never received pittance before. You're welcome. I thank you for your offering. Of course. To the eternal blossom.
Legends of Avantris
Beneath Dark Wings | Ep. 35 | Unnatural Law: Part 1
I like collecting many things. It's made of canvas as well, as you can see. It brings me great joy, as all things here in Mogra Kai bring such great joy. How about that, Felix? Now, provide your offering. She stepped down several steps. and smiles warmly at all of you.
Legends of Avantris
Beneath Dark Wings | Ep. 35 | Unnatural Law: Part 1
Her eyes widen, and she smiles as you place it down, and she steps forward. Each step of the way, the beautiful glaive tapping on the ground, and she smiles and says, I have... not seen a tiger's eye in a long time. We have serpent's eyes and tiger opals, but a tiger's eye is a beautiful thing to see. Thank you, Felix Ackerman.
Legends of Avantris
Beneath Dark Wings | Ep. 35 | Unnatural Law: Part 1
She places a finger to her lips and says, ooh, is this a game? No, no. One of the rings on my finger is what I'm going to make my offering. They've brought me great luck and journeyed with me for very far.
Legends of Avantris
Beneath Dark Wings | Ep. 35 | Unnatural Law: Part 1
I like this one. And she points to if there is a smaller pinky ring, the smallest of the pinky ring, whichever side, she would select that one. Excellent choice. The Ring of Uncertainty.
Legends of Avantris
Beneath Dark Wings | Ep. 35 | Unnatural Law: Part 1
And... You have a way with words, Toa. Thank you. Thank you for such a wonderful offering. Oh, you're very welcome. And unorthodox.
Legends of Avantris
Beneath Dark Wings | Ep. 35 | Unnatural Law: Part 1
Water is very purifying and delicious.
Legends of Avantris
Beneath Dark Wings | Ep. 35 | Unnatural Law: Part 1
I'll sometimes have stronger tea, yes. Yeah, you better go.
Legends of Avantris
Beneath Dark Wings | Ep. 35 | Unnatural Law: Part 1
She, she looks at you and then her eyes narrow. You look Horvathian.
Legends of Avantris
Beneath Dark Wings | Ep. 35 | Unnatural Law: Part 1
I don't put it on bread at church because... I have visited many ranches here of the common folk. It is very quaint and inspiring to see their hard work. I thank you for your ranch concoction.
Legends of Avantris
Beneath Dark Wings | Ep. 35 | Unnatural Law: Part 1
Search him. And immediately, the orcs hop off their mount and they walk over to you and you get pulled, Felix is pulled aside.
Legends of Avantris
Beneath Dark Wings | Ep. 35 | Unnatural Law: Part 1
We must discuss philosophy later.
Legends of Avantris
Beneath Dark Wings | Ep. 35 | Unnatural Law: Part 1
And they roughly start searching.
Legends of Avantris
Beneath Dark Wings | Ep. 35 | Unnatural Law: Part 1
Everyone in... Oh, really? Everyone in Gron tells me the truth, yes. It is our way. But I will appreciate it as a gift from an outsider.
Legends of Avantris
Beneath Dark Wings | Ep. 35 | Unnatural Law: Part 1
It is down the hallway outside. You just make a right from the antechamber. All right, thank you.
Legends of Avantris
Beneath Dark Wings | Ep. 35 | Unnatural Law: Part 1
I thank you all for your offerings. I'm taking this ring back.
Legends of Avantris
Beneath Dark Wings | Ep. 35 | Unnatural Law: Part 1
Nine coins fall in and jingle beautifully. And she smiles and says, Thank you for your offerings and respecting our culture and our traditions. You are going to love it here. Things are perfect. It seems pretty nice.
Legends of Avantris
Beneath Dark Wings | Ep. 35 | Unnatural Law: Part 1
These aquariums are amazing.
Legends of Avantris
Beneath Dark Wings | Ep. 35 | Unnatural Law: Part 1
And you all remember that Revali had elected to stay outside because he was not being expected. And the DM also just remembered him. And so that was the case anyway. He wasn't going to go in, but I'm just explicitly saying that he is outside with Peyton. So he's watching Peyton. They're the body cop.
Legends of Avantris
Beneath Dark Wings | Ep. 35 | Unnatural Law: Part 1
And one reaches into your coat and finds the emblem that Zurn gave you. And the other reaches for your dagger.
Legends of Avantris
Beneath Dark Wings | Ep. 35 | Unnatural Law: Part 1
And so as you finish giving your offerings, she smiles at you and says, so you have come to save our kingdom and you have come to join Mogrukai and join us.
Legends of Avantris
Beneath Dark Wings | Ep. 35 | Unnatural Law: Part 1
Yes, I was told by the Eternal Blossom that you would come, that you would be the saviors of Gron, the saviors of Mogra Kai. Does the Eternal Blossom have six eyes? Six eyes? No, she is a goddess that is in the blossoms, it is in the air, in the cosmos, in life.
Legends of Avantris
Beneath Dark Wings | Ep. 35 | Unnatural Law: Part 1
You have come to ally with us instead of Korovakia, yes?
Legends of Avantris
Beneath Dark Wings | Ep. 35 | Unnatural Law: Part 1
But surely you must not serve... Virgil, sir?
Legends of Avantris
Beneath Dark Wings | Ep. 35 | Unnatural Law: Part 1
No. It is a holy place. I think that your minds will change once you experience more of Mogra Kai. Things are nice here. Things are good here. Life is happy.
Legends of Avantris
Beneath Dark Wings | Ep. 35 | Unnatural Law: Part 1
And once we save it, Grodd will be the only happy place in Striga. Well, I hope that's not the case.
Legends of Avantris
Beneath Dark Wings | Ep. 35 | Unnatural Law: Part 1
You have been in Striga. You have been in Erius. There is nothing but misery, sadness, strife, and chaos. Well, not anymore. There is still... strife and chaos. All of the actors that form a government in Eerios, do you think that their goals will align and be in harmony with each other?
Legends of Avantris
Beneath Dark Wings | Ep. 35 | Unnatural Law: Part 1
Pain is a natural part of life, but we do what we can here to minimize it, to bring us tranquility and joy.
Legends of Avantris
Beneath Dark Wings | Ep. 35 | Unnatural Law: Part 1
Through inner peace, reflection, and the golden, the eternal blossom. I will show you. You perhaps do not know you have been deceived by Virgil Zurn. It's possible.
Legends of Avantris
Beneath Dark Wings | Ep. 35 | Unnatural Law: Part 1
I can show you what the hawks see. Oh.
Legends of Avantris
Beneath Dark Wings | Ep. 35 | Unnatural Law: Part 1
I'll join her. And you all... The door behind her that she came out of, she gestures to and steps up, and she opens the door. As you go into a... a relatively darkened chamber. And once again, this is circular, and you see that there's the low glow of embers of incense burning, and a pool.
Legends of Avantris
Beneath Dark Wings | Ep. 35 | Unnatural Law: Part 1
And you see that on either side of this chamber are two trees, very small, growing up out of a patch of grass around what looks like a very small pool, small pond. built into this chamber, and you see that the pool is crystal clear. And she steps forward, and as she steps forward, she says, come, join me.
Legends of Avantris
Beneath Dark Wings | Ep. 35 | Unnatural Law: Part 1
Please keep your clothing on. This is not for swimming.
Legends of Avantris
Beneath Dark Wings | Ep. 35 | Unnatural Law: Part 1
We will not be getting in. We will be observing. will observe. Thank you. She taps the glaive onto the ground and immediately a light wind whips up and petals fall down from the trees. These beautiful blossoms of pink and gold and white as they drift down and they fall into the water and they begin to swirl around as the ripples expand and shift and shape and you see crystal clear
Legends of Avantris
Beneath Dark Wings | Ep. 35 | Unnatural Law: Part 1
what looks like a bird's-eye view of a massive horde of beastmen. The size of the army that had faced, that had sieged Zentra, is, despite having, you thought, had been mostly decimated, now is even larger than before.
Legends of Avantris
Beneath Dark Wings | Ep. 35 | Unnatural Law: Part 1
You see centaurs, minotaurs, goatmen, giants, hill giants, ogres, all shaggy with black fur and hair and horns growing out of every direction, jagged weapons, and you see just a swath of destruction, smoke rising up. behind them and you see at the direct center of this massive horde as far as this pool of you can see of bodies a massive looming creature far larger than even the giants a what
Legends of Avantris
Beneath Dark Wings | Ep. 35 | Unnatural Law: Part 1
has four colossal black horns spiraling out, a massive nose ring, snorting flames with a jagged glaive as the bullhead that you had seen just over the treeline, you now see the massive form of this Avatar of Baphomet. that every single stomp it makes shakes the earth and shakes the army, and they get disrupted, and they continue on their way, as it looks like death is descending upon Mograkai.
Legends of Avantris
Beneath Dark Wings | Ep. 35 | Unnatural Law: Part 1
And... the vision changes, and you see the path of destruction being carved through, the land trampled and ruined, farmland, as you see more bodies marching, but not a horde, regiments in Grond, Korovakian soldiers marching into Grond, following in and setting up perimeters, taking territory. behind the destruction, now that all of the defending forces have been pushed back to the inner kingdom.
Legends of Avantris
Beneath Dark Wings | Ep. 35 | Unnatural Law: Part 1
And as it reaches down, you actually manage to swap one of the hands away. And it seems as if he's going to resist, but then he looks up, and then they pull out the emblem from Cern and start backing away, and one holds it up. And... And you see that this lead female orc, she's definitely a good foot taller than all of the other ones you can see now. She looks at you and says, Korovakian spy, huh?
Legends of Avantris
Beneath Dark Wings | Ep. 35 | Unnatural Law: Part 1
And once again, it shifts again, and you see the great mountain front that you had crossed through, and you see the defending fortresses and the great mining towns now completely occupied by Corvaccia. You see orc bodies laying strewn across these towns and camps.
Legends of Avantris
Beneath Dark Wings | Ep. 35 | Unnatural Law: Part 1
You see new structures being erected already, mining operations already beginning, and it shifts once more, and you see that there are... that Mogra Kai is standing there, and despite all of the horror that's descending upon it. The hawk flies through, and you can see through its eyes, people at peace, smiling, happy, going about their business as if nothing bad will happen.
Legends of Avantris
Beneath Dark Wings | Ep. 35 | Unnatural Law: Part 1
And it shifts back again, and the water returns to crystal clear, and the petals shrink and fade, and it's a crystal clear pool once more. Do you see?
Legends of Avantris
Beneath Dark Wings | Ep. 35 | Unnatural Law: Part 1
You saw the Korovakians, despite... Us not invading when they were being attacked by the Horned Legion. They are taking the opportunity to gain ground. They will take the entire Outer Kingdom before long.
Legends of Avantris
Beneath Dark Wings | Ep. 35 | Unnatural Law: Part 1
Defend themselves. We will defend ourselves, but I am calm because you all are here. You are the saviors of Mogra Kai. You will stop this, Menace. I have seen it in the blossoms. You are the key. I was told this would happen. Did that happen in the... You saw us in this pool here? How were you told by the pool that all of those... Yes, I was told.
Legends of Avantris
Beneath Dark Wings | Ep. 35 | Unnatural Law: Part 1
But not from what the hawks can see in my reflections when the eternal blossom speaks to me. But do you wish to ally with a government, with a man who... despite a threat that threatens us all, still capitalizes and still attacks those who are only trying to defend themselves against the menace from the abyss.
Legends of Avantris
Beneath Dark Wings | Ep. 35 | Unnatural Law: Part 1
and she taps the glaive to the ground again, and several blossoms fall, and it swirls around, and you see, now it's in the sky, and it's facing forward, and it's a difficult thing to track, and then you see a dark, what looks like a dark cloud, but it's not a cloud, it's a flock, or a, not a murder, of ravens, as they are soaring over Korovakia. Conspiracy of ravens. Conspiracy of ravens.
Legends of Avantris
Beneath Dark Wings | Ep. 35 | Unnatural Law: Part 1
As you see all around you, as hawks begin to meet this flock and begin to tear apart the conspiracy of ravens that are attempting to fly into Grann Skye space. And... you see that despite the scene of blood and feathers being torn apart and flying all around, these ravens stand no chance against these gray goshawks, and they've been very clearly trained to kill ravens.
Legends of Avantris
Beneath Dark Wings | Ep. 35 | Unnatural Law: Part 1
As the spurt of blood and feathers fills the pool and then shimmers away, and it's clear once more, Do you think that Virgil Zurn would be sending so many ravens if he did not know what was going on?
Legends of Avantris
Beneath Dark Wings | Ep. 35 | Unnatural Law: Part 1
We must stop Baphomet and the Horned Legion. But we must, you must, convince the Warchief that you can be trusted before we continue with saving this world.
Legends of Avantris
Beneath Dark Wings | Ep. 35 | Unnatural Law: Part 1
No, Warchief Frosfey, Shen'goro Frosfey, chosen by the Eternal Blossom. It is why I came all the way to Striga. It is why I have brought the blessings of the Eternal Blossom to these orcs, helped them suppress and contain their savage nature. and all of the prosperity that has brought. What was the warchief's name again? Shingoro Frostfang.
Legends of Avantris
Beneath Dark Wings | Ep. 35 | Unnatural Law: Part 1
Shingoro... The Dancing Blade was able to unite all of the tribes of Grond, and he was chosen by the divine and granted a naturally long life, as have I. That's a sweet deal. It is. The Eternal Blossom is eternal, and her true chosen are as well.
Legends of Avantris
Beneath Dark Wings | Ep. 35 | Unnatural Law: Part 1
He has... He is a very peaceful and calm and reasonable individual. But... He does distrust Korovakia, and the only reason that you would not have been killed on sight is because I told him it was the Eternal Blossom's will. But despite him following my counsel, it must be you that make your case and disavow Virgil Zurn and ensure that you are loyal to us, loyal to saving the world.
Legends of Avantris
Beneath Dark Wings | Ep. 35 | Unnatural Law: Part 1
There has never been such a dire situation in my many decades.
Legends of Avantris
Beneath Dark Wings | Ep. 35 | Unnatural Law: Part 1
He is very wise and a very good warchief. He has been my dearest ally and friend for as long as I can remember. He was the one I saw first in the blossoms. I traveled thousands of miles across the sea to give the Dancing Blade everything they needed to make them happy and peaceful, to bring order, to bring law, to banish the chaos. That is what I am here to do.
Legends of Avantris
Beneath Dark Wings | Ep. 35 | Unnatural Law: Part 1
You may meet with him at sunset. Which is roughly? Which is roughly probably about three hours. Okay. We've got some time. All right, that's fine.
Legends of Avantris
Beneath Dark Wings | Ep. 35 | Unnatural Law: Part 1
If we are lucky, and the defenses of the outer wall do what they must, and the great sacrifice of the warriors there slow them down, it will be perhaps a week and a half, if we are fortunate. Ten days? Not a lot of time. Ten days, but...
Legends of Avantris
Beneath Dark Wings | Ep. 35 | Unnatural Law: Part 1
We all must do what we can, perhaps longer, if the great warrior sacrifice does even more, if the eternal blossom is willing to grant them strength in a glorious death in combat.
Legends of Avantris
Beneath Dark Wings | Ep. 35 | Unnatural Law: Part 1
We have the defenses that we need.
Legends of Avantris
Beneath Dark Wings | Ep. 35 | Unnatural Law: Part 1
Your help is needed beyond crafting, but far more dangerous
Legends of Avantris
Beneath Dark Wings | Ep. 35 | Unnatural Law: Part 1
You're welcome. And your friend, he seems downtrodden.
Legends of Avantris
Beneath Dark Wings | Ep. 35 | Unnatural Law: Part 1
Perhaps, perhaps he will find a rejuvenation of spirit and inner calm just by being here. And it is very nice. I will take you to your quarters now.
Legends of Avantris
Beneath Dark Wings | Ep. 35 | Unnatural Law: Part 1
She looks at it and she just smiles and says, I will do what I can.
Legends of Avantris
Beneath Dark Wings | Ep. 35 | Unnatural Law: Part 1
Make an insight check. It's like a big number for me. Fifteen. She seems to be genuine. And she says, But I must speak with the Warchief first to make sure that he is in the appropriate headspace to meet with you.
Legends of Avantris
Beneath Dark Wings | Ep. 35 | Unnatural Law: Part 1
I'm not going to do anything horrible to him first.
Legends of Avantris
Beneath Dark Wings | Ep. 35 | Unnatural Law: Part 1
Oh, actually, I forgot I'm proficient. 13. 13. You get the sense that for an orc, that this is an orc that has probably experienced the war between Corvacchia and Grand for longer than any living person, possibly, and has experienced all of the potential war crimes and all of that, and probably does not like anyone allied with that. And you would say you get that sense that you already want to...
Legends of Avantris
Beneath Dark Wings | Ep. 35 | Unnatural Law: Part 1
head in a jar. Let me go clockwork orange him for a moment. You don't get that sense. And she says, is there anything else before you see your quarters? I hope you like them. I'm ready. Yeah, let's go. Wonderful. Follow me. And she leads you through the town and everyone who passes her, you can see that they all bow very reverentially to Golden Lotus as soon as they see her.
Legends of Avantris
Beneath Dark Wings | Ep. 35 | Unnatural Law: Part 1
And she just smiles and nods. And you make your way through the city, and it's not too far. There's another smaller peak where you cross a bridge, and there's a beautiful garden that sprawls out with a lake and a number of smaller structures that also smells rich with saffron. This whole area does. And you see that there seems to be a little courtyard
Legends of Avantris
Beneath Dark Wings | Ep. 35 | Unnatural Law: Part 1
three separate dwellings that she provides you with keys to each of these three dwellings. There are two plush beds in each, and there is a full tea set, and there's food already there for you, a tray, and a small fire pit in the center of this courtyard with seating. I love pistachios. She looks at all of you and says, this is for our most esteemed guests. I hope they are to your liking.
Legends of Avantris
Beneath Dark Wings | Ep. 35 | Unnatural Law: Part 1
Whichever one of these three dwellings you would enjoy.
Legends of Avantris
Beneath Dark Wings | Ep. 35 | Unnatural Law: Part 1
So there's like two in each? Yeah, there's two in each with a little center courtyard area. And then on the, like a little triangulated configuration, there's like a little lake with trees on the side. It's beautiful. And it's actually looking over a vast expanse. And you see just past it, the mountains rising up to the north and to the east. And you see mist all the way through.
Legends of Avantris
Beneath Dark Wings | Ep. 35 | Unnatural Law: Part 1
It almost gets shrouded in mist when you go past it. maybe 50 feet, and it is absolutely gorgeous. And she nods at you and taps the glaive on the ground again and says, well, it is such a pleasure to meet the, do you need help with that? And she reaches forward and extends a claw and effortlessly cracks it open. Thank you.
Legends of Avantris
Beneath Dark Wings | Ep. 35 | Unnatural Law: Part 1
And after you say that, they kind of, I would say, make a group persuasion check at this point. Yeah, proficient. And Revali kind of pipes up and says, my name is Revali Freewing, and kind of leans back on Peyton. And we're here to save all of your lives.
Legends of Avantris
Beneath Dark Wings | Ep. 35 | Unnatural Law: Part 1
Go for some of the more open ones first. Enjoy and rest and feel rejuvenated and find inner peace and calm. Thank you.
Legends of Avantris
Beneath Dark Wings | Ep. 35 | Unnatural Law: Part 1
You may fish anything you would like. It is the most delicious catfish on the continent.
Legends of Avantris
Beneath Dark Wings | Ep. 35 | Unnatural Law: Part 1
Absolutely not. The fish are there for us to consume.
Legends of Avantris
Beneath Dark Wings | Ep. 35 | Unnatural Law: Part 1
Yes, that is the point of this fire pit.
Legends of Avantris
Beneath Dark Wings | Ep. 35 | Unnatural Law: Part 1
I will come fetch you before sunset. Excellent. And she turns and bows at all of you and leaves.
Legends of Avantris
Beneath Dark Wings | Ep. 35 | Unnatural Law: Part 1
And he... He looks around and he kind of continues to grimace and says, this place gives me a strange feeling.
Legends of Avantris
Beneath Dark Wings | Ep. 35 | Unnatural Law: Part 1
And I would like... Toke, you make that advantage, please.
Legends of Avantris
Beneath Dark Wings | Ep. 35 | Unnatural Law: Part 1
Everyone's ready for the conversation. Hey, Felix, why don't we all take a, why don't we enjoy these pistachios? Goddammit, and he's like struggling.
Legends of Avantris
Beneath Dark Wings | Ep. 35 | Unnatural Law: Part 1
You're absolutely freezing as the wind is howling all around you. You are frigid. You're shaking. You realize now that you are thousands of feet up. Up on the top of the mountain. I just woke up upstairs. Up outside. Why did you go outside? They could be yetis. I felt called, Toa. There's a birdman statue with six eyes at the top. You look around and you realize... You're surrounded.
Legends of Avantris
Beneath Dark Wings | Ep. 35 | Unnatural Law: Part 1
Oh, thank you, thank you. So Revali steps forward and he leans against one of the trees by the pond and he picks up a little stone on it and he just chucks it and skips it along the pond. And he says, this is too perfect.
Legends of Avantris
Beneath Dark Wings | Ep. 35 | Unnatural Law: Part 1
Golden Lotus is the Tabaxi, the Eternal Blossom.
Legends of Avantris
Beneath Dark Wings | Ep. 35 | Unnatural Law: Part 1
And she stops for a moment and says, You were sent...
Legends of Avantris
Beneath Dark Wings | Ep. 35 | Unnatural Law: Part 1
And you see one of the orcs, it's another of the female ones, she's completely shaved head, and she steps and she whispers in the ear of this larger one who still has not dismounted. And you see immediately the orc looks around and says, Lower your weapons. These are the ones that Golden Lotus said would be coming. Although she only said that there would be six of you.
Legends of Avantris
Beneath Dark Wings | Ep. 35 | Unnatural Law: Part 1
It is weird. I... And they're orcs, too. She didn't, like... Grumsh, I've killed so many orcs, and they were savage. But they're the orcs not from Grand. Grumsh has corrupted all of them. I don't get it. What's Grumsh? Is their god and turned them all into bloodthirsty savages?
Legends of Avantris
Beneath Dark Wings | Ep. 35 | Unnatural Law: Part 1
And Revali raises his stump.
Legends of Avantris
Beneath Dark Wings | Ep. 35 | Unnatural Law: Part 1
You see that they all start to back off. The orc that had grabbed your medallion from Xurn hands it back to you, but the one that you had batted away from the dagger is standing there, and he's looking very upset. Are you serious?
Legends of Avantris
Beneath Dark Wings | Ep. 35 | Unnatural Law: Part 1
I kill it with mission. This is my property.
Legends of Avantris
Beneath Dark Wings | Ep. 35 | Unnatural Law: Part 1
Well, it was from your mother, who was a big wine person. So no. Get fucked.
Legends of Avantris
Beneath Dark Wings | Ep. 35 | Unnatural Law: Part 1
I do have 20 in, thanks for noticing. You take 10 minutes to do that, and you cast, and you get the sense that immediately around you, there's No magic that you can feel, but as soon as you get a ping of divination magic and you see a flapping of wings as a gray goshawk soars over and flies out of your range and it dissipates.
Legends of Avantris
Beneath Dark Wings | Ep. 35 | Unnatural Law: Part 1
And yeah, that would be the only magic that you, and how, what's the range on it? Sorry, I somehow closed my gate. It's not far, it's not far. Yeah, so you would get the Ping of Divination magic as the hawk flies over. And... Yeah, 30 feet. Yeah. Cool. And with that, the sun sinks
Legends of Avantris
Beneath Dark Wings | Ep. 35 | Unnatural Law: Part 1
beneath the mountains, and you see an array of golden and violet rays get fragmented in the mist, and it just washes all of Mogra Kai into this beautiful... It almost looks like a portrait, like a painting. As you can see, almost the entire city from the other side of your personal peak. And...
Legends of Avantris
Beneath Dark Wings | Ep. 35 | Unnatural Law: Part 1
You see despite, it doesn't feel like there is a horrific horde of beastmen crashing, as a massive wave crashing against this city in merely a week and a half. You do see that there are preparations being made on the walls of this city, and it seems as if there are, you see that there are preparations being made at each various bridge.
Legends of Avantris
Beneath Dark Wings | Ep. 35 | Unnatural Law: Part 1
The massive ravines and spaces in between the peaks, a natural defense. and also being fortified, but done very regimentally, orderly. And...
Legends of Avantris
Beneath Dark Wings | Ep. 35 | Unnatural Law: Part 1
Once the sun is almost fully set, the sky is a rich purple plum, and you see a figure turn the corner around into the beautiful garden, the courtyard area, and you see the elegantly robed golden lotus holding her glaive, and she nods at you and taps the glaive to the ground and says, do you have a good rest? Yes, thank you. That was very pleasant. You look rejuvenated already.
Legends of Avantris
Beneath Dark Wings | Ep. 35 | Unnatural Law: Part 1
Revali heaves himself to his feet and he kind of looks around. He's still kind of hanging his head. There's still little deep bags under his eyes. And he's like, yeah, I'm feeling very tranquil. Thank you. And she just smiles to that and says, wonderful. Now you all seem very rested and ready to meet the Warchief. Are you all prepared? As ready as I'll ever be.
Legends of Avantris
Beneath Dark Wings | Ep. 35 | Unnatural Law: Part 1
He's far more amenable than he has been. I think that he just needed to calm his nerves and be sure that everything would be all right.
Legends of Avantris
Beneath Dark Wings | Ep. 35 | Unnatural Law: Part 1
And you all follow her as you make your way across the bridge to another courtyard of various buildings. You see, once again, the crafting quarter with the smoke billowing up, and you see the major palace with great statues of tigers, of yetis, and of hawks all around it.
Legends of Avantris
Beneath Dark Wings | Ep. 35 | Unnatural Law: Part 1
And you see a massive statue at the top of it, gilded in gold and in jade, and these brilliant orange and blue gems, as you see the figure of an orc, two long tendrils from his chin, wide, square-jawed, holding a massive spear in one hand and an axe in another. as you see that there are bodies on all sides of him. You see a human laid out on one side, an Aarakocra on another, and then an elf.
Legends of Avantris
Beneath Dark Wings | Ep. 35 | Unnatural Law: Part 1
Skinny, but a very narrow, almost gaunt face, all cast aside and dead, as you see this massive statue, what you can only presume to be Shingoro Frostfang. And... You make your way up many, many, many series of steps.
Legends of Avantris
Beneath Dark Wings | Ep. 35 | Unnatural Law: Part 1
It is almost exhausting to get up to the grandeur of this massive palace that looks like a great temple, almost, as the massive doors are already open, and you see rows and rows of temple and palace guards welcome you with a simple nod.
Legends of Avantris
Beneath Dark Wings | Ep. 35 | Unnatural Law: Part 1
and they all bow the second that Lotus steps within 10 feet of them, and immediately it's like a wave of bows, all at the exact same time, perfectly regimented, as you make your way through these glorious grand hallways massive pillars of red and gold and green as you see great paintings and murals all along the sides of very stylized exploits of
Legends of Avantris
Beneath Dark Wings | Ep. 35 | Unnatural Law: Part 1
of the Warchief, and you see him striking down enemies in Grondon, all side. You see Aarakocra. You see these strange-looking elves. You see humans, Korovakians, being slain. And you even see a... You even... And then as you turn, you see one picture that looks strange. And it seemed to be very stylized, but it seems a young boy that...
Legends of Avantris
Beneath Dark Wings | Ep. 35 | Unnatural Law: Part 1
has been attacked by the Warchief, and you see the white tiger pelt over his shoulder, the ghost steel armor elegantly adorned, and his spear stabbing into the chest, and his axe cleaving off the arm of a young boy. that seems to be surrounded by feathers, and behind him, the head of a raven, looking down menacingly.
Legends of Avantris
Beneath Dark Wings | Ep. 35 | Unnatural Law: Part 1
As you all see this ahead of you, and you see that there's another row of palace guards in a beautiful rug, and you turn the corner, and you continue to see all these great exploits on the sides of the walls, as you eventually see the massive throne room.
Legends of Avantris
Beneath Dark Wings | Ep. 35 | Unnatural Law: Part 1
of Warchief Shingoro Frostfang, as you see many great steps up, a mighty throne made of gold with two golden dragon heads on either side of the arms, and they almost seem to be spitting bursts of flame, but it seems to be perhaps a trick of the light, as
Legends of Avantris
Beneath Dark Wings | Ep. 35 | Unnatural Law: Part 1
you see that beyond the temple guards, there is also, perched on top of his thrones on either shoulder, a gray hawk, and directly at his feet is a massive white saber-toothed tiger on either side, peering at you with feline eyes, and then further down, not even in chains, are two huge yetis.
Legends of Avantris
Beneath Dark Wings | Ep. 35 | Unnatural Law: Part 1
And you see that as this orc who's standing directly above you, and he has his hand on a beautifully crafted sword, not very far from you, And he's looking at you and his head is kind of twitching around. We see a bit of, and Felix, you see this, that his eyes are starting to get like a little bit bloodshot and red as he's almost foaming at the mouth. Jeez. And...
Legends of Avantris
Beneath Dark Wings | Ep. 35 | Unnatural Law: Part 1
just looking at you, relaxing, but with the eyes, all six of these creatures look at you with the eyes of a predator discerning its potential prey, and you see on this throne a orc mightier and larger than any that you have seen yet. Skin, you've seen that kind of deep bluish-green skin that these have. This seems to be far darker, far bluer, and with tendrils going down all the way to his waist.
Legends of Avantris
Beneath Dark Wings | Ep. 35 | Unnatural Law: Part 1
Elegantly adorned in gems and jewels and rings, and you see that he is in a heavily gilded set of armor. No weapons that you can see, as He grips the sides of his throne and looks at you, and as you get closer, you see his tusks are both chipped, and his face, you can see wrinkles, and he seems to be, you can't really tell if he is ancient and old or youthful.
Legends of Avantris
Beneath Dark Wings | Ep. 35 | Unnatural Law: Part 1
and young, there's a strange look to him, as both his eyes seem to have a wisdom and an experience that you have not seen in any of these other orcs, and almost a weariness to it as he observes you, and Golden Lotus follows behind you as you all enter, and you hear, and he just seems to look at you, appraising you, and you get this look that is almost similar to the six beasts he has with him.
Legends of Avantris
Beneath Dark Wings | Ep. 35 | Unnatural Law: Part 1
A predator appraising his prey. And Lotus extends an arm. My warchief, these are the ones I told you that I saw in the blossoms that have been sent by the eternal blossom herself. They have come to disavow the Raven Queen, to disavow Zurn, to disavow Korovakia and pledge themselves to the safety of our city. And she steps to the side and she looks at all of you and, oh.
Legends of Avantris
Beneath Dark Wings | Ep. 35 | Unnatural Law: Part 1
You see the muscular, heavily armored Warchief with his youthful yet elderly face simultaneously staring down at you with discerning eyes.
Legends of Avantris
Beneath Dark Wings | Ep. 35 | Unnatural Law: Part 1
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Legends of Avantris
Beneath Dark Wings | Ep. 35 | Unnatural Law: Part 1
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Legends of Avantris
Beneath Dark Wings | Ep. 35 | Unnatural Law: Part 1
You, he looks back up at her and says, Dalkani, you know what happened to my family at the border.
Legends of Avantris
Beneath Dark Wings | Ep. 35 | Unnatural Law: Part 1
But if there is someone pulling the strings behind you, above you, it could spell our doom.
Legends of Avantris
Beneath Dark Wings | Ep. 35 | Unnatural Law: Part 1
You wish to help the people, but I have let you into my city. I have let you into my kingdom. Coming from a man who has worked every single moment of his life to gain more power, more land, more resources from my people, how can I trust you if you will not disavow him, if you will not show me respect in my own palace?
Legends of Avantris
Beneath Dark Wings | Ep. 35 | Unnatural Law: Part 1
I don't care. I'm going to kill them. And he immediately raises his weapon in a flash. The female orc has leapt off of the tiger and stabbed her spear in and blocked it as it is millimeters from you, Felix. She parries it, smashes his arm. You hear a loud snap as he yells in pain. Blood spurts everywhere as the bone snaps out of his skin.
Legends of Avantris
Beneath Dark Wings | Ep. 35 | Unnatural Law: Part 1
And with that, it looks like he's going to say something. And then Revali steps forward. You must be out of your God's damn mind if you think I am going to kneel before you, an orc above anyone. Bowing to any individual is why I'm missing my fucking hand, why I'm missing my fucking eye.
Legends of Avantris
Beneath Dark Wings | Ep. 35 | Unnatural Law: Part 1
And if you think I came all this fucking way to save you stupid ungrateful people and your stupid cult, how dare you? How dare you? And he's trembling, and immediately you hear a voice call out, now, now let's all be, let's take it easy. Let us all relax. And she steps forward and then taps the glaive on the ground. Let us all be, be calm. Let us find inner peace.
Legends of Avantris
Beneath Dark Wings | Ep. 35 | Unnatural Law: Part 1
You look, you look so pent up and frustrated. You look unwell. And you see Revali as he's... Gritting his teeth. And he is struggling. He calms down.
Legends of Avantris
Beneath Dark Wings | Ep. 35 | Unnatural Law: Part 1
I'm sorry. It's all right. Yes. Let us all think about this.
Legends of Avantris
Beneath Dark Wings | Ep. 35 | Unnatural Law: Part 1
Cheerio, sneaky bard. So you make a slight of handshake.
Legends of Avantris
Beneath Dark Wings | Ep. 35 | Unnatural Law: Part 1
15. Okay. You play, you pull out your violin, and you start playing a tune as... They all hear, your allies hear the effects, and you all feel more steeled, and you can feel the magic pull around you and may not be sure exactly what's happening. They only last around. Oh, got it. So just letting out a tune, but you're still continuing to play on your violin. And Lotus steps forward and says,
Legends of Avantris
Beneath Dark Wings | Ep. 35 | Unnatural Law: Part 1
My war chief, I understand everything that's happened, but perhaps there is another way. They have already come so far. How can they prove to you that they are trustworthy?
Legends of Avantris
Beneath Dark Wings | Ep. 35 | Unnatural Law: Part 1
She reaches out with the gauntlet and grabs him by the neck. And you hear him, You hear this orc sputter as his eyes are wide with his bestial rage, as this orc allegedly named Dokkani says, you would betray, or the orc says to this orc named Dokkani, you would betray our people for these outsiders. And she looks down at him and says, Baruk,
Legends of Avantris
Beneath Dark Wings | Ep. 35 | Unnatural Law: Part 1
I can see that. And with that, Revali steps forward, and he looks down at Toa, and he nods at you, and he looks up and gives you a sly look, very, very subtly and quickly. And he says, You're right, Toa. And he gets down on one knee.
Legends of Avantris
Beneath Dark Wings | Ep. 35 | Unnatural Law: Part 1
Mounting huge saber-toothed white tigers is a group of heavily armored orcs. You are all standing in a craggier part of these hills and steps as you look up and you are surrounded by eight massive beasts, white and black fur, huge fangs, slavering moth with razor sharp teeth and mounted on each, one with a large flag on her back.
Legends of Avantris
Beneath Dark Wings | Ep. 35 | Unnatural Law: Part 1
And he says, service to protect your people. That's not pledging ourselves to you. We're pledging ourselves to the people. And that I will do.
Legends of Avantris
Beneath Dark Wings | Ep. 35 | Unnatural Law: Part 1
I laugh I tremble in anger. And you see that he doesn't have any anger in him. And the disrespect you have shown me, I who have lived so long, I who have done so much, I who have, and then you hear a voice cut him off. Now, Warchief Sengoro, and she steps forward with her glaive in hand. Let us be calm. You are getting worked up. Is it not true?
Legends of Avantris
Beneath Dark Wings | Ep. 35 | Unnatural Law: Part 1
And she throws him down and immediately other orcs pin him down, putting a foot on his head as he starts thrashing and they clamp manacles on him and throw him on the back of the tiger.
Legends of Avantris
Beneath Dark Wings | Ep. 35 | Unnatural Law: Part 1
Is it not true that I have seen them in the blossoms? Do not trust me. I came all the way from Yulong. I have given you all of this. I have introduced you to the... Golden load, the eternal blossom. The eternal blossom has given you all of this. Would it not be the natural thing for great heroes, great heroes of legend, great servants of the gods to not wish to kneel before a mortal?
Legends of Avantris
Beneath Dark Wings | Ep. 35 | Unnatural Law: Part 1
As what are we as mortals before the divine? The divine visited you. And she continues to approach him. And you can kind of see him as like he is breathing a little bit heavier and he starts to calm down a little bit.
Legends of Avantris
Beneath Dark Wings | Ep. 35 | Unnatural Law: Part 1
You do that and you continue to play out and, and he, and, She gestures back. You understand that this one here has... And she points to gesture to Toa. He comes from a people of traditions just like us. He naturally kneels and respects you. The others have not... The Tabaxias myself. I stand tall. She serves a god. I serve a goddess. She walks out. Do not take that as a sign of disrespect.
Legends of Avantris
Beneath Dark Wings | Ep. 35 | Unnatural Law: Part 1
It was. She surely wants what's best for our people. Without them, they cannot. Without them, we are doomed. I have seen it in the blossoms. And you see him sit down.
Legends of Avantris
Beneath Dark Wings | Ep. 35 | Unnatural Law: Part 1
Yeah, yeah, they went through it. They all failed, or... I don't think you get a sense of if they fail.
Legends of Avantris
Beneath Dark Wings | Ep. 35 | Unnatural Law: Part 1
As she passes through your zone of truth, you get the sense as if she steps forward and she fails the saving throw. And she continues to step forward. It is foretold that they must be the ones to stop the beast. The Horned Legion will destroy us all without them. They must find the final piece of our salvation. It is in the blossoms, my Warchief. We are in this together. It is your destiny.
Legends of Avantris
Beneath Dark Wings | Ep. 35 | Unnatural Law: Part 1
And they will bring about your destiny. And as she approaches him, she crosses the distance with the stairs. And he struggles and he's like, You're right.
Legends of Avantris
Beneath Dark Wings | Ep. 35 | Unnatural Law: Part 1
Revali stands and looks around at all of you.
Legends of Avantris
Beneath Dark Wings | Ep. 35 | Unnatural Law: Part 1
And he nods as up at Lotus as she breathes out. See, now we can begin. Now we, now we can save this land. It is not lost any longer.
Legends of Avantris
Beneath Dark Wings | Ep. 35 | Unnatural Law: Part 1
Escort them out of my throne room, please. Of course. Right away, my warchief. Whatever you say. Then she turns and she glides down the stairs and gestures you all out. Please come with me. And where were you heading?
Legends of Avantris
Beneath Dark Wings | Ep. 35 | Unnatural Law: Part 1
Back to the room. You make your way out. You make your way back to the room without incident. You get the occasional second glance from nothing but orcs as... that you see. But you are undisturbed. It's very heavily guarded. Guards are everywhere. And it seems as if there are even more yetis and tigers patrolling about than you had noticed previously. But you all exit the palace.
Legends of Avantris
Beneath Dark Wings | Ep. 35 | Unnatural Law: Part 1
And as you're leaving, Golden Lotus looks at all of you and smiles. I think that went quite well.
Legends of Avantris
Beneath Dark Wings | Ep. 35 | Unnatural Law: Part 1
Yeah, let's get to work. Well, you all must rest. You must go at dawn. Go where? To find our salvation. You will enter the Grove of the Eternal Blossom. Not even the Warchief has been there.
Legends of Avantris
Beneath Dark Wings | Ep. 35 | Unnatural Law: Part 1
Because it is only those who are chosen by the divine to enter. And although he is the chosen of the eternal blossom, it is he, it is the eternal blossom that only has permitted myself to enter until the six of you came. And Nervali steps forward and says, I guess I'm not permitted Where they go beyond the grove is dangerous. You would not survive.
Legends of Avantris
Beneath Dark Wings | Ep. 35 | Unnatural Law: Part 1
He looks down at his stump, and you feel his eye, and she steps forward and looks at him and says, You have been horribly injured, grievously injured. by the Horned Legion, and yet still you came. I see that your spirit is weak, but there is hope. There is a wild spirit within you. There's a tumultuousness.
Legends of Avantris
Beneath Dark Wings | Ep. 35 | Unnatural Law: Part 1
Great. How much heals business do you do?
Legends of Avantris
Beneath Dark Wings | Ep. 35 | Unnatural Law: Part 1
If you need me to heal you and want to join our healers at the healing pools, we can help you.
Legends of Avantris
Beneath Dark Wings | Ep. 35 | Unnatural Law: Part 1
Let's go back. And she looks at all of you. Shall we return to your quarters, your dwellings? Yes, if you think that we should just rest until the morning. Yes, your meals will have been delivered by now. Excellent. I'm starving, great. Did you put in an order for extra rice? Because they always forget.
Legends of Avantris
Beneath Dark Wings | Ep. 35 | Unnatural Law: Part 1
She guides you through the city, and once again, everyone bows as she takes you all to your dwellings. Well, you all need your rest. Tomorrow is our destiny. Does it have to be at dawn? Can we sleep in a little bit? No. Caprice. It must be at dawn. All right. Unbelievable. I will come fetch you when you must awake. Thank you. You're welcome.
Legends of Avantris
Beneath Dark Wings | Ep. 35 | Unnatural Law: Part 1
I have not been able to help you.
Legends of Avantris
Beneath Dark Wings | Ep. 35 | Unnatural Law: Part 1
She seems to be telling the truth. She looks at you and says, I assure you.
Legends of Avantris
Beneath Dark Wings | Ep. 35 | Unnatural Law: Part 1
And it's also been, you know, it takes like 20 minutes to walk through the city. No worries. Probably about 30. And she smiles and says, I assure you, all will be well. All will be well.
Legends of Avantris
Beneath Dark Wings | Ep. 35 | Unnatural Law: Part 1
Have a lovely night. We'll see you in the morning. Good night. Let serenity wash over you. And she turns and leaves.
Legends of Avantris
Beneath Dark Wings | Ep. 35 | Unnatural Law: Part 1
As you do that, could you make a perception check for me?
Legends of Avantris
Beneath Dark Wings | Ep. 35 | Unnatural Law: Part 1
You all, there's a beautiful meal of whatever you would care to enjoy, and it seemed to be very well-made, hearty meal, it fills you with, it's warm. Sniff it, does it smell good? What was that? Sniff it, does it smell good? It smells delicious.
Legends of Avantris
Beneath Dark Wings | Ep. 35 | Unnatural Law: Part 1
It smells perfect. And it's some of the most fragrant and delicious food that you've experienced. Bacon cheese bread bowls for everybody.
Legends of Avantris
Beneath Dark Wings | Ep. 35 | Unnatural Law: Part 1
So before I eat, I want to go to the lodging where I would expect Iris to be. And she's there. Iris, they deliver these cheesy bread rolls out there.
Legends of Avantris
Beneath Dark Wings | Ep. 35 | Unnatural Law: Part 1
17. You notice that as he still looks at you, he's struggling, and as you put your paw on his wound, and it starts to just magically snap back and heal. and it closes up, and there's still a red patch there, but you see the pain in his eyes start to dissipate a little bit, and he seems confused, and he still looks at you with disdain, but he is speechless, as...
Legends of Avantris
Beneath Dark Wings | Ep. 35 | Unnatural Law: Part 1
Oh, yeah, Peyton's with Revali. She's taking a liking to him.
Legends of Avantris
Beneath Dark Wings | Ep. 35 | Unnatural Law: Part 1
She does exactly that. You feel a nuzzle of a slobbery muskox.
Legends of Avantris
Beneath Dark Wings | Ep. 35 | Unnatural Law: Part 1
What the hell just happened to her? She blinks out of existence.
Legends of Avantris
Beneath Dark Wings | Ep. 35 | Unnatural Law: Part 1
He just looks down, but as you look down, you see the two tendrils on his chin, and they seem to be a bit shorter than all of the others. As Dokkani, the leader of these orcs, steps to the side after dismounting so swiftly and puts the spear on her back and says, I apologize for that.
Legends of Avantris
Beneath Dark Wings | Ep. 35 | Unnatural Law: Part 1
Why not? There must be magic that can do that, right?
Legends of Avantris
Beneath Dark Wings | Ep. 35 | Unnatural Law: Part 1
Oh, right, so she goes back to Moradin's plane. You can recast the spell when you have time. So she goes back to whatever upper plane is Moradin, yeah.
Legends of Avantris
Shadow Over Gauntsmouth | New Player D&D 5e One-Shot: Part 3
Welcome to Legends of Aventress. Professor Azran immediately speaks up. Oh, oh, the church? Wonderful. Go grab the thing. Go grab the second MacGuffin. The greatest grudge of the dragons will also win. I walk into the room to get the skull. Anyway. Make an athletics check, please. All of us? Whoever's going to get the statue. Well, once I finish, I'll turn to Willow.
Legends of Avantris
Shadow Over Gauntsmouth | New Player D&D 5e One-Shot: Part 3
How far over can I reveal this?
Legends of Avantris
Shadow Over Gauntsmouth | New Player D&D 5e One-Shot: Part 3
Is there a definitive end? Yeah.
Legends of Avantris
Shadow Over Gauntsmouth | New Player D&D 5e One-Shot: Part 3
Okay. Or it's not quite a wall. I don't know what it looks like. Hold on. It narrows for sure. So Willow would have gotten there well before, I guess, the rest of us, right?
Legends of Avantris
Shadow Over Gauntsmouth | New Player D&D 5e One-Shot: Part 3
It was Willow, Craw, Professor, whoever. Everyone was walking and talking, I will say, while this happens. You all arrive at this landing, at this cave, as it all looks incredibly dark as you peer inside. And as you get there, you smell the salt and the sea. is overpowered by this horrific stench. As the music stops. I shout stench.
Legends of Avantris
Shadow Over Gauntsmouth | New Player D&D 5e One-Shot: Part 3
Ah, blueberry. You owe me a health potion. It really is my ear.
Legends of Avantris
Shadow Over Gauntsmouth | New Player D&D 5e One-Shot: Part 3
As Professor Azran holds, he pulls out a handkerchief and... What is that foul stench?
Legends of Avantris
Shadow Over Gauntsmouth | New Player D&D 5e One-Shot: Part 3
I'm surprised you're not nose-blind to all these things. Yes, I'm shocked you haven't noticed it before, Professor.
Legends of Avantris
Shadow Over Gauntsmouth | New Player D&D 5e One-Shot: Part 3
It's not hard to vomit from this horrible stench. to be beaconing from this incredible, severe darkness that seems almost supernatural.
Legends of Avantris
Shadow Over Gauntsmouth | New Player D&D 5e One-Shot: Part 3
What does that mean? Bullshit! Drah's going to start a book of grudges!
Legends of Avantris
Shadow Over Gauntsmouth | New Player D&D 5e One-Shot: Part 3
Taking off with a smelly dwarf!
Legends of Avantris
Shadow Over Gauntsmouth | New Player D&D 5e One-Shot: Part 3
I just, I... Pen to paper. I start writing in the... Are we just in the mouth of a... You're at the very top of the mouth.
Legends of Avantris
Shadow Over Gauntsmouth | New Player D&D 5e One-Shot: Part 3
As you look in, it is pitch black. Darker than you would expect it to be at this time of day. Almost as if by some supernatural means the stench from within is overpowering.
Legends of Avantris
Shadow Over Gauntsmouth | New Player D&D 5e One-Shot: Part 3
My exceptional vision seems to be failing me right now. Wait, is this the magical darkness, then? To any of my comrades who would see... It seems quite supernatural.
Legends of Avantris
Shadow Over Gauntsmouth | New Player D&D 5e One-Shot: Part 3
So even I am having trouble seeing through the dark. Gee, you are correct. Krah cannot see, and Krah never has trouble seeing.
Legends of Avantris
Shadow Over Gauntsmouth | New Player D&D 5e One-Shot: Part 3
Disperse it in any way Light it up.
Legends of Avantris
Shadow Over Gauntsmouth | New Player D&D 5e One-Shot: Part 3
We have any light Well, I was going to take light but doing character building everyone said Krah was stupid because he has night vision ha I don't want to point fingers, but it's definitely the smelly dwarf!
Legends of Avantris
Shadow Over Gauntsmouth | New Player D&D 5e One-Shot: Part 3
Does... does Azran... Does Azran still have the torch? I can relight the torch if you want. But he doesn't... he lights it as he sticks it into the mouth. Of the cave. Not the cave of the mouth.
Legends of Avantris
Shadow Over Gauntsmouth | New Player D&D 5e One-Shot: Part 3
The salmon cave? Literally, I can't help myself. I almost said it, too. The light around it seems to be totally swallowed. Do you see this?
Legends of Avantris
Shadow Over Gauntsmouth | New Player D&D 5e One-Shot: Part 3
I don't even... And tries to kill everyone. It's very similar. It's eerily similar, but that's neither here nor there, I guess, I suppose, at the moment. But I appreciate your forethought. Foreskin? Yes, I like your foreskin, Nikki.
Legends of Avantris
Shadow Over Gauntsmouth | New Player D&D 5e One-Shot: Part 3
The darkness seems to swallow the torchlight. Oh, shit. Let me take a look at my spells.
Legends of Avantris
Shadow Over Gauntsmouth | New Player D&D 5e One-Shot: Part 3
I don't think I have shit, but... I need everyone passive perception, please.
Legends of Avantris
Shadow Over Gauntsmouth | New Player D&D 5e One-Shot: Part 3
Passive is fucking 9. Passive is... Shout it out. Passive perception. What was yours? 15.
Legends of Avantris
Shadow Over Gauntsmouth | New Player D&D 5e One-Shot: Part 3
19. 19. It's the old reader, Ryder Rabbit over here.
Legends of Avantris
Shadow Over Gauntsmouth | New Player D&D 5e One-Shot: Part 3
Richard Ryder, Dick Ryder. Then, get this. As you all approach. Nova? You hear. Richard Ryder? A sound. The shuffling and scraping of, sounds like claw on stone.
Legends of Avantris
Shadow Over Gauntsmouth | New Player D&D 5e One-Shot: Part 3
As a number of different, a number of different sounds seem to be approaching.
Legends of Avantris
Shadow Over Gauntsmouth | New Player D&D 5e One-Shot: Part 3
Multiple different. Fuck. But you're right. That is the new cave of the mouth. Multiple different... As Professor just drives off at his Ford... Ford Winston.
Legends of Avantris
Shadow Over Gauntsmouth | New Player D&D 5e One-Shot: Part 3
I need to go back and figure out what you said when you were like, he gets in his vehicle and drives off.
Legends of Avantris
Shadow Over Gauntsmouth | New Player D&D 5e One-Shot: Part 3
He gets in his Ford Focus and drives away.
Legends of Avantris
Shadow Over Gauntsmouth | New Player D&D 5e One-Shot: Part 3
Give me the keys to the Jeep. You hear the scraping of claw and stone as if there's a number of different points of sound heading towards you.
Legends of Avantris
Shadow Over Gauntsmouth | New Player D&D 5e One-Shot: Part 3
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Legends of Avantris
Shadow Over Gauntsmouth | New Player D&D 5e One-Shot: Part 3
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Legends of Avantris
Shadow Over Gauntsmouth | New Player D&D 5e One-Shot: Part 3
That's it. Like, are we sitting on... I'll say you're at a path that leads directly towards that, and you're looking in. Are you trying to understand elevation? Yeah. So you're basically on level with this.
Legends of Avantris
Shadow Over Gauntsmouth | New Player D&D 5e One-Shot: Part 3
So does it sound like, and again, meta-knowledge out of character, does it sound like, to Reed, these creatures are climbing down the cliff face?
Legends of Avantris
Shadow Over Gauntsmouth | New Player D&D 5e One-Shot: Part 3
It sounds like they're coming from the cave. Okay. Alright. Um, Professor, only one of us heard this, though?
Legends of Avantris
Shadow Over Gauntsmouth | New Player D&D 5e One-Shot: Part 3
Only... That is all cave.
Legends of Avantris
Shadow Over Gauntsmouth | New Player D&D 5e One-Shot: Part 3
And only Vint has heard this.
Legends of Avantris
Shadow Over Gauntsmouth | New Player D&D 5e One-Shot: Part 3
Sorry, sorry, sorry. Only Vintis right now has heard it because of his passive perception. We haven't heard it. Professor, is it multiple different redundancy?
Legends of Avantris
Shadow Over Gauntsmouth | New Player D&D 5e One-Shot: Part 3
Multiple different things, Vintis. Isn't more than one different thing? You are all alerted. You are not... I didn't say the word different. You are not given... There's not a surprise round on you because Vin just noticed this.
Legends of Avantris
Shadow Over Gauntsmouth | New Player D&D 5e One-Shot: Part 3
As you hear the scraping and chilling, as you hear... Now all of you hear... As you are able to finally listen and you see reptilian shapes appear from the darkness and drop down as the stench increases and one creature starts to just... You hear...
Legends of Avantris
Shadow Over Gauntsmouth | New Player D&D 5e One-Shot: Part 3
as you see a flash of red from the magical darkness, and out of the darkness, still shrouded in this cave mouth, you see a horrible toad-looking abomination that looks wholly unnatural, and looks just as demonic as the insectoid creature that you saw. And everyone roll for initiative, and the stench nearly overwhelms all of you.
Legends of Avantris
Shadow Over Gauntsmouth | New Player D&D 5e One-Shot: Part 3
It needs to go first for everybody.
Legends of Avantris
Shadow Over Gauntsmouth | New Player D&D 5e One-Shot: Part 3
I think I wrote a natural 20 to fish. Wait, is it initiative?
Legends of Avantris
Shadow Over Gauntsmouth | New Player D&D 5e One-Shot: Part 3
No, I would have said he looks like Aquaman. You guys can pledge yourselves. That's significantly longer than I thought it was. That's what she said. Holy fuck. Every night. I'm impressed. I got to give you the fist bump there, brother. I'm a pro or not a pro. Dang. Well, fuck!
Legends of Avantris
Shadow Over Gauntsmouth | New Player D&D 5e One-Shot: Part 3
I think we're rich, and I won't kink-shame you.
Legends of Avantris
Shadow Over Gauntsmouth | New Player D&D 5e One-Shot: Part 3
I got a 17. I got a 15. 17 is Craw.
Legends of Avantris
Shadow Over Gauntsmouth | New Player D&D 5e One-Shot: Part 3
And 15 is Vaz. 15 is Vaz.
Legends of Avantris
Shadow Over Gauntsmouth | New Player D&D 5e One-Shot: Part 3
attend. Damn, you have not been rolling all initiative. But as long as initiative isn't that important, as long as you're rolling all your attacks, right?
Legends of Avantris
Shadow Over Gauntsmouth | New Player D&D 5e One-Shot: Part 3
Oh my god, is this F-Zero? Wait, this mutes it. You got it, dude. And if I can maintain concentration... Remember to hit the repeat button on the music.
Legends of Avantris
Shadow Over Gauntsmouth | New Player D&D 5e One-Shot: Part 3
Everybody loves this song. Every time it comes on, everybody's like, what is this? I love it. Are you freaking kidding me? Okay, as you see a number of humanoid-looking reptilian creatures with these large, pale eyes and dripping, slavering mouths looking at you, crawling along the walls. They look, they're not too far up.
Legends of Avantris
Shadow Over Gauntsmouth | New Player D&D 5e One-Shot: Part 3
from the ground as they're crawling, as this massive, demonic, fiendish-looking toad stomps towards you, as the stench is nearly overpowering. Willow, you are up, but at the start of your turn, the stench is so powerful, I need to make a constitution saving throw.
Legends of Avantris
Shadow Over Gauntsmouth | New Player D&D 5e One-Shot: Part 3
19, you pass it. You feel like you're going to be horrifically sick, but you manage to steel yourself against the stench. Is there no issue with obscurity at this point? They are crawling out of the magical darkness in this game. Okay, okay.
Legends of Avantris
Shadow Over Gauntsmouth | New Player D&D 5e One-Shot: Part 3
This one and this one. Got it.
Legends of Avantris
Shadow Over Gauntsmouth | New Player D&D 5e One-Shot: Part 3
Charisma troglodyte number one succeeds. Trollocluidite number two fails horrifically. And the Hezro also fails. So they're all, or those two are baned. Baned? The two in the back are baned. Do we need D4s to ban them? Yes. You want to put them on the two that are baned? I need a D4. The fire arises, brothers. It would be very painful. Okay, then turn them over. Say no! No!
Legends of Avantris
Shadow Over Gauntsmouth | New Player D&D 5e One-Shot: Part 3
So you see this glow in Shroudnum as they look like they're being held back by the blight of a ruined harvest. And with that, it is the creature's turn. That's what I said. No, that was me.
Legends of Avantris
Shadow Over Gauntsmouth | New Player D&D 5e One-Shot: Part 3
Oh, well, I'm sorry. I'm a bit slow. So are all your minis placed where you want them to be? Uh...
Legends of Avantris
Shadow Over Gauntsmouth | New Player D&D 5e One-Shot: Part 3
Everyone place their minis where they would be.
Legends of Avantris
Shadow Over Gauntsmouth | New Player D&D 5e One-Shot: Part 3
That's fine. I would have been next to Bargrim, ready for the battle. This toad creature lumbers forward and then gets into an all-out sprint, massive clawed arms, lumber forward, heading directly towards Vintas and Bargrim. And with that... Which one? The big one? The big fucker. Fuck. He's going to get direct linear into both here. As he's going to loom toward you.
Legends of Avantris
Shadow Over Gauntsmouth | New Player D&D 5e One-Shot: Part 3
As he's going to lean in for a... Minus a d4. Minus a d4. Got it. Got it. And even with magic resistance, he's still... Okay. He is going to bite on Barg... Actually, can you move him to the left towards Westerface? Towards Willow? Apologies.
Legends of Avantris
Shadow Over Gauntsmouth | New Player D&D 5e One-Shot: Part 3
He's still in range either way, right?
Legends of Avantris
Shadow Over Gauntsmouth | New Player D&D 5e One-Shot: Part 3
And he's going to sink his sharp tooth-like teeth. Barg is being attacked.
Legends of Avantris
Shadow Over Gauntsmouth | New Player D&D 5e One-Shot: Part 3
13 points of piercing damage as he sinks his... It hits with minus 4? Yep. It is very high. It's a 26 to hit. Minus 1, so he's dying. And then he's going to bring both of his claws to slice down on both of you. We'll see how he does. So we're gonna do, on Willow, minus the... 13 plus seven is 20, minus two is an 18. That hits. And so that is going to do... 11 points of slashing damage.
Legends of Avantris
Shadow Over Gauntsmouth | New Player D&D 5e One-Shot: Part 3
And on Ventus... Oh, wow. That is horrible, he misses. As you manage to dodge out of the way. And that is its turn. Bargher, you're up. Make a con saving joke, please. That kind of stuff really fucks my concentration shit. You feel horribly sick and you're poisoned until your next turn.
Legends of Avantris
Shadow Over Gauntsmouth | New Player D&D 5e One-Shot: Part 3
I'm just saying it makes it harder to maintain concentration. Your turn.
Legends of Avantris
Shadow Over Gauntsmouth | New Player D&D 5e One-Shot: Part 3
Okay, so you feel like you're going to puke, and then you hold it back.
Legends of Avantris
Shadow Over Gauntsmouth | New Player D&D 5e One-Shot: Part 3
Oh, old friend, I knew you were resistant to poison. You've reminded me. What I will say is...
Legends of Avantris
Shadow Over Gauntsmouth | New Player D&D 5e One-Shot: Part 3
I'm the Grudge against all fiends, and you're my mark! I'm going to use Channel Divinity to abjure enemy. It has to make a wisdom saving throw, and it's a fiend, so it has disadvantage on the saving throw. I don't even roll again because it's a natural one. Yeah, it fails. No one touch it! This one's mine! Clear the rest of them out! Its speed is zero, and it is frightened for a minute.
Legends of Avantris
Shadow Over Gauntsmouth | New Player D&D 5e One-Shot: Part 3
Until it takes damage. Okay! The clang of clang is so weird. echoes out, and this demon toad creature, its eyes go wide with horror as it looks at you, and it is petrified.
Legends of Avantris
Shadow Over Gauntsmouth | New Player D&D 5e One-Shot: Part 3
So, my question is, since I'm out of character next, I'm going next, would I understand that you're trying to tell me not to attack it? So I'm going to say, don't damage it in any way! He's held for now. You wouldn't have said that. I got what you were saying when you said your thing, but I'm saying, is Krah being a stupid... Motherfucker. Would he understand? I basically said, don't touch him.
Legends of Avantris
Shadow Over Gauntsmouth | New Player D&D 5e One-Shot: Part 3
I would say that as a travel algorithm, you'd understand.
Legends of Avantris
Shadow Over Gauntsmouth | New Player D&D 5e One-Shot: Part 3
Okay. Then Krah will know. Krah will say, I won't protect my friends!
Legends of Avantris
Shadow Over Gauntsmouth | New Player D&D 5e One-Shot: Part 3
So move me over to the one, to the, just, for my movement, I'm gonna move to that guy over there in the far corner there, just to get up and escape.
Legends of Avantris
Shadow Over Gauntsmouth | New Player D&D 5e One-Shot: Part 3
So his speed is zero. And... Nine to hit. Okay, he fails. He lunges out with a bite, but he's unable to move.
Legends of Avantris
Shadow Over Gauntsmouth | New Player D&D 5e One-Shot: Part 3
Wait, you feared the big guy? The big guy. So he basically told us all not to attack the big guy. Okay.
Legends of Avantris
Shadow Over Gauntsmouth | New Player D&D 5e One-Shot: Part 3
Alright. Okay. Okay, so you run over to Tron the Dyke. That's climbing on the wall, getting ready to hit him with his claws. And you're up. Crawl. Speed zero. Ah, fuck. Uh, just con.
Legends of Avantris
Shadow Over Gauntsmouth | New Player D&D 5e One-Shot: Part 3
Oh, you pass. That's pretty good. It's foul, but you pass, yeah. So I will, Kra will shout, Kra will protect Kra's friends! And I move up here. I use my bonus action to catch Dragon's Breath on myself. You do that. I shake the voodoo doll and touch my chest, and then I use my action to breathe acid damage in a 15-foot cone that direction.
Legends of Avantris
Shadow Over Gauntsmouth | New Player D&D 5e One-Shot: Part 3
So I'm casting it at a level 3, so it's going to be 4d6 plus 4. And you have to make a deck saving throw, I think. Yep, deck saving throw for both of those guys.
Legends of Avantris
Shadow Over Gauntsmouth | New Player D&D 5e One-Shot: Part 3
That's right, he was gonna pass and he doesn't pass.
Legends of Avantris
Shadow Over Gauntsmouth | New Player D&D 5e One-Shot: Part 3
17 plus 4 is 21 points of damage. Both of the troglodytes, what kind of damage is this?
Legends of Avantris
Shadow Over Gauntsmouth | New Player D&D 5e One-Shot: Part 3
Acid. You tap yourself and you channel the power of the ancient black dragon that you worship and you feel A-a-a sense of acid, and you see Craw breathe and bathe both of these reptilian creatures on the side of a wall in acid. They're unable to die, their eyes are wide, and they both immediately fall from the ground and get hit by the acid, twitching as they all die horribly from the acid.
Legends of Avantris
Shadow Over Gauntsmouth | New Player D&D 5e One-Shot: Part 3
Get away from the big guy!
Legends of Avantris
Shadow Over Gauntsmouth | New Player D&D 5e One-Shot: Part 3
And that is Krah's turn.
Legends of Avantris
Shadow Over Gauntsmouth | New Player D&D 5e One-Shot: Part 3
Okay. It is their turn. Both of them are heading directly towards you. Yeah, they're heading to Bargram. One of them is off the wall, and they both are going to attack you. And with that, the Troglodyte is going to do his multi-attack. One bite is going to be a horrible failure. The other one is going to be... One claw is going to be a horrible failure.
Legends of Avantris
Shadow Over Gauntsmouth | New Player D&D 5e One-Shot: Part 3
The other one is going to be a horrible failure. Okay. Come on. This is my good die. Whoa. There we go. Nineteen. Okay. Claw. Okay. Another claw. Okay. Okay. Uh, you manage to just fend off both of these troglodytes as they're clawing and biting at you, and you see Bargrim with his greataxe, uh, not getting buffed. I have a battleaxe and a shield. A battleaxe and a shield, that's right.
Legends of Avantris
Shadow Over Gauntsmouth | New Player D&D 5e One-Shot: Part 3
Okay, you're bashing off the shield and the battleaxe, and he's, he's defending. Con saving throw, please. Oh, well that's not good.
Legends of Avantris
Shadow Over Gauntsmouth | New Player D&D 5e One-Shot: Part 3
That's right, so make sure he gets 40 oath gold and all that stuff. We don't want to be cheating the professor.
Legends of Avantris
Shadow Over Gauntsmouth | New Player D&D 5e One-Shot: Part 3
Boss, as you're getting ready, the stench overwhelms you and you throw up a bit. You are poisoned until your next turn.
Legends of Avantris
Shadow Over Gauntsmouth | New Player D&D 5e One-Shot: Part 3
But you may still take your turn.
Legends of Avantris
Shadow Over Gauntsmouth | New Player D&D 5e One-Shot: Part 3
You can still take your turn. Oh, what poison?
Legends of Avantris
Shadow Over Gauntsmouth | New Player D&D 5e One-Shot: Part 3
You're just disadvantaged on attack rolls. And you may take some damage over time or something.
Legends of Avantris
Shadow Over Gauntsmouth | New Player D&D 5e One-Shot: Part 3
Uh, no, you're disadvantaged on attack rolls and deadly checks, that's it.
Legends of Avantris
Shadow Over Gauntsmouth | New Player D&D 5e One-Shot: Part 3
Okay. Yeah, until your next turn.
Legends of Avantris
Shadow Over Gauntsmouth | New Player D&D 5e One-Shot: Part 3
That was 25 feet. Yeah, that's plenty. Well, yeah, I mean, that's throwing a line, so you're good there, right?
Legends of Avantris
Shadow Over Gauntsmouth | New Player D&D 5e One-Shot: Part 3
Nice. Yeah, you do that.
Legends of Avantris
Shadow Over Gauntsmouth | New Player D&D 5e One-Shot: Part 3
Yeah, you do that. Because that won't be affected by disadvantage shit, right? Nope. They make it like a dex saving throw. They do.
Legends of Avantris
Shadow Over Gauntsmouth | New Player D&D 5e One-Shot: Part 3
It's in a line or cone. One of them is going to succeed. If he's close enough, that's probably not in the fire, I would say. Because the cone starts like, yeah, it's like, and then it spreads out. It's a little yanky, but... In here it would have been different because it would have been one, two, three.
Legends of Avantris
Shadow Over Gauntsmouth | New Player D&D 5e One-Shot: Part 3
Nine? Nine points of damage. Wait, plus anything or no? No. So you lean forward, you see a bright orange light emerge from his mouth. As he is alive, there's a jet of flame blast out. One managed to dodge. However, let's see. And then what are those numbers? Four and three. Four and three. So a three is going to two. as they both get sinned. One managed to dodge out of the way.
Legends of Avantris
Shadow Over Gauntsmouth | New Player D&D 5e One-Shot: Part 3
However, the other one is looking rough as he gets the full brunt of this attack. He's looking rough. Anything else you're going to do, boss?
Legends of Avantris
Shadow Over Gauntsmouth | New Player D&D 5e One-Shot: Part 3
Okay, G, you're up. Can you bonus attack the guy? Can I, am I the only one that can bonus attack? Uh, yeah, that's generally my favorite. Probably.
Legends of Avantris
Shadow Over Gauntsmouth | New Player D&D 5e One-Shot: Part 3
Cry, you know that's not right, right? What? That's not right, man.
Legends of Avantris
Shadow Over Gauntsmouth | New Player D&D 5e One-Shot: Part 3
Right, so when you use your dragon's breath, you forego your attacks, yeah.
Legends of Avantris
Shadow Over Gauntsmouth | New Player D&D 5e One-Shot: Part 3
Uh, if I stand here, can I flame breath the two of them? What's the range on that? It's a 30. But I mean, can I just hit? Would they be in a cone together?
Legends of Avantris
Shadow Over Gauntsmouth | New Player D&D 5e One-Shot: Part 3
You might risk hitting your teammates, but you can try. But if you can get back far enough, what's the range on that?
Legends of Avantris
Shadow Over Gauntsmouth | New Player D&D 5e One-Shot: Part 3
It's 30 feet, but it's a width of 5 feet.
Legends of Avantris
Shadow Over Gauntsmouth | New Player D&D 5e One-Shot: Part 3
You should be able to get back enough where you can probably get there. Yeah, and hit both of them. And right past Bargram. I would say that's fine.
Legends of Avantris
Shadow Over Gauntsmouth | New Player D&D 5e One-Shot: Part 3
Okay. I flame up my fist and fire off my phoenix punch at him.
Legends of Avantris
Shadow Over Gauntsmouth | New Player D&D 5e One-Shot: Part 3
His one left leg talons, other left talon, they clack against the stone floor, and you see flame erupt around his clenched hand, and he punches forward, and a swirling phoenix erupts from it, arcing forward. And what do I got to do?
Legends of Avantris
Shadow Over Gauntsmouth | New Player D&D 5e One-Shot: Part 3
Deck saving throw. Number three gets a 12. And then a 14 for number four.
Legends of Avantris
Shadow Over Gauntsmouth | New Player D&D 5e One-Shot: Part 3
It's 14 to save. So I rolled 17 damage in total. So the one that got 14 takes half. The one that got 12 takes... Doesn't matter.
Legends of Avantris
Shadow Over Gauntsmouth | New Player D&D 5e One-Shot: Part 3
You hear, Cray is... flame erupts, and both of them are unable to withstand as they both singe alive. Their eyes burst from the heat as they fall to the ground dead. God, dang. Okay. Make it constant. Dang.
Legends of Avantris
Shadow Over Gauntsmouth | New Player D&D 5e One-Shot: Part 3
That would not have made it. Right, right, right. Bargain's not going to get his chance to 1v1 this bitch.
Legends of Avantris
Shadow Over Gauntsmouth | New Player D&D 5e One-Shot: Part 3
Ten. Ten. You fail and you're pulling until your next turn, but it wouldn't have mattered. Vince got nobody else to attack. As you puke up a little bit, Vince is here. Kill him now. There's only one target left. Yeah. Prez is like, kill the demon, kill the demon, kill the demon.
Legends of Avantris
Shadow Over Gauntsmouth | New Player D&D 5e One-Shot: Part 3
Yeah, I know you wanted this one, but... No, I just didn't want it to move. You can't save all the fun for yourself.
Legends of Avantris
Shadow Over Gauntsmouth | New Player D&D 5e One-Shot: Part 3
My cursing draconic.
Legends of Avantris
Shadow Over Gauntsmouth | New Player D&D 5e One-Shot: Part 3
If he can't move a 9, it does not change his AC. His AC is 16.
Legends of Avantris
Shadow Over Gauntsmouth | New Player D&D 5e One-Shot: Part 3
I vote we use one of our Twist of Fate. If it's okay with the rest of the party. For what?
Legends of Avantris
Shadow Over Gauntsmouth | New Player D&D 5e One-Shot: Part 3
All right. Three rolls attack roll. Any other time we're gonna use it.
Legends of Avantris
Shadow Over Gauntsmouth | New Player D&D 5e One-Shot: Part 3
We have two choices to make. I mean, it's up to you guys. Use it. We haven't used it so far. We're 75% away from this thing.
Legends of Avantris
Shadow Over Gauntsmouth | New Player D&D 5e One-Shot: Part 3
I hear him in a very offended... She blushes. I turn the color of my fire-bloomed tail.
Legends of Avantris
Shadow Over Gauntsmouth | New Player D&D 5e One-Shot: Part 3
Use it. But no, but please tell me. I just said use it. We're all the freaking baddies. Use it.
Legends of Avantris
Shadow Over Gauntsmouth | New Player D&D 5e One-Shot: Part 3
One in 400. So you ignite your flame, this green, you ignite your blade in this green flame, and unfortunately, despite the gods of fate being in your favor, it does not, it just singes this massive, thick, natural demonic armor.
Legends of Avantris
Shadow Over Gauntsmouth | New Player D&D 5e One-Shot: Part 3
I voted for you. I know.
Legends of Avantris
Shadow Over Gauntsmouth | New Player D&D 5e One-Shot: Part 3
And with that, Should I do a conceding throw? Yeah.
Legends of Avantris
Shadow Over Gauntsmouth | New Player D&D 5e One-Shot: Part 3
That's good enough.
Legends of Avantris
Shadow Over Gauntsmouth | New Player D&D 5e One-Shot: Part 3
Yeah, you pass. You overcome it. Willow, you're up.
Legends of Avantris
Shadow Over Gauntsmouth | New Player D&D 5e One-Shot: Part 3
Radiant damage. As you say a prayer to Shantia and this radiating autumnal glow blasts out and lets out this as he almost throws up as the radiant light singes and splashes as he hisses back at you. He seems to be quite weak to it. With that, is that your turn?
Legends of Avantris
Shadow Over Gauntsmouth | New Player D&D 5e One-Shot: Part 3
Nice. Okay. Fuck yeah. Jack them up.
Legends of Avantris
Shadow Over Gauntsmouth | New Player D&D 5e One-Shot: Part 3
Damn. It seems to do quite a bit. As he, as he hits it, and it looks like this horrible guttural croak, as the radiant damage sinches his flesh, and it bubbles and ruptures. And a monster's two is dead.
Legends of Avantris
Shadow Over Gauntsmouth | New Player D&D 5e One-Shot: Part 3
She was maintaining integrity.
Legends of Avantris
Shadow Over Gauntsmouth | New Player D&D 5e One-Shot: Part 3
There's the point. Because he's made a reaction anyway, so... Oh, yeah. So anyway, what does that do for your business? So it's broken. Is that frightened? No, that's not frightened. So he's no longer frightened as he is going to... He's gonna stand right there. He's gonna go in for a bite attack. It's gonna be a 19, but he's Bane still. 19 out of 15.
Legends of Avantris
Shadow Over Gauntsmouth | New Player D&D 5e One-Shot: Part 3
It looks like he's gonna hit you with his horrible toad-like mouth. Minus 4?
Legends of Avantris
Shadow Over Gauntsmouth | New Player D&D 5e One-Shot: Part 3
Man, just hold him back. Bane is so fucking good, dude. And he's gonna go in with his claw attack. That's gonna be a 21. Minus 1 is a 20. That'll hit you, Willow. Oh my god. Seven points of slashing damage, and he's going to slice around to you, Aventus. That is gonna be 17 plus 24 minus three. Nice. That'll hit regardless, buddy, you'll uncanny dodge this. 11 points of slash damage. Nice. Half.
Legends of Avantris
Shadow Over Gauntsmouth | New Player D&D 5e One-Shot: Part 3
And that's a turn. Okay, with that, Borgren, con saving goes. Is 11 already halved?
Legends of Avantris
Shadow Over Gauntsmouth | New Player D&D 5e One-Shot: Part 3
So you hack and you hack into this demon as he's looking rough. Move me up next to Ventus and Willow, please. Okay. You run up to be by your squishier allies and you're holding your great shield. Crawl your outcome saving throw.
Legends of Avantris
Shadow Over Gauntsmouth | New Player D&D 5e One-Shot: Part 3
Shit, not good. I don't think I pass. I will check, sorry, sorry, sorry. Con is gonna be plus two, so seven.
Legends of Avantris
Shadow Over Gauntsmouth | New Player D&D 5e One-Shot: Part 3
Seven, so you are poisoned.
Legends of Avantris
Shadow Over Gauntsmouth | New Player D&D 5e One-Shot: Part 3
I don't take damage though, correct? No, so you're poisoned, so it's a tackle and an ability check. So what's the second one? Ability checks. Okay, doesn't matter. So all I do is breathe in. I immediately turn from the two that I just killed. I breathe in and I breathe acid out, so it's gonna be a dex 15 saving throw on the big guy.
Legends of Avantris
Shadow Over Gauntsmouth | New Player D&D 5e One-Shot: Part 3
I have two good friends. Just two. Yes, you do. Yes. Who are your two good friends?
Legends of Avantris
Shadow Over Gauntsmouth | New Player D&D 5e One-Shot: Part 3
Oh, no, with Bane, yeah, it's a horrible fail with Bane. So you have to decide whether or not Voss is within 15. It's a 15 cone. I'd be aiming at this direction to not hit R3 to it.
Legends of Avantris
Shadow Over Gauntsmouth | New Player D&D 5e One-Shot: Part 3
Yeah, I would say it's barely that you dodge out of the way. Damn, I rolled almost max damage. That's pretty crazy. So 11 plus 4, 11 plus 8 is 19, plus 4 is 23. 23 points of damage. Damn. Acid.
Legends of Avantris
Shadow Over Gauntsmouth | New Player D&D 5e One-Shot: Part 3
As you breathe in, and once again, you breathe in, acid coats this demon. He's looking very rough. You see that his horrible fiendish flesh is bubbling. He's looking horribly rough. Krah, the brave does not move. He stands fast. And with that, Boz, you're up. Count saving drop. How is he looking right now?
Legends of Avantris
Shadow Over Gauntsmouth | New Player D&D 5e One-Shot: Part 3
He's looking rough.
Legends of Avantris
Shadow Over Gauntsmouth | New Player D&D 5e One-Shot: Part 3
23 points of damage wasn't enough. Wow. I'm shitting damage, too. I'm going to play a Sorcerer in Prime, too. You guys all heard it here first.
Legends of Avantris
Shadow Over Gauntsmouth | New Player D&D 5e One-Shot: Part 3
It wouldn't be polite for Krat to say. They're not, Jesus. I hope that once this is all said and done, that we can be friends.
Legends of Avantris
Shadow Over Gauntsmouth | New Player D&D 5e One-Shot: Part 3
Sorry. As you slice in, he rears back. He's holding on, barely. Not barely, but enough.
Legends of Avantris
Shadow Over Gauntsmouth | New Player D&D 5e One-Shot: Part 3
Oh, the tushy tickler. Holy smokes.
Legends of Avantris
Shadow Over Gauntsmouth | New Player D&D 5e One-Shot: Part 3
Okay? Yeah. So you slice into it, and as your first glaive attack slashes it, and its long tongue rolls out, you grab it, and you swing it around. It wraps around its neck, and you pull, and its eyes burst out of its skull as it pops, and this sickening crack as the neck snaps, as this demonic force, the life goes out, and the darkness fades from the cavern, the magical darkness. The stench,
Legends of Avantris
Shadow Over Gauntsmouth | New Player D&D 5e One-Shot: Part 3
Drops. Still smells foul, but it seems that all these four lizard creatures and this frog all had this horrible stench that they were exuding in life. Can we see? Is it still magical darkness?
Legends of Avantris
Shadow Over Gauntsmouth | New Player D&D 5e One-Shot: Part 3
Is that a drop? Drops. I am using the last three of my sorcerer points to restore a third level spell slot. Okay.
Legends of Avantris
Shadow Over Gauntsmouth | New Player D&D 5e One-Shot: Part 3
You channel your sorceress origin and you... You regain that magic power.
Legends of Avantris
Shadow Over Gauntsmouth | New Player D&D 5e One-Shot: Part 3
I've just been doing it, I'm just letting you know.
Legends of Avantris
Shadow Over Gauntsmouth | New Player D&D 5e One-Shot: Part 3
You look in and you see as the magical darkness drops, you see the light from the remaining bits of sunset catch on rubies deep into the cave, remove all the rest of that. Wait, this direction? The whole thing? All of it. Get rid of it. You look ahead as you walk forward, the magical darkness dropping. You see a massive...
Legends of Avantris
Shadow Over Gauntsmouth | New Player D&D 5e One-Shot: Part 3
And he pukes onto the ground again. What is this? I will explain. You all step in. I think I know. You probably do. As you look in, you see a large cavernous space that opens up and splits into two smaller sides. On one side to your right, the glint of light catches it. A beautiful, massive pile of... Coins. Gold. Silver. Platinum. Copper. Maybe even an Electrum piece.
Legends of Avantris
Shadow Over Gauntsmouth | New Player D&D 5e One-Shot: Part 3
And Krah does have room for one more friend, and only one more friend.
Legends of Avantris
Shadow Over Gauntsmouth | New Player D&D 5e One-Shot: Part 3
I'll immediately admit it was not what I thought it was. Okay. Wait, what did you say? Maybe even a what? A massive pile of coins. He made a joke. Electrum is a piece of currency that no one uses.
Legends of Avantris
Shadow Over Gauntsmouth | New Player D&D 5e One-Shot: Part 3
Electrum doesn't use in any fanchers, so they're actually not Electrum.
Legends of Avantris
Shadow Over Gauntsmouth | New Player D&D 5e One-Shot: Part 3
It's a joke. So ten coppers, one silver, ten silvers, one gold, one gold is ten platinum. Where does Electrum come into play? It's five. It's in between gold and silver. So I guess they added Electrum to try to make, like, making change.
Legends of Avantris
Shadow Over Gauntsmouth | New Player D&D 5e One-Shot: Part 3
Electrum is a real thing, but it doesn't exist in Evantris.
Legends of Avantris
Shadow Over Gauntsmouth | New Player D&D 5e One-Shot: Part 3
And so you see a massive pile of coins and strange trinkets, occasional weapons pointing out. But then your gaze is drawn towards the thing in the other side of this chamber. A massive statue.
Legends of Avantris
Shadow Over Gauntsmouth | New Player D&D 5e One-Shot: Part 3
I'm going to move this in the wrong direction.
Legends of Avantris
Shadow Over Gauntsmouth | New Player D&D 5e One-Shot: Part 3
Of this horrible black stone. Almost oily. And it's... Just to look at. As you see that it's carved into the effigy of a horrific looking beast. Sitting with its knees up.
Legends of Avantris
Shadow Over Gauntsmouth | New Player D&D 5e One-Shot: Part 3
As its knees are up, you see a creature that has a massive simian torso.
Legends of Avantris
Shadow Over Gauntsmouth | New Player D&D 5e One-Shot: Part 3
Let's just see what happens.
Legends of Avantris
Shadow Over Gauntsmouth | New Player D&D 5e One-Shot: Part 3
With two large heads that seem to be in the shape of mandrills.
Legends of Avantris
Shadow Over Gauntsmouth | New Player D&D 5e One-Shot: Part 3
Yeah, I see it now.
Legends of Avantris
Shadow Over Gauntsmouth | New Player D&D 5e One-Shot: Part 3
And each of their eyes is a glinting Red ruby. You see the creature with its knees, however, is not... Ape-like.
Legends of Avantris
Shadow Over Gauntsmouth | New Player D&D 5e One-Shot: Part 3
It's a red gem, and its knees are pulled up, are not, however, ape-like or simian at all, but saurian, dinosaur-like, reptilian, scaling, with clawed toes. You see arms that seem to start with the shoulders, like apes, but then extend out and split into tentacles.
Legends of Avantris
Shadow Over Gauntsmouth | New Player D&D 5e One-Shot: Part 3
I don't like this at all. No, this is not cool.
Legends of Avantris
Shadow Over Gauntsmouth | New Player D&D 5e One-Shot: Part 3
And a tail that arcs up behind and splits into two, almost like two snaking snake tails. Does this look like a creature or like a statue?
Legends of Avantris
Shadow Over Gauntsmouth | New Player D&D 5e One-Shot: Part 3
It's very clearly a statue.
Legends of Avantris
Shadow Over Gauntsmouth | New Player D&D 5e One-Shot: Part 3
Okay. We shall see. Professor Azran looks in and his eyes go wide and he immediately starts stepping forward.
Legends of Avantris
Shadow Over Gauntsmouth | New Player D&D 5e One-Shot: Part 3
We can see that... No, no, allow the Professor to go first.
Legends of Avantris
Shadow Over Gauntsmouth | New Player D&D 5e One-Shot: Part 3
That's right. I'd also like to move up next. This will be a bargain.
Legends of Avantris
Shadow Over Gauntsmouth | New Player D&D 5e One-Shot: Part 3
Actually move your pieces where they should be. Well, I'm going to hang back. You can do what you'd like, but I'm going to hang back.
Legends of Avantris
Shadow Over Gauntsmouth | New Player D&D 5e One-Shot: Part 3
Hey, E.G. Mitchell, thanks for hanging out. I'd also like to note to the healer and the team that I'm quite rough, even though I didn't take any damage in that fight. been hit by.
Legends of Avantris
Shadow Over Gauntsmouth | New Player D&D 5e One-Shot: Part 3
I think it was just an exciting time, you know? You broke Andy.
Legends of Avantris
Shadow Over Gauntsmouth | New Player D&D 5e One-Shot: Part 3
You, as you take this time to investigate, you all enjoy a short rest. Oh, sweet. You can use your hit dice how you would. Do we show temporary hit points? They don't heal you. Short rests don't heal you. You can use your hit dice. A short rest allows you to.
Legends of Avantris
Shadow Over Gauntsmouth | New Player D&D 5e One-Shot: Part 3
Alright, so here we go. DM, please. Master rules. Okay. Okay, so your hit die is a D8, so you have a certain amount of hit dice.
Legends of Avantris
Shadow Over Gauntsmouth | New Player D&D 5e One-Shot: Part 3
I would recommend everyone just use all your hit dice.
Legends of Avantris
Shadow Over Gauntsmouth | New Player D&D 5e One-Shot: Part 3
So here's the idea, right? At this point, if you need to heal, just use them.
Legends of Avantris
Shadow Over Gauntsmouth | New Player D&D 5e One-Shot: Part 3
During a short rest, hit dice allow you to heal. You can use any number of them. Yes, you can use any number of them. On a long rest, you gain half of them rounded up back. So the idea is on a short rest, it's a way for you to heal if you don't have potions. Because you're taking the time to rest, steady yourself, right?
Legends of Avantris
Shadow Over Gauntsmouth | New Player D&D 5e One-Shot: Part 3
And everybody's hit dice is going to be different based on your class or what your constitution modifier is. But if you need to heal at this point and you've never used any hit dice, you might as well...
Legends of Avantris
Shadow Over Gauntsmouth | New Player D&D 5e One-Shot: Part 3
Top off. Do you cap hit dice?
Legends of Avantris
Shadow Over Gauntsmouth | New Player D&D 5e One-Shot: Part 3
You broke him. Here are the three best friends anyone has ever had are charging through the arcane door as we speak and we move onward.
Legends of Avantris
Shadow Over Gauntsmouth | New Player D&D 5e One-Shot: Part 3
I'm a little tankier. So you have 6 d8s to roll during this short rest to heal up.
Legends of Avantris
Shadow Over Gauntsmouth | New Player D&D 5e One-Shot: Part 3
So roll a d8, or two, or three, and for each one of those, add a compound. Because the idea is that you're going to regain half of them rounded up, or rounded down, each day. Rounded down. Half of them rounded down each day. So at this point, we've been adventuring all day. We're getting close to the night.
Legends of Avantris
Shadow Over Gauntsmouth | New Player D&D 5e One-Shot: Part 3
If you want to metagame it, you know you're going to get a long rest soon, provided you survive. You might as well top off. They ain't going to do you any good when you're dead. Everyone should go into this fall. I would just like to point out that Krah has not taken a single point of damage today. Just wait and see. Not a single hit. That was my first hit.
Legends of Avantris
Shadow Over Gauntsmouth | New Player D&D 5e One-Shot: Part 3
Professor Azran walks up to this statue and he stands about 15 feet back as he flips over a blank page and he begins to sketch this thing.
Legends of Avantris
Shadow Over Gauntsmouth | New Player D&D 5e One-Shot: Part 3
Well, while he does that, I ponder a lot.
Legends of Avantris
Shadow Over Gauntsmouth | New Player D&D 5e One-Shot: Part 3
And when have we ever taken anything that Vaas has to say at face value?
Legends of Avantris
Shadow Over Gauntsmouth | New Player D&D 5e One-Shot: Part 3
He was right about the fiends. Was he? We just encountered fiends.
Legends of Avantris
Shadow Over Gauntsmouth | New Player D&D 5e One-Shot: Part 3
Well, I think he also knew they were in, like, towards the temple.
Legends of Avantris
Shadow Over Gauntsmouth | New Player D&D 5e One-Shot: Part 3
He could not locate the direction.
Legends of Avantris
Shadow Over Gauntsmouth | New Player D&D 5e One-Shot: Part 3
He just knew within a mile.
Legends of Avantris
Shadow Over Gauntsmouth | New Player D&D 5e One-Shot: Part 3
Specifically the direction, he can tell within a mile whether there is one. Okay, okay.
Legends of Avantris
Shadow Over Gauntsmouth | New Player D&D 5e One-Shot: Part 3
While he's going for the money, I'd like to fly around the room and see if I can tell anything around the walls and the general room.
Legends of Avantris
Shadow Over Gauntsmouth | New Player D&D 5e One-Shot: Part 3
You fly around and you see that there are small holes kind of pockmarked all around. The stone of this chamber is wet with sea spray and ocean. And what was that? I got a one. A one.
Legends of Avantris
Shadow Over Gauntsmouth | New Player D&D 5e One-Shot: Part 3
So you roll around and you start to kind of dig through a little bit and you start to just see coins, handfuls of coins, and then you hear a loud roar booming out from behind you. Great. And you hear the flapping of wings beat. up behind you.
Legends of Avantris
Shadow Over Gauntsmouth | New Player D&D 5e One-Shot: Part 3
Cascos, do you think that's it? You hear a loud from outside of where you can see. As you see a shape, a shade that enters the cave. And... as it completely shades the entrance of this narrowing of the passage. And you see a glint of bronze as the final rays of sunset catch on the bronze scale as a huge bronze dragon enters the chamber.
Legends of Avantris
Shadow Over Gauntsmouth | New Player D&D 5e One-Shot: Part 3
Yes, gee, best pal, you go first, my friend. Yes, excellent. All right, gee, let's do it. But while you go first, maybe you let the professor go first of all.
Legends of Avantris
Shadow Over Gauntsmouth | New Player D&D 5e One-Shot: Part 3
And you look and you see it as the dragon enters and surveys.
Legends of Avantris
Shadow Over Gauntsmouth | New Player D&D 5e One-Shot: Part 3
Greetings, Kassagos. My name is G. Firebloom. You're an extremely handsome dragon. Can I immediately cower behind Willow? Put me in front of the professor.
Legends of Avantris
Shadow Over Gauntsmouth | New Player D&D 5e One-Shot: Part 3
These are my traveling companions. He's coming from this way. Oh, I apologize. Oh, well then I'm cowering the completely wrong direction.
Legends of Avantris
Shadow Over Gauntsmouth | New Player D&D 5e One-Shot: Part 3
I'm cowering directly in front of the dragon. As you say that, it looks at you as it tilts its head. That has a strange lilt to it. Are you fucking kidding me? As you look as this massive... bronze dragon very clearly.
Legends of Avantris
Shadow Over Gauntsmouth | New Player D&D 5e One-Shot: Part 3
As sprouting off the side where its head is looking at you, you see almost as very easy to see from the anatomy of a dragon where a head would normally come is a scarred Wound, as if the head was severed.
Legends of Avantris
Shadow Over Gauntsmouth | New Player D&D 5e One-Shot: Part 3
We all see this. You all see this. Can I begin to scream? You may. No! No! No! No! Even for the horrible bronze dragons, this is not right!
Legends of Avantris
Shadow Over Gauntsmouth | New Player D&D 5e One-Shot: Part 3
No, Warren. The reason we're being paid this oath gold is to protect the professor. No, but he knows so much. He's so intelligent. Would any of this pertain to a short rest?
Legends of Avantris
Shadow Over Gauntsmouth | New Player D&D 5e One-Shot: Part 3
And I am fucking booking it. I am like...
Legends of Avantris
Shadow Over Gauntsmouth | New Player D&D 5e One-Shot: Part 3
Good dragon, we've heard much, sir. We've heard about your wonderful great deeds. His head thing is very obvious. It's absurdly obvious. It looks at you. His eyes narrow all over you. It's like, the great deeds, yes!
Legends of Avantris
Shadow Over Gauntsmouth | New Player D&D 5e One-Shot: Part 3
And it lets out a massive roar. And I give everyone a roll for initiative as it lunges towards you. Oh my god.
Legends of Avantris
Shadow Over Gauntsmouth | New Player D&D 5e One-Shot: Part 3
And with that, the initiative is the worst. Natural 20.
Legends of Avantris
Shadow Over Gauntsmouth | New Player D&D 5e One-Shot: Part 3
Oh, I've been getting real.
Legends of Avantris
Shadow Over Gauntsmouth | New Player D&D 5e One-Shot: Part 3
Well, still, I'll roll.
Legends of Avantris
Shadow Over Gauntsmouth | New Player D&D 5e One-Shot: Part 3
I boo for Rich. Boo. I'm kidding, I'm kidding. I'm going to roll initiative for Tyler. He gets a four.
Legends of Avantris
Shadow Over Gauntsmouth | New Player D&D 5e One-Shot: Part 3
15. 19 and 15. What do you got? Ooh, ooh. 10 and 15. 9. G got a nine. I got a nine. Vaz got a four. Yeah, four. Willow, what did you get? Apologies. Fifteen. Fifteen. G, Vaz, Vince, what did you get? Eight. Eight. Holy shit.
Legends of Avantris
Shadow Over Gauntsmouth | New Player D&D 5e One-Shot: Part 3
Vince is here before Vaz.
Legends of Avantris
Shadow Over Gauntsmouth | New Player D&D 5e One-Shot: Part 3
Yeah. Oh, fuck. God damn it. He goes first. After Bobroom. Oh, wait, who's over there? Oh, Bobroom.
Legends of Avantris
Shadow Over Gauntsmouth | New Player D&D 5e One-Shot: Part 3
You've all enjoyed a short rest. Thank fucking god. That's making me waste my fucking spell slots on bullshit so I don't drown it down.
Legends of Avantris
Shadow Over Gauntsmouth | New Player D&D 5e One-Shot: Part 3
Okay, Bargrim, as this dragon looks at you with a lilted head, seeing where its natural head would emerge is a horrible scarred wound. This other head looks at you with wild eyes after calling out that you would be a sacrifice to Demogorgon, the Prince of Demons.
Legends of Avantris
Shadow Over Gauntsmouth | New Player D&D 5e One-Shot: Part 3
Do you still think that it's just a battle wound? I mean, does Bargain honestly think that? Is it obvious that it had... Well, not now, obviously. He said he worships a demon, but obviously not now.
Legends of Avantris
Shadow Over Gauntsmouth | New Player D&D 5e One-Shot: Part 3
Is it no longer the dragon's head? Is it a different head?
Legends of Avantris
Shadow Over Gauntsmouth | New Player D&D 5e One-Shot: Part 3
Well, that's what we don't really know.
Legends of Avantris
Shadow Over Gauntsmouth | New Player D&D 5e One-Shot: Part 3
Biologically, there would be a head coming out of this normal thing. Where there would normally have been a head is now just this horrible, scarred point if it would have been severed. And then out of the side is the bronze dragon head that you're looking at.
Legends of Avantris
Shadow Over Gauntsmouth | New Player D&D 5e One-Shot: Part 3
So I will say what you're... So he's still got a head. You are dealing with imperfect information.
Legends of Avantris
Shadow Over Gauntsmouth | New Player D&D 5e One-Shot: Part 3
But he's not headless. Correct. But he's got a head and he's got a spike coming out of his... No, it's just a little... The head is tilted.
Legends of Avantris
Shadow Over Gauntsmouth | New Player D&D 5e One-Shot: Part 3
It's coming at an unnatural angle. The head is growing with this horrible scar where the natural head would look like it would be.
Legends of Avantris
Shadow Over Gauntsmouth | New Player D&D 5e One-Shot: Part 3
He has this head growing out at a weird angle.
Legends of Avantris
Shadow Over Gauntsmouth | New Player D&D 5e One-Shot: Part 3
Okay, got it. Yeah, okay.
Legends of Avantris
Shadow Over Gauntsmouth | New Player D&D 5e One-Shot: Part 3
Got it, yeah, yeah.
Legends of Avantris
Shadow Over Gauntsmouth | New Player D&D 5e One-Shot: Part 3
I am going to... Yes.
Legends of Avantris
Shadow Over Gauntsmouth | New Player D&D 5e One-Shot: Part 3
Do we know if this is an ancient dragon? I would say you can make intelligent advantage. I'll wait till my turn.
Legends of Avantris
Shadow Over Gauntsmouth | New Player D&D 5e One-Shot: Part 3
Casting is my bonus action to cast my Oath of Vengeance channel divinity with a vow of enmity, and I now have advantage on all attacks against him.
Legends of Avantris
Shadow Over Gauntsmouth | New Player D&D 5e One-Shot: Part 3
Azran opens the door as it slides open. And suddenly the breeze hits you. As if you've gone outdoors. And light shimmers through very faintly through the gloom. And as you open, you hear the roar of the sea. And you feel the cool air of the outside open. And Professor Azran looks up and he says, oh my. and the door opens, and you see that you are in a staircase. Don't need to open that quite yet.
Legends of Avantris
Shadow Over Gauntsmouth | New Player D&D 5e One-Shot: Part 3
So I'm going to whip out... Oh, you gotta move one up to me.
Legends of Avantris
Shadow Over Gauntsmouth | New Player D&D 5e One-Shot: Part 3
14 misses, a 29 does hit. Alright, alright. Yeah, five damage. Five damage. As one javelin clangs off the side of the other one, however it finds purpose, it pierces the scales and does not seem to do that much damage. As this massive beast looks at you and is unable to do anything with its reaction. With that, it's its turn. No, it's not its turn. It is... Pardon me.
Legends of Avantris
Shadow Over Gauntsmouth | New Player D&D 5e One-Shot: Part 3
As it's a later action turn, as it lets out the... Come, servants of Damagorin! And you hear a... As these two-headed snakes slither out of the small holes of the cavern. Oh no. And minions appear. Those are the holes I saw.
Legends of Avantris
Shadow Over Gauntsmouth | New Player D&D 5e One-Shot: Part 3
Those are the holes you saw. Oh, dear fucking god. And they slither out on the ground.
Legends of Avantris
Shadow Over Gauntsmouth | New Player D&D 5e One-Shot: Part 3
The beast is upon me! The beast! As they all slither down to each of you, and we're just going to get a quick... Both of the bites are going to hit alt-attack all at once. And with that, I'm going... Where are my sea serpents here? We are going to get Willow first with a 13. Miss is on Willow.
Legends of Avantris
Shadow Over Gauntsmouth | New Player D&D 5e One-Shot: Part 3
We are going to get a 14 on Crawl. That's a miss?
Legends of Avantris
Shadow Over Gauntsmouth | New Player D&D 5e One-Shot: Part 3
Miss. We're going to get a 13 on G. No, miss. Bargrim.
Legends of Avantris
Shadow Over Gauntsmouth | New Player D&D 5e One-Shot: Part 3
Okay, here we go. On boss, it does hit. As both of the heads clamp into you, dealing a good amount of damage as I attempt to figure out what the fuck I'm doing. Okay, here we go. That is gonna deal eight points of piercing damage. Constitution saving throw, please. 10 plus 13. 13, you manage to pass, you're gonna take half of this damage.
Legends of Avantris
Shadow Over Gauntsmouth | New Player D&D 5e One-Shot: Part 3
Eight, 10, 13, half of 13, so you're gonna take six points of poison damage. As the venom seeps into you, you manage to resist a lot of it, but you do manage to resist it. And that is the lair action.
Legends of Avantris
Shadow Over Gauntsmouth | New Player D&D 5e One-Shot: Part 3
And with that, it's cross turn. So I would like to do what you suggested, intelligence at advantage, to see if I know if this is an ancient legendary dragon. Just straight int, oh wow, I rolled an 18 and a 19, so my int is going to be a minus two, so 17.
Legends of Avantris
Shadow Over Gauntsmouth | New Player D&D 5e One-Shot: Part 3
17, I would say with what you know about dragons, this dragon cannot hope to be amongst the ancient dragons that you know. It seems to be an adult.
Legends of Avantris
Shadow Over Gauntsmouth | New Player D&D 5e One-Shot: Part 3
Okay, so with that knowledge, I'll say nothing. I will cast a mirror image upon myself. Got it. And that's my turn.
Legends of Avantris
Shadow Over Gauntsmouth | New Player D&D 5e One-Shot: Part 3
So after gaining that information, and you also see, however, I'll give you this bit of information, that it seems to be moving a little bit slower. Crosses. With this check that seems to be moving a bit slower with not the same ferocity that whatever has been done to this creature has weakened it a bit. And then it crosses itself. You see multiple fucking craws appear in the same spaces now.
Legends of Avantris
Shadow Over Gauntsmouth | New Player D&D 5e One-Shot: Part 3
And Willow, you're up.
Legends of Avantris
Shadow Over Gauntsmouth | New Player D&D 5e One-Shot: Part 3
Okay. Here's what I'll say. If it was, Crawl would have been screaming to run, run, run, run, run, right? So I don't feel the need, right?
Legends of Avantris
Shadow Over Gauntsmouth | New Player D&D 5e One-Shot: Part 3
At this moment. It's not a...
Legends of Avantris
Shadow Over Gauntsmouth | New Player D&D 5e One-Shot: Part 3
Hey guys, it's Chill. It's not instant death.
Legends of Avantris
Shadow Over Gauntsmouth | New Player D&D 5e One-Shot: Part 3
It's not undead. But it's been corrupted by something. And it's not a fiend. It is a dragon. It is a dragon, but it's been corrupted by something. The king of demons, we can assume. The prince of demons. By Demogorgon, the prince of demons.
Legends of Avantris
Shadow Over Gauntsmouth | New Player D&D 5e One-Shot: Part 3
That fails. It dies horribly. You hear the tolling of the bells of the harvest as it... as both heads, their eyes pop out and it falls to the ground. And you can please push those aside towards, yeah. Keep those all in that pile.
Legends of Avantris
Shadow Over Gauntsmouth | New Player D&D 5e One-Shot: Part 3
And the Scarecrow holding the scythe slices both heads off the serpent and it slides down. I forgot I'm moving Professor Azran on layer action. And so he's like, oh, please protect me! And he's going to run towards the pile of gold moving 60 feet. That fucking shitter.
Legends of Avantris
Shadow Over Gauntsmouth | New Player D&D 5e One-Shot: Part 3
Jesus. Fuck this guy. Into the gold.
Legends of Avantris
Shadow Over Gauntsmouth | New Player D&D 5e One-Shot: Part 3
Yeah, he's gonna try to dive in.
Legends of Avantris
Shadow Over Gauntsmouth | New Player D&D 5e One-Shot: Part 3
Dive in. He's gonna screw McDuff. He's gonna literally screw McDuff. This makes me change a lot of how I feel about a lot of things in Prime.
Legends of Avantris
Shadow Over Gauntsmouth | New Player D&D 5e One-Shot: Part 3
And with that, he beats his wings. And he's going to use two lair actions. It would have done a lot of damage. He's doing a legendary action. Oh, what? Yep. Welcome to boss fights. As his wings beat, and he moves his full movement to be in between both of you. So one, two, so move. I can move myself and Willow. Let me just see how you move. Wing attack. Sorry.
Legends of Avantris
Shadow Over Gauntsmouth | New Player D&D 5e One-Shot: Part 3
He can move half his movement, which is... Pardon me, I'm sorry about this. So he can move 40 feet.
Legends of Avantris
Shadow Over Gauntsmouth | New Player D&D 5e One-Shot: Part 3
So he can move... Yeah, that's definitely... He gets hurt. He gets hurt.
Legends of Avantris
Shadow Over Gauntsmouth | New Player D&D 5e One-Shot: Part 3
Yeah. So he's directly in between all of them. Half his 40. Half his 40. Yep. Holy fuck. And he flies towards you. Using two of his legendary actions, but now... He should have done that earlier, but I'm not great at running boss combat. With that, it's Jay's turn.
Legends of Avantris
Shadow Over Gauntsmouth | New Player D&D 5e One-Shot: Part 3
You see that there, you step outside, and there's a large staircase. So we are physically outside. You step inside to what would have been a tower, but completely crumbled and ruined. And you get the sense that this may have been some sort of wizard arcane tower.
Legends of Avantris
Shadow Over Gauntsmouth | New Player D&D 5e One-Shot: Part 3
These snakes are certainly no match for us. Bagram, you remember the old ghost arena shuffle? Oh, how could I forget? I'm going to fly up into the air and onto the dragon's back.
Legends of Avantris
Shadow Over Gauntsmouth | New Player D&D 5e One-Shot: Part 3
You do that as you fly up with your wings effortless and you're fucking like 85 feet of movement and you land on the, with your talons, you try to land on the back of the dragon. Are you doing a dive bomb attack?
Legends of Avantris
Shadow Over Gauntsmouth | New Player D&D 5e One-Shot: Part 3
Hell yeah, I'm doing a dive bomb. Are you taking notes? This is how we took down the green dragon back in the old ghost arena days.
Legends of Avantris
Shadow Over Gauntsmouth | New Player D&D 5e One-Shot: Part 3
Out of character, I literally can't wait to get eaten in one bite.
Legends of Avantris
Shadow Over Gauntsmouth | New Player D&D 5e One-Shot: Part 3
Skywarden attack! And I fly down with my Skywarden attack.
Legends of Avantris
Shadow Over Gauntsmouth | New Player D&D 5e One-Shot: Part 3
15 misses. Okay. As you bring your quarterstaff down, it misses and clangs off the natural armor of this dragon. Okay, well, okay, okay.
Legends of Avantris
Shadow Over Gauntsmouth | New Player D&D 5e One-Shot: Part 3
I attack him again with a quarterstaff. 17.
Legends of Avantris
Shadow Over Gauntsmouth | New Player D&D 5e One-Shot: Part 3
17, that will hit. Okay, cool.
Legends of Avantris
Shadow Over Gauntsmouth | New Player D&D 5e One-Shot: Part 3
Nice. Eleven damage, and I would like to spend a ki point to attempt to stun this dragon. That's correct, you do that. It's going to use one of its legendary resistances. Oh for Christ's sake, fuck dragon. You bring death horn on its head as it uses one of its legendary three resistances.
Legends of Avantris
Shadow Over Gauntsmouth | New Player D&D 5e One-Shot: Part 3
as you smash it and it looks like it's going to knock it out and stun it, but it channels this horrible bullshit power of boss fights and Dungeons & Dragons to knock it stunned. But it only has two left. That's value. There's value there.
Legends of Avantris
Shadow Over Gauntsmouth | New Player D&D 5e One-Shot: Part 3
That was only my actions. You still have your bonus actions. Does that spend my ki point? Yes. Yeah, absolutely.
Legends of Avantris
Shadow Over Gauntsmouth | New Player D&D 5e One-Shot: Part 3
Using legendary action is crazy valuable.
Legends of Avantris
Shadow Over Gauntsmouth | New Player D&D 5e One-Shot: Part 3
We have a lot to talk about after this game. We have a lot to talk about.
Legends of Avantris
Shadow Over Gauntsmouth | New Player D&D 5e One-Shot: Part 3
I will follow up with an unarmed strike then. Doesn't hit. Now I'll spend a ki point to do another unarmed strike.
Legends of Avantris
Shadow Over Gauntsmouth | New Player D&D 5e One-Shot: Part 3
You're on his back, punching, punching.
Legends of Avantris
Shadow Over Gauntsmouth | New Player D&D 5e One-Shot: Part 3
Definitely doesn't hit.
Legends of Avantris
Shadow Over Gauntsmouth | New Player D&D 5e One-Shot: Part 3
It uses its legendary action.
Legends of Avantris
Shadow Over Gauntsmouth | New Player D&D 5e One-Shot: Part 3
How many ki points do you have?
Legends of Avantris
Shadow Over Gauntsmouth | New Player D&D 5e One-Shot: Part 3
It doesn't hit me. That's fine. Also welcome to Mikey's eternal frustration. I'm using only my good die today. Mikey has boss blue balls. Constant boss blue balls. I act the agility of the wind. And I float like a leaf. Ez is going to turn and you have all strategically placed yourselves. I don't know what you mean, dragon. Ez is going to turn to be in the line of both Bargrim and Vaas. Ez is...
Legends of Avantris
Shadow Over Gauntsmouth | New Player D&D 5e One-Shot: Part 3
But you look down at the cliffs, and there's rubble as half of a tower lay sitting upside down along the cliff of the sheath, directly beneath you. is the expanse of the ocean crashing up against the cliffs, and you look down at the stairway. Well, the stairs up have been completely destroyed.
Legends of Avantris
Shadow Over Gauntsmouth | New Player D&D 5e One-Shot: Part 3
It breathes in, and you see the crackling of lightning around its jaw, and it opens its massive mouth. It literally goes, and a massive line of lightning. Does it kill the two guys that are standing there next to it?
Legends of Avantris
Shadow Over Gauntsmouth | New Player D&D 5e One-Shot: Part 3
Yeah, it fries both of them. Yes, yep. I've already made that decision, so yeah, great. I bet. I'm great at boss combat. I fucking bet, Mike. Well, actually, the snake's also fucking done.
Legends of Avantris
Shadow Over Gauntsmouth | New Player D&D 5e One-Shot: Part 3
God damn it! So, this is on fucking point tonight.
Legends of Avantris
Shadow Over Gauntsmouth | New Player D&D 5e One-Shot: Part 3
Willow basically killed us. The two-headed snakes are immediately evaporated as both of you make dexterity saving throws. You fucking shits!
Legends of Avantris
Shadow Over Gauntsmouth | New Player D&D 5e One-Shot: Part 3
But you're still going to take half of this. Which is fine.
Legends of Avantris
Shadow Over Gauntsmouth | New Player D&D 5e One-Shot: Part 3
You're like one level shy of evasion. Really? I think seven is evasion.
Legends of Avantris
Shadow Over Gauntsmouth | New Player D&D 5e One-Shot: Part 3
Evasion, you say? That's a lot of dice.
Legends of Avantris
Shadow Over Gauntsmouth | New Player D&D 5e One-Shot: Part 3
Is Evasion complete, Dodge? So the idea is that, at least for rogues and probably monks, if you pass, you take no damage that happens. So dex saving throws are my favorite. As Vandross. 33, 39, 39, 40, 41, 51, 54 points of lightning damage halved.
Legends of Avantris
Shadow Over Gauntsmouth | New Player D&D 5e One-Shot: Part 3
27. 27, and this massive line of lightning blasts out. You both take half that. You're able to dodge it, but it fries you. Vincent, you're up.
Legends of Avantris
Shadow Over Gauntsmouth | New Player D&D 5e One-Shot: Part 3
17, that'll hit that snake. You fire the bow and it flies in, it pierces the snake, pins it to the ground. Seven damage? Plus sneak attack?
Legends of Avantris
Shadow Over Gauntsmouth | New Player D&D 5e One-Shot: Part 3
It says, both heads lull and die. So time out. So from what I, well, it doesn't matter anyway, but the idea is that at least my understanding of rogues is that if there's another enemy to that rogue within five feet, you're good to go.
Legends of Avantris
Shadow Over Gauntsmouth | New Player D&D 5e One-Shot: Part 3
Now, I don't know if arcane tricksters have something different, but the idea is that if you have an ally, so if the enemy of my enemy is within five feet, you still get sneak attack damage. But we can talk about that. Yes. It's death. So that's why you always look for teammates who are engaging the enemy you're fighting, because you get sneak attack damage.
Legends of Avantris
Shadow Over Gauntsmouth | New Player D&D 5e One-Shot: Part 3
Or the Kraws. Kraw's name is Kraw!
Legends of Avantris
Shadow Over Gauntsmouth | New Player D&D 5e One-Shot: Part 3
Oh, yeah, I am. You go run and sit next to all the Kraws. They're just shifting and moving. All four of them. As the dragon, uh, I don't even remember his name, Kalgos or whatever his name is. Kasagos. Kasagos. I can't remember my own fucking names. Thank you, G. Thank you, G. It's wings beat. I need the three of you to make a dexterity saving throw for me. Who's the three of you?
Legends of Avantris
Shadow Over Gauntsmouth | New Player D&D 5e One-Shot: Part 3
G, Bargrim, and Willow. Is Mace within ten feet of me, would you say? Yes. Add three.
Legends of Avantris
Shadow Over Gauntsmouth | New Player D&D 5e One-Shot: Part 3
There are stairs down leading toward the sea cliff, and you see a small path towards a small alcove in front of which are large number wrecked ships on huge rocks.
Legends of Avantris
Shadow Over Gauntsmouth | New Player D&D 5e One-Shot: Part 3
To whatever you rolled.
Legends of Avantris
Shadow Over Gauntsmouth | New Player D&D 5e One-Shot: Part 3
Oh, that three's gonna be valuable. He's still pumped it up. 13.
Legends of Avantris
Shadow Over Gauntsmouth | New Player D&D 5e One-Shot: Part 3
Might be okay. Venti. So both of you take 16 points of bludgeoning damage, and you're knocked prone. Who, me? And you are knocked off of the dragon as the wings knock you forward. You're both knocked prone as its wings blast you off, and it flies 40 feet towards you, Ventus.
Legends of Avantris
Shadow Over Gauntsmouth | New Player D&D 5e One-Shot: Part 3
All three of you may reaction to... As a phone? Yep. Oh, I didn't know that.
Legends of Avantris
Shadow Over Gauntsmouth | New Player D&D 5e One-Shot: Part 3
We're not? Really? I'm sure. Prone, you're still able to, like, you know, do crazy-ass shit.
Legends of Avantris
Shadow Over Gauntsmouth | New Player D&D 5e One-Shot: Part 3
I would think if Vandross was laying on the ground, he'd still be able to stab a motherfucker. Yeah, he would be able to... I mean, you're literally just, like, giving him... He knows, his arm is fucked, he knows exactly how to hit somebody, even if it's on the ground, you'd be able to... Yeah, alright, alright, I like the rationale, I like it, I just didn't know.
Legends of Avantris
Shadow Over Gauntsmouth | New Player D&D 5e One-Shot: Part 3
Um... What's the... If I... Impatient Defense allows me to take the dodge action?
Legends of Avantris
Shadow Over Gauntsmouth | New Player D&D 5e One-Shot: Part 3
Is that... That's not a reaction, huh? patient defense would be i don't know how patient defense works but basically dodge actually means that you everything against you is in disadvantage you're basically getting ready to dodge anything uh i got a uh i probably 16. 16 barely misses 17 is the ac which is very low for an adult dragon but still it's high gee what i'll show you that if you want to
Legends of Avantris
Shadow Over Gauntsmouth | New Player D&D 5e One-Shot: Part 3
I can Opportunity Tent. You can Opportunity Tent. The dragon is flying away from you towards the statue of Demogorgon. Even though I'm prone?
Legends of Avantris
Shadow Over Gauntsmouth | New Player D&D 5e One-Shot: Part 3
Yes. Not to be that guy. Anzeroth is saying that all rolls prone are disadvantage.
Legends of Avantris
Shadow Over Gauntsmouth | New Player D&D 5e One-Shot: Part 3
He even cooked the pig. Got it.
Legends of Avantris
Shadow Over Gauntsmouth | New Player D&D 5e One-Shot: Part 3
Thank you, Anzeroth. I'm just saying.
Legends of Avantris
Shadow Over Gauntsmouth | New Player D&D 5e One-Shot: Part 3
Well, I rolled an 18 and a 2. Yeah, you failed.
Legends of Avantris
Shadow Over Gauntsmouth | New Player D&D 5e One-Shot: Part 3
So everybody misses. The dragon flies away as your prize. Thanks, Andrew. With that, it is Vaz's turn. Thank you, Anzereth. I apologize. Vaz, let it rip. Come on. All right. You're right. This is a man of tackles. I apologize.
Legends of Avantris
Shadow Over Gauntsmouth | New Player D&D 5e One-Shot: Part 3
What is the Darius for? That's a spiritual weapon.
Legends of Avantris
Shadow Over Gauntsmouth | New Player D&D 5e One-Shot: Part 3
So you can stand in that because it is literally an ethereal thing. It takes half your movement to get up. Okay. So if you need to stand in the one, you can.
Legends of Avantris
Shadow Over Gauntsmouth | New Player D&D 5e One-Shot: Part 3
Okay, I'm going to say 16. 16.
Legends of Avantris
Shadow Over Gauntsmouth | New Player D&D 5e One-Shot: Part 3
How does that work?
Legends of Avantris
Shadow Over Gauntsmouth | New Player D&D 5e One-Shot: Part 3
So it wouldn't be considered a fiend despite being corrupted. Despite being corrupted, it's still a dragon, but it is just a brawn dragon that happens to want to eat you. Got it. Alright, I'm going to... I'm going to do Incinerate Strike. Okay, you do that. Your glaive wraps around with a vine when you get ready to slice in.
Legends of Avantris
Shadow Over Gauntsmouth | New Player D&D 5e One-Shot: Part 3
being thrashed about in the waves. In front of us, there's a tower that we just can't get to.
Legends of Avantris
Shadow Over Gauntsmouth | New Player D&D 5e One-Shot: Part 3
I'm going to attack. Go for it, first one. AC 17. Just so this is easy. That's four.
Legends of Avantris
Shadow Over Gauntsmouth | New Player D&D 5e One-Shot: Part 3
So I believe your blade is still wrapped with vine, and you're not able to hit it. And it is going to look at you and bring its tail down hard against you. Where is my d20 that I'm using this natural 20? Gotta give it up.
Legends of Avantris
Shadow Over Gauntsmouth | New Player D&D 5e One-Shot: Part 3
You have these deep shit. I rolled low. I rolled low.
Legends of Avantris
Shadow Over Gauntsmouth | New Player D&D 5e One-Shot: Part 3
So you imagine in ancient times, there was a huge wizard's tower. Just imagine it. Perhaps an arcane tower to represent this. But it now lies in total ruin. And whatever may have failed of these protections, you get the sense that this may have been the... the arcane portion of this protection, has now laid in ruins. So we're kind of outside at this point? You're basically in a tower.
Legends of Avantris
Shadow Over Gauntsmouth | New Player D&D 5e One-Shot: Part 3
16, 19, plus 24. Oh, that would put me at 14. At one health, literally 20, 24 points.
Legends of Avantris
Shadow Over Gauntsmouth | New Player D&D 5e One-Shot: Part 3
Oh, welcome to the craw meme from last night.
Legends of Avantris
Shadow Over Gauntsmouth | New Player D&D 5e One-Shot: Part 3
And the tail smashes down, hits you, you're not able to dodge, and the last of its legendary actions are used, and it smashes into you. He's got no more legendary actions? Correct. Until his next action is.
Legends of Avantris
Shadow Over Gauntsmouth | New Player D&D 5e One-Shot: Part 3
What does that mean? Legendary resistances are different.
Legends of Avantris
Shadow Over Gauntsmouth | New Player D&D 5e One-Shot: Part 3
You think of the lair as the field.
Legends of Avantris
Shadow Over Gauntsmouth | New Player D&D 5e One-Shot: Part 3
Generally. Generally three. Right, you don't know. These are things you can only generalize.
Legends of Avantris
Shadow Over Gauntsmouth | New Player D&D 5e One-Shot: Part 3
And I'm telling you right now, the master gets three legendary actions, one of the legendary resistances, one of those has been burned. Yes. Okay. With that, it's Bargain's turn.
Legends of Avantris
Shadow Over Gauntsmouth | New Player D&D 5e One-Shot: Part 3
And even with all that information, you cannot trust anything he fucking says.
Legends of Avantris
Shadow Over Gauntsmouth | New Player D&D 5e One-Shot: Part 3
I will run up, seeing that Vaz just got totally fucked and he's probably barely hanging on.
Legends of Avantris
Shadow Over Gauntsmouth | New Player D&D 5e One-Shot: Part 3
Ten damage, as your axe slices in, dealing ten damage. You still smite it? I did, I did the damage, it's gone.
Legends of Avantris
Shadow Over Gauntsmouth | New Player D&D 5e One-Shot: Part 3
Got it. With that is the lair action. Fuck. You see that Professor Azran and Scrooge McDuck need even further in the gold pile. And you hear a lot of rumbling of clouds as everything around you, the massive cloud, appears around this bronze dragon. I need all four of you in that general area to make a dex saving throw, please.
Legends of Avantris
Shadow Over Gauntsmouth | New Player D&D 5e One-Shot: Part 3
I like dex. That one, yeah. No, no, no, don't fuck me. Don't you fuck me, Mike. Yep, dex. Thank god, 19.
Legends of Avantris
Shadow Over Gauntsmouth | New Player D&D 5e One-Shot: Part 3
Pass, 18. Nine. Fail, pass. Oh, so only bargains.
Legends of Avantris
Shadow Over Gauntsmouth | New Player D&D 5e One-Shot: Part 3
Seven points of thunder damage and you're deafened. As a loud, hey, boom, thunderous boom. Seven points of thunder damage, you can't hear shit.
Legends of Avantris
Shadow Over Gauntsmouth | New Player D&D 5e One-Shot: Part 3
I-I may be deaf, but I can still hear the sound of my own rage and hatred!
Legends of Avantris
Shadow Over Gauntsmouth | New Player D&D 5e One-Shot: Part 3
Well, I can still feel my beard burn! Craw, Craw, you're up. Um, so, uh, with that, um, I am, I am... ...allusioned, I've got my, I've got my, uh, uh, sorry, what's it called? Yeah, Craw's mirror image, um, and, and, and Vint is in front of me, so I turn to Vint, I- Oh, however, I need to make a snake attack on you real quick. Okay. So the idea, here's what's gonna happen.
Legends of Avantris
Shadow Over Gauntsmouth | New Player D&D 5e One-Shot: Part 3
Each time a creature targets you with an attack, I roll a d20 to determine whether the attack instead targets one of my duplicates. So I have to roll a six or higher. An 8. So it targets one of my duplicates and the duplicate's AC is 13. So it's less than my AC.
Legends of Avantris
Shadow Over Gauntsmouth | New Player D&D 5e One-Shot: Part 3
You're in the ruins, completely exposed to the outside air. It would have been a tower going high up. So we're basically on a cliffside.
Legends of Avantris
Shadow Over Gauntsmouth | New Player D&D 5e One-Shot: Part 3
Natural 20. And it destroys your duplicate.
Legends of Avantris
Shadow Over Gauntsmouth | New Player D&D 5e One-Shot: Part 3
So the duplicate bursts, and that's it.
Legends of Avantris
Shadow Over Gauntsmouth | New Player D&D 5e One-Shot: Part 3
And you've managed to barely avoid both these two-headed snakes chomping in. And that's that.
Legends of Avantris
Shadow Over Gauntsmouth | New Player D&D 5e One-Shot: Part 3
So with that, I turn to Master Vint and I say... Master Vent, this is no ancient, legendary dragon. We can do this, I wouldn't steer you wrong. I promise, I have your back. And I cast Haste on Master Vent.
Legends of Avantris
Shadow Over Gauntsmouth | New Player D&D 5e One-Shot: Part 3
You do that, you feel his tiny hand touch you feel the haste as you hear music off in the distance, as you feel like this fast-paced jazz music plays in your mind, and you are ready to go.
Legends of Avantris
Shadow Over Gauntsmouth | New Player D&D 5e One-Shot: Part 3
And I'm going to move six away, so I will take an attack of opportunity.
Legends of Avantris
Shadow Over Gauntsmouth | New Player D&D 5e One-Shot: Part 3
Can I use a legendary action's will, or you're up?
Legends of Avantris
Shadow Over Gauntsmouth | New Player D&D 5e One-Shot: Part 3
It's out. It's out. It's used all three.
Legends of Avantris
Shadow Over Gauntsmouth | New Player D&D 5e One-Shot: Part 3
Yeah, this is so good.
Legends of Avantris
Shadow Over Gauntsmouth | New Player D&D 5e One-Shot: Part 3
As you channel, all of you, or the three of you, feel the glowing warmth of... 12 hit points for you. Actually, the cool sensation of a pleasant autumnal night on a stroll... through the harvest fields. And you all enjoy some health, whatever the fuck that is, I don't know. And G, you're up.
Legends of Avantris
Shadow Over Gauntsmouth | New Player D&D 5e One-Shot: Part 3
So I'm imagining like Shrine of Storms from WoW style. Yes, exactly.
Legends of Avantris
Shadow Over Gauntsmouth | New Player D&D 5e One-Shot: Part 3
Oh, I'm emblazoned by the autumnal fires. I feel much better.
Legends of Avantris
Shadow Over Gauntsmouth | New Player D&D 5e One-Shot: Part 3
I can't actually, can I move this over? I can't see. What can't you see? Are you blind? I can't see my freaking character.
Legends of Avantris
Shadow Over Gauntsmouth | New Player D&D 5e One-Shot: Part 3
I apologize. I misunderstood. Stand up. And that kills half my movement, right? Yeah, you can stand me up. Sorry, my fault. My fault. I apologize.
Legends of Avantris
Shadow Over Gauntsmouth | New Player D&D 5e One-Shot: Part 3
So we would, I guess, just looking around as myself, if I look up, do I see broken remnants of stairs or is it sheer cliff face?
Legends of Avantris
Shadow Over Gauntsmouth | New Player D&D 5e One-Shot: Part 3
There's a lot of stuff we're learning.
Legends of Avantris
Shadow Over Gauntsmouth | New Player D&D 5e One-Shot: Part 3
Our characters. Sylvie looks nothing like that, by the way. Not anymore.
Legends of Avantris
Shadow Over Gauntsmouth | New Player D&D 5e One-Shot: Part 3
We're gonna get new Prime minis. I'm keeping that one. Well, you should definitely keep it. You're not gonna get a new... You don't even...
Legends of Avantris
Shadow Over Gauntsmouth | New Player D&D 5e One-Shot: Part 3
I mean, to each their own. I mean, you have to like your mini, right?
Legends of Avantris
Shadow Over Gauntsmouth | New Player D&D 5e One-Shot: Part 3
Would you ever just like... Just prime her and repaint her. Yes. Okay. She's my OG. That's the conversation for a minute, so I apologize. I apologize. Sorry. Sorry.
Legends of Avantris
Shadow Over Gauntsmouth | New Player D&D 5e One-Shot: Part 3
Oh, I can still get up to him. Believe it or not, I'm already counting. Sounds like you're bragging. Yeah.
Legends of Avantris
Shadow Over Gauntsmouth | New Player D&D 5e One-Shot: Part 3
No, I'm not moving up to him. I moved where I wanted to be. No, no, you didn't. I'm saying you literally stood up and didn't move. I moved one square. I moved one square up into a line of attack on the dragon.
Legends of Avantris
Shadow Over Gauntsmouth | New Player D&D 5e One-Shot: Part 3
And I will cast Phoenix Punch. But if I were to punch you, like, 20 times, you would die.
Legends of Avantris
Shadow Over Gauntsmouth | New Player D&D 5e One-Shot: Part 3
You see one talon clench and go to its hip, go to its hip, and the other talon clench and go to the other hip, and then all his body weight is his hands, so we'll the flame, and he punches out a Phoenix Flame. It merges, and he punches Phoenix Punch.
Legends of Avantris
Shadow Over Gauntsmouth | New Player D&D 5e One-Shot: Part 3
So you look up and you see you're in this circular stairwell going up and going down. The stairs go up for about half a flight and then just break off as if, and then into ruined building and structure and bricks that are loosely stacked as it seems it would have connected to a tower going upwards. So, I mean, there's like no passage. There's no passage up. But there's passage down.
Legends of Avantris
Shadow Over Gauntsmouth | New Player D&D 5e One-Shot: Part 3
Where is G from? Yulong. Oh, Yulong. Yeah. Yulong. We're from Yulong. We're proud murderers, and we don't even care.
Legends of Avantris
Shadow Over Gauntsmouth | New Player D&D 5e One-Shot: Part 3
Oh, uh... I would absolutely devastate a crowd of two heads for about 30 seconds.
Legends of Avantris
Shadow Over Gauntsmouth | New Player D&D 5e One-Shot: Part 3
That's a 9, and he's not going to use his... Okay, it takes 15 fire damage.
Legends of Avantris
Shadow Over Gauntsmouth | New Player D&D 5e One-Shot: Part 3
I'm like, maybe an eye or maybe a tooth. Maybe a tooth.
Legends of Avantris
Shadow Over Gauntsmouth | New Player D&D 5e One-Shot: Part 3
I then use the rest of my movement to fly up on him.
Legends of Avantris
Shadow Over Gauntsmouth | New Player D&D 5e One-Shot: Part 3
You hear as this phoenix emerges from his fist and singes the dragon. You are nothing compared to the sibilant beast. As he gets singed in the back and you fly up to him. That's your turn. It's his turn.
Legends of Avantris
Shadow Over Gauntsmouth | New Player D&D 5e One-Shot: Part 3
What? I still have, like, way more. Oh, you do? Yeah. Because it's supposed to be one action, then I can second action attack, right? You know you can use the attack action.
Legends of Avantris
Shadow Over Gauntsmouth | New Player D&D 5e One-Shot: Part 3
To do the unarmed strike, you have to use your action to take the attack off.
Legends of Avantris
Shadow Over Gauntsmouth | New Player D&D 5e One-Shot: Part 3
But don't I get two attacks in my normal action? You forego them if you don't attack.
Legends of Avantris
Shadow Over Gauntsmouth | New Player D&D 5e One-Shot: Part 3
So I don't get a second attack and I can't bonus action attack if I cast a spell? Correct. Well, I will fly right back.
Legends of Avantris
Shadow Over Gauntsmouth | New Player D&D 5e One-Shot: Part 3
What you should do is just fly up to him and attack him. I can't attack him. I just tried to attack him.
Legends of Avantris
Shadow Over Gauntsmouth | New Player D&D 5e One-Shot: Part 3
I apologize. I misunderstood. I'm saying instead of casting the spell, you could just fly at him and attack him if you wanted to. I would say it's fine. But it's up to you guys. I don't want to, you know, you're learning, right? So... But no, if you were casting a spell, I would not then approach into death range.
Legends of Avantris
Shadow Over Gauntsmouth | New Player D&D 5e One-Shot: Part 3
But those are just my two thoughts, and that's it.
Legends of Avantris
Shadow Over Gauntsmouth | New Player D&D 5e One-Shot: Part 3
I'll cast a spell, and then... What are the other... You can do the health potion. You can do the health potion. I have two greater health pots.
Legends of Avantris
Shadow Over Gauntsmouth | New Player D&D 5e One-Shot: Part 3
I thought we had regular. Oh, you have two regular.
Legends of Avantris
Shadow Over Gauntsmouth | New Player D&D 5e One-Shot: Part 3
Apologies. Yeah, please let Nicky use these fucking things. They're fucking awesome. Yeah. Something goddamn helpful.
Legends of Avantris
Shadow Over Gauntsmouth | New Player D&D 5e One-Shot: Part 3
He's already full. I'm full. Drink it anyway, you bitch. How do I find out what are like other... So go to actions.
Legends of Avantris
Shadow Over Gauntsmouth | New Player D&D 5e One-Shot: Part 3
You can use Step of the Wind, but you don't really need that, and you can't do the Unarmed Strike. So really, you're... I'll chill. You can dodge, but, you know, you probably don't need it right now. I'll just hang tight. And turn. Save the message. Got it. I am going to read this message real quick.
Legends of Avantris
Shadow Over Gauntsmouth | New Player D&D 5e One-Shot: Part 3
Okay, so I will... The dragon looks at you and it's going to use its horrific, frightful presence as a lilting head. And it lets out, it's like, Demogorgon will consume the world! And everyone needs to make a wisdom saving throw.
Legends of Avantris
Shadow Over Gauntsmouth | New Player D&D 5e One-Shot: Part 3
I got a 17. Natural 20.
Legends of Avantris
Shadow Over Gauntsmouth | New Player D&D 5e One-Shot: Part 3
With my minus one, I tie. That's a pass.
Legends of Avantris
Shadow Over Gauntsmouth | New Player D&D 5e One-Shot: Part 3
I pass as well. You ten. So Vaas is this massive dragon, rears up with his lilting head. It's where the original head was severed off. It looks at you, and you are horrified. That's horrible sight. You are now frightened for one minute. You can make the same throw at the end of each turn. And then it's going to make its attacks. At the end of each round? At the end of each of your turns.
Legends of Avantris
Shadow Over Gauntsmouth | New Player D&D 5e One-Shot: Part 3
There's stairs that go down and you see a small narrow path along the cliff. leading towards an alcove. So that's the passage down? That's the passage down that seems to go down these stairs that are ancient, that are all, the sea spray all hits you, and the salt hits your nostrils, as you can tell that the sun is very close to setting.
Legends of Avantris
Shadow Over Gauntsmouth | New Player D&D 5e One-Shot: Part 3
One bite and two claws is going to lean in for a bite against you, Bargum, because you are quite the tanky boy. Wow, tanky boy.
Legends of Avantris
Shadow Over Gauntsmouth | New Player D&D 5e One-Shot: Part 3
Oh, no, no, no, no.
Legends of Avantris
Shadow Over Gauntsmouth | New Player D&D 5e One-Shot: Part 3
The claw looks like it's going to slice in, and it...
Legends of Avantris
Shadow Over Gauntsmouth | New Player D&D 5e One-Shot: Part 3
What's your guy's name? I'm going to turn to you, bitches. I'm getting 18 on the claw. Wait. Oh, shit. 18 on you.
Legends of Avantris
Shadow Over Gauntsmouth | New Player D&D 5e One-Shot: Part 3
So he's going to slice in on you with your claw.
Legends of Avantris
Shadow Over Gauntsmouth | New Player D&D 5e One-Shot: Part 3
But I guess my question is why do you want to disengage from him? You can just turn around and attack him.
Legends of Avantris
Shadow Over Gauntsmouth | New Player D&D 5e One-Shot: Part 3
The blade erupts into this green flame and it slices the snake in half and both halves get incinerated in this green flame as you completely... My fucking man.
Legends of Avantris
Shadow Over Gauntsmouth | New Player D&D 5e One-Shot: Part 3
No, I don't want to move back.
Legends of Avantris
Shadow Over Gauntsmouth | New Player D&D 5e One-Shot: Part 3
I want to shoot him with the bow and arrow.
Legends of Avantris
Shadow Over Gauntsmouth | New Player D&D 5e One-Shot: Part 3
No, no, no, I don't want to be up there.
Legends of Avantris
Shadow Over Gauntsmouth | New Player D&D 5e One-Shot: Part 3
He didn't quite do the Vanjerson mini the justice I was hoping for, but that's okay.
Legends of Avantris
Shadow Over Gauntsmouth | New Player D&D 5e One-Shot: Part 3
15 missives as you fire, and it plinks all the natural armor. With that, it's Vince's turn. Rather, if you do a legendary action, and he is going to... I thought it was another legendary action. No, it's his turn again. Oh, refreshes.
Legends of Avantris
Shadow Over Gauntsmouth | New Player D&D 5e One-Shot: Part 3
That's how bosses are balanced. Get the fuck out of here. Action economy, Fred. See, we're learning. Now I'm learning how to fuck you with boss battles.
Legends of Avantris
Shadow Over Gauntsmouth | New Player D&D 5e One-Shot: Part 3
So anyways, let's do it, lads. I'm already at the statue. I shout out from the statue and say, why are you guys coming? And you see this bird creature heaving this large statue. The rest of you are able to grab it and bring it into the center room. We place it in and... Let's see what happens. You place it in. And you... Bless you. It sinks in perfectly. And then as soon as both are... placed in.
Legends of Avantris
Shadow Over Gauntsmouth | New Player D&D 5e One-Shot: Part 3
So let me ask you a question. How has this boss battle felt to you so far? Easy, medium, difficult. Medium? Really?
Legends of Avantris
Shadow Over Gauntsmouth | New Player D&D 5e One-Shot: Part 3
Let me tell you about this time we fought a green dragon.
Legends of Avantris
Shadow Over Gauntsmouth | New Player D&D 5e One-Shot: Part 3
That was fucking hard. It's going in on you, Bargrim. And that's going to be a 23 to hit.
Legends of Avantris
Shadow Over Gauntsmouth | New Player D&D 5e One-Shot: Part 3
I'm just saying, get ready for your nipples to be twisted off your body. That's all I'm saying. Prepare for that kind of pain. All right. I'm just saying.
Legends of Avantris
Shadow Over Gauntsmouth | New Player D&D 5e One-Shot: Part 3
Legendary actions going on every now and then. 21 points of bludgeoning damage. We have a lot.
Legends of Avantris
Shadow Over Gauntsmouth | New Player D&D 5e One-Shot: Part 3
That's not kill shaming. That's what I live for. And max damage.
Legends of Avantris
Shadow Over Gauntsmouth | New Player D&D 5e One-Shot: Part 3
It smashes into your tail. Vols, you're up. boss okay so he is frightened so we have to explain to him what that means so you're disadvantaged on and you cannot move towards the dragon but you already made a move so you can still attack yes you're just at disadvantage I'd like to move away
Legends of Avantris
Shadow Over Gauntsmouth | New Player D&D 5e One-Shot: Part 3
You won't be out of range, right?
Legends of Avantris
Shadow Over Gauntsmouth | New Player D&D 5e One-Shot: Part 3
You can attack twice, back up, and chug a potion.
Legends of Avantris
Shadow Over Gauntsmouth | New Player D&D 5e One-Shot: Part 3
You could. If you'd like to use the long bones, 100%. It'd be better for you to attack twice with your blade.
Legends of Avantris
Shadow Over Gauntsmouth | New Player D&D 5e One-Shot: Part 3
We'll say you attack first twice. Roll two d20s, and we'll take the lowest. He still hits. He still hits. Roll damage. He's not very damaged.
Legends of Avantris
Shadow Over Gauntsmouth | New Player D&D 5e One-Shot: Part 3
Jesus Christ. He's not very damaged? Who's he?
Legends of Avantris
Shadow Over Gauntsmouth | New Player D&D 5e One-Shot: Part 3
I mean, I've been buffing everybody else. I hit him for max damage.
Legends of Avantris
Shadow Over Gauntsmouth | New Player D&D 5e One-Shot: Part 3
Get your dick out of your hand and do something.
Legends of Avantris
Shadow Over Gauntsmouth | New Player D&D 5e One-Shot: Part 3
Crocodiles? I've had a taste of that spell. It's rough. What? What? The haste spell?
Legends of Avantris
Shadow Over Gauntsmouth | New Player D&D 5e One-Shot: Part 3
14. It managed to be revived, rip out, and it managed to rip out, and it succeeds. Okay. One more attack. Vote roll to your 20s. Did you give your damage? Yeah. I took it. Roll vote to your 20s again. Tyler? Hazard. Hazard.
Legends of Avantris
Shadow Over Gauntsmouth | New Player D&D 5e One-Shot: Part 3
Fifteen, that's it. You're then able to back up. We'll say that's fine. You back up. And then, if you're doing a potion, you get to just unclog it and drop that out.
Legends of Avantris
Shadow Over Gauntsmouth | New Player D&D 5e One-Shot: Part 3
So you're gonna... This is fucking awesome. I've been waiting for this for like four years. Three. Five. Five points of healing as you chug this little shitty potion. And, uh... No, it is a beautiful potion, you fuck. It's a beautiful potion.
Legends of Avantris
Shadow Over Gauntsmouth | New Player D&D 5e One-Shot: Part 3
And so with that, it is... It's a beautiful potion. As the tail floss, smashes down towards you. Bargrim. Does he resolve fear? Roll the saving throw at the end of your turn. That is going to be a 15 to hit. Use a secondary legendary action to miss you.
Legends of Avantris
Shadow Over Gauntsmouth | New Player D&D 5e One-Shot: Part 3
Wisdom. Passes. So you are no longer frightened. Everyone is now immune from fear of cancer. Bargrim, you're up.
Legends of Avantris
Shadow Over Gauntsmouth | New Player D&D 5e One-Shot: Part 3
And I will cast... Shield of faith on myself. You're playing and you're you're protected this day by clinging and then I will like to I think I'll stay moving one over towards Andy and Reed you do that right? One that way. Yeah.
Legends of Avantris
Shadow Over Gauntsmouth | New Player D&D 5e One-Shot: Part 3
Oh, oh the the people. Yes. Yes. No, I apologize
Legends of Avantris
Shadow Over Gauntsmouth | New Player D&D 5e One-Shot: Part 3
I lean in. Krah leans into Vind and says, There's more where that came from.
Legends of Avantris
Shadow Over Gauntsmouth | New Player D&D 5e One-Shot: Part 3
Just one time. Yep, good. And then I will stand there and I will pump all 30 points of healing from Lay on Hands into myself. Okay, you place a hand. You feel protected and you feel the power, holy power of the plan of the Lord to heal you. And once again, Akatsugos is going to use his legendary action to hit you. And that is going to be a 23 to that. Barely. Tail attack.
Legends of Avantris
Shadow Over Gauntsmouth | New Player D&D 5e One-Shot: Part 3
Let's see if I can move that minimum, and I do, of course. Seven points of bludgeoning. Okay. Yep. Goddamn it. Okay, that's fine. With that is Monsters 1. As once again, he lives up to... Join me, servants of Daragorgon! And these snakes slither down on each of you. Just one on every single character. So, yep. And they're all going to make their tests.
Legends of Avantris
Shadow Over Gauntsmouth | New Player D&D 5e One-Shot: Part 3
That is going to be a natural one on Bargram. We are going to get Horribly Miss on Ventus. We are going to get a natural 20 on G. Oh, okay. Uh, Bob, where are you, you little sneaky boy?
Legends of Avantris
Shadow Over Gauntsmouth | New Player D&D 5e One-Shot: Part 3
That is gonna be... Out of character bargain, how much health do you have?
Legends of Avantris
Shadow Over Gauntsmouth | New Player D&D 5e One-Shot: Part 3
Ten points of piercing damage. Con saving throw. Forty points.
Legends of Avantris
Shadow Over Gauntsmouth | New Player D&D 5e One-Shot: Part 3
Con saving throw. Six. You fail, you take 15 points of poison damage. In addition to the 10 I just took? Yep. Jesus. As the fangs sink into you, we're going to... Ba is going to miss on Willow. Brent, get a, uh, natural, oh wait, no, you gotta roll a natural 20, I have saved up on you again.
Legends of Avantris
Shadow Over Gauntsmouth | New Player D&D 5e One-Shot: Part 3
Wait, Miss Willow, wait! And Krah follows.
Legends of Avantris
Shadow Over Gauntsmouth | New Player D&D 5e One-Shot: Part 3
Holy fuck, so if I get, alright, hold up, so.
Legends of Avantris
Shadow Over Gauntsmouth | New Player D&D 5e One-Shot: Part 3
No, now it's eight, now it's eight. I have to get an eight or higher. Yeah. So it targets one of my... So I am now down to one mirror image.
Legends of Avantris
Shadow Over Gauntsmouth | New Player D&D 5e One-Shot: Part 3
So Professor Asher's like, And he's trying to sketch and he says, what has been lost? As he's not even looking where he's going, he stumbles on all those trips as he's looking down at the cliff, the ruined former tower, alongside these cliffs emerging out of the sea.
Legends of Avantris
Shadow Over Gauntsmouth | New Player D&D 5e One-Shot: Part 3
One mirror image. And then on Vaas, that's going to horribly miss. That has hit me fucking twice. From two crits. That is going to miss on everybody. And with that, it is cross turn.
Legends of Avantris
Shadow Over Gauntsmouth | New Player D&D 5e One-Shot: Part 3
So knowing what I know, and I am going to... Yell, Bargrin, get down! And Krah begins to shake because he can't contain the energy, and he launches a fireball at the dragon. Hitting about here. I would say that you'd be able to hit far enough away that it would only hit him. I'm trying to get number three, too.
Legends of Avantris
Shadow Over Gauntsmouth | New Player D&D 5e One-Shot: Part 3
I would say that'd be fine.
Legends of Avantris
Shadow Over Gauntsmouth | New Player D&D 5e One-Shot: Part 3
Okay. So, dex saving throw from the dragon and the number three.
Legends of Avantris
Shadow Over Gauntsmouth | New Player D&D 5e One-Shot: Part 3
Dex saving through on the dragon is going to be 20.
Legends of Avantris
Shadow Over Gauntsmouth | New Player D&D 5e One-Shot: Part 3
Number three is incinerated immediately. It's going to be 9, 10. So that's going to be 25 points of damage. 27 points of damage.
Legends of Avantris
Shadow Over Gauntsmouth | New Player D&D 5e One-Shot: Part 3
27, which is 13 points of damage. A fire damage, which it takes in full. No way. Yep.
Legends of Avantris
Shadow Over Gauntsmouth | New Player D&D 5e One-Shot: Part 3
He is a bronze dragon, which you know is lightning of variety. So he takes all damage but lightning at full. As the fireball erupts, incinerating the two-headed snake and blasting it. Despite Cassigo's managing to avoid a lot of it, it's still taking considerable amount of damage. And with that, it is Willow's turn.
Legends of Avantris
Shadow Over Gauntsmouth | New Player D&D 5e One-Shot: Part 3
And then as my bonus action, I'm going to whack it with my spiritual weapon.
Legends of Avantris
Shadow Over Gauntsmouth | New Player D&D 5e One-Shot: Part 3
How much healing was that?
Legends of Avantris
Shadow Over Gauntsmouth | New Player D&D 5e One-Shot: Part 3
And then with Bless... The Scarecrow's slicing them on the side to take the full damage.
Legends of Avantris
Shadow Over Gauntsmouth | New Player D&D 5e One-Shot: Part 3
All right. Well, I hit this motherfucking snake. It's a goddamn face.
Legends of Avantris
Shadow Over Gauntsmouth | New Player D&D 5e One-Shot: Part 3
almost like a monument to the loss of all the great arcane knowledge that these Dragonborn may have had, as he just looks completely forlorn, sketching in his book, as he follows you.
Legends of Avantris
Shadow Over Gauntsmouth | New Player D&D 5e One-Shot: Part 3
Well, I'm going to do this first. All right. I'm going to throw the D4 in the house. Come on. All right. Six plus something.
Legends of Avantris
Shadow Over Gauntsmouth | New Player D&D 5e One-Shot: Part 3
Eight, 12, 14. Missed 17 is the ace. No, no, no. I'm a little guy. I'm a little snake. Oh, you're a little guy? A little snake. Yeah. You smash. You crack it and... And it does die. So minions, if you've learned by now, they have one hit. So as long as you hit, they die. Make sure we keep it all in the same space. Okay. In the same pile as, yeah. All right.
Legends of Avantris
Shadow Over Gauntsmouth | New Player D&D 5e One-Shot: Part 3
I fly up to the dragon right next to the partner.
Legends of Avantris
Shadow Over Gauntsmouth | New Player D&D 5e One-Shot: Part 3
That'll happen, that'll happen. 21, get fucked, 29.
Legends of Avantris
Shadow Over Gauntsmouth | New Player D&D 5e One-Shot: Part 3
Okay, I'm just saying, that's a 29.
Legends of Avantris
Shadow Over Gauntsmouth | New Player D&D 5e One-Shot: Part 3
Well, there's a D6. Unarmed, yeah. Two plus... You flew in a straight line, so add a D6 to that. Five, okay. plus three, eight, two plus five, seven, plus three, 10. And I'd like to attempt to stun him. You do that. You attempt to do that.
Legends of Avantris
Shadow Over Gauntsmouth | New Player D&D 5e One-Shot: Part 3
And so he uses secondary legendary resistance.
Legends of Avantris
Shadow Over Gauntsmouth | New Player D&D 5e One-Shot: Part 3
No, that's good, that's good, that's worth it. That's worth it, that's worth it.
Legends of Avantris
Shadow Over Gauntsmouth | New Player D&D 5e One-Shot: Part 3
It looks like you're gonna once again stun him.
Legends of Avantris
Shadow Over Gauntsmouth | New Player D&D 5e One-Shot: Part 3
You're burning that shit, right? You're burning it.
Legends of Avantris
Shadow Over Gauntsmouth | New Player D&D 5e One-Shot: Part 3
To pull it back itself together. With that, it's its turn. And it is going to see if it can retarget its breath.
Legends of Avantris
Shadow Over Gauntsmouth | New Player D&D 5e One-Shot: Part 3
I'd like to briefly fly up, if I can, to see if I can discern any evidence of what caused the devastation, like scorch marks from lightning, claws from a dragon, any evidence of anything beyond just ruin.
Legends of Avantris
Shadow Over Gauntsmouth | New Player D&D 5e One-Shot: Part 3
It does not. It is part of the shield, and he gets a cut.
Legends of Avantris
Shadow Over Gauntsmouth | New Player D&D 5e One-Shot: Part 3
Okay, this is Silverbeard.
Legends of Avantris
Shadow Over Gauntsmouth | New Player D&D 5e One-Shot: Part 3
Once again, save Silverbeard.
Legends of Avantris
Shadow Over Gauntsmouth | New Player D&D 5e One-Shot: Part 3
Green flame blade the snake. Number four? You do that.
Legends of Avantris
Shadow Over Gauntsmouth | New Player D&D 5e One-Shot: Part 3
You hit it, and as you're, you're supposed to slice this sea snake in half, and your green flame incinerates both halves, and it is killed.
Legends of Avantris
Shadow Over Gauntsmouth | New Player D&D 5e One-Shot: Part 3
You get sink attack damage, plus screen blade flame blade damage.
Legends of Avantris
Shadow Over Gauntsmouth | New Player D&D 5e One-Shot: Part 3
Yeah, let's see. 1d something. Probably 1d10. It's 2d3. It should, but... 1d8, maybe? Yeah, 1d8. Oh, okay. My guess was 10. That's how little I use it on Mandras.
Legends of Avantris
Shadow Over Gauntsmouth | New Player D&D 5e One-Shot: Part 3
Just roll them all at the same time. Let it rip, baby. Good roll.
Legends of Avantris
Shadow Over Gauntsmouth | New Player D&D 5e One-Shot: Part 3
As you are stabbed in deep intruders, Dragolaterra roars as the flames singe and scale. It is looking bloodied at this point. With that, it is going to swing its tail down and smash on Juventus.
Legends of Avantris
Shadow Over Gauntsmouth | New Player D&D 5e One-Shot: Part 3
You have plus two AC. And he does a minus 14.
Legends of Avantris
Shadow Over Gauntsmouth | New Player D&D 5e One-Shot: Part 3
Nice roll. It dodged out of the way. That was bonus.
Legends of Avantris
Shadow Over Gauntsmouth | New Player D&D 5e One-Shot: Part 3
That was somehow bonus for something, wasn't it? For attacking rolls?
Legends of Avantris
Shadow Over Gauntsmouth | New Player D&D 5e One-Shot: Part 3
Oh, I did, I did, I did. Yeah, you're right, you're right.
Legends of Avantris
Shadow Over Gauntsmouth | New Player D&D 5e One-Shot: Part 3
It's going to be 15. 15 hits. You slice it in half. and it collapses to the ground. Can we move it to the same pile? Who wants to read you guys? Vaz, you're up. You have one more attack. Why don't we put them in the same pile? They come back. The lair action is to say, hey, I summon all these snakes. We reuse them.
Legends of Avantris
Shadow Over Gauntsmouth | New Player D&D 5e One-Shot: Part 3
Yeah, so you fly up. Why don't you make a perception check and an investigation check for me? I'll say because you have a bird's eye view advantage on both of them. Professor Azran is immediately behind both of the small folk as he immediately goes, oh, don't leave me behind, as he's looking longingly down as the stairs go down further. And further, and further.
Legends of Avantris
Shadow Over Gauntsmouth | New Player D&D 5e One-Shot: Part 3
There's also a really great clip of Salt Bay Zombies on our channel.
Legends of Avantris
Shadow Over Gauntsmouth | New Player D&D 5e One-Shot: Part 3
Look it up. Switch weapons, I think. Depends. You can drop your glaive and pull out a longbow. But you need to drop it.
Legends of Avantris
Shadow Over Gauntsmouth | New Player D&D 5e One-Shot: Part 3
I would say you're pretty sure that that's correct. So you drop your glaive onto the ground and you pull out your longbow and fire. Just next round you have to pick it up.
Legends of Avantris
Shadow Over Gauntsmouth | New Player D&D 5e One-Shot: Part 3
Which takes, yeah, it takes time to do so.
Legends of Avantris
Shadow Over Gauntsmouth | New Player D&D 5e One-Shot: Part 3
It would be a free, so you would have to drop your long, so dropping is free, and you get one free object interaction each turn. So you can drop your longbow and grab your wave again and run in. But then it would be back there, right?
Legends of Avantris
Shadow Over Gauntsmouth | New Player D&D 5e One-Shot: Part 3
Right. You just have to keep in mind that eventually at some point they catch up to you, right? Those actions catch up to you.
Legends of Avantris
Shadow Over Gauntsmouth | New Player D&D 5e One-Shot: Part 3
Yeah, chug. Yeah, knock. Yeah, go. Come on. Shake it up. And with that, the tail slams out again on you, Ventus. Ventus looking. Nice! 18 hits.
Legends of Avantris
Shadow Over Gauntsmouth | New Player D&D 5e One-Shot: Part 3
That's a fucking full heal. Double force. I have 18 AC. You dodge.
Legends of Avantris
Shadow Over Gauntsmouth | New Player D&D 5e One-Shot: Part 3
18 ties, which means beat it. So you smash it down. You almost beat it. But you are unfortunately able to dodge the tail. God. You're looking pretty rough. Uncanny dodge. Yes, you can take half here. 20 points of blood because you have 10 points to heal. Wow. It smashes down. You may as well dodge.
Legends of Avantris
Shadow Over Gauntsmouth | New Player D&D 5e One-Shot: Part 3
Okay. Uh, and then I will take an action to down a, uh... A bonus action. A bonus action to... So you hack and hack as these dragons are... The Symbol and Beast, Amagorgon, Prince of Demons! We'll corrupt all of you and swallow the whole of the multiverse! As it seems, his lilting head is roaring out, echoing, and you try to hurt him. What's his one?
Legends of Avantris
Shadow Over Gauntsmouth | New Player D&D 5e One-Shot: Part 3
I believe it's going to be... Death Lair action. It's going to do the last legendary action, too. On you, Barclay. That is going to be a 25. That does indeed hit. 13 points of blood. The tail smashes down on you. And with that, it is monsters one. And so, because last time he used his snake business, it is going to...
Legends of Avantris
Shadow Over Gauntsmouth | New Player D&D 5e One-Shot: Part 3
A massive fog cloud erupts around everything that's heavily obscured in a 20-foot radius. Can we get our 20-foot radius around the dragon? And everyone in that is effectively blind. What about the creatures outside of it? Outside of it, it is heavily obscured, so you're going to be disadvantaged. You can't see into it. Okay.
Legends of Avantris
Shadow Over Gauntsmouth | New Player D&D 5e One-Shot: Part 3
As he says that, and I'm following Willow, I look back over my shoulder at Professor, and I say, Yes, Professor, please be careful. We wouldn't want anything horrible to happen to you.
Legends of Avantris
Shadow Over Gauntsmouth | New Player D&D 5e One-Shot: Part 3
Okay. That's lairs and craw. You're up.
Legends of Avantris
Shadow Over Gauntsmouth | New Player D&D 5e One-Shot: Part 3
Seeing this happen, Krah would be extremely worried about Master Ventus and attempts to Chaos Bolt the dragon. How does it work? Well, I mean, it's just an attack roll. I made an attack roll, so it's a disadvantage.
Legends of Avantris
Shadow Over Gauntsmouth | New Player D&D 5e One-Shot: Part 3
Your blast is a massive target, so you know where he was.
Legends of Avantris
Shadow Over Gauntsmouth | New Player D&D 5e One-Shot: Part 3
It misses. The chaos fires out and hits the wall of the cavern.
Legends of Avantris
Shadow Over Gauntsmouth | New Player D&D 5e One-Shot: Part 3
Cross saves where he is. Okay, he does that. Willow, you're up. Fuck, that feels good.
Legends of Avantris
Shadow Over Gauntsmouth | New Player D&D 5e One-Shot: Part 3
The cirgo slices in despite the fall cloud.
Legends of Avantris
Shadow Over Gauntsmouth | New Player D&D 5e One-Shot: Part 3
I didn't know that. It was Squeenix. Yeah, it was Squeenix. Didn't know that.
Legends of Avantris
Shadow Over Gauntsmouth | New Player D&D 5e One-Shot: Part 3
Excellent song. Speaking of Squeenix, this is also Squeenix.
Legends of Avantris
Shadow Over Gauntsmouth | New Player D&D 5e One-Shot: Part 3
Is it like a ranger? That's going to be a 14.
Legends of Avantris
Shadow Over Gauntsmouth | New Player D&D 5e One-Shot: Part 3
It comes out from me. Oh, he fails. Okay. So he's dead.
Legends of Avantris
Shadow Over Gauntsmouth | New Player D&D 5e One-Shot: Part 3
Yep, yep, yep, yep. He fails horribly as the... As both heads get singed by the radiant light of Trantia and fall to the ground at G, you're up. Perfect time. A fog cloud is around you. Everything, you're blinded, but you know there's a massive dragon in front of you, but you're going to be as advanced on your tackles. Oh.
Legends of Avantris
Shadow Over Gauntsmouth | New Player D&D 5e One-Shot: Part 3
My disadvantage on spells?
Legends of Avantris
Shadow Over Gauntsmouth | New Player D&D 5e One-Shot: Part 3
I hope that we all make it down okay. And he's sketching. As you make your way down, and there's more light coming down from the bottom of the staircase. and there's a small arch about 70 feet tall.
Legends of Avantris
Shadow Over Gauntsmouth | New Player D&D 5e One-Shot: Part 3
If it's spell attack, then yes.
Legends of Avantris
Shadow Over Gauntsmouth | New Player D&D 5e One-Shot: Part 3
Right, if you have to make a normal attack roll on the spell, then yes, you're disadvantaged. That's what just happened.
Legends of Avantris
Shadow Over Gauntsmouth | New Player D&D 5e One-Shot: Part 3
But if he has to make a DC, then no, it doesn't have any effect. Right, right. Okay. And if you have any air stuff, you might be able to, as a bonus action, you might be able to clear some of it, but I don't know if you have any bonus action here.
Legends of Avantris
Shadow Over Gauntsmouth | New Player D&D 5e One-Shot: Part 3
Who cast this? Dragon. Dragon.
Legends of Avantris
Shadow Over Gauntsmouth | New Player D&D 5e One-Shot: Part 3
That's what I thought. It was the lair, actually.
Legends of Avantris
Shadow Over Gauntsmouth | New Player D&D 5e One-Shot: Part 3
Just making sure it wasn't my boy, Master Vint, over here.
Legends of Avantris
Shadow Over Gauntsmouth | New Player D&D 5e One-Shot: Part 3
Not this time. I've learned from my mistakes. Do I get the sense that it's similar to the obscurity that Vint used? Yes, it's identical. It's identical, okay.
Legends of Avantris
Shadow Over Gauntsmouth | New Player D&D 5e One-Shot: Part 3
When the forest went against the goblins and the owlbears, then you didn't see chat. Yes, it's identical, yes. It is a fog cloud.
Legends of Avantris
Shadow Over Gauntsmouth | New Player D&D 5e One-Shot: Part 3
I would like to use Gust of Air just right, just my gantrip.
Legends of Avantris
Shadow Over Gauntsmouth | New Player D&D 5e One-Shot: Part 3
That is an action, by the way.
Legends of Avantris
Shadow Over Gauntsmouth | New Player D&D 5e One-Shot: Part 3
That's when people attack. Oh. Which is, I mean, but that's a team player activity. There's nothing wrong with doing that. You just don't get to attack.
Legends of Avantris
Shadow Over Gauntsmouth | New Player D&D 5e One-Shot: Part 3
Or it only clears right, like it doesn't. It clears like five.
Legends of Avantris
Shadow Over Gauntsmouth | New Player D&D 5e One-Shot: Part 3
But you know that the dragon will also be disadvantaged as well if you keep it. So, as a dungeon master, it's probably better. It's up to you.
Legends of Avantris
Shadow Over Gauntsmouth | New Player D&D 5e One-Shot: Part 3
It's up to you. Okay, okay. I'm just going to attack him, then. I'm just going to attack him with my core staff. So that's two d20s.
Legends of Avantris
Shadow Over Gauntsmouth | New Player D&D 5e One-Shot: Part 3
Take a lower. And add a d4 as well. Oh, and add a d4 because you're blessed.
Legends of Avantris
Shadow Over Gauntsmouth | New Player D&D 5e One-Shot: Part 3
Six, unfortunately. And then add a d4 to it. Seven.
Legends of Avantris
Shadow Over Gauntsmouth | New Player D&D 5e One-Shot: Part 3
You've missed, unfortunately.
Legends of Avantris
Shadow Over Gauntsmouth | New Player D&D 5e One-Shot: Part 3
Okay. What? Follow-up. Sorry. Go ahead if I can. Follow-up with second attack.
Legends of Avantris
Shadow Over Gauntsmouth | New Player D&D 5e One-Shot: Part 3
And bonus action. Punch him again. Oh, wait. Actually, I'd like to try and stun him one final time. Yeah.
Legends of Avantris
Shadow Over Gauntsmouth | New Player D&D 5e One-Shot: Part 3
I've learned all of my key points.
Legends of Avantris
Shadow Over Gauntsmouth | New Player D&D 5e One-Shot: Part 3
I know that it's hard for you to understand as a first-time player what you've done, but you have done more for the team than probably anybody else. Because you smashed your head down on its skull, and it looks like it, and through the fall... It's hard to fathom because you don't understand. You haven't done this enough where you get what that means, right? He's low enough. It's important.
Legends of Avantris
Shadow Over Gauntsmouth | New Player D&D 5e One-Shot: Part 3
It's important. Bonus one final action, a last attack against him. You do that? Oh no, I'm surprised. Disadvantage. Disadvantage. Nine plus three, twelve, twenty. Full damage. Which I think is six. Nice. Plus five, ten. Yeah, Mace has been shitting damage.
Legends of Avantris
Shadow Over Gauntsmouth | New Player D&D 5e One-Shot: Part 3
What was that? 28 for the perception and 18 for the investigation check.
Legends of Avantris
Shadow Over Gauntsmouth | New Player D&D 5e One-Shot: Part 3
This is Undertale. 13 to hit, yeah. Mace says, horribly, the bite hits you. It's going to claw both Ventus. 17? 18. Okay. And then once again, a Barber. A 4 and a 5. Okay, every nephew misses everything, so the Vincys are up.
Legends of Avantris
Shadow Over Gauntsmouth | New Player D&D 5e One-Shot: Part 3
I would say you look and this seems, you see the scorch marks and the arcing pattern of where Layton had hit the base and you see the great slash marks of massive claws alongside this tower.
Legends of Avantris
Shadow Over Gauntsmouth | New Player D&D 5e One-Shot: Part 3
That hits? Yeah. So roll all your shit.
Legends of Avantris
Shadow Over Gauntsmouth | New Player D&D 5e One-Shot: Part 3
So just roll all of it. I'll give you some d6s, brother. How many do you need? From one rogue to another here, motherfucker.
Legends of Avantris
Shadow Over Gauntsmouth | New Player D&D 5e One-Shot: Part 3
And then you'll add whatever you add. Yeah, plus eight. Yep. All right, so add eight to that. Yeah, baby, come on. I allow it.
Legends of Avantris
Shadow Over Gauntsmouth | New Player D&D 5e One-Shot: Part 3
That's right, that's right, that's right. Feels good to roll lots of dice, though.
Legends of Avantris
Shadow Over Gauntsmouth | New Player D&D 5e One-Shot: Part 3
For two attacks, that's good.
Legends of Avantris
Shadow Over Gauntsmouth | New Player D&D 5e One-Shot: Part 3
My fucking man! Oh my god!
Legends of Avantris
Shadow Over Gauntsmouth | New Player D&D 5e One-Shot: Part 3
With the green flame blade. You do that. As through the fog cloud, you raise up your sword, igniting it in this green flame. It dissolves the fog around you. You see clearly this lilting-headed bronze dragon and you leap forward and you slice into it as the flame singes its scales and flesh. You cleave harder and harder and harder and like in a fucking anime, you go, And you slice through.
Legends of Avantris
Shadow Over Gauntsmouth | New Player D&D 5e One-Shot: Part 3
You all see Ventus as you all turn forward. You see a gray skin pulling all of his energy as a figure with these large dark eyes and gray skin.
Legends of Avantris
Shadow Over Gauntsmouth | New Player D&D 5e One-Shot: Part 3
flashes for just a moment and then shifts back to human and the blade cuts cleanly through the head of this dragon and it lops to the ground it looks like this roar and collapses to the ground in this lair you have slayed a casagos and gotta give it up gotta give it up
Legends of Avantris
Shadow Over Gauntsmouth | New Player D&D 5e One-Shot: Part 3
Master Ventus, are you okay? Flip that motherfucker over. Yeah, he's dead.
Legends of Avantris
Shadow Over Gauntsmouth | New Player D&D 5e One-Shot: Part 3
I love you very much. Thank you, Mayo.
Legends of Avantris
Shadow Over Gauntsmouth | New Player D&D 5e One-Shot: Part 3
Thank you, thank you, thank you, thank you.
Legends of Avantris
Shadow Over Gauntsmouth | New Player D&D 5e One-Shot: Part 3
LOL. That's gonna be a wolf for me, dog. Too soon. Master Ventus, are you okay? That was amazing! I'm very okay.
Legends of Avantris
Shadow Over Gauntsmouth | New Player D&D 5e One-Shot: Part 3
It's literally ancient. Yes, it is ancient. I know GG wise. I would say even like StarCraft, like earlier than StarCraft, maybe good game, well played.
Legends of Avantris
Shadow Over Gauntsmouth | New Player D&D 5e One-Shot: Part 3
It's just like origin gameplay talk. GGWP.
Legends of Avantris
Shadow Over Gauntsmouth | New Player D&D 5e One-Shot: Part 3
Ah, fly back down to the group, mate.
Legends of Avantris
Shadow Over Gauntsmouth | New Player D&D 5e One-Shot: Part 3
So, Professor Azrayan peeks his head out of the pile. Is it dead? Yes. You! You! You are even less courageous than Grah!
Legends of Avantris
Shadow Over Gauntsmouth | New Player D&D 5e One-Shot: Part 3
Did you know this was not right?
Legends of Avantris
Shadow Over Gauntsmouth | New Player D&D 5e One-Shot: Part 3
A bronze dragon should be good and benevolent. I've heard that Cossackos was a good omen of sailors.
Legends of Avantris
Shadow Over Gauntsmouth | New Player D&D 5e One-Shot: Part 3
It seems like a great battle was waged out here between the primal forces of the elements and what I can only assume is the great dragon Kassigos. That sounds correct. Thank you for fact-checking me. Scorch marks lie above us and gigantic talon claws bigger than my entire body cleaved the tower clean from its stone bearing. Do you think it was a black dragon that did this? It's hard to tell.
Legends of Avantris
Shadow Over Gauntsmouth | New Player D&D 5e One-Shot: Part 3
did anyone else notice it it seemed to have the same neck lotus as those of god smith i walk up to where um uh vint severed its head and i inspect its separation we are not safe we are not safe crosses we are not safe Thirteen.
Legends of Avantris
Shadow Over Gauntsmouth | New Player D&D 5e One-Shot: Part 3
Thirteen. You look and you see as if, despite... You have a negative investigation? ...Fintest having severed the head, it looks like, biologically, from this dragon, you see that it's very clear that its original head had been severed before you ever fought it. And that this new head, lulting out from the side... No, no, no, no, no, no, no, no.
Legends of Avantris
Shadow Over Gauntsmouth | New Player D&D 5e One-Shot: Part 3
Completely different head, or... You can tell that his original head had been lopped off, and the head that you had fought was not the original head.
Legends of Avantris
Shadow Over Gauntsmouth | New Player D&D 5e One-Shot: Part 3
No, no, no, no. Crosses, this is not right.
Legends of Avantris
Shadow Over Gauntsmouth | New Player D&D 5e One-Shot: Part 3
No, no, I turn towards Master Vint, and I'm kind of shouting at Willow. No, no, friends of Crow, we need to go.
Legends of Avantris
Shadow Over Gauntsmouth | New Player D&D 5e One-Shot: Part 3
Krall will give everything he has to destroy this statue. We should certainly destroy this statue. It's foul fiendish abomination.
Legends of Avantris
Shadow Over Gauntsmouth | New Player D&D 5e One-Shot: Part 3
This is not something to know. We must bring it down quickly. And you see he'll announce a regret. His eyes are wide.
Legends of Avantris
Shadow Over Gauntsmouth | New Player D&D 5e One-Shot: Part 3
You can, absolutely. Make a persuading check at advantage. How about that? His eyes kind of shrink back as the green hand slaps him. I apologize.
Legends of Avantris
Shadow Over Gauntsmouth | New Player D&D 5e One-Shot: Part 3
I will pull out the warhammer that is on my back and put away my battleaxe, and I will just start to just wail away on it.
Legends of Avantris
Shadow Over Gauntsmouth | New Player D&D 5e One-Shot: Part 3
And I would also, safe distance, try to use acid splash, try to melt the stash and melt the stone, like wear it away.
Legends of Avantris
Shadow Over Gauntsmouth | New Player D&D 5e One-Shot: Part 3
You do that. You bless him. Make several attack rolls.
Legends of Avantris
Shadow Over Gauntsmouth | New Player D&D 5e One-Shot: Part 3
Mine is unfortunately a death 15 saving throw.
Legends of Avantris
Shadow Over Gauntsmouth | New Player D&D 5e One-Shot: Part 3
So it's going to be 2d6 plus 4.
Legends of Avantris
Shadow Over Gauntsmouth | New Player D&D 5e One-Shot: Part 3
What does everyone else do? You're guiding a program. 10 points of acid damage. As you crawl a channel in and you hear... As we hear faint music, as he... And acid sprays out of his hands, and it drops onto the... As I shake my fetish. As you smash in, and this strange fetish dances almost, as he's... So I made four attack rolls, three are over 20, one's like 17.
Legends of Avantris
Shadow Over Gauntsmouth | New Player D&D 5e One-Shot: Part 3
I don't have many attacks that would impact, like, a giant statue. I'm just continuing to ponder over the dragon. Okay. Ponder over the dragon. Ventus, you're the last one we have.
Legends of Avantris
Shadow Over Gauntsmouth | New Player D&D 5e One-Shot: Part 3
I would say that... Shasty motherfucker.
Legends of Avantris
Shadow Over Gauntsmouth | New Player D&D 5e One-Shot: Part 3
...making the investigation check. Uh, yeah. At advantage. How about that? Mmm. Bingo. Almost. Big one.
Legends of Avantris
Shadow Over Gauntsmouth | New Player D&D 5e One-Shot: Part 3
Yeah. Five, 24. Professor versus... Well done, Mrs. Perhaps we'll... And he pours... He's pouring heaps of V-coins into his briefcase. You have no idea how much they pour into it. Just wait, you guys. As they pour in the gold V-coins. I haven't trusted this professor. He closes the middle room here. And he grabs it. Well done. From the back of your ear. Even grow! Even you, Krah! Even you, Krah!
Legends of Avantris
Shadow Over Gauntsmouth | New Player D&D 5e One-Shot: Part 3
As the acid blasts blood in Krah, Willow and Bargrim are focusing. You're chanting the power of Trantia, blasting both of these creatures. The acid singes, the oily black stone seems to wither, and you see a crack form. And then Bargrim, you... And your massive warhammer hits a crack. You hear a loud crack.
Legends of Avantris
Shadow Over Gauntsmouth | New Player D&D 5e One-Shot: Part 3
And then two massive rubies roll into the cave as the statue of Demogorgon, the prince of demons, is destroyed. Are these rubies magical in any way? No. Please. I agree.
Legends of Avantris
Shadow Over Gauntsmouth | New Player D&D 5e One-Shot: Part 3
And I'll very carefully put gold into my pack. No, no, no. As much as you can. And if there's ever a reason to play these characters again, you will enjoy a magical item of your choice at the next adventure. That does not forebode well. and you pour gold and you get the occasional thing as you pour as much as you can into your pack.
Legends of Avantris
Shadow Over Gauntsmouth | New Player D&D 5e One-Shot: Part 3
And to answer Shatner's question, his briefcase is a bag of holding as well.
Legends of Avantris
Shadow Over Gauntsmouth | New Player D&D 5e One-Shot: Part 3
It's definitely a dragon of sorts, I think.
Legends of Avantris
Shadow Over Gauntsmouth | New Player D&D 5e One-Shot: Part 3
Which you can insinuate, but we did not know. Well, he called it a briefcase of holding. He did. He did.
Legends of Avantris
Shadow Over Gauntsmouth | New Player D&D 5e One-Shot: Part 3
Did you steal that idea from us?
Legends of Avantris
Shadow Over Gauntsmouth | New Player D&D 5e One-Shot: Part 3
As he mentions it, as he walks, do you have any idea how many threads, and I'm like, I'm full Charlie. No one has any idea. Yeah. Some people have some idea. Wait, we're all leaving. You're all leaving. Master Ventus, now please wait for crime! And you see sketching as he's stepping back, looking at the statue. Rune...
Legends of Avantris
Shadow Over Gauntsmouth | New Player D&D 5e One-Shot: Part 3
If he lags behind, I'll fucking pull him forward. So we're all moving as a unit.
Legends of Avantris
Shadow Over Gauntsmouth | New Player D&D 5e One-Shot: Part 3
Would it be reasonable at this point to tie the Prince of Demons to the god Faustus in Gauntlet? Why?
Legends of Avantris
Shadow Over Gauntsmouth | New Player D&D 5e One-Shot: Part 3
Why do you say that?
Legends of Avantris
Shadow Over Gauntsmouth | New Player D&D 5e One-Shot: Part 3
I'm curious. Because the wilted head of the dragon... But what does that mean to you?
Legends of Avantris
Shadow Over Gauntsmouth | New Player D&D 5e One-Shot: Part 3
Are you just making leaps in logic?
Legends of Avantris
Shadow Over Gauntsmouth | New Player D&D 5e One-Shot: Part 3
Well, no. The wilted head of the dragon had a scar, and he worshipped the demon, and the statue of the demon was in his lair, and everyone in Gonsmith had the same wilted head. I'm just asking.
Legends of Avantris
Shadow Over Gauntsmouth | New Player D&D 5e One-Shot: Part 3
I'm not saying you're wrong.
Legends of Avantris
Shadow Over Gauntsmouth | New Player D&D 5e One-Shot: Part 3
I'm asking you to prove it. You would imagine that their human minds would just perceive a god and the might of a dragon would recognize it for what it is.
Legends of Avantris
Shadow Over Gauntsmouth | New Player D&D 5e One-Shot: Part 3
I'm not saying you're wrong. That's just why I'm asking if it's reasonable to connect the two. I would say that it is You'd have to be a fool to not see the connection between the lilted head of the dragon and the lilted head of the humans of Gonsmith. But, but, as far as Foltus goes, whether or not they believe it and whether or not, you have no way of knowing.
Legends of Avantris
Shadow Over Gauntsmouth | New Player D&D 5e One-Shot: Part 3
All you know is that every single human, except for the children of Gonsmith, have had the same lilted head.
Legends of Avantris
Shadow Over Gauntsmouth | New Player D&D 5e One-Shot: Part 3
Which, seeing that the dragon's had its head cut off and reattached, we would assume is what happened to them.
Legends of Avantris
Shadow Over Gauntsmouth | New Player D&D 5e One-Shot: Part 3
Right. There's a connection. You don't know how you, you have no idea what kind of leap of logic would happen. All you know is that they had a similar head lilt to the dragon.
Legends of Avantris
Shadow Over Gauntsmouth | New Player D&D 5e One-Shot: Part 3
He's not saying that reattached is the right answer. Okay. Exactly right.
Legends of Avantris
Shadow Over Gauntsmouth | New Player D&D 5e One-Shot: Part 3
Azran, I think, draws us back to... Was it Azran?
Legends of Avantris
Shadow Over Gauntsmouth | New Player D&D 5e One-Shot: Part 3
Oh. He brought stranger things to all of our normie friends. Stranger things.
Legends of Avantris
Shadow Over Gauntsmouth | New Player D&D 5e One-Shot: Part 3
The demon prince Demogorgon should draw us back to, uh... Gonspip. Gonspip for further investigation of the townsfolk. We need to get out of here right away. Agreed, agreed. Christ does not want to stay any longer.
Legends of Avantris
Shadow Over Gauntsmouth | New Player D&D 5e One-Shot: Part 3
So we, I assume we all quickly just leave, go back up the cliff.
Legends of Avantris
Shadow Over Gauntsmouth | New Player D&D 5e One-Shot: Part 3
Oh, Krafft, it's not like what you're insinuating.
Legends of Avantris
Shadow Over Gauntsmouth | New Player D&D 5e One-Shot: Part 3
and you all make your way back through the ruins, the marsh following the path of the Swarm of Bloom. I'll say that you camp. You have to take a full night's rest. You all enjoy a long rest in the marsh. You're not attacked by any trolls or snakes or sturges of any variety. You enjoy a long rest through the camps. You arrive the next morning at about 11 a.m. Back in the town.
Legends of Avantris
Shadow Over Gauntsmouth | New Player D&D 5e One-Shot: Part 3
If we were to consider the murals we saw earlier with the war of the brass dragons and the black dragons... The bronze dragons. The bronze dragons and the black dragons, it lends to reason that the black dragons Uh, lead siege to this castle.
Legends of Avantris
Shadow Over Gauntsmouth | New Player D&D 5e One-Shot: Part 3
I don't know where everyone plans to go after this, but Kra has several ideas. Kra is looking for things and might be able to suggest where we all go next.
Legends of Avantris
Shadow Over Gauntsmouth | New Player D&D 5e One-Shot: Part 3
Where might that be, Drakidraz? Well, well, I'm glad you asked. Krah's glad you asked. I miss the swamps, and there are several swamps not far from here that Krah would like to revisit. While we're talking, I'd like to see if there's a soul villager near an alleyway I can grab and pull into the alleyway. We're going there. All right. All right. I abduct a villager into a dark alleyway.
Legends of Avantris
Shadow Over Gauntsmouth | New Player D&D 5e One-Shot: Part 3
You look around and make a perception check for me. As you say that, Craw, as G looks around, Professor Azran shakes his head.
Legends of Avantris
Shadow Over Gauntsmouth | New Player D&D 5e One-Shot: Part 3
Perception, you say?
Legends of Avantris
Shadow Over Gauntsmouth | New Player D&D 5e One-Shot: Part 3
I-I-I repeat myself in saying that Krod's not like what you're insinuating.
Legends of Avantris
Shadow Over Gauntsmouth | New Player D&D 5e One-Shot: Part 3
He fails catastrophically.
Legends of Avantris
Shadow Over Gauntsmouth | New Player D&D 5e One-Shot: Part 3
Or he could choose to fail. He chooses to fail.
Legends of Avantris
Shadow Over Gauntsmouth | New Player D&D 5e One-Shot: Part 3
Okay. Oh, Karaki, do you not trust the good professor? Something's been off about him since the center room when he saw the murals on the wall. Professor? Yes, Falls? Is there something you're hiding from us?
Legends of Avantris
Shadow Over Gauntsmouth | New Player D&D 5e One-Shot: Part 3
Other way, let's follow Miss Willow, as you call her, down the- No, no, I think Master Ventus has something to say.
Legends of Avantris
Shadow Over Gauntsmouth | New Player D&D 5e One-Shot: Part 3
Make a true dent in archeology and history and the event as a whole. And I plan on making an impact on this world in a way that no
Legends of Avantris
Shadow Over Gauntsmouth | New Player D&D 5e One-Shot: Part 3
His eyes widen and he smiles. Genuinely, not a lie is told.
Legends of Avantris
Shadow Over Gauntsmouth | New Player D&D 5e One-Shot: Part 3
How long does Zone of Truth last? A long time, at least. Maybe ten minutes. While everyone is talking to the professor while he's in the Zone of Truth, I want to lean in towards Vint and try to persuade him. Do I still have a citizen in the alleyway, pinned against a wall?
Legends of Avantris
Shadow Over Gauntsmouth | New Player D&D 5e One-Shot: Part 3
You look around. You're looking around, and you're not able to find any individual...
Legends of Avantris
Shadow Over Gauntsmouth | New Player D&D 5e One-Shot: Part 3
I want to lean towards Vint. And just whisper and attempt to persuade. So if that requires a contest, I'm happy to do it.
Legends of Avantris
Shadow Over Gauntsmouth | New Player D&D 5e One-Shot: Part 3
You are able to persuade as much as Reed believes you are persuasive.
Legends of Avantris
Shadow Over Gauntsmouth | New Player D&D 5e One-Shot: Part 3
And all I want to say to him quietly, and it's only to Master Vint, Master Vint, now is the time to ask about the book.
Legends of Avantris
Shadow Over Gauntsmouth | New Player D&D 5e One-Shot: Part 3
That is an excellent point, Vintas. Master Vint, I knew you were very, very, very smart.
Legends of Avantris
Shadow Over Gauntsmouth | New Player D&D 5e One-Shot: Part 3
Years when... No, don't even look at him.
Legends of Avantris
Shadow Over Gauntsmouth | New Player D&D 5e One-Shot: Part 3
Don't even fucking look at him. It was reported that it was a doppelganger that had broken in.
Legends of Avantris
Shadow Over Gauntsmouth | New Player D&D 5e One-Shot: Part 3
Master Vint, it sounds like he has told no lie.
Legends of Avantris
Shadow Over Gauntsmouth | New Player D&D 5e One-Shot: Part 3
Does it affect everybody in the zone?
Legends of Avantris
Shadow Over Gauntsmouth | New Player D&D 5e One-Shot: Part 3
Yeah, is the zone... Can somebody step into it? It's gigantic. If you choose to, yes.
Legends of Avantris
Shadow Over Gauntsmouth | New Player D&D 5e One-Shot: Part 3
So it's 30 feet across.
Legends of Avantris
Shadow Over Gauntsmouth | New Player D&D 5e One-Shot: Part 3
Perhaps we should make our way outside. And as you're looking around for an individual... Yeah, okay, good. You see the lilted head in the gate. Is it Obadiah? Yeah, it's freaking Obadiah. Father Wilbur Rangel. As he steps forward. This motherfucker. He's forward. Well done. You have survived. The ruins and the marshes. And you see individuals behind him. One, two, dozens.
Legends of Avantris
Shadow Over Gauntsmouth | New Player D&D 5e One-Shot: Part 3
As I examine, it seems to be far more recent.
Legends of Avantris
Shadow Over Gauntsmouth | New Player D&D 5e One-Shot: Part 3
behind him as they're all walking towards you. Dozens? Dozens. Jesus.
Legends of Avantris
Shadow Over Gauntsmouth | New Player D&D 5e One-Shot: Part 3
I don't like their odds.
Legends of Avantris
Shadow Over Gauntsmouth | New Player D&D 5e One-Shot: Part 3
Oh, that's fucking good! Sleight of Hand shot. Do it. Do that shit, man. 19. He does not notice what it comes from. What are you intending to do with us? I want to rip his shirt off.
Legends of Avantris
Shadow Over Gauntsmouth | New Player D&D 5e One-Shot: Part 3
So the father's, what is that called?
Legends of Avantris
Shadow Over Gauntsmouth | New Player D&D 5e One-Shot: Part 3
An invisible force stops him in his tracks, rips the collar, and as his robe is opened up, you see... Where a neck would be. Oh, fuck. A horrible scar. Oh, fuck! Is this hailed lilt? It's the demon!
Legends of Avantris
Shadow Over Gauntsmouth | New Player D&D 5e One-Shot: Part 3
Now I can... He looks at you. Almost, he continues to walk forward. I can trust all of you now will observe the one true way. I fought us, and you will join us.
Legends of Avantris
Shadow Over Gauntsmouth | New Player D&D 5e One-Shot: Part 3
He's about... What's the range of the whole person? 60 feet. He's exactly 60 feet away from us. Okay. Damn. As you step forward and suddenly he rolls a 5 plus... He rolls an 8.
Legends of Avantris
Shadow Over Gauntsmouth | New Player D&D 5e One-Shot: Part 3
You will join us. And you have seen too much. So you have seen the one true. As he steps forward. He is held. He was about to tell us we see the one true God.
Legends of Avantris
Shadow Over Gauntsmouth | New Player D&D 5e One-Shot: Part 3
And then all of a sudden more and more individuals start to walk towards you. I saw something say. Join us. And they all grab their collar. And pull. And you see the scarred original neck wound of every single adult.
Legends of Avantris
Shadow Over Gauntsmouth | New Player D&D 5e One-Shot: Part 3
And Professor Edmonds, you should get out of here, and she immediately bolts after you.
Legends of Avantris
Shadow Over Gauntsmouth | New Player D&D 5e One-Shot: Part 3
You do that, self-punishment, everyone is immediately... the number of one and around every corner.
Legends of Avantris
Shadow Over Gauntsmouth | New Player D&D 5e One-Shot: Part 3
Join us. How many of them are there, roughly? Hundreds. Okay.
Legends of Avantris
Shadow Over Gauntsmouth | New Player D&D 5e One-Shot: Part 3
Hundreds and hundreds of the Gonsmith natives all start to begin to walk toward you.
Legends of Avantris
Shadow Over Gauntsmouth | New Player D&D 5e One-Shot: Part 3
So, quick question. I'm just curious. The past without a trace, how does... I mean, like... We're standing in front of them.
Legends of Avantris
Shadow Over Gauntsmouth | New Player D&D 5e One-Shot: Part 3
You are running. You can attempt to dodge out of sight behind an alley, but they are popping out of every alleyway more and more.
Legends of Avantris
Shadow Over Gauntsmouth | New Player D&D 5e One-Shot: Part 3
The Simulant Beast.
Legends of Avantris
Shadow Over Gauntsmouth | New Player D&D 5e One-Shot: Part 3
That's not what I'm asking.
Legends of Avantris
Shadow Over Gauntsmouth | New Player D&D 5e One-Shot: Part 3
We can't literally vanish in the middle of the street is my point. Correct.
Legends of Avantris
Shadow Over Gauntsmouth | New Player D&D 5e One-Shot: Part 3
Correct. They have your spell. No, I'm not saying we're banished. You cast it, and so if you attempt to try to find someplace high, but every single area you turn... That's fine. As more and more, their lilt starts to increase, increase, and they start to then book into a run as they all show their wound. There is beauty in the madness of Demogorgon. The prince of demons, join us.
Legends of Avantris
Shadow Over Gauntsmouth | New Player D&D 5e One-Shot: Part 3
Let's go, Dory. I turn to Reed's character and I say, Miss Willow is gone. You are my only concern now, Mr. Ventus. Master Ventus, I will protect you.
Legends of Avantris
Shadow Over Gauntsmouth | New Player D&D 5e One-Shot: Part 3
Is the professor with us? Everyone is booking it out and you see numbers of individuals as they're appearing from every corner as you are all booking it through the town and they are all barely out of range as some of them are wearing hoods and they cast their hand.
Legends of Avantris
Shadow Over Gauntsmouth | New Player D&D 5e One-Shot: Part 3
They glow with the same horrible dark magic that you've experienced, but you're just barely out of range as you are sprinting through. What are you guys doing?
Legends of Avantris
Shadow Over Gauntsmouth | New Player D&D 5e One-Shot: Part 3
uh i want to be flying with the party and then crash in the ground and disrupt the earth behind us and then like scorch forward like fly forward how does that work i i mean it uh it's it's mold earth and it becomes i mean i don't know are we on a are we in like a city street you might you are now in a town street heading back towards the salt marsh from where it's you game
Legends of Avantris
Shadow Over Gauntsmouth | New Player D&D 5e One-Shot: Part 3
If it's relatively narrow, the street just behind us becomes... Difficult terrain? Yeah, the ground becomes difficult terrain.
Legends of Avantris
Shadow Over Gauntsmouth | New Player D&D 5e One-Shot: Part 3
You see G take off far faster than all of you. His bright red wings radiating as he flies behind you, and you see a swarm hundreds... of these lilted-headed individuals.
Legends of Avantris
Shadow Over Gauntsmouth | New Player D&D 5e One-Shot: Part 3
Master Vintas is so very kind and gracious. I mean, not as kind as Miss Willow, but Master Vintas is brave and smart. Not as smart as Miss Willow, but still I love Master Vintas.
Legends of Avantris
Shadow Over Gauntsmouth | New Player D&D 5e One-Shot: Part 3
From his point of view, he can see.
Legends of Avantris
Shadow Over Gauntsmouth | New Player D&D 5e One-Shot: Part 3
From his point of view, you can see now Flora. Hundreds now booking into this gate as they are shambling towards you. Join us! Join us! The sibling beast, the prince of demons! There is beauty in the madness! Join us, the one true path! And they're all screaming this cacophony of screams. As you die-bomb down, you see these smash down. Your hand glows with this green energy. As soon as you hit...
Legends of Avantris
Shadow Over Gauntsmouth | New Player D&D 5e One-Shot: Part 3
The earth is fully disrupted as you then leap back up and continue to fly with the group.
Legends of Avantris
Shadow Over Gauntsmouth | New Player D&D 5e One-Shot: Part 3
All I'm doing is running behind Master Vint. That's all I can do.
Legends of Avantris
Shadow Over Gauntsmouth | New Player D&D 5e One-Shot: Part 3
I'd like to attempt to hide with that disruption. I would say all of you make a stealth trap with the whatchacallit. Oh, I think I already did.
Legends of Avantris
Shadow Over Gauntsmouth | New Player D&D 5e One-Shot: Part 3
What is stealth anything?
Legends of Avantris
Shadow Over Gauntsmouth | New Player D&D 5e One-Shot: Part 3
17, unfortunately, with a natural one. I got, look, 23. Willow.
Legends of Avantris
Shadow Over Gauntsmouth | New Player D&D 5e One-Shot: Part 3
Yeah, I dodged behind you.
Legends of Avantris
Shadow Over Gauntsmouth | New Player D&D 5e One-Shot: Part 3
You are at least a good 60, 100 feet up ahead of us. They don't even see you as you are gone. You're long gone. as the group you manage to dodge up out of the way. The shadow enshrouds you. She gets more than 30 feet away from me.
Legends of Avantris
Shadow Over Gauntsmouth | New Player D&D 5e One-Shot: Part 3
It's her own thing.
Legends of Avantris
Shadow Over Gauntsmouth | New Player D&D 5e One-Shot: Part 3
You all dodge as you feel as you run up. You feel something tug at your wrist. Two of us? Something tug at your wrist and pull you as you roll into the tall grass.
Legends of Avantris
Shadow Over Gauntsmouth | New Player D&D 5e One-Shot: Part 3
And as all seven of you roll into the tall grass, you then see the shambling gate of hundreds of natives of Gotham Smith run past where all of you are as you realize that Professor Asmon is clutching your wrist, clamping a hand on your mouth. As all seven of you hide in the tall grass, and the thundering footsteps of the wilted gates of these individuals rush past you. Until quiet returns.
Legends of Avantris
Shadow Over Gauntsmouth | New Player D&D 5e One-Shot: Part 3
You are all silent. And eventually... You make your way slowly through the marsh. It is a very long journey away from the town as you eventually make your way out of the salt marshes, away, leaving Gonsmith behind you and all of the lilted-headed residents forever having survived the shadow of our Gonsmith. And that is where we'll end the session.
Legends of Avantris
Shadow Over Gauntsmouth | New Player D&D 5e One-Shot: Part 3
As you're all discussing this, Professor Azran is continuing jotting in his notebook. As you leave the arch at the bottom of this that leads to a long constructed path along the sea cliff, going down and down along the cliff. The spray of the sea hits you, the smell of the salt water in the air as the sun is setting on this gloomy day and you walk down and down towards the ship graveyard.
Legends of Avantris
Shadow Over Gauntsmouth | New Player D&D 5e One-Shot: Part 3
Thank you so much for listening to the Legends of Avantris podcast. We hope you enjoyed the session. If you want even more campaigns to listen to, become a member of our Patreon at the Pearl Dolphin tier or higher to unlock Shroud Over Saltmarsh, a patron-exclusive campaign set on the high seas. You can find that at patreon.com slash legendsofavantris.
Legends of Avantris
Shadow Over Gauntsmouth | New Player D&D 5e One-Shot: Part 3
If you want to chat about the episode with the Avantris community, join us on Discord at legendsofavantris.com slash discord. We also post content nearly every day on YouTube, TikTok, and Instagram, so make sure you follow our socials at legendsofadventures.com slash social.
Legends of Avantris
Shadow Over Gauntsmouth | New Player D&D 5e One-Shot: Part 3
And make sure you check out The Crooked Moon so you can terrify your friends with a folk horror 5e supplement published by us. Get your own copy at thecrookedmoon.com. Thanks again, and we'll see you next time.
Legends of Avantris
Shadow Over Gauntsmouth | New Player D&D 5e One-Shot: Part 3
You see that the clam shell lights up with this bright blue light, almost swirls like the ebbing and flowing of the tide. And then the statue, its metal plating shimmers with this bright platinum light. And you hear a and you hear a stone turning of some kind from the door beyond. And Professor Adams is like,
Legends of Avantris
Shadow Over Gauntsmouth | New Player D&D 5e One-Shot: Part 3
A large cavernous cove, it seems. It seems to lay at the end of this path. And as you turn, we'll be able to remove this map business. Not that, not that quite yet. That business, yeah. Could you please just quickly boink. So where are we? Ship, and then a little bit more. And you find a small landing where the path leads right there. Yep, the path leads directly there.
Legends of Avantris
For What It's Worth | Ep. 2 | Heist Story: Part 2
Mahone Capone asks, do you guys ever play online? The only online we play is we have a quarterly one-shot with patrons at the Dragon tier and higher. And so that is, I think, the only online games that we play. Yeah, we're mostly an in-person group.
Legends of Avantris
For What It's Worth | Ep. 2 | Heist Story: Part 2
Yes, the biggest casino in Galtica at the present moment.
Legends of Avantris
For What It's Worth | Ep. 2 | Heist Story: Part 2
Oh no. That's a lot of, that's a lot of damage. Oh no, my friend Phil. I need you. Constitution saving throw you said? Yeah. Nine. You are poisoned for one hour.
Legends of Avantris
For What It's Worth | Ep. 2 | Heist Story: Part 2
Oh, yeah, probably is. I'm just very, you know, insular. I only care about Galtica, you know what I mean? I don't care about the rest of Avantra. Okay, yeah, continue. Okay.
Legends of Avantris
For What It's Worth | Ep. 2 | Heist Story: Part 2
I'm going to turn around and say, are you stabbing at me? Are you stabbing at me? I'm speaking to you, you should look at me. I'm doing math.
Legends of Avantris
For What It's Worth | Ep. 2 | Heist Story: Part 2
And I'll say, well, I guess I owe you one, and I'll pull out a meat hook.
Legends of Avantris
For What It's Worth | Ep. 2 | Heist Story: Part 2
And I'm going to attempt to meat hook him at disadvantage.
Legends of Avantris
For What It's Worth | Ep. 2 | Heist Story: Part 2
Oh! Disadvantage, I still get an 18. That hits. And because he's next to Knuckles, I get to roll sneak attack, which would be 1d6.
Legends of Avantris
For What It's Worth | Ep. 2 | Heist Story: Part 2
Oh, oh, that's where, oh, I see, I'm back here. I have it all written down here. So Miss Lady says, and I had this delivered via AOL. She sent an A-Owl, you know what I mean?
Legends of Avantris
For What It's Worth | Ep. 2 | Heist Story: Part 2
Surfing dog hell for Gino's deli.
Legends of Avantris
For What It's Worth | Ep. 2 | Heist Story: Part 2
You guys suck, and you should feel bad. He's disadvantaged after he gets hit by Mars.
Legends of Avantris
For What It's Worth | Ep. 2 | Heist Story: Part 2
Yeah, why? Do you think that would incriminate us in case anyone intercepted it? As not only planning a heist, but also as the culprits of the previous heist would then be successfully executed? No. Undetected?
Legends of Avantris
For What It's Worth | Ep. 2 | Heist Story: Part 2
Yeah, we're probably fine. You're right. Anyways, Silver Linings Casino is right next to Goodberry Square. What else is in 10 days? I'm sure you all know. It's probably not just me because I have a sports gambling habit. Habit, not an addiction.
Legends of Avantris
For What It's Worth | Ep. 2 | Heist Story: Part 2
He's giving me advantage on my first attack. That missed. It may still miss. That hits. Okay.
Legends of Avantris
For What It's Worth | Ep. 2 | Heist Story: Part 2
Well, I mean, they didn't diversify their crew. They seemed to have a mastermind, a safe cracker. They didn't have any muscle. They didn't have any explosive expert. They didn't have a distracting mom. Actually, fun fact, www.distractingmoms.com is on my AOL browser. You know just how owls bring their documents? And I open it up and I'm like, man, owl, you're a pervert, Mr. Owl.
Legends of Avantris
For What It's Worth | Ep. 2 | Heist Story: Part 2
No, no, actually, that wasn't part of the plan. We can kill.
Legends of Avantris
For What It's Worth | Ep. 2 | Heist Story: Part 2
What inconsistent rules. I would have said, hey, let's not kill any employees of the casino. They're just doing their job. But a bunch of heisters that were not part of the plan, I feel like we can murder them either.
Legends of Avantris
For What It's Worth | Ep. 2 | Heist Story: Part 2
It's the big game. right oh that fleen flow game you're talking about yeah the grand fleen flow championship yeah who's playing this year you can see if it says uh stock up for the big game because the genie owns the right then if anyone uses if anyone says it in their their advertising he'll sue you so who's playing in the big game this year Oh, well, it's a bunch of different teams.
Legends of Avantris
For What It's Worth | Ep. 2 | Heist Story: Part 2
Well, at least Mary Mary, quite contrary, is better off.
Legends of Avantris
For What It's Worth | Ep. 2 | Heist Story: Part 2
What's the spell list on a beholder? What's the what? Spell list on a beholder. Oh, it's a lot. Oh, no, no spells because they use psionics and those aren't spells, sorry.
Legends of Avantris
For What It's Worth | Ep. 2 | Heist Story: Part 2
No, they have rays, they have death rays.
Legends of Avantris
For What It's Worth | Ep. 2 | Heist Story: Part 2
Should we tell your beholder friend to behold the line?
Legends of Avantris
For What It's Worth | Ep. 2 | Heist Story: Part 2
It's a whole championship. It's kind of like the World Cup, but also the Super Bowl.
Legends of Avantris
For What It's Worth | Ep. 2 | Heist Story: Part 2
Oh, yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah. Because they need to be in the vault to get the treasure out. Yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah.
Legends of Avantris
For What It's Worth | Ep. 2 | Heist Story: Part 2
Oh, and I'll try to clean up the olive juice.
Legends of Avantris
For What It's Worth | Ep. 2 | Heist Story: Part 2
But we don't have much time. It'll just smear everywhere.
Legends of Avantris
For What It's Worth | Ep. 2 | Heist Story: Part 2
Oh, I got a guy on the inside. I got a favorite team. The odds are really low. But I stand to make a lot of money if they pull through. That's my betting strategy. Look what I've had the biggest payout and just bet on that. It works for me.
Legends of Avantris
For What It's Worth | Ep. 2 | Heist Story: Part 2
You know, it's on a document and you get to keep it. So you'll have two next time.
Legends of Avantris
For What It's Worth | Ep. 2 | Heist Story: Part 2
Yeah, it's rollover PTO. Oh my gosh.
Legends of Avantris
For What It's Worth | Ep. 2 | Heist Story: Part 2
It's very sound. That's what I do when I go to the track. Anyway.
Legends of Avantris
For What It's Worth | Ep. 2 | Heist Story: Part 2
Anyway. So the whole point of this casino, on the night of the big game, the finale, the finals. So we'll see who's in the final match. And then that's when I'll make my real bet, you know. But I have my bracket all filled out. Uh... You guys want to join my regular flamethrower team?
Legends of Avantris
For What It's Worth | Ep. 2 | Heist Story: Part 2
Because we're in a fantasy world, I don't know, there's magic all around us. It's very whimsical. Anyways.
Legends of Avantris
For What It's Worth | Ep. 2 | Heist Story: Part 2
You know? Okay, so anyway, here it says, I don't know how anyone reads any of this. Who's handwriting? Oh, it's mine. Okay, so typically the casino, you have to, on an average night, you have a few hundred thousand gold pieces.
Legends of Avantris
For What It's Worth | Ep. 2 | Heist Story: Part 2
Oh, yeah, that looks a lot clearer. I can finally read it. Okay, but for the championship, people from all over Vantress are coming in to our great city, bringing in and they're spending their money. They're placing bets. They're even taking bets via AOL this year, I've heard. And there could be half a million to one million gold pieces.
Legends of Avantris
For What It's Worth | Ep. 2 | Heist Story: Part 2
One million gold pieces at this casino on that night in 10 days.
Legends of Avantris
For What It's Worth | Ep. 2 | Heist Story: Part 2
All in the same place. Can you believe that?
Legends of Avantris
For What It's Worth | Ep. 2 | Heist Story: Part 2
Well, I mean, probably literally and figuratively. There probably are some crazy demons or some shit. Aliens or something. I don't know. That's what I mean. That's why I thought of everything and prepared it. Oh, and I've had the foresight to prepare everything we need. but we need to spend the time. Oh, so we need to get in. We need to get out. That could also be up to 5 million gold pieces.
Legends of Avantris
For What It's Worth | Ep. 2 | Heist Story: Part 2
also if there are really demons involved in the security i don't think i want my children to help with this one they should probably i mean why don't they just help around at the shop i mean i don't want to pass up on free child labor that's true but i also don't want to endanger them if there is out of this world security so i think knuckles had a lot of really important questions that you have kind of avoided answering boss yeah
Legends of Avantris
For What It's Worth | Ep. 2 | Heist Story: Part 2
Oh, no, because the championship regularly inflows a million gold, you silly billies. So the tournament's going to be three to five million at least.
Legends of Avantris
For What It's Worth | Ep. 2 | Heist Story: Part 2
Forget the fucking game. No, no, no. They're showing up at the casino and placing the bets.
Legends of Avantris
For What It's Worth | Ep. 2 | Heist Story: Part 2
That's why there's so much money, yes. You know how there's a section for like, oh, I could have gone to the track of the game, but I'm going to go to the casino and just look at all the money.
Legends of Avantris
For What It's Worth | Ep. 2 | Heist Story: Part 2
It's going to be in a vault. It's going to be in a vault. Yeah, there's always a vault at these places where they keep them. You know what I mean? And they got the towers.
Legends of Avantris
For What It's Worth | Ep. 2 | Heist Story: Part 2
Yeah, no, I mean, that's about all I got here. That's what I've done. Is there a map? Is there a map? No, there's no map. It's very secretive. I've squeezed all of my sources. Even Jeremork. Maybe Jeremork. He didn't know shit.
Legends of Avantris
For What It's Worth | Ep. 2 | Heist Story: Part 2
Anyways, the main problem with three to five million gold pieces is that, you know how much one million gold pieces weigh? Take a guess.
Legends of Avantris
For What It's Worth | Ep. 2 | Heist Story: Part 2
Ten tons. I don't know. I'm not going to do the conversion. Twenty thousand pounds, actually.
Legends of Avantris
For What It's Worth | Ep. 2 | Heist Story: Part 2
Do you know how much electrum piece is that?
Legends of Avantris
For What It's Worth | Ep. 2 | Heist Story: Part 2
Neither do I. It was a genuine question. A lot of electrum. I still don't know.
Legends of Avantris
For What It's Worth | Ep. 2 | Heist Story: Part 2
You ask that every time. I just am curious. I'm just wondering.
Legends of Avantris
For What It's Worth | Ep. 2 | Heist Story: Part 2
When was the last time you saw an electric anyways?
Legends of Avantris
For What It's Worth | Ep. 2 | Heist Story: Part 2
So the best time, the vault is going to be at its fullest during the final game because all the last minute bets. It's very classic. So, and a flea and float game takes about two hours to four hours, depending on how clean the game is, the final game. So we have a window of two at about a minimum. If they clean up, that's two hours.
Legends of Avantris
For What It's Worth | Ep. 2 | Heist Story: Part 2
But if they take a long time, they go on some overtime, four hours if we're very lucky. So, we gotta get in, get many tons of gold pieces out, And we also need to let them think that they've caught the culprits. They can't let it be a mystery, because then we'll live the rest of our lives in fear. And also they'll eventually catch us.
Legends of Avantris
For What It's Worth | Ep. 2 | Heist Story: Part 2
We need to get as much loot as we can.
Legends of Avantris
For What It's Worth | Ep. 2 | Heist Story: Part 2
Yeah, how much is that? You think you can carry that, Michael? You're a strong guy.
Legends of Avantris
For What It's Worth | Ep. 2 | Heist Story: Part 2
We have to let them think that they caught the fish.
Legends of Avantris
For What It's Worth | Ep. 2 | Heist Story: Part 2
Arrived at my www.owlgino48. That's not your email, bro.
Legends of Avantris
For What It's Worth | Ep. 2 | Heist Story: Part 2
It's like I'm really in the jungles of Chark. It's like there's really a Guralan. Oh, look at the papier-mâché face. You think these tanks of water used to have fish in them? Yeah, probably. It looks like an aquarium. Why does it smell like chlorine? Probably kill all the fish.
Legends of Avantris
For What It's Worth | Ep. 2 | Heist Story: Part 2
You know, I saw on a document once.
Legends of Avantris
For What It's Worth | Ep. 2 | Heist Story: Part 2
It's always dry. I don't understand it. They have a good flatbread, though.
Legends of Avantris
For What It's Worth | Ep. 2 | Heist Story: Part 2
I mean, do you see the odds on the mighty Trump?
Legends of Avantris
For What It's Worth | Ep. 2 | Heist Story: Part 2
It was like 75 to 1. I'm going to be rich.
Legends of Avantris
For What It's Worth | Ep. 2 | Heist Story: Part 2
Yeah, on credit, too. Yeah, well, I borrowed the gold.
Legends of Avantris
For What It's Worth | Ep. 2 | Heist Story: Part 2
Where did you borrow the gold from? I'm from a very, very nice customer. He said, hey, it looks like you want to, he was a shock fellow. He was the shock folk. I met him down at the docks, and he gave me a very, very reasonable loan. Very nice, very, you know, very reasonable.
Legends of Avantris
For What It's Worth | Ep. 2 | Heist Story: Part 2
Oh, yeah, we're all Bunko buddies. Excuse me, what?
Legends of Avantris
For What It's Worth | Ep. 2 | Heist Story: Part 2
Well, you know, I had a cousin named Bunko. He was Bogo's brother.
Legends of Avantris
For What It's Worth | Ep. 2 | Heist Story: Part 2
You know, like parents do that for the same kind of convention? Yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah. It was Uncle Bongo. He was very, he was very proud of his name.
Legends of Avantris
For What It's Worth | Ep. 2 | Heist Story: Part 2
How to make the one that you're fanning yourself with.
Legends of Avantris
For What It's Worth | Ep. 2 | Heist Story: Part 2
That's where I'm going. You know where I'm going. I'm going to be right at the slots.
Legends of Avantris
For What It's Worth | Ep. 2 | Heist Story: Part 2
Okay, well, I'm going to be at the slots. They have the best drink service there. Everybody knows that. I'm going to get so many ye olde fashions before the king's whistle. And you know what? I wanted to say before we all meet up, you know what's very strange? That every team is named after a monstrosity in this world, except for the mighty trunks. It's a whole different thing. Why is that?
Legends of Avantris
For What It's Worth | Ep. 2 | Heist Story: Part 2
Anyways, I'm going to be at the slots.
Legends of Avantris
For What It's Worth | Ep. 2 | Heist Story: Part 2
Cosmogenic smoke. A man walks up. Ah, Gino, are you old fashioned? Ah, you know my good man, I'm going to be hacking up a great sludge soon enough. Wouldn't have it any other way. It's like my grandma's house.
Legends of Avantris
For What It's Worth | Ep. 2 | Heist Story: Part 2
Where's the milk? Get this girl some milk.
Legends of Avantris
For What It's Worth | Ep. 2 | Heist Story: Part 2
You're probably wondering why I called you over here today. I know I gave you the whole plan earlier. You know exactly what we're doing.
Legends of Avantris
For What It's Worth | Ep. 2 | Heist Story: Part 2
Well, you know, they always say the first one's the warm-up.
Legends of Avantris
For What It's Worth | Ep. 2 | Heist Story: Part 2
You know what? It's a very special night. Thanks for my third year old fashion, Gregory. His name's not Gregory. You know, Gregory, why is my straw soggy and made out of toilet paper? That's just a tube from the toilet.
Legends of Avantris
For What It's Worth | Ep. 2 | Heist Story: Part 2
I just counted. This isn't my third Old Fashioned or Heavy. I'm gonna whip out my platinum pieces for this. Let's split five platinum pieces. It's the same return. You can only get gold back. I don't care.
Legends of Avantris
For What It's Worth | Ep. 2 | Heist Story: Part 2
I mean, for the wire that I'm... I mean... I mean... What did I say about mentioning the feds? You're gonna give me a heart attack. I'm finally gonna have the big one. What my doc is always saying, Gino, you gotta stop eating all that gabagool.
Legends of Avantris
For What It's Worth | Ep. 2 | Heist Story: Part 2
After three locks in a row, you're due for a win. Why don't we say double or nothing?
Legends of Avantris
For What It's Worth | Ep. 2 | Heist Story: Part 2
I don't think that's how the slots work.
Legends of Avantris
For What It's Worth | Ep. 2 | Heist Story: Part 2
Ah, smell that cigarette smoke. It's sitting in my lungs. It's at the bottom of my lungs now. Look, this is the big one. I'm going to win that big prize, that big pot up there, Gregory, you know?
Legends of Avantris
For What It's Worth | Ep. 2 | Heist Story: Part 2
Hey, I was watching Match Game the other day, and this fellow was a rat. He was talking about Smorgasbord. It's very funny. Let me just very quickly participate.
Legends of Avantris
For What It's Worth | Ep. 2 | Heist Story: Part 2
Ooh, some galamar would be nice right now. How about we get some galamar and talk about the plan afterwards? What do you think? Oh no, it's tonight! It's wobbly here!
Legends of Avantris
For What It's Worth | Ep. 2 | Heist Story: Part 2
Oh, there's some chicken tenders. Thank you, darling.
Legends of Avantris
For What It's Worth | Ep. 2 | Heist Story: Part 2
I don't recall that. I never saw that one.
Legends of Avantris
For What It's Worth | Ep. 2 | Heist Story: Part 2
Okay, how do I, you all hear, how do I turn this thing on? Why is, which Glitzy would be here to help me with this?
Legends of Avantris
For What It's Worth | Ep. 2 | Heist Story: Part 2
Glitzy, how do I turn the shell phone on? We're not here. Where are you? I'm right behind you, boss. Help me up. There you are. It's go time. Go trunks.
Legends of Avantris
For What It's Worth | Ep. 2 | Heist Story: Part 2
Well, I mean, I gotta get up the fryer, go. Here, let me get a little bit of some cabagool, and I'll snack on it. Here, let me go to... Oh, I'm still wearing my bathrobe. I wasn't expecting company, even though you arrived exactly when I told you to.
Legends of Avantris
For What It's Worth | Ep. 2 | Heist Story: Part 2
Look at everyone there. They're all looking up at those major images of the game being displayed all over the walls.
Legends of Avantris
For What It's Worth | Ep. 2 | Heist Story: Part 2
No, it's where they'll least expect us.
Legends of Avantris
For What It's Worth | Ep. 2 | Heist Story: Part 2
Yeah, the two guards that are at the checkpoint data They come into the deli for lunch every day, and they won't shut the fuck up about fling flow. I guarantee you that they are searching on the job. Also, the one on the left, his marriage is falling apart, so he's turned to drink. So he'll definitely not be aware.
Legends of Avantris
For What It's Worth | Ep. 2 | Heist Story: Part 2
Now I need to pull up my character sheet. I need my toys.
Legends of Avantris
For What It's Worth | Ep. 2 | Heist Story: Part 2
No, a stealth check is a dex check.
Legends of Avantris
For What It's Worth | Ep. 2 | Heist Story: Part 2
So technically, it's a dexterity check, parentheses, stealth. It's like the way that you write that. Yeah, here it is.
Legends of Avantris
For What It's Worth | Ep. 2 | Heist Story: Part 2
Oh, yeah. Oh, it was a footwork. Stealth check? I got a, what is this? Oh wow, plus nine. I am so stealthy, I got a 27.
Legends of Avantris
For What It's Worth | Ep. 2 | Heist Story: Part 2
Okay, as long as no one's trying to trick me so I can put on any lifts. Does it mean you're doing that again?
Legends of Avantris
For What It's Worth | Ep. 2 | Heist Story: Part 2
You can't say that about our very good friend, Orla.
Legends of Avantris
For What It's Worth | Ep. 2 | Heist Story: Part 2
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Legends of Avantris
For What It's Worth | Ep. 2 | Heist Story: Part 2
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Legends of Avantris
For What It's Worth | Ep. 2 | Heist Story: Part 2
Gosh, all these healthcare regulations, that's why the belly is failing. Hold on a sec, let me just get some gabagool here, let me find my slippers.
Legends of Avantris
For What It's Worth | Ep. 2 | Heist Story: Part 2
Oh, we did, but we did plan for this, of course. That's why, well, I'm a guard.
Legends of Avantris
For What It's Worth | Ep. 2 | Heist Story: Part 2
Well, no, I'm going to put on my guard costume, and, you know, the guy what I stole this from, he was about a medium, so it'll definitely fit.
Legends of Avantris
For What It's Worth | Ep. 2 | Heist Story: Part 2
Why? Because I got knuckles. We're gonna heist a museum.
Legends of Avantris
For What It's Worth | Ep. 2 | Heist Story: Part 2
Hey, honey, can I get a ye olde fashion? Can you make it extra strong, please?
Legends of Avantris
For What It's Worth | Ep. 2 | Heist Story: Part 2
I know, we're extra prepared. Remember, oh, we gotta spend this 100,000 gold pieces, not at the track. I'll be right back. I shall follow up to get something out of the room.
Legends of Avantris
For What It's Worth | Ep. 2 | Heist Story: Part 2
I thought that you was going to give me one of them watered-down ye olde fashions.
Legends of Avantris
For What It's Worth | Ep. 2 | Heist Story: Part 2
Oh, yeah, that makes sense. I don't know how you carry those big jugs of milk. Anyways, we have great disguises. What a ragtag band. A security guard.
Legends of Avantris
For What It's Worth | Ep. 2 | Heist Story: Part 2
You know what? It's like we all went to a Halloween party. A themed group costume.
Legends of Avantris
For What It's Worth | Ep. 2 | Heist Story: Part 2
Yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah. I'm gonna go to security guard here, the place.
Legends of Avantris
For What It's Worth | Ep. 2 | Heist Story: Part 2
Oh yeah, I'll disable the cameras, great call. I'm disabling the cameras, Knuckles, let's split up. Let's all do what we agreed to do in our planning.
Legends of Avantris
For What It's Worth | Ep. 2 | Heist Story: Part 2
Yeah, what your outfits are. That's exactly what you were supposed to do.
Legends of Avantris
For What It's Worth | Ep. 2 | Heist Story: Part 2
No, no. You gotta go find how to get to the back of the back.
Legends of Avantris
For What It's Worth | Ep. 2 | Heist Story: Part 2
Maybe like this gossip of the other waitresses. Oh, that's a great idea. Tiffany, she is a gossip. Go talk to Tiffany. She gets over here and I'm like, yeah, honey. Yeah, honey. Okay. Which one is Tiffany? You'll know right away.
Legends of Avantris
For What It's Worth | Ep. 2 | Heist Story: Part 2
It's the one that I make sure I sit in her area every time.
Legends of Avantris
For What It's Worth | Ep. 2 | Heist Story: Part 2
Well, it will affect the advantage or disadvantage qualities of the soul.
Legends of Avantris
For What It's Worth | Ep. 2 | Heist Story: Part 2
Taking five? Have you been out there since it started? What's happened? What's the score?
Legends of Avantris
For What It's Worth | Ep. 2 | Heist Story: Part 2
Oh, yeah. No. Oh, yeah. The Mighty Trunks has scored real big. Oh, yeah? They say that they're actually the underdogs this year, and they're going to win. They have an underdog tail.
Legends of Avantris
For What It's Worth | Ep. 2 | Heist Story: Part 2
Oh, wow. I know. They love the Trunks. That's right. Yeah. Do you guys bet on the game?
Legends of Avantris
For What It's Worth | Ep. 2 | Heist Story: Part 2
Oh, yeah, no, I didn't mean that.
Legends of Avantris
For What It's Worth | Ep. 2 | Heist Story: Part 2
You passed. Anyway, you passed. You passed your test. I've been your, I'm actually an inspector sent here from corporate.
Legends of Avantris
For What It's Worth | Ep. 2 | Heist Story: Part 2
I don't, gambling is a sin. And it's very, it's wasteful spending. My name is, I'm from, I'm an inspector and you pass your security training. I'm an actual, I'm an expert trainer sent here from corporate. And so I also like you to show me where you keep your playbook for all of your sports betting to make sure that it's the code. the playbook for all of our sports betting.
Legends of Avantris
For What It's Worth | Ep. 2 | Heist Story: Part 2
Yeah, the silver linings playbook.
Legends of Avantris
For What It's Worth | Ep. 2 | Heist Story: Part 2
That's pretty good. At disadvantage. Wait, I gotta get some kind of advantage shit on this, right?
Legends of Avantris
For What It's Worth | Ep. 2 | Heist Story: Part 2
All night. Literally all night. I don't think I get anything yet.
Legends of Avantris
For What It's Worth | Ep. 2 | Heist Story: Part 2
What did you say your name was again? Oh, my name?
Legends of Avantris
For What It's Worth | Ep. 2 | Heist Story: Part 2
Oh, my name is Gene. Gene O... O'Malley. Gene O'Malley.
Legends of Avantris
For What It's Worth | Ep. 2 | Heist Story: Part 2
There's a lot of O'Malleys, you know? They just, you know, they have a lot of kids. How long have you worked here? Oh, well, I'm from corporate, remember? I'm just visiting, on account of the big game.
Legends of Avantris
For What It's Worth | Ep. 2 | Heist Story: Part 2
Bladen, ah, nice trick. Make a deception check at advantage.
Legends of Avantris
For What It's Worth | Ep. 2 | Heist Story: Part 2
I'm the one who's testing you, remember. I'm all the way from corporate.
Legends of Avantris
For What It's Worth | Ep. 2 | Heist Story: Part 2
Do you even know the commander's name? Are you an imposter?
Legends of Avantris
For What It's Worth | Ep. 2 | Heist Story: Part 2
Actually, I was told that there would only be one card here, actually, now that I think about it, from corporate. My itinerary here, as you can see... Oh, my God!
Legends of Avantris
For What It's Worth | Ep. 2 | Heist Story: Part 2
When I'm not inspecting guards on a sloppy job, I care about the fine arts, my good man. Anyways, according to my itinerary, there's only supposed to be one here, so why don't I see your credentials? And the lift pass, too. Prove to me that you know where the lift pass is.
Legends of Avantris
For What It's Worth | Ep. 2 | Heist Story: Part 2
Bladen. Okay. Thank you. You know, I have a great nephew named Brayden and Bladen and Grayden or Grayson. I don't know what the name of the kid's name is. I can't believe that. Great. Thanks a lot. You're free to go. You've succeeded with flying colors. Your holiday bonus is going to be very large. I'll put in a good word for sure. Okay, you gentlemen have a very nice day. What?
Legends of Avantris
For What It's Worth | Ep. 2 | Heist Story: Part 2
I got the path for the lift, good work.
Legends of Avantris
For What It's Worth | Ep. 2 | Heist Story: Part 2
So there was right, you'll be right, okay, got it.
Legends of Avantris
For What It's Worth | Ep. 2 | Heist Story: Part 2
I've been trying to get this, see? I mean, this is our skeleton key. Can you believe this thing? It's our skeleton key. And now, with the gossip what Glitzy got from Tiffany, I'm not even there. It's just the three of you. Oh, that got from Tiffany. When she comes back, we'll have all the information we need to get to the back of the bag. They believe that I was a guard inspector.
Legends of Avantris
For What It's Worth | Ep. 2 | Heist Story: Part 2
Can you believe these idiots? Where are you?
Legends of Avantris
For What It's Worth | Ep. 2 | Heist Story: Part 2
I look like Tony Soprano in like half of the episodes. You can read louder then.
Legends of Avantris
For What It's Worth | Ep. 2 | Heist Story: Part 2
Oh, the classic coincidental. Got it. Okay. I love this plan.
Legends of Avantris
For What It's Worth | Ep. 2 | Heist Story: Part 2
Oh, that's right. Everyone follow me. I got the crystal. Here we go.
Legends of Avantris
For What It's Worth | Ep. 2 | Heist Story: Part 2
Do you know how many... No, they've had an inspector come in and take a look at this thing. I'd sub the code, I'm sure, if they got fancy wrist people.
Legends of Avantris
For What It's Worth | Ep. 2 | Heist Story: Part 2
Good thing that we came prepared for that.
Legends of Avantris
For What It's Worth | Ep. 2 | Heist Story: Part 2
Oh yeah, absolutely. It would be insane for them to allow magic at the Hyrolis table. Somewhere they could come in and say, oh, I can read your mind, B. Oh, I win the whole pot. So... That's why you have all those charges in your pack, right? That's why you bring in all that stuff.
Legends of Avantris
For What It's Worth | Ep. 2 | Heist Story: Part 2
Boom without the, you know, you got the boom and the boom. It's magic and not magic.
Legends of Avantris
For What It's Worth | Ep. 2 | Heist Story: Part 2
Oh, oh, you're putting a pen back into a grenade. I bought enough for everybody and some of the down too. I couldn't help myself.
Legends of Avantris
For What It's Worth | Ep. 2 | Heist Story: Part 2
Oh no, the guy I was talking to was an absolute mook. He definitely didn't have access to the back of the back of the bag.
Legends of Avantris
For What It's Worth | Ep. 2 | Heist Story: Part 2
No, we don't care. That's very expensive to stock at the deli. We don't have those.
Legends of Avantris
For What It's Worth | Ep. 2 | Heist Story: Part 2
But it was all sitting in the... I'll take the sour cream and onion. Okay, there we go. Well, first of all, we need to get this door open.
Legends of Avantris
For What It's Worth | Ep. 2 | Heist Story: Part 2
I will definitely look around. How about that? Glithy, why don't you take a look over there? I'll help you.
Legends of Avantris
For What It's Worth | Ep. 2 | Heist Story: Part 2
They probably aren't watching us. All of my intel said that they didn't have a constant eyes on this place.
Legends of Avantris
For What It's Worth | Ep. 2 | Heist Story: Part 2
You know, Orla, I know that I am the black bear what climbs, and that's kind of my thing, but since you've been lugging that ladder around, why don't you take a look at it on the ladder?
Legends of Avantris
For What It's Worth | Ep. 2 | Heist Story: Part 2
You need it right now again with the milk.
Legends of Avantris
For What It's Worth | Ep. 2 | Heist Story: Part 2
Again with the carrots. Oh, my goodness. What am I, an athlete here? Am I a Paralympian athlete? I have to go up and down these stairs. I'm an old man. I'm not going to make it.
Legends of Avantris
For What It's Worth | Ep. 2 | Heist Story: Part 2
Does anyone have a hookshot? I mean, I do. Do you actually have a hookshot? Of course. That's what that literally was made for. It's a giant eyeball up high. You gotta use the hookshot to shoot it. It'll close and the door's gonna open. You don't know that? That's why you're not the mastermind, Knuckles. I can try. You should stop going to the beach so much. I'll pull out my hookshot.
Legends of Avantris
For What It's Worth | Ep. 2 | Heist Story: Part 2
And I will... aiming at the eyeball and I'll shoot it. Then you gotta say, yeah! Then you do it.
Legends of Avantris
For What It's Worth | Ep. 2 | Heist Story: Part 2
Fine, I'll go to my ice box. Hold on.
Legends of Avantris
For What It's Worth | Ep. 2 | Heist Story: Part 2
No, just the way that beholder got stuck in reminded me of like a meaty spaghetti.
Legends of Avantris
For What It's Worth | Ep. 2 | Heist Story: Part 2
Oh, like at the every Italian restaurant?
Legends of Avantris
For What It's Worth | Ep. 2 | Heist Story: Part 2
Like a gazpacho. A gazpacho, yeah. Or it's like not real Alfredo.
Legends of Avantris
For What It's Worth | Ep. 2 | Heist Story: Part 2
Oh, I have a special flask pocket if you want me to keep an eye on it.
Legends of Avantris
For What It's Worth | Ep. 2 | Heist Story: Part 2
Gosh, I hope that I hope those bloodhawks are choking. It's a legendary item.
Legends of Avantris
For What It's Worth | Ep. 2 | Heist Story: Part 2
I got a special slash pocket. I've got something in my pocket.
Legends of Avantris
For What It's Worth | Ep. 2 | Heist Story: Part 2
Oh, then that's the wrong one. Why do they look so similar? What are the chances of that?
Legends of Avantris
For What It's Worth | Ep. 2 | Heist Story: Part 2
Gregory's terrible at counting. He said three. I think I just had one. I just had one quick one while playing slots with that nice old man that I saw was waiting for me, sucker.
Legends of Avantris
For What It's Worth | Ep. 2 | Heist Story: Part 2
Oh, good job, buddy. That was teamwork.
Legends of Avantris
For What It's Worth | Ep. 2 | Heist Story: Part 2
I know that was going to upset you. I know that would trigger.
Legends of Avantris
For What It's Worth | Ep. 2 | Heist Story: Part 2
Beholder today, be gone tomorrow. What? That doesn't mean anything. Behold on. Knuckles, while I go activate the lift.
Legends of Avantris
For What It's Worth | Ep. 2 | Heist Story: Part 2
Well, maybe next time we'll have a conversation about it, but I think that we were all very unscathed. And they got beholden with all the fancy people. I mean, I feel like that's a reliability and a risk. That's a pretty impressive aberration they've got under their command.
Legends of Avantris
For What It's Worth | Ep. 2 | Heist Story: Part 2
Well, maybe it's probably filled with people and gods that would probably execute you if you ever did that. Or they were not prepared to have an iron flask that we had prepared for.
Legends of Avantris
For What It's Worth | Ep. 2 | Heist Story: Part 2
I thought that you had some olive soup. I couldn't help myself. I had like olive grease everywhere. And it just makes everything, oh!
Legends of Avantris
For What It's Worth | Ep. 2 | Heist Story: Part 2
All of the Pilates are really paying off. Well done, you should keep it up.
Legends of Avantris
For What It's Worth | Ep. 2 | Heist Story: Part 2
This is why they call me Gino the Butcher of 42nd Street, also the Black Bear What Climbs. This is what I do.
Legends of Avantris
For What It's Worth | Ep. 2 | Heist Story: Part 2
Well, I was going to take the much safer and reliable form of going up, climbing, instead of this crazy newfangled contraption of elevators and lifts.
Legends of Avantris
For What It's Worth | Ep. 2 | Heist Story: Part 2
You think they would, well, just no one, no one opened any jars of olives and it won't get unstuck. And then I'll drop down a rope and y'all can climb up.
Legends of Avantris
For What It's Worth | Ep. 2 | Heist Story: Part 2
I haven't climbed anything but the stairmaster at the Gold's Gym next to the deli.
Legends of Avantris
For What It's Worth | Ep. 2 | Heist Story: Part 2
Oh, in the Electrum's Gym. In the Electrum's Gym.
Legends of Avantris
For What It's Worth | Ep. 2 | Heist Story: Part 2
Electrum's Gym. In the Electrum's Gym. I signed up at the beginning of the year and I haven't been since. I went for two days and I climbed the stairs master, just the stairs in the building.
Legends of Avantris
For What It's Worth | Ep. 2 | Heist Story: Part 2
This is a real sloppy job. It's like Billy May with the... You know what this fucking means, right?
Legends of Avantris
For What It's Worth | Ep. 2 | Heist Story: Part 2
Who would do something like that?
Legends of Avantris
For What It's Worth | Ep. 2 | Heist Story: Part 2
Impossible. More informed, better plans. No, we are- Do they have a beholder in a flask? No.
Legends of Avantris
For What It's Worth | Ep. 2 | Heist Story: Part 2
They killed Paul and they killed Blar. Who cares? No one will ever care about their death.
Legends of Avantris
For What It's Worth | Ep. 2 | Heist Story: Part 2
Hold on, hold on, here, let me dry it off. No, let me dry, hold on, hold on.
Legends of Avantris
For What It's Worth | Ep. 2 | Heist Story: Part 2
No, I got it, I got it, I dropped it, I dropped it. Oh, there's some fur on this one, hold on.
Legends of Avantris
For What It's Worth | Ep. 2 | Heist Story: Part 2
I'll never forget the smell when the shaman came in. I awaken from a nightmare. Are we at the top of the thing? No.
Legends of Avantris
For What It's Worth | Ep. 2 | Heist Story: Part 2
Hold on, he, hold on, I'm gonna, I'm putting him under my arm as I'm picking him up. Here you go. Okay, eat up. You're gonna need this. Tonight's the night of the 10 days before the heist. Tonight's the big night. Well, I'm not gonna clean up always the 10 days of heist. Always for Vinny to come by to clean all this shit up. We'll leave it here.
Legends of Avantris
For What It's Worth | Ep. 2 | Heist Story: Part 2
Just get all the dirt off. Fine, while you fix the thing, I'm gonna pick up my olives.
Legends of Avantris
For What It's Worth | Ep. 2 | Heist Story: Part 2
Was there any tracks of blood? And do I recognize either of the guards as I pick up my olive?
Legends of Avantris
For What It's Worth | Ep. 2 | Heist Story: Part 2
God, these young folks are so entitled these days. It's like, oh, it says Dino's Deli opened late every night.
Legends of Avantris
For What It's Worth | Ep. 2 | Heist Story: Part 2
I'm breathing and you're not fine.
Legends of Avantris
For What It's Worth | Ep. 2 | Heist Story: Part 2
Clean job, there's a bunch of dead bodies and all these olives and broken glass.
Legends of Avantris
For What It's Worth | Ep. 2 | Heist Story: Part 2
Three in the afternoon. He's entitled. These entitled young folks, they come in and it's like, oh, hey, I demand and deserve avocado toast and rent that allows me to survive. So entitled, unbelievable. Can you believe these young folks?
Legends of Avantris
For What It's Worth | Ep. 2 | Heist Story: Part 2
You know those things that you put in a glass of water and it makes like a Tyrannosaurus? I feel like that guy right now.
Legends of Avantris
For What It's Worth | Ep. 2 | Heist Story: Part 2
No, I feel like the Tyrannosaurus with my skin that feels like that, and I'm covered in fur. Ugh.
Legends of Avantris
For What It's Worth | Ep. 2 | Heist Story: Part 2
Those lights look very familiar. Have you been hanging out with Vinny and that quail?
Legends of Avantris
For What It's Worth | Ep. 2 | Heist Story: Part 2
You've been corrupting my good boy Vinny?
Legends of Avantris
For What It's Worth | Ep. 2 | Heist Story: Part 2
Gosh, that's where he's been. He's been lying to me. He said he's working on his homework.
Legends of Avantris
For What It's Worth | Ep. 2 | Heist Story: Part 2
Imagine. You know, I have a cousin named Molly, and she didn't think her name was very Barry enough, so she made her name Bailey. You can't survive this. Of course I can.
Legends of Avantris
For What It's Worth | Ep. 2 | Heist Story: Part 2
You know I had, you know my cousin Paulie?
Legends of Avantris
For What It's Worth | Ep. 2 | Heist Story: Part 2
You're a brand rich, you know that? What, my brand? I am Gino's Deli. It's in the name.
Legends of Avantris
For What It's Worth | Ep. 2 | Heist Story: Part 2
Yeah, yeah, Paulie. And he's always trying to turn people into sheep. They said that was his dream.
Legends of Avantris
For What It's Worth | Ep. 2 | Heist Story: Part 2
Oh, wow, is my whole family just down at the shore while I'm slaving away over a hot, greasy pan?
Legends of Avantris
For What It's Worth | Ep. 2 | Heist Story: Part 2
Yeah, I mean, those condo fees, they're just absolutely egregious.
Legends of Avantris
For What It's Worth | Ep. 2 | Heist Story: Part 2
I've been waiting a long time to do this.
Legends of Avantris
For What It's Worth | Ep. 2 | Heist Story: Part 2
I am going to think back to when I first met Knuckles. And... I got to know him and I realized that he was a lot smarter than he led on. Through us playing games of checkers or something, I learned that he actually, the knuckles that we know, has lost a lot of extreme intellect and power that is locked away deep inside of him.
Legends of Avantris
For What It's Worth | Ep. 2 | Heist Story: Part 2
Oh, boy. I've been working for years to perfect the perfect thing to awaken those latent powers that he has that will solve this problem in whatever way might. And I will reach into my coat and I will pull out, I've been perfecting the recipe, perfecting every single piece of the Knuckles sandwich. I will feed it to Knuckles.
Legends of Avantris
For What It's Worth | Ep. 2 | Heist Story: Part 2
I'll be back. That's a really nice picture there. I wouldn't expect you to be so much of an artist. What are those geometric shapes that you're drawing? It almost looks like alchemical in nature.
Legends of Avantris
For What It's Worth | Ep. 2 | Heist Story: Part 2
He was spelled with an I and I just added three lines up there.
Legends of Avantris
For What It's Worth | Ep. 2 | Heist Story: Part 2
I don't know. Maybe you're just sketching something. I don't know. Help me out here.
Legends of Avantris
For What It's Worth | Ep. 2 | Heist Story: Part 2
I just need you to be the MacGuffin to save the day in whatever way you choose to, in whatever latent power you might have. And I'm going to activate it by feeding you a sandwich.
Legends of Avantris
For What It's Worth | Ep. 2 | Heist Story: Part 2
I brine these pickles for a decade.
Legends of Avantris
For What It's Worth | Ep. 2 | Heist Story: Part 2
Well, once Vinny gets back from visiting that quail fella, I'm sure he'll open up shop. I'm sure he'll be back at a reasonable time. He's a very responsible young lad.
Legends of Avantris
For What It's Worth | Ep. 2 | Heist Story: Part 2
As white as a jar of mayonnaise.
Legends of Avantris
For What It's Worth | Ep. 2 | Heist Story: Part 2
Oh, so tonight is the first night of the ten nights before the night of the heist night. You following?
Legends of Avantris
For What It's Worth | Ep. 2 | Heist Story: Part 2
You think I should include it in the invite in case the feds get it?
Legends of Avantris
For What It's Worth | Ep. 2 | Heist Story: Part 2
Just give them away. No, no deaths, right? Isn't that what Miss Lady said? It's figurative. Are we going to knock them out? Yeah, let's give them the knuckles. Well, not the knuckles.
Legends of Avantris
For What It's Worth | Ep. 2 | Heist Story: Part 2
There's reptilian insectoid hands all over my plan.
Legends of Avantris
For What It's Worth | Ep. 2 | Heist Story: Part 2
I'll let you know that AOL is very secure.
Legends of Avantris
For What It's Worth | Ep. 2 | Heist Story: Part 2
The guy who sold it to me down at the hardware store.
Legends of Avantris
For What It's Worth | Ep. 2 | Heist Story: Part 2
He said he sold me a disc and he said, hey, just shout into this very loudly. It'll be very secure. And an owl will come and bring it.
Legends of Avantris
For What It's Worth | Ep. 2 | Heist Story: Part 2
Yeah, just turn your back away from us.
Legends of Avantris
For What It's Worth | Ep. 2 | Heist Story: Part 2
Why it's called the Anytime Owl Lettuce? Letter, that's what I can really name. Anytime Owl letters, A-O-L. You can reach me at Gino Mufaletta, 64-Delhi, www.flash, and AOL.com.
Legends of Avantris
For What It's Worth | Ep. 2 | Heist Story: Part 2
Very well done. Yeah, we'll be able to do better. We are a crack team led by the mastermind. and seeing how this isn't an emo battle of the bands of the local middle school, I think that we'll take a crack at this. How about that? Okay. You're with the cult, right?
Legends of Avantris
For What It's Worth | Ep. 2 | Heist Story: Part 2
We're not with a cult, no. We serve Lolth, the great spider queen. Yeah, this is the cult.
Legends of Avantris
For What It's Worth | Ep. 2 | Heist Story: Part 2
Well, you know, Glitzy, why don't you get this thing open here?
Legends of Avantris
For What It's Worth | Ep. 2 | Heist Story: Part 2
Yeah, crack the safe with your safe cracking tool.
Legends of Avantris
For What It's Worth | Ep. 2 | Heist Story: Part 2
Like some giant the bomb for this? For like the volt bomb?
Legends of Avantris
For What It's Worth | Ep. 2 | Heist Story: Part 2
I am unbearable. It's not like we need to wear these anymore. Once we get inside the vault, we'll just be zapped out by magical wish power and, well, excellent.
Legends of Avantris
For What It's Worth | Ep. 2 | Heist Story: Part 2
Oh, is that what that says? How is anyone supposed to read this? How is anyone? Why do I prep sessions?
Legends of Avantris
For What It's Worth | Ep. 2 | Heist Story: Part 2
Man, that's quite an age difference.
Legends of Avantris
For What It's Worth | Ep. 2 | Heist Story: Part 2
Oh, she is quite contrary. The quietest and youngest one.
Legends of Avantris
For What It's Worth | Ep. 2 | Heist Story: Part 2
Hold on, okay. I have all the details. I met with Miss Lady, and she gave me all of the details, so.
Legends of Avantris
For What It's Worth | Ep. 2 | Heist Story: Part 2
Yeah. Yeah, is that what you guys like? There you go. There's some extra. Yeah, here.
Legends of Avantris
For What It's Worth | Ep. 2 | Heist Story: Part 2
Oh, yeah. For love. Would you like a lovey pop? I got a couple of those.
Legends of Avantris
For What It's Worth | Ep. 2 | Heist Story: Part 2
I say cold. Oh cold, that's nice.
Legends of Avantris
For What It's Worth | Ep. 2 | Heist Story: Part 2
Oh, no. the last two weeks starting with us.
Legends of Avantris
For What It's Worth | Ep. 2 | Heist Story: Part 2
Aren't you all guys, you're like 4,000 years old.
Legends of Avantris
For What It's Worth | Ep. 2 | Heist Story: Part 2
You get the sense that they, uh... Mr. O'Malley, come here, come here. I've been on this advantage for many years.
Legends of Avantris
For What It's Worth | Ep. 2 | Heist Story: Part 2
Yeah, no, I mean, I'm saying, you're not too bright. You're probably like 800 years old or something, I don't know.
Legends of Avantris
For What It's Worth | Ep. 2 | Heist Story: Part 2
Hey, hey, that's not very clear. That's not okay, first of all. Second of all, you're not gonna be able to provide if you couldn't figure out a cloud. I'm a mastermind, I should know.
Legends of Avantris
For What It's Worth | Ep. 2 | Heist Story: Part 2
Hold on, no, I'm sure I have the details from this lady. Hold on.
Legends of Avantris
For What It's Worth | Ep. 2 | Heist Story: Part 2
Cloud! Of course! Yeah, no, I think that you just need to go back to, you know, wherever. You can stop dating Mary Mary quite contrary. She's just, you're not smart enough to provide for her, you know what I mean?
Legends of Avantris
For What It's Worth | Ep. 2 | Heist Story: Part 2
No, you gotta keep him away from this guy, the loser.
Legends of Avantris
For What It's Worth | Ep. 2 | Heist Story: Part 2
I think we have a very limited time. Who won? Guys, do you know who won? Wait, if you stay here, that means that the Mighty Trunks won, right? Because you lose a friend's loss and you're not getting wished out?
Legends of Avantris
For What It's Worth | Ep. 2 | Heist Story: Part 2
Hold on, it's gotta be somewhere. It's gotta be somewhere.
Legends of Avantris
For What It's Worth | Ep. 2 | Heist Story: Part 2
It's chocolate coins? What are we gonna do with all this chocolate?
Legends of Avantris
For What It's Worth | Ep. 2 | Heist Story: Part 2
My doctor said they're not full of that many antioxidants. Um, I don't know what to play.
Legends of Avantris
For What It's Worth | Ep. 2 | Heist Story: Part 2
Yeah, all we leave with all eight of us.
Legends of Avantris
For What It's Worth | Ep. 2 | Heist Story: Part 2
Be careful, be careful. Be careful, watch your foot, watch your step. Okay. So, Miss Lady had provided us with gold, as I said, she promised. So, the mark is the Silver Lining Casino, right next to Goodberry Square. You know the place.
Legends of Avantris
For What It's Worth | Ep. 3 | Heist Story: Part 3
Welcome to Legends of Avantris. Here's what happened last time.
Legends of Avantris
For What It's Worth | Ep. 3 | Heist Story: Part 3
Are you there? I want to know the outcome of the game! And you hear this sound and it's much, much closer now. You feel like you have 30, 45 seconds remaining.
Legends of Avantris
For What It's Worth | Ep. 3 | Heist Story: Part 3
That is another important detail that you have yet to deal with. Perhaps the first thing you throw in the holes are four dead drow that are sitting on the floor.
Legends of Avantris
For What It's Worth | Ep. 3 | Heist Story: Part 3
Instead, you find yourself standing on a great tower or citadel or castle atop of what feels like an impossibly huge mountain that stretches down all around you. The blue sky spans in all directions, for you are just above a cloud line which tightly circles the base of this massive rock, obscuring any hints of the terrain below.
Legends of Avantris
For What It's Worth | Ep. 3 | Heist Story: Part 3
Very, very little limited time.
Legends of Avantris
For What It's Worth | Ep. 3 | Heist Story: Part 3
Okay, you put them on your person, perhaps in an inner jacket pocket, let's say.
Legends of Avantris
For What It's Worth | Ep. 3 | Heist Story: Part 3
For your acrobatics and your intelligence checks.
Legends of Avantris
For What It's Worth | Ep. 3 | Heist Story: Part 3
An acrobatics or athletics check and an intelligence check.
Legends of Avantris
For What It's Worth | Ep. 3 | Heist Story: Part 3
for intelligence. Okay. I'll say, Gene, Knuckles, with your enhanced intelligence after the... Oh, you're right. It's a 16 instead of 14. 15 was actually what I was looking for.
Legends of Avantris
For What It's Worth | Ep. 3 | Heist Story: Part 3
With your enhanced intelligence, you are seeing them now having filled the actual portable holes at 80% capacity, both of these 10-foot-deep chasms. There's no more coins. It's to the place where now you're putting in helms, putting in magical items, and you see Glitzy fly over to one of the hooks and pull a bag off of it and start to fly in order to throw that loot into the portable hole as well.
Legends of Avantris
For What It's Worth | Ep. 3 | Heist Story: Part 3
You look inside. It's actually almost full to the brim with magical gems. You can see rubies, emeralds, diamonds.
Legends of Avantris
For What It's Worth | Ep. 3 | Heist Story: Part 3
What you clearly have is a bag of holding. It had nearly been at capacity as well, but dumping it out as you did. You look like you have a question or a suggestion.
Legends of Avantris
For What It's Worth | Ep. 3 | Heist Story: Part 3
Something tells you that you are impossibly high in the air, but it is not unpleasant. Cool winds whip around you as the bright sun warms your skin. Not everything has gone according to plan, or hasn't it?
Legends of Avantris
For What It's Worth | Ep. 3 | Heist Story: Part 3
There's a dexterity saving throw to see if you get, it's like being blasted in outer space, like when a portal opens and all of a sudden it's like, like that.
Legends of Avantris
For What It's Worth | Ep. 3 | Heist Story: Part 3
Notice I didn't say sucked out. It's blasted out. I watch a lot of science fiction. Wow.
Legends of Avantris
For What It's Worth | Ep. 3 | Heist Story: Part 3
It's at this point that you have to deal with the bodies or choose what to do next, because you can see the head of what is clearly a massive giant just start to come up on the circular staircase that is around the perimeter. What do you think? What do you think?
Legends of Avantris
For What It's Worth | Ep. 3 | Heist Story: Part 3
I've never used a disguise kit, so can you tell me the rules? I don't know the rules.
Legends of Avantris
For What It's Worth | Ep. 3 | Heist Story: Part 3
I mean, I think a disguise kit would be almost, at least even a small one. So if you have makeup and you have some of the usual accoutrement, just because you had to transform from a customer into a maintenance person, for example.
Legends of Avantris
For What It's Worth | Ep. 3 | Heist Story: Part 3
I see. So an ability check to create the disguise and then necessarily probably some deception checks later on?
Legends of Avantris
For What It's Worth | Ep. 3 | Heist Story: Part 3
You're very quickly turning into a stereotypical circus bear, aren't you?
Legends of Avantris
For What It's Worth | Ep. 3 | Heist Story: Part 3
You and your crew have been able to infiltrate the silver lining casino, navigate through the labyrinthine halls behind the gaming rooms, trick guards without setting off any alarms or traps, vanquish a sentinel beholder, and cleverly break into the vault. Running into another crew of thieves, a gang of dark elves, may have been a surprise, but it was a threat you were able to manage together.
Legends of Avantris
For What It's Worth | Ep. 3 | Heist Story: Part 3
20, okay. It's at this point that, the cloud giant emerges and turns with this excited face as you see over the tessellated side of the tower. He starts to crash up. Walking up these huge stone slabs. Get the body, get the body.
Legends of Avantris
For What It's Worth | Ep. 3 | Heist Story: Part 3
He turns and he sees what you're doing. And just to give you guys a picture before he reacts, this cloud giant is 29 feet tall. He's massively strong, clearly. Covered in brilliant clothing, jewelry, bands, light blue skin, and he carries, or at least around his back, you can see a massive platinum mace with a bulbed head at the top. He has a billowing white cape that flows like clouds behind him.
Legends of Avantris
For What It's Worth | Ep. 3 | Heist Story: Part 3
You can see his face transform from excitement about the news of the game and what's to come next and what he was expecting. Almost certainly the people who would come here to collect the winnings for those who were doing the gambling to shock and horror. What in the hell is this? Who are you? You're not Arselin!
Legends of Avantris
For What It's Worth | Ep. 3 | Heist Story: Part 3
Make a deception check at disadvantage. Oh no.
Legends of Avantris
For What It's Worth | Ep. 3 | Heist Story: Part 3
What happened to your other dark... Why?
Legends of Avantris
For What It's Worth | Ep. 3 | Heist Story: Part 3
This is my secure vault. I am Arcus. Prince of the Cloud Giants.
Legends of Avantris
For What It's Worth | Ep. 3 | Heist Story: Part 3
Well, it's also a cloud pun and I liked it at the time.
Legends of Avantris
For What It's Worth | Ep. 3 | Heist Story: Part 3
Oh no. Explain yourselves. They're drow that are- You're trying to steal my treasure.
Legends of Avantris
For What It's Worth | Ep. 3 | Heist Story: Part 3
Until now, one could say this heist has been going fairly smoothly. Until now. The moment the vault door closed, surrounded by treasure worth millions and millions in gold, there was an extra planar shift, transporting you and this loot to the strange new place you now find yourselves in. The next few moments could spell victory or disaster for your effort. Here is what you know.
Legends of Avantris
For What It's Worth | Ep. 3 | Heist Story: Part 3
Yeah, and I'm the demolitionist. You dress like a casino dealer. I'm dressed like a casino dealer. You still look like a maintenance person.
Legends of Avantris
For What It's Worth | Ep. 3 | Heist Story: Part 3
So you look like you're coming from the casino.
Legends of Avantris
For What It's Worth | Ep. 3 | Heist Story: Part 3
Where is Austalin? You three would know. He should be here any moment. I believe that the game is completed, yes?
Legends of Avantris
For What It's Worth | Ep. 3 | Heist Story: Part 3
He looks over and leans over with his massive frame and glances at the top of the columns. And this seems to register true. He seems to acknowledge Oh, yeah, no, the vault won't be opening on the other side until I deactivate these rune wards that'll allow the Ostlin to come back because they only would have triggered once and you triggered them.
Legends of Avantris
For What It's Worth | Ep. 3 | Heist Story: Part 3
You get all of this registration in just a moment in an expression via your insight, which I won't even make you roll because I'm just going to give it to you. Thanks! No problem. So...
Legends of Avantris
For What It's Worth | Ep. 3 | Heist Story: Part 3
We will not be killing this remaining drow. You have a much more horrible fate in store for you.
Legends of Avantris
For What It's Worth | Ep. 3 | Heist Story: Part 3
Oh, no. And you hear the sound of... What the fuck?
Legends of Avantris
For What It's Worth | Ep. 3 | Heist Story: Part 3
Does he turn to look at his guards as they're coming? He turns and shouts into the air around him.
Legends of Avantris
For What It's Worth | Ep. 3 | Heist Story: Part 3
and you start to hear more wind blowing than there was before, and that's just starting to ramp, but I am going to be very generous in this moment and let you guys talk it out.
Legends of Avantris
For What It's Worth | Ep. 3 | Heist Story: Part 3
Okay, make a sleight of hand check as he turns.
Legends of Avantris
For What It's Worth | Ep. 3 | Heist Story: Part 3
15. You pull the first of the portable holes up and you bend down to get to the other one, but you're not fast enough. Out of the corner of his eye, you see he turns and he says, hold there. What are you doing? Why are you picking up the treasure?
Legends of Avantris
For What It's Worth | Ep. 3 | Heist Story: Part 3
Make a deception check and the sound of a whirring wind gets louder and louder when all of a sudden they start to create almost like humanoid shapes. Below the torso there's a miniature tornado and at the arms they are also these swirling cyclones but you can actually see the shape of the blowing wind
Legends of Avantris
For What It's Worth | Ep. 3 | Heist Story: Part 3
Typically you do it before the roll, but I'll allow it. Am I rolling a two or no?
Legends of Avantris
For What It's Worth | Ep. 3 | Heist Story: Part 3
14, and, oh, that's gonna be an insight.
Legends of Avantris
For What It's Worth | Ep. 3 | Heist Story: Part 3
The 42nd Grand Flim Flal Championship is over. Whatever the outcome, there are now guards heading back to the Vault to collect the necessary gold needed to reward those who bet on the games in full, and they'll be here in just a few minutes. On your side of the Vault, The sound of heavy footfalls grows louder and louder and louder with each step.
Legends of Avantris
For What It's Worth | Ep. 3 | Heist Story: Part 3
At this point, I don't think that you can in the reality of this moment.
Legends of Avantris
For What It's Worth | Ep. 3 | Heist Story: Part 3
You, in your haste and clear franticness, he seems to be at least not disbelieving that one of the holes seemingly disappeared, and he seems even more suspicious of this drow that you guys have accosted.
Legends of Avantris
For What It's Worth | Ep. 3 | Heist Story: Part 3
Come on and slam and welcome to the jam. Welcome to the final 42nd grand fling flow championship. A giant fleshy orb behind the back of this bar, what appears to have multiple stalks of eyes pulling out from the top of its head.
Legends of Avantris
For What It's Worth | Ep. 3 | Heist Story: Part 3
Oh yeah, it does. Make a group perception check and you can make one at an advantage. Perception or? Deception, deception.
Legends of Avantris
For What It's Worth | Ep. 3 | Heist Story: Part 3
I'm hoping him as an owner of casino might know. 19, nice.
Legends of Avantris
For What It's Worth | Ep. 3 | Heist Story: Part 3
The elemental start to wind forward towards Gino, and just before they get within five feet of you and start to attempt to encapsulate you, they hear that You guys are selling their master on this idea that he's convinced and they follow his orders. And then they hear the possibility of curses and they come to a stop just as Arcus puts his hand up and goes, pause, wait. Bartholoolahan, you say?
Legends of Avantris
For What It's Worth | Ep. 3 | Heist Story: Part 3
This will require a smarter man than me to solve. Everyone stay where they are. Skitter, skitter, skitter. I'm going to reactivate the vault. Austlin should be here as soon as the game is over, and then we can discuss this out. And he walks over to the first top of the tower and hits it in runic magic.
Legends of Avantris
For What It's Worth | Ep. 3 | Heist Story: Part 3
A booming voice tells you something massive is coming. Perhaps the owner of this vault and the casino in Galtica is on their way, and that this creature will be here in just a few minutes. The next step in your plan was to collect the loot. Thousands, tens of thousands, perhaps more than 100,000 pounds of gold pieces, gems, artifacts, some magical.
Legends of Avantris
For What It's Worth | Ep. 3 | Heist Story: Part 3
I just am thinking about all of the nightmares that are happening simultaneously. With that understanding, I'm not gonna make you roll for initiative, but we're gonna have to walk through what happened. What music to use for this? I think I'll go to combat, because this has not gotten very goofy, and we need something that's like, how about some funky chunk?
Legends of Avantris
For What It's Worth | Ep. 3 | Heist Story: Part 3
He hits the first column and he's like, the curse, the what? And he turns and the iron flask opens up with a And what emerges is a nightmare monstrosity, a huge orb. It doesn't look like it would fit inside the portable hole. It's so huge and fleshy, single wiry hairs coming out in different directions, but even more terrifying, these massive eye stalks, 13 of them in all, I think.
Legends of Avantris
For What It's Worth | Ep. 3 | Heist Story: Part 3
Huge, crazy, impossible eye. a massive, slobbering mouth with these sharp fangs and teeth in both directions, his tongue lolling from side to side. It's brown and red patches all over in every direction, and immediately it looks at you.
Legends of Avantris
For What It's Worth | Ep. 3 | Heist Story: Part 3
It nods and it gives you a wink.
Legends of Avantris
For What It's Worth | Ep. 3 | Heist Story: Part 3
And it turns with pausing. As it turns, the anti-magic cone that is the huge spread of coming out of his face does two things that you notice. The magical hole disappears. The one that you haven't picked up just vanishes. And the air elementals turn back into and evaporate, basically becoming invisible, just blown away by the natural winds in this moment.
Legends of Avantris
For What It's Worth | Ep. 3 | Heist Story: Part 3
Your disguise is non-magical, and it turns to Argus, and In this moment, you can see a few things get a little duller. Whatever he happened to be wearing that might have been magical is now also affected by this huge cone that would affect anyone in the eyesight of the beholder. And attempting to abide by his new friend, the beholder, only knowing deep speech and undercommon, turns and goes.
Legends of Avantris
For What It's Worth | Ep. 3 | Heist Story: Part 3
And in his mind, Basahulahan, very helpful.
Legends of Avantris
For What It's Worth | Ep. 3 | Heist Story: Part 3
The cloud giant pulls out his mace and immediately swings in to attack. He hits it like a baseball, but it doesn't fly off into a direction. He just smashes into the side of it, leaving this disgusting mace-shaped hole that pops back into place, and the beholder loses it. All of a sudden, rays start going off as the chaos of these two titans begins to unfold.
Legends of Avantris
For What It's Worth | Ep. 3 | Heist Story: Part 3
Time may now be limited, but for all this to be worth it, this crucial step in your plan needs to happen in the next few minutes. And you need to get away with it. However the next few moments play out, you need to get back home from wherever you are now with your millions and not get caught. Powerful people care about what you're taking, the approaching giant notwithstanding.
Legends of Avantris
For What It's Worth | Ep. 3 | Heist Story: Part 3
What you see is a kaiju battle is a really terrific way of saying it. He's being forced back down the stairs. He's smacking into it as often as he can. Just wham, wham, wham. And it's clearly hurting the beholder. There's chunks coming out. There's skin spilling away. There's blood. This disgusting almost like silver metallic black ichor that's pouring out of these wounds. But it
Legends of Avantris
For What It's Worth | Ep. 3 | Heist Story: Part 3
is hitting it with ray after ray. One eyestalk turns and disintegrates a chunk of not just the armor, but of the muscle behind. You see him starting to lose this fight very quickly.
Legends of Avantris
For What It's Worth | Ep. 3 | Heist Story: Part 3
You start to do that and as the beholder moves forward and continues to float and get hit back and forth, it's finally when the angle of the anti-magic cone no longer covers that part of the floor. It pops back into existence and you fall three feet. Into Scrooge McDuck style, into a giant pile of gold and platinum and other precious gold pieces.
Legends of Avantris
For What It's Worth | Ep. 3 | Heist Story: Part 3
This fight will have them engaged for... Four or five rounds. So half a minute while you turn to your friends and you've bought some time for you guys all to continue to try to solve this problem, to get out of this with your lives intact at this point.
Legends of Avantris
For What It's Worth | Ep. 3 | Heist Story: Part 3
He pushed the button that allowed the vault to be open from the other side.
Legends of Avantris
For What It's Worth | Ep. 3 | Heist Story: Part 3
Without a way to take what you can and escape without fear of retribution, you'll end up in some prison somewhere, or maybe even dead. How you approach this moment, how you've planned for it, and how you work together to achieve your ultimate aim is up to you.
Legends of Avantris
For What It's Worth | Ep. 3 | Heist Story: Part 3
So it's more of a icebound style drink. But with a 19, you do some quick math in your bunny head and you go, you know, I think that someone could survive in there for about 10 minutes before they started losing air.
Legends of Avantris
For What It's Worth | Ep. 3 | Heist Story: Part 3
You can still hear the screaming and the beating of these two titans against each other. He's getting weaker. He's making fewer hits. To me! To me! Guards! Guards! And air elementals are coming in and just evaporating in front of its sight before he gets hit by a ray of disintegration, fear rays, petrification. He is getting demolished by this, and you can see pieces of him flying away.
Legends of Avantris
For What It's Worth | Ep. 3 | Heist Story: Part 3
He's almost stumbling over the edge of his own castle stairs before... realigning himself and trying before he is starting to really lose. I'd say he probably has another one or two rounds in him. Do the deck of cards that I have have any kind of magical, do I feel like it's magical at all? Make an arcana check at advantage, I would say. Because even holding them, there's something of a thrum.
Legends of Avantris
For What It's Worth | Ep. 3 | Heist Story: Part 3
Okay. And you're a swastika. 25. 25. You see all of the eyes turn on the back of his head and look right at you. And then he backs up. He keeps his main eye on the cloud giant who falls to one of his knees and says, please no more, no more. And has clearly at least paused for a moment. It didn't want to stop.
Legends of Avantris
For What It's Worth | Ep. 3 | Heist Story: Part 3
It is frozen. It's just keeping its eye on the creature.
Legends of Avantris
For What It's Worth | Ep. 3 | Heist Story: Part 3
The center eyestalk hadn't fired once, but with its death ray, it fires forward, and it takes 10d10, he takes 10d10 necrotic damage, and because it reduces him to zero hit points, there is no save. He dies, and the cloud giant, his light blue skin, Ugg,
Legends of Avantris
For What It's Worth | Ep. 3 | Heist Story: Part 3
starts to turn gray, and he falls back and stumbles down a few of the stairs before just overbalancing at the edge and tumbling off into the cloud line, disappearing, which turns itself gray. The sky darkens, and you... A storm starts to occur all around you as the bright life that was in this plane, this space, disappears.
Legends of Avantris
For What It's Worth | Ep. 3 | Heist Story: Part 3
You've never held something that feels this magical. With a 17, this feels... like the real prize. You almost forget about your gambling habit, habit, habit. You forget about this, your hobby. You forget about all things. You are shuffling the deck and the card feels so good. Even in your singed and bear-like hands, it's begging, begging for attention.
Legends of Avantris
For What It's Worth | Ep. 3 | Heist Story: Part 3
But with a 17, you also are aware of the danger that you've put your friends in and are aware that you're in the middle of a heist. This is the loot. You can do this anytime. So the conflict rages within you as you are, this is a very magical item.
Legends of Avantris
For What It's Worth | Ep. 3 | Heist Story: Part 3
Okay. And because he's not looking at you in this moment, and the flask is able to do its magic, and he gets pulled in. I don't know if he has to make a save a second time.
Legends of Avantris
For What It's Worth | Ep. 3 | Heist Story: Part 3
But can he voluntarily choose to fail because he's friend?
Legends of Avantris
For What It's Worth | Ep. 3 | Heist Story: Part 3
I think it's one of those, like, I'm going to say let's get the beholder out of here. Come on.
Legends of Avantris
For What It's Worth | Ep. 3 | Heist Story: Part 3
He turns around and closes this eye and uses his other stalks to sort of guide himself in.
Legends of Avantris
For What It's Worth | Ep. 3 | Heist Story: Part 3
On my side. For a moment, all is quiet. Looking at the sky, it appears to have darkened not because of some forthcoming threat, but almost of sadness for the loss of its prince. The sky itself turns dark, not as bright a blue. The winds are a little colder. It seems that the environment is reflecting this change of leadership in this space.
Legends of Avantris
For What It's Worth | Ep. 3 | Heist Story: Part 3
When he says wasp, you almost can hear this faint...
Legends of Avantris
For What It's Worth | Ep. 3 | Heist Story: Part 3
You start to fly down. What are you doing?
Legends of Avantris
For What It's Worth | Ep. 3 | Heist Story: Part 3
Oh, there are steps left, though. There are chunks of stone that have been blasted away, certainly. But these are cloud giant steps. So each one is like a good four feet. So you have to hop and then land, take a moment.
Legends of Avantris
For What It's Worth | Ep. 3 | Heist Story: Part 3
Oh, okay, terrific. You bunny hop down each step with relative grace and ease. What are you doing? I'm going to use my climb.
Legends of Avantris
For What It's Worth | Ep. 3 | Heist Story: Part 3
So you shimmy on down, and you stand in the center of the vault in order to... Oh, before I leave, I want to cast Burdick Inspiration.
Legends of Avantris
For What It's Worth | Ep. 3 | Heist Story: Part 3
Because you're going to kill Ostwin.
Legends of Avantris
For What It's Worth | Ep. 3 | Heist Story: Part 3
The three of you start to make your way down and you don't have to wait very long at all. It seems that they were, I mean, only five, 10 minutes have passed since this moment and probably they were trying the door over and over and over until finally it was enabled. And it's in this moment that the,
Legends of Avantris
For What It's Worth | Ep. 3 | Heist Story: Part 3
You see a door out of nowhere suddenly emerge and start to pull away and you are plunged into darkness because you are in a vault room now. It is the flip reverse. You are no longer in the elemental plane of air at all. You are back in the vault that was on the prime material plane in Galtica all by yourself and you are facing air as the door continues to open up. You see some sort of
Legends of Avantris
For What It's Worth | Ep. 3 | Heist Story: Part 3
artificer armor standing there and a second artificer armor and a third artificer's armor and another animated armor. These are looking massively powered. This is the highest top shelf security force of the man, the director, who owns this casino and works, worked, with Arcus in order to put the Silver Linings Casino on the map in the first place.
Legends of Avantris
For What It's Worth | Ep. 3 | Heist Story: Part 3
Standing before you in front of eight of these animated armor pieces is a, what is clearly Ostelin, a human artificer who is looking very suspicious and now very angry at his empty vault.
Legends of Avantris
For What It's Worth | Ep. 3 | Heist Story: Part 3
The door, this massive, huge, circular bank vault door, bank-style vault door starts to swing open. And you're expecting but one person on the other side in the center. But that's when you realize that he is a cadre of these impossibly strong-looking armored suits, for lack of a better word, that glow and thrum with arcane energy.
Legends of Avantris
For What It's Worth | Ep. 3 | Heist Story: Part 3
And as soon as you see the first or second one, you look to see what you could possibly grab onto in order to pull it. This is a push-out style door. There isn't a handle on the back. But maybe...
Legends of Avantris
For What It's Worth | Ep. 3 | Heist Story: Part 3
just maybe if you can grab the side, you might be able to pull, but you're pulling against the leveraged force of what is almost certainly one of these armored creatures on the other side who's turning the wheel in order to get this thing to open. It's going to be very difficult in order to get there, and also pull it closed.
Legends of Avantris
For What It's Worth | Ep. 3 | Heist Story: Part 3
You'll need to make a dexterity check in a contest, and then you will have to succeed a strength check at disadvantage. 22. Wow. You race forward and you are able to grab onto the interior of the door. And you think that maybe, just maybe, you could save your fingers and get this thing to pop you back into the elemental plane of air.
Legends of Avantris
For What It's Worth | Ep. 3 | Heist Story: Part 3
The stat block I'm using for the other side of things is a Helmed Horror. The Helmed Horror rolled a natural 16, plus four is 20. You put your fingers on the interior, and it's slick. It's very smooth metal. You try to pull, and you can't quite get the leverage that you need, and it starts to slip out of your grasp, and this door is opening.
Legends of Avantris
For What It's Worth | Ep. 3 | Heist Story: Part 3
And to your horror, there are, what I described before, eight full... artificer made suits of armor, ready for battle, carrying terrible looking swords, shields on either side, and this artificer who's looking at you with great menace, fury, a twinge of fear for the treasure that is now missing from his vault. Let's switch back to the elemental plane of air.
Legends of Avantris
For What It's Worth | Ep. 3 | Heist Story: Part 3
I know, I'm so sorry. What is Glitzy doing with Gino and Orla as you guys are making your way down into the center of this castle?
Legends of Avantris
For What It's Worth | Ep. 3 | Heist Story: Part 3
Let me paint a picture for you. This center column or tower that you're coming down the exterior of passes a large framed doorway that looks into what is clearly the bed chambers of Arcus that was.
Legends of Avantris
For What It's Worth | Ep. 3 | Heist Story: Part 3
Moving, continuing on your way down, it would lead into a central chamber, some sort of a living area where you can assume that this is maybe where there's a kitchen or a dining room, maybe a reading room, these kinds of things. Through that space, you can see that there are two large additional towers.
Legends of Avantris
For What It's Worth | Ep. 3 | Heist Story: Part 3
And knowing that you have very little time, I'm going to assume that you are moving quickly as you continue to explore, waiting to hear news from Knuckles. And in this time, you make your way through that space and it's just as I described, they're living items. They're mounted hunting animals on the walls.
Legends of Avantris
For What It's Worth | Ep. 3 | Heist Story: Part 3
Going through, you can take the left tower, you can take the shorter tower or the taller tower. I will say. I like shorter.
Legends of Avantris
For What It's Worth | Ep. 3 | Heist Story: Part 3
The three of you make your way into the shorter of the two towers, and this appears to be some great aviary. As you walk in, the musk and smell of animals hits you. This is what clearly was Arcus's sort of pet room, and along the entire interior of the walls, there are a number of sleeping animals.
Legends of Avantris
For What It's Worth | Ep. 3 | Heist Story: Part 3
each one of them seems to be a large griffin huge griffins who are all sort of slumbering and um uh waiting uh some of them sort of look up and look at you curiously are they behind anything they are they are they're in their um their play pens for lack of a better word uh i think these are terrible flesh-eating animals right
Legends of Avantris
For What It's Worth | Ep. 3 | Heist Story: Part 3
I don't believe that extra planar communication is possible with shell phones from Galtico. Maybe they are with other spaces, but in this moment, no.
Legends of Avantris
For What It's Worth | Ep. 3 | Heist Story: Part 3
Roll a d20. All right. Holy shit. Natural 20. You got a natural 20?
Legends of Avantris
For What It's Worth | Ep. 3 | Heist Story: Part 3
You got a natural 20? Well, you hear it extra loud. As soon as the door starts to slip, you guys are quite a ways away from the vault door and the button at this point, but you hear Knuckles respond as soon as you hear this message. I'm still holding on, right? Yeah, you're holding on, but you're being pulled along with it as it's starting to creep open. This is real bad.
Legends of Avantris
For What It's Worth | Ep. 3 | Heist Story: Part 3
We're gonna go back to Knuckles, but I just wanted to hand you this so you can start thinking about it. And when you pull a card, don't forget to say, don't fuck me, Kimma.
Legends of Avantris
For What It's Worth | Ep. 3 | Heist Story: Part 3
Uh, Knuckles, you hear that they're gonna come and save you, but, uh, you're now staring at an armor, uh, uh, an army of, uh, motionless armors and, uh, Austin, Austalin, and he, um, he looks at you. Now, what you gonna do about my missing treasure, friend?
Legends of Avantris
For What It's Worth | Ep. 3 | Heist Story: Part 3
a heavy iron reinforced door that appears to be closed and locked. I'm going to walk up to the door and open it. As soon as the door closed, you have jumped from wherever it was in the top of this building to some other plane of existence, staring out down the mountain, down the citadel, all the way around. You seem to be in a completely new place. place surrounded by mountains of treasure.
Legends of Avantris
For What It's Worth | Ep. 3 | Heist Story: Part 3
Yeah, I see the drow. I was just checking if the drow still existed in my mind, and they do.
Legends of Avantris
For What It's Worth | Ep. 3 | Heist Story: Part 3
I don't want to hear a word out of your mouth. We're going to sort this out, but we're going to do it my way. And he pulls into his pouch what looks like an orb of metal, and he whips it around softball style and shoots it at you. I need you to make... Oh, he gets to make a ranged spell attack against you.
Legends of Avantris
For What It's Worth | Ep. 3 | Heist Story: Part 3
Okay, on a hit, you suddenly, this ball just reaches your chest and then almost comes to a stop before elaborate iron bars start to come out like arms and hug and twist around you. You've seen this happen once before. When you were in the game room, you saw the drunkard who got immediately snapped up and pulled, and this is exactly the thing that has happened to you now. As you...
Legends of Avantris
For What It's Worth | Ep. 3 | Heist Story: Part 3
As much as you are trying to resist, it is magically containing you and pulling you into a armor, an iron band of different scraps and stuff. You are basically motionless and not paralyzed, but unable to get out of the way, but you can still speak.
Legends of Avantris
For What It's Worth | Ep. 3 | Heist Story: Part 3
Tell me why that is. What happened to my treasure? What exactly is going on here?
Legends of Avantris
For What It's Worth | Ep. 3 | Heist Story: Part 3
I can do that surprisingly well. I have like a B plus. Yeah, all right, all right, all right. What kind of magical item?
Legends of Avantris
For What It's Worth | Ep. 3 | Heist Story: Part 3
How did you make your way in here? Who are you?
Legends of Avantris
For What It's Worth | Ep. 3 | Heist Story: Part 3
The Beholder. How can I trust any word you have to say?
Legends of Avantris
For What It's Worth | Ep. 3 | Heist Story: Part 3
You could be trying to pull one over my eyes, friend.
Legends of Avantris
For What It's Worth | Ep. 3 | Heist Story: Part 3
Oh, there's a plan. Is it over? You hear the sound of this voice boom out and it doesn't echo, but nor does it seem to disappear into a vacuum. So loud and booming is the sound of this voice.
Legends of Avantris
For What It's Worth | Ep. 3 | Heist Story: Part 3
Now what happened on the other side of this vault then? Where's Arcus? He would have come running.
Legends of Avantris
For What It's Worth | Ep. 3 | Heist Story: Part 3
We're gonna get to the bottom of this. He turns and he whispers to one of the armors. and starts to walk back to the lift and walks inside and starts to make its way down. Now, my friend is gonna go and get one of our chief security officers. He's gonna do a little magic magic on you. Make sure you tell him the truth.
Legends of Avantris
For What It's Worth | Ep. 3 | Heist Story: Part 3
If you are, then there'll be a great reward and we'll find that treasure together, understand?
Legends of Avantris
For What It's Worth | Ep. 3 | Heist Story: Part 3
Make one more deception check. He rolled a natural one on the first one.
Legends of Avantris
For What It's Worth | Ep. 3 | Heist Story: Part 3
All right, but no funny business. I know how uncomfortable those things are. I fell into one of my own inventions once. He turns and he reaches behind the neck, and you feel a little click, and it suddenly collapses back into a ball, which he catches in his hand very dexterously. Now, if you don't mind, we're gonna stay real close. We're gonna stay inside this vault, understand?
Legends of Avantris
For What It's Worth | Ep. 3 | Heist Story: Part 3
Now, we're gonna wait for my chief security officer and then he's gonna put a zone of truth on you, all right? All right. And we'll get to the bottom of this.
Legends of Avantris
For What It's Worth | Ep. 3 | Heist Story: Part 3
You walk backwards into the vault and you can see how picked clean this space is. There's a few dirty coins in the corners, perhaps, and perhaps one empty scabbard or sheath on the wall for a magical dagger of some kind. You're thinking about the fact that on your person is everything that used to be in this room. And that's where we'll cut back to the rest of you. What are you three doing?
Legends of Avantris
For What It's Worth | Ep. 3 | Heist Story: Part 3
Do you approach the edge to look down? This is a pretty wide open citadel top.
Legends of Avantris
For What It's Worth | Ep. 3 | Heist Story: Part 3
Before you look at that card that you've just selected. Oh, yeah. This one.
Legends of Avantris
For What It's Worth | Ep. 3 | Heist Story: Part 3
You're effectively on top of a tower and looking over the tessellated edges of this tower beyond the sort of columns that make the formation of this vault room or what would have been the vault room before this transformation, you can see that there are two other smaller towers just adjacent as if you were on a castle of some kind. But you don't see any heads emerging just yet or anything.
Legends of Avantris
For What It's Worth | Ep. 3 | Heist Story: Part 3
Yeah, that one. Yeah, yeah, yeah. I'm going to ask you to take a different card with my Twisted Dread.
Legends of Avantris
For What It's Worth | Ep. 3 | Heist Story: Part 3
Gino casts paper towels out of nowhere.
Legends of Avantris
For What It's Worth | Ep. 3 | Heist Story: Part 3
Okay. You agreed to one card as per the magic of the deck, and only you will be able to trigger its magic. You turn the card from its vellum side to its face, and you look at your fate, your new destiny. Dungeon?
Legends of Avantris
For What It's Worth | Ep. 3 | Heist Story: Part 3
I did it because I wanted to make sure that whatever the shuffling that you were doing was accurate. I'll be completely honest.
Legends of Avantris
For What It's Worth | Ep. 3 | Heist Story: Part 3
You look at this card and... Oh, that's probably a good thing.
Legends of Avantris
For What It's Worth | Ep. 3 | Heist Story: Part 3
The world disappears. you feel nothing. There's no conscious thought. There's blankness, and for the two of you, you see him turn this card and suddenly drop it as his form disappears, and it feathers down to the ground, falling like a card, disappearing into, not disappearing, but just landing on the ground, ready to be reshuffled into the deck.
Legends of Avantris
For What It's Worth | Ep. 3 | Heist Story: Part 3
And so that you have full player knowledge. Donjon, you disappear and become entombed in a state of suspended animation in an extra-dimensional sphere. Everything you were wearing and carrying stays behind in the space you occupied when you disappear.
Legends of Avantris
For What It's Worth | Ep. 3 | Heist Story: Part 3
You remain imprisoned until you are found and removed from the sphere. You can't be located by divination magic, but a wish spell can reveal the location of your prison. You draw no more cards.
Legends of Avantris
For What It's Worth | Ep. 3 | Heist Story: Part 3
You just hear the sound semi-distantly, and you're not sure how long it'll take a creature this size, depending on the size of this castle, to get here.
Legends of Avantris
For What It's Worth | Ep. 3 | Heist Story: Part 3
Oh no, my bottle of pills on the ground. You talk into it, and you hear your own voice echo on the floor.
Legends of Avantris
For What It's Worth | Ep. 3 | Heist Story: Part 3
okay well then you got to take the cards all right should i give them a little shuffle yep and uh let's resolve what the other card does oh okay so that we can put it back in oh comment comment what is this you can put that one back in if you single-handedly defeat the next hostile monster or group of monsters you encounter you gain experience points enough to gain a level
Legends of Avantris
For What It's Worth | Ep. 3 | Heist Story: Part 3
You worry if you turn this face that you'll disappear and end up wherever Geno is. You have no idea the nature of this deck, what it could possibly mean. But you turn the vellum face to see the image. Instead of blackness and darkness, there is what appears to be a beautiful illustration of Moon's face. And... It goes from waxing, just a thin crescent, to waning, and then revolves.
Legends of Avantris
For What It's Worth | Ep. 3 | Heist Story: Part 3
And then revolves through full moon again, and then it revolves through full moon again before finally going dark in the face of the card, and the magic extinguishes.
Legends of Avantris
For What It's Worth | Ep. 3 | Heist Story: Part 3
You feel this sudden revelation in your heart. You feel this growing sense of power. as though you have not just the ability to make a one wish, but three.
Legends of Avantris
For What It's Worth | Ep. 3 | Heist Story: Part 3
He's in some strange, he's like a super monkey ball right now. Just like rolling through some impossibility. There aren't even bananas out here.
Legends of Avantris
For What It's Worth | Ep. 3 | Heist Story: Part 3
In 1.5 seconds. You are now level four.
Legends of Avantris
For What It's Worth | Ep. 3 | Heist Story: Part 3
You have the option of drawing two additional cards.
Legends of Avantris
For What It's Worth | Ep. 3 | Heist Story: Part 3
You do. And I would say I'm not, as a DM, going to say, like, make a Charisma saving throw or a Wisdom saving throw to see if you're compelled. You just suddenly, you always knew you could draw from this deck, but the idea is planted in your mind like a seed in a field. A carrot field.
Legends of Avantris
For What It's Worth | Ep. 3 | Heist Story: Part 3
The sound of a bell toll suddenly resounds around you, and you turn, knowing what you will see before you see it. An avatar of death. A ghostly humanoid skeleton, tattered black robe, carrying a spectral scythe at its side. It appears just ten feet from you and raises its bony finger and hand outstretched to you. And you feel that...
Legends of Avantris
For What It's Worth | Ep. 3 | Heist Story: Part 3
For some reason, I think there are Twizzies in there or something. Oh, those are my Twizzies. Oh.
Legends of Avantris
For What It's Worth | Ep. 3 | Heist Story: Part 3
You must defend yourself or succumb to this avatar of beyond the veil. We're going to have to do some combat.
Legends of Avantris
For What It's Worth | Ep. 3 | Heist Story: Part 3
Yeah, you just turn and you see an avatar of death. You hear a voice boom out as well. Glitzy, you hear this voice. This fight is only between us.
Legends of Avantris
For What It's Worth | Ep. 3 | Heist Story: Part 3
Between Orla and death. You know that if you interfere with the battle that bad things will happen from just the sound of this crackling voice of this avatar. I'm going to switch back over to jazzy combat music.
Legends of Avantris
For What It's Worth | Ep. 3 | Heist Story: Part 3
Maybe I'm the one with the gambling addiction. What is your maximum hit point amount?
Legends of Avantris
For What It's Worth | Ep. 3 | Heist Story: Part 3
You don't get it. All right, roll for initiative.
Legends of Avantris
For What It's Worth | Ep. 3 | Heist Story: Part 3
You go first. It starts to swing at you and raises its scythe up, but you're a fast rabbit, and you're able to make your first choice as to how you want to deal with this sudden threat.
Legends of Avantris
For What It's Worth | Ep. 3 | Heist Story: Part 3
Okay, it has to... I think it's a wisdom saving throw.
Legends of Avantris
For What It's Worth | Ep. 3 | Heist Story: Part 3
Prepare to face your mortality. And you say this and it goes... I am just an avatar! And it falls over, and in its drapes of tattered cloth, starts to roll around on the floor, unable to do anything. On its turn, can it make a save to try and stop?
Legends of Avantris
For What It's Worth | Ep. 3 | Heist Story: Part 3
Unless there's anything else you want to do.
Legends of Avantris
For What It's Worth | Ep. 3 | Heist Story: Part 3
Oh, it hadn't taken any damage. I took a natural 17 on my roll, so it finally succeeds.
Legends of Avantris
For What It's Worth | Ep. 3 | Heist Story: Part 3
But it lost a turn, and it's prone now.
Legends of Avantris
For What It's Worth | Ep. 3 | Heist Story: Part 3
We've roughed up weirdos in Rogue before. A ranged attack against a prone creature will be at disadvantage.
Legends of Avantris
For What It's Worth | Ep. 3 | Heist Story: Part 3
Because of the rules of Dungeons and Dragons.
Legends of Avantris
For What It's Worth | Ep. 3 | Heist Story: Part 3
No, they can dodge as well. You have advantage on prone creatures if you do a melee attack.
Legends of Avantris
For What It's Worth | Ep. 3 | Heist Story: Part 3
I'm assuming I can just like... Yeah, you can literally just jump on it and start doing this. I'm going to do exactly that. Jail shank it.
Legends of Avantris
For What It's Worth | Ep. 3 | Heist Story: Part 3
I had given you my prison shank. With those noises.
Legends of Avantris
For What It's Worth | Ep. 3 | Heist Story: Part 3
So you're looking for portable holes, and you've heard of somebody who has a lot of magical items, somebody who is actually a tremendously smart and clever wizard, if not a little bit forgetful. And in the search for this person, you have finally been able to identify, talking to many of your underground contacts.
Legends of Avantris
For What It's Worth | Ep. 3 | Heist Story: Part 3
I will say that just hits, which is table parlance for that's its AC.
Legends of Avantris
For What It's Worth | Ep. 3 | Heist Story: Part 3
It's not the airbender avatar. That's how bad it is. You jump on the creature and you stab into it and you feel like you make a good amount of damage. It sinks into the ground incorporeally and disappearing and then immediately shifts back up right next to you with its scythe and swings down for an attack. It's going to do that and... I hate you all, by the way.
Legends of Avantris
For What It's Worth | Ep. 3 | Heist Story: Part 3
I see why this is scary. I don't roll to hit, it just hits.
Legends of Avantris
For What It's Worth | Ep. 3 | Heist Story: Part 3
You take five slashing damage as the scythe swings through you. It doesn't cut into you. It goes through you, but you feel the idea of slashing in your soul at the deepest, coldest part. And that feeling is so horrifying and painful, you take an additional seven necrotic damage.
Legends of Avantris
For What It's Worth | Ep. 3 | Heist Story: Part 3
Yep, yep, yep. I mean, you should subtract it from your HP, but... I'm adding negative numbers.
Legends of Avantris
For What It's Worth | Ep. 3 | Heist Story: Part 3
You're go again. It's standing in front of you, having just swung, and it's clearly coming around for another...
Legends of Avantris
For What It's Worth | Ep. 3 | Heist Story: Part 3
I didn't make her do this. I didn't call her a punk bitch.
Legends of Avantris
For What It's Worth | Ep. 3 | Heist Story: Part 3
He gets a four plus three, seven.
Legends of Avantris
For What It's Worth | Ep. 3 | Heist Story: Part 3
I will remember to do that. Is that until the beginning of your next turn?
Legends of Avantris
For What It's Worth | Ep. 3 | Heist Story: Part 3
Before the end of your next turn. It starts to swing around and it... And it swipes through at you with its scythe again. You take... seven slashing damage and an additional two necrotic damage as it swipes through you from the side again, and it hurts. You realize that you're facing mortality, that you could die from this.
Legends of Avantris
For What It's Worth | Ep. 3 | Heist Story: Part 3
If you aren't able to kill this thing very quickly, and you think you're doing progress, but you have no idea how tough this creature could possibly be, you're starting to feel a little scared, and the music is helping.
Legends of Avantris
For What It's Worth | Ep. 3 | Heist Story: Part 3
I would say that's an advantage if you want.
Legends of Avantris
For What It's Worth | Ep. 3 | Heist Story: Part 3
Even between five and 10, you know that he has challenged you to like a duel of death. That his, not quarry, but his reason for existence via the magic of the card is to kill you.
Legends of Avantris
For What It's Worth | Ep. 3 | Heist Story: Part 3
And it turns out your target, your aim over the week that you're preparing for this mission, the one you're on now, is looking for someone named Tootles. A loxodon, a very learned and wise wizard who keeps a tremendous spellbook tome at her side at all times.
Legends of Avantris
For What It's Worth | Ep. 3 | Heist Story: Part 3
A charmed creature might make him like you more as he kills you.
Legends of Avantris
For What It's Worth | Ep. 3 | Heist Story: Part 3
He actually sank through the floor and then emerged standing.
Legends of Avantris
For What It's Worth | Ep. 3 | Heist Story: Part 3
You pull out your darts and whip them forward. That misses, unfortunately. It goes through the rib holes and out the back of his cape and he swings down again. This is going to be six slashing and one necrotic.
Legends of Avantris
For What It's Worth | Ep. 3 | Heist Story: Part 3
That's going to... Wisdom 15. Wisdom 15.
Legends of Avantris
For What It's Worth | Ep. 3 | Heist Story: Part 3
He has a plus three wisdom. I rolled a 15.
Legends of Avantris
For What It's Worth | Ep. 3 | Heist Story: Part 3
He gets a 14. He falls to the floor, laughing at your pathetic attempts to hold on to life. It's your turn again.
Legends of Avantris
For What It's Worth | Ep. 3 | Heist Story: Part 3
This is your quarry for not only are there a million spells that you'd be able to find within this tome, but as a bookmark, she uses these portable holds, these unbelievably magical items. And so one late night, you call all of your other rhino folk friends, the other bouncers that you've met over the years, perhaps cousins, nephews, that sort of thing. And in this moment, you are in an alley.
Legends of Avantris
For What It's Worth | Ep. 3 | Heist Story: Part 3
You hear this from the... So that bird that whispers, wherever that bird might be, it's not Knuckles, it's not Glitzy, but that bird, an avatar of death is summoned because it aided the person in the duel, and they're having their own fight now. But you do get the advice.
Legends of Avantris
For What It's Worth | Ep. 3 | Heist Story: Part 3
Oh, it was a 17 and then a notch down to an 8. You're good to go.
Legends of Avantris
For What It's Worth | Ep. 3 | Heist Story: Part 3
This damage is actually starting to seem to be slowing down. You feel that if you could do one more point of health damage to it, that you will have won this duel. Holy. But it's turn and once again, it uses its incorporeal movement to disappear into the terrain itself.
Legends of Avantris
For What It's Worth | Ep. 3 | Heist Story: Part 3
I didn't do the one from the previous round. So it...
Legends of Avantris
For What It's Worth | Ep. 3 | Heist Story: Part 3
Yeah, yeah, yeah. She cast Hideous Laughter, and then I said it's her turn again, and that's when she just used Mind Slipper again. So I should have rolled previously. Yes, at the end of its turn.
Legends of Avantris
For What It's Worth | Ep. 3 | Heist Story: Part 3
I failed that. So now I'm going to roll again at the end of my turn to see if I still am laughing.
Legends of Avantris
For What It's Worth | Ep. 3 | Heist Story: Part 3
Now I will do the minus d4 again with 14. You just failed. And I rolled a fucking another four. So he fails again.
Legends of Avantris
For What It's Worth | Ep. 3 | Heist Story: Part 3
With the humor of a mom, apparently, it's your turn once again. He's still laughing and prone on the ground.
Legends of Avantris
For What It's Worth | Ep. 3 | Heist Story: Part 3
It's intelligence. He has a plus three.
Legends of Avantris
For What It's Worth | Ep. 3 | Heist Story: Part 3
I'll take my d20 back. And you use it. It's screaming and laughing in insanity, staring up at the darkening sky.
Legends of Avantris
For What It's Worth | Ep. 3 | Heist Story: Part 3
It takes six damage, and this avatar... dust in the wind. Holy fuck.
Legends of Avantris
For What It's Worth | Ep. 3 | Heist Story: Part 3
I will say, you actually don't have any visible injuries.
Legends of Avantris
For What It's Worth | Ep. 3 | Heist Story: Part 3
Siding through you is your face with mortality, not with physical damage.
Legends of Avantris
For What It's Worth | Ep. 3 | Heist Story: Part 3
And in this moment, yeah, you don't have to draw if you don't want to. You have full player agency.
Legends of Avantris
For What It's Worth | Ep. 3 | Heist Story: Part 3
It's a weird way to say it. It should be like you have to draw two more cards, but...
Legends of Avantris
For What It's Worth | Ep. 3 | Heist Story: Part 3
it just says that you can take two more cards beyond your declared draws is there like a limit where you can only draw one card per player no it's sort of like the way that we do twists of fate when in icebound where you have to say how many you're doing before you start drawing so i usually i'm going to draw three cards and then you take the first one and then you take the next one and then you take the next one but there's nothing stopping you from declaring more cards yeah i picked one but i didn't declare that i was only going to pick one
Legends of Avantris
For What It's Worth | Ep. 3 | Heist Story: Part 3
You said you were gonna draw one card, which is what you did.
Legends of Avantris
For What It's Worth | Ep. 3 | Heist Story: Part 3
You said, I'll take an additional card, and that would be, in my mind, satisfying the rule of declaring that you're gonna draw one card.
Legends of Avantris
For What It's Worth | Ep. 3 | Heist Story: Part 3
And let's take a coffee break.
Legends of Avantris
For What It's Worth | Ep. 3 | Heist Story: Part 3
and waiting for this person to turn, and as she does, there she is, you see not just one Loxodon, this woman that you're after, but another female Loxodon at her size, at her side, you're not sure of the name, as well as what is clearly
Legends of Avantris
For What It's Worth | Ep. 3 | Heist Story: Part 3
And don't forget to snag all of the extra goodies like dice, miniatures, plushies, a tarot deck, and more. Thank you. Gino, you turn the card to see the face of your next fate, your destiny, and the card vanishes from your hand.
Legends of Avantris
For What It's Worth | Ep. 3 | Heist Story: Part 3
And you recognize the smell. You recognize the sight. You are back in the second floor of Gino's Deli. You look around and you can see Knuckles standing there, his arms up. You can see Glitzy. You can see Orla, who's looking pale and terrified, but everyone is alive and you all four find yourself exactly where Glitzy wished you to be.
Legends of Avantris
For What It's Worth | Ep. 3 | Heist Story: Part 3
You're holding them. I slap them down. Oh, well, thank goodness. There is not enough space in this tiny apartment for a six-foot hole. But to be fair, I did wish for us and all of the- Does that include anything that didn't fit in the- Oh, Gino, you're entirely nude. All of your things have been left in the element.
Legends of Avantris
For What It's Worth | Ep. 3 | Heist Story: Part 3
Would anyone care for any old fashioned- Yeah, all of your things have been left in the element.
Legends of Avantris
For What It's Worth | Ep. 3 | Heist Story: Part 3
a well-armored, almost holy man of a Loxodon at the other hip, and then adjacent to him, sort of rocking back and forth, a wild, strange Loxodon that you can hear his voice before you see him.
Legends of Avantris
For What It's Worth | Ep. 3 | Heist Story: Part 3
Your bathrobe is right there where you left it.
Legends of Avantris
For What It's Worth | Ep. 3 | Heist Story: Part 3
This black card spells disaster.
Legends of Avantris
For What It's Worth | Ep. 3 | Heist Story: Part 3
Your soul is drawn from your body. You see the entire genus Delia disappear into a very small place. Almost like you're traveling through the astral plane. You see Galtica. You see the curvature of Vantress as you disappear into nothingness. I have known all time. Your soul, your body stays where it is. So you just, all of you see Orla just collapse and hit the ground.
Legends of Avantris
For What It's Worth | Ep. 3 | Heist Story: Part 3
The disgusting drab carpet of Geno's apartment. And your soul is drawn and contained in an object in a place of the dungeon master's choice. One or more powerful beings guard this place. While your soul is trapped in this way, your body is incapacitated. A wish spell cannot restore your soul, but the spell reveals the location of the object that holds it. You draw no more cards.
Legends of Avantris
For What It's Worth | Ep. 3 | Heist Story: Part 3
You suddenly get this knowledge.
Legends of Avantris
For What It's Worth | Ep. 3 | Heist Story: Part 3
I would say that your second spell occurs and is wasted. A wish spell cannot restore a spell.
Legends of Avantris
For What It's Worth | Ep. 3 | Heist Story: Part 3
Oh, but it does reveal the location of the object that holds it.
Legends of Avantris
For What It's Worth | Ep. 3 | Heist Story: Part 3
Uh, uh, stop there. The Holy One stands forward and steps forward and seems to try to stop you, but in this instant, you are surrounded by rhino folk after rhino folk after rhino folk, a gang of them. What do you want?
Legends of Avantris
For What It's Worth | Ep. 3 | Heist Story: Part 3
And it's not the clicking of the elevator that you hear anymore, but the loud thump, thump, thump of some massive creature walking. On the eastern shores of Yona there lies the great city of Galtica, staring out into a dark and turbulent ocean. But Galtica is not where the next chapter in this story resumes.
Legends of Avantris
For What It's Worth | Ep. 3 | Heist Story: Part 3
Okay, there we go. Can I have another glass of milk? I come back after my R&D and you're drawing more cards?
Legends of Avantris
For What It's Worth | Ep. 3 | Heist Story: Part 3
I see, I see. No, no, no, no. It will come to you before we end tonight's session. Go ahead. Sun.
Legends of Avantris
For What It's Worth | Ep. 3 | Heist Story: Part 3
Okay. You are suddenly your level four. You feel suddenly much stronger. But more importantly, you look down and... Your penis is gone. Your penis is sheathed by a beautiful belt. And you recognize this belt. This is the belt that Arcus was wearing. And you suddenly realize that you feel stronger than you've ever felt. You have a belt of cloud giant strength.
Legends of Avantris
For What It's Worth | Ep. 3 | Heist Story: Part 3
Yeah, give him the regular card. Yeah, the next card has to happen, and then if you want to.
Legends of Avantris
For What It's Worth | Ep. 3 | Heist Story: Part 3
Increase another one of your ability scores by two. The score cannot exceed 20, but it can exceed 20, but cannot exceed 24.
Legends of Avantris
For What It's Worth | Ep. 3 | Heist Story: Part 3
I feel so sure. Here we go. Are you burning the cards? Yes.
Legends of Avantris
For What It's Worth | Ep. 3 | Heist Story: Part 3
Suddenly, jewelry from nowhere rains down upon you. 25 pieces of jewelry, each worth 2,000 gold pieces, suddenly appear at your feet.
Legends of Avantris
For What It's Worth | Ep. 3 | Heist Story: Part 3
Which is actually very little wealth compared to the millions that you currently have on your person.
Legends of Avantris
For What It's Worth | Ep. 3 | Heist Story: Part 3
You turn and look at the face of the card. Glitzy, in this moment, as you are watching this wealth get poured down, you get this image in your mind. Yeah, that sounds right. This image. You suddenly feel transported. You feel like you're looking at an extra planar space. You're looking at the Feywild.
Legends of Avantris
For What It's Worth | Ep. 3 | Heist Story: Part 3
You can tell just by its ethereal and beautiful quality, it's the most beautiful thing you've ever seen.
Legends of Avantris
For What It's Worth | Ep. 3 | Heist Story: Part 3
This is the court of autumn. And you fly forward and you realize you're in the central city. And as you get closer and closer, you realize that the object is the broche on one of the arch fae of this Court of Autumn.
Legends of Avantris
For What It's Worth | Ep. 3 | Heist Story: Part 3
Oh, they make great French toast out of that. This image hits you. It's a brioche.
Legends of Avantris
For What It's Worth | Ep. 3 | Heist Story: Part 3
A brooch? A brooch? Brooch. Oh, I... Sorry, it's a brioche. It's a brioche! She's eating a sandwich.
Legends of Avantris
For What It's Worth | Ep. 3 | Heist Story: Part 3
This knowledge suddenly comes to you. And what question did you have?
Legends of Avantris
For What It's Worth | Ep. 3 | Heist Story: Part 3
All forms of wealth that you carry your own other than magic items are lost to you.
Legends of Avantris
For What It's Worth | Ep. 3 | Heist Story: Part 3
Portable property vanishes. Businesses, buildings, and land you own are lost in a way that alters reality the least. Any documentation that proves that you should own something is also lost to this card. The jewelry disappears. The Dwarven belt, the belt of cloud giant strength disappears.
Legends of Avantris
For What It's Worth | Ep. 3 | Heist Story: Part 3
Well, I do, and Tootle speaks up, and she holds up the tome. You can see two of these slips of very fine, silky texture, very thin pieces of fabric leafing out from the top of this tome.
Legends of Avantris
For What It's Worth | Ep. 3 | Heist Story: Part 3
All forms, yeah, you're right. Other than magic items. So you keep your portable holes.
Legends of Avantris
For What It's Worth | Ep. 3 | Heist Story: Part 3
And you keep your... But all the shit in it is gone. All of the shit in it would be gone.
Legends of Avantris
For What It's Worth | Ep. 3 | Heist Story: Part 3
return the card. No, no, no, I guess it's burned. I don't know how to fucking rule this shit.
Legends of Avantris
For What It's Worth | Ep. 3 | Heist Story: Part 3
Yeah, Ruin would not be in. Until after he comes back.
Legends of Avantris
For What It's Worth | Ep. 3 | Heist Story: Part 3
Put it in the burn pile. Okay.
Legends of Avantris
For What It's Worth | Ep. 3 | Heist Story: Part 3
You see, you get an image of ruin. I wish I got a king.
Legends of Avantris
For What It's Worth | Ep. 3 | Heist Story: Part 3
Yeah, fan them out. Thank you.
Legends of Avantris
For What It's Worth | Ep. 3 | Heist Story: Part 3
The gems are back and you'd have to check the portable holes to see if everything is there, but you suspect that it is even though Knuckles seems sudden panic in his face.
Legends of Avantris
For What It's Worth | Ep. 3 | Heist Story: Part 3
You are cursed. You look at the terrifying image on this card, and in this moment, you suddenly realize that this is bad luck. Your streak has ended. Even though the image of all of the wealth being lost isn't true and reality, the thought will haunt you of losing such great wealth for the rest of your life.
Legends of Avantris
For What It's Worth | Ep. 3 | Heist Story: Part 3
You've inherited so much from your heist that it's this fear that will cause a negative two penalty on all saving throws moving forward.
Legends of Avantris
For What It's Worth | Ep. 3 | Heist Story: Part 3
Only a god or the magic of the fates card, which you can also draw, can end this curse.
Legends of Avantris
For What It's Worth | Ep. 3 | Heist Story: Part 3
You did commit to a certain number of draws, didn't you?
Legends of Avantris
For What It's Worth | Ep. 3 | Heist Story: Part 3
You have one left. Yeah, it ruined but replaced by a wish.
Legends of Avantris
For What It's Worth | Ep. 3 | Heist Story: Part 3
So you must draw another card.
Legends of Avantris
For What It's Worth | Ep. 3 | Heist Story: Part 3
As long as, hey, why don't you transfer all of your wealth over to me? They don't call him Wally and McGillicuddy for nothing. Exactly right.
Legends of Avantris
For What It's Worth | Ep. 3 | Heist Story: Part 3
You drop back down to level four.
Legends of Avantris
For What It's Worth | Ep. 3 | Heist Story: Part 3
You must discard this card, and you must draw from the deck again, counting both draws as one of your declared draws.
Legends of Avantris
For What It's Worth | Ep. 3 | Heist Story: Part 3
I think that's where we call the night session.
Legends of Avantris
For What It's Worth | Ep. 3 | Heist Story: Part 3
Oh, the fates. So the fates, reality's fabric unravels and spins anew, allowing you to avoid or erase one event as if it never happened. You can use the card's magic as soon as you draw the card or at any other time before you die. So you don't have to use it.
Legends of Avantris
For What It's Worth | Ep. 3 | Heist Story: Part 3
You don't have to do it in order to get your curse removed. You could use it to do whatever you like, undo an event.
Legends of Avantris
For What It's Worth | Ep. 3 | Heist Story: Part 3
That's a good point. Everyone knows what you're saying when you say this in reality.
Legends of Avantris
For What It's Worth | Ep. 3 | Heist Story: Part 3
Yeah, you're supposed to use it immediately.
Legends of Avantris
For What It's Worth | Ep. 3 | Heist Story: Part 3
You feel that you have a, for the first time in the reality of the world, you have a twist of fate.
Legends of Avantris
For What It's Worth | Ep. 3 | Heist Story: Part 3
Please, they probably just only want to observe the portable hold.
Legends of Avantris
For What It's Worth | Ep. 3 | Heist Story: Part 3
How do you solve this problem? How do you anticipate this moment and the emotional insanity rollercoaster that you've been on?
Legends of Avantris
For What It's Worth | Ep. 3 | Heist Story: Part 3
I will actually, before you, before you do this, I will ask if you were serious about,
Legends of Avantris
For What It's Worth | Ep. 3 | Heist Story: Part 3
You have this moment of foresight.
Legends of Avantris
For What It's Worth | Ep. 3 | Heist Story: Part 3
You have this moment of foresight, and you go down there and... It's really dirty in the Feywild.
Legends of Avantris
For What It's Worth | Ep. 3 | Heist Story: Part 3
No, no, Yancy. It is always important to trust your brothers and sisters.
Legends of Avantris
For What It's Worth | Ep. 3 | Heist Story: Part 3
You go down, and these are the meanest quail, the meanest chickens. But you know how to handle them, and you're able to push them aside easily with your arms.
Legends of Avantris
For What It's Worth | Ep. 3 | Heist Story: Part 3
You grab the brioche, and you feel that you have the loaf that contains Orla's soul.
Legends of Avantris
For What It's Worth | Ep. 3 | Heist Story: Part 3
This is the second time during this weird ass three shot that you've forced a sandwich down an unconscious person's throat.
Legends of Avantris
For What It's Worth | Ep. 3 | Heist Story: Part 3
You feed the unconscious body of Orla.
Legends of Avantris
For What It's Worth | Ep. 3 | Heist Story: Part 3
But it's not sold brioche. You know how Glitzy can mispronounce words sometimes. She meant brooch, and she meant the Feywild.
Legends of Avantris
For What It's Worth | Ep. 3 | Heist Story: Part 3
She meant bro-kay. Oh, you meant baroque? Oh, gosh.
Legends of Avantris
For What It's Worth | Ep. 3 | Heist Story: Part 3
I don't know why, why can't I say this word?
Legends of Avantris
For What It's Worth | Ep. 3 | Heist Story: Part 3
Your body remains... Yeah, I'm not well.
Legends of Avantris
For What It's Worth | Ep. 3 | Heist Story: Part 3
You know, if I had an... They'll have to continue feeding you until they get the soul back.
Legends of Avantris
For What It's Worth | Ep. 3 | Heist Story: Part 3
All of the world's creatures are brothers and sisters in the eyes of Gigantis.
Legends of Avantris
For What It's Worth | Ep. 3 | Heist Story: Part 3
Oh, yeah, it would be easy enough to go outside and grab the... You boy would go by the biggest goose.
Legends of Avantris
For What It's Worth | Ep. 3 | Heist Story: Part 3
He runs. He doesn't even see, like, take the gold piece. Like, it falls at his feet, and he's just like, and runs as fast as his little feet will take him.
Legends of Avantris
For What It's Worth | Ep. 3 | Heist Story: Part 3
And that's where we'll end tonight's session. I tried to end it like 18 times. A little early tonight, but you guys solved the problem very smartly.
Legends of Avantris
For What It's Worth | Ep. 3 | Heist Story: Part 3
And you've got, like, a timer on that friendship. So, like, he was only out for, like, six minutes. So every time you pop him out, yeah, yeah, every time you pop him out, there's, like, a beholder timer. He's hurt. He's very hurt. But you've got a pretty good item there.
Legends of Avantris
For What It's Worth | Ep. 3 | Heist Story: Part 3
I will say that almost certainly you begin planning your next last heist. A heist into the Feywild. A heist to get the Broke.
Legends of Avantris
For What It's Worth | Ep. 3 | Heist Story: Part 3
That deck of many things couldn't have gone better. What a fucking outrageous magic item.
Legends of Avantris
For What It's Worth | Ep. 3 | Heist Story: Part 3
I would never give it in a real campaign.
Legends of Avantris
For What It's Worth | Ep. 3 | Heist Story: Part 3
It has to be something like this. If you do it in a real campaign, it has to be like a deck of many things dream. None of it really happens.
Legends of Avantris
For What It's Worth | Ep. 3 | Heist Story: Part 3
I'm glad to hear it. And you guys are talking, and in this moment, you've already grabbed the tone.
Legends of Avantris
For What It's Worth | Ep. 3 | Heist Story: Part 3
You grab the tome, and the rest of the story plays out very quickly. Your rhino folk friends are on top of that. It's not just you.
Legends of Avantris
For What It's Worth | Ep. 3 | Heist Story: Part 3
Thank you so much for listening to the Legends of Avantris podcast. We hope you enjoyed the session. If you want even more campaigns to listen to, become a member of our Patreon at the Pearl Dolphin tier or higher to unlock Shroud Over Saltmarsh, a patron-exclusive campaign set on the high seas. You can find that at patreon.com slash legendsofavantris.
Legends of Avantris
For What It's Worth | Ep. 3 | Heist Story: Part 3
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Legends of Avantris
For What It's Worth | Ep. 3 | Heist Story: Part 3
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Legends of Avantris
For What It's Worth | Ep. 3 | Heist Story: Part 3
What quickly becomes a single item that you need to steal, it becomes a complete theft. And they are left with nothing, penniless in the alley, and you find yourself running and diving into the shadows, trying to escape. And that's where we'll pick back up.
Legends of Avantris
For What It's Worth | Ep. 3 | Heist Story: Part 3
You slap down these portable holes, one and then the next, and the rest of you see the magical item effect take place. A six-foot round hole, 10 feet deep, suddenly appears in the stone floor. It's identical to the cartoon Acme product where all of a sudden there's a magic, yeah, you know the one.
Legends of Avantris
For What It's Worth | Ep. 3 | Heist Story: Part 3
They do it in Who Framed Roger Rabbit, why can't I do it?
Legends of Avantris
For What It's Worth | Ep. 3 | Heist Story: Part 3
And it becomes immediately apparent. The four of you have but moments to get as much loot into these two holes as possible, shoveling and pushing any of the magical items and any of the items as you might.
Legends of Avantris
For What It's Worth | Ep. 3 | Heist Story: Part 3
Make a perception check at advantage.
Legends of Avantris
For What It's Worth | Ep. 3 | Heist Story: Part 3
With a 22, you glance around and hanging on magical nothing are a lot of different swords, a lot of different sets of armor, helms. There's a whole stack, shelf after shelf after shelf of tome after tome after tome. magical scrolls, map cases, these sorts of items.
Legends of Avantris
For What It's Worth | Ep. 3 | Heist Story: Part 3
But in the exact opposite side of you, as the three of you are starting to deal with the rest of the treasure and hauling, you know, bucket and bucket of gold coin into these portable holes, you see a small pedestal, and on top, what looks like a velvet, not velvet, vellum playing card stack right at the top there.
Legends of Avantris
Icebound | Ep. 24 | Passage of Rime
I would say that you have a chance of making that connection roll a nature or arcana check. Or medicine.
Legends of Avantris
Icebound | Ep. 24 | Passage of Rime
Tyshen will start to move in a way that looks very familiar to you. You start to see him make some gestures like this, and you realize he has learned a few things since his time in Drakkar. He begins to cast Create Bonfire. And he has learned this from the Frosthammer clan watching the other kobolds who had this same trick up their sleeves to avoid the need for having to carry fuel.
Legends of Avantris
Icebound | Ep. 24 | Passage of Rime
and then all of a sudden you are in there digging into his skin and I would say that having done so much damage that you do notice that your cuts are not being healed, the wounds that you're applying, something about the nature of the fire seems to make a connection in that moment.
Legends of Avantris
Icebound | Ep. 24 | Passage of Rime
You smash into this creature and you feel that you have killed it. It dies. There's no other way to say this. You crunch, you hit it in its head and spike it down and when it lands, there's a brief moment of silence where you smash into it and it starts to fall backwards and you're all waiting for that.
Legends of Avantris
Icebound | Ep. 24 | Passage of Rime
is starting to regenerate, but because of the fire damage that Yornir was able to apply to it in this moment, it does not regenerate. Instead, it falls down to the side. You attack number three?
Legends of Avantris
Icebound | Ep. 24 | Passage of Rime
I assumed that you were closer, and that you actually backed up, but let's put you at the 60 feet marker. Because I haven't moved, so I would be 60 feet from... And you'd even be a little closer at that point. Yeah, that's fine.
Legends of Avantris
Icebound | Ep. 24 | Passage of Rime
And all of a sudden, this massive emerging flames out of nowhere ignites in one spot of the ice. And very quickly, you can see underneath it, the heat immediately starts to pool and turn to water. And he continues to do this.
Legends of Avantris
Icebound | Ep. 24 | Passage of Rime
I do one thing well, and I'm going to do it really well.
Legends of Avantris
Icebound | Ep. 24 | Passage of Rime
So Sled's turn. You were at 15 miles per hour. It was two, four, two, four, and then whatever the third one was. I didn't know if it was either 15. Yeah, two, four, 15. Yeah. Because you're still grinding along, you're gonna go half that speed, so I will say that you're going... Oh fuck. 10 squares. I need a slight miscalculation. Now, you don't move, they move. And Tysha. Oh no.
Legends of Avantris
Icebound | Ep. 24 | Passage of Rime
So you're all going to go... Hold on. Fuck! You're all gonna... Everything that's not on the sled is going to start to move because of the amount of speed. Because of how fucking fast, actually, that is. And so this is gonna go... Ten squares. Five, ten, five, two, three, four, five, six, seven, eight, nine, ten. As suddenly this acceleration happens. But Taishen was still wearing his sled belt.
Legends of Avantris
Icebound | Ep. 24 | Passage of Rime
Oh, that's right. You're right. goes prone and lands and begins getting dragged behind. And because I'm an insane person, I created dragging behind a vehicle rules just for this encounter.
Legends of Avantris
Icebound | Ep. 24 | Passage of Rime
Yeah, yeah, yeah. And if you have a white bee, then you can get rid of the web. Yeah, if we got it, we got it. If not, no big deal. Yeah, that works. As things start to move very quickly, all of a sudden, that friction that you've been experiencing unlocks, and the sled pulls forward, and you all watch the cavern walls start to fly past you faster, faster, faster, faster, faster.
Legends of Avantris
Icebound | Ep. 24 | Passage of Rime
One minute, two minutes, it starts to push down and force its way into the ice, and he's effectively creating a shaft to try and dig down into the water to see if you can make a large fishing hole through this method.
Legends of Avantris
Icebound | Ep. 24 | Passage of Rime
Top of the round, Taishen is up. He has to start his turn, and going at the speed that he's going, he's going to take 1d6 bludgeoning damage.
Legends of Avantris
Icebound | Ep. 24 | Passage of Rime
But he has to make a dexterity saving throw to see if he can kind of ski it.
Legends of Avantris
Icebound | Ep. 24 | Passage of Rime
I don't have a DC, and that's the problem with this system. So I'm gonna say that the DC's 10, and that he succeeds. He takes half of three, so he's gonna take one bludgeoning damage as he is initially tugged and pulled to the ground, but he's already holding onto the rope and beginning to get dragged along behind it. For your information, since you're piloting Taishan,
Legends of Avantris
Icebound | Ep. 24 | Passage of Rime
The 30 feet that he is rolling, that he's being dragged, to pull himself up the rope if he wanted to would just be considered difficult terrain.
Legends of Avantris
Icebound | Ep. 24 | Passage of Rime
Yeah. No, it's just part of your movement. If you want to not move and pull your way up, you can use your action bonus action and just continue to be dragging. You're trying to stay on your feet. It's very uncharted forum. That's very fun.
Legends of Avantris
Icebound | Ep. 24 | Passage of Rime
Oh, yeah, yeah, not even close. You're good, yeah.
Legends of Avantris
Icebound | Ep. 24 | Passage of Rime
It's difficult terrain, and he had to get up, so he... Well, he's still dragged, right?
Legends of Avantris
Icebound | Ep. 24 | Passage of Rime
It's a better round. And my rule is always one round before I reveal the AC. It's 16 for the ice roll.
Legends of Avantris
Icebound | Ep. 24 | Passage of Rime
like streamers and you see the creature ignite into flames. The web is still just starting to come down like molten candy and it covers him. He watches, he struggles down to the ground and starts to disappear into a pinpoint. You have the sense that he ain't getting back up. Love that.
Legends of Avantris
Icebound | Ep. 24 | Passage of Rime
I'm going to breathe fire. You know what we're gonna do? You know what we're gonna do? Not this round, but next round, we're gonna make it a little easier on you.
Legends of Avantris
Icebound | Ep. 24 | Passage of Rime
A dex save, he did not succeed. So 15 points of fire damage. So that's gonna be 15.
Legends of Avantris
Icebound | Ep. 24 | Passage of Rime
Uh, it is going to, uh, use... I thought for sure it was my turn.
Legends of Avantris
Icebound | Ep. 24 | Passage of Rime
So you'll only take one of those hits. Yep, well done. Then. So my technical parries. After you take 12 points of slashing damage, and five points of cold damage, let me know.
Legends of Avantris
Icebound | Ep. 24 | Passage of Rime
You're able to avoid the constitution saving throw that was inevitable, except for this bonfire, and it takes a long time. Taishan is sweating from exertion by the time it's done. You are ready from minute one, but it isn't until I would say two and a half hours goes by that he is able to melt through the 15 foot thick sheet of ice that is above the ocean floor, above the ocean surface.
Legends of Avantris
Icebound | Ep. 24 | Passage of Rime
So you would take eight points flat, and then it's going to use it, replace its next action to attempt to shove you five feet. You need to make an acrobatics or athletics check?
Legends of Avantris
Icebound | Ep. 24 | Passage of Rime
Oh, nice. But you get the intimidation effect. It slashes at you, and you feel that cold, and you make a constitution saving throw to see if you have disadvantage on your attack for the next round. But it intimidatingly pushes into you, and you get the sense that, suicidingly, it is attempting to push and pull you off the sled. 18.
Legends of Avantris
Icebound | Ep. 24 | Passage of Rime
You're fine, you do not have disadvantage on your attacks for the next round. That is the conclusion of the monster's turn. Yorner, you just went, Scrim, you're up.
Legends of Avantris
Icebound | Ep. 24 | Passage of Rime
And that is really cool. That's great. Because fire damage will be important mechanically in this fight.
Legends of Avantris
Icebound | Ep. 24 | Passage of Rime
That'll be your whole turn. Barnabas, you're up. You see Scrim make all of this.
Legends of Avantris
Icebound | Ep. 24 | Passage of Rime
While he's making his turn, Scrim, what did we decide the speed we were at?
Legends of Avantris
Icebound | Ep. 24 | Passage of Rime
I know it was 2-4, and then I think you said 15. We're at 15 right now. 15 miles an hour. Thank you, thank you. I'm going to remember that.
Legends of Avantris
Icebound | Ep. 24 | Passage of Rime
Holy shit! You punch in and what does it look like as you kill and fell this troll?
Legends of Avantris
Icebound | Ep. 24 | Passage of Rime
But very soon. I'd be helping. A perfectly smooth, yard-like tube has been punctured, pushed through, and finally getting almost out of the distance of his ability to cast the spell, he pauses for a moment and wipes his brow, and you are able to dive in. you are hit by the surge of water, and you find yourself suddenly floating in a different kind of cold.
Legends of Avantris
Icebound | Ep. 24 | Passage of Rime
Fae, this and this immediately fall off the sled and are careening down the tunnel as you are speeding away towards them. Queenie, you're up.
Legends of Avantris
Icebound | Ep. 24 | Passage of Rime
The sled moves forward, and it's just because I decided that, you know what? If you want your turn to mean something, I think that what we could do is we could have the sled go first, because you're about to collide an additional troll.
Legends of Avantris
Icebound | Ep. 24 | Passage of Rime
There are more on the sides that don't manage to scrape their way onto the thing, which is to say, get rid of the other troll tokens because you are now speeding along. Oh, we gotta speed up. So, very quickly, I had to do a little bit of research about, like, what is miles per hour? And I found a really good, helpful thumb. A trick of thumb. Rule of thumb. Rule of thumb. Rule of thumb.
Legends of Avantris
Icebound | Ep. 24 | Passage of Rime
Rule of cool. A rule of cool thumb, thumb cool. I love cool thumbs. Which is to say that whenever you want to ask yourself what you're moving in miles per hour in a given round, you just divide by ten. So if you move 30 feet per round, you are going 3 miles per hour. If you dash and go 60, you are going 6 miles per hour.
Legends of Avantris
Icebound | Ep. 24 | Passage of Rime
Unfortunately, when you're simulating things like 20 miles per hour, 40 miles per hour, 80 miles per hour, that's like 30 fucking squares. And we don't have enough fucking battle map to do that, which is why everything is what it is, right? But when this is stationary, all of a sudden, all these fucking minis that aren't on the sled are rack rocketing. They just keep zipping by.
Legends of Avantris
Icebound | Ep. 24 | Passage of Rime
So all of that goes 30 squares back at the speed that we're technically going at, which is 15 miles per hour. And that's 150 feet per round is how fast we're currently moving. And if you were to go to 30 miles per hour, you'd be going 300 feet per round. If you were going to go 50 miles per hour, you'd be going 500.
Legends of Avantris
Icebound | Ep. 24 | Passage of Rime
It gets fucking crazy how many squares these... 100 squares would be 50 miles per hour on a battle map of this size. Jeez. So I just want to give it some scale here. Come around. Right. Amazing. As these ogres are flying past, how fast they are moving in comparison relative to you.
Legends of Avantris
Icebound | Ep. 24 | Passage of Rime
So that being said, these three collide. They are hurt by their injury, but they are stuck against the pilot. You are now racing through this culture of these insane ice trolls, and now you may take your full turn because all of a sudden they are healing and starting to crawl up the front of this insane ice sled.
Legends of Avantris
Icebound | Ep. 24 | Passage of Rime
And I need to make sure that I have four, five, and six right here. And they have this much health points. and I'm going to roll for each of them. Four fails. Does 13 succeed?
Legends of Avantris
Icebound | Ep. 24 | Passage of Rime
Okay, so only six survives. Four and five are entangled by the honey.
Legends of Avantris
Icebound | Ep. 24 | Passage of Rime
I don't know what Mace is thinking here, anyway. Well, because only recently did you get your focus. Oh, the guano. He didn't have the sulfur. It's sulfur for it. Yeah. Or is it guano and sulfur? It's back guano. I thought it was sulfur. Maybe it's both. No, it's back guano. It's just old back guano.
Legends of Avantris
Icebound | Ep. 24 | Passage of Rime
Not biting, dry, icy cold with wind and howling all direction, but a triton cold, a cold that actually feels immediately like home for you. What are you doing?
Legends of Avantris
Icebound | Ep. 24 | Passage of Rime
Okay. Hunka hunka burning meat. They are on fire already. You are defending yourselves against these trolls to the best of your ability and seeming to be quite effective.
Legends of Avantris
Icebound | Ep. 24 | Passage of Rime
Ten for five, okay. And four and five are restrained, so I can't... Yeah, yeah, four and five are restrained. What can I do with six? He can probably climb up the grate. Okay, he's going to climb up the grate and he's going to go after Scrap.
Legends of Avantris
Icebound | Ep. 24 | Passage of Rime
So I dodge, you get out of the way. Seethrough Ice Troll with its insane underdark skin comes screaming at you with a rage you've never seen before. What does that sound like?
Legends of Avantris
Icebound | Ep. 24 | Passage of Rime
It is on fire and it is screaming towards you, but it fails to hit you. It tries to bite you. It gets nothing. It finds no purchase. Much to its frustration, yeah, you tuck and roll. And as you tuck and roll, you look forward and you realize that in the distance, The illumination of the tunnel being what it is doesn't continue. Instead, it seems to sort of arc up like this.
Legends of Avantris
Icebound | Ep. 24 | Passage of Rime
We're gonna get some mad air. You're gonna get some mad air. What is that? Oh my god.
Legends of Avantris
Icebound | Ep. 24 | Passage of Rime
And you continue to fly forward. That's the conclusion. The monster's turned to your ear, you're up.
Legends of Avantris
Icebound | Ep. 24 | Passage of Rime
18 points of fire damage, wow. That's so much fire damage.
Legends of Avantris
Icebound | Ep. 24 | Passage of Rime
It's like a six-foot penis. You see the ramp coming up as you are making the stab. You stab in and you're looking at it and you're like, are we going fast enough for this ramp? Shit.
Legends of Avantris
Icebound | Ep. 24 | Passage of Rime
You guys are very effective, is what I will say.
Legends of Avantris
Icebound | Ep. 24 | Passage of Rime
You guess that you have about 15 seconds before you hit the ramp. Real time. Oh.
Legends of Avantris
Icebound | Ep. 24 | Passage of Rime
That will hit. Uh, what are you hitting? Which one?
Legends of Avantris
Icebound | Ep. 24 | Passage of Rime
A 27 on top of the amount of damage you just did? Yeah. Holy shit. Yeah.
Legends of Avantris
Icebound | Ep. 24 | Passage of Rime
You're beating the shit out of these trolls. Just roll a d20 for me. Get a 10 or higher.
Legends of Avantris
Icebound | Ep. 24 | Passage of Rime
Okay, it's at one hit point. I was rolling to see if I could give you that extra hit point, but it survived. It's holding on. And it's holding on. It is clearly on the edge of death.
Legends of Avantris
Icebound | Ep. 24 | Passage of Rime
From playing against the web and scraping forward full of wrath, but... I don't think I can bonus action to finish him off.
Legends of Avantris
Icebound | Ep. 24 | Passage of Rime
You do that. Up to 30. Oh, we were at. We were at 15, so we go to 30. Then we go to 30.
Legends of Avantris
Icebound | Ep. 24 | Passage of Rime
Thank you for doing that. You all feel the acceleration, and you are seeing more trolls fly by. They're attempting to crawl through the spaces that they punched through in the cavern walls, but they're not reaching you in time, especially at this heightened acceleration. Do you want to do anything else with your turn?
Legends of Avantris
Icebound | Ep. 24 | Passage of Rime
Nobody's being dragged, nobody's being pushed. We're all good and we're in the top of the round. Yeah, that's all I got. Tysha?
Legends of Avantris
Icebound | Ep. 24 | Passage of Rime
That's good, yeah. So that's this person and that's... You're supposed to be going ham on... Fjord dies, and immediately starts getting crushed underneath the pilot. Oh no!
Legends of Avantris
Icebound | Ep. 24 | Passage of Rime
Oh, both of these guys. They come down from the ceiling, and they're able to... Oh! Oh!
Legends of Avantris
Icebound | Ep. 24 | Passage of Rime
Okay, one moment, give me 30 seconds. What are you all talking about as you wait for Barnabus to send back in? Tyshen is occasionally making sure that the ice doesn't freeze over, but you have to wait for him to sort of recover a little bit. There's a roaring bonfire around you like there has been for this period of time.
Legends of Avantris
Icebound | Ep. 24 | Passage of Rime
They land down on the surface of the sled, and you can see that you are in this colony, almost. This is so bad. There is a huge number of them dropping down at this point, trying, but not all of them are succeeding. Some of them are slipping on the rails and tumbling off and sailing away, disappearing into tiny figures as you are moving, as quickly as you are moving, but...
Legends of Avantris
Icebound | Ep. 24 | Passage of Rime
This is not a good thing. 11 points of slashing damage.
Legends of Avantris
Icebound | Ep. 24 | Passage of Rime
I happen to roll maximum on the cold. Basically fate. Okay, yeah. Six cold, you said, right? 16 cold. I rolled maximum on the cold. So that's a big... So he's got some concentration in it again.
Legends of Avantris
Icebound | Ep. 24 | Passage of Rime
Yeah, yeah, yeah. Bite on Scrim. Going to miss.
Legends of Avantris
Icebound | Ep. 24 | Passage of Rime
Then... This is not good. I'm still fancy footworking. Five is still stuck where he is. He can make a saving throw to try to unstick himself, right? I'm an idiot. Well, no, there is no more web.
Legends of Avantris
Icebound | Ep. 24 | Passage of Rime
That's going to miss. So, like, they got to be, like, climbing on the side, right? Exactly right, exactly right. Nine points of cold damage to Taishen.
Legends of Avantris
Icebound | Ep. 24 | Passage of Rime
Yeah. Oh, did it, wait, it hit him? Uh, I'm, I'm attacking with another troll. Yeah, so.
Legends of Avantris
Icebound | Ep. 24 | Passage of Rime
Uh, yes, you can, and that is going to, I forget what I rolled the first time. I think it was a 20 total, or 21.
Legends of Avantris
Icebound | Ep. 24 | Passage of Rime
Okay. So that's going to be nine points of cold damage to Tyshen.
Legends of Avantris
Icebound | Ep. 24 | Passage of Rime
And then an additional seven points of slashing damage.
Legends of Avantris
Icebound | Ep. 24 | Passage of Rime
He made his, did he make his constitution saving throws? Yeah. Against cold? Oh, against cold.
Legends of Avantris
Icebound | Ep. 24 | Passage of Rime
No, no, no, no, no. Once he takes damage from one of these ice trolls, he has to make constitution saving throws to see if he has disadvantage on his attack. Oh, we didn't do those. Oh, we just did. I already failed those. Okay, so he has disadvantage on his next turn.
Legends of Avantris
Icebound | Ep. 24 | Passage of Rime
Yeah, yeah, yeah. And then the number one is going to attack against Barnabas. Natural one. That definitely hits. That's going to be nine points of cold damage and ten points of slashing damage. Okay. Jeez. Nine points, so just five and four. Three is going to move up to Yornir. 18 to hit.
Legends of Avantris
Icebound | Ep. 24 | Passage of Rime
Okay, make a constitution saving throw for me, Barnabas, and that's going to be two points minimum damage of cold to you.
Legends of Avantris
Icebound | Ep. 24 | Passage of Rime
15 points of slashing damage, however, and you make a constitution saving throw. I fail. Okay, so you are at disadvantage on your attack rolls next round until the end of your next turn. And one against Queenie. I've not been using my fence. Wow, three and one. What wild dice outcomes I'm having right now.
Legends of Avantris
Icebound | Ep. 24 | Passage of Rime
That is the conclusion of the monster turn as you are starting to get swarmed by these creatures and the ramp is growing ever closer. You're up.
Legends of Avantris
Icebound | Ep. 24 | Passage of Rime
You have 30 more seconds or you take the die. I am going to... Okay.
Legends of Avantris
Icebound | Ep. 24 | Passage of Rime
It's not that high up. It's like eight or nine feet from the surface of the sled, like the floor of the sled.
Legends of Avantris
Icebound | Ep. 24 | Passage of Rime
The idea is that he wants to... I think that Yornir would know three things. Okay. It probably would injure the mast. It would push Scrim and Barnabas. Or I'd get crushed just underneath them. And the additional weight of a creature of this size, given the coming ramp, would be a huge jeopardy to sailing across a potential chasm.
Legends of Avantris
Icebound | Ep. 24 | Passage of Rime
Five crumbles? He crumbles. Oh, wow. And immediately sails away into the night. Okay. And then I...
Legends of Avantris
Icebound | Ep. 24 | Passage of Rime
It's all going to go. This flame ignites, and you can all feel the heat. You feel the glass raining down. There's this slow... Shift. The creature in front of you melts. What will happen next? Is this the end? Is this all there ever will be? Answer me one question and you can go. Have you accepted anything from it during your time there? No.
Legends of Avantris
Icebound | Ep. 24 | Passage of Rime
Okay, you cry a little. Okay. You don't want to move?
Legends of Avantris
Icebound | Ep. 24 | Passage of Rime
You had the opportunity to take more wintery gear if you wanted to from Oakerton, but you are warm enough in these climate-appropriate clothes.
Legends of Avantris
Icebound | Ep. 24 | Passage of Rime
Yeah, I'm just gonna give that to you. He streaks away. You hear the most disgusting squanching sound that's ever squanched.
Legends of Avantris
Icebound | Ep. 24 | Passage of Rime
I get to choose, and I get a 20. Dirty. I get a 23.
Legends of Avantris
Icebound | Ep. 24 | Passage of Rime
Yeah, yeah. Mechanically, that makes sense. I see no flaw in your logic. You drop down to the actual sled slip, and underneath your feet, there's this shuddering effect because there is a thin piece of wood between you and ice that is moving at 30 miles per hour. You... manage to land, and you can feel that shuddering underneath your feet, and you release, and you watch.
Legends of Avantris
Icebound | Ep. 24 | Passage of Rime
The sound is incomprehensible, the sound of cracking bones and folding flesh as the sled, as heavy as it is, barely moves a bit, but he gets absolutely Play-Dohed out the ass of this sled. And I will say, that's him.
Legends of Avantris
Icebound | Ep. 24 | Passage of Rime
15, 20. Because you had to drop down and get back up. I'm going to say that you're at 25 now, so you still have five more feet of movement or however much. I have 40. Oh, yeah. So 25 being here? You still have 10, yeah, exactly. So you still have 15 feet of movement. I'm going to go here, and I'm going to use my other crab claw attack to try to grapple number three now.
Legends of Avantris
Icebound | Ep. 24 | Passage of Rime
Also, I'm sorry to put you in this position, but you still do not feel that you're going fast enough to hit this ramp.
Legends of Avantris
Icebound | Ep. 24 | Passage of Rime
That's a horrible thing to do to steal your turn, so I'm going to say that you can use the free object interaction and then have the rest of your turn.
Legends of Avantris
Icebound | Ep. 24 | Passage of Rime
It's done. If you have any movement or bonus actions you can use, please do. And if you don't, then I'm going to give you the biggest bonus action boon next to it.
Legends of Avantris
Icebound | Ep. 24 | Passage of Rime
That's very cute. Next turn. Sled's turn. Nobody is being dragged, nobody is off the sled. Everyone else got completely smooshed underneath. So Tyshen, you're up, top of the round.
Legends of Avantris
Icebound | Ep. 24 | Passage of Rime
Oh my opportunity attack. This is literally the moment that the sludge should leave the oh, we've done two rounds. That's correct Yeah, this is literally the moment that these two seconds now three seconds.
Legends of Avantris
Icebound | Ep. 24 | Passage of Rime
Yeah, there's there three seconds So it is hitting the ramp and you are eating really what was the how did you phrase it? You're getting sweet air sweet air Sick air, yeah. Sick air, sick air. Yeah, yeah, you're getting sick air now.
Legends of Avantris
Icebound | Ep. 24 | Passage of Rime
This entire round, the entire surface of the sled is difficult terrain because you are actually mid-air as you are transitioning and hoping that you can get to the cliff. What I will say is that it still looks close, given the lateness of this 50 miles per hour being what it is. You kind of either need to jump or boost or push or turn us all into whales.
Legends of Avantris
Icebound | Ep. 24 | Passage of Rime
But you're all suddenly very aware of the gravitylessness of the situation, and now it is Taishin's turn.
Legends of Avantris
Icebound | Ep. 24 | Passage of Rime
Wait, is it? Is there a big cavern below? Looking down, there's a chasm that is dark. You see nothing. It could be hundreds of feet, perhaps thousands. No, so this is new, newly... Yeah, we haven't actually seen... No, the ground seems to be sundered here. There should be cavern, but you can see that a split was almost intentionally made, like it was blown apart. Oh, shit.
Legends of Avantris
Icebound | Ep. 24 | Passage of Rime
It's something that you find you can compartmentalize. Because of the nature of the timey-wimey-ness of it, the stretching of time and whatnot, it feels like, oh, that happened to me. This was a terrible drama, but it happened almost as if in a dream, so I can close the drawer. When I open the drawer, it's still there, but I can close the drawer should I need to.
Legends of Avantris
Icebound | Ep. 24 | Passage of Rime
Three's up. Eight. 13 points of fire damage. Sorry, three? To number three. Two and, okay, sorry, I added to the wrong person. I thought you were talking about two. Two is fine, and 13 is still here, or three is still here.
Legends of Avantris
Icebound | Ep. 24 | Passage of Rime
Five-minute turn. Yornir, Barnabas, and Scrim, who of you is looking the weakest? It's got to be me. Definitely not me. I don't have a scratch on it.
Legends of Avantris
Icebound | Ep. 24 | Passage of Rime
Well, certainly two is going to care about that. 56 for you? I'm approaching bloody.
Legends of Avantris
Icebound | Ep. 24 | Passage of Rime
Hit, hit, and it's going to attempt to push you five feet backwards.
Legends of Avantris
Icebound | Ep. 24 | Passage of Rime
I'm not tied to it either. I'm sorry this combat's going so late, but I'm having fun. That's not good. All right, so you're going to take quite a bit of damage, and it's going to have a 21 to try to push you back. Oh, push me? Yeah. 21, oh. Look at this jackass. Look at this fuckface.
Legends of Avantris
Icebound | Ep. 24 | Passage of Rime
You take 14 points of cold damage. Me? Yeah.
Legends of Avantris
Icebound | Ep. 24 | Passage of Rime
It hits you twice and then it pushes you. So we just resolved the push, but before that you take.
Legends of Avantris
Icebound | Ep. 24 | Passage of Rime
Apologies. How much damage total? It's all that will be halved. 14 colds total. Seven. And then that's. Apply changes. 13 plus... So 19 points total of slashing damage.
Legends of Avantris
Icebound | Ep. 24 | Passage of Rime
And you need to make a constitution saving throw twice. The DC is 15. You get disadvantage on your attack rolls because you get all slowied.
Legends of Avantris
Icebound | Ep. 24 | Passage of Rime
And then the same is true for Tyshen. The first one's going to miss. 15, 15, sorry. Does that change anything? No, you're good. The DC is literally a 15. It runs up to Tyshen. It misses both of its claw attacks, but then it tries to push him off the edge. He needs to make an athletics or an acrobatics check.
Legends of Avantris
Icebound | Ep. 24 | Passage of Rime
And you sort of fiddle with the drawer for a little bit and have that conversation with yourself about what to do with the fact that that new drawer exists in the first place. Queenie.
Legends of Avantris
Icebound | Ep. 24 | Passage of Rime
I know, it's so weird. It's 10. The DC's 10, yo.
Legends of Avantris
Icebound | Ep. 24 | Passage of Rime
That's eight. He gets pushed five feet off. He's not hurtled backwards because everyone is flying. He's tied to it. He's tied to it, but you are moving through the air right now. He's gonna die. So he's no longer on the platform, and it's still unclear whether or not you will even make this jump in the first place.
Legends of Avantris
Icebound | Ep. 24 | Passage of Rime
Right, 16? Not even close. I can't believe how low dexterity saving throws are for... 14 points of fire damage for number three.
Legends of Avantris
Icebound | Ep. 24 | Passage of Rime
You've been a real dick to me, Taishan. No, you do that. That's what I'm going to do. Okay.
Legends of Avantris
Icebound | Ep. 24 | Passage of Rime
Queenie, the ship is sailing through, the sled is sailing through the air, and looking down, it looks like it might just hit the edge of the cliff and crash, perhaps spilling everyone, doing tremendous amount of damage to yourself and the troll, not that you care, but to your friend.
Legends of Avantris
Icebound | Ep. 24 | Passage of Rime
Oh, shit! I don't think it exceeds 500 pounds.
Legends of Avantris
Icebound | Ep. 24 | Passage of Rime
I would say that it's definitely heavier than yours.
Legends of Avantris
Icebound | Ep. 24 | Passage of Rime
If we're putting Tyshan at 170, I think that him and the troll would be just past 500 pounds.
Legends of Avantris
Icebound | Ep. 24 | Passage of Rime
So you mage hand him onto the surface. Yeah. That is important.
Legends of Avantris
Icebound | Ep. 24 | Passage of Rime
Make a, if you're using a feature, use the feature, but if not, then go ahead and make a nature or survival check.
Legends of Avantris
Icebound | Ep. 24 | Passage of Rime
Thank you. Oh no. The sled collides with the side of the cliff. This is so bad. And it does not make it very far. Instead of remaining whole, it hits just the back of the two rails and crunches down. It does not hit the edge of the cliff, and it does not explode into splinters, but it does one of these violent collapse moments, and there's this sickening crash sound.
Legends of Avantris
Icebound | Ep. 24 | Passage of Rime
You all hit the ground, taking... Except for me and Taishan. Except for you and Taishan.
Legends of Avantris
Icebound | Ep. 24 | Passage of Rime
This is bad. You all take 21 bludgeoning as you crunch into the ground, and it skids and skates back and forth, in addition to the
Legends of Avantris
Icebound | Ep. 24 | Passage of Rime
Like when you take a straw wrapper and you just blow it off the straw. Yeah, yeah, yeah! He absolutely dies, and you green, starting to spin now, all together, before you crunch into the side. of the cavern wall, before you finally skid to a halt. Bleary-eyed, looking around, you have crossed this chasm threshold, and you've come to a stop.
Legends of Avantris
Icebound | Ep. 24 | Passage of Rime
You can still hear the sound of the dragon statue blowing forward, but you're too great an angle. The sail is just flapping and making its sound, and looking across the chasm, where there's still a little bit of shimmering light, you can see dozens of these trolls. All standing there, but unable to cross the chasm without the same means of sick air.
Legends of Avantris
Icebound | Ep. 24 | Passage of Rime
You have managed to cross the threshold, but there is still more tunnel in front of you. You need to repair the sled that you are on. You are all hurting. Tyshen is barely hanging on by a thread. That's true. And that is where we'll call tonight's session.
Legends of Avantris
Icebound | Ep. 24 | Passage of Rime
Thank you so much for listening to the Legends of Avantris podcast. We hope you enjoyed the session. If you want even more campaigns to listen to, become a member of our Patreon at the Pearl Dolphin tier or higher to unlock Shroud Over Saltmarsh, a patron-exclusive campaign set on the high seas. You can find that at patreon.com slash legendsofavantris.
Legends of Avantris
Icebound | Ep. 24 | Passage of Rime
If you want to chat about the episode with the Avantris community, join us on Discord at legendsofavantris.com slash discord. We also post content nearly every day on YouTube, TikTok, and Instagram. So make sure you follow our socials at legendsofavantris.com slash social.
Legends of Avantris
Icebound | Ep. 24 | Passage of Rime
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Legends of Avantris
Icebound | Ep. 24 | Passage of Rime
You all have a sense that Queenie can take care of herself, and she walks into the night, crunching feet disappearing, becoming inaudible. Eventually, her figure is impossible to detect. Even against such a flat, plain, moon-filled night such as this, she almost disappears.
Legends of Avantris
Icebound | Ep. 24 | Passage of Rime
You walk for 30, 45 minutes before you sort of have that instinct, that gut idea that there is going to be something in this direction, that ranger teaching that you have in the forest still applies in many ways here. And it is a grim sight when you find what is a dire wolf, a lone dire wolf, but it is not alive.
Legends of Avantris
Icebound | Ep. 24 | Passage of Rime
It is clearly having, was trying to take another step, but you can see these, like, icicles pushed back. It is completely frozen solid, this wolf, dead in this pose, like a statue.
Legends of Avantris
Icebound | Ep. 24 | Passage of Rime
It's considerably higher because of a feature I gave you. It's a big bee's hand.
Legends of Avantris
Icebound | Ep. 24 | Passage of Rime
The strength of your bees being what they are, they are able to break this wolf popsicle free from the surface of the ice sheet and pretty soon float it. Looking at it, it looks extremely intact. You'd wager that it did not, to your guess, decay or mold at all. It would have waited until the sea had thawed and then plunged to the ocean floor had you not suddenly been there to pluck it.
Legends of Avantris
Icebound | Ep. 24 | Passage of Rime
And so with a idea that you'd be able to thaw this and perhaps gain additional rations from it, you start to turn back and return with your beef. Okay, awesome. Barnabas.
Legends of Avantris
Icebound | Ep. 24 | Passage of Rime
Hold on. I actually have ration math for you.
Legends of Avantris
Icebound | Ep. 24 | Passage of Rime
We fought them in episode 2, was it? Episode 2, yep. This one's also frozen. Roll 5d10. Oh.
Legends of Avantris
Icebound | Ep. 24 | Passage of Rime
40. 40. And then add 10. That was the original math. It would have been 50. Because it's starving, you will be able to procure 25 rations from this, which are still a shitload of rations because of the size of a wolf being what it is, but half of what you would normally expect given its starvation that probably ended its life. As you walk back, Barnabas, you are underneath the ocean.
Legends of Avantris
Icebound | Ep. 24 | Passage of Rime
Are you looking for prey? Yeah, I'm looking for any kind of fish or prey or any kind. Make a, make your own nature survival check. If there are any kinds of, you know, seals.
Legends of Avantris
Icebound | Ep. 24 | Passage of Rime
This is the same silhouette he saw in the light of a star. It's the same. You race forward, drawing your weapons, drawing your magics, stealing yourself for a fight with the unknown and hoping you will live to see the other side. Taishan. It's gonna be a tantrum. The sea is calm. The sky is clear. The day is young. You think of your duty to tend the light and of the lives you will never know.
Legends of Avantris
Icebound | Ep. 24 | Passage of Rime
For your friends, this will be painless. This will not be easy for you. In the blink of an eye, you all find yourselves back in Drakkar, landed on an ice sheet. You will be reduced one death saving throw for the remainder of the campaign. Oh! You're where the tower should be. You're somewhere towards the end of the second month of the next year. 42 days have gone by.
Legends of Avantris
Icebound | Ep. 24 | Passage of Rime
With a 19, you are floating there, and you're not seeing anything. I mean, your darkvision is limited, but you should have a sense that there are fish here, schools of fish. Perhaps you need to go deeper, and you start to let yourself, let your buoyancy sort of change and shift in the way that it needs to in order to sort of slowly sink in a certain depth. At least my ballast, my internal ballast.
Legends of Avantris
Icebound | Ep. 24 | Passage of Rime
Yeah, they absolutely would have a balloon swim bladder. I don't know what to tell you, folks. You un-ballast yourself, let's call it, and you start to sink down more into the depths of this ocean. And you can't fathom how deep it is. You're nowhere near the bottom, you sense. But all of a sudden, you do see a creature. left, right, and almost certainly a hungry creature, this is a shark.
Legends of Avantris
Icebound | Ep. 24 | Passage of Rime
Not a giant shark, but a shark nonetheless, a predator of the sea.
Legends of Avantris
Icebound | Ep. 24 | Passage of Rime
As soon as you're in distance, make an attack roll. I can do it recklessly. Oh. That seems like it would decrease the accuracy of a harpoon shot, but here we are. Yeah, yeah, yeah.
Legends of Avantris
Icebound | Ep. 24 | Passage of Rime
Seven points. I'm not raging. The harpoon does stick into the side of this shark, but it does not do nearly enough damage to kill it, as it turns, swims immediately towards you, and gets a 14 to hit. That misses. I will say that it chomps in, but it doesn't do enough damage to cause you serious injury. Oh, it's advantage. Oh, you're right. Thank you. Now it's a 17.
Legends of Avantris
Icebound | Ep. 24 | Passage of Rime
Okay, and that's going to be, thank you, Rich. Just maintain a game state. Yeah, yeah, yeah. He bites into you, and he does eight points of piercing damages. He digs his teeth into one of your arms, and you suddenly find yourself in an underwater fight, which has rules and dungeons and dragons that I don't know. We're just gonna quickly do this back and forth. Go ahead and make another attack.
Legends of Avantris
Icebound | Ep. 24 | Passage of Rime
One of those underwater crabs that can, like, speed of sound attack. Oh, mantis shrimp. Yeah.
Legends of Avantris
Icebound | Ep. 24 | Passage of Rime
You are able to gut this thing alive underneath the ground. It was underneath the water. It was clearly looking for its own meal, but didn't realize that Barnabas was, of course, who he is.
Legends of Avantris
Icebound | Ep. 24 | Passage of Rime
You are able to find your original harpoon easily, and you are able to find that the water has been kept frozen. You wait for a second, because for a brief period, a bonfire emerges just about the moment that you're about to go above the water, and then it dissipates, and you're able to find yourself cold air.
Legends of Avantris
Icebound | Ep. 24 | Passage of Rime
You listen closely, and you hear her voice. It's no longer distant or warbled the way that it would be to any other creature listening to something underwater. That is how it feels to you when you are deep inland. But here it sounds like pure crystal. It whispers its own poetry into your ears. The voice nearly kisses you with every word. And you hear...
Legends of Avantris
Icebound | Ep. 24 | Passage of Rime
A sorrowful goodbye just towards the end, beckoning you to come back when you can. Oh shit.
Legends of Avantris
Icebound | Ep. 24 | Passage of Rime
You are all presented with two things at the same time. Queenie returns with a dire wolf being carried by her swarm, totally frozen, completely frozen through, something that'll take some time to process. And Barnabas Oh, crab legging. Yeah, crab legging. Yeah, thank you. Crab legging up the side of this frozen tube and finding your way to the Yornear's makeshift camp.
Legends of Avantris
Icebound | Ep. 24 | Passage of Rime
You are starting to look like you are in rations for at least the foreseeable future.
Legends of Avantris
Icebound | Ep. 24 | Passage of Rime
You have just awoken as though from a dream. The feeling of timeless lifetime ceases to distort and warp before you and you come back into yourself in the frozen lands of Drakkar. The memories of your strange experience at the tower, on an island,
Legends of Avantris
Icebound | Ep. 24 | Passage of Rime
and immediately, so he's starting to look a little more tired for the effort, creates another bonfire, not just to give everyone the renewed warmth, but he doesn't have to lower it the way that he did to push down.
Legends of Avantris
Icebound | Ep. 24 | Passage of Rime
He can just sort of keep it right there, and so even though it creates almost like a smooth puck of a pool of water underneath it, the fire is stable, and as long as he just keeps doing that every minute or so, you'll be able to have warmth.
Legends of Avantris
Icebound | Ep. 24 | Passage of Rime
You all have the pots and pans on your person that it would take to survive individually, and when assembled together, you are very efficient at creating almost a full kitchen. Pouring off scum, making sure that everything is pure, clean, delicious. You've got one of the best chefs in the world in all of Evantris, at least as far as he's concerned with you, and...
Legends of Avantris
Icebound | Ep. 24 | Passage of Rime
It's amazing how efficient you are, how much more you are capable in this space. As cold as it is, with limited resources, you are starting to learn how to survive in this strange Arctic space.
Legends of Avantris
Icebound | Ep. 24 | Passage of Rime
at a lighthouse, on the ocean, off the coast, within some other place and perhaps some other time, your strange experience collapses and folds and shrinks away into the recesses of your mind. Blinking, you realize it is the dead of night. The sky is cloudless and the moon is full. Looking around, you all stand haphazard on a familiar ice sheet.
Legends of Avantris
Icebound | Ep. 24 | Passage of Rime
It is as though you were all trekking together moments ago before stopping here in mad silence. It feels impossible. And in some ways, you are glad for the biting cold that is already numbing your face and freezing your body. You are wholly here. Barnabas, you feel closer to the ocean here than you have in months.
Legends of Avantris
Icebound | Ep. 24 | Passage of Rime
Taishan grabs your pocket money and leaves. You run and start running away.
Legends of Avantris
Icebound | Ep. 24 | Passage of Rime
You sit down for a wolf broth and shark meat stew. There are no vegetables, and yet it is one of the most delicious things you've ever eaten, and especially with the tea that comes with the meal, specifically thoughtfully chosen by Taishan to match the flavor palette of wolf and shark stew. But it is particularly delicious because what survived wasn't your physical body, your mortality.
Legends of Avantris
Icebound | Ep. 24 | Passage of Rime
What survived wasn't a town or your group or your hope or a continent or the cosmos. What survived the experience that you had was your sanity. And it feels extremely sane and grounded to have such a... Simple thing is a meal together, even in the biting cold of Drakkar. As you finish your meals, you see the sun peek over the horizon. It's still cloudless.
Legends of Avantris
Icebound | Ep. 24 | Passage of Rime
There doesn't seem to be any weather on any horizon that you can see, and the illumination immediately hits the bright white sheet of ice that you find yourself standing on. It's pale red. very distant and cold sun, but it provides some amount of warmth. More importantly, it provides visibility.
Legends of Avantris
Icebound | Ep. 24 | Passage of Rime
You now see that you are very close to that mountain range, what must be the southern bottom half of the spine. You can see very thinly along the wall, and you can see that traveling east in the direction that Yornir suggested that Tyshen was looking would afford you perhaps a new path.
Legends of Avantris
Icebound | Ep. 24 | Passage of Rime
No, you have not, but I will say that when you landed, you felt energy. I'm not going to make you roll for exhaustion at this point. It's going to be a long day of trekking, but with a night of rest this coming evening, you feel like you'll be on track.
Legends of Avantris
Icebound | Ep. 24 | Passage of Rime
Despite seemingly being on a coastal island moments ago, it is impossible to know how much ice separates you from the sea, but when you touch the shell at your side, you know deep down waves still surge beneath your feet, which brings you some comfort.
Legends of Avantris
Icebound | Ep. 24 | Passage of Rime
So I'm clear on what you're agreeing to do as a group. You're saying that as the first sun rose after your first night getting the shark, getting the wolf, that you're going to get your rations and move on then, or are you going to wait an additional day for the following morning to trek onwards?
Legends of Avantris
Icebound | Ep. 24 | Passage of Rime
I haven't been doing the timey-wimey, long day, short day thing.
Legends of Avantris
Icebound | Ep. 24 | Passage of Rime
The next day. Then I'll say that you wait until the second day to trek on, but you go through the motions of survival. You make sure that you're taking care of yourselves. Occasionally, you'll all be engaged in conversation. Other times, you'll pair off, or three of you will be talking. Other times, long stretches of silence as you continue to process the experience that you went through.
Legends of Avantris
Icebound | Ep. 24 | Passage of Rime
But it feels good to be taking care of these mundane tasks before you fill yourself up, and you would have had more than enough wolf rations and shark to do so. topping off your character sheet with whatever remaining inventory slots that you might have, you'll be able to trek onward. Is there anything else you want to do before you leave the morning of the second day?
Legends of Avantris
Icebound | Ep. 24 | Passage of Rime
Yeah, Taishan asks you, and I'm trying to remember if mechanically I gave it to you for four or six hours. Do you recall?
Legends of Avantris
Icebound | Ep. 24 | Passage of Rime
The joy of taking notes. I could look it up, too. I just couldn't remember if you had it in front of you.
Legends of Avantris
Icebound | Ep. 24 | Passage of Rime
When he wasn't assisting with the smoking of the shark meat and the wolf meat, he would have needed a good amount of rest. And so he would have asked for two. So then I would use a candle for overnight. And for like a little bit of rest and just processing himself.
Legends of Avantris
Icebound | Ep. 24 | Passage of Rime
And those last eight hours would last you well into the morning so that you could all get up and get around. Yeah, that's fine. You can go in first light. I'm not going to argue with the DM.
Legends of Avantris
Icebound | Ep. 24 | Passage of Rime
Yornir, your eye scans the horizon, the stars, the moon and its fullness in moments you know two things with absolute certainty. You are standing where the tower was when you first encountered it five months ago, and again you have lost time to it. It is the 23rd day of the second month, the heart of winter. The hateful star in the sky appears no more.
Legends of Avantris
Icebound | Ep. 24 | Passage of Rime
I'm not gonna make you roll for it because Queenie would have been able, wouldn't have to, and she'd be able to convey this information. What likely happened was this wolf was traveling, very weak, looking for food and got hit by a storm.
Legends of Avantris
Icebound | Ep. 24 | Passage of Rime
This happens in real life in nature. Okay. On Earth, in our world. And it is possible that the creature just finally, out of exhaustion, stops, but is so frozen it slows down to the point where it just flash freezes. Damn.
Legends of Avantris
Icebound | Ep. 24 | Passage of Rime
Nope. I'm glad you asked. Yeah. That was not my intent to infer. I made that up on the spot because of some fact of nature that I had in my brain, and I wanted to make sure Queenie felt rewarded for her independence and bravery. You pack up your things, you enjoy a long rest, and feeling perhaps not refreshed isn't the right word, but capable of moving onward on this morning of the second day.
Legends of Avantris
Icebound | Ep. 24 | Passage of Rime
You trek onward, passing jagged spires of ice that you find jutting out from this ice sheet that casts cold shadows on the frozen landscape. You continue to make your forward and you see all these abstract ice shapes. It's so cold here and the weather is so tempestuous that you occasionally come across enormous frozen waves of ice. It isn't perfectly flat in this direction, it's chaotic.
Legends of Avantris
Icebound | Ep. 24 | Passage of Rime
Each of these waves, the size of a cottage or perhaps even larger, they dot the landscape, glistening caps shimmering like precious gems in the cold. And eventually you find an inlet. It takes you another day, but you pause and make your way down to, you pause for a moment, enjoy a night of darkness. There is no encounter, there is no challenge aside from the trekking.
Legends of Avantris
Icebound | Ep. 24 | Passage of Rime
I would say that you would have collected the best ones to stay as lightweight as possible on the morning that you were packing up. And so between perhaps some of the skull pieces, perhaps some of the teeth from the shark, from the very backwards, thickest, perhaps the fins, you know, you found these flat, beautiful pieces of bone and you bleached them.
Legends of Avantris
Icebound | Ep. 24 | Passage of Rime
You made sure that they were cleaned and ready for risting. Wristing being the word, for those of you just watching, for making a rune mark on a stone or on a bone. I just realized, can't Yornir just cast Goodberry once a day?
Legends of Avantris
Icebound | Ep. 24 | Passage of Rime
It's full emergencies only. You are now you. You have survived through two arcs of Icebound, and you have leveled up. It would be easy to find food. Tyshen can create a bonfire with a snap of a finger. You are changed from your experience here.
Legends of Avantris
Icebound | Ep. 24 | Passage of Rime
And so had you wanted to, or if you want to, when things get dire and you run out of wolf meat, you can create a bitter token that tastes foul but fills your belly for a day and gives you nutrients without starving to death.
Legends of Avantris
Icebound | Ep. 24 | Passage of Rime
Queenie, instinctively you reach out for your magical companions, remembering the hurt they suffered during your shared experience. Your bond is as strong as ever, and you see those familiar spirits spring to your side with the same urgency, checking in to make sure all is well with you in return. Scrim, you are trembling even before the cold hits you. You feel cursed.
Legends of Avantris
Icebound | Ep. 24 | Passage of Rime
Eventually, you find an inlet, very similar to the glacier you originally walked up when you were traveling along the western coast. You send upwards this inlet towards the feet of the mountain range that you know the Frosthammer clan called the Spine, this treacherous mountain range that stretches the full length of Jakar. I've described it all. That's right.
Legends of Avantris
Icebound | Ep. 24 | Passage of Rime
You've walked its length once before, and you think of the hundreds of miles that you need to walk to get to the top, to the crown, to the forest where you encountered the Herald of Fear, where you eventually were trapped in Ogerton and experienced all of the things that happened in that strange space.
Legends of Avantris
Icebound | Ep. 24 | Passage of Rime
And you remember the words of Secundus looking at those mountains and the violence that he described there. As you ascend, you spy a small mound of stones, and you recognize this to be a very familiar sight, a cairn, one of these standing stones that were all dotted along the western coast for navigation and occasionally for the storage of fuel or food or messages.
Legends of Avantris
Icebound | Ep. 24 | Passage of Rime
And in the face of the mountain, just behind this cairn, you see an ancient stone portal one very similar to the couple that you have been told about and that you had experienced previously.
Legends of Avantris
Icebound | Ep. 24 | Passage of Rime
You're speaking as you ascend, and the dot that is that shape is getting larger and larger, and you're realizing it's darker. This is not a frame with a cliff face behind it. but instead, this one seems to have been sundered well beyond those that you'd seen before. This has been broken, and the portal appears to be open to the elements.
Legends of Avantris
Icebound | Ep. 24 | Passage of Rime
Staring inside, whatever trick or phrase or key or object the kobolds used to pass through this gate is meaningless here, for that illusion is gone. This mountain pass is totally open to you, and you can see that it shoots down into darkness, a shadow tunnel.
Legends of Avantris
Icebound | Ep. 24 | Passage of Rime
It seems to be a tunnel that has been forged right through and underneath the mountains.
Legends of Avantris
Icebound | Ep. 24 | Passage of Rime
The statues that would have been on the left and the right of that long-dead empire have been completely destroyed. But the frame itself is so broken that perhaps the magic itself was crashed. And you can walk inside if you want to. You can even see inside.
Legends of Avantris
Icebound | Ep. 24 | Passage of Rime
Cursed from the moment you woke in that graveyard half a world from here. Cursed to voyage south and be trapped in the harsh realm of Drakkar where you must fight to survive. Cursed to be haunted and hunted as part of some unknowable contract. And now, cursed for simply trying to help your friends.
Legends of Avantris
Icebound | Ep. 24 | Passage of Rime
He explains that When you guys found the first portal, he wasn't able to discern anything except that it was draconic in nature because of the things that were obvious to all of you. Wings and draconic-like faces and the statues that had been tossed aside, like those cool statues in that one scene in Goldeneye.
Legends of Avantris
Icebound | Ep. 24 | Passage of Rime
And then he was able to discern some of the language, but only barely, roughly, the draconic, sort of having shared some sort of evolutionary language with the symbols that had been written, wristed into the... Cairns.
Legends of Avantris
Icebound | Ep. 24 | Passage of Rime
He wasn't able to communicate draconically, or rather, it didn't come up that he talked about anything with the kobolds, and very little is known about the culture that was what these, I don't know, Sorry, I snapped. You know how easy it is? Oh, yeah. I just did the same thing! The fucking G2 pilots, they snap off at you. Anyways, yeah, he gives you very limited experience.
Legends of Avantris
Icebound | Ep. 24 | Passage of Rime
You all shared that knowledge. He doesn't have more to give you as you are approaching this strange space. because he doesn't know these dragonborn. He knows his own culture. They didn't make tunnels like this one. He knows, and he doesn't know if it would require magic or literal physical tools and tunneling to get something like this over however many centuries it would have taken.
Legends of Avantris
Icebound | Ep. 24 | Passage of Rime
You are approaching it. You're 300 feet away.
Legends of Avantris
Icebound | Ep. 24 | Passage of Rime
Taishen, your mind returns to your purpose here, beyond the valley of the setting sun, and you think of those you met within the tower. Fu Zhao charged you to leave your village, to leave Mei Li, to learn the lessons of a vantress as he had. Your mind dwells on what lessons you've learned since your bid farewell. What lesson is there in this?
Legends of Avantris
Icebound | Ep. 24 | Passage of Rime
And looking inside, you can see that it's dark because the sun is in the position that it's in. But it's this huge tunnel. It goes in and in and in, deeper and deeper and deeper and deeper. And you can see that just behind where the illusion would have been, whatever barrier or threshold you would need to cross in order to arrive on the other side, there's a small outpost.
Legends of Avantris
Icebound | Ep. 24 | Passage of Rime
There's some sort of a wooden structure there. And even farther in, there does appear to be a smaller structure. It reminds you very much of the ship that you saw at the top of the river when you finally caught up to it.
Legends of Avantris
Icebound | Ep. 24 | Passage of Rime
Oh, of course. Greater Kreek would have opened this door for sure.
Legends of Avantris
Icebound | Ep. 24 | Passage of Rime
She's 60 feet away from you by the time you realize what's going on. I will run to try to catch up. You attempt to catch up, and you eventually do, dashing as you do, and eventually you're side by side, and you are able to hear the sort of howling sound of the wind at this entrance. You look over, and you can see that this outpost is built right up against the interior of the tunnel.
Legends of Avantris
Icebound | Ep. 24 | Passage of Rime
It would be fashioned for... Is this considered mountainous terrain? Oh.
Legends of Avantris
Icebound | Ep. 24 | Passage of Rime
As soon as you step from the ice sheet to the fucking... Yeah.
Legends of Avantris
Icebound | Ep. 24 | Passage of Rime
It's got a single thin line underneath it, just to really emphasize it. You go from one level biome to another level biome, fucking Minecraft style, and for sure.
Legends of Avantris
Icebound | Ep. 24 | Passage of Rime
For them, you look inward for answers, and you become deeply pensive. A full minute passes before anyone dares speak, as though breaking the silence might shatter reality and pull you back. But all that surrounds you is the howling wind and ice and cold and darkness of night. What happens next is up to you.
Legends of Avantris
Icebound | Ep. 24 | Passage of Rime
The feature you're using doesn't give you a number or directionality, but I am going to, because I want you to have the additional information. You do sense some of those things, but you do not sense them forward into this tunnel.
Legends of Avantris
Icebound | Ep. 24 | Passage of Rime
You suspect that, given that that is 30,000 feet in all directions and a massive sphere around you as you bonk, bonk, bonk, use your ability, that probably some of these mountains have some. but you do not get a sense that that is six miles in front of you if the tunnel goes that deep.
Legends of Avantris
Icebound | Ep. 24 | Passage of Rime
The path where she put her ear down was metal and she's now stuck to the actual floor. Oh, no. You've already failed, no. It's a wax strip. It's a giant fly trap.
Legends of Avantris
Icebound | Ep. 24 | Passage of Rime
Brutal. It's a nightmare. No, you are looking out for things. I guess make some sort of a perception you checky.
Legends of Avantris
Icebound | Ep. 24 | Passage of Rime
Right. You just tell someone you can't perceive. You just can't see.
Legends of Avantris
Icebound | Ep. 24 | Passage of Rime
In historical Dungeons and Dragons land, it would have been like, I could have a monster here that's 35 feet from you. And you would not know that it exists until you move five feet forward because you can only see 30 feet forward with regular vision. But if you have darkvision 60 feet, you can see that thing, right?
Legends of Avantris
Icebound | Ep. 24 | Passage of Rime
And it was all about those kinds of, that's where lighting matters as in like more of a dungeon.
Legends of Avantris
Icebound | Ep. 24 | Passage of Rime
Not that I give a fuck. I'll roll disadvantage. We could go read darkvision right now. I don't care. I don't care. You're at the entrance. It doesn't mention it.
Legends of Avantris
Icebound | Ep. 24 | Passage of Rime
Yeah. I got a 10. This is not the place to simulate light, and with a 10, you notice the two things that I've described before. There's a structure, or at least a shape. It appears to be sitting in the center of the tunnel, and there's a large tarp over it.
Legends of Avantris
Icebound | Ep. 24 | Passage of Rime
It looks large, and there's this sort of like house sort of cabin-y type vibe that's pushed right into the cabin, and it looks like it could handle four or five people. give or take, like a guard tower almost.
Legends of Avantris
Icebound | Ep. 24 | Passage of Rime
A gate checking in area type operation or a house, a little cottage type operation.
Legends of Avantris
Icebound | Ep. 24 | Passage of Rime
caverns you'd like to go these features would be evident to you as well and you can see that the the light coming into this area um uh pushes uh well beyond that tarp structure that i mentioned um but the tunnel just seems to go deeper and deeper and deeper almost perfectly straight um i wouldn't go too far in i would just like to check to see if i see any um tracks that look like they would have been at all recent um any signs that there have been um
Legends of Avantris
Icebound | Ep. 24 | Passage of Rime
You feel very confident that maybe some beasts have wandered in and out of this space, but nothing like kobolds have visited here. It feels nearly abandoned, especially with the destruction of the portal being what it is.
Legends of Avantris
Icebound | Ep. 24 | Passage of Rime
No, no, no. I feel like maybe I should draw it.
Legends of Avantris
Icebound | Ep. 24 | Passage of Rime
You guys are making your way up a path, sort of like this, to this area. This is where the threshold of the illusion would have been. But it is no longer. Ah, wow. Yeah. Straight in. Ah. There's a tiny little outpost. Uh-huh. And there's a tiny little thing right here.
Legends of Avantris
Icebound | Ep. 24 | Passage of Rime
And that's all you see. You guys are standing, like, right here.
Legends of Avantris
Icebound | Ep. 24 | Passage of Rime
For our audience. Fool of a skull. This is the path they're coming up. This is the cliff face of the mountain. This is where the actual illusion would have been, and you can see that there's a tiny little outpost cabin-y operation on one wall, and then there's this tarp structure here in the center, and the tunnel goes deep and deep and deep and deep.
Legends of Avantris
Icebound | Ep. 24 | Passage of Rime
Light would shed into this, you know, pretty deep before you had to get to, like, pitch black USA. So the two dots represent where Scrim and Queenie currently are, and Barnabas and Taishan and Yornir are a little farther away.
Legends of Avantris
Icebound | Ep. 24 | Passage of Rime
Taishen and Yornir and Barnaboze arrive next to you after you have this conversation, and you find yourself all standing, looking at this tunnel entrance.
Legends of Avantris
Icebound | Ep. 24 | Passage of Rime
No more running. It's time to embrace this. You reach up and you grab the top of the hood and you yank down. Perhaps what Queenie was suspecting, you see in horror, the face of Taishen within the cloak. Taishen looks frozen eyed, staring up. You take 120 damage and the cloak falls to the ground, slumps into a pile and collapses against the frozen cavern floor.
Legends of Avantris
Icebound | Ep. 24 | Passage of Rime
I'll say, for the sake of brevity, you go in 30 feet, 60 feet, 100 feet, 150 feet, to the threshold where it starts to get very dark. But you do not make it that far before you realize that there are grooves to... deep grooves, wide lanes on either side in what is very clearly like a smooth ice floor.
Legends of Avantris
Icebound | Ep. 24 | Passage of Rime
The surrounding craggly cave all around you is made of rock, but it is almost as if a river once flowed through this space and has frozen to a completely flat surface, with the exception of these two grooves on either side, almost as though they were put there magically or manufactured, fashioned in some way.
Legends of Avantris
Icebound | Ep. 24 | Passage of Rime
15. You wouldn't need more than a 10 to see that this structure is empty. If this had had tables and beds and things like that in it, the only thing that's left remaining is the bleached wood that it was built on, that has been getting hit by the sun year after year for untold centuries. It's amazing it's still standing. But it's been preserved here. You don't see food.
Legends of Avantris
Icebound | Ep. 24 | Passage of Rime
You think briefly, oh, well, the wood could be burned. But that is all that this structure represents to you when you look inside the window or open the door and creep in briefly. It's like walking into an apartment that doesn't have any furnishings.
Legends of Avantris
Icebound | Ep. 24 | Passage of Rime
Yeah, you can pull some floorboards or the shutters or something. You pull that and you now possess one bundle of sticks. I will catch up with the rest of them. And you catch up with the rest of them. That's all that you're presented with, is this long, sort of almost endless ice tunnel, a large tart structure in the center, and the structure that Yornir describes as being empty.
Legends of Avantris
Icebound | Ep. 24 | Passage of Rime
So not intentionally cut out, but worn down. Yeah, yeah, yeah. Not hard angles necessarily, but definitely deep enough to hold a wheels or a carriage or something like that, yeah. Roger.
Legends of Avantris
Icebound | Ep. 24 | Passage of Rime
I would say that he looks the same to you as he looked on the island, and also as you've traveled with him in your journey and throughout your car. You probably don't have as depthful an understanding of his experience, given what separation you had during the time that you were within the entity, let's say.
Legends of Avantris
Icebound | Ep. 24 | Passage of Rime
Everyone hears or sees something in this moment as you're talking.
Legends of Avantris
Icebound | Ep. 24 | Passage of Rime
Not good. Yornir, Tyshet, and Barnabas, you're facing into the tunnel, because you reached and met with Scrim and Queenie. You are both facing them, looking out, and so as you are doing this... I can't wait to get eaten from behind. You just wait. The boring tunnel is... Something's boring into my tunnel!
Legends of Avantris
Icebound | Ep. 24 | Passage of Rime
You look forward, and you realize you're looking at the back of what I've been describing as a tarp structure, and there's just enough wind for you to hear the flapping of that canvas, and underneath you can see that there are two almost sled-like rails underneath what appears to be perhaps a vehicle of some kind. Queenie and I can see it?
Legends of Avantris
Icebound | Ep. 24 | Passage of Rime
Queenie and you both see this, but you're talking, they're not facing this as you are looking at the back of this.
Legends of Avantris
Icebound | Ep. 24 | Passage of Rime
Oh. You're in your ears for hundreds of years. He has no ideas.
Legends of Avantris
Icebound | Ep. 24 | Passage of Rime
Oh! What? You see what is very similar but not quite the same as the river sledge or sled that you saw in the outside world, but this one is built to traverse this strange tunnel. It's facing the wrong direction, but it is definitely there with these two huge rails.
Legends of Avantris
Icebound | Ep. 24 | Passage of Rime
and suddenly it clicks how these grooves would be made, would be these kinds of vessels traveling back and forth over the icy surface. This seems to be some way of transporting yourself. The mast looks like it has a sort of long crossbeam at the top with two little bells on either side, and this wider pole where you could attach or hinge very thick, this tarp as an example, some kind of a sail.
Legends of Avantris
Icebound | Ep. 24 | Passage of Rime
At the front, in our parlance, it would be called a cowcatcher, but in the world of actual train engineering, I understand it's called a pilot. I had to look that up.
Legends of Avantris
Icebound | Ep. 24 | Passage of Rime
Just kidding. Just kidding. You realize that if you were able to rotate this object, that you would be able to set it on its grooves and continue into the cave, though how it would be propelled forward is still a mystery.
Legends of Avantris
Icebound | Ep. 24 | Passage of Rime
With a 16, you find that this has been an emptied sled. However, there's plenty of room if you wanted to put supplies, and there's plenty of places to sit. There's a bench along the end. There's a rail on both sides. You see in the center, though, that there's a very unusual... Almost like a figurehead is what you think of, like at the end of a ship that you would normally be familiar with.
Legends of Avantris
Icebound | Ep. 24 | Passage of Rime
There is this almost statue, and it's facing where the sail would be, and it's a dragon with its mouth closed, grinning, looking terribly forward with two smaller wings, just sort of arching towards the front of this vessel. You don't see a dute turnaround button, however. That being said, you got up on top of it. It's on ice, and it's not that heavy.
Legends of Avantris
Icebound | Ep. 24 | Passage of Rime
It's possible that with enough brute force, you might be able to turn the fucking thing.
Legends of Avantris
Icebound | Ep. 24 | Passage of Rime
Very green room Andy, I got it. And so, he's like, ah, you guys got it. I'll oversee from here. Taishan assists you as well.
Legends of Avantris
Icebound | Ep. 24 | Passage of Rime
Yeah, I'm here, and you're in your seat. So I'm gonna go here. Why don't you start dollhousing yourselves?
Legends of Avantris
Icebound | Ep. 24 | Passage of Rime
You don't have to help, but your swarm could assist.
Legends of Avantris
Icebound | Ep. 24 | Passage of Rime
I'm not even going to make you roll for it. You are able to slowly... You start to turn this, and you do so, it is slick on this ice, and it is hard to get a grip with your feet, but that also benefits you because you're able to turn it. And once it is 180 degrees or so, you need only attach the sail and find some way to propel this thing forward.
Legends of Avantris
Icebound | Ep. 24 | Passage of Rime
There's a separate sail. You suspect that, the tarp was huge, right? It covered the whole thing. You find a sail.
Legends of Avantris
Icebound | Ep. 24 | Passage of Rime
Yes, you asked that, and the answer was no. The answer is that you feel yourself. You keep checking for, like, a wound or a missing piece of you, right? And... you feel like something is missing, a part of you, you've been diminished in some significant way, right? Mechanically, we know however that's presented. Yeah, yeah, yeah. But the... Fuuuuck. There's the, like, um... What's the word for it?
Legends of Avantris
Icebound | Ep. 24 | Passage of Rime
That's what I thought, too. I would say that you could fashion a sail, or I don't want to spend time on it. It's 10-10, so fucking, you get a guy to be on a sail.
Legends of Avantris
Icebound | Ep. 24 | Passage of Rime
You make very secure work and eventually you make your way down. Even though there is the sound of at this entrance, there's not forceful enough wind to push this sail forward. Dracarys!
Legends of Avantris
Icebound | Ep. 24 | Passage of Rime
On the back, there is a lever. I'm just going to tell you. On the back, there does appear to be some form of handle or wheel or drive.
Legends of Avantris
Icebound | Ep. 24 | Passage of Rime
Just see what happens. It's on the back of the actual dragon statue. I pull the lever. You go up, you pull it.
Legends of Avantris
Icebound | Ep. 24 | Passage of Rime
And mechanically, you have to use the use an object action to move it one notch. And you can see that there are... This is very fun. Six notches. And you move it from its resting position, where it was, into its first position.
Legends of Avantris
Icebound | Ep. 24 | Passage of Rime
And the mouth of the dragon opens a little bit, and you hear the sound of wind being almost pulled in as you sort of, like, as you turn the lever, it sort of backs up just a little bit and lets a little of the air in, and it is hyper-focused, and the sail does push forward just a little bit. And all of a sudden, you all feel... Ah!
Legends of Avantris
Icebound | Ep. 24 | Passage of Rime
You're going two miles per hour at this speed.
Legends of Avantris
Icebound | Ep. 24 | Passage of Rime
Okay, you use object and you get four miles per hour. Again. And another six seconds pass and you use object and now you're going 15 miles per hour as this butt continues to push and push and push and push. You use object again, all of a sudden you are rocketing down this at 30 miles per hour. you're also afforded something that you did not know you would benefit from.
Legends of Avantris
Icebound | Ep. 24 | Passage of Rime
Whatever attunement or connection this ship has with the tunnel itself, perhaps it's the minerals in the tunnel, but the tunnel alights. All of a sudden, it's like as the ship is getting there, the walls themselves are becoming luminescent, glowing, and you are afforded a tremendous amount of light. You can see
Legends of Avantris
Icebound | Ep. 24 | Passage of Rime
Shadows are moving back and forth across your face, exactly right. We see a chicken get decapitated. You see a chicken get decapitated. What the fuck is that? Violent imagery, no, no, no, you don't see any of that. It's like Frozen 2, is it better? 30 miles per hour for you would be a shockingly fast. Oh yeah, we're cooking. I'm hanging on to my hat.
Legends of Avantris
Icebound | Ep. 24 | Passage of Rime
The fastest ship in the world doesn't go 30 miles per hour. You'd have to be a soaring eagle to be going 30 miles per hour. However, there is another gear.
Legends of Avantris
Icebound | Ep. 24 | Passage of Rime
It is flying past me. None of us have moved this fast. V, looking backwards behind you, you can see the tunnel entrance, which is this massive, tall opening. disappearing into nothingness. You are traveling faster than you could have possibly imagined.
Legends of Avantris
Icebound | Ep. 24 | Passage of Rime
You set into the grooves, and all of a sudden you realize that you're on a track. This is an engineered path. No wonder the kobolds are able to traverse Stracar so quickly. They travel under the mountains.
Legends of Avantris
Icebound | Ep. 24 | Passage of Rime
You look confident. Oh, yeah. For the sake of three-dimensionality, because I don't have a three-dimensional ship, this is the sail. It's high up, right? You can pass underneath it and arrive at the front just at the pilot here. So Queen's on the bow. You are traveling this direction, so you would be literally in that space. I'm on the lever.
Legends of Avantris
Icebound | Ep. 24 | Passage of Rime
The understanding that there's sort of like phantom limbs, right? I would say that the closest analog to this would be something like a phantom soul. Not that the whole soul is gone, but that there had to be some serious removal at a spiritual level in order to free you, because whatever had to be left behind had to be trapped in that same space where you and the rest were frozen for a period.
Legends of Avantris
Icebound | Ep. 24 | Passage of Rime
You're here at the lever. Barnabo says, Queenie is on top of the world. The rest of you, yeah, you are flying, and yet it is- She's rosing and jacking the ship. It is a smooth experience. Yornir, it's gonna take a while, I think, for you to get used to this experience, but Barnabas, this almost feels like being on a ship.
Legends of Avantris
Icebound | Ep. 24 | Passage of Rime
This feels like being on a, once the rushing of the wind acclimates, once you are settled, It's like standing in any other room.
Legends of Avantris
Icebound | Ep. 24 | Passage of Rime
You push it into the final gear, and this is the largest boost yet. From 2 miles per hour to 4 miles per hour to 15 miles per hour to 30, you jump to 50 miles per hour. And all of a sudden, you are going at what feels like light speed. Screaming.
Legends of Avantris
Icebound | Ep. 24 | Passage of Rime
You are rocketing through this magically created tunnel, this tunnel that may have been crafted over many decades or perhaps even centuries, feeling the occasional jolt left and jolt right of the grooves as they continue to keep you straight as an arrow through this deep, dark tunnel that is strangely illuminated by its magical presence, by its very draconic essence.
Legends of Avantris
Icebound | Ep. 24 | Passage of Rime
and you are starting to get used to it and starting to feel your way around. The wind is rushing past you, but chiefly you just feel that you are moving very quickly. It's easy to get dizzy looking left and right, right at the rocks that are flying past you, but if you fix your eyes on the point that you're headed or backward, it's easy to stable, or just looking into each other's faces.
Legends of Avantris
Icebound | Ep. 24 | Passage of Rime
I'll also note here a few additional features that I hadn't mentioned when you first started rocketing, which is to say, at the heart of the figurehead, on its front, there appears to be something like a sapphire, a small, domed, almost gem-like rock. And in it, you can see that there's sort of a five-pointed light that's in the center, and it seems to be moving very, very, very slowly.
Legends of Avantris
Icebound | Ep. 24 | Passage of Rime
It seems to be an indication of what time of day it is, even in this dark tunnel.
Legends of Avantris
Icebound | Ep. 24 | Passage of Rime
Additionally, Damn! And Yornir, I think you might have been the first to notice, or perhaps Taishen, but here at the back, underneath the bench, you find tethers. You find what are clearly strong corded ropes that can be hitched onto your person, or around your belt, or tied to you. These seem to be, Taishen jokingly calls them sled belts, in case you fall off.
Legends of Avantris
Icebound | Ep. 24 | Passage of Rime
These would keep you affixed to the ship, regardless of how fast it's traveling. And those are the additional features that you all start to notice as you climatize through the space, because pretty soon, 15, 30, 45 minutes, an hour has gone by with you moving at this 50 mile per hour rate, just screaming underneath these mountains.
Legends of Avantris
Icebound | Ep. 24 | Passage of Rime
Okay, you make a sensation, and you have this sense, you expand your awareness out, and once again, you feel that the, if there are creatures, they're well, well above you, thousands of feet above you at the surface of these mountains that you're traveling underneath. You do not get a sense that there is any immediate presence or danger of those types of creatures.
Legends of Avantris
Icebound | Ep. 24 | Passage of Rime
It would be easy to enjoy the experience. This is so unusual, and after so much... The last time you had experience with speed like this, you were on an escape vessel, trying to escape a nautiloid flying through space.
Legends of Avantris
Icebound | Ep. 24 | Passage of Rime
You experienced it traveling through the sky at this speed, but this feels controlled, and you feel like you have control, being the person who's manning the lever, should you need to.
Legends of Avantris
Icebound | Ep. 24 | Passage of Rime
Exactly right, exactly right. Another hour passes.
Legends of Avantris
Icebound | Ep. 24 | Passage of Rime
Have a little faith, Mr. Yarn Air, isn't that what you're all about?
Legends of Avantris
Icebound | Ep. 24 | Passage of Rime
You hear this sound, and it's like a dunk, a crashing sound, and you look up and you can see the two bells on the crossbeam at the very top of the sail are moving back and forth, and you have just enough time, for those of you who are quick enough, to turn around and realize that there are bars that have intentionally passed through and clinked them.
Legends of Avantris
Icebound | Ep. 24 | Passage of Rime
You start to slow down and you hear that second clink.
Legends of Avantris
Icebound | Ep. 24 | Passage of Rime
Dropping to 30 miles per hour. I do it again. Dropping to 15 miles per hour. So very clink you're doing. And you see it very, very, very slowly. You can see these bars now as you're traveling 15 miles per hour, clink and sort of move past. Again. And sure enough, as you drop the speed, you see one of these outposts. Oh, that's cool.
Legends of Avantris
Icebound | Ep. 24 | Passage of Rime
And you see that it opens up into this great almost ballroom expanse with this large domed area. It's been carved out especially. The grooves are going to come to a stop. You're going to be able to pull into almost a hub of sorts. And you're going to, you see that there is an outpost and you see that there are multiple different tunnels that you might be able to face your way down.
Legends of Avantris
Icebound | Ep. 24 | Passage of Rime
You would make that decision pretty quickly and get down to the two miles per hour. You maybe even hit the two miles per hour before you get well ahead. Just coast in. Just to make absolutely fucking sure that you can reach this hub area and eventually you come to a, you close it off and you slide, slide, slide.
Legends of Avantris
Icebound | Ep. 24 | Passage of Rime
to a halt, and there you find yourself, and the tunnel is still illuminated by the presence of this ship.
Legends of Avantris
Icebound | Ep. 24 | Passage of Rime
There appears to be three tunnel entrances with their own sets of grooves moving forward. And you have a sense, looking at the top of each of these tunnels, that there are waypoints. The same icons that match the cairns on the other coast. One of them is very clearly matching with the fishing village that you initially would have gone to.
Legends of Avantris
Icebound | Ep. 24 | Passage of Rime
Probably the path that the kobolds take, or at least this would... get you there eventually, and then another one that seems to be taking you straight north, Taishen interprets. This one he's not as familiar with.
Legends of Avantris
Icebound | Ep. 24 | Passage of Rime
We don't have as much familiarity with those cairns, but the path to the right is gilded in silver, and it looks like the one that points to a city, the one that he also noted would have gone east through the mountains on the cairns that you'd seen, which I mentioned fucking two years ago.
Legends of Avantris
Icebound | Ep. 24 | Passage of Rime
And you have your staff. It would be going east-ish, starting to curve to the right.
Legends of Avantris
Icebound | Ep. 24 | Passage of Rime
This is a similarly sized cottage. You walk up.
Legends of Avantris
Icebound | Ep. 24 | Passage of Rime
I just run over to them. Yeah, yeah, they just attract and pull into your fucking body. There aren't any pots, unfortunately, but there is a door and a scrim as eager as you are to see what could be in this inner outpost. You push it forward. This does appear to be very similar, but it is furnished, unlike the one that you saw at the other end, at the entrance to this tunnel.
Legends of Avantris
Icebound | Ep. 24 | Passage of Rime
you see in my notes I have right here from two years ago, you kind of, that this looks like a post where there would have been a rotating crew.
Legends of Avantris
Icebound | Ep. 24 | Passage of Rime
Not something that people would show up to on a day-to-day type operation, but something where you would either live and have supplies delivered to you, or something where you maybe spend a week and then rotate out and go back to the city where you're from, the fishing village or what have you.
Legends of Avantris
Icebound | Ep. 24 | Passage of Rime
There don't seem to be those supplies, but that's the deduction you can make as you start to go in through the different rooms and start to investigate this overall space. Make an investigation check and advantage if anyone's coming with you.
Legends of Avantris
Icebound | Ep. 24 | Passage of Rime
With a 19, you are thinking about your experience with these dragonborn, what limited experience you've had. You look under the mattresses, you look under the beds, and then you look at the fireplace and you think, well, when we were in that village.
Legends of Avantris
Icebound | Ep. 24 | Passage of Rime
And you pull some of the boards in front of the fireplace away, and you find four additional Candles. Hot damn! We're up to nine.
Legends of Avantris
Icebound | Ep. 24 | Passage of Rime
And who else is with Scrim in this moment? You're all sort of, oh, Queenie? Yeah. You're also looking around. You are doing this same work, and you're watching as he pulls the candles out from between the floorboards.
Legends of Avantris
Icebound | Ep. 24 | Passage of Rime
And turning, you start to get a sense of the space, and you see the entrance, but having walked through it, you're now looking at the other side, and above the entrance, you spy an effigy.
Legends of Avantris
Icebound | Ep. 24 | Passage of Rime
You look forward, and you can see something made of bones, of sticks and tendons, and it looks like a... like a snowflake. Looks like it has six points to it. It has been assembled to look like the delicate little flakes that occasionally land on your hand, so symmetrical and perfect. That strikes you as odd, given everything that you've seen here and how empty these spaces tend to be.
Legends of Avantris
Icebound | Ep. 24 | Passage of Rime
But you also are just listening to Scrimm's exclamations of joy as he pulls out one candle, two candles. That's a pretty good impression.
Legends of Avantris
Icebound | Ep. 24 | Passage of Rime
It appears to have been... Yeah, I would say that there's definitely been some, like, pushes of, like, some kind of bone into the surface of the wood so that it could be hung there and then set into place.
Legends of Avantris
Icebound | Ep. 24 | Passage of Rime
You gesture or communicate. See if it has any magical properties. Do you... What does that look like? Do you just, like, think it, and then all of a sudden the bees know to assemble underneath you? Yeah, yeah, I would say so. Okay, okay. So that happens, and you're able to get right up next to it without having alerted any of the others.
Legends of Avantris
Icebound | Ep. 24 | Passage of Rime
Make an arcana check to see if there's any magical properties to it, and make a...
Legends of Avantris
Icebound | Ep. 24 | Passage of Rime
Five months ago, you remember being in this exact spot, checking with the captain in on the tower and then fleeing in terror from your brief interlude where you lost a little time and his leg broke, of course. You remember your encounter with the dragon, your second encounter with the Princess of Wrath.
Legends of Avantris
Icebound | Ep. 24 | Passage of Rime
I would say Nature Check. Or Survival, your choice, whichever proficiency you prefer.
Legends of Avantris
Icebound | Ep. 24 | Passage of Rime
With a 19 for Arcana, it does not thrum the way a magical item does. If this does have magical consequences, it's not innately magical itself. And it feels like it is made of bone and tendon and what I described before, it feels crudely crafted.
Legends of Avantris
Icebound | Ep. 24 | Passage of Rime
The thing that strikes you especially, though, is the nature of the bones themselves feel very unusual, unlike bones you've seen before. They're almost sickly like lime green, and they have these markings all up and down them as if they had to be scraped very, very roughly, almost as if someone was trying to use them to make fire.
Legends of Avantris
Icebound | Ep. 24 | Passage of Rime
but all along, every surface of all of these bones, there are these deep ruts and scratches and markings.
Legends of Avantris
Icebound | Ep. 24 | Passage of Rime
Yeah, I would say that it's, to you, would be the size of a large shield, but you are able to lift it out of place, and you're able to... Is it light?
Legends of Avantris
Icebound | Ep. 24 | Passage of Rime
Yeah, yeah, yeah, it's light enough. It's going to count as a... two on your inventory if you plan on keeping it on your person.
Legends of Avantris
Icebound | Ep. 24 | Passage of Rime
Exactly right. But in this case, it has this very obvious snowflake in France. What'd you find?
Legends of Avantris
Icebound | Ep. 24 | Passage of Rime
You remember finding the ship as it was being pulled into the ice, as it was being crushed by the ice into the sea, and then making your way up the coast, or at least along the mountains that are called the Spine, by the clan called the Frosthammer that you met. Hundreds and hundreds of miles you had to walk across that ice sheet. It took days. There was no food. There was no fuel along that path.
Legends of Avantris
Icebound | Ep. 24 | Passage of Rime
So I want to make sure that it would hold up. You check it to your satisfaction. At no point am I going to make you make a dexterity check or a not making check. You pass because of your experience being what it is. You cannot fail at this. Yeah, it's like a 26. With the 10, 20, 30 minutes it would have been, you double check it, triple check it, look at the knot, look at it from all angles.
Legends of Avantris
Icebound | Ep. 24 | Passage of Rime
By the time they return with the effigy and the candles and smiles on their faces because things are looking up for... Team Icebound. Team Scrim, more like. Sure. Wine candle, date candle.
Legends of Avantris
Icebound | Ep. 24 | Passage of Rime
We're like yelling. You can hear the screams. By the time that happens, the...
Legends of Avantris
Icebound | Ep. 24 | Passage of Rime
You feel especially secure. You're there! And you even think to check the tethers and make sure that those were secured underneath the benches where they were originally being pulled. Taishen is still wearing his, feeling a little wary about the space, and one of them could have come free, but you've undone that with a 26.
Legends of Avantris
Icebound | Ep. 24 | Passage of Rime
Ooh! You recognize the same markings that Queenie does, and you see that this is something that you would be able to make with bones and tendon. It would take some time, right? But eventually, when it cures, it actually holds its structure, and it's quite sturdy. It won't fall apart in your hands very easily. But it's the smell that is the doorway into unlocking where this came from.
Legends of Avantris
Icebound | Ep. 24 | Passage of Rime
This has a briny smell. This smells sour, almost. It's as if perhaps this creature, it was either dousing it in some form of citrusy something, or it was itself innately acidic in this way. But you get this smell.
Legends of Avantris
Icebound | Ep. 24 | Passage of Rime
Either or. Or the bone. It's hard to tell if it was treated intentionally, or if the creature itself was one of those fucking things from Alien or something.
Legends of Avantris
Icebound | Ep. 24 | Passage of Rime
Like, that is what you get with the 23, is this additional information.
Legends of Avantris
Icebound | Ep. 24 | Passage of Rime
There was the occasional animal, the occasional bear, the occasional starving wolf. But that was five months ago, and it hadn't yet turned to winter. And now you are here, and it is... 30, 60, 70 degrees colder than it was then, and what rations are on you, you can have, but this is a hard thing, a hard thing to start again, especially at this time.
Legends of Avantris
Icebound | Ep. 24 | Passage of Rime
What you've come to learn about these ancient dragonborn who once perhaps ruled this land based on what you've been told is that They were great survivalists. They were connected to nature. They had these villages and everything that had bounce. They had control over magics. They had the ability to create these illusory doors and perhaps bore tunnels underneath mountains, right?
Legends of Avantris
Icebound | Ep. 24 | Passage of Rime
They were not primitives that would create an effigy like this.
Legends of Avantris
Icebound | Ep. 24 | Passage of Rime
You're like swinging a watch, right? Yeah. Amazing. Make, I don't know how to whistle. A history or nature check.
Legends of Avantris
Icebound | Ep. 24 | Passage of Rime
Yeah. Yeah. Yeah! Nature. I think that's good enough.
Legends of Avantris
Icebound | Ep. 24 | Passage of Rime
You spend a little more time with it, and it's the color of the bone, the smell you start to put together. This has a... This came from a species very similar to the ogres. There's a giant quality. This is the bone from some creature that almost certainly was related or connected in some way.
Legends of Avantris
Icebound | Ep. 24 | Passage of Rime
I'm trying to remember when. what I told you to make sure that I am giving you the full information that Barnabas should have.
Legends of Avantris
Icebound | Ep. 24 | Passage of Rime
No, no, Barnabas, if that's what you're asking, Barnabas absolutely knows that information, that kobolds were one of many clans that were all being called the banners to her, to wherever she may have been, probably the capital city.
Legends of Avantris
Icebound | Ep. 24 | Passage of Rime
You have been transported here as if nothing had happened.
Legends of Avantris
Icebound | Ep. 24 | Passage of Rime
And yeah, you would all have known that the kobolds had indicated that there was, there were like a dwarf-like race that they talked about, that there were. I remember the dwarf race. Minotaurs, I believe I mentioned. Yeah, yeah, if that's what you're asking, you all have that information together.
Legends of Avantris
Icebound | Ep. 24 | Passage of Rime
If it does, you remember that perfect symmetry and this being a corruption of primality, this feels like a very primal ancient thing.
Legends of Avantris
Icebound | Ep. 24 | Passage of Rime
You take a step onto the sled, and the first step, you use your right foot instead of your left foot, and from your butthole, you hear .
Legends of Avantris
Icebound | Ep. 24 | Passage of Rime
This is something that was not available to you before because to approach the tower and to be filled with such terror prevented you from going further east from this point. But the entire ocean was frozen and lays beyond the point that you stand on now. There is a new path.
Legends of Avantris
Icebound | Ep. 24 | Passage of Rime
Yeah, yeah, yeah, you watch that silvery glyph go over you and you begin to make your way deeper and deeper. You go from two miles per hour to four miles per hour. How fast do you take it?
Legends of Avantris
Icebound | Ep. 24 | Passage of Rime
All right, you're manning the operation. You are listening. There's only the sound of rushing wind, the sound of the rails against the icy grooves. and the sound of your flapping fabric of the sail and of the clothes around you, and of whatever you happen to be discussing.
Legends of Avantris
Icebound | Ep. 24 | Passage of Rime
15 minutes, 30 minutes go by, you're ramped up to 50 miles per hour at this point, and you're all starting to settle into what probably feels like another hour, two hours, it makes sense that these things might be at regular intervals, but if you're going 50 miles per hour,
Legends of Avantris
Icebound | Ep. 24 | Passage of Rime
Miles per hour doesn't connect with you, but thinking about how fast you are going, it's like, wow, we had to walk all those hundreds of miles, and have we gone 100 miles already? It feels like that might be the case. Another hour goes by, and we're at 150 miles? That could be a third of our journey all the way to the crown already. That's unreal.
Legends of Avantris
Icebound | Ep. 24 | Passage of Rime
That's days or perhaps weeks, depending on the weather, of agonizing trekking and slow walking. in almost the blink of an eye, something that you can do between rests. And as you are thinking of this, you all sort of settle, some of you sitting on the back bench, just making sure that you feel your stomach with your taishen is right next to you.
Legends of Avantris
Icebound | Ep. 24 | Passage of Rime
It passed east, and you follow Taishen's line, his eyes, and it seems that the same idea has occurred to him, that why go back and retrace your steps when there is a new path that is before you, a chance to find whatever it is on the southern coast of Drakkar, or perhaps a path north that might eventually take you back to where you were originally heading, the capital city that you were initially heading towards before being teleported here.
Legends of Avantris
Icebound | Ep. 24 | Passage of Rime
Queenie, Barnabas, you are walking up and down, checking the harnesses, looking at the sights.
Legends of Avantris
Icebound | Ep. 24 | Passage of Rime
Well, then you and Scrim, who are keeping your eyes on the front, would see this first, which is illuminated for a moment what looks like a small figure right in the center of the road, and it gets faster very, very quickly. It looks almost like a white ghost as you crash into whatever this creature is. It is not a ghost. You do not pass through it ethereally.
Legends of Avantris
Icebound | Ep. 24 | Passage of Rime
It is some sort of a white-skinned beast, and it slams into the pile, into the cowcatcher, You are unable to stop yourself because you are moving faster than you've ever moved in your fucking life.
Legends of Avantris
Icebound | Ep. 24 | Passage of Rime
It's a PSA, ladies and gentlemen. There's no need to crash. You do not crash. You just fucking slam into this thing and all of a sudden it just disappears. You do not hear it tumble underneath. It seems to be stuck in the grate.
Legends of Avantris
Icebound | Ep. 24 | Passage of Rime
You both immediately have to walk over and look down, and looking down, you can see the back of a hand. Scream will be like, ah! White hair smooshed into the surface of this thing. Broken bones crushed this thing's limbs. Scream will be screaming. That's what's happening right now.
Legends of Avantris
Icebound | Ep. 24 | Passage of Rime
Queenie, you're the only person who can lean over far enough in your Rosenjack posture. You both, you all would hear a thud.
Legends of Avantris
Icebound | Ep. 24 | Passage of Rime
It looks very dead, until. Oh. Is everything okay?
Legends of Avantris
Icebound | Ep. 24 | Passage of Rime
It starts to inflate almost and piece itself back together. You can see crushed bits of skull pop back into its proper skull shape and start to pull like this. You can see broken collar bone and skin, bone shoved through skin start to sink back in and immediately start to close. You can see all of these pieces start to come together.
Legends of Avantris
Icebound | Ep. 24 | Passage of Rime
This is happening slowly, but it is, whatever this is, regenerating.
Legends of Avantris
Icebound | Ep. 24 | Passage of Rime
Barnabus, you're looking down, and you're seeing this same creature start to almost come back together. This is a massive creature. This is not a small human smashed against the windshield of a car. is a fucking large, gangly, impossibly lean-muscled creature bigger than you are. If I get the sense there's a monster and it's moving,
Legends of Avantris
Icebound | Ep. 24 | Passage of Rime
Given this strange situation. No free rides! You swing down with your anchor. Yeah. Roll to hit, or perhaps some sort of dexterous maneuver. I mean, I know you have the Crusher feat, so I'm kind of thinking to roll to hit if you want to get underneath it and try to pull it off.
Legends of Avantris
Icebound | Ep. 24 | Passage of Rime
A 26, with a 26 for... Almost effortlessly, it takes all your muscles to pull it free, and you can hear it unstick. from the surface of the, given the speed that it was collided with, you can hear it unstick from the pilot, and you are able to whip it, but not fast enough to get it off and away from the ship, but instead underneath the rail.
Legends of Avantris
Icebound | Ep. 24 | Passage of Rime
Going 50 miles per hour, this thing immediately play-dohs underneath, just . And you imagine if you were fast enough to look behind you, there would be a thick red streak in the groove of this moving sled, but you are still speeding along without having to
Legends of Avantris
Icebound | Ep. 24 | Passage of Rime
White matted fur. White skin. It was like an albino troll.
Legends of Avantris
Icebound | Ep. 24 | Passage of Rime
I think that I have to fucking snipe that off. Yeah, I knew you could smell it. I knew it!
Legends of Avantris
Icebound | Ep. 24 | Passage of Rime
Do you think that Barnabas would have encountered a troll? I would have encountered Scrags, sea trolls. Oh, yeah. I think very, they'd be probably.
Legends of Avantris
Icebound | Ep. 24 | Passage of Rime
I think it would be, at this point, having been that close enough to attack something and pull it free, even in its disgusting state, that the nature of its limbs being what it is, and perhaps even you got a glimpse of its face in that moment, that you would have a sense that this looks like a creature, like a sea troll that hasn't seen light for millennia.
Legends of Avantris
Icebound | Ep. 24 | Passage of Rime
That's a good question, and it's one you're starting to ask yourself, is all of a sudden you feel this... and you realize that there's texture. Under the right side of the groove, there's clearly some of the caves actually collapsed at this point, and you are going 50 miles per hour, very fast, rapidly starting to shake as you aren't sure if there's more tunnel left.
Legends of Avantris
Icebound | Ep. 24 | Passage of Rime
The entire right side of this tunnel is completely pitch black. Whatever the illumination is, you're only getting left side information, and you could crash at any time.
Legends of Avantris
Icebound | Ep. 24 | Passage of Rime
The rope is not six feet long. The rope is 30 feet long. You can walk up with it wrapped around even three times around your waist. You're able to stand and get immediately to the labor.
Legends of Avantris
Icebound | Ep. 24 | Passage of Rime
You lean back against the railing and you look up and you can see this billowing shape of the sail and you push at it and it starts to flatten and flap chaotically. And that seems to do some work.
Legends of Avantris
Icebound | Ep. 24 | Passage of Rime
It's a good thing that you were able to give the team a boost, because in this moment, you eventually come to a stop just as you anchor up against a large stone, something that almost surely, had you not slowed down, would have sent you into a barrel roll. And you find yourself coming to a complete stop here in the middle of this tunnel.
Legends of Avantris
Icebound | Ep. 24 | Passage of Rime
You blink, and it is... Oh, whoops. white and blues and grays all around you, and you are looking at the bodies of your friends in snow, howling winds all around you, you realize immediately you are on the top of the tower.
Legends of Avantris
Icebound | Ep. 24 | Passage of Rime
Actually, what you hear in the very, very, very far distance of the tunnel, an echoing voice of a scream coming from the direction of the smear.
Legends of Avantris
Icebound | Ep. 24 | Passage of Rime
You know, I can't do it with my throat. I'm worried that I would destroy it. Yeah, don't. But the velociraptor, like, oomph, oomph. Like, that horrible, like, fucking, grippy, animalistic sound. Yeah. Yeah.
Legends of Avantris
Icebound | Ep. 24 | Passage of Rime
There's light on one side. If I turn that light off, it would feel immediately like this space because it's the right side of the wall where you can see that clearly the fashioning, the boring, has actually been pushed in. And looking even closer, you can see that there's holes almost to a network of additional pages.
Legends of Avantris
Icebound | Ep. 24 | Passage of Rime
A firebolt goes 120 feet. Yeah. And so he fucking launches that thing, and you can see it sail down the, it's not that there isn't illumination, totally, it's not pitch black, right? But it does provide an additional illumination, and when it lands, it takes a moment for it to flicker out. And peering down, you do see a shape, a small shape, slumbering forward, and sure enough,
Legends of Avantris
Icebound | Ep. 24 | Passage of Rime
You can hear it scraping on the ice, moving forward, moving forward. What do we do?
Legends of Avantris
Icebound | Ep. 24 | Passage of Rime
You turn to the ship and it's not a matter of turning the ship around. It is almost at the angle because it's gotten up onto this ground. You need to get it up and off or over or find some way to get it onto the track and this section of the cave is not wide enough to turn it. all the way around, 180 degrees, no way.
Legends of Avantris
Icebound | Ep. 24 | Passage of Rime
Looking at the terrain being what it is, this was the largest erosion spot. This section would be considered like a medium boulder, and it was not something that you collided with. The rest of the area largely is just erosion that has fallen onto the ice and into the groove. That's why you were able to go 50 miles per hour and just experience shaking.
Legends of Avantris
Icebound | Ep. 24 | Passage of Rime
Had you collided with this, that's what would have sent you spinning. But if you had shaped this, you could probably start the sails up again and maybe start to go again as rough as the terrain is. Assuming you don't hit any more of those rocks, it might be well worth it to use the magic to get that blockage out of the way, given the impending troll.
Legends of Avantris
Icebound | Ep. 24 | Passage of Rime
Okay. I'm going to use one of my spells. You literally just create a honeycomb wand shield barrier all around the perimeter of a wall of this.
Legends of Avantris
Icebound | Ep. 24 | Passage of Rime
Okay. It's the walls of this tunnel going left and right quite a ways, so you can certainly seal up this particular area, but that doesn't account for everything to the left and to the right. Of course. That being said, you are able to
Legends of Avantris
Icebound | Ep. 24 | Passage of Rime
shape the stone, the blockage, the actual issue that would have crashed the sledge, and smooth it down, even being able to finesse it to create almost like a groove of stone. Yeah, I want to totally reshape it. Instead of, yeah, you reshape it perfectly, creating a New York subway system style Even with the little subway tiles, you know how classy those are. Oh, yeah, yeah, yeah.
Legends of Avantris
Icebound | Ep. 24 | Passage of Rime
You do that, and it's at this moment that the troll arrives at the web wall, the honeycomb wall, and it stops. Fff, fff, fff, fff. Can you see it through the honeycomb? Looking through the honeycomb, you can finally get a sense of this large, primal creature. It is looking around, and you can hear it muttering under its own breath and then catching eyes with each of you.
Legends of Avantris
Icebound | Ep. 24 | Passage of Rime
It is obviously furious for the pain that it just experienced. It is very evident to those of you who are close enough to it that this is the same creature.
Legends of Avantris
Icebound | Ep. 24 | Passage of Rime
When you push it to two, it starts. tearing at this web. It sees what you are doing, and it is starting to try, and it's sticking, and endeavoring to get through this thick honey, but it is struggling. You do not move forward. The sail unfurls, but there's still too much friction for you to go two miles per hour. You are still stuck.
Legends of Avantris
Icebound | Ep. 24 | Passage of Rime
You get it up to four, and you scoot for a moment, and then come to a stop, and then you get it up to eight, And then you start to continue to push it. You are hearing the screaming and it's in this moment that part of the wall that you tried to protect pushes away and you see more trolls start to push in and down into the tunnel.
Legends of Avantris
Icebound | Ep. 24 | Passage of Rime
I roll like shit. Oh, good roll, not bad. You make it to the eight miles per hour sorry, the 15 mile per hour mode and you start to pull away. But it is in this moment that two trolls, these ice trolls, immediately lurch down and they look at the struggling ally of theirs down one way and they look up and they see the effigy that you have fixed to the front of this sled.
Legends of Avantris
Icebound | Ep. 24 | Passage of Rime
They are immediately enraged when they see this thing. You can hear them screaming and murmuring. Yorneir, you speak giant. I do. And you, as crude as it is, you can get the sense of defilers. You can get the sense of infiltrators. You can get the sense of they are coming into our home and they are doing this. They seem to have hurt our friend. They are immediately agreeing.
Legends of Avantris
Icebound | Ep. 24 | Passage of Rime
you must be destroyed. You see the anger well up in them, in their posture, in their eyes, in their face, and in their words. 20 to 30. Oh shit, I don't have fucking... 22 for Taishen, 21 for Yorner.
Legends of Avantris
Icebound | Ep. 24 | Passage of Rime
Hold on. I am so sorry. I'm so underprepared for this. Where is the... I need one of these. Okay, you said for Tyshen?
Legends of Avantris
Icebound | Ep. 24 | Passage of Rime
And let's quickly roll for monsters. Wow. That's unfortunate.
Legends of Avantris
Icebound | Ep. 24 | Passage of Rime
Oh, okay. It would have been clawing at the web. What would it have had to roll?
Legends of Avantris
Icebound | Ep. 24 | Passage of Rime
It burns up. Is that Taishen's turn? That's Taishen's turn. And he doesn't have any more movement? That's where he is?
Legends of Avantris
Icebound | Ep. 24 | Passage of Rime
Yeah, the only square that's illegal to stand is the actual on the dragon. You could stand here, you could stand on any of these side pieces with the railing being where it is. It's all legal except for that.
Legends of Avantris
Icebound | Ep. 24 | Passage of Rime
Yeah, yeah, yeah. Frozen far out enough that you can no longer see where the ice sheet ends and where the actual ocean would begin this far south.
Legends of Avantris
Icebound | Ep. 24 | Passage of Rime
Okay, and that's how much damage they got, and I'm also going to put a little burny here, and I'm going to put a little burny here. just to make sure I crack that.
Legends of Avantris
Icebound | Ep. 24 | Passage of Rime
Okay, it continues to be on fire, screaming, screaming, screaming, and it is, Yornir, you're still hearing all of this jabber. You all hear just screams and grunts and breathy words coming out, but Yornir.
Legends of Avantris
Icebound | Ep. 24 | Passage of Rime
Defilers of the Cold Maiden, they're screaming as they are continuing to chase after you more and more, but it is not able to break free. The other two, however, are going to advance onto the ship, one towards Barnabas and Queenie, and the other towards your ear. They crawl up and onto the ship, and they are there now.
Legends of Avantris
Icebound | Ep. 24 | Passage of Rime
Oh no! And two attacks on Barnabas. That's going to be a 26 to hit.
Legends of Avantris
Icebound | Ep. 24 | Passage of Rime
And another one on you. That's gonna be another 26. Wow, I rolled really great for those. And then a bite attack on Queenie. That's going to be a 15 to hit. That misses. That misses. Okay, so it's just going to be two of these guys. Do you have leather armor?
Legends of Avantris
Icebound | Ep. 24 | Passage of Rime
No. You're going to take 13 flashing damage. Uh-huh. 13 slashing damage, plus 10 cold damage.
Legends of Avantris
Icebound | Ep. 24 | Passage of Rime
You take some of the cold damage, so I need you to make a constitution saving throw. Let's count.
Legends of Avantris
Icebound | Ep. 24 | Passage of Rime
You feel the coldest you've ever felt. This creature is made of ice. It is literally something that survives underneath the mountains of Drakkar, and you will have disadvantage on your attack rolls until the end of your next turn.
Legends of Avantris
Icebound | Ep. 24 | Passage of Rime
That's the conclusion of their turns as they scream and tear in. Scrim, you're up.
Long Winded with Gabby Windey
this one's for the bandwagon
The following podcast is a Dear Media production.
Long Winded with Gabby Windey
this one's for the bandwagon
Please note that this episode may contain paid endorsements and advertisements for products and services. Individuals on the show may have a direct or indirect financial interest in products or services referred to in this episode.
Long Winded with Gabby Windey
Role play and feminism with Sarah Schauer
The following podcast is a Dear Media production.
Long Winded with Gabby Windey
Role play and feminism with Sarah Schauer
You may know me from Days of Our Lives, Melrose Place, Real Housewives of Beverly Hills.
Long Winded with Gabby Windey
Role play and feminism with Sarah Schauer
That's right. But there's a lot more to us than what you've seen on screen, let me tell you.
Long Winded with Gabby Windey
Role play and feminism with Sarah Schauer
We have some crazy stories to tell. And on this podcast, we're going to own it, baby.
Long Winded with Gabby Windey
Role play and feminism with Sarah Schauer
Follow the show wherever you get your podcasts so you don't miss a thing.
Long Winded with Gabby Windey
Details of Mr President's spray tan and the elusive prostate exam
The following podcast is a Dear Media production.
Long Winded with Gabby Windey
Details of Mr President's spray tan and the elusive prostate exam
Are you recording me?
Long Winded with Gabby Windey
Details of Mr President's spray tan and the elusive prostate exam
This is my first time. I'm kind of nervous. Wait, did you say come together?
Long Winded with Gabby Windey
Details of Mr President's spray tan and the elusive prostate exam
Hey, I'm Erin Danalici and this is my husband, Abe. Hey. We've been married for over 10 years. We have almost four kids and we've started and survived more businesses than we can count.
Long Winded with Gabby Windey
Details of Mr President's spray tan and the elusive prostate exam
Reality TV, that's just part of our story. But TV has limits and this show doesn't.
Long Winded with Gabby Windey
Details of Mr President's spray tan and the elusive prostate exam
Nothing is off the table because let's be real, if you're not coming together, you're probably falling apart.
Long Winded with Gabby Windey
El*n m*sk n skid marks
Please note that this episode may contain paid endorsements and advertisements for products and services. Individuals on the show may have a direct or indirect financial interest in products or services referred to in this episode.
Lords of Death
Bind. Torture. Kill. - ‘Monster’ Returns
Someone killed four members of a family, two children and two adults. That was shocking. It just didn't happen here.
Lords of Death
Bind. Torture. Kill. - ‘Monster’ Returns
He went to a local church. He was in charge of the congregation. He was going to the grocery store with us. He was going to the movies with us. I would have never guessed that. He was the guy next door.
Lords of Death
Bind. Torture. Kill. - ‘Monster’ Returns
From the creators of Atlanta Monster comes the next installment in the Monster franchise. iHeart Podcasts and Tenderfoot present Monster BTK. The first two episodes are available wide on January 13th, along with the first six episodes on our subscription service, True Crime Plus. Listen on the iHeartRadio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts.
Lords of Death
Bind. Torture. Kill. - ‘Monster’ Returns
He wanted underwear, clothing that he would steal in the neighborhood. He was certainly a peeping Tom, looking through the windows, looking at people, fantasizing about what he could do.
Lords of Death
Bind. Torture. Kill. - ‘Monster’ Returns
He would imagine creating what he called girl traps, where they would be totally helpless. He would have complete control and domination over them.
Lords of Death
Bind. Torture. Kill. - ‘Monster’ Returns
He liked the appearance of bondage, where someone is stuck, someone's in control, someone can't get away. As he began to age, he then began entering the houses.
Lords of Death
Bind. Torture. Kill. - ‘Monster’ Returns
He felt very powerful. He could get into their home, take something, and get out and not be caught. People were not there, but he would stand in their home. He felt that sense of violation.
Mick Unplugged
Uncovering Hidden Money Triggers: Bob Wheeler's Financial Insights
Thank you for tuning in to Mick Unplugged. Keep pushing your limits, embracing your purpose, and chasing greatness. Until next time, stay unstoppable.
Mick Unplugged
Uncovering Hidden Money Triggers: Bob Wheeler's Financial Insights
Welcome to Mick Unplugged, where we ignite potential and fuel purpose. Get ready for raw insights, bold moves, and game-changing conversations. Buckle up. Here's Mick.
Mick Unplugged
The Jason Aron Effect: Bridging Worlds of Film, Sports, and Culture
Welcome to Mick Unplugged, the number one podcast for self-improvement, leadership, and relentless growth. No fluff, no filters, just hard-hitting truths, unstoppable strategies, and the mindset shifts that separate the best from the rest. Ready to break limits? Let's go.
Mick Unplugged
The Jason Aron Effect: Bridging Worlds of Film, Sports, and Culture
Thanks for tuning in to this episode of Mick Unplugged. If today hits you hard, then imagine what's next. Be sure to subscribe, rate, and share this with someone who needs it. And most of all, make a plan and take action because the next level is already waiting for you. Have a question or insight to share? Send us an email to hello at mickunplugged.com.
Mick Unplugged
The Jason Aron Effect: Bridging Worlds of Film, Sports, and Culture
Until next time, ask yourself how you can step up.
Mick Unplugged
Reinventing Ross Mandell: Success, Second Chances, and Redemption
Thank you for tuning in to Mic Unplugged. Keep pushing your limits, embracing your purpose, and chasing greatness. Until next time, stay unstoppable.
Mick Unplugged
Reinventing Ross Mandell: Success, Second Chances, and Redemption
Welcome to Mick Unplugged, where we ignite potential and fuel purpose. Get ready for raw insights, bold moves, and game-changing conversations. Buckle up. Here's Mick.
Mick Unplugged
Josh Drean: His Vision on AI and Culture
Thank you for tuning in to Mick Unplugged. Keep pushing your limits, embracing your purpose, and chasing greatness. Until next time, stay unstoppable.
Mick Unplugged
Josh Drean: His Vision on AI and Culture
Welcome to Mick Unplugged, where we ignite potential and fuel purpose. Get ready for raw insights, bold moves, and game-changing conversations. Buckle up. Here's Mick.
Mick Unplugged
Jeff Krauss on Building Experiences and Celebrity Connections
Thank you for tuning in to Make Unplugged. Keep pushing your limits, embracing your purpose, and chasing greatness. Until next time, stay unstoppable.
Mick Unplugged
Jeff Krauss on Building Experiences and Celebrity Connections
Welcome to Mic Unplugged, where we ignite potential and fuel purpose. Get ready for raw insights, bold moves, and game-changing conversations. Buckle up. Here's Mic.
Mind Pump: Raw Fitness Truth
2547: Stop Trying to Get Your Kids in Shape! Do This Instead!
If you want to pump your body and expand your mind, there's only one place to go. Mind Pump. Mind Pump.
Mind Pump: Raw Fitness Truth
2547: Stop Trying to Get Your Kids in Shape! Do This Instead!
Got some questions here. The first one is, I have dual custody and my ex doesn't agree with my approach to health and fitness. How do you suggest navigating this?
Mind Pump: Raw Fitness Truth
2547: Stop Trying to Get Your Kids in Shape! Do This Instead!
My kids are picky eaters. Do you have any strategies?
Mind Pump: Raw Fitness Truth
2547: Stop Trying to Get Your Kids in Shape! Do This Instead!
What are some healthy snack ideas for on the go?
Mind Pump: Raw Fitness Truth
2547: Stop Trying to Get Your Kids in Shape! Do This Instead!
Any kind of protein.
Mind Pump: Raw Fitness Truth
2547: Stop Trying to Get Your Kids in Shape! Do This Instead!
Thank you for listening to MindPump. If your goal is to build and shape your body, dramatically improve your health and energy, and maximize your overall performance, check out our discounted RGB Super Bundle at MindPumpMedia.com. The RGB Super Bundle includes MAPS Anabolic, MAPS Performance, and MAPS Aesthetic.
Mind Pump: Raw Fitness Truth
2547: Stop Trying to Get Your Kids in Shape! Do This Instead!
Nine months of phased expert exercise programming designed by Sal, Adam, and Justin to systematically transform the way your body looks, feels, and performs. With detailed workout blueprints and over 200 videos, the RGB Super Bundle is like having Sal, Adam, and Justin as your own personal trainers but at a fraction of the price. The RGB Super Bundle has a full 30-day money-back guarantee
Mind Pump: Raw Fitness Truth
2547: Stop Trying to Get Your Kids in Shape! Do This Instead!
and you can get it now plus other valuable free resources at mindpumpmedia.com. If you enjoy this show, please share the love by leaving us a five-star rating and review on iTunes and by introducing Mind Pump to your friends and family. We thank you for your support, and until next time, this is Mind Pump.
Mind Pump: Raw Fitness Truth
2545: Transform Your Body in 90 Days
If you want to pump your body and expand your mind, there's only one place to go. Mind Pump. Mind Pump.
Mind Pump: Raw Fitness Truth
2545: Transform Your Body in 90 Days
Thank you for listening to Mind Pump. If your goal is to build and shape your body, dramatically improve your health and energy, and maximize your overall performance, check out our discounted RGB Super Bundle at mindpumpmedia.com. The RGB Super Bundle includes MAPS Anabolic, MAPS Performance, and MAPS Aesthetic.
Mind Pump: Raw Fitness Truth
2545: Transform Your Body in 90 Days
Nine months of phased expert exercise programming designed by Sal, Adam, and Justin to systematically transform the way your body looks, feels, and performs. With detailed workout blueprints and over 200 videos, the RGB Super Bundle is like having Sal, Adam, and Justin as your own personal trainers, but at a fraction of the price. The RGB Super Bundle has a full 30-day money-back guarantee
Mind Pump: Raw Fitness Truth
2545: Transform Your Body in 90 Days
And you can get it now plus other valuable free resources at mindpumpmedia.com. If you enjoy this show, please share the love by leaving us a five-star rating and review on iTunes and by introducing Mind Pump to your friends and family. We thank you for your support. And until next time, this is Mind Pump.
Mind Pump: Raw Fitness Truth
2538: The Pros & Cons of Group Fitness Coaching & More (Listener Coaching)
If you want to pump your body and expand your mind, there's only one place to go. Mind Pump. Mind Pump. With your hosts, Sal DiStefano, Adam Schaefer, and Justin Andrews.
Morbid
Listen Now: Scam Factory
Two-story concrete buildings all painted in a stark shade of white. Glaring fluorescent lights pouring out of the windows and doors. On the first floor was where they spent long hours, day and night, scamming. On the second was where they slept in cheap metal bunk beds. The roofs were studded with floodlights that only added to the prison feel. She looked down at the concrete beneath her feet.
Morbid
Listen Now: Scam Factory
Such a sad contrast to the adventures on Thai beaches she thought she'd be having when she first met Charlie. A hush spread through the group as the boss began to speak. Beside him was a team leader and two translators. The boss started with an announcement. They were changing up the payment structure. It would now be tiered based on how much they were able to scam.
Morbid
Listen Now: Scam Factory
But if you did not scam, you will only get $300. But if you were like Jella, this was terrible news. Jella was awful at scamming, like truly awful. She'd never gotten good at the dirty talk. She'd only gotten three clients to take it to video chat. But none of them were successfully blackmailed. She'd been moved over to another group with a new assignment.
Morbid
Listen Now: Scam Factory
Scam people into buying things from a fake Amazon store. That hadn't gone any better. So she'd been sent to yet another group. This time, someone else was doing the scamming. Jella just served as a warm body on camera for video calls.
Morbid
Listen Now: Scam Factory
Her coworkers would tell her what to say. And using an AI filter to alter her face, Jella would deliver her lines to the target. She didn't like doing this either. And now, she was being told that her already meager salary would be tied to her poor performance. Jella's anxiety shot through the roof. But that wasn't all.
Morbid
Listen Now: Scam Factory
Her team leaders told them there would be harsher consequences for not meeting quota.
Morbid
Listen Now: Scam Factory
Duck walking, where grown adults are forced to squat and walk across the field while everyone watched. It was humiliating. She did not want to do this. All Jello could think about was how much she fucking hated this place, how angry she was at Charlie, how desperately she wanted to get out. And then, one more update.
Morbid
Listen Now: Scam Factory
A different compound? Jello was in a full-on panic now as her bosses explained that they were being transferred to another company. This new company operated out of a compound next door.
Morbid
Listen Now: Scam Factory
Jella was freaking out. She'd heard rumors about this other compound.
Morbid
Listen Now: Scam Factory
Jella had heard they beat their workers with electric batons and paddles to punish those that didn't meet quota. With her track record, Jella knew she was doomed.
Morbid
Listen Now: Scam Factory
Jella kept her eye on the clock, counting down the minutes until 1 a.m. and the end of her shift. She couldn't wait to get to bed. Jella and her teammates began to gather their things to leave. But their team leader told them, not so fast. Everyone needed to go out to the yard.
Morbid
Listen Now: Scam Factory
With the boss, the team leader, and the translators. This was never good news. Jelena and her nine coworkers made their way outside. The yard was kind of like a quad on a college campus, except with the guards around, it gave more prison yard vibes. They lined up, five in each row. Jella stood at the front of the line. She looked around.
Morbid
Introducing: Law & Crime’s LUIGI
A box of medical masks, a seemingly mundane detail, yet one that completed the picture of a man on the run. and a U.S. passport that confirmed his real name, Luigi Mangione. As investigators pieced together the evidence, it became clear Mangione wasn't just another anonymous face in a fast food restaurant.
Morbid
Introducing: Law & Crime’s LUIGI
He was the prime suspect in the murder of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson, and the manhunt that had gripped the nation had finally come to an end. And to the authorities, this was definitely the guy they say shot Brian Thompson.
Morbid
Introducing: Law & Crime’s LUIGI
The NYPD, working in lockstep with the FBI and the Manhattan District Attorney's Office, immediately dispatched detectives to Altoona.
Morbid
Introducing: Law & Crime’s LUIGI
And for the American people, the unmasking of Luigi Mangione slowly began to expose another massive issue. On platforms like X, TikTok, and Reddit, initial reactions were a mix of shock, outrage, and conspiracy theories.
Morbid
Introducing: Law & Crime’s LUIGI
Many were horrified by the apparent cold-blooded murder of a corporate executive in broad daylight, while others speculated about Mangione's alleged motives, digging through his digital footprint in search of clues. As more details about Mangione's background surfaced, including his criticisms of corporate greed and the healthcare industry, a segment of the internet began to lionize him.
Morbid
Introducing: Law & Crime’s LUIGI
Following his arrest in Altoona, Luigi Mangione found himself facing a series of serious charges in Blair County.
Morbid
Introducing: Law & Crime’s LUIGI
Prosecutors wasted no time charging him with multiple offenses the day of his arrest, including carrying a firearm without a license, forgery, false identification to law enforcement and possession of instruments of crime. Luigi Mangione's first appearance in Blair County Court on December 10th, 2024, was anything but quiet.
Morbid
Introducing: Law & Crime’s LUIGI
As he was led into the courthouse in Hollidaysburg wearing shackles and an orange jumpsuit, cameras flashed while reporters shouted questions. But it was Mangione's own voice that cut through the noise. Completely untouched, and the impulse of the intelligence of the American people is like experience. He barked at the press, his frustration unmistakable.
Morbid
Introducing: Law & Crime’s LUIGI
He carried himself with an air of defiance, but once inside the courtroom, his demeanor shifted. Seated before the judge, Mangione answered in short, clipped responses. His defense attorney, Thomas M. Dickey, leaned in often, the two whispering in hushed tones. Behind him, a row of NYPD officers sat like a wall of silent enforcers, their presence a reminder that New York was waiting.
Morbid
Introducing: Law & Crime’s LUIGI
A falsified New Jersey driver's license under the name Mark Rosario hinted at an attempt to hide his true identity, the same alias he had used when checking into a New York City hostel before his arrest. A stash of cash totaling $10,000, including $2,000 in foreign currency, as if he had been perhaps preparing for a swift escape.
Morbid
Episode 641: Listener Tales 94
Behind the closed doors of government offices and military compounds, there are hidden stories and buried secrets from the darkest corners of history. From covert experiments pushing the boundaries of science, to operations so secretive they were barely whispered about.
Morbid
Episode 641: Listener Tales 94
Each week on Redacted Declassified Mysteries, we pull back the curtain on these hidden histories, 100% true and verifiable stories that expose the shadowy underbelly of power. Consider Operation Paperclip, where former Nazi scientists were brought to America after World War II, not as prisoners, but as assets to advance U.S. intelligence during the Cold War.
Morbid
Episode 641: Listener Tales 94
These aren't just old conspiracy theories. They're thoroughly investigated accounts that reveal the uncomfortable truths still shaping our world today. The stories are real. The secrets are shocking. Follow Redacted Declassified Mysteries on the Wondery app or wherever you get your podcasts. You can listen to Redacted early and ad-free right now on Wondery+.
Morbid
Episode 649: Listener Tales 95: Sleepover Edition
You're listening to a Morbid Network podcast.
Morbid
Episode 649: Listener Tales 95: Sleepover Edition
Scam Factory, the explosive new true crime podcast from Wondery, exposes a multi-billion dollar criminal empire. Every suspicious text you ignore masks a huge network of compounds where thousands are held captive and forced to scam others under the threat of death. Follow Scam Factory on the Wondery app or wherever you get your podcasts.
Morbid
Episode 649: Listener Tales 95: Sleepover Edition
Are you captivated by the dark and mysterious world of true crime? Wondery Plus offers you the ultimate true crime experience with early access to new episodes, exclusive content, and a seamless ad-free listening journey.
Morbid
Episode 649: Listener Tales 95: Sleepover Edition
With Wondery Plus, you'll get access to hundreds of podcasts, including more than 50 true crime series like Dr. Death, the shocking true story of a trusted surgeon who brought unimaginable pain and suffering to his patients.
Morbid
Episode 649: Listener Tales 95: Sleepover Edition
This was not an operation that was performed. This was attempted murder.
Morbid
Episode 649: Listener Tales 95: Sleepover Edition
And there's Morbid, the hit podcast that's a lighthearted nightmare. With Wondery+, you get access to exclusive bonus content too, allowing you to dive deeper into the cases you love. Like in Suspect, where an ordinary Halloween party turned into a terrifying murder mystery that left its mark on the community. This case is one of those roller coaster rides where it's like, no, he did it for sure.
Morbid
Episode 649: Listener Tales 95: Sleepover Edition
No, for sure he did it. Each story is crafted to keep you enthralled, revealing the complexities and motivations behind every crime. Subscribe to Wondery Plus on the Wondery app, Apple Podcasts, or Spotify today. Unlock the door to a world of true crime like never before. With Wondery Plus, the best true crime stories are always at your fingertips.
Morbid
Episode 666: Episode 666 - Listener Tales of the Beast
You're listening to a Morbid Network podcast. When a young woman named Desiree vanishes without a trace, the trail leads to Cat Torres, a charismatic influencer with millions of followers. But behind the glamorous posts and inspirational quotes, a sinister truth unravels. Binge all episodes of Don't Cross Cat early and ad-free on Wondery+.
Morbid
Episode 637: The Bobbed Haired Bandit
Behind the closed doors of government offices and military compounds, there are hidden stories and buried secrets from the darkest corners of history. From covert experiments pushing the boundaries of science to operations so secretive they were barely whispered about.
Morbid
Episode 637: The Bobbed Haired Bandit
Each week on Redacted Declassified Mysteries, we pull back the curtain on these hidden histories, 100% true and verifiable stories that expose the shadowy underbelly of power. Consider Operation Paperclip, where former Nazi scientists were brought to America after World War II, not as prisoners, but as assets to advance U.S. intelligence during the Cold War.
Morbid
Episode 637: The Bobbed Haired Bandit
These aren't just old conspiracy theories. They're thoroughly investigated accounts that reveal the uncomfortable truths still shaping our world today. The stories are real. The secrets are shocking. Follow Redacted Declassified Mysteries on the Wondery app or wherever you get your podcasts. You can listen to Redacted early and ad-free right now on Wondery+.
Morbid
Episode 653: Spooky Lakes (Volume 2)
Scam Factory, the explosive new true crime podcast from Wondery, exposes a multi-billion dollar criminal empire. Every suspicious text you ignore masks a huge network of compounds where thousands are held captive and forced to scam others under the threat of death. Follow Scam Factory on the Wondery app or wherever you get your podcasts.
Morbid
Episode 653: Spooky Lakes (Volume 2)
Are you captivated by the dark and mysterious world of true crime? Wondery Plus offers you the ultimate true crime experience with early access to new episodes, exclusive content, and a seamless ad-free listening journey.
Morbid
Episode 653: Spooky Lakes (Volume 2)
With Wondery Plus, you'll get access to hundreds of podcasts, including more than 50 true crime series like Dr. Death, the shocking true story of a trusted surgeon who brought unimaginable pain and suffering to his patients.
Morbid
Episode 653: Spooky Lakes (Volume 2)
This was not an operation that was performed. This was attempted murder.
Morbid
Episode 653: Spooky Lakes (Volume 2)
And there's Morbid, the hit podcast that's a lighthearted nightmare. With Wondery+, you get access to exclusive bonus content too, allowing you to dive deeper into the cases you love. Like in Suspect, where an ordinary Halloween party turned into a terrifying murder mystery and left its mark on the community. This case is one of those roller coaster rides where it's like, no, he did it for sure.
Morbid
Episode 653: Spooky Lakes (Volume 2)
No, for sure he did it. Each story is crafted to keep you enthralled, revealing the complexities and motivations behind every crime. Subscribe to Wondery Plus on the Wondery app, Apple Podcasts, or Spotify today. Unlock the door to a world of true crime like never before. With Wondery Plus, the best true crime stories are always at your fingertips.
Morbid
Episode 633: Listener Tales 93
Calling all dog owners! Your furry friend deserves top-notch nourishment, and Ollie delivers the clean, fresh nutrition your dog needs in five flavors they'll absolutely flip over. Ollie is made in U.S. kitchens, with ingredients carefully sourced from trusted growers and producers around the world, with absolutely no harmful fillers or preservatives.
Morbid
Episode 633: Listener Tales 93
With protein-first recipes like fresh beef with sweet potatoes, fresh turkey with blueberries, or fresh lamb with cranberries, you might start thinking, dang, my dog eats better than I do. And that's probably true when it comes to Ollie. Give your pup a fresh start this new year by letting them taste test a personalized meal plan with Ollie. Head to Ollie.com slash Wondery.
Morbid
Episode 633: Listener Tales 93
Tell them all about your dog and use code WONDERY to get 60% off your first box of meals when you subscribe today. Plus, they offer a clean bowl guarantee on the first box. So if you're not completely satisfied, you'll get your money back. That's O-L-L-I-E dot com slash Wondery. And enter code Wondery to get 60% off your first box. Start your dog's new year off right with Ollie.
Morbid
Episode 633: Listener Tales 93
Start your dog's new year off right with Ollie. If you've ever considered a career as a licensed funeral director, Fine Mortuary College's online associate degree program can be completed in just two years. Fine Mortuary College provides an inclusive, engaging, and innovative educational experience that challenges and prepares tomorrow's funeral service professionals.
Morbid
Episode 633: Listener Tales 93
Being a funeral director is about human services, helping people, specifically helping the living as they navigate the grieving process. The curriculum focuses on all aspects of funeral service, including the psychology, science, and business requirements of the profession. To attend a virtual open house, please visit their website at www.fmc.edu and RSVP for the date that best fits your schedule.
Morbid
Episode 633: Listener Tales 93
At approximately 9 o'clock this morning, as law enforcement was moving through various sectors of the property, an individual, without warning, shot a Georgia State Patrol trooper.
Morbid
Episode 659: The Unsolved Murder of Kristin O’Connell
You're listening to a Morbid Network podcast. When a young woman named Desiree vanishes without a trace, the trail leads to Kat Torres, a charismatic influencer with millions of followers. But behind the glamorous posts and inspirational quotes, a sinister truth unravels. Binge all episodes of Don't Cross Kat early and ad-free on Wondery+.
Morbid
Episode 659: The Unsolved Murder of Kristin O’Connell
Everyone has that friend who seems kind of perfect. For Patty, that friend was Desiree.
Morbid
Episode 659: The Unsolved Murder of Kristin O’Connell
Desiree was gone. And there was one person who knew the answer.
Morbid
Episode 659: The Unsolved Murder of Kristin O’Connell
A gorgeous Brazilian influencer called Cat Torres. But who was hiding a secret? From Wondery, based on my smash hit podcast from Brazil, comes a new series, Don't Cross Cat, about a search that led me to a mystery in a Texas suburb.
Morbid
Episode 659: The Unsolved Murder of Kristin O’Connell
I'm Chico Felitti. You can listen to Don't Cross Cat on the Wondery app or wherever you get your podcasts.
Morbid
Episode 648: A Deeper Dive into the Murder of Elizabeth Short (Part 2)
You're listening to a Morbid Network podcast.
Morbid
Episode 648: A Deeper Dive into the Murder of Elizabeth Short (Part 2)
Scam Factory, the explosive new true crime podcast from Wondery, exposes a multi-billion dollar criminal empire. Every suspicious text you ignore masks a huge network of compounds where thousands are held captive and forced to scam others under the threat of death. Follow Scam Factory on the Wondery app or wherever you get your podcasts.
Morbid
Episode 648: A Deeper Dive into the Murder of Elizabeth Short (Part 2)
Are you captivated by the dark and mysterious world of true crime? Wondery Plus offers you the ultimate true crime experience with early access to new episodes, exclusive content, and a seamless ad-free listening journey.
Morbid
Episode 648: A Deeper Dive into the Murder of Elizabeth Short (Part 2)
With Wondery Plus, you'll get access to hundreds of podcasts, including more than 50 true crime series like Dr. Death, the shocking true story of a trusted surgeon who brought unimaginable pain and suffering to his patients.
Morbid
Episode 648: A Deeper Dive into the Murder of Elizabeth Short (Part 2)
And there's Morbid, the hit podcast that's a lighthearted nightmare. With Wondery+, you get access to exclusive bonus content too, allowing you to dive deeper into the cases you love. Like in Suspect, where an ordinary Halloween party turned into a terrifying murder mystery that left its mark on the community. This case is one of those roller coaster rides where it's like, no, he did it for sure.
Morbid
Episode 648: A Deeper Dive into the Murder of Elizabeth Short (Part 2)
No, for sure he did it. Each story is crafted to keep you enthralled, revealing the complexities and motivations behind every crime. Subscribe to Wondery Plus on the Wondery app, Apple Podcasts, or Spotify today. Unlock the door to a world of true crime like never before. With Wondery Plus, the best true crime stories are always at your fingertips.
Morbid
Episode 661: Herbert Mullin: The Killer Hippie (Part 2)
You're listening to a Morbid Network podcast. When a young woman named Desiree vanishes without a trace, the trail leads to Kat Torres, a charismatic influencer with millions of followers. But behind the glamorous posts and inspirational quotes, a sinister truth unravels. Binge all episodes of Don't Cross Kat early and ad-free on Wondery+.
Morbid
Episode 661: Herbert Mullin: The Killer Hippie (Part 2)
Are you captivated by the dark and mysterious world of true crime? Wondery Plus offers you the ultimate true crime experience with early access to new episodes, exclusive content, and a seamless ad-free listening journey.
Morbid
Episode 661: Herbert Mullin: The Killer Hippie (Part 2)
With Wondery Plus, you'll get access to hundreds of podcasts, including more than 50 true crime series like Doctor Death, the shocking true story of a trusted surgeon who brought unimaginable pain and suffering to his patients. This was not an operation that was performed. This was attempted murder. And there's Morbid, the hit podcast that's a lighthearted nightmare.
Morbid
Episode 661: Herbert Mullin: The Killer Hippie (Part 2)
With Wondery Plus, you get access to exclusive bonus content, too, allowing you to dive deeper into the cases you love, like in Suspect, where an ordinary Halloween party turned into a terrifying murder mystery that left its mark on the community. This case is one of those roller coaster rides where it's like, no, he did it for sure. No, for sure he did it.
Morbid
Episode 661: Herbert Mullin: The Killer Hippie (Part 2)
Each story is crafted to keep you enthralled, revealing the complexities and motivations behind every crime. Subscribe to Wondery Plus on the Wondery app, Apple Podcasts, or Spotify today. Unlock the door to a world of true crime like never before. With Wondery Plus, the best true crime stories are always at your fingertips.
Morbid
Episode 634: Michael and Suzan Carson: San Francisco Witch Killers
You're listening to a Morbid Network podcast.
Morbid
Episode 634: Michael and Suzan Carson: San Francisco Witch Killers
Behind the closed doors of government offices and military compounds, there are hidden stories and buried secrets from the darkest corners of history. From covert experiments pushing the boundaries of science to operations so secretive they were barely whispered about.
Morbid
Episode 634: Michael and Suzan Carson: San Francisco Witch Killers
Each week on Redacted Declassified Mysteries, we pull back the curtain on these hidden histories, 100% true and verifiable stories that expose the shadowy underbelly of power. Consider Operation Paperclip, where former Nazi scientists were brought to America after World War II, not as prisoners, but as assets to advance U.S. intelligence during the Cold War.
Morbid
Episode 634: Michael and Suzan Carson: San Francisco Witch Killers
These aren't just old conspiracy theories. They're thoroughly investigated accounts that reveal the uncomfortable truths still shaping our world today. The stories are real. The secrets are shocking. Follow Redacted Declassified Mysteries on the Wondery app or wherever you get your podcasts. You can listen to Redacted early and ad-free right now on Wondery+.
Morbid
Episode 650: Plagues of Hysteria with Andrew McMahon
Scam Factory, the explosive new true crime podcast from Wondery, exposes a multi-billion dollar criminal empire. Every suspicious text you ignore masks a huge network of compounds where thousands are held captive and forced to scam others under the threat of death. Follow Scam Factory on the Wondery app or wherever you get your podcasts.
Morbid
Episode 642: Rodney Alcala: The Dating Game Killer (Part 2)
You're listening to a Morbid Network podcast.
Morbid
Episode 642: Rodney Alcala: The Dating Game Killer (Part 2)
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Morbid
Episode 642: Rodney Alcala: The Dating Game Killer (Part 2)
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Morning Wire
SCOTUS Trump Wins & Stock Market Tariff Turbulence | 4.9.25
Until then, over 41,000 businesses have future-proofed themselves with NetSuite by Oracle, bringing accounting, inventory, HR, and financial management into one platform. With real-time insights, you're closing your books in days, not weeks. Here at The Daily Wire, we're proud to partner with NetSuite because they're leading the way.
Morning Wire
SCOTUS Trump Wins & Stock Market Tariff Turbulence | 4.9.25
Speaking of leading the way, download the CFO's guide to AI and machine learning at netsuite.com slash morningwire. This guide is free to you at netsuite.com slash morningwire. Again, that's netsuite.com slash morningwire.
Morning Wire
SCOTUS Trump Wins & Stock Market Tariff Turbulence | 4.9.25
I think you're going to see a couple of big trading partners do deals very quickly.
Morning Wire
SCOTUS Trump Wins & Stock Market Tariff Turbulence | 4.9.25
Have we seen one of the worst drops in the stock market in over 35 years?
Morning Wire
SCOTUS Trump Wins & Stock Market Tariff Turbulence | 4.9.25
Did you know that Fast Growing Trees is the biggest online nursery in the U.S. with thousands of different plants and over 2 million happy customers? This spring, they have the best deals for your yard, up to half off on select plants and other deals. And listeners to our show get 15% off their first purchase when using code WIRE at checkout.
Morning Wire
SCOTUS Trump Wins & Stock Market Tariff Turbulence | 4.9.25
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Morning Wire
Trump’s Auto Tariff Relief & ABC Braces for Layoffs | Afternoon Update | 3.5.25
Many viewers said they felt hopeful and proud, with strong approval for Trump's plans on immigration, government spending, and the Russia-Ukraine conflict. Majority also believed he accurately described crime in the US and had a clear strategy for lowering prices.
Morning Wire
Trump’s Auto Tariff Relief & ABC Braces for Layoffs | Afternoon Update | 3.5.25
China is saber-rattling following Trump's new tariffs, which took effect earlier this week.
Morning Wire
Trump’s Auto Tariff Relief & ABC Braces for Layoffs | Afternoon Update | 3.5.25
A sharp drop in mortgage rates has sparked a surge in loan demand. Mortgage applications reached the biggest increase in months last week. As we head into home buying season, total mortgage applications leapt up to 20.4% last week, while refinancing applications soared to 37% and purchase applications rose 9%.
Morning Wire
Trump’s Auto Tariff Relief & ABC Braces for Layoffs | Afternoon Update | 3.5.25
The decline in rates comes amid some economic uncertainty tied to new tariffs on imports from China, Canada, and Mexico. which some fear could drive up home prices, especially for new construction.
Morning Wire
Trump’s Auto Tariff Relief & ABC Braces for Layoffs | Afternoon Update | 3.5.25
During Trump's speech last night, Democrats remained seated for most of the time, including when Trump honored several regular Americans in attendance. One of those was volleyball player Peyton McNabb. McNabb suffered severe injuries after a spike to the face from a male player who was allowed to play for a girls team.
Morning Wire
Trump’s Auto Tariff Relief & ABC Braces for Layoffs | Afternoon Update | 3.5.25
Trump praised McNabb's advocacy for women's sports and reiterated his pledge to cut federal funding for schools allowing male athletes in female competitions. Morning Wire spoke to McNabb today. Here's what she told us about her ordeal.
Morning Wire
Trump’s Auto Tariff Relief & ABC Braces for Layoffs | Afternoon Update | 3.5.25
All right, there's your drive home updates this afternoon. To learn more about these stories, go to dailywire.com. And in case you missed it this morning, we covered some major stories, including Trump's joint address to Congress and Senate Democrats voting against keeping men out of women's sports. Thanks for tuning in. We'll be back tomorrow morning with another full edition of Morning Wire.
Morning Wire
Trump’s Auto Tariff Relief & ABC Braces for Layoffs | Afternoon Update | 3.5.25
President Trump's joint address last night is getting strong reviews from viewers. Among those who watched, 76% liked what they heard, while just 23% didn't. The speech was described by most watchers as, quote, presidential, inspiring, and unifying.
Morning Wire
Trump’s Joint Address to Congress | 3.5.25
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Morning Wire
Trump’s Joint Address to Congress | 3.5.25
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Morning Wire
Trump Executive Order Blocked & DeepSeek’s Back Door | Afternoon Update | 2.5.25
This episode is brought to you by Beam. Groggy and exhausted is no way to start off your day, which is why we're introducing Beam's Dream Powder, a science-backed, healthy hot cocoa for sleep. Head to shopbeam.com slash wire and use code wire at checkout for up to 40% off.
Morning Wire
Trump Executive Order Blocked & DeepSeek’s Back Door | Afternoon Update | 2.5.25
This episode is brought to you by Black Rifle Coffee. Head to BlackRifleCoffee.com and use code DailyWire for 20% off your purchase. That's BlackRifleCoffee.com, code DailyWire.
Morning Wire
NPR, PBS Heads Testify & Trump’s Voter ID EO | Afternoon Update | 3.26.25
The new message appears to show timing and targets for the strikes. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth insists no classified material was shared. The White House backed up that claim today while accusing the outlet of sensationalizing the leak. Vice President J.D. Vance and other officials maintained the information was already known to allies and not a threat to national security.
Morning Wire
NPR, PBS Heads Testify & Trump’s Voter ID EO | Afternoon Update | 3.26.25
Still, many on the left are calling for heads to roll, demanding that Hegseth and other officials step down. Meanwhile, US intelligence officials, including the heads of the FBI and CIA, testified today on Capitol Hill. Here's Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard.
Morning Wire
NPR, PBS Heads Testify & Trump’s Voter ID EO | Afternoon Update | 3.26.25
The President and National Security Advisor Walz held a press conference yesterday with a clear message. It was a mistake that a reporter was inadvertently added to a signal chat with high-level national security principals having a policy discussion about imminent strikes against the Houthis and the effects of the strike. The National Security Advisor has taken full responsibility for this.
Morning Wire
Signal Snafu & Soda Wars | 3.26.25
Here to discuss is Daily Wire reporter Amanda Prestigiacomo. So Amanda, we've been covering Make America Healthy Again as a movement. What kind of changes could we see to SNAP?
Morning Wire
Signal Snafu & Soda Wars | 3.26.25
And EPA Chief Lee Zeldin is taking swift action to dismantle cumbersome environmental regulations.
Morning Wire
Signal Snafu & Soda Wars | 3.26.25
So about the opposition, what are we seeing in terms of the lobbying effort from the big food companies and soda companies?
Morning Wire
Signal Snafu & Soda Wars | 3.26.25
Right. So there's been a lot of buzz about that online. What are these influencers saying or being paid to say?
Morning Wire
Signal Snafu & Soda Wars | 3.26.25
Well, incredible that the American Heart Association is campaigning for soda. Amanda, thanks for reporting. You're welcome. The second Trump administration could oversee one of the largest shifts in environmental policy in over a decade. EPA chief Lee Zeldin is leading the transition with an aggressive effort to cut extensive climate regulations.
Morning Wire
Signal Snafu & Soda Wars | 3.26.25
Top national security officials were on Capitol Hill yesterday, where lawmakers grilled them on how a journalist was added to a group chat about military operations.
Morning Wire
NSA Chat Crackdown & Bondi Warns Maine | Afternoon Update | 2.26.25
This episode is brought to you by Beam. Grogging exhausted is no way to start off your day, which is why we're introducing Beam's Dream Powder, a science-backed healthy hot cocoa for sleep. Head to shopbeam.com slash wire and use code wire at checkout for up to 40% off.
Morning Wire
NSA Chat Crackdown & Bondi Warns Maine | Afternoon Update | 2.26.25
You can actually trust.
Morning Wire
House Budget Bill Battle & NY’s Wildcat Strike | 2.26.25
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Morning Wire
House Budget Bill Battle & NY’s Wildcat Strike | 2.26.25
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Morning Wire
House Budget Bill Battle & NY’s Wildcat Strike | 2.26.25
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Morning Wire
House Budget Bill Battle & NY’s Wildcat Strike | 2.26.25
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Morning Wire
DOGE to Become Musk-less & Adams Indictment Dismissed | Afternoon Update | 4.2.25
Nashville police released their final report on the Covenant school shooting two years after the deadly incident. The newly released documents reveal the attack was being plotted for up to five years in advance. The 2023 attack by a trans-identifying teen girl left three third graders and three adults dead at the Christian school.
Morning Wire
DOGE to Become Musk-less & Adams Indictment Dismissed | Afternoon Update | 4.2.25
The report states that the shooter did not leave a dedicated manifesto, but did leave behind a cache of writings and documents going back to 2017. Those documents included detailed fantasies about committing a Columbine inspired shooting. Documents also described fantasies about killing her father and her psychiatrist, as well as shooting up a different school in Nashville.
Morning Wire
DOGE to Become Musk-less & Adams Indictment Dismissed | Afternoon Update | 4.2.25
Wilkie Farr and Gallagher became the third high-powered law firm to strike an agreement with the White House on Tuesday. The law firm is another one aligned with Democrats, and Kamala Harris's husband, Doug Imhoff, is a partner at the firm. The firm agreed to end DEI practices and spend $100 million on pro bono legal work for White House-approved causes.
Morning Wire
DOGE to Become Musk-less & Adams Indictment Dismissed | Afternoon Update | 4.2.25
The agreement came after the firm was reportedly warned it would be sanctioned soon by the White House. A post on President Trump's Truth Social account said he is, quote, "...delivering on his promises of eradicating partisan lawfare in America."
Morning Wire
DOGE to Become Musk-less & Adams Indictment Dismissed | Afternoon Update | 4.2.25
All right, those are your drive home updates this afternoon. To learn more about these stories, go to dailywire.com. And in case you missed it this morning, we covered some big stories, including the race for Wisconsin Supreme Court, HHS mass layoffs, and the massive decrease of border crossings under Trump. Thanks for tuning in.
Morning Wire
DOGE to Become Musk-less & Adams Indictment Dismissed | Afternoon Update | 4.2.25
Elon Musk will step back from his Doge duties. President Trump told close advisors and his cabinet that Musk will soon be stepping down from his government role.
Morning Wire
DOGE to Become Musk-less & Adams Indictment Dismissed | Afternoon Update | 4.2.25
We'll be back tomorrow morning with another full edition of Morning Wire.
Morning Wire
DOGE to Become Musk-less & Adams Indictment Dismissed | Afternoon Update | 4.2.25
As three sources told Politico, Trump continues to highly value Musk and his Department of Government Efficiency initiative, but the outlet reports that the two men have agreed that it's about time for Musk to shift focus back to his business ventures and take on a more limited role.
Morning Wire
Trump-Zelenskyy Talk & UPenn’s Federal Funding Paused | Afternoon Update | 3.19.25
This episode is brought to you by Fast Growing Trees. This spring, Fast Growing Trees has the best deals for your yard up to half off on select plants and other deals. And listeners to our show get 15% off their first purchase when using code WIRE at checkout. Offer is valid for a limited time. Terms and conditions may apply.
Morning Wire
Trump-Zelenskyy Talk & UPenn’s Federal Funding Paused | Afternoon Update | 3.19.25
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Morning Wire
Putin Moves Toward Peace & JFK Files Released | 3.19.25
Whether you're a startup founder navigating your first audit or a seasoned professional scaling your GRC program, proving your commitment to security has never been more critical or more complex. Businesses use Vonta to establish trust by automating compliance needs across frameworks like SOC 2 and ISO 7001, centralized security workflows, and proactively manage vendor risk.
Morning Wire
Putin Moves Toward Peace & JFK Files Released | 3.19.25
A new IDC white paper found that Vonta customers achieve $535,000 per year in benefits, and the platform pays for itself in just three months. Get $1,000 off Vonta at Vonta.com slash Morning Wire.
Morning Wire
Putin Moves Toward Peace & JFK Files Released | 3.19.25
The first quarter is doing better than the media is reporting.
Morning Wire
Putin Moves Toward Peace & JFK Files Released | 3.19.25
Did you know that Fast Growing Trees is the biggest online nursery in the U.S. with thousands of different plants and over 2 million happy customers? This spring, they have the best deals for your yard, up to half off on select plants and other deals. And listeners to our show get 15% off their first purchase when using code WIRE at checkout.
Morning Wire
Putin Moves Toward Peace & JFK Files Released | 3.19.25
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Morning Wire
Putin Moves Toward Peace & JFK Files Released | 3.19.25
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Morning Wire
Congestion Toll Controversy & Diddy’s Charge Petition | Afternoon Update | 2.19.25
This episode is brought to you by Balance of Nature. Get your daily dose of fruits and veggies that you can take anywhere. Head to balanceofnature.com and use promo code wire for 35% off your first order as a preferred customer. Plus get a free bottle of fiber and spice. That's balanceofnature.com promo code wire.
Morning Wire
Congestion Toll Controversy & Diddy’s Charge Petition | Afternoon Update | 2.19.25
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Morning Wire
Congestion Toll Controversy & Diddy’s Charge Petition | Afternoon Update | 2.19.25
Supporters argue that the rock opera has always featured unconventional casting, but critics accuse Hollywood of pushing an agenda. After the casting announcement, many took to social media to slam the move. Actor Nick Searcy said, Hollywood is just trolling us now. The production, set for August, marks the first return of musicals to the Hollywood Bowl since the pandemic.
Morning Wire
Congestion Toll Controversy & Diddy’s Charge Petition | Afternoon Update | 2.19.25
They're saying that things are being done are unconstitutional, but what they are doing is unconstitutional. They are guilty of the crime of which they accuse us.
Morning Wire
Inflation Rises & Red Dye No. 3 Banned | Afternoon Update | 1.15.25
This episode is brought to you by Balance of Nature. Don't miss out on the convenience of Balance of Nature fruits and veggie capsules. Head over to balanceofnature.com and use promo code WIRE for 35% off your first order as a preferred customer. Plus, you get a free bottle of fiber and spice. That's balanceofnature.com, promo code WIRE.
Morning Wire
Inflation Rises & Red Dye No. 3 Banned | Afternoon Update | 1.15.25
Netanyahu says the final details are still being ironed out. Multiple mediators say the two parties agreed to a ceasefire in Gaza and the release of dozens of hostages. The deal comes after more than 15 months of war. Under the reported agreement, Hamas will release 33 hostages, including women, children, and the elderly, in exchange for Israel freeing hundreds of Palestinian prisoners.
Morning Wire
Inflation Rises & Red Dye No. 3 Banned | Afternoon Update | 1.15.25
The deal would also provide an opportunity to negotiate the release of the 97 other hostages. The first three hostages are expected to be freed on day one as a gesture of compliance.
Morning Wire
Inflation Rises & Red Dye No. 3 Banned | Afternoon Update | 1.15.25
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Morning Wire
EU, Canada Impose Tariffs & Russia Strikes Ukraine | Afternoon Update | 3.12.25
This episode is brought to you by Old Glory Bank. It's time to put your money where your mouth is when you say America is back. Old Glory Bank supports hardworking Americans, small businesses, and your constitutional rights. No cancel culture, no woke nonsense. Head to oldglorybank.com and be part of something bigger. Again, that's oldglorybank.com.
Morning Wire
EU, Canada Impose Tariffs & Russia Strikes Ukraine | Afternoon Update | 3.12.25
As of right now, the EU tariffs are set to take effect April 1st, with additional duties set to hit the US on April 13th. Meanwhile, Britain is holding off on its own tariffs, but says it will continue to press for a deal.
Morning Wire
EU, Canada Impose Tariffs & Russia Strikes Ukraine | Afternoon Update | 3.12.25
Canadian Finance Minister Dominic LeBlanc says their 25% counter-tariffs, which take effect tomorrow, will hit nearly $30 billion in U.S. goods, including computers, sports equipment, and cast iron products.
Morning Wire
EU, Canada Impose Tariffs & Russia Strikes Ukraine | Afternoon Update | 3.12.25
Earlier in the day, the European Union also imposed counter tariffs on the United States, targeting things like textiles, home appliances, agricultural products, and iconic American products like bourbon, peanut butter, and jeans. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen called the U.S. tariffs disruptive and warned of rising prices and job losses.
Morning Wire
Tulsi Gabbard Confirmed & Cartel Drug Tunnels | Afternoon Update | 2.12.25
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Morning Wire
Tulsi Gabbard Confirmed & Cartel Drug Tunnels | Afternoon Update | 2.12.25
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Morning Wire
Trump Trade War & Defunding the Ivy League | 4.8.25
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Morning Wire
Trump Trade War & Defunding the Ivy League | 4.8.25
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Morning Wire
Trump Trade War & Defunding the Ivy League | 4.8.25
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Trump Trade War & Defunding the Ivy League | 4.8.25
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Morning Wire
Jack Smith Report Blocked & Congestion Toll Avoidance | Afternoon Update | 1.7.25
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Morning Wire
Jack Smith Report Blocked & Congestion Toll Avoidance | Afternoon Update | 1.7.25
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Morning Wire
Jack Smith Report Blocked & Congestion Toll Avoidance | Afternoon Update | 1.7.25
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Morning Wire
Pardon Chauvin Petition Launched & LA Mayor Recall Effort | Afternoon Update | 3.4.25
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Morning Wire
Pardon Chauvin Petition Launched & LA Mayor Recall Effort | Afternoon Update | 3.4.25
Canada, China, and Mexico have hit back after President Trump's new tariffs took effect today. Daily Wire reporter Tim Pearce has the latest.
Morning Wire
Pardon Chauvin Petition Launched & LA Mayor Recall Effort | Afternoon Update | 3.4.25
A recall effort against LA Mayor Karen Bass is officially underway, with organizers launching a website to gather signatures. The movement follows severe backlash over Bass's handling of the January wildfires in Pacific Palisades, which burned thousands of homes and businesses while she was in Ghana, despite fire warnings.
Morning Wire
Pardon Chauvin Petition Launched & LA Mayor Recall Effort | Afternoon Update | 3.4.25
Daily Wire editor Emeritus Ben Shapiro has called on President Trump to pardon former police officer Derek Chauvin. Shapiro argues that evidence does not support Chauvin's conviction in the death of George Floyd. He says that pressure on the jury in the trial, as well as legacy media influence, played a major role in the verdict. Here's Shapiro.
Morning Wire
Pardon Chauvin Petition Launched & LA Mayor Recall Effort | Afternoon Update | 3.4.25
The petition needs signatures from around 15% of LA voters to trigger a special election.
Morning Wire
Pardon Chauvin Petition Launched & LA Mayor Recall Effort | Afternoon Update | 3.4.25
A Senate bill aimed at barring men and boys from competing in female-designated school sports failed to advance last night. Not a single Democrat senator voted in favor of the measure.
Morning Wire
Pardon Chauvin Petition Launched & LA Mayor Recall Effort | Afternoon Update | 3.4.25
The legislation sought to define Title IX protections based on a person's reproductive biology at birth, aligning with President Trump's recent executive order on the issue. Democrats call it divisive and a culture war distraction, while Republicans argue the measure ensures fairness in women's athletics.
Morning Wire
Pardon Chauvin Petition Launched & LA Mayor Recall Effort | Afternoon Update | 3.4.25
And NASA is set to launch its SPHERE-X space observatory this week, aiming to map over 450 million galaxies and unlock the origins of the universe. The nearly $500 million mission will use infrared spectroscopy to analyze the formation of galaxies, the distribution of water in the Milky Way, and the early moments following the Big Bang.
Morning Wire
Pardon Chauvin Petition Launched & LA Mayor Recall Effort | Afternoon Update | 3.4.25
The observatory will lift off from California on Thursday aboard a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket. Scientists say SPHEREX could provide groundbreaking insights into cosmic inflation, which scientists believe shaped the universe billions of years ago.
Morning Wire
Pardon Chauvin Petition Launched & LA Mayor Recall Effort | Afternoon Update | 3.4.25
Daily Wire has launched a petition at PardonDerek.com in an effort to rally support for the dismissal of Chauvin's federal charges. Currently, Derek Chauvin remains in prison where he's serving a 22-and-a-half-year sentence on state charges.
Morning Wire
Trump-Zelensky Fallout & Tariffs Hit Canada, Mexico | 3.4.25
Anytime. Thank you. Here at The Daily Wire, we're proud to partner with NetSuite because they're leading the way. Speaking of leading the way, download the CFO's guide to AI and machine learning at netsuite.com slash morningwire. This guide is free to you at netsuite.com slash morningwire. Again, that's netsuite.com slash morningwire.
Morning Wire
Trump-Zelensky Fallout & Tariffs Hit Canada, Mexico | 3.4.25
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Morning Wire
Trump-Zelensky Fallout & Tariffs Hit Canada, Mexico | 3.4.25
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Morning Wire
Trump’s Military Overhaul & Wall Street’s DeepSeek Disruption | 1.28.25
President Trump is overhauling the U.S. military through sweeping executive action and out of the box appointments.
Morning Wire
Trump’s Military Overhaul & Wall Street’s DeepSeek Disruption | 1.28.25
How else is the president boosting military readiness?
Morning Wire
Trump’s Military Overhaul & Wall Street’s DeepSeek Disruption | 1.28.25
Tech stocks tumbled Monday after a stunning announcement from DeepSeek, an emerging AI powerhouse in China.
Morning Wire
Trump’s Military Overhaul & Wall Street’s DeepSeek Disruption | 1.28.25
Gunfire erupts between Border Patrol and suspected cartel members just days after Trump labels them terrorists.
Morning Wire
Trump’s Military Overhaul & Wall Street’s DeepSeek Disruption | 1.28.25
Here to talk about the latest news on immigration and Trump's criminal crackdown is Daily Wire reporter Tim Pearce. Tim, so first, where was this shootout?
Morning Wire
Trump’s Military Overhaul & Wall Street’s DeepSeek Disruption | 1.28.25
Alarming development, to say the least. And this comes as the Trump crackdown on illegal immigrants is really ramping up, correct?
Morning Wire
Trump’s Military Overhaul & Wall Street’s DeepSeek Disruption | 1.28.25
So an aggressive media campaign that sort of matches its pace on deportations. Tim, thanks for joining us. Thanks for having me. Hey, thank you for listening this morning. We created this show to bring more balance to the national conversation.
Morning Wire
Trump’s Military Overhaul & Wall Street’s DeepSeek Disruption | 1.28.25
If you love our show and stand with that mission, consider subscribing, giving us a five-star rating, and most importantly, sharing our podcast with a friend.
Morning Wire
Black Sea Ceasefire & Signal Leak Hearing | Afternoon Update | 3.25.25
This episode is brought to you by Old Glory Bank. It's time to put your money where your mouth is when you say America is back. Old Glory Bank supports hardworking Americans, small businesses, and your constitutional rights. No cancel culture, no woke nonsense. Head to oldglorybank.com and be part of something bigger. Again, that's oldglorybank.com.
Morning Wire
Black Sea Ceasefire & Signal Leak Hearing | Afternoon Update | 3.25.25
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Morning Wire
Car Maker Invests Big & Snow White Bombs | 3.25.25
In a world where traditional values are under attack, the Candle Club stands as a beacon of truth. Started by a mom who refused to be silenced by cancel culture, the Candle Club is now America's premier conservative candle company. And new limited-time spring scents are here.
Morning Wire
Car Maker Invests Big & Snow White Bombs | 3.25.25
Enjoy fresh fragrance collaborations like Ben Shapiro's Sea Breeze and Sage, Michael Knowles' Wildwood Days, and Matt Walsh's Spring Rain. Live free and smell fancy. Head over to thecandleclub.com today.
Morning Wire
Car Maker Invests Big & Snow White Bombs | 3.25.25
America is back, and it's time to stand with a bank that shares your values. Old Glory Bank. They support hardworking Americans, small businesses, and your constitutional rights. No cancel culture, no woke nonsense. Just a bank that believes in faith, freedom, and the flag. Join the movement today at oldglorybank.com and be part of something bigger.
Morning Wire
Car Maker Invests Big & Snow White Bombs | 3.25.25
Trust the FDIC insured bank that was created to protect your privacy, security, and liberty. That's Old Glory Bank.
Morning Wire
Trump-Macron Ukraine Meeting & Colony Ridge Raided | 2.25.25
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Morning Wire
Trump-Macron Ukraine Meeting & Colony Ridge Raided | 2.25.25
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Morning Wire
Trump-Macron Ukraine Meeting & Colony Ridge Raided | 2.25.25
Jeremy's Razors has crunched the numbers to map out the grim reality of a razorless American revolution. What if the founding fathers never shaved? The results? Horrifying. Suddenly, our founding fathers become a bunch of dirty, unshaven hippies whining about the man. The lesson? Without a damn good shave, history falls apart.
Morning Wire
Trump-Macron Ukraine Meeting & Colony Ridge Raided | 2.25.25
Thankfully, Jeremy's Razors is here to keep jawline sharp in America's golden age, and to honor President's Day, you get 20% off to do it. Great men shave boldly. Get 20% off now at jeremysrazors.com.
Morning Wire
Gulf Coast Blizzard Warning & Ryan Corbett Returns Home | Afternoon Update | 1.21.25
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Morning Wire
Gulf Coast Blizzard Warning & Ryan Corbett Returns Home | Afternoon Update | 1.21.25
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Morning Wire
Gulf Coast Blizzard Warning & Ryan Corbett Returns Home | Afternoon Update | 1.21.25
Eighteen Democrat-led states and two cities have filed a lawsuit to challenge President Trump's executive order ending birthright citizenship. The order is set to take effect on February 19th. The challenging states and cities argue that the move violates the Constitution and longstanding legal precedent.
Morning Wire
Gulf Coast Blizzard Warning & Ryan Corbett Returns Home | Afternoon Update | 1.21.25
But the Trump administration says the policy aims to strengthen national security and immigration enforcement. Here's Trump signing the executive order last night.
Morning Wire
Gulf Coast Blizzard Warning & Ryan Corbett Returns Home | Afternoon Update | 1.21.25
This episode is brought to you by Babbel.
Morning Wire
Gulf Coast Blizzard Warning & Ryan Corbett Returns Home | Afternoon Update | 1.21.25
Volume two of special counsel Jack Smith's report on President Trump has been blocked. Judge Eileen Cannon ruled that releasing details about Trump's classified documents case to Congress could risk prejudice. While Trump's legal team sought to block both volumes, the first volume covering election interference was partially released. Trump has dismissed the findings as a fake report.
Morning Wire
Gulf Coast Blizzard Warning & Ryan Corbett Returns Home | Afternoon Update | 1.21.25
Over the weekend, Morning Wire spoke with Ryan's wife Anna about the ongoing negotiations and how both the Biden and Trump administrations were approaching it. She told a bit about the conditions Ryan has been living in.
Morning Wire
Gulf Coast Blizzard Warning & Ryan Corbett Returns Home | Afternoon Update | 1.21.25
But now he's home, just hours after President Trump took office. A deal was reportedly struck in the final hours of Biden's presidency, which traded a convicted drug trafficker and terrorist for both Corbett and another American, William Wallace McKenty. Corbett's family said the following in a statement, quote,
Morning Wire
Gulf Coast Blizzard Warning & Ryan Corbett Returns Home | Afternoon Update | 1.21.25
Today, our hearts are filled with overwhelming gratitude and praise to God for sustaining Ryan's life and bringing him back home after what has been the most challenging and uncertain 894 days of our lives, unquote. Meanwhile, two more Americans remain in Afghanistan as Taliban prisoners.
Morning Wire
Putin's Partial Ceasefire & Stranded Astronauts Head Home | Afternoon Update | 3.18.25
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Morning Wire
Putin's Partial Ceasefire & Stranded Astronauts Head Home | Afternoon Update | 3.18.25
This episode is brought to you by Old Glory Bank. It's time to put your money where your mouth is when you say America is back. Old Glory Bank supports hardworking Americans, small businesses, and your constitutional rights. No cancel culture, no woke nonsense. Head to oldglorybank.com and be part of something bigger. Again, that's oldglorybank.com.
Morning Wire
Trump-Putin Phone Call & COVID Lab Leak Coverup | 3.18.25
What can we expect from the high-stakes call between the two leaders?
Morning Wire
Trump-Putin Phone Call & COVID Lab Leak Coverup | 3.18.25
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Morning Wire
Trump-Putin Phone Call & COVID Lab Leak Coverup | 3.18.25
Trust the FDIC insured bank that was created to protect your privacy, security, and liberty. That's Old Glory Bank.
Morning Wire
Trump-Putin Phone Call & COVID Lab Leak Coverup | 3.18.25
A showdown over a plane load of suspected Trin de Aragua gang members has pitted immigrant activists against Trump. The administration is moving forward with deportation of over 250 individuals despite legal moves from the ACLU.
Morning Wire
Trump-Putin Phone Call & COVID Lab Leak Coverup | 3.18.25
And new reports show both the U.K. and Germany had intel that the COVID virus was created in a lab but chose to suppress it.
Morning Wire
Trump-Putin Phone Call & COVID Lab Leak Coverup | 3.18.25
Joining us now to discuss is independent journalist and author Michael Schellenberger. Hey, Michael, thank you so much for joining us.
Morning Wire
Trump-Putin Phone Call & COVID Lab Leak Coverup | 3.18.25
So let's start with what we found out from the UK related to the origins of the coronavirus. What did we just learn and how does this change the way we think about how the UK in particular handled this situation?
Morning Wire
Trump-Putin Phone Call & COVID Lab Leak Coverup | 3.18.25
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Morning Wire
Trump-Putin Phone Call & COVID Lab Leak Coverup | 3.18.25
Now, you mentioned Fauci. Trump has just made the statements declaring that Biden's preemptive pardons for Anthony Fauci and others are invalid. His argument is that all of these pardons were signed by an auto pin, and thus Biden did not actively sign them and allegedly was not even fully aware what was being enacted in his name. Trump's going to try to make that case. We'll see if that holds up.
Morning Wire
Trump-Putin Phone Call & COVID Lab Leak Coverup | 3.18.25
But related to this topic, a lot of people are looking for some sort of accountability, particularly from Fauci. What do you see coming on that front? What investigations are ongoing with congressional members? Where can we look for potential accountability?
Morning Wire
Trump-Putin Phone Call & COVID Lab Leak Coverup | 3.18.25
What we've seen so far, this administration seems like it's pretty committed to transparency. Let's hope that holds up and we get some more transparency on this issue. Thank you so much for talking with us.
Morning Wire
Trump-Putin Phone Call & COVID Lab Leak Coverup | 3.18.25
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Morning Wire
Trump-Putin Phone Call & COVID Lab Leak Coverup | 3.18.25
President Trump will hold what could be a pivotal phone call with Russia's Vladimir Putin today as the two sides move closer to a ceasefire in Ukraine.
Morning Wire
Russia-US Talk Peace & Border Apprehensions Plummet | Afternoon Update | 2.18.25
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Morning Wire
Russia-US Talk Peace & Border Apprehensions Plummet | Afternoon Update | 2.18.25
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Morning Wire
Trump’s Canadian Tariff Win & NIH Vaccine Hesitancy Research | Afternoon Update | 3.11.25
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Morning Wire
USAID Programs Slashed & Anti-Israel Activist Detained | 3.11.25
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Morning Wire
USAID Programs Slashed & Anti-Israel Activist Detained | 3.11.25
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Morning Wire
Marc Fogel Freed & Trump’s Green Energy Reversal | Afternoon Update | 2.11.25
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Morning Wire
Marc Fogel Freed & Trump’s Green Energy Reversal | Afternoon Update | 2.11.25
Secretary of State Marco Rubio, who's currently leading the controversial agency, says it may soon be abolished.
Morning Wire
Marc Fogel Freed & Trump’s Green Energy Reversal | Afternoon Update | 2.11.25
FEMA has fired four employees allegedly involved in sending millions of dollars to New York City for housing migrants. DHS confirmed the firings this morning, which includes the agency's chief financial officer over the unauthorized $59 million in payments to luxury hotels.
Morning Wire
Marc Fogel Freed & Trump’s Green Energy Reversal | Afternoon Update | 2.11.25
FEMA's acting administrator says payments have been suspended, but New York City officials dispute the claims, saying they haven't been notified of any funding freeze.
Morning Wire
Marc Fogel Freed & Trump’s Green Energy Reversal | Afternoon Update | 2.11.25
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Morning Wire
Marc Fogel Freed & Trump’s Green Energy Reversal | Afternoon Update | 2.11.25
President Trump is doubling down on his plans for Gaza. While hosting King Abdullah II of Jordan at the White House, Trump said the U.S. intends to take, hold, and cherish Gaza while relocating Palestinians.
Morning Wire
Marc Fogel Freed & Trump’s Green Energy Reversal | Afternoon Update | 2.11.25
Despite some anger in Jordan, King Abdullah did make the following offer at the beginning of their meeting.
Morning Wire
Marc Fogel Freed & Trump’s Green Energy Reversal | Afternoon Update | 2.11.25
The meeting comes as both Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu say the ceasefire deal is off if the hostages aren't released by noon on Saturday. This all comes after Hamas announced it's delaying the next release of Israeli hostages. President Trump is reversing many of the Biden-era green energy regulations. Daily Wire reporter Mairead Elordi has the latest.
Morning Wire
Marc Fogel Freed & Trump’s Green Energy Reversal | Afternoon Update | 2.11.25
A Pennsylvania teacher being held prisoner in Russia will be reunited with loved ones tonight after President Trump secured his release. Mark Fogel was detained back in 2021, according to a statement from National Security Advisor Mike Waltz. The president and his special envoy, Steve Witkoff, announced that Mr. Witkoff had left Russian airspace with Mark Fogel.
Morning Wire
Marc Fogel Freed & Trump’s Green Energy Reversal | Afternoon Update | 2.11.25
And a massive storm is rolling toward Los Angeles, bringing the risk of heavy rain, flooding, and landslides just before Valentine's Day. The National Weather Service warns this could be the strongest storm of the season with up to eight inches of rain in the mountains and four inches along the coast.
Morning Wire
Marc Fogel Freed & Trump’s Green Energy Reversal | Afternoon Update | 2.11.25
burn areas face a high risk of mudslides, especially in Santa Barbara and San Luis Obispo counties. Los Angeles and Ventura counties have a 40% chance of extreme rainfall, while San Diego and the Inland Empire could see up to two inches. Officials urge residents to prepare for potential flooding as forecasters refine rainfall estimates in the coming days.
Morning Wire
Marc Fogel Freed & Trump’s Green Energy Reversal | Afternoon Update | 2.11.25
Those are your drive home updates this afternoon. To learn more about these stories, go to dailywire.com. And in case you missed it, we covered some key stories this morning, including Trump's tariff war, Doge's legal battles, and FEMA progress and controversy. Thanks for tuning in. We'll be back tomorrow morning with another full edition of Morning Wire.
Morning Wire
Marc Fogel Freed & Trump’s Green Energy Reversal | Afternoon Update | 2.11.25
A new report claims USAID funneled millions to extremist groups linked to terrorism. The Middle East Forum uncovered $164 million in grants tied to radical organizations, with at least 122 million benefiting terror-affiliated groups. Among them, a Gaza-based charity reportedly working with Hamas and an NGO whose staffers called for violence against Jews.
Morning Wire
Trump’s Retaliatory Tariffs & North Carolina Recovery | 2.11.25
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Morning Wire
Trump’s Retaliatory Tariffs & North Carolina Recovery | 2.11.25
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Morning Wire
Mangione May Face Death Penalty & Russia-Ukraine Negotiations | Afternoon Update | 4.1.25
This episode is brought to you by Lumen. Take the next step in improving your health. Go to lumen.me slash wire to get 20% off your Lumen. That is L-U-M-E-N dot me slash wire for 20% off your purchase. Thank you, Lumen, for sponsoring this episode.
Morning Wire
Mangione May Face Death Penalty & Russia-Ukraine Negotiations | Afternoon Update | 4.1.25
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Morning Wire
Mangione May Face Death Penalty & Russia-Ukraine Negotiations | Afternoon Update | 4.1.25
No reporters or contributors were harmed in the recording of this episode, though an expensive piece of equipment almost was.
Morning Wire
Trump Backs Off Tariffs & Al Green Censured | Afternoon Update | 3.6.25
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Morning Wire
Trump Backs Off Tariffs & Al Green Censured | Afternoon Update | 3.6.25
Trump signed executive actions on Thursday to delay tariffs on goods covered under the U.S.-Mexico-Canada agreement until April 2nd. In a Truth Social post, Trump first singled out the exemption for Mexico out of respect for President Claudia Scheinbaum, citing their cooperation on border security and combating fentanyl trafficking. Later in the day, though, Trump included Canada in on the pause.
Morning Wire
Trump Backs Off Tariffs & Al Green Censured | Afternoon Update | 3.6.25
The president noted that this is a temporary measure as leaders work together on these pressing issues.
Morning Wire
Federal Buyout Paused & 60 Minutes Transcript Released | Afternoon Update | 2.6.25
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Morning Wire
Federal Buyout Paused & 60 Minutes Transcript Released | Afternoon Update | 2.6.25
This episode is brought to you by NetSuite. Download the CFO's guide to AI and machine learning at netsuite.com slash morningwire. The guide is free to you at netsuite.com slash morningwire. Again, that's netsuite.com slash morningwire.
Morning Wire
Tariff Retaliation Threats & FBI Busts MS-13 Leader | Afternoon Update | 4.3.25
This episode is brought to you by Acorns. Join the over 13 million all-time customers who have already saved and invested with Acorns. Head to acorns.com slash wire or download the Acorns app to get started. Paid non-client endorsement. Compensation provides incentive to positively promote Acorns. Tier one compensation provided. Investing involves risk.
Morning Wire
Tariff Retaliation Threats & FBI Busts MS-13 Leader | Afternoon Update | 4.3.25
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Morning Wire
Tariff Retaliation Threats & FBI Busts MS-13 Leader | Afternoon Update | 4.3.25
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Lawmakers Probe Signal-Gate & Conservatives Swatted | 3.27.25
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Lawmakers Probe Signal-Gate & Conservatives Swatted | 3.27.25
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Lawmakers Probe Signal-Gate & Conservatives Swatted | 3.27.25
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Lawmakers Probe Signal-Gate & Conservatives Swatted | 3.27.25
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Ukraine Mineral Deal & Trump’s Gold Card Program | 2.27.25
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Ukraine Mineral Deal & Trump’s Gold Card Program | 2.27.25
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Ukraine Mineral Deal & Trump’s Gold Card Program | 2.27.25
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Shapiro Interviews Zelensky & Tren De Aragua Smuggling | Afternoon Update | 4.24.25
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Shapiro Interviews Zelensky & Tren De Aragua Smuggling | Afternoon Update | 4.24.25
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Taliban Frees George Glezmann & Trump Gives Maine Deadline | Afternoon Update | 3.20.25
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Taliban Frees George Glezmann & Trump Gives Maine Deadline | Afternoon Update | 3.20.25
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Morning Wire
Kash Patel Confirmed & Vance Opens CPAC | Afternoon Update | 2.20.25
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Morning Wire
Kash Patel Confirmed & Vance Opens CPAC | Afternoon Update | 2.20.25
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Morning Wire
Trump-Zelensky Feud & MAHA’s Industry Impact | 2.20.25
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Trump-Zelensky Feud & MAHA’s Industry Impact | 2.20.25
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Trump-Zelensky Feud & MAHA’s Industry Impact | 2.20.25
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Trump-Zelensky Feud & MAHA’s Industry Impact | 2.20.25
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Morning Wire
Trump-Zelensky Feud & MAHA’s Industry Impact | 2.20.25
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Morning Wire
Trump-Zelensky Feud & MAHA’s Industry Impact | 2.20.25
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Morning Wire
Trump’s Budget Plan Passes & Hegseth Pens Panama Deal | Afternoon Update | 4.10.25
Hegseth announced a new U.S.-Panama partnership to safeguard the Panama Canal from what officials call malign Chinese influence, following high-level meetings with Panamanian President Jose Raul Molino. The deal includes a memorandum of understanding and a joint declaration that allows U.S.
Morning Wire
Trump’s Budget Plan Passes & Hegseth Pens Panama Deal | Afternoon Update | 4.10.25
naval vessels priority passage, and it boosts bilateral cooperation on cyber defense, intelligence sharing, and joint military training. Hegseth called the trip historic, crediting renewed trust under President Trump's leadership as key to securing the agreement. Here's Hegseth at a cabinet meeting today.
Morning Wire
Trump’s Budget Plan Passes & Hegseth Pens Panama Deal | Afternoon Update | 4.10.25
Defense officials emphasized the strategic urgency of countering China's regional ambitions and pledged continued U.S. engagement in Panama.
Morning Wire
Trump’s Budget Plan Passes & Hegseth Pens Panama Deal | Afternoon Update | 4.10.25
The GOP-led House passed a budget plan on Thursday morning that lays the groundwork for Trump's domestic priorities while overcoming resistance from a group of conservatives who want deeper spending cuts. The amended resolution was already cleared by the Senate and provides a blueprint for lawmakers to use the budget reconciliation process to craft legislation.
Morning Wire
Trump’s Budget Plan Passes & Hegseth Pens Panama Deal | Afternoon Update | 4.10.25
In the end, 216 Republicans and no Democrats voted in favor of the measure, with two Republicans voting against it. President Trump celebrated the vote on Truth Social, writing that the resolution sets the stage for one of the greatest and most important signings in the history of our country. He said it will be the largest tax and regulation cuts ever even contemplated.
Morning Wire
Stocks Soar as Trump Pauses Tariffs | 4.10.25
Absolutely. That is less than what you're paying for that streaming service you forgot to cancel this month. That's I-D-E-N-T-I-T-Y-G-U-A-R-D dot com slash wire to sign up for a 30-day free trial and get 60% off. Certain terms apply. See site for details.
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Stocks Soar as Trump Pauses Tariffs | 4.10.25
Amid the terror fallout, the White House is working to make their economic case to Main Street Americans.
Morning Wire
Stocks Soar as Trump Pauses Tariffs | 4.10.25
And will China hold out in the tariff war with Trump? We talked to a supply chain expert about what Beijing will do next.
Morning Wire
Stocks Soar as Trump Pauses Tariffs | 4.10.25
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Morning Wire
Stocks Soar as Trump Pauses Tariffs | 4.10.25
Joining us now is Jim Nels, an expert supply chain consultant. Jim, thanks so much for joining us. So China retaliated against the U.S. and now Trump is turning up the pressure on them by raising tariffs even further. You've just returned from China. What did you hear on the ground there in terms of their response to this Trump tariff battle?
Morning Wire
Stocks Soar as Trump Pauses Tariffs | 4.10.25
So when the Trump administration says they believe this is a good moment to apply a lot of pressure to China, do you agree? Do you think that they are correct in their assessment of China and its vulnerabilities at this time?
Morning Wire
Stocks Soar as Trump Pauses Tariffs | 4.10.25
Now, what we saw from Trump initially was this blanket application of reciprocal tariffs. But you're saying that you're seeing this going in a more strategic, narrowed manner in the days to come. Is that what you expect?
Morning Wire
Stocks Soar as Trump Pauses Tariffs | 4.10.25
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Morning Wire
Stocks Soar as Trump Pauses Tariffs | 4.10.25
With your familiarity with the Chinese regime and the industry there, how entrenched do you think they'll become? Are they in the end pragmatist when it comes to this kind of thing, or do they care more about the sort of symbolic wins in terms of fighting back against Trump?
Morning Wire
Stocks Soar as Trump Pauses Tariffs | 4.10.25
Well, as we said, the situation is rapidly developing, so we'll see how this all settles out. Jim, thanks so much for joining us. Thank you. Take care.
Morning Wire
Stocks Soar as Trump Pauses Tariffs | 4.10.25
In a stunning development Wednesday, President Trump paused tariffs on all trading partners with the exception of China.
Morning Wire
Will Trump’s Economic Gamble Work? | 4.27.25
After starting the week with another nosedive, the stock market rebounded as President Trump softened his approach to both tariffs and the Federal Reserve. The shift has some economists elevating their forecasts for the year, while others remain skeptical of the America-first policies.
Morning Wire
Will Trump’s Economic Gamble Work? | 4.27.25
Before we go, we want to share some big news. Starting on Monday, April 28th, we're launching Morning Wire video. You've trusted Morning Wire for fast, accurate news, and now we're bringing it to you in a new way in our studio on video. It won't change your audio experience, but it will add another way for you to enjoy our show. So look for Morning Wire video on YouTube starting Monday.
Morning Wire
Will Trump’s Economic Gamble Work? | 4.27.25
You can also find it on the Daily Wire app and Daily Wire website. And of course, you can still listen to us on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts.
Morning Wire
Schweizer: Truth Behind Biden’s Family Pardons | 1.26.25
In the final minutes of his presidency, Joe Biden shocked the political world by issuing preemptive pardons for several of his own family members. The move has sparked renewed calls for investigations into Biden family corruption.
Morning Wire
Analyzing Trump’s Cabinet with Senator Mullin | 2.23.25
So far, President Trump is batting 1,000 on confirmations for his cabinet secretary nominees. Just this week, Kash Patel was confirmed as director of the FBI, while Labor Secretary Linda Chavez de Riemer seems to have secured the support of the Senate. This is the fastest pace since 2001.
Morning Wire
Interior Secretary Doug Burgum | 3.2.25
Secretary of the Interior Doug Burgum has laid out an ambitious agenda for his department, which manages one-fifth of the land and waters of the United States. Among his priorities, making America energy independent and making America beautiful again.
Morning Wire
Fools Gold: Newsom’s Bailouts, Beijing, and Broken California Dream | 3.16.25
Governor Gavin Newsom has made his way into the headlines in recent weeks, not just for the devastating California fires, but also his attempts to tack right on several of his left-wing stances. Now, a new investigative book peels back the curtain on Newsom's problematic political dealings, as well as other figures who the authors say killed the California dream.
Morning Wire
Decoding Trump's Win: 2024 Election Analysis | 12.15.24
In his third bid for the presidency, Donald Trump was able to overcome past shortfalls to put together a decisive victory, winning the Electoral College, the popular vote, and GOP majorities in both houses of Congress.
Morning Wire
Why It’s Time to Defund UNRWA | 1.12.25
Since the Hamas October 7 terror attack against Israel, a highly controversial Palestinian aid group has come under intense scrutiny. The United Nations Relief and Work for Palestinian Refugees, or UNRWA, has been revealed to have terrorist leaders and supporters among its staff. The Biden administration directed over a billion dollars to the group before pausing funds last year.
Morning Wire
How Cop Shows Survived the Cancel Mob—and Won 2024 | 3.8.25
Dan Abrams is one of the most prolific producers of law enforcement and legal content in the entertainment industry. His latest show On Patrol Live was the number one entertainment show of 2024 on Friday and Saturday nights. And it was just picked up for 90 more episodes.
Morning Wire
It Ends With Us...In Court | 2.8.25
In this episode, Daily Wire culture reporter Megan Basham speaks with award-winning journalist, author, and Daily Mail columnist Maureen Callahan to get insight into a drama only Hollywood could produce.
Morning Wire
It Ends With Us...In Court | 2.8.25
Actress Blake Lively and director Justin Baldoni are continuing their public feud over their hit film, It Ends With Us, with both sides filing lawsuits. But even more than a legal battle, this has become an all-out PR war with leaked texts, calls, and film footage, as well as allegations of sexual harassment and spousal jealousy. The first trial date is set for March of 2026.
Morning Wire
Tesla Attacks, DOGE, & Government Waste with Senator Marsha Blackburn | 3.29.25
Amid a wave of protests and vandalism targeting Tesla and Doge, Republicans in the Senate are working to protect Tesla owners and make permanent the cost-cutting measures being carried out by President Trump.
Morning Wire
Is California Ready to Vote Red? | 4.26.25
A recent poll showed that 48% of Californians are considering voting Republican in the next election after years of failed leadership from Democrats.
Morning Wire
Is California Ready to Vote Red? | 4.26.25
You've trusted us for fast, accurate news, and now we're excited to bring you into our studio to see us on video. For audio listeners, don't worry. It won't change your listening experience. It's just another way to enjoy the show.
Morning Wire
Is California Ready to Vote Red? | 4.26.25
All right. Thanks for tuning in. We'll be back tomorrow morning with another full edition of Morning Wire.
Morning Wire
Trump Targets DEI & Gender Policies | 1.25.25
President Trump has returned to office with an extremely ambitious agenda and has immediately taken executive action to jumpstart what he's promising will be a transformative year for the nation. Among the issues he's already begun to address is reversing the Biden administration's policies on gender identity and diversity, equity and inclusion.
Morning Wire
Global Coverup? Fresh Claims on Covid Origins | 3.22.25
New reports revealed over the last week that credible sources in both Germany and the UK allegedly informed government officials that the COVID virus escaped from the infamous Wuhan lab. The revelations have sparked renewed calls for investigations into who knew what, when, and increased demands for accountability.
Morning Wire
Reshaping the Deep State: Trump’s Buyouts & Reforms | 2.22.25
We are saving taxpayers hundreds of millions of dollars with this buyout. In fact, I can confirm that more than 77,000 federal employees accepted this very generous buyout offer from the Trump administration.
Morning Wire
Held Prisoner in Afghanistan: A Family’s Fight for Freedom | 1.18.25
American businessman Ryan Corbett moved his family to Afghanistan in 2010, where he started a business and became active in the community. But the Corbett family later evacuated during the 2021 Afghanistan withdrawal, leaving everything behind. Upon returning to his business in 2022, Ryan Corbett and several others were captured by the Taliban. Two years later, he remains a prisoner.
Morning Wire
The DOGE Data: Musk Slashes Billions in Government Waste | 3.15.25
This week, Secretary of State Marco Rubio announced that he was slashing more than 80% of the programs funded by USAID. The move comes as the Elon Musk-led Doge continues to add to its running list of cost-saving measures, which it says have now topped $100 billion.
Morning Wire
‘Brothers After War’: An Interview With Gary Sinise & Jake Rademacher | 3.1.25
soldiers returning home from the Iraq and Afghanistan wars.
Morning Wire
‘Brothers After War’: An Interview With Gary Sinise & Jake Rademacher | 3.1.25
Returning from war and reentering civilian life can be the hardest part of military service, particularly after wars mired in controversy like Iraq and Afghanistan. Yet that part of a soldier's story often goes untold. A new film produced by Gary Sinise and directed by Jake Rademacher takes an unflinching and personal look at the struggles and triumphs of U.S.
Morning Wire
‘Brothers After War’: An Interview With Gary Sinise & Jake Rademacher | 3.1.25
This is like a warrior's warrior, all right?
Morning Wire
The Gay Affair: Exposing Harvard's Integrity Crisis | 2.1.25
One of the sources she allegedly drew from was the scholarship of Dr. Carol Swain, who has since written a book documenting the research that was stolen from her and the sequence of events.
Morning Wire
The Gay Affair: Exposing Harvard's Integrity Crisis | 2.1.25
Following now infamous congressional testimony on pervasive antisemitism at Harvard, the university's then president, Claudine Gay, was accused of widespread plagiarism, which ultimately caused her to step down.
Morning Wire
Wall Street’s Rollercoaster Ride & Trump’s Title IX Task Force | Afternoon Update | 4.7.25
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Wall Street’s Rollercoaster Ride & Trump’s Title IX Task Force | Afternoon Update | 4.7.25
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Wall Street’s Rollercoaster Ride & Trump’s Title IX Task Force | Afternoon Update | 4.7.25
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Trudeau’s Resignation & New Orleans Lawsuit | Afternoon Update | 1.6.25
This episode is brought to you by Shopify. Get a $1 per month trial period at shopify.com slash morningwire. That's shopify.com slash morningwire.
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Trudeau’s Resignation & New Orleans Lawsuit | Afternoon Update | 1.6.25
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Morning Wire
Le Pen Barred from Election & Wyoming’s Strict Voter ID Law | Afternoon Update | 3.31.25
This episode is brought to you by Fast Growing Trees. Right now, as a listener of our show, you get an additional 15% off your first purchase when you use code WIRE at fastgrowingtrees.com. Terms and conditions may apply.
Morning Wire
Le Pen Barred from Election & Wyoming’s Strict Voter ID Law | Afternoon Update | 3.31.25
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Trump’s ‘Liberation Day’ & ‘Tesla Takedown’ Protests | 3.31.25
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Morning Wire
Trump’s ‘Liberation Day’ & ‘Tesla Takedown’ Protests | 3.31.25
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Colony Ridge Footage & German Crash Kills Two | Afternoon Update | 3.3.25
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Morning Wire
Colony Ridge Footage & German Crash Kills Two | Afternoon Update | 3.3.25
A new investigation reveals that a federal union boss collected a taxpayer-funded paycheck for 34 years without working a single hour for the Social Security Administration. Daily Wire investigative reporter Luke Rosiak reports.
Morning Wire
Colony Ridge Footage & German Crash Kills Two | Afternoon Update | 3.3.25
Two people are dead and many others injured after a driver plowed into a crowd in Mannheim, Germany. Authorities say the 40-year-old suspect is in custody, but they have not yet classified the incident as an attack. The crash follows a similar car ramming in Munich last month that was linked to Islamic extremism.
Morning Wire
Colony Ridge Footage & German Crash Kills Two | Afternoon Update | 3.3.25
German Chancellor Olaf Scholz condemned the violence while officials urged residents to avoid the area.
Morning Wire
Colony Ridge Footage & German Crash Kills Two | Afternoon Update | 3.3.25
Undercover footage from Project Veritas shows Colony Ridge sales staff appearing to admit that they sell land to buyers with foreign IDs. It can be a Mexican passport.
Morning Wire
Colony Ridge Footage & German Crash Kills Two | Afternoon Update | 3.3.25
Daily Wire reporter Spencer Lindquist has more.
Morning Wire
Zelensky Seeks European Aid & BlackRock Goes Woke-less | 3.3.25
After a catastrophic meeting in the Oval Office, Ukrainian President Zelensky traveled to the UK in an effort to get more support from European leaders.
Morning Wire
Zelensky Seeks European Aid & BlackRock Goes Woke-less | 3.3.25
How are EU leaders reacting to the U.S. deal potentially falling through?
Morning Wire
Zelensky Seeks European Aid & BlackRock Goes Woke-less | 3.3.25
What's the secret behind wildly successful businesses? It's not just great products or brilliant marketing. It's the unsung hero, the business behind the business. It's time to make those business goals a reality. For millions of entrepreneurs, that hero is Shopify. Upgrade your business and get the same checkout we use with Shopify.
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Zelensky Seeks European Aid & BlackRock Goes Woke-less | 3.3.25
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Morning Wire
Zelensky Seeks European Aid & BlackRock Goes Woke-less | 3.3.25
Daily Wire culture reporter Megan Basham is here now to explain. So Megan, just a few years ago, BlackRock was a heavy hitter in the ESG movement. Even then, it was pretty controversial, but they seemed very committed. What's the evidence that they're now giving it up?
Morning Wire
Zelensky Seeks European Aid & BlackRock Goes Woke-less | 3.3.25
And hundreds gather outside Maine's statehouse, calling on Governor Janet Mills to protect women's sports.
Morning Wire
Zelensky Seeks European Aid & BlackRock Goes Woke-less | 3.3.25
So that was prior to the election. What prompted the change?
Morning Wire
Zelensky Seeks European Aid & BlackRock Goes Woke-less | 3.3.25
Well, a huge turnaround from the conversations we were having back in 2021, 2022. Yeah. Megan, thanks for reporting. Anytime. Following Trump's public showdown with Maine's governor, a state lawmaker has been silenced by her Democrat colleagues. Meanwhile, resident backlash culminates with a grassroots protest outside the statehouse.
Morning Wire
Zelensky Seeks European Aid & BlackRock Goes Woke-less | 3.3.25
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Zelensky Seeks European Aid & BlackRock Goes Woke-less | 3.3.25
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Democratic Infighting Grows & Wisconsin’s Judicial Showdown | 3.24.25
What's the secret behind wildly successful businesses? It's not just great products or brilliant marketing. It's the unsung hero, the business behind the business. It's time to make those business goals a reality. For millions of entrepreneurs, that hero is Shopify. Upgrade your business and get the same checkout we use with Shopify.
Morning Wire
Democratic Infighting Grows & Wisconsin’s Judicial Showdown | 3.24.25
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Morning Wire
Democratic Infighting Grows & Wisconsin’s Judicial Showdown | 3.24.25
When your metabolism is working correctly, you feel the benefits in every aspect of life. With Lumen, the world's first handheld metabolic coach, you can gain insight and stay on track when it comes to improving your health. By simply breathing into your Lumen each morning, you'll discover if your body is burning fats or carbs.
Morning Wire
Democratic Infighting Grows & Wisconsin’s Judicial Showdown | 3.24.25
The app then provides personalized nutrition plans and lifestyle guidance based on your unique metabolism. Take the next step in improving your health. Go to Lumen.me to get 20% off your Lumen. That is L-U-M-E-N.me for 20% off your purchase. Thank you, Lumen, for sponsoring this episode.
Morning Wire
Democratic Infighting Grows & Wisconsin’s Judicial Showdown | 3.24.25
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Democratic Infighting Grows & Wisconsin’s Judicial Showdown | 3.24.25
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Trump’s Title 42 Plans & Apple’s US Jobs Pledge | Afternoon Update | 2.24.25
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Morning Wire
Trump’s Title 42 Plans & Apple’s US Jobs Pledge | Afternoon Update | 2.24.25
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Trump Sworn In & Ramaswamy Leaves DOGE | Afternoon Update | 1.20.25
This episode is brought to you by Black Rifle Coffee. Head to BlackRifleCoffee.com and use code DailyWire for 20% off your purchase. That's BlackRifleCoffee.com, code DailyWire.
Morning Wire
Trump Sworn In & Ramaswamy Leaves DOGE | Afternoon Update | 1.20.25
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Morning Wire
Democratic Party Divides & Trump Targets Houthis | 3.17.25
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Morning Wire
Democratic Party Divides & Trump Targets Houthis | 3.17.25
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Morning Wire
Democratic Party Divides & Trump Targets Houthis | 3.17.25
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Morning Wire
Democratic Party Divides & Trump Targets Houthis | 3.17.25
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Morning Wire
Democratic Party Divides & Trump Targets Houthis | 3.17.25
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Morning Wire
Democratic Party Divides & Trump Targets Houthis | 3.17.25
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Morning Wire
Jack Smith Report Decision & Cartel Border Tunnels | Afternoon Update | 1.13.25
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Morning Wire
Jack Smith Report Decision & Cartel Border Tunnels | Afternoon Update | 1.13.25
A federal judge in Florida ruled that the Justice Department can release parts of Smith's report detailing decisions to charge Donald Trump in cases related to the 2020 election and classified documents. However, the judge blocked the release of sections tied to the classified documents case, citing risks to ongoing proceedings.
Morning Wire
Jack Smith Report Decision & Cartel Border Tunnels | Afternoon Update | 1.13.25
Trump's legal team opposes any release, calling the report biased and unlawful. The Justice Department plans to release the election-related portion soon, while further court battles loom over transparency and accountability.
Morning Wire
Trump’s DOGE Double Down & Federal Worker Competency | 3.10.25
What's the secret behind wildly successful businesses? It's not just great products or brilliant marketing. It's the unsung hero, the business behind the business. It's time to make those business goals a reality. For millions of entrepreneurs, that hero is Shopify. Upgrade your business and get the same checkout we use with Shopify.
Morning Wire
Trump’s DOGE Double Down & Federal Worker Competency | 3.10.25
Sign up for your $1 per month trial period at shopify.com slash morningwire, all lowercase. Go to shopify.com slash morningwire to upgrade your selling today. Shopify.com slash morningwire.
Morning Wire
Trump’s DOGE Double Down & Federal Worker Competency | 3.10.25
When your metabolism is working correctly, you feel the benefits in every aspect of life. With Lumen, the world's first handheld metabolic coach, you can gain insight and stay on track when it comes to improving your health. By simply breathing into your Lumen each morning, you'll discover if your body is burning fats or carbs.
Morning Wire
Trump’s DOGE Double Down & Federal Worker Competency | 3.10.25
The app then provides personalized nutrition plans and lifestyle guidance based on your unique metabolism. Take the next step in improving your health. Go to Lumen.me to get 20% off your Lumen. That is L-U-M-E-N.me for 20% off your purchase. Thank you, Lumen, for sponsoring this episode.
Morning Wire
Migrant Hotel Money & Philly’s Chaotic Celebrations | Afternoon Update | 2.10.25
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Morning Wire
FEMA Fires Partisans & February Jobs Growth | Afternoon Update | 3.7.25
This episode is brought to you by Jeremy's Razors, the official razor partner of the UFC. A damn good shave for people who know men are men and act like it. Buy the razor that's in the fight for masculinity. Shave boldly, live freely.
Morning Wire
FEMA Fires Partisans & February Jobs Growth | Afternoon Update | 3.7.25
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Morning Wire
Education Overhaul & RFK Jr.’s Bold Moves | 3.7.25
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Morning Wire
Education Overhaul & RFK Jr.’s Bold Moves | 3.7.25
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Morning Wire
Education Overhaul & RFK Jr.’s Bold Moves | 3.7.25
Peak performance will be on full display this Saturday, March 8, with UFC 313. Pereira vs. Ankaleev. Brought to you in part by Jeremy's Razors, the official razor partner of the UFC. A damn good shave for people who know men are men and act like it. Catch the fight this Saturday night on ESPN Pay-Per-View. Buy the razor that's in the fight for masculinity. Shave boldly, live freely.
Morning Wire
USAID Cuts & Superbowl Preview | Afternoon Update | 2.7.25
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Morning Wire
USAID Cuts & Superbowl Preview | Afternoon Update | 2.7.25
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Morning Wire
Vance Visits Greenland & Tesla Vandal Arrested | Afternoon Update | 3.28.25
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Morning Wire
Vance Visits Greenland & Tesla Vandal Arrested | Afternoon Update | 3.28.25
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Morning Wire
Vance Visits Greenland & Tesla Vandal Arrested | Afternoon Update | 3.28.25
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Morning Wire
DOGE’s HHS Overhaul & Maine Sports Standoff | 3.28.25
The Trump administration and Doge are continuing their efforts to slash federal spending, with major cuts to the health department announced Thursday.
Morning Wire
DOGE’s HHS Overhaul & Maine Sports Standoff | 3.28.25
It's Friday, March 28th, and this is Morning Wire.
Morning Wire
DOGE’s HHS Overhaul & Maine Sports Standoff | 3.28.25
Hey guys, producer Brandon here. Did you know that over 140,000 family farms and ranches in the U.S. have closed down since 2017? But by subscribing to Good Ranchers, you can help prevent the closure of more. At GoodRanchers.com, you can rest easy knowing exactly where your meat comes from. Support those who work to feed Americans with meat exclusively and locally sourced.
Morning Wire
DOGE’s HHS Overhaul & Maine Sports Standoff | 3.28.25
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Morning Wire
DOGE’s HHS Overhaul & Maine Sports Standoff | 3.28.25
Here with the details is Daily Wire reporter Amanda Prestigiacomo. So, Amanda, what did Governor Mills say this week about Trump's order?
Morning Wire
DOGE’s HHS Overhaul & Maine Sports Standoff | 3.28.25
And voters in Maine overwhelmingly support taking men out of women's sports. But the state's governor is still defying Trump's order.
Morning Wire
DOGE’s HHS Overhaul & Maine Sports Standoff | 3.28.25
Now, we know the majority of Americans disapprove of having boys and girls sports, but Maine is a more liberal state. Do we know how they feel there?
Morning Wire
DOGE’s HHS Overhaul & Maine Sports Standoff | 3.28.25
President Trump is taking action against top law firms that have ties to people who drove investigation and litigation against him.
Morning Wire
DOGE’s HHS Overhaul & Maine Sports Standoff | 3.28.25
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Morning Wire
DOGE’s HHS Overhaul & Maine Sports Standoff | 3.28.25
Thanks for waking up with us. We'll be back later this afternoon with more news you need to know.
Morning Wire
DOGE’s HHS Overhaul & Maine Sports Standoff | 3.28.25
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Morning Wire
RFK Restructures HHS & Tourist Submarine Sinks | Afternoon Update | 3.27.25
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Morning Wire
RFK Restructures HHS & Tourist Submarine Sinks | Afternoon Update | 3.27.25
The National Diversity Council said its founder, Dennis Kennedy, and two top executives schemed to use donor funds to enrich themselves. A lawsuit said Kennedy paid himself a grossly excessive salary of more than $400,000 a year for 10 hours of work a week while using the nonprofit as a front for his for-profit diversity consulting business.
Morning Wire
RFK Restructures HHS & Tourist Submarine Sinks | Afternoon Update | 3.27.25
After Kennedy, the CEO, and the CFO tried to pay themselves $3 million in so-called back pay, the board intervened, and Kennedy allegedly set up a lookalike organization with the same name to trick people.
Morning Wire
RFK Restructures HHS & Tourist Submarine Sinks | Afternoon Update | 3.27.25
Despite the accusations, Kennedy is promoting a high-profile diversity conference next month in Los Angeles featuring Bill Clinton and Oprah Winfrey, with ticket proceeds apparently going to his for-profit firm.
Morning Wire
FBI Arrests Judge & Trump’s Baby Bonus | Afternoon Update | 4.25.25
Former Congressman George Santos was sentenced Friday to more than seven years in federal prison for wire fraud and identity theft. The charges were tied to his 2022 campaign. The New York Republican broke down in court telling the judge he, quote, Santos must report to prison by July 25th. He pleaded guilty last year and agreed to pay $373,000 in restitution.
Morning Wire
FBI Arrests Judge & Trump’s Baby Bonus | Afternoon Update | 4.25.25
Santos was expelled from Congress after a House ethics report found he had fabricated much of his personal and professional background. President Trump has left for Rome to attend Pope Francis' funeral. Several other world leaders are expected to attend, including former President Joe Biden. Trump says he'll meet with many world leaders to hammer out tariff deals.
Morning Wire
FBI Arrests Judge & Trump’s Baby Bonus | Afternoon Update | 4.25.25
Meanwhile, Chinese importers say the country has quietly dropped tariffs on eight types of U.S. semiconductors, surprising companies during customs checks. The unannounced move signals possible pressure from Washington's trade stance, despite Beijing's tough public line.
Morning Wire
FBI Arrests Judge & Trump’s Baby Bonus | Afternoon Update | 4.25.25
Chinese foreign ministry hasn't commented on the cut, but this could signal a softening in the ongoing U.S.-China trade standoff.
Morning Wire
FBI Arrests Judge & Trump’s Baby Bonus | Afternoon Update | 4.25.25
Chinese companies have been covertly importing vapes into the U.S. to evade taxes and regulations. Daily Wire investigative reporter Spencer Lindquist has the scoop.
Morning Wire
FBI Arrests Judge & Trump’s Baby Bonus | Afternoon Update | 4.25.25
FBI agents arrested a sitting Milwaukee County judge on Friday on charges of obstructing immigration enforcement. A U.S. Marshals spokesman confirmed the arrest of Judge Hannah Dugan. Dugan is accused of directing federal agents away from an illegal immigrant wanted by authorities. FBI Director Kash Patel announced the arrest on social media but later deleted the post.
Morning Wire
FBI Arrests Judge & Trump’s Baby Bonus | Afternoon Update | 4.25.25
A federal judge has blocked Trump's executive order cutting federal funds from sanctuary cities. Daily Wire senior editor Joel Needler has the details.
Morning Wire
FBI Arrests Judge & Trump’s Baby Bonus | Afternoon Update | 4.25.25
And a second innocent person was struck by a stray bullet in New York City this week. A 28-year-old plumber's apprentice was in town visiting a friend in the Bronx when he was fatally struck in the head on Wednesday evening. A 33-year-old female bystander was also struck but survived.
Morning Wire
FBI Arrests Judge & Trump’s Baby Bonus | Afternoon Update | 4.25.25
This occurred just one day after a Harlem bodega owner was fatally shot under similar circumstances outside her apartment building. She ran outside to check on her grandson when she was struck in the head and killed by a stray bullet.
Morning Wire
FBI Arrests Judge & Trump’s Baby Bonus | Afternoon Update | 4.25.25
You've trusted us for fast, accurate news, and we're excited to bring you into our studio to see us on video. For audio listeners, don't worry. It won't change your listening experience. It's just another way to enjoy the show.
Morning Wire
FBI Arrests Judge & Trump’s Baby Bonus | Afternoon Update | 4.25.25
Thanks for waking up with us. We'll be back tomorrow morning with more news you need to know.
Morning Wire
FBI Arrests Judge & Trump’s Baby Bonus | Afternoon Update | 4.25.25
The incident marks a sharp escalation in the Trump administration's crackdown on so-called sanctuary jurisdictions. A charging document has not yet appeared in court records.
Morning Wire
Education Department Dismantled & Tesla Terrorism Continues | 3.21.25
And the IRS is slamming the brakes on major audits as the agency braces for radical change.
Morning Wire
Education Department Dismantled & Tesla Terrorism Continues | 3.21.25
Here with more is Daily Wire culture reporter, Megan Basham. So Megan, every day there are more stories of arson, firebombing, gunfire, vandalism, all targeting Tesla. But it sounds like now the DOJ is cracking down. What do we know about these charges?
Morning Wire
Education Department Dismantled & Tesla Terrorism Continues | 3.21.25
Now, during his interview with Fox News, Musk suggested that, quote, other forces may be fueling this wave of attacks and that the Tesla takedown protests aren't necessarily organic. Do we have any proof of that?
Morning Wire
Education Department Dismantled & Tesla Terrorism Continues | 3.21.25
Right now, Renewal by Anderson is offering a free in-home consultation on quality, affordable windows and doors for no money down, no monthly payments, and no interest for a year. Text WIRE to 400-400 for a free consultation to save $379 off every window and $779 off every door. These savings won't last long, so be sure to check it out by texting WIRE to 400-400.
Morning Wire
Education Department Dismantled & Tesla Terrorism Continues | 3.21.25
Well, the irony of the left targeting the most successful electric car company just kind of shows what a wild time we're in. Yes. Megan, thanks for reporting. Anytime.
Morning Wire
Education Department Dismantled & Tesla Terrorism Continues | 3.21.25
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Morning Wire
Education Department Dismantled & Tesla Terrorism Continues | 3.21.25
President Trump on Thursday signed an executive order to disband the Department of Education.
Morning Wire
Trump’s Border Wall Brief & Congress’ Funding Plan | Afternoon Update | 12.20.24
Will TikTok get banned in the U.S. next month? The Supreme Court will likely decide. Daily Wire reporter Amanda Presa-Giacomo has more.
Morning Wire
Trump’s Border Wall Brief & Congress’ Funding Plan | Afternoon Update | 12.20.24
The Federal Aviation Agency is cracking down on New Jersey's airspace following a rise in drone sightings. Daily Wire reporter Tim Pearce has the details.
Morning Wire
Trump’s Border Wall Brief & Congress’ Funding Plan | Afternoon Update | 12.20.24
Concern has grown for one of the astronauts stranded aboard the International Space Station. A holiday photo shared by NASA shows astronaut Suni Williams looking gaunt, sparking worried reactions online.
Morning Wire
Trump’s Border Wall Brief & Congress’ Funding Plan | Afternoon Update | 12.20.24
59-year-old Williams and astronaut Butch Wilmore, who've been on the station since June, were scheduled for an eight-day stay but have faced repeated delays due to issues with their Boeing spacecraft. NASA now says their return is delayed until late March.
Morning Wire
Trump’s Border Wall Brief & Congress’ Funding Plan | Afternoon Update | 12.20.24
A former high school volleyball star who suffered serious injury after a spike to the head from a trans-identifying male player is speaking out. Peyton McNabb is featured in a new documentary titled Killshot. She suffered a traumatic brain injury, partial paralysis, and other long-term effects from the 2022 incident.
Morning Wire
Trump’s Border Wall Brief & Congress’ Funding Plan | Afternoon Update | 12.20.24
McNabb says she hopes her story inspires change to protect female athletes.
Morning Wire
Trump’s Border Wall Brief & Congress’ Funding Plan | Afternoon Update | 12.20.24
All right, those are your drive home updates this afternoon. To learn more about these stories, go to dailywire.com. And for more in-depth reporting on the biggest stories of the day, tune into our full episode of Morning Wire every morning.
Morning Wire
Schumer Supports GOP Budget & California Needs Money | Afternoon Update | 3.14.25
This episode is brought to you by Balance of Nature. Get your daily dose of fruits and veggies that you can take anywhere. Head to balanceofnature.com and use promo code wire for 35% off your first order as a preferred customer. Plus get a free bottle of fiber and spice. That's balanceofnature.com promo code wire.
Morning Wire
Schumer Supports GOP Budget & California Needs Money | Afternoon Update | 3.14.25
Officials inside Governor Gavin Newsom's administration are warning that the multimillion-dollar loan is the maximum the state can borrow and only covers bills through the end of this month. The shortfall is fueling debate over the state's $8.4 billion cost to cover undocumented immigrants this year. This is nearly triple the original $3 billion estimate provided to California voters.
Morning Wire
Schumer Supports GOP Budget & California Needs Money | Afternoon Update | 3.14.25
Assembly member Carl DeMeo says he was thrown off the budget committee after exposing the massive cost for illegal immigrant health care and the $3-plus billion loan. Morning Wire spoke to DeMeo about the massive cost overrun.
Morning Wire
Education Department Exposed & NIL Guidance Changes | Afternoon Update | 2.14.25
This episode is brought to you by Black Rifle Coffee. Head to blackriflecoffee.com and use code DAILYWIRE for 20% off your purchase. That's blackriflecoffee.com, code DAILYWIRE.
Morning Wire
Education Department Exposed & NIL Guidance Changes | Afternoon Update | 2.14.25
New York City Mayor Eric Adams is calling for change, specifically to the city's sanctuary city laws. Adams is pushing for more police cooperation with ICE and immigration enforcement. The mayor made the remarks alongside President Trump's border czar, Tom Homan, on Fox & Friends this morning.
Morning Wire
Education Department Exposed & NIL Guidance Changes | Afternoon Update | 2.14.25
Adams has also agreed to sign an executive order to open an ICE office on Rikers Island. Here's Holman on that.
Morning Wire
Education Department Exposed & NIL Guidance Changes | Afternoon Update | 2.14.25
The move being considered would reverse existing laws that only allow ICE collaboration for violent felonies. While Adams still defends New York City's sanctuary city status, City Hall says current laws go too far in restricting law enforcement.
Morning Wire
Education Department Exposed & NIL Guidance Changes | Afternoon Update | 2.14.25
The Department of Health and Human Services spent nearly $23 billion on migrant aid between 2020 and 2024, according to a Watchdog report. Daily Wire reporter Tim Pierce has more.
Morning Wire
Education Department Exposed & NIL Guidance Changes | Afternoon Update | 2.14.25
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Morning Wire
Education Department Exposed & NIL Guidance Changes | Afternoon Update | 2.14.25
House Democrats reintroduced a reparations bill this week as Trump cracks down on discriminatory DEI policies. Far left Democratic Representative Ayanna Pressley refiled H.R. 40, which calls for the study of reparations for slavery and said it was more important than ever because white supremacy and anti-Black racism are allegedly on the rise.
Morning Wire
Education Department Exposed & NIL Guidance Changes | Afternoon Update | 2.14.25
Here was Pennsylvania Democrat Summer Lee in a presser Wednesday announcing the bill.
Morning Wire
Education Department Exposed & NIL Guidance Changes | Afternoon Update | 2.14.25
The bill is considered DOA in the House.
Morning Wire
Trade War Escalates & Coal's Comeback | Afternoon Update | 4.11.25
This episode is brought to you by Balance of Nature. Get your daily dose of fruits and veggies that you can take anywhere. Head to balanceofnature.com and use promo code wire for 35% off your first order as a preferred customer. Plus get a free bottle of fiber and spice. That's balanceofnature.com promo code wire.
Morning Wire
Trade War Escalates & Coal's Comeback | Afternoon Update | 4.11.25
Defense officials said actions seen as undermining the chain of command or the president's agenda would not be tolerated. Colonel Sean Lee has been appointed to take over leadership as the U.S. continues to strengthen its strategic posture in Greenland. The ousted commander wrote in an email, quote, I do not presume to understand current politics, but what I do know is the concerns of the U.S.
Morning Wire
Trade War Escalates & Coal's Comeback | Afternoon Update | 4.11.25
administration discussed by Vice President Vance on Friday are not reflective of Patufik's space base.
Morning Wire
Trade War Escalates & Coal's Comeback | Afternoon Update | 4.11.25
This episode is brought to you by Good Ranchers. Support the tradition of American farmers and ranchers who have spent generations working to feed Americans with high-quality meat exclusively and locally sourced right here in the USA. Subscribe now at goodranchers.com for free bacon, ground beef, seed oil-free chicken nuggets, or salmon in every order for a year, plus $40 off with code WIRE.
Morning Wire
Trade War Escalates & Coal's Comeback | Afternoon Update | 4.11.25
Good Ranchers, American meat delivered.
Morning Wire
Trade War Escalates & Coal's Comeback | Afternoon Update | 4.11.25
Robert Kennedy Jr. gave his first interview this week since becoming Health and Human Services Secretary. In the sit-down, he urged Americans to get the measles vaccine, pledged to push food manufacturers to eliminate artificial dyes, and laid out possible changes for insurance coverage for GLP-1 weight loss drugs.
Morning Wire
Trade War Escalates & Coal's Comeback | Afternoon Update | 4.11.25
Kennedy said Medicare and Medicaid coverage may come after patients try monitored diet and exercise. He also addressed public health cuts and the layoff of thousands of HHS employees.
Morning Wire
Trade War Escalates & Coal's Comeback | Afternoon Update | 4.11.25
Or that are faxing to each other, right?
Morning Wire
Trade War Escalates & Coal's Comeback | Afternoon Update | 4.11.25
Tragedy has struck the Dominican Republic, where a roof collapse has left more than 200 people dead. Daily Wire reporter Amanda Prestigiacomo has the details.
Morning Wire
Trade War Escalates & Coal's Comeback | Afternoon Update | 4.11.25
And golf's most iconic major is underway. Crane & Company co-host David Cohn has more.
Morning Wire
Trade War Escalates & Coal's Comeback | Afternoon Update | 4.11.25
China raised tariffs on U.S. goods again today, this time to 125%. The move sent the U.S. dollar lower for a fifth straight day while gold surged to new highs. The intensifying trade war continues to shake global markets. Major stock indexes have fallen as much as 7% since President Trump's tariff announcement.
Morning Wire
Trade War Escalates & Coal's Comeback | Afternoon Update | 4.11.25
European and Asian markets have also seen declines as officials brace for more fallout and prepare potential countermeasures.
Morning Wire
Trade War Escalates & Coal's Comeback | Afternoon Update | 4.11.25
The commander of the U.S. Space Base in Greenland has been relieved of her duties. The Pentagon cited a loss of confidence in her ability to lead that follows Vice President J.D. Vance's recent visit to the U.S. military outpost. Colonel Susanna Myers had pushed back on comments made by Vance during his March trip,
MrBallen Podcast: Strange, Dark & Mysterious Stories
Listen Now: Scam Factory
Imagine this. You help your little brother land a great job abroad. But when he arrives, the job doesn't exist. Instead, he's trapped in a heavily guarded compound, forced to sit at a computer and scam innocent victims. all while armed guards stand by with shoot-to-kill orders.
MrBallen Podcast: Strange, Dark & Mysterious Stories
Listen Now: Scam Factory
With the boss, the team leader, and the translators. This was never good news. Jelena and her nine coworkers made their way outside. The yard was kind of like a quad on a college campus, except with the guards around, it gave more prison yard vibes. They lined up, five in each row. Jella stood at the front of the line. She looked around.
MrBallen Podcast: Strange, Dark & Mysterious Stories
Listen Now: Scam Factory
Two-story concrete buildings all painted in a stark shade of white. Glaring fluorescent lights pouring out of the windows and doors. On the first floor was where they spent long hours, day and night, scamming. On the second was where they slept in cheap metal bunk beds. The roofs were studded with floodlights that only added to the prison feel. She looked down at the concrete beneath her feet.
MrBallen Podcast: Strange, Dark & Mysterious Stories
Listen Now: Scam Factory
Such a sad contrast to the adventures on Thai beaches she thought she'd be having when she first met Charlie. A hush spread through the group as the boss began to speak. Beside him was a team leader and two translators. The boss started with an announcement. They were changing up the payment structure. It would now be tiered based on how much they were able to scam.
MrBallen Podcast: Strange, Dark & Mysterious Stories
Listen Now: Scam Factory
Scam Factory, the explosive new true crime podcast from Wondery, exposes a multi-billion dollar criminal empire operating in plain sight. Every suspicious text you ignore masks a huge network of compounds where thousands are held captive and forced to scam others under the threat of death.
MrBallen Podcast: Strange, Dark & Mysterious Stories
Listen Now: Scam Factory
But if you were like Jella, this was terrible news. Jella was awful at scamming, like truly awful. She'd never gotten good at the dirty talk. She'd only gotten three clients to take it to video chat, but none of them were successfully blackmailed. She'd been moved over to another group with a new assignment. Scam people into buying things from a fake Amazon store. That hadn't gone any better.
MrBallen Podcast: Strange, Dark & Mysterious Stories
Listen Now: Scam Factory
So she'd been sent to yet another group. This time, someone else was doing the scamming. Jella just served as a warm body on camera for video calls. Her coworkers would tell her what to say. And using an AI filter to alter her face, Jella would deliver her lines to the target. She didn't like doing this either.
MrBallen Podcast: Strange, Dark & Mysterious Stories
Listen Now: Scam Factory
And now, she was being told that her already meager salary would be tied to her poor performance. Jella's anxiety shot through the roof. But that wasn't all. Her team leaders told them there would be harsher consequences for not meeting quota.
MrBallen Podcast: Strange, Dark & Mysterious Stories
Listen Now: Scam Factory
Duck walking, where grown adults are forced to squat and walk across the field while everyone watched. It was humiliating. She did not want to do this. All Jello could think about was how much she fucking hated this place, how angry she was at Charlie, how desperately she wanted to get out. And then, one more update.
MrBallen Podcast: Strange, Dark & Mysterious Stories
Listen Now: Scam Factory
A different compound? Jello was in a full-on panic now as her bosses explained that they were being transferred to another company. This new company operated out of a compound next door.
MrBallen Podcast: Strange, Dark & Mysterious Stories
Listen Now: Scam Factory
Jella was freaking out. She'd heard rumors about this other compound.
MrBallen Podcast: Strange, Dark & Mysterious Stories
Listen Now: Scam Factory
Jella had heard they beat their workers with electric batons and paddles to punish those that didn't meet quota. With her track record, Jella knew she was doomed.
MrBallen Podcast: Strange, Dark & Mysterious Stories
Listen Now: Scam Factory
She had to get out of this situation. The one Charlie helped put her in. Before it cost her her life. Binge all episodes of Scam Factory early and ad-free on Wondery+. Join Wondery Plus in the Wondery app or on Apple Podcasts.
MrBallen Podcast: Strange, Dark & Mysterious Stories
Listen Now: Scam Factory
Told through one family's harrowing account of sleepless nights, desperate phone calls, and dangerous rescue attempts, Scam Factory reveals a brutal truth. The only way out is to scam their way out. I'm about to play a clip from Scam Factory where one character, Jella, learns horrifying news while she's trapped inside the scam compound.
MrBallen Podcast: Strange, Dark & Mysterious Stories
Listen Now: Scam Factory
While you're listening, follow Scam Factory on the Wondery app or wherever you get your podcasts. Jella kept her eye on the clock, counting down the minutes until 1 a.m. and the end of her shift. She couldn't wait to get to bed. Jella and her teammates began to gather their things to leave. But their team leader told them, not so fast. Everyone needed to go out to the yard.
Murder in the Moonlight
In Cold Blood
I said, that's like looking for a needle in a haystack. However, she mentioned homicide. Because all I remember hearing in this house was bang, bang, bang, bang.
Murder: True Crime Stories
Presenting "Killer Minds": A Crime House Original
Murder True Crime Stories fans, I have got some exciting news. Crime House Studios is launching a new show called Killer Minds. Hosted by licensed forensic psychologist Dr. Tristan Engels and Crime House's Vanessa Richardson, each episode of Killer Minds features a deep dive into the psychology of a notorious murderer.
Murder: True Crime Stories
Presenting "Killer Minds": A Crime House Original
From infamous serial killers to ruthless cult leaders, deadly exes, and spree killers. Along with Vanessa's immersive storytelling, full of high stakes with twists and turns, Dr. Engels will be providing expert analysis of the people involved. Not just how they killed, but why. Killer Minds is a Crime House Studios original. New episodes drop every Monday and Thursday.
Murder: True Crime Stories
Presenting "Killer Minds": A Crime House Original
Follow Killer Minds, a Crime House Studios original now. New episodes drop every Monday and Thursday. Again, that's Killer Minds. Follow now wherever you get your podcasts. And for early ad-free access, subscribe to Crime House Plus on Apple Podcasts.
Murder: True Crime Stories
Presenting "Killer Minds": A Crime House Original
Follow wherever you get your podcasts. And now, here's a sneak peek of Killer Minds. This is Crime House.
My Favorite Murder with Karen Kilgariff and Georgia Hardstark
MFM Minisode 417
Coming to ABC and Hulu. Amanda Riley was a mother, wife, speaker at her church. And then she got diagnosed with cancer. A beloved young Christian woman fighting a battle undeserved. We thought she was God's gift, but she was a liar.
My Favorite Murder with Karen Kilgariff and Georgia Hardstark
MFM Minisode 417
From the number one smash hit podcast. It was only a matter of time until Amanda's whole world came tumbling down. You're not going to believe this. Scamanda. New episodes Thursday nights on ABC and stream on Hulu.
My Friend Daisy
Episode 2 - Jane Doe
Is there a dead body back there, man? The guy said, something around that nature. The officer replied. And then talk turned to politics. The guy blamed the DA at the time for releasing people from jail.
My Friend Daisy
Episode 2 - Jane Doe
At another house down the street, the officer unlatched a white metal gate and walked up the driveway to the front door.
My Friend Daisy
Episode 2 - Jane Doe
It's difficult to hear, but she said, It's unclear what exactly the this is that she said was happening for years. Gang violence, maybe? The kind of violence that is sometimes seen as constant in this area. The kind of violence that fills the chyrons of local TV news shows.
My Friend Daisy
Episode 2 - Jane Doe
The crime scene that morning resulted in a headline of its own. Woman found stabbed and beaten to death in Compton. The article appeared in the L.A. Times. It said that deputies found the body of a, quote, Latina who had died from blunt trauma and stab wounds.
My Friend Daisy
Episode 2 - Jane Doe
The article said that authorities were still trying to figure out whether she'd been robbed or sexually assaulted prior to her death, and that they had no leads on a suspect. It included a short statement from an L.A. County Sheriff's Department spokesperson. He said, she's Jane Doe right now.
My Friend Daisy
Episode 2 - Jane Doe
When detectives arrived on the scene, the first person they wanted to speak with was the person who found the body. Jose Tejas, the building manager. He was the one who called 911 earlier that morning.
My Friend Daisy
Episode 1 - Sitting Ducks
In 2020, a group of young women in a tidy suburb of New York City found themselves in an AI-fueled nightmare.
My Friend Daisy
Episode 2 - Jane Doe
But like his tenants, Jose didn't know much. He didn't think he knew who the victim was, and he definitely didn't think they lived in the building. He told the detectives that there were sex workers who sometimes worked in the alley behind the apartments. And he suggested that maybe the victim could have been one of them.
My Friend Daisy
Episode 2 - Jane Doe
But Jose had another hunch, this feeling that compelled him to make a phone call, to do some investigative work of his own. Maybe it was an apartment manager's intuition, the kind of instinct you develop when it's your job to know everyone else's business. Whatever it was, he decided he needed to reach out to one of his tenants, Juan de la O, Daisy's grandfather.
My Friend Daisy
Episode 1 - Sitting Ducks
Listen to Levittown on Bloomberg's Big Take podcast. Find it on the iHeart Radio app, Apple Podcasts or wherever you get your podcasts.
My Friend Daisy
Episode 2 - Jane Doe
At this point, Juan already knew that something horrific had happened. He'd walked past the crime scene that morning while trying to leave for work. He couldn't get to his car because the police tape was blocking the parking lot. He shuddered. It looked to him like the body of a young person lying there on the ground.
My Friend Daisy
Episode 2 - Jane Doe
In his mind, it must have gone somewhere dark because he went back inside and asked a family member, Where's Daisy? Did she come home last night? Around the same time, Wendy Valdivia was in her car. She was on her way to take her two chihuahuas to the park. Wendy was in her early 30s with long, dark blonde hair.
My Friend Daisy
Episode 2 - Jane Doe
And as she drove past her mother's apartment complex, she noticed yellow tape surrounding it.
My Friend Daisy
Episode 2 - Jane Doe
It was February 23rd, 2021, when a series of police SUVs pulled up in the alley behind an apartment complex in Compton. The sun had only just started to rise, casting this piercing neon glow over the buildings. An officer with the L.A. County Sheriff's Department stepped out from one of the Ford Expeditions and put on a white face mask.
My Friend Daisy
Episode 2 - Jane Doe
So Wendy kept driving. She figured that whatever was going on, it was nothing serious. But on her way home from the dog park, she decided to pull over and flag down a police officer. What's going on, she asked.
My Friend Daisy
Episode 2 - Jane Doe
This, as you might imagine, was not the most comforting answer.
My Friend Daisy
Episode 2 - Jane Doe
Wendy used to live in this building. She moved out just a year earlier. And she still knew a lot of the people who lived there. She pictured a former neighbor who fit the officer's description. And she immediately began imagining the worst.
My Friend Daisy
Episode 2 - Jane Doe
She went over to her mother's first floor apartment. That's where her 13-year-old son, Jeffrey, had spent the night. And the room where he slept was located directly next to the area where the body had been found.
My Friend Daisy
Episode 2 - Jane Doe
Now, it might seem odd that Jeffrey didn't pay much attention to the noises outside. But when I asked Wendy about this... She told me that the boulevard nearby was frequented by sex workers. And I think what she was getting at was that sometimes if you hear other people's business, you just have to tune it out. Close the window, shut your eyes.
My Friend Daisy
Episode 2 - Jane Doe
It wasn't something you got involved in or tried to listen to, especially if you were a kid. Before long, there was a knock on Wendy's mother's door. It was a police officer, and he had an update. He now believed that the person who had been murdered was a younger girl, not a woman in her 40s. Wendy immediately thought of her mom's upstairs neighbor, Daisy.
My Friend Daisy
Episode 2 - Jane Doe
Wendy had known Daisy ever since Daisy was little. Daisy and her brothers had grown up alongside Jeffrey and his sisters. They all used to play together at the apartment complex. Wendy asked Jeffrey if he'd seen Daisy the night before. It turned out he had. He'd been over at his cousin's apartment on the other side of the complex. They'd been playing video games.
My Friend Daisy
Episode 2 - Jane Doe
Call of Duty was Jeffrey's favorite. A little after 11.30 p.m., Jeffrey headed back to his grandmother's apartment. And that's when he spotted Daisy. She looked like she was lying down on her side, taking a nap in the grassy area between two apartment buildings. someone was standing over her, pacing back and forth around her body.
My Friend Daisy
Episode 2 - Jane Doe
He walked past the dumpsters and through this narrow, gated walkway. It led to the apartment complex. Sneakers dangled from a telephone wire overhead. There on the dead grass between two buildings was this blue and gray patterned rug. It was big, five feet wide by eight feet long. And from a few steps back, it was hard to tell that there was anything underneath it.
My Friend Daisy
Episode 2 - Jane Doe
Now, this sounds really ominous, but in the moment, Jeffrey didn't think anything of it. Besides, it wasn't really his business. He understood that staying out of other people's business could mean staying out of trouble, especially in a neighborhood where trouble could sometimes feel inevitable. When the police heard about what Jeffrey had seen, They wanted him to answer some questions.
My Friend Daisy
Episode 2 - Jane Doe
They also wanted him to do something else. Something Wendy was unsettled by. They wanted him to go look at the body and see if he could identify it.
My Friend Daisy
Episode 2 - Jane Doe
But the police were insistent. They wanted Jeffrey to do it. He was the one who had seen Daisy the night before. Wendy thought about it, and she reluctantly agreed. If Jeffrey could help solve the mystery of who this person was, if he could lend a name and an identity, some humanity to this Jane Doe, then it would be worth it.
My Friend Daisy
Episode 2 - Jane Doe
Jeffrey walked out of his grandmother's apartment and ducked under the yellow police tape. He looked down at the body that had been lying there for hours. And in that moment, he gave the confirmation police were looking for. Afterward, he was quiet, stoic, like a boy changed by what he had seen.
My Friend Daisy
Episode 2 - Jane Doe
After hours of uncertainty, the police were finally able to identify the body. As Sanchez put it, it was all because of Jeffrey.
My Friend Daisy
Episode 2 - Jane Doe
Daisy De La O was not a Jane Doe. And this was not a, quote, potty dump. Daisy lived there. She had been with her family just the night before. And her family, they still didn't know anything was wrong. Susanna Salas was at work at a food manufacturing warehouse when she got a phone call. The voice on the other end said he was a detective with the L.A. County Sheriff's Department.
My Friend Daisy
Episode 2 - Jane Doe
He wanted to know when was the last time Susie had seen her daughter. Susie thought of the previous night. The night she and her family spent watching television in the living room. The night Daisy had gotten that text message. The night she gave her mom and grandmother a hug. The night she said, I'll be right back.
My Friend Daisy
Episode 2 - Jane Doe
Susie had assumed that Daisy met up with her ex-boyfriend and they'd spent the night together. But now, Susie was worried. She told me she remembered thinking, what did she do? Had Daisy and her ex gotten into some kind of trouble? Committed some kind of crime and made a run for it? Why was the detective calling her? But he wouldn't say. All he said, according to Susie, was, you need to come home.
My Friend Daisy
Episode 2 - Jane Doe
At some point, it dawned on her. Maybe Daisy hadn't done anything. Maybe something had been done to her. After Susie hung up the phone, she marched into her boss's office and broke down crying. A detective called me, she said, and I don't know what happened. I don't know. Susie knew she needed to get home, but she was shaking so badly that she couldn't drive. I was a wreck, she told me.
My Friend Daisy
Episode 2 - Jane Doe
As the officer got closer, he put on a pair of blue latex gloves. He lifted up a corner of the rug. And there beneath it was the body.
My Friend Daisy
Episode 2 - Jane Doe
A co-worker offered to give her a ride, and as they drove through the late afternoon gridlock on the 710, along the concrete basin of the LA River, Susie just kept saying over and over, something happened. Something happened. Earlier that same day, she'd been talking to her coworkers about Daisy, telling them that Daisy was about to buy a car, and that that made Susie a little melancholy.
My Friend Daisy
Episode 2 - Jane Doe
Daisy was already so independent, and once she got a car, she'd only become more so. Some small part of Susie was already mourning the version of her daughter who still had to ask her for rides, who had to spend time with her in the car, had to show her where she was going and when and with whom.
My Friend Daisy
Episode 2 - Jane Doe
Now, as Susie and her co-worker exited the freeway and turned onto the boulevard where she lived, that worry seemed so distant. They pulled up to Susie's apartment building, and she saw the police tape wrapped all around it. She remembered thinking it looked like something out of a scary movie. She began cursing to herself. And then, suddenly, she was running.
My Friend Daisy
Episode 2 - Jane Doe
Running and running until she reached the yellow tape and the crowd of police. That's when she heard the words, she's the mom.
My Friend Daisy
Episode 2 - Jane Doe
A body bag. Wendy said that they were putting Daisy in a body bag when Susie got there.
My Friend Daisy
Episode 2 - Jane Doe
Susie told me that her legs gave out, that they felt like jello, like mush. She said it was like something she'd seen in movies, something she'd probably assumed was some kind of dramatic Hollywood cliche. It felt surreal. Susie remembered screaming, cursing, begging to know what had happened. But detectives had no answers for her, only more questions. Things like, did Daisy have any tattoos? Yes.
My Friend Daisy
Episode 2 - Jane Doe
They wanted to double-check that they'd ID'd the body correctly. That it was, in fact, Susie's daughter. Yeah, she told them. There was a bunny on her forearm because Daisy's niece loved bunnies. Dancing skeletons on each of her hips. Two angels on her neck. A spiderweb on her shoulder. Near the crescent moon and the stars. It was a matching tattoo she'd gotten years earlier with her best friend.
My Friend Daisy
Episode 2 - Jane Doe
They had showed them off in their side-by-side yearbook photos. There were stories behind the ink, memories. But now they'd become identifiers, numbered 1 through 10 on an autopsy. Daisy was so much more than the markings on her body, the descriptions on a stack of government paperwork. I wanted to know the things that body cameras and autopsies couldn't tell me.
My Friend Daisy
Episode 2 - Jane Doe
You're gonna have a 245, he said. Police code for assault with a deadly weapon. Officers started cordoning off the area with yellow tape. They wrapped it around palm trees and around the metal bars over apartment windows and around the basketball hoop on the concrete walkway. The apartment complex had become a crime scene.
My Friend Daisy
Episode 2 - Jane Doe
And for that, I knew I had to talk to the people who knew Daisy. The first place I went to find them was TikTok. Next time on My Friend Tacey.
My Friend Daisy
Episode 2 - Jane Doe
My Friend Daisy is a production of London Audio with support from Sony Music Entertainment. It's reported, written and executive produced by me, Jen Swan. I'm also your host. Our executive producers for London Audio are Paris Hilton, Bruce Gersh, Bruce Robertson and Joanna Studebaker. Our executive producer for Sony Music Entertainment is Jonathan Hirsch. Our associate producer is Zoe Kolkin.
My Friend Daisy
Episode 2 - Jane Doe
Production assistance and translations by Miguel Contreras. Sound design, composing, and mixing by Hans Dale Shee. Our fact checker is Fendall Fulton. Our head of production is Sammy Allison, and our production manager is Tamika Balance-Kalosny. Special thanks to Steve Ackerman, Emily Rosick, and Jamie Myers at Sony, Ben Goldberg and Orly Greenberg at UTA, and Jen Ortiz at The Cut.
My Friend Daisy
Episode 2 - Jane Doe
Tenants began to wake up and mill about that morning, and officers shooed them away.
My Friend Daisy
Episode 2 - Jane Doe
The Compton Fire Department showed up next. One of the firefighters wore a blue hoodie over his uniform and carried a defibrillator. Even he was spooked by what he saw when he approached the body. Oh, shit, he said. And then he wondered aloud what had happened. Did he get shot? Did he fall? A female officer in a khaki uniform stood next to him.
My Friend Daisy
Episode 2 - Jane Doe
She pointed out that there was a knife lying next to the body. It was a nine-inch Farberware steak knife, like the kind you might have in your kitchen drawer. The condition of the body made the firefighter think it had been out there for a while. He put his defibrillator down with a sense of resignation. He seemed to accept what had been painfully apparent all along.
My Friend Daisy
Episode 2 - Jane Doe
This was not a situation that called for resuscitation. It was one that required an investigation. I'm Jen Swan. From iHeartMedia, London Audio, and executive producer Paris Hilton, this is My Friend Daisy, Episode 2. Jane Doe.
My Friend Daisy
Episode 1 - Sitting Ducks
In 2020, a group of young women found themselves in an AI-fuelled nightmare.
My Friend Daisy
Episode 1 - Sitting Ducks
In 2020, a group of young women in a tidy suburb of New York City found themselves in an AI-fuelled nightmare.
My Friend Daisy
Episode 2 - Jane Doe
Leopoldo Sanchez hadn't left for work yet when he got the call. It was early on a Tuesday morning and he immediately knew what it meant. There had been a homicide and he was about to be assigned to the case.
My Friend Daisy
Episode 1 - Sitting Ducks
Listen to Levittown on Bloomberg's Big Take podcast. Find it on the iHeart Radio app, Apple Podcasts or wherever you get your podcasts.
My Friend Daisy
Episode 2 - Jane Doe
Sanchez is a detective with the L.A. County Sheriff's Department. He's got a buzz cut and he's built like a football player. He actually used to be one in high school in a suburb just east of Los Angeles. His former coach is now his partner at the Homicide Bureau. Sanchez has been working for the L.A. County Sheriff's Department for almost three decades. He didn't always think he'd end up a cop.
My Friend Daisy
Episode 2 - Jane Doe
He was thinking civil engineer. Then he took a criminal justice class in college, and everything changed.
My Friend Daisy
Episode 2 - Jane Doe
It didn't take long for him to get hired. He logged hours working at the jails and on patrol, which is where he realized he wanted to do something else. He wanted to solve murders.
My Friend Daisy
Episode 2 - Jane Doe
He eventually landed the job, and when he got this call about a homicide in Compton, he was still a rookie detective. It was February of 2021, and he'd only been working in the Bureau for eight months. He didn't know Compton well at all.
My Friend Daisy
Episode 2 - Jane Doe
Sanchez got in his car and typed the address of the crime scene into his GPS. As he sat in morning rush hour, he mulled over the scenario he'd been briefed on. A body had been possibly literally swept under a rug. There was no identifying information found nearby. No wallet, no ID, no cell phone.
My Friend Daisy
Episode 2 - Jane Doe
A body dump. It was the signature move of the so-called Grim Sleeper, the serial killer who for decades stalked South Los Angeles, a collection of neighborhoods, some of which border Compton. He preyed upon poor women of color. Sex workers, drug users, people whose absences almost surely wouldn't get the attention they deserved. And he left their bodies thrown in dumpsters and alleys.
My Friend Daisy
Episode 2 - Jane Doe
Before Sanchez and his partner arrived at the apartment complex, the sheriffs who were already there tried to find out as much as they could. I obtained body camera footage of the crime scene. One of the videos shows a female officer walking up to a group of residents gathered on the other side of the police tape
My Friend Daisy
Episode 2 - Jane Doe
One of the residents was clearly confused by this new information. It's a woman, he said. Another officer tried a different line of questioning. The officer pivoted. He looked up at one of the boxy, oatmeal-colored apartment buildings and pointed to a surveillance camera mounted overhead.
My Friend Daisy
Episode 2 - Jane Doe
The officer continued knocking on doors. Okay. Each time he knocked, he got the same answer. Nobody had heard or seen anything.
My Friend Daisy
Episode 2 - Jane Doe
No one seemed to have any intel. The officer realized he needed to widen his search. So he drove to the residential street behind the apartment complex. He double parked in front of a one-story house painted green. Kids' toys sprinkled the driveway. A small black chihuahua barked incessantly from inside the house.
My Friend Daisy
Episode 2 - Jane Doe
The officer waited outside while the resident went to get his phone. He showed it to the officer, saying there's no view of the alley.
My Friend Daisy
Episode 6 - Armed and Dangerous
It's nostalgia overload as Wilmer Valderrama and Freddy Rodriguez welcome another amigo to their podcast, Dos Amigos. Wilmer's friend and former That 70s Show castmate, Topher Grace, stops by the speakeasy for a two-part interview to discuss his career and reminisce about old times.
My Friend Daisy
Episode 6 - Armed and Dangerous
Listen to Dos Amigos on the iHeartRadio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts.
My Friend Daisy
Episode 6 - Armed and Dangerous
It's nostalgia overload as Wilmer Valderrama and Freddy Rodriguez welcome another amigo to their podcast, Dos Amigos. Wilmer's friend and former That 70s Show castmate, Topher Grace, stops by the speakeasy for a two-part interview to discuss his career and reminisce about old times.
My Friend Daisy
Episode 6 - Armed and Dangerous
Listen to Dos Amigos on the iHeartRadio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts.
My Friend Daisy
Episode 4 - Another Death in Compton
Get the upgrade you and your devices dream of. Switch to Frontier and experience reliable 100% fiber internet powered by the speed of light. Plan starting at $29.99 per month for fiber 200 internet. Hurry now and get free premium Wi-Fi and free expert installation. Frontier Fiber. Good to go. In select areas, price for 12 months with AutoPay. ETF terms apply. Max speeds wired.
My Friend Daisy
Episode 4 - Another Death in Compton
So remember how this neighbor said he'd call his brother-in-law to get a hold of the security footage? Well, he did. And that guy ended up handing over the video to detectives. So what I'm going to do is I'll look at it through the cloud. On the big screen? Because on the phone, you really can't see anything. So I'm going to download the clips for you guys. Thank you.
My Friend Daisy
Episode 4 - Another Death in Compton
Get the upgrade you and your devices dream of. Switch to Frontier and experience reliable 100% fiber internet powered by the speed of light. Plan starting at $29.99 per month for fiber 200 internet. Hurry now and get free premium Wi-Fi and free expert installation. Frontier Fiber. Good to go. In select areas, price for 12 months with AutoPay. ETF terms apply. Max speeds wired.
My Friend Daisy
Episode 4 - Another Death in Compton
Something unexpected happened after Jeremy Scott confessed to killing Michelle Schofield in Bone Valley Season 1. I just knew him as a kid. Long, silent voices from his past came forward.
My Friend Daisy
Episode 4 - Another Death in Compton
I was no longer just telling the story. I was part of it.
My Friend Daisy
Episode 4 - Another Death in Compton
I was becoming the bridge between a killer and the son he'd never known.
My Friend Daisy
Episode 4 - Another Death in Compton
I never expected to find myself in this place. Now, I need to tell you how I got here.
My Friend Daisy
Episode 4 - Another Death in Compton
Listen to new episodes of Bone Valley Season 2 on the iHeartRadio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts. And to hear the entire new season ad-free with exclusive content, subscribe to Lava for Good Plus on Apple Podcasts.
New Heights with Jason & Travis Kelce
Adam Sandler on favorite SNL moments, Casting Travis in Happy Gilmore 2 and What ‘The Waterboy’ is Doing Now | EP 125
And then I told her, I go,
New Heights with Jason & Travis Kelce
Adam Sandler on favorite SNL moments, Casting Travis in Happy Gilmore 2 and What ‘The Waterboy’ is Doing Now | EP 125
Behind the closed doors of government offices and military compounds, there are hidden stories and buried secrets from the darkest corners of history. From covert experiments pushing the boundaries of science to operations so secretive they were barely whispered about.
New Heights with Jason & Travis Kelce
Adam Sandler on favorite SNL moments, Casting Travis in Happy Gilmore 2 and What ‘The Waterboy’ is Doing Now | EP 125
Each week on Redacted Declassified Mysteries, we pull back the curtain on these hidden histories, 100% true and verifiable stories that expose the shadowy underbelly of power. Consider Operation Paperclip, where former Nazi scientists were brought to America after World War II, not as prisoners, but as assets to advance U.S. intelligence during the Cold War.
New Heights with Jason & Travis Kelce
Adam Sandler on favorite SNL moments, Casting Travis in Happy Gilmore 2 and What ‘The Waterboy’ is Doing Now | EP 125
These aren't just old conspiracy theories. They're thoroughly investigated accounts that reveal the uncomfortable truths still shaping our world today. The stories are real. The secrets are shocking. Follow Redacted Declassified Mysteries on the Wondery app or wherever you get your podcasts. You can listen to Redacted early and ad-free right now on Wondery+.
Ninjas Are Butterflies
139 - Mount Kailash Mystery, Katy Perry in Space, & Area 51 Secrets
Ah, good question. Elon Musk's son, the one he had with Grimes, has a very unique name. Originally, it was X-A-E-A-12, but they had to modify it slightly to X-A-E-A-X-I-I, which is pronounced something like X-Ash-A-12. It's definitely...
Ninjas Are Butterflies
139 - Mount Kailash Mystery, Katy Perry in Space, & Area 51 Secrets
Welcome to the show.
Nobody Should Believe Me
Introducing: There and Gone
All I know is I see you in my dreams Reach out in the dark For you've been lost to me I'll never give up No matter how long I open my eyes Each corner I turn There's another puzzle piece We follow the clues Looking for the key I'll never give up No matter how lost I open my eyes To find that you're gone
Nobody Should Believe Me
Introducing: There and Gone
All that I know Is I see you in my dreams Reach out in the dark For you've been lost to me I'll never give up No matter how long I open my eyes
Nobody Should Believe Me
Introducing: There and Gone
Imbo and Patron were last seen leaving a South Street bar in the late evening of February 19th, 2005.
Nobody Should Believe Me
Introducing: There and Gone
Investigators have turned up a few promising leads, but have not found the couple or the car.
Nobody Should Believe Me
Introducing: There and Gone
They had left a bar at 4th and South, headed to his pickup truck, and simply vanished, not a trace.
Nosotros Los Clones
DeepSeek: Lo mismo pero más barato - NLC 165
Pero tienes ahí opción para poner en búsqueda en web, en DeepSeek.
Nosotros Los Clones
DeepSeek: Lo mismo pero más barato - NLC 165
Yo no sé si es un... ¿Cómo se llama? Cuando es una sola vez. Un garbanzo de libra. Tal vez no por lo político, porque es China y por todo lo que le hizo perder a NVIDIA y a otras compañías en bolsa de valores. También no perdieron dinero de su bolsa, sino que era el valor de la acción. Mm-hmm.
Nosotros Los Clones
DeepSeek: Lo mismo pero más barato - NLC 165
seguramente está íntimamente atado a alguna parte del partido en el gobierno seguro y bueno eso siempre queda ahí no o sea aunque todos los demás lo hacen todos los autos chinos tienen todos tus datos de dónde vas que de todo pero aquí es como pues gratis lo puedes usar y está de moda ahorita a ver cuánto tiempo dura
Nosotros Los Clones
DeepSeek: Lo mismo pero más barato - NLC 165
Yo lo sé, pero Deep Seek tiene estrellita, porque le pregunté, ¿Quién hace el podcast? Nosotros los clones. Y contestó correctamente. Es conducido por tres periodistas especializados en tecnología con más de 20 años de experiencia. Aura, Javier y Pontón. Este video podcast se enfoca en temas relacionados con tecnología, innovación, inteligencia, etc. ¡Gracias!
Nosotros Los Clones
DeepSeek: Lo mismo pero más barato - NLC 165
No. Ubico la High and Dry. Creep. Creep. ¿Cuál es Creep?
Nosotros Los Clones
DeepSeek: Lo mismo pero más barato - NLC 165
Oh, yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah.
Nosotros Los Clones
DeepSeek: Lo mismo pero más barato - NLC 165
Pero tres canciones, cuatro. O sea, no soy tan fan.
Nosotros Los Clones
DeepSeek: Lo mismo pero más barato - NLC 165
Primero vamos a platicar... profundamente de Deep Seek. Después tenemos una trivia. ¿Otra? Una trivia donde te vas a poder ganar unos audífonos de HyperX, cortesía de Hewlett Packard. Recordando que HyperX es una compañía de Hewlett Packard.
Nosotros Los Clones
DeepSeek: Lo mismo pero más barato - NLC 165
Pero está un poco lento, ¿no? Sí, está lento.
Nosotros Los Clones
DeepSeek: Lo mismo pero más barato - NLC 165
Yo creo que llegó para quedarse, pero no para opacar a los que ya llevan mucho rato. Porque lo que dijo Sam Altman, sí está muy chido. Nosotros vamos a sacar cosas nuevas también. ¿Cuántas cosas no tendrán?
Nosotros Los Clones
DeepSeek: Lo mismo pero más barato - NLC 165
Edote estaba haciendo una cuenta de... No la cuenta, sino estaba pensando que... Yo les voy a decir una palabra y me dicen el primer servicio que se les...
Nosotros Los Clones
DeepSeek: Lo mismo pero más barato - NLC 165
Sí, Netflix. Auto de aplicación. Uber. Coche de aplicación.
Nosotros Los Clones
DeepSeek: Lo mismo pero más barato - NLC 165
O como Kleenex. O como Netflix. No, es Amazon Video. Ah, no. Ah, sí. Pues es un Netflix. O sea, es un genérico. Y ChatGPT ya se quedó con el genérico que está ya incrustado en el cerebro de millones de personas. Y todo es ChatGPT. Por nombre.
Nosotros Los Clones
DeepSeek: Lo mismo pero más barato - NLC 165
Me equivoqué. Me fui atrás. Windows.
Nosotros Los Clones
DeepSeek: Lo mismo pero más barato - NLC 165
We're changing to where there are thousands of options. And here we're talking. I started talking about the generics.
Nosotros Los Clones
DeepSeek: Lo mismo pero más barato - NLC 165
Sony, sonos. No, pero es que no es lo mismo. Tú lo vas por la calle. Ah, son unos Bose. No, no, no. O sea, y si dices, lo vi en Netflix. Cuando, aunque no sea Netflix. Sí. O pedí un Uber, aunque no sea Uber. Sí. O usé chat GPT.
Nosotros Los Clones
DeepSeek: Lo mismo pero más barato - NLC 165
O Starbucks. Claro. Otro, claro. Starbucks.
Nosotros Los Clones
DeepSeek: Lo mismo pero más barato - NLC 165
Gulf of Mexico or Gulf of America? Who is the Gulf of Mexico? Who is the Gulf of Mexico? I'm going to say the one from Mexico. The crazy ones from Miami. La locura de nuestro presidente de junto es que no quiere que se llame Golfo de México porque no tiene nada que hacer. Y le puso, según él, oficialmente Golfo de América. Nada más que eso es para ellos, para los norteamericanos.
Nosotros Los Clones
DeepSeek: Lo mismo pero más barato - NLC 165
Google Maps, como es una empresa gringa, que tiene que acatar órdenes gringas, pronto le va a cambiar el nombre de Golfo de México a Golfo de América para los gringos. Sí. Si tú consultas Google Maps en Estados Unidos o en una cuenta gringa, va a decir Golfo de América. Se me hace una... ¿Tú vivas? Alguien vibra.
Nosotros Los Clones
DeepSeek: Lo mismo pero más barato - NLC 165
Ah, mira. Yo creo que eso va a ser una... Ah, mira. Va a ser raro. Aunque es un... No era yo, no era yo.
Nosotros Los Clones
DeepSeek: Lo mismo pero más barato - NLC 165
Porque es salvaje. Este... El golfo no es de nadie. ¡Es de todos!
Nosotros Los Clones
DeepSeek: Lo mismo pero más barato - NLC 165
¡Pues por eso es un golfo! ¡Claro! ¡Claro! ¡Claro! Entonces... O sea, va a ser un relajo. Sí. Si los norteamericanos no destacan por sus... Cultura. ...conocimientos geográficos. Ah, no. Sí, he visto videos. ¿De qué es esto? África. Sí. ¿De Estados Unidos? Sí, no tienen ni idea. Cuando les cambien y ahora diga Golfo de América. Y van a saber dónde está. No, no. Lo del Golfo sí, América no.
Nosotros Los Clones
DeepSeek: Lo mismo pero más barato - NLC 165
Permítanme un segundo. Estoy conectado a Dallas. Dallas, Texas. Voy a abrir otro navegador para que no se me contamine. Maps.com.
Nosotros Los Clones
DeepSeek: Lo mismo pero más barato - NLC 165
I'm in a connection to the United States.
Nosotros Los Clones
DeepSeek: Lo mismo pero más barato - NLC 165
Sí, igual lo están cambiando ya, pero ya salió publicado lo del Golfo de América en su diario oficial o como se llame allá. Y pues sí, todavía sigue así.
Nosotros Los Clones
DeepSeek: Lo mismo pero más barato - NLC 165
Básicamente usar Starlink para datos para tu celular. Exacto.
Nosotros Los Clones
DeepSeek: Lo mismo pero más barato - NLC 165
Yes, because he also started with Claro.
Nosotros Los Clones
DeepSeek: Lo mismo pero más barato - NLC 165
De ahí viene el nombre de celular. El radio de cada antena es una célula. El área que cubre una antena es una célula y junto está otra antena en otra célula. Entonces tú vas moviéndote y vas de célula en célula. Por eso es telefonía celular, por eso se llama así. No es porque son células volando en el espacio.
Nosotros Los Clones
DeepSeek: Lo mismo pero más barato - NLC 165
Hay que ver la oferta comercial, cómo la ponen.
Nosotros Los Clones
DeepSeek: Lo mismo pero más barato - NLC 165
Está súper interesante porque una cosa es que tu celular vea directamente a un satélite de Starlink y la otra es cómo se conecta con tu carrier.
Nosotros Los Clones
DeepSeek: Lo mismo pero más barato - NLC 165
Sí. Tú estás en el Everest y le marcas a Aura. Entonces, Starlink va a tomar tu llamada. Starlink la va a bajar a su base terrestre. Oye, este usuario de Telcel le quiere hablar a Aura, que bueno, también es Telcel. Va a ser ahí la comunicación. Todo en menos de un segundo.
Nosotros Los Clones
DeepSeek: Lo mismo pero más barato - NLC 165
Es el poder de internet. Sí. Y los celulares.
Nosotros Los Clones
DeepSeek: Lo mismo pero más barato - NLC 165
Amigos y amigas, ¿qué harían o qué hacen ustedes para usar su impresora? Ustedes tienen una impresora, posiblemente, y si no, aquí les recomendamos unas, en donde está conectada por Wi-Fi a su dispositivo.
Nosotros Los Clones
DeepSeek: Lo mismo pero más barato - NLC 165
Sí. ¿Sabes qué me encanta de lo de escanear? Cuando son seis páginas. Ajá. O sea, escanea la primera. Sí. Y es muy intuitivo. Dices, no, siguiente. Añadir. Ajá. Entonces te pone... Eso parece una cosa muy simple, pero no.
Nosotros Los Clones
DeepSeek: Lo mismo pero más barato - NLC 165
Ay, qué padre. Ahí está la foto. En avisos coloquiales ya tenemos a los ganadores de los primeros tres HyperX que hicimos la trivia, la primera de HP. OK. No los hemos contactado, pero ya están. Y hoy hay otra para que estén atentos. Perfecto.
Nosotros Los Clones
DeepSeek: Lo mismo pero más barato - NLC 165
Las seis páginas. Y ahí lo puedes mandar inclusive por WhatsApp. Es correcto. O lo que tú quieras. Sí, sí. Muy padre está HP Smart, que está obviamente disponible para todos los dueños de una impresora HP. Ajá.
Nosotros Los Clones
DeepSeek: Lo mismo pero más barato - NLC 165
Y no solamente disponible, o sea, yo creo que es como que no obligatorio, pero es muy importante que no imprimas en un celular porque puede encontrar la impresora ahí por el destino porque es compatible con AirPrint o no sé qué. Pero descarguen la HP Smart, que es una aplicación muy fácil de usar, como decía Pontón. Puedes, por ejemplo... Mandar un fax. Bueno, si alguien necesita.
Nosotros Los Clones
DeepSeek: Lo mismo pero más barato - NLC 165
Pero está bueno que todavía exista.
Nosotros Los Clones
DeepSeek: Lo mismo pero más barato - NLC 165
¿Sabes qué? Que también aquí tienes acceso a comprar la tinta. o tú sacó el tóner en este caso no está aquí está mira los productos y aquí bueno pues me pide que me registre pero la aplicación hp smart es fundamental hay para ios hay para android obviamente jala sin ningún problema si es que sabes lo que me decía juan jose bello de hp la entrevista que le hicimos hace unos días en las veras
Nosotros Los Clones
DeepSeek: Lo mismo pero más barato - NLC 165
That are using AI for this application, HP Smart, to print sheets of paper. Okay.
Nosotros Los Clones
DeepSeek: Lo mismo pero más barato - NLC 165
So the HP engineers say, let's see, this guy is a... Nah, no sabe cómo hacer esta hoja de cálculo. Le voy a... Eso lo estoy inventando yo. Le voy a echar una manita de gato para que salgan todos sus números por ahí dispersos en una sola hoja.
Nosotros Los Clones
DeepSeek: Lo mismo pero más barato - NLC 165
Lo están haciendo. Creo que no sé si está disponible.
Nosotros Los Clones
DeepSeek: Lo mismo pero más barato - NLC 165
No, y aparte, además de imprimir en una hoja hay un número. 24. El resultado.
Nosotros Los Clones
DeepSeek: Lo mismo pero más barato - NLC 165
Continuando con HP, tenemos una trivia. Hay más? Hay una trivia que el regalo son tres unidades de los audífonos HyperX. ¿Tienes ahí el modelo a la mano? Sí, ¿cómo no?
Nosotros Los Clones
DeepSeek: Lo mismo pero más barato - NLC 165
Ok. Son tres unidades. Ya hicimos una trivia de esto hace... Dos semanas creo, tres semanas, no sé cuánto. Y ya están los ganadores, pero todavía no nos vamos a conocer. Gracias por sus correos. Ahí van las preguntas. Pónganse atentos. Pregunta 1. ¿Hasta cuántas páginas a color imprime la impresora de tanques HP Smart Tank 750? Búsquele, búsquele, apúntele.
Nosotros Los Clones
DeepSeek: Lo mismo pero más barato - NLC 165
Un tip, tienen que mandar un correo a trivias arroba nosotroslosclones.com Ahí ponen los resultados, ponen su nombre, etc. Y el tip es que para encontrar la respuesta a estas preguntas, métanse a hp.com Nosotros los clones. Nosotros los clones. Clones.
Nosotros Los Clones
DeepSeek: Lo mismo pero más barato - NLC 165
MSI Gaming, que es la que nos... Patrocinó este regalo. Regalo de componentes MSI, de procesador y todo, y monitor.
Nosotros Los Clones
DeepSeek: Lo mismo pero más barato - NLC 165
Pueden funcionar en calles y lugares muy seleccionadas. O sea, muy poco porcentaje de una ciudad, de un país, obviamente. Todavía no están, digamos, muy aptos para manejos de larga distancia. Sí. Carretera y todo. Sí lo pueden hacer. Y creo que hay que dividir.
Nosotros Los Clones
DeepSeek: Lo mismo pero más barato - NLC 165
Están los autónomos que no van a tener volante ni siquiera, que esos son unos tipos de coches autónomos que seguramente en los próximos años serán para trayectos cortos. Y los coches autónomos, como el que nos subimos, que es un automóvil normal adaptado con muchas cosas que maneja solita. Él maneja solo. Entonces creo que está limitado a un cierto... No hablo del sector de la población, no.
Nosotros Los Clones
DeepSeek: Lo mismo pero más barato - NLC 165
Por eso me río, porque estás no solo para decir que está muy padre. No, no, no. Es que la verdad, lo acabamos de vivir. Está muy padre, muy bonito, muy limitado.
Nosotros Los Clones
DeepSeek: Lo mismo pero más barato - NLC 165
Yes, but I don't think it's going to be like that. ¿A qué se refiere? Que no va a haber manejo autónomo generalizado.
Nosotros Los Clones
DeepSeek: Lo mismo pero más barato - NLC 165
Por las calles, los coches y las personas. Y las leyes de tránsito y las telecomunicaciones.
Nosotros Los Clones
DeepSeek: Lo mismo pero más barato - NLC 165
Todos autónomos es una historia. Ah. Pero eso no existe. Entonces, mitad autónomos, mitad animales. Entonces, van a estar ahí peleándose. Porque incluso tú vas a decir, ah, es autónomo. Le vas a dar un... O sea, es un poco la raza humana. Así somos.
Nosotros Los Clones
DeepSeek: Lo mismo pero más barato - NLC 165
No, porque no te va a dejar. Puede ser el seguro opuesto. No, yo creo que este debate está mal hecho. Ah, qué mal. No, espérame, porque una cosa es que tú tengas tu coche.
Nosotros Los Clones
DeepSeek: Lo mismo pero más barato - NLC 165
Nivel 7, nivel Dios, pero tienes un volante. Creo que son dos cosas diferentes.
Nosotros Los Clones
DeepSeek: Lo mismo pero más barato - NLC 165
Ese es como autónomo para mí, más como vehículo colectivo de transporte sin volante y sin conductor, obviamente.
Nosotros Los Clones
DeepSeek: Lo mismo pero más barato - NLC 165
Y se fijan cuántos vimos ahí en San Francisco. Muchísimos, cada vez más. Muchos. Muchísimos. No era uno de vez en cuando.
Nosotros Los Clones
DeepSeek: Lo mismo pero más barato - NLC 165
Eran constantemente. Ahora, yo creo que no hacen negocio todavía.
Nosotros Los Clones
DeepSeek: Lo mismo pero más barato - NLC 165
No, y cuánta gente debe estar monitoreando, porque tampoco es tan automático todo.
Nosotros Los Clones
DeepSeek: Lo mismo pero más barato - NLC 165
No sé si vieron el video por ahí de hace ya unas semanas, donde había una congestión y no sabían qué hacer los guaymos. Ajá. Estaba...
Nosotros Los Clones
DeepSeek: Lo mismo pero más barato - NLC 165
Pero aquí era una calle tradicional. Había un coche, una camioneta de entregas en doble fila. Venía un güeymo por acá, otro por acá y todavía no supieron quién pasaba y quién no.
Nosotros Los Clones
DeepSeek: Lo mismo pero más barato - NLC 165
son cosas que seguramente pasan todo el tiempo en estas conducciones, pero como ellos dicen, están en un periodo beta, o sea, están lanzándolo, ya te puedes subir, yo creo que sí va a ser para ciertas aplicaciones, como decimos aquí, pues el futuro, pero no va a ser generalizado y no va a llegar a México.
Nosotros Los Clones
DeepSeek: Lo mismo pero más barato - NLC 165
Se veía bien. No, ahora veíamos una pantalla.
Nosotros Los Clones
DeepSeek: Lo mismo pero más barato - NLC 165
Sí, sí, sí. Si alguien ha ido aquí a la Arena Ciudad de México, a ver, aquí viene la NBA, ¿no? Sí, también, cómo no. La Arena es más grande que Chase Center. Se ve bien, pero creo que a mí me encantó el estadio. It's kind of new, isn't it?
Nosotros Los Clones
DeepSeek: Lo mismo pero más barato - NLC 165
No, no, hombre. Bajé, bajé del... Bajé de las gradas y me paré un segundo a tomar la foto y llegó un tipo, no puede estar ahí parado. Toma una foto.
Nosotros Los Clones
DeepSeek: Lo mismo pero más barato - NLC 165
Okay, tenemos unos Gahak Assorted Indian Sweets.
Nosotros Los Clones
DeepSeek: Lo mismo pero más barato - NLC 165
Oye, estos son como galletas. Se ven arabescos.
Nosotros Los Clones
DeepSeek: Lo mismo pero más barato - NLC 165
Son unas bolitas. A ver, vamos a ver. Estos son unos, pues como palanqueta, ¿no?
Nosotros Los Clones
DeepSeek: Lo mismo pero más barato - NLC 165
Yo hice eso de un prompt en español y sí funciona, pero creo que hay que esperar hasta que sea en español nativo.
Nosotros Los Clones
DeepSeek: Lo mismo pero más barato - NLC 165
Lo mismo, pero más barato. Tal cual.
Nosotros Los Clones
DeepSeek: Lo mismo pero más barato - NLC 165
200 personas en esta startup. Que lo que hicieron fue lo siguiente. OpenAI y otras herramientas de AI utilizan, creo que, 32 decimales. Porque todos son números a fin de cuentas. Todos son operaciones. Por eso los procesadores tienen tantos millones de operaciones por segundo. Entonces, OpenAI y los demás utilizan, así, literal, muchos decimales. Así, literal, para sacar sus respuestas.
Nosotros Los Clones
DeepSeek: Lo mismo pero más barato - NLC 165
Deep Seek said, no, we're going to put eight decimals. I don't think eight or three, I don't remember, but many fewer decimals. What happens is that it takes half the time and the results it throws are practically the same. It's like if you do a multiplication of two numbers with 25 decimals and you press enter, it gives you an answer.
Nosotros Los Clones
DeepSeek: Lo mismo pero más barato - NLC 165
And if you put just three decimals, it's going to be almost the same. I don't want to get into mathematical purisms that it's not the same, but almost the same. Y este casi, y con menos decimales, hizo que pudieran usar chips de NVIDIA, pero los de gráficos más malos. Sí, los que hay en todas las compus. Entonces, de ahí es parte de la historia.
Nosotros Los Clones
DeepSeek: Lo mismo pero más barato - NLC 165
La otra historia es que los chats de AI que tenemos ahora, si tú le pones un prompt que tiene, no sé, 20 palabras, Una por una la va leyendo y la va procesando y la va metiendo a la máquina, digamos. Lo que hace Deep Seek es que agarra las 20 palabras y las mete como procedimiento en paralelo. Por eso es más rápido y ocupa menos ciclos de procesador y menos muchas cosas más exóticas.
Nosotros Los Clones
DeepSeek: Lo mismo pero más barato - NLC 165
Y de ahí que Deep Seek salió. Uh-huh. Conspiranoicos. No, no, no. Los que no les gusta nada.
Nosotros Los Clones
DeepSeek: Lo mismo pero más barato - NLC 165
Los que cumbrosos. Los tecnoquejas.
Nosotros Los Clones
DeepSeek: Lo mismo pero más barato - NLC 165
Correcto ambas cosas. Al no tener los procesadores últimos disponibles, vieron cómo le hacían y de ahí seguramente salieron los decimales. Y eso bajó drásticamente el requerimiento. Y código abierto. 100% código abierto, en donde cualquier persona puede utilizar o reutilizar parte del código para su propio proyecto. Pero también ellos usaron muchas de las bibliotecas que hay. Que ya existían.
Nosotros Los Clones
DeepSeek: Lo mismo pero más barato - NLC 165
De esta que se llaman... Tienen un nombre, las bibliotecas de... para AIs, que también son de código abierto. Meta tiene una, un buen cacho de su biblioteca, la puedes usar si tú quieres. Entonces se combinó los dos códigos abiertos. Y lo del código abierto es un poquito más como un acto de fe. O sea, es un acto que no me están escondiendo nada.
Nosotros Los Clones
DeepSeek: Lo mismo pero más barato - NLC 165
Yo puedo revisar si quiero todo el código que está corriendo y puedo saber a dónde mandan todos los datos, que obviamente van a guardar los datos de cada usuario en China. Obviamente, pues es una aplicación china. Exacto. Y pero ya empezaron por ahí los... Los quejas, tecnoquejas. No sirve. Le pregunté qué pasó en el 89 en la plaza de Tiananmen cuando fue este problema con el gobierno chino.
Nosotros Los Clones
DeepSeek: Lo mismo pero más barato - NLC 165
Y me contestó que no sabía. Es una basura. ¿Qué te va a contestar si es un producto, un servicio chino? No quieren recordar esas épocas, pues no lo ponen. Y sale su derecho. Si no te gusta, pues no lo uses.
Nosotros Los Clones
Lo más buscado en Google en 2024 - NLC 151
Nosotros los Clones. Nos escuchamos en el siguiente episodio.
Nosotros Los Clones
Lo nuevo de Apple: iPads y iPhone 16e - NLC 175
ServiceNow unterstützt Ihre Business-Transformation mit der KI-Plattform. Alle reden über KI, aber die KI ist nur so leistungsfähig wie die Plattform, auf der Sie aufbaut. Lassen Sie die KI arbeiten, für alle. Beseitigen Sie Reibung und Frustration Ihrer Mitarbeiter und nutzen Sie das volle Potenzial Ihrer Entwickler. Mit intelligenten Tools für Ihren Service, um Kunden zu begeistern.
Nosotros Los Clones
Lo nuevo de Apple: iPads y iPhone 16e - NLC 175
All das auf einer einzigen Plattform. Deshalb funktioniert die Welt mit ServiceNow.
Nosotros Los Clones
¿Los matemáticos no tienen nada qué hacer? - NLC 118
Este episodio de nosotros, los clones, es presentado por DocuSign. Da vida a los acuerdos. Mercado Libre. Lo mejor está llegando. MSI. La marca que los gamers adoran. Bitcar. Estrenar es rentar.
Nosotros Los Clones
¿Los matemáticos no tienen nada qué hacer? - NLC 118
Adiós. Este episodio de Nosotros los Clones fue presentado por DocuSign. Da vida a los acuerdos. Mercado Libre. Lo mejor está llegando. MSI. La marca que los gamers adoran. Bitcar. Estrenar es rentar. Nosotros los Clones. Nos escuchamos en el siguiente episodio.
Not Gonna Lie with Kylie Kelce
Kylie on Marrying Into Fandom, Pop Culture Crash Course & Postpartum Lies with Amanda Hirsch | Ep. 7
Interior, Duncan, 2018. Kylie's bachelorette party. Kylie McDevitt, soon to be Kelsey, stands in the middle of her old stomping grounds for one last hurrah. She and friends are cheersing with butter pecan iced coffees. The bridesmaids all chant speech, speech, speech.
Not Gonna Lie with Kylie Kelce
Kylie on Marrying Into Fandom, Pop Culture Crash Course & Postpartum Lies with Amanda Hirsch | Ep. 7
We wind out to see Dunkin' is decked out for the occasion. A butter pecan ice sculpture, a tower of munchkins, even a glazed donut fondue station.
Not Gonna Lie with Kylie Kelce
Kylie on Marrying Into Fandom, Pop Culture Crash Course & Postpartum Lies with Amanda Hirsch | Ep. 7
Kylie and the girls all cheers their butter pecans. Kylie's maid of honor, former teammate Beverly, suddenly gasps. She shows Kylie an email on her phone.
Not Gonna Lie with Kylie Kelce
Kylie on Marrying Into Fandom, Pop Culture Crash Course & Postpartum Lies with Amanda Hirsch | Ep. 7
Kylie drops her butter pecan on the ground in disbelief.
Not Gonna Lie with Kylie Kelce
Kylie on Marrying Into Fandom, Pop Culture Crash Course & Postpartum Lies with Amanda Hirsch | Ep. 7
Bev takes a big go with butter pecan.
Nothing much happens: bedtime stories to help you sleep
The Sleeper Car (Encore)
Seeing people in this way
Nothing much happens: bedtime stories to help you sleep
The Sleeper Car (Encore)
It reminded me that we were all our own main characters. And I found myself charmed by the faces I saw and the stories that might go with them. I was still thinking about the last town, the flash of their city square as we sped through. Their tree still lit, and the ice rink in front of it, swirling with skaters. as the sun began to sink lower and an orange glow fell on my face.
Nothing much happens: bedtime stories to help you sleep
The Sleeper Car (Encore)
We were a little more than a day into our journey, with a couple more yet to go before the last stop, and I was thoroughly enjoying train travel. I'd thought I might be bored, but bored was the last thing I was. I was relaxed, though.
Nothing much happens: bedtime stories to help you sleep
The Sleeper Car (Encore)
The scenery was always changing, though the pace was steady, and I spent a good deal of time just looking out of the window, either in the dining car or here in our compartment. We'd splurged a bit for this trip,
Nothing much happens: bedtime stories to help you sleep
The Sleeper Car (Encore)
We had a small stateroom with a wide bed, a neat little washroom, and a sofa where we'd sipped our coffee this morning.
Nothing much happens: bedtime stories to help you sleep
The Sleeper Car (Encore)
And for me, this was nostalgia for something I'd never actually had or known.
Nothing much happens: bedtime stories to help you sleep
The Sleeper Car (Encore)
The linens on the bed were ironed and crisp. The pastries that had come with our coffee this morning were delicate and filled with the best apricot preserves I'd ever tasted. There was a light sent in the carpeted halls that reminded me of a library. And when the train rushed through a tunnel and the light dimmed, to a faint golden glow.
Nothing much happens: bedtime stories to help you sleep
The Sleeper Car (Encore)
and eyeing a mysterious heiress who was traveling under a false name. Maybe, I thought, I should write a novel as we chugged through the countryside. My imagination was clearly running away with me. might as well put it to good use. So as we got ready to head to the dining car, I took a little notebook and pen from my luggage and tucked it into my pocket.
Nothing much happens: bedtime stories to help you sleep
The Sleeper Car (Encore)
A chess game was being played by two older men, one with thick glasses and the other with a salt-and-pepper beard. I stopped in the passage between cars and pulled out my notebook. What are you doing? Making notes.
Nothing much happens: bedtime stories to help you sleep
The Sleeper Car (Encore)
They're both suspects. We chuckled as I put my notebook away and passed through into the dining car. The sun was still an inch above the horizon, and the fields around us were layered with snow. Flakes were falling past the windows. and their motion plus our own added up to a feeling of being inside a snow globe. I imagined us sitting on a bookshelf in a library somewhere, freshly shaken,
Nothing much happens: bedtime stories to help you sleep
The Sleeper Car (Encore)
as the train circled and circled the same small bit of track. We were headed toward the mountains and would be climbing through the night. I hoped I'd wake tomorrow in time for what I guessed would be pretty spectacular sunrise. The tables were laid with white tablecloths edged in dark green that matched the upholstery on the banquets. We were led to a table at the far end of the car
Nothing much happens: bedtime stories to help you sleep
The Sleeper Car (Encore)
where we could see all of our fellow passengers, perfect for my research. And when we sat, I tucked my notebook under the edge of my plate for easy reach. We ordered fancy drinks that bubbled in old-fashioned glasses. While we sipped, we made up stories about the other diners. There was a mother and daughter at a table across from us, and they seemed pensive as they spooned up their soup.
Nothing much happens: bedtime stories to help you sleep
The Sleeper Car (Encore)
Quiet, unassuming, nothing to see there.
Nothing much happens: bedtime stories to help you sleep
The Sleeper Car (Encore)
I wrote heist, jewels, safe in the note. The snow kept falling as we dined. Asparagus soup. Arancini with a tangy sauce. Roasted portobello and farro. And a thin slice of very rich chocolate tart. At times, we forgot to imagine storylines and just got lost, staring out at the mountains, a faint halo of moon behind the clouds, and our hands lazily touching across the table.
Nothing much happens: bedtime stories to help you sleep
The Sleeper Car (Encore)
The rocking of the train was making me drowsy, And finally we rose and thanked our waiter and strolled back to the sleeper car. Our bed had been turned down and the sconces dimmed. I stood by the window and watched the scenery race by.
Nothing much happens: bedtime stories to help you sleep
The Sleeper Car (Encore)
To turn out the lights and feel the sway of the train. To hear the bells tolling at the crossings in my sleep.
Nothing much happens: bedtime stories to help you sleep
The Sleeper Car (Encore)
Good. the sleeper car. From the window, a broad, white landscape stretched out under the afternoon sun.
Nothing much happens: bedtime stories to help you sleep
The Sleeper Car (Encore)
Seeing people in this way, a single frame of their life, while my own blazed past
Nothing much happens: bedtime stories to help you sleep
The Sleeper Car (Encore)
We were a little more than a day into our journey, with a couple more to go before the last stop, and I was thoroughly enjoying train travel.
Nothing much happens: bedtime stories to help you sleep
The Sleeper Car (Encore)
And I spent a good deal of time just looking out the window, either in the dining car or here in our compartment. We'd splurged a bit for this trip. And since the mode of travel meant more to us than our destination itself, it had proved worth it. We had a small stateroom with a wide bed, a neat little washroom, and a sofa where we'd sipped our coffee this morning.
Nothing much happens: bedtime stories to help you sleep
The Sleeper Car (Encore)
It was engineered for comfort and to fit well within the limited space and also with a bit of nostalgia in mind. And for me,
Nothing much happens: bedtime stories to help you sleep
The Sleeper Car (Encore)
And now that I was here, I found it lived up to every expectation. and then some. The linens on the bed were ironed and crisp.
Nothing much happens: bedtime stories to help you sleep
The Sleeper Car (Encore)
There was a light scent in the carpeted halls. that reminded me of a library. And when the train rushed through a tunnel and the lights dimmed to a faint golden glow, I felt like I had fallen through the pages of a book, that I might slide open the door of our compartment
Nothing much happens: bedtime stories to help you sleep
The Sleeper Car (Encore)
Maybe, I thought, I should write a novel as we chugged through the countryside.
Nothing much happens: bedtime stories to help you sleep
The Sleeper Car (Encore)
Might as well put it to good use. So as we got ready to head to the dining car, I took a little notebook and pen from my luggage and tucked it into my pocket. The walk from the sleeper car down to the dining car passed through a few others.
Nothing much happens: bedtime stories to help you sleep
The Sleeper Car (Encore)
A chess game was being played by two older men, one with thick glasses and the other with a salt-and-pepper beard, I stopped in the passage between cars and pulled out my notebook. What are you doing? Making notes. I'm writing a mystery novel.
Nothing much happens: bedtime stories to help you sleep
The Sleeper Car (Encore)
They're both suspects. We chuckled as I put my notebook away. and passed through into the dining car.
Nothing much happens: bedtime stories to help you sleep
The Sleeper Car (Encore)
Flakes were falling past the windows and their motion, plus our own, added up to a feeling of being in a snow globe.
Nothing much happens: bedtime stories to help you sleep
The Sleeper Car (Encore)
We were headed toward the mountains and would be climbing through the night. I hoped I'd wake tomorrow in time for what I guessed would be a pretty spectacular sunrise.
Nothing much happens: bedtime stories to help you sleep
The Sleeper Car (Encore)
that matched the upholstery on the banquets.
Nothing much happens: bedtime stories to help you sleep
The Sleeper Car (Encore)
And when we sat, I tucked my notebook under the edge of my plate. for easy reach. We ordered fancy drinks that bubbled in old-fashioned glasses. While we sipped, we made up stories about the other diners. There was a mother and daughter at a table across from us. and they seemed pensive as they spooned up their soup. Quiet, unassuming. Nothing to see there, I asked over my glass.
Nothing much happens: bedtime stories to help you sleep
The Sleeper Car (Encore)
Probably planning a heist of the jewels in the train safe. I wrote heist, jewels, safe in my notebook. The snow kept falling as we dined. Asparagus soup. Arancini with a tangy sauce. Roasted portobello and farro. and a thin slice of very rich chocolate tart. At times we forgot to imagine storylines and just got lost staring out at the mountains.
Nothing much happens: bedtime stories to help you sleep
The Sleeper Car (Encore)
A faint halo of moon behind the clouds and our hands lazily touching across the table. The rocking of the train was making me drowsy. And finally we rose and thanked our waiter and strolled back to the sleeper car. Our bed had been turned down and the sconces dimmed. I stood by the window,
Nothing much happens: bedtime stories to help you sleep
The Sleeper Car (Encore)
and watched the scenery race by, thinking about how sweet it would be to pull on my pajamas and climb up into the big, soft bed, to turn out the lights and feel the sway of the train to hear the bells tolling at the crossings in my sleep.
Nothing much happens: bedtime stories to help you sleep
The Sleeper Car (Encore)
The Sleeper Car From the window, a broad white landscape stretched out under the afternoon sun. We'd just cut through a small city, and I could still make out a few tall buildings in the distance. I loved passing through towns, watching cars waiting at the crossings, catching a glimpse of people walking on the city streets with bags slung over their arms, caught up in their own routines.
Nothing much happens: bedtime stories to help you sleep
All Day, At Home (Encore)
good. All day, at home.
Nothing much happens: bedtime stories to help you sleep
Hearts & Flowers (Encore)
and the moment that you decide to take a risk.
Nothing much happens: bedtime stories to help you sleep
Hearts & Flowers (Encore)
Good. hearts and flowers.
Nothing much happens: bedtime stories to help you sleep
Pillow Forts & Tree Houses (Encore)
We've got it linked in our show notes. Welcome to Bedtime Stories for Everyone.
Nothing much happens: bedtime stories to help you sleep
Pillow Forts & Tree Houses (Encore)
Symbiotica. Symbiotica. Wellness made simple. Go to symbiotica.com slash nothingmuch for 20% off plus free shipping. That's symbiotica.com slash nothingmuch for 20% off plus free shipping. I care about your sleep.
Nothing much happens: bedtime stories to help you sleep
Pillow Forts & Tree Houses (Encore)
Okay, it's time.
Nothing much happens: bedtime stories to help you sleep
Pillow Forts & Tree Houses (Encore)
Good. Pillow forts and tree houses.
Nothing much happens: bedtime stories to help you sleep
Dogs & Dust Mops
They weren't a memory. I should enjoy them now. I think Bird understood how I felt. He stood very still, letting me take some deep breaths. When I stood up, I patted him on the back and led him out to the porch.
Nothing much happens: bedtime stories to help you sleep
Dogs & Dust Mops
Dog hair and specks of dust flew out and caught in the sun and drifted away on a breeze.
Nothing much happens: bedtime stories to help you sleep
Dogs & Dust Mops
tufts of orange fur showing through the weave of the screen. I heard the vacuum click on upstairs and smiled as I headed back in to finish my chores. Dogs and dust mops. we were doing a bit of spring cleaning. We had all the windows open with fresh air blowing through the house and the sound of lawnmowers and talking neighbors echoing from a few doors down
Nothing much happens: bedtime stories to help you sleep
Dogs & Dust Mops
Welcome to Bedtime Stories for Everyone, in which nothing much happens. You feel good, and then you fall asleep. I'm Katherine Nicolai. I create everything you hear, and nothing much happens. Audio Engineering is by Bob Wittersheim.
Nothing much happens: bedtime stories to help you sleep
Dogs & Dust Mops
Marmalade, my regal orange cat, was wedged into one of the open windows. Her round body pressed against the screen, and her silky fur sticking through the mesh. Her green eyes were closed, and her head swayed a bit on her neck, not dozing, but catching sense on the wind. Her whiskers twitched when the breeze blew her way.
Nothing much happens: bedtime stories to help you sleep
Dogs & Dust Mops
And I knew if I lay a hand on her back, she would start to purr almost instantly.
Nothing much happens: bedtime stories to help you sleep
Dogs & Dust Mops
A few bike rides buckled into her cat trailer and a few impromptu walks to the mailbox tucked into my arms. It suited her. I'd found her out in the snow a few years back
Nothing much happens: bedtime stories to help you sleep
Dogs & Dust Mops
And I'd wondered, when she first stepped into my house, if it would be difficult to keep her in, if she'd want out again.
Nothing much happens: bedtime stories to help you sleep
Dogs & Dust Mops
Still, in the spring, when we open everything up, she loves to get close.
Nothing much happens: bedtime stories to help you sleep
Dogs & Dust Mops
Her lazy, docile attitude suddenly switched.
Nothing much happens: bedtime stories to help you sleep
Dogs & Dust Mops
flapping his fluffy tail, and generally acting unbothered.
Nothing much happens: bedtime stories to help you sleep
Dogs & Dust Mops
Marmee began chattering and clicking at him, an empty threat for sure, but one she felt compelled to issue.
Nothing much happens: bedtime stories to help you sleep
Dogs & Dust Mops
I liked watching their backs, shoulder to shoulder.
Nothing much happens: bedtime stories to help you sleep
Dogs & Dust Mops
I wasn't sure how she would do with a little brother, but I shouldn't have worried.
Nothing much happens: bedtime stories to help you sleep
Dogs & Dust Mops
I chuckled, imagining what was happening.
Nothing much happens: bedtime stories to help you sleep
Dogs & Dust Mops
I was still laughing under my breath as I went through the hall to the foot of the stairs and called to him. Birdie, did Dad make you get up? Come on down here and you can sleep on the porch. It's sunny. pointed, blue-gray face emerged at the top step. Sweet Birdie's deep black eyes blinked at me. He shuffled down the stairs and pressed his body against my leg.
Nothing much happens: bedtime stories to help you sleep
Dogs & Dust Mops
Bird is probably the gentlest of all of us, humans included. He was calm and thoughtful. Stood back while Crumb tore his toys to bits or Marmee strutted through the kitchen. I leaned down and held him, his soft body wrapped in my arms.
Nothing much happens: bedtime stories to help you sleep
Dogs & Dust Mops
They weren't a memory. I should enjoy them now. I think Bird understood how I felt. He stood very still, letting me take some deep breaths. When I stood up tall, I patted him on the back and led him to the porch.
Nothing much happens: bedtime stories to help you sleep
Dogs & Dust Mops
Dog hair and specks of dust flew out and caught in the sun and drifted away on a breeze. Bird's eyes were already shut as long legs stretched out in the new grass.
Nothing much happens: bedtime stories to help you sleep
Dogs & Dust Mops
Marmalade was once again stretched out on her sill, tufts of her orange fur showing through the weave of the screen. I heard the vacuum click on upstairs, and I smiled as I headed back in to finish my chores. Sweet dreams.
Nothing much happens: bedtime stories to help you sleep
Dogs & Dust Mops
Now, I'm about to tell you a bedtime story. It's simple, and not much happens in it. And that is the idea. The story is a soft place to rest your mind.
Nothing much happens: bedtime stories to help you sleep
Dogs & Dust Mops
In a relaxed way, just follow along with the sound of my voice and the simple details of the story. And soon, very soon, you'll be deeply asleep. I'll tell the story twice, and I'll go a little slower the second time through. If you wake in the middle of the night, you could listen again,
Nothing much happens: bedtime stories to help you sleep
Dogs & Dust Mops
We're training your brain to settle and rest. And the more you do this, the better your sleep will get.
Nothing much happens: bedtime stories to help you sleep
Dogs & Dust Mops
and the way your heart swells when you wrap your arms around someone you love. So turn off your light, snuggle your body down into your sheets, and get as comfortable as you can. Take a moment to just feel how good it is to be in bed, to be about to sleep.
Nothing much happens: bedtime stories to help you sleep
Dogs & Dust Mops
dogs, and dust mops. We were doing a bit of spring cleaning.
Nothing much happens: bedtime stories to help you sleep
Dogs & Dust Mops
Her green eyes were closed, and her head swayed a bit on her neck. Not dozing, but catching scents on the wind. Their whiskers twitched when the breeze blew.
Nothing much happens: bedtime stories to help you sleep
Dogs & Dust Mops
But those fears were quickly allayed.
Nothing much happens: bedtime stories to help you sleep
Dogs & Dust Mops
Still, in the spring, when we open everything up, she loves to get close. A squirrel dashed across the yard, and her eyes sprang open, sensing him.
Nothing much happens: bedtime stories to help you sleep
Dogs & Dust Mops
and began barking at the squirrel.
Nothing much happens: bedtime stories to help you sleep
Dogs & Dust Mops
I wasn't sure how she would do with a little brother, but I shouldn't have worried. While she occasionally feigned being too cool for dogs, the truth was that she adored him, not in the same way that he adored her. He came with wild love, The bull you overtype.
Nothing much happens: bedtime stories to help you sleep
Dogs & Dust Mops
I was still laughing under my breath as I went through the hall to the foot of the stairs and called out to him. Birdie, did Dad make you get up? Come on down here, and you can sleep on the porch. It's sunny. A pointed gray face emerged at the top step. Sweet Birdie's deep black eyes blinked at me. He shuffled down the stairs and pressed his body against my leg.
Nothing much happens: bedtime stories to help you sleep
Dogs & Dust Mops
Bird is probably the gentlest of all of us, humans included.
Nothing much happens: bedtime stories to help you sleep
Dogs & Dust Mops
I leaned down and held him, his soft body wrapped in my arms. I could feel his heart beating and the light touch of his breath on my shoulder.
Nothing much happens: bedtime stories to help you sleep
Valentine's at the Inn, Part 3
If you're listening, you know self-care is vital for overall wellness, but it can be hard to prioritize yourself and ask for what you need. If you're a veteran going through a tough time, there are people who want to listen and help with no pressure or judgment. Dial 988, then press 1. Chat at VeteransCrisisLine.net or text 838255 to reach the Veterans Crisis Line.
Nothing much happens: bedtime stories to help you sleep
Valentine's at the Inn, Part 3
It felt now, as I led the way, chef behind me and sycamore at the rear, like showing your childhood bedroom to your best friend for the first time.
Nothing much happens: bedtime stories to help you sleep
Valentine's at the Inn, Part 3
The stairway itself, curved as it climbed, not quite a spiral, but definitely hugging along the inner walls of the house in a way that disguised its existence.
Nothing much happens: bedtime stories to help you sleep
Valentine's at the Inn, Part 3
about the size of one of our guest rooms.
Nothing much happens: bedtime stories to help you sleep
Valentine's at the Inn, Part 3
Sycamore, who by now had spent plenty of time in this room, jumped up onto the ledge in front of the single window and looked out.
Nothing much happens: bedtime stories to help you sleep
Valentine's at the Inn, Part 3
Chef said with wonder in their voice. Well, it took me a while to understand, but I think the first innkeeper was a kind of archivist.
Nothing much happens: bedtime stories to help you sleep
Valentine's at the Inn, Part 3
very sweet coloring set with a mini NMH coloring book, colored pencils, and a download of a special exclusive coloring story. We have autographed books, a weighted pillow to help ease anxiety, a whole box of my favorite sleep-related products, and a lot more at nothingmuchappens.com.
Nothing much happens: bedtime stories to help you sleep
Valentine's at the Inn, Part 3
Um, some, but plenty are just the stories of people's lives. Like, look at this.
Nothing much happens: bedtime stories to help you sleep
Valentine's at the Inn, Part 3
How almost everyone celebrated that year. Their cake of choice.
Nothing much happens: bedtime stories to help you sleep
Valentine's at the Inn, Part 3
I opened one of the steamer trunks and squatted down to gather a handful of artifacts and pictures. This whole case is full of stories about people's pets.
Nothing much happens: bedtime stories to help you sleep
Valentine's at the Inn, Part 3
Sometimes stories about their favorite places to dig and play.
Nothing much happens: bedtime stories to help you sleep
Valentine's at the Inn, Part 3
We looked through a few sepia-toned shots, awkward as many photos from that time period seemed. but still the animals and their humans seemed happy and relaxed.
Nothing much happens: bedtime stories to help you sleep
Valentine's at the Inn, Part 3
I didn't have an exact answer. I think she just collected stories.
Nothing much happens: bedtime stories to help you sleep
Valentine's at the Inn, Part 3
to her, and she felt the need to document the lives of the people in her village, even if it was really small, simple stuff. Like someone might be an artist and just sketch a friend or a house in the neighborhood.
Nothing much happens: bedtime stories to help you sleep
Valentine's at the Inn, Part 3
And Chef asked the question that had been nagging at me since I'd found this room on Halloween night.
Nothing much happens: bedtime stories to help you sleep
Valentine's at the Inn, Part 3
I think that's what I'm meant to do, I said, my voice quiet but sure.
Nothing much happens: bedtime stories to help you sleep
Valentine's at the Inn, Part 3
I think we'll set up an exhibit. Some of it can be here, some at the library, the museum, other places in town, and we can share the stories of her villagers with ours.
Nothing much happens: bedtime stories to help you sleep
Valentine's at the Inn, Part 3
I laughed. That was just what I'd hoped they'd say.
Nothing much happens: bedtime stories to help you sleep
Valentine's at the Inn, Part 3
We would have a busy summer ahead of us. Of curating and cooking.
Nothing much happens: bedtime stories to help you sleep
Valentine's at the Inn, Part 3
Just by listening will rock your mind to sleep. This is a form of brain training, so if you're new here, welcome, and please have some patience. Regular use for a few weeks can transform your sleep cycles, so stick with me. I'll tell the story twice, and I'll go a little slower the second time through.
Nothing much happens: bedtime stories to help you sleep
Valentine's at the Inn, Part 3
Oh, sickie, I crooned. Was it hard to have so much fun? All those people telling you how handsome you are, wanting to pet you and give you treats.
Nothing much happens: bedtime stories to help you sleep
Valentine's at the Inn, Part 3
and I lifted one of his legs to free the stapler from underneath him. He would sleep all day.
Nothing much happens: bedtime stories to help you sleep
Valentine's at the Inn, Part 3
from the urn in the entryway.
Nothing much happens: bedtime stories to help you sleep
Valentine's at the Inn, Part 3
I didn't have a great time in high school. One of them confided in me. And I feel like I got a do-over last night.
Nothing much happens: bedtime stories to help you sleep
Valentine's at the Inn, Part 3
If you wake later in the night, don't hesitate to turn an episode right back on, and you'll fall right back to sleep. Our story tonight is called Valentine's at the Inn, Part 3, and it is the finale to the three-week series of the same name, and also the much-awaited sequel to the story called The Secret Stare.
Nothing much happens: bedtime stories to help you sleep
Valentine's at the Inn, Part 3
I'd loved the weekend, too, but it was a relief to know no one needed anything from me for a bit. I stopped back into the office to put away that last room key and scooped Sycamore into my arms like the baby he was.
Nothing much happens: bedtime stories to help you sleep
Valentine's at the Inn, Part 3
And if there was a better feeling than being trusted by a small animal who'd had a rough start in life, well, I hadn't yet found it.
Nothing much happens: bedtime stories to help you sleep
Valentine's at the Inn, Part 3
Duh, I said, and waited till they arrived, still in their apron with a plate of treats.
Nothing much happens: bedtime stories to help you sleep
Valentine's at the Inn, Part 3
I was well aware I was being a little dramatic and mysterious. but I was having fun.
Nothing much happens: bedtime stories to help you sleep
Valentine's at the Inn, Part 3
She pulled me in here. and told me the inn had a secret that it was ready for me to learn.
Nothing much happens: bedtime stories to help you sleep
Valentine's at the Inn, Part 3
For those of you who actually hear the stories, and don't get me wrong, you sleeping is what's most important here, so I never mind if you don't hear a word. But for those who do, I apologize for making you wait so long to find out what was up that secret stair at the end. And then I made it a three-parter and put it right at the end of the last part. Yep. Guilty. I think it wants to be a book.
Nothing much happens: bedtime stories to help you sleep
Valentine's at the Inn, Part 3
Not quite a spiral, but definitely hugging along the inner walls of the house in a way that disguised its existence.
Nothing much happens: bedtime stories to help you sleep
Valentine's at the Inn, Part 3
who still held half of a cookie in their hand, gulped as they looked around and stuck it into the front pocket of their apron. Sycamore, who by now had spent plenty of time in this room,
Nothing much happens: bedtime stories to help you sleep
Valentine's at the Inn, Part 3
Anyway, small disclaimer that some things actually happen in this episode, but I bet I'm still gonna knock you out if I haven't already. This story is also about the cross-hatched top of peanut butter cookies, the sound of a vacuum cleaner running in the distance. a desk and a straight-back chair by the window, and a plan for something new in the village of nothing much.
Nothing much happens: bedtime stories to help you sleep
Valentine's at the Inn, Part 3
Like, folk stories? Um, some, but plenty are just the stories of people's lives. Like, look at this. I picked up a book that was open on the desk and turned it around to show.
Nothing much happens: bedtime stories to help you sleep
Valentine's at the Inn, Part 3
I opened one of the steamer trunks and squatted down to gather a handful of artifacts and pictures. This whole case is full of stories about people's pets. Sometimes just a date of birth and a name. Sometimes stories about their favorite places to dig and play.
Nothing much happens: bedtime stories to help you sleep
Valentine's at the Inn, Part 3
sepia-toned shots, awkward as many photos from the time period seemed.
Nothing much happens: bedtime stories to help you sleep
Valentine's at the Inn, Part 3
Like someone who's an artist might sketch a friend or a house in their neighborhood.
Nothing much happens: bedtime stories to help you sleep
Valentine's at the Inn, Part 3
If we can make the things that are good for us more of a treat and less of a chore, it makes adopting healthy habits a lot easier. This, as you may have guessed, is a big part of our philosophy. We want to make solid sleep something you look forward to. And it's the same for Beam.
Nothing much happens: bedtime stories to help you sleep
Valentine's at the Inn, Part 3
We can share the stories of her villagers with ours.
Nothing much happens: bedtime stories to help you sleep
Valentine's at the Inn, Part 3
I laughed. That was just what I'd hoped they'd say. I reached up to pat their shoulder. My friend, there are even pickle recipes.
Nothing much happens: bedtime stories to help you sleep
Valentine's at the Inn, Part 3
Responders are ready to support you, no matter what you're going through.
Nothing much happens: bedtime stories to help you sleep
Valentine's at the Inn, Part 3
Their delicious Dream Powder, vanilla chai is my personal favorite, is tested for high-quality efficacy and formulated to ease your body into rest, supporting all four stages of the sleep cycle. to help you fall asleep faster and stay asleep longer. Beam Dream Powder. Make sleep delicious. Smart thinking.
Nothing much happens: bedtime stories to help you sleep
Valentine's at the Inn, Part 3
If you want to try Beam's best-selling dream powder, get up to 40% off for a limited time when you go to shopbeam.com slash nothingmuch and use code nothingmuch at checkout. We've got this down in our show notes, if you forget. That's shopbeam.com slash nothingmuch and use code nothingmuch for up to 40% off.
Nothing much happens: bedtime stories to help you sleep
Valentine's at the Inn, Part 3
Take a slow, deep breath in through your nose and sigh. Nice. Do it again. Fill it up. And let it go.
Nothing much happens: bedtime stories to help you sleep
Valentine's at the Inn, Part 3
We'd served fantastic meals, poured many cups of coffee in the breakfast rooms.
Nothing much happens: bedtime stories to help you sleep
Valentine's at the Inn, Part 3
Now, as guests were checking out, I was behind the tall desk in the office, sliding room keys back into their cubbies and tidying up paperwork. I could hear our maids in the halls above,
Nothing much happens: bedtime stories to help you sleep
Valentine's at the Inn, Part 3
He lay in the inbox on the desk, his long black tail slung onto the keyboard. and his nose pressed against the blotter. I stopped to massage his little body. Oh, sick ye, I crooned. Was it hard to have so much fun? All those people telling you how handsome you are, wanting to pet you and give you treats. He purred thickly. and I lifted one of his legs to free the stapler from underneath him.
Nothing much happens: bedtime stories to help you sleep
Valentine's at the Inn, Part 3
I stepped into the hall and saw the last couple of guests coming down the stairs.
Nothing much happens: bedtime stories to help you sleep
Valentine's at the Inn, Part 3
This weekend had obviously done them good, and I took a bit of pride in whatever part we had played in that. As they stopped to hand over their room key and fill to-go cups from the urn in the entryway, they thanked me for the special event we'd hosted the night before.
Nothing much happens: bedtime stories to help you sleep
Valentine's at the Inn, Part 3
Audio engineering is by Bob Wittersheim. We give to a different charity each week. And this week we are giving to Wigs for Kids. Wigs for Kids is a nonprofit organization that helps children experiencing hair loss work together with a stylist to build the self-esteem and self-image they deserve. Learn more in our show notes.
Nothing much happens: bedtime stories to help you sleep
Valentine's at the Inn, Part 3
I didn't have a great time in high school. One of them confided in me. And I feel like I got a do-over last night. I nodded, smiling brightly. That's the nice thing about having some space from those moments, right? We can rewrite them when we're older and own the best version. He slung his arm around his partner and nodded.
Nothing much happens: bedtime stories to help you sleep
Valentine's at the Inn, Part 3
I'd loved the weekend, but it was a relief to know no one needed anything from me for a bit.
Nothing much happens: bedtime stories to help you sleep
Valentine's at the Inn, Part 3
He trusted me completely, and if there was a better feeling than being trusted by a small animal who'd had a rough start in life,
Nothing much happens: bedtime stories to help you sleep
Valentine's at the Inn, Part 3
I went through to the hall again, and stuck my head into the stairway down to the kitchen. Chef, I called. Are you busy?
Nothing much happens: bedtime stories to help you sleep
Valentine's at the Inn, Part 3
Duh, I said, and waited till they arrived, still in their apron with a plate of treats.
Nothing much happens: bedtime stories to help you sleep
Valentine's at the Inn, Part 3
I dropped Siki on the sofa and went back to the door. I looked up and down the hall. The vacuums were still going upstairs and probably would be for the foreseeable future.
Nothing much happens: bedtime stories to help you sleep
Valentine's at the Inn, Part 3
At the Halloween party, Something was revealed to me. I was well aware I was being a little dramatic and mysterious, but I was having fun. Chef nodded and extended the plate of cookies to me. I took one, cross-hatched on its dark brown top with tine marks. Chocolate peanut butter, Chef said, a little breathlessly. Well played, I replied. So my friend with the gray cat, you know her, right?
Nothing much happens: bedtime stories to help you sleep
Valentine's at the Inn, Part 3
Cinder's mom? Yes. She pulled me in here and told me the inn had a secret. It was ready for me to learn. She didn't know exactly what or how, but after a minute or two in this room, she asked me if there were some questions I'd been carrying around about the inn. Chef had taken a large bite of their cookie, but had forgotten to chew, so caught up in the excitement of the story.
Nothing much happens: bedtime stories to help you sleep
Valentine's at the Inn, Part 3
If just hearing me say the words, Bob Wittersheim, causes you to immediately relax, I get it, and we have a t-shirt for that. Yes, you can wear your heart on your sleeve, or your audio engineer on your chest. Other awesome things we've made for you? A tote bag with marmalade, crumb, and birdie on it.
Nothing much happens: bedtime stories to help you sleep
Valentine's at the Inn, Part 3
I took a deep breath and told them that sometimes, out of the corner of my eye, I catch a glimpse of the first innkeeper.
Nothing much happens: bedtime stories to help you sleep
Valentine's at the Inn, Part 3
and fitted it into a hidden keyhole just under the bracket on the side of the mantle. Chef let out a satisfying gasp and jumped to their feet. Is this really happening? Yep, I said, as I grasped the key with both hands and turned it forcefully.
Nothing much happens: bedtime stories to help you sleep
Bike Bus
They each had a brown paper lunch sack clenched in one hand and a book bag slung over a shoulder and joked with each other as they crossed the street beside me.
Nothing much happens: bedtime stories to help you sleep
Bike Bus
We all liked watching the bike bus pass.
Nothing much happens: bedtime stories to help you sleep
Bike Bus
There must have been 50 people in the bus this morning. I recognized teachers and parents and lots of the kids.
Nothing much happens: bedtime stories to help you sleep
Bike Bus
We smiled at each other as they all flew by.
Nothing much happens: bedtime stories to help you sleep
Bike Bus
Eventually, the last rider passed, and the music began to fade into the distance.
Nothing much happens: bedtime stories to help you sleep
Bike Bus
and then settled down onto her belly, crossing one paw over the other and resting her chin across them. I could see a few more walkers coming. There would be another ten minutes or so of stragglers, and then my morning work would be done.
Nothing much happens: bedtime stories to help you sleep
Bike Bus
I felt so glad for my life, the way that it was. And I'd get to do it all again this afternoon. bike bus. Stepping outside this morning, I felt spring all around me. The air was cool and clean smelling, like new grass and green leaves. I zipped my jacket up as I came down the front steps and smiled up at the colors in the sky. The tail end of sunrise was unfolding in pinks and oranges.
Nothing much happens: bedtime stories to help you sleep
Bike Bus
The first flowers of the season were poking up through the soil in the beds around my house. And I guessed in a few days we'd see bluebells and anemones opening up. I'd planted some tulip bulbs last autumn. and had crocuses that came back every year.
Nothing much happens: bedtime stories to help you sleep
Bike Bus
But I'd also been cultivating some wildflowers in the backyard, and was excited to see the trout lilies on the Dutchman's breeches that would bloom along the fence. I stopped at the garage, pushing my hip into the sticking side door and nudged it open. From a hook on the wall, I took down my yellow vest and crossing guard stop sign.
Nothing much happens: bedtime stories to help you sleep
Bike Bus
I'd been volunteering a couple days a week since the school year started in September. And I found I looked forward to these mornings and afternoons more than I'd expected. Back down the driveway, and out onto the sidewalk. I slid the vest over my arms, passing the sign back and forth between my hands. The intersection I guarded was only two blocks away.
Nothing much happens: bedtime stories to help you sleep
Bike Bus
And now that the winter weather had broken, I always walked. I could have managed it on the very cold days, but had found that it was better to keep my car near where the kids crossed, in better weather. I had a collection of extra hats and gloves in my trunk for anyone who had forgotten theirs.
Nothing much happens: bedtime stories to help you sleep
Bike Bus
to dance to when my legs grew numb, to boost the young ones' spirits on their way to school. But now that the days were warming and sunnier, there were other ways to keep the kids moving and cheerful. one specific way that I loved to be a part of.
Nothing much happens: bedtime stories to help you sleep
Bike Bus
Our P.E. teacher had started it a few years before after getting the idea from a colleague in another district and had come to school safety and the crossing guards to make a plan. The owner of the bike shop downtown had stepped in to help as well.
Nothing much happens: bedtime stories to help you sleep
Bike Bus
When it came to the actual ride each day, there were a few rules. Everyone had to wear a helmet.
Nothing much happens: bedtime stories to help you sleep
Bike Bus
and everyone kept to the planned route.
Nothing much happens: bedtime stories to help you sleep
Bike Bus
And boy, did we have fun. The bus driver, the grown-up in front,
Nothing much happens: bedtime stories to help you sleep
Bike Bus
Often, on days I wasn't stationed at my post, days I wasn't scheduled to volunteer at all, I'd found myself rolling down my driveway on my own bike and heading out to help ride along. I'd pick up the rear to watch for stragglers, or weave into the middle of the pack to help the kids keep pace and pay attention. The bike bus was a source of pure joy for me, and I knew I wasn't the only one.
Nothing much happens: bedtime stories to help you sleep
Bike Bus
Neighbors came out onto their porches with coffee cups to watch as it passed or to stand on the curb and cheer the kids on. Because of it, I knew more people on our street by name. It seemed like we all spent more time outdoors now. And it even seemed to change the way cars drove on our street. More aware that folks were biking and walking.
Nothing much happens: bedtime stories to help you sleep
Bike Bus
And that felt good. As I came up to my corner, I checked my watch. I'd be seeing the first walkers in the next few minutes. And there were still a few
Nothing much happens: bedtime stories to help you sleep
Bike Bus
That was the nice thing about having these options.
Nothing much happens: bedtime stories to help you sleep
Bike Bus
And as we got to the curb, she nodded a thank you. I wondered if she was thinking through a piece of music. Or vocabulary terms. Or dates for a history quiz. Next came a group of siblings, three kids, two of which might have been twins. They each had a brown paper lunch sack clutched in one hand and a book bag slung over a shoulder. and joked with each other as they crossed the street beside me.
Nothing much happens: bedtime stories to help you sleep
Bike Bus
From down the street, the sound of music and bike bells came. And from the doggy door of the house on the corner, a spotted pooch shot out into the yard. She ran to the fence and sat down, her tail swishing back and forth behind her. We all liked watching the bike bus pass. I stepped into the intersection to block any cross traffic and waved to the bus driver. to show that all was clear.
Nothing much happens: bedtime stories to help you sleep
Bike Bus
There must have been 50 people in the bus this morning. I recognize teachers and parents, lots of the kids. Some of the adults had trailers on their bikes with toddlers strapped in.
Nothing much happens: bedtime stories to help you sleep
Bike Bus
At the tail end of the bus were some of the slower riders, some whose legs were just a lot shorter.
Nothing much happens: bedtime stories to help you sleep
Bike Bus
Eventually, the last rider passed, and the music began to fade into the distance. the dog at the fence, now finding a bright patch of sunlight, scratched at the grass a moment, and then settled down onto her belly, crossing one paw over the other and resting her chin across them. I could see a few more walkers coming.
Nothing much happens: bedtime stories to help you sleep
Bike Bus
There would be another ten minutes or so of stragglers, and then my morning work would be done. Starting my day this way, with fresh air and joy, a bit of service, and music, and others. I felt so glad for my life, the way that it was. And I'd get to do it all again this afternoon. Sweet dreams.
Nothing much happens: bedtime stories to help you sleep
Bike Bus
Okay, it's time. Lights out. Devices down. Make getting incredibly comfortable your only priority. Feel the softness of the sheets. The heaviness of your limbs. How close you already are to deep, restful sleep. Your work is done for the day. Nothing is left but rest.
Nothing much happens: bedtime stories to help you sleep
Bike Bus
The air was cool and clean-smelling, like new grass and green leaves. I zipped my jacket up as I came down the front steps and smiled up at the colors in the sky. The tail end of sunrise was unfolding in pinks and oranges.
Nothing much happens: bedtime stories to help you sleep
Bike Bus
And I guessed in a few days we'd see bluebells and anemones opening up.
Nothing much happens: bedtime stories to help you sleep
Bike Bus
Back down the driveway and out onto the sidewalk, I slid the vest over my arms.
Nothing much happens: bedtime stories to help you sleep
Bike Bus
The intersection I guarded was only two blocks away, and now that the winter weather had broken, I always walked.
Nothing much happens: bedtime stories to help you sleep
Bike Bus
One specific way that I loved to be a part of.
Nothing much happens: bedtime stories to help you sleep
Bike Bus
When it came to the actual ride each day, there were a few rules.
Nothing much happens: bedtime stories to help you sleep
Bike Bus
Neighbors came out onto their porches with coffee cups to watch as it passed, or to stand on the curb and cheer the kids on.
Nothing much happens: bedtime stories to help you sleep
Bike Bus
And that felt good. As I came up to my corner, I checked my watch.
Nothing much happens: bedtime stories to help you sleep
Bike Bus
And the kids could choose each day. I saw a girl walking toward me and put up my sign to guide her through the intersection. She had a large black case with her, a saxophone, I guessed, by the shape. And as we got to the curb, she nodded a thank you. I wondered if she was thinking through a piece of music, or vocabulary terms, or dates for a history quiz. Next came a group of siblings, three kids,
Nothing much happens: bedtime stories to help you sleep
Valentine's at the Inn, Part 2
I care about your sleep. It is always my first thought and priority in making this show. And sometimes you need extra help. Sometimes, even when your sleep hygiene is top tier, sleep doesn't come. Some nights, you might struggle to fall asleep. or wake after a few hours and toss and turn. I get it.
Nothing much happens: bedtime stories to help you sleep
Valentine's at the Inn, Part 2
Try Sleep Breakthrough Drink risk-free with Bioptimizers 365-day money-back guarantee. And this is all in our show notes if you forget. Visit bioptimizers.com slash nothingmuch and use code nothingmuch for 10% off any order.
Nothing much happens: bedtime stories to help you sleep
Valentine's at the Inn, Part 2
Sycamore loves music and had heard the band play for our Halloween party.
Nothing much happens: bedtime stories to help you sleep
Valentine's at the Inn, Part 2
where they could relax and nosh on the snack plates Chef had prepared for them before they took the stage.
Nothing much happens: bedtime stories to help you sleep
Valentine's at the Inn, Part 2
Before I'd been an innkeeper, I'd never organized anything more complicated than a brunch reservation.
Nothing much happens: bedtime stories to help you sleep
Valentine's at the Inn, Part 2
It was Valentine's weekend at the inn, and we had a nearly full house of lovebirds and sweethearts ready to clink glasses.
Nothing much happens: bedtime stories to help you sleep
Valentine's at the Inn, Part 2
But we'd highlighted the excellent cafes and bistros downtown, the shops and sites that were perfect for idling away a winter afternoon. And thankfully, most of them on it because I was a bit like a parent who needed the kids out from under my feet for a bit so that I could set up the ballroom.
Nothing much happens: bedtime stories to help you sleep
Valentine's at the Inn, Part 2
I'd been telling him about my own prom many years before, how it had mostly been a letdown. a night that had been overhyped for years and simply could not have lived up to all that I'd expected. That in the end, I'd wished I'd danced more, cared less about my hair and my dress,
Nothing much happens: bedtime stories to help you sleep
Valentine's at the Inn, Part 2
I smiled to myself as I climbed down from the ladder. Sycamore and I had been alone at the inn for a few months now. And I'd forgotten that we could, ahem, be overheard. Chef came through the door, their hands full of a large tray of desserts.
Nothing much happens: bedtime stories to help you sleep
Valentine's at the Inn, Part 2
We give to a different charity each week, and this week we are giving to Stray Dog Incorporated. Stray Dog provides every rescue, a healthy, happy life, until a forever home is found.
Nothing much happens: bedtime stories to help you sleep
Valentine's at the Inn, Part 2
They paused, smiling down at the treats. Oh, come on. I knew it. You had a blast, didn't you? You probably had a line of people waiting to dance with you. What can I say? I've always been popular.
Nothing much happens: bedtime stories to help you sleep
Valentine's at the Inn, Part 2
If our show brings you some comfort, some good sleep, some benefit, and you wonder how you can support us, a free way to do that is just to listen to our ads. We are grateful to the companies that sponsor our show And we want them to be successful. And since I talk so slowly, those ads are often just about the right amount of time to brush your teeth. Dentist approved.
Nothing much happens: bedtime stories to help you sleep
Valentine's at the Inn, Part 2
I'd never organized anything more complicated than a brunch reservation.
Nothing much happens: bedtime stories to help you sleep
Valentine's at the Inn, Part 2
Another way, of course, is to subscribe to our premium feed. You are keeping us alive, folks, and we thank you for it.
Nothing much happens: bedtime stories to help you sleep
Valentine's at the Inn, Part 2
Now, in order to keep your brain from wandering so that we can lull it to sleep, we need to give it a point of focus, and that's the story. Just listen. Let the sound of my voice ease you into a sleepy place. This is a form of basic conditioning, so know that results will improve with regular use.
Nothing much happens: bedtime stories to help you sleep
Valentine's at the Inn, Part 2
When perimenopause hit me like a wrecking ball, it threw my sleep cycles so far off course that I felt like a different person. And sleep breakthrough drink from Bioptimizers has really helped. I fall asleep when I want to, and I sleep through the night without that 3 a.m. panic wake-up that had been haunting me. When I wake in the morning, I feel good, not groggy. I'm rested. My days are better.
Nothing much happens: bedtime stories to help you sleep
Valentine's at the Inn, Part 2
It's also about cinnamon and cardamom, crepe paper streamers decorating the ballroom, and the excitement of a properly planned event about to start. In the village of Nothing Much, I'm sure they never have to worry about their tap water. Unfortunately, like all of you, I live in the real world, and I don't always trust what comes out of my tap. That's why I use AquaTrue purifiers.
Nothing much happens: bedtime stories to help you sleep
Valentine's at the Inn, Part 2
They use a four-stage reverse osmosis purification process. and their countertop purifiers work with no installation or plumbing. It removes 15 times more contaminants than ordinary pitcher filters, and are specifically designed to combat chemicals like PFAS in your water supply. The filters are affordable and long-lasting. I love this part.
Nothing much happens: bedtime stories to help you sleep
Valentine's at the Inn, Part 2
My old filter had to be changed every month, and I forgot all the time. But AquaTrue filters last from six months to two years. Just one set of filters from their classic purifier makes the equivalent of 4,500 bottles of water. That's less than three cents a bottle. Plus, you'll save the environment from tons of plastic waste. And the water tastes really good.
Nothing much happens: bedtime stories to help you sleep
Valentine's at the Inn, Part 2
I don't worry about PFAS or harmful contaminants anymore. Today, my listeners receive 20% off any AquaTrue purifier. Just go to AquaTrue.com. That's A-Q-U-A-T-R-U dot com and enter code NOTHINGMUCH at checkout. That's 20% off any AquaTrue water purifier. When you go to AquaTrue.com and use promo code N-O-T-H-I-N-G-M-U-C-H.
Nothing much happens: bedtime stories to help you sleep
Valentine's at the Inn, Part 2
Put away anything you are looking at or working on. You are safe and I will be here watching over you with my voice. Take a slow, deep breath in through your nose and sigh. Do that again. Fill it up and let it out.
Nothing much happens: bedtime stories to help you sleep
Valentine's at the Inn, Part 2
It was Valentine's weekend at the Inn, and we had a nearly full house of lovebirds and sweethearts. ready to clink glasses and wander into the lonely corners of our vast rooms. Today we'd served breakfast in the dining room and drawing room, with fires burning in the grates and flowers on each table.
Nothing much happens: bedtime stories to help you sleep
Valentine's at the Inn, Part 2
as well as cinnamon rolls and cardamom buns.
Nothing much happens: bedtime stories to help you sleep
Valentine's at the Inn, Part 2
we'd put out some soup and sandwiches in the dining room, self-service style, but we'd highlighted the excellent cafes and bistros downtown, the shops and sites that were perfect for idling away a winter afternoon.
Nothing much happens: bedtime stories to help you sleep
Valentine's at the Inn, Part 2
Because I was a bit like a parent who needed the kids out from under my feet for a bit so that I could set up the ballroom.
Nothing much happens: bedtime stories to help you sleep
Valentine's at the Inn, Part 2
A little cheesy, maybe, but I hoped it would prove to be both romantic and fun.
Nothing much happens: bedtime stories to help you sleep
Valentine's at the Inn, Part 2
Bioptimizers has flexible dosing, which I really like. My wife needs just a little bit, and I take a little more. And for folks looking for an option without melatonin, this is it. Ready to transform your sleep and wake up feeling refreshed. Visit bioptimizers.com slash nothingmuch and use code nothingmuch for 10% off any order. Don't settle for another restless night, my friends.
Nothing much happens: bedtime stories to help you sleep
Valentine's at the Inn, Part 2
I was up on a ladder in the far corner behind the piano, twisting the last of the crepe paper streamers into place while my cat Sycamore chased a red balloon under a table.
Nothing much happens: bedtime stories to help you sleep
Valentine's at the Inn, Part 2
that, in the end, I'd wished I'd danced more, cared less about my hair and dress, and just had fun.
Nothing much happens: bedtime stories to help you sleep
Valentine's at the Inn, Part 2
Sycamore and I had been alone at the inn for a few months now, and I'd forgotten that we could, ahem, be overheard. Chef came through the door. their hands full of a large tray of desserts. I went over to help them set out the tarts and cakes on the buffet by the window.
Nothing much happens: bedtime stories to help you sleep
Valentine's at the Inn, Part 2
They paused, smiling down at the sweets. Oh, come on. I knew it. You had a blast, didn't you? You probably had a line of people waiting to dance with you.
Nothing much happens: bedtime stories to help you sleep
Valentine's at the Inn, Part 2
I've always been popular, they laughed, as they tucked the empty tray under an arm. and headed back to the kitchens for more.
Nothing much happens: bedtime stories to help you sleep
Valentine's at the Inn, Part 2
On the central table, at the bottom of the stairs, beside the giant fern I'd kept alive for three winters now, were urns of coffee and hot tea.
Nothing much happens: bedtime stories to help you sleep
The Willow Tree
I've got another sleep-inducing podcast to recommend to you. It's called I Can't Sleep, and it's hosted by Benjamin Boster. I'm supposed to tell you that his show is intentionally boring, but as someone who writes whole stories about label makers, I just can't. Bookbinding? Philodendrons? Egyptian hieroglyphs? Yes, please.
Nothing much happens: bedtime stories to help you sleep
The Willow Tree
Audio engineering is by Bob Wittersheim. We give to a different charity each week, and this week we are giving to a Home for Hooves Sanctuary. They offer a forever home for rescued farmed animals. You can learn more about them in our show notes. If you are looking for more ways to invite coziness into your life, we have some ideas for that.
Nothing much happens: bedtime stories to help you sleep
The Willow Tree
We just put together a coloring pack with a Nothing Much Happens mini coloring book, colored pencils, and a downloadable exclusive story. It's such a nice gift. We also have our signature Bob Wittersheim t-shirt, our weighted pillow and wind-down box, our premium subscriptions and autographed books.
Nothing much happens: bedtime stories to help you sleep
The Willow Tree
And I wondered if they had stayed through the winter or just returned from a few months away. My brain, so used to jumping ahead or floundering in the past,
Nothing much happens: bedtime stories to help you sleep
The Willow Tree
The breeze tossed my hair over my eyes, and I smiled as I tucked the strands behind my ears.
Nothing much happens: bedtime stories to help you sleep
The Willow Tree
And I followed them, stretching out my stride to nearly leaps and places. They led away from the water, and eventually I was under the golden dome of blooming willow branches.
Nothing much happens: bedtime stories to help you sleep
The Willow Tree
That's how long they have been early to mark the spring and drape over water.
Nothing much happens: bedtime stories to help you sleep
The Willow Tree
when broken off, can simply be stuck in the ground, and it will often produce a whole new tree.
Nothing much happens: bedtime stories to help you sleep
The Willow Tree
If you wake later in the night, don't hesitate to turn an episode back on, or just think through any parts of the story that you can remember, and you'll drop right back off.
Nothing much happens: bedtime stories to help you sleep
The Willow Tree
And it's a story about the first signs of spring on an open field beside a lake. It's also about stepping stones, a bench up high on a bluff, geese paddling at the shore, tall rubber boots, a breeze that blows the hat from your head, and the calm quiet that comes when you stop chasing some other moment.
Nothing much happens: bedtime stories to help you sleep
The Willow Tree
Slide down into your sheets and get the right pillow in the right spot and feel your whole body relax. Take a deep breath in through your nose. And sigh from your mouth. Nice. Again, inhale. And release it.
Nothing much happens: bedtime stories to help you sleep
The Willow Tree
It isn't just that the willow is the first tree each spring to sprout leaves, though that is certainly a glimmer I go looking for each year, to see the light yellow haze like a flaxen fog hovering in its branches. And it isn't just the way its long, draping limbs dip leaves into the lake, like a beaded, viridescent curtain that I can slide through on my kayak, as if passing into a magic world.
Nothing much happens: bedtime stories to help you sleep
The Willow Tree
I want to get all snuggled up and listen to these perfect topics as I drift off into a great night's sleep. Benjamin's voice is soothing, and I feel like I might just learn something as I sleep. All of us here know how vital it is to get good sleep. It affects every part of your health. So check out the I Can't Sleep podcast now and get ready to wind down and relax.
Nothing much happens: bedtime stories to help you sleep
The Willow Tree
To hide away and read or just be with something bigger than you.
Nothing much happens: bedtime stories to help you sleep
The Willow Tree
The snow had been gone for just a week or two, but the sun had been shining so brightly each day, that it felt like we were riding downhill toward summer.
Nothing much happens: bedtime stories to help you sleep
The Willow Tree
Of course, I am nature myself, and I can never really be unstitched from that fabric. But after months inside, after weeks with barely a glimpse of the sun, or more than a few moments in the open air, You can feel like old friends have gone far too long without a catch-up.
Nothing much happens: bedtime stories to help you sleep
The Willow Tree
the warmth of the sunlight, the cool breeze around my temples. Ah, what a gift the world was today.
Nothing much happens: bedtime stories to help you sleep
The Willow Tree
The land rose, then dipped down in sandy spots at the edge of the lake.
Nothing much happens: bedtime stories to help you sleep
The Willow Tree
Tiny trails ran through and around all of it.
Nothing much happens: bedtime stories to help you sleep
The Willow Tree
Find I Can't Sleep wherever you listen to podcasts.
Nothing much happens: bedtime stories to help you sleep
The Willow Tree
What if we are like the birds and the trees, without a why, just alive because we are?
Nothing much happens: bedtime stories to help you sleep
The Willow Tree
The breeze tossed my hair over my eyes, and I smiled as I tucked the strands behind my ears.
Nothing much happens: bedtime stories to help you sleep
The Willow Tree
Sometimes they are called sallows or osiers.
Nothing much happens: bedtime stories to help you sleep
The Willow Tree
Fossils of them have been found dating to some 40 or 50 million years ago.
Nothing much happens: bedtime stories to help you sleep
The Willow Tree
A willow branch, when broken off, can simply be stuck in the ground, and it will often produce a whole new tree. What a survivor, I thought, as I got closer and reached out to place my palm on its trunk.
Nothing much happens: bedtime stories to help you sleep
The Willow Tree
I noticed how it felt in my chest and belly, in my legs and fingers, and looked for any spots that felt stopped up.
Nothing much happens: bedtime stories to help you sleep
Valentine's at the Inn, Part 1
And of course, the open view down to the lake. Like I said, lovely. But in February, Breakfast on the porch just doesn't work out. The lake was frozen over and several inches of snow lay on the ground. Our summer cafe tables were neatly stacked against the wall.
Nothing much happens: bedtime stories to help you sleep
Valentine's at the Inn, Part 1
Luckily, the inn is not short of rooms.
Nothing much happens: bedtime stories to help you sleep
Valentine's at the Inn, Part 1
These two spaces, when combined, would be perfect for our breakfast service. I'd spent a few days dusting
Nothing much happens: bedtime stories to help you sleep
Valentine's at the Inn, Part 1
The place began to fill with good smells.
Nothing much happens: bedtime stories to help you sleep
Valentine's at the Inn, Part 1
Today, I dressed in my neat corduroy trousers and comfortable shoes,
Nothing much happens: bedtime stories to help you sleep
Valentine's at the Inn, Part 1
Welcome to Bedtime Stories for Everyone, in which nothing much happens. You feel good, and then you fall asleep. I'm Catherine Nicolai. I write and read everything you hear on Nothing Much Happens.
Nothing much happens: bedtime stories to help you sleep
Valentine's at the Inn, Part 1
Around noon, the first cars had made it down the long drive to the inn, and Sycamore had been overcome with excitement.
Nothing much happens: bedtime stories to help you sleep
Valentine's at the Inn, Part 1
For guests who had already had the pleasure of meeting Sycamore. There was a reunion of purrs, dare I say, an expectation of treats, and in any case, lots of ear scratches. We weren't quite full up.
Nothing much happens: bedtime stories to help you sleep
Valentine's at the Inn, Part 1
But only by a room or two. And we found that we definitely had our hands full.
Nothing much happens: bedtime stories to help you sleep
Valentine's at the Inn, Part 1
The fire was crackling and popping in the grate.
Nothing much happens: bedtime stories to help you sleep
Valentine's at the Inn, Part 1
Besides the crudités and dips, the voulevants and fruit, crackers and baguettes,
Nothing much happens: bedtime stories to help you sleep
Valentine's at the Inn, Part 1
This morning, we were all up early.
Nothing much happens: bedtime stories to help you sleep
Valentine's at the Inn, Part 1
We smiled at each other as I filled a cup and passed it over. It was good to see them in their apron, a neat bandana tied over their hair, and a pocket full of Sharpies. I love my quiet time here, alone but for sycamore.
Nothing much happens: bedtime stories to help you sleep
Valentine's at the Inn, Part 1
The smell of fresh coffee mixed with the old wood and the not-quite-nameable scent of the inn itself. They gave me a wink and turned back to the hall, took a few steps toward the kitchen stairs and stopped.
Nothing much happens: bedtime stories to help you sleep
Valentine's at the Inn, Part 1
Are you going to let me in on it? I stuck my head out into the hall, and we eyeballed each other for a moment. There was a secret I was carrying around. But besides Sycamore,
Nothing much happens: bedtime stories to help you sleep
Valentine's at the Inn, Part 1
I hadn't shared it with anyone and wasn't sure I wanted to yet. I bit my lip, tilted my head,
Nothing much happens: bedtime stories to help you sleep
Valentine's at the Inn, Part 1
So think about it. Swapsies are available.
Nothing much happens: bedtime stories to help you sleep
Valentine's at the Inn, Part 1
Could Chef know things about the inn that I didn't?
Nothing much happens: bedtime stories to help you sleep
Valentine's at the Inn, Part 1
where the fire was already burning bright. As I laid out cups and bowls, the sun began to rise over the snowy landscape.
Nothing much happens: bedtime stories to help you sleep
Valentine's at the Inn, Part 1
Sweet dreams.
Nothing much happens: bedtime stories to help you sleep
Valentine's at the Inn, Part 1
a black cat and a feather duster, and a little mystery that begins to unwind. Okay, time to turn off the lights.
Nothing much happens: bedtime stories to help you sleep
Valentine's at the Inn, Part 1
Good. Valentine's. At the Inn. Part 1. During the summer, we serve breakfast on our back porch. It is such a lovely spot.
Nothing much happens: bedtime stories to help you sleep
Valentine's at the Inn, Part 1
And of course, the open view down to the lake. Like I said, lovely.
Nothing much happens: bedtime stories to help you sleep
Valentine's at the Inn, Part 1
These two spaces, when combined, would be perfect for our breakfast service.
Nothing much happens: bedtime stories to help you sleep
Valentine's at the Inn, Part 1
We weren't quite full up.
Nothing much happens: bedtime stories to help you sleep
Valentine's at the Inn, Part 1
This morning, we were all up early.
Nothing much happens: bedtime stories to help you sleep
Valentine's at the Inn, Part 1
Are you going to let me in on it?
Nothing much happens: bedtime stories to help you sleep
Valentine's at the Inn, Part 1
and wasn't sure I wanted to yet. I bit my lip and tilted my head.
Nothing much happens: bedtime stories to help you sleep
Valentine's at the Inn, Part 1
So think about it. But swapsies are available.
Nothing much happens: bedtime stories to help you sleep
Valentine's at the Inn, Part 1
During the summer, we serve breakfast on our back porch. It is such a lovely spot. The porch wraps around the whole back of the house with tables and chairs. And at the far end, a swing suspended from the ceiling. There are screens to keep the mosquitoes out.
Office Ladies
The Edge, Pt 2
The platform we used before Shopify needed regular updates, which sometimes led to the shop not working.
Office Ladies
The Edge, Pt 2
Start your test today for one euro per month on shopify.de slash radio.
Office Ladies
An Interview with Dave Rogers
That would be great. But they didn't want you to know about it. Sorry, who's they? Some people are following me and I brought my tortoise.
Office Ladies
An Interview with Dave Rogers
From executive producers Mike Judge and Greg Daniels and co-creators Joe Bennett and Steve Healy comes an animated comedy thriller about what it takes to change the world. Common Side Effects. Series premieres with back-to-back episodes February 2nd at 11.30pm on Adult Swim. Next day on Max.
Office Ladies
An Interview with Dave Rogers
This episode is brought to you by Intuit TurboTax. Didn't file with TurboTax last year? That's in the past. Now, Taxes is getting the TurboTax app and filing your own taxes for free if you didn't file with them last year. File by February 18th. All tax forms, all 100% free. Now, this is Taxes. Intuit TurboTax.
Office Ladies
An Interview with Dave Rogers
New filers and filers who didn't use TurboTax last year only must start and file your own taxes in-app by February 18th. Excludes TurboTax Live. Full terms at TurboTax.com.
Office Ladies
An Interview with Dave Rogers
I've been working with a nurse dietitian for the last six months, and it's been life-changing. I've lost weight, healed my relationship with food, and have way more energy. Working with a dietitian online to create a personalized nutrition plan was so easy thanks to Nourish. The best part? I pay $0 out of pocket because Nourish accepts hundreds of insurance plans.
Office Ladies
An Interview with Dave Rogers
94% of patients pay $0 out of pocket. Find your dietitian at usenourish.com. That's usenourish.com.
Office Ladies
An Interview with Dave Rogers
You just realized your business needed to hire someone yesterday. How can you find amazing candidates fast? Easy, just use Indeed. Stop struggling to get your job posts seen on other job sites. Indeed's sponsored jobs help you stand out and hire fast. With sponsored jobs, your post jumps to the top of the page for your relevant candidates, so you can reach the people you want faster.
Office Ladies
An Interview with Dave Rogers
And it makes a huge difference. According to Indeed data, sponsored jobs posted directly on Indeed have 45% more applications than non-sponsored jobs. Plus, with Indeed sponsored jobs, there are no monthly subscriptions, no long-term contracts, and you only pay for results. And listeners of this show will get a $75 sponsored job credit to get your jobs more visibility at Indeed.com slash listen.
Office Ladies
An Interview with Dave Rogers
Just go to Indeed.com slash listen right now and support our show by saying you heard about Indeed on this podcast. Indeed.com slash listen. Terms and conditions apply. Hiring? Indeed is all you need.
Office Ladies
An Interview with Dave Rogers
When you think about businesses that are selling through the roof like Aloe, Allbirds, or Skims, sure, you think about a great product, a cool brand, and brilliant marketing. But an often overlooked secret is actually the businesses behind the business, making selling and for shoppers buying simple. For millions of businesses, that business is Shopify.
Office Ladies
An Interview with Dave Rogers
This cold and flu season, Instacart is here to help deliver all your sick day essentials. Whether you're in prevention mode and need vitamins, hand sanitizer, and that lemon tea your nana swears by, or you're in healing mode and need medicine, soup, and a lot more tissues. Simply download the Instacart app to get sick day supplies that reinvigorate or relieve delivered in as fast as 30 minutes.
Office Ladies
An Interview with Dave Rogers
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Office Ladies
An Interview with Dave Rogers
Go to Shopify.com slash Odyssey Podcast to upgrade your selling today. Shopify.com slash Odyssey Podcast.
Office Ladies
An Interview with Dave Rogers
Plus, enjoy zero delivery fees on your first three orders. Excludes restaurant orders. Service fees and terms apply.
Office Ladies
Second Drink: Hot Girl
Baking Hershey's Kisses peanut butter blossoms is the perfect way to celebrate the holiday season with friends and family. With their classic, rich, creamy milk chocolate taste, there's no better way to heart-warm the holidays than by baking with Kisses chocolates. Find Hershey's Kisses holiday chocolates at your favorite retailer.
Office Ladies
Second Drink: Performance Review with Larry Wilmore
Will full coverage make me look cakey? Is my undertone neutral or is it cool? We get it. Finding the right foundation is hard. But with Il Makiage, it's easy to find your perfect match online. Customize for your unique skin tone and coverage needs. Plus, with Try Before You Buy, you can try your full size at home for 14 days.
Office Ladies
Second Drink: Performance Review with Larry Wilmore
With over 600,000 five-star reviews, this best-selling foundation is going viral for a reason. Take the Power Match Quiz now at ilmakiage.com slash quiz. I-L-M-A-K-I-A-G-E dot com slash quiz. Thank you.
Ologies with Alie Ward
Erethizonology (PORCUPINES) with Tim Bean
The young male catches the scent given off by a female. The aroma of her vaginal mucus mixed with urine tells him that she's in estrus. For his grand finale, the male anoints his intended in a shower of urine. Witnesses to this bizarre ritual claim that powerful bursts may travel over six feet.
Ologies with Alie Ward
Erethizonology (PORCUPINES) with Tim Bean
Hey, don't start with me, porcupine. Come here. Come here. Give me a hug.
On Purpose with Jay Shetty
Wendy Suzuki: 2 Powerful Tools To Use When You Feel Stressed Out (This Will Lower Your Anxiety in 1 Minute)
The number one health and wellness podcast.
On Purpose with Jay Shetty
Wendy Suzuki: 2 Powerful Tools To Use When You Feel Stressed Out (This Will Lower Your Anxiety in 1 Minute)
Questlove, and every year we do special programming for Black History Month. So the team and I compiled some clips from the show that are worth revisiting. In part one of the celebration of Black History Month, we're listening back to moments with Chris Rock.
On Purpose with Jay Shetty
Wendy Suzuki: 2 Powerful Tools To Use When You Feel Stressed Out (This Will Lower Your Anxiety in 1 Minute)
Listen to Questlove Supreme on America's number one podcast network, iHeart. Follow Questlove Supreme and start listening on the free iHeartRadio app today.
One Minute Podcast Tips
How to Use Old Episodes to Power Your Podcast's Growth
Amen. Jesus is our righteousness. And may we as Christians never forget this incredible gospel truth. You're listening to Renewing Your Mind, and that was R.C. Sproul preaching from Galatians chapter 2 as we begin a four-week sermon series on the gospel and the dangers of legalism. If you've not done a serious study of Galatians, I would commend it to you. And you can do that with R.C.
One Minute Podcast Tips
How to Use Old Episodes to Power Your Podcast's Growth
Sproul as your pastoral and theological guide when you request his line-by-line study of Galatians, when you give a donation of any amount at renewingyourmind.org or by using the link in the podcast show notes. This hardcover commentary could be your aid in Bible study, but it would also make for wonderful devotional reading.
One Minute Podcast Tips
How to Use Old Episodes to Power Your Podcast's Growth
And know that every donation is helping take trusted teaching that proclaims and defends the doctrine of justification by faith alone to the nations. So give your gift while there's still time at renewingyourmind.org. Thank you. Next time, we move ahead to Galatians chapter 3, to a section that Dr. Sproul describes as perhaps the weightiest and most significant portion of the entire epistle.
One Minute Podcast Tips
How to Use Old Episodes to Power Your Podcast's Growth
Justification by faith alone. It's central to the good news, and it's always under attack. That's why R.C. Sproul preached and taught this doctrine with such passion and clarity, and why Ligonier Ministries and Renewing Your Mind by God's Grace will never waver or shrink back from the clarity and precision of gospel truth.
One Minute Podcast Tips
How to Use Old Episodes to Power Your Podcast's Growth
Welcome to the Sunday edition of Renewing Your Mind where each week we feature the preaching ministry of R.C. Sproul. This week we're starting a new series in Galatians, an important epistle that responds sharply to attacks against the gospel and one that we need to read, study and meditate upon as we continue to have our minds renewed according to Scripture.
One Minute Podcast Tips
How to Use Old Episodes to Power Your Podcast's Growth
This is a four-message study with Dr. Sproul, unpacking the gospel and the dangers of legalism. But if you'd like to study the entirety of Galatians until midnight tonight, you can request Dr. Sproul's hardcover commentary on Galatians when you give a donation of any amount at renewingyourmind.org. Well, if you have your Bible with you, open it to Galatians chapter 2. Here's Dr. Sproul.
Passion Struck with John R. Miles
How to Win the Fight for Your Soul and Why It Matters | EP 567
We are challenged throughout our lives, whether it's a deployment under hostile conditions on the world stage, a difficult home situation or problems at work.
Passion Struck with John R. Miles
How to Win the Fight for Your Soul and Why It Matters | EP 567
life is constantly throwing curveballs at us sometimes it's not just that we don't hit the pitch sometimes we have the equivalent of nolan ryan throwing fastballs at our heads is the way it sometimes feels and he's hitting us too and we need to understand how to get better at bats when that happens and how to not get injured
Pivot
Elon Merges Companies, WHCA Cuts Comedian, and Guest Co-Host Jen Psaki
Support for PayVit comes from BetterHelp. Let's talk numbers. Traditional in-person therapy can cost anywhere from $100 to $250 per session, which adds up fast. But with BetterHelp Online Therapy, you can save an average of up to 50% per session. You just pay a flat fee for weekly sessions, saving you big on cost and on time.
Pivot
Elon Merges Companies, WHCA Cuts Comedian, and Guest Co-Host Jen Psaki
Support for Pivot comes from the podcast Tech Unheard. We live in complex times. Technology is evolving faster than ever before, and the people driving that evolution can seem distant. Tech Unheard is a new podcast that puts you right in the room with the people shaping the future of technology.
Pivot
Elon Merges Companies, WHCA Cuts Comedian, and Guest Co-Host Jen Psaki
It's hosted by Rene Haas, the CEO of Arm, one of those companies on the leading edge of tech innovation. For the show, they've partnered with national public media to bring you a series of in-depth conversations with tech industry luminaries.
Pivot
Elon Merges Companies, WHCA Cuts Comedian, and Guest Co-Host Jen Psaki
Tech Unheard explores each leader's path and analyzes the most pressing trends in their space, all while sharing a few entertaining anecdotes of success and failure along the way. In the first episode, you can hear Rene talk with his old boss, Jensen Huang, CEO of NVIDIA.
Pivot
Elon Merges Companies, WHCA Cuts Comedian, and Guest Co-Host Jen Psaki
They dive into Jensen's journey, the future of AI, and how NVIDIA's unique culture of relentless innovation continues to push the boundaries of technology. Tech Unheard lets you listen in on unscripted, one-on-one conversations between some of tech's biggest leaders. And these conversations have never been more important than they are today.
Pivot
Elon Merges Companies, WHCA Cuts Comedian, and Guest Co-Host Jen Psaki
Tune in to Tech Unheard from ARM and NPM, wherever you get your podcasts. Support for Pivot comes from ZocDoc. When was the last time you needed to go to a doctor, but you pushed it off? Let's spin the wheel of excuses to see where you land. I'm too busy. It'll heal on its own. I don't need help. I don't know which doctor to go to.
Pivot
Elon Merges Companies, WHCA Cuts Comedian, and Guest Co-Host Jen Psaki
Look, booking a doctor's appointment can feel daunting, but thanks to ZocDoc, there's no reason to delay. They make it so easy to find and book a doctor who's right for you. ZocDoc is a free app and website where you can search and compare high-quality in-network doctors and instantly book an appointment. Appointments made through the app can happen fast, typically within just 72 hours of booking.
Pivot
Elon Merges Companies, WHCA Cuts Comedian, and Guest Co-Host Jen Psaki
You can even book same-day appointments to take some of that stress out. Once you find the right doctor, you can see their actual appointment openings and choose a time slot that works for you. Plus, you can filter for doctors who take your insurance, are located nearby, might be a good fit for any medical need you may have, and are highly rated by verified patients.
Pivot
Elon Merges Companies, WHCA Cuts Comedian, and Guest Co-Host Jen Psaki
You can stop putting off those doctor's appointments and go to ZocDoc.com slash pivot to find and instantly book a top-rated doctor today. That's Z-O-C-D-O-C dot com slash pivot. ZocDoc.com slash pivot.
Pivot
Elon Merges Companies, WHCA Cuts Comedian, and Guest Co-Host Jen Psaki
With over 30,000 therapists, BetterHelp is the world's largest online therapy platform, having served over 5 million people globally. Your well-being is worth it, and now it's within reach. Visit betterhelp.com slash pivot to get 10% off your first month. That's betterhelp, H-E-L-P, dot com slash pivot.
Pivot
Elon Merges Companies, WHCA Cuts Comedian, and Guest Co-Host Jen Psaki
Scientists find weird kinds of life all the time. And normally, they can run experiments.
Pivot
Elon Merges Companies, WHCA Cuts Comedian, and Guest Co-Host Jen Psaki
But what if the weird thing about the life they find is that it lives for millions of years?
Pivot
Elon Merges Companies, WHCA Cuts Comedian, and Guest Co-Host Jen Psaki
This week on Unexplainable, intraterrestrials, aliens on Earth deep beneath the seafloor. Follow Unexplainable for new episodes every Wednesday.
Pivot
Elon's First Cabinet Meeting, Trump's Gold Card, and Bezos' WaPo Revamp
It's official. The United States is breaking up with Ukraine. On Monday, the president suspended military aid to the country. That's about $1 billion in arms Ukraine isn't getting until it commits to negotiating peace with Russia. That move, of course, comes after a perfect meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky at the Oval Office on Friday. They talked about playing cards.
Pivot
Elon's First Cabinet Meeting, Trump's Gold Card, and Bezos' WaPo Revamp
You're playing cards. You're gambling with the lives of millions of people. You're gambling with World War III. They talked about being thankful. Have you said thank you once? This entire time? They took questions from the crowd.
Pivot
Elon's First Cabinet Meeting, Trump's Gold Card, and Bezos' WaPo Revamp
Today explains looking into why humiliating Zelensky appeals to the MAGA base and what Europe plans to do about it. Today explained every weekday afternoon wherever you listen.
Pivot
DOGE’s Chaos Strategy, X’s New Valuation, and Guest Co-Host Katie Drummond
It's official. The United States is breaking up with Ukraine. On Monday, the president suspended military aid to the country. That's about $1 billion in arms Ukraine isn't getting until it commits to negotiating peace with Russia. That move, of course, comes after a perfect meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky at the Oval Office on Friday. They talked about playing cards.
Pivot
DOGE’s Chaos Strategy, X’s New Valuation, and Guest Co-Host Katie Drummond
But right now, you're playing cards. You're playing cards.
Pivot
DOGE’s Chaos Strategy, X’s New Valuation, and Guest Co-Host Katie Drummond
They talked about being thankful.
Pivot
DOGE’s Chaos Strategy, X’s New Valuation, and Guest Co-Host Katie Drummond
This entire meeting? They took questions from the crowd.
Pivot
DOGE’s Chaos Strategy, X’s New Valuation, and Guest Co-Host Katie Drummond
Today explains looking into why humiliating Zelensky appeals to the MAGA base and what Europe plans to do about it. Today explained every weekday afternoon, wherever you listen.
Pivot
Tariff Turmoil, Trump’s Tesla Ad, and Newsom’s Bannon Interview
It's been reported that one in four people experience sensory sensitivities, making everyday experiences like a trip to the dentist especially difficult. In fact, 26% of sensory-sensitive individuals avoid dental visits entirely.
Pivot
Tariff Turmoil, Trump’s Tesla Ad, and Newsom’s Bannon Interview
In Sensory Overload, a new documentary produced as part of Sensodyne's Sensory Inclusion Initiative, we follow individuals navigating a world not built for them, where bright lights, loud sounds, and unexpected touches can turn routine moments into overwhelming challenges. Burnett Grant, for example, has spent their life masking discomfort in workplaces that don't accommodate neurodivergence.
Pivot
Tariff Turmoil, Trump’s Tesla Ad, and Newsom’s Bannon Interview
"'I've only had two full-time jobs where I felt safe,' they share. This is why they're advocating for change. Through deeply personal stories like Burnett's, Sensory Overload highlights the urgent need for spaces, dental offices and beyond that embrace sensory inclusion. Because true inclusion requires action with environments where everyone feels safe.
Pivot
Tariff Turmoil, Trump’s Tesla Ad, and Newsom’s Bannon Interview
Watch Sensory Overload now, streaming on Hulu.
Pivot
Tariff Turmoil, Trump’s Tesla Ad, and Newsom’s Bannon Interview
Start a business that sells and designs decorative plates. Find out you have to keep up with invoices and paying vendors. Realize that you're better at selling plates than keeping them spinning. With Intuit QuickBooks, you can make quick work of unpaid invoices and auto-track expenses all in one easy-to-use place. So you can keep spinning, uh, selling those plates.
Pivot
Tariff Turmoil, Trump’s Tesla Ad, and Newsom’s Bannon Interview
Manage and grow your business all in one place. Intuit QuickBooks. Your way to money. Money Movement Services are provided by Intuit Payments, Inc., licensed as a money transmitter by the New York State Department of Financial Services.
Pivot
Tariff Turmoil, Trump’s Tesla Ad, and Newsom’s Bannon Interview
Thank you. So I'll tell you like, I'll tell you a story. This week on Unexplainable, a story about researchers building AIs.
Pivot
Trump’s Putin Call, Inflation Rises, and Sam Altman Strikes Back at Elon Musk
It's official. The United States is breaking up with Ukraine. On Monday, the president suspended military aid to the country. That's about $1 billion in arms Ukraine isn't getting until it commits to negotiating peace with Russia. That move, of course, comes after a perfect meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky at the Oval Office on Friday. They talked about playing cards.
Pivot
Trump’s Putin Call, Inflation Rises, and Sam Altman Strikes Back at Elon Musk
They talked about being thankful. Have you said thank you once? This entire time? They took questions from the crowd.
Pivot
Trump’s Putin Call, Inflation Rises, and Sam Altman Strikes Back at Elon Musk
Today explains looking into why humiliating Zelensky appeals to the MAGA base and what Europe plans to do about it. Today explained every weekday afternoon wherever you listen.
Pivot
Trump's Big Speech, Trade War Roller Coaster, and Elon v. Jon Stewart
Thank you. Twitch is still a big deal in live streaming, but so are lots of other places. So how is Twitch CEO Dan Clancy going to deal with that competition? And why exactly do I want to watch people talk live on the internet anyway? I asked Dan Clancy all about that and more on this week's channels from the Vox Media Podcast Network.
Planet Money
Planet Money buys a mystery diamond
Yeah, that doesn't seem like the likely scenario here.
Pod Save America
Introducing: Assembly Required with Stacey Abrams
In the words of 77 Nobel laureates in medicine, chemistry, physics and economics, RFK Jr., at the helm of the Department of Health and Human Services, would put the public's health in jeopardy and undermine America's global leadership in the health sciences.
Pod Save America
Introducing: Assembly Required with Stacey Abrams
This in a letter addressed to members of the United States Senate listing off the health secretary nominee's most sensationalist conspiracy theories on public health.
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How a Political Party Can Rise from the Dead
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How a Political Party Can Rise from the Dead
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How a Political Party Can Rise from the Dead
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How a Political Party Can Rise from the Dead
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How a Political Party Can Rise from the Dead
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How a Political Party Can Rise from the Dead
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How a Political Party Can Rise from the Dead
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How a Political Party Can Rise from the Dead
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Pod Save America
How a Political Party Can Rise from the Dead
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How a Political Party Can Rise from the Dead
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Pod Save America
How a Political Party Can Rise from the Dead
And before you hit that next button, you can help boost this episode by leaving us a review and by sharing it with friends and family. Pod Save America is a Crooked Media production. Our producers are David Toledo, Saul Rubin, and Emma Illick-Frank. Our associate producer is Farrah Safari. Reid Cherland is our executive editor, and Adrian Hill is our executive producer.
Pod Save America
How a Political Party Can Rise from the Dead
The show is mixed and edited by Andrew Chadwick. Jordan Cantor is our sound engineer, with audio support from Kyle Segland and Charlotte Landis. Madeline Herringer is our head of news and programming. Matt DeGroat is our head of production. Naomi Sengel is our executive assistant.
Pod Save America
How a Political Party Can Rise from the Dead
Thanks to our digital team, Elijah Cohn, Haley Jones, Ben Hethcote, Molly Lobel, Kiril Pallaviv, Kenny Moffitt, and David Toles. Our production staff is proudly unionized with the Writers Guild of America East.
Pod Save America
How a Political Party Can Rise from the Dead
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Pod Save America
How a Political Party Can Rise from the Dead
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Pod Save America
How a Political Party Can Rise from the Dead
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Pod Save America
How a Political Party Can Rise from the Dead
Stop putting off those doctor's appointments and go to ZocDoc.com to find and instantly book a top-rated doctor today. That's Z-O-C-D-O-C.com. ZocDoc.com.
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How a Political Party Can Rise from the Dead
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Michael Lewis on Bravery in Politics and Why Elon Musk Seems so "Disturbed"
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Michael Lewis on Bravery in Politics and Why Elon Musk Seems so "Disturbed"
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Michael Lewis on Bravery in Politics and Why Elon Musk Seems so "Disturbed"
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Michael Lewis on Bravery in Politics and Why Elon Musk Seems so "Disturbed"
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Michael Lewis on Bravery in Politics and Why Elon Musk Seems so "Disturbed"
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Michael Lewis on Bravery in Politics and Why Elon Musk Seems so "Disturbed"
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Michael Lewis on Bravery in Politics and Why Elon Musk Seems so "Disturbed"
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Michael Lewis on Bravery in Politics and Why Elon Musk Seems so "Disturbed"
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Pod Save America
Michael Lewis on Bravery in Politics and Why Elon Musk Seems so "Disturbed"
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Michael Lewis on Bravery in Politics and Why Elon Musk Seems so "Disturbed"
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Michael Lewis on Bravery in Politics and Why Elon Musk Seems so "Disturbed"
And before you hit that next button, you can help boost this episode by leaving us a review and by sharing it with friends and family. Pod Save America is a Crooked Media production. Our producers are David Toledo, Saul Rubin, and Emma Illick-Frank. Our associate producer is Farrah Safari. Reid Cherland is our executive editor, and Adrian Hill is our executive producer.
Pod Save America
Michael Lewis on Bravery in Politics and Why Elon Musk Seems so "Disturbed"
The show is mixed and edited by Andrew Chadwick. Jordan Cantor is our sound engineer, with audio support from Kyle Segland and Charlotte Landis. Madeline Herringer is our head of news and programming. Matt DeGroat is our head of production. Naomi Sengel is our executive assistant.
Pod Save America
Michael Lewis on Bravery in Politics and Why Elon Musk Seems so "Disturbed"
Thanks to our digital team, Elijah Cohn, Haley Jones, Ben Hethcote, Molly Lobel, Kiril Pallaviv, Kenny Moffitt, and David Toles. Our production staff is proudly unionized with the Writers Guild of America East.
Pod Save America
Michael Lewis on Bravery in Politics and Why Elon Musk Seems so "Disturbed"
From their award-winning effect forward gummies to calming drops, every Vya product is thoroughly crafted, made with organic lab-tested hemp, sourced from trusted, independent, American-owned farms. And the best part? Viya legally ships across the USA, discreet, direct to your door, no medical card required, and backed by a worry-free guarantee. Not sure where to start?
Pod Save America
Michael Lewis on Bravery in Politics and Why Elon Musk Seems so "Disturbed"
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Michael Lewis on Bravery in Politics and Why Elon Musk Seems so "Disturbed"
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Pod Save America
Michael Lewis on Bravery in Politics and Why Elon Musk Seems so "Disturbed"
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Michael Lewis on Bravery in Politics and Why Elon Musk Seems so "Disturbed"
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Michael Lewis on Bravery in Politics and Why Elon Musk Seems so "Disturbed"
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Michael Lewis on Bravery in Politics and Why Elon Musk Seems so "Disturbed"
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Ezra Klein and Derek Thompson on How Democrats Can Build Their Way Back to Power
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Pod Save America
Ezra Klein and Derek Thompson on How Democrats Can Build Their Way Back to Power
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Ezra Klein and Derek Thompson on How Democrats Can Build Their Way Back to Power
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Ezra Klein and Derek Thompson on How Democrats Can Build Their Way Back to Power
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Ezra Klein and Derek Thompson on How Democrats Can Build Their Way Back to Power
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Ezra Klein and Derek Thompson on How Democrats Can Build Their Way Back to Power
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Pod Save America
Bill Maher on Hating Donald Trump, the Far Left and 69ing
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Bill Maher on Hating Donald Trump, the Far Left and 69ing
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Bill Maher on Hating Donald Trump, the Far Left and 69ing
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Pod Save America
Bill Maher on Hating Donald Trump, the Far Left and 69ing
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Bill Maher on Hating Donald Trump, the Far Left and 69ing
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Pod Save America
Bill Maher on Hating Donald Trump, the Far Left and 69ing
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Pod Save America
Bill Maher on Hating Donald Trump, the Far Left and 69ing
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Bill Maher on Hating Donald Trump, the Far Left and 69ing
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Bill Maher on Hating Donald Trump, the Far Left and 69ing
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Bill Maher on Hating Donald Trump, the Far Left and 69ing
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Bill Maher on Hating Donald Trump, the Far Left and 69ing
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Bill Maher on Hating Donald Trump, the Far Left and 69ing
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Pod Save America
Bill Maher on Hating Donald Trump, the Far Left and 69ing
And before you hit that next button, you can help boost this episode by leaving us a review and by sharing it with friends and family. Pod Save America is a Crooked Media production. Our producers are David Toledo and Saul Rubin. Our associate producer is Farrah Safari. Reid Cherlin is our executive editor and Adrian Hill is our executive producer. The show is mixed and edited by Andrew Chadwick.
Pod Save America
Bill Maher on Hating Donald Trump, the Far Left and 69ing
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Pod Save America
Bill Maher on Hating Donald Trump, the Far Left and 69ing
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Trump 2.0's Biggest Scandal Yet
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Trump 2.0's Biggest Scandal Yet
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Trump 2.0's Biggest Scandal Yet
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Prof G Markets
Is Breaking Up Intel The Right Move? + The New Gold Rush
Buying a house has long been considered the best way to build wealth and move into true adulting.
Prof G Markets
Is Breaking Up Intel The Right Move? + The New Gold Rush
Okay, the handbag you can probably manage without. But what about a house? Surely that's actually good, right? We're going to find out this week on Explain It To Me. New episodes every Sunday morning, wherever you get your podcasts.
REAL AF with Andy Frisella
823. Andy & DJ CTI: Mysterious Drones Spotted Over New Jersey, Daniel Penny Acquitted & Luigi Mangiones' Fatal Shooting Of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson
The former Marine enduring years of vicious left wing attacks who vilified him as a racist. But Penny has no regrets. And here's why.
REAL AF with Andy Frisella
823. Andy & DJ CTI: Mysterious Drones Spotted Over New Jersey, Daniel Penny Acquitted & Luigi Mangiones' Fatal Shooting Of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson
Okay, I think it's just a blanket.
REAL AF with Andy Frisella
865. Andy & DJ CTI: Dow Jones Down, Thousands Of Protesters Gather For Rallies Across U.S. & Legacy Media Investigating Dem Scandals
And others. We have a couple of senators here. I just don't particularly like them, so I won't introduce. Over the course of this amazing season, the members of this team... I didn't think it was that big a deal, actually. Washington. Over the course of this amazing season, the members of this team gave us some of the most incredible... Yeah.
Raging Moderates with Scott Galloway and Jessica Tarlov
The Real Housewives of the Oval Office (Feat. Anthony Scaramucci & Gov. JB Pritzker)
The Trump administration is defying a federal judge who's demanding details about a flight to El Salvador. It carried almost 200 men who the administration says are gang members and who were flown from U.S. soil after the judge said, don't.
Raging Moderates with Scott Galloway and Jessica Tarlov
The Real Housewives of the Oval Office (Feat. Anthony Scaramucci & Gov. JB Pritzker)
President Trump and El Salvador's President Nayib Bukele posted video of the shackled men being pulled from the plane by guards in riot gear and transported in white buses to prison. The official White House Twitter account also reposted a remix of the video set to Semisonic's closing time. Semisonic responded, the song is about joy and possibilities and hope.
Raging Moderates with Scott Galloway and Jessica Tarlov
The Real Housewives of the Oval Office (Feat. Anthony Scaramucci & Gov. JB Pritzker)
And they have missed the point entirely. Lest we all, let's focus up. The administration acknowledges that many of these men don't have criminal records in the U.S., and some of their family members say they're not in gangs at all. You can get Today Explained every weekday afternoon.
Raging Moderates with Scott Galloway and Jessica Tarlov
The Real Housewives of the Oval Office (Feat. Anthony Scaramucci & Gov. JB Pritzker)
No question.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
Kidnapped By a Drug Cult - The Mark Kilroy story
So this guy is a cult leader, and he wants nothing more than to sacrifice a white guy. Now the story starts with Mark. In Mark's 21, he goes to college in Texas, and he eventually wants to go to med school. And one day in 1989, Mark and some of his college friends, they decide they're going to travel somewhere for spring break.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
Kidnapped By a Drug Cult - The Mark Kilroy story
And so Mark does, and skrrt, they speed away. Sometime later, these cars arrive in the middle of nowhere at this remote ranch. Now this ranch is full of all these crazy people. And these aren't like the cartel you would assume would be out kidnapping drunk Americans. This is a cult. A crazy drug trafficking cult. And they apparently distribute a lot of Zaza out of this ranch.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
Kidnapped By a Drug Cult - The Mark Kilroy story
And the leader of this cult is this guy, Adolfo. And Adolfo and his followers, they believe some crazy shit. They believe in magic, like the Harry Potter kind of magic where there's like curses and shit. And in order to keep their gang safe from police, they need to make some literal sacrifices. Sometimes these sacrifices include a small animal, but other times they sacrifice a human.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
Kidnapped By a Drug Cult - The Mark Kilroy story
Now usually when they sacrifice a human, they capture an unalive like a rival gang member or some other drug smugglers. But this time, for whatever reason, Adolfo tells them they need to sacrifice a white boy. And that is when his cult members go out and they happen to find Mark and they kidnap him and they bring him back to their ranch.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
Kidnapped By a Drug Cult - The Mark Kilroy story
So now, Mark is at this creepy farm, and they're still holding him at gunpoint, and they handcuff him, and they leave him in the back of this car. And about 12 hours later, they come get him. And they tell him he's gonna be fine, and they give him a little food to eat. Then, they take him, and they put him in this little storage shack.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
Kidnapped By a Drug Cult - The Mark Kilroy story
Then, throughout the night, they unfortunately torture him in horrible ways. And after that, it's time for Adolfo to perform the sacrifice. And so then, Adolfo and the gang, they take Mark out to a nearby field, and Adolfo has this huge machete, and pow! He strikes Mark once in the back of his neck, and this unalives him.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
Kidnapped By a Drug Cult - The Mark Kilroy story
And Mark, he ends up going from Austin down to South Padre Island, and then to a little border town called Brownsville. Now in Brownsville, there's a bridge where people can literally walk across the border into Mexico, where there's this town where spring breakers will go and they party.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
Kidnapped By a Drug Cult - The Mark Kilroy story
Then, they remove his brain and his spinal column to use in their weird ritual, and they cut him up, and they bury him. And I guess now Adolfo and his cult, they feel safe now that they've made this human sacrifice. Meanwhile, Mark's friends are super worried that their bro disappeared, like no one in their group saw him get kidnapped.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
Kidnapped By a Drug Cult - The Mark Kilroy story
And so they searched all the bars and everywhere in town that he could be. And they kind of assumed that he like maybe met some girl and went off to smash at her place or something like that. But after hours of searching the town, they have no luck. And so they go and they report Mark missing to the police in Texas.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
Kidnapped By a Drug Cult - The Mark Kilroy story
And interestingly enough, Mark's uncle is actually a special agent with the US Customs Service. So this dude has connections with law enforcement on both sides of the border. And so pretty quickly, police in US and Mexico are all looking for Mark or anyone who might be connected with his disappearance. And there's like this whole manhunt and volunteers come and they hand out over 20,000 flyers.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
Kidnapped By a Drug Cult - The Mark Kilroy story
Mark's parents offer a $15,000 reward. They bring out terrain vehicles and helicopters to search everywhere they can. And this story is all over the news. And then a few weeks later, they feature Mark's disappearance on an episode of America's Most Wanted. Regardless, there are still no leads and no one knows anything. And of course, no one suspects Adolfo or his cult are involved at all.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
Kidnapped By a Drug Cult - The Mark Kilroy story
So I guess they got away with it. I guess their human sacrifice really did protect them from the police. Until... One day, about two and a half weeks after Mark's disappearance, police set up a roadblock, like a checkpoint. Not for Mark, this is actually routine as they're trying to catch drug smugglers in the area. And one of the members of Adolfo's cult, some goon, is driving through.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
Kidnapped By a Drug Cult - The Mark Kilroy story
And I guess he just doesn't want to deal with police, and so boom, he runs right through this checkpoint, like a dumbass, and he speeds away. And of course, Mexican police, they're not gonna let this slide. However, instead of turning on their sirens, they play it cool. And they have some officers follow him slowly in an unmarked police car.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
Kidnapped By a Drug Cult - The Mark Kilroy story
And this stupid goon drives all the way out to the cult ranch and he inadvertently leads the police there.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
Kidnapped By a Drug Cult - The Mark Kilroy story
And so eventually police come out and they search this ranch and they find pounds and pounds of Zaza and a bunch of weapons and they find the shack where Mark was tortured and they find some graves and police force some of the cult members at gunpoint to dig up these graves and that is where they find 15 mutilated bodies and one of those bodies is Mark's. And so bam, they arrest four cult members.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
Kidnapped By a Drug Cult - The Mark Kilroy story
However, Adolfo and some other high ranking members of this cult, they're nowhere to be found because meanwhile, Adolfo's hiding out in a Holiday Inn back in Brownsville. He's trying to lay low and he eventually takes a flight from Texas all the way to Mexico City where he has an apartment.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
Kidnapped By a Drug Cult - The Mark Kilroy story
So Mark and his friends, they cross this bridge and they go to this town and they get drunk and they have a great time. The second night they're there, they go out again and they bar hop a couple of places and they drink all night and Mark talks to some girls, you know, normal spring break sh**. Then around 2 a.m. Mark and the guys they leave the bar to go back to their hotel.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
Kidnapped By a Drug Cult - The Mark Kilroy story
So now he's hiding out there while police are still investigating this and they're looking for him and they start hearing rumors that he's at this apartment in Mexico City. And so they trace him back to this apartment and they send a ton of officers out and they surround this complex. While Adolfo, he's inside and he happens to look out the window and he sees all these police.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
Kidnapped By a Drug Cult - The Mark Kilroy story
And he goes and he gets a pew-pew and he just starts blasting. And this turns into this whole ass shootout and he's shooting at the cops and the cops are shooting back. But then after about 45 minutes, bro runs out of ammo. And he's like, , now what am I gonna do? And so he goes to one of his goons and he orders the goon to unalive him and his gay lover.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
Kidnapped By a Drug Cult - The Mark Kilroy story
Because I guess Adolfo is bisexual and his lover is there with him. I don't really understand the rules of this cult. But anyway, Adolfo orders this goon to unalive him and his lover. And the goon is like, nah bro. But then pow, Adolfo smacks the hell out of the goon and he tells him to do as he's told or he'll burn in hell. And so the goon points a machine gun at him and he pulls the trigger.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
Kidnapped By a Drug Cult - The Mark Kilroy story
And this unalives Adolfo and his lover. And ultimately a bunch of the guys affiliated with the cult, they end up going to prison. That is wild.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
Kidnapped By a Drug Cult - The Mark Kilroy story
So Mark and his friend they're walking along and it's pretty crowded and his friend stops to take a leak. So he goes down this alleyway while Mark is standing there waiting for him. And right then a red pickup truck pulls up. And the men inside they talk to Mark and they're like hey you want a ride? And Mark's like nah. But then boom some of the men grab him and they throw him into the truck.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
Kidnapped By a Drug Cult - The Mark Kilroy story
But Mark, he ain't no punk. He ain't about to get kidnapped. And so they fight, and they struggle, and bam, he manages to break free, and he runs away, and he runs, and he runs, but then another car catches up to him, and they're with the guys in the red truck. And these guys, they aren't messing around, and they point a pew-pew right at him. And they're like, get in!
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
The Zankou Chicken Murders
So there's a locally famous restaurant in Los Angeles called Zancou Chicken. You may have heard of it. Did you know that one of the founders unalived his own family? And it all starts with this guy, who we'll just call Dad, and his wife, who we'll just call Mom. And one day, it's 1962 in Lebanon, and Mom and Dad start up a restaurant called Zancou, where they serve chicken.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
The Zankou Chicken Murders
And so he goes to mom and dad and he's like, yeah, we should open more locations. And they're like... Nah. Cause see, mom and dad, they're happy with what they have, they're getting older, they don't want the headache of running a bunch of new restaurants. But Marderos keeps insisting that this is such a good opportunity for them.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
The Zankou Chicken Murders
And then finally, in 1991, mom and dad give in, and they agree to expand. However, they work out a deal, and this deal becomes very important later. Any new Zancou restaurants Marderos opens are 100% his. while the original restaurant in East Hollywood belongs to mom, dad, and their other daughters, Marderos sisters.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
The Zankou Chicken Murders
And it's the same kind of restaurant, same name, same menu, but they don't share profit. He owns his, and they own theirs. And so they agree, and then boom, Marderos gets to work, and he opens four new locations in the Los Angeles area, and they're all doing great, bringing in a ton of profit. But then, suddenly, everything changes again, because tragedy strikes. Dad, unfortunately, passes away.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
The Zankou Chicken Murders
And now, suddenly, Marderos, he's the patriarch, and he's sort of now the head of this small business empire. But whatever, he's doing great. He's running all his stores, him and his family are getting along good, everything is going smoothly. Until... One day, Marderos, he gets a little pain in his abdomen. No big deal, it'll probably go away. But it doesn't go away.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
The Zankou Chicken Murders
And he keeps working on his business and putting it off and putting it off and putting it off. And finally, he can't take it anymore. And he schedules an appointment and goes to the doctor. And of course, the doctor has some terrible news for him. He has bladder cancer. Not only that, he waited too long to get it looked at, and now it has spread.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
The Zankou Chicken Murders
And it really sucks because he's not gonna make it much longer, a few years maybe, at best. And so he has to go home and break the news to his family, and of course, everyone is upset. Everyone except for Mom. For some reason, she seems almost angry about this news. Angry at Marderos.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
The Zankou Chicken Murders
And this restaurant does really well. A lot of locals love it. But then, 20 years go by. And it's now the 80s and everything changes because Lebanon falls into a civil war. And mom, dad and the rest of the family, they're like, fuck all this. And they flee the country and they move from Beirut all the way over to Los Angeles. And so they're in L.A.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
The Zankou Chicken Murders
And maybe she's angry because she knows he's gonna die soon, or maybe she's angry because she knows that when he does die, all of his Zanku restaurants will be passed on to his sons. It isn't entirely clear, but she's really mad. And so she starts giving him the silent treatment, ignoring him. And they live together, like she lives in his house, but it doesn't matter to her.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
The Zankou Chicken Murders
She doesn't ask, how are you? How's the treatment going? Nothing, not a word. And over time, his cancer progresses and it gets worse. He loses a bunch of weight, over 60 pounds, his hair starts falling out, but mom still doesn't seem to notice. She doesn't say anything to him. And he's a stubborn guy too. So he doesn't say anything to her. And so they're kind of in a standoff. And a year goes by.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
The Zankou Chicken Murders
And they're still living together. And they still haven't spoken. And this all really bothers Marderos. And then out of nowhere, boom, their house catches on fire. And it's not clear what causes the fire, but while the house is being refurbished, this becomes mom's excuse to finally move out and get away from her son that she's apparently so upset with.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
The Zankou Chicken Murders
And so then Mom moves in with her daughter, Marderos' sister, this woman, Zovig. And over the next year, allegedly, Marderos' bladder cancer spreads to his brain, which can affect your personality. And I'm not sure that detail matters, because at this point, he's barely holding it together. He gets massive headaches, he's almost too weak to even drive himself anywhere, he can barely stand up.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
The Zankou Chicken Murders
Plus, he's going crazy. He often goes into these somewhat paranoid rants about how his mother and his sisters are all plotting against him. But then, one day, in 2003, shit gets really insane. See, Marderos knows at this point that he isn't going to be around much longer. And he has decided that he's had enough of everything.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
The Zankou Chicken Murders
And so he wakes up one morning and he's in pain and he's suffering like normal. But on this day, he puts on a white silk suit, a formal suit, like one he hadn't worn in years. Then he calls his sister Zovig at work and he asks to meet her and his mom at Zovig's house because he has some Zanku chicken business to discuss with them. And they agree to meet. Then he grabs his pew pew.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
The Zankou Chicken Murders
In fact, he grabs two of them. Then he gets in his car and he drives over to Zovig's house. And he gets there and he goes in and he has a nice chat with Zovig while they wait for mom to get home from work. About 30 minutes later, mom arrives. And now they're all in the dining room, the three of them sitting across from each other.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
The Zankou Chicken Murders
And they chat for about five minutes, and then suddenly, out of nowhere, Medeiros pulls out one of those pew-pews, and he points it right at his sister, and blam, he unalives her. And Mom sees this, and she freaks out, and she tries to run away, but blam, Medeiros shoots her too, and she falls to the floor. Then Medeiros stands over her, and he shoots her seven more times, until she's unalived.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
The Zankou Chicken Murders
And when he's done, he walks into the living room and he doesn't shoot his nephew who's there. He doesn't shoot the housekeeper who's also there. He just walks over to the couch. He sits down and blam, he unalives himself. Oh, but the story doesn't end there. Because remember how I said the Zanku Chicken restaurant was split into two factions?
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
The Zankou Chicken Murders
Mom and Dad's side, which owns the original, and Marderos' side, which owns the expansions. So now that all of these parties are unalived, their ownership is now controlled by their wives, or their descendants, or what have you. And at this point, each side of the family wants the rights to the Zanku name.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
The Zankou Chicken Murders
and they're trying to make the American dream work. And they open a couple of different family businesses like a dry cleaning business. And they all kind of fail. But one day, mom and dad's son, his name is Marderos, so Marderos starts noticing there's a lot of fast food places around Los Angeles, but there's not a lot of Middle Eastern options.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
The Zankou Chicken Murders
So Marderos' side of the family actually files a lawsuit and sues mom and dad's side of the family as each side is trying to get control of the Zancou Chicken trademark. But unfortunately for all of them, in the end, both sides lose in court as the court rules that both parties own the Zancou Chicken name and they all have to share it.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
The Zankou Chicken Murders
And so each side of the family continues on with one side operating their stores and the other side operating their Zancou Chicken stores. Even to this day, Zancou Chicken has two different websites, zancouchicken.com and zancouchicken.la, one for each side of the family. It's the same name, same menu, same recipe, but each side doesn't list the other side's stores.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
The Zankou Chicken Murders
Like this side of the family only lists their stores on their site, and the other side of the family only lists their stores on their site. That is wild. Their food's really good, though.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
The Zankou Chicken Murders
And so he's like, let's get back into the restaurant business and open a Zancou here. And so that's what they do. In 1983, mom, dad, Marderos, and the family open a Zancou Chicken in East Hollywood. This is actually a picture of it right here. And within about a year, it catches on.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
The Zankou Chicken Murders
Word of mouth starts to spread, it gets some good reviews from food critics, and suddenly this little hole in the wall is bringing in two million dollars a year, which is really good for this immigrant family. But Marderos, he sees this and he loves this success, but he thinks it can do better, and he starts thinking about expanding and opening more Zancou Chicken restaurants.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
Vitaly is in BIG trouble in The Philippines
So this prank influencer is looking at possibly 24 years in prison. Now his name is Vitaly and Vitaly really loves attention. Bro will do anything for it. And he's been making YouTube videos for a long time. And like early on he gets big doing prank videos. Like here's one where he pretends to be a zombie and like chases people around.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
Vitaly is in BIG trouble in The Philippines
and he's out and about walking around and I guess he decides he's gonna pull another dumbass prank on a random person and there's a woman out jogging and suddenly boom he jumps out in front of her and he goes to hug her while she's jogging and I guess she reacts and shoves him off of her and pow he ends up punching her again and again and he ends up beating the shit out of her and so of course bam he gets arrested again here's his mugshot
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
Vitaly is in BIG trouble in The Philippines
Yeah, like I said, it looks like he's on multiple drugs. Anyway, you can clearly see a pattern here. Dude just wants attention so bad that he's become, like, allergic to being a decent citizen. But, lucky for all of us, after his arrest in Miami, he kinda stops all of his antics. I mean, getting arrested for beating the hell out of a random woman, I mean, that's pretty bad.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
Vitaly is in BIG trouble in The Philippines
And so, he stops everything. But then, a year or two later, he decides to try and make a comeback. And he's gonna film himself doing some more internet pranks, aka harassing people in public. Hello?
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
Vitaly is in BIG trouble in The Philippines
and yeah and so you can see here he's just harassing these women and making them feel uncomfortable but unfortunately for him those kind of internet pranks they're kind of played out and they aren't really resonating with audiences anymore and so he comes up with a new idea he's gonna switch it up and he decides to live stream himself catching and confronting suspected p3dos this guy's a
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
Vitaly is in BIG trouble in The Philippines
Then in 2012 he does a prank where he pretends to have a bum in a suitcase. And of course, this freaks people out, and they run away, and so, bam, he gets arrested. Here's his mugshot. Two years later, in 2014, he pulls a stunt where he runs onto the field during the World Cup, and bam, he gets caught and arrested for that.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
Vitaly is in BIG trouble in The Philippines
However, there are also lots of accusations that most of these streams are fake or staged. Not only that, he starts getting accused of just luring random innocent people off of dating apps to meet up, and then he'll publicly accuse them of being a P3DO. In fact, he gets sued for it, not once,
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
Vitaly is in BIG trouble in The Philippines
but twice and so that business venture eventually fails and now we're in 2025 and Vitaly is 33 years old and this is where he potentially screws his whole life up because bro decides to get back into doing his internet pranks but this time he's gonna do it specifically in the Philippines for some reason
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
Vitaly is in BIG trouble in The Philippines
And here he decides to copy the antics of Johnny Somali and basically just go to an eastern country and live stream himself harassing locals in public. Like what he does to this local woman.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
Vitaly is in BIG trouble in The Philippines
And then he goes and steals the hat off of this guy and like runs away with it. And he also runs into the back of a fast food restaurant and he starts harassing the workers there. And he also films himself harassing the security guard.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
Vitaly is in BIG trouble in The Philippines
Then he jumps on the security guard's motorcycle and like steals it. And he just does a bunch of things that feel like, I don't know, maybe a 33-year-old man would have grown out of. Follow me, follow me.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
Vitaly is in BIG trouble in The Philippines
Oh, but it keeps going. Cause then he spots another security guard and he decides to harass them too.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
Vitaly is in BIG trouble in The Philippines
dispatch dispatch i'm a homosexual then he goes to a nearby mall and steals one of those light therapy facial masks then he goes and steals a whole ass pedestal fan that's my only fan left in the chat And these aren't the only things he's done, but you know, this is a lot of it.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
Vitaly is in BIG trouble in The Philippines
And lots and lots of people watch him stream and they watch his clips online and they like donate to him and his stream. And it just looks like he's going to get away with all this and just continue being a turd. Until... You know who else was watching a lot of these clips? Apparently, the Filipino police. Because a few days after all this, they find him and bam, they arrest him.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
Vitaly is in BIG trouble in The Philippines
Here's his mugshot. And this apparently just continues to be a joke to him because I mean, look at him. He's like smirking in his mugshot like he did something. Not only that, he's also making faces to the camera as they're reading him his Miranda rights. It also looks like he's applauding himself as he's being arraigned. So yeah, not taking it seriously at all.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
Vitaly is in BIG trouble in The Philippines
Well, bro should take it seriously because the Philippines don't appear to be f***ing around. Because this story blows up over there and it's all over the news like the whole country's talking about it.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
Vitaly is in BIG trouble in The Philippines
Then in 2016, he pulls a stunt where he tries to climb the Hollywood sign, and bam, he gets arrested for that. Two weeks later, at the NBA Finals game, he runs onto the court shirtless during a game, and bam, he gets arrested yet again. Then the next year in 2017, at the World Series, during the game, he runs out onto the field in his underwear, and they catch him, and bam, he's arrested again.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
Vitaly is in BIG trouble in The Philippines
In fact, it gets so much attention that the president of the Philippines gets involved and he films himself watching Vitaly's pranks and he makes a whole ass reaction video to it and puts it on his YouTube channel. And here the president actually says foreigners who think they can humiliate Filipinos are done. This is an example that we are serious about our own country.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
Vitaly is in BIG trouble in The Philippines
So apparently there are no plans for the government to be lenient on him here. And while Vitaly hasn't been sentenced yet, he's looking at a possible 24 years in prison. And to make it worse, his trial for all this isn't even expected to start for another two to three years, which means he will likely be sitting in a Filipino jail for a few years before his trial even starts.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
Vitaly is in BIG trouble in The Philippines
So I guess he finally got all the attention he wanted. Good luck with that.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
Vitaly is in BIG trouble in The Philippines
Here's his mugshot. Oh, and it doesn't stop there, because three years later in 2020, Bro goes to Egypt, and he thinks it'll be a good idea to climb to the top of one of the pyramids of Giza and vlog himself doing so.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
Vitaly is in BIG trouble in The Philippines
And of course, bam, he gets arrested there, and he spends five days in Egyptian jail. Oh, but he's still not done, because like I said, bro really, really loves all this attention. Three months later, he's in Miami, and he's high on, he says mushrooms, but I'm assuming multiple drugs.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
The Downfall of Sean Kingston
So Justin Bieber somehow got pulled into this million dollar fraud scheme. And it all starts with this guy, Sean Kingston. And Sean is 17, living in Florida, and he has big dreams of becoming a rich and famous music artist. And one day in 2007, he makes that happen. He lands a record deal, and he releases his first ever single, Beautiful Girls. You know that song, it goes... Beautiful girls.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
The Downfall of Sean Kingston
Audiences have moved on and his songs aren't really popping off and his shows just aren't selling like they used to. And that's fine, it's normal. But this is a problem for Sean. I mean, he isn't ready to give up the celebrity lifestyle. He doesn't want to give up the fancy cars or the special treatment or the jewelry. And most importantly, he doesn't want to give up all that money.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
The Downfall of Sean Kingston
And so Sean comes up with a plan that will allow him to hang on to that baller lifestyle he's been living for so many years. He'll just stop paying for sh**. And in order to enact this plan, he gets help from this woman, his mom, who we'll call Mama Kingston. And Mama Kingston, she's gotten used to Sean's celebrity lifestyle too, so she doesn't want to give it up either.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
The Downfall of Sean Kingston
And she just happens to have gone to prison before for committing a little something called bank fraud. And so she knows a little something something about not paying for sh**. And so one day, Sean goes to a local jewelry store and he finds a watch he really likes, a watch worth $285,000. And so he talks to the jeweler like, yeah, I'm a celebrity.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
The Downfall of Sean Kingston
You might know me from a song I did with Justin Bieber. And Sean starts dropping Bieber's name into this. telling the jeweler that he'll introduce him to Justin Bieber and that he'll have him at all his red carpets and his video shoots. And of course, Bieber, he doesn't talk to Sean anymore. He probably hasn't talked to him in years. And he has no idea his name is being used in this.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
The Downfall of Sean Kingston
Regardless, the jeweler is totally starstruck, like, Wow, you know the beeps. And so Sean offers to pay for this watch with a wire transfer. He then texts Mama Kingston and has her make a fake receipt from the bank, making it look like the wire transfer went through. And the mom sends that fake receipt to the jeweler and Sean gets the watch.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
The Downfall of Sean Kingston
Now, the jeweler thinks the payment will come through in a few days because wire transfers usually take a few days. But of course, the money never comes through. And as stupid as that is, this scam works. In fact, it works so well that Sean and Mama Kingston pull it again. And in 2017, Sean reaches out to another jeweler, this guy, who we'll call AP.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
The Downfall of Sean Kingston
And so Sean has a driver pick AP up, and he brings him to Sean's mansion in the Hollywood Hills. Because, you know, Sean's going to buy some jewelry from him. And Sean and Mama Kingston are there, and AP's looking around at the place like, damn, your house is nice. And Sean's like, yeah, you know, I'm a celebrity. And he drops Bieber's name again.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
The Downfall of Sean Kingston
Like, you know, Justin Bieber's my best friend, and you know, I'll introduce you. And then AP shows Sean some watches and some chains that he has with him, and Sean wants $500,000 worth, and he takes the jewelry. And then he pays him half up front, and then he's like, Hey, I'm about to sell my Range Rover, why don't you take it and deduct it from my tab?
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
The Downfall of Sean Kingston
You know that one. And suddenly, kaboom, it blows up and it's a massive hit. It goes double platinum and the music video gets over a billion views on YouTube. And that is when his whole life changes. I mean, he's still a teenager and he's being treated like a star and it feels good. And so in 2010, he releases another song. This one with Justin Bieber. And this one blows the f*** up too.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
The Downfall of Sean Kingston
And the Range Rover is actually in Mama Kingston's name, so she transfers the title over to AP. Then, Sean's like, I'll get you the rest of the money after I come back from performing in Jamaica. So just chill in my mansion until I get back. And so then Sean leaves and he goes to Jamaica. And AP is just like living there in his house, I guess for a few days.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
The Downfall of Sean Kingston
And at some point AP, he's there and he's just like chilling on the couch and some random people just come inside the house. And it's a woman and she's showing people around. And AP's like, what the are you doing in Sean's house? And the lady's like, who the hell are you? I told Sean and his mom everybody was supposed to be out by today. And AP's like, what do you mean?
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
The Downfall of Sean Kingston
And she's like, Sean doesn't own this house. This is an Airbnb. And to make it worse, then AP finds out that the Range Rover Sean sold him still has money due on it. So it wasn't even Sean's car to sell. The entire transfer was a scam. And believe it or not, AP never sees or hears from Sean ever again.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
The Downfall of Sean Kingston
Oh, but Sean's not done scamming yet because it's now 2023 and he lives in a big new mansion in Florida. And one day he thinks, hmm, And you know what would go really well with all this jewelry? A big ass TV. And this is where he really screws up. Because Sean DMs a custom TV company on Instagram and he tells them he wants a 232 inch TV. Which is big enough to cover an entire wall in his house.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
The Downfall of Sean Kingston
And so this TV company crew comes over to his huge mansion, which Sean again pretends to own, even though he's actually renting it. But anyway, they got this humongous TV worth $150,000. This is actually a picture of it. And of course, Sean is talking to these guys and he drops Justin Bieber's name again. Like, oh, you know, you might know me from my song with Justin Bieber.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
The Downfall of Sean Kingston
And he tells these guys to install this TV for only a small down payment and the rest he'll pay on credit. And if they do this, he says that his close friend, Justin Bieber, will come and do commercials for them. As if Justin Bieber is just gonna like stop touring or whatever he's doing and come do commercials for a local TV company in Florida.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
The Downfall of Sean Kingston
But whatever, I guess these guys believe him and they trust his word and they're like, But then, later, the company reaches out to Sean about making further payments on this TV, and he starts bullshitting them like, oh yeah, come over to my house and I'll give you a check for the rest. Then, when the guys arrive, Sean doesn't answer his door. And this nonsense goes on for several months.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
The Downfall of Sean Kingston
And eventually, this TV company realizes that they've been scammed. And so, boom, they file a lawsuit against him. Oh, and they aren't the only ones. In fact, multiple jewelers sue him as well. Because he and his mom, at this point, have stolen so much from so many people. An $80,000 custom bed, $160,000 Escalade, apparently a million dollars in watches alone.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
The Downfall of Sean Kingston
And because fraud is, you know, illegal, the police get involved. And in 2024, boom, a SWAT team raids his house. And they start taking all his stuff and like hauling his cars away. And then, bam, they arrest Mama Kingston. Here's her mugshot. Meanwhile, Sean is on the other side of the country performing. And right when he gets off stage at this show, bam, they arrest him too.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
The Downfall of Sean Kingston
Here's his mugshot. And they both go to trial and they're found guilty. And as of the date of me filming this video, they have not been sentenced yet. But they both face up to 20 years in prison for each count of wire fraud. So they could be in there for a really long time.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
The Downfall of Sean Kingston
That same year, he gets a guest spot on a popular Disney Channel show. And so now he's hanging out with huge celebrities making millions of dollars. He even buys a diamond crayon necklace reportedly worth a half million dollars that he loves showing off. Not to mention all his designer bags. And of course, lots and lots of luxury cars.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
The Downfall of Sean Kingston
And so, as you can imagine, over time, Shawn gets very comfortable with this new luxurious lifestyle. And he really likes to spend his money, but, you know, that's fine. He's making millions, and he can buy whatever he wants, and no one can stop him. Until years go by and Sean keeps releasing music and he keeps trying to replicate his previous success, but he can't seem to do it.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
The Faith Healer Who Got Exposed As a Fraud - The Peter Popoff story
Und die Leute sehen das auf TV, und sie donieren. Und jetzt beginnt Bro wirklich zu bezahlen. Oh, aber das ist nicht der einzige Teil dieses Verbrechens. Der andere Teil ist, dass er während seines Sermons die Namen ungewöhnlicher Menschen im Publikum nennen wird. Menschen, die er noch nie kennengelernt hat. Und überraschend ist, dass Peter bereits viel über sie wissen wird.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
The Faith Healer Who Got Exposed As a Fraud - The Peter Popoff story
Er wird ihre erste und letzte Name kennen. Er wird ihre Heimatadresse kennen. Er wird wissen, aus welchen Krankheiten sie leiden. Und er sagt, dass er das tun kann, nicht weil er psychisch ist, sondern dass er das tun kann, weil sein Gott all diese Informationen zu ihm fügt. Also muss es ein Wunder sein.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
The Faith Healer Who Got Exposed As a Fraud - The Peter Popoff story
Und der Publikum sieht das und fragt sich, wie er all diese Informationen über diesen Fremden wusste. Und sie sind immer so beeindruckt. Und so wächst seine Popularität. Und es wächst. Und bald werden seine Heilungsserven über die USA und Kanada auf 51 TV-Outlets und über 40 verschiedenen Radio-Stationen veröffentlicht. Und an diesem Punkt macht Peter allgemein über 500.000 Dollar pro Monat.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
The Faith Healer Who Got Exposed As a Fraud - The Peter Popoff story
500.000 Dollar pro Monat! In den 80ern! Nicht nur das, er und seine Gemeinschaft verkaufen alle Art von verrückten, gebeteten Produkten. Wie das Miracle-Manna-Bread, holy anointed oil Keychains, alle Art von Scheiße. Aber egal, Bro scheint es nicht zu interessieren, weil er jetzt wahnsinnig reich wird und es scheint, dass alle an ihn glauben und niemand wird ihn auf seine Scheiße nennen.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
The Faith Healer Who Got Exposed As a Fraud - The Peter Popoff story
UNTIL... Hier ist die Sache. Nicht jeder, der Peter Sermons auf TV schaut, ist beeindruckt. Speziell dieser Kerl ist nicht beeindruckt. James. Und James ist ein Stage-Magiker und er ist auch ein sehr populärer Skeptiker. Und er ist öffentlich bekannt, um Skam zu debunkieren und andere Dinge, die er bogus findet.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
The Faith Healer Who Got Exposed As a Fraud - The Peter Popoff story
Und so sieht James Peter's Shows auf TV und er ist so, ja, dieser Kerl ist ein Kon-Artist. Und so bekommt er eine Gruppe von Volunteuren zusammen. Und sie entscheiden alle, genau wie Peter diesen Scham entfernt. Und so gehen James und diese Gruppe zu einem der Sermonen von Peter. Und es ist in diesem großen Auditorium, wahrscheinlich 10.000 Leute da.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
The Faith Healer Who Got Exposed As a Fraud - The Peter Popoff story
Und an einem Punkt fängt das ganze Gebäude an, weil sie Donatien sammeln. Und eines von James' Volunteuren benutzt das als Ausgabe, um nahe an die Bühne zu kommen, damit er einen guten Blick auf Peter bekommt. Und als er da ist, bemerkt er, dass Peter ein Hörgerät trägt. Und er denkt, das ist seltsam.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
The Faith Healer Who Got Exposed As a Fraud - The Peter Popoff story
Dieser Typ kann Leute mit seinen Händen heilen, aber er kann sich nicht heilen, weil er ein Hörgerät trägt. Also geht er zurück und sagt James. Und sie beurteilen, dass das kein Hörgerät ist. Es ist ein Hörgerät und jemand muss Peter-Informationen durch diesen Hörgerät vermitteln. Also gehen sie alle zu seinem nächsten Sermon, um weiter zu investigieren.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
The Faith Healer Who Got Exposed As a Fraud - The Peter Popoff story
Diesmal bringen sie einen Radioscanner und einer von James' Volunteuren trägt sich als Sicherheitswirt an und er steht in der Rückseite. Und sobald Peter auf der Bühne kommt und beginnt zu sprechen, interceptiert sich der Radioscanner seine Radiotransmission und sie hören eine Stimme durch diesen Scanner.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
The Faith Healer Who Got Exposed As a Fraud - The Peter Popoff story
Now that voice is this woman, Elizabeth. Elizabeth is Peter's wife. And she is hidden in a different room and she's feeding Peter all this information through his earpiece.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
The Faith Healer Who Got Exposed As a Fraud - The Peter Popoff story
Okay, so here's how they were pulling off this scam. So the church would have the congregation fill out prayer cards before the sermon and they would put them in a prayer box. And Peter's wife would sneak in and switch the boxes out. And then she would read people's information off the prayer cards to Peter through his earpiece.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
The Faith Healer Who Got Exposed As a Fraud - The Peter Popoff story
Sie denken nur, dass er heilt, weil sie im Moment verbunden sind, weil sie so hoffnungsvoll und voller Adrenalin sind. Aber er heilt niemanden. So anyway, James takes all of these recordings and he goes on The Tonight Show with Johnny Carson, which is the biggest show on TV during this time. And they play these recordings on the show for all of America to hear.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
The Faith Healer Who Got Exposed As a Fraud - The Peter Popoff story
And poor Peter is finally exposed as a fraud. So then he has to lie and publicly deny it. And first he says, no, that wasn't my wife feeding me information through an earpiece. One of my haters hired an actor to try and set me up. In fact, he comes up with a bunch of excuses. But at the end of the day, the general public is like, fuck you, you're a con artist.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
The Faith Healer Who Got Exposed As a Fraud - The Peter Popoff story
And from there, donations to Peter's church slow down dramatically. And within a year, his whole organization files for bankruptcy. Oh, aber das ist nicht das Ende von Peters Geschichte, weil Bro immer noch Geld liebt und er ist immer noch bereit, reich zu sein. Er wird bald zurückkommen.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
The Faith Healer Who Got Exposed As a Fraud - The Peter Popoff story
Und so gehen etwa zehn Jahre durch und Peter entscheidet sich, ja, er wird dem ganzen schämen religiösen Menschen-Ding noch einen Schuss geben. Aber dieses Mal entscheidet er sich, spezifisch auf die dunkle Gemeinschaft zu schießen. Und so beginnt er, auf B.E.T. kommerzielle Zeitplätze zu kaufen. Und dort verkauft er seine Versöhnungen und er erfordert Donationen.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
The Faith Healer Who Got Exposed As a Fraud - The Peter Popoff story
Und er hat dieses Ding, wo er versagt, Menschen durch das Mail zu heilen, wenn sie ihm Geld schicken. Ich bin mir nicht sicher, wie das funktioniert. Er preist auch das Gospelsprache, wo er Leuten sagt, dass wenn sie ihm ein bisschen Geld schicken, dass der Herr sie dann zurückgebeten hat, indem sie sie reich machen. Es ist verrückt und transparent korrupt.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
The Faith Healer Who Got Exposed As a Fraud - The Peter Popoff story
Egal, sicherlich beginnt Peter's Star wieder zu steigen und die Donationen starten sich an. Aber ich glaube, es ist noch nicht genug Geld für ihn, denn dann kommt er mit seinem besten, aber noch nicht absurdesten Ideen. Er verkauft, und ich mache das nicht auf, geblasene Heilwasser durch die Mail, genannt Miraclespringwasser.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
The Faith Healer Who Got Exposed As a Fraud - The Peter Popoff story
Und das ist offensichtlich Heilwasser, das nicht nur dich heilt, sondern dich auch reich macht.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
The Faith Healer Who Got Exposed As a Fraud - The Peter Popoff story
Und es funktioniert gut. Und in den nächsten paar Jahren wird er und seine Kirche super verdammt reich. In der Tat, seit 2003 machen er und seine Organisation über 9 Millionen Dollar pro Jahr.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
The Faith Healer Who Got Exposed As a Fraud - The Peter Popoff story
And by 2005, allegedly, Peters company makes 24 million dollars just that year alone. Then, of course, the church buys him a 4 million dollar house to live in, tax free, because, you know, the church technically owns it. And later they buy him a Bentley. And if that isn't depressing enough, apparently to this day he's still out there preaching on TV.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
The Faith Healer Who Got Exposed As a Fraud - The Peter Popoff story
And he's still running late night TV ads selling Miracle Spring Water.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
The Faith Healer Who Got Exposed As a Fraud - The Peter Popoff story
Dieser Precher liebt seine Religion. Er liebt auch Geld. Und dieser Schlamm wird ihn super reich machen. Sein Name ist Peter und Peter reist generell um die Vereinigten Staaten, um in verschiedenen Städten zu preisen. Er preist auch viel auf der Radio. Aber dann, 1982, verändert sich alles für ihn. Weil er auf der TV beginnt zu preisen.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
The Faith Healer Who Got Exposed As a Fraud - The Peter Popoff story
Und dort sieht er sofort, dass er viel Geld davon machen wird. Und so kommt er mit diesem verrückten Verbrechen. Der erste Teil davon ist, dass er diese riesigen Kongregationen gründet, um zu beten. Dann beginnt er mit der Heilung der Glauben, als ob er die Menschen mit seinen Händen heilen kann. Er heilt die Blinden, er heilt den Kanzler, nur durch jemanden zu beheben.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
The Thailand Serial Killer - The Somkid Pumpuang story
So why did this super charming guy suddenly end up going crazy and murdering a bunch of people? Well, his name's Somkid, but we'll call him Kid. And Kid lives in Thailand. And his whole life he's been very charismatic and he's really good at getting people to trust him. But once he gets you to trust him, he'll swindle you.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
The Thailand Serial Killer - The Somkid Pumpuang story
There's like thousands of people with that same name. So they don't catch him.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
The Thailand Serial Killer - The Somkid Pumpuang story
and thus kid just keeps on traveling around thailand living his life and no one suspects he did anything wrong five months later one night he books a room at another nice hotel and he goes to a massage parlor and he hires a masseuse for her services and he brings her back to his hotel and for whatever reason they get into an argument and once again kid just loses it and he attacks her strangling her until she's unalived
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
The Thailand Serial Killer - The Somkid Pumpuang story
Then he steals her phone and her jewelry and he leaves. And from there, he just keeps going. A week later, he goes to another massage parlor and he picks up another woman. And he takes her back to his hotel room and he's like, hey, I own a gemstone mine. And she's like, oh, cool. And there he strangles her, too, until she's unalived. And then, of course, he steals a bunch of her stuff.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
The Thailand Serial Killer - The Somkid Pumpuang story
Now, so far the locations of the three women he's murdered, they've all been in Thailand, but they're about a hundred miles apart from one another. So police aren't yet seeing a pattern. However, some of these hotels do have security cameras and one of them just happened to catch Kidd on video. And there he is checking into the hotel there.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
The Thailand Serial Killer - The Somkid Pumpuang story
And so now police have an idea of what he looks like and they start to piece all this together that he's doing this to different women in different hotels.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
The Thailand Serial Killer - The Somkid Pumpuang story
which means he's now officially a serial killer and now they gotta get the Royal Thai police involved which is like the National Police Force so they get involved and they start looking over the case meanwhile kid just keeps going a week after his last murder He ends up in another hotel in a different province, and he picks up another masseuse.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
The Thailand Serial Killer - The Somkid Pumpuang story
So he's always conning and stealing and cheating people out of their money. This is basically how he makes a living. He's a con man. And he does this his entire life. But sometime around 2005, when he's around 40 years old, he decides that this con man life just isn't enough for him, and he suddenly gets into murder. So one day, he checks into a nice hotel. Then he goes out to a karaoke bar.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
The Thailand Serial Killer - The Somkid Pumpuang story
Then he takes her back to his hotel room, but this time he slips something into her drink that knocks her out. Once she's sedated, bam, he strangles her and he unalives her. Then, of course, he steals her stuff and he flees. But this time, Kid screws up because he leaves his fingerprints. I guess he wasn't so sloppy before, but he's been getting really sloppy lately.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
The Thailand Serial Killer - The Somkid Pumpuang story
And so police investigate this death and they look through the room and they find his fingerprints. So now they know who he is. And so, boom, they start a nationwide manhunt looking for Kid. And soon, screenshots from the security footage and an old mugshot of his are posted up everywhere, all over the news. But by this point, Kid has already fled.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
The Thailand Serial Killer - The Somkid Pumpuang story
He's hundreds of miles away from the place he last murdered. And as you could have predicted, in this new place, he picks up yet another masseuse. And he takes her back to a hotel, and there, he strangles her and unalives her. So this is number five. After that, he escapes again, and he goes to another town, and he crashes at a friend's house. Now, this friend, she's a widow.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
The Thailand Serial Killer - The Somkid Pumpuang story
So we'll just call her Widow. And kid, he's staying at her house, and she's like, it's so good to see you. She has no idea he just unalived five women, four of them in the last three weeks. And so he lays low with Widow, and she doesn't suspect a thing. And everything is going great for him. I mean, police have no idea where he's at. Until... Here's the thing, though.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
The Thailand Serial Killer - The Somkid Pumpuang story
I mean, you remember Kid has stolen a bunch of stuff from his victims, including their cell phones. And at some point, he uses one of the victims' phones to make a couple of calls. And police have actually been tracking the SIM cards of those phones. And so the second he makes those calls, boom, they got his location. And so they send a squad out to that location, which is actually Widow's house.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
The Thailand Serial Killer - The Somkid Pumpuang story
Meanwhile, Kid and Widow are there at the home watching TV and suddenly a picture of him shows up on the news. And Widow's like, hey, that guy kind of looks like you. And Kid's like, nah, that don't look like me. But then, boom, boom, boom, police are beating on the door and they come in and bam, they arrest Kid. Here's his mugshot.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
The Thailand Serial Killer - The Somkid Pumpuang story
But unfortunately, it's not over for him, because he's still got more murders to commit. And so anyway, he goes to trial, he pleads guilty, and he gets life in prison. But he eventually gets his sentence reduced. I guess he's a model prisoner, and after 14 years, he's granted royal clemency, and he's released on good behavior. And so now, after 14 years, Kid is out.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
The Thailand Serial Killer - The Somkid Pumpuang story
And it's 2019, and he's 55 years old at this point. But he's still a pretty charming guy. So pretty quickly, he gets himself a girlfriend. And of course, Kid doesn't tell her that he's a convicted serial killer. No, no. He tells her that he's a lawyer. And I guess she believes him. And so they get into a relationship and they move in together and they end up running a noodle shop together.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
The Thailand Serial Killer - The Somkid Pumpuang story
But during that time he's living with her, he gets on Facebook one day and he meets this other woman. Her name's Ratsumi. She's a hotel maid. And they hit it off and they start dating. And of course, he doesn't tell Ratsumi that he already has a girlfriend. Anyway, soon, they start getting pretty serious. And so, he's splitting his time living with each girlfriend.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
The Thailand Serial Killer - The Somkid Pumpuang story
And at some point, he talks Ratsumi into lending him money. Because I guess he's broke. Specifically, he talks her into putting a down payment on a car for him. And once he gets the car and he has it for a while, I guess he realizes he can't afford the payments on it. So instead of figuring out a way to pay Ratsumi back for the money she put down on the car, he decides to just break up with her.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
The Thailand Serial Killer - The Somkid Pumpuang story
And so then he goes to break up with her and this turns into a huge argument. And this argument gets heated, like really heated. And in that moment, Kid suddenly snaps and he reverts to his old ways. And boom, he grabs her by the neck and he strangles Ratsumi until she's unalived. Then he steals her motorcycle and he flees.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
The Thailand Serial Killer - The Somkid Pumpuang story
And there, bam, he sees this beautiful woman. And she's up there singing. And he thinks she is fine. And soon enough, he starts talking to her and they're chatting. And Kid, he can't tell her that he's a con man and that he's got nothing going on. So he tells her that he's a talent agent and that she really caught his eye. And Singer is all flattered.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
The Thailand Serial Killer - The Somkid Pumpuang story
Here's the thing though, when police find Ratsumi's body, they know it was Kid who did it. I mean there's only been like two or three serial killers in Thailand's entire history and he's one of them. And so pretty quickly, pow, they plaster his photo everywhere. Then about four days later, he gets on a train and a young couple spots him and they're like, hey, I think that's the serial killer.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
The Thailand Serial Killer - The Somkid Pumpuang story
And they contact police, and once the train stops, bam, police arrest him. Here's another mugshot. And so, kid is busted again, and he pleads guilty, and this time, he's sentenced to death. That is wild.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
The Thailand Serial Killer - The Somkid Pumpuang story
And so when Kid asks her to come back to his hotel, she's like, I... And so they go back to his hotel, and once they're there, she starts asking Kid about the whole talent agent thing, and suddenly he gets all defensive. Because, you know, he's a liar who just got caught in a lie. And so they're arguing about this, and this is where Kid just snaps.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
The Thailand Serial Killer - The Somkid Pumpuang story
And boom, he grabs her by the neck, and he strangles her. And then he ties her up, and he drowns her in the hotel bathtub. Then he steals some of her stuff and he leaves. The next morning, police show up and they find her body. And they have Kid's real name because he used his name to book the hotel room. But unfortunately, his name is apparently very common in that area.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
Murdered By Her Own Fan - The Selena Quintanilla story
So this woman is about to assassinate a famous pop star. So let's call her Yo. And Yo is around 30 years old. She's living in Texas. And one night in the early 90s, she's at a concert. And there's this local act on stage. And Yo is blown away by the singer. She's like, this woman is amazing. I love her. I am such a huge fan.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
Murdered By Her Own Fan - The Selena Quintanilla story
And as a side hustle, she opens two clothing boutiques. And Yo is doing such a good job assisting Selena. They promote her and they have her start managing these boutiques. And so here she is running all this stuff for Selena and she's around her all the time. And Yo knows soon enough she'll finally be her close friend. Until... At some point, Yo screws everything up.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
Murdered By Her Own Fan - The Selena Quintanilla story
She starts skimming money from the business. I mean, she's managing the finances for the clothing boutiques, and she's still managing the finances for the fan club, and she starts writing checks to herself and making up fake invoices. So over time, the clothing boutiques start losing money.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
Murdered By Her Own Fan - The Selena Quintanilla story
Plus, while she's scamming all this money, she's still hyper-focused on trying to get Selena to be close to her. Like, one time she collects $3,000 from employees of the company to buy Selena a gift, like a gift from all the employees. And they collectively decide to buy Selena a ring with diamonds. And the diamonds are in, like, an egg shape. Looks like this.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
Murdered By Her Own Fan - The Selena Quintanilla story
Because Selena is a big fan of Fabergé eggs. And so Yo takes this $3,000 from the employees and she pockets it. And then she goes out and buys the ring with Selena's company credit card. Not only that, she then gives the ring to Selena and pretends it's not a gift from all the employees, but that it's a gift only from her. And of course, Selena loves the ring and she's so grateful for it.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
Murdered By Her Own Fan - The Selena Quintanilla story
Not only that, Yo goes home and she starts thinking about her all the time. Like she wants to be best friends with this singer and be close to her. So she decides to start a fan club, like an official fan club. And she contacts the singer's manager, who's also the singer's dad. So we'll just call him dad. So Yo reaches out to Dad and she's like, do you mind if I start a fan club?
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
Murdered By Her Own Fan - The Selena Quintanilla story
Here's a photo of her actually wearing it and you can see it on her hand here. And she totally thinks Yo got it for her alone, and she's like, yo, we're gonna be best friends for life. And so Yo finally has what she wants. This woman she's been obsessing over for years is now her close friend.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
Murdered By Her Own Fan - The Selena Quintanilla story
Meanwhile, Dad, who's still managing Selena and the whole business, he notices that there's all this money missing from the boutiques and from the fan club. And he starts looking at the books. And he's like, hey, these numbers aren't adding up. And so he investigates and he discovers all those checks Yo was writing to herself and a bunch of other evidence.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
Murdered By Her Own Fan - The Selena Quintanilla story
And he's like, this asshole is stealing from us. And so, bam, he relieves her of her duties with the company. And this is where everything starts to go wrong. Because this is when Yo goes out and buys a pew-pew. A few months later, tax season rolls around.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
Murdered By Her Own Fan - The Selena Quintanilla story
And Yo, who was Selena's assistant and managed the finances for two of her business entities for her, has some financial documents that Selena needs to get from her. And Yo keeps saying that she'll hand over these documents, but she doesn't. She's always making up excuses as to why she can't.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
Murdered By Her Own Fan - The Selena Quintanilla story
Then right before taxes are due, Selena finally gets her on the phone and she's like, give me my tax documents. And Yo is like, okay, fine. I'm over at this motel. You can come here and pick them up. And so Selena goes to this motel and she goes up to the room and Yo gives her a stack of documents. The next morning, Selena is looking through all that paperwork.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
Murdered By Her Own Fan - The Selena Quintanilla story
And she realizes that the specific tax papers she needs still aren't in this stack. Yo never actually gave them to her. So she gets on the phone with her again.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
Murdered By Her Own Fan - The Selena Quintanilla story
And instead of talking about tax papers, Yo starts making more excuses, talking about how she had been essayed recently on a trip to Mexico and that she can't give her the tax documents because she really needs to go to the hospital and get herself checked out because she's bleeding from all the essay. And so Selena, being the nice person that she is, she wants to help.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
Murdered By Her Own Fan - The Selena Quintanilla story
And she drives over to the motel to pick her up and take her to the hospital. And there, at the hospital, a doctor examines Yo and finds no indication that she was ever SA'd. Suggesting that she made it all up and that it's just another elaborate excuse to not hand over those tax documents.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
Murdered By Her Own Fan - The Selena Quintanilla story
and selena learns about this and she is not happy so she drives yo back to the motel and she goes inside the room with her and she's like i need those financial papers now stop bullshitting and yo is just not gonna hand them over and so they start arguing and selena gets really mad like really mad and she's had enough and so she takes off that egg-shaped ring that yo had given her
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
Murdered By Her Own Fan - The Selena Quintanilla story
The ring that symbolized them being friends for life. And this absolutely destroys Yo. I mean, how could she do this to her? This friendship was everything she had worked for. And so she pulls out that pew-pew that she had bought before, and she points it right at Selena. And Selena's like, oh, and she tries to run away. And then, blam, Yo shoots her right in the back shoulder.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
Murdered By Her Own Fan - The Selena Quintanilla story
But Selena just keeps running out of the motel room and outside, while Yo continues chasing her, screaming, bitch, like she's going to shoot her again. And so Selena runs into the lobby of the motel, and she tells him, I've been shot, and she falls to the floor. Minutes later, she's in an ambulance on her way to the hospital.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
Murdered By Her Own Fan - The Selena Quintanilla story
Meanwhile, police, they show up to the motel, and they're now looking for Yo. So they search around, and they eventually find her in the parking lot sitting in her red pickup truck. And police are like, come out with your hands up or whatever. And Yo is like, nah, I'm just going to unalive myself. And so this turns into a whole standoff.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
Murdered By Her Own Fan - The Selena Quintanilla story
Dad's like, eh, I don't know. We don't really have the time or the budget to run a fan club. And Yo's like, no, no, I'll do it all for free. You don't have to pay me. And Dad is still like, nah. But Yo isn't going to give up. She keeps calling dad over and over again. She really wants to be close to the singer.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
Murdered By Her Own Fan - The Selena Quintanilla story
And then the SWAT team shows up and they're all trying to negotiate with her, trying to get her to not unalive herself. And as all this is going on, Selena, who's at the hospital in critical condition, she unfortunately passes away. She was only 23 years old.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
Murdered By Her Own Fan - The Selena Quintanilla story
And nine hours go by and it's nighttime now. And Yo is still in her truck in the motel parking lot in a standoff surrounded by police because she's still got that pew pew and she's still threatening to unlive herself. Now eventually she does give up and police swoop in and bam they arrest her. Here's her mugshot.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
Murdered By Her Own Fan - The Selena Quintanilla story
And she ends up going to trial and she's found guilty and she gets sentenced to life in prison. It's a sad one.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
Murdered By Her Own Fan - The Selena Quintanilla story
And so finally, after about 15 phone calls, dad finally agrees to let her start an official fan club. So Yo starts working
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
Murdered By Her Own Fan - The Selena Quintanilla story
on this out of her home and she's running this fan club and she's going to concerts and she's signing people up and the fans pay a membership fee and yo will then send them posters and t-shirts and stuff like that and she legitimately does a good job running this club in fact she does such a good job that management eventually lets her meet this singer herself in person and that singer's name is Selena and so over time as the years pass
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
Murdered By Her Own Fan - The Selena Quintanilla story
Yo starts to get in good with Selena. She's helping her out with things and she's starting to get close to her. And later they even make her an employee of the business and they start paying her. And pretty soon she's scheduling appointments for Selena and basically running her life. While Selena, her star is rising fast and she's getting more and more famous.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
Steve Buscemi Got Stabbed and Justin Long Got Kidnapped
So Steve Buscemi is about to get into a bar fight and that somehow sort of leads to Justin Long getting kidnapped. Let me explain. So this guy, his name's Steve Buscemi and he's a movie star and you know who he is, you've seen him in stuff.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
Steve Buscemi Got Stabbed and Justin Long Got Kidnapped
Here's his mugshot. While Steve Buscemi is rushed to the hospital and he's in critical condition, but thankfully he survives and he's okay. But then, fast forward to around 2008, and Steve Buscemi is in Michigan filming a different movie. And this movie stars a bunch of people, including this actor, Justin Long. And you know who Justin Long is.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
Steve Buscemi Got Stabbed and Justin Long Got Kidnapped
He's been in Accepted, he's been in Dodgeball, he's been in Alvin and the Chipmunks, The Squeakquel. And so one night during this shoot, Justin Long and Steve Buscemi, they're off work and they're out at a local bar drinking and chatting. And Steve tells Justin this crazy story about how he was filming a movie a few years back and he got stabbed in the face by a local.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
Steve Buscemi Got Stabbed and Justin Long Got Kidnapped
And he lets him know, yeah, you know, sometimes the locals, they don't like big movie stars coming into their town thinking that they're all that. And Justin Long hears this and he's like, oh, OK, don't piss off the locals. Got it. Good advice. And that thought stays with him. A few nights later, Justin Long comes back to that same bar, but without Steve Buscemi this time.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
Steve Buscemi Got Stabbed and Justin Long Got Kidnapped
Well one day in 2001, he's in North Carolina filming a movie and after work, he and some of the crew, they go out for drinks at a local bar and they're with this other guy. fellow actor Vince Vaughn. And you know who Vince Vaughn is. And so anyway, it's 2 a.m. and they're all drinking and that is when a local woman starts talking to Vince Vaughn.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
Steve Buscemi Got Stabbed and Justin Long Got Kidnapped
And so he's there and he's sitting at the bar getting a drink and that is when two random guys slide up next to him. We'll call them the bros. And so the bros slide up and they start messing with him like, oh what you think you're better than us Mr. Big Shot Movie Star? And Justin is like, no no I'm normal just like you guys.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
Steve Buscemi Got Stabbed and Justin Long Got Kidnapped
And he, probably thinking about Steve Buscemi's advice, he starts buying these two bros drinks. like you know he doesn't want them to think he's arrogant or something and so they all start hanging out justin long these two bros and two other locals and eventually the bar closes and the two bros are like hey it's getting late you want to go to a casino and justin long's like All right.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
Steve Buscemi Got Stabbed and Justin Long Got Kidnapped
Because, you know, he doesn't want to piss off the locals. And so Justin and this whole group, they get into the bro's car and they head toward this little local casino. And on the way, they make a quick stop at Justin's hotel room so that he can get some cash to gamble with. But then as they're driving to the casino, suddenly the bros are like, we need to make a pit stop real quick.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
Steve Buscemi Got Stabbed and Justin Long Got Kidnapped
And they pull up to their apartment and everyone gets out and they go inside and they're chilling for a sec. And that is when they offer Justin Long A little Zaza. And Justin Long's like, ah, no thanks. But these bros, they're insistent. They're like, oh, what? You're not going to smoke with us, bro? Mr. Big Shot Hollywood? And of course, Justin doesn't want to be seen as that.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
Steve Buscemi Got Stabbed and Justin Long Got Kidnapped
Plus, remember what Steve Buscemi told him about pissing off the locals. And so Justin is like... Alright. And he hits this Zaza. But here's the thing about this Zaza. Once Justin Long hits it, he immediately knows this ain't Zaza. This is what he believes to be PCP. And he can feel it right away and it feels wrong. But then he notices the two bros aren't smoking with him.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
Steve Buscemi Got Stabbed and Justin Long Got Kidnapped
And he's like, hey, aren't you guys going to smoke too? And the bros are like, ah, no. And they just keep watching him all suspiciously like, oh, is it working? Then their roommate comes in and this roommate looks right at Justin and he starts whispering to one of the bros. And he says, you're right. That's the guy. Let me get my camera.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
Steve Buscemi Got Stabbed and Justin Long Got Kidnapped
And Justin Long's thinking, oh shit, they're about to start taking pictures of me while I'm all wasted on whatever that drug was that they gave me. And then, randomly, one of the bros starts just doing karate kicks right at Justin's face. Like, I guess just trying to freak him out or something.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
Steve Buscemi Got Stabbed and Justin Long Got Kidnapped
And so anyway, there Justin Long is high on something with a random guy that he just met doing karate kicks in his face. And if that isn't bad enough, then the bros are like, hey, you want to make a video for TMZ? You want to make a YouTube video, Mr. Hollywood? And at this point, Justin Long is in like total freakout mode. Like, who the hell are these people? What are they about to do to him?
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
Steve Buscemi Got Stabbed and Justin Long Got Kidnapped
He doesn't feel safe anymore. So he's like, please just take me back to my hotel. And the bros are like, oh, what? You can't handle a little Zaza, bro? But regardless, they all get in the car to take him back to his hotel. And so, they're all driving along in the middle of nowhere. And poor Justin Long, like, he's still freaking out and all these thoughts are racing through his head.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
Steve Buscemi Got Stabbed and Justin Long Got Kidnapped
What do these guys want? Are they trying to get a video of me messed up on drugs to sell tabloids? Are they gonna hold me for ransom? Meanwhile, the bros are acting shady as f**k. They keep whispering to each other and texting someone. And Justin Long is so high at this point, he's like hit his limit and he's thinking he's being kidnapped. And so he wants to call for help.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
Steve Buscemi Got Stabbed and Justin Long Got Kidnapped
And her boyfriend, who is also there, he doesn't like this. He didn't like his girlfriend talking to some movie star. And so the guy confronts Vince Vaughn and they get into it and they're arguing and yelling insults and finally Vince Vaughn is like, yo, let's take this outside, bro. And now the whole bar is like, oh, there's about to be a fight. and they all go outside.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
Steve Buscemi Got Stabbed and Justin Long Got Kidnapped
However, unfortunately he can't because whatever he smoked is making the concept of dialing numbers on his phone out to be an impossible task. And so he just sits there freaking out, but then he gets a little bit of hope. Out the window, Justin can see that they're approaching his hotel. And so finally, they're getting somewhere. And maybe this nightmare is about to be over.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
Steve Buscemi Got Stabbed and Justin Long Got Kidnapped
Until... The bros drive right past his hotel. These guys are taking him someplace else. And so this is the point when one of the bros asks Justin, so how much money did you take out for the casino? How much money do you got on you? And Justin is like, holy shit. And he just loses it. And he starts freaking out again. And he sees that their car is approaching a red light.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
Steve Buscemi Got Stabbed and Justin Long Got Kidnapped
And so he thinks, okay, when we stop at the red light, I'm just going to jump out of the car and I'm going to run for it. But then the bros don't stop the car at the red light. They just blow right past it and they keep on driving. And so Justin's like really flipping out now. He's like, oh my God, I'm gonna die. And that is when he decides to take action. And without the car slowing down at all,
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
Steve Buscemi Got Stabbed and Justin Long Got Kidnapped
Boom, he opens the door and he jumps out and pow, he hits the ground and he rolls and bam, the car's back tire runs over his leg and it just crushes it. And as crazy as that is, ultimately Justin escapes. However, he unfortunately has permanent nerve damage in his leg. And because Justin was so messed up, he couldn't remember what the two bros looked like. So he didn't report it to police.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
Steve Buscemi Got Stabbed and Justin Long Got Kidnapped
And ultimately, the bros got away. It's wild.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
Steve Buscemi Got Stabbed and Justin Long Got Kidnapped
And there, bam, Vince Vaughn and this guy, they start fighting. And pow, Vince Vaughn punches the guy. And boom, the guy punches back. But then, in the middle of all this chaos, some other crazy guy in the crowd suddenly pulls out a knife. And he's like, who wants to get sliced? I don't even know what this guy has to do with the fight.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
Steve Buscemi Got Stabbed and Justin Long Got Kidnapped
But Steve Buscemi sees the guy pull out the knife and kapow, he tries to kick it out of his hand. But it doesn't work. And this really pisses this crazy guy off. And so boom, he lunges at Steve Buscemi and he stabs him in the face and he stabs him in the neck again and again. And it's brutal. Sometime later, police arrive and they arrest all the people fighting, including Vince Vaughn.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
This Brazilian Faith Healer Is a Monster - The John of God story
So this woman, she's losing her eyesight and she'll do anything to get it back. So one day she hears about this famous spiritual faith healer in Brazil and she thinks maybe he can heal her eyes.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
This Brazilian Faith Healer Is a Monster - The John of God story
And while he's doing all this, he allegedly doesn't take any payment for all these healings. But he does, of course, accept donations. And he sells things to his followers, like special healing pills that are just placebo. And he also sells, and I'm not making this up, bottled holy water. And so by doing all this, John is starting to get really popular in Brazil.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
This Brazilian Faith Healer Is a Monster - The John of God story
So she travels to Brazil with some friends and they get there and she meets this faith healer and she has a session with him and he has her sit down in a chair and he tilts her head back and then he pulls out a scalpel and he starts cutting right into her eye. Now the woman, let's call her mother-in-law because she's my actual mother-in-law. But we'll get to her in a second.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
This Brazilian Faith Healer Is a Monster - The John of God story
In fact, he gets so popular that ABC notices and they do a one-hour special on him. And they treat him not as if he's a con man, which he is, but they treat him as if he's actually healing people. And specifically on this special, they interview a woman named Lisa Melman. And Lisa Melman, on this show, she gets on camera and she loudly declares that she has breast cancer.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
This Brazilian Faith Healer Is a Monster - The John of God story
but that she's going to quit all her chemo and all her traditional cancer treatment. And instead, she is only going to let John of God treat her. I don't know. I guess he's going to stick forceps up her nose and that's going to cure her breast cancer. Oh, but it gets worse. A few years later, after the ABC special, someone very influential learns about John of God. Oprah.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
This Brazilian Faith Healer Is a Monster - The John of God story
And Oprah decides she's going to investigate and she's going to see herself if any of this is real. So she travels to Brazil and she spends a bunch of time with him and she dedicates several episodes of her very popular TV show to praising him and his work and all these people he's allegedly healed.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
This Brazilian Faith Healer Is a Monster - The John of God story
She even has Lisa Melman come on one of those episodes and miraculously Lisa claims that her breast cancer is now gone. She says her sessions with John of God cured her. And Oprah and her audience, they applaud this. But then two years later, sadly, Lisa Melman dies. It turns out her breast cancer hadn't actually been cured. She just thought it had because that's what John of God told her.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
This Brazilian Faith Healer Is a Monster - The John of God story
In fact, when she stopped her treatment, her cancer got progressively worse. And she was apparently in a lot of pain when she died. Of course, Oprah never gets on TV and mentions that part. Regardless, the damage has already been done. Oprah has endorsed John of God on her show twice and exposed him to an international audience. And from there, his business just explodes.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
This Brazilian Faith Healer Is a Monster - The John of God story
People are flying in from all over the world trying to get healed by him. At this point, at his spiritual healing center, he's healing over 10,000 people a month. And he's making bank. He's getting tons of donations. He's selling trinkets and bottled holy water and those placebo pills left and right. And he's making more money than he's ever made.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
This Brazilian Faith Healer Is a Monster - The John of God story
Allegedly, he's making over $14 million a year just on those pills alone. But then, in a weird twist, at some point, John of God gets diagnosed with stomach cancer himself. And so does he use his magical spiritual healing powers to heal his stomach cancer? No, of course not. He goes to a regular ass doctor. And he gets normal treatment. And he gets surgery in a normal hospital.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
This Brazilian Faith Healer Is a Monster - The John of God story
And he does five months of chemo like anyone else who would have stomach cancer. And of course, he recovers in like a year. And then he initially denies to everyone that that happened. Because I guess him using traditional medicine is bad for his business. So anyway, my mother-in-law hears about this guy. And she wants to travel to Brazil to see him.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
This Brazilian Faith Healer Is a Monster - The John of God story
See, my mother-in-law, she has an eye disorder called macular degeneration. And unfortunately, every year she loses more and more of her vision. And she's lost most of it at this point. And she feels like, hey, maybe this John of God guy can help bring her eyesight back. And she's not dumb. She's not gullible. She's just desperate for a cure.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
This Brazilian Faith Healer Is a Monster - The John of God story
So she comes to me and my wife and she tells us that she's going to Brazil. And me and my wife are like, oh, please don't. You know, we're worried about what could happen to you. And this guy is obviously a fraud and a turd for telling people he can heal them. But unfortunately, she doesn't listen to us. She'll do anything to fix her eyes.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
This Brazilian Faith Healer Is a Monster - The John of God story
First, let's talk about the faith healer. So the faith healer, his name's John of God. And this dude claims that his God or whoever will heal people through him if he like does his hocus pocus and touches them. Of course, he has no formal training in medicine. He's never been to med school. In fact, he dropped out of elementary school in the second grade.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
This Brazilian Faith Healer Is a Monster - The John of God story
So she goes to Brazil and she meets him and she has a session with him and he sits her down in a chair and he tilts her head back or whatever. And he pulls out a scalpel and he does the thing where he scrapes the white of her eye with that scalpel. He then has her put a cover over that eye. And he tells her that in a few days, she can take that cover off and her vision will be healed.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
This Brazilian Faith Healer Is a Monster - The John of God story
Somehow, in both eyes. Meanwhile, me and my wife are there in the US and we're just waiting. Waiting to see that when that cover comes off, if her vision is actually healed. Now this is where the story goes off the rails. You aren't ready for this.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
This Brazilian Faith Healer Is a Monster - The John of God story
Around this same time, a Dutch woman named Sahira, she's struggling with some mental trauma and she sees this guy on Oprah's TV show, this guy named John of God, who claims he can heal people. So she's like, hey, maybe he can help heal my mental trauma. So she flies to Brazil and she shows up to the spiritual healing center and she waits in line and she sees him a couple of different times.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
This Brazilian Faith Healer Is a Monster - The John of God story
One of those times she sees him, something exciting happens. John of God offers her a private consultation and she's super excited. So she waits until everyone's gone and then he invites her into his office. And while she's there, he takes her into the bathroom and he makes her hand touch him inappropriately. And afterwards, she's like, that was weird.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
This Brazilian Faith Healer Is a Monster - The John of God story
And like, I don't know, maybe that's just part of the healing process. So she goes back later for another private session with him. And this time when they're alone, he takes her into the bathroom again and he straight up essays her like with a hard R. And here's the thing, the mental trauma that Sahira went to see him for was specifically sexual trauma.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
This Brazilian Faith Healer Is a Monster - The John of God story
So she went to see him and told him about her sexual trauma and his response was to essay her. And so poor Zahira doesn't know what to do. I mean she feels violated and sick to her stomach and she wants to tell someone but at the same time she believes this man is actually healing so many people. So she decides to not tell anyone and she buries it deep down with all her other sexual trauma.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
This Brazilian Faith Healer Is a Monster - The John of God story
Until four years later, the Me Too movement happens and Zahira finally finds out she's not alone. So she posts about her experience with John of God on Facebook. And then she gets invited onto a Brazilian TV show to talk about it. And there on that show, she meets a dozen other women, all who say that John of God essayed them too.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
This Brazilian Faith Healer Is a Monster - The John of God story
And this TV show airs and suddenly all of Brazil knows about these accusations and everyone's talking about it and bam, more women come forward. And so in response, the public prosecutor's office for the state, they're getting tons of accusations from a lot of different women.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
This Brazilian Faith Healer Is a Monster - The John of God story
So they set up a hotline and an email address specifically to receive all of these accusations that they're getting about John of God. And in the first day that hotline goes live, nearly 200 women come forward saying John of God essayed them. And then in the weeks that follow, even more women come forward. And eventually, that number of women who claim that John of God essayed them is over 600.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
This Brazilian Faith Healer Is a Monster - The John of God story
But regardless, he considers himself a healer. And one day, he just decides to travel around Brazil and tell people, hey, look, I can heal you. And people fall for it. In fact, they're really into it. And over time, he slowly builds a following. And his following becomes so big that he eventually builds a spiritual healing center in the middle of this small town to accommodate all of his visitors.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
This Brazilian Faith Healer Is a Monster - The John of God story
And of course, John of God denies this. He claims that all 600 of these women are lying. But then his own daughter comes forward and she claims that he had essayed her too from when she was the age of 9 to 14. He would tell her that he was healing her, but instead he would essay her.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
This Brazilian Faith Healer Is a Monster - The John of God story
And she said that he finally stopped essaying her when she was 14 because that's when she got pregnant by another man. And when he found out that she was pregnant by another man, he beat her so hard that she... lost the baby. In fact, his daughter said, and I quote, my father is a monster. So anyway, all of this becomes public. And police are like, all right, it's time to get him.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
This Brazilian Faith Healer Is a Monster - The John of God story
And they issue an arrest warrant for him. But John of God, he ain't going out easy. He immediately withdraws $9 million from his various bank accounts. And he goes on the run and no one can find him. He's just hiding out somewhere like he is gone. But about a week later, I guess the pressure is just too much for him. Like he knows he's fucked and he turns himself in and they throw him in jail.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
This Brazilian Faith Healer Is a Monster - The John of God story
Here's his mugshot. And eventually he goes to trial. He's found guilty and he's sentenced to a grand total of 489 years in prison. Good for him. And okay, so at this point, I know what you're thinking. You're like, Ray, did he do anything horrible like that with your mother-in-law while she was there? First of all, let me just say, none of that essay stuff was public when she went to visit.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
This Brazilian Faith Healer Is a Monster - The John of God story
So none of us knew what had been going on. And while she was there, lucky for her, she said she met him in a room full of people. There were no private sessions. So no, nothing inappropriate happened with her. But it's also worth noting that she eventually took her eye cover off. And so did John of God end up healing her eyesight? No, he did not. Shocker. Shout out to Brazil.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
This Brazilian Faith Healer Is a Monster - The John of God story
And there, John of God becomes known for performing what he calls psychic surgeries. Which is exactly what it sounds like. He uses no anesthesia, no sterilization, and he does these medical techniques on people that just don't make any damn sense. Like he shoves surgical forceps up people's noses to heal them. Or he'll scrape the white of someone's eyeball with a scalpel in order to heal them.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
This Brazilian Faith Healer Is a Monster - The John of God story
It's weird. Like someone will come in with back pain and he'll be like, let's scrape your eye with a scalpel. That'll heal you. But anyway, he claims this works. He claims that he's cured people's cancer. He claims that he's healed multiple sclerosis. He claims that he's helped people walk who couldn't previously walk.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
Social Media Ruined Her - The Keianna Burns story
So one day, this guy goes on a TV show, Divorce Court. He and his wife have been having problems lately because apparently he's been cheating on her. Were you cheating on her, Mr. Burns? Absolutely.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
Social Media Ruined Her - The Keianna Burns story
Mrs. Burns. And of course, in this show, they make sure to portray themselves as the successful business owners they are.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
Social Media Ruined Her - The Keianna Burns story
Yeah, I'm cheating on her. Now, his name is Ronnell, and he's obviously been cheating, but no one knows who he's been cheating on his wife with. However, it's speculated that it's this woman. And people speculate that because shortly after this episode of Divorce Court, Ron-El leaves his wife and he starts dating Kiana.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
Social Media Ruined Her - The Keianna Burns story
And so these two seem to be doing really well. They're like the ultimate influencer power couple. Until... Here's the thing. Ronnell and Kiana project a lot of success online. But behind the scenes, things are different. They're actually struggling financially. In fact, almost all of their business ventures are failing. The only semi-successful ones they have are her hair salons.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
Social Media Ruined Her - The Keianna Burns story
But apparently that's just not enough to keep them afloat. Mostly because they've been spending a lot of money on stupid shit in order to flex on social media. And soon enough, all this spending catches up to them. And they've racked up over half a million dollars in debt. Debt that they're just not able to pay back. So then, boom, they file for bankruptcy. And this really sucks for them.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
Social Media Ruined Her - The Keianna Burns story
But of course, they don't post that part on social media. No, no, they keep flexing and projecting that image of the ultimate entrepreneur power couple. And they act like nothing is wrong. In fact, two years later, despite their financial troubles, they decide to move the whole family to a bigger city. One where they'll have even more business opportunity. Atlanta.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
Social Media Ruined Her - The Keianna Burns story
And of course, while they're there, they keep flexing online and they just keep spending money. And they rent a huge 5,200 square foot house with five bedrooms and seven bathrooms. And they allegedly tell their followers, not that they're renting it, but that they bought it. Now, despite them projecting all this success online, again, behind the scenes, things are different.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
Social Media Ruined Her - The Keianna Burns story
The big move to Atlanta just doesn't seem to be going great for them. And it's been particularly hard on Kiana, who's been having some really bad days since she moved there. And to make it worse, at some point, life just drops a bomb on her. She finds out that Ron L has allegedly been cheating on her. Similar to what he had done to his previous wife, now he's doing it to her. No!
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
Social Media Ruined Her - The Keianna Burns story
And of course, this sends their marriage spiraling into a rough patch and they start talking about divorce.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
Social Media Ruined Her - The Keianna Burns story
And then, allegedly, at some point, Kiana retaliates for his cheating and she ends up cheating on him. It's a whole mess. And then, sadly, after only living in Atlanta for five to six months, they end up filing for divorce. And according to the divorce papers, he's in the process of moving out. And all this bad news hits Kiana really hard.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
Social Media Ruined Her - The Keianna Burns story
She thought they were going to live happily ever after, and it just didn't work out. And so mentally, she's been struggling. And she just can't hide it anymore by projecting all this success online. And suddenly, the tone of her posts start to change.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
Social Media Ruined Her - The Keianna Burns story
And so Kiana starts to get more real, more emotional. One day she even posts, God knows I would do anything to wake up from this nightmare. Then about two weeks after that post, Kiana and Ronnell are at the house one night. I guess he hadn't fully moved out yet. And as you can imagine, things are tense and they get into an argument. And it gets bad, like really bad. And things get physical.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
Social Media Ruined Her - The Keianna Burns story
Now, between Ron-El and Kiana, they have eight kids, which is a lot and it's expensive. But that's fine because Ron-El and Kiana, they have all these side hustles to keep them afloat. She owns a couple of hair salons. She's also kind of an influencer. So she's always flexing online to all her followers while he is an entrepreneur and he has an online business where he coaches other entrepreneurs.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
Social Media Ruined Her - The Keianna Burns story
In fact, this fight gets so bad, one of the daughters ends up calling 911. And she reports domestic violence. But at some point, Kiana just can't take it anymore. And so she goes... and she gets a pew-pew, and she points it at Ronnell, and she pulls the trigger, unaliving him.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
Social Media Ruined Her - The Keianna Burns story
Then, she calls the police to report what she had done, and to say please send help, but before first responders can get there, Kiana turns the pew-pew on herself, and she unalives herself too. That's a sad one. Shout out to social media.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
Social Media Ruined Her - The Keianna Burns story
So he's also always flexing on social media too, like trying to show off how successful he is. They're also both apparently super religious. In fact, one of his side hustles is that he owns his own ministry business.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
Social Media Ruined Her - The Keianna Burns story
So anyway, Ronnell and Kiana are about to be real successful. So they get married and they go into business together.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
Social Media Ruined Her - The Keianna Burns story
And like Ronnell goes out and buys her a new Maserati and they're all posting about it on Instagram. But at one point, this is all not enough. And they want to raise their online profile even more. So they try and self-produce their own reality show called Meet the Burns. And they shoot a whole promo for it.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
This Hollywood Actor Is In Prison Now - The Zach Horwitz story
So this relatively unknown actor is rich now. He just took in over 690 million dollars and he did it basically by just using his charming personality. So how did he get so rich? Now the guy's name is Zack and Zack's an aspiring actor and he really wants to be famous. But unfortunately for him, he's not. But he will be. But for now, he's just a guy who runs a juice bar in Chicago.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
This Hollywood Actor Is In Prison Now - The Zach Horwitz story
So several times a week, he'll leave his apartment for hours at a time. And he tells Mallory, oh, I'm off to work. I've got an important meeting. But he's really going over to this acting school to secretly take acting classes. And he's going on auditions, and he's putting himself on tape. But as it turns out, landing a role is hard for him, mostly because his acting sucks.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
This Hollywood Actor Is In Prison Now - The Zach Horwitz story
I am completely and utterly in love with you. Now, despite that, Zach does have a couple of things going for him. Like he's charming and he's driven. And at some point over dinner, he meets these two, Julio and Diego. And Julio and Diego are brothers and they're also indie filmmakers. Like they mostly make short films. And they really hit it off with Zach and they become friends.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
This Hollywood Actor Is In Prison Now - The Zach Horwitz story
And Zach, he eventually tells them the same lie he told Mallory. Hey, I got this connection to billionaire Howard Schultz and I can get him to invest in your movies. So the three of them start a production company and they end up buying the rights to low budget English language movies and distributing them in Latin American countries.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
This Hollywood Actor Is In Prison Now - The Zach Horwitz story
And this is a legit business model, but they need capital to get it going. So Zach hits up an old college buddy of his who works in investing, a buddy we'll call Day Trader Jake. And so Zach convinces Day Trader Jake to invest $37,000 into his new movie distribution business. promising him, hey, Howard Schultz invested in my company and you'll make a quick return.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
This Hollywood Actor Is In Prison Now - The Zach Horwitz story
He even shows him fake licensing agreements from Sony once he just typed up in Microsoft Word. So day trader Jake agrees to invest $37,000. And within a few months, Zach actually does pay him back with interest. So then day trader Jake tells his other investor friends, hey, invest in Zach's movie company. He'll pay you back quick with interest.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
This Hollywood Actor Is In Prison Now - The Zach Horwitz story
So then all of those friends start investing, partly based on the lie that Howard Schultz is involved and partly based on the fact that Zach forged even more fake licensing agreements from Netflix and HBO. Ones that he, again, just typed up on Microsoft Word. Now, in order to pay all these new investors back, Zach turns his business into a straight up Ponzi scheme.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
This Hollywood Actor Is In Prison Now - The Zach Horwitz story
He starts taking money from the new investors and using it to pay back the old investors. But here's the thing, though. This works really well for him because for now, all of these investors are getting paid back with interest. And so then more people hear about what he's doing and they invest in the company. And then even more people hear about it and then they start investing.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
This Hollywood Actor Is In Prison Now - The Zach Horwitz story
And it starts with like tens of thousands of dollars. And soon people are investing millions of dollars at a time into his movie distribution company because they all appear to be making a return. Now, at this point in the story, Zack is barely distributing movies at all, because the real money is in the Ponzi scheme he's doing. And of course, he's paying himself during all of this, too.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
This Hollywood Actor Is In Prison Now - The Zach Horwitz story
But then one day, he writes a billionaire asking him to invest in his juice bar. That billionaire is Howard Schultz, the CEO of Starbucks. So Zach writes Howard asking him to invest, thinking, I don't know, it's worth a shot. But then, surprisingly, Howard Schultz writes him back. And he says that he's really impressed with the business plan that Zach pitched him.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
This Hollywood Actor Is In Prison Now - The Zach Horwitz story
Millions of dollars. Meanwhile, his girlfriend Mallory has no idea he's scamming. She's thinking, wow, his movie business is doing really well. I'm so grateful for Howard Schultz. And so Mallory marries him, thinking he's this incredible businessman. And suddenly, they're both living this baller-ass lifestyle.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
This Hollywood Actor Is In Prison Now - The Zach Horwitz story
Driving a new Mercedes, driving a new Audi, constantly hitting up Las Vegas casinos and spending tens of thousands of dollars at a time. They go and buy a $5.7 million house. Like look at this, it's got a pool with a hot tub, a gym, a wine cellar, a theater, and look at this closet. Look at it!
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
This Hollywood Actor Is In Prison Now - The Zach Horwitz story
And not only that, with all this newfound money, Zach is finally able to finance movie projects that he can act in. Because remember, his goal is still to be an actor and to be famous. So then bam, he gets some acting roles in some small movies. One of them is actually this Joker fan film, which they produced and put on YouTube, where Zack actually plays the Joker.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
This Hollywood Actor Is In Prison Now - The Zach Horwitz story
Sorry, I couldn't quite catch that. And yeah, he's still not that great of an actor, but at least his Ponzi scheme is going well. Until... At this point, Zach's been running this scam for over five years. And he's managing the money of over 250 investors. And he's taken over $690 million worth of investments. Some of it he's paid back. But here's where it all starts to fall apart.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
This Hollywood Actor Is In Prison Now - The Zach Horwitz story
Every Ponzi scheme is destined to fail. Because at some point, you run out of new investors to pay back the old investors. And so suddenly, kaboom. One day, Zach isn't able to deliver on a round of payments. So his old investors are like, yo, Zach, where's my money at? And so then Zach does what he does best. He turns on his charm and he starts bull everyone, telling them all kinds of excuses.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
This Hollywood Actor Is In Prison Now - The Zach Horwitz story
oh, HBO is reorganizing or oh, Netflix is in the middle of an audit so the streaming services are late paying me. So to buy some time, he types up these fake emails that are supposed to be from execs at HBO and Netflix. And these emails have HBO and Netflix apologizing for the late payments and that they'll get the payments out soon.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
This Hollywood Actor Is In Prison Now - The Zach Horwitz story
And he shows these fake emails to the investors and they believe him and it satisfies everyone for a while. Then another year goes by and Zach's still hasn't paid his investors back. And at this point, all the investors are fed up and they're tired of the excuses. And some of them, they go and they file a lawsuit against Zach and his company.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
This Hollywood Actor Is In Prison Now - The Zach Horwitz story
So then the lawyers involved have to subpoena Netflix for their financial records because Zach told them that this was all Netflix's fault. And they're like, hey, Zach says you owe him money and therefore he can't pay us. And Netflix is like, uh, we have no record of ever doing business with this Zach guy or his company.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
This Hollywood Actor Is In Prison Now - The Zach Horwitz story
And so the lawyers write back and they're like, uh, what about all these licensing agreements you signed? And then they send Netflix the fake licensing agreements that Zach had given them that he typed up in Microsoft Word, along with all of the fake emails that Zach had fabricated. And Netflix looks at it and they're like, uh, these are fraudulent and this is a huge deal.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
This Hollywood Actor Is In Prison Now - The Zach Horwitz story
And that is when everyone involved starts to piece all of this together and they come to the conclusion that Zack is running a Ponzi scheme. And of course, everyone is pissed off and they're disgusted and they want to take Zack down. But no one is more pissed off and disgusted than his old college buddy, day trader Jake. Because Jake was the very first investor.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
This Hollywood Actor Is In Prison Now - The Zach Horwitz story
but that he doesn't want to invest in the juice bar. However, he does want to invest in Zach. He wants him to come work for him at his venture capital firm in Los Angeles. So then Zach goes to his girlfriend, this woman, Mallory, and he shows her this email from Howard.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
This Hollywood Actor Is In Prison Now - The Zach Horwitz story
And he feels bad because he's the one who got all of those other investors involved. So he has to go and contact all of those other investors and shamefully tell them he may have accidentally involved all of them in a con. And by sheer coincidence, I'm sure it's right around that time that old Zach hits him up and he sends him an email and he asks him for even more money.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
This Hollywood Actor Is In Prison Now - The Zach Horwitz story
But at this point, day trader Jake has had enough and he contacts the FBI. And so then, boom, the FBI raids Zach's house and they arrest Zach. And I don't have a mugshot, but he's an actor, so I do have a headshot. So here's his headshot. And allegedly the same day he got arrested, his wife Mallory files for divorce. Good for her.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
This Hollywood Actor Is In Prison Now - The Zach Horwitz story
Meanwhile, Zach takes a plea deal and he gets sentenced to 20 years in prison for this Ponzi scheme. Plus he has to pay back $230 million in restitution to all the people he defrauded. But on the bright side, I guess he is sort of famous now.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
This Hollywood Actor Is In Prison Now - The Zach Horwitz story
And they're all excited and just like that, boom, they move to Los Angeles so he can take this new job waiting for him at this venture capital firm. Here's the messed up thing though. There is no new job waiting for him at this venture capital firm. Zach never got a job offer from billionaire Howard Schultz because Howard Schultz never wrote him back. Zach made all of that up.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
This Hollywood Actor Is In Prison Now - The Zach Horwitz story
He faked the email and everything. And he tells this big lie so that he can convince Mallory to drop everything and move to Los Angeles with him. Because remember, deep down, he's an aspiring actor who really wants to be famous. Why he doesn't just tell his girlfriend that, I don't know. So anyway, pow, they're now in LA. And Zach has got to keep this lie going.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
This Colombian Kid Stole Millions - The Juan Carlos Betancourt story
So this little kid, he might be one of the best con artists I've ever seen. Let me show you. Now his name is Juan Carlos, and he lives in Colombia. And so far, he's had a really hard life. But Juan Carlos is about to do whatever it takes to succeed. So one day, he sets out to make that happen. And he heads to the local airport to catch a flight to Miami.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
This Colombian Kid Stole Millions - The Juan Carlos Betancourt story
And they've got all these nice things and so he tells himself that soon he's gonna have nice things too. And within a few weeks of living with Lozano's family, Juan Carlos starts stealing. And things around the house go missing. Plus, he's been disappearing for days at a time. And Lozano and his wife, they start thinking that something isn't adding up about this kid.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
This Colombian Kid Stole Millions - The Juan Carlos Betancourt story
Then, one day, they get a call. And it's the Colombian consulate, who had just gotten some important information. Turns out Juan Carlos isn't actually named Guillermo. He's named Juan Carlos. And he isn't some innocent kid. He's actually got a criminal record. And he isn't 13. He's actually 17. And his parents aren't dead. They're actually alive and well back in Colombia.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
This Colombian Kid Stole Millions - The Juan Carlos Betancourt story
And he probably didn't ride in the wheel well of that plane. It's more likely that he rode inside the plane with the cargo. And he just lied about it all because it made a better story. So Juan Carlos is just a little con artist trying to con his way into the United States so that he can have a better life. And so, bam, they immediately detain him and they deport him back to Colombia.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
This Colombian Kid Stole Millions - The Juan Carlos Betancourt story
Oh, but this isn't over for Juan Carlos. Because for a moment, he got a taste of a much better life. And he'll do anything to get that back. So over the years, Juan Carlos tries his best to scam his way out of Colombia and get back into the US and other countries using different aliases and fake IDs. But he ends up getting deported, like a bunch of different times.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
This Colombian Kid Stole Millions - The Juan Carlos Betancourt story
And while all this is going on, Juan Carlos, he's there developing the perfect con. Here's his perfect con. Juan Carlos dresses up real nice, pretending to be a rich man. And he goes into a five star hotel and he tries to make it look like he's a guest there. He hangs out in the lobby and at the hotel bar. He'll chat with the staff a little bit just to make sure that they notice him.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
This Colombian Kid Stole Millions - The Juan Carlos Betancourt story
And as he's doing this, he also takes note of other guests. He'll memorize their name. He'll memorize their room number. Then he'll go to reception, pretending to be that guest. And he'll say that he lost his room key. And reception, they'll recognize him like, oh, this guy, he's been hanging out in the lobby for a few days. Of course he's a guest here. So the hotel will let him in the room.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
This Colombian Kid Stole Millions - The Juan Carlos Betancourt story
But little Juan Carlos, he can't afford a plane ticket. So he sneaks onto the tarmac and he climbs onto a cargo plane and he hides out in the wheel well. And he allegedly holds on real tight while the plane takes off and flies three and a half hours from Cali, Columbia to Miami, Florida. Then the plane lands and allegedly Juan Carlos falls out of the wheel well.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
This Colombian Kid Stole Millions - The Juan Carlos Betancourt story
And while he's there, he'll steal money and credit cards and jewelry and whatever he can get out of the guest's luggage. Then to make it worse, he'll then call the hotel security desk and tell them he's locked out of his safe. And security, they'll come up to the room and they'll open the safe for him. And they don't question anything because he's already in the room.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
This Colombian Kid Stole Millions - The Juan Carlos Betancourt story
So of course they think it's his room. So then Juan Carlos takes everything from the safe and he leaves the hotel a slightly richer man. And this con works. In fact, it works really well for him. So Juan Carlos does it repeatedly. Hotel after hotel after hotel. Just raking it in. Until one day in London, boom, he gets arrested for using a credit card he had stolen.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
This Colombian Kid Stole Millions - The Juan Carlos Betancourt story
But Juan Carlos, he's ready for this. He's been thinking about it a while and he gives police a fake name and he skips bail and leaves town. And then a year later, he's back in London, pulling off his same con and then bam, he gets arrested again. for using another stolen credit card. This time he gives them a different fake name and a fake ID.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
This Colombian Kid Stole Millions - The Juan Carlos Betancourt story
And he ends up getting off with a small fine because they don't realize he's the same guy they arrested the year before. So Juan Carlos continues with this pattern. He travels the world using fake names, fake IDs, and robbing hotels. But a few years later, he makes his way back to London again. And there he hits four more hotels and leaves with over $100,000 worth of cash and jewelry.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
This Colombian Kid Stole Millions - The Juan Carlos Betancourt story
Now, at this point, a couple of London detectives have started to take notice. This detective, Swindells, and this other detective, Plowman. So Swindells and Plowman, they've started to piece a lot of this together. And they end up connecting a bunch of these robberies back to the thief, Juan Carlos. Meanwhile, old Juan Carlos, he's already fled. He's living the good life. He's got money.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
This Colombian Kid Stole Millions - The Juan Carlos Betancourt story
He's got clothes. He finally has nice things like he's always wanted. But it's just not enough. So Juan Carlos keeps going. And within a couple of years, he ends up in Las Vegas, where he pulls off his infamous scam and he ends up stealing $350,000 worth of cash and jewelry. And one of the hotel rooms he robs is allegedly Celine Dion's room. So that's fun.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
This Colombian Kid Stole Millions - The Juan Carlos Betancourt story
And then about a year later, Juan Carlos is back in London again and he hits up even more hotels. But then one night Swindells, he's out and he's walking back from a bar he was just at. And he just happens to stop outside of a supermarket and he sees a man leaving that supermarket. A man wearing a long leather jacket. And Swindells recognizes him.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
This Colombian Kid Stole Millions - The Juan Carlos Betancourt story
Because by sheer fucking coincidence, he just crossed paths with the Juan Carlos. Now, Swindells has never seen Juan Carlos in person, only in mugshots. But he's been working on this case a long time, and he knows it's him. So then, pow, Swindells arrests him. And he goes to trial, and he's sentenced to three and a half years in prison.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
This Colombian Kid Stole Millions - The Juan Carlos Betancourt story
Oh, but this story isn't over because Juan Carlos really likes his nice things. So three months later, he's in prison and he happens to have a dentist appointment. And he ends up charming the prison guards to let him go out to his dentist appointment alone. I guess this is some kind of like open prison where they're not as strict. And so they just let him go to the dentist. Alone.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
This Colombian Kid Stole Millions - The Juan Carlos Betancourt story
And, of course, he flees. And from there, somehow, he makes his way to Dublin, where he steals a credit card and pulls his infamous scam in yet another hotel. And that is where he screws up. Because that puts this Irish detective on the case. This guy. McGlynn. Now, McGlynn, he goes and he looks at CCTV footage from some of the stores that Juan Carlos had used that stolen credit card at.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
This Colombian Kid Stole Millions - The Juan Carlos Betancourt story
And he just lays there on the tarmac, unconscious. And airport staff, they eventually find him. And he's shivering, and he's disoriented, and he's just a wreck. But he tells them, not that his name is Juan Carlos, but that his name is Guillermo, and that he's 13 and from Colombia, and that his parents had died, and that he doesn't have anyone else, so he fled to America.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
This Colombian Kid Stole Millions - The Juan Carlos Betancourt story
And pretty quickly, he identifies the thief in the footage. He knows it's Juan Carlos, the same guy who had walked out of prison not too long before. So McGlynn investigates further, and he concludes that Juan Carlos must have just gotten to Dublin, so he's likely staying in a cheap hostel in the city where he can keep a low profile.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
This Colombian Kid Stole Millions - The Juan Carlos Betancourt story
So McGlynn spends two days searching all these hostels in Dublin, And then he finally finds Juan Carlos hiding out in a hostel with tons of items he had already stolen. And so kapow, he gets arrested again. Here's one of his mugshots. And he gets sentenced to two years in prison, but then an Irish judge rules that he can be extradited to France.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
This Colombian Kid Stole Millions - The Juan Carlos Betancourt story
to face even more charges there because he robbed a bunch of hotels there too. But then while he's there in France, he's released temporarily. And then just like that, Juan Carlos disappears again. A few years later, he's busted by a customs agent at a gas station in Vermont after he had entered the US illegally. And he's sentenced to two and a half years in prison.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
This Colombian Kid Stole Millions - The Juan Carlos Betancourt story
And after that, he gets out and he's arrested again in a hotel in Hong Kong. Then he's arrested in France again for robbing another hotel of over $200,000 worth of cash and jewelry. And from there, he's sentenced to prison again for 15 months. This dude is allergic to freedom. But now he's out and his current whereabouts are actually unknown.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
This Colombian Kid Stole Millions - The Juan Carlos Betancourt story
But I'm just going to take a wild guess and say he's probably still out there robbing more hotel rooms. So shout out to Columbia, London, Miami, Dublin, Las Vegas, France, Hong Kong, and Vermont.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
This Colombian Kid Stole Millions - The Juan Carlos Betancourt story
And his story just blows people away. Because they feel sorry for him. And so the local media, they start covering it. Then a police officer in the area, this guy, Lozano, he's driving home one day and he hears the story on the radio that they found this 13-year-old kid who had been hiding in the wheel well of a plane.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
This Colombian Kid Stole Millions - The Juan Carlos Betancourt story
And Lozano is so moved, he goes and he volunteers to be Juan Carlos' temporary guardian while the state figures out what to do with him. So Juan Carlos goes and he lives with Lozano and his family. And this changes his life. Suddenly he's not living in poverty anymore. And this middle class lifestyle feels like wealth to him.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
The Unbelievable Story of Sylvester Stallone's Dog
So this is a dog. And this dog is more famous than you. Or me. Because after he gets sold off by his owner, he actually gets saved by one of the greatest boxers in the world. So how did this dog get so famous? Well, the dog, well, we'll just call him Dog. One day, when Dog is a puppy, he gets adopted by this guy, Sylvester. And Dog loves Sylvester. They get along great.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
The Unbelievable Story of Sylvester Stallone's Dog
So now, poor dog, he lost his best friend and he has to go live with this stranger. But we're going to pause this for a second. We'll get back to him. Because now we got to talk about this guy, Bleeder. And Bleeder, he's a working man. He's a liquor salesman in New Jersey. But most importantly, he's a boxer. He works during the day and he boxes at night.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
The Unbelievable Story of Sylvester Stallone's Dog
And he's not the best at boxing, but he's pretty good. And he's boxed his way all the way up to become state heavyweight champion of New Jersey. Which is pretty cool. But one day, Bleeder gets an opportunity that's gonna change everything. His manager gets a call from a well-known boxing promoter named Don King.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
The Unbelievable Story of Sylvester Stallone's Dog
And Don King is looking for a fighter who's willing to get into the ring and fight the current heavyweight champion of the world. A man named Muhammad Ali. Because Muhammad Ali has two huge fights coming up. And he's basically looking for an easy match in between those fights. Some chump he can beat up real quick. And specifically, Don King and Muhammad Ali are looking for a white guy.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
The Unbelievable Story of Sylvester Stallone's Dog
And this is because of the state of race relations in the United States at the time. Like a black boxer versus a white boxer, it would stir up a lot of emotions in people, and it would be quite a spectacle. And they would all make a bunch of money. This is like the original rage bait. But anyway, Bleeder gets this opportunity to fight the world champ, and he doesn't know what to do.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
The Unbelievable Story of Sylvester Stallone's Dog
I mean, he sees himself as a working man, and he's supposed to get into the ring with the best fighter in the world? But Don King offers him $100,000, which is more money than Bleeder's ever seen in his life. So of course, he says yes. And he knows he can't win.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
The Unbelievable Story of Sylvester Stallone's Dog
I mean, the betting odds against him are 40 to one, but it's important to Bleeder that he proves to everyone that he belongs there in the ring with the greatest fighter in the world. So then boom, Bleeder quits his job and he starts training full time. And he puts everything into this for months. And then fight night comes and everyone's there. 15 million people are watching live.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
The Unbelievable Story of Sylvester Stallone's Dog
And now Sylvester, he's an aspiring actor living in New York. And he's trying real hard to make it in the movie business. But unfortunately for Sylvester, there's a problem. He has a condition. He was actually injured during birth and as a result, part of his face is paralyzed and his eye kind of droops and he's got this speech impediment. So all that makes him really hard to cast.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
The Unbelievable Story of Sylvester Stallone's Dog
And Bleeder and Ali, they're ready. And they get in the ring. And then, ding, the fight starts. And off they go. And they go a few rounds, with Bleeder throwing as many punches as he can. But unfortunately, Ali is just a different class of fighter. He's too fast, and he dances circles around Bleeder. And then more rounds go by. And Bleeder is trying his best, but he gets tired.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
The Unbelievable Story of Sylvester Stallone's Dog
But screw it, he fights even harder. But a lot of his punches just whiff by Ali. And the ones that do connect don't even faze the champ. Ali is just too good of a fighter. And no matter how many shots Bleeder throws, every punch is met with a counter punch. And eventually Ali starts really fighting and he starts wailing on Bleeder. But much to everyone's surprise, Bleeder eats all those punches.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
The Unbelievable Story of Sylvester Stallone's Dog
He doesn't go down no matter how many shots Ali throws at him. And then he starts to notice something. The crowd in that arena, they seem to be cheering not for Ali, but for him. They're cheering for him because he's the underdog. And he's actually doing much better than anyone predicted he would. And then right around that moment, something crazy happens.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
The Unbelievable Story of Sylvester Stallone's Dog
Suddenly, Bleeder throws a couple of jabs and then a hard right. And then, boom. Oh! He knocks Muhammad Ali to the ground and the crowd goes insane. Now, supposedly, Ali only fell because Bleeder had stepped on his foot, which there is evidence of that being true. But that actually doesn't matter because no one in the crowd sees that. No one watching at home sees that.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
The Unbelievable Story of Sylvester Stallone's Dog
All they see is arguably the greatest boxer on the planet getting knocked down by a nobody working man. They see an underdog who has just proven that he belongs in that ring. So then Bleeder and Ali fight it out for six more rounds, with Ali knocking him down in the 15th and winning by TKO. So ultimately, Bleeder loses. But that's not the most important part of the story.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
The Unbelievable Story of Sylvester Stallone's Dog
The most important part of the story is how this all affected Sylvester. Because back in Los Angeles, around the time Sylvester had to sell his dog, he's just chilling at home one night. And he decides to go out to a local movie theater because at that theater, they would be live broadcasting the big championship fight between Ali and Bleeder.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
The Unbelievable Story of Sylvester Stallone's Dog
And so he sits down in the theater and he watches that fight and he sees not a chump who lost like everyone predicted he would, but he sees an underdog working man who got in the ring and gave it his best shot. And Sylvester is so inspired by this that when he sees Bleeder knock Ali down, he gets an idea for a screenplay.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
The Unbelievable Story of Sylvester Stallone's Dog
And so he immediately goes home and he starts banging out this screenplay, writing it by hand. And it's an underdog story about an average Joe who gets the opportunity of a lifetime to box the world champ. And while the average Joe doesn't win, he does knock the champ down. And Sylvester, of course, calls the movie Rocky.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
The Unbelievable Story of Sylvester Stallone's Dog
And he's so excited, in about three and a half days, he's written a draft of the whole screenplay. And he's stoked about this screenplay. He shops it around town to some places, and he gets some feedback, but he can't get anyone to produce it. But then, one day, he goes on an audition for a movie. And he fails the audition and doesn't get the role, but he does talk to the producers afterwards.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
The Unbelievable Story of Sylvester Stallone's Dog
But despite all that, he still wants to make it big in Hollywood. So he goes on audition after audition with his droopy eye and his slurred speech and he gets rejected a lot. And he does some local theater and a couple of non-speaking roles in some small movies. But it's not enough to pay his bills. So as Dog grows up, Sylvester works odd jobs to keep both of them fed.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
The Unbelievable Story of Sylvester Stallone's Dog
And he's like, Hey, I wrote this screenplay. You should read it. And the producers are like, far out, groovy, or whatever the people said in the 70s. And so they read the screenplay, and they love it, and they agree to make the movie. But unfortunately, since Sylvester's kind of a nobody in Hollywood, he has to waive his writer's fee and accept a super low rate.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
The Unbelievable Story of Sylvester Stallone's Dog
So he sold his movie idea, but he's still kind of broke. And to make things worse, he still really misses Dog. He hasn't seen him in six months since he sold him. So he tracks down the guy who bought him six months before. And according to Sylvester, he's like, hey, I'm making a movie. I got a little money and I want to buy my dog back. And the guy, he's like, all right.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
The Unbelievable Story of Sylvester Stallone's Dog
But he tries to charge him a large amount of money. Some sources say $15,000. Some sources say $3,000. And Sylvester's like, I don't have that kind of money. But then the guy's like, all right, I'll give your dog back if you put me in your movie. And so Sylvester's like, yeah, boom, you're in the movie.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
The Unbelievable Story of Sylvester Stallone's Dog
And so finally, after all this time, Sylvester gets dog back, his best friend, and they're super happy. And of course, as you know, Sylvester goes on to make the Rocky movie. And he actually puts dog in that movie. Hey! He also, like he promised, puts the guy who gave Dog back to him in the movie. And the movie goes on to be a huge success. It's nominated for 10 Oscars.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
The Unbelievable Story of Sylvester Stallone's Dog
It gets an assload of sequels and becomes one of the most iconic franchises in Hollywood history. And Dog goes on to appear again in one of the sequels, Rocky II. Which means this dog is officially more famous than you or me.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
The Unbelievable Story of Sylvester Stallone's Dog
And they eventually grow to be best friends. And Dog doesn't care about Sylvester's speech impediment. He loves him. So when Sylvester moves to Los Angeles to seek out more acting roles in Hollywood... Dog, of course, goes with him. And there, Sylvester gets a few more acting roles, but nothing that can really pull him out of debt. He's still really broke. And by this time, Dog is grown.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
The Unbelievable Story of Sylvester Stallone's Dog
He's 120 pounds, and he eats like a beast. And poor Sylvester. he doesn't quite have enough money to keep feeding him. So then one day, he meets a guy hanging out in the parking lot of a 7-Eleven, and that guy offers to buy Dog. And Sylvester really needs the money, so he makes a tough decision. And he sells Dog, his best friend, for around $60, hoping that one day he can get him back.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
College Student Murders Her Own Mother - The Sydney Powell story
So this girl is having such a hard time keeping her grades up in school. She literally unalives someone over it. Now her name is Sydney and Sydney's in high school. She's a really good student. She gets good grades. She's a high achiever. She mentors other younger students. She is absolutely killing it.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
College Student Murders Her Own Mother - The Sydney Powell story
And that's when she gets an official notice from the school saying her enrollment has been suspended and she has lost her scholarship. And Sydney, she doesn't know what to do. She's never disappointed her parents before. So she goes home for the holidays and she still refuses to tell them anything. And she keeps pretending as if nothing is wrong, like school's going great.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
College Student Murders Her Own Mother - The Sydney Powell story
In fact, she doesn't tell anyone about her suspension. Not her parents, not her best friend, no one. And she keeps this lie going. And a month later, when school's back in session, she just goes back. Even though she's been suspended and is no longer enrolled, she returns to her dorm and acts as if she's still a student and just keeps on living there.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
College Student Murders Her Own Mother - The Sydney Powell story
And she attends sorority meetings and she attends classes sometimes as if nothing ever happened. And then eventually the school admins find out she's doing this. Like they just straight up kick her out of the dorms. Like they evict her and they deactivate her key card. And so poor Sydney, she doesn't know what to do.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
College Student Murders Her Own Mother - The Sydney Powell story
I mean, she can't move back home because then her parents will know she failed college and they'll be disappointed in her. So instead of going home, she decides to keep the lie going. And she rents out a room at a nearby hotel and she just starts staying there. All the while, her parents have no idea any of this is going on.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
College Student Murders Her Own Mother - The Sydney Powell story
So it's no surprise when she graduates high school and gets an academic scholarship to a nearby university about an hour away from where her family's house is. But then in the fall, when school starts, she moves into the university dorms and starts going to classes. And pretty quickly, she discovers that university is much harder than high school.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
College Student Murders Her Own Mother - The Sydney Powell story
Until one day, Sidney's dad is at work and he's trying to log in to the university's online portal so that he can take care of Sidney's tuition. But oddly, he can't log in. So he reaches out to a school admin and they get on the phone and the school admin drops a He says, sir, you can't log in because Sydney is no longer enrolled. And dad is straight up shocked.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
College Student Murders Her Own Mother - The Sydney Powell story
Oh, how could our honor student be suspended from school? Now, their whole family uses one of those 360 location sharing apps. So he looks at it and he sees that Sydney is at his house, the family home. And dad decides to go home and confront her and figure out what's going on. So he does. He drives home and he confronts her and he tells her what the school told him.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
College Student Murders Her Own Mother - The Sydney Powell story
And Sydney, just thinking on her feet, she kind of half admits that she's having some trouble. But she continues to lie and say that everything is fine and that she's still taking some classes, which just isn't true. So they talk it out a bit and dad seems to be understanding, but he has to go back to work. So he leaves. Then Sydney's mom comes home and this is where things get crazy.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
College Student Murders Her Own Mother - The Sydney Powell story
Sidney's mom had also left work early to come home to talk to Sidney. And when she gets there, she immediately calls the school admins to talk to them about the details of her daughter's suspension. But they're not available and the school tells her they'll call her back. Then mom goes and confronts Sidney. She wants to know what the hell is going on. Why did she get suspended?
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
College Student Murders Her Own Mother - The Sydney Powell story
And they get into an argument and pretty quickly it gets heated and it escalates and soon they're yelling at each other. And in the middle of all that, suddenly the phone rings and it's the university returning mom's call. So mom gets on the phone with the admins and they start chatting and then out of nowhere, BAM!
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
College Student Murders Her Own Mother - The Sydney Powell story
Sydney hits her mom over the head with a cast iron skillet and mom screams and Sydney hits her again and again and again until mom goes down and this whole time the college admins are still on the phone and they can hear all this violence going on in the background and they start freaking out but then click The phone goes dead. And while mom is down on the floor, Sydney, she's not done.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
College Student Murders Her Own Mother - The Sydney Powell story
She grabs a steak knife from the kitchen and she starts stabbing her mom. She stabs her over and over again, two dozen times. She eventually unalives her. And while this is happening, the school admins are still trying to call back and make sure everything's okay. And then finally, on the third try, someone picks up the phone. And it's Sydney. But she's pretending to be her mom.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
College Student Murders Her Own Mother - The Sydney Powell story
Like, yes, this is Sydney's mom. And the admins don't buy it. They're like, uh, no, this sounds like Sydney. And so Sydney quickly hangs up. And the admins are like, what the f*** was all that? And they call police and ask them to go over there and do a welfare check. So then police head over to Sydney's house. Meanwhile, Sydney, she's still at home, standing over her mom, who she just unalived.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
College Student Murders Her Own Mother - The Sydney Powell story
And she has no idea what to do. So she starts to panic. She's got to cover this up. And she pretty quickly comes up with a plan. First, she breaks a nearby window in the house. Then she starts preparing a story to tell to the police about how some random burglar just broke in and unalived her mom. And within a few minutes, police arrive.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
College Student Murders Her Own Mother - The Sydney Powell story
The workload is more, the expectations are higher, and poor Sydney is having trouble keeping up. And she's not used to this. Failure at school is not her thing. And sometimes she goes back to her family home to visit her parents, who will just call her mom, mom, and will call her dad, dad. She goes back to visit, and mom will ask her like, hey, how are you doing in school? And Sydney lies.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
College Student Murders Her Own Mother - The Sydney Powell story
And body cam footage shows them trying to usher her out of the house as she's trying to tell them this bullshit story. But unfortunately for her, pretty quickly, police see wounds on Sidney's hands, indicating that she broke the window in the house herself. So then, bam, they arrest Sidney, and here's her mugshot.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
College Student Murders Her Own Mother - The Sydney Powell story
And she's charged with murder, she goes to trial, and she's found guilty, and she's sentenced to 15 years to life. All over some bad grades. Shout out to Ohio.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
College Student Murders Her Own Mother - The Sydney Powell story
She's like, I'm doing great, mom. And this goes on for months. She struggles, and then she lies to her parents about it. And by the end of her freshman year, things still haven't improved. In fact, at this point, she's doing so terrible, she's failing some of her classes, which puts her scholarship at risk.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
College Student Murders Her Own Mother - The Sydney Powell story
But still, she bottles it all in and goes home for the summer and doesn't tell her parents that anything is wrong. Then it gets worse. Fall semester starts. Sophomore year, Sydney goes back to college and goes back to living in the dorm. But at this point, the school has put her on academic probation. And soon enough, she's falling behind in her classes again and she can't keep up.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
College Student Murders Her Own Mother - The Sydney Powell story
And of course, when her parents ask her how school's going, she continues to keep it from them. She's just too afraid to admit that she's struggling. She just doesn't want to disappoint them. And then, pretty quickly, the semester ends. And boom, Sydney has failed three out of the four classes she took that semester.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
Did a Dingo Really Steal Her Baby? - The Story of Lindy Chamberlain
So one night, this English backpacker goes hiking. He's in Australia in the outback. And it's nighttime, and he really wants to go climbing. So he starts climbing up the wall of this bluff. And so he climbs up and up. And when he's a ways up there, suddenly, boom. He loses his footing, and he starts to tumble down the bluff. And bam, he hits his head. And then bam, he hits his head again.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
Did a Dingo Really Steal Her Baby? - The Story of Lindy Chamberlain
And soon, over 300 campers and other people are combing through the campgrounds looking for this baby and the dingo that took it. And they form a human chain to cover as much ground as possible, but still, they find nothing. So sadly, Alice and Michael return home without their baby, and they are absolutely devastated. I mean, they don't know what to do.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
Did a Dingo Really Steal Her Baby? - The Story of Lindy Chamberlain
And then, about a week later, a random tourist just happens to be wandering around the area, and he stumbles across the baby's jumpsuit and diaper. but still there's no sign of the missing baby. And unfortunately at this point, it's clear that the baby is no longer alive. And so this story, it starts to blow up in the local media. Like a family's baby got eaten by a dingo? Like that's wild.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
Did a Dingo Really Steal Her Baby? - The Story of Lindy Chamberlain
And people are just captivated. And so Alice and Michael, they think it would be helpful to do some interviews because they wanna warn other parents out there about how dangerous dingoes are. And this is where they screw up because every time they get on camera, People feel like they don't come across as two parents who just lost a kid.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
Did a Dingo Really Steal Her Baby? - The Story of Lindy Chamberlain
And so pretty quickly, the public starts to get suspicious. Like they think Alice and Michael don't appear sad enough. And so the news media, they just run with this story and they start to question Alice and Michael's version of events. Like this isn't typical dingo behavior. Why would a wild dog steal a baby? And so to make all this worse, police, they start to develop a new darker theory.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
Did a Dingo Really Steal Her Baby? - The Story of Lindy Chamberlain
That maybe this baby wasn't stolen by a dingo at all. That maybe this baby was unalived by her own mother. And as evidence for this, they start to point at the baby's jumpsuit that the tourist had found out by the campsite because they had run tests on that jumpsuit and there was no dingo saliva on it. So then how could the baby have been in a dingo's mouth?
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
Did a Dingo Really Steal Her Baby? - The Story of Lindy Chamberlain
And then finally, he slams into the ground. And then, as if that isn't bad enough, A pack of wild hungry dogs approach him and they... Actually, I'm not ready to talk about this guy yet. We'll get back to him. I actually want to talk about this woman who we'll call Alice because that's her real name.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
Did a Dingo Really Steal Her Baby? - The Story of Lindy Chamberlain
And Alice, she explains this by saying, well, actually the baby was wearing a white cardigan over that jumpsuit. So that white cardigan, which is now missing, probably would have had dingo saliva on it. But unfortunately for her, that explanation isn't good enough for police.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
Did a Dingo Really Steal Her Baby? - The Story of Lindy Chamberlain
And prosecutors, they accuse her of lying about the white cardigan and then boom, police arrest her and they arrest Michael and they charge her with the murder of her own baby and they charge him with being an accessory to that murder. Now, police, they have no body, no murder weapon, and no witnesses.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
Did a Dingo Really Steal Her Baby? - The Story of Lindy Chamberlain
But what they do have is circumstantial evidence, including what they feel is a large amount of blood in the family's car. They, of course, believe this is the baby's blood. So anyway, they all go to trial. And in the trial, the prosecution argues that Alice unalived her own baby, possibly with scissors, and then hid the body in the family car.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
Did a Dingo Really Steal Her Baby? - The Story of Lindy Chamberlain
And that Michael later helped by trying to cover up the murder. And let me tell you, this trial blows the up in Australia. It becomes the biggest media circus anyone has ever seen. Like the tabloids are all over it. Every moment of it becomes newsworthy. And so sadly, after a month of hearing all the arguments, the jury deliberates and they find Alice and Michael both guilty.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
Did a Dingo Really Steal Her Baby? - The Story of Lindy Chamberlain
And Michael, he gets a suspended sentence because he had already spent time in jail waiting on the trial. But poor Alice, she actually gets sentenced to life in prison. Now this is where our English backpacker comes in. Because three years later, after Alice gets sentenced to life in prison, the English backpacker, he takes a trip to Australia. And he goes out to this popular camping spot.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
Did a Dingo Really Steal Her Baby? - The Story of Lindy Chamberlain
He goes for a climb at night. He loses his footing. He tumbles down the mountain. He dies. And some wild dogs approach him. And they start to eat him. Eight days later, another hiker passing by, he finds the backpacker's body at the base of the bluff. So police come and investigate, and this happens to be in an area surrounded by dingo dens.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
Did a Dingo Really Steal Her Baby? - The Story of Lindy Chamberlain
And nearby, police find some of his clothing and his backpack. But then, a ranger finds a piece of clothing half buried. he pulls it out of the ground and it happens to be a baby's white cardigan. The same white cardigan that prosecutors had accused Alice of lying about. And this corroborates her whole story. And then only five days after finding this cardigan,
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
Did a Dingo Really Steal Her Baby? - The Story of Lindy Chamberlain
The court orders Alice to be released from prison and suddenly the government launches a new investigation into the baby's death and ultimately they find that the baby's blood that they thought they found in the family car wasn't actually baby's blood. It was actually soundproofing spray that the car manufacturer sprays on when they built the car. and also potentially fruit juice.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
Did a Dingo Really Steal Her Baby? - The Story of Lindy Chamberlain
And Alice is about to experience the worst night of her life because her baby is about to get eaten. So one night she's on a camping trip with her family, her husband and her three kids. And they're at a popular camping spot with a bunch of other families. And they got tents pitched and they're all hanging out and making dinner. And then Alice's youngest daughter, a baby, she gets tired.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
Did a Dingo Really Steal Her Baby? - The Story of Lindy Chamberlain
So the good news is, eventually, Alice and Michael are completely exonerated and here's what they look like in real life. And then Hollywood goes on and makes a movie about the whole thing, starring Meryl Streep and that guy from Jurassic Park. And of course, the movie's got the famous line, which has then unfortunately gone on to become a pop culture punchline.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
Did a Dingo Really Steal Her Baby? - The Story of Lindy Chamberlain
So basically, this woman's baby was eaten alive, and now pop culture just makes jokes about it.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
Did a Dingo Really Steal Her Baby? - The Story of Lindy Chamberlain
And so Alice has to put her in a little crib inside the tent. And then she just goes back to making dinner. And then a little time passes and suddenly they hear the baby cry. And Alice notices some movement in her tent. And then... A dingo runs out of it. So Alice rushes over to check on the baby. But the baby is not in her crib. So then Alice yells, my God, my God, a dingo has my baby.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
Did a Dingo Really Steal Her Baby? - The Story of Lindy Chamberlain
She then runs out into the darkness, chasing after the dingo. But unfortunately, it's too late. The dingo is long gone. Now, Alice's husband is this guy, Michael. And Alice and Michael and the rest of the families, they start searching for the baby. And eventually, local police arrive. And this kicks off a huge manhunt.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
Woman Tries To Destroy Rival By Planting Drugs In Her Car - The Story of Jill Easter
So this woman hates this other woman. And she's about to try to ruin her life by planting illegal substances in her car. So the story actually starts with this woman, Kelly. And Kelly is a volunteer at the local elementary school. She's PTA president. And everyone likes her. But one day after school, she's at the school, she's volunteering, watching the kids.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
Woman Tries To Destroy Rival By Planting Drugs In Her Car - The Story of Jill Easter
So she goes and prints flyers that warn people about what a horrible person Kelly is and that she should be fired. And then she stands out in front of the school and passes them out to parents. But still, the school doesn't fire Kelly. Then Jill Easter goes and complains to the superintendent, and Kelly still doesn't get fired.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
Woman Tries To Destroy Rival By Planting Drugs In Her Car - The Story of Jill Easter
Then Jill Easter goes and complains to one of the state boards of California, and Kelly still doesn't get fired. And Jill Easter, she isn't gonna let this slide. She's had enough. she is going to get her revenge one way or another.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
Woman Tries To Destroy Rival By Planting Drugs In Her Car - The Story of Jill Easter
So she goes and files a police report, including a restraining order, claiming that Kelly is harassing her son and stalking her, and that somehow Kelly tried to unalive her. And since Jill Easter has no proof of any of this, because she's making it all up, the restraining order is ultimately denied. Oh, but she's not done.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
Woman Tries To Destroy Rival By Planting Drugs In Her Car - The Story of Jill Easter
She then goes and gets her husband, this guy, Kent Easter, who is a high-powered attorney. She gets him to file a civil lawsuit against Kelly. And this lawsuit claims that because Kelly left her son locked outside for five minutes, he had been the victim of false imprisonment and intentional infliction of emotional distress. And of course that lawsuit, it goes nowhere.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
Woman Tries To Destroy Rival By Planting Drugs In Her Car - The Story of Jill Easter
But understandably, all of this conflict is just stressing Kelly out and she doesn't know what she's gonna do. But then suddenly, bam, Jill Easter goes silent. No more drama, no more lawsuits, nothing. And months go by and Kelly has heard nothing more from the Easters. And it seems like all of this harassment has finally stopped.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
Woman Tries To Destroy Rival By Planting Drugs In Her Car - The Story of Jill Easter
Until almost a year has passed since Luke got locked outside the school for five minutes. And then one night, a man makes a phone call to police and he tells them that he saw Kelly driving dangerously.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
Woman Tries To Destroy Rival By Planting Drugs In Her Car - The Story of Jill Easter
And one of the kids, this kid, Luke, he's late when lining up with the other students. And he accidentally ends up getting locked out of the school. And Luke gets upset and he starts crying. And he's locked out for around five to eight minutes before eventually someone notices and they let him in. But then this woman shows up, Jill Easter. And Jill Easter is Luke's mom.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
Woman Tries To Destroy Rival By Planting Drugs In Her Car - The Story of Jill Easter
And this man also tells them that he saw Kelly driving to the school while on drugs. So police, they go to the school to investigate because that's where she is. She's there volunteering. And they pull Kelly aside and they tell her about the report they got. And they ask her if they can search her car. And Kelly's like, sure, I have nothing to hide.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
Woman Tries To Destroy Rival By Planting Drugs In Her Car - The Story of Jill Easter
So police go and they open up her car and they search. And guess what they find? A whole lot of drugs. And this shocks everyone. And of course, the police, they start to grill Kelly. They get her to do a curbside sobriety test, you know, like where they make you walk the straight line and stuff. And by the way, all this isn't happening in private. No, no.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
Woman Tries To Destroy Rival By Planting Drugs In Her Car - The Story of Jill Easter
This is all happening right in the school parking lot in front of all the students and parents and teachers who are all watching. And poor Kelly is horrified. It's like her job is on the line. Well, luckily, Kelly passes the sobriety test because she's sober. And police, they start to believe... Maybe Kelly isn't high. Maybe someone planted those drugs in her car.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
Woman Tries To Destroy Rival By Planting Drugs In Her Car - The Story of Jill Easter
So detectives, they get on it and they start investigating who made that call to police. And they track that call to this nearby hotel. And there they check surveillance footage and that's where they see Kent Easter. on the screen walking into the hotel. And this is just right before that phone call to police was made.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
Woman Tries To Destroy Rival By Planting Drugs In Her Car - The Story of Jill Easter
So then detectives get ahold of their phone tracking records and they see that Kent Easter's phone was near Kelly's apartment complex the night before a bunch of drugs just randomly appeared in Kelly's car.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
Woman Tries To Destroy Rival By Planting Drugs In Her Car - The Story of Jill Easter
meaning he found out where she lives, snuck over to her apartment complex in the middle of the night, planted drugs in her car, and called the police on her the next day to make it so that she got busted in front of the whole school, hoping to get her fired. But here's where the story gets really crazy. After all this, detectives, they start surveilling the Easter's.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
Woman Tries To Destroy Rival By Planting Drugs In Her Car - The Story of Jill Easter
And then one day they see a strange man leaving the Easter's home. This man, Gomez. So they pull Gomez over and they question him. And it turns out he's a firefighter who had been smashing with Jill Easter. They were having an affair behind Kent Easter's back. So detectives ask Gomez to wear a wire and then meet up with Jill. And surprisingly Gomez cooperates and he agrees to do this.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
Woman Tries To Destroy Rival By Planting Drugs In Her Car - The Story of Jill Easter
So then he meets up with her at a local park, and Gomez doesn't end up getting much information out of her, but he does end up telling her that they should stop seeing each other until the heat on her dies down. And Jill Easter doesn't like this idea one bit, and she
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
Woman Tries To Destroy Rival By Planting Drugs In Her Car - The Story of Jill Easter
flips out and she starts yelling at him and screaming and she breaks up with him and then after that she randomly starts showing up to his home where his wife is and she starts confronting his wife telling her all about the affair that they've been having for the last two years She prints out photos that Gomez had sent to her and she leaves them in his mailbox for his wife to find.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
Woman Tries To Destroy Rival By Planting Drugs In Her Car - The Story of Jill Easter
She also sends emails to his wife's work, trying to give the wife's coworkers all the details about her and Gomez's affair. And those emails sometimes include intimate photos that she and Gomez had taken. It's a whole mess. But Jill Easter wants as many people as possible to know that Gomez has been cheating on his wife and that he's a bad person.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
Woman Tries To Destroy Rival By Planting Drugs In Her Car - The Story of Jill Easter
She's basically doing everything she can to ruin his reputation. And I'm starting to see a pattern here. Anyway, eventually police arrest Jill Easter and Kent Easter for conspiring to plant drugs in Kelly's car and here's her mugshot and here's his. And Jill Easter pleads guilty and she's sentenced to 120 days in jail and she's disbarred from ever practicing law again.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
Woman Tries To Destroy Rival By Planting Drugs In Her Car - The Story of Jill Easter
And she is pissed that Luke accidentally got locked outside. So she goes up to Kelly and she lets her have it. She's screaming and she's yelling and calling her negligent. How could you leave my child locked outside for five whole minutes?
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
Woman Tries To Destroy Rival By Planting Drugs In Her Car - The Story of Jill Easter
Did I forget to mention she's a lawyer? Well, not anymore. She got disbarred. Well, Kent Easter gets sentenced to 180 days in jail and his legal license is suspended. And ultimately, the Easter's end up getting a divorce. Womp womp. Couldn't have happened to a nicer couple. Meanwhile, Kelly sues them in civil court and she's awarded $5.7 million as compensation.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
Woman Tries To Destroy Rival By Planting Drugs In Her Car - The Story of Jill Easter
I gotta say, $5.7 million for going through this hell, that sounds like it was worth it. Get that money, girl. Good for her. Shout out to Irvine, California.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
Woman Tries To Destroy Rival By Planting Drugs In Her Car - The Story of Jill Easter
So Kelly apologizes to Jill Easter and she tells her that Luke was locked out because he didn't line up fast enough and that he was probably slow in getting to the door. And Jill Easter hears this and she thinks Kelly is calling her son mentally slow. So Jill Easter just loses it. She can't let Kelly get away with this. And that is when she starts plotting her revenge.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
Woman Tries To Destroy Rival By Planting Drugs In Her Car - The Story of Jill Easter
So the next day Jill Easter shows up to the school to talk to the principal and she explains what had happened the day before and she demands that they fire Kelly from her volunteer job. So the school admins investigate and they see that Kelly did nothing wrong so they don't fire her. And of course, this just pisses Jill Easter off even more.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
The Loomis Fargo Heist - The Story of David Ghantt
So this redneck dude is somehow able to pull off one of the biggest money heists in American history. And he becomes rich as . Now the guy, his name's David. And he works at Loomis Fargo as a vault supervisor. And he handles massive amounts of money all day. But despite that, he doesn't get paid very much. But that's about to change. Because one day, David meets this woman at work.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
The Loomis Fargo Heist - The Story of David Ghantt
Then he goes straight to the vault and starts taking money out of it and loading it into a Loomis van. And over an hour and a half later, he's done. And he's loaded about $17 million in cash into that van. Now, David knows there are security cameras all around this building.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
The Loomis Fargo Heist - The Story of David Ghantt
So before he leaves, he goes back to the manager's office and he steals two surveillance tapes that would have footage of him on them. Next, he drives the Loomis van full of 2,700 pounds of cash. He drives it over to a parking lot in another part of town where Chambers and Kelly are waiting in a different van. So then they transfer this money to the new van. And this new van is a rental van.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
The Loomis Fargo Heist - The Story of David Ghantt
But here's the thing about this rental van. It's a little small. So they're transferring all this money into the rental van, but not all of it will fit. So they end up leaving $3.3 million behind in the Loomis van because it all won't fit in the rental van.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
The Loomis Fargo Heist - The Story of David Ghantt
Oh, but that's not the only thing they leave in that Loomis van because David forgets those two surveillance videos that he had taken from the manager's office. And so from there, they all end up going their separate ways. Kelly ultimately ends up going back home. Chambers also ends up going back to his home.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
The Loomis Fargo Heist - The Story of David Ghantt
And David hops on a flight to head over to Cozumel in Mexico so he can lay low for a while. But unfortunately for him, when traveling internationally, you're actually limited to how much money you can bring with you. So poor David is only allowed to bring $50,000 with him.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
The Loomis Fargo Heist - The Story of David Ghantt
Meanwhile, David's wife, because I guess he's married and didn't tell his wife about any of this, his wife reports him missing. And once police find the Loomis van with the leftover $3.3 million in cash in it, they also find the security tapes he accidentally left behind. So now they have their first suspect, David. And since this is such a huge heist, the FBI is now involved.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
The Loomis Fargo Heist - The Story of David Ghantt
But even they have no clue where David is. And his face is broadcast all over the place as the FBI tries to find him. And while David is off in Mexico trying to lay low, Chambers, not so much. So Chambers and his wife, they take all this new money he just got and they start spending it.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
The Loomis Fargo Heist - The Story of David Ghantt
And in less than a month, they move out of their trailer home and into a 7,000 square foot gated community mansion. which they paid for in cash. They also buy TVs, a diamond ring, a Rolex, new cars. Chambers' wife even gets a nose job and a brand new set of tits. And at one point, Chambers' wife even goes into a bank with 200 grand in a briefcase and she asks the bank teller,
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
The Loomis Fargo Heist - The Story of David Ghantt
Her name's Kelly. And David thinks Kelly is foint! And they hit it off, and they start flirting, and soon enough, they start smashing. Now at some point during this period, David hears about an armored truck robbery that had happened a few months before, several states away. A Loomis Fargo employee had robbed Loomis for like millions of dollars.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
The Loomis Fargo Heist - The Story of David Ghantt
Hey, what's the most I can deposit without you guys having to report me to the feds? And then she says, Don't worry, it's not drug money. So yeah, not surprising that people start noticing this behavior, and pretty quickly people report Chambers and his wife to the FBI. While Kelly, she's a bit more conservative with her spending.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
The Loomis Fargo Heist - The Story of David Ghantt
She buys herself a minivan, she buys her kids a bunch of toys, nothing too big. But once the FBI learns rumors that she had previously been smashing with David, suddenly she becomes a suspect. So the FBI, they get together and they decide the best way to bring these guys down is to wiretap Chambers' phone calls. Because of the three of them, he's obviously the loose cannon.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
The Loomis Fargo Heist - The Story of David Ghantt
Meanwhile, during all this, David, he's still chilling in Mexico and he's keeping a low profile. But he realizes this 50 grand that he brought with him, it isn't going to last too long. So he ends up calling Chambers. And he's like, hey, can you send me some of my share of the money so that I don't run out? And Chambers is like, sure, buddy. But sending David money is not what Chambers does.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
The Loomis Fargo Heist - The Story of David Ghantt
Instead of sending him money, he decides to hire a hitman. And he's going to send that hitman to Mexico to unalive David. That way, Chambers gets to keep David's share of the money. And if David is unalived, he can never snitch on them. So at this point, I know you're probably thinking, Ray, How the hell did David get himself into this mess?
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
The Loomis Fargo Heist - The Story of David Ghantt
How did an otherwise nice guy with a clean record suddenly wake up one day and decide that he's gonna steal millions of dollars from his own employer? Like, what makes someone snap like that? Well, think about it this way. He goes to work every day at Loomis and he oversees the vault, which means he loads millions of dollars in and out of that vault. I mean, he is surrounded by money.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
The Loomis Fargo Heist - The Story of David Ghantt
Like, it's just staring at him in the face. Yet, in his personal life, he can barely pay his bills. He's working sometimes 70, 80 hours a week for $8.15 an hour. Imagine that. Imagine you're broke, struggling to get by, and you have to stare at stacks and stacks of cash.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
The Loomis Fargo Heist - The Story of David Ghantt
all day like how would you feel so after years of being in this situation he started to resent his life and he started to resent his marriage until he started working with kelly and he really started crushing on her like he's liked her forever like they used to go to school together and kelly she was really pushing him to do this heist with her so he does it thinking it'll impress her
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
The Loomis Fargo Heist - The Story of David Ghantt
So basically he did all this because he was broke and he was trying to clap cheeks. And because of that, there is now a hitman after him trying to unalive him. But luckily for him, when Chambers calls the hitman and tells him exactly where to find David, the FBI has his phones tapped and they're listening in. And now they know exactly where to find David.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
The Loomis Fargo Heist - The Story of David Ghantt
So the feds go straight to Mexico and they catch David and boom, they arrest him. Here's his mugshot. Then the next day they go and arrest Chambers. Here's his mugshot. Then they arrest Chambers' wife. Here's her mugshot. And of course they arrest Kelly. Here's her mugshot. In fact, they arrest a bunch of people involved in this.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
The Loomis Fargo Heist - The Story of David Ghantt
In total, about 20 people were arrested in connection with this heist. But David gets sentenced to a little over seven years in prison, and Chambers, he's sentenced to 11 years in prison, while his wife gets seven years in prison, and Kelly gets six years in prison. And they all have to pay back the money they stole. But allegedly, to this day, $2 million of that heist money is still missing.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
The Loomis Fargo Heist - The Story of David Ghantt
And at this point in the story, that robber hadn't been caught yet. I actually talked about that heist in a different video I did. Anyway, so David and Kelly, they hear about this heist and they're like, well, that guy took millions of dollars and he didn't get caught. Maybe we could also rob Loomis Fargo and take millions of dollars and not get caught. What could possibly go wrong?
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
The Loomis Fargo Heist - The Story of David Ghantt
Like, they never found it. So, I guess it's still out there.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
The Loomis Fargo Heist - The Story of David Ghantt
Now Kelly, she knows just the guy who could help them pull off this heist. Her friend back from high school, who's a bit shady. This guy, Chambers. So the three of them put their heads together and they start planning this big Loomis Fargo heist. And there are other people on the sidelines involved in this heist too. But for now, let's just focus on these three main characters.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
The Loomis Fargo Heist - The Story of David Ghantt
So a few months go by and they've got it all meticulously planned out. And then the big night finally rolls around. It's time to pull off the heist. And David, he's actually working that evening. And when his shift ends, he leaves with the other employees working. But he doesn't actually leave. Instead, he circles back and sneaks back into the building.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
The Nutty Putty Cave Incident
So this guy, his name's John. And John is about to die in the scariest way I can think of. Prepare to have nightmares. Now, John, he's 26. He's a smart dude. He's about to start med school. But one day, John and his younger brother, who we'll call little brother, John, little brother, and a bunch of their friends, they all decide to go spelunking or cave exploring.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
The Nutty Putty Cave Incident
Like, that is nightmare fuel. So John is scared and he yells out for help. And little brother, he catches up to him and he sees John's feet kind of sticking out of the crevice. And he tries with all his force to pull him out. But unfortunately, he can't get any leverage because he's in a narrow tunnel too. So pretty quickly, little brother crawls back out of the cave and he calls 911.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
The Nutty Putty Cave Incident
And he's like, come quick. My brother is stuck upside down in a cave. And four hours later, the rescue team starts to arrive. And it took a while because it's late at night and this cave is way out there. Now, the first to arrive on the scene is this woman, Susie. And she's small, but she's an experienced spelunker. So she crawls into the cave and she gets to John pretty quickly.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
The Nutty Putty Cave Incident
And she's like, we're going to get you out of here. So Susie ties a rope around John's ankles and she tries to pull him out. But she immediately realizes there is no way she can do this on her own. So they bring the rope outside to the entrance of the cave where there's room for multiple people to pull it.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
The Nutty Putty Cave Incident
So they all grab the rope and they pull and they pull, but the rope keeps getting caught on the rocks and it's just not working and they can't get him out. And even more time passes. And by this time, a whole ass rescue team has showed up. And they put their heads together, and they decide the only way to get John out is to set up a legit rope and pulley system.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
The Nutty Putty Cave Incident
Which means they're gonna have to drill into the walls of the tunnel. So, they start drilling into the walls of this tunnel. But this process is excruciatingly slow. Not to mention, it's humid as f*** in that cave. So after a couple of hours of them drilling, Susie, who is the closest to John, she can't do it anymore. She has to tap out. So then another rescuer steps in. This guy, Ryan.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
The Nutty Putty Cave Incident
So now Ryan's in the cave closest to John and he's basically just looking at John's feet. And he and John talk and have conversations for like hours as they wait for the team to set up this pulley system. Meanwhile, John's wife, this woman, Emily, she's back at her in-laws house. And they've been informed that all this is going on.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
The Nutty Putty Cave Incident
They want to explore this local cave that people explore all the time. So they all drive over to this cave and they find the entrance. And it's not like one of those big caves you'd see in a cartoon. It's a little guy. that you pretty much have to crawl into.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
The Nutty Putty Cave Incident
And she's just there waiting on this phone call of someone saying, John is okay and he's out of the cave. But unfortunately, that call doesn't come. So then the next morning, she and some other family members, they head over to the cave site and they get there. And by this time, there's over a hundred people there. all working to get John out and they still can't do it.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
The Nutty Putty Cave Incident
And the rescue workers, they like set up a two-way radio system so that Emily can talk to John. And they talk and they tell each other that they love each other and whatnot. And it's a nice moment. But then even more time passes. And at this point, John has been in there upside down for 19 hours and the pulley system is finally ready.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
The Nutty Putty Cave Incident
So Ryan secures the rope around John and Susie and seven others on the ground outside, they count down and they start pulling and they pull and they pull and they pull as hard as they can. And suddenly John starts to slowly rise out of the dark and they pull again and again and And again. And by the fourth pull, John lifts out of the crevice. He's almost out.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
The Nutty Putty Cave Incident
Until... Suddenly, kaboom, a small arch in the cave crumbles. And one of those metal rings snaps forward and hits Ryan in the face so hard that it knocks him unconscious. And John immediately falls back down into the crevice. And shortly after, when Ryan regains consciousness, he's bleeding and his jaw is broken. So he has to leave the cave and go get medical attention.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
The Nutty Putty Cave Incident
And so Ryan's dad comes in and takes over that spot. And then Ryan's dad ends up getting stuck in part of the tunnel. But luckily, it's only for a while and he's eventually able to get himself out. And this whole time, while they're trying to get him out, the worst is happening to John. His breathing starts to get more and more shallow. And little by little, he gets less and less responsive.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
The Nutty Putty Cave Incident
Being upside down in that position for so long is putting strain on his heart. Okay, let me explain to you why this is so dangerous for John, because I know you're probably thinking, Ray, so what if he's upside down? Was it going to make him dizzy? Is it going to give him a headache? No, it is much worse than that. Your body is designed to function and pump blood right side up.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
The Nutty Putty Cave Incident
So soon, John and little brother and like nine of their friends, they descend into this little cave entrance and they make their way into the open area. And they're crawling around and they're exploring and they're having a good time. And then about an hour later, they're still at it.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
The Nutty Putty Cave Incident
That's what it's always done its whole life. It is accustomed to dealing with gravity in only one direction. So when you go upside down for a long period of time, gravity causes blood to rush toward your head, which will cause your heart to work harder to pump all that blood against gravity, which is going to greatly increase the stress on your cardiovascular system.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
The Nutty Putty Cave Incident
The human heart can actually deal with this kind of stress for a long period of time. I mean, hours, I'm sure. But eventually, it's going to give out. Not to mention all of those organs in your lower abdomen are now sitting above your lungs, meaning they can push down and put weight on your lungs, making it much harder for you to breathe.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
The Nutty Putty Cave Incident
And if this sounds like torture to you, that's because it is literally. Many cultures in the past used to hang people upside down as a form of torture. It's called inverted hanging because a normal hanging generally unalives you instantly. But an inverted hanging is a long, painful way to die. Anyway, the rescue team keeps trying.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
The Nutty Putty Cave Incident
And they drill even more holes to re-rig the pulley system so they can give it another shot. But that's taken a long time and everyone's working their ass off to make this happen. But then, just before midnight, John has become completely unresponsive. And they have a paramedic crawl into the cave to check his vitals. And the paramedic determines that, sadly, John has passed away.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
The Nutty Putty Cave Incident
He had been trapped upside down for over 27 hours until he died of cardiac arrest. And here's what John looked like in real life. And the worst part is John is so deep in that cave that they can't retrieve his body. So they just have to leave him there permanently. And ultimately, they close that cave to the public forever, and they seal it shut.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
The Nutty Putty Cave Incident
And eventually, they put a bronze plaque where the entrance of the cave used to be. A plaque that memorializes John, and is a reminder of probably the worst way to die.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
The Nutty Putty Cave Incident
And John and little brother and a couple of their friends, they decide to check out this area called the birth canal, which is a long narrow tunnel that you'd have to crawl through. And that tunnel eventually opens up into a bigger area. So they explore deeper into this cave and John crawls through the narrow tunnel part of the birth canal. And this passageway is really pretty tight.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
The Nutty Putty Cave Incident
And as he crawls deeper into it, it gets tighter and tighter. But no matter how narrow this tunnel gets, John, he keeps pushing forward because he knows the larger area of the birth canal is coming up. But then, like out of nowhere, suddenly the tunnel takes a sharp downturn and bam, he slides down into an even smaller tunnel and then kaboom, he's stuck because John was never in the birth canal.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
The Nutty Putty Cave Incident
He actually took a wrong turn and ended up in a dead end tunnel, and now he can't get out. So John immediately tries not to panic, but his arms are pinned in such a way that he can't use them. And to make it worse, he's upside down. So all the blood is quickly rushing to his head. Here, let me show you a diagram I found of how he was stuck. Like, look at that. Imagine being stuck like that.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
The Unbelievable Story of Dion and Gobi
So this guy is about to meet a dog in the desert and this dog is going to change his life. Now the guy, his name is Dion. He's a marathon runner. He lives in Scotland, but one day Dion decides he's going to compete in the Gobi March, which is 155 mile ultra marathon going through the Gobi desert in Asia. So he travels to China to run this marathon. And then, bam, the race starts.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
The Unbelievable Story of Dion and Gobi
And spectators and the people around all watching, they're all looking at this and they're cheering them both on. Yay, little dog! So then later, Dion gets some food from his supplies. And that freaking little dog is still following him around. And at this point, he realizes this little dog probably hasn't eaten all day.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
The Unbelievable Story of Dion and Gobi
And I guess he feels bad because he gives the dog like half the meat he's eating. And the dog loves it. Om nom nom nom nom nom. And you know, from this point on, he's f***ed. Because like, once you feed a stray dog, it is not going to leave. So that night, the little dog curls up next to him and falls asleep. And so Dion decides, okay, fine, she's not gonna get, so I'll just name her.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
The Unbelievable Story of Dion and Gobi
And he names her Gobi after the desert they're running through. Then the next morning, sure enough, Gobi is there with him at the starting line and she continues running right alongside him. Later that day, Dion is still running and he comes up to a place where he has to cross a really wide river. So he wades into it and he's walking through it and he crosses like the worst part of it.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
The Unbelievable Story of Dion and Gobi
But then he hears Gobi back behind him like whining and crying. And he looks back and he sees her and she's still way back there. She's not jumping in this river. And Dion keeps moving forward, but Gobi just keeps whining and crying out. And so Dion, he decides to do something he's never done before. He turns around and he goes back.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
The Unbelievable Story of Dion and Gobi
He wades through the river and he grabs Gobi and he carries her the rest of the way over. And later, Dion is on to the fourth and fifth stages of this race. Now with these two parts of the race, the heat can easily get up to 110 degrees Fahrenheit or whatever the f*** Celsius. And Dion's worried that little Gobi will follow him into that heat.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
The Unbelievable Story of Dion and Gobi
So he gives her to the race organizers and he asks them to hang on to her and transport her to the last stage of this race. And then on the final day of that ultra marathon, Dion, he's about to finish this race. So he's running and he rounds the corner and he heads toward the finish line. And Gobi, she sees him and she runs over to be with him and they finish the race together.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
The Unbelievable Story of Dion and Gobi
And it's pretty cool because Dion actually gets second place. And in total, he and Gobi ran 78 miles together. And their story is all heartwarming and the news picks it up and they write about it a bit. So Gobi and Dion end up having like fans now. And so Dion decides like, all right, fine. I guess I'll keep this stupid dog.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
The Unbelievable Story of Dion and Gobi
But getting Gobi out of China and back to Scotland isn't going to be easy. Because you can't just transport an animal from one country to another. There's like paperwork and fees and regulations. So Dion, he has to fly back to Scotland to start the paperwork to get Gobi out of China. Meanwhile, he leaves the dog in the care of one of the race organizers.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
The Unbelievable Story of Dion and Gobi
And she's going to look after him and everything's going to be fine. Until one day, Gobi gets out and she runs away. And poor Dion, he hears about this and he is devastated. And no one can find Gobi. And 10 days go by and there's still no sign of the dog. So Dion, he decides to take action. He posts all about it on social media.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
The Unbelievable Story of Dion and Gobi
And Dion and the other runners, they set off through the first part of it. And that night, the runners, they're all resting and they're sitting around a campfire, probably talking about how hard the day was. And that's when Dion, he sees this little stray dog running around the camp. And this dog, she's approaching all the runners, and she's trying to get them to give her a bite of their food.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
The Unbelievable Story of Dion and Gobi
He contacts a dog charity in China and they start printing missing flyers and posting them all over town. Dion even offers a reward of a thousand pounds or about 1300 US dollars to anyone who can give them information on where Gobi might be. But still, they get no lead. So then the fans of Gobi and Dion, and apparently there are hundreds of them, they start to look around town for Gobi.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
The Unbelievable Story of Dion and Gobi
And Dion, he flies back to China to join them in the search. And so he gets there and he scours the city. And he and the fans, they put up over 30,000 flyers. And a week goes by, but still, there's no sign of his little friend. And Dion, he starts to get really worried. Because like, what if Gobi were stolen? What if Gobi was taken and is now somehow part of the dog meat trade?
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
The Unbelievable Story of Dion and Gobi
Which apparently is a real thing in China. So Dion is super worried. But then he gets a text and he checks his phone and it's from some anonymous person. And it's saying, hey, we think we found your dog. And Dion, he's a little suspicious, but this is the biggest lead they've got so far. So he drives across the city and he goes to this like small apartment. And there he meets this family.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
The Unbelievable Story of Dion and Gobi
And this family's like, uh, we think this dog might be the one you're looking for. And sure enough, when that dog sees Dion, she goes ape sh** because it's Gobi. And Gobi is just all over him. And finally, after all that, they are reunited. And eventually Dion is able to bring her back to Scotland to live with him. And here they are in real life. The good ending.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
The Unbelievable Story of Dion and Gobi
Which is tough, because the runners have to carry all their own food with them for the week. So they have very limited supply of it. So Dion, he sees this dog, and he's like, hell no, dog! Go on! Get! Then, the next day, Dion and the other runners, they make their way to the starting line. And then he looks down, and there's that dumb little dog again, chewing at his shoes.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
The Unbelievable Story of Dion and Gobi
And he's like, damn it, dog, go on! Get! And then the race starts, and the dog is like chewing at his feet for a whole quarter mile. And Dion's like getting annoyed, like, go on, get! And lucky for him, the dog finally disappears. And Dion is kind of relieved because it's hard enough running through a desert without a stray animal trying to trip you up.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
The Unbelievable Story of Dion and Gobi
But then eight hours later, after running through a thick forest area, Dion looks down and there's that stupid little dog again running alongside him. And he's like, I said, go on. But the dog continues to follow him, running alongside him when he crosses the finish line to end the second day.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
The Night Stalker - The Richard Ramirez story
One day, this kid, he's 12, he's hanging out with his older cousin. And older cousin is like, hey, come here, let me tell you about my time in the war. And so older cousin starts to tell these gruesome stories about some of the things he did back in the Vietnam War. About people he had unalived and women he had done horrible things to.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
The Night Stalker - The Richard Ramirez story
About five years later, Ricardo is 22, and he moves from Texas to San Francisco to get a fresh start. But instead of getting a job, he spends most of his time just doing drugs. And he basically just gives up on hygiene, like the only thing he eats are junk food and soda. And he like never brushes his teeth, so they inevitably start to rot. So he's just a stank ass at this point.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
The Night Stalker - The Richard Ramirez story
And after about two years of living this stank-ass lifestyle, Ricardo suddenly decides, you know what? I'm going to start murdering people. Sounds like fun. And then one day, while he's out in the neighborhood, Ricardo spots a girl. And she's nine. And the girl has lost a dollar bill. And she's out looking for it. And so Ricardo approaches her. And he's like, hey, I know where your dollar bill is.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
The Night Stalker - The Richard Ramirez story
I can show you. Follow me. And so she follows him into the basement of the hotel where he's living. And there, he does horrible things to her. And he eventually unalives her. Oh, but he doesn't stop there. Three months later, he moves to Los Angeles. And there, he gets a room in a hotel on Skid Row, and he starts doing a lot more drugs.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
The Night Stalker - The Richard Ramirez story
And one night, he starts stalking this 79-year-old woman who lives in the suburbs. And he breaks into her house, and then he essays her, and he unalives her with a knife. Then he just steals all her money and her expensive jewelry. Nine months later, he strikes again. One night he hides in this woman's garage and he waits for her to get home.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
The Night Stalker - The Richard Ramirez story
Like unspeakable things that I can't even describe on this app, otherwise my video will get removed. But then, to prove it, he busts out some Polaroid photos to show younger cousin. And most of these photos are of women. And they are absolutely brutal. And strangely, little cousin, he isn't grossed out. Actually, he's fascinated. And about a year later, the cousins are together again.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
The Night Stalker - The Richard Ramirez story
And when she finally does, he suddenly steps out and he pulls out a pew-pew and bang, he unalives her. Then he goes into her house and he sees the woman's roommate and bang, he unalives her too.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
The Night Stalker - The Richard Ramirez story
Then about an hour later, he's at a local park and he spots a random woman sitting in her car and he suddenly grabs her and he drags her out of it and then he pulls out his pew-pew and he unalives her as well. And yeah, it just keeps getting worse. Because 10 days later, Ricardo breaks into a house at night, and he shoots a man while he's sleeping.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
The Night Stalker - The Richard Ramirez story
And then the man's wife wakes up, and she tries to fight back. And so Ricardo shoots her too, and then he unalives her with a knife. Then he steals her eyes, and he puts them in a jewelry box to take with him as a souvenir. And so Ricardo just continues on this streak of murder and SA. And he unalives at least five more women and five more couples.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
The Night Stalker - The Richard Ramirez story
Usually he'll break into their home at night, execute them, and then he'll draw religious symbols at the scene of the crime. Now at this point, police are looking at this string of attacks and they're starting to think, you know, there might be a serial killer on the loose here. So they start investigating. But as of now, they don't have much.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
The Night Stalker - The Richard Ramirez story
They have some descriptions of him, they have some sort of fingerprints, and they have some shoe prints they found at some of the crime scenes. But interestingly enough, Ricardo's shoe print is unique. There had only been one pair of that brand of sneakers sold in Los Angeles in his size. So maybe they're onto something. Meanwhile, the news media is reporting on all of this.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
The Night Stalker - The Richard Ramirez story
And so stories about his string of murders are blowing up all over the news. And the media starts referring to him as the Night Stalker, which to be fair is a much cooler name than his stank ass deserves. But with all this news coverage, Ricardo is starting to feel the heat and he doesn't want to get caught. So he leaves Los Angeles and he moves all the way back to San Francisco.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
The Night Stalker - The Richard Ramirez story
And there in San Francisco, like the first thing he does, he breaks into a couple's home and he unalives them and he draws another religious symbol on the wall. And so police, they investigate this and they're like, oh, is the Night Stalker now in San Francisco?
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
The Night Stalker - The Richard Ramirez story
Now the mayor of San Francisco, Mayor Dianne Feinstein, she gets on TV and she holds a press conference and she reveals that the police have identified the Night Stalker's shoes from all those shoe prints he left behind. And then she holds up a police sketch showing the world roughly what Ricardo looks like. And Ricardo, he sees this press conference on TV and he's like, oh snap, they're onto me.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
The Night Stalker - The Richard Ramirez story
And he heads right over to the Golden Gate Bridge and he throws his shoes over into the water. So he'll never leave those shoe prints again and they'll never catch him that way. And then a few days later, he moves back to the Los Angeles area. And then one night, Ricardo drives a little bit south of that area and he tries to break into another family's home, but that fails.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
The Night Stalker - The Richard Ramirez story
And then later he breaks into a different couple's home. And then he shoots the husband and essays the wife before he arrogantly identifies himself to her. He says, tell them the Night Stalker was here. So then later, when that woman talks to police, she's able to give them a description of Ricardo. And police had also found a car he had stolen with one of his whole ass fingerprints in it.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
The Night Stalker - The Richard Ramirez story
And from that fingerprint, police are finally able to use new technology to identify it and start piecing all this together. And because Ricardo had been arrested in the past for auto theft, his fingerprints are already in the system. So now... Boom, police know the Night Stalker is Ricardo.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
The Night Stalker - The Richard Ramirez story
And they now have not just a crude police sketch of the Night Stalker, but an actual old mugshot of Ricardo. So police hold a press conference and they release the mugshot to the media. And suddenly Ricardo's picture is all over the news. And everyone is on the lookout for this serial killer. Two days later, Ricardo's in Los Angeles and he's at a convenience store.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
The Night Stalker - The Richard Ramirez story
And the younger cousin, his name's Ricardo, and the older cousin, his name's Mike. And so Ricardo and Mike, they're hanging out at Mike's place and Mike, he suddenly gets into an argument with his wife and he gets so mad that he pulls out a pew-pew and he ends up unaliving her right there in front of little Ricardo. And again, Ricardo isn't grossed out. He's fascinated.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
The Night Stalker - The Richard Ramirez story
Probably buying junk food or whatever because his rotten ass teeth. But anyway, that's when people start to recognize him. Hey, isn't that that guy, the Night Stalker? So Ricardo panics and he runs out of the store and he sees a car and he immediately tries to steal it. And during all this commotion, more people recognize him. Yeah, I think that is the Night Stalker.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
The Night Stalker - The Richard Ramirez story
And some of the bystanders grab him and they pull him out of the car. Then he runs across the street and he tries to steal another woman's car keys. And that woman's husband retaliates and hits Ricardo over the head with a whole ass fence post. Where he got a fence post, I don't know. So now Ricardo's wounded and he's running away. And 10 citizens are chasing him down.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
The Night Stalker - The Richard Ramirez story
And they finally catch him and they hold him down. And they beat the living sh**. out of him. I'm sure it was glorious. But then eventually police show up and then bam, they arrest him. Here's his mugshot. And they charge his stank ass with 13 counts of murder, five counts of attempted murder, 11 essays and 14 burglaries. And he's found guilty of everything.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
The Night Stalker - The Richard Ramirez story
And he's sentenced to death by gas chamber. Oh, but here's the craziest part. While he's on death row, he gets fucked. fans and those fans start writing him and like visiting him in prison and one of those fans he falls in love with and they get married so this stank ass serial killer on death row somehow finds love and gets married why are you still single anyway he later died of cancer
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
The Night Stalker - The Richard Ramirez story
Now, you can decide whether all that actually messed him up or not. Because shortly after that, Ricardo starts getting into drugs, particularly the kind that make you hallucinate. And he starts committing petty crimes and shoplifting all the time. And he gets really, really into his religion. And eventually he just says f*** it and he drops out of high school.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
The Night Stalker - The Richard Ramirez story
A few years later, Ricardo's 17 and he gets a job at a local holiday inn. And while he's working his shift, he starts sneaking into the guests' rooms while they're asleep and he'll steal their valuables. But then he goes even further and he starts trying to essay some of the guests. And he eventually gets caught and bam, they fire him. Oh, but it gets much worse.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
The Downfall of the Silk Road - The Ross Ulbricht story
So this guy is about to go to prison for starting a website? Now the guy, let's call him Pirate. And Pirate is 27 and he hates the US government. He hates how they regulate and intervene and everything. And one day in 2011, he comes up with an idea. An idea to get around all that government regulation. He's going to build a website.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
The Downfall of the Silk Road - The Ross Ulbricht story
And so the feds start investigating and that is when this DEA agent gets involved, Carl Force. And Carl Force, he goes undercover and he becomes an active user on Silk Road. And he gets involved in the community and he eventually becomes online friends with Pirate. And at some point, Carl Force and other agents discover the identity of one of the people working for Pirate.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
The Downfall of the Silk Road - The Ross Ulbricht story
The worker's name is Chronic Pain because they all go by their usernames. So Carl Force and the feds set up a sting operation to bust Chronic Pain, and bam, they go in and they arrest him. Here's his mugshot. Now, once Pirate finds out that Chronic Pain has been arrested, he gets worried, as he should be, because it's only a matter of time before the feds figure out who he really is.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
The Downfall of the Silk Road - The Ross Ulbricht story
And if Chronic Pain snitches on him, this could bring down Silk Road and his entire operation. Plus, Pirate has gotten word that Chronic Pain was stealing Bitcoin from the site or the company. So he's thinking, f*** that guy. So in 2013, Pirate does the only thing he can think of.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
The Downfall of the Silk Road - The Ross Ulbricht story
He allegedly decides to hire a hitman to find Chronic Pain and get rid of him for good so that he won't snitch and so that he'll stop stealing money from the site. And by the way, Chronic Pain was never stealing money from the site, just so you know. But anyway, so Pirate gets to work and he contacts a buddy who he believes might be able to hire a hitman and unalive his former employee.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
The Downfall of the Silk Road - The Ross Ulbricht story
That buddy ends up being Carl Force, the undercover DEA agent. And so Pirate hits up Carl and he's like, hey, I'll pay you $80,000 if you unalive someone for me. And Carl Force is like, what the hell? I mean...
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
The Downfall of the Silk Road - The Ross Ulbricht story
aight now we know carl force is a dea agent so he's not just gonna go and assassinate someone so he collaborates with chronic pain and they stage some photos together and they make it look like some hitmen captured chronic pain and that they are waterboarding him in a bathtub then they make him lay down on the floor and they like pour soup on him and they make him look unalived
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
The Downfall of the Silk Road - The Ross Ulbricht story
And on that site, you would be able to buy or sell anything you want anonymously, like fake passports, drugs, illegal pew-pews, things like that. And it would be like an Amazon for buying illegal stuff. And so he gets to work and he hires someone to help him build this. And eventually he launches it on the dark web. Now the site, it's called the Silk Road and it's pretty successful right away.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
The Downfall of the Silk Road - The Ross Ulbricht story
And they take a bunch of pictures and Carl Force sends those pictures to Pirate. And now Pirate believes chronic pain has been unalived. Oh, and by the way, Pirate also allegedly orders five more hits on other people at different times. Like bro is just crashing out. Allegedly.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
The Downfall of the Silk Road - The Ross Ulbricht story
Now, at this point in 2013, various factions of the US government are investigating Silk Road, because it's getting pretty popular. And they're still trying to figure out who is running the operation, because the whole Silk Road site is run anonymously. Like, even the guys who work for Pirate don't know who he is or his real identity, because they all go by their usernames.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
The Downfall of the Silk Road - The Ross Ulbricht story
And so the feds want to know who is Pirate. Now, eventually they finally discover the IP address of the Silk Road site and they trace it to a couple of different places. One of those places being a little internet cafe in San Francisco. And Pirate, the real guy, happens to live near there.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
The Downfall of the Silk Road - The Ross Ulbricht story
And so the feds start putting clues together and ultimately they conclude that Pirate is the guy running this Silk Road and that this is where he lives. So cool, now they can go get him, right? No, there's a problem.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
The Downfall of the Silk Road - The Ross Ulbricht story
the feds can't just rush in and bust him because pirate is a smart guy his electronic devices are very likely locked and password protected and if they can't get into his laptop they won't have enough evidence to convict him and so what do they do they set up a little sting operation to get his laptop away from him while it's still open while he's logged in so that they can break into it and so first they find pirate and they surveil him for a while
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
The Downfall of the Silk Road - The Ross Ulbricht story
Then, once they know his routine, they follow him to the San Francisco Public Library, where he chills sometimes and works off their Wi-Fi. After that, some undercover agents go to this library. Then, two of the agents pretend to be a romantic couple arguing, and one of the people in this fake couple starts cussing the other one out.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
The Downfall of the Silk Road - The Ross Ulbricht story
now this causes pirate to stop what he's doing and turn around and look at this fake couple then one undercover agent posing as the wife in this couple punches the other undercover agent which creates a huge distraction and now that pirate has all his attention focused on this fight and he's nice and distracted boom another agent swoops in and grabs his laptop
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
The Downfall of the Silk Road - The Ross Ulbricht story
while it's still open, while he's still logged in. And pow, another undercover agent grabs Pirate before Pirate can react. And bam, they arrest him. Here's his mugshot. And listen to this. Allegedly, Silk Road had made $1.2 billion worth of sales in just these few years that the site was live. While Pirate himself made, from what I saw, about $184 million. Oh my God.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
The Downfall of the Silk Road - The Ross Ulbricht story
But here's the crazy thing though, Silk Road sold a lot of drugs as it was designed to do. And at least six people that we know of at some point died from overdosing on drugs that they had bought off that site. So when this whole case goes to trial, family members of people who had overdosed show up and they like cry in court and they give personal statements against Pirate and the Silk Road.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
The Downfall of the Silk Road - The Ross Ulbricht story
And this has a huge impact on the case. Plus, the prosecution brings up the fact that Pirate allegedly tried to hire hitmen to unalive some people, although they never formally charge him with that. I guess they have enough against him with illegally running the Silk Road, or maybe he never tried to unalive those people. I don't know, but they never charge him with it.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
The Downfall of the Silk Road - The Ross Ulbricht story
And because of all that, at the end of it all, Pirate is found guilty, and he gets life in prison without the possibility of parole. which a lot of people feel is really harsh. Life without parole for running a website? Oh, but that's not even the craziest part.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
The Downfall of the Silk Road - The Ross Ulbricht story
The craziest part is that Carl Force, the DEA agent who was working on the case, he was secretly extorting Pirate the whole time into giving him some of that money that the site was making. Pirate ended up giving him like $750,000 in Bitcoin. And so Carl Force, the DEA agent, also gets convicted in this scheme and he gets six years in prison. Here's a picture of the guy.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
The Downfall of the Silk Road - The Ross Ulbricht story
Like people flock to it and they buy all kinds of crazy stuff. And they pay for it all in Bitcoin, making things harder to trace. And just like Amazon, the site even allows you to rate and review sellers. Like, this Zaza was pretty dank. Five stars. Anyway, about a year goes by, and it's now 2012, and business is booming. And at this point, Pirate's got like 10 employees working for him.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
The Downfall of the Silk Road - The Ross Ulbricht story
Not only that, but also another agent gets busted for stealing Bitcoin from the site while they were working on this very case. And he gets like five years in prison total. Here's his picture. But then it all changes one last time. Because in 2025, in a crazy twist, after Pirate had been in prison for around 10 years or so, the government officially steps in and pardons him.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
The Downfall of the Silk Road - The Ross Ulbricht story
So he's actually out now.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
The Downfall of the Silk Road - The Ross Ulbricht story
The site is making half a million dollars in sales a week. It has a bunch of active users. People are buying and selling all kinds of illegal stuff from one another. But you know, mostly drugs. And Pirate himself makes commission off of each sale. So he is raking in the money. He's now apparently worth tens of millions of dollars. Dude is rich. And he barely spends it.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
The Downfall of the Silk Road - The Ross Ulbricht story
He's like too busy running the site, I guess. And this success is great and all. However, here's the problem with Silk Road being so successful so quickly. Because so many people know about it and so many people are talking about it, guess who now has their eyes on it? The one thing Pirate hates, the US government.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
The Creepy Fake Doctor - The John Meehan story
So this guy, he's a creep. Like I don't know how else to describe him. Now his name's John and John's 31 and he's kind of a turd. I mean he's been lying and cheating and scamming women his whole life. But he gets away with it because he's kind of a charming dude. One day his life starts to change a little because in 1990 he meets this woman. Tanya.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
The Creepy Fake Doctor - The John Meehan story
So he eventually gets back in the dating game and he starts pulling this whole scheme where he'll match with women on dating sites and then he'll meet up with them and then he'll steal from them. And over time, he gets a bunch of complaints and criminal charges over this. He also gets charged with stalking one woman. Bro is just an absolute turd.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
The Creepy Fake Doctor - The John Meehan story
But one day, everything changes again for John, because he joins a dating site for people over 50. And there, he meets this woman, Debra. Debra's 59, she's an interior designer, and Debra's successful, like she's got a little money. And so they chat and they hit it off and they end up going out on a date. Now, while on this date, he's trying to riz her up.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
The Creepy Fake Doctor - The John Meehan story
He tells her he's an anesthesiologist, which he's not. He also tells her he just got back from Doctors Without Borders in Iraq, which he didn't. But Debra doesn't know any better, so she believes him. I mean, she's impressed. And they end up going back to her place to hang out a bit longer. And there, I guess at some point, John lays in her bed and he won't leave.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
The Creepy Fake Doctor - The John Meehan story
And Debra's like, all right, it's time to go. And I guess he's just like, nah. And so they get into some kind of argument about it. But eventually, he does leave. The next day, he calls her and apologizes, and he begs her for a second chance. And so, they end up going out on more dates, and over time, he does win her over. And Debra kind of falls in love with his weird ass.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
The Creepy Fake Doctor - The John Meehan story
Here's the thing about that, though. Despite how much Debra is into him, people around her really aren't. I mean, they know a creep when they see one. Particularly, her adult daughter, Jacqueline. And Jacqueline thinks he's weird and he's a loser, and not only that, she's pretty vocal about it. Now Deborah's other adult daughter, Tara, she also thinks something's off about John.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
The Creepy Fake Doctor - The John Meehan story
And Tanya's 25, she's a nurse, and they date for a couple of years and they end up getting married. And John eventually starts nursing school and he becomes a nurse, just like his wife. But then he screws it all up because he ends up cheating on her. And he gets the other woman pregnant. And of course, Tanya is pissed off and she's hurt. Like, how could he lie to me with so much ease?
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
The Creepy Fake Doctor - The John Meehan story
And they think this because there is something off about John. Like remember he said he's an anesthesiologist, yet he doesn't even have his own car. Like, what kind of anesthesiologist can't afford his own car? He also chills and plays video games all the time, despite having an important medical career. He also only ever wears scrubs. Like, everywhere.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
The Creepy Fake Doctor - The John Meehan story
Like, even to formal events, he'll show up in some dirty-ass scrubs. I guess he really wants everyone to believe he's a doctor. But the thing that bothers Jacqueline the most is that he constantly has dirty, disgusting fingernails. Which doctors are usually known for keeping their hands clean. Oh, but not this guy.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
The Creepy Fake Doctor - The John Meehan story
Not only that, they don't know it yet, but being an anesthesiologist is not the only thing he lies about. He lies about having a job, like, altogether. Bro is just unemployed. Like, he leaves the house for work every day as if he's going to his job, but he doesn't actually have a job, so where the f*** does he go? Regardless, Deborah and John end up moving in together.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
The Creepy Fake Doctor - The John Meehan story
And shortly after that, they get married in Vegas. Now, by this point, Jacqueline and Tara are like, nah, something's up with this guy. And they go and they hire a private investigator to look into him. And this private investigator finds out a bunch of stuff about John.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
The Creepy Fake Doctor - The John Meehan story
That not only is he not an anesthesiologist or any kind of doctor, but that the period when he was supposed to be working with Doctors Without Borders in Iraq, he was actually in prison. And so Jacqueline and Tara, they try to tell Deborah all of this, but I guess Deborah just isn't ready to hear it.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
The Creepy Fake Doctor - The John Meehan story
Now, eventually Deborah does start investigating and she looks into John herself and she discovers that, yeah, everyone was telling the truth about him. He's not a doctor at all. In fact, he's a criminal with a history of victimizing women. And so one day, while John is in the hospital getting back surgery, she low-key moves out of their house.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
The Creepy Fake Doctor - The John Meehan story
And while he's still recovering at the hospital, she lets him know, I've moved out. And he, of course, gets super pissed. And over the next few months, he like calls her and he sends her messages, just like bullshitting and trying to explain away all the stuff she found out about him that he was lying about.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
The Creepy Fake Doctor - The John Meehan story
And he of course tells her that she's the love of his life and just all these things and eventually, unfortunately, it works and she decides to give him another chance. And they move in to a new apartment together and they try and make it work out again. Until... Here's the thing about John. John is very controlling. And he doesn't want Debra to really contact her daughters anymore.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
The Creepy Fake Doctor - The John Meehan story
Because, you know, they don't like him. And one day in 2016, he catches her sneaking out to meet up with her daughter Jacqueline. And he gets mad and blows the up at her. And he threatens to throw Jacqueline into the ocean if Debra tries to meet with her again. And so finally, Debra's like, nah, this is not going to work out for me. And she leaves him for good.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
The Creepy Fake Doctor - The John Meehan story
And of course, John, well, he doesn't respond well to this at all. And over the next few months, he starts going crazy. Crazier than he's ever gone. He starts sending her threatening messages. He files for divorce and demands half her income and ownership of her business. He starts straining. stalking her. He steals her Jaguar and sets it on fire.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
The Creepy Fake Doctor - The John Meehan story
He gets spicy photos of her and emails them to her family. Just like all kinds of insane stuff. And at this point, Deborah's getting really scared. He'll try and hurt her. So she goes and she files a restraining order against him. But because he now lives in a different state and hasn't actually tried to harm her before, the restraining order gets denied.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
The Creepy Fake Doctor - The John Meehan story
And that is very unfortunate because this is when he really gets out of control. Because one day, Debra's daughter Tara is driving home from work, and she gets to her building, and she pulls into her parking spot, and as soon as she gets out of the car, boom, John is suddenly standing behind her. And pow, he attacks her with a knife.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
The Creepy Fake Doctor - The John Meehan story
And they struggle, and he tries to push her into the car like he's kidnapping her, and bam, she bites the shit out of his hand, and they both fall to the ground. And there, they wrestle, and they continue the struggle, and pow, she kicks the knife right out of his hand. And then she grabs it herself, and boom, she starts stabbing him.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
The Creepy Fake Doctor - The John Meehan story
So she starts digging into his background to see if there's anything else he lied about. And yes, there definitely is. He had apparently lied to her about a bunch of stuff, including his age. Who lies to their own wife about their age? So Tanya's fed up and she starts searching their house and she finds a bunch of meds. Meds that she knows should never leave the hospital.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
The Creepy Fake Doctor - The John Meehan story
over and over again until he's in critical condition and four days later in the hospital he dies and tanya's case is ultimately determined by police to be self-defense which yeah it was
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
The Creepy Fake Doctor - The John Meehan story
So clearly he's been stealing drugs from the hospital he works at and abusing them. So she calls the police and reports him. And so John not only gets his nursing license suspended, but he gets hit with a charge of felony drug theft. And John knows it was Tanya who turned him in, so he starts calling her and threatening her.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
The Creepy Fake Doctor - The John Meehan story
But whatever, eventually, bam, police arrest John. Here's his mugshot. And he's sentenced to six years in prison, but this isn't even close to being over because John gets out after only 17 months and he's going to go terrorize some more women.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
He Killed His Best Friend To Steal His Wife - The Mike Williams and Denise Williams story
So this guy, his name's Brian, and Brian has a problem. He's in love with his best friend's wife, and he'll do anything to be with her, including murder his best friend. Now, Brian's best friend is this guy, Mike. And Mike is married to this woman, Denise. And they all live in Florida, because of course they do.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
He Killed His Best Friend To Steal His Wife - The Mike Williams and Denise Williams story
However, Mike is resilient and he quickly rips off the big jacket and he pulls himself out of the waders and he manages to grab on to a nearby tree stump sticking out of the water. And so Brian sees this and he's like, oh, it didn't work. He didn't drown. So he grabs his shotgun out of the boat, aims it down at Mike, and pulls the trigger. Blam! And this, unfortunately, unalives him.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
He Killed His Best Friend To Steal His Wife - The Mike Williams and Denise Williams story
Then, Brian puts Mike's body in the back of his truck, and later, he drives it to a different lake, and he buries him in the mud there. And now, it's Denise's turn to play her part in this. So she starts calling around to people, pretending to be worried that Mike hasn't returned from his duck hunting trip. Like, have you seen Mike? Mike is missing!
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
He Killed His Best Friend To Steal His Wife - The Mike Williams and Denise Williams story
And pretty quickly, police get involved and a huge search gets underway. And they comb through the lake looking for any sign of Mike. But of course, they don't find a body or anything other than his boat floating out on the water. And 44 days go by and police are still looking. And ultimately, they got nothing.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
He Killed His Best Friend To Steal His Wife - The Mike Williams and Denise Williams story
So they call the search off, and everyone assumes Mike must have passed away in an unfortunate boating accident where he fell into the water with his waders on and never came back up, and that his body was probably eaten by alligators. But then, six months later, something unexpected happens.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
He Killed His Best Friend To Steal His Wife - The Mike Williams and Denise Williams story
A local fisherman is out on the lake and he finds Mike's waders in the water, which opens the search back up for a while. So police send divers out and they find Mike's fishing jacket and his hunting license. But here's the first thing they notice about all these items. None of them are damaged. Like they don't have alligator teeth marks on them. So Mike couldn't have been eaten by gators.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
He Killed His Best Friend To Steal His Wife - The Mike Williams and Denise Williams story
So one day in 1997, Brian is looking at his best friend's wife, Denise, like, damn, she kinda foine. And Denise is looking at him like, yo, he kinda foine. And soon enough, the two start secretly smashing on the side behind Mike's back. And this cheating goes on for a few years. And eventually, Brian and Denise decide that this side smashing is great for them.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
He Killed His Best Friend To Steal His Wife - The Mike Williams and Denise Williams story
I mean, this must have been foul play. Meanwhile, Denise is elsewhere happy. Not because they found Mike's stuff, but because she's about to collect life insurance on his death. Like a lot of life insurance. $1.7 million, in fact. And to make it even more sinister, Brian is a life insurance salesman, and he is the one who sold Mike the policy just before he died. How f***ing evil is that?
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
He Killed His Best Friend To Steal His Wife - The Mike Williams and Denise Williams story
But whatever, Brian doesn't care. He got what he wanted. He's now with his friend's wife, and she is now a millionaire, and they continue on with their relationship. And five years later, in 2005, Brian and Denise get married. And disgustingly, they decide to live in the same house where she had lived with Mike. And it seems like their plan worked, and these guys are never gonna get caught.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
He Killed His Best Friend To Steal His Wife - The Mike Williams and Denise Williams story
Until... Now we gotta talk about this woman. Her name's Cheryl. Cheryl is actually Mike's mom, and she has always thought there was something weird going on with Mike's death, and she's never accepted the theory that he was eaten by alligators.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
He Killed His Best Friend To Steal His Wife - The Mike Williams and Denise Williams story
I mean, hell, police found Mike's waders and fishing jacket with no damage, so even they know this case is strange, and that it was probably foul play, they just don't have enough evidence to convict anyone. And so anyway, Cheryl starts investigating on her own. And she's doing a lot. She runs advertisements in the local newspapers.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
He Killed His Best Friend To Steal His Wife - The Mike Williams and Denise Williams story
She runs billboards asking if anyone has any information about Mike's disappearance. She bugs law enforcement to reopen it and look into it further. In fact, here's actually a picture of her walking around holding up signs asking people to help solve Mike's case. Here's actually another picture of her doing it too.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
He Killed His Best Friend To Steal His Wife - The Mike Williams and Denise Williams story
And now eventually, because of her insistence, police do reopen the case and they look into everything again. But unfortunately, over time, they don't find any new evidence and they close it again. And poor Cheryl doesn't get the closure on her son's death that she so desperately needs. And many years pass, and it's now 2012. And poor Denise and Brian, their relationship is no longer working out.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
He Killed His Best Friend To Steal His Wife - The Mike Williams and Denise Williams story
Apparently, he has some kind of sex addiction or something. I don't know. But regardless, it's no longer working out, and they separate. Three years later, in 2015, Denise finally files for divorce. And Brian, he apparently doesn't want to get divorced, and he's super pissed off about the whole thing.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
He Killed His Best Friend To Steal His Wife - The Mike Williams and Denise Williams story
I mean, after all he went through, he murdered this woman's husband for her and she's about to divorce him? No way. He is not about to let this slide. And so late one morning, around 2.30 a.m., Brian sneaks over to her house and he hides in the back of her SUV and he waits. A few hours later, it's daylight out now, and she gets in and she starts driving to work. And suddenly, pow!
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
He Killed His Best Friend To Steal His Wife - The Mike Williams and Denise Williams story
Brian jumps over into the backseat and he pulls out a pew-pew and he points it right at her. And he starts yelling directions at her like he wants her to drive to a specific place. But unfortunately for him, Denise is stubborn. She doesn't listen and she immediately pulls over to a nearby CVS parking lot. But Brian isn't gonna stop. He orders her to call off the divorce.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
He Killed His Best Friend To Steal His Wife - The Mike Williams and Denise Williams story
And she's like, yeah, sure, we can work this out. I mean, she's just saying that because she didn't want to get shot. And so once she agrees to call off the divorce, Brian calms down and she drives him to a nearby park where he had parked his truck and she drops him off.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
He Killed His Best Friend To Steal His Wife - The Mike Williams and Denise Williams story
And Brian apologizes for holding her at gunpoint while Denise agrees to get back together with him and not tell the police about this. Once he leaves, she heads right to the police station to tell the police about this. And so bam, police go and arrest Brian. Here's his mugshot. So then Brian is pissed off that Denise snitched on him after she said that she wouldn't, so he starts snitching on her.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
He Killed His Best Friend To Steal His Wife - The Mike Williams and Denise Williams story
And they want to be together permanently. Now, at this point, Denise could come clean and divorce Mike and go run away with Brian and live happily ever after, but that's not what they decide to do. Apparently, Denise is very Christian and way too religious to get a divorce. So instead, they decide they're going to murder Mike.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
He Killed His Best Friend To Steal His Wife - The Mike Williams and Denise Williams story
And boom, he suddenly admits to unaliving Mike all those years ago out on the lake. But he informs them that Denise was also involved in the plot too, and that they should go arrest her. So then, bam, police go and arrest Denise. Here's her mugshot.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
He Killed His Best Friend To Steal His Wife - The Mike Williams and Denise Williams story
And so Brian takes a plea deal and he gets 20 years in prison while Denise gets life. But then she's later resentenced to 30 years in prison. And most importantly, Cheryl finally gets closure on her son's death. Good for her.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
He Killed His Best Friend To Steal His Wife - The Mike Williams and Denise Williams story
And they come up with this insane plan to take him out to a lake and drown him. So one day in 2000, Brian invites Mike to go on a duck hunting trip. These guys often go on these duck hunting trips. So they go and the two guys are out on this swampy lake in Mike's boat shooting at ducks or whatever. And so they're out there and Mike is wearing a big jacket because it's cold and waders.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
He Killed His Best Friend To Steal His Wife - The Mike Williams and Denise Williams story
And waders are rather heavy waterproof pants. They look like this. And at one point, Brian gets Mike to stand up in the boat and suddenly, boom, he pushes him as hard as he can over the side of the boat and into the water. Because he's hoping that the waders fill up with water and Mike won't be able to get them off and he'll drown in the lake and the whole thing will look like one big accident.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
The Multi Million Dollar Stolen Makeup Operation - The Michelle Mack story
So this insane woman becomes a multi-millionaire by shoplifting makeup. Now her name is Mac and Mac is around 41 years old. She's a mom living in Arizona and she runs a bunch of online stores like buying cheap items and then reselling them on Amazon. That kind of stuff.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
The Multi Million Dollar Stolen Makeup Operation - The Michelle Mack story
In fact, she's making so much money that in 2018, she and her family move from Arizona all the way to California. And there, she buys a $1.3 million house. So her Amazon store must be doing pretty well. But even still, Mac is like, nah, not good enough. And she wants to make more. So in California, she decides to level up her game. And at this point, her husband is involved in all this.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
The Multi Million Dollar Stolen Makeup Operation - The Michelle Mack story
And his name is Kenneth. So Mac and Kenneth, they decide to expand this operation. And I don't know how they find them, but they somehow find a bunch more shady young women, all in their 20s, all with long-ass criminal records, to be a part of this scheme. And Mac starts calling them the California Girls. So that's what we'll call them.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
The Multi Million Dollar Stolen Makeup Operation - The Michelle Mack story
And so Mac makes sure the California girls are skilled enough for the job and she'll message them on Facebook or WhatsApp or another app where they can text and she'll send them all the instructions to steal from these stores and she'll also send them like long shopping lists of merchandise to get.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
The Multi Million Dollar Stolen Makeup Operation - The Michelle Mack story
so then the california girls will separately go to ulta or sephora or wherever mac tells them to go and of course they're not a normal customer they're low-key stuffing their purses with makeup and brushes and all kinds of stuff and the whole time mac is like texting them asking them for updates making sure they get every single item from her list and she actually ends up being kind of a hard ass of a boss
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
The Multi Million Dollar Stolen Makeup Operation - The Michelle Mack story
And then one day in 2012, she starts an Amazon storefront that resells high-end makeup brands like Lancome and NARS and Tarte or however the you say it. And she like stores the inventory at her house and she packs it up and she ships it out and she does the whole thing. But at some point, Mac gets an idea.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
The Multi Million Dollar Stolen Makeup Operation - The Michelle Mack story
But it must be a pretty tight operation because these girls don't get caught. So Mac keeps sending them out again and again and again. And business is looking pretty good. In fact, it's looking so good that Mac asked the girls to start recruiting their criminal friends to help them like it's a freaking MLM. And they do.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
The Multi Million Dollar Stolen Makeup Operation - The Michelle Mack story
So eventually there are like a dozen California girls all stealing for Mac's operation. But even still, Mac is like, and she wants more. And so she instructs the girls to steal more than makeup. And she starts sending them to lens crafters and other stores to steal like sunglasses. And she makes them start stealing purses. And she resells all of that on Amazon too. And that does really well.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
The Multi Million Dollar Stolen Makeup Operation - The Michelle Mack story
However, it's still not as well as Mac would like because she's still like, and she decides to expand outside of the state of California and go national. And so she starts sending the California girls to retail stores in different states across the country.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
The Multi Million Dollar Stolen Makeup Operation - The Michelle Mack story
that way they're not hitting up the same stores over and over again and she'll send them money for flights to the east coast and she'll pay for their rental car she'll pay for their hotel and each of the girls will fly to a new city head to a store and steal some makeup and more and then they'll give it to mac and she'll sell it on amazon for a profit and this is actually a picture of a bunch of the stolen makeup that mac has stored at her house i guess she keeps all of the inventory there
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
The Multi Million Dollar Stolen Makeup Operation - The Michelle Mack story
And if you're like, Ray, why would these young women risk getting caught and being thrown in jail over this? Because they're actually making a shitload of money. To max credit, she actually pays her employees pretty well. At least one girl is making around $57,000 a month. A freaking month. While Mac is, of course, killing it too. Like in one year alone, she and Kenneth make $1.8 million.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
The Multi Million Dollar Stolen Makeup Operation - The Michelle Mack story
$1.8 million from stealing makeup. In fact, Mac and Kenneth are making so much money that they decide that their current house is not... So they move. Not too far away, but in 2021, they move to a much bigger house because they're like
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
The Multi Million Dollar Stolen Makeup Operation - The Michelle Mack story
balling now and i actually like looking at criminals houses so let me be a real estate agent really quick and show you this big ass house they got this is a 4500 square feet luxury home it's got a pool and a hot tub it's got a winery it's got a really nice staircase it's got a breakfast nook you can hold weddings here which mac actually does at one point It's got a whole ass orchard.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
The Multi Million Dollar Stolen Makeup Operation - The Michelle Mack story
There's even a little separate building where they have a chapel. So it's got a little church on this property, which is the perfect place to worship after you've committed a bunch of retail theft. So anyway, Mac's operation keeps going for more than 10 years, while Mac herself has managed to make almost $8 million flipping all of this stolen product on Amazon.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
The Multi Million Dollar Stolen Makeup Operation - The Michelle Mack story
She can make way more money if she steals the makeup from the store and then resells it online. So allegedly, that's what she does. She goes to the store, steals the makeup, and then puts it in her Amazon store to sell. And as you could guess, her online makeup business becomes her most successful business venture in her life. Because, you know, it's 100% profit.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
The Multi Million Dollar Stolen Makeup Operation - The Michelle Mack story
And so the empire she's built, I mean, it looks like it's untouchable. Until... Okay, so here's the thing about these makeup and retail stores. These stores often know when things come up missing, like they're not idiots. And while they may not catch the person during the act, they will sometimes still report the theft to police. And they'll sometimes hand over any surveillance footage they have.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
The Multi Million Dollar Stolen Makeup Operation - The Michelle Mack story
So at some point, the California Highway Patrol and Homeland Security, they get word of some of these thefts. And they start investigating and looking at some of this surveillance footage. And of course, on some of this footage, they can see the California girls doing their thing. And eventually, they're successfully able to identify two of them.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
The Multi Million Dollar Stolen Makeup Operation - The Michelle Mack story
And then one day in 2023, the two California girls hit up an Ulta to steal a bunch of stuff and they're walking out of the store with their purses all full of makeup that they didn't pay for. And that is when police swoop in and bam, they arrest them. Then, the police get a warrant to search one of the girls' phones.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
The Multi Million Dollar Stolen Makeup Operation - The Michelle Mack story
And in that phone, they find all those messages that Mac sent this California girl. You know, the ones with the very detailed instructions on how to steal and the lists of items to steal. And so, bam, they arrest Mac. And I don't have a mugshot, but here's a picture of her getting arrested in real life. Also, bam, they arrest her husband, Kenneth.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
The Multi Million Dollar Stolen Makeup Operation - The Michelle Mack story
Here's a picture of him getting arrested in real life. And both Mac and Kenneth, they take a plea deal and he gets sentenced to five years in prison while she also gets sentenced to five years in prison. And they're both ordered to sell their big ass new house to pay restitution to Sephora and Ulta. And the California girls, I don't know what happened to them.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
The Multi Million Dollar Stolen Makeup Operation - The Michelle Mack story
I couldn't find anything on them, but I assume they flipped and got off light.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
The Multi Million Dollar Stolen Makeup Operation - The Michelle Mack story
However, I guess this little bit of money isn't satisfying for Mac. And she's like, nah, not good enough. And she wants to make more. So at some point, she comes up with a plan to get even more stolen makeup at a quicker rate. She's going to have teams of people go out and steal it. And that's exactly what she does.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
The Multi Million Dollar Stolen Makeup Operation - The Michelle Mack story
She somehow gets these shady young women all in their 20s to each go out to different makeup stores and they steal a bunch of shit. They give it to Mac. Mac pays them for their services. And then she resells it on Amazon. And let me tell you, it is absurd how well this scheme works. She's suddenly pulling in a lot of money.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
The Cop Who Was a Serial Killer - The Rosemary Ndlovu story
So this South African cop ends up going crazy and eventually becomes a serial killer. The story's wild. Now her name's Rosemary and Rosemary is in her 30s. She's a police sergeant in South Africa. But Rosemary has a problem, a gambling problem. She's an addict. Not only that, she has an issue with loan sharks because she owes them a lot of money. And now they're after her.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
The Cop Who Was a Serial Killer - The Rosemary Ndlovu story
You go buy some bread and I'll stay here and make the tea. So sister leaves to go buy the bread while Rosemary starts making the tea. But she spikes it with some kind of poison. And when her sister gets home, she unknowingly drinks it. And I don't know if the poison didn't work well enough or what, but after that, boom, Rosemary ends up strangling her sister until she unalives her.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
The Cop Who Was a Serial Killer - The Rosemary Ndlovu story
Then later she collects the insurance policy for her sister's death and she gets 717,000 rand or about 39,000 US dollars. Now at this point, Rosemary decides to lay low. Like maybe she's chilling, maybe she's spending her money, I don't know. But a couple of years go by and it's now 2015.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
The Cop Who Was a Serial Killer - The Rosemary Ndlovu story
And I don't know if she's out of money at this point or what, but here she decides to strike again and go after her own boyfriend. And so she goes and opens 16 life and funeral insurance policies in his name. But this time she hires a hitman to help her do the unaliving. And one night, boyfriend is leaving the house and suddenly, boom, a hitman is standing out in his yard.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
The Cop Who Was a Serial Killer - The Rosemary Ndlovu story
And the hitman points a pew-pew right at him and he pulls the trigger.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
The Cop Who Was a Serial Killer - The Rosemary Ndlovu story
click lucky for boyfriend it jams and then the hitman runs away so boyfriend is safe but then one day he's asleep in his bed taking a nap and suddenly pow his house catches on fire and he wakes up in a panic and he runs outside and so he makes it out alive but later when they investigate they find that someone likely rosemary put four bottles filled with fuel underneath his bed hoping he would burn up with the house
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
The Cop Who Was a Serial Killer - The Rosemary Ndlovu story
Now, after all this chaos, this is just way too much for Boyfriend to handle. Like, two close calls with death? And so, he breaks up with Rosemary, and he moves out. He's like, f*** all this. But, unfortunately, a few weeks later, he's out somewhere, I'm not sure where, and someone confronts him, and they have a knife, and pow, they stab him again and again, until he's unalived.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
The Cop Who Was a Serial Killer - The Rosemary Ndlovu story
And these guys are scary. So one day in 2012, she comes up with an absolutely insane plan to not only pay off these loan sharks, but to make herself a little bit of money as well. And she comes up with a scheme to murder her own cousin and collect insurance money off of it. So first she takes out a life insurance policy on this cousin.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
The Cop Who Was a Serial Killer - The Rosemary Ndlovu story
He was stabbed 76 times. And it's assumed that Rosemary was behind this too, because later she collects the insurance policy for boyfriend's death, and she gets 131,000 rand, or about 7,000 US dollars. And oh, she just keeps going, because you know, why stop there?
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
The Cop Who Was a Serial Killer - The Rosemary Ndlovu story
The following year, in 2016, she unalives her own niece, beats her to death, and she collects some insurance money after that, like the equivalent of 6,500 US dollars. Soon after that, Rosemary's own daughter, a toddler, dies. And no one knows if Rosemary's responsible for this one, but it's just a tragically weird coincidence. After that, she unalives her own nephew.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
The Cop Who Was a Serial Killer - The Rosemary Ndlovu story
Apparently he was beaten to death as well. After that, she takes out a couple of funeral policies on her other nephew. And this nephew is actually the son of the sister that she had poisoned a few years before. So she takes out these policies on him, and then she unalives him too. He was apparently hacked to death.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
The Cop Who Was a Serial Killer - The Rosemary Ndlovu story
Now, just to be clear, I'm showing images of Rosemary committing these murders, but it's actually unclear if she physically committed most of these herself or if she like hired someone else to help her do it, like, you know, maybe a hitman or something.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
The Cop Who Was a Serial Killer - The Rosemary Ndlovu story
But regardless, so far, she's unalived six of her own family members, possibly seven, and she's collected over 1.4 million rand from this, or about 76,000 US dollars. And I don't even know what she's doing it for at this point. Like, surely her loan sharks are paid off by now. I mean, she has a steady job. She's a police sergeant.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
The Cop Who Was a Serial Killer - The Rosemary Ndlovu story
So I assume she's collecting this insurance money and just gambling it away. But whatever, despite that, as of now, she hasn't been caught. And it doesn't seem like she's ever gonna get caught. Until... Here's the thing. What Rosemary doesn't realize is that there's already some suspicion growing around her. Specifically, a local police sergeant gets suspicious about all of this.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
The Cop Who Was a Serial Killer - The Rosemary Ndlovu story
And he decides to contact some insurance companies and ask for the details of the payouts made from these debts. And the more he digs into this, the more he's starting to see a pattern. The pattern obviously being that Rosemary has received a lump sum of money every time one of these family members of hers has died.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
The Cop Who Was a Serial Killer - The Rosemary Ndlovu story
However, unfortunately, as shady as that is, that's not exactly enough evidence to convict or even accuse her of any wrongdoing. Meanwhile, Rosemary is still going, and she decides her next victims are gonna be her own mother, her sister, and her sister's five kids. And that is a lot of people. So Rosemary decides she's gonna need some help with this and she's gonna hire a hitman.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
The Cop Who Was a Serial Killer - The Rosemary Ndlovu story
And so she meets up with this hitman and she tells him the plan. And I guess he ends up having a conscience because Bro goes right to the police and he reports her. So then the police get involved and they investigate and they set up a whole sting operation. And this hitman meets up with Rosemary again.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
The Cop Who Was a Serial Killer - The Rosemary Ndlovu story
But this time, not only is he wearing recording devices, but he's taken an undercover cop with him, posing as a second hitman. And so of course, during the meetup, they record her talking about the crime. And this is all the evidence they need. And so, bam, they arrest her. And I don't have a mugshot, but this is actually a picture of her in real life. Oh, but it gets worse.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
The Cop Who Was a Serial Killer - The Rosemary Ndlovu story
Not only did she unalive all of these people in her own family, but a long time ago, before any of this started, she used to have a husband. who one day died of mysterious circumstances. And people now suspect that she may have been responsible for that. Not only that, a few years after that, her baby son died. And I believe he was poisoned.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
The Cop Who Was a Serial Killer - The Rosemary Ndlovu story
So now, people also suspect that she may have been responsible for that. Basically, anyone who died around her at any point in her life, people now think she had something to do with it. Anyway, she gets life in prison. Good.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
The Cop Who Was a Serial Killer - The Rosemary Ndlovu story
And I guess in South Africa, there's not as much due diligence on life insurance policies because they're just like, okay, approved. Next, Rosemary lures this cousin out to a remote field, and that is when she grabs a big-ass rock, and suddenly, pow, she hits him with it. And then she hits him again, and again, and again, until she unalives him.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
The Cop Who Was a Serial Killer - The Rosemary Ndlovu story
Then later, Rosemary collects the insurance payout for his death, and she gets over 131,000 rand, or about 7,000 US dollars. And I guess no one suspects it was her. Now the bad thing is, not only did she just commit murder, but her plan worked perfectly, and now she knows how to make money from unaliving people. And so she decides to keep going. 15 months later, she strikes again.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
The Cop Who Was a Serial Killer - The Rosemary Ndlovu story
One day, she sets up life and funeral insurance policies for her sister. She pretends to be her own sister, and she contacts the insurance company, and she sets up a policy. And of course, Rosemary makes the beneficiary of this policy Rosemary herself. Then once that's set up, Rosemary goes over to her sister's house and she's like, let's have some tea.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
The Rapper Who Scammed The US Government - The Nuke Bizzle story
So this rapper is in big trouble. He's going to prison for his song lyrics. Let me explain. Now his name is Nuke Bizzle, and he's 31, and he's a rapper living in Tennessee, and bro is just trying to make money. But like, without getting an actual legit job, because you know, who wants that? And so instead, he gets a gig getting paid on the side as, uh, we'll just call it an unlicensed pharmacist.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
The Rapper Who Scammed The US Government - The Nuke Bizzle story
And he ends up applying for benefits 92 different times. Now this money usually doesn't come in the form of cash. It usually comes in these like little debit cards. So now bro has stacks and stacks of these government benefits debit cards. And so the money just keeps rolling in by the tens of thousands, then by the hundreds of thousands.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
The Rapper Who Scammed The US Government - The Nuke Bizzle story
And soon enough, he scammed over $1.2 million in unemployment. Then he apparently takes the cards and uses them to withdraw cash. So out of this 1.2 million, he withdraws $700,000 in cash. And so now he's got 700 grand. And of course, he's got to spend this money. And not only does he have to spend it, but he's got to get on his Instagram and flex. Like here he is buying some new shoes.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
The Rapper Who Scammed The US Government - The Nuke Bizzle story
Here he is in some new clothes with a Gucci belt. Here he is showing off his new teeth. And here he is just showing off stacks of money. And here he is showing off more money. And here he is with money literally falling out of his pockets. And if showing off your stolen government benefits wealth isn't bad enough, then Nuke Bizzle gets an even better idea. Why not write a rap song about it?
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
The Rapper Who Scammed The US Government - The Nuke Bizzle story
And in this song, he could explain how exactly he pulled off this crime. Because remember... He's an actual rapper. Like he puts out songs. He's got a page on Spotify with a little catalog. He's even got quite a few music videos out. Like he's really going for it with this whole rap thing. And so he finds a beat and he raps a bunch of bars about this scam he's pulling.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
The Rapper Who Scammed The US Government - The Nuke Bizzle story
And he teams up with another rapper whose name is, and I'm not making this up... Fat Wissa. And so Nuke Bizzle and Fat Wissa collaborate on this song called EDD. And EDD stands for Employment Development Department because that's literally the name of the government agency that he's ripping off. Oh, but that's not all. These guys make a music video too.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
The Rapper Who Scammed The US Government - The Nuke Bizzle story
And that video, combined with the lyrics, is basically just Nuke Bizzle laying out his whole crime. Now to spare you the whole song, because I assume you don't want to hear it, I'll just read you some of the lyrics. It's time to ball like the NBA, 10 cards, I'm swiping 10k a day. You gotta sell cocaine, I just gotta file a claim.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
The Rapper Who Scammed The US Government - The Nuke Bizzle story
And one of the craziest parts about this whole thing is that in the music video, he even uses the real EDD envelopes that he used to scam, and he makes it all obvious and he holds them up to the camera several times. Bro just has no shame. So anyway, he posts this video on YouTube hoping that it blows up and, you know, makes him famous and his fans watch it and they all seem to like it.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
The Rapper Who Scammed The US Government - The Nuke Bizzle story
And this makes him a little cash, but unfortunately for him, this kind of business comes with risks. And bam, he gets arrested for it. And then he gets arrested again, and then he gets arrested again. And so pretty quickly, he's starting to think this hustle isn't working out for him and that he needs to find something different. But one day, something crazy happens that changes everything.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
The Rapper Who Scammed The US Government - The Nuke Bizzle story
But you know who else ends up watching it and doesn't like it all that much? A special agent of the U.S. Department of Labor's Office of Inspector General. And so they see the video and they're like, did this guy just make a whole rap song admitting to scamming EDD benefits? And they immediately forward it to another department.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
The Rapper Who Scammed The US Government - The Nuke Bizzle story
I assume this department is the feds because this department looks into it and they see this music video where the lyrics are literally, I done got rich off of EDD.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
The Rapper Who Scammed The US Government - The Nuke Bizzle story
And so they see this and they start thinking, did this guy just get rich off of EDD? And they decide to track Nuke Bizzle down, which isn't all that hard because all his social media handles are linked right on his YouTube. So anyway, these guys start investigating and analyzing his lyrics and really looking into this music video.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
The Rapper Who Scammed The US Government - The Nuke Bizzle story
And they're able to pause the video on the part that shows the envelopes and apparently link one of the names and addresses on one of the envelopes to a real person, an actual victim of identity theft. AKA one of the people whose identity Nuke Bizzle stole in order to pull off this scam. Meanwhile, Nuke Bizzle has no idea he's being investigated.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
The Rapper Who Scammed The US Government - The Nuke Bizzle story
And so he just keeps living his new rich guy lifestyle. And he decides to go to Las Vegas and party with a friend. And so they go to Vegas and they're having a great time. They're hanging around in casinos, cruising around the strip. I mean, Nuke pulled off the perfect crime. I don't think he's ever gonna get caught. Until.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
The Rapper Who Scammed The US Government - The Nuke Bizzle story
So they're cruising around and suddenly, boom, they see blue and red lights behind them. They're getting pulled over for speeding. And so the police ask them if they can search their car. And for whatever reason, he says yes. And so they search this Escalade he's in and they find almost $50,000 in cash stashed under the seats. Who the hell needs that much cash to carry around?
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
The Rapper Who Scammed The US Government - The Nuke Bizzle story
That's what banks are for. Regardless, and more importantly, also in the car, police find EDD debit cards in seven different names. And the police are like, uh, you're not supposed to have all these. They're not even in your name. And so, bam, Newt Bizzle gets arrested. Here's a mugshot.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
The Rapper Who Scammed The US Government - The Nuke Bizzle story
Now, he later gets out on bail, but not long after, those feds, the ones who were looking into Nuke's music video, they file a criminal complaint against him. To them, him getting arrested in Vegas with the EDD cards is all the evidence they need. And so, bam, they arrest Nuke Bizzle again. Here's another mugshot.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
The Rapper Who Scammed The US Government - The Nuke Bizzle story
Baines rapped about getting rich by quote, going to the bank with a stack of these while holding up several envelopes from EDD.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
The Rapper Who Scammed The US Government - The Nuke Bizzle story
And by the way, I don't think Fat Wizza got arrested for anything. So I don't actually think he was in on the government benefits scam. He was just rapping on the song. I guess he's just a poser. I don't know. But anyway, so they charge Nuke Bizzle with multiple felonies. He takes a plea deal and he's ordered to pay all the government benefits money back.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
The Rapper Who Scammed The US Government - The Nuke Bizzle story
And he's sentenced to about six and a half years. in prison damn talk about self snitching look this whole story straight up feels like a key and peel sketch
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
The Rapper Who Scammed The US Government - The Nuke Bizzle story
It's 2020, and suddenly, boom, the pandemic hits all of us. And people are getting sick, hospitals are filling up, businesses are shutting down. People are staying indoors a lot more. Now, because so many people are out of work, the government expands unemployment benefits temporarily so that people who can't work can still afford to eat and pay rent while this pandemic plays out.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
The Rapper Who Scammed The US Government - The Nuke Bizzle story
Now while most people see this as a necessary service, Nuke Bizzle sees this as an opportunity to try and get rich. And he comes up with a plan to straight up scam the government. And so he starts getting together some stolen identities. And he gives each of them their own address and their own work history so that it all looks legit.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
The Rapper Who Scammed The US Government - The Nuke Bizzle story
Then he goes online and he applies for all these government benefits for each of these stolen identities. And suddenly, pow, he actually gets approved. And pretty quickly, the government starts paying him money. And he's like, holy, that worked. And so he does it again. And then he does it again and again and again. So he makes more and more money.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
The Bling Bishop - The Lamor Whitehead story
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The Bling Bishop - The Lamor Whitehead story
He steals the identity of over 50 different people. Und er nimmt mehr als 2 Millionen Dollar in Lohnen. Und natürlich fangen die Leute dann auf und sie berichten ihn und bam, er wird verhaftet. Hier ist sein Mugshot. Und so spart er fünf Jahre in der Gefängnis und er macht nie wieder etwas schlechtes in seinem Leben. UNTIL... So while he's in prison, one day Lemore gets an idea.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
The Bling Bishop - The Lamor Whitehead story
I'm guessing he gets this idea in prison, I actually don't know where he got it. But at some point, Lemore realizes that he can really profit off of religion. So in 2013 he gets out. And within a few weeks of getting out, he sets up his own church. And he becomes the bishop of that church.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
The Bling Bishop - The Lamor Whitehead story
And he starts it out of his home with a small group of people and he eventually moves it to a more legitimate building space. Und natürlich, mit einem Mann wie L'Amour, was er betet, ist das Prosperitätsgospel, das suggeriert, dass reich sein, dich tatsächlich näher zu Himmel bringen wird. Gott hat mich entschieden, ein Precher zu sein.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
The Bling Bishop - The Lamor Whitehead story
Oh, er bekommt definitiv von Prechern bezahlt. Nicht nur das, er macht sicher, dass er seine Rechte vor seiner Congregation zeigen kann. Er spricht zu ihnen, mit tailor-made Designersuits, wie dieser oder dieser. Er trägt auch schöne Ringe und schaut, während er spricht. Selbst wenn er nicht in der Kirche ist, ist er immer in super teuren Designersuits.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
The Bling Bishop - The Lamor Whitehead story
So, where is he getting the money to pay for all this stuff? His congregation, of course. And he's not just allegedly skimming from the donations. No, no, no. It's way more direct than that. Like one day he calls up one elderly woman in his congregation and he cons her into handing over her retirement fund.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
The Bling Bishop - The Lamor Whitehead story
Like he tells her that he can improve her credit score and help her purchase and renovate a new home if she just invests with him. And she believes him and she hands over $90,000. And of course, instead of helping her improve her credit score or buy a house, L'Amour takes the money and he heads straight to Louis Vuitton. wo er sich einen neuen Drip bekommt.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
The Bling Bishop - The Lamor Whitehead story
All das auf einer einzigen Plattform. Deshalb funktioniert die Welt mit ServiceNow.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
The Bling Bishop - The Lamor Whitehead story
Er setzt auch das Geld an, um auf einem BMW zu bezahlen. Und wie man sich vorstellen kann, nachdem er seine Kirche begonnen hat, wird L'amour der reichste Bischöfe auf der Straße. Wie wenn er in einem Rolls-Royce fährt. Er hat auch noch einen Rolls-Royce. Dieser hier kostet eigentlich 350.000 Dollar, übrigens. Er lebt auch in einem 9000 Quadratmeter-Maschinen.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
The Bling Bishop - The Lamor Whitehead story
Not only that, he's getting kind of a JV-Celebrity status from all this. And people start calling him the Bling Bishop. And from there, his Instagram blows up to 1.3 million followers. And known people start affiliating with him. Like, here's footage of 50 Cent speaking at his church. Here he is apparently hanging out with Fat Dick. Okay, but then something kind of crazy happens.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
The Bling Bishop - The Lamor Whitehead story
Something that starts to change everything. Eines Tages, im Jahr 2022, ist er vor seiner Kirche, betet oder was auch immer. Und das ist dann, als plötzlich, boom, drei Männer in Masken in das Gebäude fliegen und sie haben Piu-Pius. Und L'Amour streamt dieses Sermon live, damit man tatsächlich sehen kann, wie er merkt, dass diese Männer da sind, um ihn zu robben.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
The Bling Bishop - The Lamor Whitehead story
Was ist, wenn die Lösung für unsere Probleme dort lauert, wo Menschen normalerweise gar nicht hinkommen? Ein Schatz aus der Tiefsee, Millionen Jahre alt, den es aber wirklich gibt und den manche jetzt heben wollen. Der Kampf um die Tiefsee, der hat längst begonnen. Das ist Enten, Land unter, von Andan und dem Futurium. Ab sofort auf Spotify.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
The Bling Bishop - The Lamor Whitehead story
Yo, yo, alright, alright, alright. And you can see him here laying down on the floor and then you can see these men come up and rob him. And they apparently steal a million dollars worth of jewelry from the people there, including L'Amours watch and chain. His watch is a Rolex valued at $75,000. His chain is valued at $400,000. And he livestreams afterwards and talks about all this.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
The Bling Bishop - The Lamor Whitehead story
And so like the story breaks and reporters are hitting him up and they're asking him if he's gonna wear less jewelry in church so that he's less likely to get robbed.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
The Bling Bishop - The Lamor Whitehead story
Now police eventually end up catching the guys who did it. But this livestream footage of the robbery blows up. Because it's a crazy moment. A bishop getting robbed in the middle of a sermon on a livestream? Like what are the odds? And so this story ends up all over the news.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
The Bling Bishop - The Lamor Whitehead story
And people hear about it and they're like, wait a minute, why was this preacher wearing a Rolex in a $400,000 chain? Where's bro getting all this money? Und so, allgemein, ist das, wann die Berichter wirklich auf ihn schauen.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
The Bling Bishop - The Lamor Whitehead story
Und eines Tages, auch allgemein, kommen einige von ihnen zu seinem Haus, um zu sehen, ob sie ein Statement von ihm bekommen können über die schlechte Presse, die er bekommen hat. Weißt du, das große Haus, das er kauft? Aber wenn sie dort kommen, werden sie wohl bemerkt, dass es einen Vorabschluss auf seine Tür gibt. Und sie sehen das und denken sich, was ist denn da los?
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
The Bling Bishop - The Lamor Whitehead story
Ist der Blingbischof tatsächlich gebrochen? Wahrscheinlich? Ja, er hat all diese Geld auf seinen Lebensstil gespart. Und an einem Punkt beginnt er mit Geldproblemen zu laufen. Wie er versucht, Geld auf die Luxus-Karten zu machen. Er wird ein paar Mal über das Verlangen auf Lohn-Repaute verurteilt. Und es scheint also, dass L'Amour Geld wirklich schlecht braucht.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
The Bling Bishop - The Lamor Whitehead story
Und er beginnt, sich darum zu bewegen, es zu bekommen. Und eines Tages versucht er, diesen Kerl zu targetieren. Brandon. Und Brandon hat einen lokalen Auto-Body-Repair-Shop. Und ich habe keine Ahnung, wie diese beiden Leute sich kennen, aber an einem Punkt versucht L'amour, 5.000 Dollar von ihm zu bekommen. Und er bedroht sich, wenn er es nicht bekommt.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
The Bling Bishop - The Lamor Whitehead story
Also glaube ich, er ist so wie, ich kicke deinen Arsch, wenn du mir nicht 5.000 Euro gibst. Und wenn das nicht genug schlecht ist, dann versucht er Brandon, ihm 500.000 Dollar zu zahlen. Und in Angelegenheit versagt er, ihm den Zugang zu New York City Mayor Eric Adams zu geben. Ich habe dir gesagt, dieser Typ war schädlich. Aber Brandon ist so, f*** all das.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
The Bling Bishop - The Lamor Whitehead story
Und er schlägt auf ihn und er beginnt mit der FBI zu kooperieren. Und die FBI setzt eine ganze Sting-Operation auf und sie bekommen Brandon, um ein Zeug zu tragen und mit Lemore zu treffen. Und so treffen sie sich mit Lemore. Und L'Amour schweigt ihm, dass er Verbindungen mit Mayor Eric Adams hat und dass jeder Geschäftsscham, den er in seine Hand nimmt, sie Millionärs machen wird.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
The Bling Bishop - The Lamor Whitehead story
Und diese ganze Konversation wird für die FEDs aufhören. Und schließlich, nach einer langen Investition, finden die FEDs ihn und bam, arrestieren sie ihn. Hier ist sein Mugshot. Und er geht ins Gefängnis und wird für Wirefraud und ein paar andere Sachen verurteilt. Und er wird neun Jahre im Gefängnis verurteilt. Wow.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
The Bling Bishop - The Lamor Whitehead story
So this preacher, you are gonna hate this preacher.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
The Bling Bishop - The Lamor Whitehead story
Now his name is L'amour and L'amour works as a mortgage broker. And one day in 2004, he decides he wants to be rich. So, how's he gonna get rich? Well, see, L'amour is dating a woman who works at a car dealership, and she has access to all the customers' credit reports and personal information.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
The Bling Bishop - The Lamor Whitehead story
And so L'amour steals her work login info, and I guess, on his own computer, he uses it to access all the customers' information. And then he takes out loans and lines of credit in these customers' names. He then takes that money and he uses it to buy himself nice cars, nice clothes, jewelry. He buys himself a motorcycle. Oh, and he doesn't just steal the identity of one or two people.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
He Murdered The Only Person Who Believed Him - The Travis Lewis story
So this kid, he's in big trouble. Now his name's Travis and he's only 15, he lives in Arkansas, and he's kind of a turd. He's always stealing things and getting suspended from school. Here's a yearbook photo of him if you care what he looks like in real life. But one day in 1996, he decides to go for a really big score. He's gonna rob one of the houses in the neighborhood.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
He Murdered The Only Person Who Believed Him - The Travis Lewis story
And they drive about a mile away, and suddenly, kaboom! They crash the Toyota Camry, and they flip it on its side. Then they climb out of it, and they run away on foot. Meanwhile, a local resident is driving down the road, and he sees the wrecked Toyota Camry flipped on its side, and he's like, what the f***?
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
He Murdered The Only Person Who Believed Him - The Travis Lewis story
And so he eventually goes to the mansion to check on the owner of the car and he sees that the place is on fire. And this leads to the police and fire department showing up and that is when they find the two bodies inside. And so police investigate all this and they put out a reward for $10,000 for anyone who can give them information that would lead to an arrest.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
He Murdered The Only Person Who Believed Him - The Travis Lewis story
And about a month later, they finally get some information that Travis was involved. And so they go to his house and they question him. But Travis, he isn't talking. He isn't admitting to anything. And so they end up forcing him to take a polygraph test. And he passes. Mostly because polygraphs are pseudoscience, I keep telling you guys.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
He Murdered The Only Person Who Believed Him - The Travis Lewis story
But anyway, so they make him take another one and he passes again. And they make him take a third one and he passes again. But police are sure that Travis was involved in this crime. So somehow they get him to take a fourth polygraph test. This time, he fails. And finally, police are able to use this as leverage to get him to confess.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
He Murdered The Only Person Who Believed Him - The Travis Lewis story
Now, Travis only ends up confessing to breaking into the houses and stealing stuff. But he says he didn't shoot anyone. He says it was Andre who was the one who shot and unalive the two people in the mansion, not him. However, because he just did confess to breaking into houses and stealing stuff, bam, they arrest him for that. And here's an actual image of him being arrested.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
He Murdered The Only Person Who Believed Him - The Travis Lewis story
So Travis's fingerprints, they end up being a match to fingerprints found in the wrecked Toyota Camry, while they don't find any fingerprints of Andre. or any evidence that Andre did anything. And therefore, police pin the whole crime on little teenage Travis, including the murders. And so Travis has no choice. He has to take a plea deal.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
He Murdered The Only Person Who Believed Him - The Travis Lewis story
And he's gonna do it with this other kid, this friend of his, Andre. And so Travis and Andre, they bike over to this house, but they decide, nah, instead of robbing a house, let's rob two houses. Like you rob that one and I'll rob that mansion over there. And boom, it's decided. And so Travis breaks into this house and he's combing through things to steal. And then suddenly out of nowhere, scream.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
He Murdered The Only Person Who Believed Him - The Travis Lewis story
So he pleads guilty and he gets sentenced to 28 years in prison. But here's where the story gets really crazy. One of those two people shot in that mansion that day, her name is Sally. And Sally has an adult daughter, this woman, Martha. And after Sally is murdered, Martha inherits the mansion from her. So she moves into it, she renovates it, and she turns it into a bed and breakfast.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
He Murdered The Only Person Who Believed Him - The Travis Lewis story
Now, despite all the horrible things that Martha has just gone through, you know, with her mother passing and all, by all accounts, Martha is the nicest woman ever. She's also a Buddhist, and so she likes to practice forgiveness. And so, she starts writing to Travis while he's in prison. And they're writing letters back and forth, and over time, they strike up sort of a close friendship.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
He Murdered The Only Person Who Believed Him - The Travis Lewis story
Now, despite pleading guilty, Travis has always maintained that he didn't murder those people. It was Andre. But people don't really believe him. They're like, yeah, sure, buddy. Yeah, sure, you're innocent. But strangely enough, Martha does believe him.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
He Murdered The Only Person Who Believed Him - The Travis Lewis story
I mean, yeah, she knows that he did break into the houses and that he did steal stuff, but that it actually wasn't him who unalived her mom that day, that it
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
He Murdered The Only Person Who Believed Him - The Travis Lewis story
the other kid and because of this she wants to help travis out in whatever way she can she feels bad for him so she asks the police to reopen the case and investigate the whole thing again she gives travis's mother work and hires her as a housekeeper and she essentially becomes an advocate for travis And then 20 years go by and it's now 2018. And Travis, he's around 37 years old.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
He Murdered The Only Person Who Believed Him - The Travis Lewis story
Here's his adult mugshot by the way. And it's at this time that finally Travis serves his sentence and he gets out of prison. Partly because Martha had helped him out and given statements to the parole board on his behalf. So she ends up offering him a job at the mansion as a groundskeeper. And this is a really good deal for him and so he takes the job.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
He Murdered The Only Person Who Believed Him - The Travis Lewis story
And crazy enough, it seems like this friendship has really worked out for him and that he's starting to finally turn his life around. Until... About a year goes by and Travis is still working there at the mansion. And one day, it all goes bad. On that day, Martha ends up selling one of the chandeliers in the house to someone for $10,000.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
He Murdered The Only Person Who Believed Him - The Travis Lewis story
And that person pays her cash and she stashes the cash in one of the rooms in the mansion until she has time to run to the bank. And old Travis, he just happens to be working that day. And he also happens to learn that this transaction went down. And so, he waits. He waits until no one's around. And he sneaks into the room where the $10,000 is stashed, and he swipes it.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
He Murdered The Only Person Who Believed Him - The Travis Lewis story
The next day, Martha notices her money's gone. And unfortunately, there's only one person around at the time who could have taken it. the groundskeeper, Travis. And this just absolutely destroys Martha. Like how could he steal from her after everything she's done for him all these years? And so sadly, she unfortunately has to go to him and she fires him. And of course, Travis is pissed.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
He Murdered The Only Person Who Believed Him - The Travis Lewis story
Like, how can she fire him? This isn't fair. And he isn't gonna let this slide. And about a month later, he decides to go and get his revenge. And early one morning, it's dark out. And Travis, he sneaks back over to Martha's house. And he creeps in through the back door, because he's gonna rob her and take more of her sh**.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
He Murdered The Only Person Who Believed Him - The Travis Lewis story
But Martha, she's actually home and she hears someone in the house messing around. So pow, she hits her alarm and this alerts the police back at the station. And then at some point, boom, Travis sees Martha and there's a confrontation. And that is when he pulls out a knife and pow, he stabs her and pow, he stabs her again and again and again until she's unalived.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
He Murdered The Only Person Who Believed Him - The Travis Lewis story
Then Travis wraps her in a pile of blankets and clothes and he pours a flammable liquid all over her. It seems like he's gonna try and burn the evidence again. But just then, police show up because Martha had hit the alarm. And so officers, they go into the house and they hear Travis upstairs hiding in the bathroom. And so they go up and they're like,
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
He Murdered The Only Person Who Believed Him - The Travis Lewis story
come out with your hands up and Travis is like you and he jumps out the bathroom window and falls down to the ground and he runs over to the car he arrived in and he hops in it and he flees driving across Martha's massive lawn and of course police are right behind him chasing him but then boom his car gets stuck and so he gets out and he runs back across the massive lawn and he jumps into the nearby lake I guess he's gonna try and swim his way out of this
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
He Murdered The Only Person Who Believed Him - The Travis Lewis story
A Toyota Camry pulls up outside and Andre's driving it. Where the hell did he suddenly get a car? And so Travis goes to figure out what's going on. And Andre's panicking and he tells him, I went to rob that mansion and I thought people weren't home, but they actually were home. So I pulled out my pew pew and blam, blam. I executed both of them.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
He Murdered The Only Person Who Believed Him - The Travis Lewis story
But unfortunately for him, it doesn't seem that he can swim, and Travis ends up drowning in that lake. Wow, that is wild.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
He Murdered The Only Person Who Believed Him - The Travis Lewis story
He then stole their Toyota Camry and drove it to pick up Travis. And now he's like, will you go back to the mansion with me to help me dispose of the bodies? And Travis, he hears all this and he's like, Aye.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
He Murdered The Only Person Who Believed Him - The Travis Lewis story
And so the two of them they head over to this mansion to dispose of these two bodies and the two bodies are still there and they try to move them but unfortunately for them these corpses are way too heavy for these teenage boys to move. So what do they do? They light the whole place on fire to burn up all the evidence. Then they get into the stolen Toyota Camry, and they flee the scene.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
Man Steals Another Man's Identity for 30 Years - The William Woods story
So this guy just got his wallet stolen and it's about to destroy his life. Now his name is William Woods and he lives in Albuquerque and he works in a hot dog stand. And one day, this guy, who we'll call Pretender, Pretender takes his wallet. But luckily, William Woods catches him and he gets all up in Pretender's grill. And Pretender, he gets scared and he gives the wallet back.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
Man Steals Another Man's Identity for 30 Years - The William Woods story
Then about a year later, he uses this identity to get a well-paying job working remotely for an Iowa hospital as an administrator. And over the next 10 years, he gets promotions and raises and he keeps climbing the corporate ladder. And soon enough, they got him on salary and he's making over a hundred grand a year. He's taken out car loans and personal loans.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
Man Steals Another Man's Identity for 30 Years - The William Woods story
He's even paying taxes using this fake identity. So at this point, Pretender's been living as William Woods for over 30 years. Meanwhile, there's the real William Woods. And for him, life isn't going as well. He's fallen on hard times. He's living on and off of the streets of Los Angeles. And one day, he discovers that he's in a lot of debt, debt that he didn't rack up.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
Man Steals Another Man's Identity for 30 Years - The William Woods story
And he finally learns that someone's been using his credit to take out loans. So he goes to the local branch of this bank and he's like, hey, I didn't take out all these loans. So there's no way I'm paying all this money back. And he tells them someone must have stolen his identity. And he asks them to close any accounts under his name.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
Man Steals Another Man's Identity for 30 Years - The William Woods story
And then he shows them all of his IDs and all the info matches. So the bank tries to verify by asking him some security questions like, when was this account open? Stuff like that. And of course, William Woods doesn't know the answer to these security questions because he wasn't the one who opened the account.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
Man Steals Another Man's Identity for 30 Years - The William Woods story
So the bank manager calls the phone number tied to that account, which is Pretender's number. And Pretender can answer these security questions. So bank manager's like, hey, someone here in California is trying to access your account. And Pretender's like, no one in California should be accessing my account. So the bank connects Pretender to the LAPD.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
Man Steals Another Man's Identity for 30 Years - The William Woods story
And the LAPD asks him for proof that he's the real William Woods. And of course, Pretender faxes them over the birth certificate he fraudulently obtained. So now police are like, okay, I guess this guy at the bank must be a fraud. So they arrest the real William Woods and they charge him with identity theft and false impersonation. So now he's in jail.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
Man Steals Another Man's Identity for 30 Years - The William Woods story
And all of William Woods' documents are still in there. His social security card, his birth certificate. So William thinks nothing more of it. But while Pretender didn't take anything, he was able to get all of William Woods' personal information. And Pretender, he flees to Colorado. Because he's got a plan. While in Colorado, he uses William Woods' information to get a state ID card.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
Man Steals Another Man's Identity for 30 Years - The William Woods story
And even as he's locked up, William Woods keeps insisting that he's the victim of identity theft and no one believes him. And so he sits in jail for 450 days waiting on his trial. But he never changes his story. He never backs down. And over time, police and prosecutors, they start thinking he's legitimately crazy. So a judge ends up declaring him incompetent to stand trial.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
Man Steals Another Man's Identity for 30 Years - The William Woods story
And they sentence him to a psychiatric hospital. And worse, they start medicating him to control what they feel is a mental condition. So the real William Woods sits in that psychiatric hospital for 147 days until his sentence is over. And they finally release him and he has to pay a small fine and they order him to stop using the name William Woods. But William, he's not going to stop.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
Man Steals Another Man's Identity for 30 Years - The William Woods story
He's determined to get his life back. So he does some research and he's eventually able to deduce that the identity thief pretender works for an Iowa hospital. So he calls that hospital and they aren't really listening, but they refer him to the police. So he hits up the police and there he finally gets someone to agree that this is all very strange and that they should look into Pretender.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
Man Steals Another Man's Identity for 30 Years - The William Woods story
So police bring Pretender in and they question him and he still insists that he's the real William Woods and that the other guy is some crazy identity thief who needs to be locked up. But police still think it's weird because they both have a legitimate birth certificate.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
Man Steals Another Man's Identity for 30 Years - The William Woods story
So they end up looking at the name of the father on the birth certificate and they track him down, William Woods' biological dad. So they have him do a DNA test and of course his DNA matches with the real William Woods. So finally, after over 30 years, boom, police arrest pretender. Here's his mugshot. And he ends up pleading guilty to aggravated identity theft and some other stuff.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
Man Steals Another Man's Identity for 30 Years - The William Woods story
And he's currently still awaiting his sentencing. While the real William Woods, he's currently living in a friend's van now, but he is in the process of getting his life back together. And his original jail conviction has been vacated. Good for him. Shout out to California, Colorado, Iowa, Wisconsin, and New Mexico.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
Man Steals Another Man's Identity for 30 Years - The William Woods story
Then he uses that state ID card to buy a car in William Woods' name and he buys it using checks and all the checks end up bouncing. But by the time they bounce, he's already fled to another state where he just abandons the car. So police, they issue an arrest warrant for him, but not in Pretender's name, in William Woods' name.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
Man Steals Another Man's Identity for 30 Years - The William Woods story
Then about three years later, Pretender ends up meeting a nice woman and they fall in love and they eventually get married. But even to her, he's still pretending to be William Woods. So she takes his last name. Well, William's last name. And they even have a baby together who also has the last name Woods. So Pretender lives life under the name William Woods over the next decade.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
Man Steals Another Man's Identity for 30 Years - The William Woods story
And he eventually goes on one of those genealogy websites and he looks up the real William Woods' family tree history. And then he uses this information to apply for a birth certificate. And he gets it. So now he has a William Woods birth certificate and he uses that to get a William Woods driver's license and a William Woods social security card. So now legally Pretender is William Woods.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
The $24,000,000 McDonald's Monopoly Scam
Du bist immer am Puls der Zeit und gerne up to date? Dann ist der NowBrief des neuen Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra genau das Richtige für dich. Stau auf dem Weg zur Arbeit? Dann wird dir automatisch geraten, früher loszufahren. Es regnet am Zielort? Dann empfiehlt es dir, den Regenschirm mitzunehmen. Mit dem Galaxy S25 Ultra kannst du einen Schritt voraus sein.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
The $24,000,000 McDonald's Monopoly Scam
Sein Plan funktioniert also nicht gut. Jerome ist natürlich so, dope, ich werde es wieder machen. Und er beginnt, mehr dieser gewinnenden Spielstücke zu stehlen. Und er beginnt, sie zu verkaufen, zu den Leuten, die er kennt. Und er macht ein bisschen Geld an die Seite, um das zu tun. Und dieser Verkauf dauert mehrere Jahre. Aber dann, eines Tages, passiert etwas verrücktes.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
The $24,000,000 McDonald's Monopoly Scam
Jerome ist zuhause und ein Paket wird geliefert. Er öffnet es und sieht einen Rollen von Tape. Der selben Tamper-Safe-Tape, den sie mit den gewinnenden Spielstücken verwendet haben. Ich glaube, der Verleger hat die Tape zu Jerome's Haus ausgeliefert, anstatt der McDonald's-Faktorie. Jerome sieht das und er sieht sofort die Möglichkeit, noch mehr Geld zu machen.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
The $24,000,000 McDonald's Monopoly Scam
So then boom, sometime later he's at the airport. And he's transporting the case with the winning pieces in it. And the auditor, she's there with him. And so Jerome tells her he needs to use the restroom. And then he takes the case in there with him. And then he gets one of the envelopes. He breaks the seal. He pockets the winning game pieces and replaces them with losing game pieces.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
The $24,000,000 McDonald's Monopoly Scam
Then he seals the envelope back up with the tape he got. He then later sells those winning pieces to more people he knows. And they all cash in. So much so that after a while, Jerome starts telling those people to resell those pieces to people in other states. To make it all harder to track back to Jerome. And with this strategy, Jerome starts stealing more and more pieces.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
The $24,000,000 McDonald's Monopoly Scam
And he distributes them out to more and more people in his network to sell. Und an einem Punkt bringt er sogar ein paar Rekruten an. Und sie helfen ihm, seine Wettbewerbe an die Menschen in der Stadt zu bringen. Und sein Netzwerk wird immer größer und größer. Er schlägt sogar einige der Millionen-Dollar-Preispieße. Einer davon, die Jerome anonym zu St. Jude's Children's Hospital donatiert.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
The $24,000,000 McDonald's Monopoly Scam
Weil ich glaube, er fühlt sich schlecht über all das Stehlen, das er macht. Ich weiß nicht, aber Jerome's Schema funktioniert. Und er und seine Freunde werden bezahlt. Musik UNTIL... Endlich beginnt McDonald's sich zu überraschen. Denn viele dieser Präsentierer sind seltsam in der Georgia-Florida-Bereich, wo Menschen in der ganzen Welt gewinnen sollten.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
The $24,000,000 McDonald's Monopoly Scam
Und hier ist das größte Problem mit diesem Scham. Mit einem System wie diesem, je mehr Leute du involvierst, desto mehr Leute wissen über den Schema. Und eines Tages, einer dieser Leute, nicht sicher wer, schießt die FBI auf. Und sie sagen, ich habe von einem Mann gehört, der einen McDonalds-Monopoly-Schemen runnt. Und das hilft der FBI, die Punkte zurück zu Jerome zu verbinden.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
The $24,000,000 McDonald's Monopoly Scam
Also finden McDonalds-Exekute darüber nach und wollen das Spiel aufhören. Aber die FBI überzeugt sie, die Promotion eine letzte Zeit zu runten. Und diese Zeit tapern sie Jerome und die anderen Suspekten Telefone. Dann, wenn die Anwesenden alle in ihre verlassenen Spielstücke kassieren gehen, sagt McDonald's ihnen, dass es einen Verlust gab und sie den Preisgeld senden.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
The $24,000,000 McDonald's Monopoly Scam
Dieser Verlust fordert alle Anwesenden, auf den Preis zu warten. Und während sie warten, werden sie paranoid und paniken. Und sie beginnen, sich auf den Telefon zu kontaktieren und sie klagen darüber, wie sie ihre Preisgeld von McDonald's nie erhalten haben und wie die verlassenen Spielstücke nicht funktionieren.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
The $24,000,000 McDonald's Monopoly Scam
So this guy, his name's Jerome. And Jerome is about to steal 24 million dollars. From McDonald's? So Jerome, he used to be a cop. But now, he's a director of security at a marketing firm. And one day, the marketing firm he works for comes up with a promotion for one of its biggest clients. McDonald's.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
The $24,000,000 McDonald's Monopoly Scam
Und seit ihre Telefone getappt werden, sind all diese Gespräche verwendet, um sie zu inkriminieren. So the FBI arrests Jerome, hears his mugshot, and they uncover his whole fraud scheme, and when all is said and done, over 50 people are convicted for scamming McDonald's out of 24 million dollars worth of winning game pieces.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
The $24,000,000 McDonald's Monopoly Scam
Now Jerome, he actually ends up snitching on his employer, the marketing firm he worked for. Because separately from all this, the firm was rigging the Monopoly game too in a different way. And that's a whole other story. But because he snitched, Jerome only got 37 months in prison. And of course, they seized all his assets. So, shout out to the Hamburglar, I guess.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
The $24,000,000 McDonald's Monopoly Scam
Und in dieser Präsentation kombinierten sie McDonald's und Monopoly in ein Spiel, in dem die Kunden freie French Fries, freie Trinken oder den großen Preis, 1 Millionen Dollar, gewinnen. Und dieses Spiel bricht auf, es ist massiv populär. Und Jerome, als Direktor der Sicherheit, ist in der Lage, diese gewinnenden Spielstücke von der Firma nach der Fabrik zu transportieren.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
The $24,000,000 McDonald's Monopoly Scam
Und das ist ein sehr sicherer Prozess. Die Teile sind in einem Kasten geschlossen, in Envelopen mit verkleinertem Tape auf ihnen. Und sie haben einen Auditor, der Jerome ständig herumschattet, wenn er den Kasten hat. Und der Auditor schaut immer auf seine Schulter. Wie wenn er mit dem Kasten reist, der Auditor muss neben ihm sitzen, auf dem Flugzeug. McDonalds ist hardcore.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
The $24,000,000 McDonald's Monopoly Scam
Aber dann, eines Tages, findet Jerome heraus, wie man eine der gewinnenden Spielteile steuern kann, die 25.000 Dollar wert sind. Jerome kann diese Karte nicht selbst einladen, weil er für McDonalds arbeitet. Es würde sich nicht ansehen. Er gibt es also seinem Bruder einladen, um zu sehen, ob jemand im Verkaufsbereich die Karte verpasst hat. Und überraschend, überraschend, niemand macht das.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
He Tried To Overthrow the Government - The Matthew Huttle story
So this guy is about to try and overthrow the U.S. government. Now the guy's name is Huddle. Huddle's 41 years old, living in Indiana, and he's kind of a turd. He's been in and out of jail a ton of times. He's got seven DUIs. He went to prison once for a couple of years for leaving bruises on his own kid. Bro is just a nightmare.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
He Tried To Overthrow the Government - The Matthew Huttle story
We're going to walk down. And so Huddle and Uncle Dale hear this and they're like, oh, the president's going down to the Capitol building? Well, hell yeah, let's go with him. And so they and a huge crowd of the president's supporters all start marching and they walk about two miles until they reach the Capitol building.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
He Tried To Overthrow the Government - The Matthew Huttle story
And of course, the president doesn't go there with them, like he's full of sh**. He probably just went back to the White House to watch TV or something. Like he just wanted his supporters to go down there and be disruptive, which they do. And by the time the crowd gets there, Huddle and Uncle Dale are there. And there's Uncle Dale on the left and Huddle right there on the right.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
He Tried To Overthrow the Government - The Matthew Huttle story
And they start talking about wanting to get inside the building and arrest members of Congress. In fact, Uncle Dale's exact words are, I think we ought to bum rush the Capitol building. Arrest them all. We've got enough people to do that. But here's where sh** gets crazy. This big-ass crowd surrounds the Capitol. And they really surround this place. Like, they take it over.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
He Tried To Overthrow the Government - The Matthew Huttle story
And things escalate real quick. And suddenly, boom, the crowd overruns the police there. And you can see them pulling a protective barrier away from police here and again right here. And soon people start climbing up the side of the building and they're climbing up the walls, which is weird because they could just take the stairs, but I don't know, I guess they really want to climb.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
He Tried To Overthrow the Government - The Matthew Huttle story
But anyway, the whole place erupts into a riot, and it's absolute chaos. And Huddle and Uncle Dale, they join in, particularly Uncle Dale's 73-year-old ass. He starts getting into it with police, getting in their faces, yelling at them, calling them things like traitors. He grabs one cop's baton and tries to wrestle it away from him. Luckily, he fails.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
He Tried To Overthrow the Government - The Matthew Huttle story
He also grabs a flagpole that he's got, and he starts jabbing at one of those police officers. There he is right there, and one of those police officers ends up getting hurt. But then the chaos continues, and kaboom, the crowd starts forcing their way into the Capitol building, and they storm the place, and they're all chanting like, USA! USA! Like it's the f***ing Olympics.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
He Tried To Overthrow the Government - The Matthew Huttle story
But one day in 2021, his whole life changes because his uncle comes to him and he's like, hey, want to overthrow the government? Now, his uncle is this guy, Uncle Dale and Uncle Dale, 73 years old. And he wants to travel over to Washington, D.C., where the president is going to give a public speech to a bunch of his supporters.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
He Tried To Overthrow the Government - The Matthew Huttle story
And of course, Huddle and Dale follow the crowd in, and this crowd is looking for members of Congress, potentially to harm them. And they're like entering offices and private conference rooms, shouting about how this is some kind of revolution. Here's the thing about Huddle, though. I don't know exactly why, but he's been filming this whole time, filming all of this.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
He Tried To Overthrow the Government - The Matthew Huttle story
And so at this point, he turns the camera around and points it at himself. and says, this is me, which is definitely going to incriminate him later. Anyway, a few minutes after, a bunch of police officers show up to where they are, and to get away from them, Huddle leaves the building by climbing out a window. Now, after all this chaos, nothing happens to Huddle or Uncle Dale that day.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
He Tried To Overthrow the Government - The Matthew Huttle story
They eventually go back to Indiana. While the certification of the votes, ultimately it does resume and the president officially loses that election and he has to give up power. Womp womp. And so his disruption plan failed and the mob rioting the Capitol ultimately did not get what they wanted. And also 174 police officers were injured that day.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
He Tried To Overthrow the Government - The Matthew Huttle story
And a few died later of causes that are said to be related to this day, but that's a whole different story. Regardless, Huddle and Uncle Dale move on and they go back to living their lives with no consequences. Until... Here's the thing. Mobbing the Capitol to interfere with an election is not only against the law, but it's a pretty big deal. And the feds are not going to let this slide.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
He Tried To Overthrow the Government - The Matthew Huttle story
And so, boom, they start investigating. And they have tons of evidence to work with. Witnesses, cell phone data, the Capitol building has security cameras. Not to mention, a lot of people there that day were just filming the whole thing. So, that's evidence too. And ultimately, over 1,600 people are charged for their role in what happened that day.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
He Tried To Overthrow the Government - The Matthew Huttle story
And over a year later, the feds finally catch up to Huddle and Uncle Dale. And of course, they've got all of Huddle's footage he took to use as evidence. And so, bam, they arrest him. Here's Huddle's mugshot. And I couldn't find a mugshot of Uncle Dale, but here's a picture of him as well. Now, Huddle gets sentenced to six months in prison, while Dale gets two and a half years in prison.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
He Tried To Overthrow the Government - The Matthew Huttle story
But wait, it's not over. It gets even more insane, because in 2024, Huddle finally gets out. He served his time, and he goes right back to living his life. The following year, the former president gets back into office again, and he decides to pardon all 1,600 of the people charged or convicted for mobbing the Capitol that day. Because they helped him out by trying to disrupt the vote counting.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
He Tried To Overthrow the Government - The Matthew Huttle story
And so now he's helping them out. And so Uncle Dale, I guess he gets out of prison. He's pardoned. I couldn't really find much more on him. While Huddle is already out of prison. But his crime from that day is wiped from his record. So, you know, I'm sure he's happy about that.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
He Tried To Overthrow the Government - The Matthew Huttle story
But then about a week after he's pardoned, really goes south because Huddle is in Indiana and he's driving along one day and he's speeding going 70 in a 55 and he flies right by a cop. And so the officer puts his lights on and he pulls him over and Huddle gets out of his van and they start talking. Now, all Huddle was doing is speeding, which normally isn't that big of a deal.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
He Tried To Overthrow the Government - The Matthew Huttle story
However, he's had a ton of traffic violations, and now he's driving with a suspended license. And now it's like a felony status at this point. And the officer explains this to him, and he explains that he has to place him under arrest.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
He Tried To Overthrow the Government - The Matthew Huttle story
And Huddle, he just got out of jail for like a DUI not too long before this, so he doesn't have anything better going on. And so he's just like, overthrow the government. All right. And so they drive 10 hours from Indiana all the way over to Washington, D.C. So they get there and they go to the Ellipse, which is a park right near the White House, to hear the president speak to his supporters.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
He Tried To Overthrow the Government - The Matthew Huttle story
But then the officer goes to arrest him.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
He Tried To Overthrow the Government - The Matthew Huttle story
Now, I got to pause the video here. I can't show you what really happened because, you know, it's too violent, but I can explain it to you. So Huddle jumps back in his van and he reaches somewhere and he grabs a pew-pew that he has. And the second he grabs it and holds it up, the officer grabs his and blam, blam, blam, blam. He unalives him.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
He Tried To Overthrow the Government - The Matthew Huttle story
And now Huddle apparently did that because he was going to unalive himself so that he wouldn't have to go back to jail. And obviously when you suddenly pull out a firearm like that in front of police, they might shoot you, thinking that, you know, you were gonna shoot them. Which is exactly what the officer did. That is wild.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
He Tried To Overthrow the Government - The Matthew Huttle story
Here's the thing about the president, though. Two months before this, he had run for reelection and lost. And he's apparently still all salty about it, claiming it was rigged and it's unfair and it was stolen from me. And now he wants to interrupt the certification of the votes, which would create chaos and allow him to remain president for a period longer.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
He Tried To Overthrow the Government - The Matthew Huttle story
And so on this day at the Ellipse, during his speech to a bunch of his supporters, he basically instructs all of them to march down to the Capitol building and protest and disrupt the certification of the votes.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
This Twitch Streamer Destroys His Life For a Webcam Girl - The Grant Amato story
Und bald genug wird Bro verhaftet und das Krankenhaus ruft die Polizei auf ihn und bam, er wird verhaftet. Hier ist ein Mugshot. Aber Glück für Grant, seine Mutter und Vater suchen ihn aus, den wir einfach Mutter und Vater nennen. Also kommen Mutter und Vater zur Rettung, sie zahlen für einen Arbeiter und boom, die Anzeichen werden gedroht. Und so ist er aus Problemen.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
This Twitch Streamer Destroys His Life For a Webcam Girl - The Grant Amato story
Aber jetzt hat er ein anderes Problem. He ain't got no job. So he comes up with one hell of a plan. He'll just become an internet star. He'll get some equipment and he'll livestream himself playing video games on Twitch. And people will donate to him because he's such a likable guy and he'll make so much money from doing this. So, Grant kriegt diese Idee los.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
This Twitch Streamer Destroys His Life For a Webcam Girl - The Grant Amato story
Er setzt alles zusammen und er beginnt, sich live zu streamen. Aber leider ist Live-Streaming einfach, aber Geld aus Live-Streaming zu verdienen, ist es nicht. Und die Donationen kommen einfach nicht für ihn ein. Ich meine, Dinge im Allgemeinen gehen einfach nicht gut für Grant. Aber dann verändert sich alles. Denn eines Tages ist er online und er kommt zu einem Ad zu einem Camgirl Website.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
This Twitch Streamer Destroys His Life For a Webcam Girl - The Grant Amato story
Und Grant ist so, ich will Camgirls sehen. Und er klickt auf die Website und das ist, als er etwas Unglaubliches sieht. Er sieht diese Frau. Sie geht bei Sylvie. Sylvie ist eine Camgirl aus Bulgarien. Und Grant denkt, Sylvie ist gut. Wie wirklich, wirklich gut. And so he starts donating money to her to watch her webcam shows.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
This Twitch Streamer Destroys His Life For a Webcam Girl - The Grant Amato story
And then Grant starts to chat and interact with Sylvie, assuming it's really her. Because sometimes these cam girls will hire other people to pretend to be them so that they can chat with customers online. So I'm told. But anyway, Grant thinks he's chatting with Sylvie. Problem is, he doesn't really have a lot going on. So he starts lying to her.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
This Twitch Streamer Destroys His Life For a Webcam Girl - The Grant Amato story
He tells her that he's rich, that he's a successful Twitch-Streamer and that he has all this money to just throw around. And Bro is like watching her and chatting with her like every night. And over time, he starts to think they have a real relationship and he starts to believe that she is his girlfriend. And Bro becomes obsessed with her.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
This Twitch Streamer Destroys His Life For a Webcam Girl - The Grant Amato story
Und ziemlich schnell wird sein Geld niedrig, um mit ihr zu sprechen. Also beginnt er zu fragen, ob sie ihm Videos gratis schickt.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
This Twitch Streamer Destroys His Life For a Webcam Girl - The Grant Amato story
Und ich vermute, Sylvie sagt, nein, weil er sie immer noch bezahlt. Nun, ich bin sicher, dass Sie sofort sehen können, was Grant mit dem Problem zu tun hat. Er hat keinen Job, aber er spart all diese Geld. Ich meine, ihre Shows kosten mehr als 10 Dollar pro Minute und er schaut sie obsessiv für Stunden und Stunden jeden Tag. Manchmal spart er über 2.000 Dollar pro Nacht. Das ist verrückt.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
This Twitch Streamer Destroys His Life For a Webcam Girl - The Grant Amato story
Also, wie löst er dieses Geldproblem? Er beginnt, seine Eltern und Bruder Kreditkarten zu stehlen. Und er macht sie aus, um Sylvie bezahlen zu können. Und schlussendlich entdeckt sein Vater die Rechnungen auf seiner Karte. Und er ist so, was zur F***? Und Grant sagt ihm, oh, das sind Bezahlungen, um meinen Twitch-Kanal zu promoten. Weil ich jetzt Streamer bin.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
This Twitch Streamer Destroys His Life For a Webcam Girl - The Grant Amato story
Und natürlich kauft der Vater die Geschichte nicht. Aber Grant weiß, dass sein Vater seine eigenen Kinder nicht anrechnen wird. Also macht er das immer noch. Er fängt nicht an. Er fängt sogar an, Sylvie Gifte zu schicken, wie Lingerie und Sex-Tüten. Und er will wirklich, dass man seine Name im Chatraum sieht, also tippt er sie groß. Und bis jetzt, wenn man es schon weiß, ist er enttäuscht.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
This Twitch Streamer Destroys His Life For a Webcam Girl - The Grant Amato story
Er spendet zwischen 2.000 und 12.000 Dollar pro Tag auf sie. Und um seine Bedrohung zu halten, stehlt er einfach mehr. Er beginnt, von seinem Bruder zu stehlen. Diesen Jungen, Cody. Er stehlt etwa 60.000 Dollar von ihm. Meistens Piu-Pius. Ich glaube, damit er sie befreien kann. Er beginnt auch, Kreditkarten in seinen Elternnamen zu öffnen. Er nimmt einen Lohn aus seinen Elternnamen.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
This Twitch Streamer Destroys His Life For a Webcam Girl - The Grant Amato story
Er fragt sogar seinen Bruder, um ihm 50.000 Dollar zu zahlen, damit er in Bulgarien gehen kann und Silvie sehen kann.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
This Twitch Streamer Destroys His Life For a Webcam Girl - The Grant Amato story
Aber ich vermute, Cody sagt nein, weil Grant nicht in Bulgarien gehen wird. Leider haben Mutter, Vater und Cody nie mit dem Polizisten gesprochen. Ich glaube, sie wollen ihn nicht in Gefahr bringen. Sie kümmern sich sehr um ihn und wollen nur, dass er Hilfe bekommt. Aber weil das so ist, wird Grant nicht aufhören. Und dann endet Grant am Haus seiner Tochter mit seiner Tochter.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
This Twitch Streamer Destroys His Life For a Webcam Girl - The Grant Amato story
Und dann beginnt er, Kreditkarten von ihr zu stehlen. Und dann wird sie alle verdammt und Cody bittet an, an die Frau anzupassen für alles, was Grant von ihr verdient hat, wenn sie nicht die Anzeichen drückt. Wieder einmal, sie wollen einfach nicht, dass er in Probleme kommt, sie wollen, dass er Hilfe bekommt. Aber an diesem Punkt hat Grant über 200.000 Dollar von seiner Familie verdient.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
This Twitch Streamer Destroys His Life For a Webcam Girl - The Grant Amato story
200.000 Dollar. Und so gehen sie zu ihm und haben eine Intervention und sagen ihm, das ist es, wir nehmen dich zum Rehaben für ein 60-Tage-Programm für diese Addiktion. Und wenn Grant das hört, freut er sich aus, weil er weiß, dass er Sylvie für 60 Tage nicht sehen kann. Whatever, they put him in the car and they drive him to the clinic with Grant all pissed off and screaming in the backseat.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
This Twitch Streamer Destroys His Life For a Webcam Girl - The Grant Amato story
So now maybe, just maybe, this point, this can finally break his addiction and he'll finally become a responsible adult and he can finally get his life back on track. Two weeks later, Grant decides, eh, I'm done with rehab. And he leaves treatment and he goes home early. And at this point, Dad is like, alright, fine. You can come live at home, but you have to follow these three rules.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
This Twitch Streamer Destroys His Life For a Webcam Girl - The Grant Amato story
One, get a job. Two... Und er sagt ihm spezifisch, dass wenn er Rule 3 bremst, er ihn aus dem Haus auslösen wird. Und das, natürlich, f*****t Grant ab. Ich meine, er glaubt, Sylvie sei sein Freund, also kann er nicht einfach stoppen, mit ihr zu sprechen. Und so stoppt er nicht, mit ihr zu sprechen. Er versucht es nicht, auch wenn sie seine Geräte wegnehmen.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
This Twitch Streamer Destroys His Life For a Webcam Girl - The Grant Amato story
Instead, he sneaks around and he low-key starts stealing his mom's phone. And he starts logging on to see Sylvie again. And when dad finds out, kaboom, an argument explodes. And he tells Grant that he has had enough. Get your shit and get out. And this is when Grant finally just snaps. He is tired of people getting in the way of his love for Sylvie. And so he goes and he grabs a pew-pew.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
This Twitch Streamer Destroys His Life For a Webcam Girl - The Grant Amato story
And his mom is working on her computer, not paying attention to him, and he walks up behind her, and blam, he shoots her in the head. Then he goes to the kitchen, and when his dad walks in, blam, he shoots him. Then he gets his dad's phone, and he texts his brother Cody, telling him to come home. When Cody comes home, blam, he shoots him too.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
This Twitch Streamer Destroys His Life For a Webcam Girl - The Grant Amato story
Und jetzt, dass die ganze Familie unerwachsen ist, stagiert er die Szene, um es so zu machen, als ob sein Bruder Cody diejenigen ist, die seine Eltern unerwachsen sind und dann selbst unerwachsen sind. Dann kommt er in sein Auto und fährt zu einem nahen Parkplatz und logt an Silvies Campsite und startet sofort mehr von seinen Eltern Geld auf sie.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
This Twitch Streamer Destroys His Life For a Webcam Girl - The Grant Amato story
Und endlich finden die Polizei ihn und bam, er wird verhaftet. Hier ist sein Mugshot. And ultimately he's charged with three counts of first degree murder and he's found guilty and he's sentenced to life in prison. That is insane.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
This Twitch Streamer Destroys His Life For a Webcam Girl - The Grant Amato story
So this guy is about to ruin his whole life because he falls in love with this cam girl. Now the guy's name is Grant. He's 29, he's from Florida, and Grant has a decent life. He works as a nurse, he lives at home with his parents, so he doesn't really have to pay any bills. He's got it good. But one day he starts screwing up.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
This Twitch Streamer Destroys His Life For a Webcam Girl - The Grant Amato story
See, even though he's a nurse, he doesn't really like it when patients ask him to do things. It's annoying. So he starts stealing sedatives from work and he low-key starts giving them to the patients to make them go to sleep. So now they sleep instead of bugging him to do his job. Und nicht nur ist das super gefährlich, es ist auch sehr illegal.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
Evil Doctor Hires a Biker Gang To Murder His Wife - The James Kauffman story
So this guy, his name's James. And James is like the coolest old guy you've ever heard of. I mean, he's 63, he's a doctor, he's also an ex-Green Beret who fought in Vietnam and saved a bunch of people. So he's like a war hero. And if that isn't cool enough, he's also really into motorcycles. Yeah, he's one of those guys. But one day in 2011, it all changes. Because he meets this guy, Ferdinand.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
Evil Doctor Hires a Biker Gang To Murder His Wife - The James Kauffman story
Not only that, she's also a popular on-air host at the local radio station. And she's known to be very outspoken. I love being here to bring you the truth. As unvarnished, as unpretty, unbuttered on the biscuit it is. Now, we don't exactly know how, but at some point, April starts getting suspicious of some of the things James is up to.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
Evil Doctor Hires a Biker Gang To Murder His Wife - The James Kauffman story
And she discovers that he is a big part of this motorcycle gang, Oxy Drug Ring. And if that isn't bad enough, she also discovers that he's a big liar. And that he's made up a bunch of stuff about his past. Like he was never a Green Beret. He never fought in Vietnam. He never rescued a bunch of people. He lied about his service and all his military tattoos and medals and his Green Beret stories.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
Evil Doctor Hires a Biker Gang To Murder His Wife - The James Kauffman story
They were all made up to make him sound like a cool guy.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
Evil Doctor Hires a Biker Gang To Murder His Wife - The James Kauffman story
and so april finds all this out and she's devastated like how could he lie to me about all those things and she has had enough and she's like i'm done i want out of this relationship he is no longer foreign but james he isn't ready to get divorced and so they fight about it and i guess he isn't gonna grant her the divorce which is just gonna make the whole process way more difficult than it
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
Evil Doctor Hires a Biker Gang To Murder His Wife - The James Kauffman story
needs to be and april's like if you don't grant me this divorce i'm going to tell everyone that you lied about being a green beret in vietnam and that you're involved in a drug ring with the pagan motorcycle gang but here's the thing her threatening to tell everyone is a big deal because she's a popular on-air radio host in that area she's also very well known for having a lot of opinions and at any time she could jump on the mic and ruin james's whole reputation
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
Evil Doctor Hires a Biker Gang To Murder His Wife - The James Kauffman story
And obviously James can't have that. And he's like, if you tell anybody, I'll go nuclear on this family. But April's like, whatever, you're all talk. And while James acts all hardcore, deep down, he's super worried about her telling on him. And so he comes up with a plan to make sure she doesn't do that. He's gonna hire a hitman.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
Evil Doctor Hires a Biker Gang To Murder His Wife - The James Kauffman story
And so he goes to Ferdinand and he's like, can you help me find someone to unalive my wife? And Ferdinand's like... Hi. And they end up hiring a hitman. And the hitman they hire is this guy, who we'll just call Hitman. Now, Hitman is also a member of the Pagan Motorcycle Club, and he agrees to do this hit for $20,000. And so the plan is all set.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
Evil Doctor Hires a Biker Gang To Murder His Wife - The James Kauffman story
And on the day it's supposed to go down, James leaves his house for work like he normally does. But this time, he makes sure to leave one of the doors unlocked. While April, she's still at home, and she has no idea what's coming.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
Evil Doctor Hires a Biker Gang To Murder His Wife - The James Kauffman story
Meanwhile, Hitman is on his way to the house and he gets there and he gets out of his car and he sneaks in through the unlocked door and there he finds April and blam, he shoots her and blam, he shoots her again and then he leaves. And later, a handyman shows up to the house to work and he finds her body and he reports it to the police. And so police investigate, and they don't find anything.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
Evil Doctor Hires a Biker Gang To Murder His Wife - The James Kauffman story
And Ferdinand happens to be the head of a local chapter of the Pagan Motorcycle Club, which is like a well-known outlaw motorcycle gang. And they're supposedly bad news. But despite that, James and Ferdinand bond over their love of motorcycles and stuff. And at one point, one of them comes up with this crazy idea. They want to go into business together.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
Evil Doctor Hires a Biker Gang To Murder His Wife - The James Kauffman story
No fingerprints, no shell casings, no sign of forced entry, nothing stolen. So they got nothing to work with. Even James has a solid alibi. He was at work. And I guess police never really get any more leads after that because the case goes cold. Not only that, strangely, 18 months later, Hitman is messing around one day, doing a bunch of drugs, and he accidentally overdoses.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
Evil Doctor Hires a Biker Gang To Murder His Wife - The James Kauffman story
And so he's gone, which sucks for him. But that's actually good news for James because that's one less person who can connect him back to April's murder. And so now it really looks like James pulled off the perfect hit and he's going to get away with everything.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
Evil Doctor Hires a Biker Gang To Murder His Wife - The James Kauffman story
Until five years go by and the governor of New Jersey at this time, this turd, Chris Christie, Chris Christie appoints a new county prosecutor. And this new county prosecutor steps into his role and he's immediately like, damn, why does this county have so many unsolved murders? And so he wants to try and get those numbers down.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
Evil Doctor Hires a Biker Gang To Murder His Wife - The James Kauffman story
And he and his team pull some cold cases from the files that they think they can solve. One of those cases happens to be April's case. And so they dig into April's case and they start looking at James. Because, you know, when investigating these things, it's always a safe start to look into the husband or the boyfriend as a suspect. Because generally they're guilty. And so they investigate James.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
Evil Doctor Hires a Biker Gang To Murder His Wife - The James Kauffman story
And right now they don't really have much to go on because remember, he had a solid alibi. But then they find out separately from all this, separately from everything I've talked about so far, James is being investigated for some other kinds of medical fraud. I guess he was like selling compound cream medications for kickbacks and apparently a couple of other schemes.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
Evil Doctor Hires a Biker Gang To Murder His Wife - The James Kauffman story
Regardless, it doesn't matter because it was illegal. And this alleged medical fraud is enough for police to get a search warrant. And boom, the police and FBI show up to James's office. And James is there and he sees them coming outside and he goes and he does the last thing anyone would expect. He pulls out a pew-pew and he's like, stay back or I'm gonna unalive myself.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
Evil Doctor Hires a Biker Gang To Murder His Wife - The James Kauffman story
And sh** gets real for a minute. But eventually, police do talk him down and bam, they arrest him. But not for being involved in April's murder because it hasn't been proven yet. They arrest him for a weapons violation. And by the way, here's his mugshot.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
Evil Doctor Hires a Biker Gang To Murder His Wife - The James Kauffman story
Now. Because of all this, police are able to get James' phone and they get into it and they see that he's connected to a guy named Ferdinand and therefore the Pagan Motorcycle Club. And so then James caves and he tries to save his ass by blaming everything on the Pagan Motorcycle Gang.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
Evil Doctor Hires a Biker Gang To Murder His Wife - The James Kauffman story
And so police, they go to the Pagan Motorcycle Gang and they're like, this guy's trying to blame this murder on you guys. And then some members of the Pagan Motorcycle Gang come forward and they're like, nah, James was giving us Oxycontin as part of a drug ring and then he came to us wanting his wife unalived.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
Evil Doctor Hires a Biker Gang To Murder His Wife - The James Kauffman story
And so with this new information, kaboom, they charge James with first degree murder and some other stuff. And also, bam, they go and arrest Ferdinand for his involvement in all this. Here's his mugshot.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
Evil Doctor Hires a Biker Gang To Murder His Wife - The James Kauffman story
And so now James, he's in jail and he's waiting on his trial. And unfortunately, or fortunately, while he's there, he unalives himself with a bed sheet and he never faces trial. Ferdinand, on the other hand, he stays alive, and he gets convicted, and he's sentenced to life in prison. That's wild.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
Evil Doctor Hires a Biker Gang To Murder His Wife - The James Kauffman story
And since James is a doctor, they decide they're going to set up a drug ring to sell painkillers, Oxycontin. Specifically, their plan is for Ferdinand to send drug users to James' office pretending to be his patients. And these fake patients will then pay James some money for the visit or their insurance will cover it.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
Evil Doctor Hires a Biker Gang To Murder His Wife - The James Kauffman story
Then James will write them a large prescription for Oxycontin and the fake patients will then go back to Ferdinand and give him his cut. And so they do this little scheme and it works and it works really well.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
Evil Doctor Hires a Biker Gang To Murder His Wife - The James Kauffman story
And suddenly they're both making a ton of extra money and no one suspects a thing because James is like this cool old guy and he's a respected physician and no one's going to assume he's doing this. Except... for one person. One person gets really suspicious of James. And that person is this nice woman, April. April's 47 and she's James's wife.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
She's Gonna Save The World From Zombies - The Lori Vallow story
So the apocalypse is coming and the world is going to end, right? And this woman believes she can save us all by unaliving all the zombies? Now, her name is Lori and Lori's a normal housewife living in Arizona. And one day she discovers a series of novels. And these novels are all about the coming apocalypse and how to survive the end of the world.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
She's Gonna Save The World From Zombies - The Lori Vallow story
That she's been reincarnated many, many times. That she is one of only 144,000 people who will actually be saved when the world ends. But most importantly, she starts talking about zombies. And not your walking dead, eat your brains type zombies. She and Chad Daybell believe that zombies are a normal person whose soul has been possessed by an evil demon. That's what they refer to as a zombie.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
She's Gonna Save The World From Zombies - The Lori Vallow story
And they think there are zombies all around them, hidden in plain sight. Now, Lori actually has a husband, who we'll just call husband. And at this point in her life, husband is seeing all these changes in her, and he's he's starting to get worried because she's been referring to herself as a goddess and talking about zombies and all kinds of crazy .
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
She's Gonna Save The World From Zombies - The Lori Vallow story
But then one day everything changes for husband because Lori comes to him and she tells him that she no longer cares about him. And then after that, she just disappears. She steals his truck and she withdraws $35,000 from their joint bank account and she just bounces. And then two months go by and she's still gone and no one knows where she is.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
She's Gonna Save The World From Zombies - The Lori Vallow story
But as you could have guessed, everyone suspects that she went to Idaho where Chad Daybell lives to be with him. So after two months of being gone, one day she suddenly returns. And of course, she and husband immediately start getting into arguments about all this. And she starts insisting that he is possessed by an evil demon. An evil demon named Ned Schneider.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
She's Gonna Save The World From Zombies - The Lori Vallow story
Which, I gotta say, that's not a very demonic sounding name for an evil demon, Ned Schneider, but okay. And then she tells Husband that her God has put her on some kind of holy mission. And that if Husband gets in the way of her holy mission, she will have to unalive him. And Husband is like, okay, what the ? And he goes and he files for divorce. And then Laurie's like, okay, fine.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
She's Gonna Save The World From Zombies - The Lori Vallow story
And Lori is very religious and she's reading these books and she really connects with them. And as she becomes more and more obsessed with the books, she starts spending less and less time with her kids. And eventually she decides to travel from Arizona to Utah to a convention where the author of these novels is going to speak because she wants to meet him.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
She's Gonna Save The World From Zombies - The Lori Vallow story
And she takes their two kids and she goes to live with her brother. Her brother is this guy, Alex. And Alex is a total religious nut job too. So Lori tells Alex that Husband is actually a zombie and that he's possessed by an evil demon named Ned Schneider. And Alex is like, say no more, I'll take care of him.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
She's Gonna Save The World From Zombies - The Lori Vallow story
About five months later, Husband comes over to the house that Lori's renting to pick up their son. And while he's there, he and Lori, they start fighting. And Lori's brother, Alex, is there. And so Alex gets involved in this fight. And at one point, Alex gets so mad, he goes into his bedroom and he gets his pew-pew. And he comes out and he starts threatening Husband with it.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
She's Gonna Save The World From Zombies - The Lori Vallow story
And then suddenly, out of nowhere, blam! Alex shoots Husband twice in the chest. And unfortunately, Husband, he doesn't make it. And Alex ends up telling police that it was self-defense and there are no charges brought against him. Then, about a month after that, Lori takes her two kids and her brother Alex, and they all move from Arizona all the way to Idaho.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
She's Gonna Save The World From Zombies - The Lori Vallow story
Because, of course, that's where Chad Daybell lives. And now that husband is gone, she can be closer to him. About a week later, after moving to Idaho, Lori and Alex take her two kids on a little trip to Yellowstone National Park. Now, there's not a lot known about what actually happened there that day. But that day is the last day that Lori's daughter is seen alive.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
She's Gonna Save The World From Zombies - The Lori Vallow story
Because Lori and Alex, they come back from Yellowstone without her. And no one knows what happened to her. Then, two weeks later, Lori's son goes missing. And again, we don't know much about why. Because one day, he's just gone. And no one knows what happened to him. Now, suspiciously, neither Lori nor her brother Alex report this to the police.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
She's Gonna Save The World From Zombies - The Lori Vallow story
And when other relatives and family members call to talk to the kids, Lori just makes up excuses like, oh, they're out with their friends. Or, oh, he's taking a nap right now. And everyone believes her. I mean, at this point, they have no reason to suspect that Lori might have done something to unalive her own kids.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
She's Gonna Save The World From Zombies - The Lori Vallow story
Until about a month later, Chad Daybell, his wife, because yes, he's also married to someone, Chad Daybell's wife suddenly dies. She dies out of nowhere from cardiac arrest. But the whole thing is sudden and therefore very suspicious. And what's even more suspicious is that Chad Daybell doesn't allow them to perform an autopsy on her. Now, stay with me here, because it gets a little complicated.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
She's Gonna Save The World From Zombies - The Lori Vallow story
The youngest son, the one who went missing, his name is JJ. And JJ is actually adopted. Now, his biological grandmother, she talks to him like on the phone often enough. And at this point, it's been about six weeks since she could get him on the phone last. And every time she calls, Lori keeps making excuses. Like, oh, JJ can't talk right now. He's out playing with the other kids.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
She's Gonna Save The World From Zombies - The Lori Vallow story
So at this point, grandmother's getting worried, and she thinks something weird is going on. So she calls police, and she asks them to go do a welfare check. So police, they go over to Lori and Chad Daybell's apartment, and of course, JJ isn't there. And that is when police discover that not only is JJ not there, But both kids are missing. And Lori's brother Alex happens to be there.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
She's Gonna Save The World From Zombies - The Lori Vallow story
And Alex, he tells police, JJ's not here. He's staying with his grandmother right now. But remember, it was grandmother who reported JJ missing. So police are like, yeah, that's bulls**t. And this is definitely suspicious. And they start really investigating Lori and Chad. And about a week later, Lori and Chad move from Idaho to Hawaii. And once they're in Hawaii, they get married.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
She's Gonna Save The World From Zombies - The Lori Vallow story
So the author is this guy, Chad Daybell. And Laurie gets to meet Chad Daybell, and she's all excited, and she tells him how much his books have changed her life. And these two really hit it off. And they start flirting a little, and Chad Daybell tells her they've been married in previous lifetimes. Which, I gotta say, that is one hell of a pickup line.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
She's Gonna Save The World From Zombies - The Lori Vallow story
And it's only been like two weeks since Chad's wife died of alleged cardiac arrest, and he's already getting remarried. And so all this is coming across as super weird. And this whole time, Lori's family is hitting her up like, hey, where are your kids? We haven't spoken to them in forever. And Lori's still making excuses like, oh, they're fine. They're off playing something.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
She's Gonna Save The World From Zombies - The Lori Vallow story
And of course, police are also harassing them too. Like, Ma'am, where the hell are your kids? And Lori's like, oh no, they're staying with my friend. And the friend is like, uh, her kids aren't with me. So then, boom, police officially declare Lori and Chad as persons of interest. And they launch a nationwide search for these missing kids. And of course, no one can find them.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
She's Gonna Save The World From Zombies - The Lori Vallow story
Meanwhile, police are like, you know, maybe these missing kids are somehow related to Chad's former wife's sudden death from cardiac arrest. So they go and they dig up Chad's former wife's body to see if she actually died from cardiac arrest. And they autopsy her and guess what they find? No, she didn't die from cardiac arrest. She was actually asphyxiated, meaning someone suffocated her.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
She's Gonna Save The World From Zombies - The Lori Vallow story
So police, they contact Lori and they're like, all right, lady, we're tired of your excuses. You have five days to physically produce your missing kids or you're under arrest. And of course, Lori doesn't produce them. She can't. And three weeks later, bam, they arrest Lori and they charge her with abandonment. Here's her mugshot.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
She's Gonna Save The World From Zombies - The Lori Vallow story
And while Lori's in jail, police get a warrant and they search Chad Daybell's backyard at his previous house back in Idaho. And they start digging around in that yard and there, buried, they find the remains of both of Lori's kids. And sadly, it is theorized that Lori and Chad beat and strangled them to death.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
She's Gonna Save The World From Zombies - The Lori Vallow story
Apparently, Lori and Chad thought her two kids had become zombies, and that the only way to save their souls was to get rid of them before the apocalypse happens. So then, of course, kapow! Police arrest Chad. Here's his mugshot. And they charge him and Lori both with first-degree murder for unaliving the kids.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
She's Gonna Save The World From Zombies - The Lori Vallow story
They also charge Chad with unaliving his wife, and they charge Lori with conspiring to unalive her former husband. Then they go to trial and she's found guilty for everything. And he is also found guilty for everything. And Laurie is sentenced to life in prison while Chad is sentenced to death.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
She's Gonna Save The World From Zombies - The Lori Vallow story
While Laurie's brother Alex, who was also involved in all this, he didn't get charged with anything because he died from blood clots before any of them got arrested, which is very suspicious timing. Oh, and also the apocalypse never happened.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
She's Gonna Save The World From Zombies - The Lori Vallow story
So eventually, the convention ends, and they go their separate ways. But Lori and Chad decide to stay in touch, and they chat often. And he has her as a guest on his podcast, Long Distance. And they, of course, often talk about how to prepare your soul for the upcoming apocalypse. Now, because of the popularity of his beliefs, Chad Daybell does have a bit of a religious following.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
She's Gonna Save The World From Zombies - The Lori Vallow story
His beliefs are sort of an extreme denomination of Mormonism, which some people describe as a doomsday cult. And the more Lori interacts with Chad Daybell and the more she buys into his doomsday teachings, the more her personality starts to change. And she starts saying crazy things to her friends and family. Like that she's a divine goddess. That she has supernatural powers.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
Salt Life Clothing Founder Shoots His Girlfriend - The Michael Hutto story
Have you heard of that clothing company Salt Life? Well the founder of that company just unalived someone and had a mental breakdown. Now the founder, his name's Michael and he and some other guys co-founded the clothing company Salt Life and they make clothes for like surfers and stuff. You've probably seen their stickers on cars at some point and mistakenly thought it said Salt Life.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
Salt Life Clothing Founder Shoots His Girlfriend - The Michael Hutto story
And Grace's parents, they don't hear from her for like a whole day. And they start to get paranoid. So they report her missing. And a local police officer, he comes over to their house to follow up with them. And while the officer's there, Grace actually calls her parents. And she lets them know she's fine.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
Salt Life Clothing Founder Shoots His Girlfriend - The Michael Hutto story
But oddly, Grace sounds really strange on the phone, almost like she's been drugged or something. And her parents are like, all right, this is all very weird. And they ask police to do a welfare check on her. So police, they start looking for her. A day or so later, Grace calls her parents again.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
Salt Life Clothing Founder Shoots His Girlfriend - The Michael Hutto story
And she says she's fine and that they're now going from Daytona to go visit some friends in the Florida Keys. Now, on their way to the Florida Keys, Grace and Michael decide to stop at Singer Island and have, you know, a day at the beach. After their day at the beach, they head back to their hotel room. And this is where things start to get weird.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
Salt Life Clothing Founder Shoots His Girlfriend - The Michael Hutto story
Because allegedly, here is where Grace and Michael start partying. Little drugs, little alcohol. Allegedly. And at some point, they start playing this little game with their hands, like finger guns, like you would do as a kid. And I guess they're pretending to, like, shoot each other, and they're sort of doing it back and forth, and I guess they find it hilarious. I don't know.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
Salt Life Clothing Founder Shoots His Girlfriend - The Michael Hutto story
But then, for some reason, Michael's like, hey, what if I pulled out my actual pew-pew and pointed at her? Wouldn't that be quirky and hilarious? So, he takes his pew-pew out, and he points it at Grace, just playing around. And suddenly, bam! It goes off, and a bullet flies and hits Grace right in the stomach, and she falls to the floor. And Michael, he's like, oh , and he panics.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
Salt Life Clothing Founder Shoots His Girlfriend - The Michael Hutto story
Anywho, so Michael co-found Salt Life and later ends up selling the company for $40 million. So the dude is rich now. He is rolling in the money. But one day, all that changes. Because Michael, he's out riding an ATV. And then kaboom, he crashes it. So he decides to start going to the gym for physical therapy. And there at the gym is where he meets this woman, the woman of his dreams, Grace.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
Salt Life Clothing Founder Shoots His Girlfriend - The Michael Hutto story
Now, I don't know what is going on in his head at this point, but he doesn't call police, and he doesn't call paramedics. Instead, Michael decides to flee, and he puts the pew-pew in his backpack, and he runs out to his car, and he jumps in, and he drives four hours, around 280 miles, until his car straight up runs out of gas.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
Salt Life Clothing Founder Shoots His Girlfriend - The Michael Hutto story
And he pulls over at a gas station and he parks and he starts having a mental breakdown. He's twitching and he's crying and he's talking to himself. Now the gas station attendant inside, he looks out and he sees that Michael is parked illegally. And he can see him twitching and crying and talking to himself. And he's like, man, this guy's nuts. So he calls the police.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
Salt Life Clothing Founder Shoots His Girlfriend - The Michael Hutto story
So the police come and they're like, I don't know what the is wrong with this guy. So they take him to the hospital for evaluation. The next day, Grace's dad, he still hasn't heard from Grace. She hasn't responded to any of his texts or any of his calls and it's been a few days. And he starts getting worried. So he uses an app on his phone to track her phone to the Hilton Hotel on Singer Island.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
Salt Life Clothing Founder Shoots His Girlfriend - The Michael Hutto story
So he calls police and he asks them to go to Singer Island to see if she's at that Hilton. And police go there and they knock on the hotel room door and no one answers, but they can smell something foul coming from the room. So management lets them in. And that is where they find Grace's body lying on the floor. The gunshot to her stomach had unalived her.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
Salt Life Clothing Founder Shoots His Girlfriend - The Michael Hutto story
Now, when Michael fled the hotel that night, he actually left so fast that he forgot his wallet and his ID. Plus the hotel room is rented in his name. So pretty quickly, police know he's responsible for this. And they track him down at the hospital he's at and bam, they arrest him. Here's his mugshot.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
Salt Life Clothing Founder Shoots His Girlfriend - The Michael Hutto story
And Michael gets charged with manslaughter and he takes a plea deal and he gets sentenced to 12 years in prison. So now when you see a car driving around with one of those Salt Life stickers on it, you can think of this story.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
Salt Life Clothing Founder Shoots His Girlfriend - The Michael Hutto story
Grace works at the gym and Michael thinks she is foint, but there's a problem. Michael, not only is he already married, he's also 54 years old, while Grace is 18. But Michael, he's like, whatever, if Leonardo DiCaprio can get away with it, why can't I? So he starts trying to riz her up, and surprisingly, Grace is into it. She thinks Michael's old ass is foint.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
Salt Life Clothing Founder Shoots His Girlfriend - The Michael Hutto story
So they start flirting at the gym and then they start going out on dates and pretty soon they start smashing on the regular. And he's calling her his girlfriend. And they even start working on some business together. Now, Grace's parents, they definitely have strong opinions about their daughter dating a man literally three times her age.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
Salt Life Clothing Founder Shoots His Girlfriend - The Michael Hutto story
And one day, she calls them and she's like, hey, I'm going out of town with my old ass boyfriend this weekend. We're going on a business trip to Daytona. And her parents certainly aren't happy with this. But she's technically an adult, so there's nothing they can do. So Michael and Grace, they leave Lake City and they go on their trip to Daytona.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
The Man Who Had 2 Atomic Bombs Dropped On Him - The Tsutomu Yamaguchi story
Imagine you're walking to work one day, and suddenly, kaboom! Someone drops an atomic bomb on you. Now, imagine if that happened to you twice. So this guy's name is Satomu. He's 29, he lives in Japan, he's a naval engineer, he designs oil tanker ships. He's a really smart guy. And Satomu's been working out of town for about three months. Because he's been designing this new oil tanker.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
The Man Who Had 2 Atomic Bombs Dropped On Him - The Tsutomu Yamaguchi story
And he immediately thinks, oh, sh**. I'm dead. And it takes him a moment to realize he's not. He's alive and he's lying in a potato patch. And he stands up and he can barely see through all the thick falling ash around him. But off in the distance, he sees there's a huge mushroom cloud of fire rising into the sky.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
The Man Who Had 2 Atomic Bombs Dropped On Him - The Tsutomu Yamaguchi story
Because Satomu is in Hiroshima when it was hit by the world's first atomic bomb attack. And so he looks at himself and his face and his arms are all badly burned and his eardrums are ruptured and everything just hurts. So he stumbles through the falling ash with very little visibility and he makes his way to what is left of the shipyard where he works. And there, he finds two of his coworkers.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
The Man Who Had 2 Atomic Bombs Dropped On Him - The Tsutomu Yamaguchi story
And they're both also covered in ash and they're both also badly burned. So the three of them look at each other and they're like, what do we do now? Now here's the thing. Japan is in the middle of World War II right now. And local governments and citizens, they had been constructing air raid shelters all around the country to protect people in the event of bombs being dropped.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
The Man Who Had 2 Atomic Bombs Dropped On Him - The Tsutomu Yamaguchi story
So the whole country has been prepared for war. So the three men, they look all around and they find one of these air raid shelters. And they go there. And they're inside the shelter and they're all huddled up with some other survivors. And it's there that they hear their first bit of promising news. Somehow, one of the local train stations is still operating. And the trains are still running.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
The Man Who Had 2 Atomic Bombs Dropped On Him - The Tsutomu Yamaguchi story
So the three guys crash in that shelter for the night. And the next morning, Satomu is like, hey, I need to get back home to my wife and kid. Now, unfortunately, his wife and kid are in another city, many hours away by train. So Satomu and his co-workers, they all three set out on foot, determined to make it to this train station.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
The Man Who Had 2 Atomic Bombs Dropped On Him - The Tsutomu Yamaguchi story
And they walk all through the city, or what's left of it, and it is an apocalyptic hellscape. Everything is either covered in ash or just straight up on fire. And most of the buildings are just completely decimated. But the absolute worst part is that the streets are littered with charred and melted corpses. So eventually, the three men, they get to a bridge.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
The Man Who Had 2 Atomic Bombs Dropped On Him - The Tsutomu Yamaguchi story
And they need to cross this bridge to get to the train station. But of course, this bridge is no longer standing. I mean, at this point, it's just a pile of wreckage. But Satomu and the other two, they can't stop now. I mean, they've already gone this far. So they decide they have to wade into the river and swim across. But this river is filled with a layer of floating dead people.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
The Man Who Had 2 Atomic Bombs Dropped On Him - The Tsutomu Yamaguchi story
And it's his last day working away from home and he is ready to leave that city. He just wants to get home so he can be with his wife and son. So anyway, he's walking to work on this final day. And he's already daydreaming about the day being over. And just as he's reaching the shipyard, suddenly he hears the sound of an airplane buzzing overhead.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
The Man Who Had 2 Atomic Bombs Dropped On Him - The Tsutomu Yamaguchi story
So they swim through it. And then finally they reach the train station. And Satomu, he gets on a train to go back home. And this train is packed with other people badly burned who had also survived the bomb. And this is an overnight trip. So the next morning, the train arrives at his stop. And Satomu, he gets off and he goes straight to the hospital.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
The Man Who Had 2 Atomic Bombs Dropped On Him - The Tsutomu Yamaguchi story
And the blackened burns on his face and his hands are so severe that his doctor doesn't even recognize him. But he gets treatment, they bandage him all up, and he heads home to see his wife and son. And when he gets home, he's all burnt up and bandaged up and his family doesn't recognize him either. Regardless, he's with his family and he's alive and he's safe.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
The Man Who Had 2 Atomic Bombs Dropped On Him - The Tsutomu Yamaguchi story
Until... The next morning, Satomu wakes up. And he's a man who is dedicated to his job. Because even though he's severely injured and mentally traumatized, he gets ready and he heads off to work at the home office in his city. And as soon as he gets to work and his boss sees him all bandaged up, his boss is like, What the hell happened to you?
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
The Man Who Had 2 Atomic Bombs Dropped On Him - The Tsutomu Yamaguchi story
I mean, boss had kind of heard there was an attack on Hiroshima, but... He doesn't believe Satomu would have survived that. So Boss pulls him aside into a conference room. And he's like, all right, buddy, tell me what the hell really happened. And Satomu, he starts telling the story. Like, yeah, they dropped a bomb on me back in Hiroshima. It was crazy. And of course, Boss is like, what?
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
The Man Who Had 2 Atomic Bombs Dropped On Him - The Tsutomu Yamaguchi story
There is no way one bomb could destroy an entire city. And famous last words, because at that very moment, Pow! A crazy bright flash fills the sky. The exact same flash Satomu saw before. And it blinds him for a moment. But he's been through this, and he knows what's coming this time. And he immediately dives directly to the floor. And then a massive kaboom!
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
The Man Who Had 2 Atomic Bombs Dropped On Him - The Tsutomu Yamaguchi story
And all the windows in the office shatter and there's debris and glass everywhere. And everything in the office is destroyed and blown over. And when Satomu comes to, all of his bandages have been blown off. And everything around him is complete chaos. A second atomic bomb had just been dropped. And people are panicking and screaming and the whole city had just been destroyed.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
The Man Who Had 2 Atomic Bombs Dropped On Him - The Tsutomu Yamaguchi story
And even the building he's in is now mostly a skeleton. And so Satomu, he checks himself. And strangely, he's not any more injured than he already was. And he's relieved because he just survived two atomic bomb blasts. One in Hiroshima and another one three days later in Nagasaki. What are the f***ing odds? But then he remembers his wife and son back home. Like, oh s***, did the bomb get them?
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
The Man Who Had 2 Atomic Bombs Dropped On Him - The Tsutomu Yamaguchi story
Are they hurt? So Satomu, he runs out of the building, or what's left of it. And he runs as fast as he can through the falling ash. And he's dodging fires left and right, trying to get home. And soon enough, he arrives there at his house. But unfortunately, his home... It's no longer home because the whole thing has been reduced to just a pile of rubble. And he is devastated. How could this be?
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
The Man Who Had 2 Atomic Bombs Dropped On Him - The Tsutomu Yamaguchi story
Which isn't that uncommon, but this plane sounds different. So he looks up and he sees this is not a commercial plane. It's a military plane flying over the city. And as he's staring at it, something drops out of the bottom of it. And as this object falls to the ground, Satomu is watching it, trying to figure out what it is. And that is when suddenly, POW!
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
The Man Who Had 2 Atomic Bombs Dropped On Him - The Tsutomu Yamaguchi story
What the hell happened to his wife and kid? All right. So here's what happened. Shortly just before the bomb dropped, wife decides, you know, Satomu is burned up really bad. I'm going to go to the store and get some ointment for when he gets home from work. So she takes the son and she goes to the store. And that is when kaboom, the bomb drops.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
The Man Who Had 2 Atomic Bombs Dropped On Him - The Tsutomu Yamaguchi story
But luckily, the store is much further away from the blast than the house was. So wife and son end up only having minor injuries. But if you think about it, if Satomu hadn't been injured in that first bomb, then his family may have never gone to the store. And they probably would have died in that second bomb. That's crazy.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
The Man Who Had 2 Atomic Bombs Dropped On Him - The Tsutomu Yamaguchi story
But anyway, so Satomu does, of course, have radiation poisoning, but he does survive and he eventually goes on to become a public speaker, speaking out against the use of atomic weapons. And he actually lived a long life after that. He lived to be 93. And then, sadly, he died of cancer, likely related to being in two atomic bomb blasts.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
The Man Who Had 2 Atomic Bombs Dropped On Him - The Tsutomu Yamaguchi story
A crazy bright flash fills the sky, and it blinds him for a moment. And in this split second, Satomu, he's disoriented. But he knows this bright flash is an explosion from a bomb. And light travels faster than sound, so he knows what's coming next. And he immediately dives to the ground for cover.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
The Man Who Had 2 Atomic Bombs Dropped On Him - The Tsutomu Yamaguchi story
And he rolls over into a ditch, covering his face with his hands and plugging his ears, just in time to hear a massive kaboom! And the force of this blast is so strong, it lifts him off the ground and flips him into the air, spinning him like a tornado. And then, bam, he slams to the ground. And he is out. And when he regains consciousness, everything is dark. And his ears are ringing.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
She Escaped a Serial Killer - The Kara Robinson story
So this girl, her name's Kara. And Kara is about to get kidnapped by a mother serial killer. So one day, Kara had just stayed the night at her friend's house. And she's helping her friend with her chores, and she volunteers to go outside and water the plants. So Kara heads out to the front yard, she grabs the hose, and she starts watering all the flowers and bushes.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
She Escaped a Serial Killer - The Kara Robinson story
And once he's done with this weird-ass interview, he straight up threatens her. He's like, do everything I say or there will be consequences. And then he reminds her that he has a pew-pew. And then, shortly after that, he unfortunately essays her multiple times. And now eventually he tries to get Kara to eat something, but as you can imagine, she isn't very hungry.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
She Escaped a Serial Killer - The Kara Robinson story
So she's like, no thanks, but is there anything I can do for you to like help you? And the kidnapper's like, sure, you can sweep the kitchen floor. So Kara gets a broom and she goes to sweep the kidnapper's kitchen floor. Now, She doesn't really want to sweep this turd's kitchen floor. She wants to appease him so that he doesn't flip out and like suddenly unalive her.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
She Escaped a Serial Killer - The Kara Robinson story
And she also wants to learn as much information about him as she can. Because Kara plans on getting out of this one way or another. And she wants information to identify him. So she starts memorizing facts about the kidnapper. And while she's in his kitchen sweeping, she uses this opportunity to get close to the refrigerator. And pinned on that fridge are magnets for his doctor and his dentist.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
She Escaped a Serial Killer - The Kara Robinson story
So she memorizes the names of his doctor and his dentist. And she just keeps on collecting more and more info on him. Like she strikes up a conversation with him and she learns that he was in the military. Specifically, he was discharged from the Navy. And at one point, she's in the bathroom and she finds a hairbrush with long red hair in it. She also finds feminine hygiene products.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
She Escaped a Serial Killer - The Kara Robinson story
So she knows a woman with red hair probably also lives there with him. And she also sees that he has a pet Guinea pig and a pet lizard. And she memorizes all of this information too. And then finally hours later, it's around two or three in the morning and the kidnapper, he makes her take a Valium and then he takes her and he handcuffs her to his bed and he restrains her right leg.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
She Escaped a Serial Killer - The Kara Robinson story
And that is when she notices a car driving by. And it's no big deal. But then the same car drives by again and it pulls into the driveway and it parks. And then a guy gets out and he has a binder and he's like, hello, are your parents around? And Kara's like, oh, this is my friend's house. And he's like, well, are your friend's parents home? And Kara's like, they're not home right now.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
She Escaped a Serial Killer - The Kara Robinson story
And then he lays down next to her and he falls asleep. And that is when Kara is like, all right, this is my chance to escape. But then the volume starts kicking in and she's out. Hours later, Kara wakes up and it's just starting to get light outside. And she's still handcuffed and she's still tied up. And she looks over and the kidnapper, he's still asleep.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
She Escaped a Serial Killer - The Kara Robinson story
So she tries to slide her hands out of the handcuffs, but it's not working. They're on too tight. But then she notices the handcuffs are attached to a rope with a quick link. Which is like one of those little link things. So as quietly as she can, she bites down on it. She clamps her teeth around the screw. And somehow, she loosens it enough to slide the handcuffs out.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
She Escaped a Serial Killer - The Kara Robinson story
Then she uses her free hands to disconnect her leg restraint. And silently, she slides out of bed. And luckily, the kidnapper, he's still asleep. So she tiptoes through the apartment. And then, bam, she runs out the front door and into the complex parking lot.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
She Escaped a Serial Killer - The Kara Robinson story
and outside there's a car driving by and she runs straight toward it and she waves her arms to flag it down and the car stops and the guys inside are like, what the is this? And she's like, I was just kidnapped and I escaped. Take me to the police, please.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
She Escaped a Serial Killer - The Kara Robinson story
So these guys, they drive her to the sheriff's department and there she's like telling the officers the whole story and the deputy, he's like, okay, can you help us find this guy's apartment? And Kara's like, hell yes I can. So they drive her back over to the apartment complex to try and find this apartment. Here's the problem with that. It's an apartment complex, so all the units look the same.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
She Escaped a Serial Killer - The Kara Robinson story
And Kara, she doesn't know the exact unit, so they flag down the property manager of the complex. And the deputy asks Kara if there's anything she can remember about the guy that they can use to identify him.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
She Escaped a Serial Killer - The Kara Robinson story
And Kara's like, yeah, and she tells them he lives in a bottom left unit, and she describes the guy, and she describes his car, and she says he's got a pet guinea pig and a pet lizard, and maybe he lives with a woman with long red hair. Everything she remembers. And the property manager's like, you know, I think I know who this guy is. So then they take Kara to the hospital to get her checked out.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
She Escaped a Serial Killer - The Kara Robinson story
Meanwhile, the police, they use all the information she has given them, like his doctor's name and his dentist's info and all of that stuff to find out exactly who this guy is. And this kidnapper ends up being this creep, Richard.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
She Escaped a Serial Killer - The Kara Robinson story
ex-military total weirdo lives in that apartment with his wife who just happens to have long red hair no idea where the wife is during all this now of course by the time police go to richard's apartment he's no longer there he fled but They search the place and they find a footlocker. And this footlocker has some newspaper clippings in it about three unalivings that happened in another state.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
She Escaped a Serial Killer - The Kara Robinson story
And police, they put two and two together and they realize Richard was responsible for these other unalivings, making him a serial killer. Meaning Kara legit just escaped from a f***ing serial killer. Two days later, police actually track Richard down. He's been staying in a hotel in Florida, but by the time they get there, he's gone. He fled again.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
She Escaped a Serial Killer - The Kara Robinson story
But shortly after that, police actually spot him driving and they try to pull him over and he's like, you, you'll never get me. And he speeds away. And then this whole thing turns into like this massive high speed chase. So Richard's driving and he's trying to get away. And police, they go and they throw down one of those spike strip things to puncture his tires.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
She Escaped a Serial Killer - The Kara Robinson story
And he runs over the spike strip thing and then pow, his tires pop. And then kaboom, he crashes his car. And police, they got him surrounded. And they're like, we're sending in a canine unit. And so they send in a canine dog to attack him. And the dog rushes in and it bites Richard because he's a good dog. And then Richard, he suddenly pulls out a pew pew and he unalives himself.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
She Escaped a Serial Killer - The Kara Robinson story
And he's like, well, I'm giving out magazines. Would you mind giving these magazines to them? And then he steps forward to hand her the magazines. And that is when, bam, he pulls out a pew-pew and he points it at her. And he's like, you're coming with me. And he grabs her and he opens the door to his car. And there's a big plastic container in the back seat.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
She Escaped a Serial Killer - The Kara Robinson story
And interestingly enough, Kara, she eventually ends up getting her life together and healing. And she actually goes on to work in law enforcement, specifically for the sheriff's department that was working on her case. And she got to work on cases of SA and abuse, and she gets to help other survivors like her.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
She Escaped a Serial Killer - The Kara Robinson story
And today, she's still thriving, she has a true crime podcast, and she's got a pretty popular TikTok account, so good for her.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
She Escaped a Serial Killer - The Kara Robinson story
And he points the pew-pew at her and he's like, get in the container. And so she does. And he closes the lid, sealing her in. And then he gets in the car and he speeds away. And poor Kara, she's in this container and she's just panicking. About 10 minutes later, the car pulls over and the guy opens the container and he ties Kara up and he makes her get back in.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
She Escaped a Serial Killer - The Kara Robinson story
Then they drive a few more minutes before the car stops again. And it stops in the parking lot of an apartment complex. And the kidnapper, he gets out of the car and he picks up the container with Kara inside and he drags it into his apartment. A few minutes later, he opens it up and Kara, she's still inside and she's still tied up.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
She Escaped a Serial Killer - The Kara Robinson story
So he lets her out and then he sits down with her and he starts asking her lots of questions and writing down the answers on a legal pad like he's interviewing her. And he wants to know her full name, her address, the names and addresses of her friends. He wants to know about her boyfriend, her sexual history. It's weird.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
Nice Blonde Girl Becomes a Drug Kingpin - The Rian Thal story
So this woman, let's call her White Girl, because that's literally what everyone calls her. So somehow, White Girl, this young woman from an upper-class suburb, nearly becomes a Philadelphia drug kingpin. So White Girl is a club promoter, she's cool, she's popular, and she's really good at her job working in the nightlife scene.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
Nice Blonde Girl Becomes a Drug Kingpin - The Rian Thal story
He's like, hey, I know a dude in Texas with a ton of Mexican Coca-Cola, and he wants us to help him expand into the Philadelphia market. And white girl's like, sweet, bro. Let's do it. And soon enough, a delivery truck is headed from Texas to white girl's apartment in Philadelphia, carrying around 12 kilos of pure Mexican Coca-Cola. But here's where it all goes wrong.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
Nice Blonde Girl Becomes a Drug Kingpin - The Rian Thal story
Soon enough, a rival group of Coca-Cola dealers, they get word that white girl is about to have 12 fat kilos in her apartment. And they're like, oh, hell no, not on my turf. Particularly, this guy is mad about it. Everyone calls him Pooh. So Pooh decides, no, we are going to roll up to White Girl's apartment and we are going to straight up rob her.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
Nice Blonde Girl Becomes a Drug Kingpin - The Rian Thal story
So then, soon enough, the night the shipment arrives, Pooh and another goon, they go to White Girl's building. And they go up to her apartment on one of the upper floors and they break in. And pretty quickly, they discover, oops, my bad, we're in the wrong apartment. Ugh. So they leave. But Pooh, he doesn't want to give up. He really wants to get his hands on that Mexican Coca-Cola.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
Nice Blonde Girl Becomes a Drug Kingpin - The Rian Thal story
So he hits up a few more goons to come and help him out. And then later that same day, they all go back to White Girl's building to try to break in again. And poo, he waits outside in the getaway van while the other three goons, they go up to the seventh floor. And there, they wait outside the elevator for white girl to get home.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
Nice Blonde Girl Becomes a Drug Kingpin - The Rian Thal story
A couple of hours later, white girl gets home and she gets back to her building and she's with this other guy. His name's Timothy. And she and Timothy, they ride the elevator up and they step off walking toward her apartment. And then suddenly, bam, they're surrounded by three goons and they're all pointing pew-pews at them. And they're like, give us all that Coca-Cola.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
Nice Blonde Girl Becomes a Drug Kingpin - The Rian Thal story
So she's always at a lot of parties and occasionally while at these parties, she participates in doing a drug that we'll just call Coca-Cola. And one day, white girl is at a party and an acquaintance of hers asks her if she wants to make a little extra money on the side while she's out working the nightlife scene. Basically, they want to know if she wants to sell Coca-Cola.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
Nice Blonde Girl Becomes a Drug Kingpin - The Rian Thal story
And White Girl, she's not prepared for any of this. And she's like, ah, take whatever you want. But Timothy, he's got other plans. And he's like, hell no. And he lunges toward one of the goons. And he tries to grab his pew-pew. And then there's a struggle back and forth. And then bang, bang, bang, bang. And the goon shoots Timothy four times in the back.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
Nice Blonde Girl Becomes a Drug Kingpin - The Rian Thal story
And then one of the other goons, I guess he panics. And he points his pew-pew at White Girl. And blam, he shoots her right in the head. and she falls to the floor, and she's unalived instantly. Then that same goon looks at Timothy, who's down on the floor, and he points his pew-pew at him, and he fires. Bam! Finishing him off too.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
Nice Blonde Girl Becomes a Drug Kingpin - The Rian Thal story
And now, with two unalived people on the floor in front of them, there's nothing the goons can do but run. So they all three run downstairs and out of the building, and they jump into the getaway van with Pooh, and they leave the scene completely empty-handed.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
Nice Blonde Girl Becomes a Drug Kingpin - The Rian Thal story
So pretty quickly with all the gunfire and whatnot, police are on the scene and they go and they search white girl's apartment and they find about $400,000 worth of Coca-Cola and more than $100,000 in cash. So they immediately know, yeah, this was all drug related.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
Nice Blonde Girl Becomes a Drug Kingpin - The Rian Thal story
And they question some of the people in the building, including this one woman who was friends with the goons and who had let them into the building so that they could pull off this robbery. And they get a search warrant and they search this woman's phone records and those phone records lead them directly to Pooh and the other goons.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
Nice Blonde Girl Becomes a Drug Kingpin - The Rian Thal story
Plus, not to mention, the entire crime was recorded on the many security cameras around the building. So, they were pretty much always fucked. And so, bam, they arrest Pooh. Here's his mugshot. And they also arrest every other goon who helped with the robbery. Here are their mugshots. And they arrest the woman who let them into the building. Here's her mugshot.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
Nice Blonde Girl Becomes a Drug Kingpin - The Rian Thal story
And eventually they all go to court and they're all found guilty and Pooh is sentenced to life in prison. And the three goons, they're also sentenced to life in prison. And one of the other goons gets a minimum of six years. And one of the other goons and the woman who let them into the building, they get off with time served and probation. So shout out to Pepsi, I guess.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
Nice Blonde Girl Becomes a Drug Kingpin - The Rian Thal story
And white girl's like, all right. And so, bam, she starts slanging that Coca-Cola to anyone who will buy it. And to white girl's surprise, she's actually pretty good at it. I mean, she's already a club promoter throwing parties for everyone. So I guess at these parties, she's just like, hey, want to buy a little something, something?
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
Nice Blonde Girl Becomes a Drug Kingpin - The Rian Thal story
And so the money starts rolling in and white girl keeps going and she keeps getting more and more involved with her growing connections in the nightlife scene. And that is where everyone starts calling her the white girl. Because if you're out at a club on Saturday night in Philadelphia and you want some Coca-Cola, you hit up the white girl.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
Nice Blonde Girl Becomes a Drug Kingpin - The Rian Thal story
And so this hustle goes on for years and it works really well for her. And white girl is making bank. and she's living the good life. And as she continues to sell more and more, she works her way up to near kingpin status. It's actually pretty impressive. Until it all falls apart. Because one day, her business partner in all this, he sets up a very interesting opportunity for her.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
School Principal Hires a Hitman - The Cornelius Green story
So this guy, let's call him Principal, because he's a middle school principal. And Principal loves to smash. He smashes with his wife. He smashes with his multiple girlfriends on the side. He's a busy guy. But one day, one of his side chicks delivers some devastating news to him. She pulls him aside, and she tells him she's pregnant. And Principal, he pretends he's all happy.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
School Principal Hires a Hitman - The Cornelius Green story
See, the dance team at his middle school just held a fundraiser and raised a bunch of money for a spring break trip they're gonna take. And he's the principal, so he knows where they keep this money. So Principal, he just goes and he steals about $2,700 from the middle school dance team's fundraiser. And then he packs all that money in a box and he takes it to a UPS store to mail it to Hitman.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
School Principal Hires a Hitman - The Cornelius Green story
Because Hitman lives a few states away in Oklahoma. And UPS is like, hey, you need to put a return address on that. And so principal, he doesn't want to put his own address on it. So he puts the school's address on it. And that'll be important later. Meanwhile, Jocelyn, she's at home and she's pregnant. She has no idea any of this is going on. In fact, she's getting ultrasounds.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
School Principal Hires a Hitman - The Cornelius Green story
She started a baby registry for them. She thinks she and Principal are about to have this baby and live happily ever after. Now, a few weeks later, Hitman takes a Greyhound bus from Oklahoma, where he lives, to St. Louis, where Principal lives. And they go over the plan. And Principal gives Hitman the keys to his car and... the key to Jocelyn's apartment.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
School Principal Hires a Hitman - The Cornelius Green story
Then the next morning, Principal takes an Amtrak train from St. Louis to Chicago so that he has an alibi during all this. And about a day later, it's 3 a.m. and Hitman takes Principal's car and he drives it to Jocelyn's apartment. And there he lets himself in and he sneaks through the apartment and he finds Jocelyn in her bedroom, asleep on her bed.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
School Principal Hires a Hitman - The Cornelius Green story
So he pulls out a pew-pew, points it at her head, and then bam! He unalives her. Then he leaves and he calls Principal in Chicago and he's like, okay, buddy, it's done. And Principal, he takes a train back to St. Louis and he goes directly to Jocelyn's house. And there he finds her unalived in her bed. So he calls police to report it, and he pretends he's surprised.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
School Principal Hires a Hitman - The Cornelius Green story
So police, they come to Jocelyn's house to investigate. And they take Principal back to the station to question him. Now during that interview, Principal asks them if they can leave the room so that he can make a phone call. And police are like, sure. So they leave the room and Principal calls his wife.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
School Principal Hires a Hitman - The Cornelius Green story
And he's like, honey, I need you to meet my buddy Hitman at this gas station and bring him my extra set of car keys. Because Principal's car is still parked at Jocelyn's apartment at the crime scene and he wants Hitman to go and move it. So Hitman gets the keys and he goes to Jocelyn's apartment to move the car. But police are still there at the crime scene investigating.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
School Principal Hires a Hitman - The Cornelius Green story
He's like, yay, you're pregnant. But deep down, he is devastated. He can't have a kid with his side chick. His wife and his other girlfriends are going to be so upset. Now the side chick, her name is Jocelyn. And she's a really nice woman. She's a third grade teacher at a nearby elementary school. And I'm not sure if she actually knows that Principal is married.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
School Principal Hires a Hitman - The Cornelius Green story
And a random guy suddenly coming to move a car from a crime scene? That seems pretty sketchy. So then pow, they detain Hitman and they bring him in. Now police, they question the hell out of both of them. And both of them are like, I didn't unalive anyone. What are you talking about?
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
School Principal Hires a Hitman - The Cornelius Green story
But then police check CCTV footage in the area and they find footage showing that principal's car was parked just down the street from Jocelyn's place during the time she was unalived. And they also get a warrant and they search the guy's phones. And of course they find a bunch of incriminating texts on those phones talking about their plan to unalive Jocelyn.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
School Principal Hires a Hitman - The Cornelius Green story
And most importantly, the return address on the money mailed to Hitman was the address of the middle school. So police know Principal was the one who mailed it. So then bam, they arrest Principal. Here's his mugshot. And they arrest Hitman. Here's his mugshot. And they're both charged with first degree murder. They plead guilty and Principal gets life in prison.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
School Principal Hires a Hitman - The Cornelius Green story
And Hitman also gets life in prison.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
School Principal Hires a Hitman - The Cornelius Green story
But she is happy about being pregnant with his kid because she really wants to be a mom. So as Jocelyn is all dealing with the pregnancy, Principal is quietly losing his mind. He's like, man, if my wife and my other girlfriends find out, they might leave me. Also, it wouldn't look good for a middle school principal to impregnate a teacher slash side chick. He could probably lose his job over that.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
School Principal Hires a Hitman - The Cornelius Green story
So Principal rubs his two brain cells together and he comes up with a plan. A plan to have Jocelyn unalived. So he calls up his shadiest friend, this guy, who we'll call Hitman. And Principal tells Hitman what's going on. And Hitman's like, oh, that sucks, bro. How can I help? And Principal's like, I need you to unalive my pregnant girlfriend. And Hitman's like, all right.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
School Principal Hires a Hitman - The Cornelius Green story
And then he says he needs $2,500 in cash up front. And Principal's like, deal. Now here's the thing about the $2,500. Principal, he works for the public school system. He doesn't have $2,500 to just be thrown around to give to a hitman. But Principal does know where to get it.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
Fake Psychic Medium Scams The Mayor - The Sophia Martinez story
So this guy, let's call him Mayor. And Mayor has a great life. He's the mayor of Agde, this town in France. And this town is actually the swinger capital of the world. So I guess everyone there would just be smashing. Sounds like fun. But, as fun as that sounds, not everything is going so great for Mayer. Because his dad passed away a few years back.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
Fake Psychic Medium Scams The Mayor - The Sophia Martinez story
Like that has got to be the laziest ghost I've ever heard of. Like, sorry, son, I can't float over to where you are. I have to call you from the afterlife. That's ridiculous. But anyway, Mayer is just relieved to be communicating with his father. And over time, he grows really grateful to Sophia for helping him do this. Here's the thing about Sophia. She's twice divorced and has six kids.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
Fake Psychic Medium Scams The Mayor - The Sophia Martinez story
And that's fine. But that is a lot of mouths to feed on a single income. And so Sophia, she comes up with a plan to leverage Mayor's gullibility to make sure she and her family are taken care of financially. And so then one day, Mayor gets a phone call, and it's from an unknown number. And he picks it up, and the voice on the other end is like, Hello Mayor, it's Archangel Michael.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
Fake Psychic Medium Scams The Mayor - The Sophia Martinez story
Now, if you don't know who the Archangel Michael is, it's this mythological creature from religious lore. And since Mayor has been talking to his dead father pretty regularly on the phone, when he gets a call from Archangel Michael, he doesn't really question it. And so Archangel Michael is like, Mayor, I need you to protect and take care of Sophia and her family. And Mayor is like, all right.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
Fake Psychic Medium Scams The Mayor - The Sophia Martinez story
Now, obviously this isn't really some mythological creature calling him on the phone. It's just Sophia, using her voice acting skills to put on a fake voice and trick him. Regardless, poor Mayer falls for it again, and he starts helping Sophia and her family financially in all kinds of ways.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
Fake Psychic Medium Scams The Mayor - The Sophia Martinez story
So on top of paying her regularly for her psychic services, he starts having his chauffeur drive her kids to school. He starts paying their kids tuition. He pays to have her kitchen renovated. He pays to get her a new porch. He treats her and her kids to luxury vacations to Thailand and the Polynesian Islands.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
Fake Psychic Medium Scams The Mayor - The Sophia Martinez story
And when Sophia gets engaged to a man, Mayer goes ahead and pays for her whole ass wedding, which cost 80,000 euros, or about 90,000 US dollars. Now, here's the thing about all this money Mayer's been spending on this fake psychic.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
Fake Psychic Medium Scams The Mayor - The Sophia Martinez story
And Mayer wants nothing more than to communicate with his dad one last time. And one day, he gets to do just that. He reaches out to a psychic medium for help. Her name's Sophia. And of course, Sophia is like, yeah, I can communicate with the dead. I can totally help you talk to your dad. And awesomely.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
Fake Psychic Medium Scams The Mayor - The Sophia Martinez story
mayor isn't really a super rich guy so he has to get this money in some other way and he starts leveraging his local business connections to get people to do the work for free and these local businesses they're afraid they don't want to lose their contracts with the mayor's office so they all agree to do all this work for sophia for free and when mayor actually needs to pay for some of these gifts to sophia
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
Fake Psychic Medium Scams The Mayor - The Sophia Martinez story
he has his mayoral staff create fake invoices for the cost, meaning the taxpayers are actually the ones paying for all of Sophia's . And this crazy symbiotic relationship goes on for four years. And during that time, Mayer gets thousands of phone calls from spirits beyond the grave, AKA Sophia putting on a fake voice.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
Fake Psychic Medium Scams The Mayor - The Sophia Martinez story
And these spirits convince Mayer to hire Sophia's family members to work for the city. And they get Mayer to hire her husband and five other members of her family, and some of her friends get hired to work on his council. And I know it sounds crazy, but Sophia's psychic medium ventriloquism scam seems to be working really well.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
Fake Psychic Medium Scams The Mayor - The Sophia Martinez story
Until one day, Mayor's estranged wife, she somehow discovers that Mayor has been embezzling all these city funds to pay for all of Sophia's needs. So estranged wife immediately goes to the police to report him. And police are like, sacre bleu, or whatever the hell French police say.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
Fake Psychic Medium Scams The Mayor - The Sophia Martinez story
And the French police, they look into it, and they end up wiretapping Mayer's phone, and they start listening in to all his calls. And pretty quickly, they start hearing all these phone calls he's allegedly getting from mythological creatures and spirits beyond the grave. And they're like, what the f***? And of course, they trace those calls and all those calls aren't coming from the afterlife.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
Fake Psychic Medium Scams The Mayor - The Sophia Martinez story
They're coming from Sophia's phone. So they bring Mayer in and Sophia in for questioning and they press Sophia and it's not long before she cracks and she admits that it's all a scam. So they arrest Mayer and they arrest Sophia and I couldn't find mug shots of them so here's Mayer in real life and here's Sophia in real life.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
Fake Psychic Medium Scams The Mayor - The Sophia Martinez story
And they're both charged with all kinds of things and they're both in jail waiting on their trials but Sophia actually had to be moved to solitary confinement because apparently the other prisoners were accusing her of witchcraft and they were beating the out of her. So that's nice.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
Fake Psychic Medium Scams The Mayor - The Sophia Martinez story
So they get together and they hold some kind of like seance, probably with candles and all that shit. And Sophia starts to channel the spirit of Mayer's father. And Mayer can hear his father's actual voice for the first time in years. And this is life changing for him. Except Sophia is full of shit.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
Fake Psychic Medium Scams The Mayor - The Sophia Martinez story
She isn't actually talking to the dead, she's actually using her rather impressive ventriloquism skills to make her voice sound like the mayor's deceased father. And poor mayor, he wants to believe so bad that he falls for this scam, and he believes that he's talking to the spirit of his dad. And so he keeps these sessions with Sophia going regularly.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
Fake Psychic Medium Scams The Mayor - The Sophia Martinez story
He meets up with her and she does her fake psychic mumbo jumbo and he gets to talk to his dad. And he's happy. And Sophia even starts doing these psychic sessions over the phone. Like I guess one day Mayor will just be chilling at home and he'll suddenly get a phone call from his dead dad like, hey, how you doing, son? Which that doesn't even make sense to me.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
One of The Biggest Mass Murders in US History - The Happy Land Fire
Did you know that one of America's biggest mass murders was done by accident? Well, sort of. So there's this guy, Julio, and Julio's 36. He's a Cuban immigrant living in New York City. And one day in 1990, his life starts falling apart because he's at his job at the local lamp factory where he packs boxes and suddenly, bam, he gets fired.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
One of The Biggest Mass Murders in US History - The Happy Land Fire
Lydia is done. Like, she doesn't exactly want to see him. But whatever, Julio doesn't care. He gets all drunk one night, and he decides that it'll be a great idea to surprise her by showing up to her work, because then she'll have to talk to him.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
One of The Biggest Mass Murders in US History - The Happy Land Fire
so then julio shows up to lydia's place of work ready to spit some serious game here's the thing about where lydia works though she works at a local nightclub called the happy land social club and this place is really small but it's also very popular and it's also super busy all the time But tonight is a little different. Tonight it's extra packed with people due to it being carnival.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
One of The Biggest Mass Murders in US History - The Happy Land Fire
So there's about a hundred people in this really small club. And Lydia is there working the coat check. And so around 2 a.m. Julio shows up and he's all sauced up, probably stumbling all over the place. And he goes to the coat check and he starts trying to talk to Lydia. Like, hey, how have you been? But unfortunately for him, she's not really feeling him.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
One of The Biggest Mass Murders in US History - The Happy Land Fire
So she rejects him like, I don't need you. You should go. So he leaves. He leaves the coat check area and he mingles around the club talking to people he knows. About 40 minutes later, he comes back to the coat check area and he starts trying to riz her up again. And he's like, I know you have a boyfriend now, but it doesn't matter. You and I till death.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
One of The Biggest Mass Murders in US History - The Happy Land Fire
Which is just a creepy ass thing to say to your ex. Regardless, Lydia is still not feeling him, and they start arguing again. And he's just not leaving her alone so she can get back to work. But then a bouncer notices, and boom, he finally steps in. And he's like, okay, bro, let's move it along. And Julio doesn't like this, so he starts arguing with the bouncer.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
One of The Biggest Mass Murders in US History - The Happy Land Fire
But whatever, the bouncer escorts his drunk ass outside and tells him to leave. But as Julio's leaving, he turns back to everyone, and he yells... I'll be back. I'll shut this whole place down. Which is exactly what he's about to do. However, I guess no one takes him seriously. They're like, okay, Julio, you're going to shut the place down. Sure, bud.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
One of The Biggest Mass Murders in US History - The Happy Land Fire
And if that's not bad enough, he's also having problems with his girlfriend, this woman. Lydia. And he and Lydia have been on and off for about seven years. And it's just not working anymore. Because like Julio's all controlling and he's always demanding that she quit her job for some reason. He's just kind of an asshole. And one day, Lydia has had enough of his nonsense.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
One of The Biggest Mass Murders in US History - The Happy Land Fire
So Julio leaves and he drunkenly wanders around the neighborhood for about 30 minutes trying to figure out what to do. Now at this point, he's still super angry. He's got no job, no money, and now his ex-girlfriend won't even talk to him. He has nothing. Plus that bouncer really pissed him off. And this is where he decides he is not gonna let this slide. How dare they treat him this way.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
One of The Biggest Mass Murders in US History - The Happy Land Fire
He is gonna burn that whole club down so that they don't have a place to work. So he walks to a nearby gas station and he gets a plastic container like a jug and he fills it up with $1 worth of gas. Then he walks about three blocks back to the club and he low-key pours the gasoline all over the floor right at the threshold of the front door.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
One of The Biggest Mass Murders in US History - The Happy Land Fire
Then he lights a couple of matches, tosses them into the puddle of gas, and bam, a small fire has started. And then Julio quickly leaves as this doorway starts to catch fire. Okay, but here's the thing about Happyland Club. The club is mostly upstairs on the second floor. So when you open the door to enter the building, you immediately see a rickety old flight of stairs.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
One of The Biggest Mass Murders in US History - The Happy Land Fire
And so really quickly, this fire spreads from the doorway to those stairs. And it grows and it grows. And soon, it's blocking off the entrance to the place. And there's no way to get out. Now there is actually another exit to the club. However, the owner has padlocked it because I guess he was tired of people sneaking into the place to avoid the $5 cover charge.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
One of The Biggest Mass Murders in US History - The Happy Land Fire
Anyway, so boom, this fire is now blocking the only exit and it spreads through the building quickly and the place fills up with smoke and there are no windows. So people in there, they start coughing and suffocating. And some people realize what's happening, and they're like, oh shit, and they start to run for the exit.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
One of The Biggest Mass Murders in US History - The Happy Land Fire
And the DJ spots what's going on, and he stops playing the music, and he yells for the crowd to escape. And pow, everyone panics, and this creates a huge chaotic rush as the whole club tries to stampede down the stairs through the fire to get out. Some people fall to the ground and they immediately get trampled.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
One of The Biggest Mass Murders in US History - The Happy Land Fire
While Lydia, she's working the coat check, which is near the entrance, so she is able to rush outside without getting hurt. However, most of the rest of the club is still inside and they all burn as they can't get out fast enough. And eventually, the fire department shows up, and by this time, the whole inside of the building is gone.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
One of The Biggest Mass Murders in US History - The Happy Land Fire
And only five people, other than Lydia, make it out of the club alive. While 87 other people die in this fire. Meanwhile, Julio goes back home to his little room, and he lays down in the bed, and he passes out, still stinking like gasoline. And no one knows that he just unalived 87 people, which at this time in 1990 is the record for the biggest mass murder in the country.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
One of The Biggest Mass Murders in US History - The Happy Land Fire
Until... Only six people survived this disaster. So naturally, the next morning, police start questioning them one by one to see if they know anything about how this fire started. And Lydia's like, yeah, I know something. My crazy ex-boyfriend showed up trying to talk to me and he caused a scene. And as the bouncer threw him out, he was like, I'll be back. I'll shut this whole place down.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
One of The Biggest Mass Murders in US History - The Happy Land Fire
And the police are like, oh, yeah, that feels like that might be something. And so police show up to Julio's little room, and the whole place still smells like gasoline. And so, bam, they arrest him. And I don't have a mugshot of him, but here's a picture of him in custody, surrounded by reporters.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
One of The Biggest Mass Murders in US History - The Happy Land Fire
he confesses and he's found guilty on 87 counts of arson and 87 counts of mass murder and he gets sentenced to life in prison and so yeah apparently he wanted to burn the club down but he wasn't necessarily expecting to murder all of those people that is wild
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
One of The Biggest Mass Murders in US History - The Happy Land Fire
And pow, she breaks up with him. Now this is a big problem for Julio, not just because she broke up with him, but because the apartment they're in seems to be hers. So she gets to keep it while he has to move out and find a new place to live. So he goes and he finds a new place and it's a real dump. It's a room in a boarding house and it's really small, like literally 10 square feet.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
One of The Biggest Mass Murders in US History - The Happy Land Fire
So now he's living in this little ass room with nothing. Like the room costs $70 a week, which he doesn't have because he got fired from the lamp factory. So he's not able to pay rent on his room and quickly he gets behind on the payments. Bro's whole life is just falling apart, but he doesn't go and commit mass murder just yet. That comes later.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
One of The Biggest Mass Murders in US History - The Happy Land Fire
And about six weeks go by, and he still isn't feeling any better. I mean, he's broke, he misses his ex-girlfriend, but then he gets an idea. What if Lydia were to agree to get back together with him? I mean, that would certainly make him feel at least a little better. I mean, maybe if she got back with him, then he could start to turn his life around. Here's the problem with that, though.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
Aaron Goodwin Was Almost Murdered - The Victoria Goodwin story
So this woman wants to unalive her somewhat famous husband so that she can be with someone much worse. Now the woman's name is Victoria and she's around 30 years old. She's living in Nevada and one day she meets someone kind of famous. This guy, Aaron.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
Aaron Goodwin Was Almost Murdered - The Victoria Goodwin story
In fact, little by little, he steals over $200,000 from his family and he just donates it all to Sylvie. And his family becomes desperate to get him to stop talking to her. So they end up taking his phone away. And in retaliation for taking his phone away, he gets a pew-pew and he unalives his mom, his dad, and his brother. So for that, he gets convicted and he gets life in prison.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
Aaron Goodwin Was Almost Murdered - The Victoria Goodwin story
which he is currently serving. Here's the crazy thing, though. Prison hasn't actually stopped Grant from being obsessed with women. I mean, he's kind of well known now. His story is famous. He had a whole ass docuseries made on him. And because of that, I guess women around the country have been writing to him while he's in prison. Like, oh my God, you're so fine.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
Aaron Goodwin Was Almost Murdered - The Victoria Goodwin story
And Aaron's around 45 and he's one of the hosts of this TV show, Ghost Adventures, where they go around to different haunted places looking for paranormal activity. And so Victoria meets Aaron and she thinks he's kind of fine. And soon enough they start dating and they fall in love and eventually they get married. And they have their wedding at the Haunted Mansion in Disneyland because you know,
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
Aaron Goodwin Was Almost Murdered - The Victoria Goodwin story
As if he didn't just get convicted of murdering his whole family because he couldn't have this cam girl. No, no, these women want him. Like, sometimes he'll have phone contact with them and he'll respond all creepy like, Hi, my precious little kitty.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
Aaron Goodwin Was Almost Murdered - The Victoria Goodwin story
Buh. So yeah, I guess in prison, he got game? Anyway, so back to Victoria. So in 2024, she watches this whole documentary about how Grant went crazy over a cam girl and unalived his whole family. And for reasons I'll never understand, she's like, oh, he seems like a nice guy. I really want to get to know him. And that is when apparently Victoria writes to Grant. And I assume he writes back.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
Aaron Goodwin Was Almost Murdered - The Victoria Goodwin story
And soon, they hit it off. And they're communicating back and forth. And at some point while in prison, Grant Lowkey gets a contraband phone, which is a cell phone that he would keep hidden because prisoners are not supposed to have cell phones. So he gets this phone and he and Victoria start texting one another. And I guess over time, they really start liking each other and they fall in love.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
Aaron Goodwin Was Almost Murdered - The Victoria Goodwin story
Now keep in mind, she's still married to Aaron. So now she's having like a full blown emotional affair. And she starts texting Grant about how she wants out of her marriage and how she'd rather have a life with him. While poor Aaron, who from the reporting I've read is universally described as a nice guy and a big teddy bear. This guy has no idea any of this is going on.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
Aaron Goodwin Was Almost Murdered - The Victoria Goodwin story
He apparently believes nothing is wrong with his marriage to Victoria and that everything is going great because while Victoria is around Aaron, she's pretending that it is. Now, this is where things get really messed up. So Victoria and Grant are texting back and forth all the time and they allegedly come up with a plan to get rid of Aaron for good. They decide to hire a hitman to take Aaron out.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
Aaron Goodwin Was Almost Murdered - The Victoria Goodwin story
And so Grant is apparently all excited and he gets right to work on this plan. And he uses his contraband phone to contact someone he knows on the outside. I guess he just like texts this guy and he's like, hey, want to murder someone? And this person is like, all right. And through text, Victoria agrees to pay this hitman $11,515, which is a very specific amount.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
Aaron Goodwin Was Almost Murdered - The Victoria Goodwin story
But anyway, boom, they have officially set this plan in motion. Meanwhile, in front of Aaron, Victoria is still pretending everything is fine and that she's happy in this marriage. Like on Instagram, she posts pictures of them together on a plane. While he, he's still oblivious.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
Aaron Goodwin Was Almost Murdered - The Victoria Goodwin story
Like on their wedding anniversary, he posts a picture of their wedding saying, Two years ago today, I got to marry my best friend. I'm so lucky to have you in my life. While at the same time, she's texting Grant, talking about the hit that they're about to pull off and saying things like, I'm so anxious, Lolo. I just can't believe it's happening. And then she asks, am I a bad person?
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
Aaron Goodwin Was Almost Murdered - The Victoria Goodwin story
While Grant's like, of course not, baby. Why would you think that? And she's like, because I chose to end his existence, not divorce. And by the way, I didn't make these texts up. These are word for word what they texted each other. Anyway, so the date of the hit approaches. And Victoria and Grant and this hit man all make their preparations.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
Aaron Goodwin Was Almost Murdered - The Victoria Goodwin story
And they allegedly tell the Hitman they want Aaron to be unalived while he's out of state, while he's on location filming Ghost Adventures in California. Then Victoria texts Grant Aaron's schedule and his shooting locations, the make of his car, a picture of him. She's also able to give away his exact location with the Find My app. And so Grant sends all this information to the Hitman.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
Aaron Goodwin Was Almost Murdered - The Victoria Goodwin story
So now the Hitman has everything he needs to get the job done. Then Grant allegedly texts that Aaron's asleep right now in the hotel room, signaling the Hitman that he should move forward. Then Grant waits, and he waits, and he waits. And he's not sure if Hitman did the job or not. So he texts him, can I get an update? Was it done? And that is when everything falls apart.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
Aaron Goodwin Was Almost Murdered - The Victoria Goodwin story
Ghosts. But anyway, things are going great for them. They're in love, Aaron is on a successful TV show, and it doesn't seem like anything could screw this up. Until... A few years go by, and for some reason, though they haven't been married that long, Victoria starts feeling lonely.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
Aaron Goodwin Was Almost Murdered - The Victoria Goodwin story
Because suddenly, boom, correctional officers at the prison bust Grant for having a phone that he's not supposed to have, and they take it away from him. And as of now, we don't know what happened to Hitman. Like, we just don't have that information yet. But Aaron is still alive, thank goodness. So the hit didn't work.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
Aaron Goodwin Was Almost Murdered - The Victoria Goodwin story
But now Victoria can't communicate with Grant because he doesn't have his phone. So she doesn't know what the hell happened or what's going on. So she just goes on about her life and keeps pretending like her marriage is fine. For months. She's posting on her Instagram, like her and Aaron on Valentine's Day. Mini golf with my Valentine. She's posting about the Lego set she built for him.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
Aaron Goodwin Was Almost Murdered - The Victoria Goodwin story
She posts this picture with their cat. Cuddle puddle with my boys. See, that's Aaron's leg, that's her leg, and that's his hand on her leg. So to the outside world, everything seems to be going fine for them. So this goes on for several months. And this whole time, prison admin has Grant's contraband phone. And eventually, they start going through it.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
Aaron Goodwin Was Almost Murdered - The Victoria Goodwin story
And that is when they see all these texts between him and Victoria talking about hiring a hitman to unalive her husband. And so bam, police go and they arrest her. And I don't have a mugshot, but here's a picture of her in real life. Also, just reminding you that she hasn't been convicted of any of this, so all of this is technically alleged.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
Aaron Goodwin Was Almost Murdered - The Victoria Goodwin story
Meanwhile, we're all glad that Aaron is okay, and I've read that since then, he has filed for divorce. So, good for him.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
Aaron Goodwin Was Almost Murdered - The Victoria Goodwin story
Maybe it's because Aaron's off filming his show all the time, or maybe it's because she's jealous of the attention he gets and she doesn't. I mean, I'm speculating here. We don't actually don't really know why she's lonely. But Victoria starts becoming unhappy. The thing is, it seems like Aaron doesn't really know that she's feeling this way.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
Aaron Goodwin Was Almost Murdered - The Victoria Goodwin story
I mean, maybe she's just not communicating this with him. But one day in 2024, everything changes because she's watching this true crime docuseries, a docuseries about this guy. Grant. Grant is 35 and he's actually in prison right now. Why is Grant in prison? Well, if you remember about a month back, we actually covered Grant's story.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
Aaron Goodwin Was Almost Murdered - The Victoria Goodwin story
And if you don't remember him, let me remind you of what he did. One day in 2019, he comes across a cam girl site and he starts watching this cam girl. Her name's Sylvie. And Grant thinks Sylvie is fine and he starts donating money to her. And over time, he becomes obsessed with her and he starts stealing money from his family members to donate to her.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
The Danny Masterson story
Do you remember that show, That 70s Show? Well, you probably know that one of the lead actors is in big trouble. Now, the story starts with a woman named Chrissy. And Chrissy's 18. She just moved away from home to pursue a career in Hollywood. And so far, it's going pretty well. She's getting a bit of work. But one night, everything changes.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
The Danny Masterson story
Because it's 1998, and Danny, because he's an actor, he auditions for a show called Teenage Wasteland. And bam, he gets the part. And eventually, they rename the show and call it That 70s Show, and That 70s Show blows the f*** up, and it becomes a huge hit.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
The Danny Masterson story
And so very quickly, Danny becomes super famous with like super famous friends, and he becomes one of the highest ranking members of this multi-billion dollar religion. And maybe, maybe, all of this starts to go to his head. Because as time goes on, he becomes more and more controlling. Specifically of Chrissy. He also becomes more and more sexually aggressive.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
The Danny Masterson story
And while Chrissy, she doesn't like any of this... But she does the thing where she makes excuses for his bad behavior because, you know, she's in love with him and she trusts him. And remember, she's still isolated from her family and friends. So she has no one. But then in 2001, Chrissy's 23 now, starts to get really dark.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
The Danny Masterson story
Because according to her, one night, she and Danny are chilling at home, having a glass of wine, and then strangely, she starts feeling the effects of alcohol coming on super strong, even though she hasn't had enough of it for it to make her feel that way. And then suddenly, boom, she blacks out. The next morning, she wakes up feeling like she was poisoned or something.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
The Danny Masterson story
And not only does her whole body hurt, but she's also bleeding and injured in her anus. And she doesn't understand what happened to her, and so she goes downstairs to Danny, and she asks, what happened last night? And Danny laughs at her, and he says, oh, I had intercourse with you last night. And Chrissy says, was I unconscious? And he laughs and says... Yeah.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
The Danny Masterson story
And obviously Chrissy is not okay with this. In fact, she's devastated. I mean, Danny is her whole life the guy who she's put all her trust in and he's violated her in a disgusting way. And so she gets mad and she's like, I am going to report this mother . And she does. She goes to the ethics department of the Church of Scientology, which is like the church's justice department.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
The Danny Masterson story
Because she's out at a party, and that is when she meets this guy, Danny. And Danny's a few years older than her, and he's already been acting in Hollywood a long time, since he was young. And so Chrissy, she thinks Danny's kind of fine. And they start dating. Here's actually a picture of them together. And from here, things move pretty quickly.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
The Danny Masterson story
And she tells the ethics officer what Danny did to her. But unfortunately, the officer allegedly tells her that, well, it can't be S.A. because Danny's your boyfriend. And the officer also tells her, if this happened to you, then it's your fault. I mean, you must have done something to deserve it. And if that isn't bad enough, then this ethics officer allegedly threatens her.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
The Danny Masterson story
Like, if you go to the police about this, then you'll become an enemy of the church and you'll be punished by any means necessary. And as you probably already know, the Church of Scientology, they are known to not f*** around when it comes to getting revenge on people. And so Chrissy is terrified. I mean, if she goes to the police, the church might come after her.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
The Danny Masterson story
Not to mention that the church also happens to be a major donor to the Hollywood Police Department. I mean, this is actually a real photo of them donating. So now she's worried they could all turn against her. And so, poor Chrissy, she decides not to report it further. Instead, she bottles it all inside. Thankfully, though, she does eventually leave Danny.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
The Danny Masterson story
Then, more years go by, and it's now 2009. And Chrissy, she actually meets a new guy, a much nicer guy. This guy, Cedric. And Cedric is actually the lead singer of two bands, the Mars Volta and At The Drive-In. Great bands, by the way. And Chrissy and Cedric, they fall in love and they eventually get married.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
The Danny Masterson story
And one day, Chrissy and Cedric are chilling and she's explaining to him why she has such bad anxiety. And she ends up telling him about what happened all those years ago with Danny. And, you know, she starts blaming herself and she says, I know what happened is my fault. And Cedric, he has a big reaction to this. He's like, no, the hell it's not. That's called S.A.,
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
The Danny Masterson story
And he assures her that what happened to her was both wrong and illegal. And so finally, for the first time ever, Chrissy is sitting in front of someone who not only believes her, but who supports her. And this influences her to finally go to the police and report Danny. And she also starts speaking out about it on social media, calling out both Danny and Scientology.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
The Danny Masterson story
And by the way, she's left the church at this point. But then it gets even crazier because after Chrissy comes out publicly, boom, two more women come forward. And they say that Danny had done similar things to them, like putting things in their drinks and making them pass out and then essaying them. And by the way, the details of what Danny did to these women is awful.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
The Danny Masterson story
Like I can't even repeat it in my video without it getting taken down. But just know that what he actually did to them is way worse than what I could have described in this video. But anyway, so now police investigate Danny and he has three credible allegations of SA against him. And so, bam, they arrest him. Here's his mugshot. And by the way, later, a fourth woman comes forward.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
The Danny Masterson story
Because two weeks later, Danny invites Chrissy to come live with him. And this is great news for her, because, you know, she's new to the city. She doesn't know anyone. And soon after, she really starts to rely on Danny. For, like, everything. But then he kind of drops a bomb on her. He tells her that in order for them to be in a relationship, she has to join his religion, Scientology.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
The Danny Masterson story
Regardless, now, after more than 15 years, if they convict him, it looks like Chrissy is finally going to see justice. Until... Here's the thing about Scientology. They don't really like their members being snitched on. And because Chrissy had reported Danny to the police, she's now considered an enemy of the church. And according to her, this is when they make her life a living hell.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
The Danny Masterson story
because over the next few years, all kinds of crazy stuff starts happening. People from the church allegedly start loitering outside her home, looking in her windows. Cars start following Chrissy around wherever she goes. One even tries to run her off the road. She and Cedric get threatening messages on social media with people saying they're gonna come and take their children away.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
The Danny Masterson story
Vans full of electronics park outside their home for hours so they feel like they're being spied on. People affiliated with the church allegedly call their friends and family asking for information about them. People even start following their kids around. And so yeah, eventually Chrissy and Cedric are like, all this and they move from California over to Texas.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
The Danny Masterson story
But unfortunately, the thing is, there in Texas, similar things start happening. Like one day, Chrissy sees two men looking over her fence in her backyard. And one of them says, nice dogs. And soon after, she finds one of her dogs has been poisoned. Someone apparently took raw meat stuffed with rat poison and they fed it to the dog. This is actually a picture of what they found that day.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
The Danny Masterson story
And by the way, their other dog also dies unexpectedly by unexplained trauma to its throat. So it's possible Scientology took out both their dogs. Now, despite all of that crazy alleged Scientology stalking, eventually Danny goes to trial for his crimes. Twice, actually. And ultimately, he's found guilty of two of the three charges, and he's sentenced to 30 years to life. Good.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
The Danny Masterson story
So she starts going to the church to meet up with them and she signs their paperwork, because I guess they make you sign legal documents when you join. And she starts taking their Scientology courses and she like officially joins them. Once she's in the church, they really take over her life. And suddenly Scientology and Danny become her whole world.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
The Danny Masterson story
And they tell her how to live and how to act and they tell her that she has to cut off contact with her friends and family because they aren't members. And of course Chrissy does because you know when your religion tells you to do something, you do it. I mean this is classic cult behavior. But then something kind of crazy happens to Danny.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
TikTok Star Murders His Wife - The Ali Abulaban story
So this TikToker really wants to be famous and known for something and oh is he about to get what he wants. Now his name's Ali and he's 29 living in San Diego and one day he starts posting videos on TikTok where he's doing like impressions of Skyrim characters and he's always doing impressions of Tony Montana from Scarface. And these videos blow up. And so he keeps making more and more.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
TikTok Star Murders His Wife - The Ali Abulaban story
But that doesn't seem to faze him or get him to stop. In fact, all the attention he's getting online has made him feel like he's untouchable.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
TikTok Star Murders His Wife - The Ali Abulaban story
And so at this point, you're probably like, Ray, if he's such a psychopath, why doesn't she just leave? Well, here's the thing about Anna. She's actually a Filipino citizen, and she got her visa to the US through her marriage to Ali. So when Anna brings up separating, he threatens to have her deported, which means she won't be able to be with her daughter who would stay with Ali in the US.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
TikTok Star Murders His Wife - The Ali Abulaban story
So she's essentially trapped. Not only that, he also does this thing to her when he doesn't get his way that he'll threaten to unalive himself.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
TikTok Star Murders His Wife - The Ali Abulaban story
And if that isn't bad enough, he thinks that because they're married, he's entitled to smash whenever he wants. Of course, Anna doesn't want to because he's abusive to her.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
TikTok Star Murders His Wife - The Ali Abulaban story
And so because she's not smashing with him, he starts getting paranoid that she's out there cheating on him.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
TikTok Star Murders His Wife - The Ali Abulaban story
Here's the crazy thing, though. Despite how often he gets jealous and accuses her, it's actually him who's been sleeping around on her. Because one day, Anna hears a knock on the door, and she opens it, and it's some woman who lives in the building. And this woman tells Anna, me and Ali have been sleeping together in your apartment. I guess she's trying to warn her or let her know.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
TikTok Star Murders His Wife - The Ali Abulaban story
I actually don't know why this woman confesses. But this is when Anna has finally had enough.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
TikTok Star Murders His Wife - The Ali Abulaban story
That just means I don't need your visa.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
TikTok Star Murders His Wife - The Ali Abulaban story
And that's when Anna decides she can't take it anymore. And she's going to separate and go stay with a friend.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
TikTok Star Murders His Wife - The Ali Abulaban story
You're disrespecting me. You ain't trying. So now Anna and her daughter are staying with a friend, which is not ideal, but at least she's safe. But then one day, Ali calls her and says, you know what? You can have the apartment. Just take the apartment and I'll go stay in a hotel.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
TikTok Star Murders His Wife - The Ali Abulaban story
And pretty soon Ali has nearly a million followers. And so he might actually be on his way to being famous. Now, Ali is married to this nice woman, Anna, and they have a daughter together. And soon she starts appearing in some of his TikToks every now and then, including one very memorable TikTok of them dancing with a caption talking about how their relationship is drama free.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
TikTok Star Murders His Wife - The Ali Abulaban story
And this is great news to Anna, like she'll have her old place back with her daughter, and most importantly, without Ali. And so, she moves back in. But here's what Anna doesn't know, though. Sneaky-ass Ali has made a copy of the electronic key to her place so that he can enter it anytime he wants. And it's only a matter of time before he goes crazy again.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
TikTok Star Murders His Wife - The Ali Abulaban story
And one day, out of nowhere, Anna gets sent a bunch of roses, and they're from Ali. Now, she's done with him, and so she doesn't reach out and say thank you, or that she even got them, nor should she. And this pisses Ali off. And he's apparently been up all night doing Coca-Cola, so he's way out of his mind, and he is just gonna lay into her.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
TikTok Star Murders His Wife - The Ali Abulaban story
And so he goes over to the apartment, and he lets himself in. But luckily for her, she's not there. And he's like, f*** this, and he just starts trashing the place. Knocking things over, throwing her stuff around, smashing the roses he got her. But then, to make it worse, he takes an iPad that he has. Now this iPad has Discord downloaded on it.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
TikTok Star Murders His Wife - The Ali Abulaban story
And so he takes this iPad and he hides it in between the wall and the bed and he leaves it on so that it will record audio of anything that goes on in the apartment. He thinks he's going to try and catch her cheating, which it really isn't cheating because they're no longer together. But despite that, then Ali leaves and he goes back to his hotel.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
TikTok Star Murders His Wife - The Ali Abulaban story
Then, Anna comes home, and she sees that the apartment's been trashed, and she knows it was Ali. And she's shocked, and she's hurt. Like, how could he do this to the place that his own daughter lives in? Now, her daughter will be home from school soon, and Anna doesn't want her to see all this destruction that her dad caused. So she calls a mutual friend of her and Ali's. This guy, Rayburn.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
TikTok Star Murders His Wife - The Ali Abulaban story
And Rayburn comes over to help her clean up this mess. Meanwhile, at Ali's hotel, he wakes up from his drug nap and he hears Anna through the iPad and he can hear her in her apartment talking with another man. And he just snaps. Another man in the apartment with his wife? He is not going to let this slide. And so he gets his pew-pew.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
TikTok Star Murders His Wife - The Ali Abulaban story
And then he drives from his hotel to her building as fast as he can. And then, boom, he busts into her apartment. And he immediately sees Anna and Rayburn sitting on the couch. And instantly, blam, blam, blam, he shoots Rayburn. And then, blam, he shoots Anna, too. And, unfortunately, they're both instantly killed.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
TikTok Star Murders His Wife - The Ali Abulaban story
Unalived and pretty quickly after that police show up and boom Ali is arrested now I don't actually have a mugshot of him But here's a picture of him in jail behind glass now remember Ali wanted to be famous and known for something so he's really upset about how this is gonna affect his acting career and No you weren't. Anyway, he goes to trial and he gets sentenced to life in prison. Good.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
TikTok Star Murders His Wife - The Ali Abulaban story
But whatever, from their videos, it appears as if their relationship is good and his career seems to be on the up and up. And I can't imagine anything would ever go wrong. Until. Here's the thing about Ali. He's not the most stable person in the world. And over time, he picks up the habit of doing a lot of nose drugs that we'll just call Coca-Cola.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
TikTok Star Murders His Wife - The Ali Abulaban story
In fact, he's known to whip out a huge bag of Coca-Cola on his live streams and he'll get high in front of his audience. Now, obviously, I can't show you the part where he does the drugs, but regardless, this dude is obsessed with doing everything on camera. Like when he and Anna get into fights, he'll live stream it for some reason.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
TikTok Star Murders His Wife - The Ali Abulaban story
Yeah, it's crazy. But what he doesn't ever put on camera and show his TikTok audience is the parts where he gets violent with her, which he does sometimes when they argue. He's like shoving her and punching her and stuff like that. In fact, his violent outbursts get so bad that over the course of a few months, she calls police on him nine different times.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
The Girl Who Married Her Own Dad
So this girl, her name's Samantha. And Samantha really wants a relationship with her father. See, she grew up without a dad. He had abandoned her and her mom when she was born. But then she grows up, and she eventually turns 17. And she finally talks her mom into introducing her to her biological dad. This guy, Travis. So Samantha and Travis meet, and they really hit it off.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
The Girl Who Married Her Own Dad
I guess it's because Travis and Samantha were posting a lot of photos together on Facebook, like, look at how cute we are, or whatever. But pretty quickly, everyone around them suspects the worst. And they're all like, ugh, this is fucked up. And then word gets back to Samantha's mom. And Samantha's mom just reports both of them to the police.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
The Girl Who Married Her Own Dad
Because in most states, these kinds of relationships are illegal. So then police, they start investigating. So then someone, I don't know who, tips Travis and Samantha off. And they let them know that police are low-key investigating them. So then Travis and Samantha do the only thing they can think of to get themselves out of trouble. They quickly go and get married. Gross.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
The Girl Who Married Her Own Dad
Maybe they thought it would make their relationship seem more legit in the eyes of the law. I don't know, but that's not the way the law works. So them getting married definitely doesn't stop the police. In fact, police bring them in and question them about their relationship. They're like, you know, the two of you smashing is illegal, right?
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
The Girl Who Married Her Own Dad
And Travis is like, nah, we're not actually biologically related. So then the police do a DNA test on them and the results come back and they show that Travis is full of shit. He is, in fact, Samantha's biological father. So they arrest Travis and Samantha and they're charged with interest. Here's his mugshot. Here's hers.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
The Girl Who Married Her Own Dad
And Travis is sentenced to two years in prison while Samantha is sentenced to nine months probation. And both of them are legally banned from contacting one another. And this all happened in Nebraska, so shout out to Nebraska for being gross.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
The Girl Who Married Her Own Dad
And not only that, it turns out Travis has another daughter who's around Samantha's age. So now Samantha has this really cool half-sister. who we'll just call half sister. So Samantha is super happy and she starts spending a lot of time with them and she and her dad grow really close. In fact, I don't think a father and daughter could be any closer than these two are.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
The Girl Who Married Her Own Dad
Until about three years go by and Samantha's around 21 now. And I guess at some point half sister starts getting upset, maybe even a little jealous. See, she isn't used to having to share her dad with anyone. And as time goes by, she doesn't like all the time dad is spending with Samantha. And so half-sister and Samantha, they start bickering about it.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
The Girl Who Married Her Own Dad
And they decide they wanna know which one of them their dad likes more. Now I'm not sure exactly who comes up with the specific idea, but they end up in a competition to see which one of them can seduce their father first. So then boom, the competition starts and we are off to the races. And I guess Samantha cozies up to Travis and as they grow closer and closer, they start flirting a little.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
The Girl Who Married Her Own Dad
And soon, disgustingly, Samantha wins the bet because they smash. Congratulations. So yes, Samantha and Travis smash and I guess half sister is disappointed because she didn't win. I don't know. But regardless, it's not over. Because once this happens, rumors start getting around.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
He Lost His Legs in an Insurance Scam
So this guy, his name's Liao. And poor Liao, he just lost everything. So Liao's 23, he goes to college in Taiwan, and he's broke. So he tries making some money trading crypto. But the poor guy just fails. Big time. And Liao's like, damn, what am I gonna do now? And that is when he comes up with an extremely terrible idea to get rich. So he reaches out to his friend, this guy,
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
He Lost His Legs in an Insurance Scam
So anyway, Zhang is sitting there with his feet in this dry ice and 10 hours go by and he's still sitting there. And when Liao finally lets him out of the chair, Zhang is hurting. I mean, he's got frostbite. Like he can't feel his legs and he needs medical attention. So they go to the hospital and the doctors look at Zhang's frostbitten legs and they're immediately like, what the f**k?
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
He Lost His Legs in an Insurance Scam
How did this happen? And Zhang tells them that he and Liao were just out riding scooters the night before and that it was so cold out that his legs got frostbitten. And Liao's like, yep, that's exactly what happened. Here's the thing about doctors, though. They tend to know things about certain injuries and ailments. So they look at Zhang's legs and right away they know he's bullshitting.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
He Lost His Legs in an Insurance Scam
I mean, for one, his frostbite is neat and symmetrical across both legs, which is just unlikely to happen. Plus, there are no marks from his socks or shoes, which shows he wasn't wearing any. And who the hell would ride a scooter barefoot? I mean, clearly this story isn't adding up. Anyway, so the doctors do what they can to treat Zhang, but Zhang's frostbite ends up being really bad.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
He Lost His Legs in an Insurance Scam
Like, really bad. Like, it's not gonna heal. ever. And ultimately the doctors have to amputate both of his legs below the knee. Meanwhile, all the insurance companies that Zhang signed up for, they start receiving claims from the hospital for Zhang's frostbite injury. And one of those companies sends a compensation check to Zhang for $7,200.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
He Lost His Legs in an Insurance Scam
But the others, they look at this claim and they think it's awfully suspicious. I mean, this guy bought these policies literally days before he got frostbite. Come on, that seems shady. So they just don't pay him and instead they alert the police.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
He Lost His Legs in an Insurance Scam
So police, they start investigating and pretty quickly they discover that on the night that Zhang allegedly got frostbite riding his scooter, the lowest recorded temperature that night was 42 degrees Fahrenheit. which is a little chilly, but not even close to being cold enough to naturally cause frostbite.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
He Lost His Legs in an Insurance Scam
So eventually the police investigate Zhang and then they connect him to Liao and they get a warrant to search Liao's house. And there they find the container he used as well as the photos of Zhang on his phone. So they arrest Zhang and Liao and they charge them with fraud, among other things. And this all happened a few months ago and I couldn't find any updates on them.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
He Lost His Legs in an Insurance Scam
Zhang to help him with this plan. And Liao and Zhang, they went to high school together and now they go to the same university. So they know each other pretty well. So Liao goes to Zhang and he lies to him like, dude, I need your help. There are dangerous gang members after me. And Zhang is like, aight. So then Liao explains this extremely terrible plan to him.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
He Lost His Legs in an Insurance Scam
So I assume they're still waiting on their trial. So shout out to Taiwan.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
He Lost His Legs in an Insurance Scam
He wants Jong to take out a bunch of insurance policies on himself. Then he wants him to accidentally get frostbite and cash in those claims. And then Jong can give him some of that money and he can pay off these dangerous gang members that don't actually exist. And if there's any money left over, they can split it. And Jong hears this plan and he's like, aight.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
He Lost His Legs in an Insurance Scam
So they set this scheme into motion. And over the next few days, Jong signs up for eight different insurance policies. In total, they're worth about 1.3 million US dollars. Then Liao asks Zhang to agree to sign a legal note that says when Zhang gets paid from the insurance, he agrees to pay Liao 800,000 US dollars of it. And of course, Zhang's like, aight.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
He Lost His Legs in an Insurance Scam
And then one night in January, when the weather's finally right, the two of them ride around town on their scooters. They drive around for a while and then they stop at a local store and buy a bunch of dry ice. And then they go back to Liao's place and he gets out a chair. And he has Zhang sit in it. And then he gets a big container and he makes Zhang put his feet inside.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
He Lost His Legs in an Insurance Scam
And then he fills the container up with dried ice. And Liao's like, this is probably going to hurt a lot, so I have to tie you up so you don't move. And Zhang's like... And so Liao zip ties him to the chair. And as they wait for the frostbite to set in, Liao snaps a bunch of photos of Zhang for some reason.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
Psychic Influencer Quickly Goes Insane - The Danielle Ayoka story
So the apocalypse is coming and the world is about to end. According to this influencer. Her name's Danielle. So Danielle's an astrology influencer. She's got about a hundred thousand followers and she believes herself to be clairvoyant. And one day Danielle's like reading the stars or whatever and she sees something that freaks her out.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
Psychic Influencer Quickly Goes Insane - The Danielle Ayoka story
And it's speculated that she's trying to get rid of the body. But as she's standing there waiting for the elevator to arrive, she starts having second thoughts. So she drags him back down the hallway and back into her apartment and she leaves him in the kitchen. Then she takes her two daughters and she loads them in her car and she speeds away.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
Psychic Influencer Quickly Goes Insane - The Danielle Ayoka story
And she's in such a hurry when she leaves, she actually left the front door open. And on her way out, she rams into the gate in her building. But she speeds away and eventually she pulls onto the freeway. Now while driving on the freeway, she suddenly does something inexplicable. She slows the car down and she reaches over and she opens the door and she tells her daughters to get out.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
Psychic Influencer Quickly Goes Insane - The Danielle Ayoka story
Now her nine-year-old is in the front seat holding the eight-month-old and the nine-year-old refuses to get out. She's probably scared. So then Danielle does the worst thing anyone could possibly do. She forcibly pushes both of her daughters out of the moving car and onto the freeway. And once the kids have been pushed out, Danielle just floors it.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
Psychic Influencer Quickly Goes Insane - The Danielle Ayoka story
And she keeps going, and she eventually reaches over 100 miles an hour. Then, for whatever reason, she steers the car off the road, and she slams head first into a tree. Meanwhile, police, they're getting calls from people telling them that they spotted a little girl on the side of the freeway. So they race there, and that is where they find the nine-year-old daughter.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
Psychic Influencer Quickly Goes Insane - The Danielle Ayoka story
She's injured, but she somehow survived and made it to the side of the road without getting hit by oncoming traffic. But unfortunately, the eight-month-old doesn't make it. And around the same time, first responders, they find Danielle's car all wrapped around a tree. And of course, Danielle didn't make it either, and police have no idea that these two crimes are related.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
Psychic Influencer Quickly Goes Insane - The Danielle Ayoka story
There's a solar eclipse coming in the next few months and she starts to believe that this is a sign of the coming apocalypse. So she gets on Twitter and she starts posting warnings to her 100,000 followers, saying the apocalypse is almost here, saying the solar eclipse is spiritual warfare. She also apparently casts magic spells via tweet, which I didn't even know magic worked that way, but okay.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
Psychic Influencer Quickly Goes Insane - The Danielle Ayoka story
But then, a neighbor in Danielle's building is out in the hallway, and they see a bloody trail. That trail leads directly to Danielle's apartment, where Danielle had left the door open. And there, neighbor can see inside, and they can see Jalen's legs. So they immediately call police and police come and they put two and two together and they realized Danielle had unalived them all.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
Psychic Influencer Quickly Goes Insane - The Danielle Ayoka story
That's a sad one. Shout out to mental health.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
Psychic Influencer Quickly Goes Insane - The Danielle Ayoka story
Now Danielle lives with her boyfriend, this guy, Jalen, and with her two daughters who are nine and eight months old. And Danielle and Jalen have lived together for about three years and things have always been pretty good. But as the solar eclipse gets closer and closer, their relationship seems to deteriorate. I'm guessing because she's all stressed out about the coming apocalypse.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
Psychic Influencer Quickly Goes Insane - The Danielle Ayoka story
So the night before the eclipse, Danielle is totally on edge. She sets out candles and black feathers and tarot cards, but none of that helps. Things are getting really tense for her. And at some point during the night, she and Jalen start fighting and it gets bad, like really bad. And they start going at it and screaming at each other. And they get so loud, even the neighbors can hear them.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
Psychic Influencer Quickly Goes Insane - The Danielle Ayoka story
And things just keep escalating to the point where it gets physical. And then at some point, Danielle grabs a knife and she stabs Jalen right in the chest. And it's brutal. And it unalives him. And to make it even worse, her daughter is right there watching everything. Then Danielle drags Jalen out the front door and down the hallway of her apartment building. All the way to the elevator.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
The Heist of Lady Gaga's Dogs - The Ryan Fischer story
One night, this guy Ryan, he's out walking three dogs. Now he's a dog walker, so he's walking them for a climb. And then suddenly, boom, a car pulls up and two men jump out. And one of them punches Ryan in the face and another tries to choke him, because they're trying to steal the dogs. But Ryan, he doesn't want to let the dogs go, so he fights back. And then one of the men pulls out a pew-pew
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
The Heist of Lady Gaga's Dogs - The Ryan Fischer story
Moments later, McBride just happens to be nearby and finds the dogs. Oh, what a coinkydink. She then gets the dogs and takes them to the police station and starts asking about that Lady Gaga reward money. And now police, they immediately get suspicious and they check the surveillance footage of the area where McBride said she found the dogs.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
The Heist of Lady Gaga's Dogs - The Ryan Fischer story
And on the footage, they see a car pull up and someone gets out and ties the dogs to a pole. So police, they run the plate on this car and they find that the car is connected to a man named Harold White, AKA Lil Porky. So police, they look up Lil Porky's Instagram and his Facebook page and they see that he's in a relationship with McBride, the very woman who found the dogs.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
The Heist of Lady Gaga's Dogs - The Ryan Fischer story
Now police already have a few suspects who they feel might have been involved in the dog napping. One of those suspects being Jalen. And of course they investigate and see Lil Porky is Jalen's father. So they arrest all of them. McBride, Lil Porky, Jalen.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
The Heist of Lady Gaga's Dogs - The Ryan Fischer story
The other two men involved, now they all get in trouble, but McBride, she actually ends up taking a plea deal and she only gets two years probation for this scheme. Oh, but she's not done. Then McBride gets an attorney and she sues Lady Gaga for that half a million dollar reward money. Arguing that Lady Gaga's post promised anyone reward money who returned the dogs, no questions asked.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
The Heist of Lady Gaga's Dogs - The Ryan Fischer story
And she returned the dogs, so she feels like she's entitled to that money. And on top of that, McBride sues her for another $1.5 million, claiming pain and suffering, mental anguish, and loss of enjoyment of life as a result of not being paid the initial reward money. Luckily, the judge is sane, and pretty quickly, she's like, this lawsuit's bullshit, and she throws it out.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
The Heist of Lady Gaga's Dogs - The Ryan Fischer story
And then bang, he shoots Ryan in the chest. And Ryan falls to the ground while the men grab two of the dogs. And they jump in their car where a third man is driving. And the three of them speed away. And they leave Ryan for dead, bleeding out on the sidewalk. And he's still clutching the third dog while he gasps for life. Now one of the robbers is this guy, Jalen.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
The Heist of Lady Gaga's Dogs - The Ryan Fischer story
So anyway, Jalen ended up getting four years in prison. Other dog napper got six years in prison. I actually couldn't find Lil Porky's sentence, so I don't know. But the guy who actually pulled the trigger and shot Ryan, he got 21 years in prison. While Ryan, the hero of the story, he got rushed to the hospital. And he ended up having a collapsed lung and a bunch of complications.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
The Heist of Lady Gaga's Dogs - The Ryan Fischer story
But he did survive, he did get through it, and he appears to still be working with dogs. Good for him. Shout out to bad romance.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
The Heist of Lady Gaga's Dogs - The Ryan Fischer story
And Jalen and his friends had got this plan to drive around Los Angeles looking for French bulldogs to steal so that they can sell them for thousands of dollars. This is why they attacked Ryan.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
The Heist of Lady Gaga's Dogs - The Ryan Fischer story
But the next day after they had stolen the dogs, Jalen comes across a social media post and it shows a picture of the two Frenchies he took and it says they're missing and that there's a reward to anyone who finds them and returns them. But here's what else the post says. The dogs Jalen took actually belong to Lady Gaga. Not only that, the reward she's offering, half a million dollars.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
The Heist of Lady Gaga's Dogs - The Ryan Fischer story
So Jalen's like, holy jackpot. I got to get this reward money. Now, he can't return the dogs himself and collect the money. No, that would be too suspicious. So he goes and gets his dad involved. Now, his dad is also kind of a turd, and his name, and I'm not making this up, Lil Porky. Now, unfortunately, Lil Porky has a previous criminal record, so he can't return the dogs either.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
The Heist of Lady Gaga's Dogs - The Ryan Fischer story
So they go and get someone who won't look suspicious. Lil Porky's girlfriend, this woman, McBride. So McBride plans to pretend that she found these dogs abandoned on the side of the road, and she's going to return them and collect all that reward money. So then two days later, after the dog napping, one of them drops the dogs off at a random location and they tie them to a street pole.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
This Child Actor Was Murdered - The Judith Barsi story
So this is Judith, and Judith is only five. But she's on her way to being a Hollywood star. However, there's a problem. Her parents don't have a lot of money. Now, her mom is Maria, and her dad is this guy, Yosef. They're on welfare, and Yosef is just a local plumber, and it doesn't help that he's constantly drinking. But one day all that changes.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
This Child Actor Was Murdered - The Judith Barsi story
And over time, his drinking starts getting worse and worse, and a mountain of resentment starts building up in him. And of course, he takes this out on his wife and daughter. And he and Maria argue and they fight a lot. And at one point, Jozef threatens to unalive Maria. Like, it gets bad. But Judith, who's around nine at this point, she doesn't let her chaotic family life stop her.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
This Child Actor Was Murdered - The Judith Barsi story
She nails audition after audition. And eventually, she's cast in a little movie you may have heard of called Jaws. Well, not Jaws, but one of the sequels, Jaws Revenge. But whatever, this is huge for her. And it's filming in the Bahamas, which means they'll get to spend a few months there. And predictably, Yosef's drunk ass isn't happy about this.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
This Child Actor Was Murdered - The Judith Barsi story
He gets insecure and worried that Maria and Judith might run off and abandon him. So the night before they leave, he corners Judith. And he pulls out a knife. And he threatens her. If you don't come back to me, I'll unalive you. And the next day, Judith and Maria leave to film Jaws. But Judith is never the same. And over the next few months, her mental health starts to decline.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
This Child Actor Was Murdered - The Judith Barsi story
And it's beginning to show. Like she starts pulling her eyebrows out and her cat's whiskers. But this whole time, she's still acting. She's still landing roles. And she gets cast as one of the lead voices in All Dogs Go to Heaven. Goodbye, Charlie. I love you. And she's cast in what ends up being her favorite role ever.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
This Child Actor Was Murdered - The Judith Barsi story
She's the voice of Ducky in The Land Before Time, and she ends up delivering one of the most iconic catchphrases from that movie. Yep, yep, yep. But even as she continues to be successful, her home life is still chaos, and Yosef is still abusive. And one day, while at an audition, Judith just loses it. She starts crying uncontrollably and no one can get her to calm down.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
This Child Actor Was Murdered - The Judith Barsi story
While Maria, she knows all of this going on with Josef is bad for them and she's had enough. So she takes some of Judith's earnings and she secretly rents them an apartment across town to use as sort of a safe house so that she and Judith can low-key stay there during the day to avoid being around Josef as much as possible.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
This Child Actor Was Murdered - The Judith Barsi story
See, Maria is determined to get Judith into show business. So she spends a lot of time teaching her to be poised and well-spoken. And then one day she takes Judith ice skating at an ice rink in Hollywood. Now this rink is often used as a location to film TV shows and movies. And on that day, there just happens to be a commercial crew there filming.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
This Child Actor Was Murdered - The Judith Barsi story
And allegedly Maria's plan is to eventually take Judith and permanently move to that apartment. leaving Joseph for good. Until one day, out of nowhere, Judith doesn't show up to an important meeting. Instead, she's at home with her mom and dad. Now, this next part is actually some speculation because we don't actually know exactly how this happened.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
This Child Actor Was Murdered - The Judith Barsi story
But it's speculated that on that day, Josef finds out about Maria's secret apartment and about her plans to eventually take Judith and leave him. And when he finds this out, he just loses it. And so he goes and he gets his pew-pew and he aims it at Maria and he pulls the trigger. Then he walks into Judith's bedroom and while she's sitting there on the bed, he unalives her too.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
This Child Actor Was Murdered - The Judith Barsi story
She was only 10 years old. Then, at some point after, he dumps gasoline on them, and he sets them ablaze. And then he goes into the garage with his pew-pew, and he unalives himself. I guess they didn't have a lot of outside family because sadly, Judith and Maria were buried in a local cemetery in unmarked graves. But then, 16 years later, fans of Judith raised money and got them headstones.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
This Child Actor Was Murdered - The Judith Barsi story
And on Judith's headstone, they made sure to put a quote from her favorite acting role. Yep, yep, yep.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
This Child Actor Was Murdered - The Judith Barsi story
And allegedly there's a director there and he sees little Judith ice skating and he ends up casting her in a different shoot he's doing. And from there, boom, Judith's career takes off. She gets an agent and she lands her first commercial role for Donald Duck Orange Juice. And after that, she starts working more and more and gets placed in other commercials.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
This Child Actor Was Murdered - The Judith Barsi story
Then she gets her first role in a TV series called Fatal Vision, where she plays a little girl who's unalived by her father. Then she gets cast in Twilight Zone, Punky Brewster, Growing Pains, Cheers. And within a few short years, Judith is pulling in over $100,000 a year from her acting. And Yosef and Maria start to see their bank account slowly climb out of the red.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
This Child Actor Was Murdered - The Judith Barsi story
And eventually they have enough saved to buy their own three bedroom house in a decent neighborhood. This is a dream for them. And everyone is happy for Judith. Except for Yosef. Yosef isn't a TV star, he's just a working man. And his young daughter is making significantly more money than him, making him no longer the breadwinner.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
Dance Mom Goes Crazy - The Nancy Motes story
So this absolute psychopath mom will do anything to make sure her daughter succeeds. Anything. Now her name is Nancy. She's 56, living in Texas, and one day in 2015, Nancy gets some crazy news. Her daughter didn't make the high school dance team. So Nancy hears this news and she is Devastated, how could her daughter not make the team? This is the end of the world.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
Dance Mom Goes Crazy - The Nancy Motes story
And so now, since the team sucks, Kylie or her mom doesn't want her to be on it anymore. So then Nancy transfers Kylie to a different school where Kylie doesn't even try out for the dance team. After all that. I guess she gave up. I don't know. I don't think Kylie ever cared as much about dance as her mom did.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
Dance Mom Goes Crazy - The Nancy Motes story
But anyway, now I assume Nancy's all mad because her precious daughter will never go on to be a rangerette. Now, you would think at this point, all this drama would be over. Oh, no, no. It's just getting started. Because about a year later in 2016, Nancy is driving home from shopping and she passes by a car and she spots one of Kylie's ex-boyfriends driving it. And he is with some girl.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
Dance Mom Goes Crazy - The Nancy Motes story
And I guess Nancy's like, I need to see who this new girl is that ex-boyfriend appears to be dating. And she decides to turn around and follow him. She even puts on a wig so that he won't recognize her following him because I guess she just happens to have a spare wig in her car.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
Dance Mom Goes Crazy - The Nancy Motes story
So she starts following him for a while and eventually she stops and she pulls over and she starts looking him and the girl he's with up on Facebook. I guess she's trying to figure out what's the deal with this new girl. Okay, now, there's this whole gossipy section of this story that I'm going to skip over because it's boring and stupid.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
Dance Mom Goes Crazy - The Nancy Motes story
All you need to know about Nancy's impromptu Facebook stalking is that she ends up on the page of this girl, Alexa. Now, Alexa, she used to go to high school with Kylie. She was on the dance team with her, and she actually has since gone on to make the Rangerettes. So she's now a Rangerette. Also, there's Alexa's mom, who we'll just call Alexa's mom. And mom is the director of the Rangerettes.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
Dance Mom Goes Crazy - The Nancy Motes story
So maybe, maybe Nancy's looking at their Facebook profiles feeling a little jealousy and resentment. But regardless, Nancy knows that Alexa is possibly friends with ex-boyfriend's new girl. And Nancy's like, I want information on this new bitch. I'm going to go get it out of Alexa. And then for whatever weird ass reason, in that moment, Nancy just snaps.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
Dance Mom Goes Crazy - The Nancy Motes story
She is going to get this information from Alexa. And so she drives right over to Alexa's house because they live in the area. And from here, she makes sure she has her wig on so no one will recognize her. Then she grabs a pew pew and a roll of duct tape because I guess she keeps those things in her car as well. Then, out of her trunk, she grabs a very large, novelty-sized snowman Christmas card.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
Dance Mom Goes Crazy - The Nancy Motes story
Now, her daughter is this girl, Kylie. And why is it so important that Kylie makes this team? Because if Kylie doesn't make the high school dance team, then she won't be able to later make the local college precision dance team, the rangerettes. And in this area of Texas, being a rangerette is a huge deal.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
Dance Mom Goes Crazy - The Nancy Motes story
And she keeps a lot of weird in her car. Then, she goes and she knocks on Alexa's door. Now, really quick, just to remind you, Nancy is doing all this because she's trying to get information about a random girl who her daughter's ex-boyfriend is dating. It's not even her boyfriend. It's her 18 or 19 year old daughter's ex-boyfriend.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
Dance Mom Goes Crazy - The Nancy Motes story
Anyway, so Alexa's mom answers the door and Nancy has the snowman greeting card covering the lower half of her face. And she's like, hi, can I speak with Alexa? And Alexa's mom doesn't want to be rude, so she invites her in. And the second Nancy sees Alexa, boom, she pulls out her pew-pew. And they're like, oh, shit!
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
Dance Mom Goes Crazy - The Nancy Motes story
Then Nancy takes their phones from them, and she starts scrolling through Alexa's contacts, looking for this girl's phone number. Then, when she doesn't find it, she makes sure Alexa and her mom's wrists are bound with the duct tape she brought. Then she lets them know that she's about to kidnap Alexa. Like, we're gonna take a drive! But see, Alexa's smart. She's gonna try and get out of this.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
Dance Mom Goes Crazy - The Nancy Motes story
And she's like, oh, can I grab my shoes first? And Nancy's like... All right. And so Nancy follows Alexa into the other room to get her shoes. And that is when, pow, Alexa's mom rips off the duct tape and she runs out the door and down the street and she's screaming, home invasion, home invasion. Meanwhile, Nancy forces Alexa into her car and skrrt, they speed away.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
Dance Mom Goes Crazy - The Nancy Motes story
Now in the car, Nancy continues to be a total nutcase. She's asking Alexa things like, do you think you're perfect because you're a rangerette? And how are you so calm? Is that because of your rangerette training? This woman is insane.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
Dance Mom Goes Crazy - The Nancy Motes story
Now eventually they pull up to a storage facility that Nancy had previously rented and she gets out and she forces Alexa inside and then she has her lay down and she wraps her up with duct tape because now it's time to unalive her. So then suddenly, boom, Nancy puts both her hands on Alexa's neck and she starts choking her harder and harder until Alexa passes out.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
Dance Mom Goes Crazy - The Nancy Motes story
Sometime later, she wakes up and Nancy is still there in the storage unit with her. And she's like, damn, you're still alive? I guess Nancy's disappointed that Alexa didn't die? Anyway, lucky for Alexa, Nancy is apparently late for dinner. I guess she really wants dinner. So she just straight up leaves. And she leaves Alexa tied up in the storage unit to just die.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
Dance Mom Goes Crazy - The Nancy Motes story
However, Alexa, she ain't no punk. She isn't about to die in this dusty ass storage unit. Now her legs are apparently really strong from all those years of dance and all that rangerette kicking she's been doing. And so she uses all her strength and she kicks and she kicks and pow! She breaks the tape from around her ankles. Then she frees her wrists.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
Dance Mom Goes Crazy - The Nancy Motes story
Then she gets up and she runs the out of that storage unit, which I guess wasn't locked for some reason? Then she scales two fences and then finally she runs to a random person's house and she asks them to call 911. Meanwhile, Nancy at this point, she's at home. She's chilling. She's eating dinner like she wanted, like nothing happened. Like she didn't just kidnap someone at gunpoint.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
Dance Mom Goes Crazy - The Nancy Motes story
And of course, eventually police show up and they're all banging on her door and they question her and Nancy completely denies everything. She's like, what? I didn't kidnap anyone. I don't even know those people. And police, they know she's full of shit. And so, bam, they arrest her. Here's her mugshot.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
Dance Mom Goes Crazy - The Nancy Motes story
And so anyway, Nancy is pissed off and she is not gonna give up on getting her daughter on the high school team. She is gonna make sure she eventually becomes a rangerette. So for months, Nancy goes to the school board and she complains and she demands that they reinstate Kylie like, my daughter was treated unfairly. And she claims that her daughter was discriminated against because she's tall.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
Dance Mom Goes Crazy - The Nancy Motes story
And she's ultimately charged with kidnapping, and she takes a plea deal, and she's sentenced to five years in prison. Also, Alexa and her mom sue Nancy, and she's forced to pay them $575,000. Good for them.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
Dance Mom Goes Crazy - The Nancy Motes story
I guess Kylie is slightly taller than the other girls, so Nancy is playing the discrimination card. Here's the thing though. It actually works. The school board ultimately gives up and sides with her and rules that the coach has to let Kylie onto the high school dance team. So then now coach is pissed. She doesn't like being second guessed by the school board. And here's the best part.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
Dance Mom Goes Crazy - The Nancy Motes story
I guess coach is just a petty person because she says this and she resigns over this. But right before she does, she lets everyone on the dance team. Like any student who tried out, she lets them on the team. So it actually floods the team with all kinds of amateur dancers, and now suddenly the team sucks. I aspire to be that petty.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
The Real Story of The Runaway Bride - The Jennifer Wilbanks story
Du liegst in der Badewanne und hörst deinen Podcast. Doch hui, das Plätschern des Wassers wird zum Meeresrauschen und plötzlich fliegst du in den Süden. Ägypten, Kanaren, Griechenland, Türkei, Karibik. Der warme Sand zwischen den Zähnen, ein kühles Getränk in der Hand und die Sonne auf der Haut. Nicht träumen, Alturs buchen. Alles drin, alles gut, alles für dich. Alturs, alles aber günstig.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
The Real Story of The Runaway Bride - The Jennifer Wilbanks story
Sie sprechen mit den Berichten und sie kommen auf die Kamera, beggen, dass Jennifer sicher zurückkommt. Jennifer's family even offers a $100,000 reward for any information that helps them find her. But still, they got nothing. No significant evidence, no meaningful leads. Jennifer is just gone. Until it's 1.30 a.m. Auf dem Tag ihres und John Masons geplante Gebets.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
The Real Story of The Runaway Bride - The Jennifer Wilbanks story
Und John Mason bekommt eine Telefonnummer. Und um Gottes Willen, zu seiner Überraschung, ist es Jennifer. Sie weint und sie ist frantisch, aber sie ist lebendig. Und seltsam ist, dass sie von einem Payphone an einem 7-Eleven an der anderen Seite des Landes ruft. Wie in der Hölle ist sie da gekommen? Nun, hier ist, was sie sagt, ist passiert.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
The Real Story of The Runaway Bride - The Jennifer Wilbanks story
Also, drei Nächte zuvor ist Jennifer im Joggen, so wie sie es normalerweise macht, als plötzlich, boom, ein blauer Van rutscht auf und zwei Leute springen raus. Ein hispanischer Mann und eine schwere weiße Frau. Und sie holen Jennifer, und sie holen sie in den Van, und sie steigen weg. Und während sie im Hintergrund ihres Vans ist, öffnen sie sie mit einem Rad.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
The Real Story of The Runaway Bride - The Jennifer Wilbanks story
Und dann drehen sie sich um, und sie testen sie. Und dann fahren sie von Georgia bis in Albuquerque, New Mexico. bevor sie sie in einem 7-Eleven Parkplatz verlassen. Und dann ruft sie ihre Freundin aus einem Payphone an und sagt, dass sie sich verletzt hat, aber dass sie nicht verletzt war. Das ist also, was sie sagt, passiert.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
The Real Story of The Runaway Bride - The Jennifer Wilbanks story
Die Albuquerque Polizei geht und holt sie aus diesem 7-Eleven Parkplatz. Währenddessen sind ihre Freunde und Familie und John Mason zu Hause. Sie sind alle überrascht. Ich meine, sie wurde gefunden und sie ist lebendig und sie ist nicht wirklich physisch verletzt. Aber in Albuquerque haben die FBI einige Fragen. So they go to the police station to talk to Jennifer.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
The Real Story of The Runaway Bride - The Jennifer Wilbanks story
Because they need more information on this Hispanic man and this heavyset white woman who are apparently just running around kidnapping people. So they sit Jennifer down and they start asking her questions. And she describes the essay and everything that happened in detail. Aber ziemlich schnell merkt die FBI, dass etwas in dieser Geschichte nicht mehr dazugehört.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
The Real Story of The Runaway Bride - The Jennifer Wilbanks story
Die Details verändern sich immer und sie fummelt. Und sie kann nicht daran erinnern, was Menschen normalerweise erinnern würden. Also werden sie bescheuert. Und in dieser Interview beginnen sie, einige ihrer Befragungen zu challenge. Und ihre Fragen werden immer schwieriger und schwieriger. Und diese sind Fragen, die Jennifer einfach nicht bereit ist. Aber sie steckt zu ihrer Geschichte.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
The Real Story of The Runaway Bride - The Jennifer Wilbanks story
Und dann gehen die Stunden vorbei und sie pressen sie immer noch hart. Und dann endlich, nach all dem, nach Stunden da zu sein, gibt sie in. Und sie droppt eine Bombe auf sie. Sie verurteilt ihnen, dass sie nie verabschiedet wurde. Es gab nie einen blauen Van oder einen hispanischen Mann oder eine hevige weiße Frau. Sie hat es alles aufgemacht.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
The Real Story of The Runaway Bride - The Jennifer Wilbanks story
Sie war nur nervös über ihr 600-Menschen-Bereich und sie wollte es wegwerfen. Aber ich glaube, sie hatte nicht die Macht, es einfach wegzumachen. So, she left town, hopped on a bus to Las Vegas for a couple of days, and then later she went to Albuquerque. A trip just long enough to miss her wedding.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
The Real Story of The Runaway Bride - The Jennifer Wilbanks story
Jetzt im Reisebüro oder auf alturs.de.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
The Real Story of The Runaway Bride - The Jennifer Wilbanks story
And there is where she called her fiancé John Mason from a payphone and made up this whole fake kidnapping story. So, then what happened to Jennifer? Well, she was not arrested, but she was eventually charged with making false statements to the police and falsely reporting a crime. Here's her mugshot.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
The Real Story of The Runaway Bride - The Jennifer Wilbanks story
One night a man calls police and he's panicking and he tells them his fiance has gone missing. She went for a jog one night like she normally does and then she just vanished and never came home. And he is convinced that something really bad has happened to her. So police, they hear this and they spring into action.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
The Real Story of The Runaway Bride - The Jennifer Wilbanks story
And she took a plea deal and got two years probation and had to pay $13,000 restitution to the city. And I know this is gonna shock you, but she and her fiancé did not end up getting married. Good for them.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
The Real Story of The Runaway Bride - The Jennifer Wilbanks story
Das eröffnet sofort einen Mannhunt und die Leute in der Gemeinschaft organisieren sich schnell. Sie machen Telefonnachrichten und stellen Flyer. Und am nächsten Tag suchen 250 Volonteure aktiv für diese missgenossene Frau. Und sie kümmern die Gegend für jede Bezeichnung von ihr. Aber so weit nichts. Nun, die Frau, die verloren ist, ist Jennifer.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
The Real Story of The Runaway Bride - The Jennifer Wilbanks story
Und Jennifer wird mit dem Mann, der die Polizei angerufen hat, verheiratet. Diesen Mann, John Mason. Und es war eine große Geburtstagssache. 600 Leute wurden eingeladen. Sie hatte 14 Brüder. Aber leider, vier Tage vor der Geburtstagssache, war es dann, als sie joggen lief, und dann war es dann, als sie verschwunden ist.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
The Real Story of The Runaway Bride - The Jennifer Wilbanks story
Und so alle in der Gemeinschaft, sie reisen zusammen und sie beginnen, für sie zu suchen. Aber trotzdem haben die Polizei bis jetzt keine Führung. Also muss die FBI involviert werden. Und diese Geschichte macht nationales News, wie jeder darüber spricht. Und Jennifers Familie, wie ihre Eltern und ihre Freundin, sind alle traurig. Sie halten nachtliche Vigilen für sie. Billboards werden aufgemacht.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
The Largest Heist in US History - The Philip Johnson story
So this guy, his name's Phil and Phil hates his job. He hates how he's treated. He hates how little they pay him. He hates the way his bosses talk to him. So one day he's like, screw this. I'm going to rob this place. Now the place Phil works at, it isn't going to be easy to rob because old Phil, he doesn't like work at Chipotle.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
The Largest Heist in US History - The Philip Johnson story
Now in this moment, Phil has made off with just around $19 million in cash, which at the time of this happening is the largest heist in US history. Now, with all of the places Phil could go with this money, he first decides to drive home to his house. And there he forces James Brown out of the van and into the house.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
The Largest Heist in US History - The Philip Johnson story
And then he shoves him into a closet and he handcuffs him to a pipe and he just leaves him there. Then he drives away. Poor Dan, he's still handcuffed in the back. But Phil drives as far away as he can, all through the night, about 450 miles away.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
The Largest Heist in US History - The Philip Johnson story
The next morning, he pulls up to a wooded area in the Blue Ridge Mountains, and he forces Dan to get out of the van, and he marches him down the side of a hill. And there, he just handcuffs him to a tree. And then he drives away, and he heads to a storage facility about an hour away. And there, he had rented a storage unit using a fake ID about four years ago.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
The Largest Heist in US History - The Philip Johnson story
I told you he had been planning to do this for a long time. But once he's at the storage unit, he starts unloading all the money he stole into it. The next morning, Phil is long gone. And he's taken a little bit of that money with him. And he's on a bus headed to Mexico where he plans to start his new life. While poor Dan is stuck out in the woods, handcuffed to a tree.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
The Largest Heist in US History - The Philip Johnson story
But after some maneuvering with a Swiss army knife, he's able to escape and he finds a park ranger. And then they call police who are able to rescue James Brown, who is still handcuffed in the closet in Phil's house. Now, almost $19 million, that's a lot of money. In fact, it's so much money, that means the FBI has to come and take over the case.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
The Largest Heist in US History - The Philip Johnson story
He works at Loomis Fargo, the company that drives the armored trucks to go pick up money from banks and other businesses. So Phil's been working at Loomis for over 10 years. And for five of those years, he's been planning this big heist where he's gonna teach his bosses a lesson by stealing millions of dollars from their vault. And so the day comes and the timing is perfect.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
The Largest Heist in US History - The Philip Johnson story
And so they put out information to law enforcement all over the country that they're looking for this guy, Phil. Meanwhile, Phil, he's just chilling in a suburb of Mexico City, trying to lay low.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
The Largest Heist in US History - The Philip Johnson story
And there, he opens several bank accounts under fake names, and then he's able to make a bunch of trips back and forth from Mexico City to North Carolina to retrieve his stolen money from his storage unit little by little. And it sounds crazy, but it seems like Phil's plan is actually working. Until five months go by. And Phil, he's at the US-Mexico border.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
The Largest Heist in US History - The Philip Johnson story
He's trying to cross because he's on a trip to pick up some of his stolen money from that storage unit. And while he's at the border, a customs agent starts asking him standard questions. Like, where are you traveling from? How long are you staying? Stuff like that. And Phil, for some reason, he starts to get a little attitude with her. Like, mind your own business, lady. Damn.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
The Largest Heist in US History - The Philip Johnson story
So this customs agent, she pulls him aside and runs his ID. And what do you know? Boom. The name he's using comes back as having been flagged as an alias for the man wanted for stealing almost $19 million from his former employer. And so, kapow, they arrest him. Here's his mugshot. I guess he refused to look at the camera, so they had to hold his head up.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
The Largest Heist in US History - The Philip Johnson story
Anyway, so then the feds find his storage unit with all the money in it. And in that unit, they also find the tapes with all the security footage on it showing him committing the crime. Womp womp. So then Phil goes to trial. He's found guilty and he's sentenced to 25 years in prison. And he actually served 22 of them and he got out a few years ago. So shout out to Jacksonville.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
The Largest Heist in US History - The Philip Johnson story
And Phil is ready to execute his plan. So there he is on his shift, driving the armored truck around, picking up deliveries. And when he's done, he drives back to the company warehouse. And by this point in the day, Phil has collected millions of dollars in money drops. Not to mention there's even more money in the vault.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
The Largest Heist in US History - The Philip Johnson story
So Phil starts unloading all of this collected money into the vault with two of his coworkers, this guy, Dan, and this other guy, James Brown. So they're all there unloading this money. And when his coworkers backs are turned, boom, Phil pulls out his pew pew and he points it at them and he forces them on the ground. And they're all like, man, what the f***, Phil?
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
The Largest Heist in US History - The Philip Johnson story
But whatever, Phil handcuffs them and puts shackles on them. And then he starts to take the cash out of the vault and he loads it into an unmarked company van. Two hours later, he's loaded all the money he can, about a half ton worth of cash. And once the van is full of money, Phil forces Dan and James Brown into the back.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
The Largest Heist in US History - The Philip Johnson story
Then he goes to the surveillance room and he finds all the security footage from that day. Footage of him committing this crime and he steals all the tapes so there's no evidence of him doing it. Then he hops into the van with Dan and James Brown still handcuffed in the back and he speeds away.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
Killed By a Clown - The Marlene Warren story
So one day this woman's chilling at home and she hears a knock at the door so she walks over to answer it and she opens it up and there on her porch is a circus clown wearing like the full outfit and the clown is carrying balloons and flowers and then the clown hands the woman the balloons and flowers and then they pull out a pew pew and they point it at the woman's face and they pull the trigger.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
Killed By a Clown - The Marlene Warren story
like in the full outfit and the clown is carrying balloons and flowers, but then the clown hands the balloons and flowers to Marlene and then they pull out a pew-pew and they point it at Marlene's face and they pull the trigger. Then the clown calmly walks back to their car and they drive away. So immediately, Marlene's son calls 911. And paramedics come and they rush her to the hospital.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
Killed By a Clown - The Marlene Warren story
And there, doctors put her on life support. But unfortunately, it's not enough. Two days later, they take Marlene off the life support and she passes away. And pretty quickly, police start to investigate this. They're looking at possible suspects and who could be involved. And all they know is that the suspect is a six foot clown.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
Killed By a Clown - The Marlene Warren story
So they're thinking maybe the murdering clown is Marlene's husband, Mike. But as it turns out, Mike has a solid alibi. He was with a bunch of friends on their way to the racetrack. But as police are asking around about this, they learn that Mike had been having an affair with Sheila from work. So police change tactics. And they start looking around for costume shops in the area.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
Killed By a Clown - The Marlene Warren story
And they end up finding one that had recently sold a clown costume. So they interview the employee who was working that day. And the employee describes the customer as a woman who just happens to fit the description of Sheila. Then they find the clown's getaway car, abandoned in a parking lot. And in that car, they find orange hair fibers from a clown wig, as well as some brown human hairs.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
Killed By a Clown - The Marlene Warren story
So they get a search warrant and they go search Sheila's apartment. And there, guess what they find? Orange hairs from a clown wig and brown human hairs. But unfortunately, the hairs alone aren't enough to make a connection. So they can't arrest Sheila and they can't charge her with anything involving the murder. Here's what's crazy though.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
Killed By a Clown - The Marlene Warren story
During this investigation, police look into Mike because of course he's the husband. And while they don't find any evidence that he's involved in Marlene's death, they do find evidence that he's been committing serious fraud at his used car dealership. Rolling back odometers, manipulating the titles of vehicles, stuff like that.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
Killed By a Clown - The Marlene Warren story
So Mike is arrested for this and he's convicted and he goes to prison. While Sheila, the person who actually committed the murder, doesn't. She's free. Three years later, Mike gets out. He served his time. And he and Sheila, they end up getting married. And they finally live happily ever after like they always wanted. Until 15 years go by and Marlene's death is still unresolved.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
Killed By a Clown - The Marlene Warren story
So, why was this woman just unalived by a clown? Well, the story doesn't actually start there. The story starts with this other woman, Sheila. And Sheila's 27, she works at a used car dealership, and she's the one who repossesses the cars. Because she's apparently a tough lady, and she's good at her job. In fact, she's so good at her job, at some point, she catches the eye of the owner.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
Killed By a Clown - The Marlene Warren story
But one day, the local sheriff's office gets some grant money to open unsolved cases from the past. So they open some cases and one of those cases is this clown murder case. So they form a task force and they re-interview witnesses and they look at all the old evidence. And most importantly, they submit those brown human hairs that they found in the clown's getaway car for DNA testing.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
Killed By a Clown - The Marlene Warren story
which DNA testing wasn't as widely available decades before when this case first started, but it is available now, so they submit it. And of course, boom, they get a match. It's Sheila. So finally, 27 years after Marlene's murder, they arrest Sheila. Here's her mugshot. And she goes to trial. She ends up taking a plea deal. And she's sentenced to 12 years in prison. Now, one more thing.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
Killed By a Clown - The Marlene Warren story
There is speculation that Sheila didn't act alone in all this. That Mike was also involved in the planning of his wife's unaliving. But in their investigation, police were not able to find any hard evidence of that. So he was never charged nor convicted. Shout out to Florida.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
Killed By a Clown - The Marlene Warren story
This guy, Mike. And Mike and Sheila, they hit it off, and they start flirting at work, and eventually they start smashing. Like, a lot. And Mike and Sheila, they are crazy about each other. Mike even starts paying rent on Sheila's apartment for her. That's how much he likes her. And these two want nothing more than to keep this relationship going so that they can live happily ever after.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
Killed By a Clown - The Marlene Warren story
Except there's one thing standing in their way. Mike is actually married. And of course, he doesn't want to just get a divorce like a normal human being, because apparently half his assets are in his wife's name, which means if they split up, she's gonna get a big check. So he doesn't want to get a divorce. So then Sheila comes up with a plan to get rid of Mike's wife for good.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
Killed By a Clown - The Marlene Warren story
One night, Sheila goes to a costume store. And there, she buys a clown costume. Orange wig, makeup, red nose, the whole thing. Two days later, Mike's wife, her name's Marlene. Marlene is chilling at home with her adult son. And suddenly, they hear a knock at the door. So Marlene walks over to answer it. And sure enough, there's a whole ass circus clown standing on her porch.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
Police Ruined His Life - The Ryan Waller story
It's Christmas Day, and this guy is chilling at his house with his girlfriend. But then, they hear a knock at the door, and when the guy goes to open it, boom! Standing there is two goons, and they got pew-pews. So the guy immediately slams the door closed, but he can't shut it fast enough, and the goons force the door open.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
Police Ruined His Life - The Ryan Waller story
So they call police to come and do a welfare check. And then four hours later, police show up. And they're knocking and they're looking through the windows and they're trying to get into the house through the back door. And then suddenly, bam, the back door opens. And it's Ryan just standing there with a busted up black eye. And he looks all confused, like he has no idea what's going on.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
Police Ruined His Life - The Ryan Waller story
So police, they go inside and there on the couch, they see Heather's lifeless body. Now, as we saw Ryan, he was shot in the head twice. One bullet grazed the side of his skull and the other went through his nose and the fragments went into his eye region. So his most visible injury looks like a massive black eye.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
Police Ruined His Life - The Ryan Waller story
So police, they take a look at him and they think not that he needs immediate medical attention for his brain injury, but that he's the one who unalived Heather. So bam, they arrest him and they stick him in the back of a patrol car where he waits for four hours before finally they take him to the station and there they start grilling him. Like what happened at your house?
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
Police Ruined His Life - The Ryan Waller story
Why did you unalive your girlfriend? And poor Ryan, he can't really tell them what happened because you know, brain damage. And like when they ask him the very basic question, where do you know Heather from? He answers and says that just doesn't make sense.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
Police Ruined His Life - The Ryan Waller story
And one of them manages to stick his arm through, and he shoots the guy right in the head. And he falls back, and then the goon aims his pew-pew, and he shoots him in the head a second time. Then, the goon goes over to the living room, and he sees the girlfriend on the couch, and he points his pew-pew at her, and he fires, and he un-alives her.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
Police Ruined His Life - The Ryan Waller story
So then they ask him, like, what happened to his face? And he's like, I don't know. And then he starts saying he thinks it was Heather who hurt him. But, like, he can't even remember her name. Like, he really is all over the place. But then he starts trying his best to explain that it was actually some goons who broke into his house. But he's still just not making sense.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
Police Ruined His Life - The Ryan Waller story
Not to mention, they don't seem even slightly concerned about Ryan's injury or about getting him to a hospital. They are still convinced that he's lying and that he's the one who unalived Heather. And they are going to try their best to pressure him until he admits it.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
Police Ruined His Life - The Ryan Waller story
And then finally, after almost an hour of Ryan trying his best to explain it to the detective, the detective takes a closer look at the wounds on his face and he realizes how badly hurt he is.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
Police Ruined His Life - The Ryan Waller story
So after being in police custody for six hours, they finally come to their senses and they rush Ryan to the hospital. And immediately, doctors see his wounds and they see that he's been shot in the face. And most importantly, they see that his wounds have an infection. An infection that actually could have been avoided if he had gotten care sooner. So they perform brain surgery on Ryan.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
Police Ruined His Life - The Ryan Waller story
And he stays in the hospital for 35 days recovering. But unfortunately, it turns out he has life-changing injuries and he loses his left eye permanently and part of his brain has to be removed and he regularly starts having seizures. So Ryan's parents, they get a lawyer and they sue the Phoenix Police Department for failing to get their son medical treatment in time.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
Police Ruined His Life - The Ryan Waller story
But unfortunately for them, the case is eventually thrown out due to lack of evidence. Which is weird because, like, we have the video. Anyway, the good news is that the goons who shot Ryan and Heather are both eventually caught. And bam, they get arrested, here's one of their mug shots, and here's the other. And they're both eventually sentenced to life in prison without parole.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
Police Ruined His Life - The Ryan Waller story
Then, about ten years after all this happened, Ryan unfortunately has his last seizure and he passes away. That's a sad one Shout out to Phoenix, Arizona
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
Police Ruined His Life - The Ryan Waller story
Then, they rob the place, taking whatever they want, and they leave. Now, the guy, his name's Ryan, and the girlfriend, her name's Heather. And while Heather, unfortunately, doesn't survive being shot in the head, somehow, Ryan does. And he's lying there, and he's in pain, and there are bullet fragments in his head. And he doesn't know it yet, but he has a severe brain injury.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
Police Ruined His Life - The Ryan Waller story
In fact, his injury is so severe, he kind of doesn't know what's going on. He doesn't know how to call for help. It seems like he doesn't even understand that he needs help. Meanwhile, on the other side of town, these two, Ryan's mom and Ryan's dad, they're chillin' at home wondering when Ryan and Heather are gonna show up. Because it's Christmas Day and they're late for dinner.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
Police Ruined His Life - The Ryan Waller story
And of course, they're nowhere to be found. So Ryan's dad calls him, but no answer. And then they call several more times throughout the day, but still, no answer. And once they realize that Ryan and Heather have completely ghosted them over the dinner, Ryan's parents get worried. So they go over to his house and they knock on the door, but no one answers.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
Murdered By a Pro Wrestler - The Chris Tapp story
So this guy, he's gonna get wrongly convicted, become a millionaire, and then get into a fight with a pro wrestler. Now the guy, his name's Chris, and Chris is 20 years old, and he just wants to live his life to the fullest. So he goes to a party one night out by the river with a bunch of his friends, including this girl, Angie. Now unfortunately, the next morning after that party,
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
Murdered By a Pro Wrestler - The Chris Tapp story
So Chris goes to trial and the only real evidence they have against him is the confession he was tricked into giving. So kaboom, he gets convicted and he's sentenced to life in prison. And yeah, this sucks for Chris because
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
Murdered By a Pro Wrestler - The Chris Tapp story
prison is hard for him and so he files appeal after appeal but his appeals just keep getting rejected one after another and more than 10 years go by and he's still there in prison miserable suffering in a cell and he wants nothing more than to get out so that he can finally live his life to the fullest but then one day something crazy happens
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
Murdered By a Pro Wrestler - The Chris Tapp story
A nonprofit learns about his case and they get involved. They're called the Innocence Project and they help people who they feel were wrongly convicted. So they get involved and they push for further DNA testing because DNA analysis had improved so much over those 10 years.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
Murdered By a Pro Wrestler - The Chris Tapp story
And around the same time, Angie's own mother, this woman, Carol, she also starts to believe that Chris had nothing to do with Angie's murder. And she starts to advocate for him. And then eventually, after years of working on this, they convince the district attorney to reduce Chris's sentence to time served.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
Murdered By a Pro Wrestler - The Chris Tapp story
Meaning finally, after spending 20 years in prison for a crime he didn't commit, Chris is a free man. And then two years later, they use DNA technology to identify the actual killer and they arrest him and he confesses and Chris is totally exonerated. Oh, but it's not over yet, because Chris is about to get paid. Because he goes and sues the state for wrongful imprisonment.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
Murdered By a Pro Wrestler - The Chris Tapp story
And the state ends up settling with him, and they agree to pay him $11.7 million. Meanwhile, Chris, he gets involved with the Innocence Project. And he's traveling around the country, giving lectures and speeches at universities, trying to help others who were also wrongly convicted. I mean, it looks like Chris's life is really starting to turn around.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
Murdered By a Pro Wrestler - The Chris Tapp story
Until about three years pass after he wins his lawsuit and it's Halloween and Chris and some of his buddies, they decide to take a trip to Las Vegas. I mean, he has millions of dollars to spend, so why not? So they're all in Las Vegas in a group having a Halloween party in this hotel room. and allegedly Chris offers to share some of his drugs with this young woman there.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
Murdered By a Pro Wrestler - The Chris Tapp story
Angie is found unalived in her apartment. And then six months later, bam, police bring in Chris for questioning since he was at the same party with her the night before. So they questioned Chris and they asked him if he was involved in the murder. And Chris is like, no, but police don't believe him. And they take a DNA sample from him.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
Murdered By a Pro Wrestler - The Chris Tapp story
Apparently she was already doing drugs, he just offered her some more. That young woman happens to be the stepdaughter of another man at the party, this guy, Rodimer. So Rodimer finds out that Chris offered his stepdaughter drugs and he gets pissed and he is not about to let this slide. Here's the thing about Rodheimer. He's an interesting guy. He actually used to be a pro wrestler.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
Murdered By a Pro Wrestler - The Chris Tapp story
He's also an aspiring politician. He ran for Nevada State Congress and lost twice. Then he ran for the House of Representatives in Texas. And he actually got endorsed by a very well-known Bible salesman. Rodimer. But regardless, Rodimer still lost his election. Anyway, at the party, Rodimer finds out that Chris offered his stepdaughter drugs, and he gets really pissed off.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
Murdered By a Pro Wrestler - The Chris Tapp story
Now, some of this next part is alleged, and I'll explain why in a second. Now, allegedly, Rodimer hears what Chris did, and he rushes over to him, and he confronts him, and he gets all up in his grill, and he says, if you give my daughter any of that, I'll f***ing kill you, allegedly. Then, of course, they get into it. And Rhodeimer, he tackles Chris.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
Murdered By a Pro Wrestler - The Chris Tapp story
And Chris falls and hits his head on an end table. Then when Chris is down, Rhodeimer starts punching him over and over again. And finally, he starts choking him. And that is when Chris stops moving. And at some point, someone calls 911, and Chris is rushed to the hospital. And there, he fights for his life. But ultimately, after a few days, he passes away.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
Murdered By a Pro Wrestler - The Chris Tapp story
He had only been out of prison for about six years. So police investigate and they put out a warrant for Rodimer's arrest. And the next day he turns himself in. Here's his mugshot. And the trial over this is still ongoing, which is why I said allegedly when I was talking about the fight. Either way, that's a sad one.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
Murdered By a Pro Wrestler - The Chris Tapp story
Then after a few more interviews, police still believe that Chris had something to do with Angie's murder. So they get a warrant, and they arrest him, and they bring him in, and they grill him for hours. And they're threatening him with prison time, and they're telling him that they have evidence against him, even though they don't. Because, by now, the DNA results have come back.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
Murdered By a Pro Wrestler - The Chris Tapp story
And the DNA of the killer is not a match with Chris's DNA. Oh, but that doesn't seem to matter, because police are still convinced that he is guilty. And poor Chris, at this point, he doesn't know what to do. He knows he didn't unalive anyone, but police won't let it go. And they interrogate him for a total of 28 hours over multiple sessions.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
Murdered By a Pro Wrestler - The Chris Tapp story
And ultimately, they offer him immunity if he confesses to being involved in the murder. So Chris, with no other option, he confesses, thinking he'll get immunity and that police will finally leave him alone. Well, guess what? Police don't leave him alone. In fact, they straight up void his immunity agreement and they charge him with first degree murder.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
He Pretended To Be a Teenager - The Frederic Bourdin story
So this adult man pretends to be a teenager and he like goes to high school and somehow no one notices. So this story all starts with this kid, Nicholas. And Nicholas is 13, living in Texas. And one day in 1994, he's out in the neighborhood playing basketball. And suddenly Nicholas just disappears. Like he's just gone. What happened to him? Well, we'll get to that.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
He Pretended To Be a Teenager - The Frederic Bourdin story
A teenage boy who was out playing basketball three years before and suddenly just disappeared. And so Fred convinces them that he's Nicholas and the National Center for Missing and Exploiting Children sends a member of Nicholas's family all the way to Spain to pick Fred up. So now Fred is going to pretend to be this missing American teenager in order to get out of going to prison in Spain.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
He Pretended To Be a Teenager - The Frederic Bourdin story
Here's the thing about this missing teenager, Nicholas, though. Nicholas was only 13 when he went missing three years ago, which would make him 16 now. So Fred, who's 23 and French and brunette, is going to pretend to be a 16-year-old American blonde. So he bleaches his hair. And by the way, this is a picture of Fred, and he does not look 16. Like, not even close.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
He Pretended To Be a Teenager - The Frederic Bourdin story
Like, look at his geriatric-looking ass. But whatever, a few days later, Nicholas's sister, the missing kid's sister, shows up to Spain to pick up Nicholas. And Fred is there waiting, and he's like, And I guess the sister believes him, because from there, they fly from Spain all the way back to Texas so that he can be reunited with his family.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
He Pretended To Be a Teenager - The Frederic Bourdin story
And so they get there, and he meets his whole family, and I guess they believe that this 23-year-old man is their missing teenage son, and they're all happy to see him. And they have all kinds of questions for him, like, what happened to you? Where were you those three years that you were missing?
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
He Pretended To Be a Teenager - The Frederic Bourdin story
And of course, Fred tells them some bullshit, that the day he went missing, he was actually abducted, and his kidnappers shipped him off to Spain, where he was human-trafficked, but that after three years, he eventually managed to escape. However, the thing the family really doesn't press him on are the other things. Like, why do you look so old now? Like, you could grow a full beard.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
He Pretended To Be a Teenager - The Frederic Bourdin story
And how come your eyes are brown? Weren't they blue before? And like, you were born in Texas. How come you speak with a French accent? Like, you know, things that should have been addressed right away. So anyway, he starts living there in their trailer home with his sister and he tries to live a normal American teenage life. Like he starts going to high school apparently.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
He Pretended To Be a Teenager - The Frederic Bourdin story
Like this old ass man gets on the yellow school bus every morning and he sits in high school classrooms like he's f***ing Billy Madison. However, meanwhile, news of Nicholas's reappearance gets around and his story blows the hell up and it's all over the local news.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
He Pretended To Be a Teenager - The Frederic Bourdin story
Meanwhile, all the way over in Europe is this French guy, Fred. And Fred is 23 and he's a con man. He's kind of a turd. He's always in trouble. And he's in trouble because he often does this thing where he'll pretend to be a teenager so that he can stay for free in youth shelters. And in these youth shelters, he'll like hide out there from the police because the police are always looking for him.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
He Pretended To Be a Teenager - The Frederic Bourdin story
And so all these journalists and news outlets want to interview Fred, and it starts getting national attention. And Fred's dumbass starts doing news interviews with journalists. pretending that he was this kid who was kidnapped. So clearly, this is all about to fall apart. And that is when this guy steps in. His name's Charlie Parker. Charlie Parker is a local private investigator.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
He Pretended To Be a Teenager - The Frederic Bourdin story
And one day, Charlie Parker gets a phone call from a producer for the TV show Hard Copy. And they want to get an interview with Nicholas, aka Fred. And they want to hire Charlie Parker to track Fred down so that they can get this interview. And so he starts looking into this story and right away he can tell something's not right. First of all, this mother is supposed to be 16. He looks 40.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
He Pretended To Be a Teenager - The Frederic Bourdin story
Second of all, he's got the wrong color eyes and he sounds French. But then Charlie Parker starts comparing pictures of Fred's ears with pictures of the real Nicholas's ears. And he notices they have different shaped ears. And so Charlie Parker knows this guy is a fraud. And so eventually he gets the phone number of Nicholas's mom and he calls her up.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
He Pretended To Be a Teenager - The Frederic Bourdin story
And he's like, you know that person who you think is your son? Uh, that's not Nicholas. And he mentions the change in eye color and the patterns on the ears. But I guess mom just isn't trying to hear it. She believes that Fred is her son. And so Charlie Parker hits up the FBI and he lets them know about all of this.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
He Pretended To Be a Teenager - The Frederic Bourdin story
Now the FBI was already investigating this whole case because it's tied to an apparent kidnapping and possible human trafficking. But whatever, in the meantime, Fred is continuing to get away with all this. And it doesn't look like anyone is going to catch him. Until. Unfortunately for Fred, he's still kind of a turd. Like when we started this story, the police were always after him for a reason.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
He Pretended To Be a Teenager - The Frederic Bourdin story
Because bro is always screwing up. Like he didn't suddenly clean up his act because he moved to the United States. No, no, no. So after a few months of living in Texas, he starts screwing up again. Like he stops showing up to school and he just stops going and he gets suspended.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
He Pretended To Be a Teenager - The Frederic Bourdin story
Then he steals his sister's car and he drives it like 500 miles up to Oklahoma and he gets pulled over for speeding and bam, he gets arrested. And at one point he gets a razor and he starts... And so they take him and put him in a psych ward for a few days. Like, this guy's doing all kinds of stuff. Now at this point, Fred is five months into this con.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
He Pretended To Be a Teenager - The Frederic Bourdin story
And with all this erratic behavior and acting out, I guess mom just can't stand it anymore. Or maybe she's finally figured it out. But at this point she calls up Charlie Parker and she says, you know what? I think you're right. I don't think this guy is my son. The next morning, Charlie Parker shows up to mom's apartment and he invites Fred to go eat at a diner with him.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
He Pretended To Be a Teenager - The Frederic Bourdin story
And so they go to this diner and they're sitting there and they're eating and that is when Fred finally gives in and he admits to Charlie Parker that he isn't this 16 year old boy from Texas, that he's actually a 23 year old man from France. And so eventually, bam, the feds arrest him. And I don't have a mugshot, but here's what his goofy ass looks like in real life.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
He Pretended To Be a Teenager - The Frederic Bourdin story
Anyway, he ultimately takes a plea deal and he gets six years in prison. And unfortunately, we never do find out what happened to the real Nicholas or why he disappeared that day. I mean, there are various theories on what happened, but nothing really concrete. So anyway, that was back in 1998. And today, Fred, he like lives a normal life, like in France, I think. And he's actually on TikTok.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
He Pretended To Be a Teenager - The Frederic Bourdin story
But then one day in 1997, he's living in this youth shelter in Spain and the director of this youth shelter starts getting suspicious of him. And he's like, I don't think you're really a teenager. And Fred's like, uh-huh-huh, wee-wee, yeah, I am. And so eventually, Fred gets ordered by a judge to prove that he's really a teenager, or the shelter is going to kick him out.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
He Pretended To Be a Teenager - The Frederic Bourdin story
Like he makes videos where he talks about a lot of the stuff he used to do. So, you know, good for him for cleaning up his act.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
He Pretended To Be a Teenager - The Frederic Bourdin story
Which means the police will probably then find him, because police are always looking for him, and he'll go to prison. And that is when Fred comes up with this crazy idea. He'll just convince the judge that he's an American. But not only that, that he's an American kid who went missing. Then they'll have to let him go. And so Fred gets to work.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
He Pretended To Be a Teenager - The Frederic Bourdin story
He calls the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children in the United States. And he convinces them that he's this missing kid. And he like describes himself to them and they're like, yeah, we know of a missing kid that fits that description. And they fax over a photo. This photo of a missing teenage boy.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
TikTok Star Gets Arrested - The DigitalPrincxss story
Remember this TikToker? Her drama had TikTok in a chokehold. Let me tell you what happened to her. Now her name is Digital Princess and she's 26 and she's a TikToker living in Florida.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
TikTok Star Gets Arrested - The DigitalPrincxss story
And so police start walking around the neighborhood talking to neighbors trying to figure out where this kid lives. And finally they find his house. Because it's the only house with the front door left wide open. And so they get the homeowner's number. Digital Princess. And they call her, and they're like, you know, your kid is wandering around out in the street looking for you.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
TikTok Star Gets Arrested - The DigitalPrincxss story
It is, um... And she has built herself an audience of over 2 million followers. Not bad. But one night in 2021, she screws it all up because digital princess is chilling at home and she runs into a problem. She really needs to leave the house and go meet up with some friends. Problem is she has this four year old son. This kid, who we'll just call Little Guy.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
TikTok Star Gets Arrested - The DigitalPrincxss story
And so she immediately starts driving home. Minutes later, she shows up to her house, and there's police officers everywhere. An old digital princess is wearing a little black, like, cocktail dress. Whistle. She's dressed like she just went out to the club. So to everyone there, it looks like she abandoned her kid to go out to some nightclub.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
TikTok Star Gets Arrested - The DigitalPrincxss story
And I don't think that's actually true, but whatever, this looks really bad for her. And so she immediately goes inside and changes into pajamas, which was smart. And so police, they start asking her questions like, where the hell were you? Why'd you leave your kid home alone? And Digital Princess is like, oh, I was just out buying laundry detergent at the 7-Eleven. I wasn't gone long.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
TikTok Star Gets Arrested - The DigitalPrincxss story
She was allegedly gone two hours. And they're like, uh, do you have a receipt for that laundry detergent you say you bought? And she's like... Nah. And she ends up showing them a bottle of laundry detergent. But here's the thing. The bottle she shows them is half empty. So she couldn't have just bought it. And so police know that this is bullshit. But then Digital Princess's mom rolls up.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
TikTok Star Gets Arrested - The DigitalPrincxss story
Lil' Guy's grandma. Because police had called her as well. And grandma is shook that Lil' Guy was left alone. Because, you know, grandmas be protective like that. But also, Grandma happens to live nearby. So Digital Princess could have called her to watch little guy while she was gone, and she didn't for some reason. But then, Grandma drops a bomb.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
TikTok Star Gets Arrested - The DigitalPrincxss story
Does she usually have a nanny?
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
TikTok Star Gets Arrested - The DigitalPrincxss story
So apparently Homegirl also has a full-time nanny that she probably could have asked to watch Lil' Guy. And so all this is looking really bad for her. And so eventually, bam, police arrest her. Here's her mugshot. And they charge her with child neglect while they temporarily hand Lil' Guy over to his grandmother. But then, 12 hours later, Digital Princess gets out on bail. So now she's free to go.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
TikTok Star Gets Arrested - The DigitalPrincxss story
And it's fine, none of her fans will ever know what she did, and there's not gonna be, like, any kind of public backlash from any of this. Until... Here's the thing about the internet.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
TikTok Star Gets Arrested - The DigitalPrincxss story
The internet likes to talk and news of Digital Princess's arrest blows the up and it starts trending and people hear about it and they're freaking out and her fans are all mad at her and they're turning on her like, how could you do this to your own child? And they're making memes about it like, dude, where's my kid? And this drama is everywhere on TikTok.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
TikTok Star Gets Arrested - The DigitalPrincxss story
Like in 2021, this was the OJ trial of TikTok. And so now, Digital Princess has to respond, and she has to get on camera, and make a statement, and so she does.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
TikTok Star Gets Arrested - The DigitalPrincxss story
But the thing is, people take this as her saying a lot of untrue things are being said about what happened that night. Like people are lying about the situation. However, people on the internet are like, wait bro, what untrue things are being said? We read the police report. But so then, Digital Princess seems to get like a little attitude about it, and she doubles down.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
TikTok Star Gets Arrested - The DigitalPrincxss story
And this, of course, makes the internet even more mad at her. Now, around this time, the district attorney's office who's prosecuting this case drops a huge bomb on everyone. They've decided to drop all the charges against her. Now, it isn't clear if they didn't have enough evidence to prove child neglect or if this was part of some plea arrangement. We actually don't have that information.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
TikTok Star Gets Arrested - The DigitalPrincxss story
And Little Guy is asleep on his bed, and she either can't or doesn't want to take him with her. And so, Digital Princess just leaves. Like, she leaves him there. And she drives 11 miles away, I guess, to see her friends. Now at some point, little guy wakes up and he's probably confused, maybe a little scared, probably calling out for his mom and she doesn't answer.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
TikTok Star Gets Arrested - The DigitalPrincxss story
But now Digital Princess feels vindicated. Like she didn't get prosecuted and she has her kid back. She's probably thinking, hell yeah, I beat the whole internet. So then she decides to make a video to explain to her fans and all the internet her side of the story regarding what really happened that night. Here's the thing about that though.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
TikTok Star Gets Arrested - The DigitalPrincxss story
Digital Princess also makes spicy content over on the OF. And she decides to tweet out that she'll only be releasing her explanation video on her OF. And that if you want to see it, you have to subscribe to her account. And this, of course, makes people even more pissed off. They're like, you're using your child neglect situation to get people to subscribe to your spicy account?
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
TikTok Star Gets Arrested - The DigitalPrincxss story
What is wrong with you? And yeah, it does feel pretty sleazy. And so I presume, due to all the backlash, she never releases a video explaining what really happened that night from her perspective on her OF. Although she did make other statements elsewhere.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
TikTok Star Gets Arrested - The DigitalPrincxss story
But then, two years later, in 2023, a YouTube channel called Explore With Us gets a hold of the police body cam footage of her arrest that night and they release it to the public. And so the world sees that basically everything the police report had said happened that night actually did happen. Like, no one was making anything up.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
TikTok Star Gets Arrested - The DigitalPrincxss story
And so now today in 2025, you can go to her TikTok page and pinned to the top is a sort of apology in text, sort of an apology. Basically, she admits that she made some bad decisions that night and that she's learned a lot and grown a lot since then. She seems to be in therapy over it. And, you know, it's not a perfect statement, but it's something.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
TikTok Star Gets Arrested - The DigitalPrincxss story
And since then, you know, the drama has died down and she seems to have won some of her fans back. So, you know, good for her.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
TikTok Star Gets Arrested - The DigitalPrincxss story
And once he realizes she's not there, he's like, guess I'll just go outside and look for her.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
TikTok Star Gets Arrested - The DigitalPrincxss story
this four-year-old kid leaves the house and starts wandering the neighborhood late at night looking for his mom and an hour goes by and little guy is still out there but by this point he's distraught and he's crying probably feeling super scared but then around 10 o'clock a local woman is out on a neighborhood walk and she sees him and she's like what the
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
TikTok Star Gets Arrested - The DigitalPrincxss story
is a little kid doing out in the road all by himself and so she takes little guy to a nearby neighbor's house and she knocks on the door and she asks this neighbor if he can help figure out who this kid belongs to and immediately the neighbor calls the police minutes later police roll up and they talk to little guy and they ask him where his mom is and of course he doesn't know because he's four
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
Eminem Got Beat Up - The Eminem / Deangelo Bailey story
Do you remember that time Eminem got beat up and then sued for a million dollars? Well, it all starts with this kid, Marshall. And Marshall's nine years old, living in Michigan, and bro has a problem. The poor kid gets bullied a lot in school. I mean, he's only in the fourth grade, but he's getting kicked around like every day. Specifically, there's one kid who messes with him a lot.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
Eminem Got Beat Up - The Eminem / Deangelo Bailey story
She's so upset by the damage this has done to him, she goes and files a lawsuit against the school district, claiming that they neglected to protect her son from harm while he was in their care. But unfortunately for her, the lawsuit is eventually thrown out on the grounds that the school district has, like, government immunity or something, and they can't be sued in this case.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
Eminem Got Beat Up - The Eminem / Deangelo Bailey story
But whatever, they all eventually move on. So fast forward many years, and it's now the late 80s. And Marshall's a teenager, and he gets really into hip hop and rapping. And he decides, I wanna be a rapper. And over the next decade, he starts freestyling and writing songs and competing in rap battles. And he does this for years. He even puts out an album.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
Eminem Got Beat Up - The Eminem / Deangelo Bailey story
And then one night in 1997, his whole life changes because he's 25 years old now and he competes in a rap battle competition called the Rap Olympics. And he actually does really well. In fact, he does so well, he gets second place. Here's the thing, though. In the audience that night is an intern for Interscope Records. And this intern really likes what he hears.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
Eminem Got Beat Up - The Eminem / Deangelo Bailey story
So after the show, he goes up to Marshall and he's like, hey, you're great. Do you have like a demo or something you can give me? And Marshall, he's still all salty because he came in second place and not first, and he's like, yeah, sure, here, whatever. And he gives him an EP, a literal cassette tape of some of his songs, called the Slim Shady EP. Not the Slim Shady LP, the Slim Shady EP.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
Eminem Got Beat Up - The Eminem / Deangelo Bailey story
It only has a few songs on it. And that intern eventually passes that tape on to his boss at Interscope. The boss at Interscope loves it, and he passes it on to famous rapper-producer Dr. Dre. And this leads to Marshall getting signed to Interscope Records as Eminem. Then, about a year after that, in 1999, his next album, the Slim Shady LP, drops. And it immediately blows the f*** up.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
Eminem Got Beat Up - The Eminem / Deangelo Bailey story
And so does he. And very quickly, he becomes one of the biggest, if not the biggest, rapper in the world. Now, one of his songs on the Slim Shady LP is called Brain Damage, and that song is about the times when he was nine years old and he would get jumped by D'Angelo and his boys. And in the lyrics, he describes some of it, and he specifically calls out D'Angelo by name.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
Eminem Got Beat Up - The Eminem / Deangelo Bailey story
This kid, D'Angelo. And D'Angelo is a little older. He's 11. He's in the sixth grade, but he is much bigger than Marshall. And Marshall, admittedly, has a big mouth. So D'Angelo and his boys, they whoop up on him all the time. And this goes on for months. But one day in 1982, they give it to him real bad. Because it's winter and it's snowy out and they're all outside.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
Eminem Got Beat Up - The Eminem / Deangelo Bailey story
Now, I can't play it for you because of copyright, but I could rap it for you. Way before my baby daughter Haley. I was harassed daily by this fat kid named D'Angelo Bailey. He banged my head against the urinal till he broke my nose, soaked my clothes in blood, and he grabbed me and choked my throat. Made it home later that same day, started reading a comic, and everything became gray.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
Eminem Got Beat Up - The Eminem / Deangelo Bailey story
I couldn't even see what I was trying to read. I went deaf and my left ear started to bleed. Anyway, that's not all of it, but that's some of it. Here's the thing, though. Marshall is so popular now that he's doing all kinds of press and interviews and he ends up doing an interview with Rolling Stone. And they ask him about his song Brain Damage and if it's true.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
Eminem Got Beat Up - The Eminem / Deangelo Bailey story
And he says, of course, yeah, most of it is. Then the Rolling Stone also finds D'Angelo and they reach out to him to get his side of the story. And so D'Angelo, now he's older, he's married with kids, he's working as like a janitor, and he apparently also wants to start a rap career. And so Rolling Stone asks him about the song Brain Damage, and he admits that, yeah, it's true.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
Eminem Got Beat Up - The Eminem / Deangelo Bailey story
yeah we flipped him right on his head at recess when we didn't see him moving we took off running we lied and said he slipped on the ice hey do you have his phone number those are his exact words anyways two years later it's now 2001 and for some reason i guess d'angelo sees all this success marshall's been having and he starts getting dollar signs in his eyes He wants some of that Eminem money.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
Eminem Got Beat Up - The Eminem / Deangelo Bailey story
And so he goes and he gets a lawyer and he files a lawsuit and he sues him over the song Brain Damage. He accuses Marshall of slander and invasion of privacy for calling him out by name in the song. And in the complaint, he specifically cites the song lyrics. And so he claims that the song is not only hurting his reputation, but it's preventing him from starting his own rap career.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
Eminem Got Beat Up - The Eminem / Deangelo Bailey story
And because of this, he's suing for $1 million. Here's the thing, though. Not only are the song lyrics protected by free speech, D'Angelo had already confirmed that what happened in the song was true two years before when he did the Rolling Stone interview. So of course, the judge, she ain't buying it. She knows this case is bullshit. So she rules on it.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
Eminem Got Beat Up - The Eminem / Deangelo Bailey story
And she literally writes her opinion into the form of a rap. And I'm not making this up. In her order, this is what she wrote. Mr. Bailey complains that his rep is trash, so he's seeking compensation in the form of cash. Bailey thinks he's entitled to some monetary gain because Eminem used his name in vain. The lyrics are stories no one would take as fact through an exaggeration of a childish act.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
Eminem Got Beat Up - The Eminem / Deangelo Bailey story
It is therefore this court's ultimate position that Eminem is entitled to summary disposition. But that's not even the whole thing. That's just some of it. The whole order is actually pretty long. So I'm not gonna do the whole thing. However, I think it's pretty safe to say judge got bars.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
Eminem Got Beat Up - The Eminem / Deangelo Bailey story
So anyway, the judge dismisses the case, partly on the grounds that D'Angelo admitted in the Rolling Stone interview that he used to bully Marshall and partly because the case is just stupid. And so Marshall won that battle. And as you already know, he ultimately goes on to have an incredibly successful rap career. We'll be right back.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
Eminem Got Beat Up - The Eminem / Deangelo Bailey story
And the bullies, they see Marshall across the yard. And D'Angelo, I guess he puts like a rock or something hard into a snowball and he aims it at Marshall and he throws it as hard as he can. And pow, it hits him and it knocks him to the ground. Then the bullies all jump him and they beat him over and over and over again. And eventually, Marshall stops moving. He's blacked out.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
Eminem Got Beat Up - The Eminem / Deangelo Bailey story
And D'Angelo and his boys, they're like, oh shit! And they don't want to get in trouble, so they all run away. Later, Marshall gets sent home because, you know, he's hurt. And there, he isn't feeling so well. He's losing his vision and one eye, and his ear starts bleeding. So his mom, or someone, takes him to the hospital.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
Eminem Got Beat Up - The Eminem / Deangelo Bailey story
and at the hospital they determined that he has a cerebral concussion and for the next five days he apparently goes in and out of consciousness. Well, lucky for Marshall, he eventually recovers, but he's never the same. According to his mom, as a result of all this bullying, not only was he physically injured, but he started exhibiting antisocial behavior and acting out. In fact,
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
The Therapist Love Scam
So this is wild. This woman's own therapist may have manipulated her to fall in love with her. Now the woman's name is Vanessa and she's from New South Wales in Australia. And Vanessa has some problems in her life. And so she decides maybe it's time to get professional help. And one day in 1997, Vanessa starts seeing this psychologist, this woman who we'll just call therapist.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
The Therapist Love Scam
So she tells her husband and daughters that she needs to go to her therapist's house to take care of her. Then she goes over to her therapist's place and she's spending time with her, making sure she's okay and stuff. But then therapist drops another bomb on her.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
The Therapist Love Scam
Not only did her husband and kids just pass in a horrible car accident, but her ex-husband, the father of her children, was so devastated when he heard the news that he had started doing drugs and now he's fallen off the face of the earth like no one can find him. So now this poor woman just lost everyone and she has absolutely no one in her life.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
The Therapist Love Scam
So of course, Vanessa feels almost obligated to help her out. And so she starts going over to her place, visiting a couple of times a week to make sure that she's okay and that she doesn't try to hurt herself. Meanwhile, back home, Vanessa's husband and daughters, they're watching all this go down and they're really supportive.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
The Therapist Love Scam
They know that this is just the kind of nice person Vanessa is, always helping out someone in need. But then, that's when things start to take a turn. Because over time, Vanessa starts to notice, therapist, she's kind of fine. And therapist thinks she's fine. And their relationship starts to get a little spicy. And soon enough, they get romantic and then they start smashing.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
The Therapist Love Scam
And yeah, this is a bad idea for all kinds of reasons. But despite that, this goes on for a while. And yes, Vanessa is still married. And so eventually she has to finally come clean to her husband and tell him that not only are she and therapist smashing, but that she has fallen in love with her and that she's gonna leave her husband for her. And that's what she does.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
The Therapist Love Scam
She divorces her husband and moves in with therapist. And for what it's worth, she seems really happy there. She seems to believe that Therapist is her soulmate, and she devotes her life to loving and supporting her. And 16 years go by, and it's now 2018, and they're still together. And at this point, they've decided to get married.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
The Therapist Love Scam
And so they start planning their wedding and around the time they're planning their wedding, suddenly therapist gets a new friend and she starts hanging out with this new friend. And by some strange coincidence, this new friend also happens to be a former client of hers.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
The Therapist Love Scam
So Vanessa sees her and she likes her. So she keeps going back and seeing her all the time. And over time, therapist learns a lot about Vanessa and Vanessa learns a lot about therapist. And at one point therapist is like, oh, we have so much in common. And they do. They both have two daughters. They're both married to their second husband. They both used to model when they were younger.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
The Therapist Love Scam
And of course, Vanessa is immediately jealous, but she's supportive, you know, she's a good person, and as far as she knows, nothing inappropriate is going on. And so she and Therapist, they get married. Here's actually a photo of them getting married, if you want to see. However, not long after they're married, Therapist starts staying out late with her new friend, drinking and whatnot.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
The Therapist Love Scam
Not only that, when she's not out, therapist is up in the middle of the night, like drinking and cooking and listening to loud music for some reason. So Vanessa can really start to feel this distance growing between them. And eventually it gets to her and she starts feeling depressed, like really depressed.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
The Therapist Love Scam
And around this time, Therapist starts posting things on Facebook, like things about her past, like how she used to be a model and stuff. And that is when this woman notices. Her name's Imogen, and Imogen is Vanessa's daughter. Now specifically, Imogen notices this Facebook post of Therapist back when she used to be a model.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
The Therapist Love Scam
So Imogen's looking at this photo, and she's like, yeah, that's kind of weird. And she sends it to a friend. And that friend looks at it, and she's like, that's definitely not Therapist. That's a different model.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
The Therapist Love Scam
So Imogen puts this picture into a reverse image search, and it turns out that this modeling photo Therapist claims is an old picture of her is actually an old picture of famous supermodel Elle MacPherson. So Imogen is like, is this woman really lying about being a model back in the day? I wonder what else she's lying about. So she starts screenshotting all these therapist posts and saving them.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
The Therapist Love Scam
Meanwhile, around this time, Vanessa finally starts to acknowledge that her marriage is ending and her mental health keeps deteriorating little by little. And eventually, the depression becomes too much for her. And she, unfortunately, unalives herself. And of course everyone is devastated and pretty quickly Imogen wants to look into Therapist.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
The Therapist Love Scam
Like why does she seem to be lying in Facebook posts about being a former model? And so she reaches out to one of her mother Vanessa's friends. And friend hires a private investigator to look into all this. And private investigator starts looking into it and they find that Therapist is a big f***ing liar.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
The Therapist Love Scam
Like remember how she said her husband and kids were just in a car accident and they all died? Total lie. She never had a husband or kids ever. They don't exist at all. Or how she said her ex, the father of her kids, was so devastated by the news that he had started doing drugs and now he's fallen off the face of the earth? Also a lie. No one can find him because he also doesn't exist.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
The Therapist Love Scam
So from the beginning, when Therapist was like, we have so much in common, then they both have two daughters, they're both married to their second husband, they both used to model, all of it was bullshit. Therapist has never been married, never had any children, never a model. She made it all up.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
The Therapist Love Scam
And it seems like she made up the part about her husband and kids dying in a car crash so that Vanessa would come over and start taking care of her. Regardless, after learning all this, poor Imogen is horrified. And she's like, f*** this, and she goes and she files a formal complaint against therapists with the Healthcare Complaints Commission.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
The Therapist Love Scam
Pretty cool. And so Vanessa continues seeing therapists for about two years. And over this period, she slowly starts to feel better. And eventually, she and therapist agree. She's all good now. And therapy is no longer necessary. And then they decide to part ways. But therapists suggest that they continue to be friends. And Vanessa's like...
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
The Therapist Love Scam
while at the same time, therapist has already moved on with her life. In fact, a month after Vanessa passed, therapist had already moved in with her new friend, the one Vanessa was jealous about.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
The Therapist Love Scam
Anyway, so the Healthcare Complaints Commission investigates and they find that therapist violated a lot of rules and was likely taking advantage of Vanessa and grooming her during their therapy sessions with the ultimate intention of seducing her. And of course, therapist denies she did anything wrong. She won't even admit that she lied about having a husband and kids.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
The Therapist Love Scam
But whatever, at the end of it all, her registration to practice gets canceled and she's no longer allowed to provide therapy to anyone. Good.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
The Therapist Love Scam
I. But despite that, Vanessa moves on with her life and she doesn't hear a ton from therapists, which is fine. People say they're going to be friends all the time and then they aren't. But whatever, Vanessa got the counseling she needed and now she's happy. Until one day out of nowhere, Vanessa gets a call from therapists. and therapist is all upset and Vanessa's like, what's wrong?
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
The Therapist Love Scam
Then therapist drops a bomb on her. She tells her that her husband and kids were just in a car accident and they all died, which is horrible news and Vanessa feels so bad for her. Then she asked Vanessa to come over and stay with her because she says if she doesn't have someone there watching over her, she's worried she might unalive herself. And Vanessa doesn't want that.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
The Fake Saudi Prince - The Anthony Gignac story
So this kid ends up conning millions of dollars out of people by pretending to be a Saudi royal prince. Now his name's Anthony and Anthony's around 18 years old and he's kind of a turd. He's always in trouble. And one day in 1988, he starts stealing credit cards. And of course he'll run up like thousands of dollars on them buying stuff.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
The Fake Saudi Prince - The Anthony Gignac story
And so he calls the police to report it. And then police show up and even to the police he lies and says, I'm a Saudi prince. And so I guess the police reach out to the Saudi embassy and the Saudi embassy's like, prince who? That guy's full of . And so eventually, bam, Anthony is arrested and he goes to jail.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
The Fake Saudi Prince - The Anthony Gignac story
And he's actually there for quite a while because it's not until about a year later that he gets out on bail. Then he goes right back to scamming. He goes to an American Express office and he tells them he's a Saudi prince and that not only was his credit card stolen, but that that card had a $200 million credit limit. And then he like screams at the agent to get his way.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
The Fake Saudi Prince - The Anthony Gignac story
And by some miracle, I guess this works. And they give him a new American Express card with a $200 million spending limit. But unfortunately for him, it's not long before bam, he's caught again. And he actually gets caught a bunch of times. Here's his mugshot. And also here's another mugshot from a different time he got caught.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
The Fake Saudi Prince - The Anthony Gignac story
But anyway, Bro goes to prison a couple of times because he just won't stop telling people that he's a Saudi prince and conning them. And around 15 years go by. And at this point, you would think that Anthony would give up, but no. Not only has he not given up, he keeps trying to perfect this scheme and make himself more and more believable as this fake prince.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
The Fake Saudi Prince - The Anthony Gignac story
And one day in 2015, he decides he wants to level up. And that is when he meets this guy, Carl. Carl's a British businessman, he's an asset manager, and he really likes Anthony. And so they come up with a plan to con people together. First, Anthony needs to get people to unquestionably believe that he's a Saudi prince. So he goes all in. He starts dressing up, wearing the conventional clothing.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
The Fake Saudi Prince - The Anthony Gignac story
But specifically, he likes to rent limousines and he'll ride around in them. And when people are like, damn, who's this rich teenager? He'll tell them that he's a royal Saudi Arabian prince. And just to be clear, he's not a prince at all. He's not royal. He's not even Saudi Arabian. He's actually Colombian-born, but raised in the US.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
The Fake Saudi Prince - The Anthony Gignac story
He buys fake diplomatic license plates off eBay to put on his car. He even hires personal security to follow him around like he's so important. Then he starts involving his social media. Like he's living this life of luxury with nice cars and he's going out on yachts and even his dog wears a diamond body harness.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
The Fake Saudi Prince - The Anthony Gignac story
And so he's posting about all this stuff on his Instagram account because, you know, he's trying to make all of this as believable as possible. And by the way, my favorite post of his is it's just a picture of two random Saudi guys that he like got off the internet. And the caption says, Family. Man, that is not his family. This mother is from Columbia.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
The Fake Saudi Prince - The Anthony Gignac story
So anyway, Anthony and Carl set up a fake investment company for Anthony, the fake prince, and they start recruiting people with money to invest in it. And to their credit, this actually works because pretty quickly they've conned 26 investors into giving them over $8 million. And then Anthony starts selling shares in a legitimate Saudi royal family oil company.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
The Fake Saudi Prince - The Anthony Gignac story
Like it's a legitimate company, but Anthony has nothing to do with it. He's just selling fake shares in it. And so all of this is working really well for them. And bro now has tons of money. And he's like showing it off because he wants everyone to know how rich he is. He's always tipping waitstaff with $100 bills.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
The Fake Saudi Prince - The Anthony Gignac story
Every building he passes, he points to it and claims that his royal family somehow owns it. He rents a penthouse condo on a tiny private island. But see, the prince, like he's royalty. Nah. He would never rent. So Anthony tells people that he owns the whole building. And no one in the community really questions him. They all believe him.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
The Fake Saudi Prince - The Anthony Gignac story
In fact, some of them even start referring to him as Sultan or Your Highness. It's absurd. Bro is a menace. And it seems like with this many people believing him, he's never gonna get caught. Until one day in 2017, Anthony finally screws up because he meets an actual billionaire, this guy, Jeffrey.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
The Fake Saudi Prince - The Anthony Gignac story
And now Jeffrey, he owns a nice hotel in Miami Beach and he's looking for someone to buy a 30% stake in it. And so Anthony hears about this and he's like, I'm a prince. I'll invest $140 million into this deal. Even though he doesn't have that kind of money, I guess he just wants to pretend to be rich. And so Jeffrey is like, sweet, I found a buyer. And the two of them start hanging out a bit.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
The Fake Saudi Prince - The Anthony Gignac story
Like they kind of become friends. But then Anthony starts telling Jeffrey that Jeffrey needs to shower him with gifts because that's what's customary back in his home country of Saudi Arabia. And it's a sign of respect. And so Jeffrey does because he doesn't want to be rude. And so he starts buying him jewelry and expensive art and he takes him on flights in his private jet.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
The Fake Saudi Prince - The Anthony Gignac story
Jeffrey is really trying to win this prince over. But then, of course, this whole plan starts falling apart. Because one day, Jeffrey flies himself, Anthony, Carl, and some others on his private jet from Miami out to Aspen for a nice little luxury trip. And while they're there, they all go out to dinner. And that is when Anthony really screws up.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
The Fake Saudi Prince - The Anthony Gignac story
Because when he orders his dinner, he orders prosciutto, a type of ham. And Jeffrey notices this, and he's like, wait a minute. Isn't the Saudi royal family Muslim? Isn't pork forbidden for Muslims? So now he's suspicious. And so he has his team low-key start investigating Anthony, calling around, asking people about him.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
The Fake Saudi Prince - The Anthony Gignac story
But anyway, he eventually leaves Michigan, where he lives, and he moves over to California. And there, he starts pulling this con all over again. And he'll steal credit cards and pretend he's a royal Saudi prince, and he pulls this scam for a few years.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
The Fake Saudi Prince - The Anthony Gignac story
So then later, someone calls Anthony and tips him off like, hey, some of Jeffrey's people are calling around asking about you. And Anthony knows he's about to get exposed, and so to try and get out of this, he doubles down. In front of everyone, he makes a scene, and he has a huge meltdown, screaming at everyone, how dare you doubt me, I'll sue you, I've never been so disrespected in my life.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
The Fake Saudi Prince - The Anthony Gignac story
I mean, it gets really intense, and Everyone goes back to their hotel room mad. The next day at breakfast, the prince's team tells Jeffrey, hey, to keep the prince interested in purchasing your hotel, you need to buy him a nice gift, like something worth at least $50,000. And of course, this makes Jeffrey even more suspicious. But he plays along. He's like...
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
The Fake Saudi Prince - The Anthony Gignac story
But eventually he gets the FBI involved and they investigate. And as soon as the FBI sees photos of Anthony and they see his messed up teeth, they're now certain that he's a fraud. Because apparently Saudi royals are known for taking care of their teeth and Anthony's teeth, they're not in the best shape. Anyway, so eventually, bam, they go and arrest him. Here's his mugshot.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
The Fake Saudi Prince - The Anthony Gignac story
And since this is actually the 11th time he's been arrested for this con, he gets sentenced to 18 years in prison.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
The Fake Saudi Prince - The Anthony Gignac story
However, you can only steal credit cards and commit fraud so many times before you finally get caught and they throw your ass in prison for a while, which is exactly what happens to him. But a few years later, he gets out and now it's 1993 and Anthony is living in Miami.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
The Fake Saudi Prince - The Anthony Gignac story
And there he commits identity theft and he steals someone's identity and he moves into a luxury hotel and he keeps this lie going. He tells everyone he's an important Saudi prince and everyone believes him and they want to be his friend. And so he throws these big ass parties in his hotel room for all his new friends. But unfortunately, one night in his hotel room, boom, two of his guests rob him.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
College Student Steals $3 Billion in Bitcoin - The Jimmy Zhong story
ServiceNow unterstützt Ihre Business-Transformation mit der KI-Plattform. Alle reden über KI, aber die KI ist nur so leistungsfähig wie die Plattform, auf der Sie aufbaut. Lassen Sie die KI arbeiten, für alle. Beseitigen Sie Reibung und Frustration Ihrer Mitarbeiter und nutzen Sie das volle Potenzial Ihrer Entwickler. Mit intelligenten Tools für Ihren Service, um Kunden zu begeistern.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
College Student Steals $3 Billion in Bitcoin - The Jimmy Zhong story
Und 600.000 Dollar ist viel Geld für jeden, viel weniger für ein College-Student wie Jimmy. Und jetzt, für das erste Mal in seinem Leben, hat er ein bisschen Geld. Und er wird versuchen, es zu nutzen, um Freunde zu machen. Und so fängt er an, in lokalen Bars zu gehen, um Schüsse für alle zu kaufen. Er rentiert schöne Hotelräume, kauft bei Gucci. Er fährt plötzlich einen Tesla.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
College Student Steals $3 Billion in Bitcoin - The Jimmy Zhong story
Dann geht er und kauft ein neues Haus auf dem Meer. Und hier sind einige echte Bilder seines Hauses. Und dieses Haus hat eine Bar in es. Und es ist mit Alkohol verpackt. Und es hat sogar einen Stripper-Pull. A stripper pole! And suddenly, wouldn't you know it, everyone wants to hang out with Jimmy. Now he's a popular guy. And so he starts throwing these crazy parties for everyone.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
College Student Steals $3 Billion in Bitcoin - The Jimmy Zhong story
Here he is partying with two women. Here he is partying with two other women. And so after all this time, old Jimmy finally has some friends. Und dieser neue Lebensstil von ihm wird jahrelang weitergehen. Und man würde denken, dass er aus Geld ausgehen würde, um es so zu sparen, aber nein. Weil, je länger die Jahre gehen, steigt die Wertung des Kryptos.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
College Student Steals $3 Billion in Bitcoin - The Jimmy Zhong story
Und so geht die Wertung seines Coins immer höher und höher. Und bis 2018 ist sein Stash um eine bestimmte 200 Millionen Dollar wert. 200 Millionen verdammte Dollar! Und Jimmy will seine Freunde hierher halten, damit er keine Angst hat, die Geld mit ihnen zu teilen. Zum Beispiel nimmt er sie alle auf einem privaten Flugzeug mit, um ein Fußballspiel zu sehen. Und er zahlt für alles.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
College Student Steals $3 Billion in Bitcoin - The Jimmy Zhong story
Und hier ist ein Bild von ihm und seinen Freunden beim Spiel. Er gibt jedem Freund sogar 10.000 Dollar, um auf einem Shopping-Spray in Beverly Hills zu gehen. 10.000 Dollar für einen Freund! Und es scheint, dass er Leute so schlecht beeindrucken möchte, dass er einen Kaffee-Suitcase in seinem Zimmer hält.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
College Student Steals $3 Billion in Bitcoin - The Jimmy Zhong story
All das auf einer einzigen Plattform. Deshalb funktioniert die Welt mit ServiceNow.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
College Student Steals $3 Billion in Bitcoin - The Jimmy Zhong story
Und er zeigt es den Frauen, mit denen er feiert, hofft, dass sie ihn lieben und sein Freund werden. Und natürlich, machen sie es nicht. Nun, offensichtlich wissen seine Freunde, dass er Geld hat, und sie fragen ihn definitiv darüber. Aber er sagt ihnen nicht, dass er es verkauft hat.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
College Student Steals $3 Billion in Bitcoin - The Jimmy Zhong story
Nein, nein, er sagt ihnen, dass er ein erfolgreicher Krypto-Investor ist, und deshalb ist das einfach, was sie glauben. Aber egal, er hat Geld, er ist verbrannt von Leuten, die ihn lieben, und keiner von ihnen würde ihn jemals überstehen. UNTIL One day, Jimmy leaves on a trip. And while he's gone, someone, it's presumed to be one of his friends, someone breaks into his house.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
College Student Steals $3 Billion in Bitcoin - The Jimmy Zhong story
And this is actually surveillance footage of that break-in. Then, sometime later, Jimmy gets home. And he discovers that he'd been robbed. And this burglar took $400,000 cash and 150 Bitcoin. Because I guess he had physical versions of his Bitcoin and they knew it was there and they stole it. And so he calls the police to come investigate.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
College Student Steals $3 Billion in Bitcoin - The Jimmy Zhong story
But it's a burglary, so police don't really do anything and the case ends up going cold. But old Jimmy, he isn't gonna let this go. And so he hires a local private investigator to look into it. And so she starts investigating and she immediately gets suspicious of Jimmy's friends. And she starts low-key following them around, stalking their socials and conducting background checks on them.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
College Student Steals $3 Billion in Bitcoin - The Jimmy Zhong story
So this guy, his name's Jimmy. And Jimmy has a problem. He's super lonely. But all that's about to change because he's about to be worth three billion dollars. Now Jimmy, he's 22 years old. He's a college student in Georgia studying computer science. Er ist auch einfach nur ein komischer Kerl. Er ist noch nie wirklich ein populärer Kerl und er will wirklich Freunde.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
College Student Steals $3 Billion in Bitcoin - The Jimmy Zhong story
Until she finally feels like she's figured out which one of them broke into his house and ripped him off. Aber anscheinend, wenn sie Jimmy erzählt, glaubt Jimmy nicht an sie. Er vertraut seinen Freunden zu viel, aber er will sie nicht aufgeben. Und so, er und der Privatbewerber, entscheiden sich, ihre eigenen Wege zu gehen, und sein Verbrechungsverfahren bleibt offen.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
College Student Steals $3 Billion in Bitcoin - The Jimmy Zhong story
In der Zwischenzeit, die IRS, die Kriminalbewerber-Unit, hat einen Hack beobachtet. auf der Silken Straße. Nicht Jimmy's Glitch-Bitcoin-Heist von all diesen Jahren her, sondern ein völlig anderer Hack. Und während dieser Investition haben sie auch bemerkt, dass im Jahr 2012 50.000 Bitcoins von jemandem, einer unbekannten Person, genommen wurden. Sie wissen nicht, wer.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
College Student Steals $3 Billion in Bitcoin - The Jimmy Zhong story
Also beginnen sie, dies zu investigieren und diesen Weg zu folgen. Und sie können Transaktionen sehen, die zurück zu einem Verkauf führen, aber sie wissen nicht, welcher Account es ist. Aber dann übernimmt Jimmy rund 800 Dollar für den Bitcoin zu diesem Verkauf und er braucht ihn, um seinen Namen und Anruf zu bewerben.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
College Student Steals $3 Billion in Bitcoin - The Jimmy Zhong story
Nun weiß die IRS-Kriminalinvestigations-Unit, dass der 2012-Bitcoin-Krieg Jimmy ist. Und jetzt werden sie nach ihm gehen. Und so, boom, machen sie eine kleine Sting-Operation zusammen. Und eines Tages kommen diese Agenten plötzlich zu Jimmys Haus. Ich würde euch alle für ein Bier oder was auch immer anbieten. Und so ist er total mit diesen Agenten zufrieden, als ob sie seine Jungs seien.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
College Student Steals $3 Billion in Bitcoin - The Jimmy Zhong story
Und die Agenten, sie halten ihn einfach immer, als ob er sein Freund wäre. Und er bringt sie in seinen Wohnzimmer, er zeigt ihnen seinen Bar und seinen Stripper-Pol. Ist das dein Werk? Diese Agenten müssen einen Sinn haben, dass Jimmy ein leiblicher Typ ist. Denn sie sprechen immer mit ihm und scharmen ihn immer. Und endlich bekommen sie ihn zum Thema Bitcoin.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
College Student Steals $3 Billion in Bitcoin - The Jimmy Zhong story
Und sie fragen ihn, es zu erklären und wie lange er daran beteiligt ist. Und er öffnet seinen Laptop und zeigt ihnen einen von seinen Kryptowaluten, der voll von Bitcoin ist. Etwa 60 oder 70 Millionen Dollar wert. Und visualisierend diese Wallet mit ihren eigenen Augen, sind alle die Beweise, die diese Agenten brauchen. Und so gehen sie weg. Und später kommen sie zurück mit einer Suchwahrnehmung.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
College Student Steals $3 Billion in Bitcoin - The Jimmy Zhong story
Und boom, sie stürzen in und zerstören sein Haus. Und endlich, bam, arrestieren sie ihn. Hier ist sein Mugshot.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
College Student Steals $3 Billion in Bitcoin - The Jimmy Zhong story
It was one of the biggest mysteries in crypto. Who stole 50,000 Bitcoins, which would ultimately be worth more than 3 billion dollars?
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
College Student Steals $3 Billion in Bitcoin - The Jimmy Zhong story
Yeah, at the time of Jimmy's arrest, his Bitcoin was worth 3.4 billion dollars. Oh my god. But at the end of it all, he cooperates with police, he forfeits all of his Bitcoin, he takes a plea deal, and ultimately he's sentenced to about one year in prison.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
College Student Steals $3 Billion in Bitcoin - The Jimmy Zhong story
Now, this is just a guess, but I'm willing to bet that none of those friends he was partying with, the ones he gave $10,000 to go shopping, I'm willing to bet that none of them went to visit him in prison. And that none of them are around now, now that he's not worth $3 billion or whatever. That's just a guess.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
College Student Steals $3 Billion in Bitcoin - The Jimmy Zhong story
Und eines Tages beginnen sich Dinge für ihn zu ändern. Weil er frühzeitig in der Entwicklung von Bitcoin involviert wird. Und an einem Punkt erhält er einige davon und stört sie auf diesem neuen Dark Web Marktplatz, der Silk Road heißt. Ein paar Jahre später, im Jahr 2012, geht er zum Silk Road-Site, um alle seine Bitcoins abzuwenden. Und dann passiert etwas verrücktes.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
College Student Steals $3 Billion in Bitcoin - The Jimmy Zhong story
klickt er plötzlich den Wettbewerbsknopf. Und plötzlich, bam, kriegt er zweimal die Anzahl zurück, die er versucht hat, zurückzuholen. Es scheint eine Art Glitch zu sein, der ihm das Geld zurückzutragen. Also schaut Jimmy an, als wäre es ein f***ing Jackpot, und er entscheidet, diese Glitch hart zu verwendet.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
College Student Steals $3 Billion in Bitcoin - The Jimmy Zhong story
Und in den nächsten paar Tagen kreiert er mehrere Accounts und depositiert mehr Bitcoin-Token und übernimmt sie schnell mit diesem Doppelklick-Method. Also ist er basically just doubling his money over and over again. Und ziemlich schnell steuert er mehr als 50.000 Bitcoins, die in diesem Jahr in 2012 um 600.000 Dollar wert sind.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
The Youtube Prank That Killed a World Leader - The Assassination of Kim Jong Nam
So this woman pulls a YouTube prank that's so horrific it ends up unaliving a man and nearly starts an international conflict. Now her name is Siti. She's 25, she's from Indonesia, but she's working in Malaysia as an escort. And she does that so she can send money back to her parents in Indonesia. But then one day she meets a producer.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
The Youtube Prank That Killed a World Leader - The Assassination of Kim Jong Nam
And of course, this smears the oil all over him. And then about three seconds later, Doan approaches the man. And she smears her hand on his face as well. And then CT and Doan, like, giggle or whatever. And then they run away to the nearest bathroom to wash the oil off their hands.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
The Youtube Prank That Killed a World Leader - The Assassination of Kim Jong Nam
Meanwhile, the poor man, he's confused and a little freaked out and he goes over to the airport security guards and he tells them that some random women just like smeared something on his face and that now he doesn't feel well. So security escorts the man to the airport medical center and his condition quickly gets worse. Like it is very apparent something is seriously wrong.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
The Youtube Prank That Killed a World Leader - The Assassination of Kim Jong Nam
So they rush him to the hospital and on the way, he suddenly just dies. So who was this man? Well, let's call him Nam. Now Nam is an interesting guy, because growing up, his dad was a dictator. The supreme leader of a little country you might have heard of called North Korea. Now Nam, being the oldest son, he was always first in line to be the next supreme leader.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
The Youtube Prank That Killed a World Leader - The Assassination of Kim Jong Nam
But as he grew up and became an adult, Nam grew to be a little more progressive, a little more open-minded to reforming things for the better. Something his conservative dictator dad really didn't like. But one day, Nam is traveling abroad, and he's in Japan, in the airport. And suddenly, boom, he gets arrested. Why? Because he's traveling with a fake passport trying to conceal his identity.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
The Youtube Prank That Killed a World Leader - The Assassination of Kim Jong Nam
Turns out, Nam was in Japan because he's low-key trying to take his son to visit Tokyo Disney, which in his country is a huge no-no. And once the news of Nam's arrest gets back to dictator, dictator is pissed. I mean, the heir to the throne can't be seen going to Disneyland in Tokyo? Disneyland represents capitalism, and worst of all, it represents America.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
The Youtube Prank That Killed a World Leader - The Assassination of Kim Jong Nam
The producer tells her he works for a production company of a huge YouTube channel. And they make like YouTube pranks and stuff. And he says he can get her an acting gig on his YouTube prank show. And the best part is that it pays pretty well. She can quit escort work. She can also make all this money and send it back to her parents in Indonesia.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
The Youtube Prank That Killed a World Leader - The Assassination of Kim Jong Nam
And it's just everything North Korea stands against. So this arrest is a huge source of embarrassment for Dictator. And this Disneyland fiasco eventually leads to Nam being passed over for the position of Supreme Leader. And when Dictator eventually dies, his other son, Nam's half-brother, Kim Jong-un, he becomes the new dictator. And Kim Jong-un hates Nam.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
The Youtube Prank That Killed a World Leader - The Assassination of Kim Jong Nam
And Nam's been living internationally for a while in China. But regardless, Kim Jong-un has been trying to have him assassinated for years. And eventually, he and his regime come up with this elaborate plan. They're going to trick two random women into unknowingly killing Nam. And the women end up being CT and Doan.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
The Youtube Prank That Killed a World Leader - The Assassination of Kim Jong Nam
And when CT and Doan are at the airport that day, the producers have both of them touch Nam's face with baby oil as a prank. But what CT and Doan don't know is that's not baby oil on their hands.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
The Youtube Prank That Killed a World Leader - The Assassination of Kim Jong Nam
No, no, on CT's hands, they put, we'll just call it chemical A. And on Doan's hands, they put what we'll call chemical B. And when you combine these two compounds, it creates a nerve agent called VX or venomous agent X. a nerve agent that has been banned around the world because it's considered a weapon of mass destruction and will kill you instantly, especially if someone smears it on your face.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
The Youtube Prank That Killed a World Leader - The Assassination of Kim Jong Nam
So Nam dies that day, right after they touch him. And Mr. Chang and all the other producers who set this up, they're all actually North Korean spies and they all just flee and they eventually get away. Of course, North Korea denies being involved in any of this. And this creates tensions between Malaysia and Indonesia.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
The Youtube Prank That Killed a World Leader - The Assassination of Kim Jong Nam
But since those producers all fled, that leaves the only two people connected to the crime, CT and Doan. So CT and Doan are in the airport bathroom washing their hands. And they walk out and they look around and all the producers are nowhere to be found. So CT and Doan are just like, alright. And separately, the two women each go home. And they have no idea that anyone died.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
The Youtube Prank That Killed a World Leader - The Assassination of Kim Jong Nam
About a day later, they each get arrested. And CT is so clueless as to what's going on, she literally thinks her arrest is part of the prank show. Like, haha, yeah right guys, sure I'm being arrested, okay. But Malaysian police arrest them and they charge them with murdering Nam. Eight months later, their trial starts.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
The Youtube Prank That Killed a World Leader - The Assassination of Kim Jong Nam
And if CT and Doan get convicted of murder, by law, they'll get the death penalty by hanging. So the stakes in this are really high. So this trial goes on for two years and the Indonesian government has to get involved because Siti is technically their citizen. And these women are in jail this whole time. And then one day, suddenly, like out of nowhere, the charges against Siti are just dropped.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
The Youtube Prank That Killed a World Leader - The Assassination of Kim Jong Nam
And cool, Siti goes free. Apparently, the Indonesian government was eventually able to intervene and they negotiated her release. While Doan does not get out. But she does plead guilty to a lesser charge and eventually they do let her go. Here's what Doan looks like in real life. And here's what CT looks like in real life. Wow, crazy story. Shout out to North Korea.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
The Youtube Prank That Killed a World Leader - The Assassination of Kim Jong Nam
Plus they're going to pay her the equivalent of 96 US dollars per prank, which is a lot of money to CT. So of course she says yes. And pretty quickly she's introduced to the head of the YouTube channel, this guy, Mr. Chang. And Mr. Chang and the other producers, they start getting her to pull these pranks on people in public.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
The Youtube Prank That Killed a World Leader - The Assassination of Kim Jong Nam
They'll like go to a public place and she'll like walk up to a total stranger and just randomly start holding their hand. Or they'll do a prank where they put like baby oil on her hands and she'll like run up behind a stranger and be like, guess who? Which smears the oil all over their face. It's pranks like that. And so she does a bunch of these pranks over the course of like a month.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
The Youtube Prank That Killed a World Leader - The Assassination of Kim Jong Nam
Meanwhile, the Prank Channel has also recruited this other woman to do pranks. Now her name is Doan. And we'll get to her. But one day, the producers call CT in to meet them at the airport. Because they're going to do this big prank there. So she's there, and she's with Mr. Chang. But Chang tells CT there's actually another actress involved this time. And that actress will be doing the same thing.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
The Youtube Prank That Killed a World Leader - The Assassination of Kim Jong Nam
And it's Doan. So the victim of this prank is actually going to get double pranked. First by CT, then by Doan. But anyway, Mr. Chang pours a bunch of baby oil on CT's hands. And then he points to a man out in the airport that he wants her to prank. This man. So minutes later, CT sneaks up behind the man. And then from behind, she puts her hands over his eyes, like, guess who, or whatever.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
Man Decapitates His Own Dad, Then Uploads It To YouTube - The Justin Mohn story
So this guy, he hates everything. Now his name's Justin. He hates his job. He hates that he's 32 and lives at home with his parents. But most of all, Justin hates the US government. In fact, he hates the government so much, he sues them several times over his student loan debt. And the lawsuits end up getting tossed out. And this makes Justin upset and bitter.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
Man Decapitates His Own Dad, Then Uploads It To YouTube - The Justin Mohn story
He's like, dad, you're a traitor. You're part of the evil machine. Dad's like, I respectfully disagree and I still love you and support you. But then one day, Justin has finally had enough. He knows things need to change and that some kind of revolution needs to happen. So Justin comes up with a plan. First, he writes a whole ass manifesto
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
Man Decapitates His Own Dad, Then Uploads It To YouTube - The Justin Mohn story
Then he goes to a local pew-pew store and he buys himself a pew-pew. And the next morning he waits for his mom to leave the house so that his dad will be alone. And then he goes over to his dad and he pulls out the pew-pew and he shoots his dad in the head, unaliving him. And if that isn't bad enough, he then gets a machete and he decapitates him.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
Man Decapitates His Own Dad, Then Uploads It To YouTube - The Justin Mohn story
And he goes into his bedroom and he sits down at his desk and he hits record on his camera and he starts reading from his manifesto.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
Man Decapitates His Own Dad, Then Uploads It To YouTube - The Justin Mohn story
And in that video, he holds up his dad's head to the camera to show everyone. And I promise you, whatever you're imagining this scene is, it's worse. I've seen the video and it's f***ing gruesome. Then he basically tells his viewers to go out and unalive any federal employee that they come across.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
Man Decapitates His Own Dad, Then Uploads It To YouTube - The Justin Mohn story
And he asks them to unalive the head of the FBI, federal judges, the attorney general, like it's crazy. Then he stops recording and he uploads that video to YouTube. And then he swipes the keys to his dad's car and he gets in and he drives away. Sometime later, his mom gets home. And there, in the bathroom, she finds her husband, unalived, with no head.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
Man Decapitates His Own Dad, Then Uploads It To YouTube - The Justin Mohn story
And she immediately calls the police and they start investigating. Now this gruesome YouTube video he made, it's been up for a few hours at this point. And it starts circulating around and it's up to about 5,000 views by the time YouTube finally catches it and they take it down. But by that time, police have already been notified about the video.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
Man Decapitates His Own Dad, Then Uploads It To YouTube - The Justin Mohn story
and they immediately get a warrant to track Justin's phone to find out where he is. Meanwhile, Justin has already driven like a hundred miles away at a National Guard training base. And there, he manages to climb the barbed wire fence surrounding the area, and he's able to sneak onto the base.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
Man Decapitates His Own Dad, Then Uploads It To YouTube - The Justin Mohn story
and he starts thinking about starting some kind of revolution. But then, Justin gets a job in customer service at an insurance company, Progressive. And surprise, surprise, he hates that too. Specifically, he feels like they're not promoting him because he's a white man.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
Man Decapitates His Own Dad, Then Uploads It To YouTube - The Justin Mohn story
Now, I have no idea what he's planning on doing here, but he does still have his pew-pew on him, so I can guess. But luckily, the cops are able to track his phone. So while he's at the base, police locate him and they arrest him right there on the spot. Here's his mugshot.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
Man Decapitates His Own Dad, Then Uploads It To YouTube - The Justin Mohn story
And on him, they find his pew-pew, they find a flash drive filled with pictures of government buildings, along with instructions on how to make explosive devices. Yikes. So they charge him with first-degree murder and some other terrorism charges, and he's in jail right now, waiting on his trial. That dude's just awful. Shout out to Pennsylvania.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
Man Decapitates His Own Dad, Then Uploads It To YouTube - The Justin Mohn story
So there he is, he's all fired up and full of anger, and he rants about society and the government and revolutions all the time on social media. He even writes a book about his grievances called A Revolution Leader's Survival Guide. He's just an all-around angry dude. But to his credit, despite being angry at everything, he still has control of himself. Until one day, Justin loses his job.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
Man Decapitates His Own Dad, Then Uploads It To YouTube - The Justin Mohn story
He's at work and he aggressively kicks a door open for some reason. And Progressive fires him for this. So then he turns around and sues Progressive for wrongful termination. He claims that they're discriminating against him on the basis of sex because he's a man. And of course, the lawsuit is bull , so the court throws it out. And Justin is pissed.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
Man Decapitates His Own Dad, Then Uploads It To YouTube - The Justin Mohn story
I mean, to him, this is just another instance of the government he hates on the good, hardworking American people. Oh, but it gets even worse for Justin. Even though he really hates the government, his dad is actually a federal employee. His dad's worked for the government for like 20 years. He's some kind of engineer. And Justin despises this. Like he and his dad fight about it all the time.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
Jeopardy Champion Murders His Wife - The Paul Curry story
You know that show Jeopardy? So this two-time Jeopardy champion ends up murdering his own wife. So the guy's name is Curry, and Curry's 32, he's a nuclear engineer, and he's super smart, like a genius. He's apparently a member of Mensa, and he's also the kind of guy who makes sure to let everyone know how smart he is.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
Jeopardy Champion Murders His Wife - The Paul Curry story
One day, Linda's at home and the phone rings and she picks it up and there's a woman on the other end who's looking for Curry. And this woman is wondering why he hasn't paid his child support. And Linda's like... Curry has a kid? She had no idea he had a kid from a previous marriage that he's supposed to be paying for and isn't.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
Jeopardy Champion Murders His Wife - The Paul Curry story
Not only that, he had been married twice before and he never told her. So this marriage is off to a good start. Regardless, none of these lies really matter to Linda because she's still way into him for some weird reason. And so at some point around 1993, Curry's weird ass decides, okay, I'm tired of this marriage. I got the life insurance policy all set up and now it's time to unalive her.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
Jeopardy Champion Murders His Wife - The Paul Curry story
Why don't these people ever just get a divorce? Anyway, and so he gets right to work on this plan. And he starts making all these fancy homemade salad dressings because I guess Linda really loves salad. So he makes these salad dressings for her and he'll put small amounts of nicotine in them, which over time the nicotine builds up in her system and starts making her sick.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
Jeopardy Champion Murders His Wife - The Paul Curry story
And eventually Linda starts getting gastrointestinal problems from this and she gets really sick and she checks herself into a hospital she's so sick. But the doctors don't really know what's going on or what's wrong with her. Then, while she's in the hospital one night, while she's asleep, someone sneaks in and tampers with her IV bag.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
Jeopardy Champion Murders His Wife - The Paul Curry story
And one time he and his big brain, they go on jeopardy and he wins a bunch of money. He actually wins the show twice and he gets like $60,000, which is great money, especially in the 80s. But then one day in 1989, Curry's whole life changes because he meets this woman. Her name's Linda. Linda's 45. She's a little older than Curry and she works with him and she thinks he is foink.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
Jeopardy Champion Murders His Wife - The Paul Curry story
And when a nurse comes in to check on her, she sees that there's a puncture in the tubing for the bag, and the hospital calls the police. And so police come out, and they investigate, and they talk to Linda, and they ask her if she knows if someone has been trying to poison her.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
Jeopardy Champion Murders His Wife - The Paul Curry story
is curry her husband but unfortunately before police can launch a proper investigation into all this linda is released from the hospital and she goes right back home to live with him again because again she still loves him so much shortly after that sure enough linda starts getting sick again she's dehydrated she's vomiting she can't eat And so, Curry, he takes her to the hospital again.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
Jeopardy Champion Murders His Wife - The Paul Curry story
It's a different hospital this time. I guess he doesn't want to raise suspicion. Then, while she's in this hospital, it happens again. One night, while she's asleep, someone sneaks in and tampers with her IV bag. Luckily, the hospital staff catches it this time, and they bar anyone else from entering the room unaccompanied.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
Jeopardy Champion Murders His Wife - The Paul Curry story
And so eventually Linda recovers and she goes back home to live with Curry. She still has no idea he's behind all this. Now at this point, Curry realizes his plan isn't working. Adding small amounts of nicotine to Linda's salad dressings, it's not doing enough. It isn't unaliving her fast enough. And so he and his big brain, they come up with a new plan to unalive Linda.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
Jeopardy Champion Murders His Wife - The Paul Curry story
And this time it'll be as quickly as possible. First, he slips her a bunch of sleeping pills to knock her out. Then after she's passed out, he takes a syringe and he fills it full of nicotine and bam, he injects her with it. And I know it sounds kind of weird, but pure nicotine is apparently fatal, and it doesn't take that much to unalive someone. A syringeful will definitely do it.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
Jeopardy Champion Murders His Wife - The Paul Curry story
And so this injection of nicotine that Curry gives her, unfortunately, it ends her life. And so then obviously police get involved and they investigate the death and they have a toxicology report done. And the toxicology report shows that there's a lot of nicotine in her system. But I guess they don't investigate further because they don't have any evidence against anyone specifically.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
Jeopardy Champion Murders His Wife - The Paul Curry story
I actually don't really know why they don't investigate further. I just know they don't. Regardless, they eventually stop and the case goes cold. Meanwhile, Curry, he gets a fat paycheck. Remember how he took out that million dollar life insurance policy on Linda? Well, he ends up having to split it with Linda's sister, but still he takes home over $400,000. So he's living good.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
Jeopardy Champion Murders His Wife - The Paul Curry story
Then he eventually moves from California all the way over to Kansas and he starts a new life and he gets a job as a building code inspector and he gets married all over again. And he basically just continues on like he's never gonna get caught and maybe he never will. Maybe he really is that smart.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
Jeopardy Champion Murders His Wife - The Paul Curry story
Until years go by and one day in 2002, this sergeant from the local sheriff's office, she starts looking into cold cases and she stumbles upon the case of Linda's death. And she's like, all right, I'll take a look at this. And she starts reexamining all the evidence and she immediately zeroes in on the victim's husband at the time. curry.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
Jeopardy Champion Murders His Wife - The Paul Curry story
I mean he was with her in the hospital when the IV bags were tampered with, and Linda had previously told police that he was the only one who could have poisoned her, so bro is looking really suspicious right now. And so this sergeant spends a really long time looking into this, going over old files, re-interviewing old witnesses, everything she can do.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
Jeopardy Champion Murders His Wife - The Paul Curry story
Then, four years later, she finally has enough evidence to take all this to the district attorney. Then the district attorney gets the toxicology report that was initially done on Linda further analyzed, a more modern analysis. Because like 15 years have gone by since Linda was murdered, and toxicology analysis has greatly improved.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
Jeopardy Champion Murders His Wife - The Paul Curry story
And this new analysis shows that Linda had 50 to 100 times more nicotine in her blood than a regular smoker would have. 50 to 100 times and Linda didn't even smoke. And so it's now confirmed that Linda died from nicotine poisoning, AKA she was murdered.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
Jeopardy Champion Murders His Wife - The Paul Curry story
And so they hit it off and they start dating and eventually they start smashing. A few years later, in 1992, they end up getting married. And Linda has never been happier. She's super in love with Curry and his big brain. Here's the thing though.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
Jeopardy Champion Murders His Wife - The Paul Curry story
So with all this new evidence backing her up, the sergeant who was originally working on the cold case, she travels over to Kansas and she brings Curry in for questioning and she grills him and she gets him to confirm that he was home alone with Linda the night of her death. meaning he's the only one who could have injected her with nicotine. And so, bam, Curry's arrested. Here's his mugshot.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
Jeopardy Champion Murders His Wife - The Paul Curry story
And so then, Curry goes to trial, and finally, 20 years after Linda's death, he's found guilty, and he's sentenced to life in prison. Maybe he wasn't as smart as he thought.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
Jeopardy Champion Murders His Wife - The Paul Curry story
I guess Curry doesn't feel the same way about her because for some reason, about a month into their marriage, his behavior starts to get a little suspicious. Like he starts demanding that everything be put in his name, the mortgage, life insurance, 401k. Not only that, he starts insisting that he take out a $1 million life insurance policy on Linda.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
Jeopardy Champion Murders His Wife - The Paul Curry story
And when Linda is like, okay, but are we going to take a million dollar life insurance policy out on you as well? Curry's like... Nah. But anyway, so Linda agrees to this because remember, she's super in love with Curry and she'll do anything to make him happy. But then things get even weirder.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
He Was Killed By a Youtube Stunt - The Monalisa Perez story
So this influencer, he goes by the name Dammit Boy. And Dammit Boy is about to make the last YouTube video he'll ever make. See, Dammit Boy has this YouTube channel with his pregnant girlfriend, this woman, Mona Lisa. And on that channel, they make family vlogs with their three-year-old, they pull pranks on each other, stuff like that.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
He Was Killed By a Youtube Stunt - The Monalisa Perez story
So the crowd goes silent as Mona Lisa brings out the pew-pew. And Dammit Boy, he gets the book ready, the thickest book he could find, a hardcover encyclopedia. And Dammit Boy actually marked on it exactly where she's supposed to hit. This is a real photo of the book. So Mona Lisa takes the loaded pew-pew and she aims it right at Dammit Boy's chest where the encyclopedia is.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
He Was Killed By a Youtube Stunt - The Monalisa Perez story
But here's the thing though, that pew-pew she's holding, that ain't no regular pew-pew. It's a 50 caliber Desert Eagle, a rather powerful firearm. And the full plan is to fire it from about one foot away. So anyway, Mona Lisa takes the Desert Eagle and she lifts it up and she aims it right at Dammit Boy's chest and she pulls the trigger.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
He Was Killed By a Youtube Stunt - The Monalisa Perez story
And that bullet hits exactly where it's supposed to, right in the chest. And there's a long pause from the crowd watching. Something's definitely wrong. Dammit Boy looks down and he's like, oh shit. And he sees that the bullet has gone through the book and into his chest. And Mona Lisa knows this is bad. I mean, he's hurt.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
He Was Killed By a Youtube Stunt - The Monalisa Perez story
So she runs into the house and she calls 911 and she's like, I accidentally shot my boyfriend. And paramedics, they rush to the scene. But unfortunately, it's too late. The .50 caliber bullet was too much. And damn it, boy, doesn't make it. So they arrest Mona Lisa. Here's her mugshot. They charge her with second degree manslaughter.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
He Was Killed By a Youtube Stunt - The Monalisa Perez story
She takes a plea deal and she's sentenced to six months in jail and about three months of that is spent on house arrest. But here's the fascinating thing though. This all happened many years ago when Mona Lisa was only 19 and now she served her time and she's out and a lot of years have passed and she's an adult now and she's back to making videos again.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
He Was Killed By a Youtube Stunt - The Monalisa Perez story
And it seems like she's really bounced back. Like she's healed from a lot of her trauma. I mean, at least it appears that way. And good for her. I mean, this had to have been a horrible situation. I mean, we love a redemption queen. So shout out to growing up.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
He Was Killed By a Youtube Stunt - The Monalisa Perez story
And Papi. But one day, Dammit Boy gets an idea. He wants to branch out and start a second YouTube channel. But this channel, it's going to be for the bros. It's going to be about all the crazy stunts he wants to pull.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
He Was Killed By a Youtube Stunt - The Monalisa Perez story
So for his first video on this channel, he comes up with this crazy scheme. He's gonna pull a stunt where he holds a huge thick book in front of himself. Then he's gonna have Mona Lisa aim a pew-pew at him and pull the trigger. Boy, what could possibly go wrong? So Dammit Boy comes to Mona Lisa and he's like, Sweetie Pie, Honey Boo, Baby Bear, I've got an idea for a video you're gonna love.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
He Was Killed By a Youtube Stunt - The Monalisa Perez story
I'm gonna stand here and all I need you to do is shoot this pew-pew at me. And Mona Lisa's like, uh, no. But Dammit Boy doesn't want to give up. He begs and he begs, but she is just not feeling it. So he goes out and he tests this stunt on another book. And then he shows the book to her and he's like, look, the bullet didn't go all the way through. I'll be fine.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
He Was Killed By a Youtube Stunt - The Monalisa Perez story
And this begging goes on for about two months. And finally, Mona Lisa gives in. And she agrees to do it, but she's really not happy about it. She even tweets, me and Dammit Boy are probably going to shoot one of the most dangerous videos ever. His idea, not mine. So then, one summer day, when the time is right, the couple gets ready to film the stunt.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
He Was Killed By a Youtube Stunt - The Monalisa Perez story
And they set up two cameras to capture all the action. And allegedly like 30 people show up to watch the whole thing go down. Even their three-year-old daughter is there watching. So Dammit Boy's like, okay, let's do this. And he knows this is risky. I mean, that's the whole point.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
The SHOCKING Murder of a Georgia Mother - Joanna Hayes
So one day, this woman is at the mall in the parking lot, and she's buckling her son into his car seat. And when she turns around, suddenly, bam, there's a mustache man standing in front of her, and he's holding a pew-pew. And he blocks her from getting back into her car. And she looks into this man's eyes, and she realizes she's seen them before. She knows who this person is.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
The SHOCKING Murder of a Georgia Mother - Joanna Hayes
But most importantly, this trucker said the shady person was driving a white Ford F-150. So police investigate, looking for any person in Heather's life who happens to drive a white Ford F-150. And what do you know? They find someone. But it's the grandma, Stephen's mother, Joanna. But we'll just call her Grandma. But what could Grandma have to do with the man who shot Heather?
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
The SHOCKING Murder of a Georgia Mother - Joanna Hayes
Well, police take Trucker over to Grandma's house where the F-150 is parked outside, and they show it to him. And he's immediately like, yep, that's the truck I saw. So of course, then police ask Grandma to come in for questioning. But Grandma's just like, nah, and she just doesn't go. But eventually they do end up talking to her a little bit and she denies any involvement in any mall shooting.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
The SHOCKING Murder of a Georgia Mother - Joanna Hayes
But she does say something interesting. In her conversation, she makes sure to tell police exactly what she's always thought about Heather. She basically says that she thinks Heather was a terrible mother and that she's glad she's gone. So now police really think Grandma's somehow involved in Heather's death.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
The SHOCKING Murder of a Georgia Mother - Joanna Hayes
But she won't really talk to them and there's not enough evidence to arrest her for anything. Until, at some point, police get an idea. They call her son Steven in again, and they show him that CCTV footage they got of the shooter leaving the parking lot. And they're like, Steven, could this person be your mom? And Steven watches the footage, and he's like, oh, it is.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
The SHOCKING Murder of a Georgia Mother - Joanna Hayes
And that is when he raises his pew-pew, and he fires. Now, the woman, her name's Heather. And unfortunately, Heather just happens to be in the middle of a divorce with her husband, this guy, Steven. And embedded into the middle of this divorce is a custody battle over their one-year-old son. And this custody battle is ugly. It's real ugly. You can imagine they kind of hate each other.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
The SHOCKING Murder of a Georgia Mother - Joanna Hayes
Turns out that the mustache man who shot Heather wasn't a man at all. It was grandma. While Steven was in the middle of his custody battle, Grandma allegedly wanted him to get custody of his son so bad that she put on a wig and a fake mustache and she dressed like a man. And then she went to the mall parking lot and she shot her former daughter-in-law.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
The SHOCKING Murder of a Georgia Mother - Joanna Hayes
So now Steven is convinced that his own mom shot his former wife. And so police, they get him to agree to call her and confront her while they record it.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
The SHOCKING Murder of a Georgia Mother - Joanna Hayes
So anyway, police go and they search grandma's truck and they find fiber from a wig and they find gunshot residue on her steering wheel and they arrest her. Here's her mugshot. And she ends up going to trial and she's ultimately found guilty of unaliving Heather and she's sentenced to life. And all this happened in Snellville, Georgia. So shout out to Snellville.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
The SHOCKING Murder of a Georgia Mother - Joanna Hayes
But one day, Heather and Steven agree to meet in the parking lot of a local mall so that he can hand over their son for the week. So she gets there, and she takes her son from Steven. And he gets back in his car, and he drives away. After he's gone, that's when she turns around and the mustache man is there in front of her with a pew-pew and he un-alives her.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
The SHOCKING Murder of a Georgia Mother - Joanna Hayes
Now, when this shooting happens, it's about 6 p.m. on a Sunday. So this parking lot is full of people and plenty of them witnessed the shooting. So police, they get to the scene and all the witnesses are like, This mustache man just went right up to her and shot her. It was crazy. There's even a little CCTV footage of the mustache man leaving the parking lot.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
The SHOCKING Murder of a Georgia Mother - Joanna Hayes
So police, they aren't sure what to make of all this. Who was this dude with the mustache? So naturally, they bring in Steven for questioning because he was the last one to talk to her. But Steven couldn't have been the shooter. He had just driven away moments before. So they interview all the witnesses from the scene and they end up sort of Frankensteining together a police sketch of the suspect.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
The SHOCKING Murder of a Georgia Mother - Joanna Hayes
But the suspect doesn't seem to fit the description of anyone they know. But that is when, bam, suddenly police get a tip. A trucker who was staying at a hotel near the mall, he says he saw someone scoping out the mall parking lot the day before the shootings. and that this person was using binoculars and that they were taking pictures. It was shady as .
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
The Killer Was Hiding In The Walls - The Daniel LaPlante story
So one day, this girl and her sister, they start noticing weird things going on in their home. Like whenever they leave the room, the TV channel randomly changes, or sometimes an item will randomly move and it's not in the same place they left it. It's like their house is haunted. So the sisters, one's name is Tina and the other we'll just call sister.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
The Killer Was Hiding In The Walls - The Daniel LaPlante story
And then they see another family picture with a knife sticking out of it. And on that one is written, I'm going to unalive you. So then police get right to work and they search the whole house and they can't find anyone. But then one of them notices there's a kind of fake wall in the bathroom. Like it's a real wall but it was just put there to hide some pipes so it's not solid.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
The Killer Was Hiding In The Walls - The Daniel LaPlante story
And behind that fake wall there's a crawl space. So the officer looks through the space and he sees a large pile of clothes back there and he's like, I bet Slasher is hiding in those clothes. So he says, I know you're back there. Come out or I'll shoot. And of course, Slasher gives up and steps out. And when he does, they notice he's not a scary Jason Voorhees type character.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
The Killer Was Hiding In The Walls - The Daniel LaPlante story
He's actually a tall 17-year-old teenager named Danny. And Danny had actually briefly went on a date with Tina back in the day. But that's the extent of their relationship.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
The Killer Was Hiding In The Walls - The Daniel LaPlante story
And I guess at some point he had broken into the family's house one day and he had been hiding living in the walls for a couple of months and he had been moving stuff around and changing their TV channels randomly and he had just been watching them the whole time.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
The Killer Was Hiding In The Walls - The Daniel LaPlante story
Anyway, so they arrest Danny and they throw him in a youth detention center and 10 months later, his mom bails him out thinking maybe he had learned his lesson. Spoiler alert, he didn't. Because once Danny's out, he immediately starts breaking into neighbors' houses again and stealing things. And one day he goes to rob a house and it's his second time robbing it.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
The Killer Was Hiding In The Walls - The Daniel LaPlante story
So Tina and sister, they start to notice all this and they go to their dad and they tell him, hey dad, some weird stuff is going on in this house. And dad's like, whatever kids, you're probably pranking each other or something. But then dad starts to notice weird stuff happening too. Like one day he comes home and he can see that even though no one had been home all day,
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
The Killer Was Hiding In The Walls - The Daniel LaPlante story
But this time he actually brings a pew-pew that he had stolen. And once he's inside, he starts pocketing things here and there. But then he hears some keys trying to open the front door. So he freezes. Now, usually he would take this as his cue to leave, but this time he hears a woman's voice and it's a pregnant mom and her five-year-old son coming home.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
The Killer Was Hiding In The Walls - The Daniel LaPlante story
And so suddenly, boom, Danny rushes out at them with his pew-pew and he takes them both and he forces them into the bedroom and he locks the kid in the closet and then he ties the mom to the bed and he essays her and then he unalives her. Then he unlocks the closet and he takes the five-year-old out and he unalives him in the bathtub.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
The Killer Was Hiding In The Walls - The Daniel LaPlante story
And as Danny's leaving the house, in walks a seven-year-old daughter. And then he takes her and he unalives her in a bathtub too. And then later when the husband gets home, he finds them and he calls police. And of course, at this point, Danny has taken off. He's long been on the run. But that same night, after a manhunt, police finally find him hiding out in a local dumpster like the trash he is.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
The Killer Was Hiding In The Walls - The Daniel LaPlante story
So they arrest him. Here's a picture of him being arrested. And here's his mugshot. And here he is in court because he eventually goes to trial and he's found guilty and he's sentenced to life.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
The Killer Was Hiding In The Walls - The Daniel LaPlante story
Someone had used the bathroom and didn't flush. So dad knows something's up, and he starts searching the house for an intruder. And he looks around in this room and another room, but he doesn't really find anything. Then he opens a closet door. And suddenly, bam! A strange man is towering over him with his face painted. And the man has a hatchet in one hand and a wrench in the other.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
The Killer Was Hiding In The Walls - The Daniel LaPlante story
And he orders everyone to get into the bedroom. Now Tina, she thinks fast and she bounces out a nearby window. And she runs and she goes as fast as she can over to a neighbor's house. And there she calls police. And so minutes later, police arrive. But by the time they get there, the weird man has already fled. Luckily, he didn't hurt the family.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
The Killer Was Hiding In The Walls - The Daniel LaPlante story
But at this point, it doesn't really matter because dad and his daughters are totally freaked out. They don't want to go back to the house until that man, who we'll just call Slasher, they don't want to go back home until Slasher is captured. So they go and stay in a hotel. But then a few days later, dad has to go back to the house to pick up a few of their things.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
The Killer Was Hiding In The Walls - The Daniel LaPlante story
And as he pulls into the driveway, boom, he sees Slasher. standing there staring at him through the window. And so he immediately calls police. And so police get there again, and they go inside again, and there they find on the wall is a knife sticking through a picture of the family. And written on it in magic marker, it says, I'm still here, come and find me.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
This Insane Story of 4 Kids Who Survived a Plane Crash
So these four kids and their mom, they're all passengers on a small airplane and it's passing over the jungle when suddenly something goes wrong with the engine and the pilot, he tries to radio out, but it's too late. The plane engine fails and it has started to plummet down into the jungle. And it falls faster and faster until kaboom, it crashes into the trees below, nose first.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
This Insane Story of 4 Kids Who Survived a Plane Crash
So they hear this message and they start a search effort right away. But because the plane crashed in the thickest part of the jungle, this search for the wreckage is not going to be easy. So the Colombian military ends up getting involved and they dedicate a ton of resources to this. They're sending reconnaissance flights.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
This Insane Story of 4 Kids Who Survived a Plane Crash
They're using infrared sensors and satellite imagery to try and find the plane under all the trees. They even send 110 special forces on the ground to try and look for this plane. And they still can't find it. And interestingly enough, the jungle is almost too dangerous for these special forces.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
This Insane Story of 4 Kids Who Survived a Plane Crash
It's always raining, so their clothes are soaked, and they keep running out of food, and they're constantly dodging wild animals and venomous snakes. But then local indigenous people get involved, and they start searching for the kids since they're more familiar with the area. And they have a more spiritual approach to the search, taking ayahuasca, hoping it will point them in the right direction.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
This Insane Story of 4 Kids Who Survived a Plane Crash
Now, I don't know if that actually helped much, but I'm sure they had a really good time. But at this point, two weeks have gone by and these kids are still out there. And finally, some indigenous people find the crash site. And when the military investigates, the only thing they find are the bodies of the adults. So they're like, where the hell are the kids?
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
This Insane Story of 4 Kids Who Survived a Plane Crash
Now, while this is going on, the kids themselves make this search really difficult because not only are they out in the middle of nowhere, but they're also intentionally hiding because they're scared. And also because Leslie knows that parts of the jungle are populated with rebel militia groups who aren't very friendly to outsiders. So when they hear anyone coming, they hide.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
This Insane Story of 4 Kids Who Survived a Plane Crash
Plus these kids aren't your regular iPad kids. They're actually indigenous Watoto people, and they learn hunting and fishing and jungle survival at an early age. They were basically raised in areas of the jungle, so they're very good at hiding and very good at staying on their feet. So the military is having a really tough time finding these kids, so they go and get creative.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
This Insane Story of 4 Kids Who Survived a Plane Crash
They have helicopters go up and drop 10,000 leaflets with survival tips written on them for the kids and telling them to stay put. They also record the kid's grandmother telling them to stay in one place so they can be rescued. And then they blare that message through loudspeakers, but none of that works and no one can find these kids.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
This Insane Story of 4 Kids Who Survived a Plane Crash
And now the front of the plane is a complete wreck, and the pilot and one other passenger, they die on impact. But the mom, she survives, although she's badly injured. And the four kids who were sitting at the rear of the plane, for the most part, they're unscathed. Now, these kids are young. They're 13, 9, 4, and 11 months old. And the 13-year-old, her name's Leslie.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
This Insane Story of 4 Kids Who Survived a Plane Crash
And at this point, they've all been out there for over five weeks and people are starting to wonder if they'll ever find them. Until... At one point, the kids are all hiding and they're suddenly approached by an animal. Not a wild, dangerous animal. It's actually a Belgian Shepherd. A dog. A dog named Wilson. A military rescue dog. And he's apparently very friendly.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
This Insane Story of 4 Kids Who Survived a Plane Crash
Now upon seeing this dog, the kids, they know someone's close. And they know this is good news because a rebel militia group wouldn't have a dog as good as Wilson. So for the first time, they don't run and hide. Instead, they mostly stay put knowing a rescue team is close. And Wilson is with them for like two or three days.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
This Insane Story of 4 Kids Who Survived a Plane Crash
Meanwhile, rescuers on the other side of the jungle, they follow his paw prints until they ultimately reach the kids. And so finally, on their 40th day in the jungle, Soldiers find Leslie and her siblings, and they're tired, and they're starving, and at this point they're basically wearing rags, but they're safe. However, there is some bad news.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
This Insane Story of 4 Kids Who Survived a Plane Crash
Unfortunately, before the kids were rescued, they got separated from Wilson, and the poor dog, he got lost in the jungle, and he was never found again. RIP Wilson.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
This Insane Story of 4 Kids Who Survived a Plane Crash
And Leslie has no idea if anyone's looking for them or if even anyone knows their plane has crashed. Oh, but that's not going to stop Leslie. Her mom is seriously injured, so she has to take charge. And the first thing she and the other kids do is they create a makeshift shelter from branches. And it's held together by using her hair ties.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
This Insane Story of 4 Kids Who Survived a Plane Crash
And they all just chill there by the wreckage, trying to survive. Four days later, unfortunately, mom passes away due to her injuries. So now it's just the four kids out there all by themselves. And Leslie knows they need to leave soon and get away from the dead bodies because the scent will likely attract dangerous animals.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
This Insane Story of 4 Kids Who Survived a Plane Crash
So the four kids leave and they walk and they walk and they hide when they think danger is near. And Leslie finds fruit along the way so they can eat. And they had taken a bag of yucca flower from the plane wreckage that they had been dissolving in water so they can feed it to the youngest, the 11-month-old. And they're constantly just walking and taking turns carrying the baby.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
This Insane Story of 4 Kids Who Survived a Plane Crash
And it's the jungle, so of course it rains and their clothes are always wet. And at night, the temperature drops dramatically, so they're all cold as f***. Meanwhile, back in civilization, people are worried about the passengers on that plane. Luckily, the pilot's message was heard as the plane was going down and before it fell off the radar.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
She Scammed Professional Athletes For Millions - The Peggy Fulford story
Remember that basketball player Dennis Rodman? Remember when that woman stole millions of dollars from him? So the story starts with this woman, Peggy. And Peggy is from New Orleans and she really wants to be rich. Like she'll do anything to get that money. And one day in the 90s, an opportunity arrives for her to do just that. Because her friend gets drafted into the NBA. This guy, Travis.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
She Scammed Professional Athletes For Millions - The Peggy Fulford story
And Ricky, he's like, Aye. And so pow, they're off to the races and she's helped managing Ricky's finances and she's like opening bank accounts for him. She's managing his investments, helping his bills get paid on time. She's like, don't worry, I'll take care of everything.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
She Scammed Professional Athletes For Millions - The Peggy Fulford story
And of course, by take care of everything, she really means she's going to low key funnel his money into her own bank account. And so over time, she becomes really close to Ricky, like family.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
She Scammed Professional Athletes For Millions - The Peggy Fulford story
She helps him and his girlfriend plan their wedding, she drives the girlfriend home from the hospital after they give birth to their kid, and like when Ricky gets traded to a different football team and has to move, Peggy moves to the new city with them to stay close to them. So Ricky, not knowing he's being robbed by his own friend, he thinks Peggy is doing a really good job.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
She Scammed Professional Athletes For Millions - The Peggy Fulford story
In fact, he thinks she's doing such a good job that eventually word spreads around and suddenly her management services are in high demand and she and her company start managing a bunch of other pro athletes. And that is when she meets this guy, Dennis Rodman. Now, Rodman was a really famous basketball player, but at this time, around the mid-2000s, he's actually retired.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
She Scammed Professional Athletes For Millions - The Peggy Fulford story
But he's still got a ton of money to manage. And so, Peggy meets Rodman, and she's like, I went to Harvard Law, and I worked on Wall Street. And Rodman's like, Hi. Regardless, he needs Peggy's help. He's in a bad place financially and emotionally. Apparently he's been drinking a lot lately. And so Peggy steps in and she starts managing his finances.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
She Scammed Professional Athletes For Millions - The Peggy Fulford story
And just like with Ricky, she becomes close friends with Rodman. And so she also starts mothering him, like reminding him when his drinking is getting out of control.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
She Scammed Professional Athletes For Millions - The Peggy Fulford story
like that and she legitimately does some good for him and over the next few years rodman he kind of starts getting his life back together a bit like things are looking better for him and when he gets inducted into the basketball hall of fame he of course on stage thanks peggy peggy king elkin king the family that these guys are taking care of me these days thank you peggy
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
She Scammed Professional Athletes For Millions - The Peggy Fulford story
Now, as you've already predicted, while she's helping Rodman manage his life and his finances, she's also funneling his money directly into her own pocket. And at this point, she's already stolen over a million dollars from him. And this poor guy has no idea. Meanwhile, Peggy's just out here living the good life. Like she's got all this money now and she's spending it on herself.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
She Scammed Professional Athletes For Millions - The Peggy Fulford story
And so Travis gets drafted and he gets a contract worth several million dollars. And Peggy finds out about this and she's like, oh, I'm gonna get that money. And so she decides to start lying to everyone and saying she got a degree from Harvard Law and that she used to work on Wall Street. And so then she goes to Travis and she asks him, hey, let me manage your finances for you.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
She Scammed Professional Athletes For Millions - The Peggy Fulford story
She's like always wearing Gucci, like Gucci dress, Gucci bag, Gucci shoes. She lives in a big ass mansion. She's got a whole fleet of expensive cars, a Bentley, a Maserati. I mean, she could at least attempt to hide her fraud a little better.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
She Scammed Professional Athletes For Millions - The Peggy Fulford story
But not only that, as if the situation couldn't get any more ridiculous, Peggy has such a good reputation and she's so popular with people that she pairs up with some producers and she gets a deal to shoot and star in her own reality TV show on BET called The Peggy Show. And it's about this woman who manages the finances of all these pro athletes. And they actually film a pilot for it.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
She Scammed Professional Athletes For Millions - The Peggy Fulford story
However, the show doesn't end up going to air. Regardless, everything is working for her. I mean, at this point, she seems more successful than most of the people she's managing. And for some reason, no one questions anything. Until... One day, everything changes because Rodman is chilling in his condo and suddenly, boom, his power goes off. And Rodman's like, oh, that's kind of weird.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
She Scammed Professional Athletes For Millions - The Peggy Fulford story
So he has an assistant look into it. And it turns out the power bill for that condo hadn't been paid in months. In fact, a lot of his bills hadn't been paid in months. Now, who was supposed to make sure all of Rodman's bills are paid on time? The woman managing his finances. Peggy. Not only that, around this same time, around 2013, the IRS hits Ricky and his girlfriend, who is now his wife.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
She Scammed Professional Athletes For Millions - The Peggy Fulford story
They get hit with a fat-ass tax bill, telling him he now owes them $450,000. Plus, Ricky's Range Rover suddenly gets repossessed one day. And Ricky's like, what the f***? And of course, guess who was supposed to make sure all of Ricky's taxes and car payments are made on time? Peggy. Then they get a call from the wife of another different NFL player.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
She Scammed Professional Athletes For Millions - The Peggy Fulford story
And their car had also gotten repossessed and their debit card got declined at the grocery store or something like that. And guess who was in charge of making those payments? And so all of these people are like, what the hell is happening? Where's Peggy? Meanwhile, Peggy is like, oh, and she ghosts everyone. Like she's not answering emails. She's not answering texts.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
She Scammed Professional Athletes For Millions - The Peggy Fulford story
And so they start putting two and two together. And they realize that Peggy hasn't been paying anyone's bills on time because she's been stealing from all of them for years. And so Ricky's wife starts investigating and looking into it. And she discovers what you already know. Peggy never went to Harvard Law. She never worked on Wall Street. It was all a lie.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
She Scammed Professional Athletes For Millions - The Peggy Fulford story
So then, pow, Ricky and his wife file a lawsuit against her, claiming that she defrauded him out of millions of dollars. Then in 2015, kaboom, this story hits the news. And now it's a national headline. And around this time, an FBI agent is on his lunch break reading the sports section of the news. And he sees that Ricky, this NFL player, is suing his own financial manager, Peggy.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
She Scammed Professional Athletes For Millions - The Peggy Fulford story
And he's like, oh, well, I'm going to look into this because this sounds like it could be a criminal case. And so he starts looking into it, and looking into it, he discovers that old Peggy is overseeing more than 85 secret bank accounts, with money bouncing around between all of them, making it all extremely hard to trace.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
She Scammed Professional Athletes For Millions - The Peggy Fulford story
I went to Harvard Law and I worked on Wall Street. And Travis, he's a busy guy. He ain't got time to be managing finances. So he's like, aye. And so she gets to work managing his money. And by managing his money, I mean she's funneling it into her own secret bank account. And she's spending it on herself. And she's like out shopping and buying herself like designer drip and stuff like that.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
She Scammed Professional Athletes For Millions - The Peggy Fulford story
So this turned out to be a way more complicated scheme than anyone had imagined. But anyway, so now the FBI is involved, and they're investigating. And at this point, Peggy's life has already started to fall apart. I mean, her own famous clients are all suing her. So most people are afraid to work with her now.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
She Scammed Professional Athletes For Millions - The Peggy Fulford story
And so she has to file bankruptcy and she has to sell all of her cars and Dennis Rodman is obviously no longer talking to her. And then so eventually the FBI goes to Peggy's house and there they question her and they ask her all about these things she's being accused of. And of course, Peggy is stubborn and she denies all of it and she says she didn't do anything wrong.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
She Scammed Professional Athletes For Millions - The Peggy Fulford story
However, the FBI knows she's full of sh**. And so, bam, Peggy gets arrested. Here's her mugshot. And she ends up taking a plea deal, and she's sentenced to 10 years in prison. And she has to pay everyone back, which in total is $5.7 million. She took $5.7 million from these guys. Damn, girl.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
She Scammed Professional Athletes For Millions - The Peggy Fulford story
But five years later, Travis finally somehow realizes that Peggy has taken nearly two million dollars from him and spent it on herself. And so, boom, he fires her. However, other than that, he doesn't want to make a big deal out of it, and so Peggy doesn't get into any real trouble. And this is a mistake, because it allows her to move on and keep the con going with other people.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
She Scammed Professional Athletes For Millions - The Peggy Fulford story
And then one day, around 2001, Peggy gets another opportunity. She finds out her interior designer friend is doing a job for this NFL player, a rookie named Ricky. And so Peggy tags along and that is when she meets Ricky and she charms him up and she's like, I have a law degree and I worked on Wall Street. And soon enough, they become friends and she eventually offers to help manage his finances.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
Reality TV Star Murders a Playboy Model - The Ryan Jenkins / Jasmine Fiore story
So this millionaire reality TV star is about to freak out and unalive this Playboy model. Now the guy's name is Ryan. He's 32, he's a real estate developer living in Las Vegas, and Ryan has a problem. He wants to be famous. And you know, finding love would be cool too. And one day in 2009, Ryan's luck starts to change. Because there's a dating show filming for TV called Megan Wants a Millionaire.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
Reality TV Star Murders a Playboy Model - The Ryan Jenkins / Jasmine Fiore story
And so he's all bummed out that he got booted off the show. And so to make himself feel better, he goes out to a club in Las Vegas. And that is when he meets this woman, Jasmine. And Jasmine's 28 and she's nice. She's a playboy model and she's got a lot going on. And Ryan thinks she is fine. And all of a sudden he's forgotten all about how much he liked Megan.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
Reality TV Star Murders a Playboy Model - The Ryan Jenkins / Jasmine Fiore story
And literally two days later, Ryan and Jasmine get married after two days of knowing each other. Yikes. And I guess to rub it in, he has to make sure and hit up Megan and let her know like, hey, I met someone, you missed out. Anyway, whatever, Ryan is finally in love, he met someone nice, and their relationship seems to be going great. Until... Here's the thing about Ryan.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
Reality TV Star Murders a Playboy Model - The Ryan Jenkins / Jasmine Fiore story
Ryan is apparently not really a millionaire. He is a real estate developer, but the real estate development money he claims he has is actually his dad's money and he has no part in it. And he's not really making a lot of income. And so Jasmine becomes the one supporting them both from her modeling and her other gigs. And this puts a lot of strain on their relationship.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
Reality TV Star Murders a Playboy Model - The Ryan Jenkins / Jasmine Fiore story
Now here's the other thing about Ryan. Bro is just a jealous ass dude. He's always like, babe, who are you talking to? Let me see your phone. He's that guy. He's also kind of an abusive dude. And so he and Jasmine fight a lot and their relationship ends up on the rocks and then they separate and then they get back together. It's all very shaky.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
Reality TV Star Murders a Playboy Model - The Ryan Jenkins / Jasmine Fiore story
But then out of nowhere, the same production company that produced Megan Wants a Millionaire, they decide to produce another reality show called I Love Money. And since they worked with Ryan before, they want him to come down to Mexico where they're filming and be a contestant on the new season. And this is a competition reality show. So the winner of the season gets a grand prize of $250,000.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
Reality TV Star Murders a Playboy Model - The Ryan Jenkins / Jasmine Fiore story
Nice. And Ryan, he really needs this money. He needs this money so that he can finally prove to his wife that he's capable of supporting them both. And so he tells the producers, hell yeah, I'll do it. And he goes from Las Vegas down to Mexico to film. And the whole time he's down there filming the show, Jasmine had stayed back in Las Vegas.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
Reality TV Star Murders a Playboy Model - The Ryan Jenkins / Jasmine Fiore story
So the whole time he's like texting her and he's blowing up her phone with a bunch of jealous shit. Where you been? Who you hanging out with? Are you cheating on me? Now, it's unclear if she was actually cheating on him. It's rumored that she was, but regardless, the whole thing is very dysfunctional.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
Reality TV Star Murders a Playboy Model - The Ryan Jenkins / Jasmine Fiore story
And casting producers from the show are trying to find some eligible bachelors to be on it. The only catch is the bachelors have to have a net worth of at least a million dollars. And Ryan's like, hey, I'm a millionaire, or at least my dad is. I could be on that show. And so he goes and he auditions and the producers love him. He's the perfect kind of train wreck that they want for reality TV.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
Reality TV Star Murders a Playboy Model - The Ryan Jenkins / Jasmine Fiore story
Anyway, a month or so later, the show I Love Money ends, and Ryan actually ends up winning the $250,000. So now he's got this money, and his wife is going to be so impressed. So he goes back to the US and he tries to work things out with Jasmine because they had been fighting a lot.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
Reality TV Star Murders a Playboy Model - The Ryan Jenkins / Jasmine Fiore story
And from there, the two decide to take a trip over to San Diego because they're going to attend some charity poker tournament. And so they travel to San Diego and they get there and they're in their hotel and this is where sh** gets dark. Because allegedly, Jasmine had been planning on leaving Ryan. I mean, it's clearly a chaotic marriage, and she's essentially done trying.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
Reality TV Star Murders a Playboy Model - The Ryan Jenkins / Jasmine Fiore story
And allegedly, she had been texting with an ex. And so Ryan finds all this out, and so they've been fighting this whole trip. Now, we don't exactly know what happens here, because there are no other witnesses, but at one point, they're parked in Jasmine's car, and they get into a huge argument, and Ryan finally just loses it. And bam, he hits her. And then he hits her again and again.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
Reality TV Star Murders a Playboy Model - The Ryan Jenkins / Jasmine Fiore story
And then he reaches out and he grabs her neck and he strangles her. And Jasmine, she tries to fight back, but it's no use. He's too strong and unfortunately, she ends up unalived. Then Ryan picks her up and he brings her back to the hotel room where they're staying. And then he bundles Jasmine's body up into a suitcase and he brings that suitcase out to the car. He loads it in and he leaves.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
Reality TV Star Murders a Playboy Model - The Ryan Jenkins / Jasmine Fiore story
And from there, he drives from San Diego up near Los Angeles. Now the worst part is that at some point during all this, Ryan takes Jasmine's body and he cuts off the tips of all her fingers so that she has no fingerprints. Then he takes the time to remove all of her teeth so that they can't identify her by dental records.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
Reality TV Star Murders a Playboy Model - The Ryan Jenkins / Jasmine Fiore story
But anyway, eventually he drives over to some random dumpster and he dumps the suitcase with her body in it. The next morning, a random bystander is out collecting cans, looking through the trash bins, and they notice this suitcase with hair sticking out of it. like, oh, I bet there's a body in there. And so they call the police.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
Reality TV Star Murders a Playboy Model - The Ryan Jenkins / Jasmine Fiore story
Later that night, Ryan is back in his apartment and he calls police and he's like, my wife is missing. And he files a missing persons report for Jasmine to make himself not look like the murderer. Then he flees and he drives north because he's about to escape to Canada. While police still can't identify Jasmine's body that they found in the suitcase.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
Reality TV Star Murders a Playboy Model - The Ryan Jenkins / Jasmine Fiore story
So it looks like Ryan might just get away with all this. Double until. While that body may not have fingertips or teeth, lucky for police, it does have something they can use to identify Jasmine, breast implants. Apparently, breast implants all have a unique serial number imprinted on them.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
Reality TV Star Murders a Playboy Model - The Ryan Jenkins / Jasmine Fiore story
And so the coroner's checked the serial number on the breast implants and that's how they identified Jasmine. And so now the prime suspect in her murder is the last person seen with her, her husband, Ryan. And so an international manhunt ensues. This former dating show contestant is considered armed and dangerous.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
Reality TV Star Murders a Playboy Model - The Ryan Jenkins / Jasmine Fiore story
However, by this time, Ryan's already reached Canada, British Columbia, where he's staying in a hotel. And there, I guess he finally feels guilty or he finally decides that what he did was really messed up and there's no way out of it. Either way, he takes a belt and he unalives himself. That is crazy.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
Reality TV Star Murders a Playboy Model - The Ryan Jenkins / Jasmine Fiore story
So here's what he has to do. So the network is going to put this woman, Megan, in a mansion with 17 millionaires. And they're all going to sort of compete for her attention. And at the end of the season, she's going to pick the guy she wants to be with. And so all Ryan has to do is be his charming self and maybe he can win Megan over.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
Reality TV Star Murders a Playboy Model - The Ryan Jenkins / Jasmine Fiore story
Now, Megan, she thinks all these bachelors fighting over her, they're all right. But there's something about Ryan that she really likes. I mean, she thinks he's kind of fun. And so as the show goes on, she eliminates these bachelors one by one. And Ryan ends up making it all the way to the finals. And Megan even wants to choose him as the guy she walks away with.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
Reality TV Star Murders a Playboy Model - The Ryan Jenkins / Jasmine Fiore story
But unfortunately for them, reality TV is mostly scripted. And producers aren't really feeling this idea. And they're like, look, Megan, this guy is not testing well with audiences. Maybe consider picking one of the other guys. And so in the second to last episode, Megan picks some of the other guys and she sends Ryan home. And that sucks for him because he really wanted to win.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
He Planned His Own Death - The Marvin Gaye story
You know this famous singer Marvin Gaye? Well, one day Marvin gets into an argument with his dad and this argument gets heated, like really heated. And they're yelling at each other and they're screaming and then bam, it turns violent. And then suddenly his dad pulls out a pew-pew and he aims it and blam, he shoots Marvin in the chest, which is exactly what Marvin had planned. Let me explain.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
He Planned His Own Death - The Marvin Gaye story
Time passes and little Marvin grows up and he actually becomes a professional singer-songwriter. And bro has a hell of a voice. And so he works hard and he tours and he writes a bunch of songs and soon enough his career blows up and everyone knows who he is. And he's out here selling albums and he's selling out tours and he's got songs on the radio. He actually has 41 songs make the top 40 charts.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
He Planned His Own Death - The Marvin Gaye story
41, including his most famous song, Let's Get It On, which is a song that I like to dedicate to your mother. My point is, despite being discouraged by his dad when he was young, Marvin ends up becoming the biggest soul singer in the world, and he ends up having an incredible career in music. Until... Fast forward a couple of decades to the early 80s, and Marvin is 44 years old now.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
He Planned His Own Death - The Marvin Gaye story
In his career, it's still doing well, like he's still out there playing and making hits. In fact, he's just released one of his biggest songs ever, Sexual Healing, and it just hit number one. So all that's doing really well. But unfortunately, the poor guy still has a problem. He's super depressed, like clinically depressed.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
He Planned His Own Death - The Marvin Gaye story
And he's been battling this depression for years, and it just doesn't seem to get any better. Not only that, he's suffering from a drug habit. Mostly what I like to call Coca-Cola. And this habit only adds to his depression problem. Not to mention the drug habit is also making him really paranoid, like really paranoid. He always believes he's being pursued by people who want to unalive him.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
He Planned His Own Death - The Marvin Gaye story
In fact, his paranoia has gotten so bad that when he tours, he always wears a bulletproof vest right up until it's time to get on stage and then he takes it off and he performs. And if all that isn't bad enough, he's having money problems. And I know that sounds crazy because he's the biggest soul singer in the world, but he's actually like $9 million in debt.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
He Planned His Own Death - The Marvin Gaye story
And he owes the IRS $4.5 million in back taxes. And they've already come after him and seized a bunch of his assets. So things are not looking good for Marvin. And so yeah, understandably, he's bummed out and he's trying to pull his life back together and he ends up moving into the house that he bought his parents years before. They still live there.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
He Planned His Own Death - The Marvin Gaye story
So now at 44 years old, he's living with his parents again. And unfortunately, in this household, things aren't going well. Tensions are really high. Like Marvin's dad, he's still a heavy drinker and he's still allegedly mistreating Marvin's mom. And as much as Marvin has tried to get clean, he's still using that Coca-Cola he likes so much.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
He Planned His Own Death - The Marvin Gaye story
Now, in order for this to all make sense, let's rewind back to when Marvin is eight years old. And now, he's just a kid here, but he actually has quite a terrible life. Now, his dad, who we'll just call dad, dad is a minister, and he drinks a lot, and he's also really violent and extremely strict.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
He Planned His Own Death - The Marvin Gaye story
And he's still resentful towards his dad for the way he treated him and his mom during his childhood. And to make it even worse, there are firearms all over the house. Remember, Marvin's a paranoid guy, so he buys a lot of pew-pews for protection. He even buys one for his dad for protection. Dun, dun, dun. Regardless, at some point while living there, life starts getting to be too much for him.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
He Planned His Own Death - The Marvin Gaye story
The addiction, the depression, the paranoia, the money problems. He's kind of losing his mind and he seems to be self-aware of it. And despite being an incredibly successful and talented superstar, he just doesn't want to exist anymore. And this is where he allegedly comes up with a plan. A plan to get rid of his dad while saving his mom.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
He Planned His Own Death - The Marvin Gaye story
And according to testimony from his siblings, Marvin's plan was this. First, he'll get his own dad to unalive him. Then police will come and his dad will get thrown in prison, which will then finally save his mom by getting his father out of her life. And I know that sounds wild, but that is what his siblings believe his plan was.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
He Planned His Own Death - The Marvin Gaye story
And so finally the right day comes and it's otherwise a pretty normal day and they're all at home and dad is looking for some insurance document and he can't find it and he insists it's all his wife's fault and he's screaming at her like this is all your fault. But mom is upstairs and dad is yelling up at her from downstairs.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
He Planned His Own Death - The Marvin Gaye story
And so Marvin hears all this and he gets mad and he starts screaming back, defending his mom like, shut the hell up, old man, or whatever. And this pisses dad off and he is not going to let this slide. And he just sucks.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
He Planned His Own Death - The Marvin Gaye story
naps and he runs upstairs and then boom he busts into the bedroom and he screams at Marvin's mom and Marvin's like oh hell no and he steps up and he pushes dad out of the room and suddenly this turns into an all-out fist fight and then pow Marvin punches his dad and bam he kicks him and then dad falls to the floor and mom is screaming at them to stop and so Marvin does but then dad gets up and he walks over to his bedroom and he grabs his pew pew
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
He Planned His Own Death - The Marvin Gaye story
The same one that Marvin had bought him for protection. And he walks over to Marvin, and he points it at his chest, and blam! He fires. And Marvin falls to the floor. And as he's lying on the ground, blam! Dad shoots him again.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
He Planned His Own Death - The Marvin Gaye story
Meanwhile, Marvin's brother, who lives out back in the guest house, he hears the gunshots and he comes running and he comes inside the home and he sees his brother there on the floor dying and he's like, oh, and he runs over to him and he holds him. And according to him, Marvin's last words are, I got what I wanted. I couldn't do it myself. So I had him do it.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
He Planned His Own Death - The Marvin Gaye story
Like, he'll often discipline little Marvin for things like wetting his bed, being a minute late home from school, or reciting Bible passages wrong. And when I say discipline, I mean... Yeah, dad's a real jerk. And little Marvin's not the only one dad is abusive to. He apparently gets violent with Marvin's mom too, who we'll just call mom.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
He Planned His Own Death - The Marvin Gaye story
And then he unfortunately passes away, just like he had allegedly planned. So step one of his plan is complete. And so then, of course, police show up and bam, they arrest dad. And I don't have a mugshot of him, but I do have this picture of him getting arrested.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
He Planned His Own Death - The Marvin Gaye story
So now that dad is arrested, step two of Marvin's plan is complete. And of course, this is big news, and this whole story blows the f*** up. I mean, this is one of the biggest singers in the world, and he's just been murdered by his own father. Like, this is crazy. Now, Marvin's dad is charged with first-degree murder, but later in court, he and his lawyers argue self-defense.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
He Planned His Own Death - The Marvin Gaye story
And ultimately, he takes a plea deal and he gets charged with voluntary manslaughter. And despite unaliving his own son, he only gets probation. Which means that step two of Marvin's plan is actually not complete. Regardless, the good news is, after Marvin's death, Marvin's mom eventually does file for divorce from dad. Good for her. So step three of Marvin's plan is in fact complete.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
He Planned His Own Death - The Marvin Gaye story
And ultimately, he got what he wanted. It's wild.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
He Planned His Own Death - The Marvin Gaye story
And like dad will get physical with her and he also verbally abuses her and also sleeps around on her a lot. He sounds like a real winner. And throughout all this, apparently mom wants to leave him But unfortunately, she won't because she's religious and I guess divorces against their religion.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
He Planned His Own Death - The Marvin Gaye story
So anyway, mom and dad and Marvin and his siblings, they all just keep living in this extremely chaotic household. And to make it worse, little Marvin loves secular music, but dad discourages him from pursuing it, calling it the devil's music. But luckily, little Marvin just keeps on singing and playing as his mom is always there to encourage him. But then everything changes.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
The Beach Boys Scam - The Brian Wilson story
So this guy, he really wants to be a celebrity. He likes the idea of fame and he just really wants to be around celebrities. Now his name is Dr. Landy and Dr. Landy is not a celebrity. He's a psychologist. And one day he gets an idea for a crazy and controversial new type of therapy treatment. But we'll get to that. First, we got to talk about the Beach Boys.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
The Beach Boys Scam - The Brian Wilson story
And for this experimental therapy program, he charges $10,000 monthly. which in today's dollars is about $58,000 a month. But after doing this treatment, Brian does slowly start to show signs of improvement. He gets more productive, his mood gets better, he starts socializing again.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
The Beach Boys Scam - The Brian Wilson story
But then, after about a year in this program, Dr. Landy decides to raise his rates from $10,000 monthly to $20,000 monthly. which in today's dollars is nearly $110,000 a month for therapy. And so the Beach Boys manager, he sees this and he's like, oh, well, this is bullshit. And he fires Dr. Landy, like done. And everyone just moves on. A few years later, Brian, he isn't doing so well again.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
The Beach Boys Scam - The Brian Wilson story
He's back to abusing drugs and alcohol. His weight gets up to over 300 pounds. His mental health just spirals out of control. And he and his wife, they end up getting divorced. And at one point he attacks a therapist and he gets committed to a mental health facility for a few months. Like it's going really bad for him.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
The Beach Boys Scam - The Brian Wilson story
And eventually Brian overdoses and his family and his management team, they don't know what to do. So they agreed to do the only thing that kind of worked for him in the past. They allow him to see Dr. Landy again. So they hit up Landy and they ask him to help. And Landy agrees to take Brian as a patient again in his 24-hour treatment program. But this time he wants two things.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
The Beach Boys Scam - The Brian Wilson story
One, he wants total control of Brian's affairs without interference from anyone. And two, he wants to charge a new even higher fee, $35,000 monthly. which in today's dollars is about $114,000 a month. Damn. So the family reluctantly agrees and Landy takes over and he controls everything in Brian's life. All decisions Brian makes have to go through him. He's his legal guardian now.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
The Beach Boys Scam - The Brian Wilson story
The band who's touring the world and topping the charts. Specifically, we gotta talk about the lead singer. This guy, Brian. Brian, he's kind of a musical genius. But unfortunately, he's got a lot of undiagnosed mental health issues. And at this time, he's touring around, he's soaking in the fame, and he's dealing with that rock and roll lifestyle. And it's a lot for the guy to handle.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
The Beach Boys Scam - The Brian Wilson story
And he puts Brian on a strict exercise plan. He throws cold water on Brian in the mornings to wake him up. He padlocks the fridge so Brian can't get into it unless he lets him. But most importantly, he controls who Brian interacts with. and he isn't allowed to contact his friends or his ex-wife or even his kids. And not only that, he keeps Brian pretty drugged up too on anti-psychotic meds.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
The Beach Boys Scam - The Brian Wilson story
So Brian's kind of a zombie at this point. And again, Dr. Landy has a team of assistants watching over him 24 seven to make sure he's complying with all these new rules. But to be kind of fair, the treatment does seem to be working, I guess. I mean, Brian is technically sober now and he's losing weight and he's way overmedicated. So I guess he's not hearing voices as much as he was before.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
The Beach Boys Scam - The Brian Wilson story
But here's where things get really messed up. Dr. Landy now controls all aspects of Brian's life. So not only is he charging Brian a million dollars a year in monthly fees, but he is able to anoint himself as Brian's creative and financial partner. And he's able to negotiate himself a quarter of Brian's publishing royalties on some of the Beach Boys songs.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
The Beach Boys Scam - The Brian Wilson story
So songs that Brian writes on, Landy is now earning royalties off of them. And he's able to name himself co-writer on a bunch of the songs that Brian writes. I mean, at one point, Landy even says, and I quote, I influence all of Brian's thinking. I'm practically a member of the band. And then when Brian starts working on solo material, Landy names himself executive producer on the solo albums.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
The Beach Boys Scam - The Brian Wilson story
And he gets himself credited as a co-songwriter on a bunch of the songs. This dude is shady as f**k. But around this time, Brian is at a car dealership buying a car one day and he meets this woman, Melinda. And they hit it off and they start dating and Melinda really likes Brian.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
The Beach Boys Scam - The Brian Wilson story
However, once she gets close to him, she starts to see this crazy control that Landy has over his entire life and she doesn't like it. She thinks it's unethical, which it is. So she starts raising hell, bringing it to everyone's attention. She even reports Landy to the state attorney general. And of course, Landy doesn't like her back.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
The Beach Boys Scam - The Brian Wilson story
I mean, he doesn't like anyone getting in between him and Brian. So eventually, after she and Brian had been dating for about three years, Landy gets so mad at her that he forbids Brian from seeing her. I guess he's just like, you're not allowed to see her anymore. And he's Brian's legal guardian. So Brian just stops seeing Melinda.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
The Beach Boys Scam - The Brian Wilson story
And eventually, after all this hell has been raised, Brian's family gets involved in all this. And they don't like what's going on. And at some point, they get a hold of a copy of a will that Brian had allegedly made out. And in this will, he states that if he dies, he's going to give Dr. Landy 70% of all his assets. 70%. And this is the last straw for everyone.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
The Beach Boys Scam - The Brian Wilson story
They're not gonna let Brian give 70% of everything he's earned to his shady therapist. So the family ends up suing Dr. Landy and they file a restraining order against him. And this story blows up and Dr. Landy has to like go on TV and try and defend himself.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
The Beach Boys Scam - The Brian Wilson story
It's... Now eventually, Brian's family wins and the court bars Landy from ever contacting Brian again. Good. That same year, with Landy out of his life, Brian reconnects with Melinda and they fall back in love and they get married a few years after that. And eventually she gets him reevaluated and gets his mental condition properly diagnosed.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
The Beach Boys Scam - The Brian Wilson story
And doctors discover that he has not paranoid schizophrenia, but a schizoaffective disorder with a mild bipolar disorder, which is a different thing and is treated differently. And once they treat Brian properly and get him the right meds, he ends up doing a lot better. Good for him. And here's what he looks like now in real life.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
The Beach Boys Scam - The Brian Wilson story
So he does what a lot of rock stars do. He starts using drugs, heavily. And he gains a bunch of weight, and sometimes he has nervous breakdowns, and he's been hearing voices. And because of all this, he stops touring, and he stops recording with his band. Bro is just a mess. So one day, Brian's wife, who we'll just call wife, she gets worried about him, and she seeks out a psychologist to help.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
The Beach Boys Scam - The Brian Wilson story
The psychologist ends up being Dr. Landy. And Dr. Landy, the guy who wants nothing more than to be around celebrities, he agrees to help. So he starts to work with Brian and immediately he diagnoses him as a paranoid schizophrenic. And this diagnosis is important because it's the wrong diagnosis. But we'll get to that.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
The Beach Boys Scam - The Brian Wilson story
Regardless, Landy starts helping Brian and he puts him on this controversial new type of therapy treatment he came up with. It's an intensive 24-hour therapy program. where he hires assistants to watch over Brian constantly, and he has him start a fitness routine, and he gets him to start eating better, and he gets him on medication.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
He Escaped From Prison 5 Times - The Michel Vaujour story
So this French guy, his name's Michel. And Michel has successfully broken out of prison five different times. Until... Well, you'll see. So Michel's pretty good at busting himself out of prison. Like once he snuck out by hiding in a delivery truck. Another time he scaled the wall with one of those ropes made of bed sheets. Bro is a pro at this. He's like the MacGyver of prison breaks.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
He Escaped From Prison 5 Times - The Michel Vaujour story
Oh, but it's not over because then Michelle and Nadine, they run off and they hide out in the countryside for about two years. And unfortunately, that's when they run into another big problem. Nadine is pregnant. And if you know anything about babies, babies aren't cheap. So again, they need money to live and to raise this kid. And Michelle is like, well, guess I gotta go rob some more places.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
He Escaped From Prison 5 Times - The Michel Vaujour story
Because as clever of a guy as he is, I guess he just doesn't know how to do anything else. So he's gotta steal shit. And of all the places he could rob, he chooses... a bank, a heavily guarded bank. So he goes to rob this bank and during this robbery, it's all chaos and it all goes wrong and police show up and he ends up shooting a police officer.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
He Escaped From Prison 5 Times - The Michel Vaujour story
And so he gets caught and he's sent back to prison again, this time with an even longer sentence. Oh, but you know, Michelle, he's not going to stay in prison for long before he tries to escape again. And it takes a few years, but eventually he and Nadine, they come up with a plan to bust him out. And this plan is wild. In fact, it's probably the craziest prison break story I've ever heard.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
He Escaped From Prison 5 Times - The Michel Vaujour story
So first, Nadine goes, and she gets helicopter flying lessons from an instructor. And she takes these lessons, and after a few months of dedication, she passes the exam, and she legitimately gets her helicopter pilot's license. And this is an actual photo of her sitting in a helicopter during a lesson. And apparently she's a decent student. She actually ends up being pretty good at flying.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
He Escaped From Prison 5 Times - The Michel Vaujour story
So then one day she goes to visit Michelle in prison and she low-key slips him a note. This note tells him to meet her on the roof of the prison on the morning of May 26th, 10 a.m. And Michelle's like, all right. Now, to get on the roof of the prison, Michel is gonna need to create a distraction.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
He Escaped From Prison 5 Times - The Michel Vaujour story
So he and his prison buddy, this guy, Pierre, they steal a bunch of nectarines from the prison cafeteria, and they paint them to look like grenades. Like I said, bro is the MacGyver of prison breaks. But anyway, then the big day finally comes. May 26th, 10 a.m. And just before this, Nadine, with her new pilot's license, she goes and she rents a helicopter.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
He Escaped From Prison 5 Times - The Michel Vaujour story
But then one day, it all changes. Because while he's a fugitive on the run, he meets this woman, Nadine. And Nadine, she's a bit of a turd herself. She's got a criminal record too. And she thinks Michelle is foint. And they hook up and they fall in love and they live a life where they have to move around the countryside a lot so that Michelle doesn't get caught.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
He Escaped From Prison 5 Times - The Michel Vaujour story
And she and an accomplice fly about 19 miles to Paris proper, and they hover the helicopter over the prison. Meanwhile, inside, Michel, he hears the approaching helicopter outside. So he and Pierre, they pull out their fake nectarine hand grenades. And they're like, we're going to blow this whole place up if you guards don't back off. And to the guards, these look like real grenades.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
He Escaped From Prison 5 Times - The Michel Vaujour story
So they listen and they back away. And Michelle and Pierre, they make their way up to the roof. And then they bust out. And they see Nadine's helicopter is hovering there above them. And she throws a rope down. And Michelle, he starts to climb up it. And Nadine's accomplice, he pulls out a pew-pew to cover Michelle while he climbs up.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
He Escaped From Prison 5 Times - The Michel Vaujour story
And believe it or not, there are actual photos of all of this going down. And like you can see Michelle there hanging from the helicopter and all the prisoners down below are cheering him on like, yay, go Michelle. I mean, this is all just entertainment to them. Like one of their fellow inmates is busting out. How could they not cheer them on?
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
He Escaped From Prison 5 Times - The Michel Vaujour story
Anyway, so Michelle gets into the helicopter and the guards are closing in. And Nadine, she panics and she pulls away and she flees. And poor Pierre is still standing there. And he's like, oh, sacre bleu, as the guards tackle him. They left Pierre behind so that they could get away. Imagine being Pierre and doing all that work to orchestrate a prison break.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
He Escaped From Prison 5 Times - The Michel Vaujour story
And then that prison break is successful, but your partners in crime panic and they accidentally leave you behind, that poor guy. So anyway, further away, Nadine lands the helicopter in a soccer field nearby and the three fugitives, they abandon it and they flee. And so they're out now, which means that once again, Michelle has successfully escaped from lockup.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
He Escaped From Prison 5 Times - The Michel Vaujour story
But then about four months go by and French police, they're able to track Nadine down and bam, they arrest her. And she gets 10 months in prison, which to me, 10 months seems a little light for the crazy stunt they just pulled, but whatever, they caught her. Meanwhile, Michelle doesn't get caught. He's still hidden and he goes and he tries to rob yet another bank.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
He Escaped From Prison 5 Times - The Michel Vaujour story
And during the robbery, police show up and there's this whole big shootout. And then kaboom, an officer shoots Michelle right in the head. Now, lucky for him, he actually survives. And he's in a coma for a while and he's paralyzed on one side of his body, but eventually he recovers.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
He Escaped From Prison 5 Times - The Michel Vaujour story
And that's when they send him to a maximum security prison, which is probably where they should have sent him four prison breaks ago. But regardless, over time, he and Nadine end up getting a divorce. And while he's in this prison, this woman on the outside, her name's Jamila, Jamila, she starts writing him and they become pen pals and eventually they fall in love.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
He Escaped From Prison 5 Times - The Michel Vaujour story
Now, the crazy thing is she also ends up trying to break him out. And not only does she try to break him out, but she tries to break him out roughly the same way that Nadine did all those years before with a helicopter. So Jamila hijacks a helicopter by sticking up the pilot and she has him fly them to Michelle's new prison, but they don't even get close to the prison.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
He Escaped From Prison 5 Times - The Michel Vaujour story
The plan fails and Jamila's arrested and she gets seven years. Meanwhile, Michelle, he serves his sentence, he spends 17 years locked up, he never successfully escapes from prison again, and he actually got out legally in 2003. So he's out now, and here's what he looked like in real life.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
He Escaped From Prison 5 Times - The Michel Vaujour story
But eventually they run into a big problem. They're out of money. And Michelle can't just go get a regular job. He's a fugitive on the run. So he's like, guess I'll just start robbing places. And so he starts robbing places and people. And soon enough, police catch up to him and they bust him. So he goes to prison for like the fourth time in his life.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
He Escaped From Prison 5 Times - The Michel Vaujour story
And he and Nadine actually get married while he's in prison. And I'm sure it was a beautiful ceremony. But he's not there long before he gets a crazy idea to bust himself out again. And one day he gets a bar of soap and he carves it to look like a pew pew. And he paints it black with shoe polish. I gotta say, carving a believable firearm out of soap, that's actually pretty impressive.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
He Escaped From Prison 5 Times - The Michel Vaujour story
But anyway, then he has to go to court for a hearing. And while he's there, he pulls out his fake soap pew-pew, and he threatens to shoot everyone in the room. And by doing this, he's able to escape prison yet again. And honestly, at this point, I'm like kind of cheering for him.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
The Bling Ring - The Rachel Lee story
So this 19 year old girl, she ends up robbing a bunch of celebrities. Now the girl, her name's Rachel. And Rachel lives a nice, comfortable, upper middle class life. But for some reason, this life is not enough for her. She wants more.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
The Bling Ring - The Rachel Lee story
And I typically earn anywhere from 5% to 15% cash back at the restaurants, grocery stores, and convenience stores. And I earn up to 25 cents per gallon cash back at gas stations, which you just saw me do. And top earners on Upside are getting as much as $300 cash back every month. And yes, it's real cash back.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
The Bling Ring - The Rachel Lee story
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Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
The Bling Ring - The Rachel Lee story
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Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
The Bling Ring - The Rachel Lee story
And so one day, Rachel and her best friend, this guy, Nick, Nick's 18, Rachel and Nick, they decide, hey, let's cruise through some rich neighborhoods and break into some cars. So they do this, and they get some decent stuff from it. But that's still not enough for Rachel. She still wants more. Now, they live in the Los Angeles area, in Calabasas. So they get this idea.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
The Bling Ring - The Rachel Lee story
And one night, Rachel and Nick, they make their way over to Paris Hilton's house. And they're kind of nervous because they have no idea what they're actually doing. And luckily, Paris isn't home. And when Rachel and Nick get to the door, they discover that breaking in is going to be really easy because Paris actually left a key underneath the doormat.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
The Bling Ring - The Rachel Lee story
But even so, they don't even really need that key because Paris also left the door unlocked. Anyway, so they enter into the house and they walk around and they go into her bedrooms and they go through all her things and they steal some designer bras and some bottles of Grey Goose and some cash from her safe, which Paris also left unlocked. And after that, they just leave and they get away.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
The Bling Ring - The Rachel Lee story
And the best part for Rachel and Nick is they don't get caught. because either Paris didn't report that she was robbed or she just didn't notice. Either way, Rachel and Nick are like, hey, that was dope. We just got away with robbery. And Rachel even puts like Paris's spare key that they found on her own key ring.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
The Bling Ring - The Rachel Lee story
And later they actually used this key to rob Paris's house four more times over the next few months. Now of course, because Rachel and Nick are 18 and 19 years old, they can't keep this a secret from their friends. They gotta flex. So they go around and they start yapping to some of their homies and now some of them want in on this action.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
The Bling Ring - The Rachel Lee story
And so some of their friends start joining in here and there. And by now, Rachel and Nick, they're doing these robberies as often as they can. Apparently stealing lots of like luxury items and designer clothes that they wear when they're like out with their friends. But here's the thing, these guys aren't career cat burglars, so it doesn't take long before they start to get sloppy.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
The Bling Ring - The Rachel Lee story
And one night, they rob Paris Hilton's house again for the fourth time. And one of the friends in Rachel's group, he steals almost $2 million worth of jewelry from her. And of course, this time Paris eventually notices and she reports it to the police.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
The Bling Ring - The Rachel Lee story
And on another night, the group, they actually break into this reality TV star's place, Audrina Partridge, and they take $43,000 worth of stuff, a laptop and some jewelry and stuff like that. But Audrina Partridge catches them on security camera and she posts that footage on her website so that people will see the burglars and hopefully be able to identify them and turn them in.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
The Bling Ring - The Rachel Lee story
Once she posts this footage to her website, TMZ and the local news stations, they pick up this story and they run the video for everyone to see. But lucky for Rachel, no one recognizes them and no one comes forward to turn her in. So the crew keeps going. And they rob Rachel Bilson's house like six different times over two months and they take over $130,000 in things.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
The Bling Ring - The Rachel Lee story
They rob Orlando Bloom's house and they end up taking a half million dollars worth of art and Rolexes. So these guys are going strong and it seems like they might never get caught. Until, until the gang decides they're gonna hit Lindsay Lohan's house. And this is where they screw up.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
The Bling Ring - The Rachel Lee story
Because while they're there at Lindsay Lohan's house, stealing a ton of whatever Lindsay Lohan has in her house, security cameras catch them again. And I guess later, Lindsay Lohan notices all her is missing and she takes the security footage and she gives it to police. And police, they release that footage to the public.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
The Bling Ring - The Rachel Lee story
So now there are two videos of Rachel and her friends circulating around for everyone to see. And of course, this story makes the news again, and at some point, the media starts referring to Rachel, Nick, and her friends as The Bling Ring, which is kind of a cool name.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
The Bling Ring - The Rachel Lee story
One of the crazy things about this story is when it hits the news and the public starts hearing about The Bling Ring, people are actually cheering them on. Like they're all rooting for them, the thieves, to succeed. Because during this time, celebrity hate feels like it's at an all-time high.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
The Bling Ring - The Rachel Lee story
Like people see Paris Hilton and Lindsay Lohan on TV, and they just see them as like spoiled little train wrecks. Not as human beings who are having their privacy and their personal property violated. So it feels like the general public just has no sympathy for these people getting robbed. Anyway, once this second security video goes public, that's when people start recognizing them.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
The Bling Ring - The Rachel Lee story
They're like, hey, celebrities live around here. Why don't we rob some of their houses? They probably got some good stuff and we can look up where they live online. This is their plan. And so they go and they choose their first victim, Paris Hilton. All right, real quick. You know what everyone could use a little more of? Cash back. That's why I like using Upside.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
The Bling Ring - The Rachel Lee story
And Rachel and Nick, they've bragged about these robberies at parties and in social settings so much that people start putting two and two together and the police, they start getting tons of tips from people. And police already had suspicions about Rachel and Nick just because of all the rumors that had been flying around. because they just couldn't keep their mouth shut about it.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
The Bling Ring - The Rachel Lee story
So anyway, bam, police go and they arrest Nick. Here's his mugshot. And he denies everything, but eventually he gives in and he snitches on everyone else in their crew. And bam, one by one, they all get arrested. Here's Rachel's mugshot. And here are other mugshots from other members of the Bling Ring.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
The Bling Ring - The Rachel Lee story
And poor Rachel, she's sentenced to four years in prison and Nick is sentenced to two years in prison and another guy gets three years and another woman gets 180 days in jail and three others get sentenced to probation. So, shout out to keeping your door locked, I guess.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
The Bling Ring - The Rachel Lee story
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Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
The Bling Ring - The Rachel Lee story
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Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
The Who Wants to Be a Millionaire Scam - The Charles Ingram story
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Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
The Who Wants to Be a Millionaire Scam - The Charles Ingram story
Dann endet der erste Tag im Filmen. Die Produzenten denken, dass Charles keine Chance hat. Er ist dumm. Er kämpft mit einfachen Fragen. Aber anyway, Charles and Diana go home and this is where they enact their plan to cheat. The plan is, Diana wants to feed Charles answers while she's sitting in the audience.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
The Who Wants to Be a Millionaire Scam - The Charles Ingram story
And they know they can't use like an earpiece to communicate or anything like that, because the show would check for that and they'd get caught. So instead, they decide to go even simpler. All the show questions are multiple choice. So, they're just gonna have Diana sit in the audience and when Charles is about to answer a question, when he says the correct answer out loud, she'll cough.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
The Who Wants to Be a Millionaire Scam - The Charles Ingram story
And in order to make the plan foolproof, they call this guy, Wittek. And Wittek... Er ist ein gut genuger Kerl, er ist ein College-Lektor und er war auch schon drei Mal auf dem Show. Und er wird den nächsten Tag versuchen. Sie fragen Wittek, ob er ihnen mit ihrem Scam helfen kann. Und Wittek sagt, ja, guter Show, oder was auch immer. Und so wird er auch auf den Seitenlinien kacken.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
The Who Wants to Be a Millionaire Scam - The Charles Ingram story
Dann, die nächste Nacht, gehen sie alle zurück in den Studio, um zu beenden. Und Charles ist im Hotseat. Und Diana sitzt im Publikum. Und Wittek sitzt auf den Seitenlinien. Und Charles, er wird gefragt, wer der zweite Mann von Jackie Kennedy ist. Und wenn er eine Antwort lest, und wenn er die richtige lest, kackt entweder Diana oder Wittek oder jemand.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
The Who Wants to Be a Millionaire Scam - The Charles Ingram story
Und du kannst den Kack hören, wenn du die Fotos siehst.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
The Who Wants to Be a Millionaire Scam - The Charles Ingram story
But whatever, he gets the question right and his winnings are now up to 8,000 pounds. Then they move on to the next question and the next. And at some point the camera is on Diana in the audience and you can see her coughing to signal him. Jetzt, an diesem Punkt im Show, werden die Produzenten ein wenig bescheuert. Als wäre hier etwas seltsam.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
The Who Wants to Be a Millionaire Scam - The Charles Ingram story
Denn Charles ist so unsicher über all die Antworten, die er gibt, dass all die Antworten, die er gibt, korrekt werden. Aber sie haben keine echten Beweise, dass er etwas falsch macht, also lassen sie den Show weitergehen. Egal, sein Plan funktioniert und Charles bekommt Frage nach Frage recht. Mit Diana kacken oder Wittek kacken. And his winnings keep climbing up. 32,000 pounds. 64,000 pounds.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
The Who Wants to Be a Millionaire Scam - The Charles Ingram story
So this guy is about to cheat at a game show and it's gonna make him rich. Now his name is Charles and Charles is a Major in the British Army and he's also broke as f***. And one day he's with his wife, this woman, Diana, and he and Diana are looking at their finances and they're like, oh bugger. How are we going to pay all this debt? Here's the thing though.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
The Who Wants to Be a Millionaire Scam - The Charles Ingram story
125,000 pounds. 250,000 pounds. A half a million pounds. And soon enough, Charles is on the final question of the show. Worth one million pounds. Oder etwa 1,3 Millionen US-Dollar. Und die Produzenten des Shows, die schweigen, weil sie wissen, dass er irgendwie verheiratet ist. Also dann schreibt der Host die letzte 1-Millionen-Pound-Frage. Und es ist eigentlich eine ziemlich einfache Frage.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
The Who Wants to Be a Millionaire Scam - The Charles Ingram story
Und natürlich weiß Charles die Antwort nicht. Wie gesagt, er ist nicht gut bei diesem Thema. Und das ist der Grund, warum er lüftet. Aber glücklich für ihn ist sein Kopf-Squad da, um ihn zu retten.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
The Who Wants to Be a Millionaire Scam - The Charles Ingram story
Also gibt Charles die Antwort. Eine Google. Und natürlich... Du hast es gewonnen. 1 Million!
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
The Who Wants to Be a Millionaire Scam - The Charles Ingram story
So Charles and Diana have officially won. Their plan worked. And they are now rich. Until... So Charles and Diana go back to their dressing room. But instead of celebrating, they start yelling at each other. They're in a fight for some reason. And security guards can hear them. And producers can also hear them. Now, allegedly, Charles wasn't supposed to go all the way to one million pounds.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
The Who Wants to Be a Millionaire Scam - The Charles Ingram story
He was supposed to stop before that. Because if he had only won like 100,000 pounds and stopped, no one would have suspected that he was cheating. But I guess at the last minute he got greedy and he decided to go all the way to 1 million. And now Diana is mad at him because she thinks his greed is going to get them caught.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
The Who Wants to Be a Millionaire Scam - The Charles Ingram story
Jetzt, dieser Kampf, den die Produzenten hier haben, macht sie noch zusätzlicher. Und sobald Charles und Diana weggehen, fangen die Produzenten sofort an, die Fotos des Episodes durchzuschneiden, um irgendwelche Beweise dafür zu suchen, dass sie verletzt haben. Und natürlich bemerken sie das Kichern. Und sie sind so wie, ich wusste es! Dieser Arschloch verletzt!
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
The Who Wants to Be a Millionaire Scam - The Charles Ingram story
Also muss ein Produzent literal Charles anrufen und ihm sagen, dass sie den 1-Millionen-Dollar-Scheck nicht ermöglichen werden.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
The Who Wants to Be a Millionaire Scam - The Charles Ingram story
Und sie gehen alle ins Gefängnis und sie werden alle verurteilt und Charles und Diana werden 18 Monate verurteilt und Wittek 12 Monate verurteilt. But their sentences are suspended, so none of them actually see any prison time. Anyway, here's how Charles and Diana look in real life.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
The Who Wants to Be a Millionaire Scam - The Charles Ingram story
Not too long before this, Diana and her brother had both competed on a game show. Who wants to be a millionaire? And by doing that, they won a little bit of money. So Diana and Charles think, what if Charles goes on the show? Maybe he could win a bunch of money and that would more than get them out of debt. And that's a great plan. But there's a problem. Charles is kind of a dumbass.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
The Who Wants to Be a Millionaire Scam - The Charles Ingram story
I mean, he's not dumb. He's just not the kind of person who knows the answers to a bunch of random trivia questions. And who wants to be a millionaire is not something he would naturally be good at. So he and Diana come up with a plan. A plan to cheat. And we'll get to that plan. Anyway, they sign Charles up to compete on the show. They wait and finally the big moment comes. Game day.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
The Who Wants to Be a Millionaire Scam - The Charles Ingram story
They go to the studio and he starts the first round of the show called Fastest Finger First. Who was fastest? Charles Ingram in three. He makes it through that round and now he's on to the quiz part. In der Quiz-Szene kämpft er mit den ersten Fragen. Wenn er die 4.000-Pound-Szene bekommt, hat er bereits zwei von seinen Lifelines verwendet. Er ist also nicht gut im Spiel.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
He Murdered His Own Mother - The Danish Minhas story
Du liegst in der Badewanne und hörst deinen Podcast. Doch hui, das Plätschern des Wassers wird zum Meeresrauschen und plötzlich fliegst du in den Süden. Ägypten, Kanaren, Griechenland, Türkei, Karibik. Der warme Sand zwischen den Zehen, ein kühles Getränk in der Hand und die Sonne auf der Haut. Nicht träumen. Altours buchen. Alles drin, alles gut, alles für dich. Altours. Alles, aber günstig.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
He Murdered His Own Mother - The Danish Minhas story
Sie will, dass er in die Medizin geht. Egal, Donnish geht auf die Bewerbung zur Polizei und er bekommt ein Interview. Aber jetzt gibt es ein Problem. Er ist 17 Jahre alt, also braucht er seine Mutter, um das Papier zu signen, das ihm ermöglicht. Also bringt er ihr das Papier und natürlich beginnen sie darüber zu kämpfen. Und es ist eine wirklich große Argumentation.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
He Murdered His Own Mother - The Danish Minhas story
Jetzt, an einem Punkt hat Donnish genug. Und er knallt einfach ab. Und er entscheidet sich darum, seine kontrollierende Mutter für gut zu entfernen. Und wie wird er das machen? Nun, er wird einen Hitschmann holen. Hier ist das Problem dabei. Er ist in der Hochschule. Er kennt keine Hitmen. Aber er kennt diesen einen Mann aus der Schule, der in seiner Spanischen Klasse ist.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
He Murdered His Own Mother - The Danish Minhas story
Und dieser Mann heißt Noor. Und Noor handelt mit Drogen und er ist in einer Gang und er ist ein bisschen schädlich. Und Donnish denkt, vielleicht wird Noor es. Also kommt Donnish zu Noor in der Spanischen Klasse und er sagt, hey, möchtest du meine Mutter für mich unerwachsen machen? Und Noor sagt, Nein, Bro. Aber Dhanush drückt ihn immer wieder auf.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
He Murdered His Own Mother - The Danish Minhas story
Er sagt ihm, dass seine Mutter verbreitet ist und dass sie nicht mal seine echte Mutter ist und dass sie seine echten Eltern verabschiedet hat. Keiner von denen ist wahr. Aber am wichtigsten ist, dass Dhanush Noor 5.000 Dollar bietet. Also, als er das hört, ist Noor so... Okay. So then, fast forward to the day of the crime. It's morning. Danish and Noor, they're in school, but they leave early.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
He Murdered His Own Mother - The Danish Minhas story
And Danish drives them to his apartment. And he opens the trunk and he gives Noor a pair of blue latex gloves and a knife. And shortly after, Noor is sneaking inside the apartment. And Mom is there. And I guess she doesn't see him because kaboom, he grabs her from behind. And he takes the knife and he starts stabbing her over and over again. And there's a struggle. And mom fights back.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
He Murdered His Own Mother - The Danish Minhas story
But Noor is stronger than her. And he ends up stabbing her 48 times. Until she's unalived. Und während all dieser Chaos hat der Knife Nors Finger ziemlich schlecht geschliffen und geschnitten. Nun, dieser Schnitt wird später wichtig werden. Dann holt Donnish Nors Finger und fährt ihn zu ihrem anderen Freundeshause.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
He Murdered His Own Mother - The Danish Minhas story
Und dort ruft Donnish 9-1-1 an und er sagt ihm, dass sein Freund Nors sich selbst geschnitten hat, während er einen Teig gegräbt hat. Weil es ist die Weihnachtszeit und niemand wird Fragen über ihn fragen, ob er einen Teig gegräbt hat. So, dann geht Noor ins Krankenhaus und er bekommt Stücke auf der Hand, während Dhanush verlässt und er geht und nimmt irgendeine Frau auf ein erstes Date.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
He Murdered His Own Mother - The Danish Minhas story
Wie Bros Mutter ist gestorben und er ist hier draußen, um zu schlagen. Aber egal, er nimmt dieses Date zu den Filmen und dann über in eine andere Stadt und Dhanush endet diese ganze Nacht auf diesem Date, glaube ich. Und dann, am frühen Morgen, geht er endlich nach Hause, wo sein Moms Körper noch da ist. Und das ist, wo er versucht, sie dort zu entdecken. Und er versucht, schockiert zu werden.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
He Murdered His Own Mother - The Danish Minhas story
Jetzt im Reisebüro oder auf altours.de
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
He Murdered His Own Mother - The Danish Minhas story
Und er versucht, zu weinen. Und er ruft 911.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
He Murdered His Own Mother - The Danish Minhas story
So pretty quickly police arrive and they investigate and they notice a few things. One, there's no sign of forced entry. Two, there's someone's bloody handprint on the doorknob. And three, Danish doesn't have any of his mom's blood on him.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
He Murdered His Own Mother - The Danish Minhas story
Now this is apparently unusual because generally when people find the body of a loved one, they immediately panic and they like try to touch them or shake them or hug them to see if they're still alive and that tends to get blood on them. Du weißt nicht, was passiert ist? Nein, nein, ich habe es nur von Galveston bekommen. Anscheinend ist das eine sehr übliche Sache, die schuldige Menschen tun.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
He Murdered His Own Mother - The Danish Minhas story
Wenn ein Mörder 9-1-1 ruft, werden sie oft einfach ihre Alibis auszulösen, ohne gefragt zu werden. Wie, das war nicht ich, ich habe die ganze Zeit am Chuck E. Cheese gehalten. Das ist im Grunde genommen, was er gemacht hat. Also schauen die Polizei an diesen Jungen, wie, ja, du hattest definitiv etwas damit zu tun.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
He Murdered His Own Mother - The Danish Minhas story
Jetzt, sein Name ist Danish, er ist 17 Jahre alt, er ist ein Senior in der Hochschule und er ist ein perfekter Student. Er ist auf dem Honoraroll, er ist Klassenpräsident, er ist der Hauptstudent-Helper, er ist klug, er ist populär, all das. Aber Danish hat ein Problem. Seine Mutter, die wir einfach Mutter nennen. Die Mutter ist sehr religiös und deshalb sehr strikt.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
He Murdered His Own Mother - The Danish Minhas story
Egal was, die Polizei testet den blöden Handtuch auf der Tür und es ist kein Spiel für Donnish. Also sind sie immer noch sehr bescheuert von ihm. Aber ohne Beweise müssen sie ihn verlassen. Und er geht eigentlich weg, weil seine eigene Mutter unerwachsen ist. Bis... Eines Tages kommen Polizei-Offiziere zur Hochschule und finden Noor. Und sie holen ihn plötzlich aus der Klasse.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
He Murdered His Own Mother - The Danish Minhas story
Und bam, sie arrestieren ihn. Aber sie arrestieren ihn auf einer Drogen-Anzeige. Und die Drogen-Anzeige ist komplett unabhängig vom Mord. Die Polizei weiß nicht, dass Noor in einem Mord involviert ist. Sie arrestieren ihn für Drogen. Und er ist panisch. He's sitting there thinking, oh shit, the police are here. They know what I did. They know that I'm the one who unalived Donnish's mom.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
He Murdered His Own Mother - The Danish Minhas story
What am I gonna do? I'm probably gonna go to jail. Is there anyone who can help me out of this? But then he thinks back to his partner in crime, Donnish. Maybe Donnish can help him. So as the officers are escorting Noor out of the school, he yells back to his friends, tell Danish, tell Danish to give me a call, tell Danish I'm going to jail, because Noor thinks this is about the murder.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
He Murdered His Own Mother - The Danish Minhas story
So now police know he's somehow connected to Danish. So police bring him in and they notice that for some weird reason he's wearing one glove. So they ask him to take the glove off, and he does, and he's still got stitches on his hand from where he cut himself during the crime. And they ask him what happened, and Nur's like, I cut my thumb carving turkey. And police are like, sure you did, Nur.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
He Murdered His Own Mother - The Danish Minhas story
And from there, they connect the dots back to Mom's murder case. Und dann testen sie Nures DNA und natürlich ist sein DNA ein Match für das Blut, das sie auf dem Knochen gefunden haben. Und von dort an, stellt Nure nicht mal einen Kampf ein. Er versucht nicht mal zu blöden, er beginnt sofort zu verurteilen.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
He Murdered His Own Mother - The Danish Minhas story
Und er erzählt den Polizisten alles, dass Donnish ihn als Hitman verabschiedet hat, um seine Mutter nicht lebendig zu machen und dass er versagt hat, ihm 5.000 Dollar zu bezahlen. Und so, bam, wird Donnish verabschiedet. Hier ist sein Mugshot. Also, hier ist Nor's Mugshot. Und Nor wird 40 Jahre im Gefängnis verurteilt, während Danish 50 Jahre im Gefängnis verurteilt.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
He Murdered His Own Mother - The Danish Minhas story
Also, Shoutout zu Houston, Texas, glaube ich.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
He Murdered His Own Mother - The Danish Minhas story
Und während sie hart arbeitet, um sicherzustellen, dass er schöne Kleidung hat, sein eigenes Auto, seine eigene Kreditkarte und fast alles, was er will, erwartet sie auch, dass er auf ihre Regeln folgt. Und sie ist ein Immigranten-Vater, also weißt du, dass sie ihn hart schafft, um zu erfolgreich zu sein.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
He Murdered His Own Mother - The Danish Minhas story
Er hat einen 8 Uhr-Kurz, er ist unabhängig davon, wie oft er seine Freunde außerhalb der Schule sehen kann, und so weiter. And while this may sound like somewhat normal parenting rules to us, to Danish, this is a dictatorship. And he can't live under this fascism. And so this really pisses him off. I mean, he's just trying to live his 17-year-old life and hang out with his friends.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
He Murdered His Own Mother - The Danish Minhas story
And so he starts to get bitter. He is sick of her trying to control him. And so one day, it all starts to go downhill. Because he goes and he tells his mom that he wants to apply to this internship to the Houston Police Department. Weil ich glaube, dass er eine Karriere in der Geheimdienstleistung hat. Und natürlich ist die Mutter nicht glücklich mit dieser Idee.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
The Celebrity Who Robbed a Train - The Ronnie Biggs story
This is Biggs and Biggs is about to become famous for a really weird reason. Now Biggs lives in England and he's kind of a turd. He's been to prison a few times for like break-ins and stealing cars and stuff like that. But one day he's out of prison and he's living a clean life and Biggs wants to buy a house for his wife and his three sons. Problem is, Biggs ain't got no money. He's broke.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
The Celebrity Who Robbed a Train - The Ronnie Biggs story
And that's when bam, all 15 men jump out from their hiding spot and they swarm the train and they get on board and then pow, one of them hits the conductor with the bar, nearly knocking him out. And then some of the other men board the car with all the cash in it and they force the train workers to lie down on the ground.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
The Celebrity Who Robbed a Train - The Ronnie Biggs story
And then eventually when the train comes to a full stop, the 15 men, they start loading the bags of money into two Land Rovers they have parked nearby. Now these guys steal 125 bags of cash. 2.6 million pounds. Which today in US dollars would be worth about 35 million dollars.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
The Celebrity Who Robbed a Train - The Ronnie Biggs story
So then they drive the Land Rovers over to this farmhouse in the country that some of them own so that they can hide out there and divide up the money. And over the next few days they all take their cut of the money and they split and go their separate ways. Now, they have hired some people to come burn down the farmhouse after they leave to hide any evidence.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
The Celebrity Who Robbed a Train - The Ronnie Biggs story
But the people who they hired who were supposed to burn it down, they don't follow through with the plan for whatever reason. And then police end up finding the farmhouse and they get a bunch of the guy's fingerprints and eventually, bam, Biggs gets arrested. Here's his mugshot. And also Bruce and 12 of the other guys get arrested too.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
The Celebrity Who Robbed a Train - The Ronnie Biggs story
So Biggs gets sentenced to 30 years in prison for this, but his story's not over. Because while he's in prison, he decides, eh, this place isn't for me. And so he makes a rope ladder, and one day he uses it to climb over the prison wall, and he escapes. So now he's on the run and he flees from England all the way to Paris. And in Paris, he gets some plastic surgery and he assumes a new identity.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
The Celebrity Who Robbed a Train - The Ronnie Biggs story
Then he moves his wife and family from Paris all the way to Australia. And from there, he and his family stay on the run and they move like three different times and Biggs changes his identity every time. But unfortunately, it's not enough. Because one night, Biggs sees on the local evening news that law enforcement believes he's living and hiding out in the area.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
The Celebrity Who Robbed a Train - The Ronnie Biggs story
And so then Biggs just like straight up ditches his wife and sons. And he gets on a passenger liner and he takes it from Melbourne all the way to Panama. And then from there, he flies to Brazil. And there for about a year, he lives under the radar, working as a carpenter. Here's the thing about Brazil though. At this time, Brazil has no extradition treaty with the United Kingdom.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
The Celebrity Who Robbed a Train - The Ronnie Biggs story
So he calls up an old friend of his, a guy who he met back in prison. This guy, Bruce. And he asks Bruce if he could maybe loan him some money. And Bruce is like, nah, bro. But I'm actually in the middle of organizing a train heist. And he offers to cut him in. And Biggs is like, I... And so the plan is they're going to rob a Royal Mail Train, which is a train that picks up and delivers mail.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
The Celebrity Who Robbed a Train - The Ronnie Biggs story
So Biggs can't get in trouble for his England crimes while he's living there. Lucky bastard. And at this point, he's been on the run for about five years. But he's having a great time in Brazil. He's partying every night, drinking at the clubs. And one night he meets an adult dancer at the club. And we'll just call her second wife because she eventually becomes his second wife.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
The Celebrity Who Robbed a Train - The Ronnie Biggs story
And these two get married and he gets her pregnant. Now, around this time, Scotland Yard shows up to Brazil looking for Biggs and they actually find him and bam, they detain him. Here's his mugshot again. And so Scotland Yard tries to work with Brazilian police to deport Biggs back to England, but Brazilian police are like, nah, bro.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
The Celebrity Who Robbed a Train - The Ronnie Biggs story
A because they don't have an extradition treaty with United Kingdom and B because second wife is pregnant. And there's this whole other Brazilian law that says that you can't be extradited if you are a parent to a Brazilian child. So Biggs is free to go. However, his status as a known criminal means he's not allowed to work. So he's broke all over again.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
The Celebrity Who Robbed a Train - The Ronnie Biggs story
And everyone now knows he's an ex-con because his story has been all over the news. So then what does he do? He becomes a sort of local celebrity and he starts charging local newspapers to do stories and interviews with him and he becomes like sort of a tourist attraction. Like he's the convict who successfully robbed a train and escaped from prison.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
The Celebrity Who Robbed a Train - The Ronnie Biggs story
And so naturally people want to meet him and have him like sign autographs and apparently he's selling mugs and t-shirts. So he starts making money this way. He even stars in a commercial for a Brazilian coffee company. Now, I couldn't find a copy of the commercial, but here's what he actually said in it. When you are on the run all the time, like me, you really appreciate a good cup of coffee.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
The Celebrity Who Robbed a Train - The Ronnie Biggs story
I'm not kidding. Those are his exact words. In fact, the dude is getting so famous that any celebrity that visits Rio de Janeiro during this time always has to stop and meet bigs. Apparently Rod Stewart stops by to meet him and Sting stops by to meet him. The freaking Sex Pistols stop by and write a song with him and they perform it and release it and it becomes kind of a hit.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
The Celebrity Who Robbed a Train - The Ronnie Biggs story
But then sh** gets crazy again. Because one day he goes to a restaurant to meet a reporter for another interview. And while he's there, kapow, a couple of goons jump him and they put him in a sack and they put him on a boat and they take him to Barbados. The kidnappers are of course hoping to get a reward from British police for capturing Biggs.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
The Celebrity Who Robbed a Train - The Ronnie Biggs story
But unfortunately for them, when their boat arrives in Barbados, Barbados is also like, sorry bro, we also don't have an extradition treaty with the United Kingdom. And so they send Biggs back to Brazil where he once again is a free man. And so Biggs, he lives his life as an escaped criminal for about two more decades. before ultimately his health starts to deteriorate.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
The Celebrity Who Robbed a Train - The Ronnie Biggs story
So then finally he gives up and he surrenders and he flies back to England to get the good healthcare he needs. And as soon as his plane lands in England, bam, he's sent back to prison to finish his sentence. But at least he gets good healthcare. And then about eight years later, they let him out. And a few years after that, he passes away. Dude lived a crazy life.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
The Celebrity Who Robbed a Train - The Ronnie Biggs story
Now, one of the cars on that train carries high value cargo, which is just lots and lots of bags of cash. Now, Bruce has a guy on the inside feeding him information about the train schedule and cargo. So he knows exactly when and where to stop this Royal Mail Train carrying all this cash. And along with Bruce and Biggs, there are 13 other guys involved in this heist. So 15 total.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
The Celebrity Who Robbed a Train - The Ronnie Biggs story
But we're just going to focus on Bruce and Biggs. So Bruce and Biggs and 13 other guys, they put on ski masks and gloves and they are ready to go. And they don't have pew-pews because this is England. Instead, they just have some metal bars to beat people with. And so then the big day comes and it's 3 a.m. And all the men go out to the train tracks and they hide.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
The Celebrity Who Robbed a Train - The Ronnie Biggs story
And when they hear the train approaching, a couple of them go to one of those track signals. It's kind of like a stoplight for trains. And they turn off a green track signal and they use batteries to turn on a red signal. And once the train approaches and it sees the red light, it starts to slow way down.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
Falsely Accused of Murder - The Hurricane Carter story
So this famous professional boxer is minding his own business and he suddenly gets arrested and goes to prison for life. And he didn't even do anything wrong. Let me explain. Now the guy, let's call him Hurricane. He's a middleweight boxer and he regularly fights at Madison Square Garden. And bro's got a decent record and he eventually becomes known as The Hurricane.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
Falsely Accused of Murder - The Hurricane Carter story
So they pull over that white Dodge and in that Dodge happens to be Hurricane and John Artis. Now, Hurricane isn't thin and he's not 5'11", so he and John Artis don't match the description of the men who shot up the bar. Regardless, police make them go into the bar and the witnesses there are like, nah, it ain't them. But police aren't done.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
Falsely Accused of Murder - The Hurricane Carter story
They then drag Hurricane and John Artis to the local hospital, and one of the bar customers is there, the one who got shot, the one who got injured, and he's in critical condition. And police ask him if Hurricane and John Artis are the men who shot up the bar, and even he is like, nah, bro, those aren't the guys who shot me. So police have no other choice.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
Falsely Accused of Murder - The Hurricane Carter story
They have to let Hurricane and John Artis go, and they all just move on with their lives.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
Falsely Accused of Murder - The Hurricane Carter story
until several months later police are still working on the case and they turn to Alfred and Arthur to help them out now allegedly they offer them some things like they offer them early parole from their previous sentences they offer to overlook the fact that they took money out of the register that night and most importantly they offer them a
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
Falsely Accused of Murder - The Hurricane Carter story
$12,000 reward if they will identify Hurricane and John Artis as the gunmen. And boy, that money seems to jog their memory. Like all of a sudden, Arthur and Alfred are 100% certain that Hurricane and John Artis were the gunmen and they identify them. It's funny how $12,000 can improve your memory like that. Anyway, that positive ID is all the police need. And bam, they arrest Hurricane.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
Falsely Accused of Murder - The Hurricane Carter story
And then bam, they arrest John Artis. And eventually, the two men go to trial. Now, if you're wondering why the police are so convinced that Hurricane and John Artis did it, and why they're so gung-ho to convict them, there's this whole racial component to this story that I'm not really qualified to talk about in depth.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
Falsely Accused of Murder - The Hurricane Carter story
And one night, Hurricane, he's out on the town and he sees his friend and sparring partner, this guy, John Artis. And they go to a nearby bar called The Night Spot. And they have some drinks and they have a good time or whatever. And they leave and they're driving home. Meanwhile, about a half a mile away, two other men go into a different bar called the Lafayette Bar and Grill.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
Falsely Accused of Murder - The Hurricane Carter story
But just keep in mind that all of this is happening in the 1960s during the civil rights era. And things were, let's just say, a lot more racist back then. So these two guys don't stand a chance. Like white cops, white jury, white witnesses. I mean, what do you think is going to happen? Anyway, in court, Arthur and Alfred, they get on the stand and they testify against them.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
Falsely Accused of Murder - The Hurricane Carter story
And of course, Hurricane and John Artis are both found guilty as f**k. And John Artis gets sentenced to 15 years to life, while Hurricane, he gets sentenced to 30 years to life. But this story isn't over because once Hurricane's in prison, he starts to use all his spare time wisely.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
Falsely Accused of Murder - The Hurricane Carter story
He starts reading law books and typing up legal briefs and doing everything he can because Bro wants a retrial real bad. He wants to get out and he is not giving up until he does. So about seven years go by and he's still in prison. And then, finally, things start to look up a little.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
Falsely Accused of Murder - The Hurricane Carter story
The New Jersey Public Defender's Office and the New York Times both discover and report that Alfred and Arthur had been pressured by police and bribed into giving false testimony on the stand. Also, while he's in prison, Hurricane takes the time to write his autobiography and it gets published. So now people are reading his story and they start to side with him.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
Falsely Accused of Murder - The Hurricane Carter story
And this renews interest in the case and it brings a bunch of attention to what happened to him. And suddenly celebrities and civil rights activists, they start paying attention. And apparently Bob Dylan reads the book and he's so moved by it that he writes a song about it called Hurricane and it becomes a top 40 hit.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
Falsely Accused of Murder - The Hurricane Carter story
Even Muhammad Ali gets involved and he ends up leading a protest march on Hurricane's behalf. So dude is really getting a lot of support out here. And then, finally, his appeal reaches the New Jersey Supreme Court. And they look at the case, and they overturn the guilty conviction and grant them a retry.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
Falsely Accused of Murder - The Hurricane Carter story
And Hurricane and John Artis are let out of prison on bail while they wait for this new trial. Nine months later, the new trial happens. And Alfred's shady ass gets back on the stand and he testifies again against Hurricane and John Artis. And he again identifies them as the gunmen.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
Falsely Accused of Murder - The Hurricane Carter story
And not only that, because of the time period and because racial tensions are so high, the prosecuting attorneys argue that Hurricane and John Artis had unalive those people in the bar because those people were white. And that this murder plot was all some sort of black power revenge killing on white people. It's absurd. But as ridiculous as that sounds, the jury believes it.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
Falsely Accused of Murder - The Hurricane Carter story
Like, oh yeah, that totally makes sense. It's like a reverse racism thing. So then, sadly, Hurricane and John Artis are found guilty as fuck once again. And after nine months of being out on bail, the two go back to prison again for life. And so it looks like Hurricane is just gonna have to sit in prison and continue serving his life sentence. Until again.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
Falsely Accused of Murder - The Hurricane Carter story
Nine years later, the case finally gets in front of federal court. Hurricane's attorneys had filed an appeal. And the court, they look at this case and they look at the prosecution's argument that this was all some kind of black power revenge murder against white people. And they're like, oh, well, this is bullshit.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
Falsely Accused of Murder - The Hurricane Carter story
And at that bar, these two men suddenly pull out pew-pews. And they just start blasting. Blam! Blam! And the customers inside, they all scream and they freak out. And blam! A bullet hits a customer. And then blam! Another one. And then blam! Another one. And then blam! The bartender gets shot. And then the two gunmen, they run. And they hop into their white Chevrolet and they flee.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
Falsely Accused of Murder - The Hurricane Carter story
And they find that the prosecution had actually interfered with the case by coming up with this absurd theory with no evidence behind it. So then 19 years after Hurricane's original conviction, the man is finally released from prison. And John Artis had actually gotten out a little bit before this.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
Falsely Accused of Murder - The Hurricane Carter story
Now the cool thing is, Hurricane, he actually goes on to become an advocate for people who've been wrongly convicted, like he was. He even sets up an organization called Innocence International to help people, which John Artis joins as well. So, good for them. And by the way, here's what Hurricane looks like in real life.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
Falsely Accused of Murder - The Hurricane Carter story
And unfortunately, two of those customers and the bartender end up unalived. And another customer ends up in the hospital. Now, during all this chaos, there are two shady ass dudes hanging around the bar. These two guys, Alfred and Arthur. And Alfred and Arthur, they see everyone panicking and not paying attention, so they go over to the register in the bar and they steal a bunch of cash from it.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
Falsely Accused of Murder - The Hurricane Carter story
Like I said, they're shady ass dudes. So then police show up and they talk to all the witnesses, including Alfred and Arthur, and they get descriptions of what the two shooters look like. Thin black men around 5'11 driving a white Chevrolet. So police search the area and they can't find a white Chevrolet, but they do find a white Dodge.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
The Chuck E Cheese Massacre - The Nathan Dunlap story
So this guy walks into a Chuck E. Cheese one night, and he just starts blasting. Blam! Blam! Unaliving some of the workers. And some people think this massacre inspired a whole-ass video game franchise. Let me explain. Now the guy's name is Nathan. He's 19. And Nathan, he's kind of a turd.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
The Chuck E Cheese Massacre - The Nathan Dunlap story
Now, I don't know if he's in a bad mood or just having a terrible day, but one afternoon, Nathan is playing basketball with his friends, and he decides that this is it. Today is the day, and he says it out loud to his friends. Today is the day I'm going to get revenge on that manager, and I'm gonna rob that Chuck E. Cheese.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
The Chuck E Cheese Massacre - The Nathan Dunlap story
So later that night, around 9 p.m., he gets a pew-pew that he had stolen from a friend's grandmother's house long before this, and he gets that pew-pew and he hides it in his pocket. Then he borrows his girlfriend's car and he drives it to the Chuck E. Cheese. And he goes inside, he sits at a table, he orders a ham and cheese sandwich, and he's acting pretty chill.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
The Chuck E Cheese Massacre - The Nathan Dunlap story
And then he goes and he plays an arcade game. The game he plays is actually Hogan's Alley, which Hogan's Alley is ironically a shooting game where you shoot targets with one of those big red arcade pew-pews. Anyway, after playing Hogan's Alley, Nathan goes and he chats with an employee, a former co-worker of his. And he asks him if that old manager who fired him is working that night.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
The Chuck E Cheese Massacre - The Nathan Dunlap story
And the former co-worker is like, nah, he's not working tonight. And so the guy who Nathan wants to get revenge on isn't even there. And all this resentment building up in him just leads to nothing. So now what's he going to do? Is he going to leave? Is he still going to rob the place?
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
The Chuck E Cheese Massacre - The Nathan Dunlap story
Well, when he sees the last few customers at the checkout counter collecting their prizes that they had won, that's the signal that the restaurant is about to close. So Nathan heads into the men's restroom to hide and figure out what to do. And while he's in there, the customers leave and the Chuck E. Cheese workers, they start closing down the store.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
The Chuck E Cheese Massacre - The Nathan Dunlap story
So Nathan, he's in the bathroom and he's looking at himself in the mirror and he looks at his reflection for maybe 10 minutes.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
The Chuck E Cheese Massacre - The Nathan Dunlap story
trying to decide if he's going to actually go through with this crime he's been planning and that is when he says it he's gonna do it and he walks out of the restroom and he pulls out his pew pew and he first sees an employee and she's cleaning the salad bar and she doesn't even see him and so he walks over to her and he puts his pew pew up to her head and bang she's unalived
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
The Chuck E Cheese Massacre - The Nathan Dunlap story
He's been in and out of trouble his whole life, committing several armed robberies and spending time in a juvenile detention center. But now he has an actual job, working at the pizza place slash arcade, Chuck E. Cheese. where he works as a dough master. I guess that means he makes the pizza dough.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
The Chuck E Cheese Massacre - The Nathan Dunlap story
Then he quickly steps toward another employee. That employee is vacuuming and Nathan holds up his pew-pew and bang right in the face, unalived. Then he sees another employee and she actually sees him shoot the others and she sees him coming and she immediately gets on her knees and she begs him not to unalive her. Don't shoot, I won't tell.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
The Chuck E Cheese Massacre - The Nathan Dunlap story
But because she already saw him unalive two people, he replies, I have to. And he points his pew-pew at her head, and bang! Unalived. Then Nathan runs into the kitchen, and this guy is there. His name's Bobby. Bobby's cleaning up, and he had heard the shots coming from the dining room, but he thought it was the other workers, like, popping balloons. So it didn't alarm him.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
The Chuck E Cheese Massacre - The Nathan Dunlap story
But now he sees Nathan coming toward him, and before he can react, bang! Nathan shoots him right in the jaw, and he falls to the ground. Then Nathan heads to the manager's office where the night manager is. And she's in there and she's logging receipts. And by the time she looks up and sees Nathan, he's already there pointing his pew-pew at her. And he's like, unlock the safe. So she does.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
The Chuck E Cheese Massacre - The Nathan Dunlap story
And immediately after that, bang, Nathan shoots her. Then he takes her purse and he fills it with $1,500 cash from the safe, Chuck E. Cheese keychains, and for some weird reason, a bunch of game tokens. Like he's going to come back one day and try to win some prizes or something. But anyway, after that, he gets in the car and he drives away, fleeing the scene. And he does all that.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
The Chuck E Cheese Massacre - The Nathan Dunlap story
Unaliving innocent people, some of them he knew and worked with and he was cool with them. And he does all of this in a children's restaurant, all for $1,500 and some game tokens. Here's what's really crazy, though. We're actually kind of fortunate that he waited and did it when the restaurant was closing and not when it was open.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
The Chuck E Cheese Massacre - The Nathan Dunlap story
Because if it had been open, if the place had been open, if he had walked into Chuck E. Cheese and started lighting the restaurant up on a Saturday during lunchtime, the place would have been full of kids. And there would have been a lot more casualties.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
The Chuck E Cheese Massacre - The Nathan Dunlap story
Anyway, another side note, allegedly this whole tragic event is what inspired the video game, which later became a whole franchise, Five Nights at Freddy's. Because both Five Nights at Freddy's and this story, they involve murders at a kid-friendly pizza restaurant with animatronics, and both stories involve five victims.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
The Chuck E Cheese Massacre - The Nathan Dunlap story
So yes, there are similarities, but unfortunately, from what I can tell, that's just internet lore. The creator of the game has never claimed Five Nights at Freddy's was inspired by this event, so it just seems to be a weird coincidence that the internet is buzzing about. Anyway, this story's not over because not everyone involved in the shooting actually died.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
The Chuck E Cheese Massacre - The Nathan Dunlap story
But then one night he's working a shift and he goes to talk to his manager because he wants to ask for more hours. So he asked the manager to give him more hours and manager's like, nah, bro. And this makes Nathan mad and they start arguing and it gets heated and pretty quickly, bam, the manager straight up fires Nathan. And Nathan, he doesn't take this firing well. He's pissed off.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
The Chuck E Cheese Massacre - The Nathan Dunlap story
Crazy enough, Bobby, the guy from the kitchen, after Nathan shot him, he fell to the floor and immediately he starts playing dead until Nathan walked past him to go to the manager's office to claim his next victim. So Bobby's not dead. So he gets up and he's all wounded, but he escapes. He runs out the back door of the restaurant and he runs to a nearby apartment complex.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
The Chuck E Cheese Massacre - The Nathan Dunlap story
And he finds a resident and he's like, help, there's been a shooting at the Chuck E. Cheese. So that resident calls 911.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
The Chuck E Cheese Massacre - The Nathan Dunlap story
So then police show up and they find the four workers unalived and they talk to Bobby and he's able to tell them who did it. He's like, yeah, it was this guy who used to work here, Nathan. So then police go to Nathan's mom's house where he lives, but he's not at his mom's house. He's at his girlfriend's house and he's smashing with her. Not exactly the most romantic time to do that, but okay.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
The Chuck E Cheese Massacre - The Nathan Dunlap story
So his mom pages him and she tells him the police want to talk to him. So he stops smashing and he goes home to talk to the police. And eventually, bam, they arrest him. Here's his mugshot. And ultimately he goes to trial and he's found guilty and he's sentenced to death. But later his sentence is changed to life in prison. So shout out to Colorado.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
The Chuck E Cheese Massacre - The Nathan Dunlap story
He feels like he was wronged and he vows that one day he's going to get revenge. And so a bit of time passes and Nathan is still salty thinking about this. He hates that manager. He tells all his friends how he hates that manager. Sometimes he even visits the Chuck E. Cheese to eat and vent to his old Chuck E. Cheese co-workers like this place sucks. That manager sucks.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
The Chuck E Cheese Massacre - The Nathan Dunlap story
And I guess his old co-workers humor him, but they don't really take him seriously. And five months go by, and this resentment has been building up in him this whole time. How dare they fire him when all he did was ask for more hours.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
This Conspiracy Theory Destroyed Her - The Tina Peters story
Du bist immer am Puls der Zeit und gerne up to date? Dann ist der NowBrief des neuen Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra genau das Richtige für dich. Stau auf dem Weg zur Arbeit? Dann wird dir automatisch geraten, früher loszufahren. Es regnet am Zielort? Dann empfiehlt es dir, den Regenschirm mitzunehmen. Mit dem Galaxy S25 Ultra kannst du einen Schritt voraus sein.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
This Conspiracy Theory Destroyed Her - The Tina Peters story
And so then, Tina, Conspiracy Turd, and the deputy clerk, this woman, Belinda, they all three go to the election offices and Conspiracy Turd uses the security badge that they took from IT Guy and he pretends to be there on official government business. And they use that badge to access the passwords. And suddenly they have access to the election systems hard drive.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
This Conspiracy Theory Destroyed Her - The Tina Peters story
So they get some screenshots of the data and they copy everything onto an external drive. And by the way, all of this is very illegal because it's election tampering. But then allegedly conspiracy turd takes all this voting system data and he gives it to a bunch of other conspiracy turds. Und dann, ein paar Monate später, erscheinen einige dieser Voting-Systemdaten auf der Internetseite.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
This Conspiracy Theory Destroyed Her - The Tina Peters story
Passwörter, Videos, Bilder, um die ganze Welt zu sehen. Nun, offensichtlich sind Voting-Maschinen-Daten Informationen, die nicht öffentlich sein sollten. Ein großer Grund dafür ist, dass die Leute diese Informationen nutzen können, um dann die Voting-Maschinen zu hacken. So this is a very big deal.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
This Conspiracy Theory Destroyed Her - The Tina Peters story
And this sensitive information is now on the internet and pretty quickly someone alerts the Secretary of State of Colorado. So then the next day, boom, the district attorney's team goes to Tina's office to investigate and they of course find signs of a security breach. And then, bam, the Secretary of State suspends Tina's position as County Clerk.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
This Conspiracy Theory Destroyed Her - The Tina Peters story
Meanwhile, the Deputy Clerk, Belinda, she's also suspended and barred from going into the office. But Belinda sneaks back in to, like, print some documents or something, and boom, she gets caught and arrested. Here's her mugshot.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
This Conspiracy Theory Destroyed Her - The Tina Peters story
So now, Tina and Belinda are officially barred from supervising any elections because they knowingly took voting machine data and gave it to a bunch of conspiracy theorists. But here's where the story gets out of control. A few months later, Belinda goes to trial and Tina shows up to support her. And while Tina's sitting in court, she pulls out her iPad and she starts recording.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
This Conspiracy Theory Destroyed Her - The Tina Peters story
You can see her with the iPad here, there she is, and there's the iPad. Now, you're not allowed to video record a court proceeding, especially when they specifically tell you not to. So, some people spot her recording and she gets caught and charged with contempt. And the judge issues a search warrant for that iPad. Dann, am nächsten Tag, geht Tina zu einem lokalen Bagelshop.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
This Conspiracy Theory Destroyed Her - The Tina Peters story
Und die Polizei zeigt sich mit einer Suchwahrnehmung für das iPad. Und Tina, sie wird einfach nicht kooperieren.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
This Conspiracy Theory Destroyed Her - The Tina Peters story
Diese Frau ist eine Verschwörungstheoristin. Und ich weiß nicht, ob sie glaubt, dass die Erde flach ist oder was auch immer. Aber es gibt eine Verschwörung, die sie für eine lange Zeit in Gefängnis bringen wird. Lass mich das erklären. Seine Name ist Tina und sie ist ein Städtebürgermeister und die Person, die sicher macht, dass jede Wahl in ihrem Städte betroffen ist während einer Wahl.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
This Conspiracy Theory Destroyed Her - The Tina Peters story
Sie versucht sogar, die Offiziere zu kicken, als sie sie kippen.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
This Conspiracy Theory Destroyed Her - The Tina Peters story
Und wir sehen das wieder in Slow Motion.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
This Conspiracy Theory Destroyed Her - The Tina Peters story
Aber letztendlich bekommen sie das iPad von ihr und bringen sie draußen und sie kämpfen sie die ganze Zeit.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
This Conspiracy Theory Destroyed Her - The Tina Peters story
Du hast mich verletzt!
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
This Conspiracy Theory Destroyed Her - The Tina Peters story
Lass mich los! Du verstehst das. Lass mich los jetzt! Aber Tina wird immer noch nicht kooperieren.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
This Conspiracy Theory Destroyed Her - The Tina Peters story
And anyway, she eventually does get arrested. Here's her mugshot. Now, after she's arrested and this video goes viral, other conspiracy theorists, who also think the presidential election was stolen, they hear about this and they get so mad, they call 911 in Tienes County to express their outrage.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
This Conspiracy Theory Destroyed Her - The Tina Peters story
And it appears like she does everything in her power to control the narrative and delay her trial for the election tampering. Like she fires her lawyers a bunch of times. She tries to run for Secretary of State, thinking maybe getting elected into public office will help her get out of all this. But she doesn't win.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
This Conspiracy Theory Destroyed Her - The Tina Peters story
And this whole time she's still speaking publicly and insisting that the 2020 presidential election was rigged and that it's all part of some deep state conspiracy.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
This Conspiracy Theory Destroyed Her - The Tina Peters story
Und sie, die weiterhin diese Falschinformationen verbreiten, ist eine Verletzung ihrer Beziehung. Und dann, bam, wird sie wieder verhaftet. Hier ist ein weiterer Mugshot. Und sie kommt auf den Befehl, also ist sie wieder frei. Aber diese Frau ist ein absoluter Menace. Er wusste, was mit seinem Badge passieren würde. Ja.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
This Conspiracy Theory Destroyed Her - The Tina Peters story
So then police, they go and raid IT guy's family's house and they confiscate all of his family's phones and a bunch of their electronics and they end up getting a bunch of hate mail from random people and then months later the FBI raids his house a second time and they take the rest of their electronics. Tina is just out of control for blaming that guy. Is anyone gonna stop her?
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
This Conspiracy Theory Destroyed Her - The Tina Peters story
UNTIL... An irgendeinem Punkt, während all' des, wird die Staatsanwältin Belinda wütend. Sie entscheidet sich für eine Begründung für den Wahlkampf. Und ihre Begründung betrifft, sich gegen Tina zu bestätigen. Aber Tina, sie ist überhaupt nicht überrascht. Ich meine, sie ist immer noch draußen und spricht öffentlich über den Fall.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
This Conspiracy Theory Destroyed Her - The Tina Peters story
Und eines Tages passiert die 2020-Präsidentie-Wahl. Und leider für Tina ist ihr Lieblingskandidat nicht gewonnen. Also, weil sie ein Konspiratestheorist ist, beginnt sie zu denken, dass die Wahl übernommen wurde. Und sie ist überzeugt, dass es eine Art Deep-State-Konspiratie ist.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
This Conspiracy Theory Destroyed Her - The Tina Peters story
Was denkst du, die Chancen sind, dass du ein Jahr oder zwei nach jetzt im Gefängnis bist?
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
This Conspiracy Theory Destroyed Her - The Tina Peters story
So then, after three years of court delays, the election tampering case finally goes to trial. And of course, Tina can't help herself. She's got to speak up in court. And she argues that she shouldn't be sent to prison for election tampering because one of the reasons she gives is that she thinks she shouldn't be sent to prison because the prison beds aren't up to her standard.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
This Conspiracy Theory Destroyed Her - The Tina Peters story
But the judge, he is just not having it. And he lets her know that she is full of shit.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
This Conspiracy Theory Destroyed Her - The Tina Peters story
You are no hero. You abused your position. And you're a charlatan who used and is still using your prior position in office to peddle a snake oil that's been proven to be junk time and time again.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
This Conspiracy Theory Destroyed Her - The Tina Peters story
So then Tina's found guilty and she's ultimately sentenced to nine years in prison for election tampering. And after all that, I'm sure she still thinks she didn't do anything wrong.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
This Conspiracy Theory Destroyed Her - The Tina Peters story
Also, anstatt ihre Widersprüche an die Stadtanwältin zu informieren, kommt Tina mit einem schadigen Plan dazu, die Votermaschinen in ihrer Stadt zu brechen, um ihre Konspiration zu beurteilen. Aber sie kann nicht einfach in diese Maschinen reinkommen. Es gibt alle Art von Eingriffen und Bedingungen und jemand mit den Passwörtern muss dort in Person sein, um es zu funktionieren.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
This Conspiracy Theory Destroyed Her - The Tina Peters story
Nun, es gibt einen IT-Konsultanten, der in dieses Schema gedrängt wurde und wir nennen ihn IT-Guy. Und er hat Zugang zu den Maschinen, aber wir kommen zurück zu IT-Guy. So anyway, Tina really wants to get into these voting machines. And one day, she gets a hold of IT Guy's security badge. And she gives that badge to another dude. A dude we'll call Conspiracy Turd.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
Murder On a Submarine - The Peter Madsen story
So this journalist takes a ride in a submarine, because she's doing a story for a magazine. But then, all of a sudden, boom! She disappears. And she's never seen alive again. Where did she go? Now the guy who built the submarine she was in, his name's Peter. And Peter's an inventor, he lives in Denmark, and he's kind of a semi-celebrity there. He's like a Diet Tony Stark.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
Murder On a Submarine - The Peter Madsen story
And they're cruising around in the water and there's a photo of it. You can zoom in and you can see the two of them riding along, having a good time. And she texts Olay a few times, a few pics, and then Peter wants to take the sub underwater to show her that it goes underwater. So they take the submarine underwater and she's about to get her interview and she really seems to be having a good time.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
Murder On a Submarine - The Peter Madsen story
Until... Several hours pass, and Kim Wall and Peter haven't come back yet. And Olay, he's starting to get worried. He hasn't heard anything from her. And he tries to go to bed, but he can't sleep. So he grabs his bike and he rides around the area, looking for Kim Wall or for the submarine being docked. But there's still no sign of her. And at this point, it's late. It's 1.45 a.m.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
Murder On a Submarine - The Peter Madsen story
So he calls the police and the Navy to report her missing. And within a few hours, boats and helicopters are all over the area looking for any trace of this missing submarine. But they got nothing. But then, a few hours after that, they finally spot something. It's the submarine, but it looks like it's sinking. And Peter is there, and he's swimming away from it. He's trying to swim to safety.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
Murder On a Submarine - The Peter Madsen story
So they rescue him. And they question him, and Peter tells them that a mechanical defect caused his submarine to sink. And that's why he was swimming away to safety. But then, of course, police are like, uh, where's Kim Wall? And Peter tells them that hours before the interview, he had dropped her off along the shore, before the submarine started to sink.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
Murder On a Submarine - The Peter Madsen story
Now, I don't know what's up with police in Denmark, but pretty quickly they're like, that story's bullshit, and bam, they arrest him. And they charge him with involuntary manslaughter for unaliving Kim Wall. The next day, he appears in court. And in court, he changes his story. He tells the court that he didn't actually drop Kim Wall off along the shore.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
Murder On a Submarine - The Peter Madsen story
He's always building things with his own hands, submarines and rockets.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
Murder On a Submarine - The Peter Madsen story
Instead, he says she actually died inside the submarine. but that her death was a total accident. He claims that she was climbing up the hatch and that he accidentally dropped that hatch on her and it struck her in the head and from that she died.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
Murder On a Submarine - The Peter Madsen story
Then he says he then panicked and that he didn't call the police because he didn't want to get in trouble but instead he dragged her out of the submarine and he tossed her body in the ocean. So basically he says the whole thing was an accident and he was just worried about getting in trouble.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
Murder On a Submarine - The Peter Madsen story
But then, 10 days later, a man is riding a bike around on a small island out near where the submarine sank. When suddenly, boom, he spots something. Something washed up on the shore. And when he goes to check it out, it's... A human torso. Kim Wall's torso. And this torso had been stabbed 15 times, including stab wounds around the vagina area.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
Murder On a Submarine - The Peter Madsen story
So much for that story about the hatch accidentally hitting her in the head. Yeah, but anyway, not only did they find her torso, about a month later, divers are searching around the area and they find more of her body parts. Her head, her legs, some of her clothes, a saw, a knife. So Peter's story is not looking good. It's looking like he brutally unalived her. But then it gets worse for him.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
Murder On a Submarine - The Peter Madsen story
Because police also search all of Peter's things, including his computer. on that computer, they find some pretty extreme videos. Like violent videos, videos of women being unalived, women being tortured and decapitated, really gruesome stuff. Not videos that he himself made, like videos that you'd find on a gore website on the internet.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
Murder On a Submarine - The Peter Madsen story
In fact, he ends up building what is during this time period the largest privately built submarine in the world called the UC-3 Nautilus. It's pretty impressive. But as gifted as Peter is, he also has a dark side.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
Murder On a Submarine - The Peter Madsen story
Now, that being said, someone having interest in violent content doesn't necessarily make them a murderer. But in this case, it does feed into the narrative that he brutally unalived Kim Wall. Okay, so then Peter changes his story again.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
Murder On a Submarine - The Peter Madsen story
Now he says she actually died of carbon monoxide poisoning, and that he panicked and tried to get rid of the body, but that he didn't actually unalive her himself. And of course, this is like the third story he's given, so no one is buying it. Bro is full of sh**. So then that leaves the question, what really happened to Kim Wall?
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
Murder On a Submarine - The Peter Madsen story
Well, using all the forensic evidence and piecing it all together, prosecution are able to give an account of what they believe happened to her. So,
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
Murder On a Submarine - The Peter Madsen story
Peter and Kim Wall they meet up that day and they go out on the submarine and they have a good time then Peter decides to take the submarine under and once they're submerged and there's no way for her to escape and no one can hear her scream suddenly BAM he attacks her and he overpowers her and then he ties her up where she can't move and then he
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
Murder On a Submarine - The Peter Madsen story
tortures her and he essays her then he gets his knife and he stabs her and then he either strangles her or he cuts her throat and unalives her then he cuts her into pieces with a saw he had brought aboard and he dumps those pieces in the ocean and then he intentionally sabotages his own submarine and tries to sink it to hide any sign that a murder took place on it that's why his submarine was sinking when they found him
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
Murder On a Submarine - The Peter Madsen story
So then you have to ask, why did he do it? Why did he suddenly unalive this journalist he had just met a few hours before? Well, prosecutors argue that based on the collection of gruesome videos they found on his computer, he did it to fulfill some kind of weird sexual fantasy. Other than that, we don't really know. Maybe he's just a plain old psychopath.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
Murder On a Submarine - The Peter Madsen story
So anyway, Peter's manslaughter charge is changed to a murder charge and he's found guilty and he's sentenced to life in prison. And here's what he looks like in real life. And a huge shout out to Leonardo.ai for sponsoring this video. If you make videos and you want to make really badass art for those videos, like this or like this, like look at how cool that is. Sign up for Leonardo.ai.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
Murder On a Submarine - The Peter Madsen story
So one day, this Swedish freelance journalist, her name's Kim Wall. Kim Wall hears about all the interesting stuff Peter is doing, and she thinks it'd be really cool to interview him and write up an article for Wired Magazine. So Kim reaches out to Peter a couple of times, but he never gets back to her. And she really wants this story, but it looks like it's just never going to happen.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
Murder On a Submarine - The Peter Madsen story
But then Peter finally responds. He sends her a text and he says, yes, he can do an interview later that same day. And Kim Wall's like, nope. So then they meet up at his workshop for tea. And during that meeting, Peter offers to take her out in his submarine that he built, the UC3 Nautilus. And she's like, yeah, I want to ride in your submarine.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
Murder On a Submarine - The Peter Madsen story
I mean, this is like a once in a lifetime chance to ride in a submarine. How are you going to say no? So then she goes to her partner, this guy, Ole. And she tells Olay that Peter agreed to do the interview with her and he wants to do it in his submarine. So she's going to go with him and she'll be back in a few hours. And soon enough, she's boarding the homemade submarine with Peter.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
She Was Buried Alive - The Michelina Lewandowska story
So this woman is trapped in a box and she can barely breathe and she starts banging on the walls of this box but no one hears her because this box is in a shallow grave underneath the ground. She was just buried alive. Now the guy who buried her, his name is Marcin. He's 19 and he lives in a small town in Poland. And one day he goes to the store and he sees this woman. Her name is Michalina.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
She Was Buried Alive - The Michelina Lewandowska story
He no longer thinks she is so fine. So naturally, pretty quickly, their relationship breaks down. And they start fighting all the time. And soon enough, they're barely even speaking to each other. And Marcin, at this point, he is done. And I guess Mikalina is too. I mean, she can't put up with this anymore. So she tells Marcin she wants to take their son and move back to Poland.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
She Was Buried Alive - The Michelina Lewandowska story
Their son is like three years old at this point. And Marcin, he absolutely wants this relationship to end. But there's a problem. He's worried she'll get full custody of their son. And she'll be living all the way in Poland while he is stuck in England living with his parents. And he'll never get to see his kid.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
She Was Buried Alive - The Michelina Lewandowska story
So then Marcin comes up with a plan to get rid of Michalina and keep custody of their son. And one day he puts that plan into motion. He invites Michalina to go shopping with them and Michalina's like, hell yeah. And she's probably excited because this is the first time Marcin's given her positive attention in a long time. And he's suddenly asking her to hang out. I mean, this is great news.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
She Was Buried Alive - The Michelina Lewandowska story
Maybe they don't have to break up now. Maybe they can stay together. Maybe she doesn't have to move all the way back to Poland and she can stay in England and keep the family unit together for the sake of their son. Maybe he's changed his ways and he'll stop using roids and having violent outbursts.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
She Was Buried Alive - The Michelina Lewandowska story
Maybe he has stopped looking at other women in the gym and he's going to start looking at her again like he used to. Maybe. So she starts getting ready and she's like all in the bathroom doing her makeup and whatnot. Like this is going to be fun. He's being so nice.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
She Was Buried Alive - The Michelina Lewandowska story
Maybe their relationship is improving and she still wears her engagement ring because deep down she's still hoping that maybe it'll work out between them. So anyway, she does her makeup and she comes out of the bathroom and Marcin is standing there in the hallway and suddenly he's not alone. He's got a friend with him. This guy, Patrick. And he's like, hey, Patrick's gonna tag along with us, cool?
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
She Was Buried Alive - The Michelina Lewandowska story
And of course it's not cool. Mikalina is disappointed because what the hell? You're bringing a friend shopping with us? Now, here's where the story gets dark. All of a sudden, Marcin pulls something out from behind his back. A stun gun. And he says he's going to show Mikalina how it works. And then suddenly, bam, he zaps her on the neck with 300,000 volts. And boom, she falls to the floor.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
She Was Buried Alive - The Michelina Lewandowska story
And while she's down, Marcin just keeps zapping her over and over again to make sure she doesn't get up. Then Marcin and Patrick, they tape her legs and her wrists so she can't move. And they tape her mouth shut with packing tape. Then they zap her one last time just as like a final f*** you.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
She Was Buried Alive - The Michelina Lewandowska story
And then they put her in a big cardboard box and they seal up that box and they load it into the trunk of Patrick's car. And they drive way out, deep out into the woods where no one can see them. And they get the box out of the car and they carry it up a hill.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
She Was Buried Alive - The Michelina Lewandowska story
And Marcin thinks Michalina is so fine. So he finds some way to talk to her. He whizzes her up and they totally hit it off. So they start dating and they fall in love and pretty soon they pack up and they move from Poland all the way to England to start their new life together.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
She Was Buried Alive - The Michelina Lewandowska story
And then they throw it into a hole in the ground, a shallow grave that they had previously dug because they had been planning this for a while. Then they start to bury that box with shovels they brought. Now inside this box, Michalina, she is freaking out. She can hear the sound of dirt outside hitting the cardboard. And so she's suddenly aware that she's being buried alive.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
She Was Buried Alive - The Michelina Lewandowska story
How in the hell is she going to get out of this? And so Martin and Patrick, they finished burying the box and then they drag an 88 pound tree branch and they set it over the top of the grave so that there's no way she can get out. She is stuck. Then they walk away and they get in the car and they leave. Leaving Mikalina there in the box underground to be slowly and painfully unalived.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
She Was Buried Alive - The Michelina Lewandowska story
Here's the thing though. Mikalina is scared as f*** but she is not trying to die today. She is going to try everything she can to get out of this. So she waits there in the box quietly until she's sure Marchant and Patrick are gone. Once she's sure, she starts looking for any way to escape. And that is when she remembers she's still wearing that diamond engagement ring he gave her.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
She Was Buried Alive - The Michelina Lewandowska story
So she takes it off and she uses the sharp edges of the diamond side of it and she creates friction on the tape around her wrists. And bam, she ends up cutting the tape. And then she does the same thing and cuts the tape from around her legs. Then she starts slashing and cutting at the cardboard ceiling above her until she slashes a small hole in it.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
She Was Buried Alive - The Michelina Lewandowska story
Then Mikalina just starts punching it and punching it until she punches through it. And she continues just punching and punching and eventually she punches a hole big enough to get her head through. And she pushes herself up through the dirt as hard as she can until eventually her head comes out of the ground like she's a freaking zombie rising from the dead.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
She Was Buried Alive - The Michelina Lewandowska story
And she wiggles herself out of the box and she screams. squeezes out from underneath the tree branch lying on top of the dirt mound and she is out. She had been buried alive for nearly an hour and she's covered in dirt and she's all worn out but she's alive. But now time has passed and it's dark and she's deep in the woods. She has no idea where in the hell she is.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
She Was Buried Alive - The Michelina Lewandowska story
But then she hears music off in the distance and it's not very loud, but she can definitely hear it. So she starts walking toward the sound and it turns out it's coming from a nearby pub. Now eventually before she can get to the pub, she reaches a road and she flags down a car that's passing by and she tells them what happened. So they end up calling the police.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
She Was Buried Alive - The Michelina Lewandowska story
So police, they investigate, and they track down Patrick's house, and they go there, and Marchin and Patrick are there, and bam, they arrest Marchin. And bam, they arrest Patrick too. Now, I don't have mug shots, but here's what Marchin looks like in real life, and here's what Patrick looks like in real life.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
She Was Buried Alive - The Michelina Lewandowska story
Marcin even proposes to Michalina with a diamond engagement ring and that diamond engagement ring will become important later. So anyway, they end up moving in with Marcin's parents and they get steady jobs. A few years later, Michalina gets pregnant and they have a kid. And everything seems to be going well. And it looks like they're building a really good life together.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
She Was Buried Alive - The Michelina Lewandowska story
And so they're both convicted of kidnapping, and Marchin is also found guilty of attempted murder. So Patrick is sentenced to four years in prison, while Marchin is sentenced to 20 years in prison. Good.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
She Was Buried Alive - The Michelina Lewandowska story
Until... At some point, Marcin starts suddenly acting different. Like his personality changes. Like first he gets really into going to the gym and working out and working on his body. No big deal. Michelina doesn't think anything about it. Bro's just getting in shape. But then he starts going to the gym five times a week and he starts using roids and slowly his temperament starts to change.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
She Was Buried Alive - The Michelina Lewandowska story
He becomes kind of an asshole and he and Michelina start arguing a lot. And when they argue, Marcin starts having these crazy violent outbursts. Meanwhile, while he's at the gym working out, Marcin starts meeting other women and he starts flirting with them. And in turn, he's looking at poor Mikalina like she's suddenly boring. And he's simply not attracted to her anymore.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
He Killed People And Then Wrote a Novel About It - The Vlado Taneski story
So this journalist is about to unalive some people so that he can write news articles about the murders. Let me explain. Now the journalist, his name is Vlado, and he lives in a small town in Macedonia, and he's a bit messed up in the head. Apparently, he had always had a super contentious relationship with his late mother. And bro's allegedly got some mommy issues.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
He Killed People And Then Wrote a Novel About It - The Vlado Taneski story
And he goes and he interviews some of her friends and family members about the crime. He even reports on the trial of the two random guys who were wrongly accused of unaliving Mitra. Which, by the way, those two guys who were falsely accused, they ultimately both get sentenced to life in prison. But don't feel bad for these two guys.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
He Killed People And Then Wrote a Novel About It - The Vlado Taneski story
Part of why they're murder suspects in the first place is because they actually unalived someone else, a totally different, unrelated guy, which they admitted to. So they get life in prison. Anyway, three years pass, and Vlado still hasn't been caught. And he's feeling pretty confident. He's ready to do it all over again. And that is when he sets his sight on this woman. Her name is Labicha.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
He Killed People And Then Wrote a Novel About It - The Vlado Taneski story
And Labicha's 56, and like Mitra, she also works as a cleaner, and she's also familiar with Vlado's mom. So she is just his type. And all these people live in the same small neighborhood, so Vlado and all his victims, they all know each other. But one day, just like Mitra, Lubica leaves her place to go buy groceries. That is when Vlado shows up. But suddenly, boom, Vlado just kidnaps her.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
He Killed People And Then Wrote a Novel About It - The Vlado Taneski story
And then he takes her somewhere, to some secret location. And he ties her up, and he beats her, and he essays her, and he keeps her alive there for about three months. And then he finally strangles her with a telephone cord until she's... unalived. And three months after she had been abducted, police find her body in a nylon bag she had been dumped in a ravine near the edge of town.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
He Killed People And Then Wrote a Novel About It - The Vlado Taneski story
And of course, this is a small town in Macedonia, so this murder is huge news. And guess which freelance journalist is right there to cover the story? Flotto. And he's out here, he's like interviewing her friends and her family. And three days after Labiche's body is found, he publishes an article about her.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
He Killed People And Then Wrote a Novel About It - The Vlado Taneski story
Because one day, I guess Vlado finds a way to take out all these frustrations on some women that live in his neighborhood. And so he targets his first victim, this woman, Mitra. Mitra's 64 and she knew Vlado's mom and Mitra even works as a cleaner just like Vlado's mom worked as a cleaner. But one day Mitra leaves her place to go to the grocery store and that is when Vlado shows up.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
He Killed People And Then Wrote a Novel About It - The Vlado Taneski story
And in this article, he actually theorizes that this murder and the Mitra murder might be linked. Like he's telling on himself. Oh, but Vlado's not done, because a few months later, he chooses his next victim, this woman, Zivana. And Zivana's 65, and just like the other victims, she's a cleaner. She also knew Vlado's mom, because they all live in the same neighborhood.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
He Killed People And Then Wrote a Novel About It - The Vlado Taneski story
And one day, she's sitting at home, and she gets a phone call, and it's her friend. And her friend is like, hey, have you heard the news? There's been a horrible car crash and they're saying your son is involved. So Zivana, she goes and she turns on the news on the radio. And yeah, there's a report that there's been a horrible car crash involving her son.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
He Killed People And Then Wrote a Novel About It - The Vlado Taneski story
So Zivana immediately drops everything and she leaves her place. And as she's leaving, her neighbor sees her and he's like, hey, what's going on? And she's like, I think my son was in a horrible car crash. I'm going to the hospital to see if he's there. And then she heads straight for the hospital. And that is the last time anyone sees her.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
He Killed People And Then Wrote a Novel About It - The Vlado Taneski story
And again, it is speculated that while she's on her way to the hospital, Vlado crosses paths with her and he likely offers her a ride. And somehow he gets her alone and he kidnaps her. And then he takes her to some unknown location and he beats her up and he essays her and he strangles her with a telephone cord.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
He Killed People And Then Wrote a Novel About It - The Vlado Taneski story
Then he puts the body in a nylon bag and he ties it up with the same telephone cord he used to unalive her. But after she had left the house that day, that same afternoon, that neighbor that she saw, he gets a knock on the door and it's Zivana's son. And son asked the neighbor, hey, have you seen my mom? I can't find her anywhere.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
He Killed People And Then Wrote a Novel About It - The Vlado Taneski story
And neighbor's like, dude, she went to the hospital because she heard you got in a car accident. Now, of course, Sun had not, in fact, been in a car accident. So he's like, what the f*** are you talking about? And he hadn't been in a horrible car accident because there had been no horrible car accident. It was all a hoax.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
He Killed People And Then Wrote a Novel About It - The Vlado Taneski story
Now, it is speculated that Vlado, who is a journalist, that he called the local radio news station and reported to them that there had been a car crash and that Zivana's son had been involved. so that that radio station would report on it and Zivana would hear it and go out looking for him. And I guess it worked because she did.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
He Killed People And Then Wrote a Novel About It - The Vlado Taneski story
Regardless, nine days later, some people find Zivana's body unalived in a pile of trash that had been dumped next to the local soccer field. And three days after that, Vlado publishes a news article about the murder in one of the biggest national newspapers in Macedonia.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
He Killed People And Then Wrote a Novel About It - The Vlado Taneski story
And in this article, he links the murders of all three women, and he's the first person to suggest that there might be a serial killer on the loose. Like I said, bro's telling on himself. I mean, this man is diabolical, and it looks like he's getting away with it. Until... Here's the thing. When Vlado wrote his news article about Zivana's murder, he took things a little too far.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
He Killed People And Then Wrote a Novel About It - The Vlado Taneski story
For example, in this article, he goes into detail about what type of cord the killer had used, a telephone cord. and how the killer had used the same cord to unalive the victims as he used to tie them up. And none of these details were public information at the time.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
He Killed People And Then Wrote a Novel About It - The Vlado Taneski story
He even writes about how Zivana had possibly been abducted by two men in a car and how they made up a story about her son getting in a horrible accident to get her in that car. And so local police, they start to notice, man, this guy's got a lot of insight into these murders. They're like, we've never mentioned that the killer used a telephone cord. And so police naturally get suspicious.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
He Killed People And Then Wrote a Novel About It - The Vlado Taneski story
And finally, Vlado becomes a suspect. So then police, they go and they test his DNA, and they match it with some DNA found on the murder victims, and surprise, surprise, it's a match. So, bam, they arrest Vlado. And I couldn't find a mugshot, so here's an actual photo of him in police custody.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
He Killed People And Then Wrote a Novel About It - The Vlado Taneski story
But then, three days after his arrest, while he's in jail, he's in his cell, and he goes and he dunks his head in a bucket of water, and he drowns. He unalived himself. So... Shout out to the bucket, I guess.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
He Killed People And Then Wrote a Novel About It - The Vlado Taneski story
Now it isn't clear exactly how he goes about this because there are no witnesses Not sure if he offered her a ride in his car or what, but suddenly bam, Vlado straight up kidnaps her and he takes her somewhere and he starts beating her and then he essays her. And after that, he keeps her alive for several months, which means he would have had to feed her and like take care of her.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
He Killed People And Then Wrote a Novel About It - The Vlado Taneski story
But ultimately he finally strangles her with a telephone cord until she's unalived. Then he stuffs her body into a nylon bag and he ties it up with the telephone cord and he dumps it at an abandoned construction site on the outskirts of town. And two months after she first disappeared, police finally find Mitra's body in the construction site.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
He Killed People And Then Wrote a Novel About It - The Vlado Taneski story
So they investigate and they start accusing these two other random guys of the murder. And eventually they go and arrest those two guys. Meanwhile, Vlado isn't even a suspect. So he like totally gets away with it. Now, remember how I said Vlado is a journalist? Well, pretty quickly, he starts reporting on the case and he publishes a news article about Mitra going missing.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
The Famous French Con Artist - The Christophe Rocancourt story
So this guy, let's call him Frenchy because he's super French. And Frenchy is about to con people out of $40 million. Now Frenchy, he's kind of a turd. He's been in and out of jail for petty theft, forgery, counterfeiting, but
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
The Famous French Con Artist - The Christophe Rocancourt story
And soon enough, he finds himself becoming friends with actual famous people like Mickey Rourke and Jean-Claude Van Damme, and he's trying to do a business deal with Michael Jackson's brother, Jermaine Jackson. Now, as cool as that is, Frenchie is a con man at heart. So he has to start really scamming people to pay his bills and keep up this big lifestyle.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
The Famous French Con Artist - The Christophe Rocancourt story
And he makes a lot of money from this scam. His scam works like this. He takes some unsuspecting sucker out for dinner and champagne at expensive restaurants and he picks up the tab, which gives that person the impression that Frenchie is already rich And that he would never scam you. Then he'll offer this person an investment opportunity.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
The Famous French Con Artist - The Christophe Rocancourt story
Like, you should invest in the clothing store I'm about to open. And of course, the people invest because they trust him. Because they already think he's the rich nephew of someone famous. And so Frenchie cons a lot of people this way.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
The Famous French Con Artist - The Christophe Rocancourt story
Frenchy's also one charming mother like he can talk anyone into anything and one day he decides that instead of petty theft he's gonna go for a really big score and now his girlfriend has a rich father who owns a high-end townhouse in Paris and so Frenchy he creates a fake property deed for this building in Paris that he doesn't own and he tries to sell it for 1.4 million dollars oh but he doesn't stop there
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
The Famous French Con Artist - The Christophe Rocancourt story
And by the way, I'm skipping over a lot in this story because he committed so many crimes and ripped off so many people, I couldn't possibly fit it all in one video. Anyway, eventually he gets reported for some of these crimes and police catch on and boom, he gets arrested.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
The Famous French Con Artist - The Christophe Rocancourt story
But his arrest doesn't last long because he gets out on bail and the day before he's supposed to go on trial, he flees town and he heads from Los Angeles all the way over to the Hamptons in New York. And there he starts making lots of friends again in the social scene because like I said, he's a charming mother . And so he invents another backstory to tell these people.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
The Famous French Con Artist - The Christophe Rocancourt story
He tells them that he's a Rockefeller,
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
The Famous French Con Artist - The Christophe Rocancourt story
one of the richest families in US history so he makes all these new friends and now he has access to all the best parties with rich people in the Hamptons and so he starts conning people all over again and he takes these people out for these big impressive dinners in these fancy places and he starts talking about investments and everybody wants to hear investment tips from a Rockefeller and so again this con works like magic
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
The Famous French Con Artist - The Christophe Rocancourt story
He gets one woman to invest $14,000, another couple to invest $50,000 with him, another woman to invest $25,000, and he cons a real estate agent out of $100,000. And all these poor suckers, they think they're gonna make a ton of money after Frenchy invests for them. But, spoiler alert, he just ends up keeping their money.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
The Famous French Con Artist - The Christophe Rocancourt story
And of course, he uses it to continue living this insane, lavish lifestyle he lives. And it seems like bro is never gonna get caught. Until. So here's the thing about Frenchy. He likes to flex, like he likes to feel rich. And so he tells all his Hamptons friends that he lives in this big mansion on the fanciest street in town. But in reality, he doesn't.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
The Famous French Con Artist - The Christophe Rocancourt story
He's living out of a local bed and breakfast. Now at this bed and breakfast, he hasn't been paying his bill. And eventually the bill builds up to around $19,000. $19,000, what kind of bed and breakfast is this? And so the owners of this bed and breakfast, they get tired of Frenchy's excuses and one day they report him to the police. And so bam, police arrest him again. Here's his mugshot.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
The Famous French Con Artist - The Christophe Rocancourt story
And so Frenchy gives police a fake name and a fake ID and he's able to post bail the next day. And at this point in the story, police have no idea he's a wanted criminal. They just think he's a guy who didn't pay his hotel bill. So Frenchy takes advantage of this and he immediately flees the Hamptons and goes north all the way to Canada.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
The Famous French Con Artist - The Christophe Rocancourt story
Meanwhile, in Canada, Frenchy starts conning people there too. He tells people he's a famous Formula One driver for Ferrari and people believe him. But then he screws up big and he messes with the wrong ones. Because after eight months of living in Canada, he befriends this older businessman and his wife. And he bullshits them and he tells them he's this famous race car driver for Ferrari.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
The Famous French Con Artist - The Christophe Rocancourt story
And they're all impressed. They're like, oh, cool. And Frenchy convinces them to invest $150,000 into some fake business venture he invented. But they eventually realize it's a con and they report him to Canadian police. And so, boom, once again, he gets arrested. And Frenchy spends a year in Canadian prison before he has to return back to the U.S.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
The Famous French Con Artist - The Christophe Rocancourt story
where he pleads guilty to his crimes and he's sentenced to three years, 10 months in U.S. prison. But story's still going, because while he's in prison, Frenchy writes an autobiography where he talks about his crimes, which becomes a bestseller back in France.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
The Famous French Con Artist - The Christophe Rocancourt story
And by the way, in this book, he like actually makes fun of his victims, like he basically mocks them and calls them stupid for believing him. It's very French of him. Anyway, when he gets out of prison, he goes back to France and he's kind of a celebrity there.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
The Famous French Con Artist - The Christophe Rocancourt story
Like he signs a book deal to write a second book and he sells his name for use in a clothing line, Roquencourt Jeans, Roquencourt is his last name. And eventually he befriends this French film director, this woman, Catherine. And Catherine is fascinated by Frenchie's story. And she finds him charming as f***. And so she wants to give him a second chance at life.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
The Famous French Con Artist - The Christophe Rocancourt story
And she casts him as the lead in a feature film she's making. A feature film starring Naomi Campbell. And here's a picture of Frenchie and Naomi Campbell on the red carpet.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
The Famous French Con Artist - The Christophe Rocancourt story
and so catherine and frenchie they start spending lots of time together and they become friends and eventually he starts asking her to borrow money and then he asked her for a little more and then a little more and unfortunately for catherine pretty quickly frenchie ends up conning her out of 700 000 euros or about 760 000 us dollars
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
The Famous French Con Artist - The Christophe Rocancourt story
He continues this string of crimes, and sometime later, he successfully robs a jewelry store. And lucky for him, he doesn't actually get caught for this robbery. But now he's a wanted man. So he decides to flee France, and he goes to the place where he can make some serious money, the United States.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
The Famous French Con Artist - The Christophe Rocancourt story
And because he cons her, the movie project is suddenly canceled. But then Catherine ends up writing another film. She ends up making a semi-autobiographical movie about that, about getting conned by Frenchie. And that movie about getting conned by Frenchie apparently does well and gets really good reviews. So good for her.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
The Famous French Con Artist - The Christophe Rocancourt story
But anyway, Frenchie eventually gets convicted for conning her, and he gets sentenced to 16 months in prison. And it's estimated that in total, over the years, he conned people out of $40 million. Wow. Here's what he looks like in real life.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
The Famous French Con Artist - The Christophe Rocancourt story
And once he's there, he goes to Los Angeles, where he starts making lots of friends in the nightlife scene. Because like I said, he's a charming guy. Now, he doesn't tell anyone he meets that he's just a regular turd who's wanting for robbing a jewelry store in Europe. Instead, he always lies to them and says he's related to someone successful and famous.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
The Famous French Con Artist - The Christophe Rocancourt story
Like he tells people he's Dino De Laurentiis' nephew. He's a famous movie producer. Or he'll tell them he's Oscar De Laurentiis' nephew. Oscar De Laurentiis is a famous fashion designer. And as absurd as that is, this works and people believe him and they love Frenchie. They find him so interesting.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
He Murdered a Woman on Live TV - The Vester Flanagan story
So this psychopath unalives a news reporter live on the air. Now his name is Vester and he's a TV reporter himself. He's also just kind of an angry dude. Like he's just mad about a lot of stuff. And at his TV reporter job, bro does not get along with his coworkers. And I guess one day, one of his coworkers says something kind of homophobic to him, because Vester is gay.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
He Murdered a Woman on Live TV - The Vester Flanagan story
And then, on a different day, Vester's working around another co-worker. This woman. Allison, and allegedly she makes some comment around him that is racist or that comes across as racist. Now, I don't know if she actually made a comment, but this has been investigated extensively and there's no evidence Allison actually said anything overtly racist to him. Ever.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
He Murdered a Woman on Live TV - The Vester Flanagan story
Regardless, whatever happened also pisses Vester off. And soon enough of his co-workers report him to HR for hostile behavior and the news station eventually tells him he's fired. And then he gets all aggressive and he flips out and he says, I'm not leaving, you're gonna have to call the f***ing police.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
He Murdered a Woman on Live TV - The Vester Flanagan story
And so the news station calls the police and the police come and they have to escort his crazy ass out. But as angry as Vester is, he moves on again. And he's going to get a job as a reporter somewhere else. And he ends up landing an interview at a TV station in Pennsylvania. And he interviews there, and this TV station likes him, but they call his references.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
He Murdered a Woman on Live TV - The Vester Flanagan story
And I guess all his references say he's difficult to work with. Like, he's a lot of drama. So ultimately, Vester doesn't get the job in Pennsylvania. And this pisses him off even more. And all this anger, it just keeps building and building for about a year. And then one day, boom, he files a lawsuit against WDBJ News Station for racial discrimination and sexual discrimination.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
He Murdered a Woman on Live TV - The Vester Flanagan story
He essentially claims they were racist and homophobic towards him. But for whatever reasons, months later, this lawsuit is dismissed. And this, of course, pisses Vester off even more. And at this point, he's almost reached his limit. But then, the next year, something absolutely crazy happens. Something unrelated to Vester.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
He Murdered a Woman on Live TV - The Vester Flanagan story
In South Carolina, a random racist white guy walks into a black church one day. And he's got a pew-pew. And he just starts blasting. Blam! Blam! And he unalives nine people. And it's a horrible tragedy. And of course, this is a huge news story across the whole country. And Vester, he hears about this tragedy. And this finally sends him over the edge.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
He Murdered a Woman on Live TV - The Vester Flanagan story
A white man unaliving a bunch of innocent black people? They're not going to get away with this. And so he decides to get revenge. But not on the racist shooter in South Carolina. He decides to get revenge on the old coworkers at WDPJ, the ones who reported him and got him fired. So then two days after the South Carolina church massacre, Vester goes and he buys a pew pew.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
He Murdered a Woman on Live TV - The Vester Flanagan story
And that really sets him off. And later, he gets into it with some other coworkers, and he starts verbally abusing them. And everyone there basically thinks he's a diva, and there are a lot of problems and drama always surrounding Vester. So, bam, he eventually gets fired. And bro is pissed, because he feels like he's the victim here.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
He Murdered a Woman on Live TV - The Vester Flanagan story
And he also starts typing up a whole ass manifesto. And as his plan comes together, he calls ABC news station and he's like, I'm going to have a big story for you. But he's being kind of vague, so no one at ABC takes him seriously. Then one morning, Bester gets up before dawn and he tracks his old coworkers to their morning assignment, Allison the reporter and Adam the cameraman.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
He Murdered a Woman on Live TV - The Vester Flanagan story
And they're with a whole news crew and they're out in the field, they're about to do an interview. And so the news crew is there setting up for this interview with this woman named Vicky. And suddenly, Vester shows up to this location, but they don't see him. And he creeps around and he watches them all from a distance. And once they start filming this interview, Vester decides it's go time.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
He Murdered a Woman on Live TV - The Vester Flanagan story
So he moves toward them, and he pulls out his phone, and he starts filming them himself. And you can see the footage here. And if you pause it, you can see Allison right here, and you can see Adam the cameraman here, and this woman being interviewed is Vicky. And Allison and Adam, they're focusing on the interview, so they have no idea Vester is there. I don't think they really see him.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
He Murdered a Woman on Live TV - The Vester Flanagan story
But then, while Vester is recording them, he pulls out his pew-pew, and he points it at them, point-blank. And he pulls the trigger. Blam! Blam! He shoots Allison. Blam! He shoots Adam. And blam! Vicky, the woman who's getting interviewed, she gets shot too. And as Adam falls to the ground, his camera catches a shot of Vester pointing his pew-pew for just a few frames.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
He Murdered a Woman on Live TV - The Vester Flanagan story
And so you can see he's standing here and there's his head right there. Here's the thing though. All of this chaos is live. The news crew was filming a live segment and they caught the shooting live. Now, I obviously can't show you the footage of the people getting shot, but afterwards, the feed goes to black, and it cuts to the reporter back in the studio.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
He Murdered a Woman on Live TV - The Vester Flanagan story
So anyway, Allison and Adam are unfortunately unalived on live TV. But Vicki, the woman being interviewed, luckily, she survives. And Vester, he immediately flees the scene. And he goes, I don't know, somewhere, and he faxes that manifesto he wrote over to ABC News. Now, his manifesto, it's like 23 pages long, and it's like a rambling, incoherent mess.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
He Murdered a Woman on Live TV - The Vester Flanagan story
I guess every psychopath has to type up a manifesto for some reason. But he also calls ABC News Station too, like, hey, it's me again. I just shot two people. I guess he really wants them to know it's him. And when the people at ABC News see the manifesto, they finally take him seriously, and they call the police.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
He Murdered a Woman on Live TV - The Vester Flanagan story
Meanwhile, Vester takes the graphic footage he himself filmed of the shooting, and he posts it to Facebook and Twitter for the world to see. And the whole time he's like tweeting about it. He's like, Allison made racist comments. Adam went to HR on me after working with me one time. I filmed the shooting. See Facebook. And people online, they see this graphic video and they're like, what the f**k?
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
He Murdered a Woman on Live TV - The Vester Flanagan story
And they report it. And of course, Facebook and Twitter, they take the video down, but not before it starts trending on like other gore websites and some news stations show it on the air too. Meanwhile, Vester knows police are going to be after him soon.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
He Murdered a Woman on Live TV - The Vester Flanagan story
So then, boom, he sues the TV station, for racial discrimination for some reason. And eventually, the news station settles with him out of court, and the details of that settlement have never been disclosed. But whatever, Fester moves on. He's gonna go be angry at someone else. And he goes and he gets another job in another state, but the pattern of problems and drama continue.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
He Murdered a Woman on Live TV - The Vester Flanagan story
so he gets in a car and he takes off and it doesn't take long for the police to track him down and suddenly they're after him but vester he refuses to pull over and he just keeps speeding away but he knows that even though everything actually went according to his plan this is the end for him so as he drives running from the police he holds his pew pew up to his own head and he pulls the trigger
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
He Murdered a Woman on Live TV - The Vester Flanagan story
And he unalives himself, allegedly while the car was still in motion. And the car runs off the road and it crashes. Wow. And a huge shout out to Leonardo.ai for sponsoring this video. If you want to make really cool art for your videos or just for your life like this or like this, then sign up for Leonardo.ai.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
He Murdered a Woman on Live TV - The Vester Flanagan story
He'll get hired because he's good on the air, but ultimately something goes down with his coworkers, and he responds a bit too aggressively, and bam, he gets fired again. But whatever, eventually he gets a job at this news station, WDBJ. And he becomes a reporter there, reporting on local stuff. And this actually seems to be a pretty good gig for him.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
He Murdered a Woman on Live TV - The Vester Flanagan story
Until... One day, Vester's working on a story with this camera guy, Adam. And Adam allegedly says something that really sets Vester off. And he gets pissed. Now, I don't know if Adam actually said something bad to him or if this is just Vester being an angry guy again. Regardless, Vester just loses it on Adam. And Adam gets freaked out and he goes and he reports Vester to HR.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
He Scammed The Lottery Out Of Millions - The Eddie Tipton story
So this guy's about to try and scam the lottery out of $24 million. Now, his name is Eddie. He lives in Iowa, and he's a computer programmer, and he also works for the Multi-State Lottery Association. And he's going to use this position there to enact this wild scam.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
He Scammed The Lottery Out Of Millions - The Eddie Tipton story
He's an employee of the Multi-State Lottery Association. It's against company policy for lottery employees to play the lottery. Plus, that would be very suspicious if a lottery employee won the jackpot. So then Eddie has to find someone to play it for him. And what does he do? Eddie recruits his brother, this guy, Tommy. And Tommy is a sheriff's deputy of all things.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
He Scammed The Lottery Out Of Millions - The Eddie Tipton story
But Tommy also just happens to be taking a trip to Colorado soon because he's gonna look for, and I'm not making this up, Bigfoot. Yes, Tommy is going several states away to hunt for the legendary mythical creature. I guess he's just into that kind of stuff.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
He Scammed The Lottery Out Of Millions - The Eddie Tipton story
So anyway, Eddie hits Tommy up and he's like, hey, while you're out there in Colorado looking for Bigfoot, could you play a bunch of these lottery numbers I got? Because one of them is gonna win. And Tommy, he's like, Aight. Now, while Tommy's out there in Colorado, he doesn't actually find Bigfoot. Womp womp.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
He Scammed The Lottery Out Of Millions - The Eddie Tipton story
But he does buy up a bunch of lotto tickets, and sure enough, when the time comes and they draw the winning lottery numbers, boom, one of Tommy's tickets wins. However, he doesn't actually win $4.8 million, because some other people win too, so the winnings are split between him and some other random winners. Regardless, Tommy ends up getting a cash payout of nearly $570,000.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
He Scammed The Lottery Out Of Millions - The Eddie Tipton story
And he goes and he splits it with Eddie. Not a bad payday. Oh, but Eddie's scam is not over yet. That was way too easy. So for the next 10 years, Eddie uses his magic software and he gets the winning numbers and he has another person, Tommy or whoever else he's scamming with at the time, he has that person go to other states and play their lottery and collect the winnings. And they win big.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
He Scammed The Lottery Out Of Millions - The Eddie Tipton story
See, Eddie is actually the director of security at the Multi-State Lottery Association, and part of his job involves designing the software that randomly picks the winning numbers for these lotteries. And so Eddie's been working in this job for like two years and then one day everything changes.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
He Scammed The Lottery Out Of Millions - The Eddie Tipton story
$22,000 in Kansas. $780,000 in Wisconsin. $900,000 in Oklahoma. Bro is raking it in. Until... One day, Eddie makes a big mistake. Because he walks into a convenience store and he buys one of the winning tickets himself. And you can see him here. He's right there in the black hoodie. Looking all kinds of shady. Hello.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
He Scammed The Lottery Out Of Millions - The Eddie Tipton story
And also this particular lottery he's playing, this ain't no regular lottery. This is the hot lotto, which has a massive jackpot of 16 and a half million dollars. So of course he buys the tickets and he picks the numbers and the ones he picked end up being the winner and bam, he wins the jackpot. But again, there's a problem. He still can't collect it himself.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
He Scammed The Lottery Out Of Millions - The Eddie Tipton story
He's got to go find someone else who can. Meanwhile, the lottery commission, they know someone won. They know someone bought the winning ticket. They just don't know who. So they're just waiting on whoever to come forward and claim this prize money. And they're like going on TV and they're like making announcements.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
He Scammed The Lottery Out Of Millions - The Eddie Tipton story
So Eddie, he's got to collect this money. So he hits up his friend in Texas, this guy. Robert. And Robert, he's been already helping him with this lotto scam. And Eddie asked Robert to help him figure out how to collect this $16.5 million jackpot he just won. So Robert hits up a guy in Canada that he knows, and he asks him to call into Iowa and claim the prize.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
He Scammed The Lottery Out Of Millions - The Eddie Tipton story
So then 10 months after the winning numbers were announced, This random guy from Canada calls into Iowa claiming he's got the winning lottery ticket. But he says that he's too sick to go there in person and that they'll just have to give him the winnings. And the lottery commission, they're like, yeah, sure, buddy. And they start asking him questions about the day he bought the ticket.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
He Scammed The Lottery Out Of Millions - The Eddie Tipton story
Like, what clothing were you wearing that day? because they're skeptical and they're trying to pick his story apart. And of course, guy from Canada describes some clothing, but that description doesn't match the surveillance footage the lottery commission has of the man buying the ticket. So the commission is like, nah, bro, you're not the winner. Stay in Canada.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
He Scammed The Lottery Out Of Millions - The Eddie Tipton story
Because he's at work and he's chatting with a co-worker and co-worker is joking around and he asks Eddie if he's put his own secret winning numbers into the software. And Eddie is like, say what now? And co-worker's like, bro, you wrote the software so you can set the winning numbers. And Eddie's like, oh, snap, that's right. I'm the one writing the software.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
He Scammed The Lottery Out Of Millions - The Eddie Tipton story
So then Robert has to try something different. And he has a couple of lawyers come forward to claim the prize. And when these lawyers go to the lottery commission, they're like, we're here on behalf of our client and our client wants to remain anonymous. Meh, meh, meh.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
He Scammed The Lottery Out Of Millions - The Eddie Tipton story
And again, the Lottery Commission gets very suspicious, especially because in Iowa, the identity of any given lottery winner is always made public. So the Lottery Commission is like, nah, and they don't pay out the winnings.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
He Scammed The Lottery Out Of Millions - The Eddie Tipton story
I mean, they know something shady is going on. So instead, they start looking into this anonymous winner who allegedly sent his lawyers. And eventually, they ask the police to get involved. So then police get involved. And even they are having a hard time figuring this out.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
He Scammed The Lottery Out Of Millions - The Eddie Tipton story
But they go and they check out the surveillance footage from the convenience store where the winning lottery ticket was bought. Now, obviously from this footage, you can see a man in a black hoodie, but you can't identify who that is. Like the quality is just trash.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
He Scammed The Lottery Out Of Millions - The Eddie Tipton story
So police, they go and they release this footage to the public and they ask the public to help them identify the guy who bought the winning lottery ticket. So then finally, after investigating this for nearly four years, kaboom, police get a tip. And it's someone telling them that the person in the video is a guy they know named Eddie.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
He Scammed The Lottery Out Of Millions - The Eddie Tipton story
And it's presumed that whoever tipped the police off were some of Eddie's coworkers. And you can't really see him in the surveillance footage, but they could tell it was him by his voice. So then eventually, bam, police arrest Eddie. Here's his mugshot. And then bam, they arrest his Bigfoot hunting ass brother Tommy too. Here's his mugshot. And also bam, they arrest Robert. Here's his mugshot.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
He Scammed The Lottery Out Of Millions - The Eddie Tipton story
And it's estimated that over 10 years, Eddie and these other guys tried to scam $24 million in lottery winnings. making this the biggest lottery scam in US history. So anyway, Tommy gets 75 days in prison, Robert gets six months of home confinement, because he testified against the others, while Eddie, the mastermind, he gets 25 years in prison.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
He Scammed The Lottery Out Of Millions - The Eddie Tipton story
Although ultimately, Eddie only ended up serving five years, and now he's out on parole. sounds like it was worth it and a huge shout out to leonardo.ai for sponsoring this video if you want to make really cool art for your videos or just for your life like this or like this then sign up for leonardo.ai
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
He Scammed The Lottery Out Of Millions - The Eddie Tipton story
I actually could rig this whole thing and win the lottery and make myself rich. And that is exactly what he's going to do. So Eddie gets right to work, and he starts writing code on the Multistate Lottery Association computer. And this code will basically help predict the winning numbers. Then one night, he's working late in the office, and there's no one else around.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
He Scammed The Lottery Out Of Millions - The Eddie Tipton story
So he gets some of those yellow sticky notes and he starts writing down the different sets of possible winning numbers for this lottery that's about to happen all the way over in Colorado. Now the jackpot for this lottery in Colorado is a big fat $4.8 million. So there's a lot on the line here. However, Eddie has a problem. He can't just roll over to Colorado and play the lottery himself.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
She Murdered Her Own Mom - The Carly Gregg story
So this girl is about to unalive her own mom because mom found her vape pen. Let me explain. Now the girl, her name's Carly and she's from Mississippi and she's a good kid. She does well in school. She was apparently student of the year. She's so smart she skipped a grade. But Carly has a problem.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
She Murdered Her Own Mom - The Carly Gregg story
But still, none of these prescriptions seem to be helping, and the voices in her head continue. Now... Here's where things get crazy. One day she wakes up and she has to go to school. Her mom, who we'll just call mom, mom drives them both to the school because mom's a math teacher at that same school. And so Carly gets to school and while she's there, she meets up with her friends.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
She Murdered Her Own Mom - The Carly Gregg story
And one of her friends is really concerned about all the Zaza Carly's been smoking lately and about all those burner phones she has. Because apparently Carly has a bunch of burner phones linked to secret social media accounts.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
She Murdered Her Own Mom - The Carly Gregg story
I guess she doesn't want her parents knowing she has social media accounts, so she creates them with burner phones and she'll like use them to message boys and stuff she knows her parents don't approve of. Stuff like that. Anyway, so this friend confronts Carly, because I guess he's worried about her. He's like, you're smoking too much Zaza, Carly. And Carly, she gets mad.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
She Murdered Her Own Mom - The Carly Gregg story
Like, he's all up in her business. And they get into a big argument. And it escalates. And Carly ends up cussing the kid out. So that friend, in turn, he gets mad. And he goes and sends an email to Carly's mom. And bro tells her everything. About the stuff Carly's been smoking, about the vape pens, about the burner phones she's got. And mom reads this email and she's like, oh hell no.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
She Murdered Her Own Mom - The Carly Gregg story
She's been dealing with some mental issues, and she's been hearing voices in her head since she was six. And now that she's 11, the voices have only gotten worse. So how does she deal with all this? Well, allegedly, she's been... herself and her mom finds out that she's been doing that to herself and of course mom freaks out because who wouldn't.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
She Murdered Her Own Mom - The Carly Gregg story
Vape pens and burner phones? She is not gonna let this slide. So at the end of the school day, boom, mom confronts Carly about the email and about all the things Carly's friend told her. And mom is of course super mad. Like no one knows what was really said between them, but it's safe to assume mom goes off on her. And on the drive home, she's all mad and Carly's mad too.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
She Murdered Her Own Mom - The Carly Gregg story
But she's also panicking because she knows mom is probably about to search her room and find her shit. So they get home and mom goes straight to Carly's bedroom and she starts investigating, tossing the room, going through her stuff, looking for these alleged vape pens and burner phones. And this is where Carly flips and she gets a terrible idea that's going to affect her life forever.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
She Murdered Her Own Mom - The Carly Gregg story
Carly low-key sneaks into her mom's room, and she lifts up the mattress on the bed, and she grabs her parents' pew-pew. And then she creeps back toward her bedroom. And you can see her walking by on their home surveillance system. And you can see here that she's got the pew-pew behind her back. So then Carly goes into her bedroom where Mom is. And Mom actually just found four of her vape pens.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
She Murdered Her Own Mom - The Carly Gregg story
Blam! And Mom falls to the floor and Carly fires one more time. Blam! And this unalives Mom. But then it's almost as if she had this planned because she goes back into the kitchen and she grabs her mom's phone off the counter. And you can see the phone in her hand here. And so she texts her stepdad, who we'll just call stepdad. So she texts stepdad and she pretends as if she's her mom.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
She Murdered Her Own Mom - The Carly Gregg story
And she asks him, when are you coming home, honey? And stepdad replies like, just finishing some things up at work. Now Carly wants to know when he's coming home because when he gets there, she's about to unalive him too. and strangely after she texts her stepdad carly starts singing to her dogs as if she didn't just murder someone Weird.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
She Murdered Her Own Mom - The Carly Gregg story
Now, I'm not a doctor, but when you look at all this, the hearing voices, the cutting, the sudden murder of her own mom, and then randomly singing to her dogs during all this chaos, I'm thinking Carly was misdiagnosed early on. I think the mental issues she's dealing with extend beyond major depressive disorder and adjustment disorder.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
She Murdered Her Own Mom - The Carly Gregg story
And I definitely think that smoking all that Zaza all the time greatly exacerbated whatever mental issue she's dealing with. But that's just my opinion. Tell me if I'm wrong. But anyway, then while she's there waiting on stepdad to get home, she suddenly decides to text a friend of hers and she's like, come over, it's an emergency.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
She Murdered Her Own Mom - The Carly Gregg story
And so sometime later, this friend comes over and we'll just call her friend. So friend comes over and Carly's like, you want to see a dead body? And friend's like, All right. Then Carly leads her friend to the bedroom and she shows her her unalive mother lying on the floor. And I don't know if the friend freaked out or if the friend is cool with seeing a dead body, but friend doesn't leave.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
She Murdered Her Own Mom - The Carly Gregg story
So I guess she's okay with all this. Instead, Carly tells friend to wait outside because when her stepdad gets home, she's going to unalive him too. So friend goes outside and chills while Carly sits inside waiting for her stepdad to arrive. And soon enough, stepdad pulls into the driveway and he has no idea anything bad has happened in this house.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
She Murdered Her Own Mom - The Carly Gregg story
And so he walks in the front door and right as he walks in, Carly is waiting there and she's got that pew-pew and she points it right at his head and she pulls the trigger. Luckily, somehow, Stepdad moves out of the way at the last second, and Carly misses his head, and the bullet just grazes his shoulder.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
She Murdered Her Own Mom - The Carly Gregg story
So they put Carly in therapy and they get her formally diagnosed with major depressive disorder and adjustment disorder and they get Carly on some meds. So Carly starts taking these meds But unfortunately, the meds don't seem to be helping. She's still having mental issues. So now what's she gonna do? Well, at some point, Carly gets introduced by some of her friends to a little Zaza.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
She Murdered Her Own Mom - The Carly Gregg story
So then, boom, Stepdad lunges toward her, and he grabs the pew-pew, and blam, blam, it goes off a few more times, but luckily no one is hit. And so Stepdad overpowers Carly, and he wrestles the pew-pew out of her hands, and she freaks out, and she exits the house, and she flees, and you can see her here on security footage running away quickly, and you can see her friend following her here.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
She Murdered Her Own Mom - The Carly Gregg story
And so stepdad is injured and he's totally flipping out and he calls 911. And then police get there and he tells them everything that happened and pretty quickly there's a whole ass manhunt looking for Carly with a police helicopter and everything. But it doesn't last long because soon enough they find her not too far away hiding in one of those big drainage pipes. And so bam, they arrest her.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
She Murdered Her Own Mom - The Carly Gregg story
Here's her mugshot. Also here is some footage of her detained in the back of the police car. Anyway, Carly goes to trial and she pleads not guilty due to insanity, but the jury doesn't buy it and they find her guilty and she's sentenced to life in prison.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
She Murdered Her Own Mom - The Carly Gregg story
So she starts hitting that Zaza, and it turns out that she really likes how it makes her feel. She's like, damn, this is kind of nice. However, she's still really struggling with the mental illness stuff. And this is the only thing that seems to help. So she starts doing Zaza a lot. I guess she's really into those vape pens. And this goes on for a while. I guess Carly's hitting that Zaza daily.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
She Murdered Her Own Mom - The Carly Gregg story
Here's the thing though. She does this so much that her friends start to notice that she's high all the time. And some of them start to get worried because this isn't like her. So fast forward to around the time Carly is 14 years old. She's still having mental issues, and these problems seem to be getting worse. So they take her off her old meds, and they put her on some new different meds.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
This Youtuber Murdered His Gay Lover - The Daniel Sancho Bronchalo story
So this YouTuber is about to unalive his gay lover. Let me explain. Now, his name is Daniel. He's 29, he's from Spain, and he's got a small cooking channel on YouTube. Meanwhile, all the way over in Colombia, there's this other guy, Edwin. Edwin's 44 and he's a successful plastic surgeon. He has multiple medical practices in different countries and bro is making really good money.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
This Youtuber Murdered His Gay Lover - The Daniel Sancho Bronchalo story
So he tries to break things off with him. And poor Edwin's like, no, mi amor. And this becomes a point of contention for them for a while. And at some point, Edwin gets mad. And he doesn't want to lose Daniel. So he allegedly threatens him. Like, if you break up with me, I'll release those adult photos I have of you. And Daniel, he hears this and he's like, oh, mierda.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
This Youtuber Murdered His Gay Lover - The Daniel Sancho Bronchalo story
Because here's the thing about Daniel. Daniel isn't some regular chef with a cooking channel on YouTube. Daniel is actually the son of a famous Spanish TV and film actor, Rodolfo Sancho. And his mom is a well-known actor too, Silvia Broncarlo.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
This Youtuber Murdered His Gay Lover - The Daniel Sancho Bronchalo story
Now, this is speculation on my part, but I assume that him having famous parents makes it really important to him to keep those adult photos of him from getting leaked. But whatever the reason, Daniel really doesn't want this information getting out, and he feels trapped. So he comes up with a plan to make sure those photos never go public. And one day, Daniel invites Edwin to meet up with him.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
This Youtuber Murdered His Gay Lover - The Daniel Sancho Bronchalo story
Not in Spain, though, but all the way over in Thailand on a little island, Koh Phangan. Because he says he wants to go to this famous full moon party, which is like a huge festival they have every month in Thailand on that island. And a lot of people go to it. And Edwin's like, full moon party, sweet.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
This Youtuber Murdered His Gay Lover - The Daniel Sancho Bronchalo story
So then fast forward to the day of the party and Daniel travels from Spain over to the island and he gets there first before Edwin and he checks into a bungalow. Then he goes to a store and he picks up some supplies, plastic bags, rubber gloves, scrubbing pads, bleach, and a knife. And then later that day, Edwin arrives and Daniel goes, he picks him up on a little scooter that he had rented.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
This Youtuber Murdered His Gay Lover - The Daniel Sancho Bronchalo story
And they cruise around for a while and they hang out and they're going to have dinner. And it seems like it's going to be a fun night. Until later, Daniel and Edwin get back to their bungalow. And apparently Edwin wants to smash. But Daniel, he's not feeling it. He's like, nah, bro, I don't want to. But then, allegedly, Edwin gets a little pushy, and Daniel is still like, nah, bro.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
This Youtuber Murdered His Gay Lover - The Daniel Sancho Bronchalo story
So they start to argue, and their argument gets heated, like really heated, and it gets bad. And then suddenly, out of nowhere, bam, Daniel pushes Edwin hard, and Edwin falls back, and then pow, he hits his head on the bathtub, and he falls unconscious. He is out. Now, at this point, Daniel could call 911 and get medical attention for Edwin, but that's not what he does.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
This Youtuber Murdered His Gay Lover - The Daniel Sancho Bronchalo story
First, he pours water over his head for some reason. I guess he's hoping it'll wake him up. But, of course, Edwin doesn't wake up, and water isn't gonna help. And this is when sh** gets a little dark. Because Daniel, he then takes that knife he bought and bam, bam, he stabs Edwin twice. Then he uses it to cut Edwin's throat. And of course, this unalives him.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
This Youtuber Murdered His Gay Lover - The Daniel Sancho Bronchalo story
So one day, Edwin and Daniel, they discover each other on Instagram. And one of them slides into the other's DMs. And Edwin is much older than Daniel, but who cares? He thinks Daniel is foint. And I guess Daniel feels the same way about him. Because pretty soon, these two guys are chatting regularly. And they're flirting. And they're allegedly sending adult photos to one another.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
This Youtuber Murdered His Gay Lover - The Daniel Sancho Bronchalo story
Then Daniel takes that knife and he cuts Edwin into 14 pieces. And then he puts those pieces into those plastic bags that he had bought earlier. Then he uses the cleaning supplies he bought and he cleans the hell out of that crime scene. And after that, he takes those plastic bags with Edwin's parts in them and he drives around the island and he dumps them in a bunch of different places.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
This Youtuber Murdered His Gay Lover - The Daniel Sancho Bronchalo story
In trash bins, in a landfill, in the jungle. So Edwin's body is now scattered all over the island. Daniel even goes and buys a kayak and paddles out into the ocean and he dumps some of Edwin's parts there. And when he's done with all this, Daniel doesn't sit around and mourn and grieve the friend he just lost. No, no.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
This Youtuber Murdered His Gay Lover - The Daniel Sancho Bronchalo story
He allegedly heads over to the full moon party and he parties all night with a couple of girls he met and he has a great time. The next morning, beep. He gets a DM and it's from Edwin's sister. I guess Edwin's sister knows that they were traveling together and she hasn't heard from Edwin. And Edwin is the kind of guy who talks to his family like every day.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
This Youtuber Murdered His Gay Lover - The Daniel Sancho Bronchalo story
So now that he's gone silent, she knows something's wrong. So she asked Daniel, where's Edwin? And Daniel's like, oh, I haven't heard from him since he left last night. And then I guess so as not to seem suspicious, Daniel goes to the police and he files a missing person report like, Hey, my friend suddenly went missing. Here's the thing though.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
This Youtuber Murdered His Gay Lover - The Daniel Sancho Bronchalo story
By this point, a sanitation worker was at the local landfill and he was going about his day and he found some of the bags with Edwin's remains in them. And he had immediately reported it to police. So police now have these random body parts and they know someone was murdered. They just don't know who.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
This Youtuber Murdered His Gay Lover - The Daniel Sancho Bronchalo story
So then Daniel comes in and he reports his friend missing and he apparently has cuts and scratches on him and all of this makes police very suspicious. So they question him and they press him and pretty quickly Daniel's like alright I did it and he confesses to unaliving Edwin and dismembering him. However, he claims it was self-defense.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
This Youtuber Murdered His Gay Lover - The Daniel Sancho Bronchalo story
He claims that back in the bungalow, Edwin was trying to SA him and that he had to unalive him in order to defend himself. Regardless of whether that's true or not, bam, police arrest him. And Daniel cooperates and he takes the police to all the places around the island to show them where he had dumped Edwin's remains.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
This Youtuber Murdered His Gay Lover - The Daniel Sancho Bronchalo story
And he also tells police that he was never actually romantically involved with Edwin. He claims that they were potential business partners, but that they're not lovers, they never smashed, and that he's not even gay. Sure, Daniel.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
This Youtuber Murdered His Gay Lover - The Daniel Sancho Bronchalo story
However, when Thai police investigate all this and they look into Daniel's self-defense story, they end up finding surveillance footage of Daniel buying the murder knife and the cleaning supplies at the grocery store before Edwin even arrived on the island, suggesting that this whole crime was planned out beforehand.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
This Youtuber Murdered His Gay Lover - The Daniel Sancho Bronchalo story
And then, of course, this story hits the news that the son of famous Spanish actors unalived his secret gay lover in Thailand. And the story blows up and the news is everywhere. And ultimately, Daniel is found guilty of unaliving Edwin and he's sentenced to life in prison. And here's what he looks like in real life.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
This Youtuber Murdered His Gay Lover - The Daniel Sancho Bronchalo story
And most importantly, they're talking about meeting up in person. So they keep this relationship up for a while, and eventually they do meet up. Edwin flies to Madrid to have dinner with Daniel, and they have a good time. A month later, they meet up in La Granja. A few months after that, they meet up and party with a bunch of friends in Ibiza.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
This Youtuber Murdered His Gay Lover - The Daniel Sancho Bronchalo story
And allegedly they're smashing and they're hooking up during all this. And as they travel around and meet up in cool places and hang out and smash, I guess Edwin really starts liking Daniel. And he starts to imagine them being together as like boyfriend-boyfriend. And that is where things start to go wrong.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
This Youtuber Murdered His Gay Lover - The Daniel Sancho Bronchalo story
Because apparently at some point, Edwin confesses to Daniel and he tells him how he really feels about him, that he's really into him and that he's planning to move to Spain and open a couple of medical practices there so that they can be closer to one another. Now, unfortunately, Daniel likes Edwin too, but he's not on the same page. Like, he doesn't want to be his boyfriend.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
The Most Insane Catfish I've Ever Heard Of - The Gemma Barker story
So this girl... You know what? You're not gonna believe this story because I'm not sure if I believe this story. It is wild. So this is Gemma. She's from England, she's in the 12th grade, and she has a best friend. This girl, Jess. And she has another best friend. This girl, who we'll call Beatrice. So Jess and Beatrice are a few years younger than Gemma,
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
The Most Insane Catfish I've Ever Heard Of - The Gemma Barker story
She dresses up and disguises herself as a boy and pretends to be fake Erin. She gets some baggy clothes and a beanie and she puts men's cologne all over herself and she adjusts the way she talks and the way she walks and everything. And now that she looks like a boy, she goes to meet Beatrice in person. So they meet up and somehow Beatrice has no idea this is her old friend Gemma catfishing her.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
The Most Insane Catfish I've Ever Heard Of - The Gemma Barker story
So then Beatrice and fake Aaron, they meet up more and more. And she really starts to like him. And of course, Beatrice is telling her best friend Jess all about this new guy Aaron she's been hanging out with. And so now, Jess wants to meet him. And so Gemma, dressed as fake Aaron, is like, alright, let's meet.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
The Most Insane Catfish I've Ever Heard Of - The Gemma Barker story
And so the three of them, Beatrice, Jess, and Gemma dressed as fake Aaron, they start hanging out a lot. And neither Beatrice nor Jess realize they're being catfished by their own
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
The Most Insane Catfish I've Ever Heard Of - The Gemma Barker story
but then at some point fake aaron asks beatrice to be his official girlfriend and boom they become official official the day after they become official jemma takes it even further she dresses up as fake aaron and she tells jess that he's got this cool friend that she might like his name's luke And fake Aaron wants to hook Jess and Luke up.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
The Most Insane Catfish I've Ever Heard Of - The Gemma Barker story
And so soon enough, Jess starts messaging with this guy, Luke. And she immediately thinks Luke is fine. But here's the thing about Luke. You know how fake Aaron is really just Gemma dressed as a boy? Luke is also just Gemma dressed as a boy. So the fake Luke is chatting back and forth with Jess and pretty soon they agree to meet up.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
The Most Insane Catfish I've Ever Heard Of - The Gemma Barker story
And they're hanging out and Jess also has no idea she too is being catfished by Gemma again. And if that isn't bad enough, one day Jess and fake Luke are hanging out and they're making out because I guess they make out? But then fake Luke gets pushy and he doesn't stop when Jess asks him to and I guess this happens a few times so eventually they break up. Good for her.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
The Most Insane Catfish I've Ever Heard Of - The Gemma Barker story
And they hang out all the time and they drive around talking about boys or whatever. But one day, Gemma starts going to college and she starts to really miss hanging out with her two friends who are still back in secondary school. So then Gemma comes up with one of the wildest plans I've ever come across to be closer to her friends.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
The Most Insane Catfish I've Ever Heard Of - The Gemma Barker story
Oh, but this breakup is not gonna stop Gemma. She just goes and creates another alter ego to date Jess and she dresses up like a slightly different type of boy and she calls herself Connor. So now Gemma is pretending to be this fake Connor and she makes a fake Facebook page for him and she messages Jess like,
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
The Most Insane Catfish I've Ever Heard Of - The Gemma Barker story
Luke told me what he did, and I just want to say, it's really not cool, and you didn't deserve that. And Jess is like, oh, he's such a nice bloke, isn't it? So then, Jess and fake Connor start chatting back and forth all the time, texting all the time, and they start hanging out in person. And of course, Jess has no idea fake Connor is Gemma, and she starts to really fall hard for him.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
The Most Insane Catfish I've Ever Heard Of - The Gemma Barker story
Oh, but it gets worse. Meanwhile, Beatrice is still hanging out with Fake Aaron. And one night, I guess they decide they're gonna smash for the first time? And of course, beforehand, Fake Aaron insists on keeping the lights off while keeping all of his clothes on the whole time, including his hat. He didn't want to take that off. But yeah, regardless, I guess they smash.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
The Most Insane Catfish I've Ever Heard Of - The Gemma Barker story
And I don't want to know how. But here's where Gemma's insane catfishing scheme starts to fall apart. At some point fake Connor goes over to Jess's house and I guess they start hooking up and fake Connor tries to go further and Jess says no. But fake Connor is being very aggressive and I guess he ends up SAing her. But But then he's on her bed and eventually he falls asleep.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
The Most Insane Catfish I've Ever Heard Of - The Gemma Barker story
I guess he didn't mean to. And while he's sleeping, his hat is kind of falling off. And so Jess finally sees him without the hat. And she realizes that this person in her bed who just SA'd her isn't fake Connor. However, and try and stay with me now, she doesn't realize it's Gemma dressed as a boy. She thinks fake Connor is fake Aaron.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
The Most Insane Catfish I've Ever Heard Of - The Gemma Barker story
She thinks fake Aaron is at her house pretending to be fake Connor. And she's like, oh bullocks, why is Aaron in my bed wearing a hat and pretending to be someone else? Now remember, Aaron is supposed to be her best friend Beatrice's boyfriend. So she thinks her best friend's boyfriend just SA'd her. So she kicks him out and she tries to decide what to do.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
The Most Insane Catfish I've Ever Heard Of - The Gemma Barker story
Now eventually Jess decides to come clean. And she goes to Beatrice and she's like, hey, I think your boyfriend Aaron was catfishing me, pretending to be Connor. And then he essayed me. And so Jess goes and reports fake Aaron to the police. So now police are looking for fake Aaron and they end up finding him at Beatrice's house. And they question him. And of course, he denies everything.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
The Most Insane Catfish I've Ever Heard Of - The Gemma Barker story
Now, in theory, this would be a great moment for Gemma to come clean and say, haha, I was catfishing everyone. I was, I was Aaron and Connor the whole time. But that's not what she does. Instead, later Gemma calls the police and she pretends to be fake Aaron and she's like, Gemma can back up my story. So then Gemma posts on Facebook and she pretends to be fake Luke.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
The Most Insane Catfish I've Ever Heard Of - The Gemma Barker story
and she has fake Luke confess on Facebook to being the one who actually essayed just that night at her house. She's like, everyone's blaming Aaron, but it was actually me. And if that isn't crazy enough, Gemma then somehow breaks her own jaw and she contacts police and she tells them that fake Luke attacked her. What the is going on?
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
The Most Insane Catfish I've Ever Heard Of - The Gemma Barker story
See, Gemma knows her friend Beatrice really wants a boyfriend, and she knows exactly the kind of boys Beatrice is into. So Gemma decides to catfish her and put on a disguise and low-key become the perfect boy for Beatrice. So first, she creates a Facebook profile for this fake guy and she names him Aaron.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
The Most Insane Catfish I've Ever Heard Of - The Gemma Barker story
Anyway, I'm not sure if police buy this story because they're still looking at fake Aaron as a suspect. So police have Beatrice tell fake Aaron to come over to her house and when fake Aaron shows up, bam, they arrest him. But since fake Aaron isn't a real person, this means police have actually arrested Gemma in disguise. So at the police station, Gemma is freaking out.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
The Most Insane Catfish I've Ever Heard Of - The Gemma Barker story
How the hell is she going to get out of this? But then police decide to do a strip search on her and Gemma refuses to remove her beanie. And police are like, oh, piss off. And they try and pull the beanie off of her. And when they do, Gemma's hair falls down around her face and the officers look at her like, oh, bloody hell, you're a girl.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
The Most Insane Catfish I've Ever Heard Of - The Gemma Barker story
So the truth finally comes out and everyone is like, how the hell did you pull this off? So ultimately, they charge Gemma with essay and fraud and she's sentenced to 30 months in prison for catfishing her two friends. And I don't have a mugshot of Gemma, but here's a picture of her in real life.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
The Most Insane Catfish I've Ever Heard Of - The Gemma Barker story
And she adds a profile picture of fake Aaron and she adds a bunch of friends and makes the page look legit. Then, posing as fake Aaron, Gemma adds Beatrice on Facebook and sends her a message. Sometime later, Beatrice messages back like, oh, hi, who are you? And they start chatting. And soon enough, they're chatting every day and they're really hitting it off.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
The Most Insane Catfish I've Ever Heard Of - The Gemma Barker story
But after a couple of months of this, Beatrice really wants to meet Aaron in person for the first time. So now Gemma is in a predicament. She knows if Beatrice doesn't get to meet fake Aaron in person at some point, then she's going to eventually realize he isn't a real person and she's going to stop talking to him. So what does Gemma do?
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
This Youtuber Might Be Going To Prison - The Erik Conover story
So this YouTuber is in big trouble. He allegedly tried to unalive a cop. Now the guy's name is Eric and Eric's an influencer living in New York. And he's very popular on YouTube, almost 3 million followers. And he does videos where he like tours luxury homes. He does walkthroughs and these aren't just like pretty nice houses. Some of these are like $500 million mansions.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
This Youtuber Might Be Going To Prison - The Erik Conover story
I guess he's upset about it. He claims that police put the cuffs on him too tight. And you can actually see in this picture here he posted, he's got a bruise on his wrist there. And he says he's suing the police for violating his constitutional rights. Okay, bro. But then, a few days later, he screws up again. And this time, it's much worse.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
This Youtuber Might Be Going To Prison - The Erik Conover story
Because he's driving around New Hampshire for some reason, and he's speeding. He's doing around 60 miles an hour in a 35. And suddenly, boom, he flies right by a police officer. And the cops like, oh, hell no. And he pulls out behind Eric and he turns on his lights. And a bystander actually got this footage of the cop following him. So this is this is actual footage.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
This Youtuber Might Be Going To Prison - The Erik Conover story
Now, most people in this situation would immediately pull over like, oh, man, I got caught speeding. And then, you know, you pay your ticket and you move on with your life. But that's not what Eric does. Instead, Eric's like the police and he just keeps on driving. So this cop is like following him for a while and finally Eric's like, all right, and he pulls over.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
This Youtuber Might Be Going To Prison - The Erik Conover story
So then the police officer pulls up and he orders Eric to get out of the vehicle. Then I guess Eric changes his mind and he's like the police again and he drives away again. So now the officer's got to get back in his car and chase him, hoping he'll finally give up and pull over. About eight miles later, Eric finally does pull over again, but he pulls over to the oncoming lane for some reason.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
This Youtuber Might Be Going To Prison - The Erik Conover story
So the officer pulls up behind him and he gets out of his car to approach Eric's Jeep. Then allegedly for some reason, we still don't know why, but Eric throws the Jeep in reverse and skirt floors it and pow hits the cop with his vehicle. And the officer flies like 20 to 40 feet before boom, he lands on the ground. And skrrt, Eric speeds away. And pretty quickly, the officer calls for backup.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
This Youtuber Might Be Going To Prison - The Erik Conover story
And now, there are multiple cops chasing Eric, trying to catch him. And this chase goes on for 28 miles. And eventually, police throw down some of those spike strips, and Eric runs over them, and pow, his tires blow out. And just like that, the chase is over, because his Jeep is f***ed. And you can actually see a picture of it here, with all the tires flat. And so bam, they arrest him.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
This Youtuber Might Be Going To Prison - The Erik Conover story
And so this is a really good gig for him because over time his channel has been growing and he's been getting really successful. Here he is with his YouTube play button after hitting a million subscribers. In fact, he's been getting so popular that on his channel, he does a workout video with Chris Hemsworth. Pretty cool.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
This Youtuber Might Be Going To Prison - The Erik Conover story
Here's his mugshot.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
This Youtuber Might Be Going To Prison - The Erik Conover story
Oh, but the story gets even crazier because Eric gets charged with, among other things, attempted murder of a police officer, which is a huge deal. And the police officer survived, by the way. I think one of his legs ended up being injured. But other than that, he's alive. Anyway, three days later, Eric has an arraignment hearing.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
This Youtuber Might Be Going To Prison - The Erik Conover story
And at this hearing, he's talking to the judge and he allegedly starts telling the judge all kinds of crazy . He tells him that he's a popular YouTuber, that he's a public figure. He encourages the judge to look him up and look at his online following because he has millions of followers. Like, I'm not sure that's gonna help his case.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
This Youtuber Might Be Going To Prison - The Erik Conover story
He apparently also tells the judge that this is all one big misunderstanding, that he's Eric, but that the guy they're looking for is apparently a different guy named Eric. While he's a popular YouTuber, the other Eric isn't, I guess. And he lives in New York, while the real Eric they're looking for lives in another state. I don't know, like his excuses are weird and confusing.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
This Youtuber Might Be Going To Prison - The Erik Conover story
So forgive me if I'm getting any of them wrong. But at one point he holds up documents and claims that they've been falsified.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
This Youtuber Might Be Going To Prison - The Erik Conover story
Then he starts insinuating that the police are all out to get him and that this is all part of some sort of police sting operation. Then he brings up his sobriety.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
This Youtuber Might Be Going To Prison - The Erik Conover story
Then his parents show up to the hearing and he starts to break down a little. I mean, clearly the whole thing is just a circus. Now at this point, someone, I'm not sure if it was a judge or an attorney, they bring up his mental competency. Because nothing he's saying is making any sense and his behavior has been erratic and he's acting a bit odd.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
This Youtuber Might Be Going To Prison - The Erik Conover story
And for some reason, bringing up his mental competency sets him off.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
This Youtuber Might Be Going To Prison - The Erik Conover story
I will eviscerate every single person with my intelligence. Look at f***ing Rick Sanchez over here. Now, why is Eric crashing out so hard? Like, why is he acting this way? Well, all we have right now are theories. And on the internet, among his fandom, this is the leading theory. A while back, on his Instagram, he was posting some things like this.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
This Youtuber Might Be Going To Prison - The Erik Conover story
So you can see in this picture, he's got a pill in his mouth and a prescription bottle in his hand with the caption, Yeah, the pharmaceutical industry tried to gaslight me that I need medication too, when all you need is some discipline of your emotional state. So what is that bottle of meds in his hand? Well, the internet is saying that it's olanzapine. Now, I can't confirm that it's olanzapine.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
This Youtuber Might Be Going To Prison - The Erik Conover story
Not to mention he's huge on TikTok, 1.3 million followers and Instagram with almost a million followers. So clearly Bro found a decent niche for himself and he's doing really well. Until one day, Eric screws it all up. Earlier this year, he puts out a video on YouTube, and in it, he announces that he's been sober from alcohol for several years.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
This Youtuber Might Be Going To Prison - The Erik Conover story
Like, I've zoomed in on the label and you can compare it to an actual image of a bottle of olanzapine. Like, it looks similar to me, but I don't know. That's just what everyone on the internet is saying. Now why that matters is olanzapine is an antipsychotic used to treat the symptoms of schizophrenia.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
This Youtuber Might Be Going To Prison - The Erik Conover story
And so the leading theory among his fandom is that he had been prescribed antipsychotics for symptoms of schizophrenia and that he's recently decided that he's gonna stop taking them and go all natural because I guess he doesn't trust the big pharmaceutical companies.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
This Youtuber Might Be Going To Prison - The Erik Conover story
And that him quitting his meds caused him to fall off the wagon and act out in all kinds of ways, like running over a cop for instance. But again, this is just a theory. Regardless, he hasn't been to trial yet, so all of these accusations are alleged. However, these are some very serious charges, so I think his days of being a YouTube star, they might be over.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
This Youtuber Might Be Going To Prison - The Erik Conover story
And you know, good for him for getting his life together. But then just a few months later, he apparently falls off the wagon because he's driving his Jeep around town one day and police pull him over and they find that old Eric is anything but sober. And one news source says he was drunk driving. Another news source says he was driving while high on Zaza. So it's likely one of those two things.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
This Youtuber Might Be Going To Prison - The Erik Conover story
Regardless, he was allegedly operating a vehicle while intoxicated on something. And so bam, they arrest him. Now, this has nothing to do with him attacking a cop. This is just him falling off the wagon. We'll get to the thing about him attacking a cop. Anyway, so soon after this, he gets out of jail on bond. And he posts about his arrest like a thousand times on his Twitter.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
He Murdered Someone Over a Video Game - The Daniel Petric story
Has anyone ever died because of a video game? Actually, yes. This kid unalives someone because of Halo 3. Here's what happened. Now the kid's name is Daniel, and Daniel's 15, living in Ohio, and he's a normal high school kid, and he loves playing football. It's a big part of his life. But one day in 2006, his whole world changes because he goes on a snowboarding trip with his friends.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
He Murdered Someone Over a Video Game - The Daniel Petric story
Sometimes he'll play it up to 18 hours in a day, only stopping to like eat some cereal or go to the bathroom. Now, at this part of the story, it isn't actually clear if he's still playing it at his friend's house or if he's now playing it at home or both. But it is clear that now Bro has a gaming problem. It is all he thinks about. He is addicted.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
He Murdered Someone Over a Video Game - The Daniel Petric story
Now at some point, I guess, he brings the game up to his parents. And his parents, oh, they are not happy. See, Daniel's mom and dad, who we'll just call mom and dad, mom and dad are super religious. In fact, dad is the pastor at a local church. So they don't want their kid playing violent video games. Jesus would never. And so they tell him no. No violent shooting games are allowed in this house.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
He Murdered Someone Over a Video Game - The Daniel Petric story
And this pisses Daniel off. I mean, they just don't understand how much he likes this game. He doesn't have to play it at his friends' houses. Now what's he gonna do? And so at this point, it's 2007, and he is 16 years old now. And around this time, kaboom, Halo 3 comes out. And Daniel, of course, he wants to play it so bad, but he doesn't want to disobey his parents.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
He Murdered Someone Over a Video Game - The Daniel Petric story
So finally, one night, he's all like, all this, and he goes and he gets $70 and he sneaks out his bedroom window and he heads over to the store and he buys this game. I guess he plans on playing it at home when his parents aren't paying attention. I don't know. Well, that same night, he gets back home and he sneaks back into his room through the window. And suddenly, bam, his mom catches him.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
He Murdered Someone Over a Video Game - The Daniel Petric story
And she sees that he's got a new game in his hand and that it's Halo 3, a violent game he's not supposed to have. And she's mad at him. And I guess she goes and tells dad. And now dad gets involved and he's all pissed off too. And they snatch that game away from him. And dad takes it and he hides it in a lockbox in the closet, which is like, I guess, a little safe.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
He Murdered Someone Over a Video Game - The Daniel Petric story
And he locks it up and he puts the key on his personal key ring with his car keys. Now at this point, Daniel could let all this slide. Maybe forget about the game or whatever, but that's not what he does. He's addicted and he is not going to let this go. So for the next few weeks, tension in the house is building and building. And one night, Daniel has finally had enough.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
He Murdered Someone Over a Video Game - The Daniel Petric story
And so he's out, and he's up on the mountains, snowboarding, goofing around, and suddenly, boom, he crashes hard, and he injures his spine pretty bad. In fact, it's so severe, any further damage could potentially paralyze him. So he can't run, he can't play sports anymore, including football, which is a huge deal to him.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
He Murdered Someone Over a Video Game - The Daniel Petric story
He really wants to play that game. And Dad is still like, nah. And things get heated, and they get into an argument. And finally, Dad gives him an ultimatum. You can either give up the violent video games, or you can get the hell out. And Daniel's like, fine, I'll leave. And he does. He leaves and he goes to stay over at his friend's house. And that weekend is everything Daniel could ever want.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
He Murdered Someone Over a Video Game - The Daniel Petric story
I guess his friend's parents don't really care what the boys do and they end up playing Halo 16 to 18 hours a day all weekend long and nothing is stopping them. This is great. So it seems like maybe this will be Daniel's life from here on out and he's gonna be happy. Until... Apparently Daniel is still upset that his parents took his copy of Halo 3 and he just can't seem to let it go.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
He Murdered Someone Over a Video Game - The Daniel Petric story
So he comes up with an insane plan to get his game back and punish his parents for taking it. First, he goes back home. And I don't know if he made up with his parents or if they worked it out, but whatever. He's back in his house. Then he waits for his dad to leave his keys on the counter, just like he does every night after work.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
He Murdered Someone Over a Video Game - The Daniel Petric story
And he low-key snatches those keys and he gets the key to the lockbox. Then he goes to the closet, opens the box, and grabs his game. But that's not the only thing he grabs. Dad also keeps a nine millimeter locked in that box. So Daniel grabs it too. Meanwhile, mom and dad are in the living room. They're sitting on the couch because they're about to watch a baseball game.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
He Murdered Someone Over a Video Game - The Daniel Petric story
So Daniel enters the room and he asks them to close their eyes because he has a surprise for them. And they're like, oh, cool, a surprise? This will be fun. And as soon as they close their eyes, Daniel pulls out that 9mm, and he points it at his dad. And suddenly, blam, he shoots his dad in the face. And as mom notices and opens her eyes, blam, blam, blam, he shoots her too. And she's unalived.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
He Murdered Someone Over a Video Game - The Daniel Petric story
Then, while dad is on the floor, Daniel starts trying to put the pew-pew in his hand. Because I guess he's gonna try to make it look like dad shot mom. But then, suddenly, ding-dong, someone rings the doorbell. So Daniel stops what he's doing and he answers it. And it's his sister and her husband. And they're there because they're supposed to watch the baseball game with mom and dad.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
He Murdered Someone Over a Video Game - The Daniel Petric story
So Daniel, he starts freaking out. freaking out at them and he's like, no, don't come in. And he starts telling them that mom and dad are in some kind of big argument and that they don't really need to come in because it's just chaos. Here's the thing though. Dad was shot in the face, but somehow he actually survives.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
He Murdered Someone Over a Video Game - The Daniel Petric story
And so he's still alive and he's on the floor and he can hear sister and her husband at the door. And he can't really talk because he's injured, but he starts moaning out as best as he can. So sister and her husband, they hear the moans and boom, they push past Daniel and they walk over to the living room and they see the horrible scene there.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
He Murdered Someone Over a Video Game - The Daniel Petric story
And so sister, she calls the police while husband snatches that pew pew from Daniel's hands so he can't use it again. And then Daniel, I guess he doesn't know what to do. So then boom, he grabs his copy of Halo 3 and he gets into the family van and he starts driving to his friend's house. He is determined to play that game. But eventually, police catch up to him and bam, they arrest him.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
He Murdered Someone Over a Video Game - The Daniel Petric story
And I don't have a mugshot, but here's a picture of him in court. Anyway, after all that, he gets sentenced to life in prison. While luckily, dad survives and he recovers. But unfortunately, mom does not. Wow.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
He Murdered Someone Over a Video Game - The Daniel Petric story
I mean, he's been playing football since he was younger and suddenly he has to stop? Now what's he gonna do? But then it gets even worse because Daniel contracts a staph infection. So for a while, he's super sick and he can't really move much at all.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
He Murdered Someone Over a Video Game - The Daniel Petric story
And so he's bedridden, and he has to be home most of the time, and he can't go to high school anymore until he fully recovers, so I guess he starts getting homeschooled, and this goes on for around a year. And during this year, he has to find a way to pass the time.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
He Murdered Someone Over a Video Game - The Daniel Petric story
And after a while, I guess his parents start letting him leave the house to go hang out at his friend's house, and it's there that he experiences something he's never experienced before. A video game called Halo. Now, Daniel has played games before, mostly with his dad. They would play a lot of, like, Madden, because, you know, he loves football.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
He Murdered Someone Over a Video Game - The Daniel Petric story
But he's never played anything like Halo before, which, if you've never played, it's a first-person shooter where you, like, run around blowing up aliens. And sure, it's a bit violent, but whatever. It's fun. And instantly, Daniel loves this game, and he wants to play it all the time. In fact, over time, he starts getting obsessed with it. He plays it for hours at a time.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
She Started a Cult - The Amy Carlson / Love Has Won story
So this McDonald's worker starts a cult and becomes sort of a god. This story is wild. Now her name's Amy and Amy is kind of a new age hippie. She's the manager of a local Mickey D's in Texas. And one day in 2006, she starts having visions and she isn't sure what they mean or why they're happening. But then one day she meets this guy online. His name's White Eagles.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
She Started a Cult - The Amy Carlson / Love Has Won story
And so now, Miguel is the new Father God. And together, Amy and Miguel officially start a new religion called Love Has Won. And it's like a mix of New Age and Christianity and conspiracy theories. Now, Here's the thing about Miguel. Miguel's actually super organized and good with finances. So he and some other followers set up a website and social media for this new religion.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
She Started a Cult - The Amy Carlson / Love Has Won story
And this helps them reach more people and get more people to follow them. And then some people even start joining this religion in person, like not online. And since Amy believes she is a god herself, she's preaching all kinds of goofy to these people. Like she claims that she's been around for 19 billion years and has been reincarnated 534 times. She claims that she's Cleopatra reincarnated.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
She Started a Cult - The Amy Carlson / Love Has Won story
She claims that she's Harriet Tubman reincarnated. She claims that she's Marilyn Monroe reincarnated. She also claims that she's Elvis Presley's mom somehow. And she claims that she can communicate with the spirits of dead celebrities, including Patrick Swayze, John Lennon, Whitney Houston, Prince, Tupac, Robin Williams, all kinds of crazy stuff.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
She Started a Cult - The Amy Carlson / Love Has Won story
But most importantly, she believes that she can heal people just by touching them. She claims that she's cured cancer in people and Lyme disease and autism. And the worst part is that people believe her.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
She Started a Cult - The Amy Carlson / Love Has Won story
And so Amy starts charging money to heal people and perform these psychic surgeries on them. And people pay sometimes thousands of dollars for a session. Not only that, she rejects all modern medicine and she gives her followers crazy medical advice. Like she tells her followers to take colloidal silver every day, which is like a mineral.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
She Started a Cult - The Amy Carlson / Love Has Won story
And she herself takes this mineral every day thinking it's some kind of cure-all, which it's not.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
She Started a Cult - The Amy Carlson / Love Has Won story
And at the same time she's preaching all this crazy health and wellness nonsense, she gets drunk and high every day, like falling down off her ass drunk every single day. But anyway, then in 2014, the group moves from Colorado out to California. And here they bring even more people into the cult. And suddenly they have like 20 live-in members, like people actually living in the place with them.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
She Started a Cult - The Amy Carlson / Love Has Won story
And who knows how many online members, hundreds, maybe thousands. And they're like selling alleged health products online like colloidal silver, body lotions, crystals, essential oils, merchandise. And they also do virtual healing. So Mother God can heal you through like FaceTime calls, I guess. So anyway, a few years pass and it's now 2018. And here is when everything changes for Amy.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
She Started a Cult - The Amy Carlson / Love Has Won story
And Amy and White Eagle really hit it off. And he really likes her, so he starts gassing her up. Telling her that she's been having visions because not only is she low-key a god, but she's like THE god. And Amy's like, oh snap! I'm a god! And she starts to believe that she has some divine mission. A mission to leave her whole life behind and save the world. And eventually, she does.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
She Started a Cult - The Amy Carlson / Love Has Won story
Because even though she's supposedly some kind of spiritual healer, her own health starts to visibly decline. Like she starts looking all sick and frail. She's got lesions all over her skin and she's in pain all the time.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
She Started a Cult - The Amy Carlson / Love Has Won story
And maybe she's doing so bad because she's drinking alcohol all day. Maybe it's because she refuses to go to a doctor or take any kind of modern medication. But her body really starts shutting down. And eventually, she no longer has feeling in her legs and feet. And she ends up paralyzed from the waist down. So she can't walk. And this guy has to carry her around everywhere.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
She Started a Cult - The Amy Carlson / Love Has Won story
The guy, his name's Jason. And Jason is like the new Father God. We're like five or six Father Gods in at this point, and he is the newest one. And so anyway, this goes on for a few years, and Amy's health just keeps getting worse and worse. She's weak, she's lost a ton of weight, like she only weighs like 75 pounds at this point.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
She Started a Cult - The Amy Carlson / Love Has Won story
Not only that, but because she keeps taking all this colloidal silver every day, her skin legitimately turns a silverish blue color. And you can see it in photos of her, like here, and here, and here, and like look, Here she is sitting with Jason and look at his skin compared to hers. Okay, but here's what's really crazy.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
She Started a Cult - The Amy Carlson / Love Has Won story
As her health visibly deteriorates, Amy, I guess she starts to realize that she's dying. And she starts asking her followers to take her to the hospital. And her followers are like... Nah, bro. They refuse because of everything Amy has taught them.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
She Started a Cult - The Amy Carlson / Love Has Won story
Her core teachings are now ingrained in them, and they are against modern medicine and doctors, and they think taking colloidal silver is going to save her. Not only that, Amy will even have moments where she'll admit to her followers that she's not a god and she has no special powers, and at this point, her followers just don't believe her. Like, listen to them talk about it.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
She Started a Cult - The Amy Carlson / Love Has Won story
Then in 2021, eventually they take Amy up to a place they have in Oregon. And at this point, her skin is more silverish blue than it's ever been. And she looks like the worst she's ever looked health-wise. And sometime after that, no one knows exactly when, but Amy dies! Like, right there in their cult house, or wherever they're living.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
She Started a Cult - The Amy Carlson / Love Has Won story
Now, since Amy is no longer living, her followers believe that she's going to ascend into another dimension, like, with her whole body, through some kind of spaceship that's supposed to appear in the sky? I don't know, it's weird. But anyway, so the cult members don't report her death, nor do they get rid of the body, because if they get rid of the body, then it won't be able to ascend.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
She Started a Cult - The Amy Carlson / Love Has Won story
Instead, they wrap her up in a sleeping bag with Christmas lights coiled up around her, and they put her in a car, and they drive her from Oregon across the country back to Colorado. And there, they end up staying in a house that I guess they used to stay at that's owned by Miguel. And apparently Miguel has been staying there in Colorado and he hadn't seen Amy in a long time.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
She Started a Cult - The Amy Carlson / Love Has Won story
And he shows up to the house to see everyone and that is when he sees unalived Amy for the first time wrapped up in a sleeping bag and Christmas lights. And Miguel is like, nah, this is too much. And he goes and he reports it to the police. And so police show up to the house and bam, they arrest seven of the cult members. Here are a bunch of mug shots.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
She Started a Cult - The Amy Carlson / Love Has Won story
And they're charged with abuse of a corpse and some other stuff. But at the end of it all, all charges against the cult members end up getting dropped. I guess they didn't have sufficient evidence to convict any of them, so...
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
She Started a Cult - The Amy Carlson / Love Has Won story
She leaves her kids and her family behind to pursue this divine mission. So she travels from Texas up to Colorado to be with White Eagle, where he lives. And she starts calling herself Mother God. And White Eagle is her father god. And they start posting videos of themselves online.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
She Started a Cult - The Amy Carlson / Love Has Won story
And over time, they start building a following online, like a little cult of people wanting to hear them preach their specific brand of spirituality. And over the next few years, this cult following grows bigger. And unfortunately, it doesn't work out between Amy and White Eagle, so she leaves him and she ends up smashing with this new guy, one of her followers. His name's Miguel.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
She Cut Off Her Husband's Penis - The Lorena and John Wayne Bobbitt story
Did you forget about this woman in the 90s who got so mad at her husband she waited till he was asleep and then she cut off his wiener. Now her name's Lorena, she's 20 years old, she's going to college in Virginia and one day in 1988 she meets this dude. John Wayne. And John Wayne's 22 and he's a Marine and they hit it off and they fall in love and everything is going great.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
She Cut Off Her Husband's Penis - The Lorena and John Wayne Bobbitt story
And that is when shit gets really crazy. Because one night, it's 1993. And John Wayne, he's been out all night drinking at the bar. And bro is absolutely wasted. While Lorena, she's at home in the bedroom asleep. And so John Wayne comes home from the bar. And suddenly, boom, he busts into the room. And this scares Lorena. But he doesn't care. Because that is when he pins her down.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
She Cut Off Her Husband's Penis - The Lorena and John Wayne Bobbitt story
And he allegedly...
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
She Cut Off Her Husband's Penis - The Lorena and John Wayne Bobbitt story
essays her and then afterwards when he's done he passes out in the bed while poor lorena she's just disgusted and she's sick to her stomach and so she leaves the room and she goes downstairs i mean she doesn't want to be around him and she goes into the kitchen to get some water and that is when she sees it a large kitchen knife so she starts thinking this guy she is not going to be a victim anymore she's about to get her revenge
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
She Cut Off Her Husband's Penis - The Lorena and John Wayne Bobbitt story
So she grabs the knife and she heads back upstairs to the bedroom. And John Wayne, he's still asleep, passed out, drunk as hell, no idea what's about to happen. And that is when she pulls back the covers and she pulls his willy up and she takes the knife and she cuts it right off. And so she's standing there, holding it. And John Wayne wakes up like, what the f***?
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
She Cut Off Her Husband's Penis - The Lorena and John Wayne Bobbitt story
But like, he's still so drunk that he doesn't even realize what happened and that his junk is missing. So he just lays there, all confused, like, what? What's going on? While Lorena, she's like, oh, s***. And boom, she runs away with the schlong still in her hand. And she runs out of the apartment and she jumps in her car and skrrt, she flees.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
She Cut Off Her Husband's Penis - The Lorena and John Wayne Bobbitt story
Minutes later, she's speeding along the road, trying to calm down. Because she still has John Wayne's stupid wiener in her hand. So she rolls down the window and she throws it out of the car as hard as she can. And it flies through the air and it lands in a nearby field. Minutes after that, she arrives at her boss's house. Her boss is like also her friend. So Lorena gets there.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
She Cut Off Her Husband's Penis - The Lorena and John Wayne Bobbitt story
She goes inside and she's upset. She's freaking out. And boss is like, what did John Wayne do to you this time? And Lorena's like, no, I cut off his pee-pee. And boss is like... Ooh, we should probably call the police. And so boss calls the police and she tells them what happened. And police are like, okay, well just tell us where we can find it and we'll go look for it. And so around 4 a.m.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
She Cut Off Her Husband's Penis - The Lorena and John Wayne Bobbitt story
And about a year later, they get married. And this is actually a picture of them on their wedding day. And look at them. I mean, they seem to be really happy. Until... Here's the thing about his marriage, though. It actually ends up not going too well.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
She Cut Off Her Husband's Penis - The Lorena and John Wayne Bobbitt story
in the morning, there's a gang of police officers out in this field, combing through the grass, looking around for a rogue wiener. And then around 4.30, finally, they find it lying on the ground. Apparently one of the officers accidentally stepped on it. Like, oops, oh, hey, there it is. Here's the thing, though. They don't know what to put it in. Like, what kind of container?
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
She Cut Off Her Husband's Penis - The Lorena and John Wayne Bobbitt story
Like, they've never done this before. So they go to a nearby 7-Eleven and they end up putting it in, and I'm not making this up, a hot dog box. One that looks like this. Meanwhile, John Wayne, he had a friend drive him to the hospital. And there he waits for the police to show up with his wiener so that doctors can reattach it. Which he ends up going into surgery and they do.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
She Cut Off Her Husband's Penis - The Lorena and John Wayne Bobbitt story
They reattach it and apparently it works fine. Regardless, bam, they arrest Lorena. And I don't have a mugshot of her, but here she is in real life.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
She Cut Off Her Husband's Penis - The Lorena and John Wayne Bobbitt story
And so all of this is happening in the 90s and this story blows the f**k up because it's a crazy story and it's in like every newspaper headline, late night talk show hosts are all making jokes about it in their monologues, Saturday Night Live is making fun of it, But here's where the story gets interesting. There are actually two crimes in this scenario.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
She Cut Off Her Husband's Penis - The Lorena and John Wayne Bobbitt story
One is John Wayne essaying Lorena, and two is Lorena cutting off his glizzy with a kitchen knife. And each of these crimes has a separate trial. And John Wayne's trial goes first, and he's being charged with essay. And his trial is wild, because they're like holding up pictures of his wiener for the jury and everyone to see. It's absolutely insane.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
She Cut Off Her Husband's Penis - The Lorena and John Wayne Bobbitt story
Now, keep in mind that all of this is happening during a time when the common sentiment was that if a husband essays his wife, it doesn't really count as essay because she's his wife. Yeah, I know it's terrible. And at the end of it all, it seems like the jury agrees with at least some of that because he gets found not guilty.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
She Cut Off Her Husband's Penis - The Lorena and John Wayne Bobbitt story
Then Lorena goes to her trial and she's being accused of malicious wounding. And she gets on the stand and she describes the abuse she had gone through. And lucky for her, she's also found not guilty by reason of temporary insanity. So neither of them see any real prison time for this. But then after the trials, John Wayne apparently decides that he kind of likes the spotlight.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
She Cut Off Her Husband's Penis - The Lorena and John Wayne Bobbitt story
John Wayne gets discharged from the Marines, and then he has trouble finding steady work, so Lorena has to become the provider, and this stresses them out. And they end up fighting all the time. Plus, John Wayne likes to drink. Like, a lot. And that's not really a good combination. And about a month into their marriage, boom, he starts being abusive. Physically.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
She Cut Off Her Husband's Penis - The Lorena and John Wayne Bobbitt story
So he just keeps going, taking every opportunity he can. He allegedly starts a band called Severed Parts. That apparently doesn't go anywhere because I couldn't find much about it. Then he goes on to star in an adult film called John Wayne Bobbitt Uncut. And yes, you're looking at an actual scene from that movie.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
She Cut Off Her Husband's Penis - The Lorena and John Wayne Bobbitt story
Then he goes on the Howard Stern show where they apparently raise money for him to get penis enlargement surgery. And they actually do it. They raise the money and he legitimately ends up getting the enlargement surgery. Then he and his new wiener stars in another adult film, and it's called, and I wish I were making this up, Frankenpenis.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
She Cut Off Her Husband's Penis - The Lorena and John Wayne Bobbitt story
Then, around this time, he gets convicted of battery for hitting his new fiance, and he spends a few weeks in jail. A few years after that, he appears on WWE Monday Night Raw for some reason. And then a year later, bam, he gets arrested again, this time for battery charges against his new new wife. And sometime after that, he has to get his penis enlargement surgery reversed.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
She Cut Off Her Husband's Penis - The Lorena and John Wayne Bobbitt story
I guess there were some complications or it looked weird or something. And so he has surgery to get it back to his normal size. Bro did a lot. While Lorena, on the other hand, she kept more of a low profile. And later on, she actually goes on to found her own organization to help victims of domestic violence. And this is her talking about it on TV. She's blonde now. So yeah, good for her.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
She Cut Off Her Husband's Penis - The Lorena and John Wayne Bobbitt story
Like he shoves her and he punches her sometimes. It's awful. And so their fights start to get really bad. To the point where they call police on each other. Then to make it worse, she ends up getting pregnant. And he doesn't think she would make a good mother, so he allegedly pressures her to get an abortion. And she does and then she resents him over it.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
She Cut Off Her Husband's Penis - The Lorena and John Wayne Bobbitt story
So basically he's really abusive and their relationship is toxic as hell. And all this goes on for several years until she's around 24 and he's around 26. And it's at this point that they've both hit their limit and they've had enough of each other. And she's trying to get a protective order against him while he is asking her for a divorce. So this marriage is basically over. It's on its way out.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
The World's Greatest Art Fraud - The Wolfgang Beltracchi story
So this guy did not get into art school. And that eventually caused actor Steve Martin to get conned out of $750,000. Let me explain. Now the guy, let's call him Lil Mustache Man. And Lil Mustache Man really wants to go to art school. And he applies twice. But unfortunately for him, the school is like, nah bro, and he doesn't get in because he's not very good.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
The World's Greatest Art Fraud - The Wolfgang Beltracchi story
And pretty quickly, he starts to make good money from this, like hundreds of thousands of euros. Then in 1993, everything changes for him because he meets this woman, Helene. And he and Helene, they fall in love and eventually they get married. And not only is Helene okay with her new husband being a con artist art forger, but she's like, let me help you out.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
The World's Greatest Art Fraud - The Wolfgang Beltracchi story
And she becomes his partner in this scam. And together, Wolfgang and Helene and some other acquaintances of theirs, they really start to perfect this whole thing. Like they make sure the canvases they're painting on are from the right period, that the paint is from the right period. He even builds an oven and like cooks his paintings to make them seem cracked and old.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
The World's Greatest Art Fraud - The Wolfgang Beltracchi story
And then they like approach art dealers and auction houses and they sell them. And when the art dealers are like, hang on a second, where the hell did you get all these priceless long lost paintings from? Wolfgang tells them some complicated story about how they had inherited all these works from their art collector grandparents.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
The World's Greatest Art Fraud - The Wolfgang Beltracchi story
and that they had originally been looted by Little Mustache Man's military back in World War II, and that they were just recently recovered. And since Little Mustache Man really did steal that many collections of art back in the day, these art dealers start to believe that, yeah, it's actually plausible that Wolfgang and Helene's story is true. He inherited a bunch of long-lost art.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
The World's Greatest Art Fraud - The Wolfgang Beltracchi story
And so anyway, they start selling all these fake long-lost paintings, allegedly by famous artists, for hundreds of thousands of euros per painting, even millions sometimes. They make two million euros off one painting alone, or about two million US dollars. And so suddenly, they're rich.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
The World's Greatest Art Fraud - The Wolfgang Beltracchi story
And now that they're rich, they gotta go and buy a bunch of sh** for themselves, because that's what you gotta do. And they buy like a big mansion in Germany and a villa in South France. They're traveling around to all kinds of places, chilling on yachts. They apparently dress all high class now, and Wolfgang's driving a pimp-ass Jaguar. And so this scam goes on for years.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
The World's Greatest Art Fraud - The Wolfgang Beltracchi story
But 25 years later, he's chancellor of Germany. Yet he still considers himself a connoisseur of the arts and he's still allegedly a bit salty about getting rejected from art school all those years ago. And as he directs his military to invade other countries around Europe in World War II, He also has them loot museums and raid art collections and steal all the art pieces.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
The World's Greatest Art Fraud - The Wolfgang Beltracchi story
Wolfgang will make a fake long-lost painting in the style of a well-known dead artist, and they'll claim it's authentic and sell it for a ton of money. And yes, yes, there are actually skeptics. There are authenticators and people in the art world who start to doubt them. Like, no way you have all these old originals. And they really start to push them on the authenticity of these.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
The World's Greatest Art Fraud - The Wolfgang Beltracchi story
And of course, Wolfgang's like, nah, these paintings have been in Helene's family for years. We have really old photographs of Helene's grandmother standing next to them. And so to squash these accusations, Wolfgang and Helene will dress Helene up in vintage clothes and take a photograph of her with some of these paintings in the background. But they'll make the photograph look vintage too.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
The World's Greatest Art Fraud - The Wolfgang Beltracchi story
And they'll show it to the authenticators like, look, here's a really old picture of Helene's grandma in front of the paintings. Like this, what you're looking at is actually a photograph that they faked. This shit is wild. And so they get not just people to believe them but like art authenticators to believe them and experts believe them. They have everyone fooled.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
The World's Greatest Art Fraud - The Wolfgang Beltracchi story
Let me needless to say this plan is working and at this time in the early 2000s it's estimated that Wolfgang and Helene and their accomplices have profited over a hundred million dollars from this scam. A hundred million dollars from fake paintings! And to make it worse, it seems like no one is going to catch them. Until... Until Wolfgang screws everything up by using the wrong color.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
The World's Greatest Art Fraud - The Wolfgang Beltracchi story
Because one day in 2006, he's painting one of his fake-ass paintings and he runs out of the color white. No big deal, he'll just make some more because he usually mixes a lot of his own colors.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
The World's Greatest Art Fraud - The Wolfgang Beltracchi story
But on this particular day, this one time, I don't know if he's running late or if he's just feeling lazy on this day, but instead of mixing his own white, he goes to the store and buys a tube of white that has titanium in it or titanium white. And he uses that to finish his painting.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
The World's Greatest Art Fraud - The Wolfgang Beltracchi story
Then after he finishes, he and his crew sell it to a trading company and they tell him that it's by this famous dead painter. It was painted back in 1914 and that it's all legit. And they sell this fake 1914 painting for 2.8 million euros or about 3 million US dollars. And that's all fine and good until the buyer notices something off about this work of art.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
The World's Greatest Art Fraud - The Wolfgang Beltracchi story
So they demand to see a certificate of authenticity for the work. Which obviously a certificate of authenticity doesn't exist because this work is a fake. And so this buyer sends this fake 1914 painting off to an art expert in London. And that expert puts it under a microscope and BAM! That's when he sees it. The paint Wolfgang used in this supposed 1914 painting was titanium white.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
The World's Greatest Art Fraud - The Wolfgang Beltracchi story
But titanium white wasn't really available until 1916. And so this buyer gets pissed because he just got ripped off and he goes and he files a complaint with a district court in Germany. Then the Berlin State Police gets involved and they start investigating and they discover what you already know, that this painting is fake as f**k.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
The World's Greatest Art Fraud - The Wolfgang Beltracchi story
Not painted by some master in his workshop, but painted by Wolfgang, probably in his garage. And from here, pretty quickly, word starts to spread around the art world, and boom, there are lawsuits galore, as Wolfgang and Helene start getting sued by a bunch of the people they ripped off.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
The World's Greatest Art Fraud - The Wolfgang Beltracchi story
Then, one morning in 2010, when ol' Wolfie and his wife are about to drive away from their big-ass mansion, POW! A bunch of police cars suddenly surround them, and BAM! They get arrested. And I don't have a mugshot, but here's what he looks like in real life. So, then what does all this have to do with the actor Steve Martin? Well, apparently, Steve Martin is an avid art collector.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
The World's Greatest Art Fraud - The Wolfgang Beltracchi story
And in 2004, he actually bought a painting from a gallery for about $750,000. And I assume he thought this painting was badass. Well, unfortunately, it was a painting that Wolfgang had done, a.k.a. a forgery. Obviously, Steve didn't know it was fake, but nonetheless, bro got ripped off.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
The World's Greatest Art Fraud - The Wolfgang Beltracchi story
Anyway, allegedly, Wolfgang had faked over 100 paintings over the course of two decades, and that's why, at the end of it all, he gets sentenced to six years in prison. While Helene gets sentenced to four years in prison, and Lil Mustache Man, well... he unalived himself a long time ago. So, good for them.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
The World's Greatest Art Fraud - The Wolfgang Beltracchi story
And they become notorious for this. It's estimated his goons took over 600,000 pieces of art during this time. By some estimates, they took nearly 20% of all the art in Europe. And some of it they keep and some of it they destroy. But to this day, a lot of that art has never been recovered. Now, let's fast forward several decades to the 1980s, because I want to talk about this guy, Wolfgang.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
The World's Greatest Art Fraud - The Wolfgang Beltracchi story
And Wolfgang, he's in his 30s, he's kind of a hippie, and unlike Lil Mustache Man, he's actually a very talented artist. He's a painter. And one day, Wolfgang's like, f*** all this workin', I want to make quick money. And he gets a crazy idea. He's gonna forge some art.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
The World's Greatest Art Fraud - The Wolfgang Beltracchi story
He's gonna paint some new paintings in the style of old famous artists who died a long time ago, and he's gonna pass these fake paintings off as originals. Cool plan, bro. And so he does this. He makes these fake paintings and passes them off as old masterpieces. And surprisingly, it works. And he like sells them to people. He sells them to art galleries.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
Woman Solves Her Own Kidnapping 23 Years Later - The Carlina White story
Also müssen die Polizei die Eltern anrufen, Nettys echten Eltern. Und natürlich sind die Eltern auch überrascht. Aber leider ist es zu spät. Anne ist lange weg, sie hat bereits das Baby, das sie will, weil sie sie als ihre eigene aufbauen wird. And many years pass, and Nettie grows up in Anne's household. And she lives a fairly normal life, believing this whole time that Anne is her real mother.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
Woman Solves Her Own Kidnapping 23 Years Later - The Carlina White story
And yeah, sometimes she'll ask her about her real dad, and Anne tells her that her real father is a drug dealer she used to date, who's now in prison. So that excuse covers that. Letztendlich wächst Nettie ein bisschen mehr auf und sie wird ein Teenager und ist in der Hochschule. Und während dieser Zeit beginnt sie zu bemerken, dass sie nichts wie Anne oder ihre anderen Familienmitglieder sieht.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
Woman Solves Her Own Kidnapping 23 Years Later - The Carlina White story
Aber egal, ich glaube, das passiert manchmal. Aber je älter sie wird, desto mehr kümmert sich das um sie. Und letztendlich beginnt sie ein bisschen bescheiden zu werden. Dann, eines Tages, sie ist 16, sie ist noch in der Hochschule, und BOOM! Nettie bekommt etwas überraschendes. Sie ist verheiratet. Ich glaube, sie hatte einen kleinen Freund, und er hat sie verheiratet.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
Woman Solves Her Own Kidnapping 23 Years Later - The Carlina White story
Jetzt, Verheiratung und Kinder sind wirklich teuer. Aber Nettie findet heraus, dass sie sich für freie Pränatalkarriere von ihrem Staat anbieten kann. All she needs to do is to apply and provide some official documents, including her birth certificate. So she goes to her mom and she's like, Mom, I need my birth certificate. And Anne's like, yeah, I'll handle it.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
Woman Solves Her Own Kidnapping 23 Years Later - The Carlina White story
But then, as the days go by, Anne doesn't handle it. And so Nettie reminds her again and again. I mean, this is very important to her. But her mom keeps brushing her off. And eventually Nettie just gets tired of waiting. And she's like, fuck this. And she low-key starts going through Anne's stuff. And she ends up finding a document with her name and date of birth on it. Und ja, gut genug.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
Woman Solves Her Own Kidnapping 23 Years Later - The Carlina White story
Also nimmt sie es in die Kommune, um es zu versuchen, um eine Kopie ihres Geburtstags zu bekommen. Und so ist sie da, und sie gibt dieses Dokument dem Bürgermeister, und der Bürgermeister checkt ihr System und ist so, äh, Frau, wir können keinen Rekord von Ihnen finden. Und Nettie ist so, was machen wir jetzt? Und der Bürgermeister ist so, es gibt keinen Rekord von Ihnen.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
Woman Solves Her Own Kidnapping 23 Years Later - The Carlina White story
Und Nettie wird verpisscht. Was meinst du damit, dass sie kein Rekord von ihr finden können? Und so muss ein Supervisor kommen und intervenieren. Und der Supervisor ist so wie, äh, nicht nur gibt es kein Rekord von dir, dieses Dokument, das du uns gegeben hast, ist Fake. Und er verurteilt straight up Nettie, dass er versucht hat, ihre Identität zu faken.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
Woman Solves Her Own Kidnapping 23 Years Later - The Carlina White story
Und so natürlich wird Nettie verrückt und sie geht weg und sie geht nach Hause. Ein paar Tage später sagt Anne endlich zu Nettie, was zur Hölle los ist. Warum sie keinen echten Geburtstag hat und warum es ein Fake-Dokument mit ihrem Namen ist. So, diese Nacht kommt sie in Netties Zimmer und beginnt einfach zu weinen. Und dann sagt sie, dass sie nicht ihre biologische Mutter ist.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
Woman Solves Her Own Kidnapping 23 Years Later - The Carlina White story
So this woman, her name's Anne. And Anne has a problem. She really wants a baby. But unfortunately she can't seem to have one. She tries and she keeps having miscarriages. So eventually Anne gets an insane idea. Why not just steal one? So one day in 1987 she does just that.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
Woman Solves Her Own Kidnapping 23 Years Later - The Carlina White story
Aber sie sagt, dass deine echte Mutter dich verlassen hat und nie zurückgekommen ist. Und um es schlechter zu machen, erzählt sie ihr nichts anderes. Sie sagt, ihre echte Mutter war ein Drogenabhängiger, der sie verabschiedet hat. Und dann endet sie einfach auf einem Kliefhanger. Und Nettie ist so, was zur Hölle?
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
Woman Solves Her Own Kidnapping 23 Years Later - The Carlina White story
Und so für Monate beugt Nettie ihre Mutter für mehr Informationen, aber Anne gibt es nicht wirklich. Sie ist einfach so, äh, ich erinnere mich nicht mehr. Und ein ganzes Jahr dauert. Und schlussendlich ist Nettie so, egal, ich werde die Wahrheit selbst herausfinden. Und sie beginnt zu investigieren.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
Woman Solves Her Own Kidnapping 23 Years Later - The Carlina White story
Sie fragt ihre anderen Brüder, was vor all diesen Jahren passiert ist, und die anderen Brüder sind so, äh, ja, ich glaube, ich erinnere mich an Anne, die krank ist, ich weiß nicht. Sie geht in die Departement der Kinder und Familien und fragt sie, ob sie ihr DNA ausruhen können, um zu sehen, ob es jemandem passt. Und sie sind so, nein, wir machen das nicht wirklich. Und so kommt Nettie nirgendwo.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
Woman Solves Her Own Kidnapping 23 Years Later - The Carlina White story
Seine Mutter ist nicht hilfreich, ihre Brüder sind nicht hilfreich, und das Staat ist nicht hilfreich. Also sieht es aus, als würde sie einfach nie die Wahrheit wissen. UNTIL. Sieben Jahre gehen und sie ist 23. Und an diesem Punkt hat Nettie schon lange ihr Baby, sie ist in eine andere Stadt geflogen und sie hat ihr adultes Leben begonnen.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
Woman Solves Her Own Kidnapping 23 Years Later - The Carlina White story
Aber natürlich fragt sie sich immer noch, worüber Anne sprach. Wer war ihre echte Mutter, die suposiert eine Drogenanwältin war, die sie verabschiedet hat, als sie geboren wurde? Dann, eine Nacht später, bekommt sie endlich eine Führung.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
Woman Solves Her Own Kidnapping 23 Years Later - The Carlina White story
Sie dreht sich auf der Internetseite rum, sucht Antworten, und sie geht auf die Website des Nationalen Zentrums für Missing und Exploited Children, wo sie ein Database von Kindern haben, die von überall über das Land verloren sind. Und dieses Database geht schon seit Jahrhunderten zurück. And so she's combing through this database and that is when, boom, she sees it.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
Woman Solves Her Own Kidnapping 23 Years Later - The Carlina White story
A picture of a little baby girl. A girl who was around her age and who went missing back in 1987. Right around the period when she was born. Nicht nur das, dieses Baby sieht ähnlich aus wie ihr eigenes Baby. Nettie weiß also, dass sie sich ein Bild von sich selbst anschaut. Und somit ruft sie sie an.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
Woman Solves Her Own Kidnapping 23 Years Later - The Carlina White story
Sie ruft das National Center for Missing and Exploited Children Hotline und sie fragt sie, um all das herauszufinden. Und sie akzeptieren die Hilfe. Und ziemlich schnell erreichen sie Netties echte, echte, biologische Mutter. Ihr Name ist Joy. Und dann kommen sie zu Joy und sagen, ich glaube, wir haben deine vermisste Tochter von 23 Jahren gefunden. Und Joy ist so, no f***ing way.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
Woman Solves Her Own Kidnapping 23 Years Later - The Carlina White story
Und dann fangen Nettie und Joy an zu kommunizieren und zu e-mailen und dann sprechen sie auf dem Telefon immer wieder. Und dann fliegt Nettie aus Atlanta nach New York, um ihre echte Mutter in Person zu treffen. Und sie bekommt auch ihren echten Vater zu treffen. Er heißt Karl. Und hier ist ein echtes Bild von Nettie, Joy und Karl zusammen.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
Woman Solves Her Own Kidnapping 23 Years Later - The Carlina White story
Und später kommen die DNA-Resultate zurück, die bestätigen, dass sie ihre echten biologischen Eltern sind. Also... Das ist cool. Dann, natürlich, kommt diese Geschichte raus. Und es macht den Scheiß auf. Weil es eine unglaubliche Geschichte ist. Aber jetzt, mit all dieser Aufmerksamkeit, kommt die FBI involviert. Weil, du weißt, das hat 23 Jahre ago mit einer Verabschiedung angefangen.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
Woman Solves Her Own Kidnapping 23 Years Later - The Carlina White story
Also jetzt sucht jeder für Anne. Und nach einer Weile im Geheimnis, schließt sie sich dann in die FBI. Hier ist ihr Mugshot.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
Woman Solves Her Own Kidnapping 23 Years Later - The Carlina White story
And Anne ends up pleading guilty to kidnapping and she's sentenced to 12 years in prison. Meanwhile, Nettie and her real biological parents sort of have like a public falling out, but then they make up. So I think they're fine now, so good for them. And by the way, here's what Nettie looks like today in real life.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
Woman Solves Her Own Kidnapping 23 Years Later - The Carlina White story
Sie trägt sich als Ärztin an und geht in den lokalen Krankenhaus und beginnt sich zu verhalten und versucht sich als Krankenhäuser auszupassen. Und nach etwa drei Wochen, wo sie das gemacht hat, findet sie endlich ein Baby, das sie swipen kann. Und das Name des Babys ist Nettie. Und Nettie ist 19 Tage alt und sie ist im Krankenhaus, um zu behandeln. Sie hatte eine Art Infektion oder so.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
Woman Solves Her Own Kidnapping 23 Years Later - The Carlina White story
Und jetzt will Anne Nettie. Und so wartet sie. Sie wartet auf den richtigen Moment. Und um 3 Uhr, als die Krankenhäuser ihre Schiffe verändern, boom, knabbert sie Nettie aus ihrer Unit und sie geht mit ihr aus dem Gebäude und niemand glaubt etwas. Dann bringt sie sie aus New York City, wo das Krankenhaus ist, nach Connecticut, wo sie lebt.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
Woman Solves Her Own Kidnapping 23 Years Later - The Carlina White story
In der Zwischenzeit, zurück im Krankenhaus, entdeckt die Krankenhäuser ziemlich schnell, dass ein verdammtes Baby verloren ist. Und sie sind überrascht, sie sind so wie, yo, jemand hat ein Baby gestohlen. Und sie gehen und bekommen eine Beschreibung von Anne von einigen Wissens. Aber außer dem haben sie nichts. Das war der perfekte Baby-Heist.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
The Real Story of Frank Abagnale and Catch Me If You Can
Was ist, wenn die Lösung für unsere Probleme dort lauert, wo Menschen normalerweise gar nicht hinkommen? Ein Schatz aus der Tiefsee, Millionen Jahre alt, den es aber wirklich gibt und den manche jetzt heben wollen. Der Kampf um die Tiefsee, der hat längst begonnen. Das ist Enten, Land unter, von Andan und dem Futurium. Ab sofort auf Spotify.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
The Real Story of Frank Abagnale and Catch Me If You Can
Und von dort fliegt er schließlich nach Europa. Und dort ist er wieder zurück, um Autos zu stehlen und Fake-Checks in Frankreich und Schweden zu kassieren. Und dann wird er in Frankreich verhaftet und zurück in die USA verhaftet. Er ist 22 Jahre alt.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
The Real Story of Frank Abagnale and Catch Me If You Can
Und jetzt, dass er wieder in die USA ist, surprise, surprise, geht er wieder zurück, um sich als Pilot zu kassieren und mehr Forged-Checks zu kassieren. Vier Monate später ist er wieder gefangen und verhaftet. Und während er im Gefängnis ist, fliegt er weg. Aber in ein paar Tagen fangen sie ihn wieder an, um noch einen geforchten Konto zu zahlen.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
The Real Story of Frank Abagnale and Catch Me If You Can
Und dieses Mal ist er 12 Jahre im Gefängnis verhaftet. Aber ein paar Jahre später kommt er auf Parole. Dann wird er wieder verhaftet, dieses Mal, um Kunststoffe und Kameras aus einem Kinder-Sommer-Kampfen zu stehlen. Hier ist sein Mugshot. Und an diesem Punkt ist Francis um 26 Jahre alt.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
The Real Story of Frank Abagnale and Catch Me If You Can
Und um dieses Zeitpunkt bewegt er sich in seinen Parole-Officer-Garage, damit sein Parole-Officer ihn aufmerksam halten kann. Und es ist hier, dass es endlich scheint, als würde er seine Lektion lernen. UNTIL... Francis ist jetzt ungefähr 27 Jahre alt. Und er will seine eigene Anti-Fraud-Konsultation starten. Und er beginnt diese Crime-Prevention-Seminare zu halten, in denen er Reden gibt.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
The Real Story of Frank Abagnale and Catch Me If You Can
Er gibt diese Reden und er erzählt allen, dass er ein reformierter Kriminal ist. Aber er erzählt nicht nur Leuten über den Check-Fraud und das Stehlen von Leuten und das Dressieren als Pilot, um freie Flugzeuge zu bekommen.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
The Real Story of Frank Abagnale and Catch Me If You Can
Nein, nein, stattdessen beginnt er diese fantastischen Geschichten zu machen, wie er von 16 bis 20 Jahre alt war, sich in ein Krankenhaus eingelassen hat und sich als Pädiatrist für ein ganzes Jahr verliebt hat. Und wie er sich als Lehrer für ein ganzes Jahr verliebt hat. Und wie er sich als Soziologie-Professor bei BYU für ein paar Semester verliebt hat.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
The Real Story of Frank Abagnale and Catch Me If You Can
Und dass er 2,5 Millionen Dollar von den Flugzeugen verdient hat. Und dass die FBI seit Jahren nach ihm geholfen hat und er durch ein Flugzeug-Toilette gefahren ist. Und all diese Geschichten sind Bullshit. Ich meine, das sind nicht nur kleine Verbrechungen. Das sind Dinge, die er komplett aufbauen kann.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
The Real Story of Frank Abagnale and Catch Me If You Can
Und wir wissen das, weil er während der Zeit, als er all diese Sachen gemacht hat, in der Gefängnis geschlossen wurde. All das ist ein öffentliches Rekord. Das einzige, was er wirklich gemacht hat, war ein paar schlechte Karten zu schreiben, Ich habe ein Jahr lang als Hauptvorsitzender eines Krankenhauses gearbeitet. And people watching just eat it up. They love him.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
The Real Story of Frank Abagnale and Catch Me If You Can
After that, he gets invited onto the Today Show. Then he gets invited onto the Johnny Carson Show several times, where, again, he repeats these lies.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
The Real Story of Frank Abagnale and Catch Me If You Can
Und diese Appearances auf Johnny Carson schlagen ihn wirklich auf. Plötzlich bekommt er allmähliche Medienaufmerksamkeit, Leute wollen mehr über ihn wissen, also teamt er mit einem Autor zusammen und schreibt eine Autobiografie. Aber nicht über seine echte Leben, sondern über diese falschen Geschichten, die er gemacht hat.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
The Real Story of Frank Abagnale and Catch Me If You Can
Und dann, zwei Jahre später, wird sein Buch von gemachten Geschichten über seine Leben publiziert. Und ihr habt es gehört, es heißt Catch Me If You Can. Und es wird schnell ein New York Times Bestseller. Und dann verkauft Francis die Filmrechte. Und 17 Jahre später enden die Rechte bei DreamWorks.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
The Real Story of Frank Abagnale and Catch Me If You Can
So this guy, he's a liar. But his lies are about to make him rich. Let's call him Francis. And Francis is 16, he's from New York, and he can't stay out of trouble. He's always lying and stealing from his parents and stealing from local businesses. But then one day he commits forgery. Und er wird verhaftet. Hier ist sein Mugshot.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
The Real Story of Frank Abagnale and Catch Me If You Can
Und sie machen einen Film, der von Steven Spielberg gedreht wird und von Tom Hanks und Leonardo the Cradle Robber gedreht wird. Und der Film wird ein großer Hit. Und Jahre nachdem, werden sie es in ein Broadway-Musikal adaptieren. Und dieses ganze Zeit, auch nach dem Erfolg des Buches und des Films, ist Francis draußen, bei Gästeausstellungen und öffentlichen Reden.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
The Real Story of Frank Abagnale and Catch Me If You Can
Er erzählt diese selben gemachten Geschichten über sein Leben zu großen Gruppen.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
The Real Story of Frank Abagnale and Catch Me If You Can
And it wasn't until more recently in the age of the Internet that journalists really start to dig in and fact check him in a real way. And they track his whole life through interviews and public records. And they realize Francis isn't some brilliant impersonator. He's just a pathological liar. And to this day, he's still running his anti-fraud company and he's still out there giving speeches.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
The Real Story of Frank Abagnale and Catch Me If You Can
Shoutout to Hollywood.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
The Real Story of Frank Abagnale and Catch Me If You Can
Und nachdem er verhaftet ist, geht Francis auf einen anderen Krimispray und er stehlt schlussendlich ein Auto und fliegt nach Kalifornien. Und dann, ein paar Wochen später, wird er dort verhaftet. Und sie senden ihn zurück nach New York, wo er eine Menge von ausreichenden Warnungen hat.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
The Real Story of Frank Abagnale and Catch Me If You Can
Und dann, zurück in New York, benutzt Francis eine Menge geformtes Geld, um ein Flugzeug-Piloten-Uniform zu kaufen. Weil er denkt, wenn er sich wie ein Piloten trägt, was ein gut respektierter Job ist, werden die Unternehmen mehr wahrscheinlich, ihm zu vertrauen und seine falschen Warnungen zu kassieren. Aber dieser Plan funktioniert nicht wirklich.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
The Real Story of Frank Abagnale and Catch Me If You Can
Denn er wird verhaftet, weil er versucht hat, geschlossene Karten zu verwenden. Und er spart die nächsten zwei Jahre im Gefängnis. Und sobald er rauskommt, ist er 19 Jahre alt. Und ein Monat später wird er wieder in Boston verhaftet, weil er versucht hat, ein Auto zu stehlen und mehr schlechte Karten zu schreiben. Also senden sie ihn zurück ins Gefängnis für ein weiteres Jahr.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
The Real Story of Frank Abagnale and Catch Me If You Can
Er ist jetzt 20 Jahre alt. So kommt er endlich raus und bleibt ein Turd. Er bekommt das alte Pilots-Uniform, das er gekauft hat, und verwendet es, um ein paar kostenlose Flugzeuge von den Flugzeugen zu verkaufen. Weil ich glaube, off-duty Piloten bekommen kostenlose Flugzeuge. Aber dann wird er in Baton Rouge verhaftet, weil er von einer Familie aussteht, die versucht hat, ihm zu helfen.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
The Woman Who Crashed Her Own Funeral - The Noela Rokundo story
Und dann macht er sie in sein Auto. Und in dem Auto sitzt sie zwischen zwei anderen Jungs und sie haben beide Piu-Pius. Und dann blindfolden sie sie und sie fahren weg. Etwa 30 Minuten später stoppt das Auto und die Verbrecher gehen raus. Und sie nehmen Noella in irgendeine Art von Gebäude und ziehen sie in eine Schuhe. Und da kommt dieser andere Junge raus. Wir nennen ihn Leader.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
The Woman Who Crashed Her Own Funeral - The Noela Rokundo story
So Leader comes right up to Noella and he's like, what did you do to this man to make him wanna unalive you? And Noella's like, what man? And Leader's like, your husband, dummy. Your husband paid us to unalive you. And Noella's like, my husband? B would never do that. And so Leader puts his phone on speaker and he dials B's number. And Leader's like, hey B, we have your wife.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
The Woman Who Crashed Her Own Funeral - The Noela Rokundo story
And then suddenly Noella hears B's voice on the line. And B's like, kill her. Und dieser Moment macht Noellas ganze Welt heruntergelaufen. Und es ist alles einfach zu viel. Und sie wird schlussendlich überwältigt und sie überlebt. Einige Zeit später wacht sie auf und sie ist noch da, verbunden zu einer Schuhe.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
The Woman Who Crashed Her Own Funeral - The Noela Rokundo story
Und später kommt er zu ihr und sagt, okay, wir haben uns entschieden, wir werden dich nicht verurteilen. Wir verurteilen nicht wirklich Frauen und Kinder. Und er sagt auch, dass er, obwohl er sie nicht verurteilen wird, er immer noch planen wird, Bees Geld zu behalten. Er ruft dann Bees zurück und fragt ihn um mehr Geld, um den Job zu beenden.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
The Woman Who Crashed Her Own Funeral - The Noela Rokundo story
Er fragt für ein extra, das Äquivalent von 2200 US-Dollar. Und B ist so, okay, ich bezahle mehr, mach es einfach. Und später sagt Leader, okay, wir haben es geschafft, deine Frau ist tot. Und B bezahlt ihn. Er geht zur Westen Union und er schickt ihm das Geld. Und an diesem Punkt, zwei Tage sind vorbei und Noella ist noch immer gehalten.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
The Woman Who Crashed Her Own Funeral - The Noela Rokundo story
Aber endlich kommt Leader zu ihr und er sagt, okay, ich lasse dich gehen. Und er gibt ihr ein Envelope. Und in diesem Envelope gibt es Beweise. eine Telefon-Memorycard und einen Western-Union-Rechte für all die Geld, die er erhielt. Und er will, dass Noella diese Beweise gegen Bee benutzt. Dann legen sie Noella in ein Auto und fahren in die Mitte von irgendwo.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
The Woman Who Crashed Her Own Funeral - The Noela Rokundo story
Und sie lassen sie auf der Seite der Straße. Und der Leiter sagt zu ihr, geh' anderen dummen Frauen wie dir erzählen, was hier passiert ist. Und dann fahren sie einfach weg. Noella ist einfach glücklich, alive zu sein. But this definitely isn't over for her. Because she needs to get B back for what he's done. So she flies from Burundi to Melbourne. Meanwhile, B is still in Melbourne.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
The Woman Who Crashed Her Own Funeral - The Noela Rokundo story
And he's already told everyone that Noella died in some tragic accident back in Burundi. And he holds a funeral service for her. At their house. And then all these people that know Noella show up to this memorial service. And while they're there, a car pulls up outside. And Noella is in it. And there, she spots Bea. And she gets out of the car. And she walks right up to him.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
The Woman Who Crashed Her Own Funeral - The Noela Rokundo story
And she's like, surprise, bitch, I'm still alive. And he is shocked. Like, I'm sure everyone there was shocked. She showed up to her own damn funeral. And Bea is f***ed. Anyway, Noella eventually gives the memory card and the Western Union receipts and all the evidence against B to the police. And then police arrest B and I can't find a mugshot of him, but here's what he looks like in real life.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
The Woman Who Crashed Her Own Funeral - The Noela Rokundo story
And he goes to court, he pleads guilty to incitement of murder and he gets nine years in prison. So shout out to Africa and Australia.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
The Woman Who Crashed Her Own Funeral - The Noela Rokundo story
So this dead woman surprises everyone when she shows up to her own funeral. Alive. Now her name's Noella and her husband is this guy, who we'll call B. And they've been together for about 10 years. But one day, B gets suspicious. Er denkt, Noella könnte ihn verletzen und dass sie ihn für einen anderen Mann verlassen könnte. Und egal, was B tut, kann er dieses Gefühl einfach nicht lösen.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
The Woman Who Crashed Her Own Funeral - The Noela Rokundo story
Also hat er an diesem Punkt ein paar Möglichkeiten. Er kann A. sie konfrontieren, B. sie verheiraten, oder C. er hiren einige Hitmen, um sie nicht lebendig zu machen. Und ja, er wird mit Option C gehen. Now, Noella and Bea live in Melbourne, Australia. But sometimes she travels back home to her hometown in Burundi, Africa to visit. And Bea, he decides to have her executed there.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
The Woman Who Crashed Her Own Funeral - The Noela Rokundo story
So, he calls up some goons he knows in Burundi. And he pays them the equivalent of 4,500 US dollars. And he tells them the next time Noella comes into town, unalive her. And the goons are like, okay, cool. And then months go by and everything seems normal. But then one day, boom, Noellas Stepmom passes away back in Burundi. And she has to fly back there to attend the funeral.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
The Woman Who Crashed Her Own Funeral - The Noela Rokundo story
So she flies there, goes to the funeral, and then after the funeral, she's at her hotel. And she's feeling kind of down because it was just a funeral, and she goes outside to get some fresh air. And that is when suddenly, out of nowhere, a man appears and he comes straight at her. And he pulls out a pew-pew and he... Er zeigt sie an und sagt, wenn du schreust, werde ich dich schießen.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
She killed her friend for $9,000,000 - The Denali Brehmer story
So this girl, her name's Denali, and all Denali wants to do is impress her boyfriend. So Denali's 18, she lives in Alaska, and she spends a lot of time chatting with her online boyfriend, this guy, Tyler. Tyler's 21, he's from Kansas, but most importantly, Tyler is a multi-millionaire. And Denali thinks he is fine, but since he lives so many states away, their relationship is long-distance.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
She killed her friend for $9,000,000 - The Denali Brehmer story
Now there are some other friends involved in this scheme too, but I don't want to make this story too complicated, so let's just focus on Denali and Caden. So Denali and Caden get their plan already. So they invite Cece to this popular hiking spot around Thunderbird Falls. So they pick her up, and they drive to the trailhead, and they start making their way through the trees.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
She killed her friend for $9,000,000 - The Denali Brehmer story
And at one point, they veer off the path and head into the woods. And I guess they tell Cece that they're going to play some kind of game where they take photos of each other tied up. And of course, Cece's got to go first. So they duct tape and tie her up. And this whole time, Denali's been recording on her phone and sending the Snapchats to Tyler.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
She killed her friend for $9,000,000 - The Denali Brehmer story
Then when the moment is right, Denali pulls out a pew pew. And Caden takes it from her. And then he aims it at Cece's head, and he pulls the trigger. And then they take Cece's body and they push it into a nearby creek. And then they hike back to their car.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
She killed her friend for $9,000,000 - The Denali Brehmer story
And then they drive to another nearby park and they burn Cece's purse and her ID and the pew pew because they're trying to get rid of all the evidence. But then that same day, I guess Denali starts to feel bad, maybe even a little guilty because she posts a couple of videos on Snapchat. And in those videos, she's cryptically confessing. saying like, I know I up and I'm really sorry.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
She killed her friend for $9,000,000 - The Denali Brehmer story
And then two days later, the police find Cece's body in the creek and someone alerts them to the existence of Cece's Snapchat confession. So police get a warrant to look at Denali's phone and there they find all of her messages to Tyler, including the P3DO videos she made for him. So then they get the FBI to track Tyler's number.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
She killed her friend for $9,000,000 - The Denali Brehmer story
And that number leads them to a guy, not in Kansas where Tyler's from, but to a guy in Indiana. So then police have to sit Denali down and tell her what they found. Tyler isn't Tyler. He's not from Kansas. He doesn't look like this. His name's Darren. And he actually looks like this. So he's not even fine. And worst of all, he's not even a millionaire. Not even close.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
She killed her friend for $9,000,000 - The Denali Brehmer story
In real life, he actually lives in his grandmother's basement. And I'm not making that up. Her online millionaire boyfriend is just some loser who catfished her. She was never going to get $9 million. So when Denali finds this out, she gets mad and throws him under the bus and confesses everything. about the whole murder plot, about how he talked her into making the P3DO videos.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
She killed her friend for $9,000,000 - The Denali Brehmer story
So then, boom, they arrest Denali. And Alaska doesn't release mug shots, so I don't have a mug shot, but here's how she looks in real life. And they also arrest Caden. Here's how he looks in real life. And of course, they also arrest Tyler slash Darren. Here's what he looks like in real life.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
She killed her friend for $9,000,000 - The Denali Brehmer story
So they'll often send adult selfies and Snapchats to each other. But then one day, Tyler's like, you know what would be fun? If you could film yourself doing some adult stuff with someone else. Someone younger. Now, I won't go into detail about what they did, but Denali ends up making a P3dio tape of herself and someone else, and she sends it to Tyler.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
She killed her friend for $9,000,000 - The Denali Brehmer story
And both Denali and Tyler get convicted, and they each get 99 years in prison, while Caden is still waiting on his sentence. Shout out to Alaska.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
She killed her friend for $9,000,000 - The Denali Brehmer story
And I guess he's happy with the result because these disgusting exchanges go on for a while. But then Tyler makes Denali a crazy offer in exchange for a new kind of video. He's basically like, I'll give you $9 million if you essay an unalive someone and then you film it and send me the footage. And Denali's like, holy, that's a lot of money.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
She killed her friend for $9,000,000 - The Denali Brehmer story
So then they work through the details of this plan for about three weeks. But by the end of it, Denali has chosen who her victim is gonna be. The victim is gonna be Denali's friend. This girl, Cece. Cece's 19, she's also developmentally disabled, and apparently she's the mental age of about 12 years old. But Denali has always been nice to her and included her in things.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
She killed her friend for $9,000,000 - The Denali Brehmer story
So from Cece's perspective, Denali is her best friend. Now Denali knows she can't pull this off alone, so she recruits one of her other friends to help her. This guy, Caden. And Caden is 16. And she tells Caden that she'll give him a 10% cut of the $9 million if he helps her unalive Cece. That's 900 grand.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
He Made Will Smith Gay? - The David Hampton story
So this guy pretends to be the son of a famous celebrity, and that somehow made Will Smith gay. Wait, let me explain. So there's this dude, his name's David, and David is 19, he's living in New York City, and one night in 1983, he and his friend are out, and they're trying to get into a club, Studio 54.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
He Made Will Smith Gay? - The David Hampton story
He walks into a nice bistro and he tells the doorman that he wants a table for two because his dad, Sidney Poitier, is going to be joining him later. And kaboom, they immediately give him a table and the restaurant staff is all nice to him and they're giving him immaculate service. He's ordering all this food and they send over free drinks to the table.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
He Made Will Smith Gay? - The David Hampton story
Now, obviously Sidney Poitier never shows up and the staff is like, ah, your dad's probably busy. Whatever, your meal is on the house. And so it worked again, flawlessly. And that is when David decides he's going to keep going as long as possible. Hell, he might even try and get rich off this.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
He Made Will Smith Gay? - The David Hampton story
But then bro has a crazy stroke of luck, because one day he's visiting a friend up at Connecticut College. And there he steals another student's address book out of his dorm room. And that student just happens to be kind of rich and has well-connected parents. So now David has the addresses and phone numbers of all these rich people. Some of them happen to live back in New York City.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
He Made Will Smith Gay? - The David Hampton story
And this is when he really starts making a name for himself. He starts calling all these well-connected people and basically telling them a bullshit story about how he's Sidney Poitier's kid. And they believe him and they let him hang out. And so he gets to hang out with like Calvin Klein and Melanie Griffith and Gary Sinise. He's the guy who later played Lieutenant Dan in Forrest Gump.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
He Made Will Smith Gay? - The David Hampton story
Gary Sinise let him stay the night in the apartment he was living in. And sometimes David will get them to lend him money. So he's like making money off of this.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
He Made Will Smith Gay? - The David Hampton story
and it just continues to work like he'll hit up another rich person and then another one and then another one and soon he's hit up a dozen houses out of this address book that he stole and every time they'll let him hang out or stay the night or they'll give him cash and as stupid as that sound bro is pulling it off no one really questions him and no one seems to suspect a thing
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
He Made Will Smith Gay? - The David Hampton story
So they wait in line for like an hour, and when they finally get to the door, the bouncer tells them, eh, it's gonna be $50 each. And David's like, well, we ain't got $50. Because, you know, they're teenagers, they're broke, they can't pay that entry fee. And so they leave. But then, as they're leaving, David gets an idea. He's like, why don't we pretend to be celebrities, kids?
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
He Made Will Smith Gay? - The David Hampton story
Until... One day, all that changes. Because David is flipping through that address book when he comes across the name of this couple, Mr. and Mrs. Eisland. And Mr. Eisland is the president of a television station, so they got money. They're kind of important people.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
He Made Will Smith Gay? - The David Hampton story
So David cold calls them, and he tells them he's David Poitier, and that he's a friend of their daughters, and that he was just mugged, and that he really needs a place to stay the night while he waits for his famous dad to get home. And Mr. and Mrs. Islin are like, oh, you're Sidney Poitier's son? Sure, you can come stay with us.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
He Made Will Smith Gay? - The David Hampton story
And so David goes over to their place and he has a nice dinner with them. He stays the night. And of course, when he's leaving the next day, he asks them to loan him some cash because, you know, he just got mugged. And they're like, sure, here's some money. Then the next day, David hits up another wealthy couple from the address book, Mr. and Mrs. Elliot.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
He Made Will Smith Gay? - The David Hampton story
And he tells them the same bullshit story that he got mugged and that he's Sidney Poitier's son and that he just needs somewhere to crash for the night while he waits for his famous father to get home. And the Elliot's are like, sure, come over. And so then David is at the Elliot's place and he eats dinner with them and they're super nice to him and they give him a guest room to sleep in.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
He Made Will Smith Gay? - The David Hampton story
But this is where he screws up. He asks the Elliot's to wake him up early the next morning so that he can go for a jog. But here's the thing. At some point during the night, I guess David feels like smashing. So he low-key invites a friend over, like a booty call, and sneaks that friend into the Elliot's guest bedroom to smash.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
He Made Will Smith Gay? - The David Hampton story
And he's openly gay, by the way, which in the 80s is a lot more taboo than it is now. Now it's really not. But regardless, the next morning, Mrs. Elliot heads over to the bedroom to wake him up. And kaboom, she catches him all snuggled up in bed with some scruffy looking dude and she's like, oh my heavens. And so the Elliotts are pissed and they're like, you're not Sidney Poitier's son.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
He Made Will Smith Gay? - The David Hampton story
Who are you? Get the f**k out of our house. And so David leaves. Here's the thing, though. David doesn't realize that the Elliotts just happen to be close friends with the Islands. And Mrs. Elliot is super upset, and she wants to vent.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
He Made Will Smith Gay? - The David Hampton story
So she calls her good friend, Mrs. Islin, and she tells her about how they got conned by this teenager claiming to be Sidney Poitier's son, and Mrs. Islin is like, holy sh**, we got conned by that same kid just the night before! But whatever, they shrug it off, thinking, yeah, we'll never hear from that kid ever again, probably. But then, the Elliot's phone rings. And it's David.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
He Made Will Smith Gay? - The David Hampton story
And he's like all apologizing to them for lying, saying that he feels bad. And then he asks Mr. Elliot if he would meet him in Greenwich Village. I guess so he can apologize in person. Although he's probably just trying to finesse them out of money again. Anyway, so Mr. Elliot's like, sure buddy, let's meet. But after he hangs up the phone, he calls the police.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
He Made Will Smith Gay? - The David Hampton story
Later, David shows up to Greenwich Village to meet Mr. Elliot. And police are already there, and bam, they arrest him. Here's a mugshot of him. And so he takes a plea deal, and he's ordered to pay any money back to the victims that he had conned. But lucky for him, he does avoid prison time.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
He Made Will Smith Gay? - The David Hampton story
But then he fails to pay his victims back and they catch him conning again, still telling people that he's Sidney Poitier's son. And so, bam, they throw his ass in prison for about two years. Here's the crazy part, though. The Elliotts actually end up being friends with this playwright. And the playwright loves this story and he offers to turn it into a play. And so he does.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
He Made Will Smith Gay? - The David Hampton story
Then they'll have to let us in. And then he's like, you pretend to be Gregory Peck's son and I'll pretend to be Sidney Poitier's son. And his friend hears this crazy idea and he's like... All right. Now, if you don't know, Sidney Poitier is an actor, and this is 1983, so he's super famous at this time.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
He Made Will Smith Gay? - The David Hampton story
And the play actually becomes a big hit. Who knows Sidney Poitier? So we can just call him up and ask him. Then, in 1990, they turned that play into a movie called Six Degrees of Separation, starring Will Smith. And Will Smith plays a character based on David, who is openly gay, just like David. Hey, Paul, come on, stop that. I was wondering if I could f*** you.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
He Made Will Smith Gay? - The David Hampton story
And so there's like this whole kissing scene that Will Smith has to participate in. And you know, here it is, it's whatever. Now, this was apparently Will Smith's first breakthrough movie role. And allegedly this role started this rumor that Will is secretly gay or bisexual. And search it up. That rumor still persists to this day, 35 years later.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
He Made Will Smith Gay? - The David Hampton story
People are still like, oh, I heard Will Smith is secretly gay. Which, by the way, there's not any credible evidence to suggest that he is, nor do I really care. It's just, you know, an interesting story.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
He Made Will Smith Gay? - The David Hampton story
He's the first black actor to win the Oscar for best actor, so his name carries a lot of weight during this period. And so David and his friend, they get back in line, and it takes like an hour and a half for them to get to the door again, and somehow the bouncer doesn't recognize them. And David tells them that they're the sons of these famous actors.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
He Made Will Smith Gay? - The David Hampton story
And just like that, boom, the bouncer ushers them into the club. And let me tell you, this club is popping. So everyone is looking good and there are celebrities and famous people everywhere. This is the kind of life David has always wanted. And immediately he's like, well, I got to keep doing this. And that's what he does. Because three days later, he tries again.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
He Was Eaten By His Own Pet Tiger On Stage - The Siegfried & Roy story
So this King of Tigers is about to be eaten by his own cat. No, not this King of Tigers. This King of Tigers. His name's Roy. And Roy's story starts a long time ago when he's 12. And the poor little guy, he's growing up in a really chaotic household with an alcoholic father. And unfortunately, he's neglected and he never feels a sense of family with his parents.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
He Was Eaten By His Own Pet Tiger On Stage - The Siegfried & Roy story
Anyway, so the two of them, they put this act together for the passengers on the cruise ship doing magic shows that now involve this cheetah. And this act is blowing everyone away. They're so impressed with this magic exotic cat. And thus, the famous duo, Siegfried and Roy, is born. And now eventually, they decide to take this show on the road.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
He Was Eaten By His Own Pet Tiger On Stage - The Siegfried & Roy story
And they do some shows locally, and then they tour places in Europe, and they start to find some success. And over time, their act keeps growing, and they keep adding more and more big cats as the show gets more and more popular. And 20 years go by, and it's now 1989. And by this point, Siegfried and Roy have started doing shows at venues in Las Vegas.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
He Was Eaten By His Own Pet Tiger On Stage - The Siegfried & Roy story
And these Vegas shows have gotten so popular, the owner of a bunch of local hotel casinos offers them a $57 million contract to perform at his brand new hotel, The Mirage. And so they get a huge budget and they're finally putting on this big budget production and boom, it's a massive hit. And Siegfried and Roy become icons. Everyone around this time has heard of them.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
He Was Eaten By His Own Pet Tiger On Stage - The Siegfried & Roy story
Even people who've never been to Vegas had heard of them. And suddenly, during this time, they're the highest paid entertainers in Las Vegas history. So what do they do with this crazy amount of money they now have? Well, first, they build a big-ass dream home where they live with over 50 of their exotic animals. Lions, jaguars, panthers, a freaking elephant, and over 30 tigers. 30 tigers.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
He Was Eaten By His Own Pet Tiger On Stage - The Siegfried & Roy story
And of course, at this point, Chico unfortunately is no longer with them because, you know, cheetahs don't live nearly as long as we do. But clearly, Roy is still into big cats. And here is some footage of him riding a tiger in his backyard. And he swims with them in his lake-sized swimming pool. And he gives them their own air-conditioned rooms to live in.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
He Was Eaten By His Own Pet Tiger On Stage - The Siegfried & Roy story
Roy even sleeps with a big cat in his bed every night. Bro is living the dream. Like here he is with millions of dollars hanging around with huge exotic cats who would never in a million years want to hurt him. Until... Here's the thing about tigers specifically.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
He Was Eaten By His Own Pet Tiger On Stage - The Siegfried & Roy story
But one day all that changes when Roy goes to the local zoo and there he meets this cheetah named Chico and Roy loves Chico. He's never seen a cat like that before and he feels like they have a special connection. And eventually he even gets a side job at that zoo so that he can help care for Chico. Then at some point he ends up becoming Chico's owner.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
He Was Eaten By His Own Pet Tiger On Stage - The Siegfried & Roy story
However, at the end of the day, they're still 500-pound apex predators. And on a normal day, they typically attack and kill their prey with a single bite of the neck, which severs the prey's arteries, and then the tiger carries them off to eat them for dinner. So like, we're easy prey for them. Just keep that in mind. So anyway, one night, gets real for Roy.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
He Was Eaten By His Own Pet Tiger On Stage - The Siegfried & Roy story
Cause it's 2003 and he's 59 years old at this point. And he and Siegfried are still selling out shows in Vegas, still making millions of dollars a year. But on this night, they're performing with this guy, Montecore. And Montecore, he's a white tiger. He's one of the many big cats who lives in Roy's house with him. He's also seven feet tall and 400 pounds.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
He Was Eaten By His Own Pet Tiger On Stage - The Siegfried & Roy story
And so they start this show that night, and just like every night, 1,500 people in the audience are watching. And Roy, he walks out on stage, and he's with Montecore. This is Montecore, and tonight is his first appearance in front of the audience. He says it's Montecore's first time on stage, but it's not. That's just something they always tell the audience. It's like part of the show.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
He Was Eaten By His Own Pet Tiger On Stage - The Siegfried & Roy story
Anyway, then Roy puts a microphone up to Montecore's mouth so the audience can hear him growl. Now, for some reason, tonight, Montecore is a bit irritable. And about a beat later, when Roy reaches down again, Montecore snaps and he nips at Roy's hand. And Roy says, no, no, no. And he taps him on the head with the soft tip of the microphone. But then Roy backs away a little. But then, pow!
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
He Was Eaten By His Own Pet Tiger On Stage - The Siegfried & Roy story
Montecourt leaps at him, knocking him to the floor, and snap, he sinks his huge teeth into Roy's neck, slicing his vertebrae and severing an artery that cuts off blood to his brain, and Roy suffers a massive stroke on stage. And keep in mind, there's 1,500 people in the audience watching this like, uh, is this part of the show?
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
He Was Eaten By His Own Pet Tiger On Stage - The Siegfried & Roy story
But then, just like tigers do to their prey in the wild, Montecore drags Roy off stage by the neck. And so all the people there are horrified and the stage is covered in blood. And one of the stage hands yells, cat loose! And all the cast members start to panic and the cat handlers leap into action and they run to save Roy's life.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
He Was Eaten By His Own Pet Tiger On Stage - The Siegfried & Roy story
And it takes four grown men to get Montecore to finally let go of him. Then, minutes later, Roy's in the back of an ambulance being rushed to the hospital. And at this point, he's barely conscious. But he loves big cats, and he still loves Montecore, and he knows they'll want to put him down for this attack.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
He Was Eaten By His Own Pet Tiger On Stage - The Siegfried & Roy story
So he decides to use whatever strength he has left to try and save him, the same way Chico had saved him all those years ago by being his only family. And so Roy looks at everyone and he says, Montecore's a great cat. Make sure no harm comes to Montecore. Then he passes out. Now, miraculously, Roy survives. However, he suffered three strokes, and he ends up with half his body paralyzed.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
He Was Eaten By His Own Pet Tiger On Stage - The Siegfried & Roy story
And from there, his entire life's work is over. And the Siegfried and Roy show closes for good. And the duo never does their full Las Vegas show again. Until about six years later, in 2009. It's at this point that after many years of rehabilitation and physical therapy, Roy musters up the strength for a charity benefit, and he and Siegfried do one final show together.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
He Was Eaten By His Own Pet Tiger On Stage - The Siegfried & Roy story
And Montecore is there to perform as well, as Roy never allowed him to be put down. He saved him.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
He Was Eaten By His Own Pet Tiger On Stage - The Siegfried & Roy story
He allegedly straight up stole him from the zoo, I guess. Regardless, he now owns Chico. And because Roy has always been neglected by his parents, Chico becomes the family he's never had. So I guess you could say that Chico saved Roy by just being there for him. And this is an actual picture of the two of them.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
He Was Eaten By His Own Pet Tiger On Stage - The Siegfried & Roy story
now not too long after this roy is around 13 years old he runs away from home and he gets a job as a bellhop on a cruise ship and that is when he meets this guy sigfried and sigfried's around 18 years old and he works on the ship as an entertainer as a magician and so he and roy they're both teenagers and they become friends
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
He Was Eaten By His Own Pet Tiger On Stage - The Siegfried & Roy story
However, Roy isn't really all that impressed with Siegfried's magic tricks. He's like, cool, you can pull a rabbit out of a hat, but why not a cheetah? And Siegfried's like, where the am I going to get a cheetah? And Roy's like, say less. And so Roy takes him to his cabin, and there, inside, he's been low-key hiding a whole ass cheetah the whole time. Roy had apparently snuck him on board.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
The Wendy's Finger Chili Scandal - The Anna Ayala story
So one day this guy's at work and we'll just call him Digit. And Digit is operating a mechanical truck lift when suddenly his glove gets caught in the lift and he pulls and he struggles to pull it out. And that is when the machine comes down and slices his finger clean off. All right, but we'll get back to him. This story doesn't actually start with Digit. It starts with this woman, Ayala.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
The Wendy's Finger Chili Scandal - The Anna Ayala story
Meanwhile, Wendy's is still trying to get to the bottom of this. They hire a forensics expert to test whether or not the finger was cooked with the chili or if it was added after the fact. And they determine it was added after the fact. They also find that there's actually no trace of Ayala's saliva on the finger, meaning she never bit into it. She lied.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
The Wendy's Finger Chili Scandal - The Anna Ayala story
So Wendy's has all this information and they're like, this has gotta be a hoax. So they contact the police with this new evidence. And then finally police get involved and they start investigating. And to assist this investigation, Wendy's sets up a free hotline and offers a $50,000 reward for any information leading to the actual owner of the finger.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
The Wendy's Finger Chili Scandal - The Anna Ayala story
And sure enough, people start calling in, giving them information. And within a week, they get over 300 calls with people making all kinds of wild claims. But one of those callers claims that they had done business with Ayala before and that she was involved in some kind of real estate fraud years ago. So police hear this and they really start digging into Ayala's past.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
The Wendy's Finger Chili Scandal - The Anna Ayala story
Now, during all this, Ayala is still out there doing the media interviews, just enjoying the publicity, soaking up the attention. But slowly, after a honeymoon period in the spotlight, rumors about her start to surface, like that all the evidence isn't really lining up with her story and that she has a history of filing lawsuits against big companies.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
The Wendy's Finger Chili Scandal - The Anna Ayala story
In fact, it comes out that she had filed 13 different lawsuits in the past. against Goodyear Tires and El Pollo Loco and against General Motors. And then little by little, the media starts to turn on her, questioning her story. And this gets stressful for Ayala because almost two weeks later, bam, she suddenly drops her lawsuit.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
The Wendy's Finger Chili Scandal - The Anna Ayala story
saying the pressure of being in the public spotlight is just too much for her. And she immediately stops doing all these interviews. But by this time, Wendy's has had so much bad press from this and sales are starting to slip and they're losing revenue because people think there's going to be fingers in their food.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
The Wendy's Finger Chili Scandal - The Anna Ayala story
And one night Ayala is eating at Wendy's and she's eating chili and she takes a bite and she suddenly bites down onto something crunchy and she spits it out and she looks at it and it appears to be a human finger. And Ayala freaks the hell out. She starts yelling and telling everyone in the restaurant to stop eating because the food is contaminated.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
The Wendy's Finger Chili Scandal - The Anna Ayala story
In fact, at this point, Wendy claims they're losing over a million dollars a day from this scandal. So Wendy's is like, no, we're getting to the bottom of this. We need to clear our name. Then, around that time, out of nowhere, boom, police arrest Ayala. But not for the finger chili hoax. It's for the real estate fraud that police were tipped off about on the Wendy's hotline.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
The Wendy's Finger Chili Scandal - The Anna Ayala story
And police also arrest Ayala's husband, this guy, Jamie. Because during that same investigation, they discovered that Jamie owed over $400,000 in back child support. Damn. And of course, Wendy's is super happy about this. But they still need to figure out whose finger was in the chili so that they can clear their name and so that people will start eating at Wendy's again.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
The Wendy's Finger Chili Scandal - The Anna Ayala story
So they go and they increase that $50,000 reward to $100,000. And that is where someone finally calls in with a lead. This guy, Mike. Now Mike owns an asphalt business and one day he calls into the hotline and tells them a story about how a while back one of his employees had lost a finger. It had gotten caught in a truck lift and it was severed off. That employee is Digit.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
The Wendy's Finger Chili Scandal - The Anna Ayala story
And about a month after he lost his finger, Digit brought that severed finger to work. to show it off to the other employees. Like, hey, look at my finger. And one of the other employees who worked there at the time was Jamie, Ayala's husband. So Jamie offers to buy Digit's severed finger from him for like $100. I'm not making that up. And Digit agrees.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
The Wendy's Finger Chili Scandal - The Anna Ayala story
And then Jamie and Ayala, of course, then use this finger to pull off the Wendy's finger chili scam. So police don't have to arrest Jamie and Ayala because they'd already been arrested, but here's her mugshot and here's his.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
The Wendy's Finger Chili Scandal - The Anna Ayala story
And they charge them with felony attempted grand larceny and she ends up pleading guilty and she gets sentenced to nine years in prison while Jamie must have been the mastermind because he was sentenced to 12 years in prison. And they're both ordered to pay $21.2 million in restitution to Wendy's. And the harshest punishment they got? Both of them are banned from Wendy's for life.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
The Wendy's Finger Chili Scandal - The Anna Ayala story
Wendy doesn't f*** around.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
The Wendy's Finger Chili Scandal - The Anna Ayala story
And she's screaming at the staff and accusing them of tampering with the food. And the store, it immediately shuts down. And they discard the chili, but they save the finger. They actually put it in the freezer. And then they call the police, and the police come investigate. But they're like, this is more of a health code violation. This isn't really police jurisdiction.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
The Wendy's Finger Chili Scandal - The Anna Ayala story
But then three hours later, the story has already hit the local news. And then the news starts to spread. And then the next day, corporate representatives show up to the restaurant. Now, I don't know what Wendy's corporate representatives look like, so I'm just going to represent them like this.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
The Wendy's Finger Chili Scandal - The Anna Ayala story
So Wendy's corporate, they show up to the restaurant investigating because this is a PR nightmare for them. And they're immediately trying to figure out if what Ayala bit into is an actual human finger. It is. And they're trying to figure out whose finger it is. So they interview all the employees at the store. They contact suppliers at the factories. But none of them are missing a finger.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
The Wendy's Finger Chili Scandal - The Anna Ayala story
And within a week of this happening, Wendy's worst nightmare occurs. This story starts to blow up. It's all over the news. Late night talk show hosts are making jokes about it. Ayala gets invited onto Good Morning America to talk about what happened. And she eventually goes and she gets a lawyer and she files a lawsuit against Wendy's because she's about to catch a big paycheck from this.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
Instagram Model Starts a Cult - The Kat Torres story
So this Instagram model is in big trouble because she's about to start a cult. Now her name is Cat and Cat is from Brazil and she's a model and she's doing pretty well for herself. She models in several different countries, she's in some magazines, I mean things are taking off for her. So, after a few years of this, she moves somewhere she can really make it big, the United States.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
Instagram Model Starts a Cult - The Kat Torres story
Like she charges some kind of subscription service where she promises to show you how to gain wealth, how to attract the man of your dreams, and other spiritual life coach shit like that. And like we laugh at this stuff because it's an obvious grift, but a lot of her followers are really into this and some of them start to believe she has like some sort of magical powers or something.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
Instagram Model Starts a Cult - The Kat Torres story
Then in 2019, things start to shift and get really crazy because one of her followers, this woman, Anna, anna starts reading cat's autobiography and she gets really into cat and her teachings and she's like i want to be closer to this woman and eventually she moves from massachusetts to new york city to live with cat in her apartment and work as her live-in assistant
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
Instagram Model Starts a Cult - The Kat Torres story
However, when Anna gets there to the apartment, she is shocked. I mean this place isn't anything how Kat made it look on Instagram. Like the whole place smells and it's extremely dirty. Like Kat's a hoarder or something and like this place hadn't been cleaned in months. Like she's living in filth. Not only that, Kat is extremely controlling and treats her like trash.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
Instagram Model Starts a Cult - The Kat Torres story
Like, Anna has to be available to work 24-7, and Kat only allows her to sleep a few hours a night? And when she is allowed to sleep, she has to sleep on this couch that's apparently covered in house cat urine? Not to mention, Kat tells Anna that she'll pay her for her work, but then she doesn't. And this goes on for about three months.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
Instagram Model Starts a Cult - The Kat Torres story
And finally, Anna's like, screw this, and she leaves, and she moves in with, like, a new boyfriend. And that sucks for Kat. However, it is at this point Kat realizes that she has a lot of power over her followers. So she's going to get more of them to live with her and she's going to treat them even worse.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
Instagram Model Starts a Cult - The Kat Torres story
And in 2022, she moves from New York down to Austin, Texas, where she ends up living in a decent sized place. I think it's like five bedrooms. And there she starts trying to recruit women from her online following. Like she tries to recruit them as helpers who would come live with her in this house. So she reaches out to some of them and she asks them to move in with her.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
Instagram Model Starts a Cult - The Kat Torres story
And she eventually ends up in New York City. And here, she decides she's gonna become an influencer. The crazy thing is, works because soon enough she has over a million followers mostly because of her modeling stuff because you know people on instagram like to follow models but then she parlays that into giving advice like spiritual advice and like life coaching
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
Instagram Model Starts a Cult - The Kat Torres story
And she promises that she's going to like be their spiritual guide and help them achieve their dreams or whatever. And most of her followers are like, live with you. Nah, I'm good. That's weird. But surprisingly... three women eventually say yes. I mean, one of them's not actually a woman because she's a teenager, but three of them say yes.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
Instagram Model Starts a Cult - The Kat Torres story
And so two of them upend their lives and they move from Brazil all the way up to Austin, Texas to live with and work for Kat. And then another one moves from Germany to Texas to live with and work for Kat. And this is where it starts to turn into like a weird little cult. Because Kat starts putting these women to work.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
Instagram Model Starts a Cult - The Kat Torres story
Like one of them, she brings her into her room with some tarot cards and some crystals and she performs her witchcraft or whatever. And she tells the follower, you must become an adult dancer. Like that's what the spirits are telling me. That you need to be a stripper.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
Instagram Model Starts a Cult - The Kat Torres story
And so this follower listens to her and she goes and gets a job at the local strip club like dancing every night, putting in some serious hours. And Kat starts collecting and holding on to the money that this follower is making because she says the follower owes her for room and board and her flight to the U.S. And to make it worse, Kat starts placing very strict rules on these three followers.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
Instagram Model Starts a Cult - The Kat Torres story
Like she forbids them from communicating with one another. They're not allowed to leave their rooms without asking permission first. Even to go to the bathroom, they have to ask permission. And if they don't follow these rules, Kat threatens to kick them out in a country where they don't know anyone. However, I think pretty early on, one of the followers is like, all this, I'm out.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
Instagram Model Starts a Cult - The Kat Torres story
And she escapes and she leaves the house. But the other two either can't or don't want to escape and things get much worse for them because Kat starts controlling everything they do. Like she makes them block all of their old contacts in their phones so that there's no outside people trying to contact them. At one point, she decides that working as adult dancers isn't enough.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
Instagram Model Starts a Cult - The Kat Torres story
And soon she starts pressuring these two followers into becoming escorts. And like Kat sets up profiles for them on escort sites and sugar baby websites. And these women start escorting. She even gives them like an earning quota. Like they have to earn a certain amount of money a day or they're not allowed back in the house and they have to sleep on the street.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
Instagram Model Starts a Cult - The Kat Torres story
And of course Kat collects all the money that they earn because she's like their pimp I guess. And so this becomes the weirdest little cult I've ever seen and I don't quite understand it but it seems like these women are somehow trapped in all this. Until. Here's the thing about these two followers. They still have family and friends back in Brazil.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
Instagram Model Starts a Cult - The Kat Torres story
Family and friends who are worried and wondering where the hell they're at and what they've been doing all these years they've been gone. And so eventually in 2022, they go and they report these two women as officially missing. And they like launch social media campaigns to try and find them. And the story of these two missing women blows up in Brazil and it makes the news.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
Instagram Model Starts a Cult - The Kat Torres story
Meanwhile, in the United States, Anna, Kat's old live-in assistant, she starts reading these news stories online. And she knows these women are devoted followers of Kat because it's like a small community, I guess. And so she contacts the FBI. So then the FBI starts investigating and they find the two women's profiles on the Escort and Sugar Baby websites.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
Instagram Model Starts a Cult - The Kat Torres story
And so now they're starting to think that there's like this whole human trafficking situation going on. And so the feds tip off local police and local police talk Kat and the other two women into coming into the police station and answering a few questions. And while they're there, bam, they arrest Kat. Here's her mugshot.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
Instagram Model Starts a Cult - The Kat Torres story
And she starts making all this spiritual life coaching content and making all kinds of wild claims. Like she says she's spiritually gifted and that she's some kind of witch who can like put curses on people. And that she has spiritual powers that can allow her to predict the future. That she's guided by divine voices that only she can hear. She writes an autobiography about her life at
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
Instagram Model Starts a Cult - The Kat Torres story
And they deport her back to Brazil and they charge her with human trafficking and slavery. I didn't even know you could be charged with that. But anyway, she goes to trial and she's found guilty and she's sentenced to eight years in prison. Wow, that's crazy.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
Instagram Model Starts a Cult - The Kat Torres story
25 years old? Like she's all important? But whatever, there must be a demand for it because she publishes it and I guess her followers buy it. And like here she is on a Brazilian TV show promoting it. Not only that, she's getting so popular she allegedly starts dating Leonardo DiCaprio. Here's a picture of them together, there's Kat, and I guess that's Leonardo.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
Instagram Model Starts a Cult - The Kat Torres story
Now I don't know if they actually dated, that's just what the tabloid said. And that's great and all. However, because she's having all this very public success and she talks all this shit about herself being spiritually gifted, a lot of her followers listen to everything she says. And so she starts a website and she starts charging people to help coach them.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
Thailand's Most Notorious Serial Killer - The Sararat Rangsiwuthaporn story
So this woman has a big problem. She'll do anything to gamble online, even murder her own friends. Now the woman goes by the name Am and she's around 26 years old and she lives in Thailand and Am loves to gamble. She gambles a lot on her phone through those online casinos, and I guess she eventually becomes addicted to it. And she wins a bit, but then she starts losing.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
Thailand's Most Notorious Serial Killer - The Sararat Rangsiwuthaporn story
And Weetoon is a local police officer and Am thinks he is fine. And so she and Weetoon start hanging out and they eventually start dating and over time they end up getting married. So not only did Am get away with murdering her friend, she appears to be living a great life now. She's out of debt and there's no need for her to murder anyone else. Until... At some point, Am starts gambling again.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
Thailand's Most Notorious Serial Killer - The Sararat Rangsiwuthaporn story
And of course, she ends up losing all her money again. So in 2020, once she's broke, she goes to some of her other friends and she asks them if she can borrow some money. And her friends are like, sure. And just like before, over time, these friends eventually start asking Am, when is she gonna pay them back? And so Am gets on the internet and starts ordering more cyanide.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
Thailand's Most Notorious Serial Killer - The Sararat Rangsiwuthaporn story
And one by one, she goes after each of these friends. And boom, she gets her friend at her house. Four months later, boom, she gets another friend by giving her a cyanide laced diet pill. Right after that, she invites another friend to stay with her in a villa and boom, she poisons her there. Then a few months after that, she visits a friend's place and boom, she gets him too.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
Thailand's Most Notorious Serial Killer - The Sararat Rangsiwuthaporn story
And each time she unalives one of these friends, she steals their cash and any like jewelry or handbags, anything she can resell. And then she takes that money and gambles it all away in online casinos. And by this point, she's gambling away sometimes tens of thousands of dollars a day. But it seems to be working for her. So she keeps going.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
Thailand's Most Notorious Serial Killer - The Sararat Rangsiwuthaporn story
And in 2022, she convinces some more people to lend her money. And then she secretly goes and gambles it away. And when they inevitably ask when she's going to pay them back, she goes and gets more cyanide and goes after them all one by one. Boom, she poisons a police captain she met through her husband. The very next day, boom, she poisons a friend while shopping for vegetables.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
Thailand's Most Notorious Serial Killer - The Sararat Rangsiwuthaporn story
Then boom, she poisons another friend at her house. Then boom, she poisons another friend at the market. Two days after that, boom, she poisons another friend while out for coffee. Now at this point, Am is getting really confident. She's unalive 10 of her friends and still no one suspects anything. So this is probably starting to feel like a thrill for her. And then so she strikes again.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
Thailand's Most Notorious Serial Killer - The Sararat Rangsiwuthaporn story
And suddenly, like all gambling addicts, she ends up broke. So then one day in 2015, she asks her friend if she can loan her money. And the friend is nice, and she's like, sure, just pay me back whenever you can. And she gives Am $3,000. And of course, immediately, Am goes and gambles it all away. Now, eventually, Friend starts asking, hey, when are you going to pay me back that money?
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
Thailand's Most Notorious Serial Killer - The Sararat Rangsiwuthaporn story
One day her friend lends her $7,500 and she eventually meets up with Am at a restaurant to get paid back. but while she's there friend isn't feeling well so am offers her some cough medicine and that cough medicine ends up being laced with cyanide and so boom friend collapses right there in the restaurant and so then am low-key steals her purse and leaves while friend is rushed to the hospital
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
Thailand's Most Notorious Serial Killer - The Sararat Rangsiwuthaporn story
Here's the thing though, friend ends up surviving, but unfortunately she isn't able to connect the dots and figure out that it was Am who poisoned her. She probably just thinks that she collapsed because she wasn't feeling well and that her purse was stolen by some random bystander. Regardless, a few months later, boom, Am strikes again and poisons yet another friend.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
Thailand's Most Notorious Serial Killer - The Sararat Rangsiwuthaporn story
Now, around this time, Am's husband, the police officer, Weetoon, somehow he actually discovers that she's been poisoning all these friends of hers with cyanide. And he's like, holy shit! Now, being a police officer, he could easily go and turn her in. But that's not what he does. See, Am is kinda making some decent money off this, and no one is suspicious of her.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
Thailand's Most Notorious Serial Killer - The Sararat Rangsiwuthaporn story
So instead of turning her in, WeToon decides he's gonna help her out. So a few months later, in 2023, Am's ex-boyfriend asks her to pay him the money back that he had lent to her a long time ago. And Am's like, sure, I'll come over to your place and I'll pay you back. And so she goes over to his house and boom, she poisons him with cyanide.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
Thailand's Most Notorious Serial Killer - The Sararat Rangsiwuthaporn story
Then she steals a bunch of his cash and jewelry and Weetoon picks her up afterwards and drives her back home. So like now he's her getaway driver. And it just keeps going because a month after that, boom, Am poisons another police officer. No idea why. I mean, she's probably just doing it for fun at this point. However, then... Finally, it all starts to go wrong.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
Thailand's Most Notorious Serial Killer - The Sararat Rangsiwuthaporn story
Because one day, Am invites her relatively new friend Koi on a trip to take part in a Buddhist protection ritual. It's supposed to bring good karma or something, I'm not very familiar with the ritual, but Am invites her to come along and Koi's like, alright. And so Am and Koi travel to this nearby province and they buy a bag of live fish to release into the river. That's all part of this ritual.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
Thailand's Most Notorious Serial Killer - The Sararat Rangsiwuthaporn story
It's supposed to bring good luck. And so they buy the fish, and they walk over to the pier, and as soon as they get there, Am gives Koi something laced with cyanide, and Koi consumes it, and pretty quickly, boom, Koi is out, lying on the ground, unconscious, dying. Then, of course, Am steals her purse, and she flees.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
Thailand's Most Notorious Serial Killer - The Sararat Rangsiwuthaporn story
Here's the thing though, Coy's mother finds out that her daughter suddenly died on the pier. And she's like, there is no way my daughter had random heart failure. That's suspicious as . And so she pushes the police to keep investigating and to dig deeper. And so police, they have an autopsy done. And when the results come back, they finally see that there are traces of cyanide in Coy's system.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
Thailand's Most Notorious Serial Killer - The Sararat Rangsiwuthaporn story
And so police are like, how the hell did she get cyanide in her system? And so because Am is one of Koi's friends, police bring her in and they question her and naturally she denies everything. She denies even being at the pier with Koi. But what her dumb ass doesn't know is that they already have security footage from that day of her and Koi walking by the river.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
Thailand's Most Notorious Serial Killer - The Sararat Rangsiwuthaporn story
There's Am right there and there's Koi right there with the bag of live fish. And so once police catch Anne lying, they know something is up. And so, bam, they arrest her. Here's her mugshot.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
Thailand's Most Notorious Serial Killer - The Sararat Rangsiwuthaporn story
And so in total, she had on alive 14 of her own friends over the course of about 10 years. So anyway, she goes to trial and she's found guilty and she's sentenced to death. I guess Thailand doesn't mess around. While her husband, Weetoon, he gets sentenced to one year, four months in prison.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
Thailand's Most Notorious Serial Killer - The Sararat Rangsiwuthaporn story
Now, at this point, Am could admit that she screwed up and she gambled away all the money she lent her, but that's not what Am does. Instead, she comes up with an insane plan to murder her friend so that she doesn't have to pay her back. First, she gets online and she figures out how to buy cyanide.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
Thailand's Most Notorious Serial Killer - The Sararat Rangsiwuthaporn story
Then, she goes to her friend's apartment and she low-key puts some of it in her food or drink, we actually don't know which. Then, friend unknowingly consumes it and suddenly, boom, she's almost immediately on the floor and within minutes, she's unalived. Then, to be even more awful, Am steals a bunch of her stuff and she flees the scene. Here's the worst part about all of it, though.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
Thailand's Most Notorious Serial Killer - The Sararat Rangsiwuthaporn story
Cyanide is hard to detect in a person's system, and when someone dies, they don't normally do a full autopsy unless they have a reason to, like if they suspect someone was murdered. So in this case, everyone just assumes that friend died tragically of heart failure. Which means Am gets away with it and she keeps on living her life. And then she moves on and later she meets this guy, Weetoon.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
This Austin Powers Actor Is In Prison Now - The Joe Son story
You remember the Austin Powers movies? Well, one of the actors is now in prison for life. And it all starts with this 19-year-old woman. And we don't know her name, so we'll just call her Shelly. And one night, it's Christmas Eve, 1990, and Shelly is driving home from a night out. And once she arrives, she gets out of her car, and then a strange man approaches her, and he asks her for directions.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
This Austin Powers Actor Is In Prison Now - The Joe Son story
And he's like very theatrical about it. Like he walks out to the ring carrying a big ass cross on his back. Like it's very over the top. Anyway, I actually have some footage of a professional fight that he competed in and you can see him right here. He's obviously the guy in red getting tossed around.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
This Austin Powers Actor Is In Prison Now - The Joe Son story
And after about two minutes and 45 seconds, the other guy gets him down, chokes him out, and you can see him right here tapping out. But I guess Jesus isn't with him that night because he loses that fight. But anyway, around this time, I guess he decides that he really likes the spotlight because that is when he gets into acting.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
This Austin Powers Actor Is In Prison Now - The Joe Son story
Like he goes out and he works hard and he auditions and he eventually lands a small role in an episode of a TV show called Reasonable Doubts. Pretty cool. And right after that, he lands a role in a B-movie starring Dolph Lundgren. He's a driver, not a killer. I'm different. Then he lands a role in another movie called Shoot Fighter starring William Zabka. Then he gets a role in Blood Fist Part 5.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
This Austin Powers Actor Is In Prison Now - The Joe Son story
And I have no idea what these movies are, but like he's in them. And for whatever reason, I don't know if it's just a coincidence, but in every single movie he's cast in, he's the villain. Maybe it's just like the way he looks. Maybe it's because he's a bad guy in real life. I don't know. But whatever, the acting thing seems to be working out for him.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
This Austin Powers Actor Is In Prison Now - The Joe Son story
Because after that, he gets another role, and then another role, and then another one. But then, one day, he gets a really big break. He auditions for a new big-budget comedy, a movie starring Mike Myers called Austin Powers. And he plays the part of Dr. Evil's henchman, Random Task. And it's not a lead role, but this is a huge deal for him.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
This Austin Powers Actor Is In Prison Now - The Joe Son story
But all that spotlight and exposure for an actor, you would think that things would take off for him, but for some reason, they really don't. Like maybe he quit, maybe he just didn't get cast in anything else, I don't know. But he actually has no more film or TV credits after that. Regardless, he's still not ready to give up the spotlight. Because a few years later, he returns to MMA fighting.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
This Austin Powers Actor Is In Prison Now - The Joe Son story
And he gets back in the ring, and he loses. And then he loses again, and then he loses again. And ultimately, he ends his professional MMA career with a record of 0-4. Womp womp.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
This Austin Powers Actor Is In Prison Now - The Joe Son story
And before Shelly can really answer, boom, the man pulls out a pew-pew. And then another man comes out of the shadows, and pow, they grab her, and both of them start beating her up. And then bam, they knock her unconscious. And then they pick her up, and they throw her into the back of a van they're driving that's parked nearby, and the van speeds away.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
This Austin Powers Actor Is In Prison Now - The Joe Son story
And then about six years go by and apparently Joe still has some of that fighter left in him because one night and we don't know what the details are but he gets into it with his roommate because I guess he has a roommate and Joe's son ends up getting so mad at the roommate that he walks up to the roommate's car and then boom boom he straight up kicks the car door in.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
This Austin Powers Actor Is In Prison Now - The Joe Son story
Of course, can't be doing that. That's frowned upon. And he gets reported to the police. And so, bam, they arrest him. Here's the thing, though. Joseon ends up taking a plea deal and he spends a few months in jail for felony vandalism. But whatever. He'll serve his time and he'll get out and he'll go back to his normal life. Like, you know, no big deal. Until... So Joseon took a plea deal, right?
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
This Austin Powers Actor Is In Prison Now - The Joe Son story
And as part of his plea deal, the state requires him to submit a DNA sample, which Joseon has never done before. And so police, they take his DNA sample and it's routine that they run the sample through their database. So they run their sample through the database and holy it comes back as a match to a really old cold case from Christmas Eve, 1990.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
This Austin Powers Actor Is In Prison Now - The Joe Son story
See all those years ago, Joe Son and the other guy kidnapped Shelly and they did horrible things to her in the back of that van, but they didn't unalive her. They let her go. And so of course Shelly reported it to the police and they came up with some composite sketches, but they're also able to collect some DNA samples. which was a fairly new technology at that time.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
This Austin Powers Actor Is In Prison Now - The Joe Son story
And police added those DNA samples to their database, but at the time they had no one to match the DNA to. And so those samples sat in their database for almost 20 years until there's suddenly a match for Joe's son. And so bam, police arrest him. Here's his mugshot.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
This Austin Powers Actor Is In Prison Now - The Joe Son story
And so police question him and Joe's son, he denies doing anything wrong, but he's certainly happy to tell them all about his acting.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
This Austin Powers Actor Is In Prison Now - The Joe Son story
And he actually legitimately does have a Wikipedia page, by the way. Anyway, so police have Joseon, but he isn't admitting to anything. He doesn't care what DNA evidence they have. He ain't talking. And so police are like, all right, we'll just find your accomplice. Because remember, there were two men that attacked Shelly that night.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
This Austin Powers Actor Is In Prison Now - The Joe Son story
And so now that they have Josan in custody, they start looking at his social circle, his old friends, his friends of friends. And they end up finding a guy who looks somewhat like an older version of the composite drawing they got from back in the day. And that guy is this guy, Santiago. And so they bring Santiago in and they question him and he doesn't admit to anything either.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
This Austin Powers Actor Is In Prison Now - The Joe Son story
But then they get a DNA sample from him too. And of course, his DNA matches the DNA they collected from the crime scene back in 1990. And so, boom, they arrest him. Here's his mugshot. And Santiago eventually caves and he ends up confessing to the crime, which then really screws Joe's son over because it implicates him as well. Regardless, Joseon is found guilty and he's sentenced to prison time.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
This Austin Powers Actor Is In Prison Now - The Joe Son story
And for the next few hours, the men do horrible things to Shelly in the back of that van. And I won't get into details, but it's a lot of essay and torture. And when they're done, they kick her out of the van and they flee, disappearing into the night. And Shelly reports them to the police and they get some composite sketches of the men, but that's all they can do.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
This Austin Powers Actor Is In Prison Now - The Joe Son story
And while he's in prison, he ends up unaliving his cellmate. And so they sentence him to more time. So now he's serving 34 years to life while Santiago gets 17 years in prison. And after having waited almost 20 years to find these guys, Shelly finally gets the justice she deserves. Good for her.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
This Austin Powers Actor Is In Prison Now - The Joe Son story
I mean, the men got away and poor Shelly is left feeling absolutely hopeless. And four years go by and the men still haven't been identified or caught. Now, one of those guys, his name is Joe Son. And Joe Son's 20 years old and he's clearly a violent guy. So around this time, he starts a career in MMA. Like he works out and he trains and he goes to tournaments and he actually competes.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
This Austin Powers Actor Is In Prison Now - The Joe Son story
And interestingly enough, his whole gimmick is that he's this big Christian martial artist.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
The Girl Who Survived a Tsunami - The Raudhatul Jannah story
So one day, suddenly, boom, there's a massive earthquake underwater. And that earthquake sets off a series of tsunamis. And one of those tsunamis is headed right for this town in Indonesia. Now in this town, there's a girl who lives there. We'll call her Four because she's four. So Four lives in this town in Indonesia called Meulabo and she lives there with her mom, her dad, and her sibling.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
The Girl Who Survived a Tsunami - The Raudhatul Jannah story
Meulabo is one of the worst places hit by the tsunami, and there's no way for anyone to send help because all the bridges to get to the capital have been washed away. A quarter of the town's population is without food or water, and most people have to pick through the debris to look for any food scraps. And sadly, Four's mom...
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
The Girl Who Survived a Tsunami - The Raudhatul Jannah story
who we'll just call mom, she has to go to the hospital where I guess they bring all the bodies of people who didn't make it. And each time they bring in a new body, she checks it to see if it's for Arif. And weeks go by and mom is still out there looking for them. But now she's looking through refugee camps too. But unfortunately, it's not really looking good.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
The Girl Who Survived a Tsunami - The Raudhatul Jannah story
I mean, this tsunami was massive and super deadly. I mean, it killed like an estimated 230,000 people across 14 countries. And by the way, this is considered one of the deadliest disasters in modern history. Supposedly, the highest recorded waves from the tsunami were over 100 feet high and traveled across the ocean at the speed of 500 miles an hour.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
The Girl Who Survived a Tsunami - The Raudhatul Jannah story
That's roughly the speed of a commercial airliner. So imagine 100-foot waves coming at you at the speed of an airplane. That's how insane this natural disaster was. In fact, the earthquake under the ocean that caused the tsunami was so powerful, it literally altered the Earth's rotation slightly, which is just wild to think about. Okay, so anyway, back to four in Arif.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
The Girl Who Survived a Tsunami - The Raudhatul Jannah story
At this point, they have drifted away on this piece of wood way out into the ocean. And they've been floating for a long time. And they drift 155 miles from Mehulabo, where they're from, all the way to the Banyak Islands. And eventually, four in a reef, they wash up onto shore. And they have no idea where they are. I mean, remember, they're little kids. But then, a local fisherman spots them.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
The Girl Who Survived a Tsunami - The Raudhatul Jannah story
And we'll just call him Fisherman. And Fisherman spots them and I guess he's just like, hey, free kids. So the Fisherman snatches them up and he brings them back to his home with him. Now Fisherman, he has a wife who we'll just call wife. So Fisherman and wife, they decide to raise four in Arif as their own.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
The Girl Who Survived a Tsunami - The Raudhatul Jannah story
So anyway, this huge wave of water is coming towards the town and everyone is alerted and they're freaking out and they're all trying to evacuate. And Four's family, they all jump on a motorbike to try and drive away. But unfortunately, everyone else has the same idea. So the streets are packed with traffic. And soon enough, pow, one of the tsunamis hits.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
The Girl Who Survived a Tsunami - The Raudhatul Jannah story
And that sounds sweet and all, like, oh, cool, some nice couple took them in and they decided to take care of them. But here's the sad reality. Wife actually ends up being pretty abusive. Like, sometimes she beats them, and one day I guess she gets super mad at Arif because she ends up throwing boiling water in his face, leaving him with this huge scar. Like, it's really terrible for them there.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
The Girl Who Survived a Tsunami - The Raudhatul Jannah story
And after that, after the altercation where she scars him, Arif is officially taken away from them. So now it's just Four living there by herself with this couple. And two years later, for whatever reason, Fisherman and Wife suddenly feel like, eh, they don't want to raise Four anymore. They're just like, yeah, we're done. So they send her to live with Fisherman's sister.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
The Girl Who Survived a Tsunami - The Raudhatul Jannah story
And the poor girl lives there for a couple of years, and I couldn't find any information on what that was like, but I'm sure it wasn't fun. And then several years after that, Four is probably ten years old at this point. For some reason, Fisherman's sister decides she no longer wants to raise them. So she sends Four to live with Fisherman's mother. So now Four lives with Fisherman's mother.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
The Girl Who Survived a Tsunami - The Raudhatul Jannah story
And of course, life isn't all that great there either. Four doesn't really get to go to school much because they're really poor and they don't have enough money for food. So Four spends a lot of her time collecting used water bottles so they can resell them and use the money to eat. And life just sucks for Four now. Not to mention, through all this, she really just misses her real family.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
The Girl Who Survived a Tsunami - The Raudhatul Jannah story
And she's constantly wondering if she'll ever even see them again. Until one day, Four is walking home from school. She's minding her own business and she's like 14 years old now. But she's walking home from school and suddenly, bam, this strange guy, he's just like staring at her. He's looking at her like he knows her.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
The Girl Who Survived a Tsunami - The Raudhatul Jannah story
Now the guy, we'll just call him Uncle because he's actually Four's biological uncle. An uncle just happens to be visiting the Banyak Islands and he just happened to cross paths with four. So uncle, he's like looking at her and he's like, yo, I know her from somewhere.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
The Girl Who Survived a Tsunami - The Raudhatul Jannah story
And he becomes convinced that this teenage girl right in front of him is the same little four-year-old girl who got washed away in the tsunami all those years ago. So Uncle takes a photo that he has of Four from when she was younger, and he shows it to all the people in the town. He's like, do you think this is the same girl? And everyone in town agrees.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
The Girl Who Survived a Tsunami - The Raudhatul Jannah story
They're like, yeah, that's totally the same kid. So then he takes a photo of Four now as a 14-year-old, and he sends it over to his sister, Four's mom, in Meulabo. And Four's mom sees it and she's like, holy sh**, this is my kid. So mom travels from Meulabo over to the Banyak Islands, and after 10 long years, Four is finally reunited with her mother.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
The Girl Who Survived a Tsunami - The Raudhatul Jannah story
Oh, oh, wait, wait, wait, but, but, the story's not over yet. I mean, it's great that they found Four, but remember, Arif is still missing. And so this story about them finding Four after she had been missing for 10 years, it's so incredible that it makes news all over Malabo, all over Indonesia, I mean all over the world. This story blew up.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
The Girl Who Survived a Tsunami - The Raudhatul Jannah story
And then, this random woman in the Banyak Islands who owns an internet cafe, she sees one of these news reports about Four being reunited with her family. And in the news report, they show an old photo of Four's whole family, including... Arif. And this woman, she's looking at this picture of Arif on the screen and she's like, hey, I think I know him.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
The Girl Who Survived a Tsunami - The Raudhatul Jannah story
And the water comes crashing through the town and the buildings are being knocked over and people are being swept away. It is complete chaos. And people are panicking and everyone is grabbing onto whatever they can to stay afloat and not get swept away. And as the water rushes in, Four's dad realizes his two little kids are gonna drown if he doesn't do something.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
The Girl Who Survived a Tsunami - The Raudhatul Jannah story
And of course, Arif, he's no longer a little kid. He's like 17 years old now. And he's homeless. In fact, sometimes he happens to sleep outside this woman's internet cafe. That's how she recognizes him. So I guess she finds a way to get in touch with Arif's family. And sure enough, when they investigate further, they find out that the boy is in fact Arif.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
The Girl Who Survived a Tsunami - The Raudhatul Jannah story
And so finally, after 10 years, Arif is reunited with his family. And here's a photo of all of them together. Four is right here. And it looks like Arif is down here in the corner. Good for them.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
The Girl Who Survived a Tsunami - The Raudhatul Jannah story
So he spots a big floating piece of wood in the water and he picks up Four and her brother, this kid, Arif. Arif is seven. So dad picks them both up and he puts them on top of this floating piece of wood to keep them safe. But then, bam, more waves hit and it knocks them all apart. And pretty soon the current catches them and it carries the wood away and the kids are still on it.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
The Girl Who Survived a Tsunami - The Raudhatul Jannah story
And Four's parents are screaming. They're like, no, come back. And so the wave carries them out to the ocean. And to make it worse, Four and Arif, they're so young, neither of them know how to swim. So if they fall off this wood or if something knocks them off, they're definitely gonna drown. But we'll come back to them. Meanwhile, back in town, things are not looking so great.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
I’m Glad He Got Banned - The Johnny Somali story
So this turd, his name is Johnny Somali. Well, that's not his actual name. His real name is Ramsey, but he hates being called that. So we're going to call him that. Now, Ramsey, he's an IRL streamer and just kind of an all around menace. So let me walk you through a bunch of the shitty things he has live streamed himself doing.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
I’m Glad He Got Banned - The Johnny Somali story
But of course, this doesn't stop Ramsay, because two months later, he enters a construction site wearing a mask, hoping to harass the workers. And of course, the workers don't think this is funny, so they grab him and throw his ass out for trespassing. Now at some point, these streams start to get the attention of Japanese police. So now they're on the lookout for him.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
I’m Glad He Got Banned - The Johnny Somali story
But old Ramsey doesn't care, because one night he's out with one of his other turd friends, this guy, Gino, and he and Gino film themselves harassing people on the street. But eventually, one of these people being harassed has had enough, and they go and they knock the sh** out of Gino. All you have to say is stop. Don't grab nothing.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
I’m Glad He Got Banned - The Johnny Somali story
Which I can't show you because this platform doesn't allow violence, but trust me, it's awesome. Especially when that same guy then turns around and knocks the out of Ramsay. Which I also can't show you, but trust me, you'll love it. But then he also has another incident where he harasses people in a local restaurant. And I won't get into the details of that, but you get the idea.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
I’m Glad He Got Banned - The Johnny Somali story
And it looks like the manager of the place ends up calling the police. And so police, ultimately, they find Ramsay and bam, they arrest him. And he's charged with trespassing for the construction site stuff. And for about three weeks, he's detained while Japanese police interrogate him. Now, eventually, the trespassing charge is dropped and they let him go.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
I’m Glad He Got Banned - The Johnny Somali story
But right after they take the cuffs off of him and they let him out of the jail, they immediately arrest him again, this time for the restaurant incident. So it's kind of like Japanese police are just messing with him the same way he messed with the Japanese people. Well, that's how you around and find out, buddy.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
I’m Glad He Got Banned - The Johnny Somali story
So anyway, they detain him for another three weeks and he ends up going to court and he's found guilty and fined 200,000 yen or about 1400 US dollars. He also ultimately gets banned from streaming on Twitch. Good. Oh, but Ramsey isn't done. Z has other countries to terrorize. A few months later, he shows up in Israel.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
I’m Glad He Got Banned - The Johnny Somali story
So he was living in Japan for a while and one night he gets drunk and he livestreams himself putting on a fake Asian accent and he starts saying racist things on the subway.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
I’m Glad He Got Banned - The Johnny Somali story
And while he's there, he's streaming one night and he gets himself involved in some drama and he gets into a fight.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
I’m Glad He Got Banned - The Johnny Somali story
Y'all started shitting me, go to jail, y'all. Then on another night, he's at a protest or a demonstration or something, and he decides to harass a female police officer.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
I’m Glad He Got Banned - The Johnny Somali story
Oh, but it gets worse than that because he goes to Jerusalem to visit the Western Wall, which is like some kind of sacred place. And of course, Ramsey doesn't care about all that. He just goes there to troll people.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
I’m Glad He Got Banned - The Johnny Somali story
And so I guess an Israeli officer notices him and he's like, what the f*** is this guy doing? And so they escort Ramsey away from the wall and he ultimately gets banned from Jerusalem for 50 days. And he also gets suspended from yet another streaming platform. kick. And so I guess he just ends up not streaming for a couple of months. But eventually he shows up again, this time in South Korea.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
I’m Glad He Got Banned - The Johnny Somali story
And here he finds an audience on another really trashy streaming platform called Rumble. But this time he streams himself with the Comfort Woman statue, which is a bronze statue of a woman. It's on public display. So he's streaming and he sits down next to it and he like kisses this statue.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
I’m Glad He Got Banned - The Johnny Somali story
which may not seem like that big a deal. But here's the thing about the comfort woman statue. This statue specifically represents the Korean women who were forced by Japanese soldiers during World War II to be sex slaves. So kissing it is just weird and in bad taste. And of course, Ramsay is a human turd. So he's got to take this even further.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
I’m Glad He Got Banned - The Johnny Somali story
So he goes and he prints out a screenshot of him kissing the statue.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
I’m Glad He Got Banned - The Johnny Somali story
Thank you. oh my god and he walks around taunting people with it hi guys you want to look at this photo is this a good photo you like this photo And then the next time he sees one of these comfort woman statues, because there are more than one, he takes it even further than that. He puts baby oil on himself and he gropes it while playing a f***ing Diddy song.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
I’m Glad He Got Banned - The Johnny Somali story
And he does this so much, eventually this American guy on the train decides he's had enough and he confronts him. You're from America?
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
I’m Glad He Got Banned - The Johnny Somali story
And understandably, all of this really starts to piss Korean people off. And he starts getting threats from the Koreans, just like he did with the Japanese. But whatever, he doesn't care. He continues on with his antics because this guy will do anything for views. Like one night he gets really drunk and he livestreams himself at a convenience store where he just like makes a scene.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
I’m Glad He Got Banned - The Johnny Somali story
Bro is just terrible. Now at this point, the livestreams of him harassing the comfort woman, they've all blown up around Korea and they've made even more Koreans mad at him. To the point where Korean citizens are just like jumping him on the street. Like he'll be out on a public street streaming and someone will run up to him and just sucker punch him right in the face.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
I’m Glad He Got Banned - The Johnny Somali story
And by the way, something interesting to notice about this footage is that if you pause it, you can see that he already has bandages on his face where someone else sucker punched him at a different time. And also, just for fun, here's footage of a different Korean guy trying to jump him. And here's footage of Ramsey being chased away.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
I’m Glad He Got Banned - The Johnny Somali story
Now, I don't champion violence or anything, but I gotta say, this is pretty glorious. Now, eventually, so many people are after him that Korean police have to take Ramsey into custody for his own safety. And then, suddenly, bam, they ban him from leaving South Korea while they investigate the accusations against him for the stuff he did in the convenience store.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
I’m Glad He Got Banned - The Johnny Somali story
So am I. You're from America? Yeah, you're being obnoxious. So that incident blows up and it ends up going super viral and not because people think it's so funny. No, no, they are pissed. Because from that point on, people in Japan start to come up to him on the street to tell him he sucks. It's me.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
I’m Glad He Got Banned - The Johnny Somali story
And I guess there was like a drug charge that someone called in as well. So they're investigating all of that. And now he is stuck in that country for an indefinite amount of time. And it looks like he's facing up to 10 years in prison for all these charges. Meanwhile, they force him to give an apology for harassing the comfort woman statue.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
I’m Glad He Got Banned - The Johnny Somali story
And by the way, if you're wondering, Ray, why would someone go to other countries and harass people and act like such human garbage? Well, to be fair, he's pretty straightforward about why.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
I’m Glad He Got Banned - The Johnny Somali story
Here's to hoping he gets sentenced to prison for a long time.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
I’m Glad He Got Banned - The Johnny Somali story
And so Ramsey continues this awful behavior and trolling the people of Japan for several months. And people continue to get upset and they start finding Ramsey on the street and confronting him. So what you did is something that is disrespectful for the whole Japanese community. That is why Japan is really, really mad. The Japanese don't think you are good. Apologize to the Japanese. Come on.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
I’m Glad He Got Banned - The Johnny Somali story
And this forces Ramsay to apologize. Well, enough for them to leave him alone.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
This Evil Pastor Murdered His Wife - The Timothy Tillman story
Du bist immer am Puls der Zeit und gerne up to date? Dann ist der NowBrief des neuen Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra genau das Richtige für dich. Stau auf dem Weg zur Arbeit? Dann wird dir automatisch geraten, früher loszufahren. Es regnet am Zielort? Dann empfiehlt es dir, den Regenschirm mitzunehmen. So this may be the worst, most evil Pastor I've ever seen.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
This Evil Pastor Murdered His Wife - The Timothy Tillman story
And he moves straight from Minnesota down to Alabama to be closer to Janet and his daughters. Und irgendwie überzeugt er Janet, dass er ein veränderter Mann ist. Und leider nimmt Janet ihn zurück. Und da, in Alabama, bekommt Tim einen Job an einer lokalen pentecostalen Kirche. Als Pastor.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
This Evil Pastor Murdered His Wife - The Timothy Tillman story
Nun, er sagt ihnen offensichtlich nicht, dass er von einigen anderen Kirchen verabschiedet worden ist, oder dass er einfach aus der Gefängnis kam, um eine Prostituierte zu verabschieden. Weil dann würden sie ihn niemals hirten. Nein, nein. Anstattdessen lügt er auf seinem Resümee, wie die anderen von uns. Und Pastor Tim bekommt diesen Job. Und er beginnt, an dieser Kirche jede Woche zu beten.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
This Evil Pastor Murdered His Wife - The Timothy Tillman story
Und die Leute an der Kirche lieben ihn. Sie denken, oh, er ist so christlich. Aber leider ist Pastor Tim nicht in Wahrheit christlich. Denn an irgendeinem Zeitpunkt beginnt er mit dieser Frau online zu sprechen. Sie heißt Molly. Und obwohl sie sich noch nicht persönlich getroffen haben, denkt Molly, Pastor Tim sei in Ordnung. Und so fortsetzen sie zu sprechen, und sie fangen es an, und flirten.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
This Evil Pastor Murdered His Wife - The Timothy Tillman story
Und über die Zeit entwickeln sie eine ziemlich ernsthafte Beziehung. Aber natürlich sagt Pastor Tim ihr nicht, wer er wirklich ist. Er gibt ihr einen falschen Namen und er sagt ihr nicht, dass er verheiratet ist. Er sagt ihr, dass er ein Navy-Seal ist oder so ein Scheiß. Und für den Rekord, er ist in Wahrheit kein Navy-Seal.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
This Evil Pastor Murdered His Wife - The Timothy Tillman story
Aber trotzdem, an irgendeinem Punkt beginnt Pastor Tim seiner Frau Janet zu sagen, dass er aus der Stadt gehen muss auf offiziellen Kirche-Business. Aber natürlich ist es keine offizielle Kirche-Business. Er benutzt das nur als Ausgabe, um wegzukommen und mit Molly zu treffen. Und dann fliegt er aus Alabama nach Washington State und er beginnt, mit Molly auf der Seite zu schlagen.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
This Evil Pastor Murdered His Wife - The Timothy Tillman story
So this affair with Molly continues and over time things get more and more serious between the two. And Pastor Tim, he ends up leading this double life. He's spending part time in Alabama with his wife Janet and part time in Washington smashing with Molly. And this seems to be working pretty well for him, I guess.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
This Evil Pastor Murdered His Wife - The Timothy Tillman story
Bis... Endlich hat Pastor Tim seine Frau Janet mit Molly verheiratet, seit über einer Dekade. Und dann entscheidet er sich für Molly, obwohl er noch mit Janet verheiratet ist. Und natürlich hat er keine Ahnung, dass er die ganze Zeit diese Frau sehen muss. So, nach dem Vorschlag fährt Tim zurück nach Alabama und er versucht immer noch, einen guten Mann zu sein und einen guten Pastor zu sein.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
This Evil Pastor Murdered His Wife - The Timothy Tillman story
Aber leider kann Pastor Tim diese Lüge nicht aufhalten. Also kommt er mit der Idee, seine Frau Janet für gut zu entfernen. Und so, bei der Pentecostalen Kirche, an der Pastor Tim betet, gibt es manchmal ein Charity-Event. Und bei diesem Charity-Event schießen sie alle Piu-Pius für irgendeinen Grund. Willkommen in Amerika.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
This Evil Pastor Murdered His Wife - The Timothy Tillman story
So let's just call him Pastor Tim. And Pastor Tim has a problem. He keeps getting fired. He keeps losing his job at church after church because he's constantly involved in some scandal. Like he gets fired from one church because they catch him leaving a strip club one night. Like, hey, isn't that our preacher?
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
This Evil Pastor Murdered His Wife - The Timothy Tillman story
Und einer der Zeiten, an denen die Kirche eines dieser Events hält, ist, als das Event vorbei ist, nimmt Pastor Tim drei der Waffen, die sie mit ihm verwenden, mit nach Hause. Und als er und Janet nach Hause kommen, fragt Pastor Tim, sie zu helfen, die Waffen in ihr Haus zu bringen. und er schiebt ihr eine und dann nimmt er die anderen zwei und folgt ihr durch die vordere Tür und ins Bett.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
This Evil Pastor Murdered His Wife - The Timothy Tillman story
Und als Tim durch die Tür geht, öffnet er einen der Pfeile und schießt ihn an Janettens Rücken und er drückt den Trigger. Blam! Und sie fällt auf den Boden. Und ihre Töchter sind zu Hause, also kommen die Töchter rein und sie schreien alle. Und es ist dieses ganze schreckliche Szenario. Und leider überlebt Janet nicht den Schuss.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
This Evil Pastor Murdered His Wife - The Timothy Tillman story
Und später kommen die Polizei da und fragen Pastor Tim, was passiert ist. Und ich glaube, er sagt ihnen, es war alles ein Unfall. Der Piu-Piu hat einen Unfall gemacht und es ist plötzlich weggegangen. Und ich glaube, die Polizei glaubt ihm und regiert das ganze Ding mit einem Unfall. Und so ist das eine schreckliche Situation und jeder ist enttäuscht.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
This Evil Pastor Murdered His Wife - The Timothy Tillman story
Und sie versuchen genau herauszufinden, was passiert ist. Wie hat dieser Pfeil ungeheuer ausgelöst? Und eine Frau, die wirklich die Wahrheit wissen möchte, ist diese Frau, Janits Schwester. Und Janits Schwester hört, dass Pastor Tim ungeheuer Janit erschossen hat und sie wird schuldig. Sie hat immer gedacht, dass Pastor Tim ein schädlicher Kerl war.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
This Evil Pastor Murdered His Wife - The Timothy Tillman story
Janet's Sister sendet ein E-Mail an den lokalen Bürgermeister und BOOM, der Bürgermeister bekommt einen Detektiv auf den Fall. Der Detektiv beginnt zu investigieren und er findet fast sofort heraus, dass Pastor Tim für irgendeinen Grund zwei Fahrerrechte hat. Einer mit seinem echten Namen und einer mit einem völlig anderen letzten Namen. Er hat zwei Identitäten.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
This Evil Pastor Murdered His Wife - The Timothy Tillman story
Und so geht der Detektiv weiter, und er checkt Pastor Tims Telefonnummern, und er sieht all diese späten Nacht Telefonnummern zu einem Telefonnummern in Washington. Also trägt er das Telefonnummer zurück zu einer Frau, einer Frau namens Molly. Und um die gleiche Zeit versucht Janet's Schwester, auch diesen Fall zu herauszufinden.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
This Evil Pastor Murdered His Wife - The Timothy Tillman story
Und sie schlägt den Detektiv auf, und sie erzählt ihm über dieses Gerücht, das sie gehört hat, dass Pastor Tim eine Freundin auf der Seite hatte. eine Freundin namens Molly. Und so, kapow, beginnt alles für den Detektiv zu klicken. Er fühlt sich, als ob er die Wahrheit kennt, dass Pastor Tim Janet nicht lebendig war, damit er mit seiner Seite Freundin Molly sein könnte.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
This Evil Pastor Murdered His Wife - The Timothy Tillman story
Aber leider gibt es nicht genug Beweise, um Pastor Tim mit einem Mord zu beurteilen. Bis zum nächsten Mal! Und so kann der Detektiv diese Informationen benutzen, um Pastor Tim zu bringen und ihn über diesen mysteriösen Lohn zu fragen. Und während er ihn über diese Verbrechen interviewt, beginnt er, ihn über den Mord zu fragen. Und er drückt ihn auf und drückt ihn auf.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
This Evil Pastor Murdered His Wife - The Timothy Tillman story
Und Pastor Tim ist nervös und er ist wütend und er ändert seine Geschichte genau darüber, wie es geschehen ist und wie der Piu-Piu ausging. Und um diese gleiche Zeit arbeiten einige andere Offiziere auf dem Fall. Sie fangen Molly an. And they tell her who Pastor Tim really is. That he's not, in fact, a Navy SEAL. He's a pastor living in Alabama, who they suspect unalived his own wife.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
This Evil Pastor Murdered His Wife - The Timothy Tillman story
And they tell her he's been using a fake name and a fake ID to fool her about who he is. That's why he has two driver's licenses. Und Molly ist so, oh Gott! Und sie wird verpisscht und flippt auf ihn ganz schnell. Sie beginnt, E-Mails und Korrespondenzen mit ihm zu geben. Sie ist so, ich gebe dir jede Information, die du brauchst.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
This Evil Pastor Murdered His Wife - The Timothy Tillman story
He gets fired from another church because they catch him having an affair with one of the members of his congregation. Bro is just a menace. But eventually he can't be a pastor anymore. Er muss also einen normalen Job in einem Städtegeheimhaus in Minnesota machen. Und natürlich geht das auch schrecklich falsch. Denn eines Tages ist eine Prostituierte im Gefängnis.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
This Evil Pastor Murdered His Wife - The Timothy Tillman story
Auf jeden Fall, werden die Polizisten endlich genug Beweise gegen ihn sammeln. Und so, bam, arrestieren sie ihn. Hier ist sein Mugshot. Und letztendlich geht Pastor Tim zu Trial. Zwei Mal. Und er ist verurteilt, dass seine Frau nicht lebendig ist. Und er ist verurteilt, dass er in der Gefängnis ist. Gut.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
This Evil Pastor Murdered His Wife - The Timothy Tillman story
Und Pastor Tim fängt an, auf sie zu kreieren. Und er bietet ihr eine Reise nach Hause. Und auf dieser Reise fängt er dann an, sie zu verabschieden. Und später drückt sie sich gegen ihn vor. Und so, bam! Die Polizei arrestiert Pastor Tim. Und sie beurteilen ihn zu sechs Monaten im Gefängnis. Wow, das ist eine wirklich leichte Satzung. Okay, but here's the other thing about Pastor Tim though.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
This Evil Pastor Murdered His Wife - The Timothy Tillman story
He actually has a wife and daughters. So his wife, her name's Janet. And Janet learns about what her husband did to the prostitute. And she's like, fuck all this. And she leaves him and she takes her daughters and she moves from Minnesota all the way to Alabama. And months later, Pastor Tim actually gets out of jail.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
He Went GTA In Real Life - The Ryan Stone story
So this guy is about to become sort of famous for leading police on one of the most watched car chases in history. Now the guy's name is Ryan and Ryan is very much a turd. He's been in and out of prison for the last decade, mostly for stuff like drug charges and car theft. But one morning, he walks into a gas station where he's about to start some trouble.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
He Went GTA In Real Life - The Ryan Stone story
But then, suddenly, kapow! Ryan's stolen SUV gets a flat tire. So now, Ryan has to ditch Martha's car. And you can see him here where he cuts off this other minivan and he forces it to pull over. Then he gets out and he terrorizes the poor woman inside. And there you can see her getting out and running for her life. While, of course, Ryan speeds away in his brand new ride.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
He Went GTA In Real Life - The Ryan Stone story
So now he's off again in this second car. And I guess he's hoping to throw police off course because he goes in the opposite direction in the oncoming lane. So now he's going full speed driving the wrong way. And at this point, officers, I mean, they realize they got to do something because bro is not going to stop.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
He Went GTA In Real Life - The Ryan Stone story
So they try to lay down those spike strips, the kind that'll like blow your tires out. But unfortunately, Ryan, he sees them coming and he easily swerves out of the way and he misses them entirely. Like, they don't even get close to him. So there's no stopping this guy. And if all this chaos isn't bad enough, Ryan is about to make it all much worse.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
He Went GTA In Real Life - The Ryan Stone story
Because just down the road, waiting for him to drive by, is this guy.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
He Went GTA In Real Life - The Ryan Stone story
trooper he and he is there and he's laying down some spike strips in the road knowing that ryan is about to roll through them but ryan of course he sees trooper he and he's like oh hell no and he aims the stolen minivan right at him and he floors it going 90 miles an hour and bam he hits trooper he and if you slow down the footage you can see trooper he here and you can see the minivan coming toward him
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
He Went GTA In Real Life - The Ryan Stone story
Now, obviously, I can't show him being hit by a car. It's way too shocking. But Ryan does run him over. Oh, but the story's not over yet, because Ryan just keeps going and going and going and going until, boom, he crashes the minivan into another car. And he gets out, and he's kind of running around, and he's like, Looks like he's panicking.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
He Went GTA In Real Life - The Ryan Stone story
Because at this same time, pulling up to this gas station is this woman. Her name's Martha. And Martha just stopped at the gas station for a cup of coffee, and she's going to be in and out real quick. So she leaves her keys in the car with the engine running. big mistake. Now Ryan, he's still inside. And at this moment, bro is really, really high.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
He Went GTA In Real Life - The Ryan Stone story
I guess he's still high off all that Walter White he did. But after scrambling around and thinking about it, he then just gets back into the same minivan he just crashed, and he keeps on driving. Then a few minutes later, Ryan spots another car to steal. And boom, he slams into it.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
He Went GTA In Real Life - The Ryan Stone story
Now, the woman driving, she thinks this is just a regular car accident, so she does the right thing and she pulls over. While Ryan, he gets out of the minivan and he pretends to be upset over this car wreck.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
He Went GTA In Real Life - The Ryan Stone story
And you can see him here, he's pointing to the damage on the car, and he does this so he can get close to the driver, and once he's close enough to her, he opens the door and he throws the woman out. Which I can't really show you, it's a little too violent so I'll just blur it out. But you can see the poor woman trying to get her car back as Ryan drives off in it.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
He Went GTA In Real Life - The Ryan Stone story
So now Bro has stolen his third car and he's still on the run. It seems like police are just never gonna catch this guy. Until... Now this is where Ryan's luck finally starts to run out. Because he's speeding along in this third stolen car, and he's dodging traffic left and right. And then he drives into an intersection. And suddenly, boom, he collides with another car.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
He Went GTA In Real Life - The Ryan Stone story
Which I can't show you because of rules against showing car accidents, but you get the point. And you can see the aftermath here. You can see that he gets out, and he runs away, and he just keeps running, and he keeps running. And he rounds the corner, and then, oh, oops, he slips on the ice here, and he drops his jacket, and that slows him down a bit.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
He Went GTA In Real Life - The Ryan Stone story
And just for fun, let's see that slip again in slow motion.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
He Went GTA In Real Life - The Ryan Stone story
he's coming around the corner and boom anyway then he immediately gets up and he keeps going now i guess this is where all that walter white he did starts wearing off because ryan is suddenly out of energy like look he's like struggling to jump this fence here and so he fails to jump the fence and he just keeps going and going and finally i guess he's like ah i give up
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
He Went GTA In Real Life - The Ryan Stone story
and he just lays down in the snow. And this allows police to get to him and bam, they finally arrest him. Here's his mugshot. So now Ryan is facing some serious charges from all this. Attempted manslaughter, first degree assault, kidnapping, vehicle theft. But here's what's crazy. This entire chase is captured on footage by a news helicopter.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
He Went GTA In Real Life - The Ryan Stone story
And the footage is so compelling, this story blows the up. And like everyone is talking about it and they're watching the footage, which is nearly an hour long, by the way. This whole chase lasted around an hour and a half. And so because of that, This car chase becomes one of the most famous car chases in history with the raw footage getting over 25 million views on YouTube alone.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
He Went GTA In Real Life - The Ryan Stone story
And so Ryan, as he sits in jail waiting on his trial, he hears about all these YouTube views he's getting and he thinks all these views means he is about to be rich and famous. And so he's in jail talking to someone on the phone and he's talking about all this.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
He Went GTA In Real Life - The Ryan Stone story
And so, yeah, you can see him laughing about everything he did and showing excitement for all the money from the ad revenue he thinks he's going to make instead of, you know, showing remorse. Now, here's the thing about those phone calls that people make from jail. They're recorded. And yes, they can be used against you in a court of law.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
He Went GTA In Real Life - The Ryan Stone story
Like he's all hopped up on a drug that I'll just refer to as Walter White. So Ryan is high on Walter White and he walks out of the gas station and he sees Martha's car running without her in it. And he's just like, let's go. And he jumps in it and he takes it. Here's the thing though, Martha's four-year-old son is still buckled in the backseat. So Ryan just accidentally became a kidnapper.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
He Went GTA In Real Life - The Ryan Stone story
So eventually, Ryan goes to trial and they use those recordings of that phone call against him. And of course, Martha shows up and she testifies against him. Thankfully, she got her four-year-old son back safely. And Trooper He shows up and he testifies against him. Luckily, he survived nearly being hit by Ryan on the freeway.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
He Went GTA In Real Life - The Ryan Stone story
I mean, he had to undergo seven surgeries, but fortunately, he did make it. And ultimately, Ryan is found guilty and he's sentenced to 160 years in prison. And on top of all that, from what I read, he made no money from all the YouTube views. So good for him. And thank you to Leonardo.ai for sponsoring this video.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
He Went GTA In Real Life - The Ryan Stone story
If you want to make badass art for your videos like this or like this or like this, then sign up for Leonardo.ai.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
He Went GTA In Real Life - The Ryan Stone story
And of course, Martha steps outside and her car is now gone and she panics because her kid's in the backseat. So she runs back inside and the gas station clerk calls police. Minutes later, the cops are after this guy and they're chasing him down the freeway and he is not going to stop. And you can see him here like he's driving on the wrong side of the road. He's trying to avoid other cars.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
He Went GTA In Real Life - The Ryan Stone story
He's running through red lights at full speed. And other drivers see him, and they're like all swerving, trying to get out of the way, trying to not get hurt, all while Martha's four-year-old kid is crying and screaming in the backseat. So then, bam, 20 minutes later, this full-blown high-speed chase is still going. And it looks like Ryan's gonna see this through to the end.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
He Murdered His Ex - The Mario Marcelo Santoro story
So this guy, his name's Mario. And Mario has a problem. He's dating a woman who can do way better than him. Now the woman he's dating, her name's Cecilia. And one day, Cecilia reconnects with one of her old college flings, Mario. And she hasn't seen Mario in a while. And they're both originally from Brazil. But now, they both live in Sydney, Australia. So they think, why not try dating?
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
He Murdered His Ex - The Mario Marcelo Santoro story
And finally, after a period of doing all this, she's had enough of his weird stalkery behavior. And she gives him an ultimatum. Get all your shit and get the hell out of my apartment or else. And Mario, he doesn't take this well. Like, he's not happy. But he's like, ugh, fine. And so he moves out and everything seems to be finally resolved. No it's not.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
He Murdered His Ex - The Mario Marcelo Santoro story
At one point Cecilia flies from Sydney to where her friend lives all the way over in Perth. So she's visiting some friends and when they see how worked up and anxious she is over the whole Mario situation, they're like, why didn't you report this weirdo to the police? And of course Cecilia didn't report him to the police.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
He Murdered His Ex - The Mario Marcelo Santoro story
Now, she definitely wants Mario out of her life, but she's also a really nice person. She's not vindictive enough to want to get him in trouble or get him deported back to Brazil. So she never reported him. But then she somehow learns that Mario just booked a flight back to Rio de Janeiro. So she thinks, sweet, he's finally moving away. He's going back to Rio. He'll be out of the country.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
He Murdered His Ex - The Mario Marcelo Santoro story
And she finally, after a long while, feels safe enough to go back to her apartment. Here's the thing though, Mario has no intention of getting out of her life. In fact, he secretly went and had a spare key made to her place so that he can come back anytime he wants with or without her permission. Now, here's where the story gets dark.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
He Murdered His Ex - The Mario Marcelo Santoro story
At some point, Mario hits up Cecilia out of the blue, and he tells her that he's leaving the country for good. He's going back to Brazil. And he asks her if she'll give him a ride to the airport. And Cecilia's thinking, psh, no. But then she thinks about it a little more. And she really, really wants to see him walk away from her forever.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
He Murdered His Ex - The Mario Marcelo Santoro story
And what better way to feel like he's actually out of her life for good than watching him get on a plane and fly away. So she reluctantly agrees to do it. She'll give him a ride to the airport. But then the day before Mario's flight, suddenly, bam, he just shows up to the front door of her apartment. And he's like, I left my passport. Can you let me in?
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
He Murdered His Ex - The Mario Marcelo Santoro story
So they start dating for a while, and I guess things are going okay. Because eventually, Mario moves into her apartment with her. Here's the thing about Mario, though. He's unemployed. And since he doesn't have a job, he's always hanging around doing nothing. And so Cecilia starts to feel suffocated by him. And over time, she starts to pull away from him. Now here's the other thing about Mario.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
He Murdered His Ex - The Mario Marcelo Santoro story
And Cecilia's like, nah, I'm not letting you in. And this really pisses him off. And he's like, come on. And she's like, nah. And so he just waits. He waits around her apartment complex for several hours. And I don't know if he's waiting on her to come out or if he's waiting on her to change her mind, but she doesn't change her mind.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
He Murdered His Ex - The Mario Marcelo Santoro story
And eventually he comes back to her front door and he uses that key he made to enter. And as soon as he walks through the door, Cecilia panics and she starts yelling at him like, get the hell out. And he's like, well, I just want to talk to you or whatever he says. But she just keeps yelling at him.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
He Murdered His Ex - The Mario Marcelo Santoro story
And that is when Mario snaps and pow, he grabs her by the neck with both hands and he squeezes as hard as he can. And they struggle back and forth and he strangles her until she's no longer yelling or moving at all because she's unalived. And Mario's like, oh shit, I murdered her. Now what am I gonna do? And so he grabs her phone and he uses her finger to unlock it.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
He Murdered His Ex - The Mario Marcelo Santoro story
And from her phone, he texts her mom and her friends pretending to be her. And he says, I'm going on a trip to the Blue Mountains. Probably so that they'll think Cecilia went hiking and like got lost or something. But anyway, then he loads her body into her car and she drives a red Fiat. Here's actually a picture of it in real life.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
He Murdered His Ex - The Mario Marcelo Santoro story
And so he drives her Fiat to a local river and he dumps her body there. The next morning, Mario orders an Uber to drive him to the airport. So he's in this Uber, and as that Uber is going over a bridge, he rolls down the window, leans out, and he throws the car keys to her Fiat over the railing and down into the water, never to be seen again.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
He Murdered His Ex - The Mario Marcelo Santoro story
And the Uber driver's like, what the fuck is this guy doing? But whatever. Soon enough, Mario is on a flight and he flies from Sydney back to Brazil, home free from the murder he just committed. But then back at the local river, a couple of kayakers just got into the water and they're kayaking and they see something suspicious floating around like it could be a body.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
He Murdered His Ex - The Mario Marcelo Santoro story
So they call police and police come and they check it out and they're like, yep, That's a body. And so the body is identified as Cecilia and police, they start investigating this whole thing. And pretty quickly, they identify Mario as the prime suspect because the ex-boyfriend is always the prime suspect.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
He Murdered His Ex - The Mario Marcelo Santoro story
And so they start collecting all this evidence and they track his cell phone location from the time around the murder. And they're able to match it up with some CCTV footage. And they actually find footage of him driving Cecilia's red Fiat the night after she was murdered. They also get footage from CCTV cameras at Mario's own house.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
He Murdered His Ex - The Mario Marcelo Santoro story
They find footage of him after the murder walking back in wet socks. Actually, if you slow the footage down and zoom in, you can see the little footprints he left. Now, obviously his clothes were wet because he had just dumped a body in the river.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
He Murdered His Ex - The Mario Marcelo Santoro story
In fact, the footage also shows him right when he gets home, like stripping off all his clothes and washing them immediately because clearly Bro is trying to clean up all the evidence. But anyway, then finally police interview the Uber driver who drove him to the airport that day.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
He Murdered His Ex - The Mario Marcelo Santoro story
And that Uber driver is like, yeah, we were driving over the bridge and dude rolled the window down and he threw a set of car keys into the water. It was weird. And so police, they send some divers out and it takes about three weeks, but eventually they find the keys to Cecilia's red Fiat. And so at this point, Australian police, they know Mario is definitely the killer.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
He Murdered His Ex - The Mario Marcelo Santoro story
But remember, he's no longer in Australia. He left, he's in Brazil now. So police, they compile all the evidence and they deliver it to prosecutors in Brazil. And three months after the murder, bam, Mario is finally arrested in Brazil. Here's his mugshot. And he ultimately goes to trial and he confesses to everything, to unaliving Cecilia, to dumping the body, everything.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
He Murdered His Ex - The Mario Marcelo Santoro story
And here's footage of him crying in court, if you care to see him cry in court. And ultimately, he's sentenced to 27 years in prison. Good.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
He Murdered His Ex - The Mario Marcelo Santoro story
He's a pretty controlling guy. And as she pulls away from him, of course, he tries harder to control her. Like he's always checking to see who she's talking to. Like, who are you talking to? Sometimes he even takes her phone or her computer to like snoop on her. And Cecilia's friends, they start to notice that she's not happy around him. And they're like, girl, you need to ditch this guy.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
He Murdered His Ex - The Mario Marcelo Santoro story
And eventually she's like, you know what? You're right. And so she goes and she breaks the news to Mario that the relationship is just not working for her. And after about a year of dating, boom, she officially breaks up with him. And of course, Mario is devastated. I mean, he feels like he can't lose her. I mean, he could never do better than her.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
He Murdered His Ex - The Mario Marcelo Santoro story
So he just refuses to accept her decision and he refuses to move out of her place. And he just keeps on living there. And then he kind of starts stalking her. And this is really scary for Cecilia. So she's like, fuck all this. And she leaves her own apartment. And she starts staying over at her friend's houses or crashing in hotels just to be away from him.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
This Surfer Stole Millions - The Murf The Surf story
So this surfer somehow becomes one of the most notorious jewel thieves of all time. Now the guy, people call him Murph. And Murph loves to surf. And one day in Miami, Murph reconnects with some old surfing buddies of his. And these buddies, they're suddenly dressing kind of sharp. Like they used to be bums and now they got that drip. And Murph's like, when did you turds get money all of a sudden?
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
This Surfer Stole Millions - The Murf The Surf story
And the American Museum of Natural History, it has one exhibit that's called the Hall of Gems, which houses some of the rarest and most expensive gems in the world. And so this tour, it leads these jewel thieves through the Hall of Gems and they're looking at all these gems on display and they're like, oh yeah, we need to rob this place.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
This Surfer Stole Millions - The Murf The Surf story
So they put their heads together and they start coming up with a plan to break into the History Museum and take their collection of historical gems. And these guys, they're like professionals at this. So they take the time to map out this whole heist. Like they visit the museum and they observe the guards while they're doing their nightly rounds.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
This Surfer Stole Millions - The Murf The Surf story
They low-key check the windows in the museum for any vulnerabilities. And lucky for them, they actually see one of those windows is cracked open. And while they're planning out this whole robbery, they're staying in a nearby hotel. And since they have a surplus of money from all their Miami robberies, They're like in this hotel throwing these big ass loud parties in the room with lots of people.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
This Surfer Stole Millions - The Murf The Surf story
I mean, they're just having a great time. So the big night finally rolls around and Roger drives them to the history museum. And Murph and Alan, they jump the fence and they run across the courtyard. And then Alan climbs up the side of the building, mostly using the fire escape. And then he makes it to the cracked window. And then he lowers a rope down for Murph.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
This Surfer Stole Millions - The Murf The Surf story
And then Murph climbs up and they open the window and they get inside and they head over to the Hall of Gems. And once they're there, they use a glass cutter and they cut holes in the display cases. And lucky for them, the alarms were old and outdated and no longer working.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
This Surfer Stole Millions - The Murf The Surf story
And these guys, these surfers, end up stealing around 24 stones, including three very important gems, the DeLong Star Ruby, the Eagle Diamond, and the Star of India Sapphire, which were worth around $400,000, which in today's money would be around $4 million. Not to mention, these are historical gems. So they are literally impossible to replace.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
This Surfer Stole Millions - The Murf The Surf story
So anyway, these guys take these gems and they take whatever else they can. And then they climb back down out of the building and they flee back to their hotel. The next morning, Murph and Alan, they fly to Miami, taking the jewels with them. Meanwhile, Roger flees to Connecticut to be with his family.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
This Surfer Stole Millions - The Murf The Surf story
But when the news breaks that the Museum of Natural History had a bunch of priceless jewels stolen, the story blows up and it's all over the news. Here's the thing though, because these dudes threw so many parties back at their hotel, a hotel clerk ends up tipping off the police like, yo, these three guys, they seem really suspicious.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
This Surfer Stole Millions - The Murf The Surf story
And that is when one of his buddies explains it. This guy, Alan. Alan explains to him that they all got this new side hustle. Breaking into places and robbing them. Houses, hotel rooms, jewelry stores. Mostly they're looking for jewels. So, they're jewel thieves. And one night, they're about to go on a heist. And they invite Murph along. And Murph's like, sweet, let's get paid.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
This Surfer Stole Millions - The Murf The Surf story
And so the police goes and checks their hotel room, and they find photos of the museum, a pew-pew, and burgling tools. So they know these guys are guilty. Two days later, the FBI shows up in Miami. And boom, they arrest Murph. And also, boom, they arrest Alan. And eventually, they go and arrest Roger, too.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
This Surfer Stole Millions - The Murf The Surf story
now ultimately over time the feds do recover most of the stolen jewels there were 24 of them in total but they never actually recover one of the big ones the eagle diamond like literally they just never found it now because this is such a big news story these guys become kind of criminal celebrities like people end up rooting for them i mean they're surfers they're in shape they're kind of handsome they become like sort of local heroes
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
This Surfer Stole Millions - The Murf The Surf story
So it looks like these guys have really benefited from all this. Until all three of them are found guilty and they're sentenced to three years in prison. So they do their time and they get out and Roger, he goes on to lead a normal life. But Murph and Alan, they do not. They go right back into crime and they go back into their robbing houses and jewelry stores.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
This Surfer Stole Millions - The Murf The Surf story
But then one day Murph meets these two young women in Florida. And they ask him for help because they apparently just stole $488,000 worth of stocks and bonds from a financial services office that they used to work for. And now, they don't know what to do next. And so I guess Murph, being a criminal, he offers to help them sell these stocks and bonds without getting caught.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
This Surfer Stole Millions - The Murf The Surf story
And so within a few days of befriending them, these two women are suddenly crashing at his apartment. Which sounds kind of fun, but pretty quickly, I guess Murph finds them to be really annoying. Like they're all impatient and they're just driving him crazy. And so Murph and some other guy, they offer to take them out on the guy's boat.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
This Surfer Stole Millions - The Murf The Surf story
And once they're out on the water, they beat these women and they stab them and they unalive them. And then they dump them in the water. A month later, their bodies wash up on the shore of the canal. And Murph and the other guy, they were last seen with them. So they are very much suspects in this crime. And so, bam, they both get arrested.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
This Surfer Stole Millions - The Murf The Surf story
But unfortunately, at this point, there isn't any hard evidence. So they're released on bail. And while he's out on bail, Murph decides, yeah, it's time to rob another house. And so he breaks into this rich woman's house while she's home and he robs her at gunpoint. And he's like, give me all your jewelry or I'm gonna throw this boiling water on your niece's face. Jesus Murph.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
This Surfer Stole Millions - The Murf The Surf story
But lucky for the woman and her niece, she actually has a panic button installed in her house. So she hits the panic button and pretty quickly police arrive. And Murph is still there and there's like a whole shootout between him and police. And eventually, bam, they arrest him again.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
This Surfer Stole Millions - The Murf The Surf story
And he goes to trial and he's found guilty of both trying to rob that rich woman's house and unaliving those girls on that boat. And he gets back-to-back life sentences. Oh, but it's not over yet, because in prison, Murph is going to continue to be a turd. In prison, he actually becomes some sort of a drug kingpin, like making sure other prisoners get their supply, I guess.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
This Surfer Stole Millions - The Murf The Surf story
But then, one day, Murph gets a tip. Someone informs him that if he ever wants to get out on parole, the only way he can do that is if he presents himself as a changed man and say that he, like, found Jesus or something. And a lot of people think that this is absolute bullshit, but suddenly he starts proclaiming that he found Jesus and he starts preaching to other prisoners in the prison.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
This Surfer Stole Millions - The Murf The Surf story
And so he goes along on this heist and it's successful. They steal some jewels and they sell them and his cut ends up being around 15 grand. And Murph is looking at all this and he's like, well, that was the easiest money I ever made. Let's do it again. And so they keep this hustle going.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
This Surfer Stole Millions - The Murf The Surf story
And I guess it works because then after 17 years in prison, after two life sentences, the parole board believes that he's a changed man and they ultimately let him out. Wow.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
This Surfer Stole Millions - The Murf The Surf story
Murph and Alan, they surf by day and they cat burgle by night, climbing onto rooftops and jumping between balconies to steal jewelry from old rich ladies and tourists. And they're making a lot of money from this. And soon enough, they get another friend involved. This guy, Roger. And Roger ends up being their lookout and their getaway driver. And this is all working great for them.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
This Surfer Stole Millions - The Murf The Surf story
But pretty quickly, I guess they get a little bored with Miami. I guess they robbed all the good places already. So Murph, Alan, and Roger, they take a road trip from Miami all the way up to New York City. Because they're trying to see if there are some places up there to rob. And while they're in New York, they take a tour of the famous American Museum of Natural History.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
Australia's Most Notorious Serial Killer - The Ivan Milat story
So this guy, his name's Ivan, and Ivan is an absolute psychopath. Let me explain. Now, Ivan is from Australia and he's not a good dude. He's got a criminal record. He's kind of always been in and out of trouble. And I guess at some point in his adult life, he decides, hey, I'm going to unalive some people. Sounds like fun.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
Australia's Most Notorious Serial Killer - The Ivan Milat story
Then he stabs the girlfriend and then he beats her until she's unalived. Then three weeks later, he's driving along and he spots another backpacker. This guy, his name's Onions. So Ivan pulls over and he offers him a ride and Onions is like, that would be brilliant, bruv. Cause you know, he's English.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
Australia's Most Notorious Serial Killer - The Ivan Milat story
So he gets in and as they're driving through Belanglo State Forest, they're chatting and Onions starts getting a really bad feeling about Ivan. Cause Ivan's asking him way too many questions. And that is when boom, Ivan pulls the car over and he pulls out a pew pew. And Onions is like, oh bloody hell, and he jumps out of the car and he runs away.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
Australia's Most Notorious Serial Killer - The Ivan Milat story
So Ivan, he gets out of the car and he runs after him and blam, blam, he fires his pew-pew, but he keeps missing, lucky for Onions. And ultimately, Onions is able to run far enough away and he flags down a passing car and he is able to escape. And later, Onions is at the police station and he reports Ivan. But for whatever reason, police don't do anything.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
Australia's Most Notorious Serial Killer - The Ivan Milat story
I don't know if they don't have enough information to investigate or what, but nothing happens to Ivan. So this psychopath just keeps going. And about a year later, he strikes again. He's driving along the road and he picks up yet another hitchhiker, a German woman. And he drives her to Belanglo State Forest and he ends up unaliving her with a knife.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
Australia's Most Notorious Serial Killer - The Ivan Milat story
Eleven months after that, he picks up a German couple who are hitchhiking across Australia. And he drives them to the forest and there he shoots the guy six times and he decapitates the woman. Four months later, he picks up a pair of English women, hitchhikers. And again, he drives them to the forest and he stabs one of them a bunch of times and he shoots the other one.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
Australia's Most Notorious Serial Killer - The Ivan Milat story
So one day when he's 26 years old, he's driving along outside of town and he picks up these two hitchhikers, two women, and he's trying to chat them up. And I guess these women are polite, but they don't really find him all that charming. And this pisses Ivan off. So he pulls the car over and he pulls out a knife and he threatens them with it. And then he essays at least one of them.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
Australia's Most Notorious Serial Killer - The Ivan Milat story
Now, of course, over the years, all these missing hitchhikers and backpackers, they've been reported missing by their families. But so far, none of their bodies have been found. Like, where do you even begin to look for the body of a missing hitchhiker? They're traveling across the country. Like, they could be anywhere. Well, in this case, they actually do find them.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
Australia's Most Notorious Serial Killer - The Ivan Milat story
Because a few months later, after Ivan had unalived the two English women, two runners are in the Belangelo State Forest. And they're participating in some orienteering event. It's like an event where they're supposed to navigate through the forest. And while they're there, suddenly, boom, they come across some human remains. Remains belonging to one of the English women.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
Australia's Most Notorious Serial Killer - The Ivan Milat story
And so they contact police and the next day police go out and they search that area and they find the remains of the other English woman who was with her. Then a year later a local man is out in the forest and he's collecting firewood and he stumbles across the remains of the boyfriend from that 19 year old couple Ivan had unalived years before.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
Australia's Most Notorious Serial Killer - The Ivan Milat story
So police start combing through the area again and they find the remains of the girlfriend from that couple. A month after that, police are still looking and they find the remains of three more people, the German hitchhiker and the German couple that Ivan had unalived. And that is when police start thinking they might have a serial killer on their hands.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
Australia's Most Notorious Serial Killer - The Ivan Milat story
And so police, they start looking at people who live in or around the area where the victims were found. And there is one local guy who they know of, who not only has a criminal record, but also has a history of violence. A guy who had been credibly accused of attacking and essaying two hitchhiking women all those years ago and went to court for it. That guy is in fact, Ivan.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
Australia's Most Notorious Serial Killer - The Ivan Milat story
So police start investigating and looking into Ivan. But unfortunately, he's just a suspicious guy with a criminal record. There's nothing tying him directly to these murders. Until... Okay, here's the thing about what Ivan is doing. The way he's murdering people does in fact make him a serial killer. And a potential serial killer is big news.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
Australia's Most Notorious Serial Killer - The Ivan Milat story
So all the news stations are definitely going to report on it. And sometimes news like this, it's so big that it ends up getting international coverage. And this particular story is definitely getting international coverage. And so all the way over in jolly old England, a man is watching TV and he's watching the news. That man is onions.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
Australia's Most Notorious Serial Killer - The Ivan Milat story
And so Onions, he sees this news report about a bunch of bodies being found in Australia in the Belanglo State Forest. And Onions, he's like, Roy, that was the bloke that was shooting at me. And so he calls the Australian feds and he tells them about what happened to him all those years ago when he was in Australia.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
Australia's Most Notorious Serial Killer - The Ivan Milat story
That he was hitchhiking and a man offered him a ride and then he pulled out a pew-pew and he was chasing him around with it trying to shoot him. And so the feds fly him out. from England all the way to Australia so that he can be a key witness and help them solve this case.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
Australia's Most Notorious Serial Killer - The Ivan Milat story
And they end up showing him a picture of Ivan and Onions looks right at that picture and he's like, right, that's the bastard. So then bam! 50 police officers go and raid Ivan's family compound. And here's actually some like news footage of it. And if you pause, you can see all of the officers gathered there during the raid.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
Australia's Most Notorious Serial Killer - The Ivan Milat story
And during this raid, they find pew-pews that match the type of pew-pews that were used in the murders. And they find backpacks and other personal items that belong to the missing hitchhikers. So bro is definitely guilty. And so kaboom, they end up arresting Ivan and they charge him with murdering seven people and a bunch of other stuff. Now, here's what's crazy though.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
Australia's Most Notorious Serial Killer - The Ivan Milat story
They only charge him with the murders that they could actually prove that he did, but they suspect that he was responsible for almost 20 murders in the area, maybe even more. They just couldn't prove it, because apparently hitchhikers used to go missing in that area all the time. But whatever, the seven murders that they could prove were enough to put him away.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
Australia's Most Notorious Serial Killer - The Ivan Milat story
And then he pulls over at a gas station and somehow these two women get away from him and they go and they report him to the police. So then, bam, police, they go and arrest him. But unfortunately, he somehow ends up getting acquitted of this crime. And so 17 years pass, and he's 45 now, and Ivan decides to strike again.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
Australia's Most Notorious Serial Killer - The Ivan Milat story
And so he goes to trial and he's found guilty and he's given seven life sentences, one for each murder. And he spends the next 23 years in prison and then he dies in prison of cancer. So good for him.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
Australia's Most Notorious Serial Killer - The Ivan Milat story
And one day, he's driving along, and he sees a young couple walking along the road. They're both 19, and they're hitchhiking to some kind of hippie festival. So Ivan pulls up, and he's like, good night, mate, or whatever Australians say, and he offers them a ride. So they get in and they're all chatting, I guess.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
Australia's Most Notorious Serial Killer - The Ivan Milat story
And as they chat, he drives them through Belangelo State Forest, which is a forest in this area. But then he decides to pull over and he forces the couple to walk through the trees. Now, we don't know how he forced them, probably by knife point, because once they're deep in the forest, boom, he stabs the boyfriend a bunch of times.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
2 Men Escaped From Jail And The Judge Chases Them Down
So one night, this guy, he's out and he's driving. And he's driving a bit recklessly. And police, they pull him over. And they see that not only was he driving like a turd, but he's also driving with a suspended license. So then, bam, they arrest him and they throw him in jail. Now the guy, his name's Tanner. And I don't have a mugshot of Tanner, but here he is in real life, in jail.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
2 Men Escaped From Jail And The Judge Chases Them Down
So now these two turds are on the run and pow, they make it out into the hallway and oh, Cody falls and he leaves his prison croc behind, but he is able to get up and they are out. Now I mentioned Judge Buzzard is overseeing both their cases. Here's the thing about Judge Buzzard though. I guess Buzzard, he ain't no punk and he is not about to let these two clowns get away.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
2 Men Escaped From Jail And The Judge Chases Them Down
So as Tanner and Cody are running out, Buzzard literally stands up and rips off his judge's robe like he's f***ing Superman and kaboom, he runs after them. And if you look at the footage, the two attorneys here, they're like shocked. They're like, so should we call a recess or...
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
2 Men Escaped From Jail And The Judge Chases Them Down
But anyway, the chase is on, and Tanner and Cody, they actually make it to the stairwell, and they sprint down the flight of stairs. Now, Judge Buzzard, he's still determined to get them, and he is right behind them. And boom, he busts through the door, and now he's in the stairwell with them. But the two guys, they've now made it down to the second floor.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
2 Men Escaped From Jail And The Judge Chases Them Down
But they aren't fast enough because Buzzard is closing in. But then, finally, they make it to the bottom floor. And Tanner actually makes it first. And he gets out the door and he keeps running. But then Cody makes it to the bottom floor. But not before Judge Buzzard grabs his ass as he's trying to run out the door. And pow, he tackles him just outside the building.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
2 Men Escaped From Jail And The Judge Chases Them Down
Moments later, a couple of deputies catch up. Like, oh, hey, did you need our help? And so, bam, they ar- Well, I guess they can't really arrest him because he's already under arrest. So they just escort Cody back to his cell, where I'm sure he sits there all ashamed that his escape plan didn't work.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
2 Men Escaped From Jail And The Judge Chases Them Down
But there's still Tanner, who's still running, still in handcuffs, and he's now about four blocks away. But then suddenly Tanner does something he should have done a long time ago. His brain starts firing on all cylinders and he actually starts thinking about the consequences of what he's doing. Like, does he really want to break out of jail like this?
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
2 Men Escaped From Jail And The Judge Chases Them Down
Now he's not locked up for very long before he has a quick hearing to go to. So he's in the courtroom, in handcuffs, sitting next to a bunch of other alleged criminals, waiting in line for the judge to hear their case. And there he is here on the left. Now here's where it gets good though. Tanner happens to be sitting next to this guy. His name's Cody.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
2 Men Escaped From Jail And The Judge Chases Them Down
Does he really want to go on the run and be an outlaw? So with all these thoughts going on in that moment, he thinks hard about these things and he's suddenly like, nah. this isn't worth it, and he just stops. And pretty quickly, police catch up to him, and I like to imagine they tackled him and roughed him up a little bit, but I honestly don't know if that happened.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
2 Men Escaped From Jail And The Judge Chases Them Down
Regardless, bam, they grab him and they take him back to his cell. Here's the thing, though. To police and to Judge Buzzard, it doesn't really matter that Tanner stopped on his own. All that matters is that he was in the middle of a court proceeding and he decided to make a run for it like an absolute turd.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
2 Men Escaped From Jail And The Judge Chases Them Down
So for the both of them, they went from basically misdemeanor charges, driving without a license or whatever, to being charged with second degree escape, which is a felony. So now they're both felons. Now, you might be asking, why did they suddenly run when they're likely just about to be released anyway?
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
2 Men Escaped From Jail And The Judge Chases Them Down
So he doesn't even know why he did it. While Cody actually has a better explanation. I didn't try to escape to get out. I tried to escape to get well, and I tried to do what I could do to get my drug addiction. So anyway, eventually they go back to court, and Tanner is sentenced to a full year, while Cody is actually sentenced to three years. Wow.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
2 Men Escaped From Jail And The Judge Chases Them Down
Short video today, but, I don't know, it's a fun story.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
2 Men Escaped From Jail And The Judge Chases Them Down
And Cody, he's in court for theft charges because I guess he stole some woman's purse or something and he got busted. Regardless, neither of them have really major charges against them. It's not like they went out and committed murder or something.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
2 Men Escaped From Jail And The Judge Chases Them Down
But while the two guys sit there, the judge, this guy, Judge Buzzard, no, Judge Buzzard is sitting here and he's setting the conditions of their release, meaning they're likely just about to be released. But Cody, I guess this whole process just isn't fast enough for him. Like he wants out of all this right now. And Bro comes up with a brilliant plan to basically just make all this worse.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
2 Men Escaped From Jail And The Judge Chases Them Down
He turns to Tanner. And I don't think they really know each other. But he turns to Tanner and he says, I'm gonna run. And so Cody looks around and he sees his chance and boom, he sprints for the exit. And as you can see, for some strange reason, Tanner is also like, that's a great idea. And you can see in the courtroom footage, he runs too.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
This Famous Actor Scam - The Lydia Abdelmalek story
So this woman is about to pull off this crazy catfishing scheme by pretending to be a famous soap opera actor. Now her name's Lydia and she's around 21 years old. She lives in Melbourne, Australia and she apparently lives with her parents and doesn't have a lot going on. So one day, I guess she gets bored and decides, eh, I'm going to go catfish some people. Might be fun.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
This Famous Actor Scam - The Lydia Abdelmalek story
So they make plans to meet up, but every time they're about to meet, fake Lincoln cancels at the last minute. And it keeps happening again and again and again. And after it happens enough times, Betty starts getting suspicious. Like, is my boyfriend really Lincoln Lewis? Now remember, Betty and Lincoln grew up in the same area as kids and they used to know each other.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
This Famous Actor Scam - The Lydia Abdelmalek story
And in fact, they actually still have a mutual friend in common. So Betty reaches out to their mutual friend and gets the real Lincoln Lewis's phone number and she calls him. And the real Lincoln Lewis picks up and Betty's like, hey, have we been dating each other for the last few months? And the real Lincoln is like, no.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
This Famous Actor Scam - The Lydia Abdelmalek story
And so Betty explains to him what's been going on, that someone friended her on Facebook, pretending to be him, and that now they are in a relationship. And real Lincoln is like, what the ? and he gets so mad that he goes and tweets about it. It has come to my attention that weird people have made Facebook profiles impersonating me and causing a lot of drama. Just deleted Facebook.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
This Famous Actor Scam - The Lydia Abdelmalek story
Hope this stops. And Betty is also mad and she goes and reports fake Lincoln, aka Lydia, to the police. But unfortunately, police, they don't really do anything. They're like, eh, you got catfished. What do you want us to do? Meanwhile, Lydia knows Betty no longer believes her. But she isn't going to give up. She seems to enjoy catfishing, and she doesn't plan on stopping.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
This Famous Actor Scam - The Lydia Abdelmalek story
So she contacts Betty and tells her another big lie. She's like, okay, I'm not really Lincoln Lewis. My name is actually Michael. So now Lydia is pretending to be fake Michael. And fake Michael starts Betty and he tells her that he made the fake Lincoln Lewis profile Only as a joke, like he was just goofing around. And the worst part about this is that Betty believes him.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
This Famous Actor Scam - The Lydia Abdelmalek story
So she makes a new Facebook profile. Of course, she doesn't use her own name. Instead, she uses the name of this famous Australian soap opera actor, this guy, Lincoln Lewis. And she makes this page look really authentic, and she starts pretending to be fake Lincoln Lewis. Now at some point, Lydia, as fake Lincoln, sends a friend request to this random woman.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
This Famous Actor Scam - The Lydia Abdelmalek story
And she's still mad at him, but she continues to talk to him. Like, she must be really lonely. Because soon enough, they're talking all the time again, like every day. And eventually, Betty falls in love with fake Michael. And they end up in a full-blown romantic relationship. Now, here's where it gets really weird. As if it's not already weird.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
This Famous Actor Scam - The Lydia Abdelmalek story
For some reason, now, not only is Lydia pretending to be fake Michael, aka Betty's boyfriend, but she will also pretend to be other anonymous people. And when she pretends to be other anonymous people, she'll send threatening DMs to Betty and threatening text messages. Like, lots of messages. Sometimes up to 80 a day. Like, I'm gonna unalive you, or whatever. Like, what the hell is she doing?
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
This Famous Actor Scam - The Lydia Abdelmalek story
And one time Lydia, pretending to be fake Michael, goes as far as to stage a kidnapping. Like one day fake Michael starts sending Betty texts claiming that he's being hurt. And then an unknown number sends her messages threatening her, demanding Michael's contact info. And then bam, Betty gets another text from a supposed federal agent.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
This Famous Actor Scam - The Lydia Abdelmalek story
And this fake federal agent sends her a photo of fake Michael bound and gagged like he's been kidnapped. I don't know how Lydia faked all of this, but it is insane. So anyway, Betty's freaking out because she thinks her boyfriend's been kidnapped and it's this whole chaotic scene. Now let me pause this story here because this is about to get worse. Now let's talk about this woman, Jess.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
This Famous Actor Scam - The Lydia Abdelmalek story
Now like Betty, Jess is also Australian. She's also a flight attendant. And a few years earlier, Jess was on a flight working and by sheer coincidence, the real Lincoln Lewis was also on that flight. And so Jess is a big fan and she stops him and she gives him a hug and she asks him for a picture and they take this picture right here.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
This Famous Actor Scam - The Lydia Abdelmalek story
Sometime later, Jess goes and friends Lincoln Lewis on Facebook. Here's the thing though, the account that she friends isn't really his account. It's actually the fake account that Lydia had made to catfish Betty. So Lydia is the one who is now Facebook friends with Jess. So Jess now thinks she's Facebook friends with the real Lincoln Lewis.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
This Famous Actor Scam - The Lydia Abdelmalek story
And of course, Lydia takes full advantage of this and she starts her catfishing scheme all over again. And so now Jess and fake Lincoln start talking and they hit it off and they're chatting every day and soon they're texting all the time. And sometimes they'll talk on the phone. And I'm not sure how that works exactly. Like was Lydia putting on a fake voice? I don't know.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
This Famous Actor Scam - The Lydia Abdelmalek story
But they apparently talk on the phone a lot and eventually they get into a long distance romantic relationship. Which is crazy. And it seems like Lydia is just really good at this catfishing stuff. Like she's never going to get caught. Until one day, Jess gets a message from a coworker who works at the airlines and coworkers like, Hey, I just saw Lincoln Lewis on my flight.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
This Famous Actor Scam - The Lydia Abdelmalek story
And Jess is like, well, that can't be. I was just talking to him. And so Jess goes and hits up fake Lincoln. And she confronts him like, how can you be in two places at once? And fake Lincoln, AKA Lydia, makes up, I don't know, some bullshit excuse. But see, Jess is smarter than that. And she's not about to get played. And so she decides she is done.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
This Famous Actor Scam - The Lydia Abdelmalek story
And she tries to cut things off with fake Lincoln. But fake Lincoln is like, no, he's not about to let her get away. So he starts sending her threatening messages and calling her all the time and harassing her and apparently contacting her family. And so Jess is fed up. She's like this. I'm going to take whoever this is down. And she starts recording their phone conversations.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
This Famous Actor Scam - The Lydia Abdelmalek story
Now we don't know her real name, but we'll just call her Betty. And Betty, she's a nice woman. She's a flight attendant. And by some crazy coincidence, she actually knew the real Lincoln Lewis. Like they grew up in the same area as kids or something. Now, they don't really talk now, now that he's famous, but they used to know each other.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
This Famous Actor Scam - The Lydia Abdelmalek story
And she brings all this information to the police. So now, finally, police get involved. And they set up this small sting operation where Jess asks fake Lincoln to wire her some money, just like a couple hundred dollars, because her phone is broken and she needs to get it fixed. So fake Lincoln, aka Lydia, falls for it. She's like, all right.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
This Famous Actor Scam - The Lydia Abdelmalek story
And he, she goes to the bank to wire a couple of hundred dollars to Jess and boom, they finally get Lydia on camera. The woman who had been pretending to be Lincoln Lewis the whole time. And eventually, bam, police arrest her. And I don't have a mugshot, but here's a picture of her in real life.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
This Famous Actor Scam - The Lydia Abdelmalek story
And both Betty and Jess finally discover that it's a woman who's been catfishing them the whole time, not a man. And they are shocked. Like they had no idea. I have no idea how Lydia pulled that off. But here's the sad part. Betty, apparently she can't handle the humiliation of any of this.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
This Famous Actor Scam - The Lydia Abdelmalek story
And she eventually goes and she unalives herself over this whole catfishing thing, which is unfortunate and just really sad. And ultimately, Lydia goes to trial, and she's found guilty of stalking, and she's sentenced to two years, eight months, and then she gets another four years on top of that for some reason. Good. Weirdo.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
This Famous Actor Scam - The Lydia Abdelmalek story
So, of course, Betty accepts the request from this famous guy she knew as a kid. And they start messaging back and forth, sending photos, and Betty has no idea that the person she's talking to is just Lydia catfishing her. And over time, their conversations get more flirty and they're sending adult photos of themselves to each other.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
This Famous Actor Scam - The Lydia Abdelmalek story
Now, I don't know how Lydia faked nude photos of Lincoln Lewis out of Photoshop, I don't know, but somehow she did. And soon enough, Betty is in a full-blown romantic relationship with fake Lincoln Lewis. And so naturally, of course, at some point, Betty wants to meet up with Lincoln. Like, hey, when can we meet IRL?
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
This Selfie Destroyed Her Life - The Cheyenne Antione story
So this girl is about to murder her best friend and get busted for it because of a selfie. Now the girl, her name's Cheyenne, and she's 21, she lives in Saskatoon in Canada, and she has this friend, Brittany. And Brittany's 18, and they met at school, and they hang out, and they party together, and pretty soon, they become best friends. Now, Britney, she's a pretty good kid.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
This Selfie Destroyed Her Life - The Cheyenne Antione story
And they're in the parking lot. And I guess maybe Cheyenne is trying to call someone she shouldn't. Like, I don't know. We don't really have the details of this part. But for some reason, Brittany decides to take Cheyenne's phone away from her. Maybe she was just being playful. Maybe it was just a joke. Maybe she was being mean. Again, we don't know the details.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
This Selfie Destroyed Her Life - The Cheyenne Antione story
But we do know that she swipes her phone from her. And Cheyenne doesn't like this one bit. And she is pissed. pissed how's she gonna take my phone from me so they start getting into it and arguing and this argument gets heated in fact it gets so heated that eventually cheyenne just snaps and pow she hits britney and then pow she hits her again and again and again and she just overpowers her
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
This Selfie Destroyed Her Life - The Cheyenne Antione story
And then, allegedly, while Britney's down, Cheyenne takes off this braided black belt that she's wearing and she wraps it around Britney's neck. And she starts strangling her and strangling her. And no matter how hard Britney fights, Cheyenne just won't let go of that belt. And when she finally stops, Britney is no longer moving and she won't wake up.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
This Selfie Destroyed Her Life - The Cheyenne Antione story
And Cheyenne, she panics because like her friend might be dead. And I guess at that point she puts lifeless Britney in the car and then she gets in and she hauls ass out of there. Now, at this point, she could drive her friend to the hospital to get her medical attention, but that's not what she does.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
This Selfie Destroyed Her Life - The Cheyenne Antione story
Instead, she drives over to her aunt's house, and I guess she goes over to her aunt, and she's still totally wasted, by the way. She goes to her aunt, and she's like, I beat up my friend, and I choked her out, and now she's not waking up for some reason. And Aunt, she looks in the car and she can see Brittany looking all beat up and slumped over against the window. And Aunt wants no part of this.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
This Selfie Destroyed Her Life - The Cheyenne Antione story
She's like, nah, you need to leave. Which, I don't blame her. Like, yeah, you bring an unconscious body to my house? Like, nah, you need to get the f*** out. But anyway, so Cheyenne leaves. Now, here is another point where Cheyenne could drive her friend to the hospital and get her medical attention. But again, that's not what she does.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
This Selfie Destroyed Her Life - The Cheyenne Antione story
She's in high school, but she works hard. She works two jobs. She got big dreams. She wants to go to college and work in the hospitality business one day. While Cheyenne, on the other hand, she's kind of a turd. She apparently already has over 50 convictions for things like shoplifting, stuff like that. And she's allegedly also a big fan of some of the harder drugs that people like to do.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
This Selfie Destroyed Her Life - The Cheyenne Antione story
Instead, she drives out near a landfill on the edge of town and she dumps Brittany by the side of the road and she just leaves her there. And then I guess she goes home and just passes out. The next day, Cheyenne wakes up and she claims she doesn't remember what happened the night before and that it's a total blackout. Sure Cheyenne.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
This Selfie Destroyed Her Life - The Cheyenne Antione story
But she definitely notices that she doesn't have a phone because she gets on Facebook and she goes to Britney's page and she posts on her wall like, hope you got home safely. I need my phone. Now, obviously Britney didn't get home safely because Cheyenne dumped her on the side of the road. In fact, while Cheyenne was passed out at home, someone came along and found Britney's body lying in a ditch.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
This Selfie Destroyed Her Life - The Cheyenne Antione story
And by this point, she's completely unresponsive, and as you can guess, she ultimately doesn't make it. And so now, police gotta get involved, because there's a random body in a ditch, and boom, they immediately start investigating. And they're looking at the crime scene where Britney's body was found, and they don't find much, but they do find the black braided belt that she was strangled with.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
This Selfie Destroyed Her Life - The Cheyenne Antione story
And once the body is identified as Brittany, they start looking at her social media. And they notice the last thing she posted on Facebook the night she was unalived is that selfie she took with Cheyenne. So now, pow, Cheyenne is a person of interest.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
This Selfie Destroyed Her Life - The Cheyenne Antione story
And so police go and they question her, which is apparently easy to do because she was apparently already in custody for a completely different crime she had committed. Told you she was a turd. But police question Cheyenne, and Cheyenne decides to lie to them.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
This Selfie Destroyed Her Life - The Cheyenne Antione story
And she tells them that, yeah, she did go out that night, and she went to this house party, and that afterwards, she and Brittany went to this place called the Colonial Pub and Grill. And she says they met a guy there, and then that guy and Brittany dropped her off at her uncle's place. I don't know. It's some bullshit excuse.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
This Selfie Destroyed Her Life - The Cheyenne Antione story
So then police go and investigate Colonial Pub and Grill and they look at surveillance footage from that night and there is no sign of Cheyenne or Brittany ever being there. Also, police discover that Cheyenne never visited her uncle that night. So now they've caught her in a couple of lies and to them, she's starting to look suspicious.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
This Selfie Destroyed Her Life - The Cheyenne Antione story
Meanwhile, this whole time, Cheyenne is posting things to Britney's Facebook wall. I guess she's trying to make herself look not guilty. She's posting things like, I miss you. You were in my dreams last night. Or this one. I miss you so much. I wish heaven had visiting hours so I could come see you. Now, unfortunately for her, this isn't gonna work.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
This Selfie Destroyed Her Life - The Cheyenne Antione story
Because rumors have already started to circulate. Because remember, Cheyenne's aunt saw them that night. She saw Cheyenne with Britney's body in the car. And so rumors start to spread and word gets back to Britney's family that Cheyenne's aunt had saw them that night of the murder. And that Cheyenne showed up in the middle of the night panicking, claiming that she hurt her friend.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
This Selfie Destroyed Her Life - The Cheyenne Antione story
So of course, Brittany's family goes and reports all this to the police. So now police are even more suspicious of Cheyenne. But unfortunately, they can't arrest her because they simply don't have enough evidence. Until two years go by and detectives are working on this case and they still can't figure it out.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
This Selfie Destroyed Her Life - The Cheyenne Antione story
Now, they're pretty sure Cheyenne's involved, but they can't tie her directly to the crime, not in a way that's good enough to prosecute her. But then, one of the detectives is looking through all the evidence again, and they come across that selfie that the girls took that night. And they look at it one last time, and that is when they finally see it. Boom, it's right there in the photo.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
This Selfie Destroyed Her Life - The Cheyenne Antione story
And most people in Britney's life think that Cheyenne is bad news. Regardless, Britney defends her friend. She sticks up for her. She's like, no, she's a good person. You don't know her. But one night, their friendship, it goes completely wrong. Because Brittany and Cheyenne, they make plans to go out and do a little drinking, which they do often enough.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
This Selfie Destroyed Her Life - The Cheyenne Antione story
Cheyenne is wearing a black braided belt. the same belt that they found at the crime scene. So she's wearing the murder weapon hours before the murder. And so bam, police arrest Cheyenne. And I don't have a mugshot, but here's what she looks like in real life.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
This Selfie Destroyed Her Life - The Cheyenne Antione story
And they charge her with second degree murder, but she takes a plea deal and she pleads down to manslaughter and she only gets seven years in prison. So shout out to Saskatoon.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
This Selfie Destroyed Her Life - The Cheyenne Antione story
So they get ready, their hair and their makeup or whatever, and once they're good to go, they take a selfie together. This selfie. There's Brittany here and Cheyenne is right here. And like immediately, Britney posts it on her Facebook page. And then they leave and they end up at a bar and they do some drinking there and they have a good time.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
This Selfie Destroyed Her Life - The Cheyenne Antione story
Then they end up at a house party and they do some drinking there and they also do some drugs because I guess they're going a little hard tonight, but whatever. They're having a good time. Then around 4.30 in the morning, they've been out all night at this point getting wasted. And they end up at McDonald's. And they're both messed up and a little belligerent, stumbling around.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
Crazy Woman Finally Gets Arrested
So one morning, this woman is in the driveway and she's beating up her boyfriend. Now the woman, her name's Alicia. She's 34, she's from Wisconsin, and she used to be a military police officer. Now Alicia has a boyfriend, who we'll just call Boyfriend. And that morning, I guess they get into a fight and Alicia starts to get violent.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
Crazy Woman Finally Gets Arrested
And finally, police are just fed up with her stalling, so they're just going to take the kids. So the officers board the boat, and they round up all the kids, and Alicia starts turning into a psychopath about the officer getting a name wrong.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
Crazy Woman Finally Gets Arrested
Sorry I misspoke, Alicia. She seems nice. So anyway, police take the kids away. Then, officers go to Boyfriend's home with Alicia to collect some of the kids' belongings, their clothes and stuff. So they start collecting the kids' stuff. And while they're there, they low-key pull Boyfriend aside and they talk to him, away from Alicia.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
Crazy Woman Finally Gets Arrested
And this is when he really starts opening up about how he feels about all this. You're trying to get out of here, man. Yes, he's got to go.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
Crazy Woman Finally Gets Arrested
So then, Boyfriend suggests to her that she should leave. And, to be fair, he seems polite about it.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
Crazy Woman Finally Gets Arrested
While she is in the bathroom at this point, and I guess she tries to kick his dog? Don't kick my dog!
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
Crazy Woman Finally Gets Arrested
And he's in the driveway and she picks up some rocks and she sticks them between her fingers like they're brass knuckles and she starts trying to punch him. And I guess she also starts threatening to unalive his whole family. And this is allegedly not the first time she's threatened to do this. But here's the thing about Alicia. She's a mom of three little kids.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
Crazy Woman Finally Gets Arrested
And at this point, the officer is just done with her sh**. He's like, you need to get whatever stuff of yours you can gather, and you need to get the hell out of boyfriend's house now.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
Crazy Woman Finally Gets Arrested
So then Alicia starts gathering her stuff to leave for the night. But now she's mad at boyfriend, I guess for kicking her out. So she decides she's going to try and take him down with her and get him in trouble too. So she starts asking boyfriend about some Zaza.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
Crazy Woman Finally Gets Arrested
So she's trying to get boyfriend in trouble by talking about his Zaza in front of police because Zaza possession is not legal in Wisconsin.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
Crazy Woman Finally Gets Arrested
I'm not worried about it. Get your stuff.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
Crazy Woman Finally Gets Arrested
Now, luckily for Boyfriend, the officers are cool. They don't care about Azaza. They just want to get her out of the house.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
Crazy Woman Finally Gets Arrested
So eventually she goes back into the bedroom to pack up some more of her stuff. And this is when Alicia starts to lose it and fight with boyfriend.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
Crazy Woman Finally Gets Arrested
But Alicia just doesn't listen. And she's stalling. She's dragging her feet. And officers just had enough.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
Crazy Woman Finally Gets Arrested
It's also the part that I can't really show you because it's a little violent. But boom, officers try and detain Alicia, but she puts up one hell of a fight. Like I can't show you the video, but here's a screenshot of it. And you can see she's on the ground hitting and kicking them. And here's another screenshot. And here's another.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
Crazy Woman Finally Gets Arrested
But then in the most satisfying moment of this whole thing, pow, the officer tases the out of her. Here's a screenshot of her getting tased. Yeah, go ahead and laugh at her, it's okay.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
Crazy Woman Finally Gets Arrested
And she and the three little kids are all living at Boyfriend's house right now. But she's been acting nutty for so long, at this point, Boyfriend, he's scared of her. So I guess after the fight, he low-key calls Alicia's kids fathers. Both of them, because there's more than one. And he tells them that she's crazy and that he's worried about those kids.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
Crazy Woman Finally Gets Arrested
And like, yeah, I know, I clowned on her a lot in this video, which I try not to do too much of, because look, one, it's a little mean, and two, people commit crimes for all kinds of reasons that I'll never understand, and I won't pretend to understand what motivates people to do some of the things they do. But I just want to point this out.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
Crazy Woman Finally Gets Arrested
She must have messed up really bad when both of her baby's daddies and her current boyfriend all got together and secretly called the police on her. They were like, hey, let's put our differences aside and come together like the fucking Justice League and get Alicia away from these kids. But anyway, after all that, bam, they finally arrest her.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
Crazy Woman Finally Gets Arrested
And I don't have a mugshot, but here's a picture of her in real life. I guess this is from her time in the military. And she's charged with battery on an officer, disorderly conduct, and domestic abuse. And unfortunately, I couldn't find any updates on her after that.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
Crazy Woman Finally Gets Arrested
Oh, yum. Alright, cool. So, that's nice. I hope they're okay.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
Crazy Woman Finally Gets Arrested
So each of the kids' fathers, separately, they call the police. And they're like, Alicia's crazy. Go over there and take my kids away from her. Meanwhile, I guess, Alicia, boyfriend, and the kids, they all had plans to take the boat out on the lake for the day. So they all go out to the lake. And eventually, police show up. And they're looking to take Alicia's kids. Sit down and talk.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
Crazy Woman Finally Gets Arrested
I'm telling you to sit down and talk right now.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
Crazy Woman Finally Gets Arrested
And so Alicia calls her lawyer.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
Crazy Woman Finally Gets Arrested
That's fine. But we're going to take the kids now. No, you're not. Yes, we are.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
These Nuns Are Shady
So this nun has a gambling problem and she'll do anything to break her vow of poverty and hit up the casinos. Anything. Now her name's Sister Mary and she's in her 60s or 70s and she's the principal at a Catholic elementary school in Los Angeles. And even though she's a nun, Sister Mary has a problem. She really likes to gamble.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
These Nuns Are Shady
Anyway, when they're not gambling, they're racking up tons of credit card charges, which of course, they pay off with the money they're stealing from the school. Now eventually, the two sisters even move out of Catholic church housing, and they start living together in a nice gated neighborhood. roommates. Not to mention, each of them drives a brand new Volvo. Because of course they do.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
These Nuns Are Shady
And yes, over time, some parents start to notice some kind of odd things going on with the sisters. You know, like that they're traveling a lot and going to Las Vegas and taking trips to Lake Tahoe. Or that when the school has a fundraiser and they all play poker for that fundraiser, Sister Mary ends up kicking everyone's ass at the game.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
These Nuns Are Shady
Like, people notice this stuff, but no one really suspects anything because Sister Chang is just like, oh, I have a rich uncle and he provides for us. That's how we have these Volvos. And I guess people just believe it.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
These Nuns Are Shady
And to make it worse, Sister Mary is kind of in charge of everything at the school, like the money, the choosing of the staff, so there's not really anyone there breathing down her neck, making sure that all the funds are accounted for. And plus, They all trust her. I mean, she's an elderly nun. Why wouldn't they? And so Sister Mary and Sister Chang's scam goes on for years. More than a decade.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
These Nuns Are Shady
Maybe close to two decades. And no one suspects a thing. And by the way, it's not like the school is super wealthy or anything like that. This school is actually broke as f***. Like sometimes the student's parents will ask like, hey, can the kids get new textbooks or sports uniforms? Or can we get an awning so that the kids don't have to eat outside in the direct sunlight?
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
These Nuns Are Shady
And Sister Mary will be like, how do you expect us to pay for it? Acting as if she isn't stealing all the money. Not only that, but she also pressures the parents into donating extra money all the time on top of the student's tuition to fund, you know, the school and also her gambling trips. And so these nuns just keep the scam going. Gambling, credit card spending, trips to Vegas.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
These Nuns Are Shady
And one day, it's not entirely clear when, she comes up with a plan to steal some money so she can gamble as much as she wants. So first, she low-key goes and opens up several bank accounts. Then she starts stealing from the elementary school that she teaches at. I mean, she's straight up taking money from the school's bank account. She's embezzling the students' tuition checks.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
These Nuns Are Shady
They're living the good life. Until... In 2018, it all changes. Because suddenly, the theft just stops. But not necessarily because Sister Mary and Sister Chang have a change of heart. No, no. It's because they announced that they've both decided to retire from the school and from teaching. You know, they're retiring together because they're roommates.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
These Nuns Are Shady
So together they put down a $7,000 deposit on a three-bedroom townhouse apartment in the neighborhood, you know, a nice place, because soon enough they'll be retired and they're going to move there together. But here's the thing about retiring.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
These Nuns Are Shady
When you run all of a business's finances like Sister Mary does, and it's time to hand over the keys to the new person filling that position, it's common practice to have a financial review done so that, you know, everything transitions smoothly. And this is where it all goes wrong. Because Sister Mary has a boss. His name is Monsignor Michael Myers.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
These Nuns Are Shady
And yes, that is literally his name, his real name. And in real life, he looks like this. But just for fun, we're going to make him look like this. So Monsignor Michael Myers orders a review of the school's finances because Sister Mary's leaving.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
These Nuns Are Shady
Then around the same time, a parent of one of the school's students, for whatever reason, they go to the school's admin and they ask for a copy of an old tuition check. So the school has to go and dig that up. And when the school looks at the check, they notice this check, it wasn't deposited into the school's primary bank account. It was deposited into some other bank account. That's weird.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
These Nuns Are Shady
And with Monsignor Michael Myers' financial review taking place around the same time, Sister Mary knows she's . She knows this is about to make her look real bad. So she low-key goes into the school's financial records and she starts messing with the books a little bit. She's asking other employees to change some files. She's asking for some files to be deleted.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
These Nuns Are Shady
And this, of course, really sends a huge red flag to Michael Myers and the rest of the school admin. And so they have a forensic auditor come in and do a deep dive into the school's finances. And this forensic auditor goes back as far as she can, which actually isn't very far, because I guess they don't keep bank records for much longer than a decade? Or at least this school's bank doesn't.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
These Nuns Are Shady
But whatever, the forensic auditor comes back and says this. At minimum, A half a million dollars has been embezzled from the school. But here's the crazy part though. The school, which is the church, the church decides they don't want to file a criminal complaint against these nuns. Like they don't want to press charges. They want to handle it internally.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
These Nuns Are Shady
So these two nuns aren't going to get in trouble for essentially stealing from these elementary school kids. This is like the worst thing the Catholic Church has ever done to some kids. However, here's the problem with not reporting Marion Chang to the police. Not everyone is on board with this idea, specifically the parents.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
These Nuns Are Shady
See, the church at some point has to sit the parents down and tell them that their tuition money was being stolen for all those years. But also that they've decided that they're not going to press charges against thieves because they want to protect the sisters and the reputation of the church or whatever. And the parents are like, the f*** you're not. And they are pissed.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
These Nuns Are Shady
And they pressure the school to finally cooperate with the police department. And over the next few years, the police gets involved. The FBI gets involved. Even the IRS investigates all this. And eventually, bam, both nuns get arrested. And I don't have mug shots of them, but here's a picture of Whoopi Goldberg in the cast of Sister Act.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
These Nuns Are Shady
We're talking tens of thousands of dollars here. Like, she's making bank off this scheme. However, stealing money ain't all that much fun unless you have someone to share it with. So at some point, Sister Mary gets this woman involved, Sister Chang. And Sister Chang works at the school as well. She's a teacher. And she's also Mary's best friend, and they live together. They're roommates.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
These Nuns Are Shady
And so when all is said and done, Sister Mary and Sister Chang stole over $835,000 from this elementary school. And Sister Mary ends up taking a plea deal, and she gets one year in prison, and for some reason, the charges are dropped against Sister Chang. So, I guess nothing happens to her. Sister Mary probably didn't want to snitch on her. You know, because they're... roommates.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
These Nuns Are Shady
So anyway, these two nuns start spending all the school's money. And now before we get into what they do with it, I want to show you what these two criminal masterminds look like. This is Sister Mary, and this is a picture of Sister Chang. So anyway, Mary and Chang steal this money, and they're doing all kinds of stuff with it.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
These Nuns Are Shady
They're going to Vegas, they're taking trips to Lake Tahoe, and not just to see the sights and go on vacation, but also to hit up the casinos. Because like I said, homegirl loves to gamble. And apparently she's really good at poker? Like that's her thing? Which is just hilarious to imagine a nun sitting at a poker table whooping everyone's ass.
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He Hired a Hitman To Kill His Rival - The Christopher Pence story
So this guy, his name's Pence. And Pence really wants kids. No, no, no, like bro really wants kids. Like a lot of kids. Like a lot, a lot of kids. Which means he's gonna have to do a ton of smashing. Luckily for him, he has a wife. This woman, Michelle. And Michelle also wants a bunch of kids, and so they smash, or however kids are made these days, and nine months later, they have a kid.
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He Hired a Hitman To Kill His Rival - The Christopher Pence story
And so Michelle connects with Mr. and Mrs. Cordero and they agree to meet up. So the Pence family drives their RV all the way up to Massachusetts to meet up with these people. Now, the Corderos have six kids, so the Pences agree to take five of these six kids.
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He Hired a Hitman To Kill His Rival - The Christopher Pence story
The one kid, the oldest son they don't take, is special needs, so I guess they just leave that kid behind with his parents, which seems kind of messed up. But anyway, the Pences take five kids, and they put them in their RV with their other ten kids, so now they have 15 kids total, and they all drive back to Washington. Now back at home, the Pences are somewhat strict.
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He Hired a Hitman To Kill His Rival - The Christopher Pence story
They homeschool all these kids, they make them study the Bible, their house is always spotless because I guess they're making the kids clean up the place all the time. But whatever, the five Cordero kids seem happy there. Meanwhile, back in Massachusetts, the Corderos gave up five of their kids, I guess because they couldn't take care of them. However, they still want contact with them.
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He Hired a Hitman To Kill His Rival - The Christopher Pence story
So the Pences agree to let the Corderos have some contact with their five kids, and they're even allowed to come visit them a couple of times a year. And about a year goes by, and I guess this arrangement is still going. Which, by the way, the house they live in is only 1,900 square feet.
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He Hired a Hitman To Kill His Rival - The Christopher Pence story
Which, typically, a 1,900 square feet house is maybe three or four bedrooms, which is great, but they got five. 15 kids. So you've got 15 kids and two adults living in, at most, four bedrooms. And so therefore, at some point, they decide, eh, we could really use a bigger place. And so they finally find one. And the Pence family moves from Washington all the way down to their new place in Texas.
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He Hired a Hitman To Kill His Rival - The Christopher Pence story
And it's around this time that they decide to formally adopt the five Cordero kids. And here's a picture of all of them in family court. Meanwhile, back in Massachusetts, the Corderos actually have another baby. Like what? Bro, you just gave away five of your other kids and you're having another one? But then it gets even weirder.
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He Hired a Hitman To Kill His Rival - The Christopher Pence story
I guess the Corderos miss their five kids in Texas because they suddenly relocate and move closer to them in Texas. Apparently to make it easier and cheaper to visit their five kids. After that, the Corderos get pregnant again. So they gave away their five kids, and then they had two more of their own. Make it make sense. Now at some point during all this, sh** starts to get a little crazy.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
He Hired a Hitman To Kill His Rival - The Christopher Pence story
Because a rift starts to grow between the Pence family and the Cordero family. And the Pences don't really like the way the Corderos gave their kids away and then had two more. And so the Pences are like, f*** these people. And they take their 15 kids and they move again. This time from Texas all the way up to Utah. And they make sure to not tell the Corderos where they're moving to.
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He Hired a Hitman To Kill His Rival - The Christopher Pence story
And then they have another one, and then another one, and then another one. And so by the year 2000, they have four kids. Four kids is a lot, but see, that isn't quite enough for Pence and Michelle. And so they smash and have another kid. A few years later, they have another one. Then years later, another one, and then another one, and then another one, and finally one more.
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He Hired a Hitman To Kill His Rival - The Christopher Pence story
But then in 2020, I guess the Pence's been smashing because they get pregnant again. And this will be their 16th kid. And so to break this down for you, there's 16 kids, two adults, plus Pence's parents live with them. So that's 20 people living in this house. And the new house is like seven bedrooms. So there's 20 people in seven bedrooms.
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He Hired a Hitman To Kill His Rival - The Christopher Pence story
and their rivalry is still going because the Corderos are like calling in welfare checks on the Pence's trying to get them in trouble it's a whole mess and so the Pence's and the Corderos are like in this weird feud and it's pretty bad but it doesn't seem to be like out of control or anything until one day in 2021 Pence
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He Hired a Hitman To Kill His Rival - The Christopher Pence story
finally just snaps and he starts thinking that the five cordero kids they adopted would be better off if they never see their biological parents again and he decides to make that happen and so he goes and he gets on the dark web and he starts looking for ways to hire a hitman and eventually he lands on a website that's offering just that
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
He Hired a Hitman To Kill His Rival - The Christopher Pence story
A few weeks later, after doing a bunch of due diligence, he finally makes his request. He's like, I need someone to unalive Mr. and Mrs. Cordero and make it look like a burglary gone wrong, if you could. And then he gives them their address and he attaches their photos and a $16,000 Bitcoin payment and he hits submit. But then he's like, holy sh**, and he immediately panics and cancels it.
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He Hired a Hitman To Kill His Rival - The Christopher Pence story
The next day, I guess he changes his mind yet again and he resubmits his order. Also apparently he has the audacity to ask the hitman website if he can get a discount on these murders since both the victims live in the same house. Bro is really trying to get a buy one murder get one free. But anyway after submitting Pence waits and he waits and he waits but yet nothing happens.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
He Hired a Hitman To Kill His Rival - The Christopher Pence story
Why does nothing happen? Well, that's probably because this Hitman website isn't being run by Hitman at all. It's actually a scam website being run by some guys in Romania. And so these scam artists just take the $16,000 in Bitcoin Pence paid them and they bounce. And they're never heard from again. Bro got scammed. Oh, but it gets much worse for Pence.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
He Hired a Hitman To Kill His Rival - The Christopher Pence story
Because all the way over in the UK, there's a British hacker who's secretly been hacking this Hitman website and he's feeding the hacked information to a bunch of TV producers who are making some kind of murder-for-hire TV show. And all that...
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
He Hired a Hitman To Kill His Rival - The Christopher Pence story
information is also being forwarded to the FBI and so the FBI looks into this and now they know that this guy Pence tried to put a hit out on these other guys Mr. and Mrs. Cordero and so BAM they arrest him here's his mugshot And so Pence ends up taking a plea deal and he gets sentenced to seven years in prison. Meanwhile, his wife, Michelle, is left to take care of their 16 kids all alone.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
He Hired a Hitman To Kill His Rival - The Christopher Pence story
And she apparently has to rely on charity to survive. Yikes.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
He Hired a Hitman To Kill His Rival - The Christopher Pence story
And so by 2017, they have 10 kids total. And then, unfortunately, one of them dies of sudden infant death syndrome. And so they're back down to nine. But then they smash and have another kid, so now they have 10 again. And so Pence, Michelle, and their 10 kids are one big happy evangelical Christian family because they're super religious.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
He Hired a Hitman To Kill His Rival - The Christopher Pence story
And 10 kids is a ton, but this still isn't enough for Pence and Michelle. They still want more. And one day, they finally get what they want. Cause they're out in their RV on a family road trip and Michelle gets on the internet and she checks a message board for parents who homeschool their kids and she sees a post.
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He Hired a Hitman To Kill His Rival - The Christopher Pence story
And the post says that this other woman and her husband are working on some marital issues and they're looking for someone to temporarily take care of their six kids. And Michelle is like, I want to take care of their six kids. We already got 10, but let's add six more. And so Michelle writes this couple back and this couple is Mr. and Mrs. Cordero.
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Youtuber Is Now In Prison For a Prank - The Goodnight Chicken story
So this YouTuber is about to spend the next few years in prison for pulling a dumbass prank. Now he goes by the name Goodnight Chicken, and he's 31, he lives in Taiwan, and his whole thing is he likes to go to abandoned haunted places and hunt ghosts. And he'll like live stream the whole thing. And one night in 2020, he's out exploring an old sketchy abandoned hospital.
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Youtuber Is Now In Prison For a Prank - The Goodnight Chicken story
Because Goodnight Chicken isn't quite content with how big his audience is. He wants more. And in 2024, he gets an idea. What if he went to one of these abandoned places and he got kidnapped during a live stream? I mean, people would freak out and they would start looking for him. Everyone would be talking about it. His name would be all over the news again. He would get so many new followers.
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Youtuber Is Now In Prison For a Prank - The Goodnight Chicken story
Now, of course, the odds of him actually getting kidnapped aren't very high. So he decides that he's going to have to fake it. Now, this is actually a pretty big scam, and he can't fake a kidnapping alone. So he hits up this other influencer, this guy, Lou. And I imagine Chicken is like, hey bro, you want to help me fake my own kidnapping? And Lou is like... Alright.
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Youtuber Is Now In Prison For a Prank - The Goodnight Chicken story
And then they decide that the perfect place to do all this is in Cambodia. So Goodnight Chicken gets on his livestream and he tells his audience that he's about to go to Cambodia to explore a dangerous place where foreigners are known to get kidnapped. He's setting up their expectations. Then he and Lou fly from Taiwan down over to Cambodia.
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Youtuber Is Now In Prison For a Prank - The Goodnight Chicken story
And they buy a bunch of props to pull this thing off, like military uniforms, fake pew-pews, fake blood. I mean, they're going all out. Then later that night, the guys are ready to set this plan in motion. And so Chicken and Lou, they go to this shady place. And there he goes live and he tells his audience that he broke into the place, which I suppose he actually did.
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Youtuber Is Now In Prison For a Prank - The Goodnight Chicken story
And so he's sneaking around in there or he's pretending to sneak around. Then he sees someone with a flashlight, someone in a military uniform. And the footage of it kind of sucks, but I do have some screenshots. You can kind of see like a person holding a flashlight back there. Now, this person in military uniform is actually his friend Lou. But Chicken pretends it's a kidnapper and he runs.
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Youtuber Is Now In Prison For a Prank - The Goodnight Chicken story
And then he pretends to struggle as if he was just caught by the kidnappers. And you can hear him making noises as if he's getting beat up in real time.
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Youtuber Is Now In Prison For a Prank - The Goodnight Chicken story
and then it looks like one of the kidnappers picks up the camera and points it back down at him and he's just like lying there like he just got knocked out and you can see his legs there and then the live stream suddenly just ends like it's so dramatic and ridiculous and obviously fake but remember this is live and he's really popular so
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Youtuber Is Now In Prison For a Prank - The Goodnight Chicken story
And this is actually a picture of it. Now, this hospital is just another dark, creepy place that he's trying to make a video about. And so he's there and he's walking around live streaming. And that is when Chicken starts to smell something pretty awful. And he just keeps going. And eventually, boom, he sees it. A body hanging there.
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Youtuber Is Now In Prison For a Prank - The Goodnight Chicken story
So there are 10,000 people watching and they all think he literally just got caught by some goons and beat up and potentially kidnapped. And so all these people are watching and they're like, what the f**k? Is Goodnight Chicken okay? Did he just like die on livestream? The next day, back in Taiwan, Chicken's wife and some friends post a video on Facebook.
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Youtuber Is Now In Prison For a Prank - The Goodnight Chicken story
And they're all upset and they're saying that Goodnight Chicken is missing and he needs help. There's his wife there in the middle. And it is unclear to me if she's actually in on this scam too, but I assume she is. One, because they're married and that would be really messed up to trick your own wife into thinking you're kidnapped.
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Youtuber Is Now In Prison For a Prank - The Goodnight Chicken story
And two, because if you look at the footage of her, she doesn't really look all that upset. She actually kind of looks a little bored. But anyway, then later that same day, Chicken suddenly appears on live again.
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Youtuber Is Now In Prison For a Prank - The Goodnight Chicken story
And this time, he's filming himself running, as if he's running away, as if he's running away from his kidnappers, and was like, oh snap, I better livestream this, and then pulled out his phone and started filming himself. But whatever, he's committed to the bit, I'll give him that. But then he stops and he starts telling his audience that he just escaped.
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Youtuber Is Now In Prison For a Prank - The Goodnight Chicken story
And he says that the kidnappers robbed him and they shaved half his head and then they tased him. And of course his fans believe it and they're like, oh my God, I hope you're okay. And then his stream just ends again, leaving everyone on a cliffhanger, leaving everyone wondering again. And if you're like, Ray, influencers do fake pranks all the time.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
Youtuber Is Now In Prison For a Prank - The Goodnight Chicken story
Did people really believe that he got kidnapped? Yes. Goodnight Chicken is a popular high-profile influencer back in Taiwan. People know who he is. Apparently, the governor of the Cambodian province he was allegedly kidnapped in posts all these photos on Facebook asking for help in locating Goodnight Chicken's whereabouts. So, like, the government is now involved.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
Youtuber Is Now In Prison For a Prank - The Goodnight Chicken story
Regardless, his scam worked, and he seems to have everyone fooled, and he's definitely now getting the attention he wanted. Until... Okay, so not everyone believes Chicken's story. Some people are actually skeptical. Specifically, this guy. His name is Lu Yu, but his Twitter handle is, and I'm not making this up, xxxxgay1069. So we'll just call him Gay1069.
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Youtuber Is Now In Prison For a Prank - The Goodnight Chicken story
So Gay1069 sees this livestream footage that's now floating around of Chicken allegedly running from his kidnappers, and he analyzes the hell out of it. He's checking Google Maps, he's looking for landmarks in the background, he's trying to figure out Chicken's location. And that is when he finally solves it. Chicken isn't running around in this shady area of Cambodia.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
Youtuber Is Now In Prison For a Prank - The Goodnight Chicken story
He's actually in a fairly nice area of Cambodia, next to a beach, an area where he could stop and ask anyone for help at any moment if he wanted to. Not only that, by looking at the background, he notices Chicken isn't running far away. He's actually running in circles. Like he's just kind of running around the same block over and over again.
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Youtuber Is Now In Prison For a Prank - The Goodnight Chicken story
And Chicken is of course freaked out, and so he calls the police. And pretty quickly they come and they check it out. And it turns out that this body he found is the body of a local guy who had been missing for over a year. Like his family had been looking for him and stuff.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
Youtuber Is Now In Prison For a Prank - The Goodnight Chicken story
And that is when Gay 1069 publicly declares that this guy is full of sh**. He hasn't been kidnapped at all. Now at this point, local police are also investigating this. Because this is somewhat of a high profile incident and it makes Cambodia look really bad.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
Youtuber Is Now In Prison For a Prank - The Goodnight Chicken story
Like it makes it look like it would be a dangerous place for tourists to visit and the Cambodian government apparently doesn't want anything scaring tourists away because it's actually a big part of their economy. And so police are investigating this and they show up to Chicken and Lou's hotel room and boom. There they find all this evidence.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
Youtuber Is Now In Prison For a Prank - The Goodnight Chicken story
This is actually a picture of a bunch of the props they were using and there's masks and military uniforms and all kinds of sh**. And so then they somehow find Chicken and Lou and bam, they arrest them. Here's Chicken's mugshot with the face blurred out because I guess they do that in Cambodia. And here's Lu's mugshot.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
Youtuber Is Now In Prison For a Prank - The Goodnight Chicken story
Okay, but here's the thing about Cambodia. Apparently, Cambodia doesn't f**k around. And within three days, Chicken and Lu had already been through a whole ass trial and found guilty, and they're both sentenced to two years in prison. That is wild.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
Youtuber Is Now In Prison For a Prank - The Goodnight Chicken story
And so Goodnight Chicken's attempt to make a video in this location actually ends up bringing much needed closure to the guy's family. And soon enough, this story makes the news. And suddenly everyone there in the area is talking about it. And Chicken and his social media starts getting all kinds of attention. And he starts blowing up. And from there, Chicken keeps making these videos.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
Youtuber Is Now In Prison For a Prank - The Goodnight Chicken story
And people keep watching them and his audience grows bigger and bigger. Over 100,000 followers on YouTube. Almost 300,000 followers on Facebook. And so naturally, he's like, oh snap, I gotta keep doing this. And over the next few years, he's going to all kinds of creepy abandoned buildings and all kinds of places to film. And his audience loves it, and they love him. But then, it all goes wrong.
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This 15-Year-Old Teen Stole $24 Million - The Ellis Pinsky story
So talking trash while playing Call of Duty sort of leads to this 15-year-old kid becoming a multimillionaire. Let me explain.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
This 15-Year-Old Teen Stole $24 Million - The Ellis Pinsky story
And through this hacker group, he learns a way to make millions called SIM swapping. And it works like this. Basically, you get someone working at a phone store like an AT&T store and you call them and you get them to link someone else's SIM card to your phone number. Once you do that, you have access to everything their phone is connected to. their email, sometimes their bank account.
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This 15-Year-Old Teen Stole $24 Million - The Ellis Pinsky story
And so Ellis, he starts combing through social media, looking for anyone who posts about working at a cell phone carrier store. Once he finds that person, he reaches out to them and he offers to pay them to connect someone else's SIM card to his phone number. And surprisingly, a ton of these cell phone carrier workers say, All right. And he does this scam for a while.
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This 15-Year-Old Teen Stole $24 Million - The Ellis Pinsky story
Then one day in 2018, Ellis is now 15 years old and someone from his hacker group reaches out to him and asks him specifically to hack this dude. His name's Turpin. And Turpin is an older rich guy and he's apparently nearly a billionaire. He has some kind of connection to Match.com or something.
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This 15-Year-Old Teen Stole $24 Million - The Ellis Pinsky story
So Ellis agrees to hack Turpin, and the next day he hits up one of his contacts who works at an AT&T phone store in Connecticut, and that contact ports Turpin's SIM card to a phone Ellis can access, and boom, he's in. So he and the other hacker, they start searching through all Turpin's stuff, and that is when they find an email account with a file that holds the keys to a bunch of crypto wallets.
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This 15-Year-Old Teen Stole $24 Million - The Ellis Pinsky story
Then Ellis and the other hacker, they start opening up these wallets and they unlock one that has roughly $24 million worth of crypto in it. $24 million, jackpot. And so boom, they steal all this crypto. Then they quickly recruit a bunch of their other hacker friends to start selling it off and exchanging it in order to launder it. One of those guys they recruit to help them is this guy, Nick.
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This 15-Year-Old Teen Stole $24 Million - The Ellis Pinsky story
And Nick's around 21 years old, and he's a party guy. You know, he's kind of a turd himself. But he does help launder the money, and he makes sure to keep around a million dollars of that money for himself. Because, you know, he's just that kind of guy. Regardless, the heist is officially complete.
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This 15-Year-Old Teen Stole $24 Million - The Ellis Pinsky story
Ellis and the other hacker, they split the bulk of the loot, and Ellis ends up with close to $10 million worth of crypto. Meanwhile, Turpin... Turpin, he ain't no dummy. Pretty quickly, he realizes that $24 million in crypto is missing from his wallets and Bro is pissed and he vows to figure out who did this to him and take them down.
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This 15-Year-Old Teen Stole $24 Million - The Ellis Pinsky story
Now, being that Ellis is only 15 years old, he's not gonna invest all this new wealth he just got. He's not gonna like get a 401k or like diversify his bonds. No, no, he's gonna go spend it on some stupid shit. Like he buys a $50,000 watch. He takes out $100,000 in cash for some reason and he keeps it under his bed. He allegedly starts wearing Louis Vuitton and Supreme brand clothing.
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This 15-Year-Old Teen Stole $24 Million - The Ellis Pinsky story
Now his name is Ellis and this starts when Ellis is 13 living in Irvington, New York and Ellis is a normal teenager. But one day around 2016 he's playing Call of Duty Ghosts online and he's trash talking the other kids like, I'm doing your mom or whatever they say. And one of the guys he's talking trash to comes back and says, yo, how's the weather in Irvington? Which is where Ellis lives.
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This 15-Year-Old Teen Stole $24 Million - The Ellis Pinsky story
He allegedly starts driving an Audi R8 and renting a private jet to fly to different places. Here's actually a picture of him popping bottles at the club in a club that I guess lets 15 year olds in. I'm not really sure how he got in, but he's in. Regardless, he's having fun and $10 million is a lot of money. And even though he stole it, to his credit, he's pretty sure that this was his last score.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
This 15-Year-Old Teen Stole $24 Million - The Ellis Pinsky story
After this, no more hacking, no more SIM swapping. After this, he is done. Meanwhile, Nick, he took his part of the money and he's been living it up too. Here he is popping bottles at the club. Here he is on a private jet. Here he is on a different private jet. Here he is tweeting about his new diamond watch. Here he is just standing there, just looking rich as .
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
This 15-Year-Old Teen Stole $24 Million - The Ellis Pinsky story
So as you can see, these guys are living it up. And it seems like they're gonna get away with all this. Until... Until Nick screws it all up. See, bro isn't the most covert person in the world when it comes to keeping his crimes a secret. Like here he is tweeting, just a reminder that I sim swapped my own dad. And here he tweets, stole 24 million, but can't keep a friend.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
This 15-Year-Old Teen Stole $24 Million - The Ellis Pinsky story
And here, stole 24 million, but can't stay away from drugs. Stole 24 million, still a failure in the eyes of the world. Stole 24 million, Still can't stop stealing. Yeah, bro really needs to stop tweeting. Not to mention, Nick has no real job, yet he appears to the outside world to live this lavish lifestyle.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
This 15-Year-Old Teen Stole $24 Million - The Ellis Pinsky story
And people around him definitely start to notice this, like, damn, how's he getting all this money? And so eventually he gets on the radar of a federal task force whose job it is to investigate these kinds of crimes. And so they start investigating him for a different million dollar SIM swapping heist. And bam, they arrest him. Here's his mugshot.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
This 15-Year-Old Teen Stole $24 Million - The Ellis Pinsky story
And because they're investigating him for this, they search his iCloud backup file. And through this, they connect him to the $24 million in crypto that he and Ellis stole from Turpin. Now, from here, I don't know if Nick flips on Ellis. I mean, he probably does. I actually don't think they were very close friends in real life. I think they're just two hackers who happen to know each other.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
This 15-Year-Old Teen Stole $24 Million - The Ellis Pinsky story
But what I do know is that somehow Turpin, the older rich guy, he learns that Ellis was one of the ones who stole all this money from him, and he definitely isn't gonna let that slide. So a few months later, Ellis's mom randomly gets an email, and it's from Turpin's lawyer.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
This 15-Year-Old Teen Stole $24 Million - The Ellis Pinsky story
And it's all about the crypto heist and it accuses her son Ellis of being the mastermind behind it and he's threatening to sue. And so Ellis' mom, she goes to Ellis and they get a lawyer and they come up with a plan for Ellis to cooperate. So Ellis, he ends up cooperating with the feds and he pleads guilty to embezzlement to try and get a lesser charge. He also tries to settle things with Turpin.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
This 15-Year-Old Teen Stole $24 Million - The Ellis Pinsky story
He like gives back everything he got from the heist, 562 Bitcoin, the $50,000 watch, the $100,000 in cash that he kept under his bed. But you know, Turpin sues him anyway. I mean, yeah, I would too. But regardless, at the end of it all, Nick gets sentenced to 18 months in prison while Ellis...
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
This 15-Year-Old Teen Stole $24 Million - The Ellis Pinsky story
he actually gets no prison time because he cooperated with the feds and also because he was only 15 at the time of the crime. So bro stole $24 million and he gets no prison time. Lucky bastard.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
This 15-Year-Old Teen Stole $24 Million - The Ellis Pinsky story
And Ellis is like, oh shit, how does this guy suddenly know where I live? Turns out this troll just used a free program to figure out Ellis's IP address. It's not really all that complex. But from here on, Ellis becomes fascinated with this ability to track down people's information online.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
This 15-Year-Old Teen Stole $24 Million - The Ellis Pinsky story
So for the next few months, he studies this extensively and he starts learning hacking skills and he eventually joins an online hacking group. And over time, he learns a skill that's going to make him a bit of money. How to steal people's username handles on Twitter and Instagram, which probably sounds stupid, but there's actually money in this.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
This 15-Year-Old Teen Stole $24 Million - The Ellis Pinsky story
Because if you own the Instagram handle like at John, then every person named John is going to want to buy it from you. So he learns how to hack people's accounts and steal their handles and he sells them and he starts making a little money on the side. However, a few thousand dollars at a time is just not enough for Ellis. He wants more.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
This Journalist Was Murdered Over The Panama Papers - The Daphne Caruana Galizia story
So this journalist was kaboom, unalived with a car bomb because she exposed some government corruption. The story is wild. And crazy enough, it starts in 1903 with this guy, Teddy. Teddy is president of the United States, and he really wants to unite the Atlantic and the Pacific Oceans by building a canal.
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This Journalist Was Murdered Over The Panama Papers - The Daphne Caruana Galizia story
But we'll get back to that. First, we got to talk about this woman. Her name's Daphne. And Daphne, she's a journalist at a local newspaper living on the small island of Malta. And as a journalist, Daphne is actually pretty gangster as f**k. She's exposing all kinds of corruption in Malta. She's writing about criminals and drug traffickers, any kind of corruption in politics.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
This Journalist Was Murdered Over The Panama Papers - The Daphne Caruana Galizia story
Daphne is there covering it in her column.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
This Journalist Was Murdered Over The Panama Papers - The Daphne Caruana Galizia story
here's the problem with that though malta is a pretty small country about 500 000 people so it doesn't take long for her articles to start attracting the wrong kind of attention and the people she's exposing and their affiliates they start confronting her in the street and they're sending her threatening letters sometimes they even show up to her house and they also go after her legally suing her for libel essentially trying to bury her in lawsuits
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
This Journalist Was Murdered Over The Panama Papers - The Daphne Caruana Galizia story
One time when she's not home, I guess some of them capture her dog and unalive it? And multiple times people try and set her house on fire. But despite all this, Daphne doesn't quit. Even though she knows she has a target on her back, she is determined to keep telling the truth. In fact, over time, she seems to get even more bold because in 2008, she decides to start her own blog.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
This Journalist Was Murdered Over The Panama Papers - The Daphne Caruana Galizia story
And unlike working at the newspaper, this blog will give her editorial control and all kinds of freedom to write whatever she wants. And here is where everything changes because she starts going after really powerful people in Malta. Like she starts writing about all the dirty money coming into the country and about all the politicians who let all this shady stuff happen.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
This Journalist Was Murdered Over The Panama Papers - The Daphne Caruana Galizia story
And of course her blog blows the up like everyone's reading it. And I mean like everyone in Malta. I mean she's averaging half a million hits a day in a country with a population of a half a million people. But then things get even crazier because it's 2016 and an anonymous whistleblower gets a hold of a bunch of documents affiliated with a shady law firm in Panama, a.k.a. the Panama Papers.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
This Journalist Was Murdered Over The Panama Papers - The Daphne Caruana Galizia story
And so he bullies the country of Colombia into handing over some of their territory, and he has a canal built. Now this territory eventually becomes the country we now know as Panama. And that's great and all, but now Panama has a problem. It needs revenue. And in order to generate revenue, it creates tax laws that help foreign businesses dodge taxes in their home countries.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
This Journalist Was Murdered Over The Panama Papers - The Daphne Caruana Galizia story
And as I said, these documents expose the shady business dealings of a bunch of very well-connected businessmen and politicians. And some of these powerful people exposed just happen to work in the Maltese government. And since Daphne is known for calling these turds out on their corruption, it is assumed that the anonymous whistleblower sends her the Panama Papers because now she has them.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
This Journalist Was Murdered Over The Panama Papers - The Daphne Caruana Galizia story
And using the information she gets from them, she exposes a huge scandal in Malta. that a member of parliament had been doing some shady business in offshore companies. Then she exposes that Malta's own prime minister, the guy at the very top of the government, that he and his wife were also doing some shady business out of an offshore company.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
This Journalist Was Murdered Over The Panama Papers - The Daphne Caruana Galizia story
She also exposes another huge scandal where the government had been selling Maltese passports in exchange for a million dollars. Like is out of control. But of course, now that she's blogging about all this, the backlash against her gets a whole lot worse. Suddenly her friends stop inviting her to places because they're afraid they'll get caught up in the consequences.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
This Journalist Was Murdered Over The Panama Papers - The Daphne Caruana Galizia story
47.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
This Journalist Was Murdered Over The Panama Papers - The Daphne Caruana Galizia story
But even so, nothing is more important to her than exposing the truth. So she just keeps on blogging. Until one day in 2017, Daphne's at home writing her blog. Then she finishes her post and she leaves the house and she gets in her car because she's got an appointment to go to. But she doesn't drive very far when suddenly kaboom, there's a huge explosion and her car goes up in flames.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
This Journalist Was Murdered Over The Panama Papers - The Daphne Caruana Galizia story
And then boom, there's a second explosion. And of course, all of this unalives Daphne. because someone had placed a bomb under her seat. And here is actually an image of her car afterwards. And I mean, as you can see, it's really messed up. There's like nothing left of it. Now, if you're thinking about how blatantly corrupt this all looks, I agree with you. But you know who else agrees with you?
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
This Journalist Was Murdered Over The Panama Papers - The Daphne Caruana Galizia story
The people of Malta. Because everyone is shocked. And pretty quickly, there are huge protests in the streets and people are pissed off and they're holding up signs with Daphne's face on them. They want to know who ordered her assassination.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
This Journalist Was Murdered Over The Panama Papers - The Daphne Caruana Galizia story
In fact, it's such a big deal that they start calling on the prime minister to resign because of how he's handling this whole thing and what they see as his possible involvement. And in 2020, the prime minister of Malta, the leader of the country, actually resigns over this. That's how crazy it's gotten. Also, after some investigating, bam, three goons are arrested for Daphne's murder.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
This Journalist Was Murdered Over The Panama Papers - The Daphne Caruana Galizia story
Here's one of the guy's mugshot, and here's another guy's mugshot. And I don't have a mugshot for the third guy, but here's a picture of him. Now, according to these goons, their beef with Daphne wasn't necessarily personal. They were actually paid 150,000 euros to plant this car bomb and carry out her assassination. So then you have to ask, so then who paid them? Who ordered Daphne's murder?
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
This Journalist Was Murdered Over The Panama Papers - The Daphne Caruana Galizia story
Well, so far, all leads trace back to a wealthy Maltese businessman, a businessman who had once been exposed by Daphne in her blog when she got the Panama Papers. Allegedly, he ordered the hit. And then so police go to his yacht where he's chilling and bam, they arrest him. And I don't have his mugshot, but here's a picture of him where he totally looks like a Bond villain.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
This Journalist Was Murdered Over The Panama Papers - The Daphne Caruana Galizia story
Now, what does all of this have to do with a car bomb? We'll get there. But first, we gotta fast forward several decades to 1977, where this German lawyer creates this law firm there in Panama. And because of the tax laws there that I just explained, this law firm actually operates legally, but they're still kinda shady, because their main thing is they basically help rich people hide their money.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
This Journalist Was Murdered Over The Panama Papers - The Daphne Caruana Galizia story
In fact, he looks like a Bond villain in every picture I could find of him. Anyway, the three goons plead guilty and one of them gets 40 years in prison, another gets 40 years in prison, and the third gets 15 years in prison. While the Bond villain looking guy, he did go to jail for a while, but he's out now on bail waiting for his trial. That is wild.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
This Journalist Was Murdered Over The Panama Papers - The Daphne Caruana Galizia story
Now let's fast forward again to 2016, where something crazy happens. An anonymous whistleblower gets a hold of this shady ass law firm's internal documents and they leak them to the public. These documents are known as the Panama Papers. And these Panama Papers expose all kinds of shady this law firm's clients are doing.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
This Journalist Was Murdered Over The Panama Papers - The Daphne Caruana Galizia story
And these clients are very well connected people like businessmen and politicians, world leaders, all kinds of powerful people. In fact, there's a whole Wikipedia page dedicated to just the people exposed by these documents. And of course, these powerful people are now really pissed off. In fact, they're so pissed off that they're allegedly willing to murder people over this.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
Kidnapped Boy Found After 73 Years - The Luis Albino story
So listen to this. This kid gets kidnapped, and they don't find him for 73 years. This is wild. So one day, two brothers are playing in a local park, and they're minding their own business, having a good time. Then, out of nowhere, a woman wearing a green bandana approaches them, and she offers the younger brother some candy. And younger brother's like, sure, I want some candy.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
Kidnapped Boy Found After 73 Years - The Luis Albino story
And this is a whole hurdle to get them involved because she doesn't speak English, like she and the boys just recently immigrated to California from Puerto Rico. But after they cross the language barrier, police get involved and this huge nine block search gets underway. Soldiers from a local army base help out and they start looking and the Coast Guard helps by searching the Bay Area nearby.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
Kidnapped Boy Found After 73 Years - The Luis Albino story
And this story makes the news locally and that gets it a little attention there. But still, there's no sign of little Luis. And of course, mom is destroyed by all this. but there's not much else she can do. And this is during a time where there are no Amber Alerts, no surveillance cameras, no missing children computer database.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
Kidnapped Boy Found After 73 Years - The Luis Albino story
All they have is a 10-year-old's description of what happened that day. And so every day, Mom goes to the police station to see if there are any updates, hoping that they'll have something. And every day, she gets the same answer. No news, no leads, no Luis. And years pass, and mom stops coming every day, and she just comes once a week, and eventually that turns into her coming once a month.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
Kidnapped Boy Found After 73 Years - The Luis Albino story
And as more time passes, she starts to only come to the police station once a year. And at this point, officers know her so well that she'll just walk into the station without saying a word, and they'll look at her, and they'll just shake their head, and she'll know that that means they have no updates for her. But, despite that, Mom never stops believing that her son is still alive.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
Kidnapped Boy Found After 73 Years - The Luis Albino story
And she never gives up hope. Ever. So, then I guess you have to ask, what happened to Luis? Well, obviously he was kidnapped, and we don't know a ton of the details of this part. Like, we know he was taken from the park, we know he and the woman got on a plane, and that they flew from California to somewhere on the East Coast, and we don't exactly know where.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
Kidnapped Boy Found After 73 Years - The Luis Albino story
And we know that then, somehow, Luis ends up getting adopted by a couple. And that couple raises him as their own. And Luis knows he was adopted, but he doesn't know he was originally stolen. But anyway, from there, he lives a fairly normal life.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
Kidnapped Boy Found After 73 Years - The Luis Albino story
Who doesn't love candy? And the woman is like, well, come with me and I'll take you to the store to get some. And so the younger brother leaves with her to go to the store and get some candy. And that is the last time anyone ever saw him. Now, the boy, his name's Luis, and he's six. And the other boy with him in the park is his older brother, Roger. Roger's 10.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
Kidnapped Boy Found After 73 Years - The Luis Albino story
Like, he grows up, he later joins the Marines, he goes and fights in the Vietnam War, he comes back, and then he goes and fights in the Vietnam War a second time... And then eventually he comes back for good and he becomes a firefighter. He gets married. He has kids of his own. Meanwhile, mom on the opposite side of the country, she still hasn't given up hope.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
Kidnapped Boy Found After 73 Years - The Luis Albino story
Like she still goes to the police station about once a year to see if there are any updates and there aren't. Even so, she continues to keep baby Luis's photo in the house and she keeps a newspaper clipping about his abduction in her wallet at all times. And so decades pass and 54 years after Luis first went missing. And it's 2005. And at this point, mom is 92 years old.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
Kidnapped Boy Found After 73 Years - The Luis Albino story
And sadly, she passes away, never having found her son. So any hope of Luis ever being located or reunited with his original family are just gone. Until more time passes and it's now 2020. And that is when we meet this woman. Her name's Alita. Alita's 63. And one day, just for fun, she decides to take one of those ancestry DNA tests through the mail. So she takes it and she gets the results back.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
Kidnapped Boy Found After 73 Years - The Luis Albino story
And whoa, that's weird. She's a match with some man she doesn't recognize. Not only that, the results say that she shares 22% DNA with this guy. And so she's thinking, oh, this must be like a cousin or an uncle or something. And so she sends this mystery guy a little message because you can like message each other through the site. And then she waits and she waits and she waits.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
Kidnapped Boy Found After 73 Years - The Luis Albino story
And the mystery guy never replies. And so she's like, all right, whatever. And she moves on. And four years go by. And one night, she's watching some documentary on TV. And this reminds her somehow of that random unknown man that she shares DNA with. And so she decides to give it another shot and dig a little deeper and figure out just who this guy is. And so she starts looking up his name online.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
Kidnapped Boy Found After 73 Years - The Luis Albino story
And she comes across some pictures of him. And the guy is, of course, Luis. Now, Alita had heard all her life about an uncle she has who went missing when he was six years old. I mean, the family has always talked about him. And so she's looking at these pictures of adult Luis on the internet going, could this be him? That uncle?
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
Kidnapped Boy Found After 73 Years - The Luis Albino story
And she starts comparing them to childhood photos she has of her uncle. And she's like, yeah, I think that's him. And so eventually she goes to the police and she's like, oh, you have to look into this. I think this guy was my uncle who was kidnapped. literally back in 1951. And police can't believe it. And they actually do agree to help as the case was never solved.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
Kidnapped Boy Found After 73 Years - The Luis Albino story
And so they open it back up and then they get the FBI involved and the California Department of Justice joins in. And after a bit of investigating, the FBI goes and they track Luis down and he lives somewhere on the East Coast. And so I guess the FBI goes to him and they're like, uh, we think you might be this kid who was kidnapped back in 1951. And Luis is like, I was kidnapped?
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
Kidnapped Boy Found After 73 Years - The Luis Albino story
See, because he still didn't even know. Like, he thought he had been legitimately adopted. So they convince him to take a DNA test just to be sure. And of course, it turns out that his DNA is a match with Alita and the remaining members of his family. And so now, after 73 years... 73 years. He finally flies from the East Coast back to Oakland, California to meet his biological family.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
Kidnapped Boy Found After 73 Years - The Luis Albino story
And when the woman starts to leave with Luis, Roger's like, well, I want to go too. I want some candy. And he starts to follow them. And so he walks along following them. But then after a while, he starts thinking, where are we going? Something about this ain't right. Now, keep in mind, this is happening in 1951.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
Kidnapped Boy Found After 73 Years - The Luis Albino story
Now keep in mind, most of these family members, he's either never met or he just doesn't remember. But one person he does remember. His brother, Roger, who he reunites with and this is a picture of the two of them. That's Luis on the right and Roger on the left. So then, after all that, who was responsible for this kidnapping?
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
Kidnapped Boy Found After 73 Years - The Luis Albino story
Well, unfortunately, that's a tough one, because 70 years have gone by. We don't know who the woman in the green bandana was, and Luis was six years old, so he doesn't remember too many details of it. And his adopted parents aren't even alive anymore. So, honestly, I don't know if we'll ever know.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
Kidnapped Boy Found After 73 Years - The Luis Albino story
So this is way before stranger danger, way before there were nationwide campaigns notifying kids not to get into cars with adults they don't know. And so anyway, Roger feels like something isn't right. And he decides, this is weird. I'm telling my mom. And so he stops following them and he runs home. Minutes later, he's home and he tells his mom. Now his mom is this woman, who we'll just call mom.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
Kidnapped Boy Found After 73 Years - The Luis Albino story
And he tells her what happened, that his little brother just left with some woman in a green bandana offering candy. And of course, mom freaks the f*** out. And boom, she runs back to the park to see if she can find Louise. But unfortunately, there's no trace of him or the strange woman anywhere. They are gone. And pretty quickly, mom goes to the police.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
America's Funniest Con Man - The Steve Comisar story
So this podcaster apparently conned people out of millions of dollars. So the guy's name is Steve, and he's in his 20s, he's from Beverly Hills, and Steve has been trying to make it work as an actor for years. But unfortunately, he just can't catch his big break. So one day in the 80s, he decides to make money in a different way. He's going to scam some people.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
America's Funniest Con Man - The Steve Comisar story
So, he keeps the cons going, and he gets involved in some investment scams, and he gets people to invest in oil wells that don't actually exist, and bam, he gets caught and arrested again. Here's another mugshot. And so he gets sent to prison, and now suddenly ol' Steve has a lot of free time on his hands, sittin' in a cell all day.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
America's Funniest Con Man - The Steve Comisar story
And so he decides to write a book called America's Guide to Fraud Prevention, and he writes it under the name Brett Champion for some reason. And this book actually gets published. And this is where he starts to sell himself as this reformed con man who is now trying to help others not get scammed. A few years later, in 1997, he's out of prison at this point. Like, he's done his time.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
America's Funniest Con Man - The Steve Comisar story
And suddenly, things are starting to look up for Steve. Like he starts going by his new name, Brett Champion, which definitely sounds like a made up name. But as Brett Champion, he somehow convinces people that he's a fraud expert. And he starts appearing on TV shows as a fraud prevention specialist.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
America's Funniest Con Man - The Steve Comisar story
And like here he is on The View, here he is on Dateline, here he is on CBS, here he is on some other talk show, here he is on The View again. And so the talk show circuit is really buying into his story. And so it seems like he's turned his life around and he's changed his con man ways. He's got a new name. He's got a new career. And now he's out here helping people not get conned.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
America's Funniest Con Man - The Steve Comisar story
What a great guy. Until... A few years later in 1999, I guess he gets tired of being a fraud prevention specialist. And he's like, I think I'll go commit some more fraud myself. And he comes up.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
America's Funniest Con Man - The Steve Comisar story
with a whole new scam he starts cold calling people and claiming he's producing a TV show like a quiz game show and that he's looking for investors and he asks these people to invest in the show and he says that former pro football player Joe Namath is going to be involved And that this is going to get such good ratings and it'll be such a huge hit and they're all going to be so rich.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
America's Funniest Con Man - The Steve Comisar story
And so he starts out by just picking up the phone and cold calling people. And he gets into telemarketing fraud. And unfortunately for him, it doesn't go great. And bam, he gets caught and arrested. Here's a mugshot. Cool hair, bro. Then around the 1990s, Steve decides to get a little more creative with his schemes. He comes up with something that's so stupid it's genius.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
America's Funniest Con Man - The Steve Comisar story
But unfortunately for these investors, there is no quiz game show. And former pro football player Joe Namath, not involved. And any money these people give Steve doesn't go to produce anything for TV. It goes right into his pocket. And eventually he gets reported for this scam and bam, he gets arrested again.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
America's Funniest Con Man - The Steve Comisar story
And this time he gets convicted and he's no longer legally allowed to use the name Brett Champion. He's also no longer legally allowed to call himself a consumer fraud expert. and he also spends a few more years in prison. Then, soon enough, he's out again on probation, and does he stop his scamming ways and live a good, clean, wholesome life? Absolutely not.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
America's Funniest Con Man - The Steve Comisar story
He's apparently having way too much fun. And if you can't believe it, Bro gets right back on the phone cold calling people trying to scam them again. Trying to get them to invest in another TV show that doesn't exist. And that is when he meets this old guy over the phone, Arthur. Arthur's 84, he's retired, and he's lonely, making him the perfect target for Steve to con.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
America's Funniest Con Man - The Steve Comisar story
And so Steve tells Arthur that he's this big time executive producer for television and that he's producing this new hot TV show called Trends of the 21st Century, which is a terrible name by the way, but that he's producing this series and it's going to be a huge hit and that Arthur should invest. And unfortunately, Arthur believes him and he does invest. he gives Steve a little money.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
America's Funniest Con Man - The Steve Comisar story
And over the course of a few months, he gives him more and more money. And eventually, poor Arthur has given him pretty much his life savings, over half a million dollars. And now Steve is like, I'm rich, biatch! And he's living a pretty good life on this money. He buys himself a new Corvette. I think this is actually a picture of it here.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
America's Funniest Con Man - The Steve Comisar story
And then he uses some of this money to pay court-ordered restitution to his previous victims that he conned. So he's using new stolen money to pay off the old stolen money. Bro is a menace. Now, at some point, Arthur or someone around him gets suspicious of all this and they get the FBI involved and the FBI starts wiretapping Steve and eventually, bam, they arrest him.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
America's Funniest Con Man - The Steve Comisar story
And so now it's 2003 and Steve is around 42 years old and he's back in prison once again. And now is this the point where he stops scamming people? Of course not. Steve's not gonna let a little thing like prison stop him from being a con man. In fact, Bro has a new idea. He hears about this woman on the outside who has a brother who was convicted of murder and who is serving a life sentence.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
America's Funniest Con Man - The Steve Comisar story
And Steve decides to send a letter to her and extort her. So he writes her this letter saying, hey, I have information that could exonerate your brother. And he tells her that his ex cellmate actually confessed to that murder. And he graciously offers to testify on her brother's behalf if she'll pay him $100,000. Now, what the hell does he think he's going to do with $100,000 while he's in prison?
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
America's Funniest Con Man - The Steve Comisar story
I don't know, but this is what he's going for. And so this sister is like, nah, I ain't paying you. And that pisses Steve off. And he starts sending her all kinds of threatening letters telling her that she better send the money. And of course, this woman's not playing his game. And he gets even more mad.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
America's Funniest Con Man - The Steve Comisar story
Then, through some prison connections, he sends a couple of goons to this woman's house to threaten her. And they do. These goons show up to her house, and they threaten her and her husband, pay up or else. Now, I have no idea how Steve thinks this won't all be traced back to him, because of course, the feds end up getting involved, and they investigate all this, and so BAM!
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
America's Funniest Con Man - The Steve Comisar story
Steve gets arre- Well, he doesn't get arrested because he's already in prison, but he does get in trouble. He actually ends up getting more prison time. I think he gets 20 years combined for all the he's done. Then in 2018, he gets out and I don't know if he's still conning people, but he has a podcast where he talks about a lot of this stuff. So good for him. I don't, I don't know.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
America's Funniest Con Man - The Steve Comisar story
He puts ads in magazines saying that he's selling a revolutionary solar-powered clothes dryer. And he's selling it at the incredibly low price of $49.95. Here's the thing about this solar powered clothes dryer. When the customers receive their order, they open the package and they're shocked to find all he sent them is a simple clothesline.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
America's Funniest Con Man - The Steve Comisar story
Like one your grandma would hang in the backyard and dry clothes on it. Which, to be fair, I guess that is technically a solar-powered clothes dryer, but you know, not worth spending 50 bucks on. And so the customers are understandably upset. And when people start to complain to Steve, he responds that they had received exactly what he advertised. And technically, he's not wrong.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
America's Funniest Con Man - The Steve Comisar story
Anyway, he claims that he made over a million dollars from this scam. before his business is finally shut down. Now, I have my doubts about whether or not he actually made a million dollars, but that's what he says. Anyway, after this, Steve definitely isn't gonna stop. I mean, that was too easy.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
His Girlfriend Murdered His Other Girlfriend
So this guy, his name's Dave, and Dave's girlfriend just unalived his other girlfriend. So Dave has been casually dating this woman for about six months. Her name's Liz. And they're dating, but it's nothing serious. But then one day, he meets another woman on a dating site, a woman he had seen before in the auto shop he works at. Let's call her Crazy. And Dave thinks Crazy is fine.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
His Girlfriend Murdered His Other Girlfriend
So all this harassment goes on for about two and a half years with them getting over 15,000 emails and 50,000 texts. And eventually they get detectives to start looking at this so that they can piece it all together. So detectives look at it and here's the strangest thing they find.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
His Girlfriend Murdered His Other Girlfriend
Krazy's been texting people from her phone and stuff this whole time, but no one has seen her in two and a half years. Not her friends, not her family. No one's seen her since she was dating Dave for those two weeks. She hasn't answered any calls. She didn't show up to a wedding she was supposed to go to.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
His Girlfriend Murdered His Other Girlfriend
And most concerning, in the past two and a half years, there's been zero activity on her bank account. So detectives start thinking, maybe Crazy's dead. And if she is dead, then who's sending all these emails and texts? And then soon after that, one day, detectives get a call from Dave. And he is freaking out because someone stole that pew-pew he got.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
His Girlfriend Murdered His Other Girlfriend
Now Liz thinks it might have been Dave's ex who stole it. This woman, Amy. So Liz stops pointing fingers at Crazy and starts pointing fingers at Amy.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
His Girlfriend Murdered His Other Girlfriend
saying Amy must have been the one who took the pew-pew and then Liz goes and she files a complaint against her saying she's really the one who's been harassing them all these years but detectives have already started to get suspicious and not of Amy and not of crazy who they suspect is already dead but they're getting suspicious of Liz they start thinking maybe two and a half years ago after Liz found out that Dave was also dating crazy and
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
His Girlfriend Murdered His Other Girlfriend
Liz then went and unalived crazy and stole her phone. And then maybe for two and a half years, Liz has been texting people pretending to be crazy. Sending harassing messages and emails to Dave and blaming it on crazy. And then sending harassing messages to herself and blaming it on crazy. Maybe Liz graffitied her own garage and even burned her whole house down and blamed it on Crazy.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
His Girlfriend Murdered His Other Girlfriend
Maybe Crazy wasn't crazy at all. She was a normal woman who was dating Dave for about two weeks and then was unalived by a jealous Liz. So that's the theory detectives have. But then the next night, Liz calls 911 and she's at a local park and she says she's been shot in the leg.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
His Girlfriend Murdered His Other Girlfriend
So Dave and Crazy meet up and they go out and they have a really good date. And they immediately end up hanging out back at Dave's apartment. And then later, as Crazy is leaving, Liz shows up. She had stopped by unannounced to pick up something she had left at Dave's apartment.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
His Girlfriend Murdered His Other Girlfriend
So an ambulance comes and takes her to the hospital and she tells police it was Amy who came to the park and confronted her with a pew-pew and shot her. But police investigate and Amy has a solid alibi. So detectives are like, wait a minute, Did Liz shoot herself and then blame Amy?
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
His Girlfriend Murdered His Other Girlfriend
So they go and they come up with a plan to trick Liz into giving them information about all these crimes she's committing. So they go to Liz and they're like, hey, we believe you about Amy, but we need your help in getting her to incriminate herself. Can you give us any info? So Liz goes home and she types up fake email confessions from Amy and she sends them to herself.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
His Girlfriend Murdered His Other Girlfriend
And in these fake emails, she makes Amy admit to shooting Liz in the leg and she makes Amy admit to stabbing crazy three or four times and then putting her body in a trash bag. So Liz types up these fake emails and then she gives them to the detectives. And detectives are like, wow, this is great. Can you get us more info?
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
His Girlfriend Murdered His Other Girlfriend
So then Liz goes and she makes more fake email confessions, pretending to be from Amy. And in these fake emails, she details exactly how she unalived Krazy in the passenger seat of Krazy's car. So detectives immediately go and search Krazy's car. And in the passenger seat, underneath the seat cover, sure enough, they find traces of Krazy's blood.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
His Girlfriend Murdered His Other Girlfriend
Liz had indeed unalived Krazy years ago and is now trying to pin the murder on Amy by writing fake email confessions. So police arrest Liz. They charge her with first degree murder. Here's her mugshot. She goes to trial and she gets sentenced to life. Shout out to Iowa and Nebraska.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
His Girlfriend Murdered His Other Girlfriend
And neither woman appears to really care that the other one's there, nor do they say anything, because none of them are dating Dave exclusively, so it's no big deal. But then, over the next two weeks, Dave and Crazy start spending a lot of time together, and she starts crashing at his place at night. But then one day while Dave's at work, Krazy texts him something that's way out of character.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
His Girlfriend Murdered His Other Girlfriend
He gets a text from her saying she thinks they should move in together. And Dave's immediately like, nah. And that's when Krazy just snaps. She's like, fine, I hate you. I'm dating someone else. I don't want to see you anymore. Go away. And Dave's like, whatever. But then a couple of days after that, he starts getting more texts and emails from Krazy.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
His Girlfriend Murdered His Other Girlfriend
And she's cursing him out and just saying really awful things. So Dave, he just tries to move on and he continues to date Liz. But then Liz starts getting harassing messages from Krazy too. And they're insulting and they're threatening her. And one day she comes home to find from Dave spray painted in her garage. So Krazy's just going all out.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
His Girlfriend Murdered His Other Girlfriend
But then Liz comes home one day to find her house burned down. And not only that, the fire unalived all her pets, two dogs, a cat and a snake. And immediately Liz lets the fireman know this fire was set by crazy. So at this point, Dave is shook. I mean, this is getting out of control. And so he eventually gets himself a pew pew just in case.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
She Faked a Whole Kidnapping - The Sherri Papini story
So one day, this woman goes for a jog around her neighborhood. When suddenly, bam, an SUV pulls up out of nowhere and two women get out. And they both have pew-pews. And they grab her and they force her into the SUV. And the SUV speeds away. Now the woman who was kidnapped, she's a normal suburban mom. Her name's Sherry. And on that day, Sherry doesn't show up to pick up her kids after school.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
She Faked a Whole Kidnapping - The Sherri Papini story
Now from this story, police get enough of a description of the kidnappers to draw these two sketches. But unfortunately, their faces are covered so the drawings aren't much help. But police hear this story and they keep wondering, why the hell did the kidnappers burn a Bible verse into her skin? And so Sherry tells them something, but she keeps changing the details of the story.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
She Faked a Whole Kidnapping - The Sherri Papini story
And it's especially weird because this Bible verse basically says anyone who kidnaps someone else should be put to death, which seems like a weird thing for actual kidnappers to burn into someone's back. So of course, by this point, police are suspicious of this whole thing. So they do DNA testing on Sherry's clothes from when she was taken.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
She Faked a Whole Kidnapping - The Sherri Papini story
And the tests show that there's male DNA on the underwear she was wearing. But it sucks because that DNA doesn't match with anyone in their criminal database. Double until. At this point, about four years have passed since she was abducted. But then out of nowhere, pow, their DNA finally links with someone in their database.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
She Faked a Whole Kidnapping - The Sherri Papini story
And basically the results show that while they can't find a match for this DNA, they did find that it's close to someone else's DNA in the database. meaning that it's probably their relative. So they investigate and they find that this relative is related to this guy, James. And James just happens to be Sherry's ex-boyfriend.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
She Faked a Whole Kidnapping - The Sherri Papini story
So police find James and they confront him and he quickly crumbles and he tells police that basically Sherry must have kidnapped herself. So here's what really happened. Sherry goes to the jogging track that day, and she randomly calls James to come pick her up. And when he does, she leaves her phone and her earpods there where she was jogging, so it will look like someone abducted her.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
She Faked a Whole Kidnapping - The Sherri Papini story
James then drives Sherry nine hours away to his place to live with him. There, she starves herself to lose a bunch of weight, she cuts off all her hair, she beats herself up, and she has James brand a Bible verse on her shoulder blade for some reason. Allegedly, Sherry was just tired of her suburban life, or maybe she just wanted attention.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
She Faked a Whole Kidnapping - The Sherri Papini story
And her husband, this guy, Keith, Keith gets worried, and he starts freaking out. And he calls the police, and then boom, a search gets underway. And suddenly everyone's looking for Sherry, and this story is all over the media. And they announce a reward for any information about her disappearance. Someone sets up a GoFundMe to help with the search and it raises over $50,000.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
She Faked a Whole Kidnapping - The Sherri Papini story
It isn't actually entirely clear why she faked her own kidnapping. But after 22 days of living there with James, she decides she's done with this whole plot and that kidnapping herself was a terrible idea. So she suddenly asks James to drive her roughly nine hours back near her home in Northern California and drop her off on the side of the highway. And that is where the police found her.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
She Faked a Whole Kidnapping - The Sherri Papini story
But here's the craziest part. According to James, he wasn't even in on the whole scam. He had no idea she was faking her own kidnapping. Allegedly, when she called him to come pick her up that day, he thought she wanted to be with him. and that she was just running away from her family and her abusive husband. Which, by the way, it turns out her husband Keith was never abusive.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
She Faked a Whole Kidnapping - The Sherri Papini story
She made that up too. So anyway, police arrest Sherry. I don't have a mugshot, but here's what she looks like in real life. And also, here's what James looks like in real life. Buh. And so Sherry goes to court. She pleads guilty to all this. And she's sentenced to 18 months in prison, and she's ordered to pay back all the money her hoax cost the state, which is around $300,000.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
She Faked a Whole Kidnapping - The Sherri Papini story
while James wasn't charged with any crime at all. Also, two days after she pled guilty, her husband Keith filed for divorce. Good for him. Shout out to California.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
She Faked a Whole Kidnapping - The Sherri Papini story
But unfortunately, weeks pass and no one has heard anything. And there's no sign of what might have happened to her. Until 22 days go by and it's 4 a.m. And a woman driving along the highway, she spots a disheveled person on the side of the road. So she calls police. So police come and they find it's Sherry there on the side of the highway. And she looks terrible. She's seriously beaten up.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
She Faked a Whole Kidnapping - The Sherri Papini story
She's starved down to 87 pounds. All her hair is chopped off. And strangely, she has a Bible verse branded on her shoulder blade. And of course, police know exactly who she is. They know she's been missing. It's been all over the news. So they bring her in and they question her a few times, trying to figure out exactly what the hell happened to her during those 22 days.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
She Faked a Whole Kidnapping - The Sherri Papini story
But Sherry, she's being really odd about the whole thing. She's not telling them a lot. But after a few sessions with her, she eventually gives them this story. She says that that day she was out jogging, two Latina ladies pulled up in an SUV and they held her at gunpoint and they put her in the SUV and they drove her to some shady location and there they chained her up.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
She Hired a Hitman To Murder Her Husband - The Dalia Dippolito story
So this woman, she really, really wants her husband dead. Now, her name's Dahlia, and she's been married to this guy, Mike, for about six months. But for some reason, one day, she decides she doesn't really love Mike anymore. But she still really loves his money. Now Mike's not the richest guy in the world, but he does have a little bit saved.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
She Hired a Hitman To Murder Her Husband - The Dalia Dippolito story
So they put their heads together and they come up with a whole sting operation and they get Mohammed to agree to help them. So then police go and they put hidden cameras in the backseat of Mohammed's car and they mic him all up. And then he hits up Dalia and he asks her to meet him in the parking lot of a local gas station.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
She Hired a Hitman To Murder Her Husband - The Dalia Dippolito story
So they meet up and he's like, so it turns out I actually do know a hitman who can help you. So then Dahlia gives him a down payment of $1,200 and a picture of Mike to give to the hitman so that the hitman can get started. Then two days later, a cop goes undercover and he pretends to be the hitman. And he meets up with Dahlia in another parking lot.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
She Hired a Hitman To Murder Her Husband - The Dalia Dippolito story
And of course, she has no idea that police are watching this and that she's just incriminated herself on camera. But here's her plan. One morning, she'll leave the condo where she and Mike live and she'll go to the gym. That way, she'll have an alibi. During that time, the hitman, he'll show up to the condo and he'll assassinate Mike. That's the plan. But that's not what happens.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
She Hired a Hitman To Murder Her Husband - The Dalia Dippolito story
Instead, on the morning that Mike is supposed to be assassinated, Dahlia leaves and she goes to the gym. As soon as she leaves, police show up to Mike's condo and they fill him in on what's going on. Like, hey, FYI, your wife is trying to assassinate you. So they get Mike to leave. And in the condo, they set up a whole fake crime scene with fake blood and yellow tape, like the whole thing.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
She Hired a Hitman To Murder Her Husband - The Dalia Dippolito story
Then when Dahlia comes home, police tell her Mike is dead.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
She Hired a Hitman To Murder Her Husband - The Dalia Dippolito story
So then they bring Dahlia in for questioning to see if she knows if Mike had any enemies or knows of anyone who might want to harm him. And of course she starts bullshitting and telling them about all these enemies Mike supposedly had and who she thinks may have done this. But once she starts lying, they're like, that's nonsense.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
She Hired a Hitman To Murder Her Husband - The Dalia Dippolito story
And they confront her about the hidden camera footage of her in the car trying to hire the hitman. Basically, police are trying to trap her in a lie and then confront her with the video so that she has no other option but to confess to what she's done. Well, in fact, Dahlia doesn't confess. Even though she's literally on video committing the crime, she still denies she's done anything wrong.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
She Hired a Hitman To Murder Her Husband - The Dalia Dippolito story
So Dahlia comes up with a plan to get Mike out of her life, but still keep his money. And this is when she starts working on plan A, get Mike thrown in prison. So then Dahlia starts calling police, giving them anonymous tips and telling them to look into Mike because she says he's selling drugs. She even goes as far as to plant drugs in his car.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
She Hired a Hitman To Murder Her Husband - The Dalia Dippolito story
And they bring the fake hitman into the room and she denies she's ever met him. They even bring Mike into the room, like, look, he's not really dead. And Dahlia still denies everything. So police give up and they arrest her anyway. And they charge her with solicitation to commit first degree murder. Here's her mugshot.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
She Hired a Hitman To Murder Her Husband - The Dalia Dippolito story
So she ends up going through several different trials, but ultimately she's found guilty and she's sentenced to 16 years in prison. So shout out to Florida.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
She Hired a Hitman To Murder Her Husband - The Dalia Dippolito story
Now Mike, see, he has a bit of a record from his past. He used to have problems with drugs and alcohol, plus he got busted committing fraud, and now he's on probation, but allegedly he lives a clean life now. So Dahlia keeps tipping police off, and police eventually look into him. They even pull Mike over one night and search through all his stuff, but none of this works.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
She Hired a Hitman To Murder Her Husband - The Dalia Dippolito story
And Dahlia's like, damn it, and that's when she switches to plan B, hire a hitman to unalive Mike. So Dahlia goes and she meets up with an old hookup of hers. This guy, Mohammed. So she goes to him and she lies to him. She's like, my husband Mike is abusive. Do you know anyone who could unalive him? And Mohammed's like, uh, no, I don't.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
She Hired a Hitman To Murder Her Husband - The Dalia Dippolito story
But he also gets freaked out because he realizes she's serious. She's legitimately looking to hire a hitman. And if Mike ultimately does get assassinated, Mohammed knows he'll be in trouble for not reporting it. So he secretly goes and reports Dalia to the police. Now police, they believe Mohammed and they want to bust Dalia, but they need more proof than just Mohammed's word.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
The Million Dollar Fake Company - The Ray Trapani / Centra Tech story
So this guy is about to make millions of dollars by hyping up a product that doesn't exist. Now, like me, the guy's name is Ray. And Ray is 24, living in Miami. And bro really wants to be rich. And he's always cooking up some kind of new scheme to make that happen. Like he's stealing prescription drugs and selling them for a while.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
The Million Dollar Fake Company - The Ray Trapani / Centra Tech story
They make a company website and they make themselves the employees. Here's actually a picture of the three of them all dressed up like they know what they're doing. Then, to make themselves appear more credible, they create fake LinkedIn profiles for themselves, claiming that they're all Harvard graduates. They even make up a fake CEO of this fake company.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
The Million Dollar Fake Company - The Ray Trapani / Centra Tech story
Like they literally Google the words old white guy and they find a random picture and they post that picture of that guy as the CEO. And so all of this looks legit. And now all they got to do is promote it. So they all go into crypto message boards and chat rooms and they start hyping up their fake company hoping to get people to invest. Here's the thing, though.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
The Million Dollar Fake Company - The Ray Trapani / Centra Tech story
Some people do actually invest in this company. Not a ton, but, you know, it's something. But about a month or so in, suddenly, pow, their company gets a random endorsement from a somewhat known crypto guru. And overnight, kaboom, their company blows the f*** up. And suddenly, all kinds of people are investing.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
The Million Dollar Fake Company - The Ray Trapani / Centra Tech story
And they now have millions of dollars invested in their fake company based on a technology that they don't have.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
The Million Dollar Fake Company - The Ray Trapani / Centra Tech story
but now there's a real buzz around what they're claiming centra tech is going to do so they just run with it they get a legit office space so they don't have to work out of their bedrooms anymore they hire like 50 other employees to come work for them they get these fake centra cards made to use as like promotional materials like a proof of concept they even hire celebrities to endorse this card
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
The Million Dollar Fake Company - The Ray Trapani / Centra Tech story
Like here's Floyd Mayweather endorsing it. They get DJ Khaled to promote it. And so this builds even more hype for their company and makes them look even more legit. Now, what are they gonna do with all this hype for their company considering their product is fake? They're going to try and raise even more investment money.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
The Million Dollar Fake Company - The Ray Trapani / Centra Tech story
Then he and his friends borrow some money and they start a luxury car rental business. And that business does pretty well, but they're young and kind of dumb and pretty quickly they blow through all their profits and their business fails. And that is when Ray is back to square one and now he needs a new hustle to make money.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
The Million Dollar Fake Company - The Ray Trapani / Centra Tech story
And this is where they start selling CentraCoin, their coin, to the public. And so, bam, their coin goes live. And it's selling fast because they've been generating a lot of hype. And soon, Ray and his friends have raised tens of millions of dollars. And now with all this new money, they gotta start spending it. And so Ray is out here buying new tailored suits. He's at the mall shopping every day.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
The Million Dollar Fake Company - The Ray Trapani / Centra Tech story
He gets a new luxury car. He's always like carrying around tons of cash on himself for some reason. I guess just to like show it off. Meanwhile, the guys, they're all promising their investors like, yeah, don't worry, we're going to get these crypto debit cards out by Christmas. But again, they don't have crypto debit cards because these guys don't have the technology.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
The Million Dollar Fake Company - The Ray Trapani / Centra Tech story
But they still don't seem to care. They keep spending money because I guess they don't think they're ever going to get caught. Until... After all this hype these guys have been getting, a reporter for the New York Times starts paying attention to them. And so he's doing his research and he finds some of their Instagram accounts.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
The Million Dollar Fake Company - The Ray Trapani / Centra Tech story
And I don't know what they were doing in all their Instagram photos, probably like partying or stunting in their new whip. But whatever it was, this causes this reporter to say, yeah, these guys definitely didn't go to Harvard. And he starts thinking maybe their company isn't legit. And so he wants to hear from the CEO of this company.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
The Million Dollar Fake Company - The Ray Trapani / Centra Tech story
But remember, the picture of the CEO on the website is just a random photo Ray and the guys found when they googled old white guy. And so anyway, the reporter reaches out to Ray and the guys and he's asking them all kinds of questions. And they're like bullshitting him and he wants to speak to the CEO. And they're making up excuses and they're like, oh, he's busy.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
The Million Dollar Fake Company - The Ray Trapani / Centra Tech story
But with all this sudden pushback, Ray and the guys know that eventually people are going to realize their CEO is made up. And then everyone will know their whole company is a fraud. And so they decide to kill off their fake CEO and pretend that he just like died in a car crash. Like they put together a whole press release saying that Michael Edwards, our talented CEO, died in a car accident.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
The Million Dollar Fake Company - The Ray Trapani / Centra Tech story
And I guess that keeps the critics at bay for a while. But now the guys have a new problem. They gotta find a new fake CEO. And so they take a picture of Ray's grandpa and they put it up on the website and they're like, yeah, this guy is now our CEO. But like immediately, some people start looking into it and they look at Ray's Facebook page and they find pictures of Ray and his grandpa together.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
The Million Dollar Fake Company - The Ray Trapani / Centra Tech story
And they're like, the CEO of that company isn't a real CEO. They just used a picture of Ray's grandpa. But whatever. I mean, Ray and the guys still don't seem phased because they just keep hustling. They get a bunch of their employees to start building a fake app that they can use in presentations. Like, hey, look, our product really works.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
The Million Dollar Fake Company - The Ray Trapani / Centra Tech story
And one day in 2017, one of Bray's friends, this guy who we'll call Sorbet, Sorbet gets a crazy idea. They wanna create a debit card that lets you access your cryptocurrency. That way you can instantly buy stuff with your Bitcoin when you're like out at the store or something. And a debit card for crypto, honestly, it's not a terrible idea.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
The Million Dollar Fake Company - The Ray Trapani / Centra Tech story
And through that, they get even more people to invest in their company. I think they actually get like 15 million more. But then... Finally, it all starts to go south because that New York Times reporter, his article comes out about the company and kaboom, it blows the up. And it like brings up their old arrest records and run-ins with the law and it just makes them look, you know, not so good.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
The Million Dollar Fake Company - The Ray Trapani / Centra Tech story
And around this time is when the SEC, the Securities Exchange Commission, notifies the guys that their company, Centratech, is now officially under federal investigation. And I guess from here, the guys panic because within a month, most of the company's employees are laid off.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
The Million Dollar Fake Company - The Ray Trapani / Centra Tech story
Also, the guys are like fighting amongst one another and they start draining all the money out of the company's bank accounts. But eventually, the law does catch up to them and bam, Ray gets arrested. Here's his mugshot. And of course, the other guys, they get arrested too. And now Ray, he ends up pleading guilty. And he takes a plea deal and he flips on the other two.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
The Million Dollar Fake Company - The Ray Trapani / Centra Tech story
And so Sorbet, he gets sentenced to eight years in prison. And Farkas, he gets sentenced to one year in prison. While Ray, because he flipped on the others, he gets no prison time. That is wild.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
The Million Dollar Fake Company - The Ray Trapani / Centra Tech story
And so they're gonna create a whole fake company and attach it to a cryptocurrency, like a coin. However, Ray, Sorbet, and their other friend, this guy, Farkas, they have several problems with this plan. One, they know nothing about crypto, nothing about Bitcoin or anything about that space.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
The Million Dollar Fake Company - The Ray Trapani / Centra Tech story
And two, the very specific technology for a crypto debit card, it either doesn't exist or these guys just don't have access to it. not in 2017 but whatever these guys just want to be rich and they're gonna do whatever it takes to make that happen and so they come up with this whole ass scam First, they set up a company called Centratech, completely fake and made up.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
America's Most Notorious Spy - The Robert Hanssen story
Du bist immer am Puls der Zeit und gerne up to date? Dann ist der NowBrief des neuen Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra genau das Richtige für dich. Stau auf dem Weg zur Arbeit? Dann wird dir automatisch geraten, früher loszufahren. Es regnet am Zielort? Dann empfiehlt es dir, den Regenschirm mitzunehmen. Mit dem Galaxy S25 Ultra kannst du einen Schritt voraus sein.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
America's Most Notorious Spy - The Robert Hanssen story
Because one day, when he's 32 years old, he applies to the FBI, and he actually gets hired. And they only have him working on financial crimes and accounting stuff, but whatever, his foot is in the door. Three years later, he gets relocated to New York City, where he works in the Soviet Counterintelligence Unit. Und hier ist er so, das ist es. Das ist mein großer Schuss. Ich werde wie 007 sein.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
America's Most Notorious Spy - The Robert Hanssen story
Aber leider stecken sie ihm an, administrativen Arbeit zu machen, klassifizierte Daten und solche Sachen zu handeln. Und das ist ein bisschen schrecklich. Ich meine, er ist in dieses Geschäft gekommen, um Spionage zu machen. Wie darf man ihn untervaluieren? Also ist er so, f*** das. Ich werde ein Spion werden, egal was.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
America's Most Notorious Spy - The Robert Hanssen story
So one day Bob goes over to a local Russian trading company in Manhattan and he just walks into their offices and he talks to them and he's like, I want to be a spy, so let's make a deal. I'll give you some FBI secrets and in return you pay me money. Now keep in mind, this is all happening during the Cold War. So tensions between the Soviet Union and America are really high.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
America's Most Notorious Spy - The Robert Hanssen story
And this local Russian trading company isn't actually a local Russian trading company. It's actually a front for the GRU. The GRU is like the Soviet equivalent of the CIA. And so these Russians are sitting there listening to Bob's crazy idea and they're like... Und so, boom, they have this arrangement. And finally, Bob is officially a spy. Just, you know, for the opposing team.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
America's Most Notorious Spy - The Robert Hanssen story
And soon he's communicating with the Soviets over encrypted radio transmissions. And they dead drop him cash. And he's telling them about some Soviet places that the FBI has bugged. He's telling them the names of suspected Soviet informants for the FBI. And some of these informants he's naming end up getting arrested in the Soviet Union or executed over this. But Bob... Don't really care.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
America's Most Notorious Spy - The Robert Hanssen story
He got what he's always wanted plus he's getting paid. So he keeps feeding them more information and more information for about a year. But then in 1980 he gets caught. But not by the FBI. They still have no clue he's doing any of this. Bob gets caught by someone else. Because one day Bonnie, his wife, is at home and she walks into the basement and Bob is there.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
America's Most Notorious Spy - The Robert Hanssen story
Und er ist so, oh, komm nicht rein, ich habe Präsente. Aber tatsächlich schaut er sich ein paar Kommunikationen mit den Sowjeten an. Und sie fängt ihn tatsächlich in dem Akt mit diesen Lettern an, die er ihnen geschrieben hat. Jetzt, an diesem Punkt könnte Bonnie ihn in die FBI schicken, aber sie wird das nicht tun. Sie liebt Bob. Und sie ist auch super religiös.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
America's Most Notorious Spy - The Robert Hanssen story
ServiceNow unterstützt Ihre Business-Transformation mit der KI-Plattform. Alle reden über KI, aber die KI ist nur so leistungsfähig wie die Plattform, auf der Sie aufbaut. Lassen Sie die KI arbeiten, für alle. Beseitigen Sie Reibung und Frustration Ihrer Mitarbeiter und nutzen Sie das volle Potenzial Ihrer Entwickler. Mit intelligenten Tools für ihren Service, um Kunden zu begeistern.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
America's Most Notorious Spy - The Robert Hanssen story
Also anstatt all dessen, nimmt sie ihn zu ihrer Kirche, zu ihrem Priester, um zu vertrauen. Und so geht Bob und er vertraut all diesem Spionage, das er zu diesem Priester gemacht hat. Und der Priester hört all das und er ist so, holy shit! Und jetzt will der Priester Bob in die FBI einstellen. Aber er macht ihm einen Deal.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
America's Most Notorious Spy - The Robert Hanssen story
Er sagt ihm, dass er ihn nicht einstellen wird, wenn er sich auf eine Charität mit all dem Geld, das er von den Sowjeten gemacht hat, anbietet. Was er bis jetzt mit rund 30.000 Dollar gemacht hat. Außerdem muss er sich versichern, dass er nie wieder ein Spion wird. Und Bob will nicht, dass er sich einstellen will, also hat er sich auf diesen Deal eingestellt.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
America's Most Notorious Spy - The Robert Hanssen story
Und er geht zurück in sein normales, furchtbares Leben. Er verabschiedet sich von den Sowjeten, und er bezahlt das Geld, das er zu einer Charität gemacht hat. Und in den nächsten ein paar Jahren, innerhalb der FBI, wird er immer wieder getransferiert und er wird immer wieder promotiert. Und das schafft es, ihm noch mehr sensitive Informationen zu geben.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
America's Most Notorious Spy - The Robert Hanssen story
Und dann, 1985, bekommt er Infos über ehemalige KGB-Agenten, die jetzt in den USA leben. Und er weiß, wie wertvoll diese Infos sind. Und er ist so, ich verkaufe diese Scheiße. Ich will wieder ein Spion werden. So he goes and he writes an anonymous letter to a senior operator in the KGB offering his services.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
America's Most Notorious Spy - The Robert Hanssen story
In this letter he basically says, I'll give you the names of KGB agents who are secretly working for the FBI if you give me $100,000. And crazy enough, the KGB agents do. And so boom, suddenly Bob is back in the spy business and he just made $100,000.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
America's Most Notorious Spy - The Robert Hanssen story
So for the next six years, Bob hands these KGB agents US secrets, sensitive US information, blowing people's covers, snitching on people, and the KGB pays him tons of money in return via dead drops. But then, if you know your history, something really crazy happens. In 1991, the Soviet Union suddenly collapses.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
America's Most Notorious Spy - The Robert Hanssen story
So now you've got all these former KGB agents who are approaching US intelligence agencies and feeding them information and exposing their US informants. And so Bob, he starts to get worried. What if they snitch on him? And so he's like, alright, this is too risky, time to quit. Und er schlägt seine Spionage zu einem Krall. Für Jahre. Dann, um 1999, ist er so, okay, lasst uns wieder losgehen.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
America's Most Notorious Spy - The Robert Hanssen story
Und er beginnt, russische, sensiblen FBI-Intelligenz-Informationen zu füllen. Und sie bezahlen ihn. Sie bezahlen ihn wirklich gut. Also, an dieser Zeit, hat Bob diesen Scham für fast 20 Jahre gemacht. Und er hat viel Geld davon gemacht. Und es scheint, dass Bro niemals getroffen werden wird. UNTIL So the FBI, they're not stupid. This isn't their first rodeo.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
America's Most Notorious Spy - The Robert Hanssen story
They know there's a mole in their organization, they just don't know who. So they find former KGB agents and they start offering them money to give them information on any FBI moles past or present who may have sold them secrets. And then finally one former KGB agent agrees to hand over a file about FBI moles that the Soviets had worked with.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
America's Most Notorious Spy - The Robert Hanssen story
Von diesen Filen kann die FBI herausfinden, dass der Möwe ihren eigenen langfristigen Agenten, Bob, ist. Aber die FBI schlägt nicht direkt rein und arrestiert ihn. Nein, nein, nein. Stattdessen sagen sie ihm nichts. Sie promotieren ihn einfach. Sie bezahlen ihn mehr, aber sie bewegen ihn zur FBI-Headquarters, wo sie ihm einen Scheiß-Deskjob geben, damit sie ihn nahe aufschauen können.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
America's Most Notorious Spy - The Robert Hanssen story
All das auf einer einzigen Plattform. Deshalb funktioniert die Welt mit ServiceNow.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
America's Most Notorious Spy - The Robert Hanssen story
Weil sie ihn in der Mitte des Todes zu den Russen fangen wollen. Sie geben ihm sogar einen neuen Assistenten an, um ihm bei diesem neuen Job zu helfen. Dieser Assistent ist natürlich wirklich eingestellt, um auf Bob zu spionieren, weil sie auf diesem Punkt nur auf Erkenntnis von ihm versuchen.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
America's Most Notorious Spy - The Robert Hanssen story
Aber im Endeffekt geht Bob zu einem lokalen Park, um einen anderen Todesfall zu machen, um Informationen an die Russen zu geben. Und endlich, bam, schwebt die FBI rein und sie arrestieren ihn. Das ist aktuelle Fotos der FBI, die ihn arrestieren. Auch hier ist sein Mugshot.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
America's Most Notorious Spy - The Robert Hanssen story
Und so, am Ende von allem, hat Bob für die Sowjeten in Russland für über 20 Jahre gespioniert und hat etwa 1,4 Millionen Dollar davon gemacht. Und so, Bob, er nimmt eine Begrüßung und anstatt des Todes bekommt er das Leben im Gefängnis. Hier ist eigentlich ein Bild von ihm im Gefängnis.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
America's Most Notorious Spy - The Robert Hanssen story
Mehr auf servicenow.de slash AI for people So this FBI agent wants to be a spy so bad that he ends up spying on his own government and getting people killed. Now the guy's name is Bob and Bob really wants to be like 007. He used to read those James Bond books as a kid and now that's the life he wants. Aber leider für Bob ist er nichts wie James Bond. Er ist nicht sauber oder athletisch.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
America's Most Notorious Spy - The Robert Hanssen story
In Wahrheit ist er nur ein nerdiger Accountant. Also sagt er, f*** das, ich werde auf jemanden spyingern. Also beginnt er mit seiner eigenen Frau zu spyingern. Diese Frau, Bonnie. Und so nimmt Bob riskante Fotos von Bonnie, mit ihrem Vertrauen. Aber dann, ohne ihr Vertrauen, zeigt er diese Fotos seinen Freunden.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
America's Most Notorious Spy - The Robert Hanssen story
Nicht nur das, er setzt eine CCTV-Kamera in seinem Bett ein, die hinter einer Fotografie versteckt ist, und Bonnie weiß nichts über diese Kamera. Und so filmt Bob sie, knallt sie, und zeigt das später seinen Freunden. Und seine arme Frau hat keine Ahnung, dass er das macht. Der Junge ist nur Trash. But anyway, in 1976, his dream finally comes true. He gets an opportunity to be an actual spy.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
He Went Insane And Attacked His Mom - The Tyler Dazey story
Du liegst in der Badewanne und hörst deinen Podcast. Doch hui, das Plätschern des Wassers wird zum Meeresrauschen und plötzlich fliegst du in den Süden. Ägypten, Kanaren, Griechenland, Türkei, Karibik. Der warme Sand zwischen den Zähnen, ein kühles Getränk in der Hand und die Sonne auf der Haut. Nicht träumen, Alturs buchen. Alles drin, alles gut, alles für dich. Alturs, alles aber günstig.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
He Went Insane And Attacked His Mom - The Tyler Dazey story
Sie ist da, um zu besuchen. Und der beste Freund, sie kennt die ganze Familie. Also lässt sie sich in. Und Tyler, er chillt da in der Küche. Und best friend is like, what the f***? And so she runs to moms bedroom to check on her. Und dort sieht sie ihre Mutter, die auf dem Bett liegt, und sie bewegt sich nicht. Und so ruft sie 911, und die Polizei kommt, und sie schauen die ganze Szene.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
He Went Insane And Attacked His Mom - The Tyler Dazey story
Und dort finden sie Tyler, der nur in seiner Wohnung chillt, und er ist immer noch nackt. Und es scheint, laut der Polizei, hatte er eine Erektion für irgendeinen Grund. Egal, alles in dieser Szene bezieht sich auf ihn als den Mörder. Und so, boom, lassen sie ihn in eine Strahljacke und arrestieren ihn. Hier ist sein Mugshot. Währenddessen gibt es diese Frau, Tylers jüngere Schwester, Kylie.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
He Went Insane And Attacked His Mom - The Tyler Dazey story
Und Kylie, sie ist am Arbeiten. Und plötzlich ringt ihr Telefon und es ist ihre Großmutter. Und die Großmutter ist so wie, jemand hat gesagt, es gibt eine Ambulanz und Polizei in deiner Moms Haus. Und so Kylie, sie geht in ihre Moms Haus und dort spricht sie mit der Polizei. Und ich bin sicher, sie ist überrascht und überrascht von all dem, wie ich mir vorstellen kann, dass es jemand wäre.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
He Went Insane And Attacked His Mom - The Tyler Dazey story
Now, at some point that night, Kylie goes home and she starts making TikToks and talking openly about what happened.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
He Went Insane And Attacked His Mom - The Tyler Dazey story
And this isn't something I would do, but this seems like it's some form of therapy for her because she starts posting about this situation a lot.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
He Went Insane And Attacked His Mom - The Tyler Dazey story
And by this point in the story, Tyler's in jail and he's been charged with first degree murder and he's waiting on his trial. While Kylie is still making TikToks about her experience. And she's not like defending him, but she seems to be trying to add context to the whole situation.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
He Went Insane And Attacked His Mom - The Tyler Dazey story
Und ja, Tyler ist klar nicht gut. Und er wird zum Trial gehen. Wie wird er davon ausgehen? Thylers Verteidigungs-Team will, dass er nicht schuld ist wegen Insanität. Eine Insanitäts-Verteidigung scheint hier eine starke strategische Bewegung zu sein. Aber um das zu tun, müssen sie Tyler überprüfen, ob er kompetent ist, um zum Trial zu stehen. Und Kylie macht TikToks über all das.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
He Went Insane And Attacked His Mom - The Tyler Dazey story
Jetzt im Reisebüro oder auf alturs.de.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
He Went Insane And Attacked His Mom - The Tyler Dazey story
So this guy, his name's Tyler. And Tyler has a big problem. His mom's a witch. Like an evil witch. Like the kind that practices witchcraft and can cast spells on you. And poor Tyler, he doesn't know what to do. I mean, he's 28 years old and he lives with his mom. And one day... Es wird wahr, weil Tyler, er ist zuhause und seine Mutter ist auch da.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
He Went Insane And Attacked His Mom - The Tyler Dazey story
Und sie sagt, ja, er ist zu weit weg, um auf Trial zu stehen. Egal, sie machen den Kompetenz-Test auf Tyler und überraschend, er passt. Und Kylie hört das und sie ist so, was zur F***?
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
He Went Insane And Attacked His Mom - The Tyler Dazey story
But then I guess Tyler fires his lawyers because he suddenly decides he doesn't want to plead insanity. So they have to re-evaluate him again and this time they find him not competent to stand trial. At a hearing today, Tyler Daisy was found not competent to stand trial. But then, about a month before the trial, Tyler is re-evaluated a third time and found competent again.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
He Went Insane And Attacked His Mom - The Tyler Dazey story
Ich weiß nicht, wie das funktioniert oder warum er drei Mal den Test genommen hat, aber egal. Einen Monat später beginnt das Trial. Und Tyler zeigt sich nicht am ersten Tag auf, wegen religiösen Gründen. Okay. Aber sein Verteidigungs-Team zeigt sich auf und macht einen Argument, den niemand erwartet.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
He Went Insane And Attacked His Mom - The Tyler Dazey story
Sie behaupten, dass Tyler nicht schuld ist, dass seine Mutter nicht lebendig war, weil Kylie die eine war, die ihre Mutter nicht lebendig war. Which is bullshit and absurd, because she wasn't even at the house at that time.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
He Went Insane And Attacked His Mom - The Tyler Dazey story
But anyway, as the trial goes on, Kylie continues to post videos.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
He Went Insane And Attacked His Mom - The Tyler Dazey story
During this trial, the defense is still trying to pin it on her. And as evidence, they're playing clips of her while she was at the police station that day and she's like laughing? So the defense points to this laughing and they're like, her mama just died. Why is she laughing so much? Doesn't she seem guilty? And the whole argument is just ridiculous.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
He Went Insane And Attacked His Mom - The Tyler Dazey story
And I guess at the end of the day, the jury agrees. Because Tyler is found guilty as f***.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
He Went Insane And Attacked His Mom - The Tyler Dazey story
It took the jury less than two hours to find Tyler Daisy guilty of murder and animal abuse.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
He Went Insane And Attacked His Mom - The Tyler Dazey story
So yeah, Tyler's convicted and before they send him away for good, they let some of the victim's family members get on the stand to speak. And of course, Kylie gets up there because she has some things she wants to say about all this.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
He Went Insane And Attacked His Mom - The Tyler Dazey story
But then, during all this, kind of out of nowhere, Tyler busts out and responds.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
He Went Insane And Attacked His Mom - The Tyler Dazey story
You and Christy and Katie, conspiracy to commit murder. Okay. Mr. Daisy, let her speak. Let her finish.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
He Went Insane And Attacked His Mom - The Tyler Dazey story
I can live forever. I have God. Where is your God? Jesus? Let's see Jesus save you.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
He Went Insane And Attacked His Mom - The Tyler Dazey story
Oof. Clearly he's not okay. Anyway, ultimately, Tyler's sentence to life in prison. That is wild.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
He Went Insane And Attacked His Mom - The Tyler Dazey story
Und sie sind in der Wohnung und Tyler, er schaut sich an und er sieht sie versuchen, ihm einen Schmerz anzunehmen. Und Tyler ist so, oh, verdammt nicht. Und er beginnt zu schreien. Er will ihn nicht schreien. Was zur Hölle? Okay, hier ist das Wichtigste an all dem. Obwohl Tyler das denkt, ist Mama nicht wirklich eine furchtbare Schwester, die Witzkräfte übt.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
He Went Insane And Attacked His Mom - The Tyler Dazey story
Sie ist eigentlich eine gute, normale Frau. Tyler denkt einfach nur, dass sie eine Schwester ist, weil er mit einer schweren mentalen Krankheit handelt. Nichtsdestotrotz glaubt er das sehr stark. Nicht nur das, er denkt, es ist ihm egal, um dieses Problem zu behandeln. Und so geht er und holt eine Hatschette aus der anderen Wohnung. Und er geht in die Wohnung, wo Mama ist.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
He Went Insane And Attacked His Mom - The Tyler Dazey story
Und plötzlich, boom, attackiert er sie. Wieder und wieder. Bis er sie unerleuchtet. Dann, für irgendeinen Grund, holt er die Mutter eines kleinen Hühners und verleuchtet ihn auch. Danach geht er in den Schlafzimmer, weil ich glaube, er fühlt sich schmutzig. Ich weiß es nicht. Und irgendwann später gibt es einen Knall an der vorderen Tür. Und es ist die Mutter des besten Freundes.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
This Teen Actor Got Murdered - The Tara Correa-McMullen story
So in the early 2000s, there was this Martin Lawrence comedy called Rebound. You might have seen it. And in that movie, you may have noticed this girl. Well, unfortunately, she's been unalived in a really brutal way. Now the girl, her name's Tara. She's 14, and she's a normal kid, and her family's kind of poor. But Tara's mom works at a casting office in Los Angeles.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
This Teen Actor Got Murdered - The Tara Correa-McMullen story
I guess he's a blood or something. But regardless, pretty quickly they start dating and soon Tara is spending all her free time with Christopher and his gang affiliated friends. But when she starts bringing Christopher around her mom, mom takes one look at his gang colors and she's like, absolutely not. And she tells Tara, Christopher is not allowed in her house.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
This Teen Actor Got Murdered - The Tara Correa-McMullen story
And she and Tara, they start fighting about this all the time. And the mom starts calling the police on the regular, hoping to get Christopher arrested and out of Tara's life for good. But unfortunately, it doesn't work because they can't prove he's committed any actual crimes. So there's nothing they can do. And eventually Tara and Christopher move in together and they get their own apartment.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
This Teen Actor Got Murdered - The Tara Correa-McMullen story
Meanwhile, at work on the set of Judging Amy, Tara suddenly isn't taking her job seriously anymore. She keeps showing up to set late or just not showing up at all. So her agency gets worried and they start babysitting her, picking her up and dropping her off at set every day to make sure that she shows up on time and finishes shooting the season.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
This Teen Actor Got Murdered - The Tara Correa-McMullen story
But then one day Tara shows up to set looking all tired, like maybe she's hung over and she's got some fresh bruises on her face and a new tattoo on her chest. And clearly she's been wrapped up with her boyfriend in that gang life. And the director, she sees what's going on and she's like, you know, Tara, we've written more episodes for you. And Tara's just like, I don't want to do them.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
This Teen Actor Got Murdered - The Tara Correa-McMullen story
So the producers are just like, damn, all right. So they write her out of the show and they kill off her character. And then after she finishes filming her last bit of Judging Amy, bam, suddenly her agency drops her. So her acting career is ruined. And for some reason, this seems to be a wake up call for Tara.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
This Teen Actor Got Murdered - The Tara Correa-McMullen story
I guess she really didn't think her acting career would fall apart after she quit a really good gig on an award-winning series, but it did. So Tara thinks long and hard about it and she decides she's gonna get her life back on track.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
This Teen Actor Got Murdered - The Tara Correa-McMullen story
And one day in that office, they're having trouble finding a teen actress to fill this role. And Tara's mom is like, hey, maybe Tara could do it. And so she comes to Tara and she's like, hey, you want to audition for a movie? And Tara's like, all right. So Tara goes in to audition and she's never professionally acted before, but whatever, she gives it a shot. And bam, they're like, she's perfect.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
This Teen Actor Got Murdered - The Tara Correa-McMullen story
And she pulls herself together and she starts going to church every Sunday and she goes back to her agent and she explains that, no, I'm really serious about acting and I'll do better from here on out. And luckily her agency, they agree to take her back. But then I guess Tara just can't divorce herself from her whack ass boyfriend and that gang life he's brought her into.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
This Teen Actor Got Murdered - The Tara Correa-McMullen story
Because she goes ahead and she misses an important audition. And that is when her agency is like, okay, we're done with you. And they drop her again. And if that isn't bad enough, it gets worse. Because one evening, she's hanging out with Christopher and some other turds in his gang and they're just chilling outside of an apartment complex doing whatever it is that turds do.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
This Teen Actor Got Murdered - The Tara Correa-McMullen story
And that is when a suspicious car pulls up and a man gets out. And he's from a rival gang, the Crips. And this guy, he walks up to them and he's got a pew-pew, a semi-automatic pew-pew. And he points it at them and he starts blasting. And suddenly a spray of bullets just rains all over them as the whole crew tries to run away. And bam, one guy is hit. And then bam, another guy is hit.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
This Teen Actor Got Murdered - The Tara Correa-McMullen story
And then bam, Tara is hit five times. And she falls to the ground. And the gunman, he gets back in the car and they speed away. So then police come and Tara and the two other guys are rushed to the hospital. And the two guys, they survive. And Christopher, he didn't actually get hit at all. But Tara, unfortunately, she doesn't make it.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
This Teen Actor Got Murdered - The Tara Correa-McMullen story
So then police, they investigate and they do actually find the shooter. And kapow, they arrest him. Here's his mugshot. And he goes to trial and he's found guilty and they sentence him to life in prison. Yeah, that's a sad one. She could have been a star.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
This Teen Actor Got Murdered - The Tara Correa-McMullen story
And suddenly Tara is cast in the movie Rebound with Martin Lawrence. Not bad for a first gig. And Tara ends up doing a good job and she enjoys it a lot. She loves being on set and learning everything she can about the process. So then Tara gets an agent and her career starts to take off.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
This Teen Actor Got Murdered - The Tara Correa-McMullen story
And as soon as she's finished filming Rebound, she gets cast in her next role in the Emmy award-winning TV drama, Judging Amy. This time she plays a teen gang member. And Tara does such a good job in judging Amy, the producers, they decide to give her character an extended arc that spans many episodes. It means there's hope. Can you just give me my peanut butter cups?
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
This Teen Actor Got Murdered - The Tara Correa-McMullen story
She then also gets cast in an episode of Zoey 101. So she's out there killing it. She is about to be a star. Until around this time, Tara turns 16. And that is when she meets this guy, Christopher. And she thinks Christopher is fine. Here's the thing about Christopher though. He's quite literally 10 years older than her. And most importantly, he's gang affiliated.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
She Murdered Her Daughter's Killer - The Marianne Bachmeier story
Du liegst in der Badewanne und hörst deinen Podcast. Doch hui, das Plätschern des Wassers wird zum Meeresrauschen und plötzlich fliegst du in den Süden. Ägypten, Kanaren, Griechenland, Türkei, Karibik. Der warme Sand zwischen den Zehen, ein kühles Getränk in der Hand und die Sonne auf der Haut. Nicht träumen. Altours buchen. Alles drin, alles gut, alles für dich. Altours. Alles, aber günstig.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
She Murdered Her Daughter's Killer - The Marianne Bachmeier story
Denn Klaus lässt Anna nicht weg. Er hält sie dort den ganzen Tag. Und während dieser Zeit macht er schreckliche Dinge zu ihr, über die ich nicht in Detail sprechen werde. Und letztendlich, traurig, endet er in ihr unbewusst. Dann legt er sie in eine Kartoffelbox und legt die Box auf die Bank eines nahen Kanals. Und später in der Nacht bekommt die Polizei einen Telefonruf.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
She Murdered Her Daughter's Killer - The Marianne Bachmeier story
Und es ist diese Frau, die Klaus' Freundin bezeichnet. Und die Freundin ist so, äh, ich glaube, mein künftiger Mann hat heute eine kleine Frau nicht lebendig, und ich will es berichten. Also hat Klaus offensichtlich seiner Freundin verurteilt, dass er Anna zuvor nicht lebendig war. Und so ruft er sofort die Polizei an. Gut für sie. Aber dann, am nächsten Tag, bam! Die Polizei arrestiert Klaus.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
She Murdered Her Daughter's Killer - The Marianne Bachmeier story
Aber seine Geschichte ist noch nicht vorbei. Denn ein Jahr später geht er ins Gefängnis. Nun, verständlich gesagt, ist Marianne an diesem Punkt ein absoluter Verrückter. Ich meine, sie hat ihre Tochter verloren und jetzt muss sie das Gefängnis anwenden und dieses ganze Ding wiederleben? Es ist einfach super traumatisch. Und wie Sie sich vorstellen können, hasst sie Klaus absolut.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
She Murdered Her Daughter's Killer - The Marianne Bachmeier story
Jetzt, bei der Begründung, verurteilt Klaus Anna, aber er sagt, dass es nicht seine Schuld war. Er sagt, dass tatsächlich sie die eine war, die versucht hat, ihn zu seduzieren. Und dass er sie tatsächlich heruntergelassen hat, weil er sagt, dass er so ein guter Kerl ist.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
She Murdered Her Daughter's Killer - The Marianne Bachmeier story
Und dass sie, diese siebenjährige Mädchen, verrückt wurde, dass er sie heruntergelassen hat und dass sie versucht hat, ihn zu verurteilen. Sie sagt, wenn du mir nicht Geld gibst, werde ich meiner Mutter sagen, dass du mich verabschiedet hast. Nun, niemand in diesem Fall glaubt wirklich, dass Anna ihn verurteilt hat, aber der Fakt, dass er diese schrecklichen Dinge sagt, verirrt Marianne wirklich.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
She Murdered Her Daughter's Killer - The Marianne Bachmeier story
Ich meine, dieser Schwachsinn hat den Nerv, nicht nur ihre Tochter nicht lebendig, sondern dann auf den Stand zu kommen und schreckliche Lügen über sie zu erzählen, um ihre Reputation zu zerstören? F***! And so Marianne goes home and she can't stop thinking about this. It is consuming her. How could he do that? And so she goes and she gets her pew-pew.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
She Murdered Her Daughter's Killer - The Marianne Bachmeier story
And on the third day of the trial, it's a normal day. Und Marianne, sie kommt auf die Strecke, wie alle anderen, und die Strecke ist voll von Leuten. Und sie kommt rein, und sie sieht Klaus da sitzen, mit seinem Hintern zu ihr. Und das ist, als sie in ihre Tasche reinkommt, und sie herstellt ihr Piu-Piu. Und sie pointet es an ihn, und sie fängt an zu blasen. Blam, blam, blam.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
She Murdered Her Daughter's Killer - The Marianne Bachmeier story
Jetzt im Reisebüro oder auf altours.de So one day, this girl, she's chilling with her mom. And they start bickering. And they get into a big argument. And the girl, she ends up getting mad. Like, really mad. She's mad all through the night. And the next day, she's still mad. Die Frau heißt Anna und sie ist sieben Jahre alt. Die Mutter heißt Marianne und sie ist eine single Mutter.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
She Murdered Her Daughter's Killer - The Marianne Bachmeier story
Sie schießt achtmal und schießt siebenmal. Und Klaus, er fällt auf den Boden. Er ist instantan unerwachsen. Und alle sind überrascht. Und Marianne, sie drückt ihr Piu-Piu und sie sagt allen, und ich quote, er hat meine Tochter getötet. Ich wollte ihm in den Gesicht schießen, aber ich habe ihn in den Hintergrund geschossen. Ich hoffe, er ist tot.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
She Murdered Her Daughter's Killer - The Marianne Bachmeier story
Also natürlich, dann bam, die Polizei arrestiert sie auf dem Spot. Und schließlich geht sie zur Trial, und sie ist verurteilt, dass sie Prämeditated manslaughter and unlawful possession of a firearm. And she's sentenced to six years in prison. But they let her out after only serving three. So, good for her. Maybe it was worth it.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
She Murdered Her Daughter's Killer - The Marianne Bachmeier story
Weil Marianne spätnachts am Bar arbeitet, ist Anna erwartet, sich auf die Schule zu bringen, jeden Tag. Aber sieh, Anna ist immer noch verrückt über den Kampf, den sie die Nacht vorher hatte. Also entscheidet sie sich, dass sie heute nicht zur Schule gehen wird. Sie wird einfach weggehen und zu ihrem Freundeshaus gehen. So she leaves home and she starts walking to her friend's house.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
She Murdered Her Daughter's Killer - The Marianne Bachmeier story
And she gets there and friend isn't home, she had already left for school. So Anna's like, ah, what do I do now? And she just starts wandering the streets, I guess, trying to decide about what to do on her day off. Auf einer Art und Weise wird sie von diesem Mann, Klaus, angekommen. Und Klaus lebt in der Gegend, er ist im Grunde der lokale Verrückter.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
She Murdered Her Daughter's Killer - The Marianne Bachmeier story
Nun, es ist unklar, wie genau das passiert ist, aber es ist vermutet, dass Klaus Anna ansieht und ihm erfordert, dass er mit seinen Katzen spielen lässt. Weil ich glaube, er hat einige Katzen. Aber die Katzen sind tatsächlich zurück in seinem Haus. Also muss Anna ihn zurück in sein Haus folgen. Wahrscheinlich. Aber nachdem sie in Klaus' Haus ist, beginnt die Geschichte wirklich dunkel.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
The Blade Runner Murder - The Oscar Pistorius story
So this guy won a bunch of Olympic medals, got famous, and then he unalived someone. Now, his name is Oscar, but we'll call him Blade Runner because that's what everyone calls him. Now, Blade Runner is a Paralympic runner who's really good at what he does. He won a bronze medal. He's won a couple of gold medals. He's won a bunch. He set a new Paralympic record, and that's all great.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
The Blade Runner Murder - The Oscar Pistorius story
Like, allegedly, he can talk about other women he's dated in the past, but if Riva even slightly mentions an ex, Blade Runner flies off the handle. He's that kind of boyfriend. But then, one night, about three months into their relationship, it all falls apart. Because allegedly, they're at Blade's house that night, and they get into an argument. And it gets heated, like really heated.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
The Blade Runner Murder - The Oscar Pistorius story
And they're shouting, and they're screaming at each other, and the fight is so loud that it wakes the neighbors up. And at some point, Riva, she gets scared of him. She gets so scared of him that she runs into the bathroom, and she slams the door, locking herself in there. And Blade, he's pissed. She can't just run away from him like that.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
The Blade Runner Murder - The Oscar Pistorius story
So he goes and he gets his pew-pew and he takes it and he points it at the bathroom door and he pulls the trigger. Blam, blam, blam, blam. He shoots through the door four times and bullets fly through the wood and they hit Reva in her hip and in her arm and in her head. And Riva falls to the floor.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
The Blade Runner Murder - The Oscar Pistorius story
And Blade, he freaks out and he quickly puts on his prosthetic legs and he grabs a cricket bat and he starts beating the bathroom door to break it down. And there, he sees his girlfriend on the floor and she's barely breathing. And ultimately, sadly, poor Riva, she passes away before the ambulance gets there to help her. And so, bam, police arrest Blade Runner and they charge him with murder.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
The Blade Runner Murder - The Oscar Pistorius story
Two weeks later, his case goes to trial. And Blade's attorneys argue, not that he got mad at Reva and unalived her, but that he was woken up in the middle of the night and he thought there was a burglar hiding out in his bathroom. And that's why he rolled up and started blasting. Because yeah, I guess a burglar would just break into your house and then lock themselves in your bathroom.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
The Blade Runner Murder - The Oscar Pistorius story
But one day, Blade decides that's not enough for him. He doesn't just want to compete in the Paralympics. He wants to compete in the Olympic Olympics and race against athletes who don't have disabilities. So he trains really hard. And after about five years of waiting for approval from the Athletics Foundation, he's finally officially allowed to compete against non-disabled athletes.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
The Blade Runner Murder - The Oscar Pistorius story
Anyway, so this trial goes on for seven months with all this evidence being thrown around. And eventually, the judge actually accepts Blade's story that he thought there was a burglar in the bathroom. And the court ultimately finds him guilty, but not of murder, of culpable homicide, which I guess is like manslaughter. but it's a way lesser charge than murder.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
The Blade Runner Murder - The Oscar Pistorius story
But then later the case is appealed and the Supreme Court finds that Blade actually is guilty of actual murder. Either way, Blade Runner is ultimately sentenced to a total of 13 years, five months in prison. Here's what he looks like in real life. And earlier this year, after serving nine years of that sentence, he was released and he's out now. So shout out to South Africa, I guess.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
The Blade Runner Murder - The Oscar Pistorius story
So he goes and he competes in the London Olympics. Now, he doesn't win any medals that year, but it's still a huge deal because he's the first ever double amputee to compete in the traditional Olympics. And besides, he's still kicking ass. because he goes on to race in the Paralympics that year, and he wins two gold medals and a silver. And so the world loves Blade Runner.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
The Blade Runner Murder - The Oscar Pistorius story
He's a great athlete with a cool story, and at this point, he's got fans, and they're giving him all sorts of catchy nicknames. They call him, like, Blade Runner. They call him the fastest man with no legs. And he even starts getting brand deals with major companies like Nike. Heard of them? So Bro's career is going great. And then it gets better, because Blade meets this woman, Reva.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
The Blade Runner Murder - The Oscar Pistorius story
And Reva is a model, and she's an aspiring attorney. And Blade thinks Reva is foine, and Reva thinks Blade is foine. And eventually, they start dating. And they're a cute couple, and they seem to be really happy together. Until they aren't. Because, as it turns out, Blade's got quite an anger problem. And he's kind of a jerk to Riva sometimes. Like, he often gets mad at her over little things.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
Larry David Saved Him - The Story of Juan Catalan
Die Polizei versucht nur, ihn zu verurteilen. Aber er wird nicht verurteilt. Er bleibt an seiner Geschichte. Die Polizei schützt ihn mit der Unerwachsenheit der Frau, Martha, und sie werfen ihn in den Gefängnis. Und so ist er da, im Gefängnis, auf der Wartezeit, bis sein Trial anfängt. Hier ist sein Mugshot.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
Larry David Saved Him - The Story of Juan Catalan
Während dieser Zeit weiß Juan's Arbeiter, dieser Typ, Todd, dass Juan nichts mit Marthas Mord zu tun hatte. Aber das wird eine wirklich schwierige Sache sein, um zu beweisen. Und um es schlimmer zu machen, gehen sie gegen diesen wirklich harten Arsch eines Verwaltungsanwaltes, der offensichtlich nie einen Fall verloren hat und immer für den Todspenal schlägt.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
Larry David Saved Him - The Story of Juan Catalan
Also wenn Juan das verliert, ist er verdammt. Jetzt, Major League Baseball Spiele sind normalerweise auf Telefon. Also beginnt Todd, so viel TV-Fotografie des Dodgers-Spiels von dieser Nacht zu bekommen, wie er es kann. Und er beginnt, es durchzuschneiden, versucht, die Gesichter im Publikum auszuschauen, um jeden Eindruck von Juan zu finden. Aber Juan ist einfach nirgendwo zu finden.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
Larry David Saved Him - The Story of Juan Catalan
Und so geht Todd zurück zu Juan und drückt ihn, um etwas zu erinnern, etwas anderes von dieser Nacht. Anything that can help prove he was there at the game. And then Juan finally remembers something. He remembers seeing this comedian at the game. Bob Einstein. A.K.A. Super Dave. A.K.A. Marty Funkhauser from the TV show Curb Your Enthusiasm. Er ist dort.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
Larry David Saved Him - The Story of Juan Catalan
In Wahrheit erinnert Juan nicht nur an Bob Einstein, sondern er war tatsächlich in der gleichen Sektion wie er. Und Juan ist ziemlich sicher, dass es Kameramann waren, die ihn folgten. Und so ist Todd so, hey, das könnte etwas sein. Und so geht er und er ruft um und er bekommt die Kontaktinfo für die Kamerakamera, die dort war, die Bob Einstein filmte, an dem Tag. Und diese Kamerakamera ist HBO.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
Larry David Saved Him - The Story of Juan Catalan
Und sie waren dort an dem Tag, um ein Video von Curb Your Enthusiasm zu filmen. Mit diesem Mann, Larry David. Larry David und seine Produzenten verabschiedeten sich, dass Todd herunterkommt und alle uneröffneten B-Roll-Fotos anschaut, die sie an dem Tag gefilmt haben, um seinen Kunden zu helfen.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
Larry David Saved Him - The Story of Juan Catalan
Und so, ein paar Tage später, bam, ist Todd da, an der HBO-Headquarters, neben Larry David, die uneröffneten Fotos von Curb Your Enthusiasm zu scrubben. und sucht nach jedem Zeichen, dass Juan im Spiel war. Und so sind sie da, durch diese Fotos, und plötzlich... Boom! Todd sieht etwas auf dem Bildschirm. Und es ist Juan. Nur da sitzen. In den Ständen. Hängend im Spiel.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
Larry David Saved Him - The Story of Juan Catalan
Und Todd weiß, dass diese Nachricht ziemlich... ziemlich... ziemlich... ziemlich gut ist. Und er bekommt sofort die Fotos und schickt sie direkt zum DA. Und es gibt auch ein paar Telefonnachrichten, die seinen Fall auch helfen. Aber nach fünf Monaten im Gefängnis für ein Verbrechen, das er nicht verurteilt hat... KAPAU! Juan ist endlich aus dem Gefängnis geliefert.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
Larry David Saved Him - The Story of Juan Catalan
Mehr auf servicenow.de slash AI for people So one night, this girl is sitting on the curb outside her house and she's chatting with a friend. And suddenly, this guy walks up behind her and he's like, are you Martha? And she's like, yeah. And then the guy, he reaches into his hoodie pocket and he Er zieht ein Piu-Piu raus und BÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄ
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
Larry David Saved Him - The Story of Juan Catalan
Und alle Anzeichen gegen ihn werden letztendlich gedroppt. Hier ist er mit Todd, die Fotos aus dem Gefängnis zu halten. Und die gute Nachricht ist, dass die beiden Jungs, die letztendlich verantwortlich waren für die Unerwachsenheit von Martha, Well, they were eventually caught and they got life in prison.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
Larry David Saved Him - The Story of Juan Catalan
While Juan, he ends up filing a lawsuit against the city of Los Angeles for wrongful arrest and wrongful imprisonment. And ultimately, he's awarded a settlement of $320,000. So, at the end of it all, I bet police were like...
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
Larry David Saved Him - The Story of Juan Catalan
So police think Juan unaliveder and the SWAT team, they go to his house and bam, they arrest him. And when police sit Juan down and tell him he's charged with murder, Juan's like, what the fuck? That's impossible. I didn't murder anyone. I was at a Dodgers game that night. And police are like, psst. Prove it. So Juan, he shows them his ticket stubs from the game.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
Larry David Saved Him - The Story of Juan Catalan
But the thing about ticket stubs is, I guess, anyone can just buy tickets. It doesn't mean he went to the game. So police, they don't believe him. And they tell Juan that eyewitnesses had seen him shoot Martha that night. And that those witnesses identified him as the shooter through his mugshot. But of course, that's a lie. Es gab keine Beobachter, die ihn durch sein Mugshot identifizierten.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
This DJ Killed His Wife - The DJ Awesome story
So this guy, his name is DJ Awesome. And DJ Awesome, he's a DJ at a gentleman's club in Atlanta. But DJ Awesome has a problem. Unfortunately, his marriage isn't going too well. And he and his wife, this woman, Tiffany, he and his wife, they fight all the time. And it turns out he's been smashing with other people, and apparently she has been too. It's a whole mess.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
This DJ Killed His Wife - The DJ Awesome story
And Harley is his friend from way back, and he works at the strip club with DJ Awesome sometimes too, and they're tight. So DJ Awesome lays out his whole plan for Harley. Step one, break into his house so it looks like a robbery. Step two, unalive his wife. And step three is, I don't know, keep DJing? I don't know what happens after that. So Harley hears this plan and he's just like, all right.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
This DJ Killed His Wife - The DJ Awesome story
And a few weeks later, they put this plan into motion. DJ Awesome, he leaves for work one night to DJ overnight at the strip club. And while he's at work, Harley comes over to Awesome's house and he quietly breaks in and he creeps down the hallway into the bedroom where Tiffany is asleep. And there is where he pulls out his pew-pew and he points it at her and bang, bang! He shoots her twice.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
This DJ Killed His Wife - The DJ Awesome story
Then he flees. But the gunfire, it wakes their kids up. Because, of course, they have kids. And around 5 a.m., DJ Awesome, he's done at work and everything. And he heads home. And he pulls into the driveway and he sees the garage door open. So he calls 911. And he pretends to be surprised that someone broke into his house.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
This DJ Killed His Wife - The DJ Awesome story
Minutes later, police arrive and Awesome is outside and he's freaking out like, my kids are in there. I went inside and saw my wife's body. I think she's dead. And so police, they go inside and into the bedroom and there they find Tiffany unalived. And so police, they search the rest of the house and they find a cut window screen, but no fingerprints or any other evidence.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
This DJ Killed His Wife - The DJ Awesome story
And the kids weren't hurt and nothing from the house was stolen. So the police, they start thinking that this doesn't seem like just a robbery. It seems that maybe Tiffany was targeted. So they investigate and they get security footage from a neighbor's camera and on it they see a black car that's parked near the house during the time of the murder.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
This DJ Killed His Wife - The DJ Awesome story
And they can't make out the license plate on this car, but they notice that it has a broken parking light on the driver's side. So police, they start asking around about this and they ask Tiffany's friends and coworkers if she had any enemies, anyone who would want to hurt her.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
This DJ Killed His Wife - The DJ Awesome story
And there they find out that she and DJ Awesome were having marital problems and that she was planning on divorcing him soon. So they bring DJ Awesome in to question him about this and they start to notice some things in his story aren't adding up. Like when he told police, I went inside and saw my wife's body. I think she's dead.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
This DJ Killed His Wife - The DJ Awesome story
So one day, Tiffany's had enough of DJ Awesome's nonsense. And she's like, I want a divorce. And this devastates him. Not because he's in love with his wife, but because he's a DJ. Which suggests he doesn't make a lot of money. He's actually broke. But Tiffany is actually the one in the family who makes a decent income. Plus, the house they live in is in her name.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
This DJ Killed His Wife - The DJ Awesome story
But the neighbor's security footage shows that when he came home and saw the garage door open, he never went into the house. So how did he know that she was dead? So police, they get a warrant and they search his cell phones and cell tower records. And they find that DJ Awesome had made a lot of phone calls to someone's phone leading up to the time of the murder.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
This DJ Killed His Wife - The DJ Awesome story
And the cell tower data show that that phone was at the house during the crime, meaning it's the killer's phone, meaning it's Harley's phone. So then police bring Harley in and they question him and they go search his car and boom, they discover his car is a black car with a broken parking light on the driver's side.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
This DJ Killed His Wife - The DJ Awesome story
A few weeks later, once police have gathered all the evidence they need, they go to the strip club and kaboom, they arrest DJ Awesome. Here's his mugshot. And Harley's there at the club with him, so then kaboom, they arrest him too. Here's his mugshot. And DJ Awesome, he goes to trial, and he's found guilty, and he's sentenced to life in prison.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
This DJ Killed His Wife - The DJ Awesome story
And Harley is also found guilty, and he's also sentenced to life in prison. So, shout out to Atlanta, I guess.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
This DJ Killed His Wife - The DJ Awesome story
So he's worried that if she leaves him, he'll lose the house. And then he won't have anything. So secretly he calls the bank and he tries to get his name put on the mortgage so he doesn't lose the house. But unfortunately he has terrible credit and the bank denies him.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
This DJ Killed His Wife - The DJ Awesome story
Meanwhile Tiffany she's over here making her own moves and she starts talking to a divorce attorney because she's about to hit him with those divorce papers. So as you can see things are not looking too awesome for DJ Awesome. Until one day he gets a crazy idea. What if someone were to unalive Tiffany?
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
This DJ Killed His Wife - The DJ Awesome story
Then he'd get to keep the house, he'd cash in on some benefits money, he'd get sympathy, and he'd get to keep smashing with whoever he wants. And he thinks this is a great idea. But he can't unalive her himself, that would be too obvious, and he'd get caught. So he hits up his boy, this guy, Harley.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
He Made $250M in Counterfeit Money and Got Away with It - The Frank Bourassa story
ServiceNow unterstützt Ihre Business-Transformation mit der KI-Plattform. Alle reden über KI, aber die KI ist nur so leistungsfähig wie die Plattform, auf der Sie aufbaut. Lassen Sie die KI arbeiten, für alle. Beseitigen Sie Reibung und Frustration Ihrer Mitarbeiter und nutzen Sie das volle Potenzial Ihrer Entwickler. So this guy, his name's Frank. And Frank is about to make 250 million dollars.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
He Made $250M in Counterfeit Money and Got Away with It - The Frank Bourassa story
Frank setzt einen Printshop auf der Außenseite der Stadt. Er hat all das spezielle Printsystem und Software. Und wenn das Papier endlich kommt, arbeitet Frank hart, um die falschen Karten so schnell wie möglich zu impfen. Denn er ist ein cleverer Typ und er will keine Beobachtung haben. Und fünf Monate später ist er endlich fertig mit dem Impfen.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
He Made $250M in Counterfeit Money and Got Away with It - The Frank Bourassa story
Und Frank hat alle 250 Millionen Dollar in counterfeit 20-Dollar-Karten geprüft. Jetzt muss er nur noch einige Verkäufer finden. So Franky lines up four potential buyers outside the US and they start putting orders in. And soon he's really moving this money, a million dollars at a time. Dude is just slanging these fake bills. And so a few years pass and Frank is still selling fake money.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
He Made $250M in Counterfeit Money and Got Away with It - The Frank Bourassa story
And at this point, of his 250 million dollars, he's allegedly sold about 50 million dollars worth. Which leaves about 200 million he still needs to sell. Und so entscheidet er, dass es Zeit ist, seine Klientel zu erweitern und zu einem neuen Grupp von Verkäufern zu starten. Hier ist das Wichtigste an diesem neuen Grupp von Verkäufern.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
He Made $250M in Counterfeit Money and Got Away with It - The Frank Bourassa story
Dieser neue Grupp wurde tatsächlich von einem Unterkopf-Agenten infiltriert. Und so wird Frank eines Tages draußen fahren und er wird einen Mittelmann treffen, der 100.000 Dollar in Counterfeit Cash erhält. Aber was Frank nicht erkennt, ist, dass ein Polizeihelikopter weit in den Himmel fliegt, ihn folgt, ihn überprüft, hofft er zu sehen, wem er dieses Geld auslöst.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
He Made $250M in Counterfeit Money and Got Away with It - The Frank Bourassa story
Und bald danach, Frank, er bleibt an seiner Freundin zu Hause eine Nacht und ist schlau. Und dann, um 5 Uhr, hören sie ein Bängeln auf der vorderen Tür. Und er antwortet, und es ist die Royal Canadian Mounted Police und ein paar US-Sechret-Service-Offiziere. Und BAM! Sie arrestieren Frank. Sie suchen das Haus und sein Auto. Sie finden eine Prüfungspresse und 949.000 Dollar des falschen Geldes.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
He Made $250M in Counterfeit Money and Got Away with It - The Frank Bourassa story
Sie schlagen Frank in den Gefängnis und er wartet dort für sein Trial. Frank ist in Kanada. So he's sitting there in jail thinking, ah, they're gonna be chill about this. Canadian laws are no big deal. I'm not gonna be in jail for very long. But the U.S. Secret Service makes sure to let him know that in the U.S. this actually is a big deal.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
He Made $250M in Counterfeit Money and Got Away with It - The Frank Bourassa story
And that they wanna extradite him there, where he'll be facing up to 60 years in prison. And Frank is like, oh sh**. Frank hat tatsächlich einen Lehrer. Einen wirklich guten Lehrer. Und dieser Lehrer argumentiert dem Gericht, dass, als der Polizeihelikopter ihn zu den Buyer's Houses folgte, und sie ihn beobachteten, sie Frank nicht wirklich auf Kamera bekamen,
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
He Made $250M in Counterfeit Money and Got Away with It - The Frank Bourassa story
carrying the counterfeit money and handing it to the buyer. Which, he's right. They didn't get him on camera doing that. And therefore, because they didn't get Frank on camera committing the crime, the search warrant they used to search his girlfriend's house was unlawful. That's what the lawyer is arguing. And the court ...actually agrees. And then they suspend Frank's extradition to the US.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
He Made $250M in Counterfeit Money and Got Away with It - The Frank Bourassa story
And about six weeks later, they let him out of jail, while Canadian police try and gather more evidence against him. Once they inevitably get that evidence, Frank is going to be going to prison for a long time. UNTIL Franks Court Date eventually comes. And while he's walking into court, he's like nervous as shit.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
He Made $250M in Counterfeit Money and Got Away with It - The Frank Bourassa story
And he didn't get extradited to the US, but Canadian prosecutors are still gonna try and put him in prison. And so he turns to his lawyer and he's like, you know, there's still 200 million fake dollars out there that I still have hidden that police never found. And they decide, hey, let's use that as leverage.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
He Made $250M in Counterfeit Money and Got Away with It - The Frank Bourassa story
Und dann wird Frank ihnen zeigen, wo das Geld ist, wenn sie ihm eine leichtere Satzung geben. Weil die Regierung will nur darauf achten, dass dieses Fake-Money nie auf die Straßen kommt. Das ist sehr wichtig für sie. Sie können 200 Millionen Dollar in Fake-Money haben, die in Theorie den Wert des echten Geldes bringen können. Allerlei Sachen.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
He Made $250M in Counterfeit Money and Got Away with It - The Frank Bourassa story
So after some negotiating, Frank and his lawyer finally reach an agreement with prosecution. In exchange for him telling them where the 200 million in counterfeit money is, they will let him go free. And so Frank leads the police directly to where he had been secretly keeping that fake 200 million, which was in, and I'm not making this up, the back of a box truck parked in a hotel parking lot.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
He Made $250M in Counterfeit Money and Got Away with It - The Frank Bourassa story
Frank lebt in Québec, wo er eine kleine Fabrik besitzt, die Brakepads herstellt. Und der Junge ist einfach müde vom Arbeiten. Eines Tages verkauft er sein Brakepad-Business und sagt, f*** das, es muss ein einfacherer Weg sein, Geld zu verdienen. Und dann entscheidet er, Why don't I just make money myself? Like literally, just make the money and print it myself.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
He Made $250M in Counterfeit Money and Got Away with It - The Frank Bourassa story
And so police, they seize the money and they release Frank and he goes free. So, after all that, after printing 250 million dollars in counterfeit bills, he only spent a total of six weeks in jail. Shout out to Quebec.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
He Made $250M in Counterfeit Money and Got Away with It - The Frank Bourassa story
And so Frank, he starts reading up on how to print money. And he chooses the US dollar because it's a good exchange rate and it's used in a lot of countries. And he spends the next year and a half studying and learning everything he can about the dollar. Und er geht auf Regierungswebsiten, um herauszufinden, welches Papier er veröffentlicht hat und was die spezifischen Sicherheitsmessungen sind.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
He Made $250M in Counterfeit Money and Got Away with It - The Frank Bourassa story
Und dann, mit einer falschen E-Mail-Adresse, kommt er zu ein paar Papier-Millen in Europa. Weil du einen bestimmten Papier benötigst, um Geld zu veröffentlichen. Und dann findet er endlich eine Papier-Mille in Deutschland, die es hat. Und er gibt ihnen eine verdammte Geschichte und sie akzeptieren, ihm das Papier zu bieten.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
He Made $250M in Counterfeit Money and Got Away with It - The Frank Bourassa story
Und sobald diese Befehle endlich veröffentlicht werden, wird es das Äquivalent von 250 Millionen Dollar sein. Aber Frank, er planiert nicht, dieses Fake-Money zu spenden. Nein, nein, das wäre zu riskant. Stattdessen wird er die Karten an andere Leute verkaufen, bei 30% ihrer Face-Value. Was bedeutet, wenn alles fertig ist, wird er 80 Millionen Dollar von diesem Verbrechen verdienen.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
He Used Billboards to Solve His Daughter's Murder - The Story of Roger Kemp
So one day, this woman, her name's Allie, she's 19. Allie is at work. She's working her summer job. She works at the neighborhood public pool. And she's in the back finishing up her shift when this guy shows up, Benjamin. He's a local creep. And Benjamin, he works in pool maintenance and he's looking for a gig to make some extra money. But when he sees Allie, he decides he's gonna shoot his shot.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
He Used Billboards to Solve His Daughter's Murder - The Story of Roger Kemp
And that woman is able to give police a description of him, which helps them create a police sketch of the guy. But even as police show this sketch to people and send it out to people in the area via email, they still aren't reaching anyone who can identify who this creep really is.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
He Used Billboards to Solve His Daughter's Murder - The Story of Roger Kemp
And then about a year goes by and dad, he's starting to lose his patience and he decides he needs to do more to solve this case because he believes if he can just get the word out there and people can see this police sketch that then maybe they'll be able to find whoever it is that unalived Allie. So he starts working every day to find this killer.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
He Used Billboards to Solve His Daughter's Murder - The Story of Roger Kemp
He contacts the producers for the TV show America's Most Wanted, who had already run a segment on Ali's murder, and he asks them to run it again. Because, you know, maybe it'll reach more people. And they do run it again. He offers a reward for anyone who can help find the killer for $25,000, which prompts the city to match that reward, getting it up to $50,000.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
He Used Billboards to Solve His Daughter's Murder - The Story of Roger Kemp
But even after all this, dad knows this still isn't enough. Then one day he's driving along the highway and he looks up and he sees an empty billboard. And that is when he gets an idea. What if he puts the police sketch of the killer on a billboard? Because usually in these cases they would put the victim's picture on it. But dad wants as many people as possible to see the killer's face.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
He Used Billboards to Solve His Daughter's Murder - The Story of Roger Kemp
So he gets on the phone and he starts asking around to billboard leasing companies for their prices. And he hits up this one company, Lamar. You've probably seen their billboards. And the people at Lamar, they hear this story and they hear what he's trying to do. And while they're not sure if it'll work, they admire dad's passion and they donate space on three billboards for free of charge.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
He Used Billboards to Solve His Daughter's Murder - The Story of Roger Kemp
So that's nice. And they strategically placed this ad of the police sketch and information about the killer's truck along busy sections of the highway so that every day about 150,000 people drive past it. And immediately after they put these up, the tips start pouring in. And then another year goes by and there's still no real leads.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
He Used Billboards to Solve His Daughter's Murder - The Story of Roger Kemp
So Benjamin goes over and he tries his best. But Ally is just not interested. But Benjamin, he won't let it go. And so he reaches out his hand to touch her. But Ally, she pulls away. And this pisses Benjamin off. And suddenly, pow, he punches her. And he starts hitting her. And then he strangles her until she ultimately passes out. And when she's passed out, he tries to SA her.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
He Used Billboards to Solve His Daughter's Murder - The Story of Roger Kemp
But then one day, suddenly, bam, someone calls the hotline and they're like, hey, I think I know that guy in the sketch. His name's Ted Hoover. And so police investigate and they find that this Ted Hoover, he lives many states away in Connecticut and that Ted Hoover isn't actually the guy's real name. His real name is Benjamin.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
He Used Billboards to Solve His Daughter's Murder - The Story of Roger Kemp
And so police, they bring Benjamin in and they question him, but they don't really have any legitimate evidence against him other than he happens to look like the guy in the sketch. So they lie to him and they tell him that they actually have a ton of evidence against him.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
He Used Billboards to Solve His Daughter's Murder - The Story of Roger Kemp
And they bring him into a room where they have photos of Allie all over the wall and like stacks of thick binders to make it look like they have all this dirt linking him to the crime. And this works because Benjamin panics and he confesses everything that he wanted to be with Allie and that she wouldn't. So he beat her up and he unalived her. And so, pow, police arrest him. Here's his mugshot.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
He Used Billboards to Solve His Daughter's Murder - The Story of Roger Kemp
And he goes to trial, and he's found guilty of first-degree murder, and he's sentenced to life. While dad, because of his work on helping solve this case, he's awarded the Presidential Citizens Medal by Barack Obama in 2011. And when he passed away in 2022 at 77 years old, Lamar, the billboard company, they put up a billboard to honor him. So, shout out to dad.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
He Used Billboards to Solve His Daughter's Murder - The Story of Roger Kemp
Then he throws a tarp over her to hide her passed out body and he flees. And while he's walking out, a woman notices him leaving. So he pretends like nothing is wrong and he waves at her as he makes his exit. Sometime later, this guy shows up to the pool, Ali's brother, and he's supposed to meet up with her after work. But as you can imagine, he can't find her anywhere.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
He Used Billboards to Solve His Daughter's Murder - The Story of Roger Kemp
And he thinks that's weird. And he has a bad feeling. So he calls their dad, who we'll just call dad. And he asks him to come help. And so dad shows up to the pool and there he finds Allie in the maintenance room underneath the tarp. And she's beat up real bad, but she's alive. And they rush her to the hospital where she unfortunately doesn't make it.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
He Used Billboards to Solve His Daughter's Murder - The Story of Roger Kemp
And dad and the rest of the family, they are understandably devastated. And so police, they start investigating. And they're trying to figure out who would do such a thing to Ally. She doesn't have any enemies. And so far, they have no leads. It looks like the killer was just some random total stranger. In fact, the only lead they have is when Benjamin waved to that woman on his way out.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
Police Tried To Destroy Him - The Thomas Perez Jr. story
True Crime ist ja schön und gut, aber weißt du, was das wirklich wahre Verbrechen ist? Dass du noch nicht bei der Deutschen Flugsicherung bist. Mit deinem dualen Studium oder deiner Ausbildung zur Fluglotsin oder zum Fluglotsen. Hier übernimmst du Verantwortung und erhältst ab Tag 1 ein tolles Gehalt. Du sprichst super Englisch, bist jung, aufmerksam und hast Abitur?
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
Police Tried To Destroy Him - The Thomas Perez Jr. story
Aber weil er seit einiger Zeit bei der Polizei war, hat er es nicht bekommen. Also beugt er sie, ihm einige Medikamente zu geben. Aber... Sie ignorieren seine Anforderungen. Dann beginnt ein Officer zu suggerieren, dass es vielleicht die Medikation war, die Thomas verursachte, um seinen Vater zu verletzen. Und sie drücken ihn immer weiter, um ihnen zu zeigen, wo sein Körper ist.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
Police Tried To Destroy Him - The Thomas Perez Jr. story
Und an einem Punkt bringen sie ihn sogar in ein Patrouillenwagen und fahren ihn um, um ihm zu zeigen, wo sein Vater sein Körper ist. And this whole time, while they're driving him around, Thomas keeps telling them he didn't unalive anyone and he's pleading with them to take him to the hospital because he feels sick and he needs his meds.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
Police Tried To Destroy Him - The Thomas Perez Jr. story
But still, police just ignore his pleas and they take him back to the station. And poor Thomas, he's confused and his medication withdrawal is hitting and he's starting to have a very obvious mental breakdown. But even still, officers just don't believe him. And that is when they decide to bring his dog in.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
Police Tried To Destroy Him - The Thomas Perez Jr. story
Und sie sagen ihm, schau dir dein Hund an, siehst du, wie traumatisiert sie ist, weil sie dich unbewusst dein eigener Vater gesehen hat? Und sie sagen ihm, dass der Hund so mental verdammt ist von dem, was er getan hat, dass sie ihn euthanieren müssen. Und das macht Thomas noch schlimmer. Aber trotzdem, er behält, dass er nichts damit zu tun hatte, dass sein Vater weggegangen ist.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
Police Tried To Destroy Him - The Thomas Perez Jr. story
Und nach 17 Stunden Interrogation, kann die Polizei ihm nur eine Verschuldung geben. Aber sie geben nicht auf. Sie entscheiden sich um Taktiken zu ändern und lügen. Und sie erzählen Thomas, dass sie gerade seinen Vaters Körper gefunden haben und dass es alles in Stabschmerzen versteckt ist.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
Police Tried To Destroy Him - The Thomas Perez Jr. story
Und sie erzählen ihm, dass er einfach nicht erinnert ist, dass sein Vater nicht lebendig war, weil die Medikamente, die er nimmt, ihn vergessen haben, dass er es gemacht hat. Und an diesem Punkt ist Thomas so mental verdorben und er ist einfach entspannt. Und endlich schaut er nach ihnen und sagt Ja. Und er verurteilt seinen Vater.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
Police Tried To Destroy Him - The Thomas Perez Jr. story
Und die Offiziere sind so süß, weil sie gerade ihren Mann bekommen haben. Und sie gehen aus dem Raum. Sie sind fertig. Aber Thomas ist nicht fertig. Er ist da und er nimmt seine Schuhhose aus seiner Schuhe. Und er zieht sie in einen Schlitzknoten. Und er verbindet sie mit dem Tisch. Und er setzt seinen Kopf in den Loop. Und er versucht, sich zu verletzen.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
Police Tried To Destroy Him - The Thomas Perez Jr. story
Aber glücklich für ihn ist, dass die Schuhhose bricht, bevor ihm etwas Schlimmes passiert. Aber die Polizei hört die Verbrechung. Und sie rutschen rein. Und sie sehen, was passiert. Und endlich sagen sie, okay, wir werden dich einfach in den Psychiatriehospital senden. Und dort, im Hospital, locken sie Thomas in eine Psych-Ware.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
Police Tried To Destroy Him - The Thomas Perez Jr. story
So one night, this guy, his name's Thomas. And Thomas is chilling at home with his dad. And dad, he decides to take the dog out for a walk and go get their mail. Like, I'll be back soon, son. A few minutes later, Thomas notices, the dog is back in the house. But dad isn't with him. Thomas fragt sich dann, wie er da hingegangen ist.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
Police Tried To Destroy Him - The Thomas Perez Jr. story
Ich meine, Gott, das ist wirklich der schlimmste Tag seines Lebens gewesen. UNTIL... An diesem Punkt sind es 30 Stunden hervorgegangen, seit Thomas originalerweise anruft, um seinen Vater verletzt zu haben. Und dann kommt plötzlich BAM! Die Polizei bekommt einen Telefonanruf. Und es ist Thomas' Schwester. Und sie sagt, äh, wir haben den Vater tatsächlich lebendig gefunden.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
Police Tried To Destroy Him - The Thomas Perez Jr. story
Es scheint, er war nie verletzt. Und das ist alles nur eine große Misskommunikation. Also, hier ist, was wirklich mit dem Vater passiert ist. Als Dad die Nacht nach Hause ging, um den Hund zu besuchen und den Mail zu bekommen, ging er auch nach Hause, um seine Freundin zu besuchen. Und er hatte sein Telefon nicht mit ihm.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
Police Tried To Destroy Him - The Thomas Perez Jr. story
Danach fuhr er später zum Flughafen nach Nordkalifornien, um seine Tochter zu besuchen. Ich glaube, er hat einfach niemandem gesagt. Also war er das ganze Zeit wach. Er hat einfach sein Telefon vergessen. Und ich habe keine Ahnung, was die sogenannte Blutstange auf den Stiefeln war. Aber der Punkt ist, Thomas hat seinen Vater nicht verletzt. Hier ist das verdammte Ding.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
Police Tried To Destroy Him - The Thomas Perez Jr. story
Nachdem die Polizei Thomas' Schwester anruft, gehen sie nicht sofort Thomas aus der Psych-Ware. Sie lassen ihn dort drei Tage mehr. Und während dieser drei Tage ist der arme Kerl immer noch überzeugt, dass sein Vater und sein Hund tot sind. Anyway, eventually they let him out and he finds out his dad is okay and he gets his dog out of the pound and he sues the f*** out of the police department.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
Police Tried To Destroy Him - The Thomas Perez Jr. story
And ultimately he gets a settlement of around $900,000. Good for him.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
Police Tried To Destroy Him - The Thomas Perez Jr. story
Dann ist ein Tag vorbei und der Vater ist noch nicht zurückgekommen. Thomas hat nicht von ihm gehört. Er wird also überrascht. Er ruft die Polizei an und er lässt sie wissen, dass sein Vater weg ist. Dann fahren die Arbeiter nach Thomas' Haus und sprechen ein wenig mit ihm darüber. Und dann beginnen sie, sich zu überraschen. ... von Thomas. Also bringen sie ihn rein und fragen ihn.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
Police Tried To Destroy Him - The Thomas Perez Jr. story
Und während er da ist, werden die Polizisten nach seinem Haus gesucht. Und dort, in seinem Haus, finden die Polizisten einen möglichen Blutstrahl auf den Stühlen. Außerdem signaliert der Polizist, dass es vielleicht menschliche Bleibende irgendwo in seinem Haus gibt. Währenddessen erzählen sie Thomas über die Beweise, die sie in seinem Haus gefunden haben.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
Police Tried To Destroy Him - The Thomas Perez Jr. story
Und sie fangen an, ihn zu verurteilen und zu sagen, dass er seinen Vater verletzt hat. Und Thomas ist so, aber ich habe niemanden verletzt. Aber die Polizei glaubt ihm nicht. Und sie fortsetzen, ihn die ganze Nacht zu interrogieren. Hier ist das Wichtigste an Thomas. Er hat einiges mentales. Und er nimmt normalerweise Medikamente für Angst und Depressionen.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
The Secret Gay Preacher - The Ted Haggard story
True Crime ist ja schön und gut, aber weißt du, was das wirklich wahre Verbrechen ist? Dass du noch nicht bei der Deutschen Flugsicherung bist. Mit deinem dualen Studium oder deiner Ausbildung zur Fluglotsin oder zum Fluglotsen. Hier übernimmst du Verantwortung und erhältst ab Tag 1 ein tolles Gehalt. Du sprichst super Englisch, bist jung, aufmerksam und hast Abitur?
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
The Secret Gay Preacher - The Ted Haggard story
Now, at this point, Ted could just confess to his wife or change his view on homosexuality. But that's not what Ted's gonna do. Because he really wants to smash with men. So instead he starts secretly hiring Mike Jones once a month for his escort services. While Mike Jones has no idea that Ted's the leader of a well-known anti-gay megachurch.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
The Secret Gay Preacher - The Ted Haggard story
And three years go by and Ted and Mike Jones are still meeting up at Mike's house once a month and secretly hooking up. But then, one morning, Mike's just lying around, he's watching the History Channel, and there's a show on where they're interviewing people about the Antichrist. And Ted appears on screen for a minute as a religious expert.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
The Secret Gay Preacher - The Ted Haggard story
And Mike sees him and he's like, oh hey, that's the guy I smash with every month. Und dann, am nächsten Morgen, geht Mike Jones zum Gym. Und er arbeitet. Und ich glaube, eine der TVs da ist auf einem christlichen TV-Kanal gesetzt. Und da, auf dem Bildschirm, sieht er Ted wieder. Er spricht zu einer ganzen Megachurch. Und Mike sieht es und er ist so, wer ist dieser Kerl?
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
The Secret Gay Preacher - The Ted Haggard story
So he gets curious and he goes home and he starts looking Ted up. And he sees not only how powerful and influential of a man Ted is, but he also starts reading about some of Ted's anti-LGBTQ stances on things. And he sees how openly opposed to same-sex marriage Ted is. And this pisses Mike Jones right off. Because, you know, those are his people.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
The Secret Gay Preacher - The Ted Haggard story
So he comes up with a plan to do something about it. And for the next few months, Mike just waits. And he starts collecting evidence against Ted. Like voicemails and proof of payments that Ted had sent him. Stuff like that. Und dann, ein Tag, wenn die Zeit richtig ist, geht er auf ein lokales Radio-Show und bam, er verurteilt alles. Und er expositiert den Scheiß aus Ted.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
The Secret Gay Preacher - The Ted Haggard story
Er spricht über die Meetups und den Intercourse. Er spricht über die Methode, die Ted machen würde. Weil Ted appelliert, dass Ted Methode machen würde, als er mit Mike verbunden war. Und diese Geschichte ist so skandalös, dass es die News schießt und es wie Wildfire fängt. Jeder spricht darüber. Und armer Ted, die Karriere, die er für sich gebaut hat, fängt an zu schmerzen.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
The Secret Gay Preacher - The Ted Haggard story
Also macht er das Einzige, was er weiß, wie er es tut. Er negiert es. Und er gibt ein paar Statements an die Presse, wie, Gay what? Mike who? Und die lokalen Kirchenleute und seine Follower, sie glauben ihm alle und sie unterstützen ihn immer noch. Aber ziemlich schnell geht Mike Jones zurück auf die Radio. Und er beginnt, all das Beweis, das er gegen Ted gekauft hat, zu drücken.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
The Secret Gay Preacher - The Ted Haggard story
Insbesondere die Texte, die Ted ihm verlassen hat. So then Ted has no choice but to publicly admit that yeah, I did buy some meth. But he says he didn't do any of the gay stuff.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
The Secret Gay Preacher - The Ted Haggard story
So one day, this guy, his name's Ted, Ted decides he really wants to smash. With men. So Ted gets on the internet and he comes across a website where you can rent the services of a male escort. And he sees an ad for this beefcake. His name is Mike Jones. So Ted, he goes to a payphone, he hits up Mike Jones and they agree to meet.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
The Secret Gay Preacher - The Ted Haggard story
So he says he bought meth.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
The Secret Gay Preacher - The Ted Haggard story
But he says that he didn't use it. Sure, Ted. But anyway, soon enough, he's under a lot of pressure. And Ted ends up stepping down as the preacher of the church he founded. And he resigns from the National Evangelicals Association. And he ultimately concedes and he admits that he has gay urges. I'm not kidding. But Ted's wife and his family, they still stand behind him.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
The Secret Gay Preacher - The Ted Haggard story
Und nach viel Druck werden sie alle von Colorado nach Phoenix geflüchtet. Und dort wird Ted in ein Rettungsprogramm involviert, das ihn von seiner Gayheit heilen soll. Okay. Und dann, vier Jahre nach dem ersten Scheitern, findet Ted eine neue Kirche, die St. James heißt. Und er sagt im Grunde, er ist jetzt recht. aber dass seine Kirche jetzt gay und bisexuelle Menschen ermöglicht.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
The Secret Gay Preacher - The Ted Haggard story
Also, das ist schön. Und es scheint, dass er jetzt seine Lektion gelernt hat und dass er ein verändertes Mann ist. UNTIL... Eines Tages, plötzlich, BAM, kommen neue Angelegenheiten über Ted heraus. Einige junge Männer aus seiner St. James-Kirche kommen voran und beurteilen ihn, junge männliche Mitglieder unabhängig zu beurteilen.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
The Secret Gay Preacher - The Ted Haggard story
Und sie sagen, dass er sogar eines der Jugendlichen fragt, um ihm etwas Meth zu geben. Und als mehr junge Männer mit Angelegenheiten voran kommen, fangen die Leute an, St. James Kirche zu verlassen. Und so endet Ted das Gebäude zu verkaufen und er schützt die Kirche. Und ich wünschte, ich könnte sagen, dass das der Ende für Ted war.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
The Secret Gay Preacher - The Ted Haggard story
Aber seitdem hat er eine neue Kirche gegründet, die er in seinem eigenen Haus literally gestartet hat. Und er hat bereits einige Follower und er hat diese Kirche geöffnet, um eine Raum für Kinder- und Jugendministerie zu inkludieren. Yikes.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
The Secret Gay Preacher - The Ted Haggard story
And soon enough, Ted is on his way to Mike's place and they end up smashing. And when it's over, he pays Mike $200. Sounds like a good deal. Here's the problem with all that. Ted isn't just some regular guy. Ted is actually married. To a woman. A woman who doesn't know he's out hooking up with male escorts. Ted is also a well-known Christian pastor of a megachurch.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
The Secret Gay Preacher - The Ted Haggard story
He's also president of the National Evangelicals Association and Time Magazine profiled him as one of the most influential religious leaders in America. He even talks regularly with President George W. Bush. So he's a very influential guy. Not to mention, Ted is also known to preach plenty of anti-gay rhetoric.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
They Caught His Kidnapper - The Jacob Wetterling story
So one night in a small town in Minnesota, three boys are out riding their bikes. They're riding home from the video store. And they're almost home when suddenly, bam, a masked man steps out into the road in front of them. And he's got a pew-pew pointed right at them. And he orders them to throw their bikes down and lay down in this ditch. And the boys, they're scared. So they do.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
They Caught His Kidnapper - The Jacob Wetterling story
So they bring in a sketch artist and 12 tells her everything he can remember about that night and they come up with this police sketch of the perpetrator. And they're thinking maybe this perpetrator and the masked man are the same guy. So they sort of have a lead on this, but they're still not really any closer to solving this murder. And unfortunately, over time, the case just goes cold.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
They Caught His Kidnapper - The Jacob Wetterling story
Until 21 years later, this story has caught the interest of this woman, who we'll call Curious Joy. And Curious Joy is a blogger, and she's sort of an amateur investigative journalist, and she decides to dig deeper into this story.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
They Caught His Kidnapper - The Jacob Wetterling story
And she researches everything she can about it, and she drives by the exact spot where Eleven was kidnapped, and she retraces his steps, she starts blogging about all of it, she personally interviews two persons of interest, but then... Joy discovers an article from 1987, which was two years before Eleven was kidnapped.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
They Caught His Kidnapper - The Jacob Wetterling story
And this article talks about a string of essays and attempted essays in a nearby town, all involving young boys. So she brings this information to Twelve, who is an adult now. And Curious Joy's like, do you think that this is the same guy that was involved in your assault? And Twelve's like, probably yeah. So they then take this info to Eleven's parents,
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
They Caught His Kidnapper - The Jacob Wetterling story
Now Eleven's parents, even after all these years, they still want answers. Like what happened to Eleven? So they go to police and they start demanding that they reopen the case and they are relentless about it. Meanwhile, Twelve and Curious Joy, they're tracking down leads left and right and they're trying to learn more about how all these essays might be connected.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
They Caught His Kidnapper - The Jacob Wetterling story
Now, one of the boys, we'll call him 11 because he's 11. And so the masked man, he grabs Eleven and then he sends the other two boys running into the woods and he tells them, if you look back, I'll shoot you. Then this masked man, he handcuffs Eleven and he puts him in the front seat of his car and he drives him about 23 miles away near a gravel pit.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
They Caught His Kidnapper - The Jacob Wetterling story
And they start calling the police three times a week, sometimes three times a day, trying to get them to re-examine Eleven's case. But allegedly, police are telling them that they're wrong, that none of these essays are connected at all. But Joy and Twelve, they know they're right.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
They Caught His Kidnapper - The Jacob Wetterling story
And eventually, Curious Joy and 12, they get featured on an episode of this unsolved crime show on CNN called The Hunt. And when it finally airs and the FBI sees the episode and all the attention it's getting, they're like, okay, we gotta do something about this. So they request a cold case review of 11's case.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
They Caught His Kidnapper - The Jacob Wetterling story
And they notice there are a handful of suspects from back in the day that were never fully cleared. Particularly, there's this one suspect, Danny. And Danny, he's actually not only a suspect in 11's case, but in 12's case and in the string of essays in the nearby town. But back in the day, there just wasn't enough evidence to indict him. So he was let go.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
They Caught His Kidnapper - The Jacob Wetterling story
But now we have better technology, specifically DNA technology. So the FBI, they go and they analyze all the old evidence and they put it up against DNA collected from the uncleared suspects. And of course they find a match, Danny. So then kapow, they get a search warrant and they raid Danny's house and they find a bunch of CP. And then bam, they arrest him. Here's his mugshot.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
They Caught His Kidnapper - The Jacob Wetterling story
And he spends about a year in custody and after that he takes a plea deal and he admits to the crimes against both 11 and 12 and he tells police exactly where to find 11's buried body. And he ultimately gets sentenced to 20 years in prison. Good. Shout out to Minnesota.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
They Caught His Kidnapper - The Jacob Wetterling story
And then he does horrible things to him, things that I won't go into detail about. And then he gets his pew-pew and he shoots Eleven. unaliving him. Then he goes and he randomly finds a skid steer loader, a bobcat, at a nearby construction site and he digs a hole and he buries Eleven there. Meanwhile, the other two boys, they've run all the way back to the house and they get someone to call 911.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
They Caught His Kidnapper - The Jacob Wetterling story
Six minutes later, the sheriff's department is on the scene and they're looking for Eleven But fortunately, there's no sign of him anywhere. So then bam, the FBI gets involved and there's this huge manhunt with a police helicopter and it's a big deal in this small town. And while all of this is going on, Eleven's family hears about this other unsolved case from nine months before.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
They Caught His Kidnapper - The Jacob Wetterling story
In a nearby town, this other kid, he's 12, so we'll call him 12, he was also abducted and essayed by some weird guy. But then he was actually let go and 12 told the police that the man had instructed him to run into the woods and he said, if you look back, I'll shoot you. Sounds familiar.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
The Real Alpha Dog - The Story of Jesse James Hollywood
Du liegst in der Badewanne und hörst deinen Podcast. Doch hui, das Plätschern des Wassers wird zum Meeresrauschen und plötzlich fliegst du in den Süden. Ägypten, Kanaren, Griechenland, Türkei, Karibik. Der warme Sand zwischen den Zähnen, ein kühles Getränk in der Hand und die Sonne auf der Haut. Nicht träumen, Alturs buchen. Alles drin, alles gut, alles für dich. Alturs, alles aber günstig.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
The Real Alpha Dog - The Story of Jesse James Hollywood
Und da sind ein paar andere Leute da. Und bis zu diesem Punkt fühlt sich Nick nicht wirklich verabschiedet. In Wahrheit, er hat einen tollen Zeitraum. Er trinkt, er trifft Leute, er hangt mit älteren, cooleren Kindern. Er macht sogar Freunde mit dieser Mädchen, die immer herumhängt. Und er bekommt, weißt du, ein bisschen Freude auf sie.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
The Real Alpha Dog - The Story of Jesse James Hollywood
So for Nick, this kidnapping thing turned into something kind of fun. Until... At some point during all this, Hollywood finally comes to a realization. Oh shit, he actually kidnapped someone. That is a huge deal. What happens if he gets caught? So he panics. Und er geht und trifft einen Familienfreund, der auch ein Gericht ist. Und er wird etwas legales Hinweis bekommen.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
The Real Alpha Dog - The Story of Jesse James Hollywood
Und dieser Gericht sagt ihm direkt, Bruder, du bist verdammt. Wenn du getroffen wirst, wird jeder, der Nick verabschiedet hat, wahrscheinlich Leben im Gefängnis bekommen. Also sagt Hollywood einfach, sag weniger, ich werde das betrachten. Und so trifft er diesen anderen Jungen, Ryan Hoyt. Und Ryan Hoyt, er verdient Hollywood auch ein bisschen Geld.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
The Real Alpha Dog - The Story of Jesse James Hollywood
Und Hollywood ist so, guck, wenn du diesen Nick-Kid für mich unerwachsen machst, dann ist deine Schuld klar. Und Ryan Hoyt ist so, okay. Und dann handelt Hollywood ihm einen Duffel-Bag mit einem automatischen Piu-Piu in es. In der Zwischenzeit ist Nick immer noch mit der Gang zurück. Partying. Denken. Oh, sie behandeln mich gut. Sie werden mich wahrscheinlich bald lösen.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
The Real Alpha Dog - The Story of Jesse James Hollywood
Aber natürlich, das ist nicht, was sie tun. Stattdessen nehmen sie ihn in die Santa-Barbara-Mountain, weil sie ihn unerwachsen machen werden. Also bringen sie ihn da hoch und fressen ihn mit Ducktape, damit er resistieren kann. Und es gibt eine scharfe Grave da, die einige der Jungs für ihn gelegt haben. Und als Nick dort steht, erschrocken aus seinem Geist, plötzlich...
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
The Real Alpha Dog - The Story of Jesse James Hollywood
Ryan Hoyt schießt ihn über die Rückseite mit einer Schaufel. Und während Nick runter ist, schießt Ryan seinen Piu-Piu raus. Und mit einem Schlag des Triggers gehen neun Schüsse weg. Und dann fällt Nick in den Graben, unerwachsen. Und dann berühren die Jungs ihn und fliehen auf die Szene. Hier ist das Wichtigste an diesem Graben. Es ist schlau. Zu schlau. Und es verkleidet den Körper nicht so gut.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
The Real Alpha Dog - The Story of Jesse James Hollywood
Und dieser Spot in den Bergen, den sie entschieden haben, ist nahe einer populären Hikingstraße. Also, in ein paar Tagen sind random Pedestrieren einfach vorbeigekommen und sie spotten Nicks Körper und sie berichten es. Ein paar Tage später, wird die Geschichte von Nicks Körper auf dem Santa-Barbara-Newspaper gefunden. Und von dort an, fangen die Leads einfach an zu rütteln.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
The Real Alpha Dog - The Story of Jesse James Hollywood
Denn viele Leute hatten Nick gesehen, der an diesen Partys hingegangen war, die die Gang mit ihm besucht hat. Nicht zu erwähnen, die Frau, die er befreundet hatte, auf der er verabschiedet war. Sie hört darüber nach, und sie geht direkt zur Polizei, und sie erzählt ihnen alles, was sie weiß. Und dann, ein paar Stunden später, BAM! Die Polizei arrestiert Ryan Hoyt. Hier ist sein Mugshot.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
The Real Alpha Dog - The Story of Jesse James Hollywood
Jetzt im Reisebüro oder auf alturs.de.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
The Real Alpha Dog - The Story of Jesse James Hollywood
Sie verabschieden auch die anderen Jungs. Hier sind ein paar ihrer Mugshots. Aber leider ist Hollywood bis jetzt nirgendwo zu finden. Er ist bereits ins Land gefahren. Zuerst nach Kanada, dann bis in Brasilien. Also wird die FBI involviert und sie suchen ihn seit Jahren. Vier Jahre eigentlich. Und schließlich finden sie ihn in einem komplett neuen Leben in Brasilien. Und BAM!
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
The Real Alpha Dog - The Story of Jesse James Hollywood
So there's this guy, everyone calls him Hollywood. He's 19. And Hollywood is about to go to prison for life. So Hollywood, he's kind of a big deal in his neighborhood. In fact, he's the local Zaza dealer. But one day, he needs to collect some money from someone in his crew. This guy, Ben. Ben kostet Hollywood ca. 1.200 Dollar. Und Hollywood denkt sich, oh, ich kriege das Geld.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
The Real Alpha Dog - The Story of Jesse James Hollywood
Sie arrestieren ihn dort. Hier ist sein Mugshot. Und letztendlich bekommt Hollywood das Leben in der Gefängnis ohne Parole. Ryan Hoyt bekommt den Todspenal, obwohl er später zu dem Leben in der Gefängnis zurückgekehrt wurde. Und ein anderer Typ bekommt auch das Leben in der Gefängnis und zwei andere Mitglieder der Gang bekommen leichtere Szenen. Sie sind eigentlich beide jetzt raus.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
The Real Alpha Dog - The Story of Jesse James Hollywood
Also Shoutout zu Alpha Dog, glaube ich.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
The Real Alpha Dog - The Story of Jesse James Hollywood
Also fahren Hollywood und seine Crew nach Bens Haus. Aber Ben, er ist nicht zu Hause. Stattdessen sehen sie Bens jüngeren Halbbruder, diesen Jungen, Nick. Nick ist 15. Und Nick, er ist ein guter Junge, er ist nicht in dieser Gang-Welt oder seinem Bruders Geld involviert. Nichtsdestotrotz will Hollywood Ben wirklich eine Lektion lehren. Also sehen sie Nick, der aufsteht, und BAM!
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
The Real Alpha Dog - The Story of Jesse James Hollywood
Sie springen aus ihrem Van und schlagen ihn ein wenig auf. Und dann schlagen sie ihn in den Hintergrund des Vans und fahren weg. Eigentlich haben sie ihn verabschiedet. Ein paar Stunden später merken Nicks Eltern, dass er weg ist. Und sie schreien und rufen die Polizei. Aber bei diesem Zeitpunkt haben Hollywood und seine Gang ihn bereits 70 Meilen entfernt. Von Los Angeles bis in Santa Barbara.
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The Real Alpha Dog - The Story of Jesse James Hollywood
Die Gang hat Nick und er ist alle verbunden und sie wissen nicht wirklich, was mit ihm zu tun ist. Also geben sie ihm Alkohol und andere Substanzen, um ihn zu entspannen. Und über die nächsten paar Tage in Santa Barbara, nimmt die Gang Nick und sie springen von Get Together zu Get Together. Und letztendlich enden sie an einer Pool-Party, die an ein Motel gestellt wird.
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She's The Worst Hitman Ever - The Aimee Betro story
So this woman is probably the worst hitman I've ever seen and she is about to botch this hit. But this story starts in Birmingham, England with this guy who we'll call father and this other guy who we'll call son because they're father and son. But one day, father and son, they're out at this small clothing store and they get into an argument with these guys, the shop owners.
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She's The Worst Hitman Ever - The Aimee Betro story
And she's all excited about this gig. And she posts about it on her Instagram. To Manchester we go. Can't wait to see my BFF partner in crime. LOL. So then father and son, they meet Amy at her hotel and together they all finalize the plan. Then Amy gets one of the shop owners number and she calls him and she pretends to be interested in buying a Volkswagen he's selling.
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She's The Worst Hitman Ever - The Aimee Betro story
She's like, I'm interested in buying a Volkswagen you're selling. And then they make plans to meet up and this meetup is where she plans to assassinate them. And of course, before she goes on this hit, she posts a picture of herself on Instagram with the devil horns.
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She's The Worst Hitman Ever - The Aimee Betro story
Anyway, the next night, Amy puts on a hijab as a disguise, and then she drives her rental car over to meet one of the shop owners near his home. And so then she gets there, and the shop owner pulls up, and as he's getting out of his car, Amy gets out of her car, leaving the door open. And she's got a pew-pew, and she walks toward him, and she raises her arm, pointing the pew-pew right at his head.
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She's The Worst Hitman Ever - The Aimee Betro story
And shop owner, he sees that she's about to shoot him, and he's like, oh , and right then, she pulls the trigger. Click, click. The pew-pew jams. And so the shop owner, he jumps back into his car and skrrt, he speeds away. But he crashes into Amy's open car door on his way out. And Amy's like, damn it, because now the door on this rental car is all messed up and it won't close.
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She's The Worst Hitman Ever - The Aimee Betro story
And so she just abandons this car. Three hours later, she takes a taxi back to his house to try and assassinate him again. And during this time, she's sending him threatening text messages, trying to lure him out of his house. She's like, where are you hiding? Stop playing hide and seek. You're lucky the pew-pew jammed.
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She's The Worst Hitman Ever - The Aimee Betro story
And eventually, she just gets the pew-pew out and she just randomly shoots three times into the house. And luckily, no one was hit. Like I said, worst hit man ever. But two days later, Amy flies back to Wisconsin. And while on the flight, she posts on her Instagram again. I couldn't get a window seat. I think this is the first time ever I don't get to sit by a window. Crying emoji.
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She's The Worst Hitman Ever - The Aimee Betro story
Now, I don't know how this argument starts or what it's about, but it escalates and pretty quickly it gets physical and they all start to fight and it is chaos and things are getting broken and the shop gets all trashed and father and son end up leaving injured. But they aren't gonna let this slide. They vow to get revenge.
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She's The Worst Hitman Ever - The Aimee Betro story
I don't actually know if Amy and Son are romantically involved, but a few days after she flies back to the US, Son flies there too. And while he's in the US, police back in England, they find CCTV footage of him and his dad driving around that area at the time of the hit. And they are able to connect them to the shop owner's assassination attempt. But Sun doesn't know this yet.
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She's The Worst Hitman Ever - The Aimee Betro story
And then a month later, Sun flies back to England and bam, police arrest him. Here's his mugshot. And they eventually arrest father too. Here's his mugshot. And then when Amy hears that Sun got arrested, she knows they're coming after her next and she knows she has to disappear. So she tells her family that she got a job as a radio DJ in Armenia.
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She's The Worst Hitman Ever - The Aimee Betro story
And she flees the country to go live somewhere in Armenia. And she's living there quietly and she's hiding out, but she's still posting on Instagram for some reason. Until five years go by and she still hasn't been caught. And son and father, they go to trial and they're found guilty of conspiracy to murder. But suddenly there's all this interest in the case.
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She's The Worst Hitman Ever - The Aimee Betro story
And so now there's an international manhunt, people looking for Amy. And old Amy, she's still in Armenia. And she learns about this and she's like, oh, not again. And she immediately deletes all her social media accounts. But not before reporters from the Daily Mail of all places, they find her accounts and they sift through all her posts.
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She's The Worst Hitman Ever - The Aimee Betro story
And doing that, they find exactly which direction the windows in her apartment are facing. And they find the pool she frequently swims in. And through that, they actually find her apartment and they're able to get CCTV footage of her running errands, proving that she still lives there. So they tell police and eventually, bam, Armenian police, they go and arrest her.
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She's The Worst Hitman Ever - The Aimee Betro story
And she's extradited back to England. And as of now, she hasn't been to trial yet. The case is actually still ongoing. So we'll see what happens.
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She's The Worst Hitman Ever - The Aimee Betro story
So fast forward to the next year and father and son are still upset about the fight in the clothing store and they decide the only way to truly get revenge on the shop owners is to unalive them. But they don't want to do it themselves. It's too risky. So they hire a hitman. Here's the thing about this hitman though.
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She's The Worst Hitman Ever - The Aimee Betro story
Her name's Amy and she's 40 years old and she lives thousands of miles away from them in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, where she works a normal regular day job selling tickets for the Milwaukee Brewers baseball team. And there is no indication that she's an actual real hitman or that she's ever assassinated anyone before. The only thing we know about her is that she posts on her Instagram a lot.
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She's The Worst Hitman Ever - The Aimee Betro story
So we don't know why father and son chose her as their hit man or how they linked up with her. But regardless, son hires Amy, this regular ass woman from the suburbs, as a contract killer. And Amy agrees to fly to England to do the job. And she buys some pew-pews to ship them over to England because I guess pew-pews are hard to get there. And then she flies over.
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French Serial Killer - The Charles Sobhraj story
So this guy, let's call him murder-ry. And murder-ry, he likes to murder people, I guess. But he doesn't start out that way. He starts out just robbing people. He steals things, he breaks into cars, stuff like that. And one day, he flies over from France to Thailand with his girlfriend. And once he's there, he's got this whole scheme to scam mostly Western tourists.
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French Serial Killer - The Charles Sobhraj story
And from there, he flees by road all the way to India. And once he's in India, Murdery continues his string of crimes. He unalives yet another guy and then he uses the guy's passport to travel to Singapore and then back to India and then Thailand again. And I mean like nobody is safe when it comes to murdery.
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French Serial Killer - The Charles Sobhraj story
Like one time he's just trying to rob someone and he accidentally gives them too much poison so they die. And another time his close friend who had helped him commit some of these murders, I guess they have some kind of falling out and so murdery just gets rid of him and the friend is like never seen again. Ever! Like, I can't even name all the crimes this guy did.
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French Serial Killer - The Charles Sobhraj story
But anyway, one day, Murdery is back in India, and he gets this crazy idea. He's gonna try to rob 60 people at once. A bunch of French engineering students that he had just met in New Delhi. And so he puts drugs in 60 water bottles and he starts handing them out to these students. He's trying to drug them. And a bunch of the students drink it, but the drugs start working too fast.
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French Serial Killer - The Charles Sobhraj story
And by the time Murdery is finishing handing out these water bottles, the first students who drank, they're starting to pass out and fall unconscious. So then some of the other students realize what's happening. And I guess they're able to overpower murdery and they call the police. And the police come and then bam, they arrest him.
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French Serial Killer - The Charles Sobhraj story
And he gets 12 years in prison for poisoning and robbing the engineering students. And they try to convict him for some of the murders he did in the past, but the conviction is ultimately overturned due to lack of evidence. Now, while in prison, Murdery still has a big problem. He's now wanted back in Thailand on suspicion of several of those murders he committed.
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French Serial Killer - The Charles Sobhraj story
So Thailand wants to extradite him as soon as he's out of prison in India. And while he'd be there in Thailand, he would probably get the death penalty. And murdery, he doesn't want the death penalty. So he comes up with a plan to stay in Indian prison much longer. And he goes and he gives prison guards some candy laced with sedatives. And those guards eat it and they pass out.
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French Serial Killer - The Charles Sobhraj story
And like, he befriends them, and then he spikes their food and drinks with sleeping pills or some other pill to make them sick, and then he robs them of their passports and money. So, while he's there in Thailand, Murdery befriends this American woman, a backpacker.
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French Serial Killer - The Charles Sobhraj story
And while they're passed out, he just straight up walks out of the prison. Like that's how he escapes. But then he allows himself to be caught. And because of that, because of this little escape, they sentence him to another 10 years in that Indian prison, which is perfect for him because by the time he'll be released, the 20 year statute of limitations will be up for all his crimes in Thailand.
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French Serial Killer - The Charles Sobhraj story
So he won't be extradited there and he won't get the death penalty. It's pretty slick. So anyway, many years pass and Murdery serves his full term and eventually they let him out. And now he's in his 50s and it seems like he's never going to be convicted for any of those murders he did in the past. Until six years go by and he's out of prison now.
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French Serial Killer - The Charles Sobhraj story
And one day, for some reason, Murdery decides to take a little vacation over to Nepal. Here's the thing about Nepal. Murdery is also wanted there too for unaliving that Canadian guy and that American woman 30 years before, those two that I had mentioned. And Nepal has no statute of limitations on murder.
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French Serial Killer - The Charles Sobhraj story
So while he's there vacationing, bam, Murdery gets arrested and he goes to trial and he gets sentenced to 20 years in prison and 19 years later, he gets out. So the dude is out now. And at some point, he sells the film and book rights to his life story for $15 million. So this guy is a serial killer, and he's now out of prison, and he has $15 million. F**k my life.
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French Serial Killer - The Charles Sobhraj story
And he befriends her, and he drugs her, and he goes to rob her, but I guess he decides that robbing her isn't enough, and he ends up throwing her in the ocean to drown. Oh, but he doesn't stop there. Because soon after, he unalives another tourist, but this time he burns the body and leaves it on the side of the road.
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French Serial Killer - The Charles Sobhraj story
But that tourist's girlfriend, she notices he's missing and she goes to Murdery and she's asking him, I guess, too many questions. And then Murdery drugs her and he drowns her too. Now, at this point, Murdery is living a pretty good life off the money he steals from these unsuspecting backpackers.
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French Serial Killer - The Charles Sobhraj story
But he knows he's got to keep moving before people get suspicious that all these backpackers around him are dying. So Murdery invites this Dutch couple he met in Hong Kong to come visit him in Thailand. And of course, when the couple gets there, murdery drugs them and he strangles them and burns them alive.
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French Serial Killer - The Charles Sobhraj story
Once they're unalived, he takes their passports and he and his girlfriend use them to flee Thailand and head all the way over to Nepal. While in Nepal, Murdery befriends a Canadian guy and an American woman, and he stabs them and he burns them. Now, these two murders in Nepal, they'll become important later. Anyway, once he gets their passports, he and his girlfriend go back to Thailand.
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Evil Dentist Murders His Wife - The Colin Howell story
So this super Christian guy is about to unalive his own wife. And unfortunately, he's gonna get away with it. Now the guy, his name's Colin. And Colin is a very religious dude, he's also a dentist. But one day, at a church activity, he meets this woman. Her name's Hazel. And Colin thinks Hazel is foink, so they hit it off and pretty soon, Colin and Hazel low-key start smashing.
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Evil Dentist Murders His Wife - The Colin Howell story
I mean, it's frowned upon by the church. Instead, they go a different route. And Colin and Hazel come up with a plan. They're gonna unalive each other's spouses so that they can be together and that they can live happily ever after. So they're too religious for divorce, but not too religious for murder. Got it. So anyway, one night, Colin's wife is asleep in the living room, on the couch.
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Evil Dentist Murders His Wife - The Colin Howell story
And this is not surprising since they're having so many problems in their marriage. But Colin, he sneaks into the garage and he's got some kind of hose and he attaches that hose to the exhaust pipe of their car while the car is running. Then he takes the other end of that hose and he sneaks into the living room and he holds it near his wife's face.
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Evil Dentist Murders His Wife - The Colin Howell story
Now obviously he's trying to poison her with carbon monoxide by trying to get her to inhale the fumes from the running car. And she does breathe in these fumes but she doesn't immediately die. Instead, she wakes up and her eyes open and she starts to struggle because she realizes she can't really breathe.
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Evil Dentist Murders His Wife - The Colin Howell story
And Colin, he holds her down and he covers her face with a quilt and he sticks the hose under there and she struggles and she takes her last few breaths until she's unalived. Then, Colin carries her body and he puts it in the trunk of his car and he drives toward Hazel's house. Meanwhile, over at Hazel's house, she is completing her part of the plan.
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Evil Dentist Murders His Wife - The Colin Howell story
And her husband is there at the house with her, this guy, and she low-key slips him some sedatives, and he passes out. He's asleep. Then, Colin arrives, and he does the same thing he did to his wife. He attaches the hose to the exhaust of his car again, and he creeps into the bedroom with that hose, and he puts it near the husband's face so that he'll breathe in the fumes.
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Evil Dentist Murders His Wife - The Colin Howell story
And then husband wakes up and there's a struggle and a fight but husband is just too sedated and he loses the fight and Colin holds him down and puts the hose up to his face and he breathes in too much of the fumes and husband ultimately dies.
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Evil Dentist Murders His Wife - The Colin Howell story
Then Colin moves the body to the car where his wife's body is and he drives the bodies over to another family member's house and he parks the car in the garage and he arranges the husband in the front seat and he puts his wife in the back seat. Then he hooks up a hose to the exhaust pipe and he runs it up to the window.
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Evil Dentist Murders His Wife - The Colin Howell story
Here's the problem with that though. Colin is actually already married and he has a bunch of kids. And here's the other problem with that. Hazel is also married with kids. Regardless, they secretly keep their affair going and they just keep smashing away. And this goes on for a few months, but then they get busted.
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Evil Dentist Murders His Wife - The Colin Howell story
And he makes it look like they were trying to carbon monoxide poison themselves, like it was a double suicide. And he reports it to the police and police eventually find the bodies and they believe the story that it was a double suicide. And I don't really think police do a very good job of investigating this.
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Evil Dentist Murders His Wife - The Colin Howell story
They're just like, yep, two people who didn't really know each other decided to unalive themselves together. That makes sense. Case closed. Anyway, then to make it worse, the medical examiner examines the bodies and they agree and they rule it a double suicide. So Colin and Hazel straight up get away with this crime. And what's even better for them, Colin makes some bank from his wife's death.
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Evil Dentist Murders His Wife - The Colin Howell story
He allegedly receives over 300,000 pounds from her will or about 400,000 US dollars. He also makes money from life insurance policy and some money from his late father-in-law's estate. Dude has got some cash now. So he and Hazel are able to take all this money and live happily ever after as the good Christian family they are.
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Evil Dentist Murders His Wife - The Colin Howell story
But five years later, unfortunately for them, their relationship fizzles out and they end up splitting up. And eventually Colin moves on and he remarries and so does Hazel. And it seems like since they moved on, no one will ever speak of those murders again. Until about 16 years later, Colin's life starts falling apart. First, his 22 year old son suddenly dies in some accident in Russia.
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Evil Dentist Murders His Wife - The Colin Howell story
He like fell down a stairwell, horrible tragedy. And this devastates Colin as you can imagine. Then he falls for some get rich quick scam. Some guy in the Philippines cons him out of his life savings about 350,000 pounds or around 467,000 US dollars. So all that money he made from his wife's death, from the will and the life insurance, he loses it all and he falls deep into debt. Womp womp.
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Evil Dentist Murders His Wife - The Colin Howell story
So now he's broke and one of his kids is dead and he doesn't know what to do. Like he's never felt this low in his life. And keep in mind, he's still a very religious guy. So he sees all this bad luck as some kind of sign that his God is punishing him. Punishing him for all the bad things he's done in his life, specifically.
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Evil Dentist Murders His Wife - The Colin Howell story
specifically punishing him for unaliving his wife and for unaliving Hazel's husband all those years ago. So he starts thinking that it'll help if he... confesses. So he goes and he calls some of the elders of his church to gather at his house and he sits them down and he starts confessing. I guess he thinks this is gonna completely absolve him of his crimes.
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Evil Dentist Murders His Wife - The Colin Howell story
Like the church is just gonna be like, oh it's fine that you've committed murder, we're all good with that, just as long as you tell the truth. No! I mean, they're church elders, but they're also, you know, human beings like anyone else.
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Evil Dentist Murders His Wife - The Colin Howell story
You go around most people talking about how you committed murder over a decade ago, most people are going to be like, uh, I don't want to be involved in this conversation. Whatever you did, bro, just leave me out of it. Anyway, during this gathering, Colin confesses a lot of things to these church elders. He confesses to his new wife that he had multiple affairs during their marriage.
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Evil Dentist Murders His Wife - The Colin Howell story
He confesses that he has a major addiction to pornography. He confesses that he sometimes likes to SA his dental patients while they're passed out in his dental chair, sedated. Wow. And finally, he confesses to unaliving his wife and Hazel's husband over a decade and a half ago. Bro is self snitching like crazy.
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Evil Dentist Murders His Wife - The Colin Howell story
Someone from the church they go to is at a local park and he catches them in the act. And he tells the pastor at their church and pastor tells Colin's wife and this blows their whole affair wide open. And so Colin and Hazel each have to go to their respective spouses and confess that they're having an affair.
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Evil Dentist Murders His Wife - The Colin Howell story
And the church elders, they hear this and they're like, holy , prayers are not gonna fix this one. And they call the police. And so the police come over and Colin confesses and bam, they arrest him. And he ends up snitching on Hazel. So bam, they arrest her too. And she gets sentenced to 18 years in prison while Colin gets a total of 26 years in prison. And here's what he looks like in real life.
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Evil Dentist Murders His Wife - The Colin Howell story
Now, Colin's wife, who we'll just call Colin's wife, she's absolutely devastated by this news, and she can't handle it. And eventually, she tries to unalive herself with sleeping pills. But lucky for her, she's not successful. She survives. However, allegedly, Colin finds her suicide note. And this suicide note gives him an idea of how to solve his problem.
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Evil Dentist Murders His Wife - The Colin Howell story
Because despite all the trauma he's caused his wife, he still really wants to keep smashing with Hazel. Now, he could go and just get a divorce, and Hazel could get a divorce, and then they could just be together like normal people. But they decide they can't do that. Because remember, he is a super religious Christian, and so is she. And because of that, they decide divorce is just not an option.
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The Filipino Cult Leader - The Apollo Quiboloy story
So this guy is a mega church preacher. And he gets a little pervy. And now he's on the run from the FBI. Now the guy's name is Apollo. He's 24, he's from the Philippines, and he's a small-time preacher there. And one day he's preaching in a little chapel when suddenly angels appear to him. And they come and they tell him that he's actually the son of his God.
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The Filipino Cult Leader - The Apollo Quiboloy story
So now he's got followers around the world in many different countries, including the United States. And this is where Apollo really levels up. And with the help of his innermost circle, he traffics his most obedient followers into the US, where they start working and soliciting donations from people full time. So he's making even more money.
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The Filipino Cult Leader - The Apollo Quiboloy story
Oh, and I haven't even gotten to some of the crazy stuff this guy claims. Aside from saying he's the son of some god, he once claimed that he yelled at an earthquake and made it stop. Like, there was an earthquake happening, and he's just like, and it just stopped. And he also says that the public should thank him for stopping that earthquake. Thanks, Apollo.
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The Filipino Cult Leader - The Apollo Quiboloy story
He also claims that he talks to his God directly, not metaphorically, but like conversations directly. He also says that he has visions of his God. He claims that he has been physically taken up into heaven on multiple occasions. I mean, this guy has said and done way too much for me to cover in one video.
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The Filipino Cult Leader - The Apollo Quiboloy story
But anyway, and if that's not crazy enough, here's the part of the story where things start to get creepy. Among his church workers, the ones who are young, attractive women and who excel at getting donations, they get to move up and become what's called pastoral assistants.
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The Filipino Cult Leader - The Apollo Quiboloy story
And of course, the prettiest and most obedient pastoral assistants, they get into Apollo's inner inner circle and they become what are called spiritual wives. And spiritual wives, they get a special privilege. They get the privilege of smashing with Apollo. Yeah, they literally call it night duty.
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The Filipino Cult Leader - The Apollo Quiboloy story
And these pastoral assistants and spiritual wives are anywhere between 25 years old all the way down to 12 years old. While at this point in the story, Apollo is old as sh**. He's 74. And if any of these girls or young women protest their night duty, they're then threatened with eternal damnation.
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The Filipino Cult Leader - The Apollo Quiboloy story
So basically, if they don't smash with him, they're verbally threatened, physically threatened, or he tells them they're going to hell. And to make it worse, these young women depend on the church for their basic needs. Like, they live and work at the church, their entire social life is there, so they're kind of trapped in this.
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The Filipino Cult Leader - The Apollo Quiboloy story
So he starts telling everyone that he is the appointed son of God. Well, I'm sure this will end well for him. So anyway, because of this, he decides to start his own church. And a few years later, after the church is founded, this guy shows up. Rodrigo. And Rodrigo's running for mayor, and he comes to speak to the congregation at the church.
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The Filipino Cult Leader - The Apollo Quiboloy story
So he's basically trafficking these girls, like this is sex trafficking. And this nonsense goes on for years, not just in the Philippines, but in their US locations too. And at this point, Apollo is a powerful man, like his following has grown to over 6 million members worldwide. He claims he has followers in all 200 countries.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
The Filipino Cult Leader - The Apollo Quiboloy story
Plus, with all those donations, he's now wealthier than he's ever been. Dude now owns a private jet and a personal helicopter. He has a church compound that's so massive, it has an indoor arena that seats 75,000 people. To put that in perspective, that's literally the biggest indoor arena in the entire world. And this dude owns it. That's how rich he is.
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The Filipino Cult Leader - The Apollo Quiboloy story
Okay, but then rumors of him essaying young women, they start to spread. And of course, his followers don't believe he's guilty of anything. They stand by him. And religious culty type leaders always have followers who do this. So this is not surprising. But his longtime friend, Mayor Rodrigo, he ends up running for president and he wins.
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The Filipino Cult Leader - The Apollo Quiboloy story
And with the president of the Philippines on his side, every accusation against Apollo is basically buried. So Apollo seems untouchable by this point. He's been running this trafficking business for like 16 years and it doesn't seem like there are ever going to be any consequences for it.
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The Filipino Cult Leader - The Apollo Quiboloy story
Until... I guess at some point, some of his former church members in the US, they go and report him to the FBI. And the FBI starts looking into him and this investigation makes the news and Apollo hears about it and he's like, oh sh**. And he allegedly flees the US and he goes all the way back to the Philippines to his church compound there.
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The Filipino Cult Leader - The Apollo Quiboloy story
And there, he'll be protected by his longtime friend, President Rodrigo. But unfortunately, his friend Rodrigo finishes his term as president, leaves office, and now there's a new president. And new president is not Apollo's friend. So all the accusations against him in the Philippines are no longer buried.
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The Filipino Cult Leader - The Apollo Quiboloy story
So then back in the US, bam, the FBI arrests some of his innermost circle and they're officially looking for Apollo too. And he's being accused of fraud, human trafficking and sex trafficking. And now he's on the FBI's most wanted list. And so Apollo, he gets all mad and he's frustrated that they're after him and he starts lashing out publicly saying it's a conspiracy.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
The Filipino Cult Leader - The Apollo Quiboloy story
And this is happening during the COVID pandemic. So he gives a sermon telling the world that if we want the pandemic to stop, the FBI should stop investigating him.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
The Filipino Cult Leader - The Apollo Quiboloy story
But then even more women in the Philippines come forward with accusations against him. And of course, Apollo denies everything, and he insists that the people accusing him are just evil, and he changes the homepage of his website to this. Why are evil people after Pastor Apollo? I'm guessing they're after him because of all the sex trafficking, but that's just a guess.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
The Filipino Cult Leader - The Apollo Quiboloy story
Anyway, eventually the Filipino Senate issues a warrant for his arrest and they raid some of his properties but the dude is nowhere to be found.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
The Filipino Cult Leader - The Apollo Quiboloy story
And they welcome him, and soon enough, he and Apollo become good friends. And later, Rodrigo actually gets elected mayor, and he appoints Apollo to be his spiritual advisor. And so then more people find out about Apollo and his teachings, and his church starts to grow, and soon the donations start rolling in. Because, of course they do. But these donations aren't enough for Apollo. He wants more.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
The Filipino Cult Leader - The Apollo Quiboloy story
He's fled and he's hiding out from the law and there's like this whole manhunt looking for him and there ends up being a huge standoff at one of his compounds between police and a bunch of his supporters and his supporters still insist that he didn't do anything wrong and I don't even have time to get into that part of the story.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
The Filipino Cult Leader - The Apollo Quiboloy story
But two weeks later Apollo finally gives up and he turns himself in and BAM they arrest him Here's his mugshot and as of right now, he hasn't actually been to trial yet. So we'll see how this plays out
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
The Filipino Cult Leader - The Apollo Quiboloy story
So he gets the full-time working members of the church to go out at 6 a.m. every morning and solicit money from strangers for the church. The only catch is they can't come home until they reach their daily quota of money collected. So, to avoid sleeping on the street, the members of the church start playing on people's sympathy.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
The Filipino Cult Leader - The Apollo Quiboloy story
Like they pretend to be poor college students, or they pretend to be disabled, but whatever. It works, and the church makes a ton of money. And so pretty quickly, Pastor Apollo becomes a very wealthy man. He's so wealthy, in fact, that he's able to start his own broadcasting network, and this helps spread his teachings beyond the Philippines.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
Pilot Took Mushrooms Before His Flight - The Joe Emerson story
Imagine you're on a flight and it's in the air and a pilot in the cockpit suddenly decides, I'm going to crash this plane and this would unalive you and everyone else on it. Now the pilot, his name's Joe and Joe, he's a commercial airline pilot. He's been doing it a while and he likes this job. But one day, boom, Joe gets hit with some terrible news.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
Pilot Took Mushrooms Before His Flight - The Joe Emerson story
And the group decides they're gonna do what we'll call medicinal mushrooms. Joe's never done this before, but he's like, all right. And so he takes these mushrooms and he starts feeling pretty, pretty good. And he stays up all night and he's having a lot of fun. And a few days later, it's time for him to leave Washington and go back home. And allegedly he's been going hard.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
Pilot Took Mushrooms Before His Flight - The Joe Emerson story
Like he hasn't slept in like 40 hours or something like that. And he goes to the airport and he gets on a plane and he's ready to fly out of there. But he's still allegedly kind of tripping from the mushrooms from a few days before. Like they're still in his system or something. Now, he's not on duty, but because he's a pilot, he's gonna ride for free in the cockpit jump seat.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
Pilot Took Mushrooms Before His Flight - The Joe Emerson story
That's where off-duty pilots sit when they take a flight and they're not piloting. And as the plane takes off and it's in the air, Joe starts to get a really bad feeling. a feeling like he's trapped in this airplane and he'll never be able to get out.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
Pilot Took Mushrooms Before His Flight - The Joe Emerson story
And suddenly, bam, a bad trip hits him like a freight train, and Joe feels like he's stuck in a nightmare, like none of what he's experiencing is reality, like the pilots flying the plane aren't really pilots. And he doesn't know what to do. And he believes the only way out of this is to make himself wake up. And that is when he looks up to the ceiling of the plane and he sees two red handles.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
Pilot Took Mushrooms Before His Flight - The Joe Emerson story
Those red handles are fire extinguisher handles. They're also designed to shut down the engines of the plane in an emergency. And Joe decides that in order to wake himself up, he needs to pull the levers and crash the aircraft. So he stands up and he reaches out and he pulls both of those handles. And the two pilots in the cockpit, they see this and they're like, what the f***?
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
Pilot Took Mushrooms Before His Flight - The Joe Emerson story
And they immediately jump up and grab Joe and they pull him away. And one of them quickly pushes the handles back in again. And this restores the fuel flow to the engines. And so the engines are working properly again. Close call. And I guess the human touch brings Joe back into his body.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
Pilot Took Mushrooms Before His Flight - The Joe Emerson story
And so he stands up and he leaves the cockpit and he walks to the back of the plane and he sits in a flight attendant's jump seat. And he tells the flight attendant to handcuff him because this is gonna get really bad. And so the flight attendants restrain his hands with flex cuff, which is like zip ties.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
Pilot Took Mushrooms Before His Flight - The Joe Emerson story
his best friend Scott just suddenly passed away from a heart problem. And Joe is devastated like this is his best friend and he's never lost somebody close to him. And he takes this really hard and pretty quickly he starts getting depressed and he starts drinking heavily to deal with it. And as the years go by his depression only gets worse.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
Pilot Took Mushrooms Before His Flight - The Joe Emerson story
And he's sitting there in the jump seat and I guess he's still like, I gotta wake up from this bad dream. And he grabs a whole ass pot of coffee near him and he starts drinking straight out of it. And the poor flight attendants, they're trying to calm him down and they have no idea he was just in the cockpit trying to crash the plane.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
Pilot Took Mushrooms Before His Flight - The Joe Emerson story
But then he reaches over toward the emergency exit and he wants to get it open so that he can jump out because he's like, jumping out will certainly wake me up. Luckily, the crew stops him by gently removing his hands from the door and distracting him with a bit of conversation.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
Pilot Took Mushrooms Before His Flight - The Joe Emerson story
Now, at this point, the pilots have diverted the flight to Portland because they're like, we got to get this guy the hell off this plane. And they land and police officers come on board and they escort Joe off the plane. This is actually some footage of that and there he is there. And so bam, Joe is arrested. And I don't have a mugshot but here is a photo of him detained.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
Pilot Took Mushrooms Before His Flight - The Joe Emerson story
And he's charged with 83 counts of attempted murder and reckless endangerment and his pilot's license is suspended. And he gets out on bail, and he's apparently clean now, so no more mushrooms before traveling. And he and his wife have since started a non-profit to advocate and help pilots get treated for depression.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
Pilot Took Mushrooms Before His Flight - The Joe Emerson story
And ultimately, lucky for him, the federal court drops his attempted murder charges, but his trial for some of the other charges is still pending as of the date of me making this video. So, good luck to them.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
Pilot Took Mushrooms Before His Flight - The Joe Emerson story
especially around the yearly anniversary of Scott's passing. And eventually Joe's wife is like, you're not doing well. I think you should talk to a professional. So he does. He goes to see a therapist and therapist tells him to consider seeing a psychiatrist and getting on antidepressants.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
Pilot Took Mushrooms Before His Flight - The Joe Emerson story
Here's the thing though, apparently if a commercial pilot goes on antidepressants, the airline will no longer allow them to fly and he would have to jump through a lot of bureaucratic hoops to keep his job. I guess it's their policy. So Joe's like, nah bro, and he doesn't take any meds. He doesn't want to lose his job. Instead, he just keeps working all the time and self-medicating with alcohol.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
Pilot Took Mushrooms Before His Flight - The Joe Emerson story
And almost six years have passed since Joe lost his best friend, and he's still feeling it. And at one point he flies to Washington State to be with his other friends. I guess they're gonna have a memorial for Scott. And during this memorial, in remembrance of Scott, Joe and his friends, they do a lot of partying. Like, a lot of partying.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
She Poisoned Her Boyfriend For $30 Million Dollars - The Steven Riley and Ina Kenoyer Story
So this guy, his name's Stephen. And Stephen has a big problem. He's about to be rich. So why is that a big problem? Well, Stephen, he's 51. He lives in North Dakota. And one day, he gets this crazy email. And the email is from a lawyer in London.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
She Poisoned Her Boyfriend For $30 Million Dollars - The Steven Riley and Ina Kenoyer Story
That once Steven gets his money, he's out of this relationship. And Ina is pissed. I mean, she can't let that happen. I mean, she's put up with Steven for 10 whole years. She feels like she's entitled to some of that inheritance money too. Now, some states in the US have what's called common law marriage.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
She Poisoned Her Boyfriend For $30 Million Dollars - The Steven Riley and Ina Kenoyer Story
Where if you've been living together for a long period of time, you are considered legally married. And she and Steven have been living together for a long period of time. So she feels like she is his common law wife. And so Ina starts thinking, you know, if Steven happens to accidentally pass away, all that money will go to his common law wife, me.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
She Poisoned Her Boyfriend For $30 Million Dollars - The Steven Riley and Ina Kenoyer Story
And so Ina comes up with a plan to unalive Steven and take all his inheritance money. Now, in order for Stephen to get this $30 million, he needs to sign a bunch of paperwork. And they have arranged for the London lawyer to fly into town and for Stephen to go meet him at the airport.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
She Poisoned Her Boyfriend For $30 Million Dollars - The Steven Riley and Ina Kenoyer Story
I guess once they meet, Stephen can sign the documents and that will complete the transaction and he can get his $30 million. And so Ina's thinking, what if he gets sick? What if he makes it to the airport, signs the paperwork to transfer the money, and then he gets really sick and passes away?
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
She Poisoned Her Boyfriend For $30 Million Dollars - The Steven Riley and Ina Kenoyer Story
And I guess Ina thinks this is a hell of an idea because on the day, the day he's supposed to go to the airport, Ina pours a little antifreeze into Steven's sweet tea that he always drinks. And if you don't know, antifreeze has a little sweet taste to it, otherwise you can't really taste it. It's also poison. And so she poisons his sweet tea and he unknowingly drinks it.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
She Poisoned Her Boyfriend For $30 Million Dollars - The Steven Riley and Ina Kenoyer Story
And this London lawyer lets Stephen know that one of his relatives in Ireland passed away and that he's in line for a huge inheritance check, around $30 million. Now, I've talked about Steven before. I told his story back in 2023, but there have been some updates to this. So before I give you the update, let me get you up to speed.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
She Poisoned Her Boyfriend For $30 Million Dollars - The Steven Riley and Ina Kenoyer Story
A few hours later, Ina, Steven, and a few of Steven's friends, they all take a trip over to the airport. So they get there, and the whole group is there, chilling in the waiting area, waiting for this lawyer's flight to land. And after a bit of time passes, suddenly, Steven starts to feel terrible. He gets stomach pains, like really bad ones.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
She Poisoned Her Boyfriend For $30 Million Dollars - The Steven Riley and Ina Kenoyer Story
And with each passing minute, the pain gets worse and worse. And his friends are like, yo, should we take him and leave? And Steven's like, no, because, you know, there's $30 million at stake here. He wants to wait a bit longer. He feels like he can make it. And so they wait. And they wait, and they wait. And poor Steven gets sicker, and sicker, and sicker.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
She Poisoned Her Boyfriend For $30 Million Dollars - The Steven Riley and Ina Kenoyer Story
And after a few hours, they start to feel like, this London lawyer isn't going to show up. I don't know, maybe his flight got delayed or something. But by this time, Steven is in really bad shape. Like he can't walk on his own, and he barely seems conscious. And Steven's friends are like, yo, Eda, Steven's looking really bad. I think you need to call an ambulance. And Ina's like, no, he's fine.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
She Poisoned Her Boyfriend For $30 Million Dollars - The Steven Riley and Ina Kenoyer Story
It's probably just heat stroke. And she insists on not taking him to the hospital. And so Stephen's friends take him home instead and they put him in bed to rest while Ina waits back at the airport because she's waiting for the London lawyer to arrive. And unfortunately, the London lawyer never does. And about a day goes by and Stephen is still at home and he still isn't doing well.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
She Poisoned Her Boyfriend For $30 Million Dollars - The Steven Riley and Ina Kenoyer Story
And at this point, he's completely unresponsive. And Ina's there and she's like, ah, I guess I got to call 911. And so she calls and an ambulance comes and takes Steven to the hospital. And unfortunately there, he passes away. And when Ina gets the news of Steven's passing, she gives an Oscar worthy performance. I guess the sun is on his way here. Okay. Now Stephen's friends, they aren't stupid.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
She Poisoned Her Boyfriend For $30 Million Dollars - The Steven Riley and Ina Kenoyer Story
They know something's up and they are immediately suspicious of Ina. In fact, one of them tells police right away.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
She Poisoned Her Boyfriend For $30 Million Dollars - The Steven Riley and Ina Kenoyer Story
I'm almost sure she poisoned him. And then they interview some of Stephen's other friends and some of them suggest that Ina used to make offhand comments that if she ever had to murder him, she would do it with antifreeze. And police, they give all this information to the coroner, who then tests Stephen's blood, and I'm sure you can guess what they find.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
She Poisoned Her Boyfriend For $30 Million Dollars - The Steven Riley and Ina Kenoyer Story
But when police questioned Ina, she tried to put the blame on Stephen's friends.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
She Poisoned Her Boyfriend For $30 Million Dollars - The Steven Riley and Ina Kenoyer Story
And then she also tells police about some other concerns she has.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
She Poisoned Her Boyfriend For $30 Million Dollars - The Steven Riley and Ina Kenoyer Story
So back in 2023, Steven learns about this inheritance he's about to get, and he is pumped because who wouldn't be? I mean, that's $30 million. And so he's planning it all out in his head, how he's going to spend it. He's going to get a few acres of land. He's going to give a little money to his adult sons, maybe even start his own auto shop.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
She Poisoned Her Boyfriend For $30 Million Dollars - The Steven Riley and Ina Kenoyer Story
She's thinking the inheritance will go to her as she is Stephen's common law wife, but they live in North Dakota and North Dakota doesn't actually recognize common law marriage. So she ain't getting shit. So anyway, police aren't buying her nonsense. So they get a warrant and they search the couple's home and they find a lot of antifreeze in places that it shouldn't have been.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
She Poisoned Her Boyfriend For $30 Million Dollars - The Steven Riley and Ina Kenoyer Story
In a beer bottle, in a coffee mug, in a Windex bottle. I guess she was just putting it all kinds of places. Super weird. And so they go to her house and bam, they arrest her.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
She Poisoned Her Boyfriend For $30 Million Dollars - The Steven Riley and Ina Kenoyer Story
She pleads guilty and she's sentenced to 25 years in prison. Oh, and if you don't remember from last time we talked about this, it turns out that that email that Stephen got from the London lawyer, it was all just a scam. Like there was no relative in Ireland who passed away. There was no $30 million. There was no London lawyer going to meet them at the airport.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
She Poisoned Her Boyfriend For $30 Million Dollars - The Steven Riley and Ina Kenoyer Story
It was all an email scam that Stephen and Ina fell for. And unfortunately, she was dumb enough to unalive him over it. Actually kind of sad.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
She Poisoned Her Boyfriend For $30 Million Dollars - The Steven Riley and Ina Kenoyer Story
Now, Steven has a longtime girlfriend, this woman, Ina, and they live together. They've been living together for 10 years. And Ina is also pumped about this $30 million. I mean, she's already talking about it openly.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
She Poisoned Her Boyfriend For $30 Million Dollars - The Steven Riley and Ina Kenoyer Story
Here's the thing about Ina, though. She's been Steven's girlfriend for a really long time. But the thing is, Steven isn't really feeling her anymore. In fact, once he gets his inheritance money, he plans on leaving her. And he's told some of his close friends about this plan. And so I guess word gets around and one day someone close to Ina comes up to her and tips her off about this.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
False Accusations Destroyed Them - The Duke Lacrosse / Crystal Mangum story
So this adult dancer is about to make some false accusations against some guys and essentially try and ruin their lives. Now let's call her Precious because that's her stage name. And Precious is 27, she's a college student, and Precious is also an adult dancer at a local gentleman's club.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
False Accusations Destroyed Them - The Duke Lacrosse / Crystal Mangum story
And they're all angry and they're like, boo, we want our money back. Then a few minutes later, things escalate. And Precious and Kim are yelling at some of the guys to leave them alone. Because at this point, Kim, she just wants to leave. But unfortunately, some of the guys don't want to pay them. They want their money back because the girls didn't finish the show.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
False Accusations Destroyed Them - The Duke Lacrosse / Crystal Mangum story
And so finally, the guys are like, all right, we'll just pay you $100. Just leave. And so they agree. They agree to that. Then Kim goes out to her car to change her clothes while Precious is still so wasted that she passes out in the house. So then Kim's got to go back in the house to get Precious and she puts her wasted ass in the car.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
False Accusations Destroyed Them - The Duke Lacrosse / Crystal Mangum story
Then she goes back in the house again to get Precious's bag because I guess she left her bag in there. And when Kim gets back to the car, Precious is now up and awake, walking around, stumbling, topless, yelling at everyone and fighting with a bunch of the guys. But eventually, Kim gets Precious into the car and they leave. But while in the car, Precious's drunk ass passes out again.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
False Accusations Destroyed Them - The Duke Lacrosse / Crystal Mangum story
And Kim is like, damn it, I don't know where this woman lives. I don't even know her real name. Where do I even take her? Because remember, they didn't know each other before this party. And so Kim has to pull over to a grocery store parking lot and she finds a security guard and she asks her to call the police.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
False Accusations Destroyed Them - The Duke Lacrosse / Crystal Mangum story
And so then police show up and they take Precious to the hospital for detox because she's so wasted. Later, at the hospital, she's awake now and they're processing her and they're asking her what happened and they ask her if she was sexually assaulted earlier that night. I believe that's a standard question they ask everyone.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
False Accusations Destroyed Them - The Duke Lacrosse / Crystal Mangum story
And one day in 2006, Precious gets hired to perform at a local college party for a bunch of the school's athletes. And so she gets to the party and there are like 50 college bros there. And Precious, she likes to party herself. In fact, she's already intoxicated by the time she gets there. I guess she was drinking and taking prescription muscle relaxers.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
False Accusations Destroyed Them - The Duke Lacrosse / Crystal Mangum story
And for whatever reason, we still don't really know why, Precious says yes. And she tells them this whole story about how some of the lacrosse guys grabbed her and pulled her out of Kim's car and dragged her into the bathroom and SA'd her. And holy sh**, kaboom, that kicks off this whole criminal investigation and suddenly the police are involved.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
False Accusations Destroyed Them - The Duke Lacrosse / Crystal Mangum story
And Precious, she just keeps going with the story. She points the finger at three specific guys at the party who she says did it. And so, bam, police arrest two of them. Here's one guy's mugshot. Here's another guy's mugshot. And the third guy later turns himself in voluntarily. And so, this story blows up. It's all over the news, nationwide.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
False Accusations Destroyed Them - The Duke Lacrosse / Crystal Mangum story
I mean, three privileged, elitist Duke Lacrosse players essayed a poor, helpless, exotic dancer's single mother? How could they? But then, it gets crazier because the district attorney gets involved. This guy, Nifong. And Nifong decides that he's gonna prosecute this case and send these Duke boys to prison for a long time.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
False Accusations Destroyed Them - The Duke Lacrosse / Crystal Mangum story
Not only that, it's an election year for him and he's up for re-election and he knows this is now a very high profile case as the whole country is watching. So he plans to leverage all this media attention he's about to get and win his re-election. And so boom, immediately he's out there talking to reporters, publicly dragging these Duke boys names through the mud.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
False Accusations Destroyed Them - The Duke Lacrosse / Crystal Mangum story
and saying that he has no doubt that they're guilty. In fact, in his first week on the case, he does over 50 interviews with news media calling these Duke boys out. And around the same time, students on Duke campus are holding big anti-SA rallies and calling out the lacrosse team, sometimes by name. Not only that, Duke University themselves have to respond and take action.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
False Accusations Destroyed Them - The Duke Lacrosse / Crystal Mangum story
And they eventually ban the three accused lacrosse players from campus. Like they straight up just kicked them out of school over this. Then they even fired the lacrosse coach for some reason. Bro wasn't even at the party. And then also the university suspends the entire season of lacrosse for everyone. Like they just straight up canceled it.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
False Accusations Destroyed Them - The Duke Lacrosse / Crystal Mangum story
Meanwhile, the three accused Duke boys get their DNA tested to see if it matches DNA found on Precious that night. And guess what? It's not a match. In fact, DNA found on her doesn't match any of the 40 players that were at the party that night. And so the lab gives these DNA test results to Nifong, the district attorney. Now this should be the end of the case right then and there.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
False Accusations Destroyed Them - The Duke Lacrosse / Crystal Mangum story
The DNA says the boys didn't do it. But instead of submitting this to the court or to the defense, Nifong withholds it. He withholds the evidence. Then he orders a second DNA test to see if he can get different results, results more in his favor. But no, the second test shows the same thing. The DNA doesn't match any of the lacrosse players.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
False Accusations Destroyed Them - The Duke Lacrosse / Crystal Mangum story
And so then Nifong asked the director in charge of the report to leave some of that information off the lab report. And the director agrees to do it. In fact, Nifong withholds all kinds of evidence from the defense, which attorneys are not allowed to do. And to make it worse, Precious's story about what happened that night keeps changing. It changes dramatically each time she tells it.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
False Accusations Destroyed Them - The Duke Lacrosse / Crystal Mangum story
Now, I guess the guys throwing the party had hired two dancers. Because there's also another stripper there. Her name's Kim. And Kim and Precious, they don't know each other. And so anyway, so the guys pay them $400 each, and Kim and Precious start performing for them, like putting on their little show. And so, who are these guys who are throwing this party?
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
False Accusations Destroyed Them - The Duke Lacrosse / Crystal Mangum story
While the three accused Duke boys, on the other hand, They have solid alibis, as two of them had left the party that night before the alleged essay had even occurred. So none of this looks good for Precious or Nifong's case. Anyway, eventually the defense team catches on that Nifong's been withholding and tampering with evidence, and so they start accusing him of prosecutorial misconduct.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
False Accusations Destroyed Them - The Duke Lacrosse / Crystal Mangum story
And so then, Nifong has no choice, and he has to go and drop the charges against all three lacrosse boys, and the boys are finally fully exonerated. Then, Nifong, because he intentionally withheld evidence from the court and other acts of fraud, he gets disbarred, so he's no longer allowed to practice law. He also later gets removed from office over all this, so he's no longer district attorney.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
False Accusations Destroyed Them - The Duke Lacrosse / Crystal Mangum story
He also gets found in contempt of court, and he gets sentenced to one day in jail. While the Duke boys, they file a lawsuit and sue Duke University over the way they handled this. And the university ends up settling with them out of court for a large amount of money. Allegedly, each of the accused boys got $20 million each. But that's just alleged because we don't actually know the amount.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
False Accusations Destroyed Them - The Duke Lacrosse / Crystal Mangum story
It was never publicly disclosed. While Precious, who made the false allegations in the first place, nothing happens to her. No legal punishment, no jail time, she just moves on with her life. Like later, she goes on to graduate college, she writes a book, and in that book, she still maintains that she was essayed that night.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
False Accusations Destroyed Them - The Duke Lacrosse / Crystal Mangum story
But whatever the case, there are no consequences for her, and she doesn't see any prison time. Until... Over four years go by, and it's now 2011. And Precious, she's still out there, living her life. And one night, she's at her apartment, and she and her boyfriend get into a fight. Like a really bad fight. And she ends up stabbing him with a kitchen knife. And so, bam, she gets arrested.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
False Accusations Destroyed Them - The Duke Lacrosse / Crystal Mangum story
Here's her mugshot. Ten days later, in the hospital, her boyfriend, unfortunately, dies. And so she gets convicted of second degree murder and she's sentenced to 17 years in prison. Then in 2024, Precious does an interview from prison where she finally admits that she lied about the whole lacrosse team essay thing.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
False Accusations Destroyed Them - The Duke Lacrosse / Crystal Mangum story
I testified falsely against them by saying that they raped me when they didn't and that was wrong. That is insane.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
False Accusations Destroyed Them - The Duke Lacrosse / Crystal Mangum story
Well, they're the lacrosse team of Duke University. And they're drunk, and they're rowdy, and they're really just out to have a good time. Meanwhile, Precious is so wasted off the alcohol and pills that she falls over in the middle of the performance. And the rowdy college guys are like, boo, that's so lame.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
False Accusations Destroyed Them - The Duke Lacrosse / Crystal Mangum story
Then one of the guys grabs a broomstick and he holds it up and he's like, one of y'all ladies should use this as a sex toy. And of course the dancers are repulsed by this and they stop dancing. And Kim is like, nah, this show's over. And they walk away and they go into one of the nearby bathrooms. And so the lacrosse guys are like, where did the strippers go?
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
This Crazy Cheerleading Mom Who Tried To Murder - The Wanda Holloway story
So this is Wanda, and Wanda will do anything to be a cheerleader. Maybe even unalive someone.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
This Crazy Cheerleading Mom Who Tried To Murder - The Wanda Holloway story
Regardless, Shauna's mom, Wanda, keeps her eyes on her ultimate goal. She wants to officially get Shauna onto the school's cheerleading squad, and she'll do anything to make that happen. So in 1989, Wanda puts a plan into motion. See Shauna, she's now in the seventh grade. She's 11 and she's old enough to try out for the cheer squad.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
This Crazy Cheerleading Mom Who Tried To Murder - The Wanda Holloway story
So Wanda transfers her out of her private school to a local public junior high so that she can try out. And at that new school, there's two open spots and only one other girl trying out. So Shauna is guaranteed to make the team. I mean, this is great for them. But then, guess who suddenly wants to try out for that team as well? Shauna's friend, Amber.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
This Crazy Cheerleading Mom Who Tried To Murder - The Wanda Holloway story
But here's the absolute dumbest part of this whole story. I guess at this school, or maybe in this school district, to make the cheer team, you don't audition. You actually get voted in by the students at the school. So you have to campaign and put up flyers and get the students to vote for you. Which is absurd because it should be based on skill, but like, whatever.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
This Crazy Cheerleading Mom Who Tried To Murder - The Wanda Holloway story
Regardless, both girls campaign for a spot on the team and they try to get the other students to vote for them. And kaboom, Shauna doesn't win. So she doesn't get a spot. And her mom, Wanda, is absolutely devastated and pissed off. And she complains to the other parents and she goes to the school board and complains to them. She threatens to get a lawyer like, it's not fair, I'll sue you.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
This Crazy Cheerleading Mom Who Tried To Murder - The Wanda Holloway story
And of course, Amber makes the team with no problem. I mean, she's popular and people like her. And as time goes on, Amber still outshines Shauna. I mean, she gets voted as the most spirited in the class in the school yearbook. She becomes the class president while Shauna only gets voted vice president.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
This Crazy Cheerleading Mom Who Tried To Murder - The Wanda Holloway story
And a whole year passes and the girls are now in the eighth grade and they're both up to try out for cheer again. Or campaign, because they campaign at this school. It's the stupidest thing ever. But this time, Wanda has a strategy. She is still determined to get her daughter on that team. So during campaign time, they make custom rulers and pencils with Shauna's name on them.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
This Crazy Cheerleading Mom Who Tried To Murder - The Wanda Holloway story
Like, vote for Shauna or whatever. And they hand them out to all the students. Here's the problem, though. Handing out branded rulers and pencils actually goes against the school's election code. So it's against the rules. I guess it's seen as, like, bribery. And so Shauna, she finds this out, and she immediately stops giving them to students. I mean, she doesn't want to get in trouble.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
This Crazy Cheerleading Mom Who Tried To Murder - The Wanda Holloway story
But her mom, Wanda, doesn't. she's still showing up to the school every day and passing them out. And so then, boom, the school disqualifies Shauna from campaigning to be a cheerleader. And so that's it. She is no longer eligible to be on the team. And of course, this absolutely destroys Wanda. She's like, no, this can't be.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
This Crazy Cheerleading Mom Who Tried To Murder - The Wanda Holloway story
And she's like complaining to the parents again and fighting with the school board again. Not to mention it pisses her off even more that Amber does make the squad. Now you would think Shauna would be devastated by all this too. But no, not really. Because at this point, it's 1991. And Shauna is 13 years old now. So now she's a full-fledged teenager and she starts thinking for herself.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
This Crazy Cheerleading Mom Who Tried To Murder - The Wanda Holloway story
And she's like, you know what? Screw cheerleading. She doesn't even want to do it anymore. I mean, it was always her mom pushing her into it anyway. Now her mom, Wanda, has a different plan. She's still determined to get her daughter on the next year's team. And this is where gets really crazy. Because it's here that Wanda comes up with a plan to make sure that her daughter gets on that team.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
This Crazy Cheerleading Mom Who Tried To Murder - The Wanda Holloway story
Then fast forward decades later and it's the 80s and Wanda is in her 30s now and she's still living in the middle of nowhere Texas. But now she's married and she's got a daughter of her own. This girl, Shauna. And Wanda, she's probably still got hang-ups about her dad not letting her be a cheerleader all those years ago. And so she decides to finally do something about it.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
This Crazy Cheerleading Mom Who Tried To Murder - The Wanda Holloway story
She's gonna hire a hitman. She wants to hire a hitman to either take out Amber or take out Amber's mom. Because she thinks if Amber's mom is unalive, then Amber will be too devastated to make the cheer squad. And that that open slot will then go to Shauna. It's a terrible plan all the way around. Here's the bigger problem though. Wanda doesn't know any hitmen.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
This Crazy Cheerleading Mom Who Tried To Murder - The Wanda Holloway story
But she actually does know a guy who like kind of has a criminal record. This guy, Terry. And Terry is actually Wanda's ex-brother-in-law.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
This Crazy Cheerleading Mom Who Tried To Murder - The Wanda Holloway story
So Wanda hits up Terry and they meet up and she asks him for this crazy favor like, can you help me find a hitman to kill my daughter's cheerleading rival so that she can finally make the cheerleading squad and also can you kill her mom because I really don't like her mom either. And Terry hears all this and he's like, nah. Because like that's murder.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
This Crazy Cheerleading Mom Who Tried To Murder - The Wanda Holloway story
Like he doesn't want to be involved in all that. But Wanda doesn't let it go. She brings it up again to him at Christmas Eve. And poor Terry, he doesn't know what to do. I mean, he really needs the money, but he doesn't want to murder anyone. Plus, he doesn't want to go to jail again. Like, he's clean now. So now he's in a predicament.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
This Crazy Cheerleading Mom Who Tried To Murder - The Wanda Holloway story
Because if Wanda hires someone else to unalive her cheerleading rival, and Terry knew she was looking for a hitman, now he's an accessory to a crime. He knows way too much. So Terry, low-key, ends up going straight to the police. And he tells them everything. That his ex-sister-in-law is trying to hire a hitman to unalive her daughter's cheerleading rival and the cheerleading rival's mother.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
This Crazy Cheerleading Mom Who Tried To Murder - The Wanda Holloway story
And so police set up a little sting operation. And they make Terry wear a wire and meet up with Wanda. So he has Wanda meet up with him again, this time in a hotel room. And now Terry, he's all pretending like, yeah, yeah, I can find you a hit man to unalive these people. Sure, no problem.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
This Crazy Cheerleading Mom Who Tried To Murder - The Wanda Holloway story
And he says it'll be $2,500 to unalive Amber's mom, but it'll be $5,000 to unalive Amber because she's a minor. I guess it costs more to unalive a minor. So Wanda, I guess she's cheap because she opts to just put a hit out on Amber's mom because, you know, it's less expensive. And she hands Terry a pair of diamond earrings as a down payment.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
This Crazy Cheerleading Mom Who Tried To Murder - The Wanda Holloway story
And police, who are listening in to all of this because Terry's wired, this is all the proof they need. And the next day, police show up to Wanda's house and bam, they arrest her. Here's her mugshot. And she goes to trial. She actually has two trials and she's ultimately sentenced to 10 years in prison. But she only serves six months before she's let out on probation for some reason, some
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
This Crazy Cheerleading Mom Who Tried To Murder - The Wanda Holloway story
people get off really easy in these situations.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
This Crazy Cheerleading Mom Who Tried To Murder - The Wanda Holloway story
she's gonna do everything in her power to make sure her daughter Shauna can be one. And she starts pushing her into it. And she starts investing a lot of money into Shauna's future cheerleading career with like modeling classes and private cheer lessons. Later she gets her a spot at this insanely competitive gymnastics studio.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
This Crazy Cheerleading Mom Who Tried To Murder - The Wanda Holloway story
And as time goes on, Shauna ends up, I assume, being pretty good at dance and cheer with all this training she's been getting. However, there's one other girl she can't seem to outshine. This girl, Amber. Now Shauna and Amber, they're actually friends. I mean, they go to school together, they run in the same popular girl circles, but Amber is just better than her at dance and cheer.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
This Crazy Cheerleading Mom Who Tried To Murder - The Wanda Holloway story
Now Wanda is just a kid and she's living in the middle of nowhere Texas but unfortunately her dad is super religious and he thinks cheerleaders skirts are too short for a teenager to wear and he doesn't want her dressing like a hoochie and so he says nah bro can't be a cheerleader and that is the end of her cheerleader dream and this devastates poor Wanda I mean this is all she's ever wanted how could he do this to her but
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
She Got Catfished For 9 Years - The Kirat Assi story
So this radio host gets catfished by her fiance for almost 10 years. Now her name is Kirat and she's in her 30s and she's a radio host living in London. And one day in 2009, her cousin connects her with this guy on Facebook. His name's Bobby and Bobby's a cardiologist and he allegedly lives in the area.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
She Got Catfished For 9 Years - The Kirat Assi story
And you know, he can't tell her much about what happened to him because he's still in the hospital from being shot and also he's in witness protection. Regardless, they start chatting a lot about a lot of things. He tells her he just got divorced and that's been really hard on him. He tells her he's been having all sorts of health issues like stroke and blood clots.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
She Got Catfished For 9 Years - The Kirat Assi story
And over time, they grow really close. They chat every day online. She even chats with his medical team and she chats with his ex-wife. She chats with his sisters and his friends on Facebook. And this goes on for years. Then one day in 2015, everything changes because old Bobby, he drops a bomb on her. He tells her that he's always loved her. And Karat tells him that she loves him.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
She Got Catfished For 9 Years - The Kirat Assi story
And so pretty quickly they're in a full-blown relationship. And now they're talking all the time and they're sending each other sweet messages all the time. Well, actually Bobby's vocal cords are damaged because of the stroke. He's paralyzed on one side so he doesn't talk. He actually texts her and Karat replies to him with audio messages.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
She Got Catfished For 9 Years - The Kirat Assi story
And so a year goes by and this long distance relationship is still going strong. Like they're still chatting every day. But now they'll do Skype calls. But his vocal cords are still damaged so he kind of has to talk in a whisper. But they do talk. But not only that, at one point he proposes to her through Facebook Messenger. How romantic.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
She Got Catfished For 9 Years - The Kirat Assi story
And so Karat and Bobby, they start messaging back and forth, and Karat does not think he is fine, as they are both currently in a relationship with someone else. So instead, they become friends on Facebook. But then one night, Karat's out at a bachelorette party, and suddenly, boom, she sees Bobby across the room. And she's all drunk, and she goes up to him like, Bobby! And he nods like, sup?
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
She Got Catfished For 9 Years - The Kirat Assi story
And then like a dozen or so of Bobby's friends are hitting her up on Facebook, congratulating her. And Bobby and Karat are like picking out wedding venues and outfits and they're looking at engagement rings online together. I guess they're like just sending links back and forth to each other. I mean is getting pretty serious between them.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
She Got Catfished For 9 Years - The Kirat Assi story
However, unfortunately, Karat is starting to get a little frustrated with Bobby because he keeps saying he'll come visit her at some point in London. However, every single time, he has to suddenly cancel his trip last minute. Like, oh, witness protection is moving me again. Or, oh, I had another stroke. And to make it worse, he's getting a bit controlling.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
She Got Catfished For 9 Years - The Kirat Assi story
Like he's jealous and he's constantly checking in, making Karat video chat with him to see where she is. But of course, he never turns his camera on. And so this isn't going quite as well as she had wanted. But then one day she gets a little bit of hope because finally Bobby hits her up and he's like, Sugar Plum, I'm coming to London. And Karat's like, oh, snap, I finally get to see him in person.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
She Got Catfished For 9 Years - The Kirat Assi story
And she's all excited and she's so nervous. Oh, my God, what is she going to wear? She's following his flight tracker online to see when his plane lands. However, unfortunately, in true Bobby fashion, right before they're supposed to meet, he hits her up and he tells her that he can't make it. And of course, this makes Kirat really upset and she lets him know.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
She Got Catfished For 9 Years - The Kirat Assi story
Now at some point, she's starting to feel like something's not right about all this. Like he's always canceling his visits at the last minute. I mean, she's been chatting with him online for nine years at this point. And the only time she's ever met him in person was that one night at the bachelorette party all those years ago. So like, what is his deal? Something feels off.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
She Got Catfished For 9 Years - The Kirat Assi story
So she goes and she hires a private investigator to look into Bobby and private investigator must have some serious skills because pretty quickly, boom, he finds that Bobby actually has a house and oh, He's not living in New York City in witness protection. He actually lives in England, about an hour away from her in Brighton. And Karat is pissed.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
She Got Catfished For 9 Years - The Kirat Assi story
She's like, bro's been living an hour away from me this whole time and lying about it? Oh, hell no. And she drives the fuck over to his house, ready to confront him. And so she gets there and she knocks on the door. And guess who answers? Bobby's wife. He's married. Oh, but it gets worse. Karat tells this woman, I want to talk to Bobby. And so Bobby comes out.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
She Got Catfished For 9 Years - The Kirat Assi story
And Karat's like, why did you lie to me? And Bobby looks at her. And he's like, I don't even know who you are. And so poor Karat drives home in shame. And she's crying. And she calls her cousin. And her cousin tries to console her. But it's no use. She's sad. She's confused as hell. What the hell is going on? Bobby's married? Like, is she ever going to find out the truth?
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
She Got Catfished For 9 Years - The Kirat Assi story
Until the next day, Karat is chilling at home and she hears a car pull up outside. She opens her front door and it's Cousin. And that is when Cousin drops a bomb on her. And this is probably the weirdest bomb anyone has ever dropped on anyone ever. So Cousin has been catfishing Karat this whole time. And if you're confused, let's rewind to the beginning.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
She Got Catfished For 9 Years - The Kirat Assi story
One day in 2009, Cousin, I guess, she gets bored and decides to make a fake Facebook account. A Facebook account of a guy named Bobby. But here's the thing, Bobby is actually a real guy in the area. He just has no idea someone made a fake Facebook account of him. And so Cousin, posing as fake Bobby, she chats with Karat online for years.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
She Got Catfished For 9 Years - The Kirat Assi story
They message, they have Skype calls, she makes up stories about how she got shot and how she got put in the witness protection program. And they would talk through Skype and Cousin would disguise her voice by just like talking in a whisper. And Cousin got Karat to fall in love with her. Well, fall in love with the fake Bobby. I mean, they made wedding plans.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
She Got Catfished For 9 Years - The Kirat Assi story
Not only that, Cousin made up to 60 fake Facebook profiles of fake Bobby's friends and family in order to fool Kirat. It's all so elaborate and just weird. And just by sheer coincidence, Kirat went out to that bachelorette party all those years ago and just happened to see the real Bobby out having a good time. That's why he didn't really talk to her that night. He didn't know her.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
She Got Catfished For 9 Years - The Kirat Assi story
I mean, it's 2 a.m., it's crowded, the music's super loud, so they don't really talk. However, they do keep talking online, through Facebook, and at some point, Bobby tells her he's going to Kenya to visit some family, and he leaves and he goes to Kenya. Sometime later, Karat's at work, and she gets a phone call, and it's her cousin. You know, the cousin who connected her online with Bobby?
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
She Got Catfished For 9 Years - The Kirat Assi story
And that's also why when Karat showed up to the real Bobby's house, he's like, I don't even know who you are. Because he doesn't. He's never met her. Now, why is Karat's own cousin catfishing her and getting into a romantic relationship with her? Unfortunately, we don't know. Cousin never comes forward and gives a valid explanation. So we're just like, I don't know.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
She Got Catfished For 9 Years - The Kirat Assi story
However, Karat does later file a lawsuit against her for all of this, and they end up settling out of court, and Cousin has to pay her an undisclosed amount. So, I guess that's nice?
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
She Got Catfished For 9 Years - The Kirat Assi story
We'll just call her Cousin. And Cousin is a little younger than Karat, but they're close friends. And so cousin is on the phone and she's freaking out like, you know, Bobby's in Kenya and he's been shot and it's bad and I don't know if he's gonna make it. And Karat's like, oh no, he's been shot? That sucks. And you know, she's sad and all, but honestly, she doesn't really know him that well.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
She Got Catfished For 9 Years - The Kirat Assi story
But then Bobby dies. And so Cousin breaks this news to Karat. And I guess Karat's like, oh, that's a bummer. But then a few months later, Cousin hits up Karat again and is like, actually we were lied to. Bobby isn't dead. He's actually hiding out in New York City. I guess he's in witness protection for some reason. And so Karat hits Bobby up on Facebook and they start talking again.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
Casey Anthony Is Back! - The Casey Anthony Story
So this woman just joined TikTok and she might already be the most hated TikToker in TikTok history. Let me explain. So her name's Casey and Casey is unemployed, living in Florida with her parents. And one day in 2005, life drops a bomb on her. She's pregnant. Now, why is this a problem for Casey? Well, not only is she unemployed, but she's also only 19 years old. She ain't ready for all this.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
Casey Anthony Is Back! - The Casey Anthony Story
And this all seems pretty normal behavior from her at the time. But then, Casey suddenly just... disappears like she doesn't come home and her parents haven't seen her in a while and they start to get a really bad feeling that something terrible happened then a month goes by and Casey's parents get a letter saying the car Casey had been driving was impounded
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
Casey Anthony Is Back! - The Casey Anthony Story
So Casey's dad, who we'll just call Casey's dad, her dad goes to pick it up. And when he gets to the impound lot, something immediately is very wrong. Because there's a really strong odor coming from the trunk of the car. And there's nothing of importance in the trunk right now, but it smells like there had been a body in there.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
Casey Anthony Is Back! - The Casey Anthony Story
Now, at some point during all this, Casey finally comes home, and baby Kaylee is not with her. And that is when Casey's mom freaks out and calls the police.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
Casey Anthony Is Back! - The Casey Anthony Story
And so police bring Casey in and they question her and she tells them, oh, I left Kaylee with a babysitter and the babysitter must have taken her. Her name is Zanny the Nanny. And police are like, your daughter's been missing for 31 days? Why didn't you call us? And she tells them, oh, I've been doing my own research. And so they ask her where Zanny the Nanny lives.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
Casey Anthony Is Back! - The Casey Anthony Story
And Casey takes them to an apartment building and points at an apartment and is like, she lives there in that apartment. But when police look in the windows, the apartment is completely empty. And not only is it currently empty, but no one had lived there for five months. And no one by the name of Zanny the Nanny had ever lived there. Because Casey never even had a nanny. She lied.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
Casey Anthony Is Back! - The Casey Anthony Story
And so, bam, police arrest her. Here's her mugshot. But the story's not over because we got to get to why TikTok hates her so much. So anyway, this story immediately blows the up like it's dominating the news, not just in Florida, but nationwide. Every news outlet is talking about it. People want to know what happened to baby Kaylee.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
Casey Anthony Is Back! - The Casey Anthony Story
And so thousands of volunteers from all around form search teams to go out looking for her. But, unfortunately, they don't find anything. Now, here's what's really crazy. We know that Casey had disappeared for a whole ass month, so there's a month of time in her life unaccounted for. And what did Casey do during that month she went off the grid? Well, that's where it gets interesting.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
Casey Anthony Is Back! - The Casey Anthony Story
Because at one point, before baby Kaylee goes missing, someone at Casey's house, we don't technically know who, but someone uses the home computer to search for very specific terms, like... chloroform, and neck breaking. Then, two days after baby Kaylee had gone missing, Casey asks her neighbor if she can borrow a shovel.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
Casey Anthony Is Back! - The Casey Anthony Story
So she decides, oh, I'll just give the baby up for adoption. But Casey's mom, who we'll just call Casey's mom, Casey's mom says, absolutely not. So Casey has the baby and she keeps her. And the baby's name is Baby Kaylee. So now Casey and Baby Kaylee live at home with Casey's parents. But here's where we run into problems.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
Casey Anthony Is Back! - The Casey Anthony Story
She also at one point steals a checkbook from one of her friends and she goes shopping. Now keep in mind, her baby is gone. According to her, baby Kaylee had just been stolen by her nanny and Casey uses this time to steal a checkbook and go shopping?
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
Casey Anthony Is Back! - The Casey Anthony Story
Not only that, but she's also hanging out with her boyfriend every night and she never mentions to him that her baby was just stolen by a nanny or say that anything had happened to her daughter. She doesn't seem worried or sad at all. In fact, quite the opposite. She's going out to bars and clubs with her friends, drinking and partying. At one point she enters a hot body contest.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
Casey Anthony Is Back! - The Casey Anthony Story
She goes and gets a new tattoo. Like your two-year-old kid is missing and you haven't told anyone, not even your parents, and you're out partying and getting new tattoos? Like it's no wonder the internet's mad at you. And so this tomfoolery goes on for about 31 days before she finally returns back home to her parents' house. And that's where we saw her mom call the police.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
Casey Anthony Is Back! - The Casey Anthony Story
And that phone call from her mom? That was the first time the police had been notified that baby Kaylee was missing. So, like, it's just a little suspicious, right? Oh, but it gets worse. From there, police investigate, and they look at her car, and the trunk of her car tests positive for chloroform and human decomposition.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
Casey Anthony Is Back! - The Casey Anthony Story
I mean, there's just so much, I guess, technically coincidental evidence that some foul play went on. But yet, despite that, Casey still insists that baby Kaylee is probably still alive somewhere out there. She's just missing. And so people continue to look for her. But then, several months later, they get some inevitable news.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
Casey Anthony Is Back! - The Casey Anthony Story
One day, a utility worker is out in a wooded area a little less than a mile from Casey's parents' house, and he comes across a bag. And that bag, sadly, has Kaylee inside. And she has duct tape over her mouth, meaning she had been murdered. And so then fast forward a few years. It's now 2011, and this whole thing goes to trial, with Casey being accused of murder.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
Casey Anthony Is Back! - The Casey Anthony Story
And of course, she pleads not guilty. And her lawyer actually ends up being a pretty good lawyer. And he argues that Kaylee was never kidnapped. That the day she allegedly went missing, she actually accidentally drowned in the family pool. And that Casey's dad, I guess he didn't want to look neglectful, so he covered it up and made it look like someone kidnapped her?
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
Casey Anthony Is Back! - The Casey Anthony Story
And she later makes a very different argument. But in court, that's what Casey's lawyer argues. So, you know, believe what you want. Anyway, so eventually the jury deliberates and they come to a decision. And keep in mind, 40 million people are watching this verdict live on TV. And so the jury comes out and they read the verdict and they find Casey not guilty.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
Casey Anthony Is Back! - The Casey Anthony Story
And of course, people are pissed and like fights break out and people are protesting. They can't believe she got away with this. And so then 14 years go by and it's now 2025. And for whatever reason, Casey decides to join TikTok.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
Casey Anthony Is Back! - The Casey Anthony Story
And even though she was found not guilty of unaliving her daughter, TikTok users pretty much unanimously are like, hey, get the f*** off our platform, you monster. You're not wanted here. And regardless, she only has two videos up, but she has since turned off all of her comments. I guess she doesn't want the hate. Now, I have no idea if she's going to actually post any more videos.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
Casey Anthony Is Back! - The Casey Anthony Story
According to Casey's friends, Casey is a little jealous that all her friends get to be normal 19 year olds and get to go out and party and stuff while Casey is stuck at home taking care of a baby. So then over the next few years, Casey starts lying to her parents about having a job. She'll tell them, oh, I got to go to work.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
Casey Anthony Is Back! - The Casey Anthony Story
I mean, she says she is, so I guess we'll see.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
Casey Anthony Is Back! - The Casey Anthony Story
And her mom will watch baby Kaylee while Casey leaves and goes off to party with her friends. These are actually some pictures of her partying. There's another picture of her partying. You get the idea. And to keep up the lie to her parents that she has a job, she starts stealing from people, from her friends, from her family. She's taking money from her mom's purse.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
Casey Anthony Is Back! - The Casey Anthony Story
She's forging checks, all kinds of stuff. Plus, she keeps making up lies to get other people to babysit for her. I mean, she clearly no longer wants to be a parent. And eventually, she unfortunately gets her wish. Because it's now 2008. And one day, Casey tells her parents she's going on some work trip and that she's going to leave baby Kaylee with a nanny.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
He Murdered a Girl For Turning Around In His Driveway
One night a bunch of friends are in this SUV driving around and they're driving to a friend's party and they're in the middle of nowhere in New York state and it's pitch dark and there's no cell service and they got another car and a motorcycle all following them to this party but as they're driving the roads keep getting sketchier and sketchier and they eventually turn into dirt roads and suddenly it dawns on them they're lost but then in the distance they see something
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
He Murdered a Girl For Turning Around In His Driveway
But one night, it's a normal night, and Kevin is asleep in his bed next to his wife. When suddenly, vroom, a loud noise wakes him up. What the hell was that? It sounds like a motorcycle. And so he jumps out of bed to investigate. Here's the thing about Kevin.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
He Murdered a Girl For Turning Around In His Driveway
Kevin though Kevin doesn't like being woken up in fact Kevin hates a lot of things but this this really startles him and it makes him mad and he can hear something loud is going on outside someone must be out there and so Kevin he keeps a pew-pew by his bed that he uses to shoot squirrels and other animals that get on his nerves And so he goes and he grabs it and he heads to his front door.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
He Murdered a Girl For Turning Around In His Driveway
And once he gets to his porch, he sees a bunch of people he doesn't know in his driveway driving away. A car, an SUV, and a motorcycle. Now here's the other thing about Kevin. He really hates people on his property. He's very protective of his land. So instinctively, he points his pew-pew at the vehicles and he pulls the trigger. Blam! And then a bullet whizzes through the air.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
He Murdered a Girl For Turning Around In His Driveway
And then he pulls it again. Blam! And that second bullet flies through the back windshield, into the SUV, and it hits Kalen in the neck. And that is when the driver, who's also Kalen's boyfriend, asks, is everyone okay? And Kalen doesn't answer. And they know something's wrong, and they're like, oh my god, she's been shot! And so, skrrt, they speed away as fast as they can.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
He Murdered a Girl For Turning Around In His Driveway
And they try to call 911. However, remember, they're in the middle of nowhere. So they can't get any cell service. And so they keep driving. And they drive about five miles before they finally get a signal and they can finally call 911. But unfortunately, by that time, it's too late. And ultimately, Kalen doesn't make it.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
He Murdered a Girl For Turning Around In His Driveway
Meanwhile, back at Kevin's house, Kevin is like, oh, I think I shot someone. And he's got to think fast. And so he decides to get rid of the evidence. First, he takes his pew-pew and he wipes his fingerprints off. Yes, you heard that right. He wipes his own fingerprints off his own firearm. Okay. But then he goes and he finds the shotgun shells to the slugs he fired and he hides them.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
He Murdered a Girl For Turning Around In His Driveway
And honestly, I'm not exactly sure what his full plan is here. Regardless, pretty quickly police arrive and they're knocking on his door. Boom, boom, boom. But Kevin, he ain't answering. So they beat on it again. Boom, boom. But he refuses to come out. Instead, he stays inside and he calls 911 on the police. And he tells the operator, I wish they would leave. I want to go back to bed.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
He Murdered a Girl For Turning Around In His Driveway
And so Kevin and police, they end up in a standoff for apparently an hour. Like Kevin refuses to come out and police refuse to leave until he comes out. But finally, after a long wait, he surrenders and he agrees to come out and police question him and they ask him what happened.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
He Murdered a Girl For Turning Around In His Driveway
A house. And they're like, oh, maybe that's our friend's house. That's where the party is. So they pull into the driveway. But this driveway, it's really long. It's like a long dirt road. And the closer they get to this house, they soon realize, oh, this isn't it. We're at the wrong place. And so they immediately turn around and they start driving away.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
He Murdered a Girl For Turning Around In His Driveway
And so bam, they arrest him. Here's his mugshot. And so Kevin definitely shot this woman. No question, no one's arguing that he didn't. But is he going to prison for this? Well, eventually, old Kevin goes to trial, and there he tells a very different version of what happened. Here's what he says really happened.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
He Murdered a Girl For Turning Around In His Driveway
One night, it's a normal night, and Kevin is asleep in his bed next to his wife, when suddenly, vroom, a loud noise wakes him up. What the hell was that? And so he grabs his pew-pew, and he looks outside, and he sees what he believes to be a motorcycle gang. They must be trying to break in. I mean, this must be a home invasion. And poor Kevin, he fears for his life. I mean, what's he going to do?
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
He Murdered a Girl For Turning Around In His Driveway
And so he yells to his wife, honey, go hide in the closet while I protect you. And then he goes outside. And to get these scary intruders to leave, blam, he fires a warning shot into the air. And the intruders turn around and they start to leave. But then the craziest thing happens. There just happens to be a nail sticking out of the floor of Kevin's porch.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
He Murdered a Girl For Turning Around In His Driveway
And suddenly, pow, Kevin trips over it and he falls to the ground. And blam, this causes his pew-pew to accidentally go off again. And that bullet flies through the back windshield of the SUV and it hits Kalen right in the neck. And therefore, it was a total accident. And so, yeah, this is actually the story that he tells the jury. Bro's entire defense is, no, I fell over.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
He Murdered a Girl For Turning Around In His Driveway
And so the judge hears all this and by this point he has had enough of Kevin's bullshit and he just lays into him.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
He Murdered a Girl For Turning Around In His Driveway
Those are some bars. But anyway, the jury finds him guilty as and the judge lays down his sentence.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
He Murdered a Girl For Turning Around In His Driveway
And so Kevin is sentenced to 25 years to life. And as he's escorted out of the courtroom, this is the reaction from everyone sitting there watching. Wow. That is wild.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
He Murdered a Girl For Turning Around In His Driveway
And that is when suddenly, blam, they hear a gunshot and a bullet whizzes by. And one friend yells, someone's shooting at us! And oh my god, they all panic, and skrrt, the driver floors it. And then, blam, a second gunshot, and a bullet flies through the back windshield. What the hell? Who's shooting at them? And so the driver speeds away, and he turns to his friends, and he asks, is everyone OK?
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
He Murdered a Girl For Turning Around In His Driveway
And everyone says, yes, they're OK. Everyone except for the girl in the passenger seat. Now her name is Kaylin and Kaylin is 20 years old and she doesn't answer. And so the driver asks again, Kaylin, are you okay? Kaylin? But Kaylin still doesn't answer because one of the bullets had hit her in the neck. And so who the hell just shot Kaylin?
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
He Murdered a Girl For Turning Around In His Driveway
Well, to get to that answer, we need to talk about this guy, Kevin. Kevin, he's 65 years old, and he's kind of a grumpy old turd. All of his neighbors know him as just an angry dude. Like, he drives all aggressively, and he even barks at other people's dogs when he gets mad, like, like, he's just that kind of guy.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
The Teen Girl Who Fled England To Join ISIS - The Shamima Begum story
So this girl is pregnant and she's in a war zone and she's running for her life and there's gunfire and the sounds of bombs all around her and all she wants to do is get home safely. So the girl, let's call her Sham. She's 15, she lives at home with her parents in London and she's a good student. But for some reason, Sham feels like she isn't loved.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
The Teen Girl Who Fled England To Join ISIS - The Shamima Begum story
So anyway, as soon as the girls get to ISIS territory, they're immediately expected to start a new domesticated life. And after only being there for 10 days, 15-year-old Sham is married off to an ISIS fighter, a 23-year-old man who we'll just call husband. And Sham is taught to be obedient to husband and to do whatever he asks.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
The Teen Girl Who Fled England To Join ISIS - The Shamima Begum story
And surprisingly, Sham and her new terrorist husband get along well enough. Sometimes he even grants her permission to go out and see her friends. So that's nice of him. But after only 10 days together, husband comes home one day and he's like, I have to go to prison because he's being accused by ISIS of being a spy. So Isis takes him away and they put him in prison and they torture him.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
The Teen Girl Who Fled England To Join ISIS - The Shamima Begum story
And to make it worse for Sham, her friend Khadiza unfortunately dies in a bombing. So Sham is at home all alone for seven months while Isis' husband is being tortured in an Isis prison. But then I guess they realize he's not a spy, so then Isis releases him and returns him home. But then one day, boom, Sham gets pregnant and she has a baby daughter.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
The Teen Girl Who Fled England To Join ISIS - The Shamima Begum story
And now suddenly she starts feeling some of that love she's been missing in her life. And then shortly after daughter's born, boom, Sham gets pregnant again. And this time she has a baby son. Awesome, double the love. But then eight months later, unfortunately baby son gets sick. So she takes him to an ISIS hospital, but they have no meds and not enough staff.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
The Teen Girl Who Fled England To Join ISIS - The Shamima Begum story
So son doesn't get the treatment he needs and he dies. And it gets worse. Her daughter, who's now one year, nine months old, also gets sick and dies. And on top of all that, her husband has turned out to be abusive. Shocker. But Sham still has to do whatever he says because those are the rules. And so, boom, she gets pregnant again. And then at some point, Amira goes missing.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
The Teen Girl Who Fled England To Join ISIS - The Shamima Begum story
But then one day she gets a message from a friend overseas and friend is like, it's too bad you live in the UK because it's paradise here in Syria in ISIS territory. And Sham, she's heard about ISIS before. She's heard a lot of bad things.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
The Teen Girl Who Fled England To Join ISIS - The Shamima Begum story
And since they live in an active war zone, she's presumed to be dead too. But crazy enough, around this time, ISIS actually starts to collapse and Kurdish forces start taking over ISIS territory. So with all this conflict going on, pregnant Sham tries to flee, and she ends up getting separated from her husband and captured by the Kurdish forces.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
The Teen Girl Who Fled England To Join ISIS - The Shamima Begum story
And once captured, they take her to a refugee camp in northern Syria. So now she's 19 years old, she's nine months pregnant, living in this refugee camp with no friends and no husband. But at that camp, she meets a journalist, and they get to talking, and Sham tells this journalist that she's one of the girls from the news, one of the girls who left London to go join ISIS.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
The Teen Girl Who Fled England To Join ISIS - The Shamima Begum story
And she also tells him like, yeah, I'm done here. I'd like to go back to London now. So journalists starts reporting on her. And word gets out that they finally located this famous missing girl from the news. And this story blows up. Everyone's talking about it. And Sham wants to come home. But the British government is like, eh, not so fast. And they strip her of her British citizenship.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
The Teen Girl Who Fled England To Join ISIS - The Shamima Begum story
mostly because she, you know, joined a terrorist organization. But this is a big news story and Sham has people on her side, including lawyers. And her lawyers fight the decision and they appeal it, arguing that Sham was actually a victim of human trafficking. And during this whole fight, Sham is still in the refugee camp and she gives birth to her third kid. A son.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
The Teen Girl Who Fled England To Join ISIS - The Shamima Begum story
But unfortunately, pretty quickly, the son ends up dying of pneumonia. And the whole appeals process about her citizenship takes years. But in the end, the court unanimously upholds the removal of Sham's UK citizenship, and they don't let her back in the country. And to this day, at 24 years old, Sham is still living in Syria, still living in the refugee camp. So, shout out to Syria, I guess.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
The Teen Girl Who Fled England To Join ISIS - The Shamima Begum story
But after weeks of chatting back and forth with her friend, Sham is now convinced she can find the love that her life is missing if she moves to Syria and into ISIS territory. And soon enough, Sham decides that's what she's gonna do. And she convinces two of her London friends to go with her. These two girls, Amira and Khadiza.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
The Teen Girl Who Fled England To Join ISIS - The Shamima Begum story
So Sham packs her bags and she tells her parents that she's going to go study and that they'll be back in a few hours. And then she, Amira, and Khadiza sneak away to the airport and they take a flight to Istanbul, Turkey. And there they meet up with a smuggler at a bus station. The smuggler is a guy who specializes into getting people into ISIS territory.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
The Teen Girl Who Fled England To Join ISIS - The Shamima Begum story
So he takes them and he guides them through a smuggling route. which goes about 700 miles across Turkey and into Syria. Meanwhile, back in England, Sham's parents notice she's missing. And then word gets out that three teenage girls left London to go join ISIS. So this becomes a huge media story.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
The Teen Girl Who Fled England To Join ISIS - The Shamima Begum story
But no one can find them because Sham, Amira and Khadiza are now in Syria and they are officially off the grid. Now, at this point in ISIS territory, Sham would likely be forced to wear a full burqa. But for the purpose of storytelling, I'm not going to put her in that because then you won't recognize her in the pictures.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
The Woman Who Shot Up Youtube - The Nasim Aghdam story
So this influencer, her name's Nassim. And Nassim loves YouTube. So she's 39. She lives with her parents and she's been making YouTube videos for years. She mostly posts weird performance art stuff about veganism and bodybuilding and comedy. And with that, she's doing pretty well. Tens of thousands of subscribers over several different channels. And some of her videos are just strange.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
The Woman Who Shot Up Youtube - The Nasim Aghdam story
So he calls the police in San Diego to file a missing persons report. And he also tells them, like, I think my daughter is really mad at YouTube. So then police, they go out looking for her. And three days after Nassim has left her grandmother's house, police actually find her in Mountain View, which just happens to be near YouTube headquarters in San Bruno.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
The Woman Who Shot Up Youtube - The Nasim Aghdam story
And they find her asleep in her car in a Walmart parking lot. And they question her. And she's not doing anything illegal. She's just asleep. So they let her go. So then police call her dad to be like, we found Nassim. She's fine. So we let her go. And dad's like, okay, but just a heads up, she's super pissed at YouTube.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
The Woman Who Shot Up Youtube - The Nasim Aghdam story
And then later that morning, Nassim drives to San Bruno and she stops at a local gun range. And there she spends a little time firing at targets and practicing her pew pew. Once she's done practicing, she gets back in her car and drives straight to YouTube headquarters. And then she gets there and she parks and she walks onto the company campus.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
The Woman Who Shot Up Youtube - The Nasim Aghdam story
And then she steps into a patio area full of YouTube employees, probably on their lunch break. And that is where Nassim pulls out her pew-pew and she just starts blasting. Blam! Blam! And people panic and they scream and they run away. I mean, it is absolute chaos. And then a bullet hits a YouTube employee and they fall to the ground. And then another employee is hit and then another.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
The Woman Who Shot Up Youtube - The Nasim Aghdam story
Meanwhile, upstairs, other employees are looking out the window and they see that there's an insane person outside shooting people. So they all hide in a conference room and they call 911. But Nassim, she just keeps shooting and eventually she's out of ammo. So she reloads and she starts firing again.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
The Woman Who Shot Up Youtube - The Nasim Aghdam story
Now, I'm not sure if she realizes that there's no getting out of this or if maybe she's just satisfied with the destruction she's caused. But eventually, she turns the pew-pew on herself and she pulls the trigger and unalives herself right there at YouTube headquarters. And by the time police show up, the chaos is over.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
The Woman Who Shot Up Youtube - The Nasim Aghdam story
A lot of them are pro-vegan and very graphic and showing like slaughtered animals and stuff like that. Regardless, one day Nassim's whole life changes because YouTube changes their monetization policies across the whole platform. And the algorithm starts favoring more family-friendly content.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
The Woman Who Shot Up Youtube - The Nasim Aghdam story
Paramedics come and they take the three shooting victims away to the hospital and one of them is in critical condition. But luckily, all three of the shooting victims survive and they eventually made a full recovery. Wow. Shout out to family-friendly content.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
The Woman Who Shot Up Youtube - The Nasim Aghdam story
And suddenly Nassim's videos are not only getting demonetized, but she starts getting a fraction of the viewership she used to get. So let me start this over. So this influencer, her name's Nassim and Nassim hates YouTube. I mean, they cut off her revenue and her viewership and this really pisses her off. And she starts believing that people who work at YouTube are out to get her.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
The Woman Who Shot Up Youtube - The Nasim Aghdam story
Like they're specifically targeting her and her content and trying to suppress her free speech. I'm being discriminated and filtered on YouTube So she's got all this pent up anger and frustration and it starts to spill over into other areas of her life. And at some point she gets into it with her parents. So she moves out of their house and in with her grandmother. And this sucks.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
The Woman Who Shot Up Youtube - The Nasim Aghdam story
And to her, this is clearly all YouTube's fault. So Naseem comes up with a plan. She's going to retaliate against the biggest video platform in the world. So she packs a bag, and in that bag, she includes a pew-pew. So she leaves her grandmother's house in San Diego, and she starts driving north towards San Bruno, California, where YouTube headquarters is.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
The Woman Who Shot Up Youtube - The Nasim Aghdam story
Two days after she leaves, Nassim's dad, who we'll just call Dad, Dad learns that Nassim is missing. Like she hasn't been at her grandmother's house for a while. And dad remembers how much she's been hating YouTube lately and how she feels they've been discriminating against her. And he gets worried Nassim is about to do something crazy.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
She Travelled Abroad For Love And Then Got Murdered - The Ashley Wadsworth story
So this is Ashley and Ashley is about to move overseas to be with the man of her dreams and it's about to go horribly wrong. Now this all starts back when Ashley is 12 and she's a normal 12 year old and she's from Canada and like a lot of kids her age, Ashley likes to chat online with her friends through like social media and stuff and one day she makes a new friend on Facebook. This guy.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
She Travelled Abroad For Love And Then Got Murdered - The Ashley Wadsworth story
And this is actually their first photo together. And so they follow through with their plan. She moves into his apartment and they're having a great time together. This is actually a photo of them and this is another photo of them. But then about a month passes and it's Christmas time and Jack, he's being such a good boyfriend.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
She Travelled Abroad For Love And Then Got Murdered - The Ashley Wadsworth story
He goes out and he gets a tree and he surprises Ashley with a kitten and she really loves cats. And so all of this seems to be going really well, better than they had planned. Until. Okay, here's the thing about Jack. Jack, he's kind of a turd. Like he's unemployed, he lives in public housing on government assistance, he apparently smokes Zaza all day and plays video games.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
She Travelled Abroad For Love And Then Got Murdered - The Ashley Wadsworth story
No ambition, no real attempts at getting a job, just not a lot going on for him. And I don't know if any of this bothers Ashley or not, but what does start to bother her is how controlling he's become since she's moved in. Like he'll get mad if he thinks she's talking to anyone else. He'll get mad at her for being on TikTok.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
She Travelled Abroad For Love And Then Got Murdered - The Ashley Wadsworth story
Then a few days after Christmas, Jack is going through her phone for some reason, and he finds some numbers that she blocked. And he gets all jealous and he assumes that she blocks these numbers because they're her former lovers or something. I don't know. It's stupid. Regardless, they start arguing and Jack suddenly just snaps and he straight up starts smacking her around.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
She Travelled Abroad For Love And Then Got Murdered - The Ashley Wadsworth story
Now, no one should be smacking anyone around. That's horrible in itself, but also he is significantly bigger than her. I mean, you could see them in this picture here. So when he puts his hands on her, it doesn't take much force for him to really hurt her. Now, despite this, unfortunately, Ashley doesn't leave him like I wish she would have. However, from that day, things start to feel different.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
She Travelled Abroad For Love And Then Got Murdered - The Ashley Wadsworth story
Like, she still loves him, but maybe Jack isn't the guy she thought he was. Then, a few weeks later, things get crazy again. Like, Jack is all jealous, and he's going through her phone again, and he finds some old messages on her phone, and these are messages that are back from when she lived in Canada, so yeah, they're old. But Jack doesn't care. He gets pissed.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
She Travelled Abroad For Love And Then Got Murdered - The Ashley Wadsworth story
And they start arguing, and he starts yelling. And he picks up a beer mug. And boom, he breaks it over her head. Dude is just trash. And this whole time, all this is going on, Ashley is lying to her mom. Like, no, mom, I'm totally happy here. I don't know. I guess she doesn't want her mom to hate her boyfriend. I don't know. Not only that, as time goes on, Jack gets more and more abusive.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
She Travelled Abroad For Love And Then Got Murdered - The Ashley Wadsworth story
Jack and Jack is 16 and he lives in England and Ashley thinks Jack is cool. He's a little older, he's from another country, but they're just friends. So then a few years pass and Ashley is 15 now and she and Jack are still friends and they still chat online. But at this point, they've both grown up a little bit and Ashley is starting to think he's kind of fine. And so, boom, they start dating.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
She Travelled Abroad For Love And Then Got Murdered - The Ashley Wadsworth story
Like he's been spying on all her texts, and so she has to be careful about all the messages she sends her friends so that they don't get misinterpreted by him. Like some messages she has to send and then quickly delete before he sees them. It's crazy. Also, she slowly stops talking to her family so much.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
She Travelled Abroad For Love And Then Got Murdered - The Ashley Wadsworth story
And her family and friends, they can tell something is off, but they're halfway across the world back in Canada. So they're not like 100% sure what's going on. However, pretty quickly, they start to figure it out.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
She Travelled Abroad For Love And Then Got Murdered - The Ashley Wadsworth story
Like one day, Ashley is at the apartment talking to her sister on FaceTime and Jack, he gets mad at her for some dumb reason and he suddenly just flips out and he starts throwing things at her and screaming at her and sister's watching all this go down like, hey, Ashley, why don't you just come home? But still, Ashley won't. I guess she's in love or maybe she's afraid. I don't really know.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
She Travelled Abroad For Love And Then Got Murdered - The Ashley Wadsworth story
But about a week later, Ashley's on FaceTime with her sister again. And Jack, he's all mad at her again and he suddenly flips out again and he runs at her and he tackles her and he starts punching her in the head. And sister, she's still on FaceTime watching all this and she's like, what the f**k? And so at this point, sister has had enough. She can't let this continue.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
She Travelled Abroad For Love And Then Got Murdered - The Ashley Wadsworth story
And she goes and she tells their mom what she saw. And of course, mom is like, oh, hell no. And she immediately calls Ashley and she's like, we're getting you a flight and you're coming home. And so finally, they all agree. Ashley is getting out of that toxic situation. She's getting on the next flight back to Canada. Even Jack agrees. He understands that she's leaving on the next flight.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
She Travelled Abroad For Love And Then Got Murdered - The Ashley Wadsworth story
However, there's a problem. It's 2022 and the pandemic is still kind of going on. And Ashley is required to get a negative COVID test before she can get on a plane and fly international. And so unfortunately, she can't fly that day. The soonest she can fly is in three days. But then the next day it all goes wrong.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
She Travelled Abroad For Love And Then Got Murdered - The Ashley Wadsworth story
So they're at the apartment and I guess Jack isn't doing too well and he finally realizes that he's about to lose control of her for good. And so he provokes an argument with her and they start fighting and I'm sure he's like screaming.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
She Travelled Abroad For Love And Then Got Murdered - The Ashley Wadsworth story
screaming at her and then pow he starts hitting her and he hits her again and again and then he picks up the kitten that he bought and he throws it against the wall and Ashley is horrified and she runs out of the apartment to a neighbor's house and the neighbor intervenes and everyone calms down but Ashley knows this isn't over and Jack isn't done.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
She Travelled Abroad For Love And Then Got Murdered - The Ashley Wadsworth story
So after a bit, she low-key tries to message her sister back in Canada. But unfortunately, with the time difference, it's like 3 a.m. there. So sister and everyone else there is asleep. And at some point during all this, Jack finally loses it. And he grabs Ashley and she tries to get away, but he overpowers her. Then he reaches out, grips her neck, and he starts strangling her hard.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
She Travelled Abroad For Love And Then Got Murdered - The Ashley Wadsworth story
90.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
She Travelled Abroad For Love And Then Got Murdered - The Ashley Wadsworth story
Then he goes to his Facebook page and he changes his profile picture to this picture of him and Ashley smiling. And he writes the caption, mine forever. Yikes. Meanwhile, back in Canada, Ashley's family wakes up to all these missed messages from her, but now they can't get a hold of her.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
She Travelled Abroad For Love And Then Got Murdered - The Ashley Wadsworth story
So they reach out to sort of a friend that Ashley knows back in England, and that friend goes over to Jack's apartment to check on Ashley, and she knocks and no one answers, but she can hear something going on inside the apartment. So she calls 999, the emergency number there. And then police show up. And in the apartment, they find Ashley's body there. And so, bam, police arrest Jack.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
She Travelled Abroad For Love And Then Got Murdered - The Ashley Wadsworth story
Here's his creepy-ass mugshot. And he ends up pleading guilty to her murder, and he's sentenced to 23 years to life in prison. A British man has been sentenced to life in prison for killing a young B.C. woman who'd gone to visit him in England. That's sad.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
She Travelled Abroad For Love And Then Got Murdered - The Ashley Wadsworth story
And it's a long-distance relationship, and they've never met in person. I mean, he's still in England, and she's in Canada. But still, she really likes him. And a few more years pass. And that is when everything changes. Because Ashley is now 19. So, she's legally an adult. And Jack is like 22 or 23 at this point.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
She Travelled Abroad For Love And Then Got Murdered - The Ashley Wadsworth story
And they're still dating and they decide to give this a real shot to see if this relationship can work for real, not just long distance, not just online. And so Ashley, she gets a six month tourist visa and she books a flight to England because she's going to go live with him for six months until her visa expires.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
She Travelled Abroad For Love And Then Got Murdered - The Ashley Wadsworth story
And of course, her mom is a little concerned that she's going to live with a guy she's never met in person. But unfortunately, there's no stopping Ashley. She is determined to see this through. So she does. She flies from Canada all the way over to the UK. And there, she's finally in England and she meets her boyfriend, Jack, for the first time in person.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
The Man Who Robbed 40 McDonalds - The Jeffrey Alan Manchester story
So this guy, let's call him Hamburglar. And one night, Hamburglar's on the roof of a McDonald's. And it's late, and the staff is still there, but the store is closed. And Hamburglar, he has a bunch of power tools, and he starts drilling and cutting into the roof. And once he has a two by two foot hole big enough, he rappels down into the store.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
The Man Who Robbed 40 McDonalds - The Jeffrey Alan Manchester story
But in this McDonald's, an employee is actually able to hit the silent alarm and then boom, Hamburglar gets caught and he gets arrested and here's his mugshot. So he goes to trial, he gets sentenced to 45 years in prison and almost immediately he starts thinking of a plan to break himself out. Four years later, he finally gets his chance. See, Hamburglar is very well behaved in prison.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
The Man Who Robbed 40 McDonalds - The Jeffrey Alan Manchester story
So they allow him to work in the metal shop where the good prisoners get to work. And while he's there, he secretly uses all their tools to make like a fake undercarriage. And he fastens it to an actual undercarriage of a delivery truck. And then he hides in it as that delivery truck is leaving the prison. And this allows him to escape. So now he's on the run.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
The Man Who Robbed 40 McDonalds - The Jeffrey Alan Manchester story
But unfortunately for him, he's got nowhere to stay. So he breaks into a local Toys R Us at night and he stays there. He finds a little cubby hole way behind the bike rack where he can make a little camp and hide and sleep at night.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
The Man Who Robbed 40 McDonalds - The Jeffrey Alan Manchester story
And then every night during closing hours, he comes out and he gets exercised by riding bikes up and down the aisles and he survives by eating baby food off the shelves and he knows where all the security cameras are so he knows how to avoid them and not get caught. And so he just lives here in this Toys R Us comfortably for like several months.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
The Man Who Robbed 40 McDonalds - The Jeffrey Alan Manchester story
Meanwhile, he starts a sort of normal life out in the community. He joins a local church and he's very active in it. In fact, while he's at this church, he meets a really nice woman. This woman, Lee. And Lee's a nice single mother with three kids, and Lee likes Hamburglar, so they start dating. Now, obviously, he doesn't tell her he's an escaped convict who's living in a nearby Toys R Us.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
The Man Who Robbed 40 McDonalds - The Jeffrey Alan Manchester story
Now the staff, they're still there, closing up the place. And that is when Hamburglar, he pulls out his pew pew. And he doesn't scream at them or anything. He just politely says, will everyone please get into the walk-in freezer? I'm robbing the place. And he's very calm and he's very nice. He even suggests that they take their coats with them, you know, so that they don't get cold.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
The Man Who Robbed 40 McDonalds - The Jeffrey Alan Manchester story
Instead, he tells her he works for the government and that he can't tell her much about his job or his background because he says he has special security clearance and lives in a secret government building. And Lee's just like, all right, cool, because she likes Hamburglar. I mean, she's a single mother, and he's really good with her three kids.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
The Man Who Robbed 40 McDonalds - The Jeffrey Alan Manchester story
Like, he's always hanging out with them and bringing them new toys, which he stole from Toys R Us, but whatever. And this whole thing, it goes on for several months. But then, as time passes, it starts to get into the Christmas season. And Hamburglar decides this Toys R Us is getting way too much foot traffic for him to keep staying there, hiding out in his little cubbyhole behind the bike rack.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
The Man Who Robbed 40 McDonalds - The Jeffrey Alan Manchester story
So he gets some tools and during closing hours, he tunnels through the wall and into the next building over, which just happens to be an abandoned Circuit City. And there he sets up a new secret hideout inside almost a little closet area underneath a stairwell. And he had stolen a DVD player.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
The Man Who Robbed 40 McDonalds - The Jeffrey Alan Manchester story
So there in Circuit City, he just kind of chills most of the day and he watches a bunch of DVDs and he is completely undetected. Until, as the holiday season ramps up, Hamburglar knows Toys R Us is about to make a ton of money. So he decides he's gonna rob them.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
The Man Who Robbed 40 McDonalds - The Jeffrey Alan Manchester story
So he waits until the day after Christmas, and when the store is finally closed, and the employees, they're still there, closing up and counting the money, and Hamburglar gets a pew-pew that he had stolen, and he sneaks into the Toys R Us through the tunnel he had made. And then bam, he approaches the employees, and he's polite, but he orders them to please put their hands up.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
The Man Who Robbed 40 McDonalds - The Jeffrey Alan Manchester story
But unfortunately for him, during this robbery, two Toys R Us employees quickly managed to slip out the back door. And they run as fast as they can until they get to a phone and they call police. And then police show up and they try to corner Hamburglar. But Hamburglar, he's a bit crafty. And he manages to escape through that tunnel he created. So then police find the tunnel.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
The Man Who Robbed 40 McDonalds - The Jeffrey Alan Manchester story
And eventually they find his secret hideout under the stairwell in Circuit City. And in his hideout, they find a DVD he had been watching. And from that, they're able to get his fingerprints off of it. And that DVD, coincidentally, catch me if you can. Anyway, once they have his fingerprints, they correctly identify him.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
The Man Who Robbed 40 McDonalds - The Jeffrey Alan Manchester story
And now they know he's the same guy that robbed all those McDonald's back in the day and then later broke out of prison. Hamburglar. So police put out an APB letting everyone in the community know that there's an armed convict on the loose. And then the story makes local news and then they show Hamburglar's mugshot on the screen.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
The Man Who Robbed 40 McDonalds - The Jeffrey Alan Manchester story
And then some people from the local church, they recognize him like, hey, that's the guy who's dating Lee. So then police, they go talk to Lee. And then they explained to her that this nice guy who's been really great to her kids is actually a wanted ex-con. And Lee is sad and she's devastated and all, but she agrees to help.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
The Man Who Robbed 40 McDonalds - The Jeffrey Alan Manchester story
And then after they plan a whole setup, Lee calls Hamburglar and she invites him over to her 40th birthday party. And Hamburglar shows up to see her, but instead of a birthday party, he finds the police waiting for him. Womp womp. So they arrest him again and now he's back in prison. Shout out to Charlotte, North Carolina.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
The Man Who Robbed 40 McDonalds - The Jeffrey Alan Manchester story
So the McDonald's staff obeys and they shuffle into the freezer and then Hamburglar, he locks them in and then he robs all the money from the store and then he flees. And once he's gone, he calls police so that they can come and let the staff out so that they don't like die in the freezer. Now Hamburglar, he's an interesting guy because he mostly robs McDonald's. Why mostly McDonald's?
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
The Man Who Robbed 40 McDonalds - The Jeffrey Alan Manchester story
Well, because he used to work there as a teenager. So he knows McDonald's stores are very cookie cutter. Most of them have the same layout. A lot of them have the same schedule. And when he robs these stores, he always robs during closing time. And he always lowers himself down through the roof so that he won't attract any unnecessary attention trying to bust through the front doors.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
The Man Who Robbed 40 McDonalds - The Jeffrey Alan Manchester story
And using this method, he robs somewhere between 40 and 60 McDonald's stores in a two year period. But then one day, Hamburglar gets a little greedy. He robs a McDonald's and then a few hours later, he drives 10 miles away and he finds another McDonald's and he lowers himself in through the roof and he starts to rob it too. So two stores in one day.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
The Kid Who Stole Guy Fieri's Lamborghini - The Max Wade story
It's 4 a.m. and this young dude, he's on the roof of this luxury car dealership. And he ties off a rope and he opens the hatch to the roof. And then he rappels down into the showroom, Mission Impossible style. And there he looks around at all the luxury cars until he finally sees the one he wants. A banana yellow Lamborghini Gallardo Spyder. And he breaks into it by getting the locks open.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
The Kid Who Stole Guy Fieri's Lamborghini - The Max Wade story
She only talks to him because she wants to buy another fake ID from him. So Eva and Max, they start texting back and forth often enough. And she's always asking him about this fake ID he's going to sell her. But Max, he's decided he wants more. And so he makes his move. And he asks her, So what are you doing on Valentine's Day? And that is when Eva drops a bomb on him.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
The Kid Who Stole Guy Fieri's Lamborghini - The Max Wade story
She's like, I'mma be with my boyfriend. Now this absolutely crushes Max. He is devastated. He doesn't like the fact that she has a boyfriend one bit. And he gets pissed off and he's like sitting in his room just thinking about it, marinating. Now Eva's boyfriend is this guy, Landon. And Max, he finds Landon on Facebook and he starts talking trash to him and he threatens to fight him.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
The Kid Who Stole Guy Fieri's Lamborghini - The Max Wade story
And of course, none of this wins Eva over. So then Max, he comes up with a plan. He's gonna unalive Landon so that Eva will have to love him. Yeah, I'm not really sure that's gonna work out all that well. So two months later, after Eva had rejected Max's Valentine's Day text, Max sets his plan into motion.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
The Kid Who Stole Guy Fieri's Lamborghini - The Max Wade story
He goes to a motorcycle shop and he buys a black motorcycle helmet and all black motorcycle gear so that no one will recognize him. The next day, he puts on the gear and he gets a pew-pew and he gets on his motorcycle. Then he rides over to Landon's house. Now at Landon's house, he just happens to be sitting outside in his truck.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
The Kid Who Stole Guy Fieri's Lamborghini - The Max Wade story
So Max pulls up next to his truck and he pulls out a pew-pew and he aims it at Landon sitting in the cab and he's ready to fire. Here's the thing, Max doesn't know this, but Landon isn't the only one in that truck. Eva is actually sitting in the passenger seat next to him, but Max doesn't see her. So Max, he aims the pew-pew at Landon and he pulls the trigger. Blam! Blam! He fires five times.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
The Kid Who Stole Guy Fieri's Lamborghini - The Max Wade story
And bullets come flying through Landon's window. And he and Eva have to duck down. And at that moment, Max accidentally fumbles and he drops the pew-pew. So Landon, he sees this opportunity and he floors it, speeding away. And they haul ass to a nearby taco shop and they call 911. And then police come out and they investigate and they have no idea who this shooter is.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
The Kid Who Stole Guy Fieri's Lamborghini - The Max Wade story
And then he disables the alarm on the building. And then he drives the Lambo out of the dealership, speeding away in his brand new car. Now this Lamborghini he stole isn't just a Lamborghini. It happens to belong to celebrity chef and restaurant owner Guy Fieri, who had just taken it to that dealership to get it serviced. Now the dude who stole it, his name is Max.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
The Kid Who Stole Guy Fieri's Lamborghini - The Max Wade story
But surveillance footage got him getting gas at a nearby gas station right before the shooting. And then two of the detectives investigating, they look at this footage, and they just happen to be motorcycle enthusiasts. And they recognize the brand of helmet that Max is wearing. And only one motorcycle shop in the area sells that brand of helmet.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
The Kid Who Stole Guy Fieri's Lamborghini - The Max Wade story
So they go to the shop, they ask for the surveillance footage, and on it, they see Max. buying the helmet and the black gear he wore during the shooting. Now, detectives, they don't know his name is Max. But remember, Max had been threatening Landon on Facebook.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
The Kid Who Stole Guy Fieri's Lamborghini - The Max Wade story
So police put two and two together, and they realized the guy who was threatening Landon on Facebook is also the guy who was shooting at him. Now, these detectives, they don't want to just roll up and arrest Max right away. No, no. They want to find the pew-pew he used during the shooting and the motorcycle he was riding that day. so that they can tie him directly to the crime.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
The Kid Who Stole Guy Fieri's Lamborghini - The Max Wade story
So they approach Eva and they ask her to help them catch Max. They have her call him and ask him to meet up while they record the phone call. So Eva calls him and she's like, Hey Max, I need a new fake ID. Let's meet up. And then she asks him if he can bring that sweet banana yellow Lambo. And Max is like, all right, sweet.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
The Kid Who Stole Guy Fieri's Lamborghini - The Max Wade story
So he goes to the storage unit and he gets the Lambo out and he drives it over to where Eva is. And now detectives, they're on the lookout and they spot him driving because, you know, a yellow Lambo is kind of hard to miss. And so they see him and they start tailing him. And then other detectives, they instruct Eva to text Max and cancel the meetup. So then Max is like, oh, bummer.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
The Kid Who Stole Guy Fieri's Lamborghini - The Max Wade story
And he has to turn around and drive his Lambo back to the storage unit. Now, detectives are still low-key following him. And so he leads them right there, right to the storage unit where he had been hiding the stolen Lambo, the pew-pew he used during the shooting, and the motorcycle he was riding that day.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
The Kid Who Stole Guy Fieri's Lamborghini - The Max Wade story
So then, boom, they arrest Max, here's his mugshot, and he's charged with attempted murder and a bunch of other stuff, and he gets sentenced to 21 years to life. Shout out to Flavortown, I guess.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
The Kid Who Stole Guy Fieri's Lamborghini - The Max Wade story
And Max is 16, he's a high school dropout, but he's kind of a sharp guy. He had learned how to repel and disable alarms by watching YouTube tutorials. So he steals Guy Fieri's Lambo. And he can cruise around the city in it sometimes, but he doesn't really want to get caught. So the car, most of the time, sits parked in a storage unit he rented.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
The Kid Who Stole Guy Fieri's Lamborghini - The Max Wade story
Meanwhile, Guy Fieri, he keeps getting phone calls from his friends. Like, hey bro, I saw you driving around town today in your Lambo. Of course, it isn't him driving. It's actually Max. Now, stealing cars isn't the only illegal thing Max does. He actually makes money with a side business selling fake IDs to high school students. And this business is where things start getting crazy for him.
Ray William Johnson: True Story Podcast
The Kid Who Stole Guy Fieri's Lamborghini - The Max Wade story
Because one day he sells a fake ID to this girl, Eva. Now Max, he likes Eva. He thinks she is foine and he really wants to impress her. And yeah, he's got this cool banana yellow Lambo. What more does he need? Sometimes he'll even pull up to meet up with her in this Lambo. Like he's trying to flex. But unfortunately, Eva isn't really interested in Max.
Right About Now with Ryan Alford
The Future of Influencer & Athlete Marketing with Ishveen Jolly
This is Right About Now with Ryan Alford, a Radcast Network production. We are the number one business show on the planet with over 1 million downloads a month. Taking the BS out of business for over six years and over 400 episodes. You ready to start snapping necks and cashing checks? Well, it starts right about now.
Right About Now with Ryan Alford
The Future of Influencer & Athlete Marketing with Ishveen Jolly
Yeah.
Right About Now with Ryan Alford
The Future of Influencer & Athlete Marketing with Ishveen Jolly
This has been Right About Now with Ryan Alford, a Radcast Network production. Visit ryanisright.com for full audio and video versions of the show or to inquire about sponsorship opportunities. Thanks for listening.
Right About Now with Ryan Alford
Formulating Success: The Sweet Journey of NoBaked Cookie Dough w/ Co-Founder Jimmy Feeman
Oh, wow. This is Right About Now with Ryan Alford, a Radcast Network production. We are the number one business show on the planet with over 1 million downloads a month. Taking the BS out of business for over six years and over 400 episodes. You ready to start snapping necks and cashing checks? Well, it starts Right About Now.
Right About Now with Ryan Alford
Formulating Success: The Sweet Journey of NoBaked Cookie Dough w/ Co-Founder Jimmy Feeman
23.
Right About Now with Ryan Alford
Formulating Success: The Sweet Journey of NoBaked Cookie Dough w/ Co-Founder Jimmy Feeman
This has been Right About Now with Ryan Alford, a Radcast Network production. Visit RyanIsRight.com for full audio and video versions of the show or to inquire about sponsorship opportunities. Thanks for listening.
Right About Now with Ryan Alford
Formulating Success: The Sweet Journey of NoBaked Cookie Dough w/ Co-Founder Jimmy Feeman
2025. 2025.
Right About Now with Ryan Alford
Pivoting in Business: How to Thrive Amidst Challenges Like a Pro with Bedros Keuilian
This is Right About Now with Ryan Alford, a Radcast Network production. We are the number one business show on the planet with over 1 million downloads a month. taking the BS out of business for over six years and over 400 episodes. You ready to start snapping necks and cashing checks? Well, it starts right about now.
Right About Now with Ryan Alford
Pivoting in Business: How to Thrive Amidst Challenges Like a Pro with Bedros Keuilian
Right.
Right About Now with Ryan Alford
Pivoting in Business: How to Thrive Amidst Challenges Like a Pro with Bedros Keuilian
Yeah.
Right About Now with Ryan Alford
Pivoting in Business: How to Thrive Amidst Challenges Like a Pro with Bedros Keuilian
Thank you.
Right About Now with Ryan Alford
Business News: Economic March Madness - NCAA Revenue - NASA astronauts & SpaceX Capsule - Cryptocurrency Trends
This is Right About Now with Ryan Alford, a Radcast Network production. We are the number one business show on the planet with over 1 million downloads a month. Taking the BS out of business for over six years and over 400 episodes. You ready to start snapping necks and cashing checks? Well, it starts right about now.
Right About Now with Ryan Alford
Business News: Economic March Madness - NCAA Revenue - NASA astronauts & SpaceX Capsule - Cryptocurrency Trends
Yes.
Right About Now with Ryan Alford
Business News: Economic March Madness - NCAA Revenue - NASA astronauts & SpaceX Capsule - Cryptocurrency Trends
This has been Right About Now with Ryan Alford, a Radcast Network production. Visit RyanIsRight.com for full audio and video versions of the show or to inquire about sponsorship opportunities. Thanks for listening.
Scam Factory
Sacrificial Lambs | 2
Wondery Plus subscribers can binge all episodes of Scam Factory early and ad-free. Join Wondery Plus in the Wondery app or on Apple Podcasts. Charlie paced around outside her house in the cool night air. It was quiet, which was one benefit of living hours away from the bustling city of Manila. The other was the fresh air she got from being surrounded by lush greenery at the base of a mountain.
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Like a lot of brothers, Max and Josh had their fair share of fights growing up. But if anyone else messed with Max, Josh was always the first to defend him. He just wanted to be with his brother. Like whatever happens, they will be together. Charlie couldn't really tell him he couldn't go. He was an adult, and he was trying to help fix her mistake, which she seemed to be making worse by the hour.
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And so far, Dev had pretty cleanly won every round. But, at least according to Charlie, not only did Josh want to join this losing game, so did two others. First, word got to Max's girlfriend, and she said she wanted to tag along. She insisted. She said that I want to be with him. Then with Max's girlfriend going, Max's girlfriend's brother also wanted to go.
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I don't know what came into their mind for the girlfriend and the brother. I mean, what came into their mind was the girlfriend wanted to be with her boyfriend and the brother wanted to keep an eye on his sister. And while they all knew it was a scam, they also kind of thought they could just hustle their way through it.
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Keep their head down, meet quota, make some money, get the heck out of Dodge at the end of their contract. But for Charlie, this made things much more complicated.
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But it wasn't just Max. Now, it was four people. One she was already worried about, one who was a hothead, and two who were wildcards. Because frankly, Charlie just didn't have the same relationship with the girlfriend and her brother as she did with Josh and Max. And even though she did not know how to solve this constantly expanding headache, she did have an idea.
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Maybe because she'd been such a good employee, Dev would let her go see her brothers just to make sure they were okay.
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If you wanted to see your brothers, do that for me. In order to see her brothers, Charlie would have to cross a serious line. She would have to sell someone on a job that wouldn't be anything like she promised and send them to a place where they would have no way out. She would have to sacrifice one person to the scam factory.
Scam Factory
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I'm Denise Chan, host of Scam Factory, and I have a brand new vintage of podcast for you, fresh off the grapevine. Blood Vines is a full-bodied podcast that uncorks the never-before-told story of the Lachardy family, one of the most powerful wine dynasties in California's history.
Scam Factory
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Jack Lachardy was a patriarch of one of the country's biggest grape suppliers for America's most popular wine, White Zinfandel. But things turned sour when the government began to investigate the business for multimillion-dollar wine grape fraud. The case spilled over into a bloody battle for succession for the family business that almost brought down the entire industry and ended in murder.
Scam Factory
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If you loved succession, then Blood Vines is the series for you. Grab a glass of your favorite wine and dive into a story that has notes of fraud and betrayal, capped off with a big finish, murder. Listen to Blood Vines exclusively on Wondery Plus. Join Wondery Plus in the Wondery app, Apple Podcasts, or Spotify. Charlie was standing outside her family home, smoking.
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Again, it's where she did her best thinking. And Charlie needed her best thinking to solve this problem Dev had saddled her with. How the fuck was she going to recruit someone into the scam factory?
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At this point, Charlie had given Dev both of her brothers, her brother's girlfriend, and her brother. She really didn't want to end up shipping her whole family off to the compound. She needed someone new, someone she wasn't related to, and someone who wouldn't freak out when she told them what the job was. Which was the challenge, because this wasn't a normal job.
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Who would want to be a scammer on purpose? This was a lot harder than calling up a travel agency and bullshitting about a vacation to Thailand. And a lot more messed up on a conscience level, too. Charlie was going to have to convince someone to take a shady job. But she had no choice. If she wanted to see her brothers, and if she wanted to stay in Dev's favor, she had to do this.
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Dev didn't deny any of this. Yes, the job wasn't the one advertised, and yes, it was a different compound than the one she had visited. But he explained to her that the place she visited was still under construction, and once it was finished, Max would be transferred over.
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She didn't know what would happen if she failed, if Dev got mad or disappointed. And that was a risk she couldn't take. She needed to find someone. I was like, where am I going to find this person? She thought about the qualifications needed for the job. Someone who spoke English well and had experience interacting with customers. Then it came to her.
Scam Factory
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In a previous job, Charlie had worked as a customer service representative. She figured someone who worked in a call center would be the perfect candidate. She texted an old coworker. I tried my luck, maybe she knew someone. But Charlie needed to be careful with how she phrased her question.
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This kind of industry. The job she was recruiting for was illegal. The fact that she was recruiting was illegal. Who knew how this person would react to Charlie's casual inquiry?
Scam Factory
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At least as Charlie tells it, her friend was picking up exactly what she was putting down. She said that I know one person who can help you.
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Now, Charlie says this woman didn't seem fazed by the whole scam part.
Scam Factory
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Charlie couldn't believe her luck. She hadn't had to handle any objections or make any earnest promises. And she was about to land not one, but two recruits.
Scam Factory
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In the meantime, Max was placed in a compound that had already been fully built, about 10 minutes away, and Dev would make sure he was being looked out for. Charlie was starting to get desperate. She pointed out that he'd even lied about the salary. And then I asked him, see, even the salary, you also lied to us.
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All this woman really wanted to know was, how much would they be making?
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Charlie told them the salary was $1,000 a month. The women were in shock.
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Suddenly, she had three recruits. And every time her phone rang, the number went up.
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Charlie had only been asked to get one person, and now she had five. And again, according to Charlie, she felt she'd been honest with them or mostly honest with them.
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Charlie is saying that she gave these women enough information to deduce that they were going to Myanmar. They could do the math. You're crossing a river from Massat, which, if you look at a map, means only one thing. You are going to Myanmar. Look, she had five women who she felt were totally fine with taking a year-long scamming job for $1,000 a month.
Scam Factory
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She was not about to muck it up by getting into the Myanmar of it all. She left that detail for them to figure out. And sure, Dev had lied to her about Max's salary. So Charlie had no idea if these women would actually make the money Dev promised. And there was also the detail that Charlie was trying to get her brothers out of the same place she was sending these women off to.
Scam Factory
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But for Charlie, what she told them was good enough. It had to be. Because she needed to close this sale. She needed to prove herself to Dev.
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For someone who insisted she didn't know how to do this, Charlie had delivered with flying colors on her first try.
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Charlie was proving herself to be very, very good at this. The problem was, she would soon regret every last bit of this victory. Because these women would go to the compound and settle right in. In fact, two of the five quickly started to climb the corporate ladder inside the scam factory. Within a couple months, they were promoted.
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They started a whole new HR department inside the compound that focused on recruiting Filipino workers. Charlie's recruits became recruiters themselves and Charlie's colleagues because Charlie started to arrange travel for their recruits too.
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Max's salary was about $300 a month, more than three times less than he'd been promised. And then he said, don't worry about the salary. The company would give Max's reduced pay, and Dev would provide the rest. And then I would enter my own pocket. Charlie didn't know it, but it was like Dev was reading straight from one of Shana Lucas's scripts. He's always saying, no, don't worry.
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which is how Charlie would find herself in a group chat called God Bless with her two recruits turned recruiters and a young Filipino woman named Jella, coaxing her into the compound. It was already too far from Bangkok. Jella stood with her phone in one hand and the handle of her luggage in the other. She had just gone through an immigration checkpoint on the Thai border.
Scam Factory
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She was at one end of a long bridge. Behind her was Thailand. And at the other end was Myanmar. The bridge was called the Friendship Bridge, but Jella was scared out of her fucking mind. Beside her were two Chinese men and a local Burmese woman, her escorts. They didn't speak English, but they encouraged her to step forward, to start walking across the bridge.
Scam Factory
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The bridge had pedestrian walkways on either side. In the middle, cars and bikes whizzed by. On both sides of the bridge were colorful buildings and billboards in Thai. Below the bridge was a muddy river. It looked like a totally normal bridge, but Jella did not want to take another step forward. She pulled up the group chat called God Bless with her recruiters and Charlie.
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She had asked these women multiple times whether the job was in Myanmar. And each time they said no, it was in Tak province in Thailand. But here she was, being pushed across a bridge into Myanmar. They had lied. And now, they were trying to make it seem like it was no big deal.
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Jella asked, is this the way they'd be getting out too? She tacked on a nervous hee-hee. Jella, by the way, isn't the confrontational type. She often masked her fear and softened ha-has and emojis. But despite what she was texting, Jella was terrified. Charlie responded, Jella panicked.
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Charlie didn't answer the question she was actually asking, which was why the hell was she in Myanmar and how the hell was she going to get out? Jella looked around and considered making a run for it.
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When she got to the other side of the bridge, men with camouflage uniforms and guns greeted her. She sent another text to the group chat asking about these soldiers. She asked if she was safe with these men.
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Don't worry, I'll take care of your brother. Pitch, handle objections, make promises earnestly.
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Charlie and the recruiters kept insisting. It was safe. She should go with the armed men. They would protect her. Jella felt trapped.
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Jella was facing the same question as every person pulled into the scam factory. What is more dangerous, to do as they say or not? It's the same question Charlie faced when recruiting five women in order to visit her brothers. Keep Dev happy and do as he asked? Or risk the chance that she may never see them again? But choosing to please Dev to get her brothers out of the scam factory?
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would end up costing her more than she could ever possibly repay.
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That's on the next episode of Scam Factory. Follow Scam Factory on the Wondery app, Amazon Music, or wherever you get your podcasts. You can binge all episodes early and ad-free right now by joining Wondery Plus in the Wondery app or on Apple Podcasts. Before you go, tell us about yourself by completing a short survey at wondery.com.
Scam Factory
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If you have a tip about a story you think we should investigate, please write to us at wondery.com. From Wondery, this is episode two of six of Scam Factory, a story about a brother, his sister, and the big business of lies. Scam Factory is written, reported, and hosted by me, Denise Chan. Our story editor is Lou Okowski. Senior producer is Claire Chambers. Associate producer is Evangeline Baras.
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Reporting by Wijitra Duangdi. Additional reporting by John Vic Mateo. Additional production assistance from Emily Locke, Malachi Wade, and Mariah Dennis. Audio assistance by Daniel William Gonzalez. Sound design and mixing by Jamie Cooper. Sound supervisor is Marcelino Villapando. Original score by Tangelene Bolton. Music supervisor is Scott Velasquez for Frizon Sync.
Scam Factory
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Deb would see to it that Max would be able to get out in half the time he was originally contracted for. He said, special treatment.
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Senior Managing Producer is Lata Pandya. Managing Producer is Heather Beloga. Senior Development Editor is Rachel B. Doyle. Fact-checking by Jacqueline Coletti. Executive Producers are Julia Lowry-Henderson, George Lavender, Marshall Louie, and Jen Sargent for Wondery.
Scam Factory
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She didn't want a deal. She wanted to get her brother out of this. And then I told him that I want him to send him back.
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Charlie didn't have anywhere near that kind of money. She sold secondhand clothes for a living. Her bank account only had about $500 in it. It's not like a bank would give her a loan. What would she say? My brother's trapped in a scam factory in Myanmar and I need to pay the people who are holding him? She couldn't ask her parents. They didn't have that kind of money either.
Scam Factory
Sacrificial Lambs | 2
They are just relying on our support. She didn't dare tell her family.
Scam Factory
Sacrificial Lambs | 2
Her brother was trapped in Myanmar, a foreign country nearly 1,500 miles away. A foreign country in the middle of its own civil war that felt more or less lawless.
Scam Factory
Sacrificial Lambs | 2
Charlie was afraid if the local Philippines authorities could do anything, it would take a long time. But she was even more afraid of what Dev might do if he found out she went to the police.
Scam Factory
Sacrificial Lambs | 2
But Charlie was about to make a big move. One that could get her in serious trouble. Because if Charlie really wanted to get Max out, if she really wanted to make the kind of money she needed to buy his freedom, then Dev had one more offer.
Scam Factory
Sacrificial Lambs | 2
Less pollution. Which didn't really matter at this moment because Charlie was smoking like a chimney.
Scam Factory
Sacrificial Lambs | 2
From Wondery, I'm Denise Chan, and this is Scam Factory. This is Episode 2, Sacrificial Lambs. Charlie sat at her desk in front of her computer. She was surrounded by piles of shoes and clothes that needed to be photographed and posted online. But that would have to wait for another day. Because the office where Charlie ran her online shop was now her makeshift travel agency.
Scam Factory
Sacrificial Lambs | 2
Charlie was working for Dev. He just said, book the ticket for these people. That's it. She had agreed to help Dev arrange travel for fresh recruits going into the compound.
Scam Factory
Sacrificial Lambs | 2
Dev could make as much as $10,000 for each recruit he brought over. And for every person Charlie helped with, he promised her a cut. He's giving me $400 each. For her first assignment, Dev told her he had four people he needed her to book travel for. it was Charlie's job to arrange everything. She called a local travel agency and got to work plotting out the perfect three-day Bangkok vacation.
Scam Factory
Sacrificial Lambs | 2
Temple tours, river boat rides, gemstone factories, But of course, none of these people would ever see any of these sites. They would all be headed to the same scam factory where her brother was working. And by the time they figured out they'd been scammed, it would be too late, just like it had been for her and Max. But Charlie didn't dwell on that.
Scam Factory
Sacrificial Lambs | 2
She was tense because she'd screwed up big time. How had she gotten it so wrong? I am the type of person that don't easily trust anyone. She had tried to be so careful. She'd gone with Max to that lunch to learn more about the job, to ask all the questions she could think of to the man offering the gig, this guy Dev.
Scam Factory
Sacrificial Lambs | 2
So when the travel agency sent over the itinerary, Charlie double-checked the names were right, the dates were right, and the tickets were attached. Then she shared it with Dev. Dev was pleased, and Charlie was relieved she'd done a good job. She was keeping Dev happy, but she was still worried about Max. She texted him constantly to check in. Every night, every single night.
Scam Factory
Sacrificial Lambs | 2
She wanted to know how he was doing. He told her the food was okay, the hours were long, and he was drinking a lot of beer. Max sent photos of his dorm, and he sent a selfie from his balcony with his new work buddy, Jane. Charlie also wanted to know what he was doing. Max told her he was working with a group of Filipinos. Because they spoke English, they were scamming customers in the UK.
Scam Factory
Sacrificial Lambs | 2
But there were people from all different parts of the world. Indonesians, Malaysians, Russians, Ethiopians, Pakistanis. They'd all been brought there to scam people in a variety of languages. He sent her pictures of his training documents, which had elaborate instructions on how to walk a customer through setting up a crypto account.
Scam Factory
Sacrificial Lambs | 2
Like making sure the customer sends all their bank info directly to their customer service team. Or reminding the customer to check back in if they're idle for over 10 minutes, just to make sure they're depositing money in the right bank account. He told her about the constant surveillance.
Scam Factory
Sacrificial Lambs | 2
The bosses could see everything on their computer screens and their work phones. And when Max clocked in, he had to hand over his personal phone, which they no doubt looked through. He had to be very careful what he sent to Charlie. And Charlie needed to watch what she sent him, too. He said he needs to delete the messages.
Scam Factory
Sacrificial Lambs | 2
Working for Dev, Charlie was starting to get a better understanding of what she and Max were involved in. the place seemed to be run by a Chinese syndicate. Dev was Malaysian Chinese. Everyone she'd talked to, who was a boss, spoke Chinese. And she knew that Max's managers were Chinese too. On top of that, the scale of this company was even bigger than she had thought.
Scam Factory
Sacrificial Lambs | 2
It wasn't just the one company Max was in. Dev was sending people to a bunch of different companies in different compounds, all in that area. All to scam. It was a huge operation. And Max was just one of thousands. Charlie told Max to do as he was told and he'd be safe. They'd work this out.
Scam Factory
Sacrificial Lambs | 2
Charlie sat on the edge of the pool at her family's mango farm. Years ago, her family had the idea to dig out two pools next to 200 mango trees, a place they could gather on weekends. Charlie watched her niece and nephews run around the pool, jumping in and out of the water.
Scam Factory
Sacrificial Lambs | 2
She'd even gone as far as flying out to Thailand to see where Max would be working. She'd met other people from the company. She'd learned that Dev worked directly with the owners. So to Charlie, this man seemed legitimate. And so did the company. Boy, was she wrong. I got scum. I got scum by Dev. Anger coursed through her body. She gripped her phone. She was going to confront Dev.
Scam Factory
Sacrificial Lambs | 2
Normally, Charlie would be helping out too, having fun, drinking a Corona. But today, Charlie kept to herself, feet dangling in the water, head down, chain smoking. I was worried. I was not enjoying that time. The whole family was there. Charlie's siblings, her kids, her parents, even some extended family. But someone was missing. Max. Max.
Scam Factory
Sacrificial Lambs | 2
who, as far as everyone else knew, was off making mad money at his new job in Thailand. Only Charlie knew the truth.
Scam Factory
Sacrificial Lambs | 2
As Charlie stared off into the pool, deep in thought, her brother Josh walked over and sat down next to her. Out of five siblings, Josh and Max were the only boys, and they were the babies of the family. Josh was just a year older than Max. He said, you look worried. I said, yeah. Growing up, Charlie had always been a de facto parent for her siblings.
Scam Factory
Sacrificial Lambs | 2
Because her dad worked overseas and she was the eldest, she helped her mom out.
Scam Factory
Sacrificial Lambs | 2
But now, as she looked at Josh's questioning face, her tough older sister facade started to crack. Then he said, Charlie decided to come clean. Charlie told Josh about everything that happened in the last few weeks, that she and Max had been lied to. His job was not what was promised. He was scamming. It was in Myanmar.
Scam Factory
Sacrificial Lambs | 2
And that she tried to confront the guy who recruited him, and it had gone terribly. He told her there was a crazy ransom to get Max out. And so instead, she'd ended up working for him. She was booking plane tickets for recruits like Max.
Scam Factory
Sacrificial Lambs | 2
Charlie tried to calm Josh down. Max had a bed to sleep on, food every day, and he was at least getting a small paycheck. He was going to stay there and work.
Scam Factory
Sacrificial Lambs | 2
It took a moment for Josh to digest everything Charlie had said. Then he spoke. He told me that I will go. I said, what do you mean you will go? She tried to keep her voice low and her emotions in check in front of her unsuspecting family. She really didn't want this to be how her whole family learned what she and Max had gotten into. And she really didn't know if this was a good idea.
Scam Factory
Sacrificial Lambs | 2
Charlie surveyed her 5'11", tatted-up brother. Josh had a temper that went from 0 to 100 fast.
Scam Factory
Sacrificial Lambs | 2
And Charlie knew he was likely to get worked up if something or someone he cared about was threatened, like Max. Then they'd both be in trouble. Even more trouble than being stuck in a scam factory. But Josh insisted he needed to go over there and keep an eye on Max, even if it meant he would be doing the same work Max was doing. He said that he didn't care that I will do scamming.
Scam Factory
Sacrificial Lambs | 2
It was late, but she didn't care. I asked Dad, what's going on? And then he said, what, what's wrong? She couldn't quite bring herself to call him out directly. To say, hey, you scammed us, and now my brother is scamming people all over the world. So she decided to start with every way Dev had lied to them. Because if everything had been a lie, then they never really agreed to this.
Scamanda
Party’s Over, from Bad Rap: The Case Against Diddy
Hey, Scamanda listeners, we're bringing you something special this week. Maybe, like me, you've been following the news about the criminal charges and lawsuits against hip-hop mogul Sean Diddy Combs. Well, there's a new podcast that charts Diddy's rise to the top of music, fashion, and culture, and how it all came crashing down. The show is called Bad Rap, The Case Against Diddy.
Scamanda
Party’s Over, from Bad Rap: The Case Against Diddy
It's a six-part series from 2020 and ABC Audio. For decades, Diddy was one of the most influential entertainers and entrepreneurs in the world. Then, a video came out that showed a very different, violent side of Diddy. It wasn't the first time there were whispers about Diddy's aggression, but for the first time, the evidence was undeniable, and everyone could see it.
Scamanda
Party’s Over, from Bad Rap: The Case Against Diddy
Soon, a wave of lawsuits followed with shocking allegations of sexual abuse and manipulation. And now, Diddy is facing federal charges that include sex trafficking. He is scheduled for trial in May, and he denies all wrongdoing. In this episode, you'll hear about the reputation Diddy established at the height of his fame, and how far he's fallen today.
Scamanda
Party’s Over, from Bad Rap: The Case Against Diddy
If you like it, search Bad Rap, The Case Against Diddy, wherever you get your podcasts.
Sea of Lies from Uncover
Uncover Introduces: Fatal Beauty from Sony Music Entertainment
This is a CBC Podcast.
Sea of Lies from Uncover
Uncover Introduces: Fatal Beauty from Sony Music Entertainment
She was either the black widow or bad luck.
Sea of Lies from Uncover
Uncover Introduces: Fatal Beauty from Sony Music Entertainment
The police rapidly concluded this guy was probably killed in Dallas.
Sea of Lies from Uncover
Uncover Introduces: Fatal Beauty from Sony Music Entertainment
If he'd been robbed in Dallas... Why would the culprit bother... pushing him out of the driver's seat and then driving his dead body all the way to Oklahoma City.
Sea of Lies from Uncover
S32 E7: Plausible, Intelligent and Ruthless | Sea of Lies
So he, as of August last year, is now on day parole in Canada.
Sea of Lies from Uncover
S32 E7: Plausible, Intelligent and Ruthless | Sea of Lies
On the first day of his murder trial, the key witness against him was his daughter.
Sea of Lies from Uncover
S32 E1: Luck, Or Something Like It | Sea of Lies
With the body now safely in the hands of the coroner and Devon police, they don't know who they have, and they don't know what they have. But lying in their mortuary was the key to unraveling a nearly perfect crime that spanned years and continents. An unimaginable web of lies was about to come undone. I'm Sam Mullins, and this is Sea of Lies from CBC's Uncover.
Sea of Lies from Uncover
S32 E1: Luck, Or Something Like It | Sea of Lies
Episode one, luck or something like it. Since Detective Ian Clenahan was both young and new in town, he'd been partnered up with a veteran of Devon Police.
Sea of Lies from Uncover
S32 E1: Luck, Or Something Like It | Sea of Lies
Bill is measured with his words in a way that only someone with 30 years of interrogation experience could be. We interviewed him in his purpose-built bird-watching space, where he patiently sits, confident the birds will come to him.
Sea of Lies from Uncover
S32 E1: Luck, Or Something Like It | Sea of Lies
After two days passed without anything, MacDonald and Clenahan decided that it was time to take action. So if you were the two guys tasked with trying to learn the name of an idealist man plucked from the bottom of the ocean, Where do you even begin?
Sea of Lies from Uncover
S32 E1: Luck, Or Something Like It | Sea of Lies
Lacking readily available information from out in the world, the Devon Police naturally were very interested to learn if the results of the post-mortem had a story to tell.
Sea of Lies from Uncover
S32 E1: Luck, Or Something Like It | Sea of Lies
The pathologists listed the body as male, 5'9", brown hair, receding, possibly in his 40s. Estimated time in the water? One week. Both noted the tattoo on his hand. But either because it was old or it warped in the seawater, neither pathologist could make out what the tattoo was of. There was bruising on the right hip and on the outside of the knee on the same side of the body.
Sea of Lies from Uncover
S32 E1: Luck, Or Something Like It | Sea of Lies
But it wasn't obvious when the bruising occurred.
Sea of Lies from Uncover
S32 E1: Luck, Or Something Like It | Sea of Lies
And as for the gash on the back of the head, while the first pathologist thought it consistent with being trawled along the seabed and the roughs, the other advised that it was inconclusive what had caused the gash and that they should keep an open mind. But really, there wasn't anything new to go on after the autopsy.
Sea of Lies from Uncover
S32 E1: Luck, Or Something Like It | Sea of Lies
And after devoting police resources for a few weeks, it felt like it was time to scale down the effort. If no one cared enough about whoever this poor soul was to come forward with new information, there was little more the cops could do. This was looking like it would be recorded forever as an unidentified person.
Sea of Lies from Uncover
S32 E1: Luck, Or Something Like It | Sea of Lies
And that would have been the end of it. But it wasn't. Because I'm telling you, luck or something like it was leading them somewhere. The thing that saved this person from being forever unknown came in the form of a suggestion, really, from one of the staff members of the coroner. A casual suggestion that might sound familiar to you.
Sea of Lies from Uncover
S32 E1: Luck, Or Something Like It | Sea of Lies
Because one of the two men in the autopsy, Robin Little, had a chance conversation with a friend just afterwards.
Sea of Lies from Uncover
S32 E1: Luck, Or Something Like It | Sea of Lies
Oh sure, it doesn't sound like such a bad idea when the coroner officer says it.
Sea of Lies from Uncover
S32 E1: Luck, Or Something Like It | Sea of Lies
No one who handled the watch saw the serial number at first because it's only visible when you take the pin out of the band to expose the side of the casing. So Robin Little sent the watch to Rolex.
Sea of Lies from Uncover
S32 E1: Luck, Or Something Like It | Sea of Lies
Curiously, Harrogate is about the opposite end of England from where the body was found. Devon is down in the southwest, and Harrogate is way up in the central north.
Sea of Lies from Uncover
S32 E1: Luck, Or Something Like It | Sea of Lies
Craig Coppock was the son of a fisherman, a line of work that Craig knew to be fundamentally incompatible with the sleepy goals of a university kid. So whatever dreams he had for that summer were quickly dashed by a pronouncement from his dad.
Sea of Lies from Uncover
S32 E1: Luck, Or Something Like It | Sea of Lies
It was only seven letters, but R.J. Platt rolled off the tongue a lot better than the bloke from the sea. He had a name now. It was a start. Clenahan spent the week typing the name into every tool at his disposal, checking registries, council tax receipts, and state records. And he found an address linked to a Ron J. Platt in Essex. Geographically, Essex isn't near Devon either.
Sea of Lies from Uncover
S32 E1: Luck, Or Something Like It | Sea of Lies
It's way on the Belgium-Netherlands facing side of England. So they needed a man on the ground in Essex to head to this flat. And they found one.
Sea of Lies from Uncover
S32 E1: Luck, Or Something Like It | Sea of Lies
So Redmond headed out, and when he arrived at the place, he was able to confirm that Platt had once lived in one of the flats there, but had moved out a while back. Redmond contacted the local tax department about the address, and they told him that Platt had written on his termination notice, I'm no longer liable for property tax. I'm moving to France. Platt was moving to France?
Sea of Lies from Uncover
S32 E1: Luck, Or Something Like It | Sea of Lies
This detail would light up the imaginations of Clenahan and MacDonald when they heard it. Because a move to France could conceivably place Ron Platt on a boat in the English Channel where his body was found. But the most useful bit of information that Redmond was able to find in Chelmsford came when he spoke to Platt's old landlord. They did give me the name of the chap who stood guarantor for him.
Sea of Lies from Uncover
S32 E1: Luck, Or Something Like It | Sea of Lies
When he applied to rent the place, Ron Platt needed to provide a reference. So he gave one. Mr. Davis. David Davis. In an investigation in which they had failed to find a single person involved in Ron's life who actually knew Ron, learning the name and mobile number of a character reference felt like gold.
Sea of Lies from Uncover
S32 E1: Luck, Or Something Like It | Sea of Lies
And since this Davis person lived nearby in Essex, Peter Redman was the one who called him up.
Sea of Lies from Uncover
S32 E1: Luck, Or Something Like It | Sea of Lies
And Davis obviously wanted to know what this was all regarding. So Redmond had to come out with it on the phone.
Sea of Lies from Uncover
S32 E1: Luck, Or Something Like It | Sea of Lies
Craig had been helping his father on the trawler since he was 11, so he knew all too well what assisting dad on the boat would look like.
Sea of Lies from Uncover
S32 E1: Luck, Or Something Like It | Sea of Lies
Redmond said that if it was okay with him, he would like to ask Davis some questions about Ron in person. And Davis said, sure. I'll come to the police station.
Sea of Lies from Uncover
S32 E1: Luck, Or Something Like It | Sea of Lies
After their chat, Redman told him that his colleagues, who were the ones investigating Ron's death in Devon, would be contacting him as well. And they would be able to give him more information about the circumstances of their finding his friend. The first time Ian Clenahan called David Davis, there was no answer.
Sea of Lies from Uncover
S32 E1: Luck, Or Something Like It | Sea of Lies
But then, as so often happens in British police procedurals, there was a high-stakes scene involving tea.
Sea of Lies from Uncover
S32 E1: Luck, Or Something Like It | Sea of Lies
David Davis began telling Clenahan the story of how he and Ron Platt became friends.
Sea of Lies from Uncover
S32 E1: Luck, Or Something Like It | Sea of Lies
They first met up in Harrogate, the northern town where the Rolex was last serviced. And then they both wound up living near each other in Essex some years later. As David Davis launched into the story, Clenahan, standing at the tea station, was unprepared to take notes.
Sea of Lies from Uncover
S32 E1: Luck, Or Something Like It | Sea of Lies
The mundane detail of writing utensil was more significant than Clenahan realized in the moment. He had no way of knowing that in two years' time, this very note would become evidence.
Sea of Lies from Uncover
S32 E1: Luck, Or Something Like It | Sea of Lies
Proof that the man he was talking to was intentionally misleading him.
Sea of Lies from Uncover
S32 E1: Luck, Or Something Like It | Sea of Lies
When Ron Platt first broke the surprising news about his move to France, David Davis said that he offered to help his friend out financially to make it happen. And while an exchange of money just before someone dies of mysterious circumstances can be a red flag, it didn't sound like it in this case.
Sea of Lies from Uncover
S32 E1: Luck, Or Something Like It | Sea of Lies
But ultimately, as to the question of what the hell happened to him, like everyone else, Davis had no idea what his friend would have been doing in Devon. Boarding a boat that would take him to France? That would make some sense. As they ended their chat on the phone, Clenahan asked if Davis could point them toward any other people who knew Ron.
Sea of Lies from Uncover
S32 E1: Luck, Or Something Like It | Sea of Lies
Davis said he'd never met Ron's family, but he knew that he had brothers. And then notably, Davis told Clenahan that Ron had once served in the military, so maybe they could find his family that way.
Sea of Lies from Uncover
S32 E1: Luck, Or Something Like It | Sea of Lies
This confirmed that they didn't just have a Ronald Platt, but this Ronald Platt.
Sea of Lies from Uncover
S32 E1: Luck, Or Something Like It | Sea of Lies
Finally, with a little wind in their sails, through the army records, they were able to find a family member of Ron's in Wales. So they grabbed their coats and were out the door to meet Brian, Ronald Platt's big brother.
Sea of Lies from Uncover
S32 E1: Luck, Or Something Like It | Sea of Lies
They began by showing Brian a photo from the coroner's office, a zoomed-in shot of the hand tattoo.
Sea of Lies from Uncover
S32 E1: Luck, Or Something Like It | Sea of Lies
The best guess that anyone had at this point was that the tattoo was maybe of a star or a constellation.
Sea of Lies from Uncover
S32 E1: Luck, Or Something Like It | Sea of Lies
And then the three men sat down for the tough part.
Sea of Lies from Uncover
S32 E1: Luck, Or Something Like It | Sea of Lies
In their conversation with Brian, MacDonald and Clenahan learned that Ronald Platt was the middle child with two brothers, that he'd spent his formative years growing up in Canada before coming home to the UK at 17 to join the Royal Air Force. Brian described his little brother as being quiet, private, that Ron suffered from depression and dark moods, which pricked up the ears of both detectives.
Sea of Lies from Uncover
S32 E1: Luck, Or Something Like It | Sea of Lies
But even here, sitting with a member of his nuclear family, clear answers remained elusive. It turned out that the three Platt brothers weren't close at all. There had never been a falling out or any animosity. It was just that where their brotherly bond was supposed to be, instead, there was just a vacuum.
Sea of Lies from Uncover
S32 E1: Luck, Or Something Like It | Sea of Lies
Brian didn't know much of anything about his little brother's life and certainly knew nothing about the end of it. Clenahan and MacDonald thanked Brian and started their drive back to Devon.
Sea of Lies from Uncover
S32 E1: Luck, Or Something Like It | Sea of Lies
I'm Jason Markesoff, bringing the takes and stakes from the West.
Sea of Lies from Uncover
S32 E1: Luck, Or Something Like It | Sea of Lies
The mystery of what happened to Ron Platt had consumed water cooler chatter at the police station for weeks.
Sea of Lies from Uncover
S32 E1: Luck, Or Something Like It | Sea of Lies
Craig and his dad headed out on their 10-meter rig, the Malkery, to trawl for cod a few miles offshore. And after the first few hours, it was shaping up to be an underwhelming day of fishing. It's fair to say on the first two tows, we weren't catching enough fish to cover expenses. But John Coppock was as experienced a fisherman as you could find in all of England.
Sea of Lies from Uncover
S32 E1: Luck, Or Something Like It | Sea of Lies
And in the coming weeks, nothing new would turn up. It was obvious to McDonald and Clenahan that it was time to let this one go. Wind it down and get this thing off their desk. It wasn't all for nothing. They ID'd the mystery man and notified the family so that they could have a proper funeral. That was something, at least. It felt like it was over.
Sea of Lies from Uncover
S32 E1: Luck, Or Something Like It | Sea of Lies
How are we ever going to find out what happened?
Sea of Lies from Uncover
S32 E1: Luck, Or Something Like It | Sea of Lies
The day that everything changed begins with Clenahan at his desk in the police station. As far as he was concerned, all the final paperwork on Ron Platt was filed and finished. The only minor outstanding thing that remained was for him to make contact with David Davis on behalf of Ron's brother, Brian, to retrieve some of Ron's possessions. So Clenahan had to call Davis.
Sea of Lies from Uncover
S32 E1: Luck, Or Something Like It | Sea of Lies
But, consequently, there was a hiccup.
Sea of Lies from Uncover
S32 E1: Luck, Or Something Like It | Sea of Lies
So he got Peter Redman of Essex Police back on the phone.
Sea of Lies from Uncover
S32 E1: Luck, Or Something Like It | Sea of Lies
Peter Redman again, the most low-key cop of all time.
Sea of Lies from Uncover
S32 E1: Luck, Or Something Like It | Sea of Lies
Redmond's post in Chelmsford is a really busy office. He usually has a million things to do and wouldn't, under normal circumstances, drive the half-hour drive to go and do another detachment a favor right away. But this day, he had a reason to want to make the drive.
Sea of Lies from Uncover
S32 E1: Luck, Or Something Like It | Sea of Lies
So Redmond heads out for the small village called Woodham Walter.
Sea of Lies from Uncover
S32 E1: Luck, Or Something Like It | Sea of Lies
His body seemed like it was designed by God to wrestle slippery things on unstable decks. He was solid in stature and sharp of mind from countless years of reading between trawls. And he had a hunch on where they'd find their big catch for the day. A notorious area known to the local fishermen as the roughs.
Sea of Lies from Uncover
S32 E1: Luck, Or Something Like It | Sea of Lies
As Peter Redman drives his brand new car that day in 1996, he has no idea that he himself has become a vehicle of fate. He and Clenahan and McDonald will spend the rest of their lives thinking about how big a role luck played that day. What would have happened if Clenahan didn't lose Davis' phone number? They'd wonder in the coming decades.
Sea of Lies from Uncover
S32 E1: Luck, Or Something Like It | Sea of Lies
What if Redmond didn't feel compelled to take the new car for a spin and someone else went to Woodham Walter that day? They'd never know.
Sea of Lies from Uncover
S32 E1: Luck, Or Something Like It | Sea of Lies
He was told that Davis' home was a place on Little London Lane that was called simply Little London Farmhouse. When Redmond took my producer Alex on this exact drive, everything looked the same as it did back then, but for one key detail.
Sea of Lies from Uncover
S32 E1: Luck, Or Something Like It | Sea of Lies
The houses all have signposts with their names on them, but they didn't then.
Sea of Lies from Uncover
S32 E1: Luck, Or Something Like It | Sea of Lies
And this, Redmond standing on the doorstep with his hand perched to knock, this, dear listener, is the biggest what if from that day. What if Redmond didn't accidentally knock on the wrong door? And Frank and Audrey answered. Frank and Audrey, the neighbors, were both in their late 70s. Charmingly, whenever they met a new person, like the police officer on their doorstep, they'd offer right away.
Sea of Lies from Uncover
S32 E1: Luck, Or Something Like It | Sea of Lies
We're not married to each other. We're both widows and live together just as friends. Peter double-checked the address for David Davis and asked them if this was...
Sea of Lies from Uncover
S32 E1: Luck, Or Something Like It | Sea of Lies
David Davis? Frank furrowed his brow. He'd never heard of a David Davis. And he said, oh, no, Ron Platt lives next door. I beg your pardon? The man in that house right there? In the address that David Davis said was his house? To you? He's called Ron Platt? That was the spark. Redmond took a second to process what he just heard. Suddenly, this routine visit felt ominous. Ronald Platt is dead.
Sea of Lies from Uncover
S32 E1: Luck, Or Something Like It | Sea of Lies
But Davis is Platt? So Platt is alive? And living here? Next to this platonic couple? Redmond needed to find out more.
Sea of Lies from Uncover
S32 E1: Luck, Or Something Like It | Sea of Lies
As Redmond stands on the exact stoop with my producer Alex today, at the same crooked cottage with the same wooden door, retracing the steps he took nearly 30 years earlier, all of a sudden, a man peers out from the side door of the house, suspicious as to why we're staring at his property, armed with a microphone.
Sea of Lies from Uncover
S32 E1: Luck, Or Something Like It | Sea of Lies
So what on earth did Audrey and Frank tell Redmond that day that was so memorable, so enduring, that decades later a future owner of the house would be able to recall it? Back to Redmond.
Sea of Lies from Uncover
S32 E1: Luck, Or Something Like It | Sea of Lies
They'd lived there for about a year. Oh, and one more thing, they had a boat.
Sea of Lies from Uncover
S32 E1: Luck, Or Something Like It | Sea of Lies
Craig's dad was unafraid of the roughs because he'd modified his nets specifically to traverse the big rocks that the other fishermen were wary of. After a couple of hours in the roughs, they started to bring up the net to see if their third toe would be different. And as the seagulls began circling, they could tell right away that this was the catch they were after.
Sea of Lies from Uncover
S32 E1: Luck, Or Something Like It | Sea of Lies
After chatting for a fair while, Redmond stood up and asked if they would be so kind as to keep this conversation just between the three of them and made his way back to his car, dizzy.
Sea of Lies from Uncover
S32 E1: Luck, Or Something Like It | Sea of Lies
Redmond drove the new car straight back to the station in Chelmsford because he knew two detectives in Devon who needed to hear about this.
Sea of Lies from Uncover
S32 E1: Luck, Or Something Like It | Sea of Lies
Clenahan waved over MacDonald and told him that the neighbors in Woodham Walter know David Davis as Ron Platt.
Sea of Lies from Uncover
S32 E1: Luck, Or Something Like It | Sea of Lies
They knew immediately that this was something they were going to need to bring to the boss.
Sea of Lies from Uncover
S32 E1: Luck, Or Something Like It | Sea of Lies
Sinkhock finally relented. And after he absorbed the information, he had a plan. He said, we need to learn everything we can about the man living in that house. And we need to do it discreetly.
Sea of Lies from Uncover
S32 E1: Luck, Or Something Like It | Sea of Lies
Coming up on Sea of Lies, we meet the one person who knows both Ronald Platts.
Sea of Lies from Uncover
S32 E1: Luck, Or Something Like It | Sea of Lies
Sea of Lies is produced by What's the Story Sounds for CBC. It's hosted and written by me, Sam Mullins, and produced and reported by Alex Gatenby. Mixing and sound design is by Ivan Eastley. From What's the Story Sounds, our executive producers are David Waters and Daryl Brown. At CBC Podcasts, the senior producers are Andrew Friesen and Damon Fairless. Eunice Kim is our story editor.
Sea of Lies from Uncover
S32 E1: Luck, Or Something Like It | Sea of Lies
Emily Connell is our digital coordinating producer. Executive producers are Cecil Fernandez and Chris Oak. Senior manager is Tanya Springer. And the director of CBC Podcasts is Arif Noorani. For more CBC Podcasts, go to cbc.ca slash podcasts.
Sea of Lies from Uncover
S32 E1: Luck, Or Something Like It | Sea of Lies
But then, their fortunes turned.
Sea of Lies from Uncover
S32 E1: Luck, Or Something Like It | Sea of Lies
Find us in the House's feed, wherever you get your podcasts. This is a CBC Podcast. This story begins with a miracle. I don't know what else to call it. And when I say miracle, I don't mean it in the religious sense. At least I don't think I do. I mean it in the sense of luck. Luck is a spectrum. There are lucky breaks, flukes, good fortune.
Sea of Lies from Uncover
S32 E1: Luck, Or Something Like It | Sea of Lies
Father and son stared at the body in disbelief.
Sea of Lies from Uncover
S32 E1: Luck, Or Something Like It | Sea of Lies
The man on their deck was fully dressed, wearing a button-up shirt, trousers with a belt, and laced-up shoes. His skin had a grayish hue and appeared almost like latex.
Sea of Lies from Uncover
S32 E1: Luck, Or Something Like It | Sea of Lies
The Coppix approached slowly for a closer look when they noticed two key details.
Sea of Lies from Uncover
S32 E1: Luck, Or Something Like It | Sea of Lies
To young Craig, there was a body on the deck, and with it, a mystery. But to his father, a much more experienced seafarer, all he could see upon the deck was the dilemma now before him. The right thing to do would be for him to go into the cabin and radio the Coast Guard about this. But the right thing in this case, as it often is, would not be the financially savvy thing to do.
Sea of Lies from Uncover
S32 E1: Luck, Or Something Like It | Sea of Lies
And beyond today, Craig's dad knew there could be a second, even bigger financial hit coming down the road from this. There was an urban legend among the fishermen community that they believed to be true.
Sea of Lies from Uncover
S32 E1: Luck, Or Something Like It | Sea of Lies
So before they did anything, father and son would need to have a sober talk about their options. In the privacy of the open sea, it was obvious. No one needed to know about this. This could easily be kept between them and the gulls.
Sea of Lies from Uncover
S32 E1: Luck, Or Something Like It | Sea of Lies
The more they thought about it, the lost money, the lost day, the hassle of inviting cops on board and giving legal statements, it didn't seem worth it to get involved. Even though it felt wrong, this didn't need to be their problem.
Sea of Lies from Uncover
S32 E1: Luck, Or Something Like It | Sea of Lies
Coppock made contact with the Coast Guard over the VHF radio, and Central Command paged one of their most experienced men.
Sea of Lies from Uncover
S32 E1: Luck, Or Something Like It | Sea of Lies
Agate was told that the Coppix had a body on their deck, so he headed out on a small Coast Guard sea rider to meet them. And as he crested toward them, he felt confident that he knew the identity of the man upon their deck. He'd been expecting this call.
Sea of Lies from Uncover
S32 E1: Luck, Or Something Like It | Sea of Lies
It was all over the news. A couple local 20-year-olds found a pedal boat on the beach when they were stumbling home from the pub and took it out into the bay. What they didn't know was that the pedal boat they found was broken. And what the surviving boy didn't know was that his friend never learned to swim. Two weeks of searching had yielded no trace of the kid, except for a single item.
Sea of Lies from Uncover
S32 E1: Luck, Or Something Like It | Sea of Lies
So Agate boarded the Coppix ship with a body bag, fully expecting to quickly zip inside a single white-shoed lad. But of course, that wasn't a bee when I got there and saw what I saw. As Coppock was steering the ship toward the harbor, on the shore, the police were setting up a perimeter on the customs pier.
Sea of Lies from Uncover
S32 E1: Luck, Or Something Like It | Sea of Lies
The authorities were hoping to tape off a relatively private part of the quay, where they could deal with the body out of view of the holidaymakers and kids with ice cream cones.
Sea of Lies from Uncover
S32 E1: Luck, Or Something Like It | Sea of Lies
But then there's a tier of luck that is so far beyond the parameters of chance that it feels divine. And while the story that I'm about to tell you features the whole spectrum of luck, coincidences, right places, wrong times, million to one shots connecting, there's no story at all, no truth, no justice without the thing that happens first.
Sea of Lies from Uncover
S32 E1: Luck, Or Something Like It | Sea of Lies
Clenahan was a young cop from Liverpool, a scouser. And on the day he got his first call on what would turn out to be the biggest case he'd ever work, he was still in his 20s and had just been posted in Devon earlier that week.
Sea of Lies from Uncover
S32 E1: Luck, Or Something Like It | Sea of Lies
Clenahan, like the Coast Guard, was expecting this to be the body of the missing 20-year-old. But on the ride in, Paul Aggett of the Coast Guard became certain of two things. One, this was not the body of the 20-year-old.
Sea of Lies from Uncover
S32 E1: Luck, Or Something Like It | Sea of Lies
Once the boat was docked, Ian Clenahan and a couple of other Devon police officers climbed aboard to collect the body. When Agate, the Coast Guard, raised his hand.
Sea of Lies from Uncover
S32 E1: Luck, Or Something Like It | Sea of Lies
As they waited for the team, Clenahan and the other two looked at the body for themselves, when one of the officers suddenly turned his attention to Craig Coppock and his dad.
Sea of Lies from Uncover
S32 E1: Luck, Or Something Like It | Sea of Lies
This was exactly what Craig and his dad didn't want, and partly why they had a moment of pause before they radioed the body in in the first place.
Sea of Lies from Uncover
S32 E1: Luck, Or Something Like It | Sea of Lies
Young Craig was sweating at the accusation, but luckily his dad was a bright man who could think on his feet.
Sea of Lies from Uncover
S32 E1: Luck, Or Something Like It | Sea of Lies
Crisis averted. The accusing officer circled back to the body.
Sea of Lies from Uncover
S32 E1: Luck, Or Something Like It | Sea of Lies
The time on its face read 1135, the 22nd. Today was the 28th. And it's at this point when Craig opened his mouth in a slip of youthful confidence to offer what he thought was something helpful to say.
Sea of Lies from Uncover
S32 E1: Luck, Or Something Like It | Sea of Lies
While Craig was embarrassing himself off to the side, Inspector Clenahan continued looking at the body.
Sea of Lies from Uncover
S32 E1: Luck, Or Something Like It | Sea of Lies
After the police surgeon had taken his notes, the body was loaded into the coroner's van. And for the first time in many hours, it was just Craig and his dad on the boat again. But the moment was brief, as they noticed a figure approaching.
Sea of Lies from Uncover
S32 E1: Luck, Or Something Like It | Sea of Lies
The thing so far beyond the brackets of likelihood, it was a miracle. Because a father and son who weren't even looking accidentally found something. Someone who was never supposed to be found. We begin July 28th, 1996, in the holiday town of Brixham in Devon, England, where a college kid, happy to be home for the summer, was looking forward to two straight months of sleeping in.
Sea of Lies from Uncover
S32 E1: Luck, Or Something Like It | Sea of Lies
Every night at 8 p.m., the bells of All Saints Church chime the tune to Abide With Me. The hymn was written right here in Brixham in the early 19th century by a vicar whose flock was comprised almost entirely of fishermen. the chimes are thought to call home all the souls of the men lost at sea.
Sea of Lies from Uncover
S32 E1: Luck, Or Something Like It | Sea of Lies
Which is to say that Brixham and the Devon Coast is a place where finding the body of an unidentified man in the ocean is not necessarily a rare occurrence. It's a holiday town, so swimmers get into trouble, leisure boats capsize, fishermen get caught in storms. And Stone's Throw Away is Barry Head, a sea cliff well-known locally as a place where people go to take their own lives.
Sea of Lies from Uncover
S32 E5: Life on The Lam | Sea of Lies
And as she's cleaning, she comes across a few Rubbermaid buckets. And they look to be filled with blood.
Sea of Lies from Uncover
S32 E5: Life on The Lam | Sea of Lies
It was late, past midnight, when they broke into the farmhouse.
Sea of Lies from Uncover
S32 E5: Life on The Lam | Sea of Lies
They left behind a wall of blood and the key to a secret. It was a very brutal crime scene. One of the worst I've ever seen. Murder in the Moonlight. A new podcast from Dateline. Listen now.
Sea of Lies from Uncover
The hidden story of a notorious serial killer — and his secret calls from behind bars
And then the prosecution announced an unusual trade. The location of the missing bodies in return for $100,000. Today, the news that crime does pay was a concern all across the country.
Sea of Lies from Uncover
S32 E3: A Dream State | Sea of Lies
The following episode contains difficult subject matter, including references to suicide. Please take care.
Search Engine
Is it ok to just work all the time?
About a minute. We're one minute five into the new show.
Search Engine
Is it ok to just work all the time?
Some just regular people telling their own little stories. Some by artists and writers and performers of all different kinds. And the idea is we're going to bring you stuff you're not going to find anywhere else. And there's also going to be music. And tonight's show, we thought we would have kind of a theme. Tonight's show is going to be New Beginnings. And to kick things off, I call...
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The End
As Satoshi writes in the white paper, quote, The steady addition of a constant amount of new coins is analogous to gold miners expending resources to add gold to circulation. In our case, it is CPU time and electricity that is expended.
Serialously with Annie Elise
248: Why Did Netflix LEAVE THIS OUT About Gabby Petito & Brian Laundrie?! | American Murder: Gabby Petito
Gabby and Brian seemed like a loving couple, but behind the scenes, they would get into arguments. It was like every parent's nightmare, just like in a flash of a second. She's gone, she's missing.
Serialously with Annie Elise
264: New East Coast Serial Killer, TikToker Murders Family, and Celebrity Hairstylist Murder Plot
Homicide detectives and state crime command are now investigating if threats were made to associates of Ms Tran before she was murdered and whether she was just an innocent target killed because someone known to her had ripped off a drug syndicate. It's the latest in a number of incidents potentially linked to Asian crime.
Serialously with Annie Elise
264: New East Coast Serial Killer, TikToker Murders Family, and Celebrity Hairstylist Murder Plot
In December last year, the bodies of couples Sally Lee and Rex Chen were found dumped and wrapped in plastic at Botany. The couple allegedly murdered because they owed money. And in May, four men were arrested after allegedly setting fire to a barbershop and a home in Fairfield West, the wrong targets in an alleged feud between Asian crime gangs in Sydney's southwest.
Serialously with Annie Elise
264: New East Coast Serial Killer, TikToker Murders Family, and Celebrity Hairstylist Murder Plot
According to a New York website that aggregates public information about traffic violations connected to license plates, Ms. Yerimi has racked up almost 100 traffic tickets in just the past three years. Quite an achievement. As Yerimi showed off in a TikTok video, her license plate is quite memorable.
Serialously with Annie Elise
264: New East Coast Serial Killer, TikToker Murders Family, and Celebrity Hairstylist Murder Plot
Now, in 2023, records show that Yurimi got a personalized license plate that said, wig maker. And not long after, she updated her plate for unknown reasons to say wig maker with an 8 in place of the A. According to the website How's My Driving NY, that plate had nearly 100 traffic violations connected to it between September 2023 and March 2025 when Yurimi was arrested for this crash.
Serialously with Annie Elise
264: New East Coast Serial Killer, TikToker Murders Family, and Celebrity Hairstylist Murder Plot
And the site shows that Yurimi's wig maker, again with an eight, that license plate has been associated with 70 parking violations and 21 speeding tickets. And she's been caught on camera running red lights at least five times.
Serialously with Annie Elise
264: New East Coast Serial Killer, TikToker Murders Family, and Celebrity Hairstylist Murder Plot
He was a blessing and a positive influence to people around the world.
Serialously with Annie Elise
264: New East Coast Serial Killer, TikToker Murders Family, and Celebrity Hairstylist Murder Plot
A hardworking, self-made man who loved and treasured his family more than anything, who deserved better than to be betrayed by the person he loved and murdered in his own home.
Serialously with Annie Elise
264: New East Coast Serial Killer, TikToker Murders Family, and Celebrity Hairstylist Murder Plot
He says Monica was giving them the green light to head over to Fabio's home because he was home alone.
Serialously with Annie Elise
251: Lori Vallow on Dateline, Teen Found Dismembered After Social Media Meetup, Karen Read Updates, and More!
Gene Hackman was one of three million Americans to have pacemakers attached to their hearts. The battery-powered devices control irregular heartbeats and can even record any unusual activities. The newest models can even alert your doctor in case of an emergency.
Serialously with Annie Elise
256: Super SCARY! Serial Killer in Austin, TX?! What is REALLY Going on at Lady Bird Lake?
Jason's death marked the first unusual death of 2023. Within three months, four men had been pulled from Lady Bird Lake. These new deaths were a turning point for local residents. Where they had once merely whispered about a dark force running free in their community, they now began to demand that action be taken to keep them safe.
Serialously with Annie Elise
256: Super SCARY! Serial Killer in Austin, TX?! What is REALLY Going on at Lady Bird Lake?
"'In the heart of Austin, Texas, lies a tranquil oasis in the form of a picturesque lake that has long been cherished by locals and visitors alike.'" But beneath the surface of its serene waters lies a mystery that has haunted the community for over a decade. Rather than being celebrated as a family-friendly water spot, the lake has come to be feared for much more sinister reasons.
Serialously with Annie Elise
256: Super SCARY! Serial Killer in Austin, TX?! What is REALLY Going on at Lady Bird Lake?
Since the early 2000s, more than 18 victims have been pulled from Lady Bird Lake after going missing in suspicious circumstances, and many of its other victims have yet to be identified.
Serialously with Annie Elise
236: Bodies Kept Behind Walls in The House?! | The Chilling Case of Jerri Israel
The more I look into Jerry Lynn Israel, the stranger this all becomes.
Serialously with Annie Elise
236: Bodies Kept Behind Walls in The House?! | The Chilling Case of Jerri Israel
This is one of those stories that sends you down a rabbit hole of twists and turns, because as we previously reported, this isn't the first time that 66-year-old Jerry Lynn Roby
Serialously with Annie Elise
236: Bodies Kept Behind Walls in The House?! | The Chilling Case of Jerri Israel
The more I look into Jerry Lynn Israel, the stranger this all becomes. Not only do Gulfport police say that she's charged with the murder of her son and hid his body and then attempted suicide, she did a shockingly similar crime in the mid-90s. Thursday, detectives raided her home and found the body of her son, John Allen Gaither, stuffed in a wooden box.
Serialously with Annie Elise
236: Bodies Kept Behind Walls in The House?! | The Chilling Case of Jerri Israel
Officers had to knock down a wall to get the box out of the home. And while all that was going on, police say Israel apparently tried killing herself, swallowed a bunch of pills, and was rushed to the hospital. She was treated and then taken to Harrison County Jail on a first degree murder charge.
Serialously with Annie Elise
236: Bodies Kept Behind Walls in The House?! | The Chilling Case of Jerri Israel
I knocked on the doors of Israel's neighbors who told me that she seemed like a nice person, casually made small talk, and generally kept to herself. And they also said that her son, John Allen Gaither, was just as pleasant, seemed to be some kind of mechanic, always working on cars at the home. And that's why neighbors were shocked to see police pull out his body inside a box in Israel's home.
Serialously with Annie Elise
236: Bodies Kept Behind Walls in The House?! | The Chilling Case of Jerri Israel
And get this, she did a similar crime in the mid-90s when police found a body in the trunk of her car, and then while trying to arrest her, she threatened to shoot herself. According to news reports, back in July 1993 in Florida, she shot her drug dealer and hid the body in the trunk of her car.
Serialously with Annie Elise
236: Bodies Kept Behind Walls in The House?! | The Chilling Case of Jerri Israel
Months later, in December 1993, she had to stand off with police when they found the body and threatened to shoot herself. But she was arrested, charged with murder, then posted bond, and according to Florida news reports, skipped town.
Serialously with Annie Elise
236: Bodies Kept Behind Walls in The House?! | The Chilling Case of Jerri Israel
In July 1995, she was pulled over by a Florida state trooper, and before an arrest could be made, she claimed to be sick, was rushed to the hospital, where she tried drinking a bottle of scrub solution. But later that year, she was convicted of second-degree murder, sentenced to 17 years in prison. But Florida prison records show she was released in August 2003.
Serialously with Annie Elise
236: Bodies Kept Behind Walls in The House?! | The Chilling Case of Jerri Israel
And through our search, we found that Jerry Lynn has had a number of aliases through the years, with the last names Bogart, Gaither, Israel, and Roby. So what's next? Well, her case is going before a grand jury in February. Depending on the outcome, the murder trial could start in the following months.
Serialously with Annie Elise
236: Bodies Kept Behind Walls in The House?! | The Chilling Case of Jerri Israel
This is one of those stories that sends you down a rabbit hole of twists and turns because as we previously reported, this isn't the first time that 66-year-old Jerry Lynn Roby has been accused of murder, hiding the body, and then attempting suicide. More about that in just a minute, but let's talk about the latest developments. Roby had her initial appearance in court and was denied bond.
Serialously with Annie Elise
236: Bodies Kept Behind Walls in The House?! | The Chilling Case of Jerri Israel
The affidavit submitted by Gulfport detectives alleges she killed her son, 42-year-old John Allen Gaither, with the coroner's office confirming he died from a single gunshot wound around the 10th of December. That's 12 days before police say he was reported missing by out-of-state relatives.
Serialously with Annie Elise
236: Bodies Kept Behind Walls in The House?! | The Chilling Case of Jerri Israel
And during the investigation, his mom, who was originally identified as Jerry Lynn Israel Roby, gave conflicting statements. And on January 18th, a search warrant of her home at the corner of 16th and 22nd revealed a large box behind a false wall. Inside was Roby's dead son.
Serialously with Annie Elise
236: Bodies Kept Behind Walls in The House?! | The Chilling Case of Jerri Israel
And while all that was going on, police say that Roby tried taking a large number of pills, apparently trying to kill herself. But she was treated at a hospital and then taken to jail.
Serialously with Annie Elise
236: Bodies Kept Behind Walls in The House?! | The Chilling Case of Jerri Israel
Harrison County Coroner Brian Switzer said that Gaither's body was well-preserved, probably because of the cold weather, and that he was around six foot one, 180 pounds, and that the box he was found in was about six feet by three feet.
Serialously with Annie Elise
250: Kevin Franke: “This is A Story of Love” | Is He Still Protecting Ruby Franke?!
How could you have left your family?
Serialously with Annie Elise
250: Kevin Franke: “This is A Story of Love” | Is He Still Protecting Ruby Franke?!
Both Ruby and Jody pleaded guilty to four counts of child abuse against Ruby's two youngest children and could serve up to 30 years in prison. Kevin recently speaking at a Utah State House hearing advocating for child protections around family blogging, reading a letter from his 11-year-old daughter.
Serialously with Annie Elise
250: Kevin Franke: “This is A Story of Love” | Is He Still Protecting Ruby Franke?!
What do you want people to know?
Serialously with Annie Elise
250: Kevin Franke: “This is A Story of Love” | Is He Still Protecting Ruby Franke?!
But a disturbing reality was revealed after Ruby's youngest son escaped in August of 2023. This chilling 911 call leading to her arrest.
Serialously with Annie Elise
250: Kevin Franke: “This is A Story of Love” | Is He Still Protecting Ruby Franke?!
Frankie's estranged husband, Kevin, and oldest son, Chad, now opening up in a new Hulu docuseries, Devil in the Family, The Fall of Ruby Frankie.
Serialously with Annie Elise
240: Did a Florida Teen Get Away With Murder - TWICE?! The OUTRAGEOUS Case of Collin Griffith
Los deputados pusieron a Colin en cuchillos, en el costado de un crucero, y luego hablaron con su madre, Kathy.
Serialously with Annie Elise
240: Did a Florida Teen Get Away With Murder - TWICE?! The OUTRAGEOUS Case of Collin Griffith
Medics then checked out Kathy Griffith's injuries. No, it stopped from here to about here. When did that happen?
Serialously with Annie Elise
240: Did a Florida Teen Get Away With Murder - TWICE?! The OUTRAGEOUS Case of Collin Griffith
When he attacked me. Pero Colin y Catherine no fueron las únicas personas que vieron este lucho. La abuela de Colin también estaba allí. Y ella dijo que definitivamente no fue una defensa de sí misma. Colin no quería volver a casa.
Serialously with Annie Elise
240: Did a Florida Teen Get Away With Murder - TWICE?! The OUTRAGEOUS Case of Collin Griffith
The deputies then questioned Colin about statements he made at the jail.
Serialously with Annie Elise
240: Did a Florida Teen Get Away With Murder - TWICE?! The OUTRAGEOUS Case of Collin Griffith
¿Dijiste que me ibas a dañar? Aquí en la cámara de cuerpo ese día, puedes oír a los deputados explicando a la mamá por qué está siendo retirada.
Serialously with Annie Elise
240: Did a Florida Teen Get Away With Murder - TWICE?! The OUTRAGEOUS Case of Collin Griffith
Si no hacemos algo, no lo haremos.
Serialously with Annie Elise
240: Did a Florida Teen Get Away With Murder - TWICE?! The OUTRAGEOUS Case of Collin Griffith
Así que el operador 911 le dijo a Colin que, ya sabes, que necesitaba tratar de detener la herida, que necesitaba hacer CPR.
Serialously with Annie Elise
240: Did a Florida Teen Get Away With Murder - TWICE?! The OUTRAGEOUS Case of Collin Griffith
Así que, gracias por eso.
Serialously with Annie Elise
258: Rich Brothers, Affairs, and a Bloodbath | The Kissel Brothers
Bei Warbau und Garten finden Sie alles, was Sie für Ihren Frühling brauchen. Weitere Informationen im Markt und online.
Serialously with Annie Elise
258: Rich Brothers, Affairs, and a Bloodbath | The Kissel Brothers
Er hat Geld verdient. Das war etwas, das er nicht kontrollieren konnte. Er wollte ein größeres Auto, ein größeres Boot. Er wollte vorne sein. Das war das Schlimmste, was seinen Investoren und den Leuten, die ihn mit Geld vertrauten, geschehen.
Serialously with Annie Elise
258: Rich Brothers, Affairs, and a Bloodbath | The Kissel Brothers
So, I know I was getting a little bit ahead of myself there.
Serialously with Annie Elise
258: Rich Brothers, Affairs, and a Bloodbath | The Kissel Brothers
Back in 2005, real estate developer Andrew Kissel was arrested, accused of stealing more than 30 million dollars from his investors.
Serialously with Annie Elise
258: Rich Brothers, Affairs, and a Bloodbath | The Kissel Brothers
She really thought he was going to kill her. Er hatte ein schlechtes Gehirn. Es gab eine große Argumentation. Er kam zu ihr mit einem Baseballspieler. Es gab eine Herausforderung. Er drehte sie um. Und es war an diesem Punkt, dass sie zurückfliegt. Und er sitzt zurück und schaut sich das Blut an und sagt, du Bitch. Und dann schützt er sie mit einem Baseballspieler. Ich werde dich töten.
Serialously with Annie Elise
258: Rich Brothers, Affairs, and a Bloodbath | The Kissel Brothers
Ich werde dich töten. Und sie sagte, dann schlägt sie einfach raus.
Serialously with Annie Elise
258: Rich Brothers, Affairs, and a Bloodbath | The Kissel Brothers
Because the first transaction was unusual in that a mortgage showed up at the last minute that shouldn't have been there.
Serialously with Annie Elise
258: Rich Brothers, Affairs, and a Bloodbath | The Kissel Brothers
When the second transaction came up and initially there was no mortgage on the record, then there was a mortgage, we ultimately obtained copies of all of the releases in the two chains of title on these properties and noticed that there were the same notary used for multiple banks, which is... Sure.
Serialously with Annie Elise
258: Rich Brothers, Affairs, and a Bloodbath | The Kissel Brothers
Had you ever seen anything like this before in your experience?
Serialously with Annie Elise
258: Rich Brothers, Affairs, and a Bloodbath | The Kissel Brothers
Never. Never. Not in this extent.
Serialously with Annie Elise
258: Rich Brothers, Affairs, and a Bloodbath | The Kissel Brothers
What was the first thing you did when you realized that something was wrong?
Serialously with Annie Elise
258: Rich Brothers, Affairs, and a Bloodbath | The Kissel Brothers
Kissel scammed banks, investors, neighbors.
Serialously with Annie Elise
258: Rich Brothers, Affairs, and a Bloodbath | The Kissel Brothers
Well, I contacted his attorney and I said, there's a problem here. I had called one of the banks that supposedly had released the mortgage and they said, oh, the mortgage is alive and well and the balance is 5 million and change. And I called his attorney and I said, we have a problem here. We cannot go ahead and fund this loan. It was going to be a new loan of 6 or 7 million dollars.
Serialously with Annie Elise
258: Rich Brothers, Affairs, and a Bloodbath | The Kissel Brothers
So it's probably no surprise that by March of 2006, Andrew and his wife were behind on rent, and it was now looking more and more likely like they were going to lose their home entirely.
Serialously with Annie Elise
258: Rich Brothers, Affairs, and a Bloodbath | The Kissel Brothers
A year later, just days before he was about to plead guilty, Kissel was found brutally murdered.
Serialously with Annie Elise
258: Rich Brothers, Affairs, and a Bloodbath | The Kissel Brothers
American expatriate Nancy Ann Kissel was convicted of the murder of her husband, 40-year-old investment banker Robert Peter Kissel.
Serialously with Annie Elise
258: Rich Brothers, Affairs, and a Bloodbath | The Kissel Brothers
Make sure that Nan gets medical, physical and psychological help from professionals. Because she won't survive if she doesn't.
Serialously with Annie Elise
258: Rich Brothers, Affairs, and a Bloodbath | The Kissel Brothers
Shocked at the outcome. Can't conceive of the mindset of the jurors that could listen to that evidence for 10 weeks and come away with that belief. Just can't even comprehend that. But... All in all, I think it was a fair trial.
Serialously with Annie Elise
258: Rich Brothers, Affairs, and a Bloodbath | The Kissel Brothers
So Andrew, on the other hand, he wasn't as outgoing as Robert.
Serialously with Annie Elise
258: Rich Brothers, Affairs, and a Bloodbath | The Kissel Brothers
It was the question of was she or was she not an abused spouse.
Serialously with Annie Elise
258: Rich Brothers, Affairs, and a Bloodbath | The Kissel Brothers
We know Nancy and Robert Kissel because of the milkshake murder.
Serialously with Annie Elise
258: Rich Brothers, Affairs, and a Bloodbath | The Kissel Brothers
Two incredibly successful brothers, but suffering this same tragic fate.
Serialously with Annie Elise
258: Rich Brothers, Affairs, and a Bloodbath | The Kissel Brothers
Wenn du im Park bist, musst du nicht wirklich raus. Da ist ein Kindergarten. Da ist ein großer Supermarkt. Da sind zwei oder drei Pools und Tennis-Skates.
Serialously with Annie Elise
258: Rich Brothers, Affairs, and a Bloodbath | The Kissel Brothers
In der Anfangszeit ist alles sehr überwältigend und fantastisch. Es ist eine tolle Stadt, du hast ein wunderschönes Apartment. Und dann endet der Mann, viel mehr weg zu sein, als er versprochen hat. Und du spielst viele Nachts alleine. Sie hat mir nie darüber gesprochen. Es ist eine Expertengemeinschaft. Die Leute sprechen miteinander.
Serialously with Annie Elise
258: Rich Brothers, Affairs, and a Bloodbath | The Kissel Brothers
Und wenn es Probleme in der Beziehung gibt und die Leute davon hören, ist es wie Wildfire. Sie waren sehr sozial. Sie waren lustig.
Serialously with Annie Elise
258: Rich Brothers, Affairs, and a Bloodbath | The Kissel Brothers
Alles war immer perfekt.
Serialously with Annie Elise
258: Rich Brothers, Affairs, and a Bloodbath | The Kissel Brothers
She said to me something terrible has happened. It's a family emergency. And I said, is there anything I can do? She said, no, don't come over. But she sounded distraught. She sounded very upset.
Serialously with Annie Elise
229: Twisted Obsession: How a Love Triangle Turned Deadly | The Murder of Alyssa Burkett
Now, by the time that the police and the paramedics showed up, sadly, Alyssa had already passed away.
Small Town Murder
#571 - Murder Martini - Pewaukee, Wisconsin
This was not an operation that was performed. This was attempted murder.
Small Town Murder
#571 - Murder Martini - Pewaukee, Wisconsin
That's a great – For me to hang out with her, yeah.
Small Town Murder
#571 - Murder Martini - Pewaukee, Wisconsin
She got their mail and was like, well, it was sent to me.
Small Town Murder
#571 - Murder Martini - Pewaukee, Wisconsin
Yeah. Sweet spot from all of it. Yeah. Forget.
Small Town Murder
#571 - Murder Martini - Pewaukee, Wisconsin
Oh, so she's got a narrow, narrow throat.
Small Town Murder
#571 - Murder Martini - Pewaukee, Wisconsin
In her chart, those are all she has, though.
Small Town Murder
#571 - Murder Martini - Pewaukee, Wisconsin
Nobody will look at the back of these.
Small Town Murder
#588 - Four Letter Murder - Falkner, Mississippi
In the early hours of December 4th, 2024, CEO Brian Thompson stepped out onto the streets of Midtown Manhattan.
Small Town Murder
#588 - Four Letter Murder - Falkner, Mississippi
This assailant starts firing at him. And the suspect. He has been identified as Luigi Nicholas Mangione.
Small Town Murder
#588 - Four Letter Murder - Falkner, Mississippi
Became one of the most divisive figures in modern criminal history.
Small Town Murder
#588 - Four Letter Murder - Falkner, Mississippi
He's awoken the people to a true issue.
Small Town Murder
#588 - Four Letter Murder - Falkner, Mississippi
Listen to Law and Crime's Luigi exclusively on Wondery Plus. You can join Wondery Plus in the Wondery app, Spotify, or Apple Podcasts. In the early hours of December 4th, 2024, CEO Brian Thompson stepped out onto the streets of Midtown Manhattan.
Small Town Murder
#588 - Four Letter Murder - Falkner, Mississippi
This assailant starts firing at him. And the suspect. He has been identified as Luigi Nicholas Mangione.
Small Town Murder
#588 - Four Letter Murder - Falkner, Mississippi
Became one of the most divisive figures in modern criminal history.
Small Town Murder
#588 - Four Letter Murder - Falkner, Mississippi
He's awoken the people to a true issue.
Small Town Murder
#588 - Four Letter Murder - Falkner, Mississippi
Listen to Law and Crime's Luigi exclusively on Wondery Plus. You can join Wondery Plus in the Wondery app, Spotify, or Apple Podcasts.
Small Town Murder
#588 - Four Letter Murder - Falkner, Mississippi
When Luigi Mangione was arrested for allegedly shooting the CEO of UnitedHealthcare, he didn't just spark outrage. He ignited a cultural firestorm. Is the system working, or is it time for a reckoning? I'm Jesse Weber. Listen to Law & Crime's Luigi exclusively on Wondery+.
Small Town Murder
#588 - Four Letter Murder - Falkner, Mississippi
In the early hours of December 4th, 2024, CEO Brian Thompson stepped out onto the streets of Midtown Manhattan.
Small Town Murder
#588 - Four Letter Murder - Falkner, Mississippi
This assailant pulls out a weapon and starts firing at him.
Small Town Murder
#588 - Four Letter Murder - Falkner, Mississippi
We're talking about the CEO of the biggest private health insurance corporation in the world. And the suspect.
Small Town Murder
#588 - Four Letter Murder - Falkner, Mississippi
He has been identified as Luigi Nicholas Mangione.
Small Town Murder
#588 - Four Letter Murder - Falkner, Mississippi
Became one of the most divisive figures in modern criminal history.
Small Town Murder
#588 - Four Letter Murder - Falkner, Mississippi
I was targeted, premeditated, and meant to sow terror.
Small Town Murder
#588 - Four Letter Murder - Falkner, Mississippi
I'm Jesse Weber, host of Luigi, produced by Law & Crime and Twist. This is more than a true crime investigation. We explore a uniquely American moment that could change the country forever.
Small Town Murder
#588 - Four Letter Murder - Falkner, Mississippi
He's awoken the people to a true issue.
Small Town Murder
#588 - Four Letter Murder - Falkner, Mississippi
Listen to Law & Crime's Luigi exclusively on Wondery Plus. You can join Wondery Plus on the Wondery app, Spotify, or Apple Podcasts.
Small Town Murder
#588 - Four Letter Murder - Falkner, Mississippi
You know those creepy stories that give you goosebumps? The ones that make you really question what's real? Well, what if I told you that some of the strangest, darkest, and most mysterious stories are not found in haunted houses or abandoned forests, but instead in hospital rooms and doctor's offices? Hi, I'm Mr. Ballin, the host of Mr. Ballin's Medical Mysteries.
Small Town Murder
#588 - Four Letter Murder - Falkner, Mississippi
And each week on my podcast, you can expect to hear stories about bizarre illnesses no one can explain, miraculous recoveries that shouldn't have happened, and cases so baffling they stumped even the best doctors. So if you crave totally true and thoroughly twisted horror stories and mysteries, Mr. Ballin's Medical Mysteries should be your new go-to weekly show.
Small Town Murder
#588 - Four Letter Murder - Falkner, Mississippi
Listen to Mr. Ballin's Medical Mysteries on the Wondery app or wherever you get your podcasts. You can listen early and ad-free right now by joining Wondery Plus in the Wondery app or on Spotify or Apple Podcasts.
Small Town Murder
#588 - Four Letter Murder - Falkner, Mississippi
In the early hours of December 4th, 2024, CEO Brian Thompson stepped out onto the streets of Midtown Manhattan.
Small Town Murder
#588 - Four Letter Murder - Falkner, Mississippi
This assailant pulls out a weapon and starts firing at him.
Small Town Murder
#588 - Four Letter Murder - Falkner, Mississippi
We're talking about the CEO of the biggest private health insurance corporation in the world. And the suspect.
Small Town Murder
#588 - Four Letter Murder - Falkner, Mississippi
He has been identified as Luigi Nicholas Mangione.
Small Town Murder
#588 - Four Letter Murder - Falkner, Mississippi
Became one of the most divisive figures in modern criminal history.
Small Town Murder
#588 - Four Letter Murder - Falkner, Mississippi
I was targeted, premeditated, and meant to sow terror.
Small Town Murder
#588 - Four Letter Murder - Falkner, Mississippi
I'm Jesse Weber, host of Luigi, produced by Law & Crime and Twist. This is more than a true crime investigation. We explore a uniquely American moment that could change the country forever.
Small Town Murder
#588 - Four Letter Murder - Falkner, Mississippi
He's awoken the people to a true issue.
Small Town Murder
#588 - Four Letter Murder - Falkner, Mississippi
Listen to Law and Crimes Luigi exclusively on Wondery Plus. You can join Wondery Plus on the Wondery app, Spotify or Apple podcasts.
Small Town Murder
#588 - Four Letter Murder - Falkner, Mississippi
Are you captivated by the dark and mysterious world of true crime? Wondery Plus offers you the ultimate true crime experience with early access to new episodes, exclusive content, and a seamless ad-free listening journey.
Small Town Murder
#588 - Four Letter Murder - Falkner, Mississippi
With Wondery Plus, you'll get access to hundreds of podcasts, including more than 50 true crime series like Dr. Death, the shocking true story of a trusted surgeon who brought unimaginable pain and suffering to his patients. This was not an operation that was performed. This was attempted murder. And there's Morbid, the hit podcast that's a lighthearted nightmare.
Small Town Murder
#588 - Four Letter Murder - Falkner, Mississippi
With Wondery+, you get access to exclusive bonus content too, allowing you to dive deeper into the cases you love. Like in Suspect, where an ordinary Halloween party turned into a terrifying murder mystery that left its mark on the community. This case is one of those roller coaster rides where it's like, no, he did it for sure. No, for sure he did it.
Small Town Murder
#588 - Four Letter Murder - Falkner, Mississippi
Each story is crafted to keep you enthralled, revealing the complexities and motivations behind every crime. Subscribe to Wondery Plus on the Wondery app, Apple Podcasts, or Spotify today. Unlock the door to a world of true crime like never before. With Wondery Plus, the best true crime stories are always at your fingertips.
Small Town Murder
#588 - Four Letter Murder - Falkner, Mississippi
When a young woman named Desiree vanishes without a trace, the trail leads to Cat Torres, a charismatic influencer with millions of followers. But behind the glamorous posts and inspirational quotes, a sinister truth unravels. Binge all episodes of Don't Cross Cat early and ad-free on Wondery Plus.
Snapped: Women Who Murder
BONUS: De'Asia Page and Jared Kemp (Snapped: Killer Couples)
Detectives search official records for DeAsia Page. They learn she's a recent high school dropout. They also find a local address for the 18-year-old.
Snapped: Women Who Murder
BONUS: De'Asia Page and Jared Kemp (Snapped: Killer Couples)
As investigators scramble for answers, a torrid and desperate romance comes into focus.
Snapped: Women Who Murder
BONUS: De'Asia Page and Jared Kemp (Snapped: Killer Couples)
According to DeAsia's mom, Teenage rebellion hadn't always been a problem. Until recently, De'Asia was a shy and sweet teenager who didn't rock the boat at home or school.
Snapped: Women Who Murder
BONUS: De'Asia Page and Jared Kemp (Snapped: Killer Couples)
According to her mom, the problems had started several months earlier when DeAsia had grown close to an 18-year-old named Jared Kemp.
Snapped: Women Who Murder
BONUS: De'Asia Page and Jared Kemp (Snapped: Killer Couples)
It wasn't long before DeAsia had fallen head over heels for the high school senior.
Snapped: Women Who Murder
BONUS: De'Asia Page and Jared Kemp (Snapped: Killer Couples)
But De'Asia's mom tells police that she had quickly learned Jared was a bad influence on her daughter.
Snapped: Women Who Murder
BONUS: De'Asia Page and Jared Kemp (Snapped: Killer Couples)
Detectives learned that De'Asia's mom had been so troubled by her daughter's relationship, she'd given the teenager an ultimatum earlier that month.
Snapped: Women Who Murder
BONUS: De'Asia Page and Jared Kemp (Snapped: Killer Couples)
Shortly after, De'Asia had dropped out of school.
Snapped: Women Who Murder
BONUS: De'Asia Page and Jared Kemp (Snapped: Killer Couples)
Had De'Asia been involved in Tony Abad's murder? To find out, police know they need to locate the 18-year-old runaway as soon as possible.
Snapped: Women Who Murder
BONUS: De'Asia Page and Jared Kemp (Snapped: Killer Couples)
Authorities in Fulton County, Georgia are searching for 18-year-old DeAsia Page in connection to the murder of local resident Tony Abad. With no insight into where DeAsia is now, detectives saturate the local news and social media with the teenager's photo.
Snapped: Women Who Murder
BONUS: De'Asia Page and Jared Kemp (Snapped: Killer Couples)
In the Atlanta suburb of Fairburn in Fulton County, Georgia, life slows down for its nearly 16,000 residents.
Snapped: Women Who Murder
BONUS: De'Asia Page and Jared Kemp (Snapped: Killer Couples)
Within hours, a promising tip comes in from two security guards.
Snapped: Women Who Murder
BONUS: De'Asia Page and Jared Kemp (Snapped: Killer Couples)
Detectives meet with the security guard and one of his coworkers. They learned that both men had first met DeAsia Page about a week earlier when she had approached them while they were on a smoke break.
Snapped: Women Who Murder
BONUS: De'Asia Page and Jared Kemp (Snapped: Killer Couples)
According to the security guards, DeAsia had returned each night that week But on the night of December 21st, DeAsia had been noticeably upset when she arrived at the gas station.
Snapped: Women Who Murder
BONUS: De'Asia Page and Jared Kemp (Snapped: Killer Couples)
Detectives thank the witnesses for the information. By the time they get back to the station, tips and response to the media's blitz featuring DeAsia's name and picture have begun to pour in.
Snapped: Women Who Murder
BONUS: De'Asia Page and Jared Kemp (Snapped: Killer Couples)
But before police can follow up on any of the rumored sightings, DeAsia herself walks into the Fulton County Police Station and asks to speak with detectives.
Snapped: Women Who Murder
BONUS: De'Asia Page and Jared Kemp (Snapped: Killer Couples)
But the town's veneer of peace and safety is shattered on the morning of December 22nd, 2017, when local police receive a call about a suspicious vehicle parked behind a popular restaurant.
Snapped: Women Who Murder
BONUS: De'Asia Page and Jared Kemp (Snapped: Killer Couples)
When detectives sit down with DeAsia, she admits that she had accepted a ride from Tony Abad sometime after 11 p.m. on December 21st.
Snapped: Women Who Murder
BONUS: De'Asia Page and Jared Kemp (Snapped: Killer Couples)
DeAsia says she gave Tony directions to the gas station, but as they neared their destination, she and Tony were suddenly blindsided when two men had attacked them.
Snapped: Women Who Murder
BONUS: De'Asia Page and Jared Kemp (Snapped: Killer Couples)
DeAsia says she watched helplessly as the man beat Tony to death in front of her. Then he ordered her to help him dispose of Tony's body.
Snapped: Women Who Murder
BONUS: De'Asia Page and Jared Kemp (Snapped: Killer Couples)
Detectives are skeptical. If DeAsia had witnessed such a vicious crime, why not call the police?
Snapped: Women Who Murder
BONUS: De'Asia Page and Jared Kemp (Snapped: Killer Couples)
That's when Fulton County detectives get a call from their counterparts in the nearby community of Chattahoochee Hills and learn they've just received a surprise visit from DeAsia's boyfriend.
Snapped: Women Who Murder
BONUS: De'Asia Page and Jared Kemp (Snapped: Killer Couples)
Detectives turn their attention back to DeAsia and press her about her relationship with Jared Kemp.
Snapped: Women Who Murder
BONUS: De'Asia Page and Jared Kemp (Snapped: Killer Couples)
Coming up, police must decipher who's telling the truth in a high-stakes game of he said, she said.
Snapped: Women Who Murder
BONUS: De'Asia Page and Jared Kemp (Snapped: Killer Couples)
But will one of the two suspects disappear before justice can be served?
Snapped: Women Who Murder
BONUS: De'Asia Page and Jared Kemp (Snapped: Killer Couples)
In Fulton County, Georgia, DeAsia Page has just implicated her boyfriend, Jared Kemp, in the murder of Tony Abad. According to DeAsia, it was Jared's idea to steal a car so DeAsia could have a place to sleep.
Snapped: Women Who Murder
BONUS: De'Asia Page and Jared Kemp (Snapped: Killer Couples)
On December 21st, De'Asia says she was hanging out at the Fairburn shopping center when she spotted Tony Abad and her coworker leaving the grocery store.
Snapped: Women Who Murder
BONUS: De'Asia Page and Jared Kemp (Snapped: Killer Couples)
DeAsia tells detectives that she called Jared and told him she was on her way. Ten minutes later, she instructed Tony to turn down Church Street, where she knew Jared was waiting.
Snapped: Women Who Murder
BONUS: De'Asia Page and Jared Kemp (Snapped: Killer Couples)
According to DeAsia, Tony suddenly turned to Jared and began pleading for her life.
Snapped: Women Who Murder
BONUS: De'Asia Page and Jared Kemp (Snapped: Killer Couples)
But DeAsia says Jared wasn't about to take any risks.
Snapped: Women Who Murder
BONUS: De'Asia Page and Jared Kemp (Snapped: Killer Couples)
Officers learned the vehicle is registered to a local 58-year-old resident named Tony Abad.
Snapped: Women Who Murder
BONUS: De'Asia Page and Jared Kemp (Snapped: Killer Couples)
DeAsia claims Jared instructed her to wipe the car and dump it.
Snapped: Women Who Murder
BONUS: De'Asia Page and Jared Kemp (Snapped: Killer Couples)
DeAsia says after she dropped off the car, she went to the gas station, dumping her bloody clothes along the way.
Snapped: Women Who Murder
BONUS: De'Asia Page and Jared Kemp (Snapped: Killer Couples)
DeAsia says she continued to communicate with Jared the rest of the night.
Snapped: Women Who Murder
BONUS: De'Asia Page and Jared Kemp (Snapped: Killer Couples)
Despite her claims, detectives suspect DeAsia might be downplaying her role in the violence.
Snapped: Women Who Murder
BONUS: De'Asia Page and Jared Kemp (Snapped: Killer Couples)
Still, detectives struggle with the reasoning behind Tony's violent death.
Snapped: Women Who Murder
BONUS: De'Asia Page and Jared Kemp (Snapped: Killer Couples)
De'Asia Page is officially charged with murder. News of her arrest stuns her friends and loved ones.
Snapped: Women Who Murder
BONUS: De'Asia Page and Jared Kemp (Snapped: Killer Couples)
The dispatcher's calls to Tony's residence go unanswered. Meanwhile, the officer continues his search of the vehicle.
Snapped: Women Who Murder
BONUS: De'Asia Page and Jared Kemp (Snapped: Killer Couples)
While the Abad family is relieved to learn there's been an arrest in the case, they also have questions.
Snapped: Women Who Murder
BONUS: De'Asia Page and Jared Kemp (Snapped: Killer Couples)
But with only DeAsia's statement against her former lover, authorities fear an accused killer might just get away with murder.
Snapped: Women Who Murder
BONUS: De'Asia Page and Jared Kemp (Snapped: Killer Couples)
18-year-old De'Asia Page has just confessed to her role in the brutal murder of 58-year-old Tony Abad. De'Asia has also implicated her boyfriend, Jared Kemp, as the crime's mastermind.
Snapped: Women Who Murder
BONUS: De'Asia Page and Jared Kemp (Snapped: Killer Couples)
Detectives have been unable to locate Jared since his last statement to authorities.
Snapped: Women Who Murder
BONUS: De'Asia Page and Jared Kemp (Snapped: Killer Couples)
At the station, detectives confront Jared with DeAsia's confession, but he's suddenly tight-lipped.
Snapped: Women Who Murder
BONUS: De'Asia Page and Jared Kemp (Snapped: Killer Couples)
With Jared refusing to cooperate, detectives collect his cell phone and uncover a treasure trove of digital evidence.
Snapped: Women Who Murder
BONUS: De'Asia Page and Jared Kemp (Snapped: Killer Couples)
Detectives corroborate DeAsia's story that she spoke with Jared on the phone as Tony gave her a ride.
Snapped: Women Who Murder
BONUS: De'Asia Page and Jared Kemp (Snapped: Killer Couples)
Jared's search history also presents damning evidence against the teen.
Snapped: Women Who Murder
BONUS: De'Asia Page and Jared Kemp (Snapped: Killer Couples)
Unfortunately, authorities are unable to collect any physical evidence against Jared.
Snapped: Women Who Murder
BONUS: De'Asia Page and Jared Kemp (Snapped: Killer Couples)
Even still, the digital evidence combined with DeAsia's confession are enough for authorities to charge Jared Kemp with Tony's murder. Prosecutors offer DeAsia a plea deal in exchange for her testimony against Jared.
Snapped: Women Who Murder
BONUS: De'Asia Page and Jared Kemp (Snapped: Killer Couples)
On October 2, 2019, Jared Kemp's murder trial begins in a Fulton County courtroom. Prosecutors use the digital evidence, along with DeAsia's testimony, to assert that Jared and DeAsia had committed premeditated murder.
Snapped: Women Who Murder
BONUS: De'Asia Page and Jared Kemp (Snapped: Killer Couples)
Ultimately, Jared Kemp is found guilty of felony murder, armed robbery, aggravated assault, and hijacking a vehicle, and is sentenced to life in prison. In exchange for her cooperation, DeAsia Page receives a 30-year sentence.
Snapped: Women Who Murder
BONUS: De'Asia Page and Jared Kemp (Snapped: Killer Couples)
A crime scene investigation unit arrives moments later.
Snapped: Women Who Murder
BONUS: De'Asia Page and Jared Kemp (Snapped: Killer Couples)
While authorities are unable to visually identify the victim, they do notice a name tag on the front of her clothing.
Snapped: Women Who Murder
BONUS: De'Asia Page and Jared Kemp (Snapped: Killer Couples)
As detectives continue surveying the crime scene, it becomes clear that Toni had endured an excruciating death.
Snapped: Women Who Murder
BONUS: De'Asia Page and Jared Kemp (Snapped: Killer Couples)
Georgia native Toni Abad was known for her Southern charm.
Snapped: Women Who Murder
BONUS: De'Asia Page and Jared Kemp (Snapped: Killer Couples)
A divorced mother to four boys and five grandchildren, Toni had always valued her family above everything else.
Snapped: Women Who Murder
BONUS: De'Asia Page and Jared Kemp (Snapped: Killer Couples)
While her marriage didn't last, Tony's family always remained her top priority.
Snapped: Women Who Murder
BONUS: De'Asia Page and Jared Kemp (Snapped: Killer Couples)
When she wasn't helping care for her five grandchildren, Toni worked as the deli manager at one of Fairburn's most popular grocery stores.
Snapped: Women Who Murder
BONUS: De'Asia Page and Jared Kemp (Snapped: Killer Couples)
In December of 2017, Toni was looking forward to taking some time off work and spending the upcoming Christmas holiday with her loved ones.
Snapped: Women Who Murder
BONUS: De'Asia Page and Jared Kemp (Snapped: Killer Couples)
But Toni's plans for a happy holiday come to a bleak end on December 22, when authorities find her dead body stuffed in the trunk of her car. The fact that the majority of the broken glass is found inside Tony's car suggests that the attack might have occurred somewhere else.
Snapped: Women Who Murder
BONUS: De'Asia Page and Jared Kemp (Snapped: Killer Couples)
But detectives are having a hard time discerning a motive.
Snapped: Women Who Murder
BONUS: De'Asia Page and Jared Kemp (Snapped: Killer Couples)
A quiet town is terrorized when a beloved grandmother falls victim to a horrific crime.
Snapped: Women Who Murder
BONUS: De'Asia Page and Jared Kemp (Snapped: Killer Couples)
With no evidence pointing to who killed Tony or why, detectives contact her family and break the devastating news.
Snapped: Women Who Murder
BONUS: De'Asia Page and Jared Kemp (Snapped: Killer Couples)
Coming up, police dig deeper into Tony's life and discover an ominous clue about her final moments.
Snapped: Women Who Murder
BONUS: De'Asia Page and Jared Kemp (Snapped: Killer Couples)
And as detectives race to track down a killer, new evidence points to a disturbing romance.
Snapped: Women Who Murder
BONUS: De'Asia Page and Jared Kemp (Snapped: Killer Couples)
On December 22, 2017, police in Fairburn, Georgia, have discovered the badly beaten body of 58-year-old grandmother Toni Abad inside the trunk of her car.
Snapped: Women Who Murder
BONUS: De'Asia Page and Jared Kemp (Snapped: Killer Couples)
Given the severity of Toni's injuries, detectives suspect her killer was driven by a personal motive. But that theory doesn't seem to hold water with her family.
Snapped: Women Who Murder
BONUS: De'Asia Page and Jared Kemp (Snapped: Killer Couples)
Had Tony been the target of a random crime? Detectives believe that if they can track down Tony's missing cell phone, it might lead them to the killer.
Snapped: Women Who Murder
BONUS: De'Asia Page and Jared Kemp (Snapped: Killer Couples)
within moments of their arrival. Detectives locate Tony's phone by the side of the road. Just a few yards away, they find signs that a struggle had occurred.
Snapped: Women Who Murder
BONUS: De'Asia Page and Jared Kemp (Snapped: Killer Couples)
With no clear leads, police must face disturbing questions. Was this a random attack?
Snapped: Women Who Murder
BONUS: De'Asia Page and Jared Kemp (Snapped: Killer Couples)
Detectives send the phone off for forensic analysis. While they wait on the results, they next head to the grocery store where Toni worked and the last known place she was seen alive.
Snapped: Women Who Murder
BONUS: De'Asia Page and Jared Kemp (Snapped: Killer Couples)
Toni's coworkers reiterate what her family told detectives.
Snapped: Women Who Murder
BONUS: De'Asia Page and Jared Kemp (Snapped: Killer Couples)
But one of Tony's coworkers offers detectives a new lead when she tells them that she and Tony had been approached by a stranger after they had closed the store the night before.
Snapped: Women Who Murder
BONUS: De'Asia Page and Jared Kemp (Snapped: Killer Couples)
The co-worker says after a brief pause, she saw Tony agree to give the young woman a ride.
Snapped: Women Who Murder
BONUS: De'Asia Page and Jared Kemp (Snapped: Killer Couples)
But who was this woman? Detectives review the store's surveillance tapes from the night of Tony's shift and confirm her coworker's story.
Snapped: Women Who Murder
BONUS: De'Asia Page and Jared Kemp (Snapped: Killer Couples)
Or had the victim fallen prey to a monster lurking in the shadows?
Snapped: Women Who Murder
BONUS: De'Asia Page and Jared Kemp (Snapped: Killer Couples)
The video then shows Tony and her coworker exiting the store at 11.30 p.m.
Snapped: Women Who Murder
BONUS: De'Asia Page and Jared Kemp (Snapped: Killer Couples)
Though the surveillance video captured the young woman's physical build, it's impossible to identify her from the video alone. Using a still frame from the video, police canvass the shopping center, hoping someone in the area might recognize the young woman. They catch a break when they speak to the employees of a nearby restaurant.
Snapped: Women Who Murder
BONUS: De'Asia Page and Jared Kemp (Snapped: Killer Couples)
When detectives search the bag's belongings, they catch a major break.
Snapped: Women Who Murder
BONUS: Kristi Koslow and Brian Salter (Snapped: Killer Couples)
Questions about Jack's story are still hovering over the case the next day when the medical examiner completes Karen's autopsy report.
Snapped: Women Who Murder
BONUS: Kristi Koslow and Brian Salter (Snapped: Killer Couples)
In the midst of a chaotic investigation, a twisted romance emerges. And at the heart of it all is a deadly conspiracy fueled by desperation and greed.
Snapped: Women Who Murder
BONUS: Kristi Koslow and Brian Salter (Snapped: Killer Couples)
24 hours into the investigation of Karen Koslow's brutal murder, police in Fort Worth, Texas, are looking at her husband Jack as a person of interest after he survived the same attack that left her dead.
Snapped: Women Who Murder
BONUS: Kristi Koslow and Brian Salter (Snapped: Killer Couples)
To find out more, investigators dig deeper into the Koslows' marriage and learn that the wealth the couple shared came mostly from Karen.
Snapped: Women Who Murder
BONUS: Kristi Koslow and Brian Salter (Snapped: Killer Couples)
According to most of their family, the couple's relationship had seemed perfect on the surface for many years. But police learned that not long before her death, Karen had confided to some of her friends that she and Jack were having marital problems.
Snapped: Women Who Murder
BONUS: Kristi Koslow and Brian Salter (Snapped: Killer Couples)
Authorities theorize that the expense of Jack's new business venture might have led to some of the tensions between the couple.
Snapped: Women Who Murder
BONUS: Kristi Koslow and Brian Salter (Snapped: Killer Couples)
Further incriminating information is revealed when police ask the couple's family about one of the weapons found at the scene.
Snapped: Women Who Murder
BONUS: Kristi Koslow and Brian Salter (Snapped: Killer Couples)
While police continue to investigate, news of the heinous crime leaves many in the community reeling.
Snapped: Women Who Murder
BONUS: Kristi Koslow and Brian Salter (Snapped: Killer Couples)
Four days after her passing, Karen Koslow is laid to rest.
Snapped: Women Who Murder
BONUS: Kristi Koslow and Brian Salter (Snapped: Killer Couples)
Eager to stamp out the rumors and defend her father, Jack's 17-year-old daughter, Christy Koslow, holds an impromptu press conference on the front yard of the family home. It was scary, you know, almost losing my dad.
Snapped: Women Who Murder
BONUS: Kristi Koslow and Brian Salter (Snapped: Killer Couples)
On March 18th, detectives meet with Jack's ex-wife, Paula, to see if she can shed light on Jack's relationship with Karen. Accompanying Paula to the station is Jack's daughter, Christy, as well as Christy's 19-year-old boyfriend, Brian Salter.
Snapped: Women Who Murder
BONUS: Kristi Koslow and Brian Salter (Snapped: Killer Couples)
Paula tells detectives she wasn't close to her ex-husband or his new wife, but she doesn't think Jack would hurt Karen. Christy agrees with her mother.
Snapped: Women Who Murder
BONUS: Kristi Koslow and Brian Salter (Snapped: Killer Couples)
Detectives ask Brian if he knew Jack and Karen. He tells them he'd met them a few times since he and Christy started dating four months earlier.
Snapped: Women Who Murder
BONUS: Kristi Koslow and Brian Salter (Snapped: Killer Couples)
Brian says the Koslows had always been kind to him. Like Christy, he has no idea who would do this to them. While investigators work diligently to gather evidence for the next week, they continue to receive concerned calls from the community.
Snapped: Women Who Murder
BONUS: Kristi Koslow and Brian Salter (Snapped: Killer Couples)
On the west side of Fort Worth, Texas, lies the affluent neighborhood of Rivercrest.
Snapped: Women Who Murder
BONUS: Kristi Koslow and Brian Salter (Snapped: Killer Couples)
But on March 24th, nearly two weeks after the crime, a man calls investigators with information that completely changes the direction of the case.
Snapped: Women Who Murder
BONUS: Kristi Koslow and Brian Salter (Snapped: Killer Couples)
The caller is a 20-year-old man named Paul Carrillo, and he says he knows who killed Karen Koslow.
Snapped: Women Who Murder
BONUS: Kristi Koslow and Brian Salter (Snapped: Killer Couples)
Also inside the backpack is a bag of bloody clothes, as well as an 18-inch metal pry bar, the same pry bar police believe was used to break into the home.
Snapped: Women Who Murder
BONUS: Kristi Koslow and Brian Salter (Snapped: Killer Couples)
But why would 19-year-old Jeffrey Dillingham target the Koslows? According to Paul Carrillo, Jeffrey had an accomplice who knew the couple.
Snapped: Women Who Murder
BONUS: Kristi Koslow and Brian Salter (Snapped: Killer Couples)
Detectives recognize Brian Salter as Christy Koslow's boyfriend. But what could possibly motivate Brian to hurt Christy's father and stepmother?
Snapped: Women Who Murder
BONUS: Kristi Koslow and Brian Salter (Snapped: Killer Couples)
Coming up, detectives confront Brian Salter and Jeffrey Dillingham. They expect this is going to be a tough interrogation. But what one of the new suspects reveals leaves police stunned.
Snapped: Women Who Murder
BONUS: Kristi Koslow and Brian Salter (Snapped: Killer Couples)
Ever since Karen Koslow's body was found on the floor of her master bedroom, the primary person of interest in her murder has been her husband, Jack. But 12 days into the investigation, Jack is ruled out when Fort Worth police get a tip that two 19-year-olds, Brian Salter and Jeffrey Dillingham, are the real killers.
Snapped: Women Who Murder
BONUS: Kristi Koslow and Brian Salter (Snapped: Killer Couples)
In fact, both teenagers had excelled as honor roll students in high school.
Snapped: Women Who Murder
BONUS: Kristi Koslow and Brian Salter (Snapped: Killer Couples)
Detectives secure arrest warrants for both Brian Salter and Jeffrey Dillingham. They set their sights on apprehending Jeffrey Dillingham first. Officers head to the video store where the teenager works and take him into custody without incident.
Snapped: Women Who Murder
BONUS: Kristi Koslow and Brian Salter (Snapped: Killer Couples)
According to Jeffrey, he was recruited by his friend Brian Salter to break into the Koslows' house.
Snapped: Women Who Murder
BONUS: Kristi Koslow and Brian Salter (Snapped: Killer Couples)
Jeffrey confesses to beating the couple with the pry bar, but that it was Brian who found Jack's buck knife in the couple's bedroom.
Snapped: Women Who Murder
BONUS: Kristi Koslow and Brian Salter (Snapped: Killer Couples)
But why had the two teenagers targeted the Koslows in the first place? Jeffrey shocks investigators when he explains that the attack hadn't been his or Brian's idea.
Snapped: Women Who Murder
BONUS: Kristi Koslow and Brian Salter (Snapped: Killer Couples)
But on March 12th, 1992, the community's veneer of safety is shattered when Fort Worth police receive a disturbing 911 call from a Rivercrest residence.
Snapped: Women Who Murder
BONUS: Kristi Koslow and Brian Salter (Snapped: Killer Couples)
According to Jeffrey, Christy told Brian she would inherit millions of dollars if her dad and stepmom were out of the way.
Snapped: Women Who Murder
BONUS: Kristi Koslow and Brian Salter (Snapped: Killer Couples)
Following his confession, police charged Jeffrey Dillingham with murder. They also arrest Christie Koslow and Brian Salter at their homes.
Snapped: Women Who Murder
BONUS: Kristi Koslow and Brian Salter (Snapped: Killer Couples)
When questioned by detectives, Brian admits to his role in the crime. He says he was willing to do anything to make Christie happy.
Snapped: Women Who Murder
BONUS: Kristi Koslow and Brian Salter (Snapped: Killer Couples)
Brian says that Christy had first brought up the idea of murdering her father and stepmother only a few weeks into their relationship.
Snapped: Women Who Murder
BONUS: Kristi Koslow and Brian Salter (Snapped: Killer Couples)
Brian tells police he and Jeffrey planned to carry out Christy's plan on the evening of March 12th.
Snapped: Women Who Murder
BONUS: Kristi Koslow and Brian Salter (Snapped: Killer Couples)
Brian says Jeffrey was also wearing a bulletproof vest.
Snapped: Women Who Murder
BONUS: Kristi Koslow and Brian Salter (Snapped: Killer Couples)
The dispatcher relays to officers that the caller is the victim's neighbor.
Snapped: Women Who Murder
BONUS: Kristi Koslow and Brian Salter (Snapped: Killer Couples)
Brian says it was Jeffrey Dillingham who kicked in the Koslow's bedroom door.
Snapped: Women Who Murder
BONUS: Kristi Koslow and Brian Salter (Snapped: Killer Couples)
It's clear that Brian Salter and Jeffrey Dillingham are trying to pin the murders on each other. The only parts of their story they agree on is that the crime's mastermind was Christy Koslow. But what will she say when confronted by police?
Snapped: Women Who Murder
BONUS: Kristi Koslow and Brian Salter (Snapped: Killer Couples)
Fort Worth, Texas police have arrested three suspects for the deadly attack that took the life of Karen Koslow and left her husband Jack severely injured. 19-year-olds Jeffrey Dillingham and Brian Salter have confessed to their roles in the crime. Now police are ready to question the purported mastermind, Jack Koslow's 17-year-old daughter, Christy.
Snapped: Women Who Murder
BONUS: Kristi Koslow and Brian Salter (Snapped: Killer Couples)
Christy admits to the murder-for-hire plot, but she tells investigators that she never thought it would turn out this way.
Snapped: Women Who Murder
BONUS: Kristi Koslow and Brian Salter (Snapped: Killer Couples)
But investigators don't buy it.
Snapped: Women Who Murder
BONUS: Kristi Koslow and Brian Salter (Snapped: Killer Couples)
But unbeknownst to Christy, she never stood to inherit even a penny.
Snapped: Women Who Murder
BONUS: Kristi Koslow and Brian Salter (Snapped: Killer Couples)
Prosecutors announced the three suspects will face the death penalty if convicted. Jeffrey Dillingham is set to go on trial first.
Snapped: Women Who Murder
BONUS: Kristi Koslow and Brian Salter (Snapped: Killer Couples)
In August 1993, a year and a half after Karen's murder, Jeffrey Dillingham's murder trial begins in a Tarrant County courtroom.
Snapped: Women Who Murder
BONUS: Kristi Koslow and Brian Salter (Snapped: Killer Couples)
Jeffrey Dillingham is convicted on all charges. On August 11, 1993, the 20-year-old is sentenced to death by lethal injection.
Snapped: Women Who Murder
BONUS: Kristi Koslow and Brian Salter (Snapped: Killer Couples)
Police and EMTs arrive on the scene moments later. While one EMT tends to Jack, police rush next door to check on his wife, Karen.
Snapped: Women Who Murder
BONUS: Kristi Koslow and Brian Salter (Snapped: Killer Couples)
To avoid a similar fate, Brian Salter agrees to plead guilty and testify against his girlfriend.
Snapped: Women Who Murder
BONUS: Kristi Koslow and Brian Salter (Snapped: Killer Couples)
Born in 1951, Karen Koslow came from a long line of Texas oil tycoons.
Snapped: Women Who Murder
BONUS: Kristi Koslow and Brian Salter (Snapped: Killer Couples)
When Karen and Jack Koslow met in the early 1980s, both enjoyed successful careers in commercial banking.
Snapped: Women Who Murder
BONUS: Kristi Koslow and Brian Salter (Snapped: Killer Couples)
The couple married in the late 1980s. While their wealth had made them players at the highest levels of Fort Worth's social scene, the Koslows were known for giving back to their community.
Snapped: Women Who Murder
BONUS: Kristi Koslow and Brian Salter (Snapped: Killer Couples)
At their sprawling brick house in the esteemed neighborhood of Rivercrest, the couple had also helped raise Jack's adopted daughter, Christy, from his previous marriage.
Snapped: Women Who Murder
BONUS: Kristi Koslow and Brian Salter (Snapped: Killer Couples)
By 1990, Jack Koslow decided to retire from the banking industry and pursue a new chapter in his career.
Snapped: Women Who Murder
BONUS: Kristi Koslow and Brian Salter (Snapped: Killer Couples)
Karen was supportive of her husband's new career goals. And the couple, along with Jack's daughter, seemed to be living the good life. Until the tragic night in March of 1992. Karen Koslow has been found dead in the couple's bedroom. It appears that Jack Koslow has also been wounded but survived and has been rushed to the nearest hospital.
Snapped: Women Who Murder
BONUS: Kristi Koslow and Brian Salter (Snapped: Killer Couples)
Around 4.45 AM, homicide investigators arrive at the Koslows' home and try to piece together exactly what happened. They carefully examine Karen's body for possible clues.
Snapped: Women Who Murder
BONUS: Kristi Koslow and Brian Salter (Snapped: Killer Couples)
An affluent community is rocked when a high society couple falls victim to a horrifying crime.
Snapped: Women Who Murder
BONUS: Kristi Koslow and Brian Salter (Snapped: Killer Couples)
Investigators find more evidence as they survey the rest of the room.
Snapped: Women Who Murder
BONUS: Kristi Koslow and Brian Salter (Snapped: Killer Couples)
Inside a nearby hallway closet, police find evidence of ransacking.
Snapped: Women Who Murder
BONUS: Kristi Koslow and Brian Salter (Snapped: Killer Couples)
Behind the residence, detectives find evidence where the attackers entered the property.
Snapped: Women Who Murder
BONUS: Kristi Koslow and Brian Salter (Snapped: Killer Couples)
Coming up, new evidence points to a person of interest.
Snapped: Women Who Murder
BONUS: Kristi Koslow and Brian Salter (Snapped: Killer Couples)
And an unexpected tip exposes dark secrets within the Koslow family.
Snapped: Women Who Murder
BONUS: Kristi Koslow and Brian Salter (Snapped: Killer Couples)
In Fort Worth, Texas, investigators are searching the home of wealthy socialites, Karen and Jack Koslow, after a brutal attack that left Karen dead and Jack fighting for his life. Between the signs of forced entry and the ransacked closet inside the home, it appears that the attack on the Koslows might have been a home burglary gone terribly wrong.
Snapped: Women Who Murder
BONUS: Kristi Koslow and Brian Salter (Snapped: Killer Couples)
But what had the attackers been looking for?
Snapped: Women Who Murder
BONUS: Kristi Koslow and Brian Salter (Snapped: Killer Couples)
Hoping for answers, detectives head to the hospital around 3 PM that afternoon to speak with Jack Koslow. Doctors informed police that, like his wife, Jack had been beaten with a blunt object. His neck had also been cut, but not deep enough to cause a life-threatening injury.
Snapped: Women Who Murder
BONUS: Kristi Koslow and Brian Salter (Snapped: Killer Couples)
Had the couple been targeted for their wealth? There were a lot of disagreements over money. Or were there more personal motives at play?
Snapped: Women Who Murder
BONUS: Kristi Koslow and Brian Salter (Snapped: Killer Couples)
Detectives also get a better look at some of his injuries.
Snapped: Women Who Murder
BONUS: Kristi Koslow and Brian Salter (Snapped: Killer Couples)
Detectives asked Jack to walk them through the events leading up to the attack.
Snapped: Women Who Murder
BONUS: Kristi Koslow and Brian Salter (Snapped: Killer Couples)
Jack says the alarm was quickly followed by a crash and the sound of footsteps running up the stairs.
Snapped: Women Who Murder
BONUS: Kristi Koslow and Brian Salter (Snapped: Killer Couples)
Jack says both men had guns and flashlights, but it was too dark to get a good look at either of the intruders.
Snapped: Women Who Murder
BONUS: Kristi Koslow and Brian Salter (Snapped: Killer Couples)
Jack tells detectives that when he woke up, the intruders were gone.
Snapped: Women Who Murder
BONUS: Kristi Koslow and Brian Salter (Snapped: Killer Couples)
It's a harrowing story, but detectives can't help but be suspicious. They're particularly skeptical of his explanation for why he didn't call 911.
Snapped: Women Who Murder
Kathryn Sinkevitch
Between the hoodie and the angle of the cameras, investigators can't get a look at the person's face. Authorities are still talking to potential witnesses when they finally get in touch with Michael's family in Ohio. His sister Marley reveals horrifying details about her last conversation with Mike.
Snapped: Women Who Murder
Kathryn Sinkevitch
Meanwhile, detectives switch their focus back to locating Michael's ex, Catherine, and look up the make and model of her vehicle.
Snapped: Women Who Murder
Kathryn Sinkevitch
Even so, investigators are still eager to speak with her. That same day, authorities tracked Catherine to a home in Mesa, just a 40-minute drive from where Michael was shot.
Snapped: Women Who Murder
Kathryn Sinkevitch
Detectives request that everyone in the house come outside.
Snapped: Women Who Murder
Kathryn Sinkevitch
When detectives inform Catherine of Michael's murder, her reaction takes them by surprise.
Snapped: Women Who Murder
Kathryn Sinkevitch
When asked about her whereabouts earlier, Catherine tells investigators that she was at the mortgage company where she and Bridget both work all day.
Snapped: Women Who Murder
Kathryn Sinkevitch
investigators move on to Bridget, who explains that she is Catherine's co-worker at the mortgage company and they have known each other for about a year. Bridget corroborates Catherine's alibi.
Snapped: Women Who Murder
Kathryn Sinkevitch
Even though they have no proof Bridget's van is the one in the surveillance footage, investigators aren't taking any chances.
Snapped: Women Who Murder
Kathryn Sinkevitch
Coming up, investigators learn disturbing details about Michael's love life.
Snapped: Women Who Murder
Kathryn Sinkevitch
Investigators in Maricopa, Arizona are looking into the execution-style murder of 31-year-old Michael Agater. While Michael's ex, Catherine, is unwilling to talk about their relationship with investigators, they find that his loved ones have plenty to say.
Snapped: Women Who Murder
Kathryn Sinkevitch
The bedroom community of Maricopa, Arizona sits at the edge of Phoenix's sprawling suburbs and the vast Sonoran Desert.
Snapped: Women Who Murder
Kathryn Sinkevitch
But just months into her relationship with Michael, Katherine's behavior took a sharp turn.
Snapped: Women Who Murder
Kathryn Sinkevitch
Michael's friend and former roommate, Chris Grindy, had a front-row seat to Catherine's erratic behavior.
Snapped: Women Who Murder
Kathryn Sinkevitch
Friends and family say Mike held on, even as things started to deteriorate.
Snapped: Women Who Murder
Kathryn Sinkevitch
Michael's loved ones say that the verbal abuse eventually turned physical.
Snapped: Women Who Murder
Kathryn Sinkevitch
In March of 2016, their relationship was hanging on by a thread when Catherine revealed that she was pregnant.
Snapped: Women Who Murder
Kathryn Sinkevitch
Friends and family say that not long after getting the news of Catherine's pregnancy, Michael was finally ready to break it off. Four months after moving out, Chris got a call from Michael.
Snapped: Women Who Murder
Kathryn Sinkevitch
Around eight months before he was found dead, Michael took the dog, Darwin, and moved into a home in Maricopa. Catherine was furious.
Snapped: Women Who Murder
Kathryn Sinkevitch
Investigators learn that Michael had tried to take legal action of his own against Catherine.
Snapped: Women Who Murder
Kathryn Sinkevitch
It's just before 2.30 p.m. in one of Maricopa's many subdivisions when out of nowhere, an unusual sound shatters the midday quiet.
Snapped: Women Who Murder
Kathryn Sinkevitch
However, Catherine refused to let up. Following the birth of their son in October 2016, she launched a vicious and hurtful campaign.
Snapped: Women Who Murder
Kathryn Sinkevitch
In fact, Marley says when she was on the phone with Michael at the time of the murder, he was returning home from taking the test.
Snapped: Women Who Murder
Kathryn Sinkevitch
In light of the new information about Catherine, investigators head to the mortgage company where she works with her friend Bridget. They check in with building security and ask to see surveillance footage from the day of the murder. And they spot a white van.
Snapped: Women Who Murder
Kathryn Sinkevitch
Coming up, investigators uncover the identity of the mysterious driver.
Snapped: Women Who Murder
Kathryn Sinkevitch
December 19th, 2016. Three days after the murder of Michael Agater, authorities visit the workplace of Michael's ex-girlfriend, Catherine Sienkiewicz. Investigators are honing in on Catherine's co-worker and close friend, Bridget, whose key card shows her leaving work shortly before Michael's murder, contrary to what she told police.
Snapped: Women Who Murder
Kathryn Sinkevitch
Investigators view the interior footage of the cubicles.
Snapped: Women Who Murder
Kathryn Sinkevitch
Within minutes, two Maricopa police officers cautiously approach the location.
Snapped: Women Who Murder
Kathryn Sinkevitch
Over the next 24 hours, investigators work to find more evidence connecting Catherine to the murder. Detectives obtain a warrant for her cell phone records.
Snapped: Women Who Murder
Kathryn Sinkevitch
It appears that Catherine powered her phone off during the time the murder was committed, a suspicion that is bolstered by a search of her work computer.
Snapped: Women Who Murder
Kathryn Sinkevitch
Four days after the murder, detectives return to the mortgage company. They learn Catherine didn't show up for work, but Bridget is there.
Snapped: Women Who Murder
Kathryn Sinkevitch
Bridget admits that she and Catherine bonded over their troubled relationships. She says Catherine was determined to keep Michael away from the baby.
Snapped: Women Who Murder
Kathryn Sinkevitch
But now that she sees Catherine's promises were empty, she feels betrayed.
Snapped: Women Who Murder
Kathryn Sinkevitch
After the call, Bridget is released and is not charged with any crime. But Catherine's statements during the call add to the mounting evidence against her.
Snapped: Women Who Murder
Kathryn Sinkevitch
Armed with the warrant, Maricopa police set out to arrest Catherine.
Snapped: Women Who Murder
Kathryn Sinkevitch
Coming up, investigators receive a lead on Catherine's whereabouts.
Snapped: Women Who Murder
Kathryn Sinkevitch
After a five-day investigation into the murder of Michael Agadir, authorities are poised to arrest his ex, Katherine Sienkiewicz. Only Katherine has disappeared into thin air, leaving everyone on edge.
Snapped: Women Who Murder
Kathryn Sinkevitch
One day after the warrant is issued, investigators get a break.
Snapped: Women Who Murder
Kathryn Sinkevitch
Authorities also find Catherine's newborn son safe and unharmed.
Snapped: Women Who Murder
Kathryn Sinkevitch
Back at the station, Catherine maintains her silence and refuses to give a statement. Thank you
Snapped: Women Who Murder
Kathryn Sinkevitch
Moments later, as Maricopa homicide detectives arrive on scene, a man shows up identifying himself as Chris Grindy, Michael's longtime friend and former roommate.
Snapped: Women Who Murder
Kathryn Sinkevitch
Chris is shocked to learn that Michael has been murdered.
Snapped: Women Who Murder
Kathryn Sinkevitch
Chris tells police that Michael lived alone. His sister and most of his family live 28 hours away in Urbana, Ohio. However, his ex-girlfriend and their newborn son live nearby.
Snapped: Women Who Murder
Kathryn Sinkevitch
Michael Agadir was born on July 26, 1985, in Valparaiso, Indiana. The oldest of four, Michael set an example for his younger siblings.
Snapped: Women Who Murder
Kathryn Sinkevitch
In 2002, the tight-knit Agater family moved to Urbana, Ohio, where Michael's love of sports took hold.
Snapped: Women Who Murder
Kathryn Sinkevitch
He was a hardworking family man who left small-town Ohio to seek his fortune out west.
Snapped: Women Who Murder
Kathryn Sinkevitch
After a year of college, Michael decided he was ready to enter the workforce.
Snapped: Women Who Murder
Kathryn Sinkevitch
In 2010, 25-year-old Michael got an opportunity he couldn't pass up.
Snapped: Women Who Murder
Kathryn Sinkevitch
Less than a year later, Michael's friend Chris Grindy also made the move from Ohio to Arizona, and the two became roommates.
Snapped: Women Who Murder
Kathryn Sinkevitch
By 2013, Michael's future looked bright, and he wanted someone to share it with.
Snapped: Women Who Murder
Kathryn Sinkevitch
28-year-old Catherine Sienkiewicz was working at a local call center in Maricopa when she met Michael online. Eventually, they met in person, and their chemistry was undeniable.
Snapped: Women Who Murder
Kathryn Sinkevitch
However, Michael learned that Katherine's carefree exterior masked a tragic past.
Snapped: Women Who Murder
Kathryn Sinkevitch
When it came to her painful childhood, Catherine preferred to keep the details to herself.
Snapped: Women Who Murder
Kathryn Sinkevitch
After dating for several months, Michael took Catherine to Ohio to meet his family.
Snapped: Women Who Murder
Kathryn Sinkevitch
Once back in Arizona, the couple took another big step when Catherine presented Michael with a gift, a dog they named Darwin.
Snapped: Women Who Murder
Kathryn Sinkevitch
In 2013, Catherine moved into the Tempe home with Michael, Chris, and Darwin.
Snapped: Women Who Murder
Kathryn Sinkevitch
By the fall of 2015, after two and a half years together, Michael and Catherine moved into their own apartment.
Snapped: Women Who Murder
Kathryn Sinkevitch
In the spring of 2016, Michael called his family back home in Ohio to deliver some exciting news.
Snapped: Women Who Murder
Kathryn Sinkevitch
But during her pregnancy, Michael and Katherine's relationship took a turn for the worse.
Snapped: Women Who Murder
Kathryn Sinkevitch
But just months later, this new father is found dead from a gunshot in his own garage. Authorities begin a sweep of the crime scene, while investigators track down Michael's family and ex, Katherine Sienkiewicz.
Snapped: Women Who Murder
Kathryn Sinkevitch
But after almost four years, their desert dreams end in a flash of violence. He had said, holy s***.
Snapped: Women Who Murder
Kathryn Sinkevitch
Detectives take a closer look to find where the other two shots landed. They find that Michael was hit not once, but twice.
Snapped: Women Who Murder
Kathryn Sinkevitch
Coming up, the investigation uncovers shocking footage.
Snapped: Women Who Murder
Kathryn Sinkevitch
And authorities learn the details of a harrowing phone call.
Snapped: Women Who Murder
Kathryn Sinkevitch
On December 16, 2016, authorities in Maricopa, Arizona, discover the body of 31-year-old Michael Agadir in his garage.
Snapped: Women Who Murder
Kathryn Sinkevitch
But officers do find something inside that gets their attention.
Snapped: Women Who Murder
Kathryn Sinkevitch
In order to view the footage, investigators will need permission from a judge. While waiting on the warrant, investigators talk with Michael's neighbors who have gathered outside. Most report that they don't know Michael, who only recently moved in. However, several do report seeing a vehicle parked in front of his house moments before the shots rang out.
Snapped: Women Who Murder
Kathryn Sinkevitch
but the accounts of who was driving the van are inconsistent at best.
Snapped: Women Who Murder
Kathryn Sinkevitch
With minimal details on the driver from neighbors, investigators switch gears and take a look at the footage from Michael's security cameras.
Snapped: Women Who Murder
Kimberly Bailey
Without much to go on from John and Kim, investigators pour over Rick's client list and find no shortage of potential leads.
Snapped: Women Who Murder
Kimberly Bailey
The local investigators talked to Rick's family. They talked to Rick's coworkers. And it all led to a dead end.
Snapped: Women Who Murder
Kimberly Bailey
By January of 1999, Rick has been missing for over four months, and the Post family is beginning to lose hope. Then, out of the blue, FBI agents at a field office in San Diego, California, get an unexpected phone call.
Snapped: Women Who Murder
Kimberly Bailey
Before she will reveal the name of the victim, Colleen attempts to negotiate a deal for her client.
Snapped: Women Who Murder
Kimberly Bailey
She accessed highly sensitive, confidential information and gave it to the KGB.
Snapped: Women Who Murder
Kimberly Bailey
The phone call ends abruptly, but agents follow up with San Diego Police.
Snapped: Women Who Murder
Kimberly Bailey
We had a few facts that they did get from this initial phone call. at a certain date and time, and it matched up with the missing persons report of Rick Post disappearing in Mexico.
Snapped: Women Who Murder
Kimberly Bailey
After hitting yet another dead end, in May of 1999, FBI agents circle back to Rick's employee, John Kruger.
Snapped: Women Who Murder
Kimberly Bailey
Investigators turn back to the other person of interest in this case, Kimberly Bailey. As it turns out, Kimberly already has her own file at the FBI.
Snapped: Women Who Murder
Kimberly Bailey
Could Kimberly's fraudulent business dealings be linked to Rick's disappearance?
Snapped: Women Who Murder
Kimberly Bailey
The investigation had kind of come to a standstill. They started conducting a surveillance of the ranch that Kimberly Bailey owned up in Fallbrook.
Snapped: Women Who Murder
Kimberly Bailey
They knew that in addition to Kimberly, there were some other people living there. So the case agents finally decided, let's go up and talk to people up there and see what we can find out.
Snapped: Women Who Murder
Kimberly Bailey
Coming up, investigators find themselves seeking help from an international spy.
Snapped: Women Who Murder
Kimberly Bailey
In the early hours of December 4th, 2024, CEO Brian Thompson stepped out onto the streets of Midtown Manhattan.
Snapped: Women Who Murder
Kimberly Bailey
This assailant pulls out a weapon and starts firing at him.
Snapped: Women Who Murder
Kimberly Bailey
We're talking about the CEO of the biggest private health insurance corporation in the world. And the suspect.
Snapped: Women Who Murder
Kimberly Bailey
Became one of the most divisive figures in modern criminal history.
Snapped: Women Who Murder
Kimberly Bailey
I'm Jesse Weber, host of Luigi, produced by Law & Crime and Twist. This is more than a true crime investigation. We explore a uniquely American moment that could change the country forever.
Snapped: Women Who Murder
Kimberly Bailey
Listen to Law and Crime's Luigi exclusively on Wondery Plus. You can join Wondery Plus on the Wondery app, Spotify, or Apple Podcasts. In the early hours of December 4th, 2024, CEO Brian Thompson stepped out onto the streets of Midtown Manhattan.
Snapped: Women Who Murder
Kimberly Bailey
Became one of the most divisive figures in modern criminal history.
Snapped: Women Who Murder
Kimberly Bailey
Listen to Law and Crime's Luigi exclusively on Wondery Plus. You can join Wondery Plus in the Wondery app, Spotify, or Apple Podcasts.
Snapped: Women Who Murder
Kimberly Bailey
FBI agents in San Diego suspect that private investigator Rick Post was kidnapped and murdered in Mexico. There are two names in his missing persons file that have garnered their attention. John Kruger and Kimberly Bailey.
Snapped: Women Who Murder
Kimberly Bailey
It's August 21st, 1998 in San Diego, California. 16-year-old Ian Post is at the home he shares with his father, Rick, when the phone rings.
Snapped: Women Who Murder
Kimberly Bailey
Usually in an investigation, you try and talk to your main subjects last. You want to have as much information as possible when you go into that interview, because then it allows you to know if what they're telling you is false.
Snapped: Women Who Murder
Kimberly Bailey
In November of 1999, after seven months of surveillance fails to turn up any new leads, agents pay a visit to Kimberly's Fallbrook Avocado Ranch. When they arrive, they're greeted by two employees, husband and wife, Bruce and Svetlana.
Snapped: Women Who Murder
Kimberly Bailey
This woman identified herself as Svetlana Olgorodnikova. This moment was a jaw-dropper for the agents. Svetlana was someone that is known to virtually every FBI agent who joined the agency during the 1980s and 1990s.
Snapped: Women Who Murder
Kimberly Bailey
Svetlana, like something right out of a James Bond movie, seduced an FBI agent, accessed highly sensitive confidential information, and gave it to the KGB.
Snapped: Women Who Murder
Kimberly Bailey
Svetlana was sentenced to 18 years, served nine, and after that was in danger of losing her status to stay in the United States. and in fact, one step ahead of INS, essentially moved back to Mexico.
Snapped: Women Who Murder
Kimberly Bailey
He goes, well, we're investigating the Rick Post murder, and can we talk to you? And Lana and I look at each other, you know, because here's the FBI, she's here illegally, and reporting as if she was still in Mexico.
Snapped: Women Who Murder
Kimberly Bailey
Svetlana tells the agents that Kimberly is away at a yoga retreat. She also says that she and Bruce have been working and living at Kimberly's ranch for around six months. In that time, they forged a friendship with the quirky millionaire.
Snapped: Women Who Murder
Kimberly Bailey
On the surface, she's brilliant, she's pretty, but a little bit paranoid. She thought the satellites were listening to her and that people were after her.
Snapped: Women Who Murder
Kimberly Bailey
However, Svetlana claims Kimberly trusted her. One day, she began confiding in her about her breakup with Rick Post.
Snapped: Women Who Murder
Kimberly Bailey
She was a woman scorned. She was in love with Rick. He dropped her as a girlfriend. The real problem was jealousy.
Snapped: Women Who Murder
Kimberly Bailey
What's more, Kimberly told Svetlana money was missing from her business.
Snapped: Women Who Murder
Kimberly Bailey
That she believed that Rick Post was stealing money from her. This was the one-two punch that sent her over the edge.
Snapped: Women Who Murder
Kimberly Bailey
And then Svetlana says Kimberly revealed her darkest secret.
Snapped: Women Who Murder
Kimberly Bailey
They solved it by getting Svetlana to agree to wear a wire recording device. I think she was scared of Kimberly, and I think there was a fear motive in her status in the United States. She was actually back in the United States illegally.
Snapped: Women Who Murder
Kimberly Bailey
A few weeks later, Kimberly asks Svetlana to pick her up from the airport in Phoenix and drive her back to California. the nine-hour car ride presents the perfect opportunity.
Snapped: Women Who Murder
Kimberly Bailey
It takes a little prompting from Svetlana to get Kimberly talking. Kimberly says that John Kruger had called her in August 1998 with some concerning information about his boss, Rick Post.
Snapped: Women Who Murder
Kimberly Bailey
Ian is well aware that his father's work as a private investigator sometimes requires him to leave town at the last minute. But he also knows that Rick never leaves without telling him.
Snapped: Women Who Murder
Kimberly Bailey
Kimberly reveals that she asked John Kruger to help her hire some muscle.
Snapped: Women Who Murder
Kimberly Bailey
John had become acquainted with an individual by the name of Humberto Uribe, Mexican national. who was purporting to have connections to the cartel.
Snapped: Women Who Murder
Kimberly Bailey
Kimberly paid 25-year-old Humberto approximately $40,000 and then lured Rick Post to Mexico on August 20th.
Snapped: Women Who Murder
Kimberly Bailey
The trap was set. Kimberly went down to Mexico with Rick Post. They stopped at a pharmacy. Rick waited in the car. Kimberly got out of the car. supposedly to go into the pharmacy. Two men hired by Uribe approached the car, forced Rick out of the car and took him away.
Snapped: Women Who Murder
Kimberly Bailey
After Richard is kidnapped, Kimberly gets inside of Richard's car, turns around and heads back to San Diego where she drops off his car at his own home.
Snapped: Women Who Murder
Kimberly Bailey
According to Kimberly, Humberto and his two associates tortured Rick for the next five days.
Snapped: Women Who Murder
Kimberly Bailey
He duct taped to a chair, and then he took some pliers and pinched his fingernails.
Snapped: Women Who Murder
Kimberly Bailey
After five days of torture, Rick still hadn't confessed to stealing from her.
Snapped: Women Who Murder
Kimberly Bailey
Rick, should I admit that I slept with other women He's always denied stealing anything. Kimberly tells Svetlana that she told Uribe to build an underground prison and keep him there for the rest of his life. I said, this is dangerous for us. We don't like staying up all night watching these guys.
Snapped: Women Who Murder
Kimberly Bailey
Then, Kimberly reveals to Svetlana that she is sharing her story with her because she needs her help.
Snapped: Women Who Murder
Kimberly Bailey
So the decision was made, let's put a bow on this. Kimberly Bailey wants a hitman. So the FBI decided, we'll give her a hitman.
Snapped: Women Who Murder
Kimberly Bailey
And she would have been literally the last person standing in the room with a bloody knife.
Snapped: Women Who Murder
Kimberly Bailey
Over a year after Rick Post's mysterious disappearance, his former client and the lover, Kimberly Bailey, unwittingly confesses to his murder during a secretly recorded conversation with former KGB spy Svetlana Ogorodnikova.
Snapped: Women Who Murder
Kimberly Bailey
She was going down a road where she would have been literally the last person standing in the room with a bloody knife.
Snapped: Women Who Murder
Kimberly Bailey
Svetlana agrees to work with investigators once again in a sting operation on December 22nd, 1999, almost a year and a half since Rick's disappearance.
Snapped: Women Who Murder
Kimberly Bailey
So a meeting was arranged in a hotel room. Fortunately for us, the professional hitman was in fact a professional FBI agent.
Snapped: Women Who Murder
Kimberly Bailey
When she arrives, it's clear that Kimberly's infamous paranoia is in full swing.
Snapped: Women Who Murder
Kimberly Bailey
Kimberly refuses to talk about the hits. Instead, she pulls a laptop computer out of her bag.
Snapped: Women Who Murder
Kimberly Bailey
Kimberly tries to type out the death wish, and the laptop does not work.
Snapped: Women Who Murder
Kimberly Bailey
It's as if he just walked out the door and poof, vanished into thin air.
Snapped: Women Who Murder
Kimberly Bailey
Since she can't type her request, Kimberly is forced to say it out loud.
Snapped: Women Who Murder
Kimberly Bailey
Kimberly reveals that her hit list has changed since she spoke with Svetlana. Only one name remains the same.
Snapped: Women Who Murder
Kimberly Bailey
Kimberly is clear that the murders should not look like intentional killings.
Snapped: Women Who Murder
Kimberly Bailey
Kimberly gave the undercover agent $10,000 as a down payment.
Snapped: Women Who Murder
Kimberly Bailey
FBI agents are able to secure arrest warrants for Kimberly and her co-conspirators.
Snapped: Women Who Murder
Kimberly Bailey
On April 4th of 2000, John Kruger is arrested in San Diego.
Snapped: Women Who Murder
Kimberly Bailey
Ian grows more concerned when he finds his father's vehicle out front.
Snapped: Women Who Murder
Kimberly Bailey
Later that month, authorities locate 54-year-old Kimberly at an airport in Mexico City. Armed with 14 pieces of luggage and a Canadian ID, it's clear that she's on the run.
Snapped: Women Who Murder
Kimberly Bailey
Kimberly refuses to talk and maintains her innocence. Meanwhile, Humberto Uribe remains free in Mexico.
Snapped: Women Who Murder
Kimberly Bailey
He is a Mexican national. It oftentimes can take a long time to extradite someone from Mexico to the United States when there is a murder case.
Snapped: Women Who Murder
Kimberly Bailey
Prosecutors begin preparing for Kimberly's trial. In addition to Svetlana, they are able to secure another star witness.
Snapped: Women Who Murder
Kimberly Bailey
John tells investigators that it all started when he became upset with Rick for not paying him what he felt he deserved.
Snapped: Women Who Murder
Kimberly Bailey
John Kruger is a bit of a disgruntled employee at the company. He's only making $15 an hour. He sees that Richard Post is reeling in the dough.
Snapped: Women Who Murder
Kimberly Bailey
So John lied and told Kimberly Rick was stealing from her.
Snapped: Women Who Murder
Kimberly Bailey
When Kimberly asked him to help her find a hitman, he obliged.
Snapped: Women Who Murder
Kimberly Bailey
Between John and Svetlana, the case against Kimberly is strong. But prosecutors will soon learn that Kimberly Bailey's will to remain free may be even stronger.
Snapped: Women Who Murder
Kimberly Bailey
Ian reaches out to other family members and finds no one else has seen or heard from 52-year-old Rick Post in over 24 hours either.
Snapped: Women Who Murder
Kimberly Bailey
Kimberly is fight to the death. And it just seems so natural for her to say, I'm not making any deal with anybody. I'm going to trial because she thinks she's impenetrable.
Snapped: Women Who Murder
Kimberly Bailey
Rick wasn't dead. He was living off her money somewhere in Mexico.
Snapped: Women Who Murder
Kimberly Bailey
You could say that that is the ultimate Hollywood movie ending to a twisted story like this.
Snapped: Women Who Murder
Kimberly Bailey
Kimberly Bailey's trial gets underway in 2002. The millionaire and entrepreneur is accused of orchestrating the kidnapping, torture, and murder of her one-time lover and private investigator, Rick Post. For Rick's family, it's been four years since they last saw him, and the trial has been a long time coming.
Snapped: Women Who Murder
Kimberly Bailey
Prosecutors argue that Rick's murder was driven by a deadly combination of revenge and paranoia.
Snapped: Women Who Murder
Kimberly Bailey
He was tortured in an effort to get him to cough up a confession on stealing money from her. Unfortunately, it appears the problem for Rick was he hadn't stolen any money from her, so he had nothing to confess to.
Snapped: Women Who Murder
Kimberly Bailey
His family, his kids, were concerned because they hadn't heard a word from him, and that was not like him. It was a huge red flag.
Snapped: Women Who Murder
Kimberly Bailey
On the stand, Svetlana and John walk the jury through Kimberly's cold-hearted scheme. But Kimberly's attorneys argue that not only are these witnesses unreliable, but Rick Post is still alive.
Snapped: Women Who Murder
Kimberly Bailey
Kim Bailey's position through the entire trial was that Rick wasn't dead. That Rick stole a lot of money from her and he was living off her money somewhere in Mexico.
Snapped: Women Who Murder
Kimberly Bailey
In July, the jury finds Kimberly Bailey guilty of kidnapping. But without a body, they deadlock on the murder charge.
Snapped: Women Who Murder
Kimberly Bailey
When it came to the murder, even though we know she said a million times she wanted him killed, there was no body.
Snapped: Women Who Murder
Kimberly Bailey
Kimberly fires her attorney and represents herself at her sentencing on the kidnapping conviction.
Snapped: Women Who Murder
Kimberly Bailey
Never a good move. That's probably the worst type of representation you can have.
Snapped: Women Who Murder
Kimberly Bailey
Kimberly receives a life plus 10 years in prison. John Kruger is rewarded for his cooperation.
Snapped: Women Who Murder
Kimberly Bailey
It takes five more years for the third perpetrator of the crime, hitman Humberto Uribe, to face justice.
Snapped: Women Who Murder
Kimberly Bailey
He got popped in Mexico by the authorities down there on an unrelated homicide case. Arrangements were made for extradition to bring him back up to the United States to face trial in the Rick Post murder. He got 25 years. Is that long enough for taking a human life? I don't think so.
Snapped: Women Who Murder
Kimberly Bailey
Born September 2nd, 1945, Rick Post was a native Californian.
Snapped: Women Who Murder
Kimberly Bailey
Umberto's trial marks the end of a long and painful chapter for the Post family.
Snapped: Women Who Murder
Kimberly Bailey
In 2008, Kimberly Bailey was diagnosed with cancer in prison.
Snapped: Women Who Murder
Kimberly Bailey
You could say that that is the ultimate Hollywood movie ending to a twisted story like this.
Snapped: Women Who Murder
Kimberly Bailey
Rick served during the Vietnam War and specialized in radio communications.
Snapped: Women Who Murder
Kimberly Bailey
By his late 20s, Rick was out of the Army and married. In 1971, his first son, Orion, is born. And 10 years later, in 1981, he has a second son, Ian.
Snapped: Women Who Murder
Kimberly Bailey
To support his growing family, Rick drew on his military background and opened a private investigation firm.
Snapped: Women Who Murder
Kimberly Bailey
Rick wasn't afraid to take on difficult or even dangerous cases.
Snapped: Women Who Murder
Kimberly Bailey
He worked on issues related to the Mexican cartel. So there's some dangerous territory in his line of work.
Snapped: Women Who Murder
Kimberly Bailey
He was a handsome private investigator living a life of escapades and intrigue.
Snapped: Women Who Murder
Kimberly Bailey
Rick had a gift for talking with people. He had the ability to, in the moment, relate to someone and get them to open up to him. In his line of work, it is a talent that you can't buy.
Snapped: Women Who Murder
Kimberly Bailey
Rick's work life was a success, but his love life was a different story. By the late 90s, Rick was twice divorced with four kids.
Snapped: Women Who Murder
Kimberly Bailey
By the late 90s, business was thriving so much that Rick took on a protege. He hired an aspiring young PI, John Kruger.
Snapped: Women Who Murder
Kimberly Bailey
In 1997, Rick landed his most prominent client yet, millionaire Kimberly Bailey. Born in Oklahoma, Kimberly was raised in the quaint town of Stillwater.
Snapped: Women Who Murder
Kimberly Bailey
Kimberly was somewhat enigmatic. She was seemingly a loner. The only thing we know about her private life is that she came from an apparently very troubled childhood in Oklahoma. She traveled the world looking for endangered medicinal plants.
Snapped: Women Who Murder
Kimberly Bailey
Kimberly Bailey bought a ranch in Fallbrook, California with the stated intent to use it as a place to grow natural medicines that she was gathering from all over the world.
Snapped: Women Who Murder
Kimberly Bailey
It was beautiful, you know, 33 acres of avocado trees everywhere, a nice big ranch house. She was very pretty, highly intelligent.
Snapped: Women Who Murder
Kimberly Bailey
He had a gift for talking with people. He had the ability to get them to open up to him.
Snapped: Women Who Murder
Kimberly Bailey
Kimberly also had a second business selling cutting-edge medical devices.
Snapped: Women Who Murder
Kimberly Bailey
She had a business known as AstroPulse. And the idea was that by using electrical currents, you could cure pretty much anything.
Snapped: Women Who Murder
Kimberly Bailey
By 1997, Kimberly was in her early 40s and had amassed a sizable fortune.
Snapped: Women Who Murder
Kimberly Bailey
She was this zen, holistic practitioner who made a lot of money.
Snapped: Women Who Murder
Kimberly Bailey
Business was outstandingly successful. The word of mouth would spread. And she had many, many, many people ordering her black box. She built up hundreds of thousands of dollars.
Snapped: Women Who Murder
Kimberly Bailey
But Kimberly worried that those closest to her were trying to undo what she had built.
Snapped: Women Who Murder
Kimberly Bailey
Kim was rather paranoid. She always believed that somebody was watching her or after her.
Snapped: Women Who Murder
Kimberly Bailey
She thought that some of her employees were stealing from her.
Snapped: Women Who Murder
Kimberly Bailey
Rick enlisted his new right-hand man, John Kruger, to help him on the case. Rick worked closely with Kimberly. The suave PI and beautiful businesswoman made an instant connection.
Snapped: Women Who Murder
Kimberly Bailey
But after a short and passionate fling, Rick decided it was best to steer clear of anything serious.
Snapped: Women Who Murder
Kimberly Bailey
It's as if he just walked out the door and poof, vanished into thin air.
Snapped: Women Who Murder
Kimberly Bailey
Despite the brush off, Kimberly and Rick maintain their professional relationship. With the holistic guru as one of his most prominent clients, Rick seems to be in his professional prime. Until the PI suddenly vanishes on August 20th, 1998, throwing his family into a panic.
Snapped: Women Who Murder
Kimberly Bailey
In their hunt for the missing businessman, investigators sort through several leads.
Snapped: Women Who Murder
Kimberly Bailey
Then his son Ian gets a troubling phone call from John Kruger.
Snapped: Women Who Murder
Kimberly Bailey
The voicemail was left the day before Rick went missing. John feels confident that the message means Rick is okay. But Ian and other family members have their doubts.
Snapped: Women Who Murder
Kimberly Bailey
With concerns mounting, Rick's family files a missing persons report in August 1998.
Snapped: Women Who Murder
Kimberly Bailey
Missing person investigations can be very intense. The longer someone stays disappeared, the greater the chances that they will never be found.
Snapped: Women Who Murder
Kimberly Bailey
Coming up, police locate the last known person to be seen with the missing PI.
Snapped: Women Who Murder
Kimberly Bailey
And just as local authorities hit a dead end, the FBI receives a bizarre call.
Snapped: Women Who Murder
Kimberly Bailey
He worked on issues related to the Mexican drug cartel. So there's some dangerous territory in his line of work.
Snapped: Women Who Murder
Kimberly Bailey
After hearing a suspicious voicemail Rick left at the office, Ian and his brother report the 52-year-old as missing to the San Diego PD.
Snapped: Women Who Murder
Kimberly Bailey
The police must do their due diligence before they decide that an all-out search has to take place.
Snapped: Women Who Murder
Kimberly Bailey
San Diego police visit Rick's private investigation firm in Telesource, where they speak with employees, including John Kruger.
Snapped: Women Who Murder
Kimberly Bailey
John tells detectives that the last time he saw his boss was on August 20th, almost three weeks prior. Rick was leaving the office with his biggest client, Kimberly Bailey. San Diego detectives immediately tracked down Kimberly at her avocado farm.
Snapped: Women Who Murder
Kimberly Bailey
But as more layers begin to unfold, an unexpected cast of characters reveal themselves.
Snapped: Women Who Murder
Kimberly Bailey
Kimberly says that on August 20th, while in Tijuana, she and Rick stopped for a meal.
Snapped: Women Who Murder
Kimberly Bailey
While at a restaurant in Mexico, Rick was approached by two men who had a conversation with him. At the conclusion of the conversation, Rick told Kimberly that he needed to make a business trip to Mexico City.
Snapped: Women Who Murder
Kimberly Bailey
She tells detectives that she's been worried sick since Rick's disappearance.
Snapped: Women Who Murder
Kimberly Bailey
The investigators knew that the information they had didn't add up, but all they had was Kimberly Bailey and John Kruger saying, yeah, he left town.
Snapped: Women Who Murder
Aria Armstead
Francesca says she went to work that night and continued trying to call Matt. But it seemed his phone had been turned off.
Snapped: Women Who Murder
Aria Armstead
When a surprise suspect emerges, the case takes a frightening turn.
Snapped: Women Who Murder
Aria Armstead
Francesca claims she doesn't know anyone named Tiffany, but this new revelation gives detectives pause.
Snapped: Women Who Murder
Aria Armstead
Not only that, when detectives try to check her story, there's a problem.
Snapped: Women Who Murder
Aria Armstead
Coming up, new details emerge about Matt's last known conversations.
Snapped: Women Who Murder
Aria Armstead
And can technology bring investigators any closer to the truth?
Snapped: Women Who Murder
Aria Armstead
On October 19th, 2017, Francesca Sakulich tells Florida investigators that the day after Matthew Collins disappeared, he sent her a heartbreaking text stating he had left her for a woman named Tiffany.
Snapped: Women Who Murder
Aria Armstead
After Francesca's interview concludes, investigators file a search warrant to obtain Matthew's cell phone records.
Snapped: Women Who Murder
Aria Armstead
With her story and cell phone records lining up, investigators eliminate Francesca as a suspect.
Snapped: Women Who Murder
Aria Armstead
The phone also unlocks a lead on Matthew's last known contact.
Snapped: Women Who Murder
Aria Armstead
According to Tiffany, the two were supposed to meet for the first time on the night of the 12th, the same evening Matthew went missing.
Snapped: Women Who Murder
Aria Armstead
In an effort to confirm Tiffany's story, investigators study Matt's cell phone GPS coordinates for October 12th.
Snapped: Women Who Murder
Aria Armstead
On the evening of October 13th, 2017, 911 dispatchers in Lee County, Florida, receive a concerning call from 32-year-old resident Francesca Sakulich.
Snapped: Women Who Murder
Aria Armstead
The coordinates show Matt never visited Tiffany nor returned home on October 12th. But he did stop at an area convenience store northeast of Fort Myers.
Snapped: Women Who Murder
Aria Armstead
When detectives arrive at the home, a man greets them. He claims he is a friend of Matt's, but not the same friend from the gas station's CCTV footage.
Snapped: Women Who Murder
Aria Armstead
Investigators continue following Matthew's GPS trail until it suddenly drops off.
Snapped: Women Who Murder
Aria Armstead
When investigators knock on the front door of the home, they're greeted by a middle-aged woman.
Snapped: Women Who Murder
Aria Armstead
According to Nate's mother, 19-year-old Aria moved in with their 20-year-old son earlier that year.
Snapped: Women Who Murder
Aria Armstead
Nathan Ortiz and Aria Armstead met in 2014 and Nathan was easily attracted to Aria's bubbly personality.
Snapped: Women Who Murder
Aria Armstead
Aria's effervescent personality was a natural fit in the competitive world of teens and tiaras.
Snapped: Women Who Murder
Aria Armstead
But over time, Little Miss Congeniality grew disenchanted with life in the spotlight.
Snapped: Women Who Murder
Aria Armstead
For Aria's friends, the more they learned about Nathan, the more concerned they became.
Snapped: Women Who Murder
Aria Armstead
In early 2017, when Aria was 18 years old, she moved in with Nate and his parents.
Snapped: Women Who Murder
Aria Armstead
That ride has now led Lee County investigators to Aria and Nathan's front door.
Snapped: Women Who Murder
Aria Armstead
Coming up, a grim discovery points to a possible final resting place.
Snapped: Women Who Murder
Aria Armstead
And later, investigators come face to face with Aria and Nathan.
Snapped: Women Who Murder
Aria Armstead
October 26th, 2017. 31-year-old Matthew Collins has been missing for almost two weeks. Investigators have just made a concerning discovery at the home of 20-year-old Nathan Ortiz.
Snapped: Women Who Murder
Aria Armstead
Authorities procure a warrant for the property, and a forensic team is called in to search for evidence.
Snapped: Women Who Murder
Aria Armstead
The clandestine gravesite is nothing but a dirt-filled hole. Next, detectives execute a search warrant inside the home and the garage.
Snapped: Women Who Murder
Aria Armstead
When Deputy McMenamin arrives at the residence, he learns Francesca's boyfriend, 31-year-old Matthew Collins, had borrowed her car around 3 o'clock the previous afternoon.
Snapped: Women Who Murder
Aria Armstead
Investigators send the dirt samples off for testing and make a stunning connection.
Snapped: Women Who Murder
Aria Armstead
After wrapping up the search at his home, detectives know they need to sit down with Nathan.
Snapped: Women Who Murder
Aria Armstead
Detectives start by asking who she and Nate typically hang out with, and Aria casually mentions Matthew's name.
Snapped: Women Who Murder
Aria Armstead
But when investigators press Aria about the last time she saw Matthew, she makes a surprising confession.
Snapped: Women Who Murder
Aria Armstead
He stopped by. Aria claims Matthew stopped by on the very night he went missing.
Snapped: Women Who Murder
Aria Armstead
Aria says that as the night wore on, Matthew began using drugs.
Snapped: Women Who Murder
Aria Armstead
According to Aria, the fight between Matthew and Nathan escalated quickly. He pulled a gun out.
Snapped: Women Who Murder
Aria Armstead
Aria reveals to detectives that as things in the car got out of control, she was not in a normal state of mind.
Snapped: Women Who Murder
Aria Armstead
Detectives leave Aria and move to another room to talk to Nathan.
Snapped: Women Who Murder
Aria Armstead
While skeptical about their account of Matthew's murder, investigators demand to know what followed.
Snapped: Women Who Murder
Aria Armstead
Uh, the trunk. Aria and Nathan then drove across the street to a wooded area to bury Matt a second time.
Snapped: Women Who Murder
Aria Armstead
According to Francesca, by the following morning, Matt still hadn't returned.
Snapped: Women Who Murder
Aria Armstead
Aria agrees to take investigators to the unmarked grave, just steps away from Nathan's parents' house.
Snapped: Women Who Murder
Aria Armstead
The medical examiner confirms Matthew died of a single gunshot wound to the head.
Snapped: Women Who Murder
Aria Armstead
Coming up, a former beauty pageant contestant faces the fight of her young life.
Snapped: Women Who Murder
Aria Armstead
On October 28th, 2017, former teen beauty pageant contestant 19-year-old Aria Armstead is charged for the murder of Matthew Collins. She and her boyfriend, 20-year-old Nathan Ortiz, also face additional charges of tampering with evidence and desecration of a corpse.
Snapped: Women Who Murder
Aria Armstead
Authorities immediately release a bolo on the vehicle Matthew Collins was driving at the time, a maroon Chrysler 200.
Snapped: Women Who Murder
Aria Armstead
As the trial approaches, investigators work to understand the real motive behind Matthew's murder.
Snapped: Women Who Murder
Aria Armstead
What detectives eventually prove shoots a hole in an important detail in Aria's story.
Snapped: Women Who Murder
Aria Armstead
In the end, Aria Armstead accepts a plea deal. On August 20th, 2018, she pleads guilty to first-degree manslaughter, tampering with evidence, and abuse of a corpse.
Snapped: Women Who Murder
Aria Armstead
Aria Armstead is serving her sentence at the Lowell Correctional Facility in Ocala, Florida. Her current release date is 2036. Nathan Ortiz was ultimately sentenced to 42 months in prison. He was released in October of 2020.
Snapped: Women Who Murder
Aria Armstead
Authorities spend the next few days speaking with Matthew's friends and family, who confirm that no one has heard from Matthew since he was reported missing. Then, on October 18th, Lee County Dispatch receives a seemingly routine phone call.
Snapped: Women Who Murder
Aria Armstead
Deputies run the vehicle's VIN number and discover the car is registered to Francesca Sakulich.
Snapped: Women Who Murder
Aria Armstead
As detectives arrive and begin to examine the vehicle more closely, they make a disturbing discovery.
Snapped: Women Who Murder
Aria Armstead
For Matthew Collins, life began 1,200 miles north in Williamstown, New Jersey.
Snapped: Women Who Murder
Aria Armstead
A few years after high school, Matt traded the cold New Jersey winters for the year-round sun and sandy beaches of South Florida.
Snapped: Women Who Murder
Aria Armstead
Matt worked a variety of jobs, including construction and landscaping. And when the 20-something wasn't working, Matthew liked to have a good time. Eventually, being the life of the party took its toll.
Snapped: Women Who Murder
Aria Armstead
In 2014, Matt was arrested for burglary and trafficking in stolen property.
Snapped: Women Who Murder
Aria Armstead
After spending a year and a half in prison, Matt was released in 2016.
Snapped: Women Who Murder
Aria Armstead
A few months later, in early summer of 2017, he met 32-year-old Francesca Sakulich through an online dating site.
Snapped: Women Who Murder
Aria Armstead
After four weeks of dating, Matt and Francesca moved in together.
Snapped: Women Who Murder
Aria Armstead
But all that progress comes to a grinding halt in October 2017 when Matthew Collins never returns home and the couple's car is found abandoned with a bullet hole through the windshield.
Snapped: Women Who Murder
Aria Armstead
October 19th, 2017. While processing the vehicle, 31-year-old Matthew Collins was reportedly driving on the night he went missing. Detectives make several disturbing discoveries.
Snapped: Women Who Murder
Aria Armstead
When authorities discover an abandoned car in a beachside community, everything changes.
Snapped: Women Who Murder
Aria Armstead
Now that a bloody car has been located and seven days have gone by with no sign of Matthew, investigators reach out again to Matthew's father, Mike Collins, hoping to learn more. He admits his son has a troubled past.
Snapped: Women Who Murder
Aria Armstead
When investigators ask Matt's father about his son's relationship with Francesca, he voices some concern.
Snapped: Women Who Murder
Aria Armstead
On October 19th, investigators conduct a formal interview with Francesca.
Snapped: Women Who Murder
Aria Armstead
Francesca again shares details about the night Matt went missing.
Snapped: Women Who Murder
April Quick
When a young woman named Desiree vanishes without a trace, the trail leads to Kat Torres, a charismatic influencer with millions of followers. But behind the glamorous posts and inspirational quotes, a sinister truth unravels. Binge all episodes of Don't Cross Kat early and ad-free on Wondery+.
Snapped: Women Who Murder
April Quick
Rumor had it that Phil had recently taken Tammy on a date that had gone sideways.
Snapped: Women Who Murder
April Quick
What's more, Phil's new love interest, Tammy, was still married.
Snapped: Women Who Murder
April Quick
With relationship drama becoming a consistent trend in Phil's life, detectives are left to consider if this led to Phil's murder.
Snapped: Women Who Murder
April Quick
Inside, they find an empty cell phone box. Only investigators note they didn't find a cell phone at the crime scene.
Snapped: Women Who Murder
April Quick
As investigators continue to search the trailer, they discover another clue, a post-it note with the name Tammy written on it.
Snapped: Women Who Murder
April Quick
The letter is dated just two days prior and it demands a response from April by September 18th, just a week after Phil's murder.
Snapped: Women Who Murder
April Quick
Investigators leave the trailer with not one, but two potential leads.
Snapped: Women Who Murder
April Quick
Both women are located about an hour away in opposite directions.
Snapped: Women Who Murder
April Quick
Investigators start the drive 40 miles north towards Tammy's house in Marshfield, Missouri. But just as they reach the county line, they get a call from the phone company, and it's a game changer. Phil's cell phone is still powered on.
Snapped: Women Who Murder
April Quick
And later, could supermarket surveillance footage hold the key to finding Phil's killer?
Snapped: Women Who Murder
April Quick
Some people get a wild haircut or book a spontaneous trip when life throws them a curveball. But Molly? Well, she dove headfirst into a world of no-strings-attached sex, secret rendezvous, forbidden affairs, and unforgettable adventures.
Snapped: Women Who Murder
April Quick
And together, we tell every juicy detail in Dying for Sex, Wondery's award-winning podcast that's now streaming on a TV near you, starring Michelle Williams and Jenny Slate. And to top it off, we're dropping brand new bonus episodes where I sit down with the cast to spill all the spicy secrets. Desire, friendship, self-discovery, and the ultimate bucket list of pleasure.
Snapped: Women Who Murder
April Quick
This is a story that had everyone talking. Listen to the original Dying for Sex and brand new episodes on the Wondery app or wherever you get your podcasts. You can binge the original series before anyone else and completely ad-free on Wondery+.
Snapped: Women Who Murder
April Quick
Ava, Missouri, a tiny town of just under 3,000 nestled in the picturesque Ozark Mountains.
Snapped: Women Who Murder
April Quick
Missouri investigators looking into the murder of Phil Taylor are following two leads. Phil's current love interest, Tammy, and his ex-girlfriend, April Quick. But the investigation takes a sharp turn when they discover Phil's cell phone is powered on and moving south towards Arkansas.
Snapped: Women Who Murder
April Quick
While Missouri detectives have yet to rule Tammy out as a person of interest, they also put out a bolo for April Quick. In the meantime, they contact Phil's first wife, Melina.
Snapped: Women Who Murder
April Quick
Phil had confided in Melina that April Quick was less willing to let him back into her life.
Snapped: Women Who Murder
April Quick
Did the letter push April over the edge? Before investigators explore that question, they need to rule out their other lead, Phil's online love interest, Tammy.
Snapped: Women Who Murder
April Quick
But detectives' previous suspicions about Tammy subside when she explains her whereabouts the night of the murder.
Snapped: Women Who Murder
April Quick
Investigators received Phil's phone records for September 10th, the night of his murder, and immediately noticed two incoming calls at around 9.30 p.m.
Snapped: Women Who Murder
April Quick
On September 10th, 2010, a call comes in to the Douglas County Sheriff's Department just after 10.30 p.m. from a roadside park north of town.
Snapped: Women Who Murder
April Quick
When investigators compare the woman in the footage with April Quick's driver's license photo, they are in for a surprise.
Snapped: Women Who Murder
April Quick
Hoping to catch a break, the investigators send a still from the surveillance video to the Mountain Home Police Department.
Snapped: Women Who Murder
April Quick
Between the phone evidence and the stolen .22, investigators feel they have enough to pay a visit to April Quick.
Snapped: Women Who Murder
April Quick
On September 14th, four days after the murder, investigators contact April Quick for an interview.
Snapped: Women Who Murder
April Quick
When they sit down with April, she is eager to talk about her relationship with Phil, one that she says began when she was only 17.
Snapped: Women Who Murder
April Quick
April claims that after they moved to Florida, Phil's drug use escalated and he became abusive.
Snapped: Women Who Murder
April Quick
Once she became pregnant for the third time, April dumped Phil and headed back home.
Snapped: Women Who Murder
April Quick
Once back in Missouri, April found love in the arms of a woman, Amy Herring. For the past three years, she and Amy have been in a relationship co-parenting April's three kids. Investigators ask April about the letters Phil sent requesting to see his kids again.
Snapped: Women Who Murder
April Quick
April says before she could respond, she got the news that Phil had been murdered. News that was sad, but not unexpected. When investigators question April on her whereabouts the night of the murder, April states that she and Amy dropped the kids off with her mom so they could go on a date to the movies.
Snapped: Women Who Murder
April Quick
That's when they called police and reported some stolen jewelry, money, and a .22 caliber pistol. Investigators seized the opportunity.
Snapped: Women Who Murder
April Quick
But instead of changing her tune, April shuts down the interview.
Snapped: Women Who Murder
April Quick
Within minutes, deputies arrived to find a man face down in the road in a pool of blood.
Snapped: Women Who Murder
April Quick
Investigators are interviewing April Quick about the murder of her ex, Phil Taylor, when she suddenly asks for an attorney. Right before she leaves the room, April makes an offhand but revealing comment.
Snapped: Women Who Murder
April Quick
April's girlfriend, Amy Herring, also requests an attorney. Ultimately, both women are charged with Phil's murder, and investigators head to their home to gather more evidence.
Snapped: Women Who Murder
April Quick
Before heading back to the station armed with even more evidence, investigators do a quick check on April and Amy's alibi.
Snapped: Women Who Murder
April Quick
Before investigators can make their next move, they learn that April is ready to talk.
Snapped: Women Who Murder
April Quick
April tells detectives that she called Phil after receiving the second letter.
Snapped: Women Who Murder
April Quick
Given her past with Phil, April brought Amy and the 22 for protection.
Snapped: Women Who Murder
April Quick
The women arrived at the park first. April asked Amy to hang back and stay hidden.
Snapped: Women Who Murder
April Quick
April says that Amy yelled for her to get the gun. Fearful now for her lover's safety, April did just that.
Snapped: Women Who Murder
April Quick
April says afterward, they took the cash from Phil's wallet to make it look like a robbery. They also took his cell phone.
Snapped: Women Who Murder
April Quick
The next day, April grew concerned that someone might find the bag with the burnt evidence. She returned and brought it back home.
Snapped: Women Who Murder
April Quick
Then investigators learned that they might have one more shot at getting the truth.
Snapped: Women Who Murder
April Quick
Police check the man's wallet for an ID and run the tags on the pickup truck parked nearby. Both belong to 43-year-old Phillip Taylor.
Snapped: Women Who Murder
April Quick
And investigators must determine, was this self-defense or cold-blooded murder?
Snapped: Women Who Murder
April Quick
Four days after the murder of Phil Taylor, April Quick has just confessed to accidentally killing him following an altercation at a roadside park. Then April's lover, Amy Herring, comes forward with her version of what happened that night.
Snapped: Women Who Murder
April Quick
Born in 1966, Phil Taylor was raised in Florida. He grew up close with his brothers and sister, but there was a hole in Phil's life he could never get past.
Snapped: Women Who Murder
April Quick
When Phil was a teenager, he developed a love of cars and a passion for learning how they worked. He dropped out of high school to pursue his dream.
Snapped: Women Who Murder
April Quick
By his mid-20s, Phil was looking for a change. He left the sunshine and salty air of Florida for the lush, green Ozarks. There, he met Marvin Elliott.
Snapped: Women Who Murder
April Quick
While in Norwood, he found himself drawn to a down-to-earth single mother and waitress, Melina Cooley.
Snapped: Women Who Murder
April Quick
In 1994, Phil married Melina. He moved in with her and her three-year-old daughter, Ashley.
Snapped: Women Who Murder
April Quick
About a year later, Phil and Melina welcomed a daughter of their own, Shelby.
Snapped: Women Who Murder
April Quick
After a couple of years of playing house with Melina and the girls, Phil grew restless. He started spending time with a younger, faster crowd. While hanging with his new friends, an attractive young woman caught his eye. That's how I met April.
Snapped: Women Who Murder
April Quick
It was clear to Phil that 17-year-old April had a crush on him. But it didn't take long for Phil to feel the same, and their affair began.
Snapped: Women Who Murder
April Quick
Before long, April was more than Phil's side chick. He was in love with her.
Snapped: Women Who Murder
April Quick
In 1998, after a year and a half of Phil being unfaithful, Phil and Melina finalized their divorce, and Phil and April moved to Florida on a whim, leaving his family behind in Missouri. There, 18-year-old April became pregnant almost immediately. Phil struggled to transition from party life back to family life.
Snapped: Women Who Murder
April Quick
Not long after their first child was born, April became pregnant again. But as their family continued to grow, so did Phil's addiction. And by early 2001, it was worse than ever.
Snapped: Women Who Murder
April Quick
But his efforts are cut short one September evening in a peaceful roadside park.
Snapped: Women Who Murder
April Quick
After moving back to Florida, Phil spiraled. And in 2007, he missed child support payments and it landed him in a Florida jail cell.
Snapped: Women Who Murder
April Quick
A newly clean and sober Phil vowed to Melina and April that he was ready to be the father his five children needed him to be.
Snapped: Women Who Murder
April Quick
But five months after his move back to Missouri, Phil's fresh start comes to a tragic end at a remote roadside park.
Snapped: Women Who Murder
April Quick
But when investigators take a closer look at Phil's body, they make a disturbing discovery.
Snapped: Women Who Murder
April Quick
Was the robbery a cover-up to hide a more cold-blooded motive?
Snapped: Women Who Murder
April Quick
Investigators suspect that a complicated love life led to bloodshed.
Snapped: Women Who Murder
April Quick
And investigators discover that a dead man's cell phone is still on the move.
Snapped: Women Who Murder
April Quick
On September 10th, 2010, authorities are trying to determine who stabbed and shot local mechanic Phil Taylor at a roadside park in the Ozarks.
Snapped: Women Who Murder
April Quick
The single gunshot wound went directly into Phil's left temple.
Snapped: Women Who Murder
April Quick
The location of the stab wounds on Phil's head and torso indicate they probably came before the gunshot, likely in an attempt to incapacitate him. Whoever killed Phil left only one clue behind.
Snapped: Women Who Murder
April Quick
Other than that, the remote crime scene yields little information.
Snapped: Women Who Murder
April Quick
Early the next morning, investigators head to Phil's auto repair shop and meet with Marvin Elliott, Phil's friend and landlord.
Snapped: Women Who Murder
April Quick
Marvin tells detectives while Phil had his struggles in the past, he was currently devoted to two things, his children and his sobriety.
Snapped: Women Who Murder
April Quick
Phil had been living in a trailer on his property, but was in the process of buying his own home.
Snapped: Women Who Murder
April Quick
Ultimately, investigators find one ex-lover with a wicked plot no one saw coming. I didn't even know she had a girlfriend. It was new news.
Snapped: Women Who Murder
April Quick
Marvin says he last saw Phil yesterday at around 6 p.m. as he was leaving the shop.
Snapped: Women Who Murder
April Quick
As far as a social life goes, Marvin admits that Phil did like to have a lady by his side.
Snapped: Women Who Murder
Hilma Marie Witte
In the coming months, Marie turns her attention to rebuilding her family's lives.
Snapped: Women Who Murder
Hilma Marie Witte
But shortly after Paul's death, the land the Witte's house sits on is earmarked to become part of a national park, and the family is forced to move out.
Snapped: Women Who Murder
Hilma Marie Witte
Having been widowed 14 years earlier, Elaine is delighted to welcome family into her home.
Snapped: Women Who Murder
Hilma Marie Witte
In the quaint resort community of Beverly Shores, Indiana, the pace is easy and crime almost non-existent.
Snapped: Women Who Murder
Hilma Marie Witte
Over the next three years, the fresh start lifts everyone's spirits.
Snapped: Women Who Murder
Hilma Marie Witte
After graduating high school, Eric follows in his father's footsteps and joins the Navy, ultimately relocating to San Diego.
Snapped: Women Who Murder
Hilma Marie Witte
Fifteen-year-old Butch stays home with Marie and Elaine to finish school. Three years after Paul's death, the Witte family seems to have settled into a new normal. Until May of 1984, when a concerned citizen contacts the Trail Creek Police Department.
Snapped: Women Who Murder
Hilma Marie Witte
Sergeant Skip Pierce is dispatched to Elaine's residence to conduct a welfare check.
Snapped: Women Who Murder
Hilma Marie Witte
But on the evening of September 1st, 1981, the local police department receives a panicked 911 call.
Snapped: Women Who Murder
Hilma Marie Witte
Three years after officials declared Paul Witte's shooting death an accident, law enforcement are speaking with Marie Witte again, trying to locate Paul's stepmother, Elaine.
Snapped: Women Who Murder
Hilma Marie Witte
Marie assures Sergeant Pierce that Elaine is fine. But as weeks go by with no sign of her, friends and family grow concerned.
Snapped: Women Who Murder
Hilma Marie Witte
It doesn't take Detective Sergeant Boyd long to recognize the name.
Snapped: Women Who Murder
Hilma Marie Witte
Sergeant Boyd has long harbored reservations about Paul Witte's untimely death.
Snapped: Women Who Murder
Hilma Marie Witte
On August 14, 1984, three months after Elaine's reported disappearance, state investigators pay Marie an unannounced visit.
Snapped: Women Who Murder
Hilma Marie Witte
When investigators run Elaine's VIN number, they find something else disturbing. Marie had recently sold Elaine's car.
Snapped: Women Who Murder
Hilma Marie Witte
Investigators try to locate Elaine themselves, but make little headway.
Snapped: Women Who Murder
Hilma Marie Witte
Authorities return to the home to speak with Marie, only she's not there. So authorities contact her mother, Marcy O'Donnell.
Snapped: Women Who Murder
Hilma Marie Witte
With Marie and her family 2,000 miles away, detectives attack from a different angle.
Snapped: Women Who Murder
Hilma Marie Witte
First responders raced to the residence to find Marie, her mother, Marcy O'Donnell, and Marie's two teenage sons, Eric and Butch, seemingly in shock.
Snapped: Women Who Murder
Hilma Marie Witte
But no one has seen Elaine Witte in her hometown since January, nearly eight months earlier.
Snapped: Women Who Murder
Hilma Marie Witte
As more time passes with no sign of Elaine, her family begins to suspect the worst.
Snapped: Women Who Murder
Hilma Marie Witte
Investigators still lack sufficient evidence for an arrest, but they keep in contact with Marie's mother, Marcy.
Snapped: Women Who Murder
Hilma Marie Witte
The tactic works, and Marcy finally buckles under the pressure. On October 26th, 1984, she reveals what really happened to Elaine.
Snapped: Women Who Murder
Hilma Marie Witte
And the details of Elaine's murder grow more horrifying.
Snapped: Women Who Murder
Hilma Marie Witte
For the second time in three years, an untimely death has claimed a member of the Witte family. Marie's mother tells detectives that Elaine Witte was killed months earlier in January of 1984.
Snapped: Women Who Murder
Hilma Marie Witte
For detectives, it seems too much of a coincidence, especially when there's money missing.
Snapped: Women Who Murder
Hilma Marie Witte
federal authorities begin monitoring banks in california while indiana authorities execute a search warrant at elaine witty's home on november 3rd 1984. we pulled out floorboards wall boards to see if we could find any blood anything like that we didn't find dink we got some questionable hairs we'll send them into lab and see what we can find is that but really we got nothing else
Snapped: Women Who Murder
Hilma Marie Witte
With the search warrant yielding no results, Indiana detectives fly to California to track down Marie. First, they visit Eric at the naval base in San Diego. He agrees to talk to detectives.
Snapped: Women Who Murder
Hilma Marie Witte
Investigators believe Eric knows more than he's letting on, and they confront him with Marcy's confession.
Snapped: Women Who Murder
Hilma Marie Witte
Feeling the pressure, Eric finally breaks down and admits several months ago his mother called him about a family emergency.
Snapped: Women Who Murder
Hilma Marie Witte
Two months later, Eric says he returned home to Indiana.
Snapped: Women Who Murder
Hilma Marie Witte
When asked what happened to Elaine's remains, Eric is evasive, but investigators keep up the pressure.
Snapped: Women Who Murder
Hilma Marie Witte
After investigators hear Eric's story, they ramp up efforts to locate Marie and Butch. The very next day, on November 7th, 1984, federal authorities spring into action when one of Elaine Witte's social security checks is used in Chula Vista, California, just north of Tijuana, Mexico.
Snapped: Women Who Murder
Hilma Marie Witte
All three are charged with forgery. But Marie has no interest in cooperating with authorities. Investigators confront 15-year-old Butch about his older brother's allegations.
Snapped: Women Who Murder
Hilma Marie Witte
According to Butch, the events leading up to Elaine's death had been building for nearly six months.
Snapped: Women Who Murder
Hilma Marie Witte
When that didn't work, Butch says his mother demanded his cooperation.
Snapped: Women Who Murder
Hilma Marie Witte
Based on Butch's confession, he and his mother are charged with Elaine's murder and conspiracy to commit murder. Eric Witte and Marcy O'Donnell are also charged with conspiracy to commit murder. Coming up, the witty's youngest son has one last horror story to share with investigators.
Snapped: Women Who Murder
Hilma Marie Witte
And two impressionable teens finally come to grips with their mother's murderous manipulations.
Snapped: Women Who Murder
Hilma Marie Witte
In November of 1984, 15-year-old John, a.k.a. Butch Witte, admitted to killing his 74-year-old grandmother, Elaine Witte. Butch said that he committed the murder at the behest of his mother, Hilma Marie Witte.
Snapped: Women Who Murder
Hilma Marie Witte
Marie and her children are immediately extradited back to Indiana. But less than a week after Butch's shocking confession, he reaches out to investigators again.
Snapped: Women Who Murder
Hilma Marie Witte
which tells authorities that much like his grandmother's murder, Paul's murder was all Marie's idea.
Snapped: Women Who Murder
Hilma Marie Witte
Finally, on September 1st, 1981, Marie said it was now or never.
Snapped: Women Who Murder
Hilma Marie Witte
Eric's corroboration of Butch's confession gives investigators what they need to charge Eric and Marie Witte with Paul's murder. In time, Butch and Eric agree to testify against their mother in exchange for a plea deal.
Snapped: Women Who Murder
Hilma Marie Witte
At Marie Witte's murder trials in 1985 and 1986, prosecutors argue money drove Marie's actions.
Snapped: Women Who Murder
Hilma Marie Witte
After his discharge, Paul returned to Indiana and settled in Beverly Shores, a popular beach community just an hour south of Chicago.
Snapped: Women Who Murder
Hilma Marie Witte
While in his late 20s, Paul took an eye-opening trip to sunny South Florida.
Snapped: Women Who Murder
Hilma Marie Witte
Born in 1948, Hilma Marie Christ had a free spirit that matched her unorthodox upbringing.
Snapped: Women Who Murder
Hilma Marie Witte
Paul and Marie hit it off, so much so that he soon returned to the resort a second time.
Snapped: Women Who Murder
Hilma Marie Witte
27-year-old Paul and 16-year-old Marie married in 1964 and settled in a home in Beverly Shores, not far from Paul's father and stepmother, Len and Elaine Witte.
Snapped: Women Who Murder
Hilma Marie Witte
In 1966, 18-year-old Marie gave birth to their first son, Eric. His brother, John, also known as Butch, came along three years later.
Snapped: Women Who Murder
Hilma Marie Witte
In December of 1980, Marie's mother, Marcy O'Donnell, moved in with them.
Snapped: Women Who Murder
Hilma Marie Witte
One family member dead, and three years later, another vanishes.
Snapped: Women Who Murder
Hilma Marie Witte
But this outwardly happy household crumbles on September 1st, 1981, when officers find Paul Witte dead on his living room couch.
Snapped: Women Who Murder
Hilma Marie Witte
According to Marie, she wasn't home when her husband died. But her 15-year-old son Eric insists it was an accident.
Snapped: Women Who Murder
Hilma Marie Witte
Coming up, 15-year-old Eric Witte tells his side of the story.
Snapped: Women Who Murder
Hilma Marie Witte
September 1st, 1981. Officers in Beverly Shores, Indiana respond to a 911 call to find 44-year-old Paul Witte dead in his home from a gunshot wound to the head. Indiana state investigators soon arrive at the scene to assist the police force.
Snapped: Women Who Murder
Hilma Marie Witte
Investigators collect the .357 handgun as evidence. Although Marie Witte's mother, Marcy O'Donnell, and Marie's youngest son, Butch, were in the house at the time of the shooting, neither saw it happen.
Snapped: Women Who Murder
Hilma Marie Witte
The family's whereabouts isn't all that strikes detectives as odd.
Snapped: Women Who Murder
Hilma Marie Witte
Detectives want to question 15-year-old Eric, but Marie quickly intervenes.
Snapped: Women Who Murder
Hilma Marie Witte
Six days later, investigators sit down with Eric and Marie at their attorney's office. Eric says the night of the accident, his dad wasn't feeling well and had laid down on the sofa for a nap.
Snapped: Women Who Murder
Hilma Marie Witte
Eric tells detectives that this was the first time he saw this particular .357 revolver.
Snapped: Women Who Murder
Hilma Marie Witte
Unable to question Eric further, investigators turn to Marie. She corroborates her son's story but refuses to give a formal statement.
Snapped: Women Who Murder
Hilma Marie Witte
The autopsy findings provide no further insight to the officers. With no evidence or eyewitness testimony to refute Eric's claims, Indiana authorities officially rule Paul's death an accident.
Snapped: Women Who Murder
Purdie Clark
Soon, Dwayne and Purdy were hot and heavy, despite Purdy's dubious marital status.
Snapped: Women Who Murder
Purdie Clark
When police questioned Purdy and Duane, they both deny any involvement in Kim's murder.
Snapped: Women Who Murder
Purdie Clark
A month later, detectives looking into Kim's murder found themselves at an impasse. But the haze of suspicion around Purdy thickened when Dwayne Murphy also turned up dead on October 16th, 2006.
Snapped: Women Who Murder
Purdie Clark
Adding to the mystery, a few days after Dwayne's death, a letter showed up at the San Angelo Police Department, an apparent suicide note from Dwayne Murphy.
Snapped: Women Who Murder
Purdie Clark
Investigators had strong doubts that Dwayne actually penned the confession.
Snapped: Women Who Murder
Purdie Clark
Though Dwayne's autopsy deemed his death as suicide, investigators couldn't shake their suspicions.
Snapped: Women Who Murder
Purdie Clark
For two years, suspicions surrounded Purdy. But with no clear evidence tying her to Kim's murder or Dwayne's mysterious death, she has remained a free woman.
Snapped: Women Who Murder
Purdie Clark
Now, less than three years later, the 31-year-old is back in detective's sights as they learn of Purdy's connection to Bud Phillips and her attempt to cash in on his death.
Snapped: Women Who Murder
Purdie Clark
San Angelo, Texas, a former frontier town located deep in the heart of the Lone Star State.
Snapped: Women Who Murder
Purdie Clark
On February 18, 2009, two days after Bud Phillips passed away from what appears to be a heart attack, investigators get the results of Bud's blood test back. And the 60-year-old's true cause of death is revealed.
Snapped: Women Who Murder
Purdie Clark
If Bud died from strychnine poisoning, how did he get it into his system?
Snapped: Women Who Murder
Purdie Clark
Two days after Bud's death, investigators go back to his house to look for a possible source. There, they find Bud's son, Michael.
Snapped: Women Who Murder
Purdie Clark
On February 16th, 2009, all was quiet as usual until just before 9.30 a.m. when a call comes in to the San Angelo 911 dispatch center. The female caller reports that she and a friend were driving when they spotted a man in distress in the front yard of a home.
Snapped: Women Who Murder
Purdie Clark
Michael tells detectives that he and his wife had done some tidying up when they came back to the house from the hospital.
Snapped: Women Who Murder
Purdie Clark
Investigators head outside where they dig through Bud's trash.
Snapped: Women Who Murder
Purdie Clark
Next, investigators take the opportunity to get a detailed statement from Michael. He explains that once Purdy moved in with his dad, Bud's disciplined and orderly lifestyle was upended.
Snapped: Women Who Murder
Purdie Clark
Michael reports that about a year earlier, while still in a relationship with Bud, Purdy made a bold and underhanded move.
Snapped: Women Who Murder
Purdie Clark
Eventually, Bud's family got word of the attempted sale. Since then, they've questioned Purdy's intentions.
Snapped: Women Who Murder
Purdie Clark
Investigators can prove that the strychnine was in the ice cream, but now they need to prove that Purdy gave it to him.
Snapped: Women Who Murder
Purdie Clark
Approximately 30 minutes later, Bud was spotted by witnesses stumbling out of his house in severe medical distress.
Snapped: Women Who Murder
Purdie Clark
Investigators theorize that Purdy delivered Bud his death sentence under the guise of bringing him a treat.
Snapped: Women Who Murder
Purdie Clark
With the test results in, authorities finally have the evidence they need to place Purdy Clark under arrest for Bud's murder.
Snapped: Women Who Murder
Purdie Clark
That task quickly proves difficult. Purdy is nowhere to be found.
Snapped: Women Who Murder
Purdie Clark
The woman reports that her friend is attempting CPR, but despite her efforts, the man is deteriorating by the second.
Snapped: Women Who Murder
Purdie Clark
Coming up, a tip on Purdy's whereabouts reveals yet another lover.
Snapped: Women Who Murder
Purdie Clark
Investigators in San Angelo, Texas believe that 31-year-old Purdy Clark poisoned her ex by putting strychnine in his ice cream. But after finally gathering enough evidence to arrest her, investigators can't track her down. They reach out to their counterparts in Collin County, where Purdy is under investigation for another murder.
Snapped: Women Who Murder
Purdie Clark
When a young woman named Desiree vanishes without a trace, the trail leads to Cat Torres, a charismatic influencer with millions of followers. But behind the glamorous posts and inspirational quotes, a sinister truth unravels. Binge all episodes of Don't Cross Cat early and ad-free on Wondery+.
Snapped: Women Who Murder
Purdie Clark
On March 19th, investigators drive 40 miles south to the 2,000-acre livestock ranch. They are met by the ranch's owner, Linda Scroggins.
Snapped: Women Who Murder
Purdie Clark
Linda says that Purdy has been in a romantic relationship with her son, Sean, and living on the ranch on and off for around two months. But Linda says that neither Sean nor Purdy are home. Linda contacts Sean and hands the call over to investigators.
Snapped: Women Who Murder
Purdie Clark
Investigators collect the bottle and continue their interview with Shawn.
Snapped: Women Who Murder
Purdie Clark
Investigators press Shawn for information on Purdy's alleged crimes.
Snapped: Women Who Murder
Purdie Clark
The next thing Sean knew, Purdy was moving onto the ranch, bringing all of her belongings with her.
Snapped: Women Who Murder
Purdie Clark
Sean explains that he eventually learned that by collecting, Purdy meant stealing.
Snapped: Women Who Murder
Purdie Clark
Sean says that Purdy was also involved in even more nefarious activities.
Snapped: Women Who Murder
Purdie Clark
But Sean tells investigators he hasn't seen Purdy since yesterday evening.
Snapped: Women Who Murder
Purdie Clark
But doctors never get a chance to treat him. Just moments after arriving at the ER, the patient succumbs to the mysterious affliction.
Snapped: Women Who Murder
Purdie Clark
Investigators don't believe that Sean was involved in any of Purdy's crimes. In fact, they think it's more likely that Purdy's promise of a home-cooked meal could have been his last.
Snapped: Women Who Murder
Purdie Clark
As investigators are talking with Sean, his phone starts ringing. Purdy is on the line.
Snapped: Women Who Murder
Purdie Clark
Purdy Clark has been dodging San Angelo police for more than a week since they got a warrant to place her under arrest for the death of her ex, Bud Phillips. Now, Purdy's new boyfriend shares details with police about a chop shop in Dallas where she may be picking up drugs. As it turns out, the shop is already under surveillance by the FBI.
Snapped: Women Who Murder
Purdie Clark
San Angelo police alert the agents to be on the lookout for Purdy. On March 23rd, one month and five days after Bud's murder, they spot her.
Snapped: Women Who Murder
Purdie Clark
Hours later, the feds in Dallas release Purdy to San Angelo police, yet Purdy appears unfazed.
Snapped: Women Who Murder
Purdie Clark
Back in San Angelo, Purdy requests an attorney and refuses to make a statement.
Snapped: Women Who Murder
Purdie Clark
Purdy is tight-lipped to law enforcement, but she makes the most of her daily phone call from jail and continues to reach out to Sean.
Snapped: Women Who Murder
Purdie Clark
Since he wasn't seen by a physician, the patient's passing is categorized as an unintended death.
Snapped: Women Who Murder
Purdie Clark
Just then, the victim's son, Michael Phillips, arrives at the emergency room.
Snapped: Women Who Murder
Purdie Clark
Michael speaks with the Justice of the Peace, who shares the devastating news that his father, James Budd Phillips, is deceased. Michael is in disbelief. Born in 1948, James Bud Phillips was a native Texan.
Snapped: Women Who Murder
Purdie Clark
In 2005, when Bud got out at the age of 56, he was determined to stay on the straight and narrow. Bud found one thing he learned on the inside that helped him on the outside, discipline.
Snapped: Women Who Murder
Purdie Clark
Bud tried to make up for lost time with his now adult son, Michael, who lived nearby.
Snapped: Women Who Murder
Purdie Clark
Bud was satisfied with his quiet life. But 2007 brought some unexpected and welcomed excitement. A raven-haired beauty named Purdy Clark.
Snapped: Women Who Murder
Purdie Clark
When Bud met the mother of three, she was still grieving the loss of her first husband, 42-year-old Kim Clark, who had died just months earlier in September of 2006.
Snapped: Women Who Murder
Purdie Clark
The murder was still under investigation when Purdy met Bud Phillips.
Snapped: Women Who Murder
Purdie Clark
Despite the almost 30-year age difference, Bud and Purdy were swept away by their romance.
Snapped: Women Who Murder
Purdie Clark
The couple hoped for a long and happy life with each other. But now, two and a half years after the death of her first husband, Purdy is grieving another loss. After being rushed to the ER on the morning of February 16th, 2009, 60-year-old Bud Phillips is pronounced dead from what doctors believe to be a heart attack.
Snapped: Women Who Murder
Purdie Clark
However, Bud's loved ones insist there must be another explanation.
Snapped: Women Who Murder
Purdie Clark
The following day, before the results of the blood test are back, San Angelo police get a call from Bud's son, Michael. Michael reports that his father's ex, Purdy Clark, is at the house, declaring the house belongs to her.
Snapped: Women Who Murder
Purdie Clark
The hunt for the truth leads investigators to an alluring seductress.
Snapped: Women Who Murder
Purdie Clark
Coming up, a detective makes a disturbing connection between Bud's death and a cold case.
Snapped: Women Who Murder
Purdie Clark
And a mysterious letter to police creates more questions than answers.
Snapped: Women Who Murder
Purdie Clark
On February 17, 2009, Michael Phillips summoned police to the residence of his suddenly deceased father, Bud Phillips. Bud's son tells officers that his father's ex, Purdy Clark, is trying to claim his home. Ms.
Snapped: Women Who Murder
Purdie Clark
Purdy insists to police that her long-term relationship with Bud gives her the right to ownership of his home following his death.
Snapped: Women Who Murder
Purdie Clark
However, Michael points out that the couple had been on and off for the last four months and had recently separated in November.
Snapped: Women Who Murder
Purdie Clark
Purdy is instructed to leave the property. Back at the station, Detective Dye makes a striking connection after pulling Purdy's police file. This is not the first time San Angelo police have encountered Purdy Clark.
Snapped: Women Who Murder
Purdie Clark
On September 14, 2006, Kim Clark, Purdy's first husband, was reported missing.
Snapped: Women Who Murder
Purdie Clark
Multiple agencies worked together to expose the dangerous and twisted web the killer created.
Snapped: Women Who Murder
Purdie Clark
When police questioned Purdy back in 2006, she claimed the last time she saw her husband was the night before he went missing.
Snapped: Women Who Murder
Purdie Clark
Just five days later, a tractor driver made a horrific discovery.
Snapped: Women Who Murder
Purdie Clark
After finding Kim's body, Collin County investigators teamed up with San Angelo police and took a deep dive into Purdy and Kim's life. They quickly learned that the marriage was anything but traditional.
Snapped: Women Who Murder
Donna Arroyo
When a young woman named Desiree vanishes without a trace, the trail leads to Kat Torres, a charismatic influencer with millions of followers. But behind the glamorous posts and inspirational quotes, a sinister truth unravels. Binge all episodes of Don't Cross Kat early and ad-free on Wondery+.
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Donna Arroyo
When they ask John for his whereabouts at the time of Frank's murder, he tells them that he was at home all night with his girlfriend.
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Donna Arroyo
Detectives make a note to come back to John once they have more information. Officers escort Nikki Braun and Frank's young daughter to the police station while investigators break the news to the rest of Frank's family.
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Donna Arroyo
Next, investigators call Frank's estranged wife, 37-year-old Donna Arroyo, who had been visiting her mother in Yonkers three hours away. She is shocked to learn of the shooting.
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Donna Arroyo
Donna's statement supports what her daughter told police earlier, and she's able to provide an alibi for the shooting.
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Donna Arroyo
When asked who else might want Frank dead, Donna says the list of Frank's enemies is quite long.
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Donna Arroyo
Not only that, Donna claims that Frank recently became involved with the Puerto Rican drug trade.
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Donna Arroyo
Coming up, did Frank's criminal past make him a target for murder?
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Donna Arroyo
And later, bizarre details emerge about Frank and Donna's tumultuous relationship.
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Donna Arroyo
Some people get a wild haircut or book a spontaneous trip when life throws them a curveball. But Molly? Well, she dove headfirst into a world of no-strings-attached sex, secret rendezvous, forbidden affairs, and unforgettable adventures.
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Donna Arroyo
May 12th, 1997. It's a quiet night in Middleburg, New York, a small rural town nestled roughly 45 miles west of Albany. At 11.50 p.m., the peace is shattered when 911 operators receive a shocking call.
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Donna Arroyo
And together, we tell every juicy detail in Dying for Sex, Wondery's award-winning podcast that's now streaming on a TV near you, starring Michelle Williams and Jenny Slate. And to top it off, we're dropping brand new bonus episodes where I sit down with the cast to spill all the spicy secrets. Desire, friendship, self-discovery, and the ultimate bucket list of pleasure.
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Donna Arroyo
This is a story that had everyone talking. Listen to the original Dying for Sex and brand new episodes on the Wondery app or wherever you get your podcasts. You can binge the original series before anyone else and completely ad-free on Wondery+.
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Donna Arroyo
Everyone has that friend who seems kind of perfect. For Patty, that friend was Desiree.
Snapped: Women Who Murder
Donna Arroyo
Desiree was gone. And there was one person who knew the answer.
Snapped: Women Who Murder
Donna Arroyo
A gorgeous Brazilian influencer called Cat Torres. But who was hiding a secret? From Wondery, based on my smash hit podcast from Brazil, comes a new series, Don't Cross Cat, about a search that led me to a mystery in a Texas suburb. I'm calling to check on the two missing Brazilian girls. Maybe get some undercover crew there.
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Donna Arroyo
I'm Chico Felitti. You can listen to Don't Cross Cat on the Wondery app or wherever you get your podcasts.
Snapped: Women Who Murder
Donna Arroyo
It's been 24 hours since 48-year-old Frank Arroyo was murdered in his Middleburg home. While awaiting forensic and autopsy results, investigators dig deeper into Donna's allegations about Frank's criminal past.
Snapped: Women Who Murder
Donna Arroyo
However, investigators find nothing to connect Frank's murder to his time in Puerto Rico.
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Donna Arroyo
On the evening of May 13th, detectives circle back to John Giacomacus, the neighbor that Frank argued with on the day of his death.
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Donna Arroyo
John confirms that he argued with Frank on the day of his murder, but reveals he wasn't the only one.
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Donna Arroyo
John says that Donna eventually left. Unable to shake the incident, he called Donna later to check on her.
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Donna Arroyo
Investigators turn to Frank's family for more insight, and they don't hold back when it comes to Donna.
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Donna Arroyo
Frank's family says when they heard that Frank and Donna separated, it didn't come as a surprise.
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Donna Arroyo
It's clear to investigators that it's time to pay Donna a visit. On May 14th, two days after Frank's murder, investigators track her down at her mother's house in Yonkers.
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Donna Arroyo
Investigators confront Donna with their suspicions, and she shares some alarming new information about her estranged husband.
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Donna Arroyo
Donna says she heard that Frank was jealous because she had a boyfriend. Donna believed Frank was putting a hit out on Carrie.
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Donna Arroyo
According to Donna, in a desperate move to save her boyfriend's life, she hired two men to teach Frank a lesson.
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Donna Arroyo
Despite Donna's stated intent, someone did kill Frank that night. However, Donna stopped short of naming her accomplices.
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Donna Arroyo
Just as investigators begin looking into Donna's past associates, a call comes in that blows the case wide open.
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Donna Arroyo
After Frank Arroyo's estranged wife is arrested for facilitation of murder, New York State investigators receive a tip about a potential informant in Florida, Donna's home state.
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Donna Arroyo
Within 24 hours, New York State investigators touched down in Florida. and set up a meeting with the attorney and his client, a frightened man named Steve Hannum.
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Donna Arroyo
Steve says he and Kerry worked together at a refrigeration company.
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Donna Arroyo
Steve says they arrived in New York on the evening of May 12th.
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Donna Arroyo
With no time to lose, New York State troopers raced to the scene. Upon arrival, they are met by Frank's 13-year-old daughter and his 31-year-old girlfriend, Nikki.
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Donna Arroyo
Steve tells investigators when he realized what was going on, he felt sick.
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Donna Arroyo
According to Steve, once they arrived at Frank's house, Daniel got out of the car and went towards the house with the gun.
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Donna Arroyo
Steve tells investigators as he and Daniel crossed the Hudson River, they made a pit stop.
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Donna Arroyo
Now investigators need to determine if Steve really was an unwitting witness, or is he just trying to save himself?
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Donna Arroyo
Both men are arrested and taken to a temporary field office where they are separated and interviewed. First, investigators speak with 29-year-old Kerry McKinley.
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Donna Arroyo
Kerry tells investigators he met Donna in Florida only six months earlier.
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Donna Arroyo
Carrie admits that he asked his friend Steve and his half-brother Daniel to come along. But when they got to New York, things spiraled out of control.
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Donna Arroyo
Carrie says he had brought his .40 caliber handgun for protection.
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Donna Arroyo
Kerry tells investigators his friend Steve is completely innocent.
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Donna Arroyo
Next up, investigators speak with Carey's half-brother, 26-year-old Daniel Edwards.
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Donna Arroyo
According to Daniel, on the night of May 12, 1997, they drove to Frank's house with one intention.
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Donna Arroyo
After Daniel and Carrie's interviews, Steve is officially cleared of any wrongdoing.
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Donna Arroyo
Carrie McKinley and Daniel Edwards are charged with murder and transported back to New York. Donna's charge of facilitation is officially bumped up to murder in the first degree.
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Donna Arroyo
Troopers enter the home, checking each room before finding Frank.
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Donna Arroyo
As predicted, the murder weapon is never found. However, investigators are able to verify that Carey purchased a .40-caliber firearm March 2, 1997, just two months before Frank was killed.
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Donna Arroyo
Investigators find no evidence that Frank was abusive toward Donna or that he had taken out a hit on her new man.
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Donna Arroyo
There was a lie. I don't think there was any thought in Frank's mind to kill anybody. And Carrie believed it because he was in Donna's web.
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Donna Arroyo
Born in Puerto Rico in 1948, at age three, Frank moved to Queens with his parents and three sisters.
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Donna Arroyo
Family was everything to Frank, and he couldn't wait to start one of his own. And in 1971, at the age of 23, he fell in love and married fellow Puerto Rican Gladys Rentis.
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Donna Arroyo
Though Gladys had a six-month-old son from a previous marriage, Frank welcomed her child with open arms. And by 1977, they had grown to a family of five.
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Donna Arroyo
Frank embraced fatherhood and loved taking family adventures.
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Donna Arroyo
Frank worked as a handyman to make ends meet and eventually landed a job as a building superintendent.
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Donna Arroyo
Frank and Gladys seemed to have the picture-perfect life together. But that all changed when Frank met Donna Salerno, a spirited New Yorker 11 years his junior.
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Donna Arroyo
A loving father is gunned down just steps from his daughter's bedroom.
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Donna Arroyo
Frank and Donna relocated to Florida, where they started a successful real estate venture.
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Donna Arroyo
Frank and Donna eventually had a daughter and son of their own, and Frank loved getting all of his children together.
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Donna Arroyo
When the couple traveled to Puerto Rico for real estate ventures, they would bring the children along.
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Donna Arroyo
In 1996, Frank and Donna's lavish life went up in smoke when they found themselves in legal hot water.
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Donna Arroyo
Donna and Frank were extradited from Sarasota, Florida back to Puerto Rico and placed under arrest.
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Donna Arroyo
Frank was released after seven months in prison, and shortly thereafter, he and Donna separated. He moved back to New York with the couple's 12-year-old daughter, while Donna and the couple's four-year-old son stayed in Florida.
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Donna Arroyo
I was just so happy that he was around again. By 1996, Frank and Donna's divorce was pending, and both seemed to be moving on with their lives.
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Donna Arroyo
Donna was living on a 40-foot yacht in Florida with her boyfriend, Kerry, and her five-year-old boy.
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Donna Arroyo
But Frank's third act is snuffed out in an instant when he is gunned down on May 12, 1997. While a forensic team searches for clues inside, New York State investigators speak with Frank's girlfriend, Nikki Braun.
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Donna Arroyo
Investigators search for a killer and uncover a deceitful past filled with possible suspects.
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Donna Arroyo
It's a haunting story, but investigators can't take it as gospel just yet.
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Donna Arroyo
May 13th, 1997. Puerto Rican native Frank Arroyo has just been gunned down in his girlfriend's home by an unknown assailant. New York State investigators study the crime scene.
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Donna Arroyo
Amidst the grisly scene, investigators are also able to locate four shell casings.
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Donna Arroyo
Investigators circle back to Frank's girlfriend, Nikki Braun, the only eyewitness to the shooting.
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Donna Arroyo
She tells police that her mother, 37-year-old Donna Arroyo, lives in Florida, but is currently visiting her grandmother in Yonkers, New York.
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Donna Arroyo
Police take down Donna's phone number from the teenager, and they ask if she knows of anyone who would want to hurt her dad. She points to a neighbor, John Giacomacus, a family friend to both Frank and Donna.
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Judy Naylor
Judy is his bookkeeper, someone who is close to him. And it starts to be a lot of circumstantial evidence that Judy and her husband Donald were involved in his shooting. I mean, she's disappeared after the crime. We as investigators needed to talk with her.
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Judy Naylor
Two weeks after the drive-by shooting, the statewide search for Judy Naylor leads to an area motel.
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Judy Naylor
When deputies enter the room, they find Judy is extremely sick.
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Judy Naylor
She's tried to harm herself, kill herself, you know, by drinking antifreeze.
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Judy Naylor
Coming up... Paramedics race to save Judy's life, while authorities demand answers from Donald MacPhail.
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Judy Naylor
January 12th, 2004. It's late afternoon in Robeson County, North Carolina, when dispatch receives a frantic 911 call reporting shots fired outside a local bus company. Sheriff's deputies and paramedics race to the scene.
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Judy Naylor
January 26th, 2004. Investigators with the Cumberland County Sheriff's Office locate Judy Naylor and her husband, Donald McPhail, at a rundown motel in Robeson County. Donald is taken in for questioning while Judy is rushed to the hospital after consuming antifreeze.
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Judy Naylor
We interviewed Donald. He goes ahead and gives a statement to law enforcement. In that statement, he's very forthcoming.
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Judy Naylor
On the morning of January 12th, 2004, Donald says Judy contacted the airline to make sure her boss's flight was arriving on time.
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Judy Naylor
As soon as he parked his car, Judy drove past him while Donald fired a volley of shots.
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Judy Naylor
Sheriff's investigators recover the stolen 12-gauge shotgun in the weeds beside the highway.
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Judy Naylor
It appeared to be an accurate representation of what he and Judy did because he implicated himself. He didn't try to put all the blame on her. He said this was a shared idea. When someone is that forthcoming, it can be a mitigating factor that can be used in sentencing and so forth.
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Judy Naylor
Four days after Donald's arrest, Judy Naylor's condition has improved enough that she's allowed to leave the hospital. Deputies immediately bring her to the Robeson County Sheriff's Office for an interview.
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Judy Naylor
They charge both Judy and her husband, Donald McPhail, with attempted first-degree murder, conspiracy to commit first-degree murder, larceny of a firearm, and the fraud.
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Judy Naylor
Despite her initial confession, Judy pleads not guilty to the charges. The court grants bail, but with no one to pay it, Judy must remain in jail until her trial. And then, on February 7th, 2004, only a week after Judy's incarceration, tragedy strikes again when her mother, Catherine Croxton, dies unexpectedly.
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Judy Naylor
Soon after that, Judy's stepfather, her now deceased mother's husband, James Croxton, began visiting her in jail. In the months after Katherine's death, James Croxton eventually received her life insurance proceeds, which was approximately $43,000. Judy became aware of this, and she began trying to encourage James to bail her out of jail while she was awaiting trial.
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Judy Naylor
First responders arrive at the scene to find the owner of the bus company sitting in his car, which is now riddled with bullet holes. He's visibly shaken, but fortunately, only his hand seems to be injured.
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Judy Naylor
And in May of 2004, he did put up approximately $4,500 to get her out of jail.
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Judy Naylor
While Judy's husband, Donald McPhail, remains behind bars at the Robeson County Jail, Judy enjoys life as a relatively free woman in her stepfather's home. Only Judy's life isn't destined to stay peaceful for long.
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Judy Naylor
She sounded distraught on that 911 call. She was sobbing. She was upset. She explained that she just found him this way, that he didn't appear to be breathing.
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Judy Naylor
Judy says that her 62-year-old stepfather had been in poor health.
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Judy Naylor
She said that he had had several cardiac events. There were no injuries. There was no obvious trauma to the body.
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Judy Naylor
Less than an hour later, as medical personnel are preparing to transport the body from the home, one phone call stops everything.
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Judy Naylor
Donna Naylor is married to Judy's father, Willie. She claims to have information about James Croxton's death.
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Judy Naylor
The EMS were still there on the scene. Apparently what had happened is Judy had called a neighbor before she even called 911, and that neighbor had called Donna, which then caused Donna to call the sheriff's office. Donna said, you need to look at Judy. She's responsible for this.
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Judy Naylor
But it was very unusual that they get this type of call from a relative.
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Judy Naylor
Donna quickly fills detectives in on Judy's relationship with her stepfather, James.
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Judy Naylor
Donna told him that Judy put herself in a position to take advantage of Mr. Croxton. she had moved in with James Croxton, that she had lived rent-free, that she had had an intimate relationship with him, bragged that that intimate relationship was in her mother's bed. This was very troubling and surprising to hear.
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Judy Naylor
Not only is she making this type of arrangement where she's agreeing to have a sexual relationship with someone in order to be bailed out and live with them, but this is her stepfather.
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Judy Naylor
When deputies in Cumberland County run a background check on Judy Naylor, they discover she is currently awaiting trial for the attempted murder of her former boss.
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Judy Naylor
Authorities immediately locked down the home as a possible crime scene and worked to preserve any evidence.
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Judy Naylor
They wanted the body preserved in the same position and wanted somebody to keep their eyes on Judy the entire time. Investigators with the sheriff's office confronted Judy with Donna's allegations. Her demeanor did not change. She simply denied that allegation and was cooperative.
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Judy Naylor
Right away, Judy gives investigators permission to search the home. They study James Croxton's body before moving to other areas of the residence.
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Judy Naylor
They also found documents that had Jane Croxton signatures traced over several times. as if someone was practicing signatures or something like that. So this was all very suspicious.
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Judy Naylor
Coming up, to catch a killer, family secrets must be revealed.
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Judy Naylor
He said that she referred to her plan to kill Mr. Croxton as the remodeling job.
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Judy Naylor
Less than a year after making bail for the attempted murder of her former boss in Robeson County, North Carolina, Judy Naylor finds herself at the epicenter of an even more heinous crime when her stepfather and alleged lover, 62-year-old James Croxton, is found dead in a neighboring county.
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Judy Naylor
An autopsy was performed on November 15th. There did not appear to be a heart attack, a stroke, a simple explanation like that for Mr. Croxton's death. At this point, his death was undetermined. There was more testing that needed to be done.
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Judy Naylor
Authorities find a scattering of shotgun pellets that have pierced the vehicle and three plastic shell casings.
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Judy Naylor
In the meantime, Judy's stepmother, Donna Naylor, hands over some damning information to detectives.
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Judy Naylor
About a week after Mr. Croxton is found deceased in his home, we get a break in the case of Judy's brother. Kenneth was in the Department of Corrections. He had wrote letters to Donna. And in these letters, he talks about how Judy was planning to kill Mr. Croxton. Judy referred to her plan to kill Mr. Croxton as the remodeling job.
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Judy Naylor
After reading the incriminating letters, investigators sit down with Kenneth Naylor.
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Judy Naylor
19 days after the death of his grandfather, Judy's son, Michael, also reaches out to detectives.
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Judy Naylor
Michael tells detectives only a week before James' death, Judy had made an unsettling comment.
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Judy Naylor
Armed with this new information, the medical examiner runs more tests.
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Judy Naylor
Approximately a month later, they came back and told us that not only was chloroform present, that it was present in a fatal amount. They also found two small puncture wounds in one of his arms. And at that point, the death was ruled as a homicide.
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Judy Naylor
What they discovered is that in October 5th of 2004, James Croxton's credit card had been used to purchase chloroform and succinylcholine. The succinylcholine is a paralytic. We knew that those products were delivered by UPS. to the home of Judy and James Croxton just a couple of weeks before his death on November 14th.
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Judy Naylor
Investigators also revisit the legal documents found in James' home.
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Judy Naylor
Faced with the evidence, the notary comes clean. She claims she was just trying to do Judy and James a favor.
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Judy Naylor
As for James's signature, investigators suspect Judy forged it while out on bail in August of 2004.
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Judy Naylor
For the second time in less than a year, Judy Naylor is arrested for her role in an alleged murder plot.
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Judy Naylor
That she was coerced, that she was threatened, this was not her idea.
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Judy Naylor
In a shocking turn of events, while awaiting trial for the attempted murder of her boss in North Carolina, Judy Naylor is charged with the murder of her stepfather and alleged lover, 62-year-old James Croxton.
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Judy Naylor
While Judy awaits trial for the murder of James Croxton, her husband, Donald McPhail, has his day in court for the embezzlement and attempted murder of Judy's boss a year earlier.
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Judy Naylor
Donald McPhail actually pled guilty to attempted first-degree murder, conspiracy to commit first-degree murder, larceny of a firearm, fraud. And Donald McPhail received 10 to 13 years in prison.
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Judy Naylor
The shooter sped off, and that's when the owner of the bus company says he managed to dial 911.
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Judy Naylor
In April 2005, Judy heads to court for her role in the same crime.
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Judy Naylor
The theory that she proceeded with at trial was to try to blame it all on Donald, that she was coerced, that she was threatened. This was not her idea.
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Judy Naylor
On April 27, 2005, Judy is convicted of conspiracy to commit murder and forgery. She is acquitted of the attempted murder of her boss.
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Judy Naylor
Judy received a 16- to 20-year sentence for her role in the crimes, I guess because she didn't pull the trigger.
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Judy Naylor
To this day, Judy claims she and Donald were not in their right minds.
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Judy Naylor
He said it sounded like a shotgun that caused his injuries, but he was not able to see everything and everyone that was involved in that.
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Judy Naylor
On April 2nd, 2007, Judy is back in court, this time for the murder of James Croxton.
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Judy Naylor
She received a sentence of life without the possibility of parole. This sentence not even to begin until after the 16 or 20 year sentence that she had received for the shooting.
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Judy Naylor
While Judy admits to his murder, she still denies that she had a sexual relationship with her stepfather.
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Judy Naylor
The victim did not see the shooter and claims he has no idea who might want him dead.
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Judy Naylor
Those close to the case believe Judy's need for money to fuel her addiction led her to do the unthinkable twice.
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Judy Naylor
She had manipulated this whole situation, and her punishment was just and deserving, and Judy is where she needs to be.
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Judy Naylor
It's very common in the drug trade to have drive-by shootings into the car of someone who's dealing drugs.
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Judy Naylor
A quick background check tells investigators that the bus company owner's record is clean.
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Judy Naylor
There was no evidence he was involved in drugs. He did not appear to be involved in any type of criminal activity whatsoever.
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Judy Naylor
However, investigators don't believe this was just a random act of violence.
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Judy Naylor
He was shot while getting out of his car. What made sense was it was somebody who knew his everyday activities, knew where he lived, when he would be pulling into his driveway, that sort of thing.
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Judy Naylor
Once the victim is transported to the hospital, the deputies check the bus company building itself to look for possible signs of a robbery. However, the door is locked and there are no signs of forced entry.
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Judy Naylor
The next morning, the recovering owner of the bus company calls investigators in a panic. He is concerned about his employee, 38-year-old Judy Naylor. He hasn't been able to reach her for several days.
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Judy Naylor
A successful business owner returns from a dream vacation only to be met with a hail of gunfire.
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Judy Naylor
This is someone he looks to to run his business, and yet after he is shot, nobody can get in touch with her.
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Judy Naylor
Her boss is worried that whoever shot at him may have come for Judy Naylor, too.
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Judy Naylor
Judy was born and raised in the Cumberland County, Robeson County area. Judy was the older of two siblings. Her younger brother, Kenneth, they had a close relationship.
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Judy Naylor
Judy's mother and father separated while she was in her teens.
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Judy Naylor
I think she had somewhat of a troubled background. I know that her mother at times had some mental health issues.
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Judy Naylor
Eventually, Judy's mother, Catherine, remarried a man named James Croxton. And Judy decided to leave home in search of independence.
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Judy Naylor
Judy worked hard to provide for her family, building what would ultimately become a decades-long career in the automotive industry.
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Judy Naylor
Although Judy left home at an early age, over the years, her mother Catherine and her stepfather became very involved in raising Michael.
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Judy Naylor
In 2002, Michael graduated high school and moved away to start his own family. It was around that time that Judy began dating 47-year-old Donald Lee McPhail.
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Judy Naylor
After six months, Judy and Donald married. And in 2003, Judy was hired as an office manager at a bus company business in Lumberton, North Carolina.
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Judy Naylor
He was impressed by her, impressed by the work that she did. Eventually she became the bookkeeper.
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Judy Naylor
But after four months in her new role, that world is turned upside down on January 12th, 2004, when a drive-by shooting nearly kills Judy's boss and Judy herself is nowhere to be found.
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Judy Naylor
After this happens to him, he nor anyone else can get in touch with Judy.
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Judy Naylor
Coming up, detectives learn Judy Naylor isn't the only thing that's vanished.
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Judy Naylor
Authorities in rural Robeson County, North Carolina, are investigating the attempted murder of a successful bus company owner when they discover his bookkeeper, Judy Naylor, is missing.
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Judy Naylor
Nobody can get in touch with Judy. For a couple of days, she's seemingly fallen off the face of the earth.
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Judy Naylor
The next day, police receive another frantic phone call from the victim to report something else is missing.
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Judy Naylor
He then begins looking at his bank account. He finds that there's been 21 checks, company checks, written out to Judy and her husband, Donald, while he was out of the country.
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Judy Naylor
And investigators discover how one crime plants the seeds of another.
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Judy Naylor
Judy's boss turns over company bank statements to investigators for them to study.
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Judy Naylor
That certainly was an important fact, but there was a lot more investigating to do because she was the bookkeeper. There could have been a valid reason for this, and we didn't know whether or not that was related to the shooting or not.
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Judy Naylor
Investigators try to track down a home address for Judy and Donald McPhail, but there's a problem.
Snapped: Women Who Murder
Judy Naylor
While investigators dig deeper into Judy's background, they quickly discover this unassuming bookkeeper has had her fair share of trouble.
Snapped: Women Who Murder
Judy Naylor
When looking at her criminal record, she had some property crime and drug crime that dated back 10 or so years before this incident happened.
Snapped: Women Who Murder
Judy Naylor
Judy's family members tell detectives that her history of bad behavior created a rift long ago.
Snapped: Women Who Murder
Judy Naylor
As sheriff's investigators study Judy's file, one recent incident stands out.
Snapped: Women Who Murder
Judy Naylor
She's agreeing to have a sexual relationship with someone to be bailed out.
Snapped: Women Who Murder
Judy Naylor
When Judy's boss learns of her previous run-ins with the law, he is stunned.
Something Scary
Buried Screams
Ihr Geräusch ist jetzt kaum noch ein Geräusch. Es ist nicht die Trees, es ist das Zuschauen. I think I stepped where I should. I picked a branch, dead wood, and thought it was cool. I put it in my pack. Silence. Then, I think that was a mistake.
Something Was Wrong
Data Points: Male Survivors of Sexual Assault (featuring LeRon Barton)
A few miles from the glass spires of midtown Atlanta lies the South River Forest. In 2021 and 2022, the woods became a home to activists from all over the country who gathered to stop the nearby construction of a massive new police training facility, nicknamed Cop City.
Something Was Wrong
Data Points: Male Survivors of Sexual Assault (featuring LeRon Barton)
This is We Came to the Forest, a story about resistance.
Something Was Wrong
Data Points: Male Survivors of Sexual Assault (featuring LeRon Barton)
Love and fellowship. It was probably the happiest of everybody in my life. And the lengths we'll go to protect the things we hold closest to our hearts. Follow We Came to the Forest on the Wondery app or wherever you get your podcasts. You can binge all episodes of We Came to the Forest early and ad-free right now by joining Wondery+.
Something Was Wrong
S23 E7: How Did We Get Here?
When a young woman named Desiree vanishes without a trace, the trail leads to Kat Torres, a charismatic influencer with millions of followers. But behind the glamorous posts and inspirational quotes, a sinister truth unravels. Binge all episodes of Don't Cross Kat early and ad-free on Wondery+.
Something Was Wrong
S23 E7: How Did We Get Here?
When a young woman named Desiree vanishes without a trace, the trail leads to Cat Torres, a charismatic influencer with millions of followers. But behind the glamorous posts and inspirational quotes, a sinister truth unravels. Binge all episodes of Don't Cross Cat early and ad-free on Wondery+.
Something Was Wrong
S23 E3: Standards of Midwifery Care with Dr. Amy Giles, DNP, CNM
Scam Factory, the explosive new true crime podcast from Wondery, exposes a multi-billion dollar criminal empire. Every suspicious text you ignore masks a huge network of compounds where thousands are held captive and forced to scam others under the threat of death. Follow Scam Factory on the Wondery app or wherever you get your podcasts.
Something Was Wrong
S23 E3: Standards of Midwifery Care with Dr. Amy Giles, DNP, CNM
Are you captivated by the dark and mysterious world of true crime? Wondery Plus offers you the ultimate true crime experience with early access to new episodes, exclusive content, and a seamless ad-free listening journey.
Something Was Wrong
S23 E3: Standards of Midwifery Care with Dr. Amy Giles, DNP, CNM
With Wondery Plus, you'll get access to hundreds of podcasts, including more than 50 true crime series like Dr. Death, the shocking true story of a trusted surgeon who brought unimaginable pain and suffering to his patients.
Something Was Wrong
S23 E3: Standards of Midwifery Care with Dr. Amy Giles, DNP, CNM
And there's Morbid, the hit podcast that's a lighthearted nightmare. With Wondery+, you get access to exclusive bonus content too, allowing you to dive deeper into the cases you love. Like in Suspect, where an ordinary Halloween party turned into a terrifying murder mystery and left its mark on the community. This case is one of those roller coaster rides where it's like, no, he did it for sure.
Something Was Wrong
S23 E3: Standards of Midwifery Care with Dr. Amy Giles, DNP, CNM
No, for sure he did it. Each story is crafted to keep you enthralled, revealing the complexities and motivations behind every crime. Subscribe to Wondery Plus on the Wondery app, Apple Podcasts, or Spotify today. Unlock the door to a world of true crime like never before. With Wondery Plus, the best true crime stories are always at your fingertips.
Something Was Wrong
S23 E3: Standards of Midwifery Care with Dr. Amy Giles, DNP, CNM
Imagine this. You help your little brother land a great job abroad, but when he arrives, the job doesn't exist. Instead, he's trapped in a heavily guarded compound, forced to sit at a computer and scam innocent victims. all while armed guards stand by with shoot-to-kill orders.
Something Was Wrong
S23 E3: Standards of Midwifery Care with Dr. Amy Giles, DNP, CNM
Scam Factory, the explosive new true crime podcast from Wondery, exposes a multi-billion dollar criminal empire operating in plain sight. Told through one family's harrowing account of sleepless nights, desperate phone calls, and dangerous rescue attempts, Scam Factory reveals a brutal truth. The only way out is to scam their way out.
Something Was Wrong
S23 E3: Standards of Midwifery Care with Dr. Amy Giles, DNP, CNM
Follow Scam Factory on the Wondery app or wherever you get your podcasts. You can binge all episodes of Scam Factory early and ad-free right now by joining Wondery+.
Something Was Wrong
S23 E11: The Moment That Everything Changed
When a young woman named Desiree vanishes without a trace, the trail leads to Cat Torres, a charismatic influencer with millions of followers. But behind the glamorous posts and inspirational quotes, a sinister truth unravels. Binge all episodes of Don't Cross Cat early and ad-free on Wondery+.
Something Was Wrong
S23 E11: The Moment That Everything Changed
When a young woman named Desiree vanishes without a trace, the trail leads to Cat Torres, a charismatic influencer with millions of followers. But behind the glamorous posts and inspirational quotes, a sinister truth unravels. Binge all episodes of Don't Cross Cat early and ad-free on Wondery+.
Something Was Wrong
S23 E11: The Moment That Everything Changed
I was targeted, premeditated, and meant to sow terror.
Something Was Wrong
WCN Presents: [Madison McGhee] Ice Cold Case
When the documentary came out, that's when everything changed. It went from like, hey, that's that girl I follow on Instagram who has a podcast about multi-level marketing to this juggernaut that I have not been able to slow down since the day it happened.
Something Was Wrong
S23 E6: Dignified Maternal Care with Doula Melissa Espey-Mueller
Scam Factory, the explosive new true crime podcast from Wondery, exposes a multi-billion dollar criminal empire. Every suspicious text you ignore masks a huge network of compounds where thousands are held captive and forced to scam others under the threat of death. Follow Scam Factory on the Wondery app or wherever you get your podcasts.
Something Was Wrong
S23 E6: Dignified Maternal Care with Doula Melissa Espey-Mueller
In the early hours of December 4th, 2024, CEO Brian Thompson stepped out onto the streets of Midtown Manhattan.
Something Was Wrong
S23 E6: Dignified Maternal Care with Doula Melissa Espey-Mueller
We're talking about the CEO of the biggest private health insurance corporation in the world. And the suspect. He has been identified as Luigi Nicholas Mangione. Became one of the most divisive figures in modern criminal history. I was targeted, premeditated, and meant to sow terror. I'm Jesse Weber, host of Luigi, produced by Law & Crime and Twist. This is more than a true crime investigation.
Something Was Wrong
S23 E6: Dignified Maternal Care with Doula Melissa Espey-Mueller
We explore a uniquely American moment that could change the country forever.
Something Was Wrong
S23 E6: Dignified Maternal Care with Doula Melissa Espey-Mueller
Listen to Law and Crime's Luigi exclusively on Wondery Plus. You can join Wondery Plus on the Wondery app, Spotify, or Apple Podcasts.
Something Was Wrong
S23 E6: Dignified Maternal Care with Doula Melissa Espey-Mueller
Imagine this. You help your little brother land a great job abroad. But when he arrives, the job doesn't exist. Instead, he's trapped in a heavily guarded compound, forced to sit at a computer and scam innocent victims, all while armed guards stand by with shoot-to-kill orders.
Something Was Wrong
S23 E6: Dignified Maternal Care with Doula Melissa Espey-Mueller
Scam Factory, the explosive new true crime podcast from Wondery, exposes a multibillion-dollar criminal empire operating in plain sight. Told through one family's harrowing account of sleepless nights, Desperate phone calls and dangerous rescue attempts. Scam Factory reveals a brutal truth. The only way out is to scam their way out.
Something Was Wrong
S23 E6: Dignified Maternal Care with Doula Melissa Espey-Mueller
Follow Scam Factory on the Wondery app or wherever you get your podcasts. You can binge all episodes of Scam Factory early and ad-free right now by joining Wondery+.
Something Was Wrong
S23 E2: Life Threatening Emergency
Imagine this. You help your little brother land a great job abroad. But when he arrives, the job doesn't exist. Instead, he's trapped in a heavily guarded compound, forced to sit at a computer and scam innocent victims. all while armed guards stand by with shoot-to-kill orders.
Something Was Wrong
S23 E2: Life Threatening Emergency
Scam Factory, the explosive new true crime podcast from Wondery, exposes a multi-billion dollar criminal empire. Every suspicious text you ignore masks a huge network of compounds where thousands are held captive and forced to scam others under the threat of death. Follow Scam Factory on the Wondery app or wherever you get your podcasts.
Something Was Wrong
S23 E2: Life Threatening Emergency
Scam Factory, the explosive new true crime podcast from Wondery, exposes a multibillion-dollar criminal empire operating in plain sight. Told through one family's harrowing account of sleepless nights, desperate phone calls, and dangerous rescue attempts, Scam Factory reveals a brutal truth. The only way out is to scam their way out.
Something Was Wrong
S23 E2: Life Threatening Emergency
Follow Scam Factory on the Wondery app or wherever you get your podcasts. You can binge all episodes of Scam Factory early and ad-free right now by joining Wondery Plus.
Something Was Wrong
S23 E2: Life Threatening Emergency
Are you captivated by the dark and mysterious world of true crime? Wondery Plus offers you the ultimate true crime experience with early access to new episodes, exclusive content, and a seamless ad-free listening journey.
Something Was Wrong
S23 E2: Life Threatening Emergency
With Wondery Plus, you'll get access to hundreds of podcasts, including more than 50 true crime series like Dr. Death, the shocking true story of a trusted surgeon who brought unimaginable pain and suffering to his patients.
Something Was Wrong
S23 E2: Life Threatening Emergency
And there's Morbid, the hit podcast that's a lighthearted nightmare. With Wondery+, you get access to exclusive bonus content too, allowing you to dive deeper into the cases you love. Like in Suspect, where an ordinary Halloween party turned into a terrifying murder mystery that left its mark on the community. This case is one of those rollercoaster rides where it's like, no, he did it for sure.
Something Was Wrong
S23 E2: Life Threatening Emergency
No, for sure he did it. Each story is crafted to keep you enthralled, revealing the complexities and motivations behind every crime. Subscribe to Wondery Plus on the Wondery app, Apple Podcasts, or Spotify today. Unlock the door to a world of true crime like never before. With Wondery Plus, the best true crime stories are always at your fingertips.
Something Was Wrong
(1/3) WCN Presents: [J.E.] S6 Updates
What Came Next is intended for mature audiences only. Episodes discuss topics that can be triggering, such as emotional, physical, and sexual violence, animal abuse, suicide, and murder. I am not a therapist, nor am I a doctor. If you're in need of support, please visit somethingwaswrong.com forward slash resources for a list of non-profit organizations that can help.
Something Was Wrong
(1/3) WCN Presents: [J.E.] S6 Updates
opinions expressed by my guests on the show are their own and do not necessarily represent the views of myself or Broken Cycle Media. Resources and source material are linked in the episode notes. Thank you so much for listening. J.E. Reich is a journalist, editor, survivor, and victim advocate.
Something Was Wrong
(1/3) WCN Presents: [J.E.] S6 Updates
Thank you so much for listening to today's episode. Next week on What Came Next.
Something Was Wrong
(1/3) WCN Presents: [J.E.] S6 Updates
They shared their story on Something Was Wrong Season 6, Episodes 5 and 6, which aired on December 6th and December 13th of 2020. The episodes discuss the impact of the devastating 2018 shooting at the Tree of Life Synagogue in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, and the impact the hate crime had on J.E. 's community. The episodes also bring awareness to the related, horrific stalking J.E.
Something Was Wrong
(1/3) WCN Presents: [J.E.] S6 Updates
What Came Next is a Broken Cycle Media production co-produced by Amy B. Chesler and Tiffany Reese. If you'd like to help support What Came Next, you can leave us a positive review, support our sponsors, or follow Broken Cycle Media on Instagram at Broken Cycle Media. Check out the episode notes for sources, resources, and to follow our guests. Thank you again for listening.
Something Was Wrong
(1/3) WCN Presents: [J.E.] S6 Updates
and their family would be subjected to in the years following. However, at the time of the episode's release, J.E. and their family had received no justice for the unending harassment and death threats the caller executed over those years. The Broken Cycle Media team is extremely grateful J.E.
Something Was Wrong
(1/3) WCN Presents: [J.E.] S6 Updates
was willing to return today to share more of their journey to seek justice and about the start of their consequent healing process.
Something Was Wrong
S23 E5: Tragic and Horrific
Scam Factory, the explosive new true crime podcast from Wondery, exposes a multi-billion dollar criminal empire. Every suspicious text you ignore masks a huge network of compounds where thousands are held captive and forced to scam others under the threat of death. Follow Scam Factory on the Wondery app or wherever you get your podcasts.
Something Was Wrong
S23 E5: Tragic and Horrific
Imagine this. You help your little brother land a great job abroad. But when he arrives, the job doesn't exist. Instead, he's trapped in a heavily guarded compound, forced to sit at a computer and scam innocent victims. all while armed guards stand by with shoot-to-kill orders.
Something Was Wrong
S23 E5: Tragic and Horrific
Scam Factory, the explosive new true crime podcast from Wondery, exposes a multi-billion dollar criminal empire operating in plain sight. Told through one family's harrowing account of sleepless nights, desperate phone calls, and dangerous rescue attempts, Scam Factory reveals a brutal truth. The only way out is to scam their way out.
Something Was Wrong
S23 E5: Tragic and Horrific
Follow Scam Factory on the Wondery app or wherever you get your podcasts. You can binge all episodes of Scam Factory early and ad-free right now by joining Wondery Plus.
Something Was Wrong
S23 E5: Tragic and Horrific
Are you captivated by the dark and mysterious world of true crime? Wondery Plus offers you the ultimate true crime experience with early access to new episodes, exclusive content, and a seamless ad-free listening journey.
Something Was Wrong
S23 E5: Tragic and Horrific
With Wondery Plus, you'll get access to hundreds of podcasts, including more than 50 true crime series like Dr. Death, the shocking true story of a trusted surgeon who brought unimaginable pain and suffering to his patients. This was not an operation that was performed. This was attempted murder. And there's Morbid, the hit podcast that's a lighthearted nightmare.
Something Was Wrong
S23 E5: Tragic and Horrific
With Wondery+, you get access to exclusive bonus content too, allowing you to dive deeper into the cases you love. Like in Suspect, where an ordinary Halloween party turned into a terrifying murder mystery and left its mark on the community. This case is one of those roller coaster rides where it's like, no, he did it for sure. No, for sure he did it.
Something Was Wrong
S23 E5: Tragic and Horrific
Each story is crafted to keep you enthralled, revealing the complexities and motivations behind every crime. Subscribe to Wondery Plus on the Wondery app, Apple Podcasts, or Spotify today. Unlock the door to a world of true crime like never before. With Wondery Plus, the best true crime stories are always at your fingertips.
Something Was Wrong
S23 E9: Bad Marriage
When a young woman named Desiree vanishes without a trace, the trail leads to Kat Torres, a charismatic influencer with millions of followers. But behind the glamorous posts and inspirational quotes, a sinister truth unravels. Binge all episodes of Don't Cross Kat early and ad-free on Wondery+.
Something Was Wrong
S23 E9: Bad Marriage
This assailant pulls out a weapon and starts firing at him.
Something Was Wrong
S23 E9: Bad Marriage
When a young woman named Desiree vanishes without a trace, the trail leads to Cat Torres, a charismatic influencer with millions of followers. But behind the glamorous posts and inspirational quotes, a sinister truth unravels. Binge all episodes of Don't Cross Cat early and ad-free on Wondery+.
Something Was Wrong
S23 E9: Bad Marriage
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Something Was Wrong
S23 E9: Bad Marriage
Are you captivated by the dark and mysterious world of true crime? Wondery Plus offers you the ultimate true crime experience with early access to new episodes, exclusive content, and a seamless ad-free listening journey.
Something Was Wrong
S23 E9: Bad Marriage
With Wondery Plus, you'll get access to hundreds of podcasts, including more than 50 true crime series like Doctor Death, the shocking true story of a trusted surgeon who brought unimaginable pain and suffering to his patients.
Something Was Wrong
S23 E9: Bad Marriage
And there's Morbid, the hit podcast that's a lighthearted nightmare. With Wondery+, you get access to exclusive bonus content, too, allowing you to dive deeper into the cases you love, like in Suspect, where an ordinary Halloween party turned into a terrifying murder mystery that left its mark on the community. This case is one of those rollercoaster rides where it's like, no, he did it for sure.
Something Was Wrong
S23 E9: Bad Marriage
No, for sure he did it. Each story is crafted to keep you enthralled, revealing the complexities and motivations behind every crime. Subscribe to Wondery Plus on the Wondery app, Apple Podcasts, or Spotify today. Unlock the door to a world of true crime like never before. With Wondery Plus, the best true crime stories are always at your fingertips.
Something Was Wrong
WCN Presents: [Amy] S19 Updates
What Came Next is intended for mature audiences only. Episodes discuss topics that can be triggering, such as emotional, physical, and sexual violence, animal abuse, suicide, and murder. I am not a therapist, nor am I a doctor. If you're in need of support, please visit somethingwaswrong.com forward slash resources for a list of non-profit organizations that can help.
Something Was Wrong
WCN Presents: [Amy] S19 Updates
Opinions expressed by my guests on the show are their own and do not necessarily represent the views of myself or Broken Cycle Media. Resources and source material are linked in the episode notes. Thank you so much for listening. Something Was Wrong Season 19 featuring Amy's episodes began airing January 11th, 2024 and finished airing February 8th of the same year.
Something Was Wrong
WCN Presents: [Amy] S19 Updates
In the five episodes, Amy's tenacity and resiliency became resoundingly clear as she and her loved ones recounted all they faced amidst years of stalking and cyber-stalking. Through what felt like a never-ending criminal justice and legal battle, Amy would eventually put her stalker, Morrison, behind bars, and she would share in hopes of finding more of his victims.
Something Was Wrong
WCN Presents: [Amy] S19 Updates
She returns today to share about all that's transpired in the parole process since season 19 ended, and all that she continues to work for in honor of other victims of stalking. The Broken Cycle Media team is immensely grateful for Amy's continued candidness and advocacy, as well as the time, energy, and awareness she's offered our listeners.
Something Was Wrong
WCN Presents: [Amy] S19 Updates
You've accomplished so much in such a short amount of time amidst being stalked.
Something Was Wrong
WCN Presents: [Amy] S19 Updates
I'm motivated. Part of our process too is having those days of deflation as well. You're a human who's live grieving and navigating a lot. You will have that ebb and flow.
Something Was Wrong
WCN Presents: [Amy] S19 Updates
Tiffany put everything perfectly, but you are tenacious, but also resilient. I wish you didn't have to be so, but you are a gift to the world.
Something Was Wrong
WCN Presents: [Amy] S19 Updates
Thank you so much for listening to today's episode. What Came Next is a Broken Cycle Media production co-produced by Amy B. Chesler and Tiffany Reese. If you'd like to help support What Came Next, you can leave us a positive review, support our sponsors, or follow Broken Cycle Media on Instagram at Broken Cycle Media. Check out the episode notes for sources, resources, and to follow our guests.
Something Was Wrong
S23 E4: Hell House
Wondery Plus subscribers can listen to Something Was Wrong early and ad free right now. Join Wondery Plus in the Wondery app or on Apple Podcasts.
Something Was Wrong
S23 E4: Hell House
Anterior cervix lip means that you're fully dilated, but an edge of your cervix, usually the anterior or front of the cervix, is a little bit swollen and is still in the way of the baby's head.
Something Was Wrong
S23 E4: Hell House
How are you managing your pain? Were you attempting to do all of that naturally?
Something Was Wrong
S23 E4: Hell House
Seems like there should be some standards for that. Like, the same standards as hospitals have? Shouldn't that be the same? It should be.
Something Was Wrong
S23 E4: Hell House
Meconium aspiration syndrome is when a newborn baby breathes in a sticky substance called meconium just before or during birth. It can cause breathing problems and respiratory distress. According to John Hopkins University, meconium aspiration syndrome, a leading cause of severe illness and death in newborns, occurs in about 5-10% of births.
Something Was Wrong
S23 E4: Hell House
Chorioamnionitis is a pregnancy infection that can lead to complications for both mother and baby. Symptoms include fever, fast heart rate, painful uterus, and foul-smelling amniotic fluid. It's more likely to occur when your water's broken, which is one of the reasons providers may want you to deliver within 24 hours because the risk of infection is much higher.
Something Was Wrong
S23 E4: Hell House
Choreoamnionitis can cause serious complications for both parent and baby, including postpartum infections, premature birth, neonatal sepsis, and cerebral palsy.
Something Was Wrong
S23 E4: Hell House
Something Was Wrong is a Broken Cycle Media production created and produced by executive producer Tiffany Reese, associate producers Amy B. Chesler and Lily Rowe, with audio editing and music design by Becca High. Thank you to our extended team, Lauren Barkman, our social media marketing manager, and Sarah Stewart, our graphic artist.
Something Was Wrong
S23 E4: Hell House
Thank you to Marissa, Travis, and our team at WME, Wondery, Jason, and Jennifer, our cybersecurity team, Darkbox Security, and my lawyer, Alan. Thank you endlessly to every survivor who has ever trusted us with their stories. And thank you, each and every listener, for making our show possible with your support and listenership.
Something Was Wrong
S23 E4: Hell House
Special shout out to Emily Wolfe for covering Gladrag's original song, You Think You, for us this season. For more music by Emily Wolfe, check out the episode notes or your favorite music streaming app. Speaking of episode notes, there every week you'll find episode-specific content warnings, sources, and resources. Until next time, stay safe, friends.
Something Was Wrong
S23 E4: Hell House
If you like Something Was Wrong, you can listen early and ad-free right now by joining Wondery Plus in the Wondery app or on Apple Podcasts. Prime members can listen ad-free on Amazon Music. Before you go, tell us about yourself by filling out a short survey at wondery.com slash survey.
Something Was Wrong
S23 E4: Hell House
Something Was Wrong is intended for mature audiences. This season contains discussions of medical negligence, birth trauma, and infant loss, which may be upsetting for some listeners. For a full content warning, sources, and resources, please visit the episode notes.
Something Was Wrong
S23 E4: Hell House
Opinions shared by the guests of the show are their own and do not necessarily represent the views of myself, Broken Cycle Media, and Wondery. The podcast and any linked materials should not be misconstrued as a substitution for legal or medical advice. Origins Birth and Wellness owners and midwives Caitlin Wages and Gina Thompson have not responded to our requests for comment.
Something Was Wrong
S23 E4: Hell House
Caitlyn and Gina, those were the owners and they were both certified midwives, right?
Something Was Wrong
S23 E4: Hell House
Progesterone is a hormone that supports menstruation and maintaining a pregnancy. Low levels of progesterone hormone can cause complications in pregnancy and can be given as a medication that comes in capsule form.
Something Was Wrong
S23 E4: Hell House
And most of the people that you were seeing for prenatal care, were those midwives or were they students? Yes.
Something Was Wrong
S23 E4: Hell House
In those appointments, did you feel confident in the care you were receiving at that time?
Something Was Wrong
S23 E4: Hell House
Jennifer Crawford was allegedly an unlicensed student midwife while caring for Kristen during her pregnancy and labor at Origins Birth and Wellness. However, Jennifer did later receive her certified professional midwife license from the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation on May 20, 2022, before Amanda's care.
Something Was Wrong
S23 Preview
Wondery Plus subscribers can listen to Something Was Wrong early and ad-free right now. Join Wondery Plus in the Wondery app or on Apple Podcasts.
Something Was Wrong
S23 Preview
If you like Something Was Wrong, you can listen early and ad-free right now by joining Wondery Plus in the Wondery app or on Apple Podcasts. Prime members can listen ad-free on Amazon Music. Before you go, tell us about yourself by filling out a short survey at wondery.com slash survey.
Something Was Wrong
S23 E8: Life and Death
When a young woman named Desiree vanishes without a trace, the trail leads to Kat Torres, a charismatic influencer with millions of followers. But behind the glamorous posts and inspirational quotes, a sinister truth unravels. Binge all episodes of Don't Cross Kat early and ad-free on Wondery+.
Something Was Wrong
S22 E12: Tip of the Iceberg (Finale Part 2)
Work takes up most of your time. That's why you should use stamps.com to save time with your mailing and shipping and have flexibility to focus on more important things. Stamps.com can handle all your mailing and shipping needs with rates up to 88% off USPS and UPS. Add flexibility to your day with stamps.com. Go to stamps.com slash program to sign up for a special offer. No contract.
Something Was Wrong
S22 E12: Tip of the Iceberg (Finale Part 2)
Cancel anytime. That's stamps.com slash program.
Something Was Wrong
S22 E12: Tip of the Iceberg (Finale Part 2)
A few miles from the glass spires of midtown Atlanta lies the South River Forest. In 2021 and 2022, the woods became a home to activists from all over the country who gathered to stop the nearby construction of a massive new police training facility, nicknamed Cop City.
Something Was Wrong
S22 E12: Tip of the Iceberg (Finale Part 2)
This is We Came to the Forest, a story about resistance.
Something Was Wrong
S22 E12: Tip of the Iceberg (Finale Part 2)
The abolitionist mission isn't done until every prison is empty and shut down.
Something Was Wrong
S22 E12: Tip of the Iceberg (Finale Part 2)
Love and fellowship. It was probably the happiest I've ever been in my life. And the lengths we'll go to protect the things we hold closest to our hearts. Follow We Came to the Forest on the Wondery app or wherever you get your podcasts. You can binge all episodes of We Came to the Forest early and ad-free right now by joining Wondery+.
Something Was Wrong
S22 E12: Tip of the Iceberg (Finale Part 2)
Life can be chaotic. If you're running a retail business, don't let disorganized order fulfillment add to the chaos. Use ShipStation instead. With ShipStation, you never have to worry about shipping and fulfillment again. Whether you're running a business out of your garage or you have multiple warehouses, ShipStation is ideal for every phase of your business's growth.
Something Was Wrong
S22 E12: Tip of the Iceberg (Finale Part 2)
Save time with one login for all your stores and by automating repetitive tasks. Plus, you'll save money with the best shipping rates from global carriers. ShipStation's industry-leading features help you deliver a better customer experience. They'll get accurate and faster shipments along with automated tracking updates with your branding.
Something Was Wrong
S22 E12: Tip of the Iceberg (Finale Part 2)
And with up to 88% off UPS and USPS rates and up to 90% off FedEx rates, ShipStation is the fastest and most affordable way to ship. Calm the chaos. Switch to ShipStation today. Start a free trial at ShipStation.com. That's ShipStation.com.
Something Was Wrong
S22 E11: Double Down (Finale Part 1)
This is a mini meditation guided by Bombas. Repeat after me. I'm comfy. I'm cozy. I have zero blisters on my toes. And that's because I wear Bombas. The softest socks, underwear, and t-shirts that give back. One purchased equals one donated. Now go to bombas.com slash wondery and use code wondery for 20% off your first purchase.
Something Was Wrong
S22 E11: Double Down (Finale Part 1)
That's b-o-m-b-a-s dot com slash wondery and use code wondery at checkout.
Something Was Wrong
S22 E11: Double Down (Finale Part 1)
A few miles from the glass spires of midtown Atlanta lies the South River Forest. In 2021 and 2022, the woods became a home to activists from all over the country who gathered to stop the nearby construction of a massive new police training facility, nicknamed Cop City.
Something Was Wrong
S22 E11: Double Down (Finale Part 1)
This is We Came to the Forest, a story about resistance. The abolitionist mission isn't done until every prison is empty and shut down. Love and fellowship. It was probably the happiest of everybody in my life. And the lengths we'll go to protect the things we hold closest to our hearts. Follow We Came to the Forest on the Wondery app or wherever you get your podcasts.
Something Was Wrong
S22 E11: Double Down (Finale Part 1)
You can binge all episodes of We Came to the Forest early and ad-free right now by joining Wondery+.
Something Was Wrong
S22 E11: Double Down (Finale Part 1)
Creating really great retail experiences is tough, especially with multiple stores, teams of staff, fulfillment centers, separate workflows. It's a lot. But with Shopify Point of Sale, you can do it all without complexity. Shopify's point-of-sale system is a unified command center for your retail business. It brings together in-store and online operations across a thousand locations.
Something Was Wrong
S22 E11: Double Down (Finale Part 1)
Imagine being able to guarantee that shopping is always convenient. Endless aisle shipped to customer by online pickup in-store, all made simpler so customers can shop how they want and staff have the tools to close the sale every time. And let's face it, Acquiring new customers is expensive.
Something Was Wrong
S22 E11: Double Down (Finale Part 1)
It's the sound you hear when learning a new language with Babbel. Babbel's quick 10-minute lessons, handcrafted by over 200 language experts, get you to begin speaking your new language in three weeks or whatever pace you choose. Let's get more of you talking in a new language. Babbel is gifting our listeners 60% off subscriptions at babbel.com slash truecrime.
Something Was Wrong
S22 E11: Double Down (Finale Part 1)
Get up to 60% off at Babbel.com slash true crime. Spelled B-A-B-B-E-L dot com slash true crime. Babbel.com slash true crime. Rules and restrictions may apply.
Something Was Wrong
S22 E11: Double Down (Finale Part 1)
With Shopify POS, you can keep shoppers coming back with personalized experiences and first-party data that give marketing teams a competitive edge. Want more? Check out at shopify.com slash wondery, all lowercase, and learn how to create the best retail experiences without complexity. Shopify.com slash wondery.
Something Was Wrong
Listen Now: Scam Factory
This was never good news. Jela and her nine coworkers made their way outside. The yard was kind of like a quad on a college campus, except with the guards around, it gave more prison yard vibes. They lined up, five in each row. Jella stood at the front of the line. She looked around. Two-story concrete buildings all painted in a stark shade of white.
Something Was Wrong
Listen Now: Scam Factory
Glaring fluorescent lights pouring out of the windows and doors. On the first floor was where they spent long hours, day and night, scamming. On the second was where they slept in cheap metal bunk beds. The roofs were studded with floodlights that only added to the prison feel. She looked down at the concrete beneath her feet.
Something Was Wrong
Listen Now: Scam Factory
Such a sad contrast to the adventures on Thai beaches she thought she'd be having when she first met Charlie. A hush spread through the group as the boss began to speak. Beside him was a team leader and two translators. The boss started with an announcement. They were changing up the payment structure. It would now be tiered based on how much they were able to scam.
Something Was Wrong
Listen Now: Scam Factory
But if you were like Jella, this was terrible news. Jella was awful at scamming, like truly awful. She'd never gotten good at the dirty talk. She'd only gotten three clients to take it to video chat. But none of them were successfully blackmailed. She'd been moved over to another group with a new assignment. Scam people into buying things from a fake Amazon store. That hadn't gone any better.
Something Was Wrong
Listen Now: Scam Factory
So she'd been sent to yet another group. This time, someone else was doing the scamming. Jella just served as a warm body on camera for video calls.
Something Was Wrong
Listen Now: Scam Factory
Her coworkers would tell her what to say. And using an AI filter to alter her face, Jella would deliver her lines to the target. She didn't like doing this either. And now, she was being told that her already meager salary would be tied to her poor performance. Jella's anxiety shot through the roof. But that wasn't all.
Something Was Wrong
Listen Now: Scam Factory
Her team leaders told them there would be harsher consequences for not meeting quota.
Something Was Wrong
Listen Now: Scam Factory
Duck walking, where grown adults are forced to squat and walk across the field while everyone watched. It was humiliating. She did not want to do this. All Jella could think about was how much she fucking hated this place, how angry she was at Charlie, how desperately she wanted to get out. And then, one more update.
Something Was Wrong
Listen Now: Scam Factory
A different compound? Jella was in a full-on panic now as her bosses explained that they were being transferred to another company. This new company operated out of a compound next door.
Something Was Wrong
Listen Now: Scam Factory
Jella was freaking out. She'd heard rumors about this other compound.
Something Was Wrong
Listen Now: Scam Factory
Jella had heard they beat their workers with electric batons and paddles to punish those that didn't meet quota. With her track record, Jella knew she was doomed.
Something Was Wrong
Listen Now: Scam Factory
She had to get out of this situation, the one Charlie helped put her in, before it cost her her life.
Something Was Wrong
Listen Now: Scam Factory
Jella kept her eye on the clock. counting down the minutes until 1 a.m. and the end of her shift. She couldn't wait to get to bed. Jella and her teammates began to gather their things to leave. But their team leader told them, not so fast. Everyone needed to go out to the yard.
Something You Should Know
The Science of Changing Your Personality & What Really Happens to Your Trash
Something you should know. Fascinating intel. The world's top experts. And practical advice you can use in your life. Today, Something You Should Know with Mike Carruthers.
Something You Should Know
Why We Love Fast Food & What Will Make You Successful
Something you should know. Fascinating intel. The world's top experts. And practical advice you can use in your life. Today, Something You Should Know with Mike Carruthers.
Something You Should Know
Why We Love Fast Food & What Will Make You Successful
I had Danielle and Megan record some answers to seemingly meaningless questions. I asked Danielle, what insect song is typically higher pitched in hotter temperatures and lower pitched in cooler temperatures?
Something You Should Know
Cool Things You Can Do With AI & Surprising Insight in Chance, Probability & Risk
Something you should know. Fascinating intel. The world's top experts. And practical advice you can use in your life. Today, Something You Should Know with Mike Carruthers.
Something You Should Know
The Surprising Power of Silence & How to Overcome Your Cravings - SYSK Choice
Start your test today for one euro per month on shopify.de slash radio.
Something You Should Know
Why We Forget & The Amazing Story of Your Body’s Atoms - SYSK Choice
Something you should know. Fascinating intel. The world's top experts. And practical advice you can use in your life. Today, Something You Should Know with Mike Carruthers.
Something You Should Know
How Flavor Has Guided Human History & The Threat of Pseudoscience - SYSK Choice
Something you should know. Fascinating intel. The world's top experts. And practical advice you can use in your life. Today, Something You Should Know with Mike Carruthers.
Something You Should Know
How Your Mind Changes Over Time & The Upside of Uncertainty - SYSK Choice
Something you should know. Fascinating intel. The world's top experts. And practical advice you can use in your life. Today, Something You Should Know with Mike Carruthers.
Something You Should Know
The Amazing Things Your Heart Does & The Power You Have to Change Lives
Start your test today for one euro per month on shopify.de slash radio.
Something You Should Know
The Amazing Things Your Heart Does & The Power You Have to Change Lives
Something you should know. Fascinating intel. The world's top experts. And practical advice you can use in your life. Today, Something You Should Know with Mike Carruthers.
Something You Should Know
Alone Together: The Decline of Social Interaction & Is the Future in Nuclear?
Something you should know. Fascinating intel. The world's top experts. And practical advice you can use in your life. Today, Something You Should Know with Mike Carruthers.
Something You Should Know
A Paradox That Makes You Miserable & How We Amplify Our Own Stress
Something You Should Know. Fascinating intel. The world's top experts. And practical advice you can use in your life. Today, Something You Should Know with Mike Carruthers.
Something You Should Know
The Startling Impact of Peer Pressure & Why Shyness Can Be a Plus
Something you should know. Fascinating intel. The world's top experts. And practical advice you can use in your life. Today, Something You Should Know with Mike Carruthers.
Something You Should Know
How to Create Real Wealth & The Ways Technology Ruins Relationships
Fascinating intel. The world's top experts. And practical advice you can use in your life. Today, Something You Should Know with Mike Carruthers.
Stuff You Should Know
Short Stuff: Alternative Libraries
Get the upgrade you and your devices dream of. Switch to Frontier Fiber Internet. Plan starting at $29.99 per month for Fiber 200 Internet. Hurry now and get free premium Wi-Fi and free expert installation. Frontier Fiber. Good to go.
Stuff You Should Know
Short Stuff: Alternative Libraries
Stuff You Should Know is a production of iHeartRadio. For more podcasts from iHeartRadio, visit the iHeartRadio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you listen to your favorite shows.
Stuff You Should Know
Short Stuff: All About Egg Colors
Don't wait. Start through with Indeed. Accelerate your recruiting now at Indeed.com. With a premium position display, your offer will be placed at the very top of the page for more visibility, so that you can find and set up the right employees faster. And the best part? It all works without a monthly subscription or long-term contracts. You only pay for results.
Stuff You Should Know
Short Stuff: Yakhchāls - Ancient Fridges
Stuff You Should Know is a production of iHeartRadio. For more podcasts from iHeartRadio, visit the iHeartRadio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you listen to your favorite shows.
Stuff You Should Know
Short Stuff: Colorful Noises
Stuff You Should Know is a production of iHeartRadio. For more podcasts from iHeartRadio, visit the iHeartRadio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you listen to your favorite shows.
Stuff You Should Know
Short Stuff: The Mad Trapper of Rat River
Stuff You Should Know is a production of iHeartRadio. For more podcasts from iHeartRadio, visit the iHeartRadio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you listen to your favorite shows.
Stuff You Should Know
Short Stuff: Outlawry
Stuff You Should Know is a production of iHeartRadio. For more podcasts from iHeartRadio, visit the iHeartRadio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you listen to your favorite shows.
Stuff You Should Know
The Gullibility Episode
Each week, we'll sit down with inspiring figures like David Oyelowo, Mel Robbins, Martin Sheen, Dr. Sanjay Gupta, and Billy Porter, and their plus one, their ride or die, as they share stories never heard before about their remarkable journey.
Stuff You Should Know
The Gullibility Episode
Each week, we'll sit down with inspiring figures like David Oyelowo, Mel Robbins, Martin Sheen, Dr. Sanjay Gupta, and Billy Porter, and their plus one, their ride or die, as they share stories never heard before about their remarkable journey.
Stuff You Should Know
The Gullibility Episode
Join us for heartfelt conversations with remarkable guests like David Oyelowo, Mel Robbins, Martin Sheen, Dr. Sanjay Gupta, and Billy Porter.
Stuff You Should Know
The Assassination of Martin Luther King, Jr. Part I
Get the upgrade you and your devices dream of. Switch to Frontier Fiber Internet. Plan starting at $29.99 per month for Fiber 200 Internet. Hurry now and get free premium Wi-Fi and free expert installation. Frontier Fiber. Good to go.
Stuff You Should Know
The Assassination of Martin Luther King, Jr. Part I
I was in Whole Foods the other day looking for a fun little bevy to go with my lunch, and I found my new obsession. SunSip is a gut-healthy soda from HealthAid, and they just dropped two new flavors. Dr. Bubbles is a fresh take on the doctor's signature blend of sweet fruit and subtle spices, while Cream Soda serves up velvety vanilla and sweet caramel. And the best part?
Stuff You Should Know
The Assassination of Martin Luther King, Jr. Part I
Get the upgrade you and your devices dream of. Switch to Frontier Fiber Internet. Plan starting at $29.99 per month for Fiber 200 Internet. Hurry now and get free premium Wi-Fi and free expert installation. Frontier Fiber. Good to go.
Stuff You Should Know
The Assassination of Martin Luther King, Jr. Part I
I was in Whole Foods the other day looking for a fun little bevy to go with my lunch, and I found my new obsession. SunSip is a gut-healthy soda from HealthAid, and they just dropped two new flavors. Dr. Bubbles is a fresh take on the doctor's signature blend of sweet fruit and subtle spices, while Cream Soda serves up velvety vanilla and sweet caramel. And the best part?
Stuff You Should Know
The Assassination of Martin Luther King, Jr. Part I
SunSip has gut-healthy prebiotics, vitamins, and minerals, all with 40 calories or less. Grab these new SunSip flavors on sale now. Only at Whole Foods in the beverage cooler near HealthAid Kombucha.
Stuff You Should Know
The Assassination of Martin Luther King, Jr. Part I
SunSip has gut-healthy prebiotics, vitamins, and minerals, all with 40 calories or less. Grab these new SunSip flavors on sale now. Only at Whole Foods in the beverage cooler near HealthAid Kombucha.
Stuff You Should Know
The Assassination of Martin Luther King, Jr. Part I
Welcome to Stuff You Should Know, a production of iHeartRadio.
Stuff You Should Know
The Assassination of Martin Luther King, Jr. Part I
Since 100% fiber internet makes any home upgrade possible, I can finally live my dream of having my own smart office. I was going to say golf simulator.
Stuff You Should Know
The Assassination of Martin Luther King, Jr. Part I
Get the upgrade you and your devices dream of. Switch to Frontier and experience reliable 100% fiber internet powered by the speed of light. Plan starting at $29.99 per month for fiber 200 internet. Hurry now and get free premium Wi-Fi and free expert installation. Frontier Fiber. Good to go. In select areas, price for 12 months with auto pay. ETF terms apply. Max speeds wired.
Stuff You Should Know
The Assassination of Martin Luther King, Jr. Part I
Actual average and Wi-Fi speed vary.
Stuff You Should Know
The Assassination of Martin Luther King, Jr. Part I
I was in Whole Foods the other day looking for a fun little bevy to go with my lunch, and I found my new obsession. SunSip is a gut-healthy soda from HealthAid, and they just dropped two new flavors. Dr. Bubbles is a fresh take on the doctor's signature blend of sweet fruit and subtle spices, while Cream Soda serves up velvety vanilla and sweet caramel. And the best part?
Stuff You Should Know
The Assassination of Martin Luther King, Jr. Part I
SunSip has gut-healthy prebiotics, vitamins, and minerals, all with 40 calories or less. Grab these new SunSip flavors on sale now. Only at Whole Foods in the beverage cooler near HealthAid Kombucha.
Stuff You Should Know
Who Put Bella In the Wych Elm?
Welcome to Stuff You Should Know, a production of iHeartRadio.
Stuff You Should Know
Richard III: Good Guy or Evil Putz?
Stuff You Should Know is a production of iHeartRadio. For more podcasts from iHeartRadio, visit the iHeartRadio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you listen to your favorite shows.
Stuff You Should Know
Richard III: Good Guy or Evil Putz?
Welcome to Stuff You Should Know, a production of iHeartRadio.
Stuff You Should Know
The Chelsea Hotel
Welcome to Stuff You Should Know, a production of iHeartRadio.
Stuff You Should Know
The Chelsea Hotel
Sonoro and iHeart's My Cultura Podcast Network present The Setup, a new romantic comedy podcast starring Harvey Guillen and Christian Navarro. The setup follows a lonely museum curator searching for love. But when the perfect man walks into his life... Well, I guess I'm saying I like you.
Stuff You Should Know
The Chelsea Hotel
To pull off this heist, they'll have to get close and jump into the deep end together. That's a huge leap, Fernando, don't you think?
Stuff You Should Know
The Chelsea Hotel
Listen to The Setup as part of the My Cultura Podcast Network, available on the iHeartRadio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts.
Stuff You Should Know
The Chelsea Hotel
Stuff You Should Know is a production of iHeartRadio. For more podcasts from iHeartRadio, visit the iHeartRadio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you listen to your favorite shows.
Stuff You Should Know
The Scribble on Scrabble
Welcome to Stuff You Should Know, a production of iHeartRadio.
Stuff You Should Know
The Scribble on Scrabble
Stuff You Should Know is a production of iHeartRadio. For more podcasts from iHeartRadio, visit the iHeartRadio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you listen to your favorite shows.
Stuff You Should Know
The History of Refrigeration
Welcome to Stuff You Should Know, a production of iHeartRadio.
Stuff You Should Know
The Catacombs of Paris
Welcome to Stuff You Should Know, a production of iHeartRadio.
Stuff You Should Know
10ish Instances of People Doing Things Out Of Spite
Explosives. Chuck. And Josh. There's stuff you should know.
Stuff You Should Know
10ish Instances of People Doing Things Out Of Spite
Each week, we'll sit down with inspiring figures like David Oyelowo, Mel Robbins, Martin Sheen, Dr. Sanjay Gupta, and Billy Porter, and their plus one, their ride or die, as they share stories never heard before about their remarkable journey.
Stuff You Should Know
10ish Instances of People Doing Things Out Of Spite
Listen to My Legacy on the iHeartRadio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts. This is my legacy.
Stuff You Should Know
10ish Instances of People Doing Things Out Of Spite
Each week, we'll sit down with inspiring figures like David Oyelowo, Mel Robbins, Martin Sheen, Dr. Sanjay Gupta, and Billy Porter, and their plus one, their ride or die, as they share stories never heard before about their remarkable journey.
Stuff You Should Know
10ish Instances of People Doing Things Out Of Spite
Listen to My Legacy on the iHeartRadio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts. This is My Legacy.
Stuff You Should Know
The Assassination of Martin Luther King, Jr. Part II
Since 100% fiber internet makes any home upgrade possible, I can finally live my dream of having my own smart office. I was going to say golf simulator.
Stuff You Should Know
The Assassination of Martin Luther King, Jr. Part II
Get the upgrade you and your devices dream of. Switch to Frontier and experience reliable 100% fiber internet powered by the speed of light. Plan starting at $29.99 per month for fiber 200 internet. Hurry now and get free premium Wi-Fi and free expert installation. Frontier Fiber. Good to go. In select areas, price for 12 months with AutoPay. ETF terms apply. Max speeds wired.
Stuff You Should Know
The Assassination of Martin Luther King, Jr. Part II
Get the upgrade you and your devices dream of. Switch to Frontier Fiber Internet. Plan starting at $29.99 per month for Fiber 200 Internet. Hurry now and get free premium Wi-Fi and free expert installation. Frontier Fiber. Good to go. In select areas, price for 12 months with AutoBay. ETF terms apply. Max speeds wired. Actual average Wi-Fi speed varied.
Stuff You Should Know
The Assassination of Martin Luther King, Jr. Part II
Tariff whiplash is real, folks. And rapidly changing economic policies, they affect all of us to one degree or another. Trump 1.0, so that was more tariff talk. Now we are experiencing the widespread tariff action. Totally scattershot, totally random. The theory, Matt, I think is that we're trading short-term pain for long-term gain. That's the tariff theory, at least.
Stuff You Should Know
The Assassination of Martin Luther King, Jr. Part II
But I have a hard time envisioning the long game rosy outcomes if these policy priorities kind of continue. It can be hard to know how to react to news of accelerating layoffs, increasing stock market volatility. That's why the How to Money podcast exists. We cut through the hype to give you crucial information that can help you to achieve your money goals, no matter what is going on in the world.
Stuff You Should Know
The Assassination of Martin Luther King, Jr. Part II
Yeah, it's our goal to help you make wise money choices that will allow you to build wealth over time and reduce anxiety levels so you can sleep well at night. How to Money comes out three times a week, but our Friday flight episodes speak directly to what's happening in the financial news so you can digest this week's headlines without freaking out.
Stuff You Should Know
The Assassination of Martin Luther King, Jr. Part II
Listen to How to Money on the iHeartRadio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts.
Stuff You Should Know
The Assassination of Martin Luther King, Jr. Part II
Have you ever wondered if your pet is lying to you?
Stuff You Should Know
The Assassination of Martin Luther King, Jr. Part II
Or if hypnotism is real. You will use the suggestion in order to enhance your cognitive control.
Stuff You Should Know
The Assassination of Martin Luther King, Jr. Part II
Well, we have answers for you in the new iHeart original podcast, Science Stuff. Join me, Jorge Cham, as we tackle questions you've always wanted to know the answer to about animals, space, our brains, and our bodies. Questions like, can you survive being cryogenically frozen? This is experimental. This may never work for you.
Stuff You Should Know
The Assassination of Martin Luther King, Jr. Part II
Do you really have to wait 30 minutes after eating before you can go swimming? It's not really a safety issue. It's more of a comfort issue. We'll talk to experts, break it down, and give you easy-to-understand explanations to fascinating scientific questions.
Stuff You Should Know
The Assassination of Martin Luther King, Jr. Part II
So give yourself permission to be a science geek and listen to Science Stuff on the iHeartRadio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts.
Stuff You Should Know
The Assassination of Martin Luther King, Jr. Part II
Actual average and Wi-Fi speed vary.
Stuff You Should Know
The Assassination of Martin Luther King, Jr. Part II
Are your money skills total trash? Well, trust me, you are not alone. Personal finance ignorance is as American as apple pie, but you can improve.
Stuff You Should Know
The Assassination of Martin Luther King, Jr. Part II
Think, Matt, if your emergency fund was invested, especially given the volatility we're experiencing right now. Ouchies. Investing, it is ultimately a necessity, but you've got to keep that emergency fund accessible. It needs to be cash parked in your savings. It's time to learn, and How to Money is here to bring the knowledge.
Stuff You Should Know
The Assassination of Martin Luther King, Jr. Part II
Listen to How to Money on the iHeartRadio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts.
Stuff You Should Know
The Assassination of Martin Luther King, Jr. Part II
Have you ever wondered if your pet is lying to you?
Stuff You Should Know
The Assassination of Martin Luther King, Jr. Part II
Or if hypnotism is real. You will use the suggestion in order to enhance your cognitive control. But what's inside a black hole?
Stuff You Should Know
The Assassination of Martin Luther King, Jr. Part II
Well, we have answers for you in the new iHeart original podcast, Science Stuff. Join me, Jorge Cham, as we answer questions about animals, space, our brains, and our bodies. So give yourself permission to be a science geek and listen to Science Stuff on the iHeart Radio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts.
Stuff You Should Know
The Assassination of Martin Luther King, Jr. Part II
Are your money skills total trash? Well, trust me, you are not alone. Personal finance ignorance is as American as apple pie, but you can improve. Think, Matt, if your emergency fund was invested, especially given the volatility we're experiencing right now. Ouchies. Investing, it is ultimately a necessity, but you've got to keep that emergency fund accessible.
Stuff You Should Know
The Assassination of Martin Luther King, Jr. Part II
It needs to be cash parked in your savings. It's time to learn, and How to Money is here to bring the knowledge. Listen to How to Money on the iHeartRadio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts.
Stuff You Should Know
The Assassination of Martin Luther King, Jr. Part II
Welcome to Stuff You Should Know, a production of iHeartRadio.
Stuff You Should Know
The Assassination of Martin Luther King, Jr. Part II
Get the upgrade you and your devices dream of. Switch to Frontier Fiber Internet. Plan starting at $29.99 per month for Fiber 200 Internet. Hurry now and get free premium Wi-Fi and free expert installation. Frontier Fiber. Good to go. In select areas, press for 12 months with AutoPay. ETF terms apply. Max speeds wired. Actual average Wi-Fi speed varied.
Stuff You Should Know
The Assassination of Martin Luther King, Jr. Part II
Terraflip Flash is real, folks. And rapidly changing economic policies, they affect all of us to one degree or another. Trump 1.0. So that was more tariff talk. Now we are experiencing the widespread tariff action. Totally scattershot. Totally random. The theory, Matt, I think is that we're trading short term pain for long term gain. That's the tariff theory, at least.
Stuff You Should Know
The Assassination of Martin Luther King, Jr. Part II
But I have a hard time envisioning the long game rosy outcomes if these policy priorities kind of continue. It can be hard to know how to react to news of accelerating layoffs, increasing stock market volatility. That's why the How to Money podcast exists. We cut through the hype to give you crucial information that can help you to achieve your money goals, no matter what is going on in the world.
Stuff You Should Know
The Assassination of Martin Luther King, Jr. Part II
Yeah, it's our goal to help you make wise money choices that will allow you to build wealth over time and reduce anxiety levels so you can sleep well at night. How to Money comes out three times a week, but our Friday flight episodes speak directly to what's happening in the financial news so you can digest this week's headlines without freaking out.
Stuff You Should Know
The Assassination of Martin Luther King, Jr. Part II
Listen to How to Money on the iHeartRadio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts.
Stuff You Should Know
The Assassination of Martin Luther King, Jr. Part II
Have you ever wondered if your pet is lying to you?
Stuff You Should Know
The Assassination of Martin Luther King, Jr. Part II
Or if hypnotism is real. You will use the suggestion in order to enhance your cognitive control.
Stuff You Should Know
The Assassination of Martin Luther King, Jr. Part II
Well, we have answers for you in the new iHeart original podcast, Science Stuff. Join me, Jorge Cham, as we tackle questions you've always wanted to know the answer to about animals, space, our brains, and our bodies. Questions like, can you survive being cryogenically frozen? This is experimental. This may never work for you.
Stuff You Should Know
The Assassination of Martin Luther King, Jr. Part II
Do you really have to wait 30 minutes after eating before you can go swimming? It's not really a safety issue. It's more of a comfort issue. We'll talk to experts, break it down, and give you easy-to-understand explanations to fascinating scientific questions.
Stuff You Should Know
The Assassination of Martin Luther King, Jr. Part II
So give yourself permission to be a science geek and listen to Science Stuff on the iHeartRadio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts.
Stuff You Should Know
Forensic Dentistry
Stuff You Should Know is a production of iHeartRadio. For more podcasts from iHeartRadio, visit the iHeartRadio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you listen to your favorite shows.
Stuff You Should Know
Forensic Dentistry
Welcome to Stuff You Should Know, a production of iHeartRadio.
Stuff You Should Know
Give My Regards to the Broadway Episode!
Stuffed with Joshua and Charles Stuff you should
Stuff You Should Know
Give My Regards to the Broadway Episode!
Learning stuff with Joshua and Charles Stuff you should know
Stuff You Should Know
How Automats Worked
Stuff You Should Know is a production of iHeartRadio. For more podcasts from iHeartRadio, visit the iHeartRadio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you listen to your favorite shows.
Stuff You Should Know
How Automats Worked
You know more about the PayPal debit card than you did at the start of this podcast. You know that the PayPal debit card gives you the ability to pay everywhere. You know that you earn 5% cash back on a category of your choosing on up to $1,000 of monthly purchases. And you know that you get to pick a new category every month. Apparel for back to school, groceries for the holidays.
Stuff You Should Know
How Automats Worked
Start earning 5% cash back with the PayPal debit card today. Don't just pay, PayPal. Terms apply. See PayPal app. This card is issued by the Bancorp Bank N.A. Pursuant to license by MasterCard International, Inc.
Stuff You Should Know
How Automats Worked
Welcome to Stuff You Should Know, a production of iHeartRadio.
Stuff You Should Know
The Highway of Tears (And Maybe Hope)
Welcome to Stuff You Should Know, a production of iHeartRadio.
Stuff You Should Know
The Highway of Tears (And Maybe Hope)
This is a con, I'm conning you to get the Delano painting. We could do this together.
Stuff You Should Know
The Highway of Tears (And Maybe Hope)
Fernando's never going to love you as much as he loves this doll.
Stuff You Should Know
The Highway of Tears (And Maybe Hope)
This is a con, I'm conning you. To get the Dilaudo painting, we could do this together.
Stuff You Should Know
The Highway of Tears (And Maybe Hope)
Fernando's never going to love you as much as he loves this doll.
Stuff You Should Know
The Highway of Tears (And Maybe Hope)
Stuff You Should Know is a production of iHeartRadio. For more podcasts from iHeartRadio, visit the iHeartRadio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you listen to your favorite shows.
Stuff You Should Know
D'oh! Operation Flagship
Stuff You Should Know is a production of iHeartRadio. For more podcasts from iHeartRadio, visit the iHeartRadio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you listen to your favorite shows.
Stuff You Should Know
D'oh! Operation Flagship
Welcome to Stuff You Should Know, a production of iHeartRadio.
Stuff You Should Know
Behavioral Priming: Buy, Robot Human!
On November 5th, 2018, at 6.33 a.m., a red Volkswagen Golf was found abandoned in a ditch out in Sleephole Valley. The driver's seat door was open. No traces of footsteps leaving the vehicle. No belongings were found, except for a cassette tape lodged in the player. On that tape were 10... vile, grotesque, horrific stories that to this day have been kept restricted from the public. Until now.
Stuff You Should Know
Behavioral Priming: Buy, Robot Human!
You feel in this too. A horror anthology podcast. Listen on the iHeartRadio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts.
Stuff You Should Know
Behavioral Priming: Buy, Robot Human!
Sonoro and iHeart's My Cultura Podcast Network present The Setup, a new romantic comedy podcast starring Harvey Guillen and Christian Navarro. The Setup follows a lonely museum curator searching for love. But when the perfect man walks into his life...
Stuff You Should Know
Behavioral Priming: Buy, Robot Human!
To pull off this heist, they'll have to get close and jump into the deep end together. That's a huge leap, Fernando, don't you think?
Stuff You Should Know
Behavioral Priming: Buy, Robot Human!
But love is the biggest risk they'll ever take.
Stuff You Should Know
Behavioral Priming: Buy, Robot Human!
Listen to The Setup as part of the My Cultura Podcast Network, available on the iHeartRadio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts.
Stuff You Should Know
The Mysterious Story of Larry Bader
On Saturday, February 22nd at 1.30 p.m. Eastern, it's the Pro Volleyball Federation's first All-Star match. The league's biggest stars will clash in a can't-miss event hosted in the Indy Metro area, home of the Indy Ignite. Catch every serve, spike, and save live on CBS.
Stuff You Should Know
The Mysterious Story of Larry Bader
On Saturday, February 22nd at 1.30 p.m. Eastern, it's the Pro Volleyball Federation's first All-Star match. The league's biggest stars will clash in a can't-miss event hosted in the Indy Metro area, home of the Indy Ignite. Catch every serve, spike, and save live on CBS.
Stuff You Should Know
The Mysterious Story of Larry Bader
Don't miss this historic showdown of volleyball's finest, the Pro Volleyball Federation All-Star match on February 22nd at 1.30 p.m. Be there.
Stuff You Should Know
The Mysterious Story of Larry Bader
Don't miss this historic showdown of volleyball's finest, the Pro Volleyball Federation All-Star match on February 22nd at 1.30 p.m. Be there.
Stuff You Should Know
The Mysterious Story of Larry Bader
Stuff You Should Know is a production of iHeartRadio. For more podcasts from iHeartRadio, visit the iHeartRadio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you listen to your favorite shows.
Stuff You Should Know
The Mysterious Story of Larry Bader
On Saturday, February 22nd at 1.30 p.m. Eastern, it's the Pro Volleyball Federation's first All-Star match. The league's biggest stars will clash in a can't-miss event hosted in the Indy Metro area, home of the Indy Ignite. Catch every serve, spike, and save live on CBS.
Stuff You Should Know
The Mysterious Story of Larry Bader
Don't miss this historic showdown of volleyball's finest, the Pro Volleyball Federation All-Star match on February 22nd at 1.30 p.m. Be there.
Stuff You Should Know
The Mysterious Story of Larry Bader
On Saturday, February 22nd at 1.30 p.m. Eastern, it's the Pro Volleyball Federation's first All-Star match. The league's biggest stars will clash in a can't-miss event hosted in the Indy Metro area, home of the Indy Ignite. Catch every serve, spike, and save live on CBS.
Stuff You Should Know
The Mysterious Story of Larry Bader
Don't miss this historic showdown of volleyball's finest, the Pro Volleyball Federation All-Star match on February 22nd at 1.30 p.m. Be there.
Stuff You Should Know
The Mysterious Story of Larry Bader
Welcome to Stuff You Should Know, a production of iHeartRadio.
Stuff You Should Know
The Pinkerton Detective Agency
Stuff You Should Know is a production of iHeartRadio. For more podcasts from iHeartRadio, visit the iHeartRadio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you listen to your favorite shows.
Stuff You Should Know
The Pinkerton Detective Agency
Welcome to Stuff You Should Know, a production of iHeartRadio.
Stuff You Should Know
Selects: The Deal With Doulas
Welcome to Stuff You Should Know, a production of iHeartRadio.
Stuff You Should Know
Selects: How Jim Henson Worked
I always had to be so good no one could ignore me. Carve my path with data and drive. But some people only see who I am on paper. The paper ceiling. The limitations from degree screens to stereotypes that are holding back over 70 million stars. Workers skill through alternative routes rather than a bachelor's degree. It's time for skills to speak for themselves.
Stuff You Should Know
Selects: How Jim Henson Worked
Find resources for breaking through barriers at taylorpapersceiling.org. Brought to you by Opportunity at Work and the Ad Council.
Stuff You Should Know
Selects: How Jim Henson Worked
I always had to be so good no one could ignore me. Carve my path with data and drive. But some people only see who I am on paper. The paper ceiling. The limitations from degree screens to stereotypes that are holding back over 70 million stars. Workers skilled through alternative routes rather than a bachelor's degree. It's time for skills to speak for themselves.
Stuff You Should Know
Selects: How Jim Henson Worked
Find resources for breaking through barriers at taylorpapersceiling.org. Brought to you by Opportunity at Work and the Ad Council.
Stuff You Should Know
Selects: When Mount St. Helens Blew Its Top
Welcome to Stuff You Should Know, a production of iHeartRadio.
Stuff You Should Know
Selects: Seven - No, Wait, Five - Mysteries of the Art World
Have you ever wondered if your pet is lying to you?
Stuff You Should Know
Selects: Seven - No, Wait, Five - Mysteries of the Art World
Well, we have answers for you in the new iHeart original podcast, Science Stuff. Join me, Jorge Cham, as we tackle questions you've always wanted to know the answer to about animals, space, our brains, and our bodies. Questions like, can you survive being cryogenically frozen? This is experimental. This may never work for you.
Stuff You Should Know
Selects: Seven - No, Wait, Five - Mysteries of the Art World
Do you really have to wait 30 minutes after eating before you can go swimming? It's not really a safety issue. It's more of a comfort issue. We'll talk to experts... break it down, and give you easy-to-understand explanations to fascinating scientific questions.
Stuff You Should Know
Selects: Seven - No, Wait, Five - Mysteries of the Art World
So give yourself permission to be a science geek and listen to Science Stuff on the iHeartRadio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts.
Stuff You Should Know
Selects: Seven - No, Wait, Five - Mysteries of the Art World
When we're five years into Prohibition, the government is starting to go, okay, this isn't working.
Stuff You Should Know
Selects: Seven - No, Wait, Five - Mysteries of the Art World
Join me, Jorge Cham, as we tackle questions you've always wanted to know the answer to about animals, space, our brains, and our bodies. Questions like, can you survive being cryogenically frozen? This is experimental. This may never work for you.
Stuff You Should Know
Selects: Seven - No, Wait, Five - Mysteries of the Art World
Do you really have to wait 30 minutes after eating before you can go swimming? It's not really a safety issue. It's more of a comfort issue. We'll talk to experts, break it down, and give you easy-to-understand explanations to fascinating scientific questions.
Stuff You Should Know
Selects: Seven - No, Wait, Five - Mysteries of the Art World
So give yourself permission to be a science geek and listen to Science Stuff on the iHeartRadio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts.
Stuff You Should Know
Selects: How the Negro Leagues Worked
Welcome to Stuff You Should Know, a production of iHeartRadio.
Stuff You Should Know
Selects: How the Negro Leagues Worked
Stuff You Should Know is a production of iHeartRadio. For more podcasts from iHeartRadio, visit the iHeartRadio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you listen to your favorite shows.
Stuff You Should Know
Selects: Frances Perkins: Influential and Unknown
Stuff You Should Know is a production of iHeartRadio. For more podcasts from iHeartRadio, visit the iHeartRadio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you listen to your favorite shows.
Stuff You Should Know
Selects: Frances Perkins: Influential and Unknown
Welcome to Stuff You Should Know, a production of iHeartRadio.
Stuff You Should Know
Selects: How the Flu Works
Welcome to Stuff You Should Know, a production of iHeartRadio.
Stuff You Should Know
Selects: How the Flu Works
Stuff You Should Know is a production of iHeartRadio. For more podcasts from iHeartRadio, visit the iHeartRadio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you listen to your favorite shows.
Stuff You Should Know
Selects: The Collar Bomb Heist
Welcome to Stuff You Should Know, a production of iHeartRadio.
Stuff You Should Know
Selects: How Electricity Works
Welcome to Stuff You Should Know, a production of iHeartRadio.
Stuff You Should Know
Selects: How Electricity Works
The more you listen to your kids, the closer you'll be. So we asked kids, what do you want your parents to hear?
Stuff You Should Know
Selects: How Electricity Works
Listening is a form of love. Find resources to help you support your kids and their emotional well-being at SoundItOutTogether.org. That's SoundItOutTogether.org. Brought to you by the Ad Council and Pivotal.
Stuff You Should Know
Selects: How Electricity Works
The more you listen to your kids, the closer you'll be. So we asked kids, what do you want your parents to hear?
Stuff You Should Know
Selects: How Electricity Works
Listening is a form of love. Find resources to help you support your kids and their emotional well-being at SoundItOutTogether.org. That's SoundItOutTogether.org. Brought to you by the Ad Council and Pivotal.
Stuff You Should Know
Selects: How Electricity Works
Stuff You Should Know is a production of iHeartRadio. For more podcasts from iHeartRadio, visit the iHeartRadio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you listen to your favorite shows.
Stuff You Should Know
Selects: Agatha Christie: Queen of the Murder Mystery
Something unexpected happened after Jeremy Scott confessed to killing Michelle Schofield in Bone Valley Season 1. I just knew him as a kid. Long, silent voices from his past came forward.
Stuff You Should Know
Selects: Agatha Christie: Queen of the Murder Mystery
And they had secrets of their own to share.
Stuff You Should Know
Selects: Agatha Christie: Queen of the Murder Mystery
I was no longer just telling the story. I was part of it.
Stuff You Should Know
Selects: Agatha Christie: Queen of the Murder Mystery
I was becoming the bridge between a killer and the son he'd never known.
Stuff You Should Know
Selects: Agatha Christie: Queen of the Murder Mystery
I never expected to find myself in this place. Now, I need to tell you how I got here.
Stuff You Should Know
Selects: Agatha Christie: Queen of the Murder Mystery
Bone Valley, Season 2. Jeremy.
Stuff You Should Know
Selects: Agatha Christie: Queen of the Murder Mystery
Listen to new episodes of Bone Valley, Season 2, starting April 9th on the iHeartRadio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts. And to hear the entire new season ad-free with exclusive content starting April 9th, subscribe to Lava for Good Plus on Apple Podcasts.
Stuff You Should Know
Selects: Agatha Christie: Queen of the Murder Mystery
Thank you. Thank you. Thank you.
Stuff You Should Know
Selects: Are crickets the future of food?
Finally, our Nemo Boards shop also makes a good figure on mobile devices. And the illustrations on the boards are now much, much clearer, which is also important to us and what also makes up our brand.
Stuff You Should Know
Selects: Are crickets the future of food?
Start your test today for one euro per month on shopify.de slash radio.
Stuff You Should Know
Selects: Are crickets the future of food?
He's an endocrinologist who found a way to stimulate insulin-producing cells using, wait for it, the saliva of a Gila monster.
Stuff You Should Know
Selects: Are crickets the future of food?
He's an endocrinologist who found a way to stimulate insulin-producing cells using, wait for it, the saliva of a Gila monster.
Stuff You Should Know
Selects: Are crickets the future of food?
We even talked to some of the experts behind these breakthroughs. It's a week full of fact-packed stories you won't want to miss. So listen to the part-time genius countdown of the 25 greatest science ideas of the past 25 years. Starting Monday, March 3rd on the iHeartRadio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts.
Stuff You Should Know
Selects: Are crickets the future of food?
presented by Elf Beauty, founding partner of iHeart Women's Sports.
Stuff You Should Know
Selects: Are crickets the future of food?
We even talked to some of the experts behind these breakthroughs. It's a week full of fact-packed stories you won't want to miss. So listen to the part-time genius countdown of the 25 greatest science ideas of the past 25 years. Starting Monday, March 3rd on the iHeartRadio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts.
Stuff You Should Know
Selects: Are crickets the future of food?
Presented by Elf Beauty, founding partner of iHeart Women's Sports.
Stuff You Should Know
Selects: How Itching Works
Getting diagnosed with metastatic breast cancer, or MBC, which is breast cancer that is spread to other parts of the body, can feel overwhelming. But you have options. Real women across the country with HR-positive HER2-negative MBC are taking Ibran's PalboCyclib, a Pfizer product.
Stuff You Should Know
Selects: How Itching Works
Prescription Ibran's 125mg tablets with an aromatase inhibitor is for adults with HR-positive HER2-negative MBC as the first hormonal-based therapy. Eye brands may cause low white blood cell counts that may lead to serious infections. Eye brands may cause severe inflammation of the lungs. Both of these can lead to death.
Stuff You Should Know
Selects: How Itching Works
Tell your doctor if you have new or worsening chest pain, cough, or trouble breathing. Before taking eye brands, tell your doctor if you have fever, chills, or other signs of infection, liver or kidney problems, are nursing, pregnant, or plan to be, all medical conditions you have, and about all the medicines you take. For more information about side effects, talk to your doctor.
Stuff You Should Know
Selects: How Itching Works
Talk to your doctor about Ibrance, the number one prescribed FDA-approved oral combination treatment for HR-positive HER2-negative MBC. Visit Ibrance.com or call 1-844-9-Ibrance.
Stuff You Should Know
Selects: How Itching Works
Oh, such a clutch off-season pickup, Dave. I know, right? I was worried we'd bring back the same team. Oh, no, I meant those blackout motorized shades. MVP of the room. Blinds.com made it crazy affordable to replace our old blinds. Hard to install? No, it's easy. Even you could do it. Nice. I installed these and then got some for my mom, too. You fly across the country to do the install? Nope.
Stuff You Should Know
Selects: How Itching Works
Blinds.com can do it all. All she had to do was pick what she wanted. She talked to a design consultant for free and scheduled a professional measure and install. Look at you, a Hall of Fame son. Oh, I just picked the winning team. They're the number one online retailer of custom window coverings in the world. Oh, Blinds.com is the GOAT. The GOAT.
Stuff You Should Know
Selects: How Itching Works
Shop Blinds.com right now and get up to 45% off select styles and a 100% satisfaction guarantee. Save up to 45% at Blinds.com. Blinds.com. Rules and restrictions may apply.
Stuff You Should Know
Selects: How Itching Works
The new year's here. It's the perfect time to refresh those household essentials and score some cashback rewards with Colgate Palmolive. From toothpaste to dish soap, chances are you've got Colgate Palmolive products on your shopping list and in your house right now. We're talking brands like Colgate, Soft Soap, Palmolive, Irish Spring, Fabuloso, and Tom's of Maine.
Stuff You Should Know
Selects: How Itching Works
And right now, you can get up to a $10 digital Visa prepaid card when you buy up to $30 of Colgate-Palmolive products. Here's how it works. Spend $20 on their products, get $5. Spend $30, get a $10 reward. All you do is shop your favorite brands, snap a pic of your receipt, and upload it to cprewards.com. It's so easy. That's cprewards.com. So grab what you need. Or maybe try something new.
Stuff You Should Know
Selects: How Itching Works
And get rewarded just for doing your usual shopping. And start your year fresh by earning cash back rewards with Colgate Palmolive. Rewards available while supplies last. Limit supply. U.S. only. 1-125-331-25. For full terms and conditions, visit cprewards.com.
Stuff You Should Know
Selects: How Itching Works
Here's to those who have been touched by metastatic breast cancer, or MBC, which is breast cancer that is spread to other parts of the body. Celebrating the patients, caregivers, healthcare providers, scientists, and others who have been part of the HR-positive, HER2-negative MBC community with Eyebrance, Palpacyclib, a Pfizer product.
Stuff You Should Know
Selects: How Itching Works
Prescription Ibrants, 125 milligram tablets with an aromatase inhibitor is for adults with HR positive HER2 negative MBC as the first hormonal based therapy. Ibrants may cause low white blood cell counts that may lead to serious infections. Ibrants may cause severe inflammation of the lungs. Both of these can lead to death.
Stuff You Should Know
Selects: How Itching Works
Tell your doctor if you have new or worsening chest pain, cough, or trouble breathing. Before taking iBrands, tell your doctor if you have fever, chills, or other signs of infection, liver, or kidney problems. Are nursing, pregnant, or planned to be? All medical conditions you have and about all the medicines you take. For more information about side effects, talk to your doctor.
Stuff You Should Know
Selects: How Itching Works
Talk to your healthcare team about iBrands. Visit iBrands.com or call 1-844-9-iBrands for more information.
Stuff You Should Know
Selects: How Itching Works
The new year's here. It's the perfect time to refresh those household essentials and score some cashback rewards with Colgate Palmolive. From toothpaste to dish soap, chances are you've got Colgate Palmolive products on your shopping list and in your house right now. We're talking brands like Colgate, Soft Soap, Palmolive, Irish Spring, Fabuloso, and Tom's of Maine.
Stuff You Should Know
Selects: How Itching Works
And right now, you can get up to a $10 digital Visa prepaid card when you buy up to $30 of Colgate-Palmolive products. Here's how it works. Spend $20 on their products, get $5. Spend $30, get a $10 reward. All you do is shop your favorite brands, snap a pic of your receipt, and upload it to cprewards.com. It's so easy. That's cprewards.com.
Stuff You Should Know
Selects: How Itching Works
So grab what you need, or maybe try something new, and get rewarded just for doing your usual shopping. And start your year fresh by earning cash back rewards with Colgate Palmolive. Rewards available while supplies last. Limits apply. U.S. only. 1-125-331-25. For full terms and conditions, visit cprewards.com.
Stuff You Should Know
Selects: How Itching Works
During tax season, your sensitive info does a lot of traveling to places you can't control, stopping off at payroll, your accountant or tax preparer, and countless other data centers on its way to the IRS. Any of them can expose you to identity theft because they all have the info on your W-2, just the ticket for criminals to steal your identity.
Stuff You Should Know
Selects: How Itching Works
No wonder the IRS reported tax fraud due to identity theft went up 20% last year. You need LifeLock. They monitor millions of data points per second and alert you to threats you could miss. If your identity is stolen, LifeLock's U.S.-based restoration specialists will fix it, backed by the million-dollar protection package. And restoration is guaranteed, or your money back.
Stuff You Should Know
Selects: How Itching Works
Don't let identity thieves take you for a ride. Get LifeLock protection for tax season and beyond. Join now and save up to 40% your first year. Call 1-800-LifeLock and use promo code iHeart or go to LifeLock.com slash iHeart for 40% off. Terms apply.
Stuff You Should Know
Selects: How Itching Works
Stop hitting snooze on new tech. Upgrade the whole team at Lenovo.com. Unlock AI experiences with the ThinkPad X1 Carbon, powered by Intel Core Ultra processors, so you can work, create, and boost productivity all on one device. Win the tech search for business PCs at Lenovo.com.
Stuff You Should Know
Selects: How Itching Works
Stop hitting snooze on new tech. Upgrade the whole team at Lenovo.com. Unlock AI experiences with the ThinkPad X1 Carbon, powered by Intel Core Ultra processors, so you can work, create, and boost productivity all on one device. Win the tech search for business PCs at Lenovo.com.
Stuff You Should Know
Selects: How Itching Works
During tax season, your sensitive info does a lot of traveling to places you can't control, stopping off at payroll, your accountant or tax preparer, and countless other data centers on its way to the IRS. Any of them can expose you to identity theft because they all have the info on your W-2, just the ticket for criminals to steal your identity.
Stuff You Should Know
Selects: How Itching Works
No wonder the IRS reported tax fraud due to identity theft went up 20% last year. You need LifeLock. They monitor millions of data points per second and alert you to threats you could miss. If your identity is stolen, LifeLock's U.S.-based restoration specialists will fix it, backed by the million-dollar protection package. And restoration is guaranteed, or your money back.
Stuff You Should Know
Selects: How Itching Works
Don't let identity thieves take you for a ride. Get LifeLock protection for tax season and beyond. Join now and save up to 40% your first year. Call 1-800-LifeLock and use promo code iHeart or go to LifeLock.com slash iHeart for 40% off. Terms apply.
Stuff You Should Know
Selects: How Itching Works
The new year's here. It's the perfect time to refresh those household essentials and score some cashback rewards with Colgate Palmolive. From toothpaste to dish soap, chances are you've got Colgate Palmolive products on your shopping list and in your house right now. We're talking brands like Colgate, Soft Soap, Palmolive, Irish Spring, Fabuloso, and Tom's of Maine.
Stuff You Should Know
Selects: How Itching Works
And right now, you can get up to a $10 digital Visa prepaid card when you buy up to $30 of Colgate-Palmolive products. Here's how it works. Spend $20 on their products, get $5. Spend $30, get a $10 reward. All you do is shop your favorite brands, snap a pic of your receipt, and upload it to cprewards.com. It's so easy. That's cprewards.com.
Stuff You Should Know
Selects: How Itching Works
So grab what you need, or maybe try something new, and get rewarded just for doing your usual shopping. And start your year fresh by earning cash back rewards with Colgate Palmolive. Rewards available while supplies last. Limits apply. U.S. only. 1-125-331-25. For full terms and conditions, visit cprewards.com.
Suze Orman's Women & Money (And Everyone Smart Enough To Listen)
Ask KT & Suze Anything: Do You Know The Difference Between Aristocrat and King Stocks?
No probate. Simple.
Suze Orman's Women & Money (And Everyone Smart Enough To Listen)
Ask KT & Suze Anything: Do You Know The Difference Between Aristocrat and King Stocks?
If you liked it.
Suze Orman's Women & Money (And Everyone Smart Enough To Listen)
Ask KT & Suze Anything: Do You Know The Difference Between Aristocrat and King Stocks?
You should consult your own tax, legal, and financial advisors regarding... your particular situation. Neither Susie Orman Media nor Susie Orman accepts any responsibility for any losses which may arise from accessing or reliance on information in this podcast.
Suze Orman's Women & Money (And Everyone Smart Enough To Listen)
Ask KT & Suze Anything: Do You Know The Difference Between Aristocrat and King Stocks?
And to the fullest extent permitted by law, we exclude all liability for loss, damages, direct or indirect, arising from the use of this information. The must-have documents discussed in this podcast are legal documents created by a lawyer and distributed by Hay House.
TED Talks Daily
How to tame your advice monster | Michael Bungay Stanier
That's N-O-V-O-N-O-R-D-I-S-K dot com.
TED Talks Daily
How to tame your advice monster | Michael Bungay Stanier
Dr. Catherine Saunders is a leading obesity specialist at Weill Cornell Medicine and co-founder of Flight Health, a software and clinical services company democratizing access to medical obesity care. One of her goals as a physician is to create a long-term relationship with her patients and break down stigma surrounding obesity.
TED Talks Daily
How to tame your advice monster | Michael Bungay Stanier
She recently sat down with one of her patients, Barbara, to talk about what an empathy and science-based approach to healthcare actually looks like.
TED Talks Daily
Collagen's dirty secret — and its clean future | Fei Luo
Neuroscientist Ethan Cross says you may think it's healthy to vent about what's bothering you, but... The problem is you often leave that conversation feeling really good about the person you just communicated with, but all the negative feelings are still there. Sometimes they're even more activated.
TED Talks Daily
Sunday Pick: Cancelling cancel culture with Loretta Ross | ReThinking with Adam Grant
Dr. Catherine Saunders ist eine leitende Obesity-Spezialistin bei Weill Cornell Medicine und Co-Founder von Flight Health, einer Software- und Klinik-Services-Firma, die den Zugang zu medizinischem Obesity-Bereich demokratisiert. Eines ihrer Ziele als Physikerin ist es, eine langfristige Beziehung mit ihren Patienten zu schaffen und Stigmas um Obesität zu brechen.
TED Talks Daily
Sunday Pick: Cancelling cancel culture with Loretta Ross | ReThinking with Adam Grant
Sie hat vor kurzem mit einem ihrer Patienten, Barbara, darüber gesprochen, was ein Empathie- und wissenschaftsbasierter Ansatz auf die Gesundheit eigentlich aussieht.
TED Talks Daily
Sunday Pick: Cancelling cancel culture with Loretta Ross | ReThinking with Adam Grant
Das ist N-O-V-O-N-O-R-D-I-S-K.com.
TED Talks Daily
Will AI make us the last generation to read and write? | Victor Riparbelli
This is Maya Williams. She is a chief operating officer at a research hospital. In a slam poem shared at the TED and Novo Nordisk salon event, Maya advocates for everyone to recognize healthcare as a fundamental right that must be delivered equitably. Maya has lived with obesity, survived two heart attacks, and an abdominal aortic aneurysm.
TED Talks Daily
Will AI make us the last generation to read and write? | Victor Riparbelli
Today, we sat down with Maya to hear more about her story.
TED Talks Daily
Will AI make us the last generation to read and write? | Victor Riparbelli
Since the staff dismissed her, she wound up having to call a colleague in order to get the care that she needed. It turns out Maya was having an abdominal aortic aneurysm, or AAA, a life-threatening condition.
TED Talks Daily
Will AI make us the last generation to read and write? | Victor Riparbelli
To listen to Maya's TED Talk and learn more about her story, go to TED.com slash NOVO. That's TED.com slash N-O-V-O.
TED Talks Daily
Feeling stuck on climate change? Here’s what to do | Kris De Meyer
That's N-O-V-O-N-O-R-D-I-S-K dot com.
TED Talks Daily
Feeling stuck on climate change? Here’s what to do | Kris De Meyer
Dr. Catherine Saunders is a leading obesity specialist at Weill Cornell Medicine and co-founder of Flight Health, a software and clinical services company democratizing access to medical obesity care. One of her goals as a physician is to create a long-term relationship with her patients and break down stigma surrounding obesity.
TED Talks Daily
Feeling stuck on climate change? Here’s what to do | Kris De Meyer
She recently sat down with one of her patients, Barbara, to talk about what an empathy and science-based approach to healthcare actually looks like.
THREE
Murder in Vacationland | Season 2 Trailer
It was just a few minutes after four on the day before Christmas that Dana took off down this country road on her bicycle. Based on the evidence, someone in a pickup truck forced her off the side of the road and then abducted her.
THREE
Murder in Vacationland | Season 2 Trailer
I have a brief statement about some recent developments in the Dana Ireland case, and then I would be happy to answer any questions you might have.
THREE
Probable Cause | Chapter 8
Now, district attorneys, like all lawyers in the United States of America, take an oath that allows them to practice law. According to the National District Attorneys Association, DAs are tasked with ensuring justice is served by, quote, "...prosecuting individuals accused of committing crimes."
THREE
Probable Cause | Chapter 8
Whatever semblance of a relationship existed between the Hawaii Innocence Project and HPD became non-existent from here on out. Tensions arose with the chief and the Hawaii Innocence Project, each pointing to each other as the reason for the demise.
THREE
Probable Cause | Chapter 8
At the end of the day, there are a whole lot of questions we wish we could get answered, truthfully. But even so, there are so many things we know to be true. First, Ian Schweitzer spent over 20 years behind bars for a crime he didn't commit.
THREE
Probable Cause | Chapter 8
And if we're using the same logic Hawaii PD used when determining if they had probable cause to arrest Albert Laurel Jr., then you could say Ian and Sean's arrests arguably lacked probable cause. Second, there is factually zero forensic evidence connecting Ian Schweitzer, Sean Schweitzer, or Frank Pauline Jr. to the murder of Dana Ireland.
THREE
Probable Cause | Chapter 8
All the prosecution ever had were Frank's obviously unreliable statements. Chief Ben Moskowitz wasn't part of the original investigation into Dana Ireland's murder. And even as of today, he is not the primary investigator on this case. More like the spokesperson. But he assured us during our interview with him that those in charge are on it.
THREE
Probable Cause | Chapter 8
We asked Chief Moskowitz about connecting Laurel to the other forensic evidence at the crime scene, such as the treadmarks. And while they are no longer able to question their newest prime suspect, they do have an important item of his they were able to gather at the site of Laurel Jr. 's death.
THREE
Probable Cause | Chapter 8
That was as of July 2024. And as of today, we are still waiting for answers. At the same time as the Chief's press conference in July of 2024, Ian and Sean Schweitzer are headed back into the same courtroom they had been in several times by this point.
THREE
Probable Cause | Chapter 8
And this time, their hope is to get a little closer to proving factual innocence so Ian and Sean can file a civil suit and receive compensation from the state.
THREE
Probable Cause | Chapter 8
Remember, the state has already dismissed the charges against Ian and Sean, and the world now knows the identity of unknown male number one. So you'd think it wouldn't be too much of a leap for the prosecution to go along with a finding of factual innocence. But the state stands firm in their opposition to it.
THREE
Probable Cause | Chapter 8
They require proof of factual innocence, they say, not merely legal insufficiency or procedural flaws. And this is where I get triggered. The presumption of innocence is one of the bedrock principles of any reputable justice system. The burden is on the state to prove guilt, and that's where it should be.
THREE
Probable Cause | Chapter 8
But once a conviction has happened, the burden of proof shifts, and it's now on a defendant to prove, by meeting various technical legal standards, like a preponderance of the evidence, that they are innocent.
THREE
Probable Cause | Chapter 8
This makes sense in the abstract, but when a wrongful conviction is based on junk science, bogus eyewitness testimony, or a false confession, even after all that bogus evidence is refuted, an innocent person is still often put in the near impossible position of having to prove their innocence. It's incredibly difficult to prove a negative because of another bedrock principle of justice.
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Probable Cause | Chapter 8
Absence of evidence isn't evidence of absence. It is possible to commit a crime and for investigators to fail to pick up your DNA traces. This gives the prosecution lots of room to explain away inconvenient facts. In my case, after my acquittal, when I was retried for the same crime, there was no longer any DNA to hang the case on.
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Probable Cause | Chapter 8
That supposed evidence had already been ruled lab contamination by independent experts. And so the prosecution argued a case based entirely on character evidence, that I was the kind of person who would orchestrate a murder orgy. It didn't matter that there was no forensic evidence linking me to the crime. I was found guilty again.
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Probable Cause | Chapter 8
It was like my guilt was presumed as a default state of affairs, and I had to somehow convince them out of that. This happens frequently in wrongful convictions, and it's the same position the Schweitzer brothers find themselves in when trying to convince the state of Hawaii to declare them factually innocent.
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Probable Cause | Chapter 8
On Tuesday, July 30th, 2024, Ian, Sean, their mom and dad, and other members of their family walk into a courtroom once again, alongside their legal teams, and our team, who traveled back to Hawaii as soon as they heard this press conference was happening and the hearing was confirmed. As we've mentioned in previous episodes, factual innocence is a long process.
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Probable Cause | Chapter 8
Everything involving a wrongful conviction takes a lot of time. And time is more precious than ever before, when you've already lost so many years fighting for your freedom. The July 30th hearing lasts almost two hours, and many members of the Schweitzer's legal team speak in front of the judge.
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Probable Cause | Chapter 8
The same judge, Judge Peter Kubota, who overturned the brothers' convictions back in 2023, presides over the hearing.
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Probable Cause | Chapter 8
In her arguments, Shannon Kagawa from the prosecution team is leaning in hard that the statements made and the confessions that were given should be considered credible.
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Probable Cause | Chapter 8
But what about the DNA? Well, the prosecution has a theory for that.
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Probable Cause | Chapter 8
And in my experience, DAs are typically eager to do just that, especially when they have strong evidence, like a DNA match, and especially when the crime is as brutal and shocking as the murder of Dana Ireland. But with wrongful convictions, the egos of law enforcement come into play. DAs like to protect their conviction record and are too often reluctant to admit they got it wrong.
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Probable Cause | Chapter 8
Lynn Kawano from Hawaii News Now breaks the news of the suspect the night before the press conference, sending shockwaves throughout the island.
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Probable Cause | Chapter 8
On July 29th, the Hawaii Police Department holds a press conference, and the chief of Hawaii PD, Ben Moskowitz, notifies the public that, yes, there was a DNA hit. And they did, in fact, go question Albert Laurel Jr. specifically on July 19th.
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Probable Cause | Chapter 8
According to Chief Moskowitz, investigators asked Laurel to come in for an interview, to which he agreed. And during this hour or so interview, they obtained a direct swab for comparison from him. At the time, investigators say they didn't arrest him because they believed there was insufficient evidence to prove he intentionally or knowingly contributed to the death of Dana Ireland.
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Probable Cause | Chapter 8
Once Laurel indicated he wanted to leave, they let him. And shortly thereafter, Albert Laurel Jr. died by suicide, taking whatever truth he carried with him to his grave, leaving the same cloud of doubt hanging over Ian and Sean Schweitzer. Knowing everything we know up until this point, it feels like Laurel Jr. was the key to finally solving Dana's case once and for all and getting true justice.
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Probable Cause | Chapter 8
If Hawaii PD had arrested him instead of letting him leave that day. Chief Moskowitz, however, doesn't view this situation as black and white.
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Probable Cause | Chapter 8
And it's hard not to note that in this case, had they brought Albert Laurel Jr. to trial, there would have been massive media attention on the fact that he'd acted alone, shining a persistent spotlight on the three wrongful prosecutions that preceded it.
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Probable Cause | Chapter 8
Probable cause. A phrase you're going to hear a lot from the chief of police, as well as the Hawaii Innocence Project. It's a principle enshrined in the Fourth Amendment.
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Probable Cause | Chapter 8
The founders left the definition of probable cause vague, just like many terms in the Constitution and Bill of Rights. And it was left to the courts to work out and refine the definition through case law over the last 250 years. And other legal systems around the world have followed suit. There's a version of probable cause in Italian law, for example.
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Probable Cause | Chapter 8
My arrest required probable cause, and the police got it after coercing me into making false statements. Despite how incoherent and self-contradictory those statements were, and how they were contradicted by the physical evidence at the crime scene, my arrest was still validated.
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Probable Cause | Chapter 8
It's not unlike this case, where Frank Pauline's twisting and contradictory stories were obviously unreliable but still sufficient for the police to issue an arrest warrant. That's because, with terms like probable cause, the police walk a fine line. It's often less about what's legal and more about what they can get away with.
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Probable Cause | Chapter 8
If the public is out for blood and they want somebody to be held accountable, as was the case for Dana Ireland's murder, and after the murder of my roommate in Italy, then the courts are less likely to hold police accountable for stepping over the line of what truly constitutes probable cause for arrest, and the police are more likely to take action without sufficient evidence.
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Probable Cause | Chapter 8
This might explain why, during this Zoom call between the judge, the Hawaii Innocence Project, and the DA's office, the prosecution is not forthcoming about what they knew and when, and the judge is forced to press them for information.
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Probable Cause | Chapter 8
What's baffling in this case is that the police had rock-solid evidence, a DNA match, and yet they erred on the side of being overly cautious when it came to probable cause and issuing an arrest warrant for Albert Laurel Jr.
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Probable Cause | Chapter 8
We of course wanted to hear Chief Ben Moskowitz's perspective on this, as well as answers to several other questions. To our surprise, he agreed to sit down with us during the same trip to Hawaii.
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Probable Cause | Chapter 8
Chief Moskowitz claims that the risk they would have been taking by arresting Albert Laurel Jr. at this stage of the investigation was too big a risk to take, one that would have tanked their case down the line if they went to trial.
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Probable Cause | Chapter 8
Ken says that on the Zoom call, Shannon Kagawa is present, but Michael Kagame is tuning in via speakerphone through Shannon, which the judge isn't exactly thrilled about.
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Probable Cause | Chapter 8
Chief Ben Moskowitz wears several hats for the Hawaii Police Department.
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Probable Cause | Chapter 8
This is an interesting point because, yes, it does differ state to state. Some coroners are elected, kind of like sheriffs, but then in other states they are appointed, like police chiefs. Now, if you're a police chief and a coroner, that's a fraught combination.
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Probable Cause | Chapter 8
Coroners are responsible for determining cause and manner of death, and whether they rule a death to be a homicide or suicide or accidental or medical can lead other agencies, like police, to take action against potential perpetrators. In an ideal situation, there would be a firewall between these occupations.
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Probable Cause | Chapter 8
Otherwise, information available to or determined by the coroner can bias an investigation. That's why an independent review, like Chief Moskowitz referred to, is super important.
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Probable Cause | Chapter 8
And along with that responsibility comes access to information. So when Albert Laurel Jr. dies by alleged suicide, Chief Moskowitz is immediately made aware. So he has issues with Ken Lawson calling the morgue in Honolulu.
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Unknown Male #1 | Chapter 6
So you didn't know that going in that she was going to do the stipulation?
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Unknown Male #1 | Chapter 6
It's just it's a very sad case. There's just no winners here. There's no winners. While it's celebratory for the Schweitzer's, I'm so happy for them to have to wait all this time and to finally get this day to see Mama Schweitzer, who's undergoing chemotherapy, to see that her boys are finally both home for Christmas and free and clear of these criminal charges.
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Unknown Male #1 | Chapter 6
This is going to be the best Christmas for them. But she has now breast cancer. She's fighting that and she's going through a lot. And so it's hard. It's, you know, you can't get that time back. But also for Dana Ireland's family, for her sister, it's heartbreaking.
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Unknown Male #1 | Chapter 6
Although both have been exonerated, Knox says that doesn't always mean feeling free.
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Unknown Male #1 | Chapter 6
Both Knox and Schweitzer hope sharing their stories in their own words will help inspire change with these law students and the entire community.
Table Read
Pablo’s Rhino – Act One
Charlie and Marcus sit at the bar flanking Sam, who holds a bottle of wine over his swollen eye. They all look like they've been through the wringer. So, uh, that went well. Charlie pats Sam on the back.
Table Read
Pablo’s Rhino – Act One
I've been living a lie. Charlie and Marcus exchange a look, a beat, they crack up.
Table Read
Pablo’s Rhino – Act One
A barman comes over and whispers into Marcus's ear. He downs his drink and makes his way towards the kitchen.
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Pablo’s Rhino – Act One
Refill? Sam holds up two fingers. OK, I better go see where Marcus ran off to. Charlie makes his way to the kitchen. He's about to push through the swinging doors when he sees Marcus through the portal window in a heated discussion with two South American 40 mob guys. One of them shoves Marcus up against the wall before exiting past Charlie. Marcus sucks in his gut and follows them out.
Table Read
Pablo’s Rhino – Act One
She gestures with her hand, mimicking a surfboard, as if to say, do you surf? Charlie raises a coy eyebrow. Doesn't everybody win? An 18-wheeler pulls up behind Charlie and honks for him to speed up. Charlie crooks an eyebrow at the surfer girl who bites her lower lip and beckons him to follow. She drives off. He steps on the gas but quickly swerves to avoid the truck that just cut him off.
Table Read
Pablo’s Rhino – Act One
No, no, no, no. Count me out. Fuck you mean you're out? Charlie shrugs like it's common knowledge. Counts on his fingers.
Table Read
Pablo’s Rhino – Act One
Sam nods in agreement. Charlie looks back in the direction of the kitchen and crooks an eye at Marcus. Wait, wait, wait, wait, wait. This wouldn't have anything to do with your backer, by chance. Marcus waves off the thought. He whips out a pamphlet and hands it to Charlie. Ah, forget him.
Table Read
Pablo’s Rhino – Act One
Well, let me know if you see him. He's got some explaining to do. Off Sam and Marcus watching him go, cut to exterior Audrey's house day. Charlie parks his car and steps out, shocked by what he sees in the driveway. Ben, in full goalie gear, is duct taped to a hockey net like a drill dummy, while Carla takes slap shots. One ball hits Ben in the chest. Ben winces. Dad! Benny, what the hell is this?
Table Read
Pablo’s Rhino – Act One
Carla offers Charlie the stick, expecting him to back down. No, no, no.
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Pablo’s Rhino – Act One
charlie can feel ben's eyes on him he grabs the stick feels the balance of it in his hands he winds up for the shot carla next time an eight-year-old tells you to tie him up charlie releases top left corner nothing but net think like a grown-up and don't another shot nothing but net just as charlie goes to release his third shot audrey comes out of the house charlie what the are you insane
Table Read
Pablo’s Rhino – Act One
He grunts. He grunts and falls forward with the net falling on top of him.
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Pablo’s Rhino – Act One
He grunts and falls forward with the net falling on top of him. Charlie drops the stick. They rush to Ben.
Table Read
Pablo’s Rhino – Act One
Now he's stuck staring at this jerk's giant bumper sticker that reads, move it or lose it. Charlie honks. He tries to pass, but the truck blocks him at every turn. The trucker chuckles and flips him the bird.
Table Read
Pablo’s Rhino – Act One
Charlie is flummoxed. Really irresponsible, Chuck. You could have seriously hurt the boy. Charlie seethes but decides not to turn it into a thing. I'm sorry, buddy. Are you all right?
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Pablo’s Rhino – Act One
Charlie takes a knee. Ben doesn't want to show he's really not all that disappointed.
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Pablo’s Rhino – Act One
She cackles. Charlie walks off, set to blow. Voices swirl in his head.
Table Read
Pablo’s Rhino – Act One
Bang! Charlie turns back and walks right up to Carla. Projecting all the swagger a man in cargo pants can muster.
Table Read
Pablo’s Rhino – Act One
Let's play. Charlie fakes left, moves far right. The truck swerves to block him. Charlie yanks the steering wheel left and veers into oncoming traffic. He shrieks as the car is about to crash. Interior, exterior, Charlie's Volvo, day. Charlie opens his eyes. He is not about to die. The red convertible passes him without incident.
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Pablo’s Rhino – Act One
Carla is stunned. Charlie puts his shades back on, surprised with himself. He walks back to his car. Audrey catches up with him.
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Pablo’s Rhino – Act One
Don't mention it. You know, I kind of felt bad for Carla. So awkward. She smiles. There's still some sweetness left between them.
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Pablo’s Rhino – Act One
Research my new book. It's a thriller. Audrey is impressed. She tries to hide a smile and laugh.
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Pablo’s Rhino – Act One
Maybe it's time to change lanes. Charlie smiles, turns to walk to his car.
Table Read
Pablo’s Rhino – Act One
Charlie winks and turns. His confidence descends into dread. Pre-lapped screaming jet turbines take us to exterior Cartagena Airport runway day establishing. The plane screeches down onto a heat blurred tarmac. over traditional cumbia music. Exterior, Cartagena Airport. Arrivals, exit, day. Slow-mo. Marcus swaggers like Don Johnson. Hair slicked back.
Table Read
Pablo’s Rhino – Act One
Sam, sporting a neckerchief, struts like a peacock. Charlie straggles, covered in sweat, looking green. The front of the airport bustles with fruit vendors, beggars, and touts pushing taxis and brothels.
Table Read
Pablo’s Rhino – Act One
through a camera map from a distance. The guys are oblivious. They are being photographed. Click, photo of Marcus.
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Pablo’s Rhino – Act One
There's a good man. Marcus flips on the bird as he walks off. Exterior, streets of Cartagena, continuous. A couple big sweaty men standing around an old van snicker at Marcus' approach.
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Pablo’s Rhino – Act One
Sure, we take you there, marica. The second trucker reaches behind his back for a pistol.
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Pablo’s Rhino – Act One
Exterior, Streets of Cartagena, convenience stand, continuous. Charlie glumly watches a few street kids playing soccer while he waits. The ball rolls over Charlie's way. He stops it and passes it back to a kid. The kid arcs the ball back to catch it in the nape of his neck. Charlie nods, suitably impressed. The kid smiles and rubs his index finger and thumb together.
Table Read
Pablo’s Rhino – Act One
More honking cars pass as Charlie realizes his daydreaming is holding up traffic. Offscreen. Charlie checks his rearview mirror.
Table Read
Pablo’s Rhino – Act One
All right, kid, that's worth a peso. Charlie takes out his Velcro wallet. The kid kicks the ball right at Charlie's nose. Stunned, he drops the wallet. The kid grabs it and takes off. He gets about 10 feet when he's yanked back hard seconds before a speeding truck almost hits him.
Table Read
Pablo’s Rhino – Act One
Charlie comes running to find Lucia, a stunning Colombian woman, 34, dressed like a female Indiana Jones with no-nonsense attitude. A police badge dangles from her neck.
Table Read
Pablo’s Rhino – Act One
Charlie, still seeing stars, looks up and gets a glimpse of her, backlit by the sun, looking like an angel.
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Pablo’s Rhino – Act One
The kid unwillingly hands her the wallet. She lets him go and he runs off. Lucia opens it and checks Charlie's ID.
Table Read
Pablo’s Rhino – Act One
Thanks, I'll remember that. Marcus and Sam come running up to them. Lucia eyes them all, tosses back the wallet.
Table Read
Pablo’s Rhino – Act One
Definitely. Sam shakes his head and leaves Charlie staring off, smitten. Exterior, Cartagena streets, day. We follow the street kid as he walks past a man, 40s, gobbling a hamburger at a curbside cantina. The man sticks out his foot and blocks the kid. This is Agent Knowles with the DEA, a Miami Vice throwback with perma-stubble.
Table Read
Pablo’s Rhino – Act One
A cop car is pulled up in front of him. Behind the wheel is a no-nonsense female cop, 38, we will come to know as Audrey, Charlie's ex-wife. She exits and approaches. Charlie curses his life.
Table Read
Pablo’s Rhino – Act One
Knowles slides a plate of fries back with 2,000 pesos under it. The kid grabs it all and takes off. A thin man in a straw hat comes out of the cantina, the camera slung around his neck. This is Agent Martinez, 40s.
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Pablo’s Rhino – Act One
Exterior, Cartagena Airport, day. An Eldorado convertible pulls up in front of the guys. Ernie, a skinny kid, 20s, in cheap sunglasses, flashes a wide grin.
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Pablo’s Rhino – Act One
Call me Ernie. Ernie pops the trunk, hops out, and opens the doors. Ah, what did I tell you?
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Pablo’s Rhino – Act One
I'd hate to see last class. Ernie grabs their bags and throws them in the trunk. As Charlie gets in, he spots Lucia across the street. Hey, Charlie, isn't that your dream girl?
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Pablo’s Rhino – Act One
Exterior, Colombian countryside, driving day. Ernie switches on some reggaeton music as the guys take in the colorful Colombian cityscape.
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Pablo’s Rhino – Act One
Are you kidding? Escobar, you tit. I knew that. Who's Pablo Escobar? They all look at Sam like he's got nipples for eyes. Only the richest, most notorious drug lord in history. Ernie's megawatt smile is momentarily replaced by a haunted expression. Mira, escuche.
Table Read
Pablo’s Rhino – Act One
Cut to exterior, finca hideaway, day establishing. Angle on an idyllic pastoral scene of a country farmhouse until we notice the armed guards in full-on camouflage. Interior, finca hideaway, front hall, day. Maria Chung, 42, a five-foot-nothing, spunky, big-haired ball-buster of an Asian woman carrying her yappy lasso-opso like a clutch handbag and a rolled-up newspaper in the other hand.
Table Read
Pablo’s Rhino – Act One
Smack. Maria swats in with a paper and then storms down the hallway. Interior, Escobar Hideaway, kitchen, day. Pablo, 54, the instantly recognizable mustachioed bear, wears a frilly apron over his safari shirt. He stands in front of a hot stove, chomping on a cigar, making grilled cheeses.
Table Read
Pablo’s Rhino – Act One
Why were you following me? She lowers her mirrored sunglasses and peeks in the back seat. We see a pile of accounting for dummies type of books with Charlie's nerdy face on the cover.
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Pablo’s Rhino – Act One
Pablo's eyes go wide. Uh-oh. He takes the cigar out of his mouth, chucks it out an open window, and waves his hand to clear up the smoke.
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Pablo’s Rhino – Act One
She slams the paper down on the counter. Angle on front page. The headline reads, Escobar dead or alive above a grainy photograph of Pablo in a ball cap and sunglasses walking through a forest like Bigfoot.
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Pablo’s Rhino – Act One
Maria storms out of the kitchen. Pablo tastes his grilled cheese.
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Pablo’s Rhino – Act One
Okay, bad. Cut to exterior front gates, . The car drives to security station flanked by armed guards. Ernie waves and the car is allowed to pass. Exterior, . As the sun dips below the trees, we arrive at an old colonial villa framed by exotic floral topiaries.
Table Read
Pablo’s Rhino – Act One
As the sun dips below the trees, we arrive at an old colonial villa framed by exotic floral topiaries and fountains framed by fruit trees and palm fronds.
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Pablo’s Rhino – Act One
Interior, Pariso Perdido, Villa's Day. Ernie opens the doors to an enormous room. The guys are dumbstruck. The luxurious suite is decked out in a tropical motif with marble floors and gold fixtures. It screams money. You like it, huh?
Table Read
Pablo’s Rhino – Act One
Oh, so magnanimous. Charlie rolls up his window, but Audrey blocks it.
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Pablo’s Rhino – Act One
Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you.
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Pablo’s Rhino – Act One
Charlie salutes her and drives off. Cut to interior, Terrence Coleman's mansion day. A wall of mounted animal heads stare down at Charlie. They've all been stuffed to look like they're smiling. Charlie stares at a mount that has a mirror in place of a head. Beneath it is an engraved plaque that reads, You could be next.
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Pablo’s Rhino – Act One
Charlie turns to meet Terrence Coleman, 70s, an imposing man in a smoking jacket with a rifle tucked under one arm.
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Pablo’s Rhino – Act One
, , , , , ,, P. P. P. P. P. P,實 ac la, ac , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , 100 didnt la e e e e e e e e e e e e e e e e e e e e e out P P P P P P P P P P P P P P P P P P P P P P P P P P P P P P P P P P P P P P P P P P P P P P P P P P P P P P P P P P P P P P P P P P P P P P P P P P P P P la la la la la la la la la la la la la la la la la la la la la la la la la la la la la la la la la ,Gத gi la ,Gத gi la la la la la ,G ay g ,G
Table Read
Pablo’s Rhino – Act One
Terrence holds up a finger to gesture he's on a call. We notice he has an earpiece in. Charlie shuffles awkwardly.
Table Read
Pablo’s Rhino – Act One
, , , , , ,, P P P P P P P P P實 , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , a a a a a a to P P P P P P P P P P P P P P P P P P P P P P P P P P P P P P P P P P P P P P P GGGGGG generà generà generà generà generà generà grà grà grà grà grà grà grà grà grà grà grà grà grà grà grà grà grà grà grà grà grà grà grà grà grà grà gr en gr en gr hair g hair g hair g hair g hair g hair g hair g hair g hair g hair g hair g hair g hair g hair ger
Table Read
Pablo’s Rhino – Act One
Terrance hands Charlie the rifle. I'm not really into... Charlie holds it like a dead fish.
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Pablo’s Rhino – Act One
All three move in for a closer look. Ernie checks his head and confirms it. One clean shot right between the eyes.
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Pablo’s Rhino – Act One
Ernie notices a tag on the rhino's ear and stumbles back, does the sign of the cross. Santa Maria, venido de Dios. Marcus reads the tag.
Table Read
Pablo’s Rhino – Act One
Terrance steps behind Charlie and positions his arms to show him how to hold it.
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Pablo’s Rhino – Act One
He slaps Charlie on the back. The gun fires, hitting a statue, blowing off its giant cock.
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Pablo’s Rhino – Act One
Terrence turns heel and walks out. Charlie follows. Exterior, cliffside terrace, continuous. Terrence walks up to his butler and hands him his robe.
Table Read
Pablo’s Rhino – Act One
A middle-aged white guy in a short-sleeved button-down collar shirt and brown tie. Handsome if he tried harder. Charlie hums along with his hands gripped firmly at 10 and 2.
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Pablo’s Rhino – Act One
Beneath the robe, he's wearing a full leather body harness with a studded codpiece and nothing else. His nipples are pierced with large bull rings. Coleman Publishing has decided to drop you. What? Why? The butler holds out gloves and marksman sunglasses on a tray. Coleman puts these on.
Table Read
Pablo’s Rhino – Act One
Coleman steps to the edge of a cliff. Charlie peeks. It's a long way down. I can do danger. He recoils at the height, clenches his heart.
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Pablo’s Rhino – Act One
Coleman gives a nod to the butler who hands him one of Charlie's books. He flips to a marked page.
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Pablo’s Rhino – Act One
The butler yanks the skeet lever, shooting off a disc. Coleman falls backwards off the terrace and fires, smashing the clay pigeon to bits.
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Pablo’s Rhino – Act One
The bungee cord snaps back. Minus Coleman. Charlie and the butler casually peer off the ledge and cringe. We see a parachute open up. Cut to exterior, Alta California Public School, day. Charlie pulls up to the front of the school, hits a drive carefully sign. He gets out in a rush to stand it back up. His cell phone rings. Charlie fumbles to answer it.
Table Read
Pablo’s Rhino – Act One
Intercut with exterior, Tropicalli Club, alley, day. Marcus, 42, every part the hairy-chested, gold-chain-wearing club owner is on the other end supervising a delivery of kegs being unloaded. Marcus, I can't talk right now.
Table Read
Pablo’s Rhino – Act One
Pablo's Rhino. Written by Craig Goodwill and Sam Ruano. Inspired by a true story. Fade in. Exterior Pacific Coast Highway, California. Day 2003. A sensible Volvo cruises down an open stretch of California highway. Windows are rolled down. Wouldn't it be nice plays over the stereo. We move in closer for a look at the driver. Interior, exterior, Charlie's Volvo, day. Good old Charlie Bleeker, 42.
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Pablo’s Rhino – Act One
Alleyway. A car pulls up at the other end of the alley. Two burly Latino guys get out. One holds a bat. Back on Marcus.
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Pablo’s Rhino – Act One
Marcus walks away slowly at first, then briskly, the guys follow.
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Pablo’s Rhino – Act One
Charlie hears heavy panting on the line, so he hangs up. Interior, Alta California Public School, hallway, day. Charlie stops in front of a classroom and peeks in, spotting his cherubic son, Ben, eight. He waves. Ben looks up like he's just been caught with his hand in the cookie jar. The teacher, 28, comes over and opens the door for Charlie. Hi, am I too late?
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Pablo’s Rhino – Act One
Donor? A very confused Charlie is led inside to find... Interior Classroom Day. Carla 42, an attractive albeit hulking woman in a security guard uniform, addresses the class beneath a banner that reads, Career Day.
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Pablo’s Rhino – Act One
The kids giggle. Charlie's about to protest, but he looks over at Ben, who begs him with his eyes to keep quiet.
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Pablo’s Rhino – Act One
Carla lifts a pant leg to reveal a taser. She takes it out of its ankle holster and holds it up for everyone to see.
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Pablo’s Rhino – Act One
Carla sits and gives Charlie the old finger guns. Charlie stands and coughs expectantly.
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Pablo’s Rhino – Act One
Charlie nods and walks up to the front awkwardly just as the bell rings. The kids dash out before Charlie can even say hi. Carla swats Charlie on the back as she leaves.
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Pablo’s Rhino – Act One
Ben runs off after his friends, leaving Charlie alone. Cut to exterior, Tropicalli Club, night. A bouncer lets a few people in through the double doors past a sign that reads, closed for private event.
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Pablo’s Rhino – Act One
Interior, Tropicalli Club, night. Sam, 41, stylish with boyish good looks, gives a speech while Stacy, 38, his frisky and perpetually drunk new fiance, keeps fondling his ass, making it even tougher for him to speak.
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Pablo’s Rhino – Act One
Sam's husky dad steps in and grabs a mic as Sam hands a drunk Stacey off to one of her friends.
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Pablo’s Rhino – Act One
The crowd turns to see Philippe XXX, a flamboyant, albeit tiny, French man storming in from the back.
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Pablo’s Rhino – Act One
Charlie and Marcus exchange looks. Oh shit. Crowd turns back to, sorry, do you want to say Philippe or Philipe? Do we have preference?
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Pablo’s Rhino – Act One
Several car lengths behind him, we see a cherry red convertible. The driver is a beautiful sun-kissed surfer girl. Her surfboard is propped up in the passenger seat. She pulls up alongside Charlie, catching and bopping along, and smiles. Charlie's sunglasses flip down unintentionally, but it gets him a laugh. He plays it cool.
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Pablo’s Rhino – Act One
I'll keep calling him Philippe then. Okay, great. Charlie and Marcus exchange looks. Oh shit. Crowd turns back to Philippe, then to Sam, then to Stacy.
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Pablo’s Rhino – Act One
I, I, what I meant was... Sam marinates in everyone's stares, takes a deep breath.
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Pablo’s Rhino – Act One
Drunk Stacy smashes Sam with a right hook. Philippe jumps on Stacy's back. She swings him around, knocks Charlie in the gut. He goes crashing into the drink table. Marcus tries to intervene and gets smashed in the face by Stacy. People stand back and gawk. That's my boy. Dissolve to Interior Tropicali Club Later. Everyone's gone, balloons deflated and the banner torn.
Table Read
Pablo’s Rhino – Act Two
exterior lucia's abuela's house night establishing the sun sets over a modest cinder block house painted in bright colors there's still rebar sticking out of the roof a few chickens peck about the front yard next to a pot-bellied pig lush gardens frame the house on either side interior abuela's house night marcus and sam are clearing off the dinner table while charlie is at the sink washing a few dishes lucia and her abuela grandmother sit at the dinner table
Table Read
Pablo’s Rhino – Act Two
Thank you. Abuela gestures for Lucia to hand her a box off the shelf. Inside is a pipe with some coca leaves. The grandmother starts stuffing her pipe and lights it. She offers some to Marcus, who accepts out of politeness.
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Pablo’s Rhino – Act Two
Charlie is done with the dishes. Lucia grabs a bowl of food scraps from the counter.
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Pablo’s Rhino – Act Two
Meet? Exterior, Abuela's house, twilight. Charlie and Lucia are silhouetted by the waning sunlight as they lean against the pig pen. Lucia feeds them slop.
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Pablo’s Rhino – Act Two
Charlie nudges her flirtatiously. Not everything. Lucia smiles. The pig is pretty cute. She playfully punches his arm. He turns and winces.
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Pablo’s Rhino – Act Two
Lucia takes a long look at Charlie, trying to figure out if this is a line.
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Pablo’s Rhino – Act Two
They draw closer, studying each other. Sam walks out, high as a kite.
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Pablo’s Rhino – Act Two
Cut to interior DEA apartment day. Martinez studies a pinup board of photos. Manny Rojas is prominently identified at the top. His picture branches off into several low-level captains and thugs. Martinez tacks up pictures of Charlie, Marcus, and Sam to the wall next to a photo of Manny Rojas. Agent Knowles enters, loading his pistol.
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Pablo’s Rhino – Act Two
Find us some cheese. They fist bump. Knowles nods at the map on the wall.
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Pablo’s Rhino – Act Two
You ready for this? Martinez smirks, grabs two shotguns from a cabinet and tosses one to Knowles. Martinez pumps his shotgun, thinks a beat.
Table Read
Pablo’s Rhino – Act Two
Knowles pumps his shotgun. Fuck yeah. Exterior, private airstrip, day. A police truck pulls up to an old Cessna passenger plane with Charlie, Sam, and Marcus in the back. Lucia rides up front with Victor, the cop Charlie puked on, behind the wheel. They get out to open the door for the guys. Charlie has tape over his mouth. He screams when Victor peels it off.
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Pablo’s Rhino – Act Two
Well, now we'll never know. She's charmed by this. Lucia takes the keys from her partner and undoes Charlie's cuffs herself.
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Pablo’s Rhino – Act Two
Hasta luego, Lucia de mis sueños. They share a brief moment. Marcus and Sam roll their eyes. Hate to break up this, whatever this is, but great to meet you. You're extremely hot. Charlie, get the fuck on the plane. The plane door opens. Out steps Manny Rojas, a gangster in a white pinstripe suit. Several of Manny's henchmen follow, cocking their guns. One puts a gun to Lucia's head.
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Pablo’s Rhino – Act Two
Cartel Guy spins the pistol's chamber and snaps it shut. Act 2. Exterior, deep jungle, day. Sam is still trying to process. Charlie's in shock, and Marcus Pace is trying to think it out.
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Pablo’s Rhino – Act Two
Marcus, what is he talking about? One of the henchmen steps forward and puts a black bag over each of their heads. Manny walks up to Charlie.
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Pablo’s Rhino – Act Two
Manny's voice trails off as Charlie loses consciousness. You've been traded. Cut to interior, Finca hideaway, Pablo's private study later. Charlie's vision slowly adjusts as he starts to come around. He sits up, still handcuffed.
Table Read
Pablo’s Rhino – Act Two
The room is decked out, top to bottom in rhinoceros paraphernalia and tchotchkes, including a big velvet painting of a naked cigar-chomping Pablo straddling the now-deceased rhino over the mantle. Pablo pops his head into Charlie's field of vision. He's always smiling. There he is. The famous rhino killer.
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Pablo’s Rhino – Act Two
Pablo whistles. The double doors swing open. Marcus and Sam, still wearing hoods, get tossed in by a gargantuan thug. They stumble around like idiots bumping into each other before the thug pushes them to their knees next to Charlie and removes their hoods.
Table Read
Pablo’s Rhino – Act Two
Pablo takes a cigar from his inside jacket pocket and snips the tip with a pair of gold-plated shears. His henchman lights the cigar for him.
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Pablo’s Rhino – Act Two
Marcus looks worried. Sam and Charlie both look at him. Well, I... I, uh... Pablo catches a look on Sam and Charlie's face.
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Pablo’s Rhino – Act Two
Your obligation to Manolo Rojas has been... The henchman brings Pablo a box and opens it for him to reveal the head of Manny Rojas.
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Pablo’s Rhino – Act Two
The guys ponder the thought, simultaneously looking around the jungle, noticing at last that Ernie has taken off. Okay, we should get out of here. Ernie? Ernie? Ernie? Luis?
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Pablo’s Rhino – Act Two
Pablo turns to leave. The henchman steps forward, menacing. Wait! Pablo turns back. I'm sorry, Charlie. Did you have something to add? I'll replace your rhino. Pablo is intrigued. He motions for the henchman to hold off.
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Pablo’s Rhino – Act Two
Pablo, Marcus, and Sam are all surprised by this. There's an uncomfortable silence in the room. Sorry about that. Sometimes it's like I can't even take a piss.
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Pablo’s Rhino – Act Two
Pablo snaps his fingers as he turns to leave again. I know that sound.
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Pablo’s Rhino – Act Two
The henchman returns with Lucia bound and gagged. It's a pistol to her head. Lucia! The henchman pulls the trigger, but the gun isn't loaded.
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Pablo’s Rhino – Act Two
Marcus takes off running. Charlie is right behind him. Guys, come on. I think if we just stay calm, we'll see that this is just... And Sam starts screaming for them to wait up.
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Pablo’s Rhino – Act Two
Exterior, Jungle Road, night. They reach the clearing. There's no sign of Louise or Ernie.
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Pablo’s Rhino – Act Two
Now we get the fuck out of this country, and I mean now. Exterior, deep jungle, later. Knowles and Martinez pull up next to the dead rhino. Martinez hops out and checks the ear tag, displays it for Knowles.
Table Read
Pablo’s Rhino – Act Two
As Knowles and Martinez drive off into the jungle, three menacing-looking men step out of the brush. The men scan the area, guns raised. One of them checks the bullet hole in the Rhino. The two others cross themselves at the mere notion. Exterior, country road, day.
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Pablo’s Rhino – Act Two
An old ranchero on a burrow clip-clops along lazily, towing another larger horse upon which sits Marcus, Charlie, and Sam, covered in mud and twigs, exhausted. The ranchero brings the horse to a stop, points down a side road. They dismount and pay him a few bills. Exterior, front gates, . The guys stroll past the guardhouse. The guard inside is hunched forward, eyes closed.
Table Read
Pablo’s Rhino – Act Two
Some people take no pride in their work. Bet your ass heads are gonna roll when I take over the joint. Sam snaps a photo. They keep walking, oblivious that the guard has three bullet holes in his chest. Exterior, Paraiso, villas, day. The guys reach their villas and find the doors are open. They rush in to inspect. Oh my God, we've been robbed. Charlie comes out a beat later, panicking.
Table Read
Pablo’s Rhino – Act Two
Which makes it so much worse. Sam comes out riding on a postcard.
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Pablo’s Rhino – Act Two
What'd they take from you? Sam lifts his shirt, reveals a bulging money belt. Nada.
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Pablo’s Rhino – Act Two
Marcus comes out with his bag slung over his shoulder and two handfuls of hotel toiletries.
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Pablo’s Rhino – Act Two
They all stop and look around. The grounds. What few people remain, mostly wait staff, are all lying face down, permanently. Must be siesta time. All check their watches. Perfectly plausible. They leave. Exterior jungle road day. The guys walk backwards by the side of the road, bags in tow. They manage to flag down an old yellow school bus. It pulls over a few feet ahead of them.
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Pablo’s Rhino – Act Two
The apathetic driver looks them up and down and waves them in. Exterior, steep mountain pass, day. The bus spews a giant puff of blue diesel smoke as it careens precariously around the edge of a steep cliff. Interior bus, day. The bus is packed with sweaty indigenous laborers, old women fanning themselves, and mothers with young children. Sam sits next to an old man in a straw cowboy hat.
Table Read
Pablo’s Rhino – Act Two
He's got a squirming rooster on his lap. Sam looks down at the rooster and back at the man.
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Pablo’s Rhino – Act Two
May I stroke it? The man smiles, clueless as Sam pets his rooster. Charlie smacks him in the back of the head. The hell's the matter with you?
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Pablo’s Rhino – Act Two
They all turn at the sound of a batshit-looking, one-eyed man slowly sharpening his machete, staring back at them.
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Pablo’s Rhino – Act Two
The old woman seated next to Charlie gnaws on a dried chicken talon. She offers Charlie a nibble, and you're the gags.
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Pablo’s Rhino – Act Two
The bus comes to a stop. The driver opens the door. A cop with an assault rifle steps on and gives a cursory glance at everyone on the bus. Marcus has on the farmer's straw hat pulled over his eyes. Sam has a shawl wrapped snugly around his head while Charlie gnaws on a chicken talon. What's the problem?
Table Read
Pablo’s Rhino – Act Two
The cop steps off the bus. The driver turns back to everyone to let them know what's going on. In Spanish. Naturally, the guys don't understand any of this. People start getting off the bus to stretch their legs. Sam gets up to follow.
Table Read
Pablo’s Rhino – Act Two
Charlie and Marcus look at each other left alone with the smiling machete man still sharpening his blade. Exterior, mountain road, day. Charlie and Marcus step out into the blinding sun. People mill about in front of the bus. Some sit, fanning themselves. Fruit, flour, and barbecue pork stands line the road. Sam stands in a long row of men peeing against a wall.
Table Read
Pablo’s Rhino – Act Two
He checks out what the other guys have to offer, mildly impressed. The accident. The collisions between an overturned Jeep and a fruit truck. The driver of the fruit truck appears banged up, but otherwise unharmed. There's fruit everywhere. Marcus curiously steps in for a closer look and instantly recognizes Ernie and Louise. Their bodies are riddled with bullet holes.
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Pablo’s Rhino – Act Two
Marcus freaks out at this and starts scanning the crowd. He turns to Charlie, who is at this moment dry heaving into a ditch.
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Pablo’s Rhino – Act Two
Marcus drags him over to try and get a closer look. Charlie gasps before spotting Lucia, the woman they met outside the airport.
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Pablo’s Rhino – Act Two
Lucia glances over at Marcus, and for the first time, they realize she's a cop. Lucia is too preoccupied to react. Charlie grabs Marcus and muffles him. Look at that. Classic.
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Pablo’s Rhino – Act Two
Charlie's looking queasy again. What's the matter? A police officer steps in and tries to push the crowd back. Charlie doubles over again.
Table Read
Pablo’s Rhino – Act Two
I think I'm going to be sick. That other cop's coming this way. Be cool. The police officer moves in and tries to push them back. He looks at Charlie, who won't move. Charlie smiles and blows chunks all over the cop. A beat. He looks up apologetically in time to catch the butt of a rifle as it knocks him out. Interior police station later. Over black. Wake up, sweetie. You'll be late for school.
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Pablo’s Rhino – Act Two
Charlie's POV. His eyes slowly adjust to the face of a toothless old drunk picking chunks of puke out of his hair. Charlie uprights to find he's in a jail cell. Packed in with miscreants, drunks, and dirtbags. Please let this be the airport lounge. Guess again. Charlie tries to sit up.
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Pablo’s Rhino – Act Two
Before or after they removed your kidney? Charlie rips open his shirt and feels around. Oh, God. Marcus laughs.
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Pablo’s Rhino – Act Two
Marcus gestures toward the other inmates, cowering in the corner, keeping their distance from them.
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Pablo’s Rhino – Act Two
Pan over. We see Sam chatting up a prison guard. He winks coquettishly and walks back to Marcus and Charlie.
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Pablo’s Rhino – Act Two
Sam smiles deviously at one, then the other. Watch what? What are you talking about?
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Pablo’s Rhino – Act Two
They all look at the guard who gestures suggestively with his tongue. Sam holds up a finger. Un momento.
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Pablo’s Rhino – Act Two
Charlie weighs options after a beat. I'm thinking, fine, let's get this over with. Charlie and Marcus shut their eyes. Neither makes a move.
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Pablo’s Rhino – Act Two
They both glance over at the guard who's watching closely. Marcus and Charlie slowly lean forward, as repulsed as if they were about to swallow a live cockroach. They knock heads, rub faces, everything they can do not to touch lips.
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Pablo’s Rhino – Act Two
Get in there. Marcus's tongue slowly pokes out through clenched lips. The guard and all the other prisoners are really enjoying this when a second guard comes in to Lucia. She smirks, but doesn't stop them.
Table Read
Pablo’s Rhino – Act Two
Three clueless friends on a guy's trip to Colombia accidentally kill Pablo Escobar's beloved pet rhino, luring the notorious drug lord out of hiding after years of being presumed dead. Now, the hunters become the hunted. SFX of a creaking door slowly opening, then closing with a metallic clank. Heavy boots scuff across the floor, followed by a chair scraping as cartel guy sits down. Shh, hey.
Table Read
The Jew Who Saved Christmas - Act 2
Bernie looks down the chimney. Santa, annoyed by her hemming and hawing, pushes his magical bell button, and once again, Bernie is sucked down the chimney. Shoo! Interior, Indiana Orphanage, moments later. Bernie lands on her toughest. What are you doing here? Cool. Peasy peasy. Hello, orphans. Hello.
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The Jew Who Saved Christmas - Act 2
A child, Demetrius, grins ear to ear as he looks up at Santa.
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The Jew Who Saved Christmas - Act 2
We see Santa from Demetrius' POV. He's right. Santa's black. Bernie is confused. So is Cassandra, a little girl wearing glasses and a long dressing gown.
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The Jew Who Saved Christmas - Act 2
Bernie looks down at herself, nervous. They are seeing the real her. From Cassandra's POV, we see a female Santa who looks like Betty White.
Table Read
The Jew Who Saved Christmas - Act 2
The kids argue over what Santa looks like. Bernie thinks for a moment and smiles. She bends down to give a speech.
Table Read
The Jew Who Saved Christmas - Act 2
Bernie stands and starts backing up towards the chimney.
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The Jew Who Saved Christmas - Act 2
Bernie notices a reflection of the perfect Coca-Cola Claus in the mirror.
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The Jew Who Saved Christmas - Act 2
She is sucked up through the chimney. Exterior, rooftop, orphanage, moments later. Bernie shoops out of the chimney and this time lands in a squat, her butt touching the snow.
Table Read
The Jew Who Saved Christmas - Act 2
Santa jumps around to face Bernie, dukes up. He wields a sharpened candy cane like a shiv.
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The Jew Who Saved Christmas - Act 2
Donner leans over and chomps on the butt cane. Bernie throws the sack into the sleigh.
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The Jew Who Saved Christmas - Act 2
Santa gets in the sleigh, and they take flight. Bernie's screams fill the night. Exterior night sky, Midwest montage. An upbeat Christmas song slaps as we see in record speed the sleigh soaring from house to house. Insert shots of the list. Multiple names get checked off in between flights. Weather shots of flurries and drizzles.
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The Jew Who Saved Christmas - Act 2
Clear night skies and shooting stars as they fly over the map of the Midwest. Roof shots of Bernie repeatedly pulling Santa back from ledges as he tries to fight anyone passing by. Belt shots of Santa pushing his belt buckle over and over. Shoop shots of Bernie entering and exiting multiple chimneys. The last shoop lands Bernie inside of an interior middle-class house, Texas, later that night.
Table Read
The Jew Who Saved Christmas - Act 2
The song fades as Bernie enters a dark living room. She heads to the tree. Suddenly, a string is pulled and a light illuminates a little girl, Jeannie, sitting on the couch. Bernie startles. Falling backwards into the tree, she catches her breath.
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The Jew Who Saved Christmas - Act 2
The little girl stares blankly at Santa. From her POV, Santa looks like our traditional Coca-Cola Claus.
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The Jew Who Saved Christmas - Act 2
The little girl doesn't move. Bernie tries to finish delivering presents, but can't.
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The Jew Who Saved Christmas - Act 2
Bernie puts her hand in the sack and a present shoots up. She checks the list.
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The Jew Who Saved Christmas - Act 2
Bernie thinks and decides to take a seat on the couch. Without prompt, Jeannie immediately jumps on her lap.
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The Jew Who Saved Christmas - Act 2
Bernie holds up the LOL doll. Genie smiles and grabs the doll, holding it to her chest lovingly. Bernie stands up and Genie falls off her lap hard.
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The Jew Who Saved Christmas - Act 2
Bernie holds in a big cry. She heads up the chimney. On the mantel, we focus in on an elf on the shelf. The eyes glow green and the head turns to follow Bernie's ascent.
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The Jew Who Saved Christmas - Act 2
Episode 2, Interior, O'Hare Airport, later that night. An asleep Santa, sporting a Wisconsin Dells bucket hat and sunglasses, is haphazardly strung over a baggage cart, being pushed by Bernie.
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The Jew Who Saved Christmas - Act 2
Exterior, Los Angeles sky, later that night. Bernie and Santa are sailing through the smog, and when it clears, Bernie gets a closer look at the temperature. It's 85 degrees.
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The Jew Who Saved Christmas - Act 2
Bernie takes off the Santa hat and glances at still angry, red-eyed Santa.
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The Jew Who Saved Christmas - Act 2
Angry Santa turns a dial and they are blasted with AC. They suddenly land atop of... Exterior, lit loft, TikTok house. Continuous. The house is a McMansion. Bernie hops out of the sleigh. In the front seat, Bernie's phone, filled with missed texts from Eve, glows with a FaceTime call. Bernie tries to hit ignore, but accidentally picks up. Intercut with... Interior, Eve's apartment. Same.
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The Jew Who Saved Christmas - Act 2
Eve is in Christmas jammies on her bed. She erupts with worry.
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The Jew Who Saved Christmas - Act 2
Interior, lit loft, later. Bernie creeps around a dimly lit living room. Every square inch is Instagrammable. There are neon signs, retro arcade machines, and cotton candy dispensers. Bernie hears the party happening outside, but for now, she's alone. She spots a Christmas tree in the corner.
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The Jew Who Saved Christmas - Act 2
Bernie drags the sack over. She opens the list and reads.
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The Jew Who Saved Christmas - Act 2
Bernie sticks her hand in the sack, and a gift flies up.
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The Jew Who Saved Christmas - Act 2
Bernie unpacks more and more gifts until... Santa! Bernie looks up, startled. Is she caught? There's no one around. If they're not talking about her, well, who must they be talking about? Fuck. Bernie sets down the sack and heads towards exterior lit loft backyard moments later.
Table Read
The Jew Who Saved Christmas - Act 2
Bernie takes in a laser-lit trendy Gen Z Christmas party, handfuls of adult-looking teens TikTok dance to the beats, a DJ mans the stage, and sexy elf dress cater waiters hand out festive cocktails. Bernie spots angry Santa holding the hat Bernie left behind. Bernie realizes she is not protected by her Santa identity and is standing in the middle of a party in her Jewy PJs.
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The Jew Who Saved Christmas - Act 2
Eve looks on in confusion as Bernie wheels Santa to the Spirit Airlines counter. Bernie hops over and goes nuts on the computer. Eve looks back and forth from Bernie to Man in Red.
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The Jew Who Saved Christmas - Act 2
She looks like a choogy narc. Bernie passes through overheard in LA convos on her way to Santa.
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The Jew Who Saved Christmas - Act 2
You need to deliver so that my boss... The assistant points to a literal 11-year-old with rainbow hair.
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The Jew Who Saved Christmas - Act 2
The assistant shoves Santa onto the stage. The DJ stops the music. All eyes turn to Santa.
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The Jew Who Saved Christmas - Act 2
The Maccabee Miracle has given Santa Terminator vision. We cut into his POV as he scans the crowd for Bernie. He spots her right as an e-boy douche slithers up, shooting a shot. He immediately gives Bernie the ick.
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The Jew Who Saved Christmas - Act 2
The e-boy douche puts his arm around an uninterested Bernie.
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The Jew Who Saved Christmas - Act 2
The douche isn't listening to Bernie and continues to invade her space. Santa's Terminator vision flashes with threat detected and his hands ball into fists. Santa leaps off the stage. Everyone gasps in fear as Santa slow-mo flies towards e-boy douche. As he sails through the air, Santa's eyes suddenly shoot open. Smash zoom into Santa's eyeball.
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The Jew Who Saved Christmas - Act 2
We enter and see a blonde head slowly rotating, wearing a Christmas cracker crown. As the head spins, the hair turns. Brunette! A bald patch forms in the center of the head. A yarmulke slaps down over the bald spot. A menorah's fourth candle gets lit, and Benjamin's floating head appears.
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The Jew Who Saved Christmas - Act 2
We zoom out of Santa's eyes and find him behind the DJ booth. He grabs the mic.
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The Jew Who Saved Christmas - Act 2
Air horns! Santa drops a fat beat. The crowd erupts with uniform party vibes. Santa grabs a champagne bottle from a nearby server and showers the crowd. These underage kids love it.
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The Jew Who Saved Christmas - Act 2
Bernie fights through bumping and grinding to meet Santa, just in time for him to jump off the stage and crowd surf away.
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The Jew Who Saved Christmas - Act 2
Bernie tries to follow Santa, but gets danced in the opposite direction. She gets booty popped by Juicy Caboosey and falls to the ground, where she spots... Boots with fur. As Bernie army crawls towards the boots, a lacy thong lands atop her head. Bernie peels the undies off.
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The Jew Who Saved Christmas - Act 2
Bernie types vigorously. Eve looks at Bernie's screen.
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The Jew Who Saved Christmas - Act 2
Suddenly, a white glove hand reaches down and hoists Bernie to her feet.
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The Jew Who Saved Christmas - Act 2
Bernie grabs Santa's hand and drags him towards the exit, but he doesn't budge.
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The Jew Who Saved Christmas - Act 2
As Bernie and Santa slap fives, cue pursuit of happiness, or whatever this podcast can afford. epic party montage. Bernie takes a shot. Dance break. Bernie and Santa throw gifts back into the crowd. Dance break. Santa whispers into Jake Paul's ear and his life is forever changed by the magical secret Santa bestowed. Dance break.
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The Jew Who Saved Christmas - Act 2
The debauchery is cut short when Bernie notices a man in a janky Santa suit enter angrily and spot the real Santa.
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The Jew Who Saved Christmas - Act 2
When Bernie sees hired Santa and the stressed assistant approaching, she has to think fast.
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The Jew Who Saved Christmas - Act 2
But... Bernie ignores Santa's protesting and lifts his belt buckle. The e-boy douche misreads what's happening.
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The Jew Who Saved Christmas - Act 2
The e-boy douche eagerly unbuckles his belt. As Bernie pushes Santa's button, she junk punches e-boy before. Hey e-boy, I need that reaction to you getting punched.
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The Jew Who Saved Christmas - Act 2
Okay. Bernie and Santa fly towards the roof. Everyone stares in shock at the magic that just happened before erupting into cheers.
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The Jew Who Saved Christmas - Act 2
Hired Santa throws his hat on the ground in frustration.
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The Jew Who Saved Christmas - Act 2
Exterior, night sky, west coast, later. Santa and Bernie soar through translucent clouds past the yellow moon. The sleigh bumps with a little turbulence.
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The Jew Who Saved Christmas - Act 2
Santa sees Bernie white-knuckling the side of the sleigh.
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The Jew Who Saved Christmas - Act 2
Santa does the sleigh ride TikTok dance. Bernie can't help but laugh. Ha ha!
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The Jew Who Saved Christmas - Act 2
Bernie grabs her tickets and wheels Santa towards security. Interior, boarding tunnel, later. Bernie struggles to figure out the brakes on Santa's wheelchair. She kicks the chair multiple times, making out cold Santa jerk back and forth. She bends down to nonchalantly whisper into his ear.
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The Jew Who Saved Christmas - Act 2
Santa's eyes spring open. We enter and land on the night before Christmas. The book morphs into a Torah that aggressively rolls up. A menorah's fifth candle gets lit and Benjamin's floating head appears.
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The Jew Who Saved Christmas - Act 2
We zoom out of Santa's eye. Bernie continues her speech, not realizing anything's happened.
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The Jew Who Saved Christmas - Act 2
Bernie notices Santa's quiet. Too quiet. In the silence, sleigh bells begin to jingle-jangle in rhythm. Bernie knows something's up.
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The Jew Who Saved Christmas - Act 2
Magically, music swells. Accompanying Santa's song, Bernie looks around for the source. The radio's on.
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The Jew Who Saved Christmas - Act 2
Bernie swings her arms out in musical theater majesty and unaware, knocks the sleigh's lever to autopilot.
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The Jew Who Saved Christmas - Act 2
The reindeer harmonized blues. The song ends with Bernie and Santa in a hug, best friends who are now touched down in the middle of nowhere. Exterior. Middle of nowhere. Daylight. Nothing but ice and glaciers as far as the eye can see. Bernie looks around, confused by her surroundings and the sunlight.
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The Jew Who Saved Christmas - Act 2
Bernie gets out of the sleigh and wanders. As she inspects her surroundings, she doesn't notice the sleigh with Santa in it moving through a portal before it slowly disappears.
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The Jew Who Saved Christmas - Act 2
Bernie turns around and realizes she's completely alone.
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The Jew Who Saved Christmas - Act 2
What was that? She peels herself up. Curiously, Bernie stretches her hand out and slowly reaches a weird ripple in the air. When she pushes her hand through the ripple, it disappears.
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The Jew Who Saved Christmas - Act 2
Bernie lets her body follow through the ripple and enters the looking glass. She emerges inside of, interior, exterior, the real North Pole, continuous. Bernie looks behind her in the icy field she came from, gone, panicked. Bernie checks to make sure her whole bod made it through in one piece. Her bod's there, but it's decked out in Dutch Christmas attire. Bernie Gold has gotten a merry makeover.
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The Jew Who Saved Christmas - Act 2
Hello, yes, what? Why are you yelling? I'm surprised you're even awake. Thought you'd for sure have smoked yourself into a pot coma. Funny you should say that. Why is that funny? You haven't even asked how anyone is. Right.
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The Jew Who Saved Christmas - Act 2
Bernie takes in the stupendous North Pole. It has cobblestone roads made of gingerbread and snow-capped crooked roofs. Bernie, in clogs, awkwardly shuffles down the street. She passes by a tavern serving hot chocolate on tap. There's a farmer's market with candy cane tastings. A fruitcake bakery's automatic machine spits out everyone's least favorite sticky cake.
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The Jew Who Saved Christmas - Act 2
Bernie lands in the town square and runs directly into Sotnick, the head elf. He is surrounded by his brethren, whose names also mean elf in different languages.
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The Jew Who Saved Christmas - Act 2
Bernie looks down to the CGI elves. Think elf on the shelf, but run through AI that has given them extra fingers and teeth.
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The Jew Who Saved Christmas - Act 2
Bernie gasps. Terrifying. Sotnick gets down to business.
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The Jew Who Saved Christmas - Act 2
Sotnick points at Santa, who is humming and swinging around a licorice lamppost.
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The Jew Who Saved Christmas - Act 2
The elves blink back at Bernie in confusion. Hiroto slides under Sotnik's legs.
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The Jew Who Saved Christmas - Act 2
The elves all agree, nodding at each other and murmuring.
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The Jew Who Saved Christmas - Act 2
Santa may be a little... She looks over at Santa, who is doing the Tevye dance.
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The Jew Who Saved Christmas - Act 2
Bernie trails off when she looks at her phone and sees time passing normally.
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The Jew Who Saved Christmas - Act 2
The two elves take off, hopping on their hands and cartwheeling to grab Santa.
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The Jew Who Saved Christmas - Act 2
As Sotnick and Bernie argue, we see Santa evade the elves via breakdance.
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The Jew Who Saved Christmas - Act 2
Bernie and Sotnick are nose-to-nose. Through their profile, we see Santa suddenly freeze mid-Hava Nagila. Santa's eyes spring open. We enter as a sea of red holly berries turn beige and soften into soggy matzo balls. A menorah six candle gets lit, and Benjamin's floating head appears.
Table Read
The Jew Who Saved Christmas - Act 2
We zoom out of Santa's eyes as he falls to the ground. The elves look at him with concern.
Table Read
The Jew Who Saved Christmas - Act 2
Santa sniffs the gingerbread cobblestone before taking a giant bite.
Table Read
The Jew Who Saved Christmas - Act 2
The huge pile of reindeer poop proves his point. Suddenly, Santa makes a mad dash towards the shop. Santa runs into Interior Coco's Tavern Continuous. He slide dives across the counter and hits each tap's lever. He streams steaming hot chocolate into his mouth. He recovers from the burn and immediately goes for more. The elves are in shock. They talk into a walkie.
Table Read
The Jew Who Saved Christmas - Act 2
Exterior, town square, moments later. Harodo's call rings over the loudspeakers. All elves rush after Santa. Bernie is left alone. She calls out after them.
Table Read
The Jew Who Saved Christmas - Act 2
Couldn't agree more. This ain't over. Bernie takes off towards the sleigh. Exterior, North Pole. Time jumps. Sneaky music plays as Santa and Bernie in vignettes creep about, both trying to dodge the elves. On a roof, Santa eats gumdrop shingles, the elves' bottom. On the ground, the elves run past. Letters to Santa mailbox. With the coast clear, Bernie peeps out from the slot.
Table Read
The Jew Who Saved Christmas - Act 2
Her feet shoot out of the bottom as she tiptoes towards the barn, bringing the mailbox with her. In a toy shop, two elves on their work break snack on M&Ms, not noticing a white-gloved hand sneakily partaking in their snack when they grab Santa's hand instead of their treat.
Table Read
The Jew Who Saved Christmas - Act 2
In the town square, the elves chase Santa towards the clock tower, not seeing Bernie die rolling into the barn. Ending the vignettes, Bernie is beckoned by the shiny red sleigh. She approaches and pats the reindeer.
Table Read
The Jew Who Saved Christmas - Act 2
Bernie climbs into the sleigh, flips off autopilot, and takes a deep breath.
Table Read
The Jew Who Saved Christmas - Act 2
Bernie doesn't notice Santa's approach. He's eyeing the reindeer feed and chomps a dangling carrot one bite at a time until it lands him in the sleigh bed. Dasher glares at Santa for eating his carrot. The elves continue their hunt from a distance.
Table Read
The Jew Who Saved Christmas - Act 2
Bernie whips the reins and the reindeer lunge forward, charging. The sleigh glides out of the barn. On the North Pole runway, the elves spot Bernie about to take off.
Table Read
The Jew Who Saved Christmas - Act 2
He smiles up at her, teeth covered in chocolate. The elves are gaining on them, flipping, tumbling, using each other as springboards to catch up. The sleigh tips back. Sotnik jumps into the air, reaching for the rail. In slow motion, Sotnik's fingertips graze the sleigh as it takes off. The sleigh exits the magical force field of the North Pole and leaves the elves in its dust. End of episode two.
Table Read
The Jew Who Saved Christmas - Act 2
Everyone in the tunnel stares at Bernie, who just screamed...
Table Read
The Jew Who Saved Christmas - Act 2
Bernie startles when she notices a bundled boy staring at gold pixie dust swirling out of Santa's open mouth every time he snores.
Table Read
The Jew Who Saved Christmas - Act 2
The line starts to move as everyone boards the plane. Interior, Spirit Airplane, later. Bernie finishes buckling a snooze Santa into his seat. A flight attendant approaches.
Table Read
The Jew Who Saved Christmas - Act 2
Bernie pops open her Ativan bottle. The doors shut loudly. Bernie coolly adjusts her position.
Table Read
The Jew Who Saved Christmas - Act 2
As the plane starts to taxi, Bernie grabs Santa's hand. She shuts her eyes tight.
Table Read
The Jew Who Saved Christmas - Act 2
As Bernie continues to mumble to herself, Santa's eyes bust open, smash zoom into Santa's peeper. We enter his eye and dive through a stocking to emerge in a boiling pot of oil. A menorah's second candle gets lit and Benjamin's floating head appears.
Table Read
The Jew Who Saved Christmas - Act 2
We are sucked out of Santa's iris. His eyes are now vibrating. Bernie feels Santa shaking.
Table Read
The Jew Who Saved Christmas - Act 2
Santa tries to get out of his seat. He flings around, not understanding he's restrained by his seatbelt. He uses the Santa's strength to rip through. He stands up. A buckle flight attendant leans out. Sir, we're still taxiing. The seatbelt light is on.
Table Read
The Jew Who Saved Christmas - Act 2
Santa bangs on the window. The passenger doesn't like what's happening. Take it easy, buddy. Sit down. Bernie grabs Santa's leg.
Table Read
The Jew Who Saved Christmas - Act 2
Santa takes off down the aisle towards the emergency door.
Table Read
The Jew Who Saved Christmas - Act 2
Bernie chases after him. Heroic passengers try to restrain him, but Santa's shifty. A bald air marshal enters the aisle. He whips out his badge. Sir, I am an air marshal. You need to sit down. Bernie struggles to get through the looky-loos to reach Santa.
Table Read
The Jew Who Saved Christmas - Act 2
Santa reaches into his coat. The passengers gasp. He pulls out a toupee. The air marshal's eyes widen.
Table Read
The Jew Who Saved Christmas - Act 2
Smash 2, interior, TSA interrogation room, later. Bernie sits across from Agent Gimble. She's glancing towards a two-way mirror, intercut width, interior, behind the mirror, same, where Santa is being strip searched by police. They pull endless Christmas fun from his person. Back in interrogation room, Agent Gimble smacks the table to get Bernie's attention.
Table Read
The Jew Who Saved Christmas - Act 2
From holding, the police have just pulled a candy cane from Santa's nethers. They are horrified. Agent Gimbel kicks his feet up on the table.
Table Read
The Jew Who Saved Christmas - Act 2
Agent Gimbel tosses an ID towards Bernie. She looks down and takes in Santa's driver's license. It reads, Nicholas Claus, North Pole, 0315, 270 AD. Bernie takes a deep breath. She's exhausted.
Table Read
The Jew Who Saved Christmas - Act 2
From holding, Santa's hands are pressed against the two-way mirror. The strip search gets personal and makes Santa's eyes string open. We smash Zoom into Santa's eyeball, busting through day 25 on an advent calendar. Instead of chocolate is the golden hand of Hamsa. A menorah's third candle gets lit, and Benjamin's floating head appears.
Table Read
The Jew Who Saved Christmas - Act 2
We are sucked out of Santa's iris, and now his eyes are glowing red. Santa slowly turns around. All energy spinning out is now replaced with pure rage. The policemen take a terrified step back. Santa beats the ever-loving shit out of them. Gimble, unaware of what's happening on the other side of the mirror, finishes his speech.
Table Read
The Jew Who Saved Christmas - Act 2
On cue, Santa headbutts the window and smashes it to smithereens. Bernie screams and covers herself from the glass shower. The blow forces Gimble to the floor. Gimble grabs his radio.
Table Read
The Jew Who Saved Christmas - Act 2
Agent Gimble grabs his taser and aims. He shoots at Santa's private parts.
Table Read
The Jew Who Saved Christmas - Act 2
Santa reaches into his pants and pulls out an icy snowball. It's huge. He launches the ball at Gimble. Upon impact, Gimble spits teeth and goes down. Bernie's eyes widen in fear as Santa turns his attention to her. She scoots backwards in terror.
Table Read
The Jew Who Saved Christmas - Act 2
Bernie flinches and then realizes Santa has reached his hand out to her as if to help her up.
Table Read
The Jew Who Saved Christmas - Act 2
Santa yanks Bernie up like a rag doll as he presses his belt buckle that is blinking red and green. The two are shot up through the ceiling. Exterior, O'Hare Airport, moments later. On the roof of the airport, faraway screams are accompanied by the sound of drywall being busted through. Bernie and Santa emerge through the roof. Shingles, glass and dust fly everywhere.
Table Read
The Jew Who Saved Christmas - Act 2
Bernie is covered in the powder as Santa's eyes glow red through his dirt-covered face. As Santa and Bernie fly through the air, they suddenly drop. They're about to crash into pavement when... Santa and Bernie land perfectly inside Santa's sleigh. The reindeer trot in place. Bernie startles as a giant commercial airplane passes them to take off.
Table Read
The Jew Who Saved Christmas - Act 2
She opens her eyes and realizes they're on the runway. Bernie looks at Santa, who is still in Maccabee mode.
Table Read
The Jew Who Saved Christmas - Act 2
Santa smiles with clenched teeth and prompts the reindeer.
Table Read
The Jew Who Saved Christmas - Act 2
The reindeer turn around to look at Santa and see his evil form and... They turn back around and use the tarmac to take flight. Bernie holds on for dear life. Through the hole in the roof, we... Through the hole in the roof, we see Agent Gimble gain consciousness right in time to see the sleigh fly by. In shock, Gimble grabs his cell phone and dials. Mommy, about Santa, you were right.
Table Read
The Jew Who Saved Christmas - Act 2
Exterior rooftop, orphanage, Indiana. Later that night, the sleigh lands atop the roof with a thud. Bernie opens the gate door, falls to her knees, and vomits. Santa grabs the list and presents before marching to the chimney like a possessed zombie.
Table Read
The Jew Who Saved Christmas - Act 2
Santa turns to the reindeer and growls. Donner growls back.
Table Read
The Jew Who Saved Christmas - Act 2
How do I... Bernie gestures to the chimney. Santa takes off his hat and hands it to her.
Table Read
Feed Drop: I Am Echo – Sci-Fi, Secrets & Shalhoub
But is he dead? Or is he reaching out from beyond the grave?
Table Read
Feed Drop: I Am Echo – Sci-Fi, Secrets & Shalhoub
From Voyage Media, producer of the number one hit fiction podcasts Someone is Killing the Wolfhounds, Elucidity, and Sanctuary. Season two of I Am Echo. Available now on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or anywhere you listen to podcasts.
Table Read
Feed Drop: I Am Echo – Sci-Fi, Secrets & Shalhoub
The hit sci-fi thriller podcast I Am Echo returns for season two. Catch up on season one and listen to season two, available now, starring Tony Shalhoub from TV's Monk and the Marvelous Mrs. Maisel.
Table Read
Feed Drop: I Am Echo – Sci-Fi, Secrets & Shalhoub
Catherine's mother, billionaire narcissist Barbara, is imprisoned. Catherine has always believed her mother was responsible for her father's death.
The Action Catalyst
Venturing Boldly, with Priit Martin (Sales, Estonia, Entrepreneurship, Careers)
If you enjoy this podcast, please make sure to subscribe. And to stay updated on everything that the Action Catalyst is up to, make sure to follow us on Facebook and Instagram at Action Catalyst Podcast and on Twitter at Catalyst underscore Action. And thanks for listening.
The Action Catalyst
Venturing Boldly, with Priit Martin (Sales, Estonia, Entrepreneurship, Careers)
Top leaders. Meaningful conversation. Actionable advice. Bulldoze complacency. Ignite inspiration. Create impact. Produced by Southwestern family of companies. This is the Action Catalyst.
The Action Catalyst
From Overlooked to Overbooked, with Luis Baez (Sales, Intrapreneurship, Social Media, Tech)
If you enjoy this podcast, please make sure to subscribe. And to stay updated on everything that the Action Catalyst is up to, make sure to follow us on Facebook and Instagram at Action Catalyst Podcast and on Twitter at Catalyst underscore Action. And thanks for listening.
The Action Catalyst
From Overlooked to Overbooked, with Luis Baez (Sales, Intrapreneurship, Social Media, Tech)
Top leaders, meaningful conversation, actionable advice, bulldoze complacency, ignite inspiration, create impact produced by Southwestern family of companies. This is the action catalyst.
The Action Catalyst
REMASTERED: Values Driven Leadership, with Dina Dwyer-Owens (Franchising, Business, Morals, Ethics)
If you enjoy this podcast, please make sure to subscribe and to stay updated on everything that the Action Catalyst is up to. Make sure to follow us on Facebook and Instagram at Action Catalyst Podcast and on Twitter at Catalyst underscore Action. And as always, thanks for listening.
The Action Catalyst
REMASTERED: Values Driven Leadership, with Dina Dwyer-Owens (Franchising, Business, Morals, Ethics)
top leaders, meaningful conversation, actionable advice, bulldoze complacency, ignite inspiration, create impact. Produced by the Southwestern family of companies, this is The Action Catalyst.
The Action Catalyst
REMASTERED: Protect Your Time, with Christy Wright (Business, Time Management, Success, Author)
Top leaders, meaningful conversation, actionable advice, bulldoze complacency, ignite inspiration, create impact. Produced by Southwestern Family of Companies. This is the Action Catalyst.
The Action Catalyst
REMASTERED: Protect Your Time, with Christy Wright (Business, Time Management, Success, Author)
If you enjoy this podcast, please make sure to subscribe. And to stay updated on everything that the Action Catalyst is up to, make sure to follow us on Facebook and Instagram at Action Catalyst Podcast and on Twitter at Catalyst underscore Action. And thanks for listening.
The Action Catalyst
Passion Struck, with John Miles (Leadership, Self Improvement, Business, Mindset)
Are you interested in advertising with the Action Catalyst? Our listeners could be hearing about your brand right here, right now. For details, shoot us an email at info at theactioncatalyst.com.
The Action Catalyst
Crowd Surfing, with Cassie Petrey (Social Media, Music, Marketing, Business)
Today's guest is Cassie Petrie, CEO and co-founder of social media and music management firm CrowdSurf and a Forbes 30 Under 30, as well as a Billboard 30 Under 30 recipient. Her clients include heavy hitters like the Backstreet Boys, Camila Cabello, and Pink, as well as Apple, Google, and top labels like Universal, Sony, Disney, and more.
The Action Catalyst
Connection Over Perfection, with Matt Abrahams (Communication, Speaking, Behavior, Business)
Are you interested in advertising with The Action Catalyst? Our listeners could be hearing about your brand right here, right now. For details, shoot us an email at info at theactioncatalyst.com.
The Action Catalyst
Connection Over Perfection, with Matt Abrahams (Communication, Speaking, Behavior, Business)
Today's guest is Matt Abrahams, the host of the Think Fast, Talk Smart business podcast from the Stanford Graduate School of Business. as well as an acclaimed strategic communication lecturer and author of the new book, Think Faster, Talk Smarter, which focuses on actionable skills to help even the most anxious speaker under the most frantic circumstances communicate successfully.
The Action Catalyst
REMASTERED: Fascination, Persuasion and Captivation, with Sally Hogshead (Author, Speaker, Advertising, Success)
Top leaders, meaningful conversation, actionable advice, bulldoze complacency, ignite inspiration, create impact. Produced by Southwestern Family of Companies. This is the Action Catalyst.
The Action Catalyst
Possibility, Redefined, with Ron Alford (Leadership, Vision, Confidence, Focus, Running)
Appreciate the time. If you enjoy this podcast, please make sure to subscribe. And to stay updated on everything that the Action Catalyst is up to, make sure to follow us on Facebook and Instagram at Action Catalyst Podcast and on Twitter at Catalyst underscore Action. And thanks for listening.
The Action Catalyst
Possibility, Redefined, with Ron Alford (Leadership, Vision, Confidence, Focus, Running)
Top leaders. Meaningful conversation. Actionable advice. Bulldoze complacency. Ignite inspiration. Create impact. Produced by Southwestern Family of Companies. This is the Action Catalyst.
The Action Catalyst
Possibility, Redefined, with Ron Alford (Leadership, Vision, Confidence, Focus, Running)
Redefining possible. The game-changing guide to overcoming barriers and accomplishing your goals is now available in a newly revised and expanded edition. Author, Ron Alford.
The Action Catalyst
Possibility, Redefined, with Ron Alford (Leadership, Vision, Confidence, Focus, Running)
Redefining possible will inspire you to get outside of your box and live a happier, healthier life. When you order redefining possible today at redefiningpossible.com.
The Action Catalyst
Grammy Winners on The Action Catalyst
Hear his full interview in episode 258 of The Action Catalyst. Next, we welcome Dennis Scott, a former member of the New Christy Minstrels and a two-time Grammy Award winner for his work in children's music, first on an album of country songs for Sesame Street and second for a collection of music from Mr. Fred Rogers. Dennis is also the recipient of two Emmys, a Parents' Choice Award, and a Telly.
The Action Catalyst
Grammy Winners on The Action Catalyst
Dennis shared his experience of coming up through the music industry and winning a Grammy on his first try.
The Action Catalyst
Grammy Winners on The Action Catalyst
We're taking a look back at a pair of Grammy-nominated and Grammy-winning artists that we've had the pleasure of welcoming to The Action Catalyst.
The Action Catalyst
Grammy Winners on The Action Catalyst
We begin with Freddie Revelle, a virtuoso piano player and more, who has performed with some of the biggest names in music, and co-produced and wrote the title track, as well as performed on the George Benson and Al Jarreau album, Given It Up, which won four Grammys in 2007 and was nominated for a fifth.
The Action Catalyst
Grammy Winners on The Action Catalyst
You can hear Dennis' full interview on episode 367 of The Action Catalyst. We hope you've enjoyed.
The Ben Shapiro Show
Ep. 2164 - The Democrats’ 2028 Frontrunner Is…AOC?!
A packed house at Mullet Arena listened as Sanders and AOC underscored the need to come together and be united to fight against a Republican-controlled Congress and president.
The Ben Shapiro Show
Ep. 2143 - The True Faces Of Evil
Why is this about him? I don't know where I'd be if I didn't have you and these kids.
The Bible Recap
Day 072 (Deuteronomy 5-7) - Year 7
Tragically, Jesus has now forced us into a situation where to protect our people, we must consider drastic measures. The people are following a man falsely claiming he raised Lazarus from death. We make sure he's dead.
The Bible in a Year (with Fr. Mike Schmitz)
Day 113: Broken Trust (2025)
Chapter 22 David and his followers at Adulam
The Bible in a Year (with Fr. Mike Schmitz)
Day 113: Broken Trust (2025)
With me you shall be in safekeeping. Psalm 52. Judgment on the deceitful.
The Bible in a Year (with Fr. Mike Schmitz)
Day 113: Broken Trust (2025)
Father in heaven, we give you praise today.
The Bible in a Year (with Fr. Mike Schmitz)
Day 50: Sacrificial Offerings (2025)
Psalm 82. A plea for justice. A Psalm of Asaph.
The Bible in a Year (with Fr. Mike Schmitz)
Day 50: Sacrificial Offerings (2025)
Father in heaven, we thank you for sharing your heart with us.
The Bible in a Year (with Fr. Mike Schmitz)
Day 50: Sacrificial Offerings (2025)
The book of Leviticus chapter 26.
The Bible in a Year (with Fr. Mike Schmitz)
Day 353: Sharing the Gospel (2024)
Peace to all of you that are in Christ. The first letter of Paul to the Thessalonians, chapter one, salutation.
The Bible in a Year (with Fr. Mike Schmitz)
Day 353: Sharing the Gospel (2024)
The book of Proverbs chapter 30 verses 15 and 16.
The Bible in a Year (with Fr. Mike Schmitz)
Day 353: Sharing the Gospel (2024)
Father in heaven, we give you praise. We thank you so much.
The Bible in a Year (with Fr. Mike Schmitz)
Day 15: Leah Feels Unloved (2025)
Job chapter 19 and 20.
The Bible in a Year (with Fr. Mike Schmitz)
Day 15: Leah Feels Unloved (2025)
This is the wicked man's portion from God, the heritage decreed for him by God. Proverbs chapter 3 verses 5 through 8.
The Bible in a Year (with Fr. Mike Schmitz)
Day 71: The Source of the Law (2025)
You shall not forget. Psalm 106, a confession of Israel's sins.
The Bible in a Year (with Fr. Mike Schmitz)
Day 43: The Ark of the Covenant (2025)
This blessing has fallen to me, that I have kept your precepts.
The Bible in a Year (with Fr. Mike Schmitz)
Day 43: The Ark of the Covenant (2025)
The Book of Leviticus Chapter 19 Ritual and Moral Holiness
The Bible in a Year (with Fr. Mike Schmitz)
Day 43: The Ark of the Covenant (2025)
I am the Lord. Psalm 119 verses 1-56 Psalm 119 The Glories of God's Law
The Bible in a Year (with Fr. Mike Schmitz)
Day 64: Consequences of Sin (2025)
I am the Lord your God. The book of Deuteronomy, chapters 13 and 14.
The Bible in a Year (with Fr. Mike Schmitz)
Day 64: Consequences of Sin (2025)
Psalm 96, praise to God who comes in judgment.
The Bible in a Year (with Fr. Mike Schmitz)
Day 64: Consequences of Sin (2025)
He will judge the world with righteousness and the peoples with his truth. Father in heaven, we thank you for your word.
The Bible in a Year (with Fr. Mike Schmitz)
Day 92: Jephthah's Vow (2025)
The book of Judges, chapter nine.
The Bible in a Year (with Fr. Mike Schmitz)
Day 92: Jephthah's Vow (2025)
The Book of Ruth, Chapter 4.
The Bible in a Year (with Fr. Mike Schmitz)
Day 92: Jephthah's Vow (2025)
Father in heaven, we give you praise and glory.
The Bible in a Year (with Fr. Mike Schmitz)
Day 112: True Friendship (2025)
And Jonathan went into the city.
The Bible in a Year (with Fr. Mike Schmitz)
Day 112: True Friendship (2025)
Father in heaven, we give you praise and glory.
The Bible in a Year (with Fr. Mike Schmitz)
Day 42: Moral Laws (2025)
the book of Leviticus chapters 17 and 18.
The Bible in a Year (with Fr. Mike Schmitz)
Day 42: Moral Laws (2025)
I am the Lord your God. Psalm 78, God's goodness and Israel's ingratitude.
The Bible in a Year (with Fr. Mike Schmitz)
Day 91: Gideon's Story (2025)
The Book of Ruth, chapter three.
The Bible in a Year (with Fr. Mike Schmitz)
Day 91: Gideon's Story (2025)
Psalm 135. Praise for God's goodness and might.
The Bible in a Year (with Fr. Mike Schmitz)
Day 91: Gideon's Story (2025)
Praise the Lord. Father in heaven, may your name be praised.
The Bible in a Year (with Fr. Mike Schmitz)
Day 58: A Chosen People (2025)
He is my rock and there is no unrighteousness in him. Father in heaven, we thank you so much for bringing us here again today.
The Bible in a Year (with Fr. Mike Schmitz)
Day 58: A Chosen People (2025)
The book of Deuteronomy chapter 7, A Chosen People.
The Bible in a Year (with Fr. Mike Schmitz)
Day 114: David Saves Keilah (2025)
David eludes Saul in the wilderness.
The Bible in a Year (with Fr. Mike Schmitz)
Day 114: David Saves Keilah (2025)
And David went up from there and dwelt in the strongholds of Ein Gedi. Psalm 54. Prayer for Vindication.
The Bible in a Year (with Fr. Mike Schmitz)
Day 114: David Saves Keilah (2025)
Father in heaven, we give you praise and glory. We thank you.
The Bible in a Year (with Fr. Mike Schmitz)
Day 114: David Saves Keilah (2025)
1 Samuel chapter 23. David saves the city of Keilah.
The Bible in a Year (with Fr. Mike Schmitz)
Day 51: Israel's Worship of God (2025)
Psalm 83 Prayer for Judgment on Israel's Foes A Song A Psalm of Asaph
The Bible in a Year (with Fr. Mike Schmitz)
Day 51: Israel's Worship of God (2025)
Father in heaven, thank you so much.
The Bible in a Year (with Fr. Mike Schmitz)
Day 51: Israel's Worship of God (2025)
The book of Leviticus chapter 27, votive offerings.
The Bible in a Year (with Fr. Mike Schmitz)
Day 44: Priestly Garments (2025)
My flesh trembles for fear of you, and I am afraid of your judgments. Father in heaven, we give you praise, and we thank you for your word.
The Bible in a Year (with Fr. Mike Schmitz)
Day 44: Priestly Garments (2025)
The book of Leviticus chapter 20, penalties for violations.
The Bible in a Year (with Fr. Mike Schmitz)
Day 44: Priestly Garments (2025)
Their blood shall be upon them. Psalm 119 verses 57 through 120.
The Bible in a Year (with Fr. Mike Schmitz)
Day 347: Witness to Unbelievers (2024)
A letter of Paul to the Ephesians. Chapter 1.
The Bible in a Year (with Fr. Mike Schmitz)
Day 347: Witness to Unbelievers (2024)
The Book of Proverbs, chapter 29, verses 18 through 21.
The Bible in a Year (with Fr. Mike Schmitz)
Day 347: Witness to Unbelievers (2024)
He who pampers his servant from childhood will in the end find him his heir. Father in heaven, we give you praise and glory. We thank you.
The Bible in a Year (with Fr. Mike Schmitz)
Day 65: Revolt Against Moses (2025)
the book of Deuteronomy chapter 15 and chapter 16.
The Bible in a Year (with Fr. Mike Schmitz)
Day 65: Revolt Against Moses (2025)
Psalm 97, the glory of God's reign.
The Bible in a Year (with Fr. Mike Schmitz)
Day 65: Revolt Against Moses (2025)
Rejoice in the Lord, O you righteous, and give thanks to his holy name. Father in heaven, we thank you.
The Bible in a Year (with Fr. Mike Schmitz)
Day 117: Reverence and Faithfulness (2025)
Father in heaven, we give you praise and we give you glory.
The Bible in a Year (with Fr. Mike Schmitz)
Day 54: The Tribe of Levi (2025)
The book of Deuteronomy chapter 3. The defeat of Og, the king of Bashan.
The Bible in a Year (with Fr. Mike Schmitz)
Day 54: The Tribe of Levi (2025)
So we remained in the valley opposite Beth Peor. Psalm 87, the joy of living in Zion.
The Bible in a Year (with Fr. Mike Schmitz)
Day 54: The Tribe of Levi (2025)
Singers and dancers alike say, all my springs are in you. Father in heaven, we give you praise and we thank you.
The Bible in a Year (with Fr. Mike Schmitz)
Day 357: Truth and Love (2024)
you and I have ever been given. So we fight to not lose it, but to take hold of it.
The Bible in a Year (with Fr. Mike Schmitz)
Day 357: Truth and Love (2024)
It's been great. It's been great to walk with you.
The Bible in a Year (with Fr. Mike Schmitz)
Day 357: Truth and Love (2024)
Greet the friends, every one of them. The First Letter of Paul to Timothy, Chapter 4.
The Bible in a Year (with Fr. Mike Schmitz)
Day 357: Truth and Love (2024)
Grace be with you. The Book of Proverbs Chapter 30 Verses 29-33
The Bible in a Year (with Fr. Mike Schmitz)
Day 357: Truth and Love (2024)
Father in heaven, we give you praise and glory. We thank you.
The Bible in a Year (with Fr. Mike Schmitz)
Day 47: The Golden Calf (2025)
Exodus chapter 32, the golden calf.
The Bible in a Year (with Fr. Mike Schmitz)
Day 47: The Golden Calf (2025)
The book of Leviticus chapter 23, the Sabbath.
The Bible in a Year (with Fr. Mike Schmitz)
Day 47: The Golden Calf (2025)
Thus Moses declared to the sons of Israel the appointed feasts of the Lord. Psalm 79 A Plea for Mercy for Jerusalem A Psalm of Asaph
The Bible in a Year (with Fr. Mike Schmitz)
Day 350: Faith and Works (2024)
St. Paul's letter to the Philippians, chapter three, loss of all to gain Christ.
The Bible in a Year (with Fr. Mike Schmitz)
Day 350: Faith and Works (2024)
The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit. The book of Proverbs chapter 30 verses 1 through 6.
The Bible in a Year (with Fr. Mike Schmitz)
Day 350: Faith and Works (2024)
Do not add to his words, lest he rebuke you and you be found a liar. Father in heaven, we give you praise and glory. Thank you so much.
The Bible in a Year (with Fr. Mike Schmitz)
Day 68: The Waters of Meribah (2025)
The book of Deuteronomy chapter 21, concerning the slain.
The Bible in a Year (with Fr. Mike Schmitz)
Day 96: Hannah's Prayer (2025)
Psalm 149. Praise for God's goodness to Israel.
The Bible in a Year (with Fr. Mike Schmitz)
Day 96: Hannah's Prayer (2025)
Praise the Lord. Father in heaven, we do give you praise.
The Bible in a Year (with Fr. Mike Schmitz)
Day 356: God Is Love (2024)
Little children, keep yourselves from idols. The first letter of Paul to Timothy.
The Bible in a Year (with Fr. Mike Schmitz)
Day 356: God Is Love (2024)
The book of Proverbs chapter 30 verses 24 through 28.
The Bible in a Year (with Fr. Mike Schmitz)
Day 74: Joshua Appointed (2025)
But no man will buy you. Psalm 112 Blessings of the Righteous
The Bible in a Year (with Fr. Mike Schmitz)
Day 74: Joshua Appointed (2025)
Chapter 28, Daily Offerings.
The Bible in a Year (with Fr. Mike Schmitz)
Day 74: Joshua Appointed (2025)
The Book of Numbers, Chapter 27.
The Bible in a Year (with Fr. Mike Schmitz)
Day 46: Set Apart for God (2025)
The book of Leviticus chapter 22, the use of holy things.
The Bible in a Year (with Fr. Mike Schmitz)
Day 349: Holy Indifference (2024)
The letter of Paul to the Philippians, chapter one, salutation.
The Bible in a Year (with Fr. Mike Schmitz)
Day 349: Holy Indifference (2024)
Father in heaven, we give you praise and glory. We thank you so much.
The Bible in a Year (with Fr. Mike Schmitz)
Day 67: God's Justice and Refuge (2025)
The Book of Deuteronomy Chapter 19 and Chapter 20 Chapter 19 Cities of Refuge
The Bible in a Year (with Fr. Mike Schmitz)
Day 67: God's Justice and Refuge (2025)
Father in heaven, we give you praise.
The Bible in a Year (with Fr. Mike Schmitz)
Day 60: Intercessory Prayer (2025)
The book of Deuteronomy chapter 9.
The Bible in a Year (with Fr. Mike Schmitz)
Day 60: Intercessory Prayer (2025)
Psalm 10, prayer for deliverance from enemies.
The Bible in a Year (with Fr. Mike Schmitz)
Day 90: Ruth and Boaz (2025)
and the land had rest for forty years.
The Bible in a Year (with Fr. Mike Schmitz)
Day 90: Ruth and Boaz (2025)
Psalm 134, praise in the night, a song of ascents.
The Bible in a Year (with Fr. Mike Schmitz)
Day 90: Ruth and Boaz (2025)
Father in heaven, we give you praise. We give you thanks.
The Bible in a Year (with Fr. Mike Schmitz)
Day 83: The Gibeonite Trickery (2025)
Joshua sacrifices and reads the law at Mount Ebal.
The Bible in a Year (with Fr. Mike Schmitz)
Day 83: The Gibeonite Trickery (2025)
Psalm 126, a harvest of joy, a song of ascents.
The Bible in a Year (with Fr. Mike Schmitz)
Day 83: The Gibeonite Trickery (2025)
Father in heaven, we give you praise and glory.
The Bible in a Year (with Fr. Mike Schmitz)
Day 55: Obedience to God (2025)
My companions are in darkness.
The Bible in a Year (with Fr. Mike Schmitz)
Day 55: Obedience to God (2025)
The book of Deuteronomy chapter 4, Moses commands obedience to God.
The Bible in a Year (with Fr. Mike Schmitz)
Day 76: War Against Midian (2025)
The book of Deuteronomy chapter 30, God's fidelity assured.
The Bible in a Year (with Fr. Mike Schmitz)
Day 76: War Against Midian (2025)
Psalm 116, thanksgiving for recovery from illness.
The Bible in a Year (with Fr. Mike Schmitz)
Day 76: War Against Midian (2025)
Praise the Lord. Lord God, we do give you thanks and praise today. We thank you for your word.
The Bible in a Year (with Fr. Mike Schmitz)
Day 351: Draw Near to God (2024)
The Letter of Paul to the Colossians Chapter 1 Salutation
The Bible in a Year (with Fr. Mike Schmitz)
Day 351: Draw Near to God (2024)
The book of Proverbs chapter 30 verses 7 through 9.
The Bible in a Year (with Fr. Mike Schmitz)
Day 351: Draw Near to God (2024)
Father in heaven, we give you praise. Thank you so much.
The Bible in a Year (with Fr. Mike Schmitz)
Day 69: The Bronze Serpent (2025)
The book of Deuteronomy chapter 22, miscellaneous laws.
The Bible in a Year (with Fr. Mike Schmitz)
Day 69: The Bronze Serpent (2025)
Psalm 102, prayer to the eternal King for help.
The Bible in a Year (with Fr. Mike Schmitz)
Day 69: The Bronze Serpent (2025)
Their posterity shall be established before you. Father in heaven, we give you praise and we thank you.
The Bible in a Year (with Fr. Mike Schmitz)
Day 41: The Day of Atonement (2025)
For if you serve their gods, it will surely be a snare to you. Leviticus chapter 16, the day of atonement.
The Bible in a Year (with Fr. Mike Schmitz)
Day 41: The Day of Atonement (2025)
And Moses did as the Lord commanded him.
The Bible in a Year (with Fr. Mike Schmitz)
Day 41: The Day of Atonement (2025)
Father, you are good and you do lead us.
The Bible in a Year (with Fr. Mike Schmitz)
Day 62: Spies Sent to Canaan (2025)
And so we seemed to them Deuteronomy chapter 11, rewards for obedience.
The Bible in a Year (with Fr. Mike Schmitz)
Day 62: Spies Sent to Canaan (2025)
Psalm 94, God the avenger of the righteous.
The Bible in a Year (with Fr. Mike Schmitz)
Day 62: Spies Sent to Canaan (2025)
The Lord our God will wipe them out. Father in heaven, we give you praise and we thank you for your word.
The Bible in a Year (with Fr. Mike Schmitz)
Day 24: Tears of Joy (2025)
What breaks your heart today?
The Bible in a Year (with Fr. Mike Schmitz)
Day 24: Tears of Joy (2025)
For every shepherd is an abomination to the Egyptians. The book of Job chapter 37 and 38, the greatness of God.
The Bible in a Year (with Fr. Mike Schmitz)
Day 24: Tears of Joy (2025)
The book of Proverbs chapter four, verses 20 through 27.
The Bible in a Year (with Fr. Mike Schmitz)
Day 52: Israel Continues to Journey (2025)
Psalm 84, the joy of worship in the temple.
The Bible in a Year (with Fr. Mike Schmitz)
Day 52: Israel Continues to Journey (2025)
O Lord of hosts, blessed is the man who trusts in you. Father in heaven, we glory in you, we praise you.
The Bible in a Year (with Fr. Mike Schmitz)
Day 52: Israel Continues to Journey (2025)
They did according to all that the Lord commanded Moses. The fifth book of Moses, commonly called Deuteronomy.
The Bible in a Year (with Fr. Mike Schmitz)
Day 355: The Things of This World (2024)
by the spirit which he has given us. The second letter of Paul to the Thessalonians, chapter one, Salutation.
The Bible in a Year (with Fr. Mike Schmitz)
Day 355: The Things of This World (2024)
The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all. The book of Proverbs chapter 30 verses 20 through 23.
The Bible in a Year (with Fr. Mike Schmitz)
Day 355: The Things of This World (2024)
An unloved woman when she gets a husband and a maid when she succeeds her mistress. Father in heaven, we give you praise and glory. We thank you so much for this opportunity to be with you today.
The Bible in a Year (with Fr. Mike Schmitz)
Day 45: Pray for Priests (2025)
Seek your servant, for I do not forget your commandments.
The Bible in a Year (with Fr. Mike Schmitz)
Day 45: Pray for Priests (2025)
I am the Lord their God. The book of Leviticus chapter 21, the holiness of priests.
The Bible in a Year (with Fr. Mike Schmitz)
Day 45: Pray for Priests (2025)
Psalm 119 verses 121 to 176.
The Bible in a Year (with Fr. Mike Schmitz)
Day 66: Forbidden Forms of Worship (2025)
Are we all to perish? Deuteronomy chapter 17 and chapter 18, chapter 17, forbidden forms of worship.
The Bible in a Year (with Fr. Mike Schmitz)
Day 66: Forbidden Forms of Worship (2025)
You need not be afraid of him. Psalm 98. Praise the judge of the world.
The Bible in a Year (with Fr. Mike Schmitz)
Day 66: Forbidden Forms of Worship (2025)
Father in heaven, we thank you and give you praise.
The Bible in a Year (with Fr. Mike Schmitz)
Day 38: The Ten Commandments (2025)
The book of Leviticus chapter 13.
The Bible in a Year (with Fr. Mike Schmitz)
Day 38: The Ten Commandments (2025)
Exodus chapter 19 and 20.
The Bible in a Year (with Fr. Mike Schmitz)
Day 3: Noah's Ark (2025)
He did all that God commanded him.
The Bible in a Year (with Fr. Mike Schmitz)
Day 3: Noah's Ark (2025)
Father in heaven, thank you so much for giving us your word.
The Binge Crimes: Finding Mom's Killer
Deadly Fortune | 8. Mommy Di
This podcast is brought to you by June's Journey, an exciting new procedural detective video game. Use your observation skills to find hidden clues and uncover dark secrets. Explore stunning hidden object scenes from New York parlors to Parisian sidewalks. Join June as she unravels the truth behind her sister's mysterious death and you can get creative
The Binge Crimes: Finding Mom's Killer
Deadly Fortune | 8. Mommy Di
Billy Corey and Danny Joe Carter write to the parole board and reveal what they believe to have been a secret deal constituted among Tex MacGyver and the attorneys that will give everyone involved exactly what they want, with the exception of Diane and those who loved her.
The Binge Crimes: Finding Mom's Killer
Deadly Fortune | 8. Mommy Di
July 1st, 2024, the parole board rescinds its intent to release Tex McIver, determining, quote, release would not be compatible with the welfare of society, end quote. It works.
The Binge Crimes: Finding Mom's Killer
Deadly Fortune | 8. Mommy Di
Billy Corey's behind-the-scenes manipulation of the Board of Pardons and Paroles via his and Danny Joe Carter's confidential letters that only we have obtained stopped Texas early parole at the last minute and assures he'll remain in prison until September 1st, 2025. I showed Don Samuel the letter Billy Corey sent to the parole board.
The Binge Crimes: Finding Mom's Killer
Deadly Fortune | 8. Mommy Di
But Tex will get out. How do you feel about Tex getting out of prison?
The Binge Crimes: Finding Mom's Killer
Deadly Fortune | 8. Mommy Di
Have you been spending too much money on takeout apps like me? No judgment. I just received my first every plate order and I'm loving how affordable and flavorful everything is. My current fave is the creamy mushroom steak and Tex-Mex marinated pork tacos. Absolutely delicious.
The Binge Crimes: Finding Mom's Killer
Deadly Fortune | 8. Mommy Di
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The Binge Crimes: Finding Mom's Killer
Deadly Fortune | 8. Mommy Di
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The Binge Crimes: Finding Mom's Killer
Deadly Fortune | 8. Mommy Di
This was all about his son. So when the topic of Austin came up, Craig instantly perked up.
The Binge Crimes: Finding Mom's Killer
Deadly Fortune | 8. Mommy Di
Everyplate offer valid with auto-renewing subscription.
The Binge Crimes: Finding Mom's Killer
Deadly Fortune | 8. Mommy Di
It's December 9th, 2024, just a few weeks before this podcast is set to come out. We've created quite a stir over the last few months in our investigation, no more evidenced by today's events. The camera turns on and we see and hear Tex McIver. He's dressed in the standard prison uniform of white top, white pants.
The Binge Crimes: Finding Mom's Killer
Deadly Fortune | 8. Mommy Di
Inside a conference room in the Augusta State Medical Prison, Tex McIver is set to give a deposition today surrounding the details of Diane's inheritance. As the various legal teams get set up, Tex talks football.
The Binge Crimes: Finding Mom's Killer
Deadly Fortune | 8. Mommy Di
Tex is just about ready to turn 82, and it's been a sad few years living in prison.
The Binge Crimes: Finding Mom's Killer
Deadly Fortune | 8. Mommy Di
Though his term in prison will end in his release in September of 2025, Tex shares a surprising update. He says he's just days from being released on parole. Looks like my parole's going to be granted at long last.
The Binge Crimes: Finding Mom's Killer
Deadly Fortune | 8. Mommy Di
Lawyers from all sides are here. Bob Cheely, representing Craig Schwall, the lawyers for at least five of the cousins of Diane, Mary Margaret Oliver, and her attorney, and Tex's attorney, who he says he's never met before today. Today is a significant reversal of fortune for Tex.
The Binge Crimes: Finding Mom's Killer
Deadly Fortune | 8. Mommy Di
what once looked like a promising inheritance of millions for him once he gets out of prison, is now a highly contested legal fight amongst a wide variety of parties, all with wildly differing interests. Bob Cheely, representing the Schwall family, kicks things off.
The Binge Crimes: Finding Mom's Killer
Deadly Fortune | 8. Mommy Di
Cheely is looking to establish Austin's close relationship with both Diane and Tex.
The Binge Crimes: Finding Mom's Killer
Deadly Fortune | 8. Mommy Di
100 plus. The MacGyvers would often throw extravagant parties out at their ranch for Austin and his friends.
The Binge Crimes: Finding Mom's Killer
Deadly Fortune | 8. Mommy Di
Later on, the proceedings get a little chippy as Cheely and Tex's lawyer get into it. Even Tex seems to revel in the back and forth of this legal one-upsmanship.
The Binge Crimes: Finding Mom's Killer
Deadly Fortune | 8. Mommy Di
If you recall, Diane had an original will that did not include naming Austin Schwall. He hadn't even been born yet at that time. She had intended to update it, but it never happened before her death. Here's Tex.
The Binge Crimes: Finding Mom's Killer
Deadly Fortune | 8. Mommy Di
Tax then makes it clear that Diane did not have designs on leaving her blood relatives any of her inheritance.
The Binge Crimes: Finding Mom's Killer
Deadly Fortune | 8. Mommy Di
During the deposition, Tex said he was clearly in favor of the Schwalls receiving the millions from Diane's estate and not the Cousins. But if no objections, Tex will once again get paid, this time over $300,000. Let me turn to...
The Binge Crimes: Finding Mom's Killer
Deadly Fortune | 8. Mommy Di
So, after all of this, there are three parties staking their claim to the millions from Diane's inheritance. There's a lot riding on the decision for each of the three, each feeling they deserve the money. The Schwalls, the Cousins, and Texx. While we now wait to find out the results of the disputes around Diane's fortune, one thing seems clear. That Tex is removing himself from the millions.
The Binge Crimes: Finding Mom's Killer
Deadly Fortune | 8. Mommy Di
He stated that he now wants Diane's fortune to go to Austin Schwall, except for that $337,000. Why? We didn't get a clear answer. Well, no matter who ends up winning this complicated case once it's decided, what actually happens to the money from there is that person's business. You see, the public will never know.
The Binge Crimes: Finding Mom's Killer
Deadly Fortune | 8. Mommy Di
Though Tex finally did acknowledge that he killed his wife Diane with his gun in the backseat of the SUV that night... The personal, emotional, and financial damage continues to follow so many of us that were close to the McIvers back when things felt, well, normal.
The Binge Crimes: Finding Mom's Killer
Deadly Fortune | 8. Mommy Di
How badly does Billy Corey want Tex to stay in prison?
The Binge Crimes: Finding Mom's Killer
Deadly Fortune | 8. Mommy Di
Do you think he can have a happy life moving forward?
The Binge Crimes: Finding Mom's Killer
Deadly Fortune | 8. Mommy Di
Here's Judge Robert McBurney again on the case from his perspective.
The Binge Crimes: Finding Mom's Killer
Deadly Fortune | 8. Mommy Di
By designing a luxurious island estate complete with sprawling gardens and stunning architecture, you can join a detective club to chat and play with other gamers or compete in the detective league, escape reality, and immerse yourself in a gripping tale where every clue brings you closer to the truth. And you can enjoy seasonal content with changing challenges and exclusive rewards year round.
The Binge Crimes: Finding Mom's Killer
Deadly Fortune | 8. Mommy Di
The interview with Judge McBurney occurred on December 17th, 2024, just days before the wrap of the podcast. We also reached out for comment to the offices of Fonny Willis, Adam Abate, and Mary Margaret Oliver, but received no response. And that same afternoon, as Jason was waiting to start the interview with the judge, I received notice that Tex MacGyver is indeed going to be a free man.
The Binge Crimes: Finding Mom's Killer
Deadly Fortune | 8. Mommy Di
The parole board has approved his release. Just like Tex had said in his deposition, he's going to be a free man very soon. And me? My Nick Carraway experience in this great Gatsby-like story continues to stick with me as I think of Diane's death, her legacy in the community, and the unanswered questions that may take years to answer.
The Binge Crimes: Finding Mom's Killer
Deadly Fortune | 8. Mommy Di
Having spent so many years as an investigative reporter, I never imagined that the story that would have such a massive impact on me would be the one I've been in the middle of now for years.
The Binge Crimes: Finding Mom's Killer
Deadly Fortune | 8. Mommy Di
I've observed a sentiment among our former circle that though we can't bring Diane back and even though it's painful talking about the events publicly like this, our voices together shining a light on the secret deals in this case far outweigh our own squeamishness about it all. Texts may be released any day now. Maybe before this series even comes out. Maybe in the months after.
The Binge Crimes: Finding Mom's Killer
Deadly Fortune | 8. Mommy Di
But most definitely by September 1st, 2025, if nothing else changes. And that means he will be a free man again. But the burden of not only Diane's death, the smell of money, scandal, and never really knowing what led to the tragic events of that night in September 2016 will no doubt follow him well beyond his last days here on Earth.
The Binge Crimes: Finding Mom's Killer
Deadly Fortune | 8. Mommy Di
From Sony Music Entertainment and Waveland Road, you're listening to Deadly Fortune. This is Episode 8, Mommy Die.
The Binge Crimes: Finding Mom's Killer
Deadly Fortune | 8. Mommy Di
Deadly Fortune is a production of Sony Music Entertainment and Waveland Road. I'm your host and reporter, Dale Cardwell. Jason Hoke wrote and produced the series. Our associate producer is Marnie Zambri. Production support provided by Tim Millard. Audio engineering by Shane Freeman. The original score for Deadly Fortune is by Thomas Avery.
The Binge Crimes: Finding Mom's Killer
Deadly Fortune | 8. Mommy Di
Jason Hoke is the executive producer on behalf of Waveland Road. Executive producers for Sony Music Entertainment are Jonathan Hirsch and Catherine St. Louis. If you love the show, tell your friends and don't forget to leave a review. Thanks for listening.
The Binge Crimes: Finding Mom's Killer
Deadly Fortune | 8. Mommy Di
Judge Craig Schwall and the Schwall family are making the legal argument that the money from Diane McIver's estate should go to them and not Tex and not to any of Diane's blood relatives.
The Binge Crimes: Finding Mom's Killer
Deadly Fortune | 8. Mommy Di
I asked Bob Cheely about the blood relatives, a collection of over 20 cousins, and why they wouldn't have standing in their claim to Diane's inheritance.
The Binge Crimes: Finding Mom's Killer
Deadly Fortune | 8. Mommy Di
If the judge rules that the cousins should receive the money and not Austin, what's next for the Schwalls? And forgive me, this is very personal. This is why I didn't want Billy in here. But does Craig believe it was an unintentional act?
The Binge Crimes: Finding Mom's Killer
Deadly Fortune | 8. Mommy Di
I love this game as a fan of true crime, mystery shows, procedurals. It has these incredibly detailed scenes and takes me on the hunt through an investigation. Do you think you can unmask the truth? Download June's Journey for free today on iOS and Android.
The Binge Crimes: Finding Mom's Killer
Deadly Fortune | 8. Mommy Di
And the Schwalls are asking not just for the original $1.4 million insurance settlement money, they're asking for another $3 million from Diane's estate. And in their eyes, they say that no amount of that money should go to tax.
The Binge Crimes: Finding Mom's Killer
Deadly Fortune | 8. Mommy Di
I pressed J. Tom Morgan about how this could have been orchestrated between all parties back in the courtroom that day, when Texas' plea deal agreement was finalized.
The Binge Crimes: Finding Mom's Killer
Deadly Fortune | 8. Mommy Di
Listen to all episodes of Deadly Fortune ad-free right now by subscribing to The Binge. Visit The Binge channel on Apple Podcasts and hit subscribe at the top of the page or visit GetTheBinge.com to get access wherever you listen. The Binge. Feature true crime obsession.
The Binge Crimes: Finding Mom's Killer
Deadly Fortune | 8. Mommy Di
Do you think there's any chance at all that Judge Craig Schwal didn't have a conversation with Tex MacGyver about how this could all play out?
The Binge Crimes: Finding Mom's Killer
Deadly Fortune | 8. Mommy Di
Because you've got to go along with it. Yeah, you're right. Since Austin Schwall had no standing to inherit Diane's estate or wrongful death settlement, some wonder if there was a secret deal between Craig Schwall and Tex McIver to assign the settlement to the Schwalls in trade for Craig Schwall to secretly share the proceeds with Tex. The Schwalls' attorney doesn't just say no, but hell no.
The Binge Crimes: Finding Mom's Killer
Deadly Fortune | 8. Mommy Di
So if I may, did, to your knowledge, did Judge Swall and Tex ever discuss this insurance settlement and the remaining money in the estate?
The Binge Crimes: Finding Mom's Killer
Deadly Fortune | 8. Mommy Di
This case is so unusual because of the close, intertwined friendships that existed before Diane's death tore everything apart. I know that Craig, the judge, and Tex were very close. I was close with Tex. This has to be difficult for the judge.
The Binge Crimes: Finding Mom's Killer
Deadly Fortune | 8. Mommy Di
It's my understanding there's roughly $3 million in the estate, and the insurance settlement is $1.4 million after attorney's fees and so forth. Is that essentially the understanding?
The Binge Crimes: Finding Mom's Killer
Deadly Fortune | 8. Mommy Di
And it's your client's position that Diane would want all of the estate to go to Austin and Craig Jr. ?
The Binge Crimes: Finding Mom's Killer
Deadly Fortune | 8. Mommy Di
It's summer of 2024, and Tex is getting close to serving out his full term. Here's Don Samuel again, his defense attorney, in his original trial.
The Binge Crimes: Finding Mom's Killer
Deadly Fortune | 8. Mommy Di
After the Board of Pardons and Paroles indicated that they were going to grant parole... suddenly, a couple of weeks ago, they denied parole.
The Binge Crimes: Finding Mom's Killer
Deadly Fortune | 8. Mommy Di
But the Board of Pardons Parole said he's going to have to serve his entire sentence to September of 2025.
The Binge Crimes: Finding Mom's Killer
Deadly Fortune | 8. Mommy Di
Austin Schwall, the godson to Tex and Diane McIver, and the boy who has since become a young man, a young man at the center of this wild case. In October of 2024, I met Bob Cheely, the attorney for Judge Craig Schwall, to ask him about the events that had transpired since the discovery of the millions in Diane's estate that Tex now stood to inherit. Craig Schwall was in the room that day, too.
The Binge Crimes: Finding Mom's Killer
Deadly Fortune | 8. Mommy Di
The Georgia Parole Board grants preliminary parole to Tex MacGyver, intending to release him in March of 2024, with the caveat that those who oppose can write letters stating their reason.
The Binge Crimes: Finding Mom's Killer
Introducing: Finding Mom's Killer
Collier Boyle was lying awake at night when he heard something horrible. Two bangs and a scream. What was going through your mind at that time? What were you thinking? Where's my mother? Collier was just 12 when his mother went missing.
The Binge Crimes: Finding Mom's Killer
Introducing: Finding Mom's Killer
Collier wanted answers. His best hope, to team up with a middle-aged detective with a chip on his shoulder. I got a partner now, somebody who's gonna help me find out what happened to my mother, me and Dave. This is the story of the most unlikely detective duo the world has ever seen and the shocking crime they solved.
The Binge Crimes: Finding Mom's Killer
Introducing: Finding Mom's Killer
His whole life is a lie. What if the call was coming from inside the house? From Sony Music Entertainment and Orbit Media, this is Finding Mom's Killer. Coming March 1st to The Binge. Listen wherever you get your podcasts.
The Binge Crimes: Finding Mom's Killer
Introducing: The Arsonist Next Door
For a brief moment in the year 2000, the city of Phoenix was on fire. You could see a glow in the sky. The flames were looking up probably 40, 50 feet in the air. There's nothing natural that could have started that fire. An arsonist was on the loose, but who the hell was it?
The Binge Crimes: Finding Mom's Killer
Introducing: The Arsonist Next Door
Some pointed the finger at a group of radical eco-terrorists. Or was it a lone wolf with a thirst for revenge? Nobody could crack the case. It was chaos.
The Binge Crimes: Finding Mom's Killer
Introducing: The Arsonist Next Door
The culprit will shock you.
The Binge Crimes: Finding Mom's Killer
Introducing: The Arsonist Next Door
From Sony Music Entertainment and Novel, this is The Arsonist Next Door. Coming May 1st to The Binge. Listen wherever you get your podcasts.
The Binge Crimes: Finding Mom's Killer
Finding Mom's Killer | 2. The Stories We Tell
Smartphones enrich our lives. They open up countless possibilities for us. We stream our favorite songs, share special moments and are available everywhere. But often we lose ourselves in endless scrolling. Use the network again to inspire you from new places. To plan real experiences and to connect you with your loved ones. Go We Live. Live in the now instead of in the network. Vodafone.
The Binge Crimes: Finding Mom's Killer
Finding Mom's Killer | 2. The Stories We Tell
Together we can.
The Binge Crimes: Finding Mom's Killer
Finding Mom's Killer | 3. The House on Wolf Road
Alan Rarig was found dead in a parking lot in Oklahoma.
The Binge Crimes: Finding Mom's Killer
Finding Mom's Killer | 3. The House on Wolf Road
people began to wonder, who was Sandra Bridewell?
The Binge Crimes: Finding Mom's Killer
Finding Mom's Killer | 3. The House on Wolf Road
This is the unbelievable story of a femme fatale with a trail of bodies in her wake and a lifetime of deception that has never been fully aired until now.
The Binge Crimes: Finding Mom's Killer
Finding Mom's Killer | 3. The House on Wolf Road
From Sony Music Entertainment, this is Fatal Beauty, coming April 1st to The Binge. Listen wherever you get your podcasts.
The Binge Crimes: Finding Mom's Killer
Finding Mom's Killer | 3. The House on Wolf Road
He'd been shot twice, once to the head. It was a baffling tragedy. You'd think his wife would be devastated. But a far more frightening set of circumstances eventually came to light.
The Binge Crimes: Finding Mom's Killer
Finding Mom's Killer | 4. The Trial of the Century
Twelve-year-old Collier Boyle is expected to testify tomorrow.
The Binge Crimes: Finding Mom's Killer
Finding Mom's Killer | 4. The Trial of the Century
Boyle told me he definitely wants to take the stand and tell his side of the story.
The Binge Crimes: Finding Mom's Killer
Finding Mom's Killer | 4. The Trial of the Century
When a young woman named Patty vanishes without a trace, her best friend launches a desperate search. The trail leads to Kat Torres, a charismatic influencer with millions of followers. Her social media presence showcases a picture-perfect life, and she promises her followers a spiritual awakening. All they have to do is follow her lead.
The Binge Crimes: Finding Mom's Killer
Finding Mom's Killer | 4. The Trial of the Century
Boyle has appeared unaffected by any of the testimony and preoccupied scribbling notes.
The Binge Crimes: Finding Mom's Killer
Finding Mom's Killer | 4. The Trial of the Century
But behind the glamorous posts and inspirational quotes, a sinister truth unravels. From Wondery, Don't Cross Cat is a chilling investigation that asks the question, if an influencer promised you a dream life, what would you sacrifice? Based on the Brazilian true crime saga that captivated a nation, Don't Cross Cat is a story of ambition, control, and the lives destroyed by empty promises.
The Binge Crimes: Finding Mom's Killer
Finding Mom's Killer | 4. The Trial of the Century
What starts as an investigation into a missing persons case explodes into a story of manipulation, coercion, prostitution, and human trafficking, all orchestrated behind a curated social media facade. When influence turns into control, how far would you go to get everything you always wanted? Follow Don't Cross Cat on the Wondery app or wherever you get your podcasts.
The Binge Crimes: Finding Mom's Killer
Finding Mom's Killer | 4. The Trial of the Century
You can binge all episodes of Don't Cross Cat early and ad-free right now by joining Wondery Plus.
The Binge Crimes: Finding Mom's Killer
Finding Mom's Killer | 4. The Trial of the Century
Good evening, everyone. This was the moment of truth in Mansfield today.
The Binge Crimes: Finding Mom's Killer
Finding Mom's Killer | 4. The Trial of the Century
Hi, David.
The Binge Crimes: Finding Mom's Killer
Finding Mom's Killer | 4. The Trial of the Century
A standing room-only crowd filled the hallway, and the courtroom was packed two hours before the trial started. You'll find a television monitor outside the jam-packed courtroom.
The Binge Crimes: Finding Mom's Killer
Finding Mom's Killer | 4. The Trial of the Century
It's actually better than a soap opera because it happened right in our own town. It's just like a movie.
The Brett Cooper Show
The 5 Biggest Highlights of Trump 2.0 | Episode 11
Why don't you say what I'm saying? Sure. The first item that President Trump is signing is the rescission of 78 Biden-era executive actions, executive orders, presidential memoranda, and others.
The Brett Cooper Show
The 5 Biggest Highlights of Trump 2.0 | Episode 11
Next, this is an executive order relating to the use of paper straws.
The Broski Report with Brittany Broski
88: Left My Gallbladder in Italy
Direct from the Broski Nation headquarters in Los Angeles, California, this is the Broski Report with your host, Brittany Broski.
The Broski Report with Brittany Broski
84: Started My Period in Churchill’s War Room
Direct from the Broski Nation headquarters in Los Angeles, California, this is the Broski Report with your host, Brittany Broski.
The Broski Report with Brittany Broski
87: Gabagool & the French Revolution
Direct from the Broski Nation headquarters in Los Angeles, California, this is the Broski Report with your host, Brittany Broski.
The Broski Report with Brittany Broski
86: Red Bull Turned me into Iron Man
O, O, O, O'Reilly. Auto Parts. Direct from the Broski Nation headquarters in Los Angeles, California, this is the Broski Report with your host, Brittany Broski.
The Broski Report with Brittany Broski
86: Red Bull Turned me into Iron Man
Check engine light on? Take the guesswork out of your check engine light with O'Reilly Veriscan. It's free and provides a report with solutions based on over 650 million vehicle scans verified by ASE certified master technicians. And if you need help, we can recommend a shop for you. Ask for O'Reilly Veriscan today.
The Broski Report with Brittany Broski
89: Stuck In Purgatory
Your eyes, I will drive them home. I am by your side when time is up. I'm free Hey guys, welcome back to the Broski Report.
The Charlie Kirk Show
What's Driving the Democrat Death Spiral?
Newsom is obviously setting up for a run for the presidency in 2028. And I'm not so sure that his current strategy is really going to work because what he's doing is he's trying to appeal to the right. But what I see is people like AOC and Bernie Sanders, who are further left than politicians we've seen in the mainstream in modern American history.
The Charlie Kirk Show
What's Driving the Democrat Death Spiral?
garnering so much support, breaking records with attendance at rallies. What the left may need right now is possibly somebody further to the left, not further to the right.
The Charlie Kirk Show
What's Driving the Democrat Death Spiral?
What we've heard from lawyers representing some of these people is that they deny that they're members of this gang, or either Trend de Aragua or MS-13.
The Charlie Kirk Show
What's Driving the Democrat Death Spiral?
For more on many of these stories and news you can trust,
The Charlie Kirk Show
Gay Conservatives and Jew-Hating Liberals: More Charlie at the University of Wisconsin
For more on many of these stories and news you can trust, go to charliekirk.com.
The Charlie Kirk Show
Gay Conservatives and Jew-Hating Liberals: More Charlie at the University of Wisconsin
Hey, Charlie. Just for context, I'm Persian Jewish. Both my parents are born in Iran. I'm from L.A. Okay.
The Charlie Kirk Show
Gay Conservatives and Jew-Hating Liberals: More Charlie at the University of Wisconsin
Yeah, yeah. You know, it just kind of puts me in a hard situation with my entire family. Like I'm kind of torn between two parts of my heritage. I just wanted to know what you think the war in the Middle East is going to turn into if Trump is elected versus if Kamala is elected.
The Charlie Kirk Show
DOGE Potential and SOTU Predictions
Learn how you could protect your wealth with Noble Gold Investments at noblegoldinvestments.com. That is noblegoldinvestments.com. It's where I buy all of my gold. Go to noblegoldinvestments.com.
The Charlie Kirk Show
DOGE Potential and SOTU Predictions
We see it all the time when I visit college campuses. Young adults demonize the concept of free markets and think government is the solution to every problem. How do we change this? By teaching our kids the foundational principles to counter what they are taught in public school.
The Charlie Kirk Show
DOGE Potential and SOTU Predictions
Parents want to teach their children about liberty, limited government and free markets, but often wonder, where do I start? That's where Tuttle Twins can help. They empower parents by providing quality resources that break down these ideas in a way children can understand. Take their book, The Tuttle Twins Learn About the Law.
The Charlie Kirk Show
DOGE Potential and SOTU Predictions
In this story, the twins learn about their rights, that true laws protect people, and that we should help others, and that stealing is always wrong. Children can only change the world for the better if they learn these important principles now. Go to Tuttletwins.com slash Charlie today and purchase their 14-book children's series for your family.
The Charlie Kirk Show
DOGE Potential and SOTU Predictions
They'll learn to think for themselves, to stand for liberty. Go to TuttleTwins.com slash Charlie today. TuttleTwins.com slash Charlie.
The Charlie Kirk Show
DOGE Potential and SOTU Predictions
With the stock market at record highs, are you confident your portfolio can weather the next big downturn? Market corrections are quick and unforgiving, wiping out hard-earned gains in an instant. Smart investors know the key to financial security is diversification.
The Charlie Kirk Show
DOGE Potential and SOTU Predictions
That's why Noble Gold Investments makes it easy for Americans to help hedge market volatility and diversify their investments with gold. Since 2010, central banks have steadily increased their gold reserves. And in 2024, gold prices soared over 25%. Gold is simple. You buy it, you own it, you control it.
The Charlie Kirk Show
DOGE Potential and SOTU Predictions
Over $2 billion in precious metal sales, Noble Gold Investments has helped thousands of investors diversify their portfolios with gold IRAs and physical gold. And now when you open a qualified account, Noble Gold will gift you five ounce silver America the Beautiful coins as a thank you. Don't wait for the next downturn to catch you off guard.
The Charlie Kirk Show
DOGE Potential and SOTU Predictions
Visit noblegoldinvestments.com today and see how easy it is to incorporate gold into your investment strategy. That is noblegoldinvestments.com, noblegoldinvestments.com.
The Charlie Kirk Show
DOGE Potential and SOTU Predictions
private student loan debt in the United States totals about $300 billion. About $45 billion of that is labeled as distressed. YREFI refinances distressed or defaulted private student loan debt that others will not touch. They provide you with a custom loan payment based on your ability to pay. That is YREFI.com. That is Y-R-E-F-Y.com. If you are a private student loan borrower,
The Charlie Kirk Show
DOGE Potential and SOTU Predictions
This could be a great solution for you. Many clients are not even able to make the minimum monthly payment on their private student loans when they first contact YRefi. YRefi is also the sponsor of our campus tour. They have helped sponsor America Fest and more. So go to YRefi.com. Do you have a co-borrower? YRefi can get them released from the loan. You can give mom or dad a break.
The Charlie Kirk Show
DOGE Potential and SOTU Predictions
So check it out at YRefi.com. You don't have to ignore that mountain of student loan statements on your kitchen table anymore. That is YRefi.com. When the payment's on, your distressed or defaulted private student loan is so big that you can't even get a hold of your finances. That is YRefi. It may not be available in all states. So check it out at YRefi.com.
The Charlie Kirk Show
DOGE Potential and SOTU Predictions
We will not embrace the ideas that have destroyed countries, destroyed lives, and we are going to fight for freedom on campuses across the country. That's why we are here. Noble Gold Investments is the official gold sponsor of The Charlie Kirk Show, a company that specializes in gold IRAs and physical delivery of precious metals.
The Charlie Kirk Show
Are Biden's Autopen Pardons Null and Void?
Learn how you could protect your wealth with Noble Gold Investments at noblegoldinvestments.com. That is noblegoldinvestments.com. It's where I buy all of my gold. Go to noblegoldinvestments.com.
The Charlie Kirk Show
Are Biden's Autopen Pardons Null and Void?
We see it all the time when I visit college campuses. Young adults demonize the concept of free markets and think government is the solution to every problem. How do we change this? By teaching our kids the foundational principles to counter what they are taught in public school.
The Charlie Kirk Show
Are Biden's Autopen Pardons Null and Void?
Parents want to teach their children about liberty, limited government and free markets but often wonder, where do I start? That's where Tuttle Twins can help. They empower parents by providing quality resources that break down these ideas in a way children can understand. Take their book, The Tuttle Twins Learn About the Law.
The Charlie Kirk Show
Are Biden's Autopen Pardons Null and Void?
In this story, the twins learn about their rights, that true laws protect people, and that we should help others, and that stealing is always wrong. Children can only change the world for the better if they learn these important principles now. Go to Tuttletwins.com slash Charlie today and purchase their 14-book children's series for your family.
The Charlie Kirk Show
Are Biden's Autopen Pardons Null and Void?
They'll learn to think for themselves, to stand for liberty. Go to Tuttletwins.com slash Charlie today
The Charlie Kirk Show
Are Biden's Autopen Pardons Null and Void?
Patriot Mobile isn't just about providing exceptional cell phone service. It's a call to action to defend our rights and freedoms with Patriot Mobile. We'll be right back. I really wanted to ask you a question specifically because you and I were texting back and forth when this news sort of happened originally.
The Charlie Kirk Show
Are Biden's Autopen Pardons Null and Void?
Charlie, what you've done is incredible here.
The Charlie Kirk Show
Are Biden's Autopen Pardons Null and Void?
I want you to know we are lucky to have Charlie Kirk.
The Charlie Kirk Show
Are Biden's Autopen Pardons Null and Void?
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The Charlie Kirk Show
Are Biden's Autopen Pardons Null and Void?
Feel the difference it can make in your life. Give their three-week quick start a try. It's only $19.95, less than a dollar a day, and just takes a phone call. Call 1-800-4-RELIEF. That is 1-800-4-RELIEF. Remember, every day you feel better is a day you live better. So wherever you're hurting, back, neck, joints, or muscles, make 2025 the year of feeling good again. Try Relief Factor right now.
The Charlie Kirk Show
Are Biden's Autopen Pardons Null and Void?
That is 1-800-4-RELIEF, 1-800-4-RELIEF.
The Charlie Kirk Show
Are Biden's Autopen Pardons Null and Void?
We will not embrace the ideas that have destroyed countries, destroyed lives, and we are going to fight for freedom on campuses across the country. That's why we are here. Noble Gold Investments is the official gold sponsor of The Charlie Kirk Show, a company that specializes in gold IRAs and physical delivery of precious metals.
The Charlie Kirk Show
Vivek's Vision for Ohio
Action News 5's Bria Bolden joining us live now from the University of Memphis to explain, Bria, why Rittenhouse has been allowed to be back on campus despite all the pushback.
The Charlie Kirk Show
THOUGHTCRIME Ep. 73 — Does Flying Stink Now? MAHA Day 1? LOTR = Gay?
Maybe Charlie Kirk is on the college campus. I want you to know we are lucky to have Charlie Kirk. Charlie Kirk's running the White House, folks. I want to thank Charlie. He's an incredible guy. His spirit, his love of this country. He's done an amazing job building one of the most powerful youth organizations ever created, Turning Point USA.
The Charlie Kirk Show
THOUGHTCRIME Ep. 73 — Does Flying Stink Now? MAHA Day 1? LOTR = Gay?
For more on many of these stories and news you can trust, go to charliekirk.com.
The Charlie Kirk Show
The Most Shocking Installment of the Trans Insanity Yet?
For more on many of these stories and news you can trust, go to charliekirk.com.
The Charlie Kirk Show
The Most Shocking Installment of the Trans Insanity Yet?
Charlie Kirk's running the White House, folks. I want to thank Charlie. He's an incredible guy. His spirit, his love of this country. He's done an amazing job building one of the most powerful youth organizations ever created, Turning Point USA.
The Charlie Kirk Show
Who Rules: Judges or the President?
History, economics, the great works of literature. Did you study these things in school? Probably not. Or even if you did, maybe it's time for an enjoyable refresher. Hillsdale College is offering more than 40 free online courses, including their newest course on totalitarian novels.
The Charlie Kirk Show
Who Rules: Judges or the President?
In this free eight-lecture course, you'll learn from Hillsdale College president Larry Arnn as he goes in-depth on four novels, 1984, Brave New World, Darkness at Noon, and That Hideous Strength. I love all four. Even though these novels were written in the 1930s and 40s, they're highly relevant today as they show what a tyrannical government does to human nature.
The Charlie Kirk Show
Who Rules: Judges or the President?
More importantly, they can show us that faith, family, and friends are worth fighting for. Maybe you read these books a long time ago in school. Maybe you've heard others talk about them, and they seem a little intimidating. Let Hillsdale College, America's greatest college, help you make the most of them. Go right now to charlieforhillsdale.com to enroll.
The Charlie Kirk Show
Who Rules: Judges or the President?
There's no cost, and it's easy to get started. That is charlieforhillsdale.com, C-H-A-R-L-I-E, forhillsdale.com.
The Charlie Kirk Show
Who Rules: Judges or the President?
If you are a patriot in this audience and you have private student loan debt or your brother does or your niece does or your nephew does, maybe you're just thinking back to Christmas or Thanksgiving and someone's like, oh my gosh, I have these student loans and I took them out and I shouldn't have and it was a private loan. And boom, you're just thinking like, wait a second. I remember that.
The Charlie Kirk Show
Who Rules: Judges or the President?
Well, that's why refi. That's where they come in. They are not a debt settlement company, but they help you work with each borrower, you individually. Why refi does not care what your credit score is. It may not be available in all states and bad credit is accepted. Do you have a co-borrower? Why refi can get them released from the loan. You can give mom or dad a break.
The Charlie Kirk Show
Who Rules: Judges or the President?
You can even skip a payment every six months up to 12 months without penalty. You don't have to ignore. Go to 888-YREFY34 or log on to YREFY.com. That is Y-R-E-F-Y.com. YREFY.com may not be available in all 50 states. YREFY refinances distrust and defaulted private student loans, which are different from federal loans. Go to YREFY.com. Y-R-E-F-Y.com. That is YREFY.com.
The Charlie Kirk Show
Who Rules: Judges or the President?
Gentlemen, let's get real for a second. Are you frustrated with today's woke dating scene? The apps, the games, the endless swiping, it's a waste of time. Finding a woman who shares your values, faith, family, and patriotism feels nearly impossible, but it doesn't have to be. Selective Search, America's leading matchmaking firm, is changing the game.
The Charlie Kirk Show
Who Rules: Judges or the President?
They connect strong, successful men like you, men who love God, love America, and want a family with incredible women who share your values. These are intelligent, faith-driven women who put family first and still believe in traditional values. Imagine that. If you're single, 35 to 40 years old, conservative man in Southern California, listen up.
The Charlie Kirk Show
Who Rules: Judges or the President?
Selective Search has an exclusive network of women ready for the real thing. Here's the best part. Their candidate program is 100% free and confidential. Some of my closest friends have used Selective Search. And let me tell you, they're meeting incredible women. This is your chance. This is not an app. It's your answer. The perfect conservative woman is out there waiting for you.
The Charlie Kirk Show
Who Rules: Judges or the President?
Visit SelectiveSearch.com slash California today. Let the professionals introduce you to women already looking for someone like you in Southern California. Don't wait for the perfect moment. Take action now. Go to SelectiveSearch.com slash California and start building the future you deserve.
The Charlie Kirk Show
Who Rules: Judges or the President?
We will not embrace the ideas that have destroyed countries, destroyed lives, and we are going to fight for freedom on campuses across the country. That's why we are here. Noble Gold Investments is the official gold sponsor of The Charlie Kirk Show, a company that specializes in gold IRAs and physical delivery of precious metals.
The Charlie Kirk Show
Who Rules: Judges or the President?
Learn how you could protect your wealth with Noble Gold Investments at noblegoldinvestments.com. That is noblegoldinvestments.com. It's where I buy all of my gold. Go to noblegoldinvestments.com.
The Charlie Kirk Show
Don't Disrespect Our Oval Office — Trump/Vance v. Zelenskyy
History, economics, the great works of literature. Did you study these things in school? Probably not. Or even if you did, maybe it's time for an enjoyable refresher. Hillsdale College is offering more than 40 free online courses, including their newest course on totalitarian novels.
The Charlie Kirk Show
Don't Disrespect Our Oval Office — Trump/Vance v. Zelenskyy
In this free eight-lecture course, you'll learn from Hillsdale College president Larry Arnn as he goes in-depth on four novels, 1984, Brave New World, Darkness at Noon, and That Hideous Strength. I love all four. Even though these novels were written in the 1930s and 40s, they're highly relevant today as they show what a tyrannical government does to human nature.
The Charlie Kirk Show
Don't Disrespect Our Oval Office — Trump/Vance v. Zelenskyy
More importantly, they can show us that faith, family, and friends are worth fighting for. Maybe you read these books a long time ago in school. Maybe you've heard others talk about them, and they seem a little intimidating. Let Hillsdale College, America's greatest college, help you make the most of them. Go right now to charlieforhillsdale.com to enroll.
The Charlie Kirk Show
Don't Disrespect Our Oval Office — Trump/Vance v. Zelenskyy
There's no cost, and it's easy to get started. That is charlieforhillsdale.com, C-H-A-R-L-I-E forhillsdale.com.
The Charlie Kirk Show
Don't Disrespect Our Oval Office — Trump/Vance v. Zelenskyy
We will not embrace the ideas that have destroyed countries, destroyed lives, and we are going to fight for freedom on campuses across the country. That's why we are here. Noble Gold Investments is the official gold sponsor of The Charlie Kirk Show, a company that specializes in gold IRAs and physical delivery of precious metals.
The Charlie Kirk Show
Don't Disrespect Our Oval Office — Trump/Vance v. Zelenskyy
If you are a private student loan borrower, which, by the way, private student loan debt totals about $300 billion, you guys should take a look at it. You can finally take control of your student loan situation with a plan that works for your monthly budget. Because of private student loan debt, so many Americans feel stuck, and they feel helpless, and they've even lost hope.
The Charlie Kirk Show
Don't Disrespect Our Oval Office — Trump/Vance v. Zelenskyy
If your private student loan debt is keeping you up at night and ruining your life, it doesn't have to. Just call YRefi. Can you imagine being debt free and not living under this burden anymore? Be unburdened by what has been. Many clients aren't even able to make minimum monthly payments on their private student loans when they first contact YRefi. Go to YRefi.com. That is Y-R-E-F-I.com.
The Charlie Kirk Show
Don't Disrespect Our Oval Office — Trump/Vance v. Zelenskyy
YRefi can reduce your monthly payment and guarantees interest rates under 6%, ensuring affordability and financial relief. Go to Yrefy.com. That is Y-R-E-F-Y.com. That is Yrefy.com. So take a look right now at Yrefy.com. Wonderful people. Available not in all states. So check it out, Yrefy.com.
The Charlie Kirk Show
Don't Disrespect Our Oval Office — Trump/Vance v. Zelenskyy
Senator, I don't know if you're in the Oval Office. Am I?
The Charlie Kirk Show
Don't Disrespect Our Oval Office — Trump/Vance v. Zelenskyy
Learn how you could protect your wealth with Noble Gold Investments at noblegoldinvestments.com. That is noblegoldinvestments.com. It's where I buy all of my gold. Go to noblegoldinvestments.com.
The Charlie Kirk Show
Donald Trump, the Greatest Pro-Life President
Immigrants have come to America from around the world for many reasons.
The Charlie Kirk Show
Donald Trump, the Greatest Pro-Life President
The promise of freedom and opportunity continues to be a powerful draw for those who make their journey to America.
The Charlie Kirk Show
Elon Musk: Public Enemy #1
For more on many of these stories and news you can trust, go to charliekirk.com.
The Charlie Kirk Show
Elon Musk: Public Enemy #1
Charlie Kirk's running the White House, folks. I want to thank Charlie. He's an incredible guy. His spirit, his love of this country. He's done an amazing job building one of the most powerful youth organizations ever created, Turning Point USA.
The Charlie Kirk Show
Hello Kash Patel, Goodbye Mitch McConnell
Maybe Charlie Kirk is on the college campus.
The Charlie Kirk Show
Hello Kash Patel, Goodbye Mitch McConnell
Adam Schiff is the worst criminal in Congress in the last 250 years. And what's broke that we're going to talk about right now is Adam Schiff met with a whistleblower. Adam Schiff went to the podium day after day after day saying, I know nothing about this. We're not going to discuss it. We're going to protect it. And then he, Adam Schiff,
The Charlie Kirk Show
Hello Kash Patel, Goodbye Mitch McConnell
led the prosecution of the impeachment trial in the Senate of President Donald Trump. Talk about someone who was conflicted out of the game because he was part of the hoax that brought Charmella in, manufactured that false accusation, and then peddled it out to the world. And he continued, you know, not surprising. He's lied about almost everything in his life.
The Charlie Kirk Show
Hello Kash Patel, Goodbye Mitch McConnell
But now he lied just to set up a presidential impeachment. And that's what I was talking about, these disinformation campaigns.
The Charlie Kirk Show
Is "Mohammedanism" Compatible with the West?
at tpusa.com buckle up everybody here we go charlie what you've done is incredible here maybe charlie kirk is on the college campus i want you to know we are lucky to have charlie kirk charlie kirk's running the white house folks I want to thank Charlie. He's an incredible guy. His spirit, his love of this country.
The Charlie Kirk Show
Is "Mohammedanism" Compatible with the West?
He's done an amazing job building one of the most powerful youth organizations ever created, Turning Point USA.
The Daily
Shen Yun: The Dark Side of a Dance Troupe
This season, take an incredible journey through 5,000 years of culture with Shen Yun.
The Daily
Shen Yun: The Dark Side of a Dance Troupe
It's the beautiful culture and wisdom of China before communism.
The Daily
Shen Yun: The Dark Side of a Dance Troupe
See it at least once in your lifetime. Shen Yun, an all-new production every year.
The Daily
Shen Yun: The Dark Side of a Dance Troupe
The Chinese government has been concerned at how Falun Gong has gained adherence within the political establishment.
The Daily
Shen Yun: The Dark Side of a Dance Troupe
Police and paramilitaries have been drafted into railway stations and bus depots to prevent members of the sect traveling to Beijing to protest.
The Daily
Shen Yun: The Dark Side of a Dance Troupe
The leadership is now trying to discredit Falun Gong with a barrage of propaganda aimed at showing that devotion can lead to insanity, suicide or murder.
The Daily
Shen Yun: The Dark Side of a Dance Troupe
The group has followers in the Communist Party and the military, and many of them have now been sent for so-called re-education in Marxist ideology.
The Daily
Shen Yun: The Dark Side of a Dance Troupe
Every once in a while, something comes along so masterful, it leaves you in awe.
The Daily
Trump’s Showdown With the Courts
We'll be right back. Here's what else you need to know today.
The Daily
The Growing Danger of Measles
As increasing numbers of children are vaccinated, We will be well on the way to eradicating a disease that down through the centuries has killed millions of children and left others impaired mentally and physically.
The Daily
How Trump Is Scaring Big Law Firms Into Submission
So as Trump is coming into office, BuzzFeed, of course, published the entire contents of that dossier.
The Daily
How Trump Is Scaring Big Law Firms Into Submission
This is for that infamous dossier. It's all over the news media. Correct. It is widely thought to be pretty scurrilous.
The Daily
How Tariffs Are Shaking Up the War on Fentanyl
Okay, so we're in a fentanyl lab. Finally, we made it into a kitchen. We're watching them cook, and they've just started the beginning of the process.
The Daily
How Tariffs Are Shaking Up the War on Fentanyl
And I saw one of the cooks just blend it all together using, like, a regular hand blender, Black & Decker, that you could just buy at a store. And the pots look like any pots that you would find in any Mexican kitchen.
The Daily
How Tariffs Are Shaking Up the War on Fentanyl
So right now he's adding blue to the powder mix because it's going to be pressed into those blue M30 pills.
The Daily
How Tariffs Are Shaking Up the War on Fentanyl
There's a police car and like a kind of military style tank like car.
The Daily
How Tariffs Are Shaking Up the War on Fentanyl
officers just all along the streets. We're watching them arrest a guy, it looks like, or they're at least searching the guy.
The Daily
How Tariffs Are Shaking Up the War on Fentanyl
And like, here is a raid looking for whatever, either a lab or a person or whatever.
The Daily
He Was America’s Highest-Ranking Military Officer. Then Came the War on D.E.I.
I'm walking down and I'm looking down and I see these central casting people. According to Trump, Dan Cain looked straight out of central casting.
The Daily
He Was America’s Highest-Ranking Military Officer. Then Came the War on D.E.I.
we'll be right back here's what else you need to know today
The Daily
The Sunday Read: ‘What Happened to Val Kilmer?’
He's more of a wise fool in the Shakespeare tradition. Another hit. Then, in 1986, came Top Gun, and after that, everyone knew who Val Kilmer was. Because how could you not?
The Daily
The Sunday Read: ‘What Happened to Val Kilmer?’
Iceman, the fighter pilot Tom Cruise's Maverick is trying to best for the best of the best of the best position, has maybe 17 words in the whole movie, but it is there that you can see Val Kilmer's greatest gift, which is to make something out of nothing. to breathe real life into a character who was only there to set the volleyball so that Maverick could spike it.
The Daily
The Sunday Read: ‘What Happened to Val Kilmer?’
If you asked me then what beguiled me about Val Kilmer, I wouldn't have had the words for it. Instead, I would have pictured a man without a shirt. I am still hard-pressed to picture young Val Kilmer in a regular shirt, but it wasn't his body that stuck with me when the lights came on.
The Daily
The Sunday Read: ‘What Happened to Val Kilmer?’
No, it was his awesome physicality, him spinning that volleyball on his finger, him offering the most fraught 80s masculinity-soaked condolences ever when Maverick's radar intercept officer, Goose, buys it during a flight exercise. There was something in his immense focus and his full-bodied commitment to just plain being in the scene that took my breath away.
The Daily
The Sunday Read: ‘What Happened to Val Kilmer?’
I read somewhere that Kilmer was so dedicated to inhabiting the role that he created Team Iceman and Team Maverick factions in the Top Gun movie cast. What I also remember is Iceman's snapping his gum with his mighty jaw in non-response to Maverick's admitting that, yes, he's dangerous.
The Daily
The Sunday Read: ‘What Happened to Val Kilmer?’
In that jaw snap, which is my absolute favorite gift to send to people, there's so much more than a weird way to end a conversation. It's arrogance and pathos, frustration and whatever the emotion is where you know that laughing at someone will hurt them more than insulting them. The next few jobs came relatively quickly.
The Daily
The Sunday Read: ‘What Happened to Val Kilmer?’
The crazed, greedy, delightful Mad Mardigan in Willow, shouting epithets at the hero of the story with a vitality and electricity that makes you somehow root for him. Kill Me Again, in which he plays a dumb investigator who becomes the mark of a con woman, played by his wife at the time, Joanne Wally.
The Daily
The Sunday Read: ‘What Happened to Val Kilmer?’
The Doors, an Oliver Stone movie made extremely watchable by Kilmer's method performance as Jim Morrison, so methody and deep in the role, it's not so long into any kind of rewatching of that movie that I realize I can no longer remember what real Jim Morrison sounded or looked like.
The Daily
The Sunday Read: ‘What Happened to Val Kilmer?’
Then the beloved tombstone, in which he once again went deep method on the tubercular dentist Doc Holliday, sweaty and yellow, gasping for breath through his puffs on his cigarette. It was around this time that both Kilmer and his viewing public ran into a problem.
The Daily
The Sunday Read: ‘What Happened to Val Kilmer?’
If you're good at acting, and you're super hunky, and you look good with your shirt off, and also are willing to take it off, you are an excellent candidate for a promotion. And so Val Kilmer leveled up. Pretty soon, he was cast as pure leads of what were, or were designed to be, blockbusters. Batman Forever, The Island of Dr. Moreau, The Saint. He didn't do badly in any of those roles, exactly.
The Daily
The Sunday Read: ‘What Happened to Val Kilmer?’
It's more as if all the elements were there, but they couldn't unite to make a real person. The whole was less than the sum of its parts. His Jack Andrews in Kill Me Again is supposed to be some kind of everyman, but he's really the absence of a person, a body without a soul.
The Daily
The Sunday Read: ‘What Happened to Val Kilmer?’
In Thunderheart, Kilmer plays a regular guy FBI agent with some Native American lineage, and I couldn't really get through the rest. In Batman Forever, he barely moves his face, and, well, here were the reviews. Janet Maslin in this newspaper said Kilmer was "...hamstrung by the straight man aspects of the role," while Roger Ebert raved that he was "...completely acceptable."
The Daily
The Sunday Read: ‘What Happened to Val Kilmer?’
There came reports of problems on sets, that he was complaining constantly and making impossible demands, that he was rude to his co-stars and stayed in character all the time, never bothering with even small courtesies to the other people on set, that he fought with Oliver Stone about glorifying substance abuse in a movie that was literally about Jim Morrison.
The Daily
The Sunday Read: ‘What Happened to Val Kilmer?’
that Kilmer, committed to the method even through casting, became too aggressive with a woman during an audition in front of Stone and the casting director as he became swept up in an emotionally charged moment.
The Daily
The Sunday Read: ‘What Happened to Val Kilmer?’
The incident resulted in a settlement, though he maintains it was the actress who attacked him, and the casting director has said that both actors were physical with each other in the heat of this moment. Joel Schumacher called him psychotic in an interview after directing him in Batman Forever, whose sequels Kilmer was supposed to star in.
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The Sunday Read: ‘What Happened to Val Kilmer?’
There are several different versions of why George Clooney replaced him. Kilmer says it was because of scheduling difficulties with the other movie he had a contract for, The Saint, but one factor was surely this assessment by its director. Multiple sources have claimed that on the set of The Island of Dr. Moreau, Kilmer touched his lit cigarette to a crew member's sideburn.
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The Sunday Read: ‘What Happened to Val Kilmer?’
He claims this was an accident that resulted from the cinematographers asking him to blow smoke from off-camera very close to where a member of the camera crew was standing. What kind of person would singe a fellow worker he spends 15 hours a day with, often less than a foot apart? Madness. This all begins to explain why it's hard to make sense of who exactly Val Kilmer was.
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The Sunday Read: ‘What Happened to Val Kilmer?’
His whole thing is telling stories, but at this point, he didn't yet know which story he was telling. He can put it all together now far better than he ever could back then. He'd had his pick of roles. He was being offered lucrative franchises, His talent was in doubt by absolutely no one.
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The Sunday Read: ‘What Happened to Val Kilmer?’
His gift was both so overt and so subtle that he was the most memorable part of the movies he merely supported.
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The Sunday Read: ‘What Happened to Val Kilmer?’
He'd gotten into acting because he wanted to perform serious roles. But the bigger they came, the more empty and cavernous too. It was all silly to me, he said to me in his office. I'd been preparing to do Hamlet for ten years. He always thought of himself as a character actor. He could do a hundred different voices and a million different impressions.
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The Sunday Read: ‘What Happened to Val Kilmer?’
I would have loved to have been on Saturday Night Live as a regular, Kilmer said. Fame wasn't my priority, and I had it. If you read his press around the time of Batman, all those interviews are mostly just him complaining about the suit. He liked to say it was a battering experience because he loves wordplay.
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The Sunday Read: ‘What Happened to Val Kilmer?’
In interviews, he brought up Tom Cruise often, particularly his inclination for movies where instead of running from their oiled volleyball playing forms of yesterday, Cruise ran back toward them. I have very definitely had a different kind of career than Tom. You never know if a job has commercial success written all over it. I just think life's too short to worry about that.
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The Sunday Read: ‘What Happened to Val Kilmer?’
The Los Angeles Times, December 31, 1993. I have nothing against Tom Cruise, but he must have a large capacity to deal with the business side of movies. Details, June 1995. Interviewer, how about Tom Cruise? You make fun of him sometimes. Kilmer, you can't make fun of Tom Cruise. Poor thing. Interview, March 24th, 2011. Maybe he was jealous that Cruise was getting all those leads.
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The Sunday Read: ‘What Happened to Val Kilmer?’
Maybe he really couldn't take the leading man pressure. Maybe he was burned out already from all that methoding. But that doesn't seem right. The burnout theory ignores that he was still doing smaller roles on the side in the same magnetic way he had before. His Elvis-inspired cameo in True Romance, a movie in which he shines in a tiny role where they don't even show his face.
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The Sunday Read: ‘What Happened to Val Kilmer?’
His bank robber in Heat, Forget that amazing shootout sequence that everyone talks about. The movie's most mesmerizing moment is the 40-second micro-scene in which he watches a clerk verify that his fake license is real. No. The problem was that he had been trained to inhabit any role he could find himself in. He just couldn't find himself in a normie.
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The Sunday Read: ‘What Happened to Val Kilmer?’
And by the time Kilmer came online as a movie star, normie roles were all there were. The 90s standard issue regular guy in extraordinary circumstances. Kilmer's greatest roles were always supporting characters, The roles of troubled men with broken souls went to the other guys, because who would believe that a guy who looked like him had real troubles or a broken soul?
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The Sunday Read: ‘What Happened to Val Kilmer?’
But he couldn't reverse course and bow out either. By then, he had been seduced by a lifestyle. Look at his face in a tabloid photo of him and Cher circa 1984. Look at the pride. Look how much he enjoyed being on Cher's arm. It reminds him of something he heard once. God wants us to walk, but the devil sends a limo.
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The Sunday Read: ‘What Happened to Val Kilmer?’
He was invited to go to Toga by Tadashi Suzuki, whom he calls the Japanese Stanislavski, but he turned it down. He didn't want to say yes to Hollywood, but look at that picture again. How could you say no? By the time he realized how miserable he was, it was too late. He tried to supplement these movies with other artistic endeavors that nourished his soul.
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The Sunday Read: ‘What Happened to Val Kilmer?’
He began working on a documentary about nuclear disarmament in 1983 when he was doing Real Genius. When he was filming Wonderland in 2003 as the porn star John Holmes,
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The Sunday Read: ‘What Happened to Val Kilmer?’
He holed up with Ali Al-Burzi, who had been a protege of Kilmer's friend, the wildlife photographer Peter Beard, to photograph the set and then make collages of the photographs and pages from the film's script all over the walls of the Chateau Marmont, and also spill blood all over them. A complex art project I don't fully understand.
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The Sunday Read: ‘What Happened to Val Kilmer?’
He took the roles, always imagining that when he had enough money, he could get out with enough to support both that giant Santa Fe ranch with its animals and staff, and the artists he wanted to invite to it. I was gambling with being able to maintain the status, and I would have won my gamble, except for 2008.
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The Sunday Read: ‘What Happened to Val Kilmer?’
Not only did he lose his status in Hollywood, but the one spoil he escaped with, his ranch, lost half its value, and he was forced to sell most of it away. I just lost my home like a million other people. It was pretty awful. His casting problem was solved for him when no one wanted to work with him anymore.
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The Sunday Read: ‘What Happened to Val Kilmer?’
The roles went to people who, presumably, were not known for unkindness toward movie crews. The phone stopped ringing. In his book, he sums up this period like this.
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The Sunday Read: ‘What Happened to Val Kilmer?’
In an unflinching attempt to empower directors, actors, and other collaborators to honor the truth and essence of each project, an attempt to breathe Suzuki and life into a myriad of Hollywood moments, I had been deemed difficult and alienated the head of every major studio. He says this in an attempt not to apologize, clearly, but to make clear why he behaved the way he did.
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The Sunday Read: ‘What Happened to Val Kilmer?’
Everyone has to work out their own salvation, he told me. How to live and by what morality, and I found that the part that I feel bad about is hurting somebody in the process. He remembered a story from his time as Batman. One day he was filming and about to take off the Batsuit when Warren Buffett and his grandkids came by.
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The Sunday Read: ‘What Happened to Val Kilmer?’
They wanted to see Batman, so Kilmer stuck around in the suit, but they didn't want to talk to him. They wanted to try on the mask and ride in the Batmobile. He understood then that Batman isn't meant to be a real guy. Batman is meant to be so anonymous that the person who is looking at him can see himself in him. That's why it's so easy to have five or six Batmans, he says now.
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The Sunday Read: ‘What Happened to Val Kilmer?’
It's not about Batman. There is no Batman. And so what kind of thing is that to play? A person whose job is to be as nonspecific as possible. He looked good in the Batsuit, but wearing it was torture. When he took it off, he was finally free. See what he did there? See how it all worked out? That's a pretty happy ending to a sad story.
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The Sunday Read: ‘What Happened to Val Kilmer?’
The lesson here is Val Kilmer's perpetual lesson, that if you have enough faith, if you can take the long view and remember that things will work out, destiny takes over. I say that to prepare you for the story of what happened to his body.
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The Sunday Read: ‘What Happened to Val Kilmer?’
Because if you think that turning the story of a blown up career into a best case scenario is impressive, wait till you see what the Val Kilmer Story Optimizer does with cancer. So. By 2014, he was living a life he loved. He was no longer under contract for franchises he couldn't put his heart into.
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The Sunday Read: ‘What Happened to Val Kilmer?’
He had some money, he had a place in Malibu, his kids nearby, and he could finally do what he wanted. He began to pick the projects that mattered to him. It so happens that the animated short Mark Twain Dreams of the Resurrection is not the first movie Kilmer has made about Mark Twain.
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The Sunday Read: ‘What Happened to Val Kilmer?’
It's not even the second, and I've heard there's an additional screenplay for a feature-length script out there, too. But the main Mark Twain event is a film called Citizen Twain, and it was conceived as a live performance in which Val Kilmer dresses up as Mark Twain and does Mark Twain and Christian science-related stand-up comedy. Take a minute with that sentence.
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The Sunday Read: ‘What Happened to Val Kilmer?’
I went to see Citizen Twain one rainy Friday night at the College of Staten Island, a half-filled theater which I remember a little like a fever dream.
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The Sunday Read: ‘What Happened to Val Kilmer?’
There's not a lot of marketing copy that can prepare you for its strangeness, and also its elaborateness, and also its sincerity, and also the delightful warmth of Val Kilmer, whom you will never see happier than when he is presenting this film of his—
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The Sunday Read: ‘What Happened to Val Kilmer?’
Though it started out as a half-filmed, half-live performance, it is now, in light of his vocal condition, a totally filmed performance that Kilmer merely introduces. The subjects of Citizen Twain range from sarsaparilla to congressional representatives being idiots, from Mark Twain quotes to Mrs. Eddy quotes to quotes Val Kilmer only wishes either of them had said.
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The Sunday Read: ‘What Happened to Val Kilmer?’
Here he was, using his celebrity and his talent, along with some heavy rubber prosthetics — Mark Twain was many things, but he was not a person who looked like Val Kilmer — to finally do something he wanted, which was to work out for himself the relationship of two people he absolutely worshipped, but who were at odds in almost every way.
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The Sunday Read: ‘What Happened to Val Kilmer?’
Samuel Clemens was a Christian and a rational man who seemed fairly appalled at Mrs. Eddy's interpretation of the Bible and its assumptions that healing from illness was something resulting from prayer rather than medical treatment. He wrote a book about it called Christian Science, in which he clearly mocks all of it. But Kilmer believes he did this only because he was so drawn to it.
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The Sunday Read: ‘What Happened to Val Kilmer?’
With each project, Kilmer gets a little closer to making the universe conform a little bit more to what he wishes it were. A place where the two historical figures he loves most, Mark Twain and Mrs. Eddy, are finally no longer polar opposites, but magnetically aligned. Val Kilmer can't remember when it was that Mark Twain first re-entered his life.
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The Sunday Read: ‘What Happened to Val Kilmer?’
And he certainly doesn't know when he first realized that his life's work would be about trying to meld the visions of Mark Twain and Mrs. Eddy into one. And he certainly can't remember the year he started having symptoms of what other people, the ones with medical degrees who evaluated him, called throat cancer.
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The Sunday Read: ‘What Happened to Val Kilmer?’
Partly, this is because he gets tired when he talks now, but mostly it's because it's hard to track time and mark space when you don't believe in them. As near as I can tell, in 2014, as he was touring with Citizen Twain, Kilmer found himself in Nashville with a big lump in his throat. He was having a hard time swallowing. He canceled the show.
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The Sunday Read: ‘What Happened to Val Kilmer?’
He'd been having symptoms for a while and had woken up in a pool of his own blood a time or two back in Malibu. A doctor eventually told him it was throat cancer. or as Kilmer told me Christian science calls it, the suggestion of throat cancer. Meaning that in Christian science, the idea is rather than say I have it or possess it, there is a claim, there is a suggestion that this is a fact.
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The Sunday Read: ‘What Happened to Val Kilmer?’
He knew the cure for him would be to work with his practitioner, Christian Science's version of a spiritual advisor, to pray his fear away so that his body would no longer manifest outwardly what can be diagnosed as a malady. Meaning, it's not really cancer. It's just his fear expressing itself. Think of what he'd just been through, losing all his land, reckoning with his career.
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The Sunday Read: ‘What Happened to Val Kilmer?’
He had to go away and pray to relocate his faith within himself. But it wasn't so easy. He has kids, a grown son and daughter he had while he was still married to Joanne Wally, and they're not Christian scientists. His family couldn't let him go heal by himself. Cancer, as they know it, is a thing that spreads. He relented.
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The Sunday Read: ‘What Happened to Val Kilmer?’
I just didn't want to experience their fear, which was profound, Kilmer said. I would have had to go away, and I just didn't want to be without them. He had surgery that year, which was followed by chemotherapy and radiation, that zapped my whole throat, and it's still dry as a bone, and left him with the tracheostomy tube and a feeding tube.
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The Sunday Read: ‘What Happened to Val Kilmer?’
Shortly after, Kelmer was spotted wearing scarves, his head slightly askew, as if his neck couldn't properly hold it up. In 2016, Michael Douglas was doing a press junket after his own bout of cancer, and a reporter asked him about the ghost in the darkness. Douglas mentioned that Kilmer, his co-star in that movie, was suffering from the same illness he had suffered from.
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The Sunday Read: ‘What Happened to Val Kilmer?’
Kilmer denied this, posting on Facebook that he had no cancer whatsoever. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you.
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The Sunday Read: ‘What Happened to Val Kilmer?’
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The Sunday Read: ‘What Happened to Val Kilmer?’
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The Sunday Read: ‘What Happened to Val Kilmer?’
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The Sunday Read: ‘What Happened to Val Kilmer?’
P P P P P P P P實 , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , a a In just two weeks, the palm trees against the bright blue sky that hung over Hellmell seemed like something I made up, as weird to think about as a Batman figure with a Mark Twain head. Was that even real? I searched my phone and found a picture of it. Phew.
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The Sunday Read: ‘What Happened to Val Kilmer?’
By now, I understood that the story I was telling about Val Kilmer, which I'd thought had been about a man's relentless faith and optimism, was really about reconciliation. The squaring of two opposing things into something we swear is true, despite all evidence to the contrary. Your beauty can sentence you to misery. Val Kilmer uses a tracheostomy tube, but he can talk.
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The Sunday Read: ‘What Happened to Val Kilmer?’
His brother is dead, but only to our senses. Mark Twain despised Mary Baker Eddy until you can will him into a dream where he doesn't. God is good, and there are no ventilators. My beautiful friend has cancer, and the treatment exists, but it's unavailable to her right now. Here's the thing.
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The Sunday Read: ‘What Happened to Val Kilmer?’
Mark Twain, Kilmer's favorite storyteller, thought that storytelling couldn't, and shouldn't, try to capture an entire life, to draw its arc, to determine its meaning. He was suspicious of the kind of autobiography that Ben Franklin had done.
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The Sunday Read: ‘What Happened to Val Kilmer?’
He thought it should just be a mishmash of remembrances, told not even in the right order, lest a person be tempted to force a story into a certain direction and make themselves a more sympathetic character than they deserve. Here's another thing.
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The Sunday Read: ‘What Happened to Val Kilmer?’
I spoke to his daughter, Mercedes, who told me that she did have a miraculous recovery, but that a bone in her face had been broken and that she was in a wheelchair for a month and required major surgery. I spoke to Val Kilmer one more time. While we were on the phone, I stared at my painting, the divers diving in over and over. What is Hell Mel? What is Ocean?
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The Sunday Read: ‘What Happened to Val Kilmer?’
And I tried to remember how I felt when it was beside me in Los Angeles, in the passenger seat of the rental car. Kilmer told me that he and Alborzi were going to get in a car and drive to New Mexico, where he still has 160 acres of land.
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The Sunday Read: ‘What Happened to Val Kilmer?’
Meanwhile, Tom Cruise tweeted that the Top Gun sequel was moving to December, two of my colleagues were in the hospital, and another's husband lay in his bed gasping for breath. I attended a Zoom shiva for a friend's mother who was buried alone. Peter Beard lay in the woods, weeks away from being found. The Val Kilmer gif snapped its jaw over and over forever in a text message.
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The Sunday Read: ‘What Happened to Val Kilmer?’
Lydia waited by the phone, though she had not been told to expect a call, and Val Kilmer planned his road trip into the desert.
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The Sunday Read: ‘What Happened to Val Kilmer?’
It's hard to believe now, as I write this, but just two months ago, when we were allowed to roam free, when we could board planes and delight from them and wander into rental cars and check into hotels, when we could chase down and replenish the beauty and wonder our very selves need to survive, I went to Los Angeles, where I was asked this question by Val Kilmer.
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The Sunday Read: ‘What Happened to Val Kilmer?’
Do you think South by Southwest will be canceled? But Val Kilmer no longer sounds like Val Kilmer, the movie star of the 80s and 90s who has mostly vanished from screens. He hasn't since his tracheostomy. He can still squeeze air up through his windpipe, however, and past the hole that was cut into his throat and the tracheostomy tube in a way that makes him somewhat understood.
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The Sunday Read: ‘What Happened to Val Kilmer?’
Not very, but somewhat. The sound is something between a squeak and a voiceless roar. He says the fact that I can understand him is a result of the endless vocal exercises that he was trained to do when he went to Juilliard after high school, that he was taught to work his voice like it was a trumpet. He hated the authoritarian rule at Juilliard while he was there.
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The Sunday Read: ‘What Happened to Val Kilmer?’
He hated those stupid vocal exercises. Now look at him, still using his most beloved instrument, when really, by all rights, it should be useless. See how it all turned out for the best? All Val Kilmer's stories are like that, told with that same dash of preordained kismet. He was traveling in Africa in 1994 when he decided to spend a morning exploring a bat cave.
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The Sunday Read: ‘What Happened to Val Kilmer?’
Later that day, literally, seriously that day, he was inspired to call his agent, who had been trying to contact Kilmer for weeks to see if he was interested in playing the role of Batman now that Michael Keaton was hanging it up. Another story?
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The Sunday Read: ‘What Happened to Val Kilmer?’
In the days before he set eyes for the first time on his now ex-wife, Joanne Wally, he dreamed that he met the woman he was destined for, and woke up and immediately wrote a poem called We've Just Met, But Marry Me, Please. Then, right after that, he went to London, and while he was there, he saw a play, and Wally was in it.
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The Sunday Read: ‘What Happened to Val Kilmer?’
He was so taken with her that he followed her to the pub after-party, just so he could look at her. This was crazy even for him, so he made no move. But two years later, in 1987, she would be randomly, coincidentally, serendipitously cast opposite him in Willow, and they would end up married. So, yes, he can talk.
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The Sunday Read: ‘What Happened to Val Kilmer?’
And it's such a miracle that he has these abilities, because if you have enough faith, you'll see how every part of your life is just a piece of a bigger part of your life, and nothing is an accident, and everything is good.
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The Sunday Read: ‘What Happened to Val Kilmer?’
We were in his office at Hell Mel, an office space slash art gallery slash artist studio slash retail museum for Val Kilmer's movie career that takes up several storefronts and more than half the block of Melrose Avenue between Edgemont Street and Heliotrope Drive in Hollywood.
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The Sunday Read: ‘What Happened to Val Kilmer?’
Officially, according to Brad Kopanik, his childhood friend and adult business associate who was in the room to help me better understand Kilmer, Helmel's mission is to serve as a fun, sacred space where eclectic artists gather with novices to collaborate and, through new technology, inspire change and spark giving in our local underserved community.
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The Sunday Read: ‘What Happened to Val Kilmer?’
Of its storefronts, one is a traditional art gallery. Another is a dark window display with three black cubes that say God stenciled in white paint, behind which is an inventory of merch from Kilmer's long and storied movie career.
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The Sunday Read: ‘What Happened to Val Kilmer?’
Socks that featured his Tombstone character Doc Holliday, and Jim Morrison coasters from his role in The Doors, and some paintings that Kilmer himself created, some of which are about his film career. A rendering of his Top Gun character, Iceman, with the word love stenciled across it, and some that aren't, a hummingbird in a forest.
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The Sunday Read: ‘What Happened to Val Kilmer?’
The final storefront is a door that leads to the Willy Wonka core of Hellmell. Inside, there's a podcasting studio, a cafe area, and a screening room. Hellmell also houses a foundation Val and Kopanik created called Twain Mania, which aims to send its Mark Twain curriculum into schools.
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The Sunday Read: ‘What Happened to Val Kilmer?’
Twice a week, high school students from South Central Los Angeles practice Hamlet and other plays there as part of a program called Inner City Shakespeare. Helmel started holding events last February, a screening of Tombstone, an Echo in the Canyon concert.
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The Sunday Read: ‘What Happened to Val Kilmer?’
It is the creative incubator of Kilmer's dreams, the fruition of a vision he had always hoped his 6,000-acre New Mexico ranch would be before he lost most of it in the 2008 housing crash. The idea is to create kind of a life that's active, Kilmer told me. It's active. It's alive. I want the feel of it being alive. You feel the electricity. He sat at his desk.
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The Sunday Read: ‘What Happened to Val Kilmer?’
Behind him was a replica of a painting he had sold to Robert Downey Jr., and on the other side, a maybe two-foot-tall Batman figure with a Mark Twain head. Elsewhere were Apple computers from the 1980s and 1990s dipped in glossy red paint, a tumbleweed bathed in gold paint.
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The Sunday Read: ‘What Happened to Val Kilmer?’
There was a box of newly shipped hardcovers of his new memoir, I'm Your Huckleberry, which debuted on the bestseller list in April, a brooding photo of the Val Kilmer of your 1990s matinee memories on its cover. On the walls were more of his paintings, swishes of paint and resin and oil, and sometimes spray paint, on sheets of repurposed aluminum.
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The Sunday Read: ‘What Happened to Val Kilmer?’
He makes them by swirling around the chemicals and paint until they look like an emotion or an element to him, at which point he adds a photograph, solidifying his theory into fact. I stood and admired a rectangle of blue-gray haze that he had determined looked like ocean waves, and so he had added photos of swimmers diving into the waves one after another.
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The Sunday Read: ‘What Happened to Val Kilmer?’
Of all the projects going on inside the studio at that minute, it was a short animated film about Mark Twain that concerned him most. In it, Mark Twain falls asleep and dreams of the resurrection of Jesus Christ, resulting in his waking up and realizing that Mary Baker Eddy, the founder of Christian Science,
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The Sunday Read: ‘What Happened to Val Kilmer?’
Val Kilmer is a lifelong Christian scientist, was correct about God's eminent perfection and the theories of Mrs. Eddy, as Kilmer calls her, about God's capacity to heal. Kilmer loves a lot of things, but two of the tops are Mark Twain and Mrs. Eddy. Kilmer wanted to debut the short at South by Southwest in a few weeks. It was early March.
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The Sunday Read: ‘What Happened to Val Kilmer?’
There were rumors that festivals and concerts and even air travel might be canceled. Kilmer believed that even if he and his team couldn't take an airplane, they could just drive to Austin and still screen Mark Twain Dreams of the Resurrection and, I don't know, will the festival into existence.
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The Sunday Read: ‘What Happened to Val Kilmer?’
He was undaunted by all the signs and portents that made it feel as if the world were dropping to its knees. He believed if he could get the film done and over to Austin, the rest would take care of itself. So when he asked me if South by Southwest would be canceled, I told him I didn't know.
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The Sunday Read: ‘What Happened to Val Kilmer?’
The Surgeon General had started asking the public not to hoard surgical masks, and just that morning, Los Angeles had declared a state of emergency. You don't think we will be going to Cannes? Kilmer asked. How about the Olympics? The Olympics has never been canceled except in time of world war. You can't cancel the world, right? Bad things happen, but you still need art.
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The Sunday Read: ‘What Happened to Val Kilmer?’
And I thought, right, right, you still need art. You still need forward momentum. You still need to believe that all your effort wasn't for nothing, that we could, we will survive a dark moment in history. And that when that happens, we won't be left without the things that made those moments decipherable and meaningful and therefore tolerable.
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The Sunday Read: ‘What Happened to Val Kilmer?’
The world outside had seemed to be getting so, so bad for so, so long, and this was the first whiff of overarching hope and positivity that I'd witnessed in, I couldn't remember how many months or years now. So much so that I almost couldn't identify it when I saw it. The last glowing embers of hope coming from Val Kilmer?
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The Sunday Read: ‘What Happened to Val Kilmer?’
The movie hunk of my youth who disappeared unceremoniously and now presented with an entirely different appearance and a bizarre accounting of where he'd been? But there was something familiar about it, like a faint knocking that came from inside me. It was the special kind of optimism that maybe only the faithful have.
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The Sunday Read: ‘What Happened to Val Kilmer?’
The enduring belief that some force will come along and save us from the centrifuge of despair we found ourselves in. When is the last time you saw that up close? Before you can understand the story of what happened to Val Kilmer, you have to determine for yourself who he was in the first place. Trying to compare him to any movie star working either now or then will fry your mental circuit board.
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The Sunday Read: ‘What Happened to Val Kilmer?’
He was an upwardly mobile, conventional movie star. He was equally a fringe weirdo who would soon disappear. His first movie, Top Secret, 1984, about a rock star in East Berlin, was the follow-up to Airplane by its creative team, and it was so funny and such a strange thing to see this extraordinarily handsome young kid
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The Sunday Read: ‘What Happened to Val Kilmer?’
a jaw like the sharp-cut bottom half of a stop sign, that true Swede golden hair, a Cupid's bow that lays in shadow of the plump, convex swoop of his upper lip, who also seemed to be in on the joke. The 80s were a time when a handsome young man with blonde hair was mostly the butt of it. He'd been on the road to something slightly more, say, classical when he was at Juilliard.
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The Sunday Read: ‘What Happened to Val Kilmer?’
He starred in Orestes and in The Wood Demon. He wrote a play with his classmates called How It All Began, which went on to run for a month at the Public Theater after Joe Papp himself saw it at the school. He starred in Slab Boys with Sean Penn and Kevin Bacon. He did As You Like It in Minneapolis with Patti LuPone.
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The Sunday Read: ‘What Happened to Val Kilmer?’
But once Hollywood got a look at him, he was on too fast a conveyor belt to safely step off. The success of Top Secret begat a somewhat starring role in Real Genius, meaning that his Chris Knight, the apathetic, irresistible prodigy who helps something, laser, chemical, transmitter, radio, something, is the guy on the poster, but he's not the character with the clearest narrative arc.
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The Sunday Read: ‘What Happened When America Emptied Its Youth Prisons’
As a result, even officials whose instincts tend toward rehabilitation often resort to it instead of providing other options to adjudicated youth. This was my biggest surprise working as a juvenile public defender in the 1990s. I was prepared for racism and punitive instincts. I was prepared for judges who would treat my clients as menaces, as beyond redemption.
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The Sunday Read: ‘What Happened When America Emptied Its Youth Prisons’
But I wasn't prepared for how often judges would tell me they were locking up teenagers because they cared about them. In saying this, I am not referring to teenagers convicted of murder or other serious crimes who made up less than 10% of my caseload. Instead, I am thinking of clients who were locked up for lesser offenses, like selling drugs or stealing cars.
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The Sunday Read: ‘What Happened When America Emptied Its Youth Prisons’
At their sentencing hearings, I made the best arguments I could to keep these young people out of prison. I told their stories and put their lives in context so that judges would see them as worthy of a second chance. I pointed out how awful Oak Hill was, insisting that any time there would only be harmful.
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And I presented the judges with alternatives to prison, typically a vocational, educational, mentoring, or drug treatment program. Nonetheless, I sometimes failed to persuade the sentencing judge. Why? Most often it was because judges believed they could help young people by sending them to prison.
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Washington's juvenile court was full of judges who saw young people as salvageable and believed that they and the juvenile system could do the saving. A stint behind bars might scare my clients straight, the judges said, or give them a chance to reconsider their life choices. These judges weren't easily pigeonholed.
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They often resisted prosecutors' efforts to transfer teenagers to adult court, and their sentences were more often measured in months than in years. They would have been appalled by people like John DiIulio Jr., who rose to prominence in the 1990s by calling for sweeping crackdowns on teenagers he called super predators. But they still defaulted to prison.
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When my colleagues and I argued for leniency, the judges would frequently say something like, look, we're not talking about a decade or even a year. We're talking about a couple of months inside to let him understand that his actions have consequences. Everything in moderation. It's such an appealing idea. It might be true for ice cream, bourbon, and staying up till 3 a.m.,
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But what if juvenile prison isn't like those things? Some things, heroin, say, or Russian roulette, are dangerous even in moderation. Maybe prison is, too. Anna Iser started considering that question when, after college, she worked at a New York program called the Court Employment Project. The six-month program offered an alternative to incarceration for teenage offenders.
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Iser's job was to evaluate them for eligibility. The youth she screened fell into two groups. Some had been jailed for a few weeks or a month, while others were allowed to go home and avoid incarceration entirely. Except for the time behind bars, the two groups looked identical to Iser. Yet those who were locked up, even briefly, were less likely to succeed than those who were released.
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Everyone in the program recognized this, Iser recalls, even if no one really knew why. More than a decade later, Iser, now an economist at Brown University, found a way to test how juvenile incarceration affected young people. She learned that another economist, Joseph Doyle, had access to an unusual data set from the Chicago court system.
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Confidentiality rules mean that juvenile court data is hard to get, and even if you find it, you can't typically connect it to education or adult criminal court outcomes because that data is held by different agencies.
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But Doyle's data overcame those problems, allowing the two researchers to follow people from juvenile court to see whether they ever graduated from high school or were incarcerated as adults. Iser and Doyle were helped by one other fact. Chicago's courts randomly assigned juveniles to judges.
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To understand why this matters, remember Iser's initial reaction to the disparate outcome she saw in New York. When she noticed that the young people who were incarcerated did worse than those who were released, she thought the two groups were otherwise identical. But what if they weren't? Maybe those who were locked up for a month were already worse off in ways that she couldn't observe.
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If so, their poor outcomes might have been due to those existing disadvantages, not to prison. The random assignment of judges let Iser and Doyle control for that. They could compare one juvenile assigned to a tough judge to one with a similar background and charges who appeared before a lenient judge.
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Through such comparisons, involving thousands of teenagers, they could assess the impact of youth incarceration. The young people in their study were typically locked up for just a few weeks. As a result, the researchers were able to test the hypothesis I had heard from some judges in Washington that a relatively brief prison stint would help set a wayward youth on the right path.
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But Iser says, we found the opposite. The kids who were locked up did worse. They were 12% less likely to graduate from high school, and they were 23% more likely to be incarcerated as adults. Published as a working paper in 2013, Iser and Doyle's analysis is lauded for its sophisticated design. Duke University's Jason Barron told me it was a classic read in economics.
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A major national criminology organization gave it its annual award for applied research. But Isa recalls that her mother wasn't all that impressed. My mom asked me, so what are you working on? I said, oh, I'm doing a paper on whether detaining juveniles is bad in terms of their future life outcomes. She's like, do you need a PhD for that? Why would it be good?
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When I asked Iser if she had talked to judges or juvenile justice administrators about her research, I was surprised to learn that she hadn't. In my field, she said, you have to stay objective. You can't be seen as having a horse in the race. You hope the right people will read it, but I'm not an advocate. The right people did read it.
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Susan Burke, director of Utah's juvenile justice system from 2011 to 2018, remembers encountering Iser's research, along with other papers that reached similar conclusions, at a conference of juvenile justice administrators. Burke was intrigued, but she also found the findings challenging. Consider it from her perspective.
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Because she ran a juvenile system, part of Burke's job was to keep young people in jail. She wasn't prison's number one booster, but she thought it had its place, especially if the kids weren't locked up for too long. She remembers, early in her tenure, defending the state's juvenile work camps, facilities for young people who mainly committed property crimes.
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She recalls, These kids were vandalizing and stealing, and I saw the work camps as a way for them to make restitution. So what was Burke to make of research suggesting that even a short stay in detention might make it more, not less, likely that a young person would steal or vandalize again? Burke did something that should be common, but isn't.
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I sat down and talked to some kids that had gone through work camp and asked them about their experience. They didn't report violence, abuse, or inhumane conditions, she says. But they did remember the experience as profoundly dislocating. They said it was difficult to go back home and try and integrate with their friends or return to their school community.
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People would look at them asking, Well, where have you been? What did you do? Why were you there? They were total strangers. Shortly after these conversations, Burke confronted the same issue in her own family. Her son was struggling, and she decided to send him to a day treatment program. He was never locked up and never had to spend a night away from home.
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The program lasted less than three months, but even that removal, Burke recalls, was traumatic. Her son found it difficult to return to school. He never felt like he fit in after that, she recalls. People didn't understand him. He was somehow different now, and it just hurt his ability to make friendships and connect with people.
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And that was a short period of time, and he was coming home every day. These experiences transformed Burke. She championed efforts to close the work camps. She also ended the practice, common in Utah and elsewhere, of removing kids from their homes after arrest for a period of observation and assessment.
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In Utah, Burke recalls, judges would say, Well, I'm going to send you to ONA because I can't decide whether I should lock you up or put you on probation or do something else with you. And they're going to do a full workup on you, your family, everything that's going on with you, and give me information that can better inform my decision.
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When Burke asked her research director what happened to juveniles after the assessment, she learned that 75% of them were sent home. The old Burke would have considered that a success. Look at us. We aren't especially punitive. We send most kids home after assessment.
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But the new Burke, the one who learned of Iser's research, talked to kids from the work camps and saw her own child suffer after returning from day treatment, saw it differently. If we're sending most kids home anyway, why remove them from their homes at all? She asked. Why not do observation and assessment while the kid is at home?
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It took some time, but Burke eventually got her way, and Utah closed all seven of its residential observation and assessment programs. It wasn't an easy victory. Burke remembers that when word of her plans got out, some judges were supportive, but I had to deal with many others who worried that crime would rise.
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The threat of rising crime is, of course, at the heart of almost all opposition to justice reform, especially proposals to imprison fewer people.
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When Gladys Cajon, the reform-minded commissioner of New York State's Office of Children and Family Services, set out to close juvenile justice facilities, she was opposed by Republican legislators from the communities where many of those facilities were located.
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One warned that "...the safety of the public has been compromised because extremely violent and dangerous youths are being released into the community." Another said that if Carrion got her way, crime rates will undoubtedly increase and the safety of our communities will be jeopardized. Carrion's opponents could not have been more wrong. Beginning in 2008, New York State closed 26 juvenile jails.
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Over the next 12 years, juvenile crime in the state declined 86%. The story is the same everywhere. Remember that graph showing the decline in juvenile incarceration? Well, its companion is below, and it shows an 80% decrease in juvenile arrest rates since 1996. Even more significant, arrests for serious violent crimes by juveniles have fallen 78% from their peak in 1994.
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Plunging crime rates helped make reform efforts politically feasible, says Nate Bayliss, who heads the Juvenile Justice Strategy Group for the Annie E. Casey Foundation. I've been at KC since 2007, and I've had the wind at my back for much of my career, he says. Burke sees it similarly.
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When judges worried that crime would go up if we closed the assessment centers, I could show them data that it was already dropping. Then I could go back and show them data a year later that it was still declining. At that point, what could they say? Falling arrest rates also reduced the incarceration rate more directly.
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Because most juveniles are locked up for a year or less, a big drop in the number entering the system has an immediate impact on the number locked up. In fact, the first time I looked at the graph documenting the crime decline, I wondered, is this the whole story? When I suggested as much to Baylis, he resisted.
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Even with crime declining, it's not inevitable that we would see declines of this magnitude in incarceration rates. In the 1990s and early 2000s, he reminded me, many reform advocates said that as long as the system kept building and operating juvenile prisons, judges would continue filling them, even if that meant locking up young people charged with minor offenses. But that's not what happened.
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Part of the story over the last 25 years is that those facilities were still there, and yet systems weren't filling them up with as many kids, and that's a real achievement. I remember the, if you build it, they will fill it, argument because, for many years, I made it myself. In the early 2000s, I was part of the Close Oak Hill Coalition in Washington.
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We fought to persuade the city to shut down the 200-bed facility and replace it with something much smaller. We prevailed, and a 60-bed facility, New Beginnings, opened in 2009. Then judges and administrators surprised us. Although they had the power to fill this new prison, they chose not to.
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The number of teenagers locked up at New Beginnings dropped to as few as 12 in 2018, and for most of the past decade, the facility has held only 30 to 40 residents. Bayless offers another reason to see the declining incarceration rate as more than a function of declining arrests.
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Crimes that once accounted for a large share of the juvenile incarceration rate are no longer prosecuted as vigorously as they were 30 or 40 years ago. This is especially true of drug offenses.
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In the crack-dominated early 1990s, a teenager arrested for selling drugs or possessing enough that it was reasonable to think he planned to sell it was just as likely to be locked up as someone charged with aggravated assault or burglary. Today, Bayless says, the odds that a kid would be locked up when they've been arrested for drugs have gone through the floor.
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He points out that from July 2020 to June 2021, Baltimore authorities referred only three young people to the juvenile system in cases where a drug offense was the most serious charge. Montgomery County, Maryland, with over a million people, referred only four. When Bayless brings up numbers like this, he says people aren't surprised.
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They treat it like, well, yeah, of course we don't want to lock up kids for drugs. But just 30 years ago, we made a very different choice about drugs. We locked people up, and we acted like doing that was the only reasonable approach. For Bayless, understanding our reaction to crime as a choice, not a given, opens a new set of possibilities.
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When we stopped locking young people up for drug crimes, the sky didn't fall. Instead, crime kept declining. We could make that same choice about guns, Bayless says. We could make that same choice about stolen cars and assaults. These are real problems, but we can be as creative as we are willing to be about the solutions we choose.
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If declining juvenile crime helps explain falling youth incarceration rates, could the reverse be true as well? What if closing prisons for juveniles has actually helped reduce crime? Most of the researchers, advocates, and administrators I spoke to were hesitant to embrace this claim.
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The researchers were cautious because they've been trained to guard against making causal claims based on a correlation. As for the advocates, some worried about pinning their prison-closing agenda on something as unpredictable as crime rates. Others believe that locking up youth is wrong, full stop, so whether it reduces crime is simply irrelevant. Fair enough.
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But I think that opponents of youth prisons, and I'm one, should take up the crime-fighting mantle. After all, some causal theories are more plausible than others. If, as Iser and others have shown, even a short stint in juvenile prison increases a person's risk of dropping out of high school and being arrested, wouldn't not putting them in prison necessarily reduce those bad outcomes?
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If that's correct, maybe we should think of this century's first two decades as a virtuous cycle. Less crime meant fewer prisons, and fewer prisons meant less crime. David Muhammad was one of the few reformers who volunteered the argument that closing youth prisons cuts crime. His reasons were a mix of logic, doing less of a harmful thing has to help, and personal experience.
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What Muhammad most remembers about his own involvement in the juvenile system is how lucky he was. None of his three arrests led to more than five days of detention. Most kids with my charges would have been sent to camp, he recalls, referring to California's county-run prisons. If I had, I'm not sure we'd be having this conversation. I saw what happened to my friends who got sent to camp.
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Same charges as me, just not as lucky. To a person, they ended up in the adult system. I flourished because I wasn't touched. Can doing nothing really be enough? For some teenagers, the University of Miami criminologist Alex Piquero says the answer is yes. Piqueiro ran the Federal Bureau of Justice Statistics in 2022 and 2023.
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Before that, he was an author of the landmark Pathways to Desistance study, which tracked over 1,300 teenagers who went through juvenile systems in Philadelphia and Phoenix into young adulthood. One of the things that people don't understand is how many young people who commit delinquent acts will simply grow out of that phase on their own, Piquero says.
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They mature, their brains develop, and they learn to make better decisions. But others need help, and in the past three decades, there has been a remarkable, if largely unacknowledged, explosion of initiatives designed to provide it.
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Some, like MST Services, with its awkwardly named Multisystemic Therapy Program, provide counseling and mental health services to young people and their families with the goal of helping them address the factors that have led them to break the law.
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Others, like the National Youth Advocate Program and Boston's ROCA Inc., pair young people with histories of violence or delinquency with mentors and advocates who offer therapy and connect them to education and employment services What these programs have in common is evidence to support their effectiveness.
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As the Sentencing Project's Richard Mendel explains, the research is clear that kids who are placed in one of these programs tend to do better than those who are sent to a juvenile facility, and the group that does best of all is those who are diverted from the system entirely.
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Mohamed didn't have the benefit of a formal evidence-based program, but he found something else that for him was just as powerful. Not long after his third arrest, his girlfriend told him about a program that worked with young people in trouble. Muhammad had his doubts, but he agreed to go once.
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The group, the Omega Boys Club, now called Alive and Free, was founded in 1987 by a San Francisco middle school teacher, Joe Marshall, and a school counselor, Jack Jackwa, who sought to create a haven amid the violence and turf wars of the crack epidemic. Their motto was, from the jailhouse to the schoolhouse, Muhammad recalls learning at his first meeting.
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I liked the sound of that, and I liked their energy. He returned for a second meeting, and a third, and it soon became a habit. Omega promised college scholarships to teenagers who stuck with the program, which clinched the deal for Muhammad. He stopped selling drugs and started attending school, where an English teacher introduced him to black studies and a football coach noticed his athleticism.
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By senior year, his dismal sophomore 0.6 GPA had become a 3.8. Omega kept its commitment and helped pay for him to attend Howard University. Muhammad has no doubts about whom to thank for his turnaround. Not his parents, not his friends, not his brothers. I thank my English teacher, my coach, and Omega. There are more Omegas than you know. As Donovan X. Ramsey chronicles in When Crack Was King...
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One of the least acknowledged legacies of the crack era is how many ordinary people looked at the madness and the carnage and, like Marshall and Jacqua, decided to do something about it.
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They started after-school tutoring programs in church basements, enlisted friends to join them as mentors to struggling teenagers, led marches and rallies and vigils against community violence and organized car washes and cookouts to fund scholarships like the one that sent Muhammad to Howard. Some of these efforts were one-off affairs, after which people returned to their busy lives.
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Others blossomed into neighborhood organizations, local non-profits, and community-led schools. Collectively, such initiatives have contributed significantly to the decrease in crime rates, says the Princeton sociologist Patrick Sharkey, who has long been interested in how violence affects young people and their communities.
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While conducting the research for his 2018 book, Uneasy Peace, Sharkey noticed the proliferation of neighborhood nonprofits beginning in the 1990s. He found that for every 10 organizations focused on community development or violence prevention, the murder rate in a community dropped by 9%, and violent crime dropped by 6%. Sharkey's research is never far from Muhammad's mind. Thank you.
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Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you.
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The Sunday Read: ‘What Happened When America Emptied Its Youth Prisons’
David Muhammad's middle school in Oakland, California labeled him gifted and talented, but classes bored him. The streets were more appealing, and by ninth grade, he had found a group of friends to skip school and sell drugs with. He remembers it as easy money. There were a lot of people who wanted drugs in East Oakland and South Berkeley in the 1980s and early 1990s.
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As long as you avoided joining a crew or getting involved in neighborhood beefs, you could make money without much violence. Muhammad's parents had little to say about how he spent his days. The couple met while registering voters in Georgia in the 1960s, but they were never as passionate about parenting as they had been about civil rights.
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When Muhammad was three, his parents split up, and he was raised in a household with his mother and two older brothers. When he was 15, his mother moved to Philadelphia with her boyfriend, leaving Muhammad in the care of his brothers, ages 20 and 21, both of whom were involved in Oakland's drug scene. This worked out pretty much the way you would expect.
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Over the next two years, Muhammad says, he was arrested three times for selling drugs, attempted murder, and illegal gun possession. The first two cases were dismissed. He received probation for the gun charge. We've seen this story too many times, Muhammad reflects. A black kid from Oakland with absentee parents and a juvenile record. It's not supposed to end well, right?
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But for Muhammad, it did. He wound up graduating from Howard University, running a nonprofit in Oakland called the Mentoring Center, and serving in the leadership of the District of Columbia's Department of Youth Rehabilitation Services. Then he returned to Oakland for a two-year stint as chief probation officer for Alameda County in the same system that once supervised him.
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As Muhammad says, I went from being on probation to the head of probation, and I went from being locked up on the second floor to a corner office on the fourth floor. Muhammad's unlikely elevation came during a remarkable, if largely overlooked, era in the history of America's juvenile justice system.
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Between 2000 and 2020, the number of young people incarcerated in the United States declined by an astonishing 77%. I mean, the graph says it all, Muhammad said, when I showed him the results of an annual survey by the Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention.
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This federal agency asks states and counties around the country to report the number of young people locked up in juvenile facilities on a single day each October. While this one-day count isn't perfect, because of reporting delays, for instance, the most recent figures are almost three years old. It is the best measure we have to track juvenile incarceration rates over time.
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You don't have to look at the graph for long to grasp the story. First, the part that won't surprise you. Given the well-chronicled rise in incarceration rates since the 1970s, the number of young people behind bars increased steadily in the 1970s and 1980s, and then rose more sharply in the 1990s. What comes next is surprising.
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Beginning in 2000, each year for the next two decades, there was a decline in the number of young people locked up. If you think of juvenile incarceration as a mountain, we reached the summit in 2000, and until 2020, we sprinted straight downhill. In the last two years for which we have data, 2021 and 2022, the number of incarcerated juveniles rose 10%, which worries Mohamed.
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But even factoring in that increase, the country locked up 75% fewer juveniles in 2022 than it did in 2000. When he speaks to public officials or community groups, Mohammed tells me, he shows them the same graph I showed him.
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And whenever I do, I always tell people, if you had told me in the 1990s that our juvenile incarceration rate would be this low today, my first thought would have been that you were crazy. And once I got over that, I would have said, great, we did it. Our work is done. I share Muhammad's surprise.
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I represented young people in Washington's juvenile court system in the 1990s when incarceration rates were at their peak. I spent more hours than I can count meeting with teenage clients in the dingy visiting room at the Oak Hill Youth Center, Washington's youth prison. Infested with rats, roaches, and even snakes, it was a shameful, brutal place.
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Each visit left me heartbroken for my clients, furious at the judges who ordered them there, and hopeless that things might change. And yet, ever since I first saw that graph in the early 2000s, I have been watching juvenile incarceration rates decline. Red states and blue states alike lock up fewer kids than in 2000, and in most, the drops have been precipitous.
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29 states have experienced declines of 75% or more, As the number of young people held in juvenile facilities has gone down, so too has the number of youth charged as adults. By 2020, 56% fewer young people were transferred to adult court than in 2006. With fewer juveniles behind bars, many states have shuttered youth facilities. Today, America has 58% fewer of them than it did in 2000.
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Large facilities, those holding more than 100 juveniles, have closed at an especially rapid clip. In 2000, there were 264 youth facilities of that size. By 2020, there were just 42. Because of these trends, says Richard Mendel, a senior research fellow at the Sentencing Project, by 2020, America incarcerated fewer young people than at any point since the 1920s.
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But the figures alone don't explain why this happened. How can it be that a country as punitive as ours reduced its juvenile incarceration rate to a level last seen when Calvin Coolidge occupied the White House and silent movies sold out theaters? And can that progress be sustained? Or is America about to reverse course and embark on another juvenile incarceration binge?
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A good place to start looking for the answer is California, which led the race to first fill and then empty its youth prisons. In the 1970s, California's youth system incarcerated about 5,000 of the state's young people on any given day. By 1987, that figure had grown to over 8,000, on the way to a peak of 10,122 in 1996.
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Rather than build new youth prisons, the state filled existing ones beyond capacity. By the mid-1990s, California youth prisons were overcrowded and violent. The public remained largely unaware of what was going on behind bars. This is no accident. Prison walls keep incarcerated people in, but they also keep the rest of us out. This secrecy fosters ignorance.
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When was the last time you thought about what life is like for people in the prison or jail nearest to where you live? Juvenile prisons are especially good at hiding their true nature. Even those that feel like dungeons are festooned with pleasant names like Children's Center, Camp, or in Washington's case, Youth Center.
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The situation began to change in the early 2000s as lawyers and journalists exposed horrific abuses in the system. In 2003, the California-based prison law office sued the state over conditions in its juvenile facilities. In early 2004, a series of expert reports documented rampant violence and cruelty. One item in particular caught the attention of local and national media.
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Custom-built individual cages where youth deemed violent received their school lessons. An attorney for California's Youth Law Center told the Los Angeles Times that the cages made her think of Barnum and Bailey tiger cages and dog kennels. A clergyman at one of the facilities called them demonic.
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Two months after pictures of the cages came to light, video footage from a facility in Stockton showed counselors kneeling on the backs and necks of prisoners, beating and kicking the motionless young people. Six months later, the San Jose Mercury News published a multi-part exposé revealing that youth were regularly tear-gassed, pepper-sprayed, and forced into solitary confinement.
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While conditions in California's juvenile facilities were especially egregious, that state wasn't the only one to mistreat incarcerated youth. Texas's juvenile justice system was rocked by scandal in 2007 as revelations of sexual abuse and cover-ups led to the resignation of the board of directors of the Texas Youth Commission.
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The Sunday Read: ‘What Happened When America Emptied Its Youth Prisons’
In New York in 2009, a federal investigation revealed that excessive force by guards had left youth with concussions, broken teeth, and fractured bones. By 2011, an influential Annie E. Casey Foundation report, No Place for Kids, revealed that violence and abuse had been documented in the juvenile facilities of 39 states.
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The Sunday Read: ‘What Happened When America Emptied Its Youth Prisons’
As David Muhammad recalls those years, expose after expose piled up to prove to the public what many insiders already knew. The biggest recidivists in the system were the institutions. Alongside revelations of abuse came evidence of just how much money was being spent on juvenile prisons.
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The Sunday Read: ‘What Happened When America Emptied Its Youth Prisons’
In 2008, the American Correctional Association estimated that it cost, on average, $88,000 a year to incarcerate a young person. Some states spent much more than that. Costs in California, for example, exceeded $250,000 a year. State funding for K-12 education, by contrast, was roughly $11,000 per student.
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The Sunday Read: ‘What Happened When America Emptied Its Youth Prisons’
States might have been willing to tolerate such outlays when coffers were flush, but these figures came to light during the Great Recession of the late 2000s, causing more states to doubt the merits of lavishly funding abusive prisons. Proving that juvenile prisons were violent and expensive won some allies to the cause of closing them. But by itself, it wouldn't have been enough.
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The Sunday Read: ‘What Happened When America Emptied Its Youth Prisons’
After all, adult prisons are also violent and expensive, yet it has been extraordinarily difficult to close them. During the same period in which the juvenile prison system shrank by 75%, the adult prison population fell by only 12%. Prison is deeply rooted in the American consciousness. As Angela Y. Davis has written, we treat it as an inevitable fact of life, like birth and death.
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The Sunday Read: ‘The Alienation of Jaime Cachua’
residency, a grueling process that was based in part on a judgment of his character. Jennifer had begun collecting dozens of letters from people in Rome to help his case, and now she took out a folder and started to read a few to Jaime. "'He strives every day to live as a man of God,' wrote a leader from his church. "'He has a deep integrity and a huge giving heart.'"
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The Sunday Read: ‘The Alienation of Jaime Cachua’
Many of his customers only want to deal with him because he has the biggest smile, a co-worker wrote. He's been the friend I counted on going back to middle school. Jennifer stacked the letters together and put them back in the folder. You matter to people here, she said. Their politics might not show it, but they care about you. Jaime turned away from the TV and looked at her.
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The Sunday Read: ‘The Alienation of Jaime Cachua’
How many letters do you think we need? As many as we can get, she said, because maybe her husband could be saved by some of the same people whose votes had put him at risk. What about Sky? she asked. A few days later, Sky drove across Rome to visit Jaime and Jennifer and babysit his grandchildren.
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The Sunday Read: ‘The Alienation of Jaime Cachua’
He brought along some candy for the children and his, quote, go bag of survival gear, which had traveled with him everywhere for the last several years. It contained all the supplies he thought he might need to be self-sufficient in a power outage or a societal collapse.
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The Sunday Read: ‘The Alienation of Jaime Cachua’
Tourniquets, binoculars, knives, whistles, flashlights, water filters, fire starters, a snake bite kit, a firearm, a slingshot, a Bible. He drove by the small house where he'd grown up on the west side of Rome. The yard was overgrown, and a group of men idled on a corner. Probably drug traffickers, Skye said. I don't have much faith in humanity anymore.
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The Sunday Read: ‘The Alienation of Jaime Cachua’
He continued past an abandoned Baptist church and then a pizza parlor decorated with a Mexican flag. MS-13 is starting to operate out of there, he said, repeating a rumor he'd heard from a friend in law enforcement. They're trying to take over the whole neighborhood. Drugs, sex trafficking, you name it.
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The Sunday Read: ‘The Alienation of Jaime Cachua’
This was how he'd come to see Rome through his work as an animal control and corrections officer, as a city of instability and increasing danger. Thousands of immigrants had moved into the area from Mexico and Central America over the last decade, helping to boost manufacturing and revitalize the downtown. But Sky had also encountered other impacts of immigration as a part of his work.
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The Sunday Read: ‘The Alienation of Jaime Cachua’
He captured free-range pit bulls whose owners came from countries that didn't have leash laws and dealt with local cockfighting rings with ties to cartels. He dealt with drug overdoses that traced to fentanyl from Mexico. He learned to recognize the gang colors and graffiti tags popping up across Georgia. Norteños, Mexican Mafia, Latin Kings, MS-13.
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The Sunday Read: ‘The Alienation of Jaime Cachua’
He didn't think of the border issue as some faraway abstraction. It was the gangs, drugs, and sometimes also the inmates he dealt with every day. Just a few months earlier, an undocumented immigrant had been trying to flee the police in Rome at 2 a.m. in a supercharged Dodge Charger when he hit another car, killing two people and critically injuring a one-year-old.
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The Sunday Read: ‘The Alienation of Jaime Cachua’
The blood of these innocent Americans is on the hands of every open borders Democrat, Representative Greene had said then. And Sky believed that was true. Illegal aliens are on the verge of replacing you, replacing your jobs, replacing your kids' schools, replacing your culture, Greene said.
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The Sunday Read: ‘The Alienation of Jaime Cachua’
And even though the mainstream media dismissed her comments as part of a racist conspiracy theory, Sky wondered if she might have a point. His former elementary school now served dozens of students who spoke English as a second language. The old wedding shop downtown was starting to specialize in dresses for quinceaneras.
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The Sunday Read: ‘The Alienation of Jaime Cachua’
About an hour up the freeway, the textile town of Dalton, Georgia, had become majority Hispanic with an annual parade to celebrate Mexico's independence. Sky pulled into Jaime's cul-de-sac and carried his go-bag into the house. Nowhere could he sense the country's political tensions escalating like inside his own family.
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The Sunday Read: ‘The Alienation of Jaime Cachua’
He shared a house with his father, but they hadn't spoken for 13 months, ever since his father accused Sky of being a, quote, radical foot soldier for Trump. His sister-in-law was transgender, but Sky refused to use new pronouns or change the way he talked because, he said, he didn't believe in that PC crap.
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The Sunday Read: ‘The Alienation of Jaime Cachua’
In the kind of reporting that I do, I might in the end write about one person or one family's experience. But I begin that process by talking to a lot of people to try to understand a situation better and to try to begin figuring out who it is that I'm going to go spend time with.
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The Sunday Read: ‘The Alienation of Jaime Cachua’
His wife, a Democrat, had briefly considered moving out a few days after the election, accusing Sky of betraying their Hispanic grandchildren with his vote. And now he was navigating another divide with Jaime, who Sky said he cared for like a son. Sky had been skeptical when Jennifer first introduced him to Jaime, worrying that she would complicate her life by marrying an undocumented immigrant.
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The Sunday Read: ‘The Alienation of Jaime Cachua’
But Jaime had proven himself, Sky said, as a devout Christian, a great father, a model family man. Jaime handed his one-year-old son to Sky and told him about his latest long-shot plan before Trump took office. To travel back to Mexico, wait for paperwork, re-enter the United States, and then apply for legal residency.
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The Sunday Read: ‘The Alienation of Jaime Cachua’
He and Jennifer had an appointment with an immigration lawyer in Atlanta, and Jaime said they might need help with childcare, legal fees, and letters of support. "'It's stupid that they make it this hard for someone like you,' Sky said." We agree, Jaime said. I know it might not always seem like it, but I've got your back, Sky said. I like Trump, but he's a blowhard. He's a salesman.
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The Sunday Read: ‘The Alienation of Jaime Cachua’
He'll toughen things up on the border, but he's not actually coming after people like you. Nobody's putting you on a bus unless they get by me. Jaime and Jennifer drove out of Rome, past the MAGA souvenir stand, and toward the suburban Atlanta law office of Uriel Delgado. They gave him Jennifer's binder of evidence, the routine artifacts of a life in the United States.
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The Sunday Read: ‘The Alienation of Jaime Cachua’
Tax forms, school report cards, letters of support, car payments, mortgage documents, credit card bills. Super organized, Delgado said. It's cut and dry, a perfect case. So, it's easy? Jaime asked. Not exactly, Delgado said.
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The Sunday Read: ‘The Alienation of Jaime Cachua’
He explained that Trump had equivocated over the years about how to treat DACA recipients, but now he was stalking his new administration with officials who were eager for mass deportations. Right now, in terms of how alarmed I am about the next four years, I'd say the situation is a 9 out of 10.
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The Sunday Read: ‘The Alienation of Jaime Cachua’
He told them about some of his other clients in the last few weeks, the daily panic he witnessed in his office, the desperation, the devastation when all he had to offer were consolations and dead ends. So, yeah, he said, make that a 10 out of 10. Even an easy case just got very hard.
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The Sunday Read: ‘The Alienation of Jaime Cachua’
In Jaime's situation, Delgado said the first step was to apply for advance parole, essentially a travel document that would allow Jaime to leave the United States and re-enter lawfully.
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The Sunday Read: ‘The Alienation of Jaime Cachua’
And that means I'm searching through people's Facebook pages, through Twitter, through GoFundMe sites, through people's comments in the local media to try to understand who might be in this situation where they live in a community and love a community that now has voted in a way that may result in their deportation.
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The Sunday Read: ‘The Alienation of Jaime Cachua’
The wait time for approval could take anywhere from six to 24 months, unless Jaime had a reason to apply on an emergency basis, in which case he might be able to make it back into the country before Trump's inauguration. A lot of my clients might have a relative in Mexico who's sick or dying, Delgado said. They say they need to go visit, and that's how they get emergency permission.
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The Sunday Read: ‘The Alienation of Jaime Cachua’
I don't have anything like that, Jaime said. My family is all here. No distant relative that might have some kind of illness? No, Jaime said. Okay, what about a medical issue yourself, Delgado said. Maybe a dental problem, something where you need to go to Mexico to afford the treatment. Not really, Jaime said. And Jennifer sighed and nudged his shoulder.
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The Sunday Read: ‘The Alienation of Jaime Cachua’
She knew that her husband sometimes cost himself a sales commission at work because he refused to exaggerate or take advantage of a customer. He believed in following the rules, even when they were stacked against him. We'll figure something out, Jennifer said. But what's holding us back is finances. What number should I be aiming for? Like a total from now until he gets his green card.
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The Sunday Read: ‘The Alienation of Jaime Cachua’
Let's see, Delgado said, and he took out a calculator and started adding up the numbers. There were the government costs of renewing his DACA, $555, filing for advanced parole, $630, adjusting his status, $1,440, and applying for a new work permit, $410. Then we have the legal fees, Delgado said. I'm under market, but that's still about $4,500. And then there's my airfare, obviously, Jaime said.
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The Sunday Read: ‘The Alienation of Jaime Cachua’
Right, Delgado said. And my airfare, Jennifer said. I'm not going to be separated because if something goes wrong and they don't let you back in, her voice trailed off and she started to cry. plus hotel, plus travel expenses, plus the time it will cost me at work, Jaime said. Jennifer leaned her head on the table and started to pray, and Jaime reached for her hand.
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The Sunday Read: ‘The Alienation of Jaime Cachua’
And even if we find all this money and go through with it, there's still a risk it might be for nothing, right? Jaime said. There's always a risk, Delgado said. You might not get approved. There could be delays. It could drag on. And before anything happens, I might get deported. You might get deported, Delgado agreed. But the longer you wait, the bigger that chance gets.
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The Sunday Read: ‘The Alienation of Jaime Cachua’
Jaime and Jennifer gathered their paperwork, thanked him, and said they would seek out a loan and send over a deposit once they got back to Rome. Rome, huh? Delgado said. That's where I grew up. Small town. Real conservative. There's still a lot of that, Jaime said. Apparently, Delgado said.
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The Sunday Read: ‘The Alienation of Jaime Cachua’
He told them about his parents, who immigrated from Mexico to Georgia as children and later were given amnesty under President Ronald Reagan. They worked in menial jobs, saved, and eventually managed to buy a building in the center of downtown Rome, where they opened a restaurant and a nightclub. It was a popular place, especially among the city's growing number of immigrants.
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The Sunday Read: ‘The Alienation of Jaime Cachua’
But neighboring business owners kept creating new obstacles, challenging their liquor license, citing arcane building codes, filing noise complaints, and eventually resorting to outright racism by accusing Delgado's family of a far-fetched connection to a Mexican cartel. The Rome police kept showing up at the restaurant. The city council got involved.
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The Sunday Read: ‘The Alienation of Jaime Cachua’
One of the dozen or so people that I found and began talking to was a guy named Jaime Cachua, who is 33 years old and has lived in Rome, Georgia, a relatively small town in North Georgia, ever since he was 10 months old.
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The Sunday Read: ‘The Alienation of Jaime Cachua’
Eventually, his parents decided to close the business and follow Delgado to Atlanta, where he'd become a lawyer in part so he would be able to defend his family if they suffered discrimination again. Every time I drive up that way, I still feel this anger, this thickness in the air, Delgado said. I get that, Jaime said. It's a complicated place. It's that small-town mindset, Delgado said.
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The Sunday Read: ‘The Alienation of Jaime Cachua’
Yeah, but it's not all bad, Jaime said. There's a lot of goodness underneath. You think so? Delgado asked. I hope so, Jaime said. And then he followed Jennifer to the car and started driving home.
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The Sunday Read: ‘The Alienation of Jaime Cachua’
Jaime loves Rome, went to high school there, got his first job there, met his wife there, is raising four children there, loves his church, and is in so many ways seen as like a pillar of this community. He works at a car dealership, and his job at the dealership is essentially to be like a mascot.
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The Sunday Read: ‘The Alienation of Jaime Cachua’
They want him in the front of the dealership because Jaime smiles and knows everybody and makes everybody else feel good. And now he's looking around this place and trying to understand, what do they really think about me? And so what he's struggling with is, in many ways, a sense of disorientation about the community he loves and the place in which he grew up.
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The Sunday Read: ‘The Alienation of Jaime Cachua’
So I decided I wanted to write about Jaime. Jaime is in a situation where he has a lot to lose. One of the things that Jaime said to me over the phone in an early conversation was that he didn't understand how so many people who said that they loved him could have voted in a way that put him at such imminent risk.
The Daily
The Sunday Read: ‘The Alienation of Jaime Cachua’
For today's Sunday read, I'll be sharing an article that I wrote about an undocumented immigrant who is now scrambling to stay in the United States, in part because many of his friends and even close family members voted to support President Trump and his plans for mass deportation.
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The Sunday Read: ‘The Alienation of Jaime Cachua’
Those people for Jaime included his father-in-law, a person who had officiated his wedding and who he really cared for and trusted. That made me want to know, how did people make sense of this immigration situation in the country? And how did these relationships that were so central to Jaime impact people's votes? So I went along with a photographer, Aaron Schaaf.
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The Sunday Read: ‘The Alienation of Jaime Cachua’
We traveled to Rome, Georgia, and we spent many days inside his house with him and with his kids, with his father-in-law who had voted for President Trump. I followed them to an appointment in Atlanta with their immigration attorney. But also, I spent enough time there to establish a trust where they were comfortable with me.
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The Sunday Read: ‘The Alienation of Jaime Cachua’
And they started having some of these difficult conversations in my presence. And I got to ask them about what they were experiencing and watch them try to untangle this huge and complicated and for them very scary crisis. One of the things that was interesting and surprising to me in Rome was seeing that so many people are capable of voting to support mass deportation.
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The Sunday Read: ‘The Alienation of Jaime Cachua’
And yet at the same time, they are caring and loving and appreciative of some of the undocumented immigrants who they know and who exist around them. And that duality is a really complicated and interesting thing to explore. And I think also will be a really important difference if, in fact, mass deportations begin in the coming months. So here's my article.
The Daily
The Sunday Read: ‘The Alienation of Jaime Cachua’
Our audio producer today is Tali Abacasis. And the original music you'll hear was written and performed by Aaron Esposito. Thanks for listening. His wife was spiraling into insomnia and his children were afraid to go to school. So Jaime Cachua sought out the person he trusted most in a crisis.
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The Sunday Read: ‘The Alienation of Jaime Cachua’
He sat at his kitchen table in rural Georgia across from his father-in-law, Skye Atkins, the family patriarch. Jaime, 33, hadn't seen his own father since he was 10 months old when he left Mexico in a car seat bound for the United States.
The Daily
The Sunday Read: ‘The Alienation of Jaime Cachua’
It was Sky, 45, who had stood by Jaime at his wedding, helped him move into his first house, and stayed at the hospital overnight when one of Jaime's children was sick with pneumonia. "'We have to prepare for the worst-case scenario,' Jaime told him. "'There's a chance we could lose everything.'" "'Isn't that a bit dramatic?' Sky asked. "'How? Help me understand.'"
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The Sunday Read: ‘The Alienation of Jaime Cachua’
Jaime muted the football game on TV and began to explain his new reality as an undocumented immigrant after the election of Donald Trump, who had won the presidency in part by promising to deport more than 11 million people living in the country illegally. Trump's aides were discussing plans to build detention camps and enlist the military to carry out mass deportations beginning on day one.
The Daily
The Sunday Read: ‘The Alienation of Jaime Cachua’
In the weeks since President Trump was elected back to office, he has begun making plans, as he's said repeatedly, to begin mass deportations on day one in office. At the same time, more than 11 million undocumented immigrants in the United States have begun scrambling to try to figure out how they might be able to stay in the country.
The Daily
The Sunday Read: ‘The Alienation of Jaime Cachua’
Their local Georgia congresswoman, Marjorie Taylor Greene, was saying she couldn't wait to see it happen. Jaime's best chance to become a legal U.S. resident was a new program for immigrants like himself, people who were married to U.S. citizens and had lived in the country for at least 10 years without committing any crimes.
The Daily
The Sunday Read: ‘The Alienation of Jaime Cachua’
But just a few days earlier, that program had been struck down by a Trump-appointed federal judge. There's nothing to stop them from rounding me up once he takes office, Jaime said. Sky had spent much of his adulthood preparing to protect his family in a crisis. He'd learned survival tactics in the Army and had trained in hand-to-hand combat as a Georgia corrections officer.
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The Sunday Read: ‘The Alienation of Jaime Cachua’
In the last few years, as he sensed the country becoming more polarized and volatile, he'd built up a small collection of firearms and a cache of emergency supplies. He'd been anticipating a moment when the government might rise up against his family, but this particular crisis was one he'd helped to create. I'm going to be straight with you, he told Jaime. I voted for Trump.
The Daily
The Sunday Read: ‘The Alienation of Jaime Cachua’
I believe in a lot of what he says. I figured as much, Jaime said. You and just about everyone else around here. It's about protecting our rights as a sovereign country, Sky said. We need to shut down the infiltration on the border. It's not about you. It is about me, Jaime said. That's the thing I don't understand.
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The Sunday Read: ‘The Alienation of Jaime Cachua’
More than anger or even fear, what Jaime had experienced most in the last several weeks was a rising sense of disorientation about the people he loved and the place he considered home. He'd lived all but the first year of his life in Rome, a riverside town of 40,000 in the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains.
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The Sunday Read: ‘The Alienation of Jaime Cachua’
He was a customer service specialist at the local car dealership, a worship team volunteer at church, and the host of family barbecues in his neighborhood cul-de-sac. But lately, the trucks at his dealership were festooned with Trump flags. His pastor was delivering sermons about the, quote, sanctity of borders.
The Daily
The Sunday Read: ‘The Alienation of Jaime Cachua’
And his neighborhood was lined with political signs, including one that read, start shipping off illegals now. More than 70% of voters in surrounding Floyd County had chosen Trump and his mass deportations, including many of Jaime's friends and family members. When Trump was elected for the first time in 2016, Jaime had been single and childless, with no real attachments.
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The Sunday Read: ‘The Alienation of Jaime Cachua’
Now his wife, Jennifer, was up all night on the computer, researching the intricacies of immigration law and trying to hire a lawyer, even though they were thousands of dollars in debt. His seven-year-old twins were sorting out clothes so it would be easier to pack in an emergency.
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The Sunday Read: ‘The Alienation of Jaime Cachua’
Jaime and Jennifer had considered moving their family to Canada or Spain or even Mexico, but Jaime didn't know anyone there, and his rusty Spanish came out in the thick southern drawl. "'I've never felt like a foreigner until now,' he told Skye. "'I'm not going to let anything happen that puts your family at risk,' Skye said. "'It already did,' Jaime said."
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The Sunday Read: ‘The Alienation of Jaime Cachua’
All those criminals that Trump's been talking about, the rapists, the gang members, that's not you, Skye said. He had heard Trump say that he would deport, quote, the bad guys first and possibly show leniency to immigrants who had been brought to the country as children. You deserve to be here, Skye said. To me, you're basically American. But I'm not, Jaime said.
The Daily
The Sunday Read: ‘The Alienation of Jaime Cachua’
He had done whatever he could to pass as American ever since he was about five, when his grandfather first taught him some of the rules of assimilation in the Deep South. No baggy clothes, no bandanas, no lowrider cars, no accent, no speaking Spanish outside the home when he could help it. Instead, he became conversant in the language of salvation and hunting rifles and Georgia Bulldogs football.
The Daily
The Sunday Read: ‘The Alienation of Jaime Cachua’
He asked his teachers and later his bosses to say his name not as Jaime, the typical Spanish pronunciation, but as Jamie. His younger brother, who was born a few years later as a U.S. citizen at a hospital in downtown Rome, took advantage of his government benefits and kept getting in minor legal trouble. Meanwhile, Jaime had never broken a law of any kind.
The Daily
The Sunday Read: ‘The Alienation of Jaime Cachua’
Many of these people have been in the United States for decades, since they were children. And they live in communities, in many cases, that voted heavily for a president who has promised to deport them. And these immigrants are struggling not only with a sense of fear about what's going to come next, but also with a sense of betrayal and confusion.
The Daily
The Sunday Read: ‘The Alienation of Jaime Cachua’
He worked 50 hours each week at the dealership, drove below the speed limit, paid his taxes on time, and smoothed the creases out of books before returning them to the library.
The Daily
The Sunday Read: ‘The Alienation of Jaime Cachua’
But no amount of adherence to the rules made up for the one he'd broken before he was old enough to walk or talk when his family drove him across the border because his mother had found work at a chicken processing plant outside Rome. More than 30 years later, his presence remained illegal.
The Daily
The Sunday Read: ‘The Alienation of Jaime Cachua’
He wasn't eligible for social security or food stamps or unemployment benefits or any kind of health insurance he could afford. All he had was a temporary work permit because of DACA, the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program, which protects some immigrants who arrived in the country as children from being deported.
The Daily
The Sunday Read: ‘The Alienation of Jaime Cachua’
Recently, Trump had signaled a willingness to work with Democrats to help DACA recipients stay in the country as a matter of the heart. But he had also targeted DACA for cancellation during his first term, and his allies were continuing to challenge the program with a pending lawsuit that seemed destined for the Supreme Court.
The Daily
The Sunday Read: ‘The Alienation of Jaime Cachua’
Jennifer didn't know what to believe or whom to trust, so she had started spending her evenings on a Facebook page for DACA recipients, trying to crowdsource ideas about what to do next. Some people are going dark and hiding, she told Jaime one night as she scrolled online after all four of their children were in bed. Should that be us? How? Jaime asked. I'm registered because of DACA.
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The Sunday Read: ‘The Alienation of Jaime Cachua’
They know our address. They know where I work. If they want to start grabbing people, I'm the easiest one to get. You might lose your work permit, she said. We should save, scrounge, prepare for poverty. He laughed and kept his eyes on the TV. They'd just bought a $120 car battery on installment, spreading the payments out over four months. We can deal with being broke, he said. We're good at that.
The Daily
The Sunday Read: ‘The Alienation of Jaime Cachua’
This isn't a joke, she said. Why am I the one doing all of the work? Jennifer's family had lived in Rome for generations, and she had barely stopped to consider Jaime's immigration status in their first months together. She assumed it was a simple paperwork issue that would be fixed by their marriage or by having children together who were born in the United States.
The Daily
The Sunday Read: ‘The Alienation of Jaime Cachua’
But instead, they'd spent years running up against the obstacles and expenses of the country's narrow pathway to citizenship. She had been manic ever since the election, often forgetting to eat or sleep. She was making to-do lists, researching legal codes, starting fundraisers, and leading prayer circles, even as Jaime sometimes seemed increasingly withdrawn.
The Daily
The Sunday Read: ‘The Alienation of Jaime Cachua’
Hi, my name is Eli Saslow, and I'm a writer at large for The New York Times. I write in-depth pieces about how the big issues in the country, the big tension points, impact people's lives.
The Daily
The Sunday Read: ‘The Alienation of Jaime Cachua’
Is there any point fighting what people clearly want? He sometimes wondered. Rome had chosen this outcome, and now there was a MAGA souvenir stand off the interstate and a parade of trucks with Trump flags honking their way through downtown. Jaime had taken a few weeks off from going to the church that he loved.
The Daily
The Sunday Read: ‘The Alienation of Jaime Cachua’
He'd slept through his alarm and laid in bed on his phone, scrolling through news stories about Trump and his appointees speculating about reforms to keep immigrants from, quote, "...poisoning the blood of the country." such as deporting families together, taking away people's green cards, and ending birthright citizenship. Jaime believed the only way to ensure his safety was by becoming a U.S.
The Daily
The Sunday Read: ‘The Alienation of Jaime Cachua’
citizen. And in his case, that process was expensive, protracted, and improbable. A lawyer had told him that he would first have to leave the United States, return to Mexico, possibly wait weeks or even months, and then risk detainment by re-entering the country with a legal inspection. Only then could he even begin to apply for U.S.
The Daily
The Sunday Read: ‘The Alienation of Jaime Cachua’
about the people around them in the communities that they love. It was their former teachers who voted in this way. It was their bosses at work. It was their friends. And in many cases, it was even their family members. And so I began having conversations with some of those immigrants about what that felt like and how they were making sense of this country that they've lived in for so long.
The Daily
'The Interview': Denzel Washington Has Finally Found His Purpose
And how do your colleagues feel about them? Basically, what's it like? Details are really helpful. When was the moment that you realized things were changing? Where were you? What happened? How did you react? How'd you feel? We understand that a lot of people are nervous about going on the record.
The Daily
'The Interview': Denzel Washington Has Finally Found His Purpose
We can keep names anonymous and we can limit identifying information, but we are a podcast, so people will hear your voice. Just to be clear, we won't disclose your information to anyone. If you want to share your experience, even just a few lines, record a voice memo and email it to us at thedailyatnytimes.com. That's thedailyatnytimes.com with the subject line, Federal Worker Experience.
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'The Interview': Denzel Washington Has Finally Found His Purpose
Or you can reach out through the New York Times anonymous tip form at nytimes.com slash tips. If you use that method, please mention The Daily. And if possible, please let us know which federal agency you work for. Okay, now, here's this week's episode of The Interview.
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'The Interview': Ben Stiller on 'Severance,' Selling Out and Being Jewish Today
The question of basically, is democracy good or bad, is I think a secondary question to, is it what we actually have?
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‘I Felt Ashamed.’ Why One Lawyer Resigned When His Firm Caved to Trump
The president signed an executive order singling out Perkins Coie.
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‘I Felt Ashamed.’ Why One Lawyer Resigned When His Firm Caved to Trump
We'll be right back.
The Daily
‘I Felt Ashamed.’ Why One Lawyer Resigned When His Firm Caved to Trump
Those who made the list are a real murderer's row, including Covington and Burling. Paul Weiss, Jenner & Block, big law, white shoe firm, some of the best lawyers in the country.
The Daily
‘I Felt Ashamed.’ Why One Lawyer Resigned When His Firm Caved to Trump
President Trump yesterday rescinded an executive order targeting prominent law firm Paul Weiss. Milbank joins firms Wilkie Farr and Gallagher, which also cut a deal. The question left in the air, of course, is who's next?
The Daily
Stephen Miller’s Return to Power
President Donald Trump's second term in the White House began with a flurry of unilateral actions, and he's showing no signs of slowing down.
The Daily
Trump Takes Aim at the Department of Education
The fields are empty, the playgrounds deserted, and all across the United States, school buildings sit empty.
The Daily
Trump, Europe and the New World Order
It is a great honor to be in Tokyo. the first stop on my first visit to Asia as President of the United States.
The Daily
Trump, Europe and the New World Order
China can be a source of strength for the community of nations.
The Daily
Trump, Europe and the New World Order
The U.S. imposed sanctions on Russia. We took these steps in close coordination with our European allies. And so the partnership was still functional.
The Daily
The Conservative Activist Pushing Trump to Attack U.S. Colleges
Ruffo is likely the reason your conservative uncle knows the phrase critical race theory to begin with. He's the reason that Trump became obsessed with it as a buzz term for pretty much anything to do with race.
The Daily
The Conservative Activist Pushing Trump to Attack U.S. Colleges
After weeks of intense scrutiny, Harvard University President Claudine Gay resigned today. Critics allege she plagiarized some of her academic writings. Chris Ruffo led a coalition of mostly right-wing opponents in a plan to remove Gay as Harvard's president.
The Daily
The Conservative Activist Pushing Trump to Attack U.S. Colleges
$175 million at UPenn. $9 billion at Harvard. $790 million for Northwestern. And dozens of grants at Princeton University reportedly totaling hundreds of millions of dollars.
The Daily Show: Ears Edition
Republicans Desperately Spin Yemen Group Chat Fumble | Mayor Michelle Wu
Introducing pickle lovers' newest obsession, Cauliflower's Dill Pickle Pizza. Think luxurious bechamel sauce infused with dill pickle brine, roasted garlic, melty mozzarella, and fresh dill on Cauliflower's stone-fired cauliflower crust. And because it's Cauliflower, you know it's made better for you. Packed with 14 grams of protein, and you can eat half the pizza for just 400 calories.
The Daily Show: Ears Edition
Republicans Desperately Spin Yemen Group Chat Fumble | Mayor Michelle Wu
Khan going viral this season for leading his team out to play carrying a boombox.
The Daily Show: Ears Edition
Republicans Desperately Spin Yemen Group Chat Fumble | Mayor Michelle Wu
Every year around this time, doctors see a surge in men scheduling vasectomies. Men figure if they're going to be laid up on the couch for a couple of days, it might as well be at a time when there's something to watch on TV, like 48 basketball games in four days. Urologists are catching on, even offering deals with slogans like, it's hip to get snipped. Others offer basketball-shaped ice packs.
The Daily Show: Ears Edition
Republicans Desperately Spin Yemen Group Chat Fumble | Mayor Michelle Wu
This morning, following from that stunning lapse in national security, Secretary of Defense Pete Hagsath, along with other top members of President Trump's national security team, sharing details about a planned large-scale attack on Yemen earlier this month on the commercial message app Signal. and inadvertently including journalist Jeffrey Goldberg on that chain.
The Daily Show: Ears Edition
Republicans Desperately Spin Yemen Group Chat Fumble | Mayor Michelle Wu
Cauliflower has done it again, and pickle lovers, this one's for you. Introducing the first and only frozen dill pickle pizza, and it's going to blow your taste buds away. This one-of-a-kind creation starts with Cauliflower's iconic stone-fired crust, made with real cauliflower florets, now topped with the number one trending flavor of the year.
The Daily Show: Ears Edition
Republicans Desperately Spin Yemen Group Chat Fumble | Mayor Michelle Wu
Picture a luxurious creamy white sauce infused with savory dill pickle brine, garlic roasted to perfection, It's gluten-free, clean label, and packed with 14 grams of protein. And best of all, you can eat half the pizza for just 400 calories. Find Caulipower's Dill Pickle Pizza now at Whole Foods Market nationwide. It's time to taste the buzz everyone's talking about, and it's kind of a big deal.
The Daily Show: Ears Edition
Republicans Desperately Spin Yemen Group Chat Fumble | Mayor Michelle Wu
Hegseth shared operational details of forthcoming strikes, weapons deploying, and attack sequencing.
The Daily Show: Ears Edition
Republicans Desperately Spin Yemen Group Chat Fumble | Mayor Michelle Wu
Don't miss the flavor everyone's talking about and grab Cauliflower's Dill Pickle Pizza. Now available at Whole Foods Market.
The Daily Show: Ears Edition
Republicans Desperately Spin Yemen Group Chat Fumble | Mayor Michelle Wu
According to Goldberg, the administration officials reacting after the strikes, excellent, a good start. Waltz even sending several emojis.
The Daily Show: Ears Edition
Republicans Desperately Spin Yemen Group Chat Fumble | Mayor Michelle Wu
Cauliflower has done it again, and pickle lovers, this one's for you. Introducing the first and only frozen dill pickle pizza, and it's going to blow your taste buds away. This one-of-a-kind creation starts with Cauliflower's iconic stone-fired crust, made with real cauliflower florets, now topped with the number one trending flavor of the year.
The Daily Show: Ears Edition
Republicans Desperately Spin Yemen Group Chat Fumble | Mayor Michelle Wu
Picture a luxurious creamy white sauce infused with savory dill pickle brine, garlic roasted to perfection, It's gluten-free, clean label, and packed with 14 grams of protein. And best of all, you can eat half the pizza for just 400 calories. Find Caulipower's Dill Pickle Pizza now at Whole Foods Market nationwide. It's time to taste the buzz everyone's talking about, and it's kind of a big deal.
The Daily Show: Ears Edition
TDS Time Machine | Black History Month
Explore more shows from the Daily Show podcast universe by searching The Daily Show, wherever you get your podcasts. Watch The Daily Show weeknights at 11, 10 Central on Comedy Central, and stream full episodes anytime on Paramount+.
The Daily Show: Ears Edition
TDS Time Machine | Black History Month
February 1st, 1965. It's the Black History Month Daily Show.
The Daily Show: Ears Edition
TDS Time Machine | Jon Interviews Trailblazing Women
Introducing pickle lovers' newest obsession, Cauliflower's Dill Pickle Pizza. Think luxurious bechamel sauce infused with dill pickle brine, roasted garlic, melty mozzarella, and fresh dill on Cauliflower's stone-fired cauliflower crust. And because it's Cauliflower, you know it's made better for you. Packed with 14 grams of protein, and you can eat half the pizza for just 400 calories.
The Daily Show: Ears Edition
TDS Time Machine | Jon Interviews Trailblazing Women
Cauliflower has done it again, and pickle lovers, this one's for you. Introducing the first and only frozen dill pickle pizza, and it's going to blow your taste buds away. This one-of-a-kind creation starts with Cauliflower's iconic stone-fired crust, made with real cauliflower florets, now topped with the number one trending flavor of the year.
The Daily Show: Ears Edition
TDS Time Machine | Jon Interviews Trailblazing Women
Picture a luxurious creamy white sauce infused with savory dill pickle brine, garlic roasted to perfection, Melty mozzarella cheese and fresh dill. It's a flavor explosion that's as unique as it is craveable. And because it's Kali Power, you know it's made better for you. It's gluten-free, clean label, and packed with 14 grams of protein.
The Daily Show: Ears Edition
TDS Time Machine | Jon Interviews Trailblazing Women
And best of all, you can eat half the pizza for just 400 calories. Find Kali Power's Dill Pickle Pizza now at Whole Foods Market nationwide. It's time to taste the buzz everyone's talking about, and it's kind of a big dill.
The Daily Show: Ears Edition
TDS Time Machine | Jon Interviews Trailblazing Women
Introducing pickle lovers' newest obsession, Cauliflower's Dill Pickle Pizza. Think luxurious bechamel sauce infused with dill pickle brine, roasted garlic, melty mozzarella, and fresh dill on Cauliflower's stone-fired cauliflower crust. And because it's Cauliflower, you know it's made better for you. Packed with 14 grams of protein, and you can eat half the pizza for just 400 calories.
The Daily Show: Ears Edition
TDS Time Machine | Jon Interviews Trailblazing Women
Don't miss the flavor everyone's talking about and grab Cauliflower's Dill Pickle Pizza. Now available at Whole Foods Market.
The Daily Show: Ears Edition
TDS Time Machine | Jon Interviews Trailblazing Women
Don't miss the flavor everyone's talking about and grab Cauliflower's Dill Pickle Pizza. Now available at Whole Foods Market.
The Daily Show: Ears Edition
TDS Time Machine | Jon Interviews Trailblazing Women
Cauliflower has done it again, and pickle lovers, this one's for you. Introducing the first and only frozen dill pickle pizza, and it's going to blow your taste buds away. This one-of-a-kind creation starts with Cauliflower's iconic stone-fired crust, made with real cauliflower florets, now topped with the number one trending flavor of the year.
The Daily Show: Ears Edition
TDS Time Machine | Jon Interviews Trailblazing Women
Picture a luxurious creamy white sauce infused with savory dill pickle brine, garlic roasted to perfection, Melty mozzarella cheese and fresh dill. It's a flavor explosion that's as unique as it is craveable. And because it's Kali Power, you know it's made better for you. It's gluten-free, clean label, and packed with 14 grams of protein.
The Daily Show: Ears Edition
TDS Time Machine | Jon Interviews Trailblazing Women
And best of all, you can eat half the pizza for just 400 calories. Find Kali Power's Dill Pickle Pizza now at Whole Foods Market nationwide. It's time to taste the buzz everyone's talking about, and it's kind of a big deal.
The Daily Show: Ears Edition
Trump's Tariff Boredom, Hegseth Goes Diet Woke, Sports War: Super Bowl | Jesse Eisenberg
Cauliflower has done it again, and pickle lovers, this one's for you. Introducing the first and only frozen dill pickle pizza, and it's going to blow your taste buds away. This one-of-a-kind creation starts with Cauliflower's iconic stone-fired crust, made with real cauliflower florets, now topped with the number one trending flavor of the year.
The Daily Show: Ears Edition
Trump's Tariff Boredom, Hegseth Goes Diet Woke, Sports War: Super Bowl | Jesse Eisenberg
Picture a luxurious creamy white sauce infused with savory dill pickle brine, garlic roasted to perfection, It's gluten-free, clean label, and packed with 14 grams of protein. And best of all, you can eat half the pizza for just 400 calories. Find Caulipower's Dill Pickle Pizza now at Whole Foods Market nationwide. It's time to taste the buzz everyone's talking about, and it's kind of a big deal.
The Daily Show: Ears Edition
Trump's Tariff Boredom, Hegseth Goes Diet Woke, Sports War: Super Bowl | Jesse Eisenberg
Introducing pickle lovers' newest obsession, Cauliflower's Dill Pickle Pizza. Think luxurious bechamel sauce infused with dill pickle brine, roasted garlic, melty mozzarella, and fresh dill on Cauliflower's stone-fired cauliflower crust. And because it's Cauliflower, you know it's made better for you. Packed with 14 grams of protein, and you can eat half the pizza for just 400 calories.
The Daily Show: Ears Edition
Trump's Tariff Boredom, Hegseth Goes Diet Woke, Sports War: Super Bowl | Jesse Eisenberg
Don't miss the flavor everyone's talking about and grab Cauliflower's Dill Pickle Pizza. Now available at Whole Foods Market.
The Daily Show: Ears Edition
Trump's Tariff Boredom, Hegseth Goes Diet Woke, Sports War: Super Bowl | Jesse Eisenberg
Introducing pickle lovers' newest obsession, Cauliflower's Dill Pickle Pizza. Think luxurious bechamel sauce infused with dill pickle brine, roasted garlic, melty mozzarella, and fresh dill on Cauliflower's stone-fired cauliflower crust. And because it's Cauliflower, you know it's made better for you. Packed with 14 grams of protein, and you can eat half the pizza for just 400 calories.
The Daily Show: Ears Edition
Trump's Tariff Boredom, Hegseth Goes Diet Woke, Sports War: Super Bowl | Jesse Eisenberg
Don't miss the flavor everyone's talking about and grab Cauliflower's Dill Pickle Pizza. Now available at Whole Foods Market.
The Daily Show: Ears Edition
Trump's Tariff Boredom, Hegseth Goes Diet Woke, Sports War: Super Bowl | Jesse Eisenberg
Finally, our Nemo Boards shop also makes a good figure on mobile devices. And the illustrations on the boards are now much, much clearer, which is also important to us and what also makes our brand.
The Daily Show: Ears Edition
Trump's Tariff Boredom, Hegseth Goes Diet Woke, Sports War: Super Bowl | Jesse Eisenberg
Cauliflower has done it again, and pickle lovers, this one's for you. Introducing the first and only frozen dill pickle pizza, and it's going to blow your taste buds away. This one-of-a-kind creation starts with Cauliflower's iconic stone-fired crust, made with real cauliflower florets, now topped with the number one trending flavor of the year.
The Daily Show: Ears Edition
Trump's Tariff Boredom, Hegseth Goes Diet Woke, Sports War: Super Bowl | Jesse Eisenberg
Picture a luxurious creamy white sauce infused with savory dill pickle brine, garlic roasted to perfection, melty mozzarella cheese, and fresh dill. It's a flavor explosion that's as unique as it is craveable. And because it's Caulipower, you know it's made better for you. It's gluten-free, clean label, and packed with 14 grams of protein.
The Daily Show: Ears Edition
Trump's Tariff Boredom, Hegseth Goes Diet Woke, Sports War: Super Bowl | Jesse Eisenberg
And best of all, you can eat half the pizza for just 400 calories. Find Caulipower's Dill Pickle Pizza now at Whole Foods Market nationwide. It's time to taste the buzz everyone's talking about, and it's kind of a big deal.
The Daily Show: Ears Edition
Trump's Tariff Boredom, Hegseth Goes Diet Woke, Sports War: Super Bowl | Jesse Eisenberg
Start your test today for 1 euro per month on shopify.de slash radio.
The Daily Show: Ears Edition
Trump's Tariff Boredom, Hegseth Goes Diet Woke, Sports War: Super Bowl | Jesse Eisenberg
Finally, our Nemo Boards shop also makes a good figure on mobile devices. And the illustrations on the boards are now much, much clearer, which is also important to us and what also makes our brand.
The Daily Show: Ears Edition
Trump's Tariff Boredom, Hegseth Goes Diet Woke, Sports War: Super Bowl | Jesse Eisenberg
Start your test today for 1 euro per month on shopify.de slash radio.
The Daily Show: Ears Edition
Trump Escalates China Trade War, Fox News Ignores Market Slide | Mallory McMorrow
from the most trusted journalists at Comedy Central. It's America's only source for news. This is The Daily Show with your host, Desi Lydon.
The Daily Show: Ears Edition
Elon Musk's Gov't Purge, Trump's J6 Revenge, Is Any of This Legal? | Nicole Avant
We want to create an environment where everyone is welcome, to make everyone else feel unwelcome. So.
The Daily Show: Ears Edition
Elon Musk's Gov't Purge, Trump's J6 Revenge, Is Any of This Legal? | Nicole Avant
Hey, Edward. You did a great job on that presentation.
The Daily Show: Ears Edition
Elon Musk's Gov't Purge, Trump's J6 Revenge, Is Any of This Legal? | Nicole Avant
Hey, Edward. You did a great job on that presentation. Can I touch your hair? I don't want to be in the video anymore.
The Daily Show: Ears Edition
Elon Musk's Gov't Purge, Trump's J6 Revenge, Is Any of This Legal? | Nicole Avant
For example, if you work in a department with less than four guys named Todd making good money, please call 911 immediately. Yep, me again.
The Daily Show: Ears Edition
Elon Musk's Gov't Purge, Trump's J6 Revenge, Is Any of This Legal? | Nicole Avant
Just like my dad intended, we founded this company.
The Daily Show: Ears Edition
Elon Musk's Gov't Purge, Trump's J6 Revenge, Is Any of This Legal? | Nicole Avant
Can't believe we plunked out.
The Daily Show: Ears Edition
Elon Musk's Gov't Purge, Trump's J6 Revenge, Is Any of This Legal? | Nicole Avant
Over the last four years, you've been learning tools to fight racism, sexism, and other hateful behavior in the workplace.
The Daily Show: Ears Edition
Elon Musk's Gov't Purge, Trump's J6 Revenge, Is Any of This Legal? | Nicole Avant
Let's get going. You come too, sugar tits. Getting rid of DEI in your office starts at the top. We've already fired your chief of diversity, as well as any other executives we suspect of secretly doing DEI.
The Daily Show: Ears Edition
Elon Musk's Gov't Purge, Trump's J6 Revenge, Is Any of This Legal? | Nicole Avant
My name's Edward.
The Daily Show: Ears Edition
Jon Stewart on Which Speech Is Free in Trump’s America | Paul Rudd
Something unexpected happened after Jeremy Scott confessed to killing Michelle Schofield in Bone Valley Season 1. I just knew him as a kid. Long, silent voices from his past came forward.
The Daily Show: Ears Edition
Jon Stewart on Which Speech Is Free in Trump’s America | Paul Rudd
And they had secrets of their own to share.
The Daily Show: Ears Edition
Jon Stewart on Which Speech Is Free in Trump’s America | Paul Rudd
I was no longer just telling the story. I was part of it.
The Daily Show: Ears Edition
Jon Stewart on Which Speech Is Free in Trump’s America | Paul Rudd
I was becoming the bridge between a killer and the son he'd never known.
The Daily Show: Ears Edition
Jon Stewart on Which Speech Is Free in Trump’s America | Paul Rudd
I never expected to find myself in this place. Now, I need to tell you how I got here.
The Daily Show: Ears Edition
Jon Stewart on Which Speech Is Free in Trump’s America | Paul Rudd
Bone Valley, Season 2. Jeremy.
The Daily Show: Ears Edition
Jon Stewart on Which Speech Is Free in Trump’s America | Paul Rudd
Listen to new episodes of Bone Valley, Season 2, starting April 9th on the iHeartRadio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts. And to hear the entire new season ad-free with exclusive content starting April 9th, subscribe to Lava for Good Plus on Apple Podcasts.
The Daily Show: Ears Edition
Jon Stewart on Which Speech Is Free in Trump’s America | Paul Rudd
A reporter from The Atlantic says he was mistakenly added to a group chat with top members of the Trump administration as they were texting back and forth about highly sensitive war plans.
The Daily Show: Ears Edition
Jon Stewart on Which Speech Is Free in Trump’s America | Paul Rudd
Jeffrey Goldberg. says he was included in a group chat full of our nation's top security officials discussing what we can only assume to be top secret plans to bomb Houthi targets across Yemen on March 15th. Everything from the weapons America would be deploying to the timing and the attack sequences. Oopsie poopsie!
The Daily Show: Ears Edition
Jon Stewart on Which Speech Is Free in Trump’s America | Paul Rudd
Something unexpected happened after Jeremy Scott confessed to killing Michelle Schofield in Bone Valley Season 1. I just knew him as a kid. Long, silent voices from his past came forward.
The Daily Show: Ears Edition
Jon Stewart on Which Speech Is Free in Trump’s America | Paul Rudd
And they had secrets of their own to share.
The Daily Show: Ears Edition
Jon Stewart on Which Speech Is Free in Trump’s America | Paul Rudd
I was no longer just telling the story. I was part of it.
The Daily Show: Ears Edition
Jon Stewart on Which Speech Is Free in Trump’s America | Paul Rudd
I was becoming the bridge between a killer and the son he'd never known.
The Daily Show: Ears Edition
Jon Stewart on Which Speech Is Free in Trump’s America | Paul Rudd
I never expected to find myself in this place. Now, I need to tell you how I got here.
The Daily Show: Ears Edition
Jon Stewart on Which Speech Is Free in Trump’s America | Paul Rudd
Bone Valley, Season 2. Jeremy.
The Daily Show: Ears Edition
Jon Stewart on Which Speech Is Free in Trump’s America | Paul Rudd
Listen to new episodes of Bone Valley, Season 2, starting April 9th on the iHeartRadio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts. And to hear the entire new season ad-free with exclusive content starting April 9th, subscribe to Lava for Good Plus on Apple Podcasts.
The Daily Show: Ears Edition
Jon Stewart on Which Speech Is Free in Trump’s America | Paul Rudd
Something unexpected happened after Jeremy Scott confessed to killing Michelle Schofield in Bone Valley Season 1.
The Daily Show: Ears Edition
Jon Stewart on Which Speech Is Free in Trump’s America | Paul Rudd
I was becoming the bridge between Jeremy Scott and the son he'd never known.
The Daily Show: Ears Edition
Jon Stewart on Which Speech Is Free in Trump’s America | Paul Rudd
Listen to new episodes of Bone Valley Season 2 starting April 9th on the iHeartRadio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts.
The Daily Show: Ears Edition
Jon Stewart on Which Speech Is Free in Trump’s America | Paul Rudd
Something unexpected happened after Jeremy Scott confessed to killing Michelle Schofield in Bone Valley Season 1.
The Daily Show: Ears Edition
Jon Stewart on Which Speech Is Free in Trump’s America | Paul Rudd
I was becoming the bridge between Jeremy Scott and the son he'd never known.
The Daily Show: Ears Edition
Jon Stewart on Which Speech Is Free in Trump’s America | Paul Rudd
Listen to new episodes of Bone Valley Season 2 starting April 9th on the iHeartRadio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts.
The Daily Show: Ears Edition
Jon Stewart Challenges DOGE's Reckless Budget Cuts | Rupa Bhattacharyya
The FDA is looking to rehire around 300 people. The Trump administration will reverse staffing cuts to the 9-11 health fund.
The Daily Show: Ears Edition
Jon Stewart Challenges DOGE's Reckless Budget Cuts | Rupa Bhattacharyya
We don't need to be wasting money on ridiculous items like seeing how fast shrimp can run on treadmills.
The Daily Show: Ears Edition
TDS Time Machine | Earth Day
Get the upgrade you and your devices dream of. Switch to Frontier Fiber Internet. Plan starting at $29.99 per month for Fiber 200 Internet. Hurry now and get free premium Wi-Fi and free expert installation. Frontier Fiber. Good to go. In select areas, price for 12 months at AutoBay. ETF terms apply. Max speeds wired. Actual average Wi-Fi speed varied.
The Daily Show: Ears Edition
TDS Time Machine | Earth Day
Get the upgrade you and your devices dream of. Switch to Frontier Fiber Internet. Plan starting at $29.99 per month for Fiber 200 Internet. Hurry now and get free premium Wi-Fi and free expert installation. Frontier Fiber. Good to go.
The Daily Show: Ears Edition
TDS Time Machine | Earth Day
Get the upgrade you and your devices dream of. Switch to Frontier and experience reliable 100% fiber internet powered by the speed of light. Plan starting at $29.99 per month for fiber 200 internet. Hurry now and get free premium Wi-Fi and free expert installation. Frontier Fiber. Good to go. In select areas, price for 12 months with AutoPay. ETF terms apply. Max speeds wired.
The Daily Show: Ears Edition
TDS Time Machine | Jon Stewart Talks to Comedy Icons - Part 2
The Daily Show, wherever you get your podcasts.
The Daily Show: Ears Edition
Jon Stewart on Trump’s Heel Turn on Zelenskyy & Elon's Interview Challenge | Matthew Desmond
Cauliflower has done it again, and pickle lovers, this one's for you. Introducing the first and only frozen dill pickle pizza, and it's going to blow your taste buds away. This one-of-a-kind creation starts with Cauliflower's iconic stone-fired crust, made with real cauliflower florets, now topped with the number one trending flavor of the year.
The Daily Show: Ears Edition
Jon Stewart on Trump’s Heel Turn on Zelenskyy & Elon's Interview Challenge | Matthew Desmond
Picture a luxurious creamy white sauce infused with savory dill pickle brine, garlic roasted to perfection, It's gluten-free, clean label, and packed with 14 grams of protein. And best of all, you can eat half the pizza for just 400 calories. Find Caulipower's Dill Pickle Pizza now at Whole Foods Market nationwide. It's time to taste the buzz everyone's talking about, and it's kind of a big deal.
The Daily Show: Ears Edition
Jon Stewart on Trump’s Heel Turn on Zelenskyy & Elon's Interview Challenge | Matthew Desmond
Cauliflower has done it again, and pickle lovers, this one's for you. Introducing the first and only frozen dill pickle pizza, and it's going to blow your taste buds away. This one-of-a-kind creation starts with Cauliflower's iconic stone-fired crust, made with real cauliflower florets, now topped with the number one trending flavor of the year.
The Daily Show: Ears Edition
Jon Stewart on Trump’s Heel Turn on Zelenskyy & Elon's Interview Challenge | Matthew Desmond
Picture a luxurious creamy white sauce infused with savory dill pickle brine, garlic roasted to perfection, Melty mozzarella cheese and fresh dill. It's a flavor explosion that's as unique as it is craveable. And because it's Kali Power, you know it's made better for you. It's gluten-free, clean label, and packed with 14 grams of protein.
The Daily Show: Ears Edition
Jon Stewart on Trump’s Heel Turn on Zelenskyy & Elon's Interview Challenge | Matthew Desmond
And best of all, you can eat half the pizza for just 400 calories. Find Kali Power's Dill Pickle Pizza now at Whole Foods Market nationwide. It's time to taste the buzz everyone's talking about, and it's kind of a big deal.
The Daily Show: Ears Edition
Jon Stewart on Trump’s Heel Turn on Zelenskyy & Elon's Interview Challenge | Matthew Desmond
Introducing pickle lovers' newest obsession, Cauliflower's Dill Pickle Pizza. Think luxurious bechamel sauce infused with dill pickle brine, roasted garlic, melty mozzarella, and fresh dill on Cauliflower's stone-fired cauliflower crust. And because it's Cauliflower, you know it's made better for you. Packed with 14 grams of protein, and you can eat half the pizza for just 400 calories.
The Daily Show: Ears Edition
Jon Stewart on Trump’s Heel Turn on Zelenskyy & Elon's Interview Challenge | Matthew Desmond
Don't miss the flavor everyone's talking about and grab Cauliflower's Dill Pickle Pizza. Now available at Whole Foods Market.
The Daily Show: Ears Edition
Jon Stewart on Trump’s Heel Turn on Zelenskyy & Elon's Interview Challenge | Matthew Desmond
Introducing pickle lovers' newest obsession, Cauliflower's Dill Pickle Pizza. Think luxurious bechamel sauce infused with dill pickle brine, roasted garlic, melty mozzarella, and fresh dill on Cauliflower's stone-fired cauliflower crust. And because it's Cauliflower, you know it's made better for you. Packed with 14 grams of protein, and you can eat half the pizza for just 400 calories.
The Daily Show: Ears Edition
Jon Stewart on Trump’s Heel Turn on Zelenskyy & Elon's Interview Challenge | Matthew Desmond
Don't miss the flavor everyone's talking about and grab Cauliflower's Dill Pickle Pizza. Now available at Whole Foods Market.
The Daily Show: Ears Edition
Jon Stewart on Trump’s 3rd Term Plans & Signalgate Lack of Accountability | Oren Cass
Something unexpected happened after Jeremy Scott confessed to killing Michelle Schofield in Bone Valley Season 1. I just knew him as a kid. Long, silent voices from his past came forward.
The Daily Show: Ears Edition
Jon Stewart on Trump’s 3rd Term Plans & Signalgate Lack of Accountability | Oren Cass
And they had secrets of their own to share.
The Daily Show: Ears Edition
Jon Stewart on Trump’s 3rd Term Plans & Signalgate Lack of Accountability | Oren Cass
I was no longer just telling the story. I was part of it.
The Daily Show: Ears Edition
Jon Stewart on Trump’s 3rd Term Plans & Signalgate Lack of Accountability | Oren Cass
I was becoming the bridge between a killer and the son he'd never known.
The Daily Show: Ears Edition
Jon Stewart on Trump’s 3rd Term Plans & Signalgate Lack of Accountability | Oren Cass
I never expected to find myself in this place. Now, I need to tell you how I got here.
The Daily Show: Ears Edition
Jon Stewart on Trump’s 3rd Term Plans & Signalgate Lack of Accountability | Oren Cass
Bone Valley, Season 2. Jeremy.
The Daily Show: Ears Edition
Jon Stewart on Trump’s 3rd Term Plans & Signalgate Lack of Accountability | Oren Cass
Listen to new episodes of Bone Valley, Season 2, starting April 9th on the iHeartRadio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts. And to hear the entire new season ad-free with exclusive content starting April 9th, subscribe to Lava for Good Plus on Apple Podcasts.
The Daily Show: Ears Edition
Jon Stewart on Trump’s 3rd Term Plans & Signalgate Lack of Accountability | Oren Cass
Something unexpected happened after Jeremy Scott confessed to killing Michelle Schofield in Bone Valley Season 1.
The Daily Show: Ears Edition
Jon Stewart on Trump’s 3rd Term Plans & Signalgate Lack of Accountability | Oren Cass
I was becoming the bridge between Jeremy Scott and the son he'd never known.
The Daily Show: Ears Edition
Jon Stewart on Trump’s 3rd Term Plans & Signalgate Lack of Accountability | Oren Cass
Something unexpected happened after Jeremy Scott confessed to killing Michelle Schofield in Bone Valley Season 1. I just knew him as a kid. Long, silent voices from his past came forward.
The Daily Show: Ears Edition
Jon Stewart on Trump’s 3rd Term Plans & Signalgate Lack of Accountability | Oren Cass
And they had secrets of their own to share.
The Daily Show: Ears Edition
Jon Stewart on Trump’s 3rd Term Plans & Signalgate Lack of Accountability | Oren Cass
I was no longer just telling the story. I was part of it.
The Daily Show: Ears Edition
Jon Stewart on Trump’s 3rd Term Plans & Signalgate Lack of Accountability | Oren Cass
I was becoming the bridge between a killer and the son he'd never known.
The Daily Show: Ears Edition
Jon Stewart on Trump’s 3rd Term Plans & Signalgate Lack of Accountability | Oren Cass
I never expected to find myself in this place. Now, I need to tell you how I got here.
The Daily Show: Ears Edition
Jon Stewart on Trump’s 3rd Term Plans & Signalgate Lack of Accountability | Oren Cass
Bone Valley, Season 2. Jeremy.
The Daily Show: Ears Edition
Jon Stewart on Trump’s 3rd Term Plans & Signalgate Lack of Accountability | Oren Cass
Listen to new episodes of Bone Valley, Season 2, starting April 9th on the iHeartRadio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts. And to hear the entire new season ad-free with exclusive content starting April 9th, subscribe to Lava for Good Plus on Apple Podcasts.
The Daily Show: Ears Edition
Jon Stewart on Trump’s 3rd Term Plans & Signalgate Lack of Accountability | Oren Cass
Something unexpected happened after Jeremy Scott confessed to killing Michelle Schofield in Bone Valley Season 1.
The Daily Show: Ears Edition
Jon Stewart on Trump’s 3rd Term Plans & Signalgate Lack of Accountability | Oren Cass
I was becoming the bridge between Jeremy Scott and the son he'd never known.
The Daily Show: Ears Edition
Jon Stewart on Trump’s 3rd Term Plans & Signalgate Lack of Accountability | Oren Cass
Listen to new episodes of Bone Valley Season 2 starting April 9th on the iHeartRadio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts.
The Daily Show: Ears Edition
Jon Stewart on Trump’s 3rd Term Plans & Signalgate Lack of Accountability | Oren Cass
Listen to new episodes of Bone Valley Season 2 starting April 9th on the iHeartRadio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts.
The Daily Show: Ears Edition
Republicans Play "War Plan" Semantics as Journalist Brings Receipts | Steve Coogan
Something unexpected happened after Jeremy Scott confessed to killing Michelle Schofield in Bone Valley Season 1. I just knew him as a kid. Long, silent voices from his past came forward.
The Daily Show: Ears Edition
Republicans Play "War Plan" Semantics as Journalist Brings Receipts | Steve Coogan
And they had secrets of their own to share.
The Daily Show: Ears Edition
Republicans Play "War Plan" Semantics as Journalist Brings Receipts | Steve Coogan
I was no longer just telling the story. I was part of it.
The Daily Show: Ears Edition
Republicans Play "War Plan" Semantics as Journalist Brings Receipts | Steve Coogan
I was becoming the bridge between a killer and the son he'd never known.
The Daily Show: Ears Edition
Republicans Play "War Plan" Semantics as Journalist Brings Receipts | Steve Coogan
I never expected to find myself in this place. Now, I need to tell you how I got here.
The Daily Show: Ears Edition
Republicans Play "War Plan" Semantics as Journalist Brings Receipts | Steve Coogan
I was becoming the bridge between Jeremy Scott and the son he'd never known.
The Daily Show: Ears Edition
Republicans Play "War Plan" Semantics as Journalist Brings Receipts | Steve Coogan
Bone Valley, Season 2. Jeremy.
The Daily Show: Ears Edition
Republicans Play "War Plan" Semantics as Journalist Brings Receipts | Steve Coogan
Listen to new episodes of Bone Valley Season 2 starting April 9th on the iHeartRadio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts. And to hear the entire new season ad-free with exclusive content starting April 9th, subscribe to Lava for Good Plus on Apple Podcasts.
The Daily Show: Ears Edition
Republicans Play "War Plan" Semantics as Journalist Brings Receipts | Steve Coogan
Something unexpected happened after Jeremy Scott confessed to killing Michelle Schofield in Bone Valley Season 1.
The Daily Show: Ears Edition
Republicans Play "War Plan" Semantics as Journalist Brings Receipts | Steve Coogan
Listen to new episodes of Bone Valley Season 2 starting April 9th on the iHeartRadio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts. You're listening to Comedy Central.
The Daily Show: Ears Edition
Republicans Play "War Plan" Semantics as Journalist Brings Receipts | Steve Coogan
The Daily Show: Ears Edition
Republicans Play "War Plan" Semantics as Journalist Brings Receipts | Steve Coogan
11.44 a.m. Eastern, that time. Weather is favorable. Just confirmed with CENTCOM, we are a go for mission launch. 12.15 Eastern, F-18's launch, declaring this first strike package. 13.45, trigger-based F-18 first strike window starts. Target terrorist is at his known location, so should be on time. 14.15, strike drones on target. This is all caps. This is when the first bombs will definitely drop.
The Daily Show: Ears Edition
Republicans Play "War Plan" Semantics as Journalist Brings Receipts | Steve Coogan
There were no war plans in any of this stuff.
The Daily Show: Ears Edition
Republicans Play "War Plan" Semantics as Journalist Brings Receipts | Steve Coogan
I would characterize this messaging thread as a policy discussion, a sensitive policy discussion, surely. What is a war plan?
The Daily Show: Ears Edition
Republicans Play "War Plan" Semantics as Journalist Brings Receipts | Steve Coogan
Something unexpected happened after Jeremy Scott confessed to killing Michelle Schofield in Bone Valley Season 1. I just knew him as a kid. Long, silent voices from his past came forward.
The Daily Show: Ears Edition
Republicans Play "War Plan" Semantics as Journalist Brings Receipts | Steve Coogan
And they had secrets of their own to share.
The Daily Show: Ears Edition
Republicans Play "War Plan" Semantics as Journalist Brings Receipts | Steve Coogan
I was no longer just telling the story. I was part of it.
The Daily Show: Ears Edition
Republicans Play "War Plan" Semantics as Journalist Brings Receipts | Steve Coogan
I was becoming the bridge between a killer and the son he'd never known.
The Daily Show: Ears Edition
Republicans Play "War Plan" Semantics as Journalist Brings Receipts | Steve Coogan
I never expected to find myself in this place. Now, I need to tell you how I got here.
The Daily Show: Ears Edition
Republicans Play "War Plan" Semantics as Journalist Brings Receipts | Steve Coogan
Bone Valley, Season 2. Jeremy.
The Daily Show: Ears Edition
Republicans Play "War Plan" Semantics as Journalist Brings Receipts | Steve Coogan
Listen to new episodes of Bone Valley, Season 2, starting April 9th on the iHeartRadio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts. And to hear the entire new season ad-free with exclusive content starting April 9th, subscribe to Lava for Good Plus on Apple Podcasts.
The Daily Show: Ears Edition
DOGE Protestors Turn on Tesla & Astronauts Make It Home | Anthony Carrigan
You guys are way too young to remember this, but in the 1960s, early 70s, there was a show called Gilligan's Island.
The Daily Show: Ears Edition
DOGE Protestors Turn on Tesla & Astronauts Make It Home | Anthony Carrigan
Hello, astronauts, and welcome back to Earth. You got to see dolphins before they went extinct. How cool is that? As you are flown back to the US, this video will re-acclimate your mind on what you missed while you were in space. First, the Gulf of Mexico you landed in is now the Gulf of America. But don't worry, the name change is symbolic. We're not going to war with Mexico.
The Daily Show: Ears Edition
DOGE Protestors Turn on Tesla & Astronauts Make It Home | Anthony Carrigan
We're going to war with Canada and Greenland, maybe Panama, also Mexico. Oh, speaking of wars, when you left, it was Russia that invaded Ukraine. Now it's the other way around. Don't worry about it. For now, just focus on resting. And after you enter U.S.
The Daily Show: Ears Edition
DOGE Protestors Turn on Tesla & Astronauts Make It Home | Anthony Carrigan
territory, your space capsule will face crippling steel tariffs, and you will be deported to an El Salvadoran prison, just until we're sure that you're not Venezuelan gang members. And after your release in 2026, you will be honored at the White House, which is now run by Fox News anchors. Also, the anti-vaccine guy is now in charge of vaccines. The anti-FBI guy is now in charge of the FBI.
The Daily Show: Ears Edition
DOGE Protestors Turn on Tesla & Astronauts Make It Home | Anthony Carrigan
And the lady in charge of the WWE runs the education department, which is gone. These great leaders will welcome you all back, except for astronaut Sonny Williams. See, when you left, you were a female astronaut. Now you're a DEI astronaut. And also, you're fired. But don't worry, you'll find another job. Although just a heads up, the stock market is down and eggs are $400.
The Daily Show: Ears Edition
DOGE Protestors Turn on Tesla & Astronauts Make It Home | Anthony Carrigan
But those are both good things and also Joe Biden's fault. At this point, you're probably wondering, when can NASA send me back up to space? Well, it probably can't. NASA just got doged, which is a real sentence now. So from all of us here in America, welcome to hell. Earth, welcome back to Earth.
The Daily Show: Ears Edition
TDS Time Machine | Stock Market Meltdowns
Let's start with a $100 bill sitting in a bank. In a good economy, a banker is going to lend that $100 to, say, a farmer, who says, now that I've got the money, I can buy seeds from the seed people, a tractor from the tractor people, spray from the pesticide people. But then this year, a bunch of housing loans went bad, and bankers got nervous. Ah, very nervous.
The Daily Show: Ears Edition
Elon Crashes the Oval Office, Trump Pushes Gaza Takeover | Colman Domingo
And that's what I call high-quality tools.
The Daily Show: Ears Edition
Elon Crashes the Oval Office, Trump Pushes Gaza Takeover | Colman Domingo
Well, he is a dick.
The Daily Show: Ears Edition
Elon Crashes the Oval Office, Trump Pushes Gaza Takeover | Colman Domingo
Live from the Oval Office, it's the must-see comedy special that will have you dozing in your chair. It's Elon Musk, Lologark.
The Daily Show: Ears Edition
Elon Crashes the Oval Office, Trump Pushes Gaza Takeover | Colman Domingo
He's the CEO of comedy. I have detractors? You do, sir. You'll want to Neuralink these jokes straight into your brainstem. Featuring an opening act by the Balding Brothers. Order now and you'll get even more of Elon's most hilarious bits. Blackmailing with money? Go yourself. The one thing he's not cutting is the laughs.
The Daily Show: Ears Edition
Elon Crashes the Oval Office, Trump Pushes Gaza Takeover | Colman Domingo
Sponsored by Doge. Doge, we use the HIV prevention money to pay for this.
The Daily Show: Ears Edition
Trump Lies in Joint Address & Rep. Al Green Leaves Early | Julien Baker & TORRES
Paramount Podcasts.
The Daily Show: Ears Edition
Trump Lies in Joint Address & Rep. Al Green Leaves Early | Julien Baker & TORRES
Democrats interrupting just four minutes into the speech. Texas Democrat Al Green heckling the president, shaking his cane at him. Members are directed to uphold and maintain decorum in the House. Speaker Mike Johnson stopping the speech, ordering Green be removed from the chamber.
The Daily Show: Ears Edition
Trump Proposes Gaza Takeover, Ko$ta Doin' Business | Julia Stiles
This morning, a stunning proposal from an American president. Donald Trump with the Israeli prime minister by his side, declaring that the U.S. will take over the Gaza Strip.
The Daily Show: Ears Edition
Trump Proposes Gaza Takeover, Ko$ta Doin' Business | Julia Stiles
Donald Trump calling for the permanent resettlement of roughly two million Palestinians.
The Daily Show: Ears Edition
Trump Proposes Gaza Takeover, Ko$ta Doin' Business | Julia Stiles
And he says he's willing to use the U.S. military to do it.
The Daily Show: Ears Edition
Trump's "Liberation Day" Tariffs & Booker's Speech Breaks Senate Record | Melissa Arnot Reid
Something unexpected happened after Jeremy Scott confessed to killing Michelle Schofield in Bone Valley Season 1. I just knew him as a kid. Long, silent voices from his past came forward.
The Daily Show: Ears Edition
Trump's "Liberation Day" Tariffs & Booker's Speech Breaks Senate Record | Melissa Arnot Reid
And they had secrets of their own to share.
The Daily Show: Ears Edition
Trump's "Liberation Day" Tariffs & Booker's Speech Breaks Senate Record | Melissa Arnot Reid
I was no longer just telling the story. I was part of it.
The Daily Show: Ears Edition
Trump's "Liberation Day" Tariffs & Booker's Speech Breaks Senate Record | Melissa Arnot Reid
I was becoming the bridge between a killer and the son he'd never known.
The Daily Show: Ears Edition
Trump's "Liberation Day" Tariffs & Booker's Speech Breaks Senate Record | Melissa Arnot Reid
I never expected to find myself in this place. Now, I need to tell you how I got here.
The Daily Show: Ears Edition
Trump's "Liberation Day" Tariffs & Booker's Speech Breaks Senate Record | Melissa Arnot Reid
Bone Valley, Season 2. Jeremy.
The Daily Show: Ears Edition
Trump's "Liberation Day" Tariffs & Booker's Speech Breaks Senate Record | Melissa Arnot Reid
Listen to new episodes of Bone Valley, Season 2, starting April 9th on the iHeartRadio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts. And to hear the entire new season ad-free with exclusive content starting April 9th, subscribe to Lava for Good Plus on Apple Podcasts.
The Daily Show: Ears Edition
Trump's "Liberation Day" Tariffs & Booker's Speech Breaks Senate Record | Melissa Arnot Reid
Something unexpected happened after Jeremy Scott confessed to killing Michelle Schofield in Bone Valley Season 1.
The Daily Show: Ears Edition
Trump's "Liberation Day" Tariffs & Booker's Speech Breaks Senate Record | Melissa Arnot Reid
I was becoming the bridge between Jeremy Scott and the son he'd never known.
The Daily Show: Ears Edition
Trump's "Liberation Day" Tariffs & Booker's Speech Breaks Senate Record | Melissa Arnot Reid
Listen to new episodes of Bone Valley Season 2 starting April 9th on the iHeartRadio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts.
The Daily Show: Ears Edition
Trump's "Liberation Day" Tariffs & Booker's Speech Breaks Senate Record | Melissa Arnot Reid
Something unexpected happened after Jeremy Scott confessed to killing Michelle Schofield in Bone Valley Season 1.
The Daily Show: Ears Edition
Trump's "Liberation Day" Tariffs & Booker's Speech Breaks Senate Record | Melissa Arnot Reid
I was becoming the bridge between Jeremy Scott and the son he'd never known.
The Daily Show: Ears Edition
Trump's "Liberation Day" Tariffs & Booker's Speech Breaks Senate Record | Melissa Arnot Reid
Listen to new episodes of Bone Valley Season 2 starting April 9th on the iHeartRadio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts. You're listening to Comedy Central.
The Daily Show: Ears Edition
Trump's "Liberation Day" Tariffs & Booker's Speech Breaks Senate Record | Melissa Arnot Reid
Something unexpected happened after Jeremy Scott confessed to killing Michelle Schofield in Bone Valley Season 1. I just knew him as a kid. Long, silent voices from his past came forward.
The Daily Show: Ears Edition
Trump's "Liberation Day" Tariffs & Booker's Speech Breaks Senate Record | Melissa Arnot Reid
And they had secrets of their own to share.
The Daily Show: Ears Edition
Trump's "Liberation Day" Tariffs & Booker's Speech Breaks Senate Record | Melissa Arnot Reid
I was no longer just telling the story. I was part of it.
The Daily Show: Ears Edition
Trump's "Liberation Day" Tariffs & Booker's Speech Breaks Senate Record | Melissa Arnot Reid
I was becoming the bridge between a killer and the son he'd never known.
The Daily Show: Ears Edition
Trump's "Liberation Day" Tariffs & Booker's Speech Breaks Senate Record | Melissa Arnot Reid
I never expected to find myself in this place. Now, I need to tell you how I got here.
The Daily Show: Ears Edition
Trump's "Liberation Day" Tariffs & Booker's Speech Breaks Senate Record | Melissa Arnot Reid
Bone Valley, Season 2. Jeremy.
The Daily Show: Ears Edition
Trump's "Liberation Day" Tariffs & Booker's Speech Breaks Senate Record | Melissa Arnot Reid
Listen to new episodes of Bone Valley, Season 2, starting April 9th on the iHeartRadio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts. And to hear the entire new season ad-free with exclusive content starting April 9th, subscribe to Lava for Good Plus on Apple Podcasts.
The Daily Show: Ears Edition
In the Field with Desi Lydic
Get the upgrade you and your devices dream of. Switch to Frontier Fiber Internet. Plan starting at $29.99 per month for Fiber 200 Internet. Hurry now and get free premium Wi-Fi and free expert installation. Frontier Fiber. Good to go. In select areas, price for 12 months at Auto Bay. ETF terms apply. Max speeds wired. Actual average Wi-Fi speed varied.
The Daily Show: Ears Edition
In the Field with Desi Lydic
What items would be on your bucket list? What do you need to check off before you go to Mars? These people are really going, everybody.
The Daily Show: Ears Edition
In the Field with Desi Lydic
Get the upgrade you and your devices dream of. Switch to Frontier Fiber Internet. Plan starting at $29.99 per month for Fiber 200 Internet. Hurry now and get free premium Wi-Fi and free expert installation. Frontier Fiber. Good to go.
The Daily Show: Ears Edition
In the Field with Desi Lydic
Something unexpected happened after Jeremy Scott confessed to killing Michelle Schofield in Bone Valley Season 1. I just knew him as a kid. Long, silent voices from his past came forward.
The Daily Show: Ears Edition
In the Field with Desi Lydic
And they had secrets of their own to share.
The Daily Show: Ears Edition
In the Field with Desi Lydic
I was no longer just telling the story. I was part of it.
The Daily Show: Ears Edition
In the Field with Desi Lydic
I was becoming the bridge between a killer and the son he'd never known.
The Daily Show: Ears Edition
In the Field with Desi Lydic
I never expected to find myself in this place. Now, I need to tell you how I got here.
The Daily Show: Ears Edition
In the Field with Desi Lydic
Listen to new episodes of Bone Valley, Season 2, starting April 9th on the iHeartRadio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts. And to hear the entire new season ad-free with exclusive content starting April 9th, subscribe to Lava for Good Plus on Apple Podcasts.
The Daily Show: Ears Edition
In the Field with Desi Lydic
Suspects tried to start a fire with spaghetti sauce. Was karate kicking those birds? Attacked two people.
The Daily Show: Ears Edition
In the Field with Desi Lydic
Something unexpected happened after Jeremy Scott confessed to killing Michelle Schofield in Bone Valley Season 1.
The Daily Show: Ears Edition
In the Field with Desi Lydic
Something unexpected happened after Jeremy Scott confessed to killing Michelle Schofield in Bone Valley Season 1.
The Daily Show: Ears Edition
In the Field with Desi Lydic
I was becoming the bridge between Jeremy Scott and the son he'd never known.
The Daily Show: Ears Edition
In the Field with Desi Lydic
Listen to new episodes of Bone Valley Season 2 starting April 9th on the iHeartRadio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts.
The Daily Show: Ears Edition
In the Field with Desi Lydic
I was becoming the bridge between Jeremy Scott and the son he'd never known.
The Daily Show: Ears Edition
In the Field with Desi Lydic
Listen to new episodes of Bone Valley Season 2 starting April 9th on the iHeartRadio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts.
The Daily Show: Ears Edition
In the Field with Desi Lydic
Get the upgrade you and your devices dream of. Switch to Frontier and experience reliable 100% fiber internet powered by the speed of light. Plan starting at $29.99 per month for fiber 200 internet. Hurry now and get free premium Wi-Fi and free expert installation. Frontier Fiber. Good to go. In select areas, price for 12 months with AutoPay. ETF terms apply. Max speeds wired.
The Daily Show: Ears Edition
In the Field with Desi Lydic
Something unexpected happened after Jeremy Scott confessed to killing Michelle Schofield in Bone Valley Season 1. I just knew him as a kid. Long, silent voices from his past came forward.
The Daily Show: Ears Edition
In the Field with Desi Lydic
And they had secrets of their own to share.
The Daily Show: Ears Edition
In the Field with Desi Lydic
I was no longer just telling the story. I was part of it.
The Daily Show: Ears Edition
In the Field with Desi Lydic
I was becoming the bridge between a killer and the son he'd never known.
The Daily Show: Ears Edition
In the Field with Desi Lydic
I never expected to find myself in this place. Now, I need to tell you how I got here.
The Daily Show: Ears Edition
In the Field with Desi Lydic
Listen to new episodes of Bone Valley, Season 2, starting April 9th on the iHeartRadio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts. And to hear the entire new season ad-free with exclusive content starting April 9th, subscribe to Lava for Good Plus on Apple Podcasts.
The Daily Show: Ears Edition
In the Field with Ronny Chieng
Ronnie knew pizza this good wasn't meant to be caged. He also really loved prison escape movies.
The Daily Show: Ears Edition
In the Field with Ronny Chieng
In October 2017, Ronnie Chang smuggled thin crust pizza out of Cook County jail. Oh, Ronnie loved pizza, but he also hated Chicago deep dish. He had to find a way to get thin crust pizza to the people of Chicago. All it takes to get pizza out is cheese, dough, and time. That and a big ass poster. Ronnie Chain, who crawled through a river marinara and came out smelling like basil.
The Daily Show: Ears Edition
In the Field with Michael Kosta
Get the upgrade you and your devices dream of. Switch to Frontier Fiber Internet. Plan starting at $29.99 per month for Fiber 200 Internet. Hurry now and get free premium Wi-Fi and free expert installation. Frontier Fiber. Good to go. In select areas, price for 12 months at Auto Bay. ETF terms apply. Max speeds wired. Actual average Wi-Fi speed varied.
The Daily Show: Ears Edition
In the Field with Michael Kosta
Get the upgrade you and your devices dream of. Switch to Frontier and experience reliable 100% fiber internet powered by the speed of light. Plan starting at $29.99 per month for fiber 200 internet. Hurry now and get free premium Wi-Fi and free expert installation. Frontier Fiber. Good to go. Install a carrier's price for 12 months with AutoPay. ETF terms apply. Max speeds wired.
The Daily Show: Ears Edition
In the Field with Michael Kosta
Something unexpected happened after Jeremy Scott confessed to killing Michelle Schofield in Bone Valley Season 1. I just knew him as a kid. Long, silent voices from his past came forward.
The Daily Show: Ears Edition
In the Field with Michael Kosta
And they had secrets of their own to share.
The Daily Show: Ears Edition
In the Field with Michael Kosta
I was no longer just telling the story. I was part of it.
The Daily Show: Ears Edition
In the Field with Michael Kosta
I was becoming the bridge between a killer and the son he'd never known.
The Daily Show: Ears Edition
In the Field with Michael Kosta
I never expected to find myself in this place. Now, I need to tell you how I got here.
The Daily Show: Ears Edition
In the Field with Michael Kosta
Listen to new episodes of Bone Valley Season 2 starting April 9th on the iHeartRadio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts. And to hear the entire new season ad-free with exclusive content starting April 9th, subscribe to Lava for Good Plus on Apple Podcasts.
The Daily Show: Ears Edition
In the Field with Michael Kosta
Something unexpected happened after Jeremy Scott confessed to killing Michelle Schofield in Bone Valley Season 1.
The Daily Show: Ears Edition
In the Field with Michael Kosta
Come on! Liquid! Knockout! Liquid! Knockout! Hey, let's start the wave, starting over here! Whoo! Watch the stairs. Watch the stairs.
The Daily Show: Ears Edition
In the Field with Michael Kosta
Get the upgrade you and your devices dream of. Switch to Frontier and experience reliable 100% fiber internet powered by the speed of light. Plan starting at $29.99 per month for fiber 200 internet. Hurry now and get free premium Wi-Fi and free expert installation. Frontier Fiber. Good to go. In select areas, price for 12 months with AutoPay. ETF terms apply. Max speeds wired.
The Daily Show: Ears Edition
In the Field with Michael Kosta
Something unexpected happened after Jeremy Scott confessed to killing Michelle Schofield in Bone Valley Season 1.
The Daily Show: Ears Edition
In the Field with Michael Kosta
I was becoming the bridge between Jeremy Scott and the son he'd never known.
The Daily Show: Ears Edition
In the Field with Michael Kosta
Listen to new episodes of Bone Valley Season 2 starting April 9th on the iHeartRadio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts.
The Daily Show: Ears Edition
In the Field with Michael Kosta
I was becoming the bridge between Jeremy Scott and the son he'd never known.
The Daily Show: Ears Edition
In the Field with Michael Kosta
Listen to new episodes of Bone Valley Season 2 starting April 9th on the iHeartRadio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts.
The Daily Show: Ears Edition
In the Field with Michael Kosta
We got beer, we got guns, we got food. I feel like I'm growing another testicle down here.
The Daily Show: Ears Edition
In the Field with Michael Kosta
Get the upgrade you and your devices dream of. Switch to Frontier and experience reliable 100% fiber internet powered by the speed of light. Plan starting at $29.99 per month for fiber 200 internet. Hurry now and get free premium Wi-Fi and free expert installation. Frontier Fiber. Good to go. In select areas, price for 12 months with AutoPay. ETF terms apply. Max speeds wired.
The Daily Show: Ears Edition
In the Field with Michael Kosta
Something unexpected happened after Jeremy Scott confessed to killing Michelle Schofield in Bone Valley Season 1. I just knew him as a kid. Long, silent voices from his past came forward.
The Daily Show: Ears Edition
In the Field with Michael Kosta
And they had secrets of their own to share.
The Daily Show: Ears Edition
In the Field with Michael Kosta
I was no longer just telling the story. I was part of it.
The Daily Show: Ears Edition
In the Field with Michael Kosta
I was becoming the bridge between a killer and the son he'd never known.
The Daily Show: Ears Edition
In the Field with Michael Kosta
I never expected to find myself in this place. Now, I need to tell you how I got here.
The Daily Show: Ears Edition
In the Field with Michael Kosta
Listen to new episodes of Bone Valley, Season 2, starting April 9th on the iHeartRadio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts. And to hear the entire new season ad-free with exclusive content starting April 9th, subscribe to Lava for Good Plus on Apple Podcasts.
The Daily Show: Ears Edition
TDS Time Machine | The Oscars
Introducing pickle lovers' newest obsession, Cauliflower's Dill Pickle Pizza. Think luxurious bechamel sauce infused with dill pickle brine, roasted garlic, melty mozzarella, and fresh dill on Cauliflower's stone-fired cauliflower crust. And because it's Cauliflower, you know it's made better for you. Packed with 14 grams of protein, and you can eat half the pizza for just 400 calories.
The Daily Show: Ears Edition
TDS Time Machine | The Oscars
Roy Wood Jr., everybody. Cauliflower has done it again, and pickle lovers, this one's for you. Introducing the first and only frozen dill pickle pizza, and it's going to blow your taste buds away. This one-of-a-kind creation starts with Cauliflower's iconic stone-fired crust, made with real cauliflower florets, now topped with the number one trending flavor of the year.
The Daily Show: Ears Edition
TDS Time Machine | The Oscars
Picture a luxurious creamy white sauce infused with savory dill pickle brine, garlic roasted to perfection, melty mozzarella cheese, and fresh dill. It's a flavor explosion that's as unique as it is craveable. And because it's Caulipower, you know it's made better for you. It's gluten-free, clean label, and packed with 14 grams of protein.
The Daily Show: Ears Edition
TDS Time Machine | The Oscars
And best of all, you can eat half the pizza for just 400 calories. Find Caulipower's Dill Pickle Pizza now at Whole Foods Market nationwide. It's time to taste the buzz everyone's talking about, and it's kind of a big deal.
The Daily Show: Ears Edition
TDS Time Machine | The Oscars
For performance by an actor in a supporting role. Mahershala Ali in Green Book. Adam Driver in Black Klansman. Sam Elliott in A Star is Born. Richard E. Grant in Can You Ever Forgive Me? And Sam Rockwell in Vice.
The Daily Show: Ears Edition
TDS Time Machine | The Oscars
Explore more shows from the Daily Show podcast universe by searching The Daily Show, wherever you get your podcasts. Watch The Daily Show weeknights at 11, 10 Central on Comedy Central, and stream full episodes anytime on Paramount+.
The Daily Show: Ears Edition
TDS Time Machine | The Oscars
Paramount Podcasts. Introducing pickle lovers' newest obsession, Cauliflower's Dill Pickle Pizza. Think luxurious bechamel sauce infused with dill pickle brine, roasted garlic, melty mozzarella, and fresh dill on Cauliflower's stone-fired cauliflower crust. And because it's Cauliflower, you know it's made better for you.
The Daily Show: Ears Edition
TDS Time Machine | The Oscars
Packed with 14 grams of protein, and you can eat half the pizza for just 400 calories. Don't miss the flavor everyone's talking about and grab Cauliflower's Dill Pickle Pizza. Now available at Whole Foods Market.
The Daily Show: Ears Edition
TDS Time Machine | The Oscars
Don't miss the flavor everyone's talking about and grab Cauliflower's Dill Pickle Pizza. Now available at Whole Foods Market.
The Daily Show: Ears Edition
TDS Time Machine | The Oscars
Thank you to the Academy. Our heroes unite us, you know, the best among us who inspire us to find the best in ourselves. You know, when they unite us, when we look to our heroes, we agree.
The Daily Show: Ears Edition
TDS Time Machine | The Oscars
Venus and Serena and Selena, Bob Dylan, Scorsese, Fred Rogers, Harriet Tubman, Neil Armstrong, Sally Ride, Dolores Fuerta.
The Daily Show: Ears Edition
TDS Time Machine | The Oscars
I love it up here. Turn that clock off, it's making me nervous.
The Daily Show: Ears Edition
TDS Time Machine | The Oscars
Cauliflower has done it again, and pickle lovers, this one's for you. Introducing the first and only frozen dill pickle pizza, and it's going to blow your taste buds away. This one-of-a-kind creation starts with Cauliflower's iconic stone-fired crust, made with real cauliflower florets, now topped with the number one trending flavor of the year.
The Daily Show: Ears Edition
TDS Time Machine | The Oscars
The producers of the Oscars are slimming down the broadcast in an effort to boost slumping ratings. Eight awards will now be presented off-air, including the Oscars for film editing, makeup and hairstyling, and music original score. The ceremony for those categories will begin an hour before the telecast. The winners will then be sprinkled into the three-hour broadcast.
The Daily Show: Ears Edition
TDS Time Machine | The Oscars
Picture a luxurious creamy white sauce infused with savory dill pickle brine, garlic roasted to perfection, It's gluten-free, clean label, and packed with 14 grams of protein. And best of all, you can eat half the pizza for just 400 calories. Find Caulipower's Dill Pickle Pizza now at Whole Foods Market nationwide. It's time to taste the buzz everyone's talking about, and it's kind of a big deal.
The Daily Show: Ears Edition
TDS Time Machine | The Oscars
With 774 new Academy voters in the mix for 2018. Said to be younger and more diverse in gender, ethnicity, and geography than in years past. A more inclusive group of nominees across the board may be the result. the aim of the Academy's membership initiative in the wake of 2016's Oscars So White protests.
The Daily Show: Ears Edition
TDS Time Machine | The Oscars
The president of the Academy says the changes are necessary for the future success of the Oscars.
The Daily Show: Ears Edition
TDS Time Machine | Baseball
The curse is dead. Chicago erupting overnight. Thousands celebrating in the streets. The Cubs win the World Series!
The Daily Show: Ears Edition
TDS Time Machine | Baseball
Something unexpected happened after Jeremy Scott confessed to killing Michelle Schofield in Bone Valley Season 1. I just knew him as a kid. Long, silent voices from his past came forward.
The Daily Show: Ears Edition
TDS Time Machine | Baseball
And they had secrets of their own to share.
The Daily Show: Ears Edition
TDS Time Machine | Baseball
I was no longer just telling the story. I was part of it.
The Daily Show: Ears Edition
TDS Time Machine | Baseball
I was becoming the bridge between a killer and the son he'd never known.
The Daily Show: Ears Edition
TDS Time Machine | Baseball
I never expected to find myself in this place. Now, I need to tell you how I got here.
The Daily Show: Ears Edition
TDS Time Machine | Baseball
Listen to new episodes of Bone Valley Season 2 starting April 9th on the iHeartRadio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts. And to hear the entire new season ad-free with exclusive content starting April 9th, subscribe to Lava for Good Plus on Apple Podcasts.
The Daily Show: Ears Edition
TDS Time Machine | Baseball
Something unexpected happened after Jeremy Scott confessed to killing Michelle Schofield in Bone Valley Season 1.
The Daily Show: Ears Edition
TDS Time Machine | Baseball
I was becoming the bridge between Jeremy Scott and the son he'd never known.
The Daily Show: Ears Edition
TDS Time Machine | Baseball
Listen to new episodes of Bone Valley Season 2 starting April 9th on the iHeartRadio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts.
The Daily Show: Ears Edition
TDS Time Machine | Baseball
Something unexpected happened after Jeremy Scott confessed to killing Michelle Schofield in Bone Valley Season 1.
The Daily Show: Ears Edition
TDS Time Machine | Baseball
Unless you've got an attack ad to go with it. Barack Obama says he's sworn allegiance to Tampa Bay. Then why does he pal around with this fanatic from Philadelphia? Barack Obama, wrong on baseball, wrong for America.
The Daily Show: Ears Edition
TDS Time Machine | Baseball
I was becoming the bridge between Jeremy Scott and the son he'd never known.
The Daily Show: Ears Edition
TDS Time Machine | Baseball
Listen to new episodes of Bone Valley Season 2 starting April 9th on the iHeartRadio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts.
The Daily Show: Ears Edition
TDS Time Machine | Baseball
Something unexpected happened after Jeremy Scott confessed to killing Michelle Schofield in Bone Valley Season 1. I just knew him as a kid. Long, silent voices from his past came forward.
The Daily Show: Ears Edition
TDS Time Machine | Baseball
And they had secrets of their own to share.
The Daily Show: Ears Edition
TDS Time Machine | Baseball
I was no longer just telling the story. I was part of it.
The Daily Show: Ears Edition
TDS Time Machine | Baseball
I was becoming the bridge between a killer and the son he'd never known.
The Daily Show: Ears Edition
TDS Time Machine | Baseball
I never expected to find myself in this place. Now, I need to tell you how I got here.
The Daily Show: Ears Edition
TDS Time Machine | Baseball
Listen to new episodes of Bone Valley, Season 2, starting April 9th on the iHeartRadio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts. And to hear the entire new season ad-free with exclusive content starting April 9th, subscribe to Lava for Good Plus on Apple Podcasts.
The Daily Show: Ears Edition
In the Field with Troy Iwata
Would you like to just sit down and ask some questions?
The Daily Show: Ears Edition
In the Field with Troy Iwata
The most important thing is that if at any point she is uncomfortable, that she will let me know. If I'm uncomfortable, I will let her know. So how do we break down the stigma and negative connotations for all those closed-minded oafs?
The Daily Show: Ears Edition
In the Field with Troy Iwata
One of those booming businesses, professional cuddling.
The Daily Show: Ears Edition
TDS Time Machine | Oh, Canada...
Introducing pickle lovers' newest obsession, Cauliflower's Dill Pickle Pizza. Think luxurious bechamel sauce infused with dill pickle brine, roasted garlic, melty mozzarella, and fresh dill on Cauliflower's stone-fired cauliflower crust. And because it's Cauliflower, you know it's made better for you. Packed with 14 grams of protein, and you can eat half the pizza for just 400 calories.
The Daily Show: Ears Edition
TDS Time Machine | Oh, Canada...
Picture a luxurious creamy white sauce infused with savory dill pickle brine, garlic roasted to perfection, Melty mozzarella cheese and fresh dill. It's a flavor explosion that's as unique as it is craveable. And because it's Kali Power, you know it's made better for you. It's gluten-free, clean label, and packed with 14 grams of protein.
The Daily Show: Ears Edition
TDS Time Machine | Oh, Canada...
And best of all, you can eat half the pizza for just 400 calories. Find Kali Power's Dill Pickle Pizza now at Whole Foods Market nationwide. It's time to taste the buzz everyone's talking about, and it's kind of a big deal.
The Daily Show: Ears Edition
TDS Time Machine | Oh, Canada...
Paramount Podcasts Introducing pickle lovers' newest obsession, Cauliflower's Dill Pickle Pizza. Think luxurious bechamel sauce infused with dill pickle brine, roasted garlic, melty mozzarella, and fresh dill on Cauliflower's stone-fired cauliflower crust. And because it's Cauliflower, you know it's made better for you.
The Daily Show: Ears Edition
TDS Time Machine | Oh, Canada...
Packed with 14 grams of protein, and you can eat half the pizza for just 400 calories. Don't miss the flavor everyone's talking about and grab Cauliflower's Dill Pickle Pizza. Now available at Whole Foods Market.
The Daily Show: Ears Edition
TDS Time Machine | Oh, Canada...
Don't miss the flavor everyone's talking about and grab Cauliflower's Dill Pickle Pizza. Now available at Whole Foods Market.
The Daily Show: Ears Edition
TDS Time Machine | Oh, Canada...
Drake has released a video for his hit song Hotline Bling.
The Daily Show: Ears Edition
TDS Time Machine | Oh, Canada...
Cauliflower has done it again, and pickle lovers, this one's for you. Introducing the first and only frozen dill pickle pizza, and it's going to blow your taste buds away. This one-of-a-kind creation starts with Cauliflower's iconic stone-fired crust, made with real cauliflower florets, now topped with the number one trending flavor of the year.
The Daily Show: Ears Edition
TDS Time Machine | Oh, Canada...
Picture a luxurious creamy white sauce infused with savory dill pickle brine, garlic roasted to perfection, It's gluten-free, clean label, and packed with 14 grams of protein. And best of all, you can eat half the pizza for just 400 calories. Find Kali Power's Dill Pickle Pizza now at Whole Foods Market nationwide. It's time to taste the buzz everyone's talking about, and it's kind of a big deal.
The Daily Show: Ears Edition
TDS Time Machine | Oh, Canada...
Cauliflower has done it again, and pickle lovers, this one's for you. Introducing the first and only frozen dill pickle pizza, and it's going to blow your taste buds away. This one-of-a-kind creation starts with Cauliflower's iconic stone-fired crust, made with real cauliflower florets, now topped with the number one trending flavor of the year.
The Daily Show: Ears Edition
TDS Time Machine | Women's History Month
Cauliflower has done it again, and pickle lovers, this one's for you. Introducing the first and only frozen dill pickle pizza, and it's going to blow your taste buds away. This one-of-a-kind creation starts with Cauliflower's iconic stone-fired crust, made with real cauliflower florets, now topped with the number one trending flavor of the year.
The Daily Show: Ears Edition
TDS Time Machine | Women's History Month
Picture a luxurious creamy white sauce infused with savory dill pickle brine, garlic roasted to perfection, It's gluten-free, clean label, and packed with 14 grams of protein. And best of all, you can eat half the pizza for just 400 calories. Find Caulipower's Dill Pickle Pizza now at Whole Foods Market nationwide. It's time to taste the buzz everyone's talking about, and it's kind of a big deal.
The Daily Show: Ears Edition
TDS Time Machine | Women's History Month
Introducing pickle lovers' newest obsession, Cauliflower's Dill Pickle Pizza. Think luxurious bechamel sauce infused with dill pickle brine, roasted garlic, melty mozzarella, and fresh dill on Cauliflower's stone-fired cauliflower crust. And because it's Cauliflower, you know it's made better for you. Packed with 14 grams of protein, and you can eat half the pizza for just 400 calories.
The Daily Show: Ears Edition
TDS Time Machine | Women's History Month
Don't miss the flavor everyone's talking about and grab Cauliflower's Dill Pickle Pizza. Now available at Whole Foods Market.
The Daily Show: Ears Edition
TDS Time Machine | Women's History Month
Introducing pickle lovers' newest obsession, Cauliflower's Dill Pickle Pizza. Think luxurious bechamel sauce infused with dill pickle brine, roasted garlic, melty mozzarella, and fresh dill on Cauliflower's stone-fired cauliflower crust. And because it's Cauliflower, you know it's made better for you. Packed with 14 grams of protein, and you can eat half the pizza for just 400 calories.
The Daily Show: Ears Edition
TDS Time Machine | Women's History Month
Don't miss the flavor everyone's talking about and grab Cauliflower's Dill Pickle Pizza. Now available at Whole Foods Market.
The Daily Show: Ears Edition
TDS Time Machine | Women's History Month
Cauliflower has done it again, and pickle lovers, this one's for you. Introducing the first and only frozen dill pickle pizza, and it's going to blow your taste buds away. This one-of-a-kind creation starts with Cauliflower's iconic stone-fired crust, made with real cauliflower florets, now topped with the number one trending flavor of the year.
The Daily Show: Ears Edition
TDS Time Machine | Women's History Month
Picture a luxurious creamy white sauce infused with savory dill pickle brine, garlic roasted to perfection, Melty mozzarella cheese and fresh dill. It's a flavor explosion that's as unique as it is craveable. And because it's Kali Power, you know it's made better for you. It's gluten-free, clean label, and packed with 14 grams of protein.
The Daily Show: Ears Edition
TDS Time Machine | Women's History Month
And best of all, you can eat half the pizza for just 400 calories. Find Kali Power's Dill Pickle Pizza now at Whole Foods Market nationwide. It's time to taste the buzz everyone's talking about, and it's kind of a big deal.
The Daily Show: Ears Edition
TDS Time Machine | It's Classified
I was becoming the bridge between Jeremy Scott and the son he'd never known.
The Daily Show: Ears Edition
TDS Time Machine | It's Classified
Something unexpected happened after Jeremy Scott confessed to killing Michelle Schofield in Bone Valley Season 1. I just knew him as a kid. Long, silent voices from his past came forward.
The Daily Show: Ears Edition
TDS Time Machine | It's Classified
And they had secrets of their own to share.
The Daily Show: Ears Edition
TDS Time Machine | It's Classified
I was no longer just telling the story. I was part of it.
The Daily Show: Ears Edition
TDS Time Machine | It's Classified
I was becoming the bridge between a killer and the son he'd never known.
The Daily Show: Ears Edition
TDS Time Machine | It's Classified
I never expected to find myself in this place. Now, I need to tell you how I got here.
The Daily Show: Ears Edition
TDS Time Machine | It's Classified
Listen to new episodes of Bone Valley, Season 2, starting April 9th on the iHeartRadio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts. And to hear the entire new season ad-free with exclusive content starting April 9th, subscribe to Lava for Good Plus on Apple Podcasts.
The Daily Show: Ears Edition
TDS Time Machine | It's Classified
Something unexpected happened after Jeremy Scott confessed to killing Michelle Schofield in Bone Valley Season 1.
The Daily Show: Ears Edition
TDS Time Machine | It's Classified
Listen to new episodes of Bone Valley Season 2 starting April 9th on the iHeartRadio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts.
The Daily Show: Ears Edition
TDS Time Machine | It's Classified
This is some third world bullshit right here. Let me say it again, third world bullshit.
The Daily Show: Ears Edition
TDS Time Machine | It's Classified
You're listening to Comedy Central. Let's begin with explosive news.
The Daily Show: Ears Edition
TDS Time Machine | It's Classified
Oh, no, there's spam. Something unexpected happened after Jeremy Scott confessed to killing Michelle Schofield in Bone Valley Season 1. I just knew him as a kid. Long, silent voices from his past came forward.
The Daily Show: Ears Edition
TDS Time Machine | It's Classified
And they had secrets of their own to share.
The Daily Show: Ears Edition
TDS Time Machine | It's Classified
I was no longer just telling the story. I was part of it.
The Daily Show: Ears Edition
TDS Time Machine | It's Classified
I was becoming the bridge between a killer and the son he'd never known.
The Daily Show: Ears Edition
TDS Time Machine | It's Classified
I never expected to find myself in this place. Now, I need to tell you how I got here.
The Daily Show: Ears Edition
TDS Time Machine | It's Classified
Listen to new episodes of Bone Valley, Season 2, starting April 9th on the iHeartRadio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts. And to hear the entire new season ad-free with exclusive content starting April 9th, subscribe to Lava for Good Plus on Apple Podcasts.
The Daily Show: Ears Edition
TDS Time Machine | Klepper vs. Anti-Vaxxers
The truckers are bringing in customers. They're bringing in tourists from Montreal, from all across Canada. Everybody wants to check this out.
The Daily Show: Ears Edition
TDS Time Machine | Klepper vs. Anti-Vaxxers
Something unexpected happened after Jeremy Scott confessed to killing Michelle Schofield in Bone Valley Season 1. I just knew him as a kid. Long, silent voices from his past came forward.
The Daily Show: Ears Edition
TDS Time Machine | Klepper vs. Anti-Vaxxers
And they had secrets of their own to share.
The Daily Show: Ears Edition
TDS Time Machine | Klepper vs. Anti-Vaxxers
I was no longer just telling the story. I was part of it.
The Daily Show: Ears Edition
TDS Time Machine | Klepper vs. Anti-Vaxxers
I was becoming the bridge between a killer and the son he'd never known.
The Daily Show: Ears Edition
TDS Time Machine | Klepper vs. Anti-Vaxxers
I never expected to find myself in this place. Now, I need to tell you how I got here.
The Daily Show: Ears Edition
TDS Time Machine | Klepper vs. Anti-Vaxxers
Bone Valley, Season 2. Jeremy.
The Daily Show: Ears Edition
TDS Time Machine | Klepper vs. Anti-Vaxxers
Listen to new episodes of Bone Valley, Season 2, starting April 9th on the iHeartRadio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts. And to hear the entire new season ad-free with exclusive content starting April 9th, subscribe to Lava for Good Plus on Apple Podcasts.
The Daily Show: Ears Edition
TDS Time Machine | Klepper vs. Anti-Vaxxers
Something unexpected happened after Jeremy Scott confessed to killing Michelle Schofield in Bone Valley Season 1.
The Daily Show: Ears Edition
TDS Time Machine | Klepper vs. Anti-Vaxxers
I was becoming the bridge between Jeremy Scott and the son he'd never known.
The Daily Show: Ears Edition
TDS Time Machine | Klepper vs. Anti-Vaxxers
Listen to new episodes of Bone Valley Season 2 starting April 9th on the iHeartRadio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts.
The Daily Show: Ears Edition
TDS Time Machine | Klepper vs. Anti-Vaxxers
Something unexpected happened after Jeremy Scott confessed to killing Michelle Schofield in Bone Valley Season 1.
The Daily Show: Ears Edition
TDS Time Machine | Klepper vs. Anti-Vaxxers
I was becoming the bridge between Jeremy Scott and the son he'd never known.
The Daily Show: Ears Edition
TDS Time Machine | Klepper vs. Anti-Vaxxers
Listen to new episodes of Bone Valley Season 2 starting April 9th on the iHeartRadio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts.
The Daily Show: Ears Edition
TDS Time Machine | Klepper vs. Anti-Vaxxers
Something unexpected happened after Jeremy Scott confessed to killing Michelle Schofield in Bone Valley Season 1. I just knew him as a kid. Long, silent voices from his past came forward.
The Daily Show: Ears Edition
TDS Time Machine | Klepper vs. Anti-Vaxxers
And they had secrets of their own to share.
The Daily Show: Ears Edition
TDS Time Machine | Klepper vs. Anti-Vaxxers
I was no longer just telling the story. I was part of it.
The Daily Show: Ears Edition
TDS Time Machine | Klepper vs. Anti-Vaxxers
I was becoming the bridge between a killer and the son he'd never known.
The Daily Show: Ears Edition
TDS Time Machine | Klepper vs. Anti-Vaxxers
I never expected to find myself in this place. Now, I need to tell you how I got here.
The Daily Show: Ears Edition
TDS Time Machine | Klepper vs. Anti-Vaxxers
Bone Valley, Season 2. Jeremy.
The Daily Show: Ears Edition
TDS Time Machine | Klepper vs. Anti-Vaxxers
Listen to new episodes of Bone Valley, Season 2, starting April 9th on the iHeartRadio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts. And to hear the entire new season ad-free with exclusive content starting April 9th, subscribe to Lava for Good Plus on Apple Podcasts.
The Daily Show: Ears Edition
TDS Time Machine | President Elon
Yes, he's the Techno King, but as a joke. And soon we'll all be his servants, but in a funny way. Because while he may be an eccentric, satellite-launching, terminally online billionaire who wants to plug people into computers and build a vast network of underground tunnels, it's not like he's some kind of supervillain.
The Daily Show: Ears Edition
TDS Time Machine | President Elon
Well, maybe a little. So strap in, turn on the autopilot, but keep your hands on the steering wheel in case of pedestrians. Because this is the Daily Showography of Elon Musk, Visionary Future Man. Elon Musk was born in Pretoria, South Africa in Earth Year 1971. His father made a fortune in construction and emerald mining because Africa's resources are like free money for white people.
The Daily Show: Ears Edition
TDS Time Machine | President Elon
Badly bullied in school, Elon overcame many hardships. Although unlike other South African celebrities, he didn't make his childhood into a whole thing. By age 10, he was learning to program computers. At 12, he built a video game he called Blastar, which started his lifelong love of inventing things that already exist.
The Daily Show: Ears Edition
TDS Time Machine | President Elon
Soon after, he left South Africa and made his way to a booming Silicon Valley, where he launched his first company, Zip2, which he eventually sold to Compaq Computer for $305 million. Like so many tech entrepreneurs, he earned his unimaginable wealth by doing something invaluable for society, selling a startup you've never heard of to a company that doesn't exist anymore.
The Daily Show: Ears Edition
TDS Time Machine | President Elon
Musk celebrated by buying himself a million-dollar supercar. There are 62 McLarens in the world, and I will own one of them. Yes, Musk was so rich, he could afford to have a midlife crisis while he was still in his 20s. Sadly, his new toy wouldn't last long.
The Daily Show: Ears Edition
TDS Time Machine | President Elon
Musk's McLaren crashed worse than Dodge coin after Saturday Night Live. For his next act, Musk created X.com, which would later become PayPal, the app your uncle had to use because Venmo and Cash App won't work on his Nokia. Musk took the money he made from that business and built an empire of cool-ass shit.
The Daily Show: Ears Edition
TDS Time Machine | President Elon
Rocket ships, electric cars, solar farms, artificial intelligence, neurotechnology, and underground highways, all while dating celebrities and starting a record label to release his own EDM track. a banger all the more impressive considering Musk had clearly never heard music before. Yes, Elon Musk refuses to stay in his lane, much like a Tesla on autopilot. Tesla's groundbreaking cars.
The Daily Show: Ears Edition
TDS Time Machine | President Elon
brought unprecedented power range and sexiness to electric vehicles, a market previously reserved for nerds who cared about the environment. And Musk even promised the dream of full self-driving technology.
The Daily Show: Ears Edition
TDS Time Machine | President Elon
But Musk can't stop dreaming big, even when he probably should. Like when SpaceX made history with the world's first reusable rocket technology and then used it to launch the first car into space. Technically the second, if you count Elon Musk's McLaren. Musk's special brand of achievement has won him a totally normal and healthy fan base around the world. But success didn't come easy.
The Daily Show: Ears Edition
TDS Time Machine | President Elon
He had to overcome a lot of doubters, starting with himself.
The Daily Show: Ears Edition
TDS Time Machine | President Elon
Musk could have gone from being a multi-billionaire all the way down to the very lowest rung of society. Millionaire. But through the years, Musk kept his many ventures going with little more than his can-do attitude.
The Daily Show: Ears Edition
TDS Time Machine | President Elon
And billions of dollars in government subsidies. Today, Musk isn't merely the richest man in the world. His net worth is higher than the GDP of most countries. Should Musk be a country? Well, he does have a national anthem.
The Daily Show: Ears Edition
TDS Time Machine | President Elon
And he's not just great at making money, he's also an expert at saving it by paying almost nothing in taxes for three years and then actually nothing in 2018. Of course, there's always haters who like to nitpick Musk's business methods.
The Daily Show: Ears Edition
TDS Time Machine | President Elon
Exactly. Does Musk seem like a man who is inhaling toxic fumes? But Elon Musk also understands that all work and no play make X-Ash A-12 a dull boy. And like any well-adjusted person, his favorite pastime is spending 12 to 14 hours a day on Twitter. So it made sense when Musk announced that he would buy the social media platform.
The Daily Show: Ears Edition
TDS Time Machine | President Elon
And even more sense when the deal spun out of control and crashed into an embankment. But Musk doesn't only use Twitter for fun. He uses it to make the world a better place. Or at least promise to. It's where he promised to solve world hunger. end traffic, fight COVID, and fix Flint's water.
The Daily Show: Ears Edition
TDS Time Machine | President Elon
And when a Thai soccer team was stuck in a cave, Elon even promised to rescue those kids from the guy who rescued them. That's why Musk is such a champion of free speech. If you can't randomly accuse someone who's saving people's lives of being a pedo guy, does civil discourse even exist? Elon Musk is dedicated to building a brighter future for all humanity.
The Daily Show: Ears Edition
TDS Time Machine | President Elon
It's why he backed the most futuristic presidential candidate of 2020. It's why he's so dedicated to turning every aspect of our lives into a platform for his dumb jokes. From robots, to cybernetic implants, to AI, to space travel, to unfettered social media, Elon Musk is building a future that humanity only imagined in the movies. And who wouldn't want to live there?
The Daily Show: Ears Edition
TDS Time Machine | President Elon
And that's why Elon Musk truly is a visionary future man.
The Daily Show: Ears Edition
TDS Time Machine | President Elon
What do you think of when you think of the future? Is it space travel? Robots? Trucks with the word cyber in front of them? Whatever your vision, there is one man working to make it a reality. He's part Thomas Edison, part Iron Man, part annoying dude in the group chat... and is anything but your standard CEO.
The Daily Show: Ears Edition
TDS Time Machine | St. Patrick's Day
Introducing pickle lovers' newest obsession, Cauliflower's Dill Pickle Pizza. Think luxurious bechamel sauce infused with dill pickle brine, roasted garlic, melty mozzarella, and fresh dill on Cauliflower's stone-fired cauliflower crust. And because it's Cauliflower, you know it's made better for you. Packed with 14 grams of protein, and you can eat half the pizza for just 400 calories.
The Daily Show: Ears Edition
TDS Time Machine | St. Patrick's Day
Paramount Podcasts. Introducing pickle lovers' newest obsession, Cauliflower's Dill Pickle Pizza. Think luxurious bechamel sauce infused with dill pickle brine, roasted garlic, melty mozzarella, and fresh dill on Cauliflower's stone-fired cauliflower crust. And because it's Cauliflower, you know it's made better for you.
The Daily Show: Ears Edition
TDS Time Machine | St. Patrick's Day
Packed with 14 grams of protein, and you can eat half the pizza for just 400 calories. Don't miss the flavor everyone's talking about and grab Cauliflower's Dill Pickle Pizza. Now available at Whole Foods Market.
The Daily Show: Ears Edition
TDS Time Machine | St. Patrick's Day
Don't miss the flavor everyone's talking about and grab Cauliflower's Dill Pickle Pizza. Now available at Whole Foods Market.
The Daily Show: Ears Edition
TDS Time Machine | Best of John Oliver
Introducing pickle lovers' newest obsession, Cauliflower's Dill Pickle Pizza. Think luxurious bechamel sauce infused with dill pickle brine, roasted garlic, melty mozzarella, and fresh dill on Cauliflower's stone-fired cauliflower crust. And because it's Cauliflower, you know it's made better for you. Packed with 14 grams of protein, and you can eat half the pizza for just 400 calories.
The Daily Show: Ears Edition
TDS Time Machine | Best of John Oliver
Paramount Podcasts. Introducing pickle lovers' newest obsession, Cauliflower's Dill Pickle Pizza. Think luxurious bechamel sauce infused with dill pickle brine, roasted garlic, melty mozzarella, and fresh dill on Cauliflower's stone-fired cauliflower crust. And because it's Cauliflower, you know it's made better for you.
The Daily Show: Ears Edition
TDS Time Machine | Best of John Oliver
Packed with 14 grams of protein, and you can eat half the pizza for just 400 calories. Don't miss the flavor everyone's talking about and grab Cauliflower's Dill Pickle Pizza. Now available at Whole Foods Market.
The Daily Show: Ears Edition
TDS Time Machine | Best of John Oliver
Don't miss the flavor everyone's talking about and grab Cauliflower's Dill Pickle Pizza. Now available at Whole Foods Market.
The Daily Show: Ears Edition
TDS Time Machine | Best of John Oliver
Cauliflower has done it again, and pickle lovers, this one's for you. Introducing the first and only frozen dill pickle pizza, and it's going to blow your taste buds away. This one-of-a-kind creation starts with Cauliflower's iconic stone-fired crust, made with real cauliflower florets, now topped with the number one trending flavor of the year.
The Daily Show: Ears Edition
TDS Time Machine | Best of John Oliver
Picture a luxurious creamy white sauce infused with savory dill pickle brine, garlic roasted to perfection, It's gluten-free, clean label, and packed with 14 grams of protein. And best of all, you can eat half the pizza for just 400 calories. Find Caulipower's Dill Pickle Pizza now at Whole Foods Market nationwide. It's time to taste the buzz everyone's talking about, and it's kind of a big deal.
The Daily Show: Ears Edition
Behind the Show | Al Madrigal on What Makes a Great Field Piece
Introducing pickle lovers' newest obsession, Cauliflower's Dill Pickle Pizza. Think luxurious bechamel sauce infused with dill pickle brine, roasted garlic, melty mozzarella, and fresh dill on Cauliflower's stone-fired cauliflower crust. And because it's Cauliflower, you know it's made better for you. Packed with 14 grams of protein, and you can eat half the pizza for just 400 calories.
The Daily Show: Ears Edition
Behind the Show | Al Madrigal on What Makes a Great Field Piece
Cauliflower has done it again, and pickle lovers, this one's for you. Introducing the first and only frozen dill pickle pizza, and it's going to blow your taste buds away. This one-of-a-kind creation starts with Cauliflower's iconic stone-fired crust, made with real cauliflower florets, now topped with the number one trending flavor of the year.
The Daily Show: Ears Edition
Behind the Show | Al Madrigal on What Makes a Great Field Piece
Picture a luxurious creamy white sauce infused with savory dill pickle brine, garlic roasted to perfection, melty mozzarella cheese, and fresh dill. It's a flavor explosion that's as unique as it is craveable. And because it's Caulipower, you know it's made better for you. It's gluten-free, clean label, and packed with 14 grams of protein.
The Daily Show: Ears Edition
Behind the Show | Al Madrigal on What Makes a Great Field Piece
And best of all, you can eat half the pizza for just 400 calories. Find Caulipower's Dill Pickle Pizza now at Whole Foods Market nationwide. It's time to taste the buzz everyone's talking about, and it's kind of a big deal.
The Daily Show: Ears Edition
Behind the Show | Al Madrigal on What Makes a Great Field Piece
Across the country, public education is failing. But in Arizona, lawmakers have found the solution to the biggest problem facing their schools...
The Daily Show: Ears Edition
Behind the Show | Al Madrigal on What Makes a Great Field Piece
Arizona's governor, Jan Brewer, just approved a bill banning ethnic studies classes in public schools.
The Daily Show: Ears Edition
Behind the Show | Al Madrigal on What Makes a Great Field Piece
And using this new law, the Tucson school board banned the K-12 Mexican-American studies program. School board member Michael Hicks.
The Daily Show: Ears Edition
Behind the Show | Al Madrigal on What Makes a Great Field Piece
When you sat in on these classes, what types of... I chose not to go to any of their classes.
The Daily Show: Ears Edition
Behind the Show | Al Madrigal on What Makes a Great Field Piece
I'm a black kid. Try to teach me about slavery without me feeling resentment towards white people.
The Daily Show: Ears Edition
Behind the Show | Al Madrigal on What Makes a Great Field Piece
In 2008, Louisiana came to its senses and outlawed the barbaric sport of cockfighting. And the chickens of that state finally had some peace.
The Daily Show: Ears Edition
Behind the Show | Al Madrigal on What Makes a Great Field Piece
Do you think you can keep this enthusiasm up until November?
The Daily Show: Ears Edition
Behind the Show | Al Madrigal on What Makes a Great Field Piece
Oh, absolutely. Are you kidding me? I come here all the time.
The Daily Show: Ears Edition
Behind the Show | Al Madrigal on What Makes a Great Field Piece
Oh, yeah. I've been places where everyone spoke Spanish.
The Daily Show: Ears Edition
Behind the Show | Al Madrigal on What Makes a Great Field Piece
Alabama and Mississippi. So who's it gonna be? Cletus or Betus? It was time to see which one of these backwoods inbred homophobic states will swim the longest against the tide of history. First, let's meet some locals to see whose state has the intolerance edge.
The Daily Show: Ears Edition
Behind the Show | Al Madrigal on What Makes a Great Field Piece
All right, that's it. We'll settle this the old-fashioned way.
The Daily Show: Ears Edition
Behind the Show | Al Madrigal on What Makes a Great Field Piece
Cauliflower has done it again, and pickle lovers, this one's for you. Introducing the first and only frozen dill pickle pizza, and it's going to blow your taste buds away. This one-of-a-kind creation starts with Cauliflower's iconic stone-fired crust, made with real cauliflower florets, now topped with the number one trending flavor of the year.
The Daily Show: Ears Edition
Behind the Show | Al Madrigal on What Makes a Great Field Piece
Picture a luxurious creamy white sauce infused with savory dill pickle brine, garlic roasted to perfection, It's gluten-free, clean label, and packed with 14 grams of protein. And best of all, you can eat half the pizza for just 400 calories. Find Caulipower's Dill Pickle Pizza now at Whole Foods Market nationwide. It's time to taste the buzz everyone's talking about, and it's kind of a big deal.
The Daily Show: Ears Edition
Behind the Show | Al Madrigal on What Makes a Great Field Piece
Thank you.
The Daily Show: Ears Edition
Behind the Show | Al Madrigal on What Makes a Great Field Piece
Don't miss the flavor everyone's talking about and grab Cauliflower's Dill Pickle Pizza. Now available at Whole Foods Market.
The Daily Show: Ears Edition
Behind the Show | Al Madrigal on What Makes a Great Field Piece
Thank you.
The Daily Show: Ears Edition
Behind the Show | Al Madrigal on What Makes a Great Field Piece
The Daily Show: Ears Edition
TDS Time Machine | The Constitution
After watching the movie, two men discovered Mississippi was the last state which had not officially ratified the 13th Amendment, which abolished slavery.
The Daily Show: Ears Edition
TDS Time Machine | The Constitution
Former President Donald Trump's false claims about the 2020 election now have him calling for the Constitution to be terminated. With the revelation of massive and widespread fraud and deception in working closely with big tech companies, the DNC and the Democratic Party, do you throw the presidential election results of 2020 out and declare the rightful winner, or do you have a new election?
The Daily Show: Ears Edition
TDS Time Machine | The Constitution
A massive fraud of this type and magnitude allows for the termination of all rules, regulations, and articles, even those found in the Constitution.
The Daily Show: Ears Edition
TDS Time Machine | The Constitution
Something unexpected happened after Jeremy Scott confessed to killing Michelle Schofield in Bone Valley Season 1. I just knew him as a kid. Long, silent voices from his past came forward.
The Daily Show: Ears Edition
TDS Time Machine | The Constitution
And they had secrets of their own to share.
The Daily Show: Ears Edition
TDS Time Machine | The Constitution
I was no longer just telling the story. I was part of it.
The Daily Show: Ears Edition
TDS Time Machine | The Constitution
I was becoming the bridge between a killer and the son he'd never known.
The Daily Show: Ears Edition
TDS Time Machine | The Constitution
I never expected to find myself in this place. Now, I need to tell you how I got here.
The Daily Show: Ears Edition
TDS Time Machine | The Constitution
Listen to new episodes of Bone Valley, Season 2, starting April 9th on the iHeartRadio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts. And to hear the entire new season ad-free with exclusive content starting April 9th, subscribe to Lava for Good Plus on Apple Podcasts.
The Daily Show: Ears Edition
TDS Time Machine | The Constitution
Something unexpected happened after Jeremy Scott confessed to killing Michelle Schofield in Bone Valley Season 1.
The Daily Show: Ears Edition
TDS Time Machine | The Constitution
Something unexpected happened after Jeremy Scott confessed to killing Michelle Schofield in Bone Valley Season 1.
The Daily Show: Ears Edition
TDS Time Machine | The Constitution
I was becoming the bridge between Jeremy Scott and the son he'd never known.
The Daily Show: Ears Edition
TDS Time Machine | The Constitution
Listen to new episodes of Bone Valley Season 2 starting April 9th on the iHeartRadio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts.
The Daily Show: Ears Edition
TDS Time Machine | The Constitution
At the end of the day, I'm literally a son of a killer. Listen to new episodes of Bone Valley Season 2 starting April 9th on the iHeartRadio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts.
The Daily Show: Ears Edition
TDS Time Machine | The Constitution
Something unexpected happened after Jeremy Scott confessed to killing Michelle Schofield in Bone Valley Season 1. I just knew him as a kid. Long, silent voices from his past came forward.
The Daily Show: Ears Edition
TDS Time Machine | The Constitution
And they had secrets of their own to share.
The Daily Show: Ears Edition
TDS Time Machine | The Constitution
I was no longer just telling the story. I was part of it.
The Daily Show: Ears Edition
TDS Time Machine | The Constitution
I was becoming the bridge between a killer and the son he'd never known.
The Daily Show: Ears Edition
TDS Time Machine | The Constitution
I never expected to find myself in this place. Now, I need to tell you how I got here.
The Daily Show: Ears Edition
TDS Time Machine | The Constitution
Listen to new episodes of Bone Valley, Season 2, starting April 9th on the iHeartRadio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts. And to hear the entire new season ad-free with exclusive content starting April 9th, subscribe to Lava for Good Plus on Apple Podcasts.
The Daily Show: Ears Edition
Billionaires Intervene in Wisconsin Supreme Court Race | Bill Murray
Get the upgrade you and your devices dream of. Switch to Frontier Fiber Internet. Plan starting at $29.99 per month for Fiber 200 Internet. Hurry now and get free premium Wi-Fi and free expert installation. Frontier Fiber. Good to go. In select areas, price for 12 months at Auto Bay. ETF terms apply. Max speeds wired. Actual average Wi-Fi speed varied.
The Daily Show: Ears Edition
Billionaires Intervene in Wisconsin Supreme Court Race | Bill Murray
Bone Valley, Season 2. Jeremy.
The Daily Show: Ears Edition
Billionaires Intervene in Wisconsin Supreme Court Race | Bill Murray
Listen to new episodes of Bone Valley, Season 2, starting April 9th on the iHeartRadio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts. And to hear the entire new season ad-free with exclusive content starting April 9th, subscribe to Lava for Good Plus on Apple Podcasts.
The Daily Show: Ears Edition
Billionaires Intervene in Wisconsin Supreme Court Race | Bill Murray
I love her.
The Daily Show: Ears Edition
Billionaires Intervene in Wisconsin Supreme Court Race | Bill Murray
calling for rain. A hundred million dollars. That's how much money could be spent on a state Supreme Court race in Wisconsin. And that would make it the most expensive judicial election in U.S. history.
The Daily Show: Ears Edition
Billionaires Intervene in Wisconsin Supreme Court Race | Bill Murray
The race pairing Judge Susan Crawford from liberal hotbed Dane County against conservative Judge Brad Schimel from Waukesha has big money outside donors like George Soros, J.B. Pritzker and Elon Musk opening their wallets.
The Daily Show: Ears Edition
Billionaires Intervene in Wisconsin Supreme Court Race | Bill Murray
Someone's... Oh, we can't applaud.
The Daily Show: Ears Edition
Billionaires Intervene in Wisconsin Supreme Court Race | Bill Murray
Something unexpected happened after Jeremy Scott confessed to killing Michelle Schofield in Bone Valley Season 1.
The Daily Show: Ears Edition
Billionaires Intervene in Wisconsin Supreme Court Race | Bill Murray
Trump's close ally and financial backer, Musk, has gone all in on Schimel's campaign. The tech billionaire and groups aligned with him have poured more than $20 million into the state.
The Daily Show: Ears Edition
Billionaires Intervene in Wisconsin Supreme Court Race | Bill Murray
Thank you. Thank you so much for the movies you did. You're one of the people that my mom is excited that I'm interviewing. If when we were kids in Manchester, New Hampshire, we would watch your movies.
The Daily Show: Ears Edition
Billionaires Intervene in Wisconsin Supreme Court Race | Bill Murray
We appear to be heading into a Trump slump. I think that's because of a little bit of a Trump bump.
The Daily Show: Ears Edition
Billionaires Intervene in Wisconsin Supreme Court Race | Bill Murray
Do you agree that we're heading into a Trump slump? I called it the Trump pump. What was a Trump bump is now a Trump slump.
The Daily Show: Ears Edition
Billionaires Intervene in Wisconsin Supreme Court Race | Bill Murray
You still got that Trump pump on, brother. Many are seeing what is now the market Trump slump as the risk of a looming Trump session.
The Daily Show: Ears Edition
Billionaires Intervene in Wisconsin Supreme Court Race | Bill Murray
Paramount Podcasts.
The Daily Show: Ears Edition
Billionaires Intervene in Wisconsin Supreme Court Race | Bill Murray
This street's like any other in Wisconsin, but the new neighbor is a pedophile, thanks to Judge Susan Crawford's sweetheart sentence.
The Daily Show: Ears Edition
Billionaires Intervene in Wisconsin Supreme Court Race | Bill Murray
Get the upgrade you and your devices dream of. Switch to Frontier Fiber Internet. Plan starting at $29.99 per month for Fiber 200 Internet. Hurry now and get free premium Wi-Fi and free expert installation. Frontier Fiber. Good to go. In select areas, price for 12 months at Auto Bay. ETF terms apply. Max speeds wired. Actual average Wi-Fi speed varied.
The Daily Show: Ears Edition
Billionaires Intervene in Wisconsin Supreme Court Race | Bill Murray
Something unexpected happened after Jeremy Scott confessed to killing Michelle Schofield in Bone Valley Season 1.
The Daily Show: Ears Edition
Billionaires Intervene in Wisconsin Supreme Court Race | Bill Murray
I was becoming the bridge between Jeremy Scott and the son he'd never known.
The Daily Show: Ears Edition
Billionaires Intervene in Wisconsin Supreme Court Race | Bill Murray
Listen to new episodes of Bone Valley Season 2 starting April 9th on the iHeartRadio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts.
The Daily Show: Ears Edition
Billionaires Intervene in Wisconsin Supreme Court Race | Bill Murray
How corrupt is Brad Schimel? Schimel gave a plea deal to a man caught with child porn.
The Daily Show: Ears Edition
Billionaires Intervene in Wisconsin Supreme Court Race | Bill Murray
Crawford let the predator out in just four years.
The Daily Show: Ears Edition
Billionaires Intervene in Wisconsin Supreme Court Race | Bill Murray
Brad Schimel let a sex predator loose on our kids.
The Daily Show: Ears Edition
Billionaires Intervene in Wisconsin Supreme Court Race | Bill Murray
Letting the rapist walk free. While rapists walk free. Wow. Why is SVU wasting his time in New York? I mean, you got at least 20 seasons down there in Wisconsin. I mean, if you got this many pedophiles in Wisconsin, maybe the problem is Wisconsin.
The Daily Show: Ears Edition
Billionaires Intervene in Wisconsin Supreme Court Race | Bill Murray
I was becoming the bridge between Jeremy Scott and the son he'd never known.
The Daily Show: Ears Edition
Billionaires Intervene in Wisconsin Supreme Court Race | Bill Murray
An attack ad against Supreme Court Justice candidate Susan Crawford is using a picture of a different Susan Crawford. An ad launched by a group backed by Elon Musk instead used a picture of Susan P. Crawford, who's a Harvard University law professor.
The Daily Show: Ears Edition
Billionaires Intervene in Wisconsin Supreme Court Race | Bill Murray
Listen to new episodes of Bone Valley Season 2 starting April 9th on the iHeartRadio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts. You're listening to Comedy Central.
The Daily Show: Ears Edition
Billionaires Intervene in Wisconsin Supreme Court Race | Bill Murray
The Elon Musk-backed America Political Action Committee asking Wisconsin voters to sign a, quote, petition in opposition to activist judges. The reward for each signature, $100. Yo, $100?
The Daily Show: Ears Edition
Billionaires Intervene in Wisconsin Supreme Court Race | Bill Murray
Elon Musk's political action committee has handed out $1 million to a voter in Wisconsin just for signing a petition.
The Daily Show: Ears Edition
Billionaires Intervene in Wisconsin Supreme Court Race | Bill Murray
All right. Don't hurt him. Grace Kuhlensmith, everyone. All right? When we come back, America goes after its 51st state, so don't go away.
The Daily Show: Ears Edition
Billionaires Intervene in Wisconsin Supreme Court Race | Bill Murray
Get the upgrade you and your devices dream of. Switch to Frontier Fiber Internet. Plan starting at $29.99 per month for Fiber 200 Internet. Hurry now and get free premium Wi-Fi and free expert installation. Frontier Fiber. Good to go.
The Daily Show: Ears Edition
Billionaires Intervene in Wisconsin Supreme Court Race | Bill Murray
Something unexpected happened after Jeremy Scott confessed to killing Michelle Schofield in Bone Valley Season 1. I just knew him as a kid. Long, silent voices from his past came forward.
The Daily Show: Ears Edition
Billionaires Intervene in Wisconsin Supreme Court Race | Bill Murray
And they had secrets of their own to share.
The Daily Show: Ears Edition
Billionaires Intervene in Wisconsin Supreme Court Race | Bill Murray
I was no longer just telling the story. I was part of it.
The Daily Show: Ears Edition
Billionaires Intervene in Wisconsin Supreme Court Race | Bill Murray
I was becoming the bridge between a killer and the son he'd never known.
The Daily Show: Ears Edition
Billionaires Intervene in Wisconsin Supreme Court Race | Bill Murray
I never expected to find myself in this place. Now, I need to tell you how I got here.
The Daily Show: Ears Edition
Billionaires Intervene in Wisconsin Supreme Court Race | Bill Murray
Bone Valley, Season 2. Jeremy.
The Daily Show: Ears Edition
Billionaires Intervene in Wisconsin Supreme Court Race | Bill Murray
Listen to new episodes of Bone Valley, Season 2, starting April 9th on the iHeartRadio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts. And to hear the entire new season ad-free with exclusive content starting April 9th, subscribe to Lava for Good Plus on Apple Podcasts.
The Daily Show: Ears Edition
Billionaires Intervene in Wisconsin Supreme Court Race | Bill Murray
After weeks of speculation that he wants to take over Greenland, President Trump is doubling down on his suggestion that the U.S. will play a larger role in the island's future.
The Daily Show: Ears Edition
Billionaires Intervene in Wisconsin Supreme Court Race | Bill Murray
We need Greenland for national security and international security, so I think we'll go as far as we have to go. We need Greenland, and the world needs us to have Greenland, including Denmark. Denmark has to have us have Greenland.
The Daily Show: Ears Edition
Billionaires Intervene in Wisconsin Supreme Court Race | Bill Murray
New this morning, Second Lady Usha Vance will go to Greenland this week, the White House announced. National Security Advisor Mike Waltz will join Mrs. Vance as part of the American delegation.
The Daily Show: Ears Edition
Billionaires Intervene in Wisconsin Supreme Court Race | Bill Murray
She's a brilliant woman. She's a very nice woman. And she loves the concept of Greenland.
The Daily Show: Ears Edition
Billionaires Intervene in Wisconsin Supreme Court Race | Bill Murray
When the vice president and a high-level U.S. delegation flies in tomorrow, there will be no big grand welcome, no American flags flying in the streets, and no photo ops with locals.
The Daily Show: Ears Edition
Billionaires Intervene in Wisconsin Supreme Court Race | Bill Murray
85% of Greenlanders do not want to be part of the United States, according to a recent poll. Would you like to be American?
The Daily Show: Ears Edition
Billionaires Intervene in Wisconsin Supreme Court Race | Bill Murray
The leaders here have been clear. Greenland is not up for grabs, and the American delegation is not invited.
The Daily Show: Ears Edition
Billionaires Intervene in Wisconsin Supreme Court Race | Bill Murray
The idea prompting protests, along with a different kind of MAGA hat. This one reading, make America go away.
The Daily Show: Ears Edition
Billionaires Intervene in Wisconsin Supreme Court Race | Bill Murray
Since 100% fiber internet makes any home upgrade possible, I can finally live my dream of having my own smart office. I was going to say golf simulator.
The Daily Show: Ears Edition
Billionaires Intervene in Wisconsin Supreme Court Race | Bill Murray
I think office.
The Daily Show: Ears Edition
Billionaires Intervene in Wisconsin Supreme Court Race | Bill Murray
Get the upgrade you and your devices dream of. Switch to Frontier and experience reliable 100% fiber internet powered by the speed of light. Plan starting at $29.99 per month for fiber 200 internet. Hurry now and get free premium Wi-Fi and free expert installation. Frontier Fiber. Good to go. In select areas, price for 12 months with AutoPay. ETF terms apply. Max speeds wired.
The Daily Show: Ears Edition
Billionaires Intervene in Wisconsin Supreme Court Race | Bill Murray
Actual average and Wi-Fi speed vary.
The Daily Show: Ears Edition
Billionaires Intervene in Wisconsin Supreme Court Race | Bill Murray
Something unexpected happened after Jeremy Scott confessed to killing Michelle Schofield in Bone Valley Season 1. I just knew him as a kid. Long, silent voices from his past came forward.
The Daily Show: Ears Edition
Billionaires Intervene in Wisconsin Supreme Court Race | Bill Murray
And they had secrets of their own to share.
The Daily Show: Ears Edition
Billionaires Intervene in Wisconsin Supreme Court Race | Bill Murray
I was no longer just telling the story. I was part of it.
The Daily Show: Ears Edition
Billionaires Intervene in Wisconsin Supreme Court Race | Bill Murray
I was becoming the bridge between a killer and the son he'd never known.
The Daily Show: Ears Edition
Billionaires Intervene in Wisconsin Supreme Court Race | Bill Murray
I never expected to find myself in this place. Now, I need to tell you how I got here.
The Daily Show: Ears Edition
Democrats' Cringey Opposition, DEI Ban Black History Quiz | Gabrielle Union
Explore more shows from the Daily Show Podcast universe by searching The Daily Show, wherever you get your podcasts. Watch The Daily Show weeknights at 11, 10 Central on Comedy Central, and stream full episodes anytime on Paramount+.
The Daily Show: Ears Edition
Democrats' Cringey Opposition, DEI Ban Black History Quiz | Gabrielle Union
We need to change the conversation. And that's why I'm launching a new podcast.
The Daily Show: Ears Edition
Democrats' Cringey Opposition, DEI Ban Black History Quiz | Gabrielle Union
From the most trusted journalists at Comedy Central, it's America's only source for news. This is The Daily Show with your host, Desi Lydon.
The Daily Show: Ears Edition
GOP Shills for Tesla, Trump Admin Flubs JFK File Release & DEI Scrubbing | Peter Wolf
Introducing pickle lovers' newest obsession, Cauliflower's Dill Pickle Pizza. Think luxurious bechamel sauce infused with dill pickle brine, roasted garlic, melty mozzarella, and fresh dill on Cauliflower's stone-fired cauliflower crust. And because it's Cauliflower, you know it's made better for you. Packed with 14 grams of protein, and you can eat half the pizza for just 400 calories.
The Daily Show: Ears Edition
GOP Shills for Tesla, Trump Admin Flubs JFK File Release & DEI Scrubbing | Peter Wolf
Cauliflower has done it again, and pickle lovers, this one's for you. Introducing the first and only frozen dill pickle pizza, and it's going to blow your taste buds away. This one-of-a-kind creation starts with Cauliflower's iconic stone-fired crust, made with real cauliflower florets, now topped with the number one trending flavor of the year.
The Daily Show: Ears Edition
GOP Shills for Tesla, Trump Admin Flubs JFK File Release & DEI Scrubbing | Peter Wolf
Picture a luxurious creamy white sauce infused with savory dill pickle brine, garlic roasted to perfection, Melty mozzarella cheese and fresh dill. It's a flavor explosion that's as unique as it is craveable. And because it's Kali Power, you know it's made better for you. It's gluten-free, clean label, and packed with 14 grams of protein.
The Daily Show: Ears Edition
GOP Shills for Tesla, Trump Admin Flubs JFK File Release & DEI Scrubbing | Peter Wolf
And best of all, you can eat half the pizza for just 400 calories. Find Kali Power's Dill Pickle Pizza now at Whole Foods Market nationwide. It's time to taste the buzz everyone's talking about, and it's kind of a big dill.
The Daily Show: Ears Edition
GOP Shills for Tesla, Trump Admin Flubs JFK File Release & DEI Scrubbing | Peter Wolf
Some serious security concerns over the newly released JFK files and real anger after social security numbers and other private information of more than 200 people were made public on Tuesday. The Washington Post reports that among them are former congressional staffers and one of Donald Trump's most vocal defenders, his former campaign lawyer, Joseph DeGeneva.
The Daily Show: Ears Edition
GOP Shills for Tesla, Trump Admin Flubs JFK File Release & DEI Scrubbing | Peter Wolf
He is furious, telling the Post, it's absolutely outrageous. Adding, it's like a first grade elementary level rule of security to redact things like that.
The Daily Show: Ears Edition
GOP Shills for Tesla, Trump Admin Flubs JFK File Release & DEI Scrubbing | Peter Wolf
Paramount Podcasts. Introducing pickle lovers' newest obsession, Cauliflower's Dill Pickle Pizza. Think luxurious bechamel sauce infused with dill pickle brine, roasted garlic, melty mozzarella, and fresh dill on Cauliflower's stone-fired cauliflower crust. And because it's Cauliflower, you know it's made better for you.
The Daily Show: Ears Edition
GOP Shills for Tesla, Trump Admin Flubs JFK File Release & DEI Scrubbing | Peter Wolf
Don't miss the flavor everyone's talking about and grab Cauliflower's Dill Pickle Pizza. Now available at Whole Foods Market.
The Daily Show: Ears Edition
GOP Shills for Tesla, Trump Admin Flubs JFK File Release & DEI Scrubbing | Peter Wolf
Packed with 14 grams of protein, and you can eat half the pizza for just 400 calories. Don't miss the flavor everyone's talking about and grab Cauliflower's Dill Pickle Pizza. Now available at Whole Foods Market.
The Daily Show: Ears Edition
GOP Shills for Tesla, Trump Admin Flubs JFK File Release & DEI Scrubbing | Peter Wolf
Don't wait. Start with Indeed. Accelerate your recruiting now at Indeed.com. With a premium positional ad, your offer will be placed at the very top of the page for more visibility, so that you can find and adjust the right employees faster. And the best part? It all works without a monthly subscription or long-term contracts. You only pay for results.
The Daily Show: Ears Edition
GOP Shills for Tesla, Trump Admin Flubs JFK File Release & DEI Scrubbing | Peter Wolf
Sicher dir jetzt 75 Euro Guthaben auf eine Premium-Stellenanzeige auf Indeed.com. Es gelten die AGB.
The Daily Show: Ears Edition
GOP Shills for Tesla, Trump Admin Flubs JFK File Release & DEI Scrubbing | Peter Wolf
From the most trusted journalists at Comedy Central, it's America's only source for news. This is The Daily Show with your host, Jordan Cleveland.
The Daily Show: Ears Edition
GOP Shills for Tesla, Trump Admin Flubs JFK File Release & DEI Scrubbing | Peter Wolf
Cauliflower has done it again, and pickle lovers, this one's for you. Introducing the first and only frozen dill pickle pizza, and it's going to blow your taste buds away. This one-of-a-kind creation starts with Cauliflower's iconic stone-fired crust, made with real cauliflower florets, now topped with the number one trending flavor of the year.
The Daily Show: Ears Edition
GOP Shills for Tesla, Trump Admin Flubs JFK File Release & DEI Scrubbing | Peter Wolf
Picture a luxurious creamy white sauce infused with savory dill pickle brine, garlic roasted to perfection, Melty mozzarella cheese and fresh dill. It's a flavor explosion that's as unique as it is craveable. And because it's Kali Power, you know it's made better for you. It's gluten-free, clean label, and packed with 14 grams of protein.
The Daily Show: Ears Edition
GOP Shills for Tesla, Trump Admin Flubs JFK File Release & DEI Scrubbing | Peter Wolf
And best of all, you can eat half the pizza for just 400 calories. Find Kali Power's Dill Pickle Pizza now at Whole Foods Market nationwide. It's time to taste the buzz everyone's talking about, and it's kind of a big deal.
The Daily Show: Ears Edition
TDS Time Machine | Best of Steve Carrell - Part 2
You're listening to Comedy Central.
The Daily Show: Ears Edition
TDS Time Machine | Best of Steve Carrell - Part 2
Explore more shows from the Daily Show Podcast universe by searching The Daily Show, wherever you get your podcasts. Watch The Daily Show weeknights at 11, 10 Central on Comedy Central, and stream full episodes anytime on Paramount+.
The Daily Show: Ears Edition
TDS Time Machine | International Diplomacy
Introducing pickle lovers' newest obsession, Cauliflower's Dill Pickle Pizza. Think luxurious bechamel sauce infused with dill pickle brine, roasted garlic, melty mozzarella, and fresh dill on Cauliflower's stone-fired cauliflower crust. And because it's Cauliflower, you know it's made better for you. Packed with 14 grams of protein, and you can eat half the pizza for just 400 calories.
The Daily Show: Ears Edition
TDS Time Machine | International Diplomacy
In Mexico, many remain angry over reports the NSA hacked into the former Mexican president's email. The Brazilian president said she was forced to postpone a planned trip to the US following reports the NSA spied on her personal communications. Complaints from nearly 40 other countries over revelations that the National Security Agency has been spying on their internal communications.
The Daily Show: Ears Edition
TDS Time Machine | International Diplomacy
Cauliflower has done it again, and pickle lovers, this one's for you. Introducing the first and only frozen dill pickle pizza, and it's going to blow your taste buds away. This one-of-a-kind creation starts with Cauliflower's iconic stone-fired crust, made with real cauliflower florets, now topped with the number one trending flavor of the year.
The Daily Show: Ears Edition
TDS Time Machine | International Diplomacy
Picture a luxurious creamy white sauce infused with savory dill pickle brine, garlic roasted to perfection, Melty mozzarella cheese and fresh dill. It's a flavor explosion that's as unique as it is craveable. And because it's Kali Power, you know it's made better for you. It's gluten-free, clean label, and packed with 14 grams of protein.
The Daily Show: Ears Edition
TDS Time Machine | International Diplomacy
And best of all, you can eat half the pizza for just 400 calories. Find Kali Power's Dill Pickle Pizza now at Whole Foods Market nationwide. It's time to taste the buzz everyone's talking about, and it's kind of a big deal.
The Daily Show: Ears Edition
TDS Time Machine | International Diplomacy
Introducing pickle lovers' newest obsession, Cauliflower's Dill Pickle Pizza. Think luxurious bechamel sauce infused with dill pickle brine, roasted garlic, melty mozzarella, and fresh dill on Cauliflower's stone-fired cauliflower crust. And because it's Cauliflower, you know it's made better for you. Packed with 14 grams of protein, and you can eat half the pizza for just 400 calories.
The Daily Show: Ears Edition
TDS Time Machine | International Diplomacy
Don't miss the flavor everyone's talking about and grab Cauliflower's Dill Pickle Pizza. Now available at Whole Foods Market.
The Daily Show: Ears Edition
TDS Time Machine | International Diplomacy
Don't miss the flavor everyone's talking about and grab Cauliflower's Dill Pickle Pizza. Now available at Whole Foods Market.
The Daily Show: Ears Edition
TDS Time Machine | International Diplomacy
And what did our new president, Give in return. Well, he gave the prime minister 25 DVDs.
The Daily Show: Ears Edition
TDS Time Machine | International Diplomacy
Cauliflower has done it again, and pickle lovers, this one's for you. Introducing the first and only frozen dill pickle pizza, and it's going to blow your taste buds away. This one-of-a-kind creation starts with Cauliflower's iconic stone-fired crust, made with real cauliflower florets, now topped with the number one trending flavor of the year.
The Daily Show: Ears Edition
TDS Time Machine | International Diplomacy
Picture a luxurious creamy white sauce infused with savory dill pickle brine, garlic roasted to perfection, It's gluten-free, clean label, and packed with 14 grams of protein. And best of all, you can eat half the pizza for just 400 calories. Find Caulipower's Dill Pickle Pizza now at Whole Foods Market nationwide. It's time to taste the buzz everyone's talking about, and it's kind of a big deal.
The Daily Show: Ears Edition
Trump Gets "Hot" for Kennedy Center, RFK Confirmed, Eggflation Rampant | Brady Corbet
That's our show for tonight. Now, here it is. Above and above.
The Daily Show: Ears Edition
Trump Gets "Hot" for Kennedy Center, RFK Confirmed, Eggflation Rampant | Brady Corbet
Sign up now for an all-new season designed by Chairman Trump. Screw off, twinkle toes, because all ballet will now be done by pole dancers. Talk about a nutcracker. And join us for our cinema series featuring every movie where a babe climbs out of a pool. Donald Nike. And you bet your ass we'll have culture. Better culture. Like Hamilton, but with white people.
The Daily Show: Ears Edition
Trump Gets "Hot" for Kennedy Center, RFK Confirmed, Eggflation Rampant | Brady Corbet
A Raisin in the Sun, but with white people. And Chen Yun, but with white people. Plus, we'll award the Mark Twain Prize to Michael Richards. But not for Seinfeld. For his stand-up. And you know why. And next fall, we'll have an evening with Joni Mitchell. Boxing Jake Paul. So come to the hot new Kennedy Center, where even the building is hot. That's right, we gave it boobs. Not just two, like 20.
The Daily Show: Ears Edition
Trump Gets "Hot" for Kennedy Center, RFK Confirmed, Eggflation Rampant | Brady Corbet
The Donald Trump Kennedy Center and Casino. We got your culture right here.
The Daily Show: Ears Edition
Trump Gets "Hot" for Kennedy Center, RFK Confirmed, Eggflation Rampant | Brady Corbet
I know that right now they're like eight and up, which is insane.
The Daily Show: Ears Edition
Trump Pauses Tariffs, Crashes the Stock Market & Threatens China | Antoni Porowski
Introducing pickle lovers' newest obsession, Cauliflower's Dill Pickle Pizza. Think luxurious bechamel sauce infused with dill pickle brine, roasted garlic, melty mozzarella, and fresh dill on Cauliflower's stone-fired cauliflower crust. And because it's Cauliflower, you know it's made better for you. Packed with 14 grams of protein, and you can eat half the pizza for just 400 calories.
The Daily Show: Ears Edition
Trump Pauses Tariffs, Crashes the Stock Market & Threatens China | Antoni Porowski
Cauliflower has done it again, and pickle lovers, this one's for you. Introducing the first and only frozen dill pickle pizza, and it's going to blow your taste buds away. This one-of-a-kind creation starts with Cauliflower's iconic stone-fired crust, made with real cauliflower florets, now topped with the number one trending flavor of the year.
The Daily Show: Ears Edition
Trump Pauses Tariffs, Crashes the Stock Market & Threatens China | Antoni Porowski
Picture a luxurious creamy white sauce infused with savory dill pickle brine, garlic roasted to perfection, Melty mozzarella cheese and fresh dill. It's a flavor explosion that's as unique as it is craveable. And because it's Caulipower, you know it's made better for you. It's gluten-free, clean label, and packed with 14 grams of protein.
The Daily Show: Ears Edition
Trump Pauses Tariffs, Crashes the Stock Market & Threatens China | Antoni Porowski
And best of all, you can eat half the pizza for just 400 calories. Find Caulipower's Dill Pickle Pizza now at Whole Foods Market nationwide. It's time to taste the buzz everyone's talking about, and it's kind of a big deal.
The Daily Show: Ears Edition
Trump Pauses Tariffs, Crashes the Stock Market & Threatens China | Antoni Porowski
I mean, did... So interestingly... I knew it would... I knew something would happen.
The Daily Show: Ears Edition
Trump Pauses Tariffs, Crashes the Stock Market & Threatens China | Antoni Porowski
New episodes are coming. on Sundays on National Geographic and all episodes are streaming now on Disney Plus and Hulu. Anthony Karofsky. We're going to take a quick break. We'll be right back after this. That's our show for tonight.
The Daily Show: Ears Edition
Trump Pauses Tariffs, Crashes the Stock Market & Threatens China | Antoni Porowski
Introducing pickle lovers' newest obsession, Cauliflower's Dill Pickle Pizza. Think luxurious bechamel sauce infused with dill pickle brine, roasted garlic, melty mozzarella, and fresh dill on Cauliflower's stone-fired cauliflower crust. And because it's Cauliflower, you know it's made better for you. Packed with 14 grams of protein, and you can eat half the pizza for just 400 calories.
The Daily Show: Ears Edition
Trump Pauses Tariffs, Crashes the Stock Market & Threatens China | Antoni Porowski
Don't miss the flavor everyone's talking about and grab Cauliflower's Dill Pickle Pizza. Now available at Whole Foods Market.
The Daily Show: Ears Edition
Trump Pauses Tariffs, Crashes the Stock Market & Threatens China | Antoni Porowski
Don't miss the flavor everyone's talking about and grab Cauliflower's Dill Pickle Pizza. Now available at Whole Foods Market.
The Daily Show: Ears Edition
Trump Pauses Tariffs, Crashes the Stock Market & Threatens China | Antoni Porowski
Josh.
The Daily Show: Ears Edition
Trump Pauses Tariffs, Crashes the Stock Market & Threatens China | Antoni Porowski
Josh Johnson, when we come back, we get guns off the streets. Don't go away.
The Daily Show: Ears Edition
Trump Pauses Tariffs, Crashes the Stock Market & Threatens China | Antoni Porowski
Cauliflower has done it again, and pickle lovers, this one's for you. Introducing the first and only frozen dill pickle pizza, and it's going to blow your taste buds away. This one-of-a-kind creation starts with Cauliflower's iconic stone-fired crust, made with real cauliflower florets, now topped with the number one trending flavor of the year.
The Daily Show: Ears Edition
Trump Pauses Tariffs, Crashes the Stock Market & Threatens China | Antoni Porowski
Picture a luxurious creamy white sauce infused with savory dill pickle brine, garlic roasted to perfection, melty mozzarella cheese, and fresh dill. It's a flavor explosion that's as unique as it is craveable. And because it's Caulipower, you know it's made better for you. It's gluten-free, clean label, and packed with 14 grams of protein.
The Daily Show: Ears Edition
Trump Pauses Tariffs, Crashes the Stock Market & Threatens China | Antoni Porowski
And best of all, you can eat half the pizza for just 400 calories. Find Caulipower's Dill Pickle Pizza now at Whole Foods Market nationwide. It's time to taste the buzz everyone's talking about, and it's kind of a big deal.
The Daily Show: Ears Edition
Trump Pauses Tariffs, Crashes the Stock Market & Threatens China | Antoni Porowski
Welcome to The Daily Show.
The Daily Show: Ears Edition
Trump Pauses Tariffs, Crashes the Stock Market & Threatens China | Antoni Porowski
Welcome back to The Daily Show.
The Daily Show: Ears Edition
Gaza Backtrack, Trans Sports Ban, Garden of American Heroes | Ke Huy Quan
You're listening to Comedy Central.
The Daily Show: Ears Edition
Gaza Backtrack, Trans Sports Ban, Garden of American Heroes | Ke Huy Quan
That's all for tonight.
The Daily Show: Ears Edition
Gaza Backtrack, Trans Sports Ban, Garden of American Heroes | Ke Huy Quan
And now Strawberry the camel also picked the eagles.
The Daily Show: Ears Edition
Gaza Backtrack, Trans Sports Ban, Garden of American Heroes | Ke Huy Quan
I am going to stand with you in this fight, and we will win.
The Daily Show: Ears Edition
Gaza Backtrack, Trans Sports Ban, Garden of American Heroes | Ke Huy Quan
We will win. We will win. We will win. We will win. We will win. We won't rest. We won't rest.
The Daily Show: Ears Edition
Trump Tariffs Send Markets Plunging, Penguins Waddling to a Trade War | Scott Glenn
Something unexpected happened after Jeremy Scott confessed to killing Michelle Schofield in Bone Valley Season 1. I just knew him as a kid. Long, silent voices from his past came forward.
The Daily Show: Ears Edition
Trump Tariffs Send Markets Plunging, Penguins Waddling to a Trade War | Scott Glenn
And they had secrets of their own to share.
The Daily Show: Ears Edition
Trump Tariffs Send Markets Plunging, Penguins Waddling to a Trade War | Scott Glenn
I was no longer just telling the story. I was part of it.
The Daily Show: Ears Edition
Trump Tariffs Send Markets Plunging, Penguins Waddling to a Trade War | Scott Glenn
I was becoming the bridge between a killer and the son he'd never known.
The Daily Show: Ears Edition
Trump Tariffs Send Markets Plunging, Penguins Waddling to a Trade War | Scott Glenn
I never expected to find myself in this place. Now, I need to tell you how I got here.
The Daily Show: Ears Edition
Trump Tariffs Send Markets Plunging, Penguins Waddling to a Trade War | Scott Glenn
Bone Valley, Season 2. Jeremy.
The Daily Show: Ears Edition
Trump Tariffs Send Markets Plunging, Penguins Waddling to a Trade War | Scott Glenn
Listen to new episodes of Bone Valley, Season 2, starting April 9th on the iHeartRadio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts. And to hear the entire new season ad-free with exclusive content starting April 9th, subscribe to Lava for Good Plus on Apple Podcasts.
The Daily Show: Ears Edition
Trump Tariffs Send Markets Plunging, Penguins Waddling to a Trade War | Scott Glenn
Something unexpected happened after Jeremy Scott confessed to killing Michelle Schofield in Bone Valley Season 1.
The Daily Show: Ears Edition
Trump Tariffs Send Markets Plunging, Penguins Waddling to a Trade War | Scott Glenn
Something unexpected happened after Jeremy Scott confessed to killing Michelle Schofield in Bone Valley Season 1.
The Daily Show: Ears Edition
Trump Tariffs Send Markets Plunging, Penguins Waddling to a Trade War | Scott Glenn
I was becoming the bridge between Jeremy Scott and the son he'd never known.
The Daily Show: Ears Edition
Trump Tariffs Send Markets Plunging, Penguins Waddling to a Trade War | Scott Glenn
Listen to new episodes of Bone Valley Season 2 starting April 9th on the iHeartRadio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts.
The Daily Show: Ears Edition
Trump Tariffs Send Markets Plunging, Penguins Waddling to a Trade War | Scott Glenn
I was becoming the bridge between Jeremy Scott and the son he'd never known.
The Daily Show: Ears Edition
Trump Tariffs Send Markets Plunging, Penguins Waddling to a Trade War | Scott Glenn
Listen to new episodes of Bone Valley Season 2 starting April 9th on the iHeartRadio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts. You're listening to Comedy Central.
The Daily Show: Ears Edition
Trump Tariffs Send Markets Plunging, Penguins Waddling to a Trade War | Scott Glenn
I just don't know if they're going to be negotiations.
The Daily Show: Ears Edition
Trump Tariffs Send Markets Plunging, Penguins Waddling to a Trade War | Scott Glenn
Something unexpected happened after Jeremy Scott confessed to killing Michelle Schofield in Bone Valley Season 1. I just knew him as a kid. Long, silent voices from his past came forward.
The Daily Show: Ears Edition
Trump Tariffs Send Markets Plunging, Penguins Waddling to a Trade War | Scott Glenn
And they had secrets of their own to share.
The Daily Show: Ears Edition
Trump Tariffs Send Markets Plunging, Penguins Waddling to a Trade War | Scott Glenn
I was no longer just telling the story. I was part of it.
The Daily Show: Ears Edition
Trump Tariffs Send Markets Plunging, Penguins Waddling to a Trade War | Scott Glenn
I was becoming the bridge between a killer and the son he'd never known.
The Daily Show: Ears Edition
Trump Tariffs Send Markets Plunging, Penguins Waddling to a Trade War | Scott Glenn
I never expected to find myself in this place. Now, I need to tell you how I got here.
The Daily Show: Ears Edition
Trump Tariffs Send Markets Plunging, Penguins Waddling to a Trade War | Scott Glenn
Bone Valley, Season 2. Jeremy.
The Daily Show: Ears Edition
Trump Tariffs Send Markets Plunging, Penguins Waddling to a Trade War | Scott Glenn
Listen to new episodes of Bone Valley, Season 2, starting April 9th on the iHeartRadio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts. And to hear the entire new season ad-free with exclusive content starting April 9th, subscribe to Lava for Good Plus on Apple Podcasts.
The Dan Bongino Show
President Trump Joins The Show | Episode 08 - 03/26/25
First, we have a pardon for Devin Archer. Devin Archer was a former business partner of the Biden family. He was prosecuted relating to a fraud investigation, but notably the tone and tenor of that prosecution changed dramatically after he began to cooperate with congressional investigators and serve as a witness against Hunter Biden and the Biden family.
The Dan Bongino Show
President Trump Joins The Show | Episode 08 - 03/26/25
We believe that was an injustice, and therefore we're asking you to pardon him.
The Dan Bongino Show
What Did Zelensky Know? When Did He Know It? (Ep. 2426)
Republicans are asking the DOJ to take a fresh look at evidence against Lois Lerner, the former IRS employee accused in 2013 of targeting Tea Party groups over their political views. Lerner called to testify to Congress, but pleaded the fifth.
The Dan Bongino Show
What Did Zelensky Know? When Did He Know It? (Ep. 2426)
In 2015, President Obama's DOJ refusing to file criminal charges. Then, Lerner resigned.
The Dan Bongino Show
What Did Zelensky Know? When Did He Know It? (Ep. 2426)
Congratulations on installing the new prosecutor general. It's going to be critical. Folks, I know many of you, especially the P1s, have heard this before, but you can't hear this enough. Again, hat tip, New York Post.
The Dan Bongino Show
The Deep State Purge Intensifies (Ep. 2439)
There was a cyber attack on X today, which shut it down and may have been foreign sourced. It's a big story. You want to give us a moment on that?
The Dan Bongino Show
The Deep State Purge Intensifies (Ep. 2439)
They're setting fire to various Tesla charging stations near Boston. Shots were fired at a Tesla dealership in Oregon. Various nonviolent... Shots fired. Not a metaphor. Shots fired, yes. Downtown New York, marching against the Tesla showroom. Your stock is way down. You've been criticized left and right. But look on the right side. I mean, why are you doing this?
The Dan Bongino Show
The Deep State Purge Intensifies (Ep. 2439)
Always look on the bright side of life. Yes, I'm an optimist.
The Dan Bongino Show
The Deep State Purge Intensifies (Ep. 2439)
Get ready to hear the truth about America on a show that's not immune to the facts with your host, Dan Bongino.
The Dan Bongino Show
Tucker Carlson on Deportations, Epstein Files & Dictators - Pt. 1 | Episode 1
uh this you can't criticize him announcing that uh he has sold his tesla and bought a chevy tahoe to protest donald trump take a listen all right here i am with my new ride chevy good old chevy tahoe uh here in washington dc got one of these in tucson as well this one was made by Union Labor, United Auto Workers in Arlington, Texas. Always good to buy union cars. Incredibly reliable.
The Dan Bongino Show
Tucker Carlson on Deportations, Epstein Files & Dictators - Pt. 1 | Episode 1
And I'm looking forward to driving this for many, many years.
The Dan Bongino Show
Tucker Carlson on Deportations, Epstein Files & Dictators - Pt. 1 | Episode 1
No more EV. I'm talking about the kind of diplomacy that's going to end the destruction of your country.
The Dan Bongino Show
Tucker Carlson on Deportations, Epstein Files & Dictators - Pt. 1 | Episode 1
Tim Walz, oh yeah.
The Dan Bongino Show
Tucker Carlson on Deportations, Epstein Files & Dictators - Pt. 1 | Episode 1
As an American.
The Dan Bongino Show
Following The Money In This Growing Scandal (Ep. 2419)
Back in March, Comer sent this letter to Biden, quote, the committee has accounted for over $24 million that has flowed from foreign sources to you, your family, and their business associates. The committee has identified no legitimate services to merit such lucrative payments.
The Dan Bongino Show
Following The Money In This Growing Scandal (Ep. 2419)
You have repeatedly denied playing any role in your family's business activities, but the committee has amassed evidence, including bank records and witness testimony, that wholly contradicts your position on these matters. The committee has identified and successfully traced money from foreign transactions, including from China, straight to your bank accounts.
The Dan Bongino Show
Following The Money In This Growing Scandal (Ep. 2419)
Certain checks have been described as loan repayments. However, the person who provided you free bookkeeping during your time as vice president did not remember any evidence of a loan from your accounts.
The Dan Bongino Show
Nightly Scroll - Critics Give Disney’s Feminist “Snow White” a Rotten Apple
Some might call it acting.
The Dan Bongino Show
Nightly Scroll - Critics Give Disney’s Feminist “Snow White” a Rotten Apple
The friend with him is Asian.
The Dan Bongino Show
Nightly Scroll - Critics Give Disney’s Feminist “Snow White” a Rotten Apple
Also that first one was from Anita McGroin.
The Dan Bongino Show
Nightly Scroll - Critics Give Disney’s Feminist “Snow White” a Rotten Apple
But there was a person who used Latinx. It was actually a really important person. It was him. Uh-oh. Yeah, that's right. And look, these aren't minor shifts. These are progressive issues that Gavin Newsom used to champion until fairly recently. And now he's not just walking away from them. He's sort of acting like they were never legitimate with that clip talking about Latinx.
The Dan Bongino Show
Nightly Scroll - Critics Give Disney’s Feminist “Snow White” a Rotten Apple
in the first place, but let's just, let's take Latinx. We did find somebody who used it repeatedly in his office. Let's take a listen to this.
The Dan Bongino Show
Deranged Libs Go All In For Ukraine War and Govt. Corruption (Ep. 2423)
The most number of people that could retire possibly in a month is 10,000. We're like, well, why is that? Well, because all the retirement paperwork is manual on paper. It's manually calculated and written down on a piece of paper. Then it goes down a mine. I'm like, what do you mean a mine? Like, yeah, there's a limestone mine where we store all the retirement paperwork.
The Dan Bongino Show
Deranged Libs Go All In For Ukraine War and Govt. Corruption (Ep. 2423)
And you look at a picture of this mine, we'll post some pictures afterwards. And this mine looks like something out of the 50s because it was started in 1955. So it looks like it's like a time warp. And then the speed, the limiting factor is the speed at which the mine shaft elevator can move determines how many people can retire from the federal government.
The Dan Bongino Show
Deranged Libs Go All In For Ukraine War and Govt. Corruption (Ep. 2423)
And the elevator breaks down sometimes and then nobody can retire.
The Dan Bongino Show
Deranged Libs Go All In For Ukraine War and Govt. Corruption (Ep. 2423)
You just heard the Dan Bongino Show.
The Dan Bongino Show
Deranged Libs Go All In For Ukraine War and Govt. Corruption (Ep. 2423)
We're at the starting line for the 100-meter dash in the Dopey Media Talking Head Olympics.
The Dan Le Batard Show with Stugotz
Hour 1: Atop Dan Le Batard's Ivory Tower
Now's a good time to remember where tequila's story truly began. In 1795, Cuervo invented tequila. Cuervo. What are you doing here?
The Dan Le Batard Show with Stugotz
Hour 1: Atop Dan Le Batard's Ivory Tower
What are you talking about?
The Dan Le Batard Show with Stugotz
Hour 1: Atop Dan Le Batard's Ivory Tower
Hey, audience. You know, it's that time of year where everyone is debating who the number one pick is going to be. Well, let me tell you something that is undebatable. Who the world's number one vodka is. That is Smirnoff.
The Dan Le Batard Show with Stugotz
Hour 1: Atop Dan Le Batard's Ivory Tower
And as fun as it is to debate whether or not the team with the number one pick goes pass rusher, wide receiver, quarterback, one thing that we all know is we're going with Smirnoff as our number one vodka pick. Isn't that right, Dano? Smirnoff rules! Smirnoff rules. So while you're over there hosting your draft parties, you know one thing in particular you need.
The Dan Le Batard Show with Stugotz
Hour 1: Atop Dan Le Batard's Ivory Tower
Well, there's two things that you absolutely need. The draft on TV, that's a must. But number two, what is it, Dano?
The Dan Le Batard Show with Stugotz
Hour 1: Atop Dan Le Batard's Ivory Tower
And thanks to Smirnoff, God Bless Football is doing their first ever watch-along live stream in front of a live audience in Nashville, Tennessee. Join God Bless Football during round one of the draft on the Levitard Show YouTube channel on April 24th. More details to come. Please drink responsibly. Smirnoff, number 21 vodka, distilled from grain, 40% alcohol by volume.
The Dan Le Batard Show with Stugotz
Hour 1: Atop Dan Le Batard's Ivory Tower
The Smirnoff Company, New York, New York. Please do not share with anyone under legal drinking age. Woo-hoo! Hey everybody, it's Mike. 50 incredible years of Miller Lite. That is right. It is Miller Lite's 50th anniversary. And I know, speaking personally, Miller Lite has been by my side through weddings, birthdays, even a couple of sports championships that I'm really lucky to have enjoyed.
The Dan Le Batard Show with Stugotz
Hour 1: Atop Dan Le Batard's Ivory Tower
Miller Lite has made all those perfect moments happen. Even more perfect. So cheers to you. I know I'm speaking to a fellow fan of Miller Lite. And cheers to Miller Lite for providing great memories and a beer with a taste you know you can depend on. A great beer trusted by beer lovers for 50 magical years. Miller Lite is brewed for taste. Simply put, it just hits different.
The Dan Le Batard Show with Stugotz
Hour 1: Atop Dan Le Batard's Ivory Tower
And at just 96 calories and 3.2 carbs per 12 ounces, Miller time is always a good time. The original Lite beer since 1975 and still iconic 50 years later. Miller Lite. Great taste. 96 calories. Go to MillerLite.com to find delivery options near you, where you can pick up some Miller Lite pretty much anywhere they sell beer. It's Miller time. Celebrate responsibly.
The Dan Le Batard Show with Stugotz
Hour 1: Atop Dan Le Batard's Ivory Tower
Miller Brewing Company, Milwaukee, Wisconsin, 96 calories and 3.2 carbs per 12 ounces.
The Dan Le Batard Show with Stugotz
Oral History of the Dan Le Batard Show: Episode 7
And now, Bobby reads a passage from Fifty Shades of Grey, page 277.
The Dan Le Batard Show with Stugotz
Oral History of the Dan Le Batard Show: Episode 7
Now drop that joke. With 24-month bill credits for eligible trade-ins and four new lines of auto-pay, well-qualified customers get taxes and fees and $35 per line connection charge. Contact us before canceling entire accounts to continue remaining bill credits or credit stop and balance on required finance agreements due 999.99. Credits end if you pay off device early.
The Dan Le Batard Show with Stugotz
Oral History of the Dan Le Batard Show: Episode 7
And now, Boppy reads some text messages from the Wells Report. October 17th, 2014.
The Dan Le Batard Show with Stugotz
Oral History of the Dan Le Batard Show: Episode 7
See how you can save on wireless streaming versus the other big guys at T-Mobile.com slash switch. Apple Intelligence requires iOS 18.1 or later.
The Dan Le Batard Show with Stugotz
Oral History of the Dan Le Batard Show: Episode 7
And now, Boppy reads some text messages from the Wells Report, October 21st, 2014.
The Dan Le Batard Show with Stugotz
Oral History of the Dan Le Batard Show: Episode 7
And now, Boppy reads some text messages from the Wells Report, October 23, 2014.
The Dan Le Batard Show with Stugotz
Oral History of the Dan Le Batard Show: Episode 7
And now, Bobby reads a passage from Fifty Shades of Grey, page 186.
The Dan Le Batard Show with Stugotz
Oral History of the Dan Le Batard Show: Episode 7
And now, Papi reads a passage from Fifty Shades of Grey, page 487.
The Dan Le Batard Show with Stugotz
#BecauseMiami: The Power of the Cuban Sandwich
You're listening to DraftKings Network.
The Dan Le Batard Show with Stugotz
#BecauseMiami: The Power of the Cuban Sandwich
This holiday at T-Mobile, I'm joined by a special co-anchor. What up, everybody? It's your boy, Big Snoop D-O-double G. Snoop, let's talk about T-Mobile. Okay, cool. This holiday, get four lines for $25 a line, plus four iPhone 16 Pro with Apple Intelligence and the all-new camera control on us. Let's get cracking like a breakfast egg. You can use those eggs to make some eggnog, Snoop. Respect.
The Dan Le Batard Show with Stugotz
#BecauseMiami: The Power of the Cuban Sandwich
From Thanksgiving to Black Friday and Christmas, Smirnoff and the NFL are with you every step of the way. So this holiday season, when you're enjoying the game and your cocktails, please make sure you drink responsibly. Take a minute, make a plan, never drive impaired. Smirnoff, we do game days. Please drink responsibly. Smirnoff, number 21 vodka, distilled from grain, 40% alcohol by volume.
The Dan Le Batard Show with Stugotz
#BecauseMiami: The Power of the Cuban Sandwich
The Smirnoff Company, New York, New York. Please do not share with anyone under legal drinking age.
The Dan Le Batard Show with Stugotz
#BecauseMiami: The Power of the Cuban Sandwich
Okay, I have to tell you, I was just looking on eBay where I go for all kinds of things I love, and there it was.
The Dan Le Batard Show with Stugotz
#BecauseMiami: The Power of the Cuban Sandwich
That hologram trading card. One of the rarest. The last one I needed for my set.
The Dan Le Batard Show with Stugotz
#BecauseMiami: The Power of the Cuban Sandwich
Shiny like the designer handbag of my dreams. One of a kind. eBay had it. And now everyone's asking, ooh, where'd you get your windshield wipers?
The Dan Le Batard Show with Stugotz
#BecauseMiami: The Power of the Cuban Sandwich
eBay has all the parts that fit my car. No more annoying. Just beautiful.
The Dan Le Batard Show with Stugotz
#BecauseMiami: The Power of the Cuban Sandwich
Whatever you love, find it on eBay. eBay. Things people love.
The Dan Le Batard Show with Stugotz
#BecauseMiami: The Power of the Cuban Sandwich
This episode of the Dan Levitard Show with Stu Gatz is sponsored by Liquid IV. The holidays are not a sprint, ladies and gentlemen. They are a marathon. It's a stressful, busy weekend, right? There's a lot of traveling, a lot of kissing babies, shaking hands, a lot of stuff. I'll see you next time. True to fruit flavors that keep you hydrated.
The Dan Le Batard Show with Stugotz
#BecauseMiami: The Power of the Cuban Sandwich
We could have a big ho-ho-ho. He looks like a giant toddler and he likes to beat his wife. Beat his wife, beat his wife.
The Dan Le Batard Show with Stugotz
#BecauseMiami: The Power of the Cuban Sandwich
Find all your favorite hydration multiplier flavors on the website from acai berry and lemon lime to pina colada, or choose from the line of sugar-free flavors like raspberry, melon, white peach, and green grape. Tear, pour, live more. One stick plus 16 ounces of water hydrates better than with water alone. Stay hydrated through the holidays with Liquid IV.
The Dan Le Batard Show with Stugotz
#BecauseMiami: The Power of the Cuban Sandwich
Get 20% off your first order of Liquid IV when you go to liquidiv.com and use code DAN at checkout. That's 20% off your first order when you shop better hydration today using promo code DAN at liquidiv.com.
The Dan Le Batard Show with Stugotz
#BecauseMiami: The Power of the Cuban Sandwich
One time Joe fell off a ladder and he le rompio la pinga. His esposa says it's broken in their sex life. D.O.A. He's so mad at meetings that his head just might explode. Commissioner, come and get us. Oh, and did I mention that he cannot get it up? Sociopathic bully Joe, el es culo de burrito. No one talks to him on Christmas cause his daughters hate his guts, hate his guts, hate his guts.
The Dan Le Batard Show with Stugotz
#BecauseMiami: The Power of the Cuban Sandwich
Both his daughters hate his guts, hate his guts, hate his guts. Feeble, evil little putts. Oh, my dad's hurting my mom. What happened? Oh, my dad's hurting my mom.
The Dan Le Batard Show with Stugotz
#BecauseMiami: The Power of the Cuban Sandwich
Billy's Navidad, everybody. Merry Christmas. Christmas week is upon us. And many of you are hosting family gatherings, having friends over for the holidays, and you're wondering, how do I make this holiday time a special time? Well, you make the holiday time a special time by making it Miller Time.
The Dan Le Batard Show with Stugotz
#BecauseMiami: The Power of the Cuban Sandwich
That's right, a beer with taste that you know you can depend on, no games, no gimmicks, just great beer for people who like beer. You put out the Miller Lite, you set it, you forget it, and everybody is all happy during the holiday season. You'll take that first sip, and you'll know right away you made the right call, whether it's around the
The Dan Le Batard Show with Stugotz
#BecauseMiami: The Power of the Cuban Sandwich
fire pit or around the Cajacina, you know that Miller Lite is going to hit the spot because Miller Lite is brewed for taste. It hits different than other light beers with simple ingredients like malted barley for rich, balanced jalapeno flavors and that iconic golden color. The original light beer since 1975 and still the best one. Making memories at year-end gatherings tastes like Miller time.
The Dan Le Batard Show with Stugotz
#BecauseMiami: The Power of the Cuban Sandwich
Go to MillerLite.com slash Dan. Find delivery options near you. Or you can pick up some Miller Lite pretty much anywhere they sell beer. Celebrate responsibly. Miller Brewing Company, Milwaukee, Wisconsin. 96 calories and 3.2 carbs per 12 ounces. Fewer calories and carbs in premium regular beer.
The Dan Le Batard Show with Stugotz
#BecauseMiami: The Power of the Cuban Sandwich
Every day when you log in to ChumbaCasino.com, the ultimate online social casino, you get a free daily bonus. Imagine if you got daily bonuses in other parts of your life. I chose french fries. Overloaded french fries.
The Dan Le Batard Show with Stugotz
#BecauseMiami: The Power of the Cuban Sandwich
I updated my operating system without having to call tech support.
The Dan Le Batard Show with Stugotz
#BecauseMiami: The Power of the Cuban Sandwich
Collect your free daily bonus at ChumbaCasino.com now. And live the Chumba life.
The Dan Le Batard Show with Stugotz
#BecauseMiami: The Power of the Cuban Sandwich
And people do love T-Mobile, where you can save on every plan versus the other big guys when you switch. You know, y'all can take some of those savers and buy some Snoop merchandise. Always a great stocking stuffer, Snoop. We up out of here. Hold your horses, Snoop D-O-double G. Let's remind people one more time. Head to T-Mobile.com and get four iPhone 16 Pro with Apple Intelligence on us.
The Dan Le Batard Show with Stugotz
#BecauseMiami: The Power of the Cuban Sandwich
Plus four lines for 25 bucks.
The Dan Le Batard Show with Stugotz
#BecauseMiami: The Power of the Cuban Sandwich
Now drop that joke. With 24-month bill credits for eligible trade-ins and four new lines of auto-pay, well-qualified customers get taxes and fees and $35 per line connection charge. Contact us before canceling entire accounts to continue remaining bill credits or credit stop and balance on required finance agreements due 999.99. Credits end if you pay off device early.
The Dan Le Batard Show with Stugotz
#BecauseMiami: The Power of the Cuban Sandwich
Power, prestige, celebrity and money is what authorities in South Florida and New York say the Alexander brothers used to lure women and sexually assault them. The siblings known for their ties to very high-end real estate. The Miami-Dade County State Attorney's Office says three South Florida women in three separate cases have come forward.
The Dan Le Batard Show with Stugotz
#BecauseMiami: The Power of the Cuban Sandwich
The twins and older brother Tal Alexander are also being charged to New York.
The Dan Le Batard Show with Stugotz
#BecauseMiami: The Power of the Cuban Sandwich
The Alexander brothers worked together and with others to repeatedly and violently drug, sexually assault, and rape dozens of female victims.
The Dan Le Batard Show with Stugotz
#BecauseMiami: The Power of the Cuban Sandwich
See how you can save on wireless streaming versus the other big guys at T-Mobile.com slash switch. Apple Intelligence requires iOS 18.1 or later.
The Dan Le Batard Show with Stugotz
#BecauseMiami: The Power of the Cuban Sandwich
This episode is brought to you by Bleacher Report. How do you follow sports? From college football to the NBA, Bleacher Report brings you the latest news, live scores and epic highlights from your favorite leagues, teams and athletes all in one app.
The Dan Le Batard Show with Stugotz
#BecauseMiami: The Power of the Cuban Sandwich
Dive into exclusive shows hosted by your favorite athletes and original Bleacher Report series with breaking news, rumors and predictions all season long. Download Bleacher Report to personalize your coverage.
The Dan Le Batard Show with Stugotz
#BecauseMiami: The Power of the Cuban Sandwich
Folks, listen up. Smirnoff knows there's no I in football. Football's a we thing, an experience that is best joined together with good drinks and good folks. Smirnoff is the world's number one vodka and is the official vodka partner of the NFL. And this year, there are more opportunities to watch football and make delicious Smirnoff cocktails than ever before over the holiday season.
The Dan Le Batard Show with Stugotz
GBF- Christmas All Year
This episode is brought to you by Bleacher Report. How do you follow sports? From college football to the NBA, Bleacher Report brings you the latest news, live scores, and epic highlights from your favorite leagues, teams, and athletes all in one app.
The Dan Le Batard Show with Stugotz
GBF- Christmas All Year
Dive into exclusive shows hosted by your favorite athletes and original Bleacher Report series with breaking news, rumors, and predictions all season long. Download Bleacher Report to personalize your coverage.
The Dan Le Batard Show with Stugotz
GBF- Christmas All Year
This episode is brought to you by AWS. Amazon Q Business is the new generative AI assistant from AWS. Many tasks can make business slow, like wading through mud. Help! Luckily, there's a faster, easier, less messy choice. Amazon Q can securely understand your business data to help you streamline tasks, like summarizing quarterly results or doing complex analyses in no time. Q got this.
The Dan Le Batard Show with Stugotz
GBF- Christmas All Year
Learn what Amazon Q Business can do for you at aws.com slash learn more.
The Dan Le Batard Show with Stugotz
#BecauseMiami: The Miami of Yesterday is the America of Today
Attorney General Bondi says this is just phase one. She's promising to open the government files on Jeffrey Epstein. But despite the hype, most of what she released so far had been made public years ago. Attorney General Pam Bondi went on TV to trumpet the release of this material, teasing a big reveal.
The Dan Le Batard Show with Stugotz
#BecauseMiami: The Miami of Yesterday is the America of Today
But much of the material had been circulating in the public domain for years, including pilot logs from Epstein's plane and his so-called black book of names and addresses. Several conservative media figures were given early access during a visit to the White House, showing off binders and posing for pictures, some later posting how underwhelmed they were.
The Diary Of A CEO with Steven Bartlett
Shaolin Warrior Monk: The Hidden Epidemic Nobody Is Talking About! This Modern Habit Is Quietly Killing Millions! Prediction For The Collapse Of The West!
He uses his decades of knowledge and techniques to help people control their minds and overcome society's biggest problems.
The Diary Of A CEO with Steven Bartlett
Keto Diet Specialist: What The Keto Diet Is Really Doing To Your Body! Can It Cure 43% Of Mental Illnesses? The Truth About The Keto Diet!
Mm-hmm.
The Diary Of A CEO with Steven Bartlett
Keto Diet Specialist: What The Keto Diet Is Really Doing To Your Body! Can It Cure 43% Of Mental Illnesses? The Truth About The Keto Diet!
Dr. Georgia Ede is a Harvard-trained psychiatrist who specializes in nutritional science and mental health. She was one of the first psychiatrists to offer nutrition-based approaches as an alternative to psychiatric medications to optimize brain function and enhance performance.
The Diary Of A CEO with Steven Bartlett
Keto Diet Specialist: What The Keto Diet Is Really Doing To Your Body! Can It Cure 43% Of Mental Illnesses? The Truth About The Keto Diet!
Sure.
The Diary Of A CEO with Steven Bartlett
Keto Diet Specialist: What The Keto Diet Is Really Doing To Your Body! Can It Cure 43% Of Mental Illnesses? The Truth About The Keto Diet!
Mm-hmm.
The Diary Of A CEO with Steven Bartlett
MrBallen (Former Navy SEAL): I Wasn't Sleeping, I Became A Raging Alcoholic! I Was Disowned By The SEALS! This Will Turn Your Life Around In 2025!
Mm-hmm.
The Diary Of A CEO with Steven Bartlett
MrBallen (Former Navy SEAL): I Wasn't Sleeping, I Became A Raging Alcoholic! I Was Disowned By The SEALS! This Will Turn Your Life Around In 2025!
Enabling me.
The Diary Of A CEO with Steven Bartlett
MrBallen (Former Navy SEAL): I Wasn't Sleeping, I Became A Raging Alcoholic! I Was Disowned By The SEALS! This Will Turn Your Life Around In 2025!
Mr. Bullen is a former Navy SEAL turned master storyteller and content creator who uses his battlefield experiences and personal failures to inspire, educate, and help people overcome challenges to achieve their goals.
The Diary Of A CEO with Steven Bartlett
MrBallen (Former Navy SEAL): I Wasn't Sleeping, I Became A Raging Alcoholic! I Was Disowned By The SEALS! This Will Turn Your Life Around In 2025!
I'm a Navy SEAL.
The Diary Of A CEO with Steven Bartlett
MrBallen (Former Navy SEAL): I Wasn't Sleeping, I Became A Raging Alcoholic! I Was Disowned By The SEALS! This Will Turn Your Life Around In 2025!
Yeah.
The Diary Of A CEO with Steven Bartlett
MrBallen (Former Navy SEAL): I Wasn't Sleeping, I Became A Raging Alcoholic! I Was Disowned By The SEALS! This Will Turn Your Life Around In 2025!
Oh, really?
The Diary Of A CEO with Steven Bartlett
MrBallen (Former Navy SEAL): I Wasn't Sleeping, I Became A Raging Alcoholic! I Was Disowned By The SEALS! This Will Turn Your Life Around In 2025!
That's right.
The Diary Of A CEO with Steven Bartlett
MrBallen (Former Navy SEAL): I Wasn't Sleeping, I Became A Raging Alcoholic! I Was Disowned By The SEALS! This Will Turn Your Life Around In 2025!
Yeah.
The Diary Of A CEO with Steven Bartlett
MrBallen (Former Navy SEAL): I Wasn't Sleeping, I Became A Raging Alcoholic! I Was Disowned By The SEALS! This Will Turn Your Life Around In 2025!
Yeah.
The Diary Of A CEO with Steven Bartlett
*NEW* Body Language Expert: When You Do This You Look like A Loser...(Sorry But You Do)! This Is The Real Reason You're Still Single!
Vanessa Van Edwards has helped over 400,000 students crack the code on human behavior.
The Diary Of A CEO with Steven Bartlett
*NEW* Body Language Expert: When You Do This You Look like A Loser...(Sorry But You Do)! This Is The Real Reason You're Still Single!
Decoding universal body language and sharing science-backed secrets for better dates.
The Diary Of A CEO with Steven Bartlett
*NEW* Body Language Expert: When You Do This You Look like A Loser...(Sorry But You Do)! This Is The Real Reason You're Still Single!
Right?
The Diary Of A CEO with Steven Bartlett
*NEW* Body Language Expert: When You Do This You Look like A Loser...(Sorry But You Do)! This Is The Real Reason You're Still Single!
Smoother conversations and bigger career wins.
The Diary Of A CEO with Steven Bartlett
Behavioural Psychologist: We're Not Having Enough Sex! Fat Makes You Attractive & The Poorer You Are The Friendlier You Are!
Interesting. Dr. William von Hippel is the world-renowned evolutionary psychologist who has spent decades studying and finding the answers to how instincts that once helped our ancestors survive still drive us today, often in ways we don't even realize. As a species, what are we getting wrong?
The Diary Of A CEO with Steven Bartlett
Reid Hoffman, LinkedIn Founder: It’s Time To Quit Your Job When You Feel This! Selling LinkedIn For $26 Billion Taught Me This About Life! Trump Is Going To Punish Me!
Um, Reid Hoffman is the co-founder of LinkedIn and one of the world's most successful entrepreneurs, playing pivotal roles in the success of influential companies, including PayPal, Airbnb, Facebook, and OpenAI. And now he is a leading voice in AI, helping people utilize this new technology to empower themselves in their life and careers.
The Diary Of A CEO with Steven Bartlett
Reid Hoffman, LinkedIn Founder: It’s Time To Quit Your Job When You Feel This! Selling LinkedIn For $26 Billion Taught Me This About Life! Trump Is Going To Punish Me!
Yes, exactly.
The Diary Of A CEO with Steven Bartlett
Reid Hoffman, LinkedIn Founder: It’s Time To Quit Your Job When You Feel This! Selling LinkedIn For $26 Billion Taught Me This About Life! Trump Is Going To Punish Me!
Yes.
The Diary Of A CEO with Steven Bartlett
The Public Speaking Expert: This Speaking Mistake Makes People Ignore You! These Small Mistakes Make You Unlikeable!
And we all have access to these tools. Let's go through all five. Vin Jiang is the award-winning speaker and communication expert who helps people harness the power of their voice and body language in all areas of their life.
The Diary Of A CEO with Steven Bartlett
The Public Speaking Expert: This Speaking Mistake Makes People Ignore You! These Small Mistakes Make You Unlikeable!
Start your test today for 1 euro per month on shopify.de slash radio.
The Diary Of A CEO with Steven Bartlett
Key Moment: 10 Things Your Poo Says About Your Health: The No.1 Poo & Gut Scientist
Okay.
The Diary Of A CEO with Steven Bartlett
Key Moment: 10 Things Your Poo Says About Your Health: The No.1 Poo & Gut Scientist
Really?
The Diary Of A CEO with Steven Bartlett
Key Moment: 10 Things Your Poo Says About Your Health: The No.1 Poo & Gut Scientist
Q1 is often when businesses start implementing new systems and processes in hopes of creating efficiencies for the year ahead. And over the course of my career, I've learned just how crucial having the right systems in place is. One which has helped me across many of my investments is NetSuite. They're also a sponsor of this podcast. NetSuite is the number one cloud financial system.
The Diary Of A CEO with Steven Bartlett
Key Moment: 10 Things Your Poo Says About Your Health: The No.1 Poo & Gut Scientist
Through their streamlined platform, you'll find all of your accounting, financial management, inventory, and HR in one place. Their technology has been a real game changer, especially for my team at Flight Studio, as over the last year, we've moved out of startup mode and into scale-up mode.
The Diary Of A CEO with Steven Bartlett
Key Moment: 10 Things Your Poo Says About Your Health: The No.1 Poo & Gut Scientist
We no longer have to juggle multiple systems and having everything together has reduced the number of manual tasks and errors. Over 41,000 businesses have chosen to future-proof their business with NetSuite. So if you'd like to learn how it can help your business, head to netsuite.com slash Bartlett and free download the CFO's Guide to AI and Machine Learning. That's netsuite.com slash Bartlett.
The Diary Of A CEO with Steven Bartlett
Key Moment: 10 Things Your Poo Says About Your Health: The No.1 Poo & Gut Scientist
I read in your book that 60% of poop is bacteria, which just blew my mind.
The Diary Of A CEO with Steven Bartlett
Key Moment: 10 Things Your Poo Says About Your Health: The No.1 Poo & Gut Scientist
Okay.
The Diary Of A CEO with Steven Bartlett
Key Moment: 10 Things Your Poo Says About Your Health: The No.1 Poo & Gut Scientist
And how is this pertinent to our gut microbiome, our health? What does this tell us about our health?
The Diary Of A CEO with Steven Bartlett
Key Moment: 10 Things Your Poo Says About Your Health: The No.1 Poo & Gut Scientist
So if this type four poop, which is kind of like a sausage, it's kind of like a smooth sausage, is optimal... How does one do that? What is turning it into a type four? What are they eating, doing?
The Diary Of A CEO with Steven Bartlett
Key Moment: 10 Things Your Poo Says About Your Health: The No.1 Poo & Gut Scientist
So let's close off on this subject of poop. My team actually prepared some poop samples earlier on because I was wondering, as a gastroenterologist, I wondered that if you could look at someone's poop and determine whether they have good gut health, and if you can understand what's going on in their body just by how their poop looks, because poop comes in many shapes and sizes.
The Diary Of A CEO with Steven Bartlett
Key Moment: 10 Things Your Poo Says About Your Health: The No.1 Poo & Gut Scientist
And the gut transition time, how does that relate to these different types of poop? As you were saying that, I was thinking the one in seven, the type one and the type seven, the type one being those sort of hard nuts and the type seven being basically diarrhea. I was assuming that those are the poop types that would happen... With a lower and a super high gut transition time.
The Diary Of A CEO with Steven Bartlett
Key Moment: 10 Things Your Poo Says About Your Health: The No.1 Poo & Gut Scientist
A diarrhea.
The Diary Of A CEO with Steven Bartlett
Key Moment: 10 Things Your Poo Says About Your Health: The No.1 Poo & Gut Scientist
So diarrhea comes out fast and these sort of hard nuts, they take typically a long time. That's right.
The Diary Of A CEO with Steven Bartlett
Key Moment: 10 Things Your Poo Says About Your Health: The No.1 Poo & Gut Scientist
Okay, so that's the shape and size of the poop. But what about colors of poop? I've got some different colors of poop here. I've got some red, some blue, some black, some green, some whites, and some yellows. Yes. Wow. How is color pertinent to health and everything we've been discussing?
The Diary Of A CEO with Steven Bartlett
Key Moment: 10 Things Your Poo Says About Your Health: The No.1 Poo & Gut Scientist
So what I have here... is a variety of different shapes and sizes of poop. Yeah. For anyone that can't see, look at the screen if you're listening to this podcast on Spotify or YouTube. Different shapes and sizes of poop here. This is real human poop. So I'm going to pass you that so you can play around with it. Yeah. And why does the shape and size of our poop tell us anything?
The Diary Of A CEO with Steven Bartlett
Key Moment: 10 Things Your Poo Says About Your Health: The No.1 Poo & Gut Scientist
Right.
The Diary Of A CEO with Steven Bartlett
Key Moment: 10 Things Your Poo Says About Your Health: The No.1 Poo & Gut Scientist
None of your business.
The Diary Of A CEO with Steven Bartlett
Key Moment: 10 Things Your Poo Says About Your Health: The No.1 Poo & Gut Scientist
Okay.
The Diary Of A CEO with Steven Bartlett
Key Moment: 10 Things Your Poo Says About Your Health: The No.1 Poo & Gut Scientist
Why does it matter? And how is it indicating something that's pertinent to our overall health?
The Diary Of A CEO with Steven Bartlett
Key Moment: 10 Things Your Poo Says About Your Health: The No.1 Poo & Gut Scientist
Oh, now we got to start smelling our own poop.
The Diary Of A CEO with Steven Bartlett
Top Moment: 5 Warning Signs Your Body Needs More Nutrients: Mindy Pelz
We are Theresa and Nemo and that's why we switched to Shopify.
The Diary Of A CEO with Steven Bartlett
Top Moment: 5 Warning Signs Your Body Needs More Nutrients: Mindy Pelz
The platform we used before Shopify needed regular updates that sometimes led to the shop not working.
The Diary Of A CEO with Steven Bartlett
Top Moment: 5 Warning Signs Your Body Needs More Nutrients: Mindy Pelz
Endlich macht unser Nemo Boards Shop dadurch auch auf den Mobilgeräten eine gute Figur und die Illustrationen auf den Boards kommen jetzt viel, viel klarer rüber, was uns ja auch wichtig ist und was unsere Marke auch ausmacht.
The Glenn Beck Program
It's Time We Treat the Cartels the Way They Treat Us | Guests: Sen. Mike Lee & Vivek Ramaswamy | 2/26/25
Constitution Wealth is a registered investment advisor. Registration does not imply a certain level of skill or training. Before considering their services, you should carefully review Constitution Wealth disclosures at constitutionwealth.com to understand all material risks, conflicts of interest, and fees. All investing involves risk, including the risk of loss.
The Glenn Beck Program
It's Time We Treat the Cartels the Way They Treat Us | Guests: Sen. Mike Lee & Vivek Ramaswamy | 2/26/25
This is a paid endorsement and Glenn is not a client of the firm.
The Glenn Beck Program
It's Time We Treat the Cartels the Way They Treat Us | Guests: Sen. Mike Lee & Vivek Ramaswamy | 2/26/25
Change is coming.
The Glenn Beck Program
It's Time We Treat the Cartels the Way They Treat Us | Guests: Sen. Mike Lee & Vivek Ramaswamy | 2/26/25
NMLS 182334. NMLSconsumeraccess.org. APR for rates in the 5 starts at 6.799% for well-qualified borrowers. Call 800-906-2440 for details about credit costs and terms.
The Glenn Beck Program
Best of the Program | Guest: Liz Wheeler | 2/19/25
Du bist immer am Puls der Zeit und gerne up to date? Dann ist der NowBrief des neuen Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra genau das Richtige für dich. Stau auf dem Weg zur Arbeit? Dann wird dir automatisch geraten, früher loszufahren. Es regnet am Zielort? Dann empfiehlt es dir, den Regenschirm mitzunehmen. Mit dem Galaxy S25 Ultra kannst du einen Schritt voraus sein.
The Glenn Beck Program
Best of the Program | Guests: Stephen Moore & January Littlejohn | 3/5/25
You're listening to the best of the Glenn Beck program.
The Glenn Beck Program
Best of the Program | Guests: Stephen Moore & January Littlejohn | 3/5/25
Stephen, let's get into the really salacious content here and talk about washing machine tariffs. Yeah. This is an interesting example, I think, of the tariff strategy here, right? They put on a 20% tariff back in, was it 2017, 2018 on incoming washing machines.
The Glenn Beck Program
Best of the Program | Guests: Stephen Moore & January Littlejohn | 3/5/25
Correct me if I'm wrong on the understanding of this, but basically prices almost immediately went up by 20%, which is kind of what you'd expect. However, there was a laudable goal in mind, which was to bring jobs back to America. It does seem like a lot of studies show about 1,800 jobs in the washing machine industry were created by Samsung and other companies that moved business here. However...
The Glenn Beck Program
Best of the Program | Guests: Stephen Moore & January Littlejohn | 3/5/25
at a cost of $1.5 billion to consumers annually. That's a cost of $800,000 per job. And isn't this really consistent through the literature on tariffs, that this is kind of what plays out?
The Glenn Beck Program
Best of the Program | Guests: Stephen Moore & January Littlejohn | 3/5/25
The reforms I'm proposing would not apply to those who are here illegal. And one more misunderstanding.
The Glenn Beck Program
What Trump MUST Say in His First Address to Congress | Guest: Carol Roth | 3/4/25
NMLS 182334. NMLSconsumeraccess.org. APR for rates in the five starts at 6.799% for well-qualified borrowers. Call 800-906-2440 for details about credit costs and terms.
The Glenn Beck Program
What Trump MUST Say in His First Address to Congress | Guest: Carol Roth | 3/4/25
Democrats, your party leaders have a foolproof plan to stop Trump by boldly doubling down on everything that has never worked before.
The Glenn Beck Program
What Trump MUST Say in His First Address to Congress | Guest: Carol Roth | 3/4/25
And your fellow Dems on social media are doing their part.
The Glenn Beck Program
What Trump MUST Say in His First Address to Congress | Guest: Carol Roth | 3/4/25
Welcome to the resistance. Trump is screwing over some of his own supporters.
The Glenn Beck Program
What Trump MUST Say in His First Address to Congress | Guest: Carol Roth | 3/4/25
I'm no longer rocking with Trump. So Democrats seize the opportunity.
The Glenn Beck Program
Best of the Program | Guest: Carol Roth | 3/4/25
Was ist, wenn die Lösung für unsere Probleme dort lauert, wo Menschen normalerweise gar nicht hinkommen? Ein Schatz aus der Tiefsee, Millionen Jahre alt, den es aber wirklich gibt und den manche jetzt heben wollen. Der Kampf um die Tiefsee, der hat längst begonnen. Das ist Enten, Land unter, von Andan und dem Futurium. Ab sofort auf Spotify.
The Glenn Beck Program
Best of the Program | Guest: Carol Roth | 3/4/25
You're streaming the best of Glenn Beck. To hear more of this interview and others, download the full show podcasts wherever you get podcasts.
The Glenn Beck Program
Best of the Program | Guest: Anson Frericks | 2/20/25
Du bist immer am Puls der Zeit und gerne up to date? Dann ist der NowBrief des neuen Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra genau das Richtige für dich. Stau auf dem Weg zur Arbeit? Dann wird dir automatisch geraten, früher loszufahren. Es regnet am Zielort? Dann empfiehlt es dir, den Regenschirm mitzunehmen. Mit dem Galaxy S25 Ultra kannst du einen Schritt voraus sein.
The Glenn Beck Program
Senate Republicans Just Caved on Cutting Inflation | Guest: Daniel Horowitz | 2/21/25
The fusion of entertainment and enlightenment. This is...
The Glenn Beck Program
Senate Republicans Just Caved on Cutting Inflation | Guest: Daniel Horowitz | 2/21/25
You ever seen a liberal's hands smoother than a snake on oil? Guess they're more worried about the meaning of the word retarded than the word work. Glenn Beck will be right back.
The Glenn Beck Program
Senate Republicans Just Caved on Cutting Inflation | Guest: Daniel Horowitz | 2/21/25
The fusion of entertainment and enlightenment. This is the Glenn Beck Program.
The Glenn Beck Program
Senate Republicans Just Caved on Cutting Inflation | Guest: Daniel Horowitz | 2/21/25
Doesn't he look like a Minecraft character?
The Glenn Beck Program
Senate Republicans Just Caved on Cutting Inflation | Guest: Daniel Horowitz | 2/21/25
This is Glenn Beck.
The Glenn Beck Program
Senate Republicans Just Caved on Cutting Inflation | Guest: Daniel Horowitz | 2/21/25
The fusion of entertainment and enlightenment. This is the Glenn Beck Program.
The Glenn Beck Program
Senate Republicans Just Caved on Cutting Inflation | Guest: Daniel Horowitz | 2/21/25
This is Glenn Beck.
The Glenn Beck Program
Senate Republicans Just Caved on Cutting Inflation | Guest: Daniel Horowitz | 2/21/25
You want the truth unfiltered? Pull up a chair, my friend. You're in the right place. This is Glenn Beck.
The Glenn Beck Program
Senate Republicans Just Caved on Cutting Inflation | Guest: Daniel Horowitz | 2/21/25
This is Glenn Beck.
The Glenn Beck Program
Best of the Program | Guest: Daniel Horowitz | 2/21/25
You're listening to the best of the Glenn Beck program.
The Glenn Beck Program
Best of the Program | Guest: Daniel Horowitz | 2/21/25
You're listening to the best of the Glenn Beck podcast. Hear more of this interview and others with the full show podcast available wherever you get podcasts.
The Glenn Beck Program
Best of the Program | Guest: Daniel Horowitz | 2/21/25
President Trump has spoken about replacing income tax with tariff revenue, especially with all this waste, fraud, and abuse that we're seeing cut. Is that a possibility? Absolutely.
The Good Whale
Trailer
This is the story of a high-profile, high-stakes science experiment whose goal seemed almost impossible, to teach a captive orca to be wild. At the center of it all was Keiko, an orca with fears and limitations that no human could ever hope to interpret with any certainty. Not that they wouldn't try. We wanted to see how far he could go.
The Good Whale
Trailer
From Serial Productions and the New York Times, I'm Daniel Alarcon, and this is The Good Whale, coming November 14th, wherever you get your podcasts.
The Good Whale
Trailer
Keiko was good at performing, beloved by the crowds at the Mexican amusement park where he lived for more than a decade, most of his life since he was captured as a calf. He was good with his trainers and with the kids who came to visit.
The Good Whale
Trailer
Keiko was one of a kind. Keiko had this personality, completely different from any other orca.
The Good Whale
Trailer
And Keiko was good when he was cast in the movie Free Willy. He played the part of Willy, of course, a captive killer whale who's befriended by a 12-year-old boy and then set free.
The Good Whale
Trailer
Afterwards, when the world decided Keiko himself should be set free, that he should learn how to be a wild whale, how to hold his breath and hunt for his own food and live in the ocean, Keiko, like always, was eager to please his humans. So everyone agreed he was good. But there were some things no one seemed to agree on. Like, can good whales be wild whales?
The Good Whale
Trailer
It felt like bringing your pet dog out to the forest and then running away. And the dog being hungry and scared and wanting to go home.
The Good Whale
Trailer
We played God at that point. Was wildness even something Keiko wanted? Or was it something we needed from him? A chance to redeem ourselves for the harms we'd caused, not just to Keiko, but to all captive whales. I always ask people that are the detractors, where would you have stopped it?
The Home Service Expert Podcast
Re-Air: Buying Back Your Time with Dan Martell
Welcome to The Home Service Expert, where each week, Tommy chats with world-class entrepreneurs and experts in various fields, like marketing, sales, hiring, and leadership, to find out what's really behind their success in business. Now, your host, The Home Service Millionaire, Tommy Mello.
The Home Service Expert Podcast
Mastering the Art of Franchising with Jeff Dudan
Welcome to the Home Service Expert, where each week, Tommy chats with world-class entrepreneurs and experts in various fields like marketing, sales, hiring, and leadership. to find out what's really behind their success in business. Now, your host, the home service millionaire, Tommy Mello.
The Home Service Expert Podcast
From Convict to CEO - A Journey of Transformation with Weldon Long
Welcome to the Home Service Expert, where each week, Tommy chats with world-class entrepreneurs and experts in various fields like marketing, sales, hiring, and leadership to find out what's really behind their success in business. Now, your host. the home service millionaire, Tommy Mello.
The Home Service Expert Podcast
From Convict to CEO - A Journey of Transformation with Weldon Long
Jokers are.
The Home Service Expert Podcast
Hustle vs. Leadership: The Right Moves that Change Everything for Your Business
Right.
The Home Service Expert Podcast
Hustle vs. Leadership: The Right Moves that Change Everything for Your Business
welcome to the home service expert where each week tommy chats with world-class entrepreneurs and experts in various fields like marketing sales hiring and leadership to find out what's really behind their success in business now your host the home service millionaire tommy mellow
The Home Service Expert Podcast
The Art of Building Trust in Marketing with John Jantsch
welcome to the home service expert where each week tommy chats with world-class entrepreneurs and experts in various fields like marketing sales hiring and leadership to find out what's really behind their success in business now your host the home service millionaire, Tommy Mello.
The Home Service Expert Podcast
Building a Winning Culture: Lessons from a Former Addict and Elite Athlete
Welcome to the Home Service Expert, where each week, Tommy chats with world-class entrepreneurs and experts in various fields, like marketing, sales, hiring, and leadership, to find out what's really behind their success in business. Now, your host, the Home Service Millionaire, Tommy Mello.
The Home Service Expert Podcast
Unlocking the Millionaire Mindset with Brian Kaskavalciyan
Now, your host, the home service millionaire, Tommy Mello.
The Joe Budden Podcast
Episode 803 | "One More Dance"
I'm going to play it for y'all, but I do disagree with it. Yeah, let me hear it. All right, fuck it. Which is the dirtiest place to live in New Jersey? Most New Jerseyans know that the cleanest place to live in New Jersey is Ridgewood. So, which is the dirtiest place to live in New Jersey?
The Joe Budden Podcast
Episode 803 | "One More Dance"
It's Patterson. Patterson struggles with trash disposal, abandoned buildings, poor sanitation enforcement, illegal dumping, and industrial pollution. Water and overall cleanliness issues. Fourth place, Passaic, which is the dirtiest place to live in New Jersey. Passaic's aging infrastructure, high population, and poor sanitation cause trash buildup.
The Joe Budden Podcast
Episode 803 | "One More Dance"
I don't know enough about Passaic to know where to call it. Littered streets and flooding that worsens waste problems. Yeah, there's different parts of Passaic, for sure. Third place, Elizabeth.
The Joe Budden Podcast
Episode 803 | "One More Dance"
Elizabeth's industrial activities overcrowding and poor waste management cause air, water, and stormwater pollution. littered streets, and declining local environmental quality. In the second place, Jersey City. Oh, shit. Watch your fucking mouth about Jersey City. Littered streets, industrial pollution, traffic congestion. I think he's wrong about Jersey City. Jersey City's nice, though.
The Joe Budden Podcast
Episode 803 | "One More Dance"
What part? That's true, too. Hold up, number one. Before announcing the first place, comment in the section. No, nigga, we're not commenting. We're not liking and subscribing. Yeah, just give us number one.
The Joe Budden Podcast
Episode 803 | "One More Dance"
The place ranks first with air pollution, litter, industrial waste, illegal dumping, aging infrastructure, and high crime worsened sanitation issues, smog, and neglected public spaces across the city. That's Newark.
The Joe Budden Podcast
Episode 814 | "Fight or Flight"
The thoughts, views, and opinions expressed by this podcast, as well as its hosts, are for entertainment purposes only. I repeat, it is not serious. It is not real. No one is exposing, revealing, indicting, or telling you anything about themselves. Also, we do not encourage you to try this at home. We are trained professionals. Do not have your best interests at heart or our own. Enjoy the show.
The Joe Budden Podcast
Episode 814 | "Fight or Flight"
Yeah, but Play Heat went to issues here, too, though.
The Joe Budden Podcast
Episode 814 | "Fight or Flight"
Before these tariffs get crazy. Spend some of this money.
The Joe Budden Podcast
Episode 814 | "Fight or Flight"
I might as well let it cook for a little bit.
The Joe Budden Podcast
Episode 814 | "Fight or Flight"
No, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no,
The Joe Budden Podcast
Episode 814 | "Fight or Flight"
No, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no,
The Joe Budden Podcast
Episode 814 | "Fight or Flight"
Well, no such thing as a failure. Because a failure, we're not counting failures. Like Giannis said, every failure leads to the next success.
The Joe Budden Podcast
Episode 814 | "Fight or Flight"
Yeah, I ain't gonna, sometimes you're just rebellious. You're not thinking of it that way.
The Joe Budden Podcast
Episode 814 | "Fight or Flight"
Always start from the comments. She about to go off.
The Joe Budden Podcast
Episode 814 | "Fight or Flight"
I was like, oh, wow, she's really beautiful. She does look good. Yeah.
The Joe Budden Podcast
Episode 814 | "Fight or Flight"
Do you like her voice? Mm-hmm. You know me, I like the voice.
The Joe Budden Podcast
Episode 814 | "Fight or Flight"
Yeah, I want to hang out with people Mel and Isha age. Yeah, like Melo and them, right, Mel? Yeah.
The Joe Rogan Experience
#2272 - Mike Benz
national security adviser brzezinski flew to pakistan to set about rallying resistance He wanted to arm the Mujahideen without revealing America's role. On the Afghan border near the Khyber Pass, he urged the soldiers of God to redouble their efforts.
The Joe Rogan Experience
#2261 - Warren Smith
In a few roaring minutes, what families had taken years to acquire.
The Joe Rogan Experience
#2282 - Bill Murray
Strange memories on this nervous night in Las Vegas. Has it been five years? Six? It seems like a lifetime. The kind of peak that never comes again. San Francisco in the middle 60s was a very special time and place to be a part of. But no explanations.
The Joe Rogan Experience
#2282 - Bill Murray
No mix of words or music or memories can touch that sense of knowing that you were there and alive in that corner of time in the world, whatever it meant. There was madness in any direction, at any hour. You could strike sparks anywhere. There was a fantastic universal sense that whatever we were doing was right. That we were winning. And that, I think, was the handle.
The Joe Rogan Experience
#2282 - Bill Murray
That sense of inevitable victory over the forces of old and evil. Not in any mean or military sense. We didn't need that. Our energy would simply prevail. We had all the momentum. We were riding the crest of a high and beautiful wave. So now, less than five years later, you can go up on a steep hill in Las Vegas and look west.
The Joe Rogan Experience
#2282 - Bill Murray
And with the right kind of eyes, you can almost see the high water mark. That place where the wave finally broke and rolled back.
The Joe Rogan Experience
#2301 - Ben Lamm
These rare animals have a knack for holding a tune, even to an exact key.
The Joe Rogan Experience
#2301 - Ben Lamm
I had my toilet water shaking the other day. Fuck that, Jamie. No.
The Joe Rogan Experience
#2301 - Ben Lamm
They're just not scared. They're like piranhas in the world. It's so cool that they're not even remotely scared of people.
The Joe Rogan Experience
#2301 - Ben Lamm
Oh, right in the middle of the devil fight. No, I mean like...
The Joe Rogan Experience
#2301 - Ben Lamm
Right. It's just, and so they're not getting NIH funding. Right.
The Joe Rogan Experience
#2266 - Brian Simpson
Once Mr. Talbot has witnessed that the full moon holds no sway over him, that he remains a perfectly ordinary human being, he will have taken his first small step down the long road to mental recovery.
The Joe Rogan Experience
#2293 - Chris Williamson
Project Unity. What has just been announced in relation to the pyramids at the Giza Plateau and the plateau itself is so incredible, so awe-inspiring and narrative-shattering that I have been sitting here for the last hour trying to wrap my head around the implications of what we were just told.
The Joe Rogan Experience
#2293 - Chris Williamson
So this is pretty much breaking news because the new findings were announced on the 16th of March at a press conference held by the team who was studying the Great Pyramid of Giza with a non-invasive technology that was first developed by Filippo Bionde and Corrado Malanga called Synthetic Aperture Radar Doppler Tomography.
The Joe Rogan Experience
#2293 - Chris Williamson
This was used to explore the internal structure of the Great Pyramid of Giza. and this method leverages the analysis of micro-movements typically generated by background seismic activity to achieve a high-resolution, full 3D tomographic imagery of the pyramid's interior and subsurface components.
The Joe Rogan Experience
#2293 - Chris Williamson
The recent findings from deploying this technology are nothing short of mind-blowing because what's been discovered is that there are huge structures coming down from the base of the pyramid deep into the bedrock. In fact, over 600 meters deep, which then connects to structures that extend up to two kilometers below the surface of the ground. Two kilometers.
The Joe Rogan Experience
#2293 - Chris Williamson
Massive internal structures connected to the base of the pyramid and extending deep, deep down. This is what we know so far.
The Journal.
Inside DOGE's Campaign of Secrecy
shutting down USAID. The CFPB. About 5% of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration are being let go. Already, more than 200 have been fired from FEMA, around 400 from the Federal Aviation Administration, and more than 1,000 from the Department of Veterans Affairs.
The Magnus Archives
RQ Network Feed Drop – Not Quite Dead S1: I:The Girl on the Gurney
Not Quite Dead is written, performed and edited by Ava Major under a Creative Commons 4.0 attribution license. Live. Laugh. Bite. Not Quite Dead
The Magnus Archives
RQ Network Feed Drop – Not Quite Dead S1: I:The Girl on the Gurney
This is Not Quite Dead. Episode 1. The Girl on the Gurney.
The Magnus Archives
The Magnus Protocol 31 - Compartmentalising
This episode was written by Jonathan Sims and edited with additional materials by Alexander J. Newell. with vocal edits by Nico Vitesi, soundscaping by Meg McKellar, and mastering by Catherine Rinella, with music by Sam Jones.
The Magnus Archives
The Magnus Protocol 31 - Compartmentalising
It featured Billy Hindle as Alistair, Shahan Hamza as Samama Khalid, Anusha Battersby as Gwen Bouchard, Laurie Ann Davis as Celia Ripley, Ryan Hope Veer Anderson as Colin Becker, Sasha Sienna as Georgie Barker, with additional voices from Jonathan Sims and Beth Eyre. And Megan Nice. To subscribe, view associated materials or join our Patreon, visit RustyQuill.com.
The Magnus Archives
The Magnus Protocol 31 - Compartmentalising
Rate and review us online, tweet us at TheRustyQuill, visit us on Facebook or email us via mail at RustyQuill.com. Thanks for listening.
The Magnus Archives
The Magnus Protocol 31 - Compartmentalising
Rusty Quill Presents The Magnus Protocol Episode 31 Compartmentalising
The Magnus Archives
The Magnus Protocol 32 - Restructuring
The Magnus Protocol is a podcast distributed by Rusty Quill and licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution Non-Commercial Sharealike 4.0 international license. The series is created by Jonathan Sims and Alexander J. Newell and directed by Alexander J. Newell. This episode was written by Alexander J. Newell and edited with additional materials by Jonathan Sims.
The Magnus Archives
The Magnus Protocol 32 - Restructuring
with vocal edits by Lorianne Davis, soundscaping by Tessa Vroom, and mastering by Catherine Rinella, with music by Sam Jones. It featured Billy Hindle as Alice Dyer, Anusha Battersby as Gwen Bouchard, Lorianne Davis as Celia Ripley, with additional voices from Alexander J. Newell, ... und Megan Nice. ...
The Magnus Archives
The Magnus Protocol 32 - Restructuring
To subscribe, view associated materials or join our Patreon, visit RustyQuill.com Rate and review us online, tweet us at TheRustyQuill, visit us on Facebook or email us via mail at RustyQuill.com Thanks for listening.
The Magnus Archives
The Magnus Protocol 32 - Restructuring
Fine, but I'm going to keep using the office systems. Just as long as you do your cases. Right. Liverpool Integrated Care System Patient Record ID NICS-2015-36584B The following information is confidential and legally protected. Unauthorized access, disclosure, copying or distribution of this document is strictly prohibited and may result in legal action. Personal information as follows.
The Magnus Archives
The Magnus Protocol 32 - Restructuring
Name, Kyla Barber. Date of birth, 17-11-1974. NHS-Nummer 698-588-3912. Sex, Female. Address, 45 Gardner Lane, Wavertree, Liverpool, L15, 3HA. Occupation, Environmental Health Officer. Emergency Contact, Violet Weaver, Partner, 07439183375. Medical History as follows. Primary Care Provider, Dr. Micah Volkova, Sycamore Drive Medical Center.
The Magnus Archives
The Magnus Protocol 32 - Restructuring
Mental Health Provider, Dr. Alan Cello, Mersey Care NHS Trust. Chronic Conditions, Hypertension, Type 2 Diabetes. Allergies, Trimethoprim, Nickel. Medications, Metformin, 500 mg, Bicinopril, 10 mg, Sertraline, 100 mg, Diazepam, 100 mg, Olanzapine, 10 mg.
The Magnus Archives
The Magnus Protocol 32 - Restructuring
RECENT ADMISSIONS 01-06-2012 ACUTE DEPRESSIVE EPISODE TREATMENT PROVIDED COGNITIVE BEHAVIORAL THERAPY MEDICATION ADJUSTMENT 15-03-2015 A10 DETENTION UNDER MENTAL HEALTH ACT FOR ADMISSION FOR ASSESSMENT APPROVED MENTAL HEALTH PROFESSIONAL JOSEPH BLOCK
The Magnus Archives
The Magnus Protocol 32 - Restructuring
Reasons for Detention Patient admitted to Clockview Hospital under Section 136 Police Detainment Observations Indicators for visual and auditory hallucination, distress, paranoia, confusion, transient global amnesia, dissociative amnesia Initial diagnosis Acute psychosis, schizophrenia, anxiety, post-traumatic stress disorder Recommendations Immediate inpatient admission for safety and further assessment due to immediate risk to self and others
The Magnus Archives
The Magnus Protocol 32 - Restructuring
The Magnus Protocol The Magnus Protocol Episode 32 Restructuring
The Magnus Archives
The Magnus Protocol 32 - Restructuring
Initial Treatment Plan to include antipsychotic medication and psychotherapy. Recent Notes. Assessment delayed due to missing patient. Recent Documentation. Partial Transcript of Counseling Session 18-03-2015. Transcript as follows. K. Sand into water, water into stone, stone into wood, wood into cotton, cotton into blood, blood into gold, gold into fire, fire into steel. J. Kyla?
The Magnus Archives
The Magnus Protocol 32 - Restructuring
K. Plastic trees in rings of glass, no wind for wings, no birds, no birds. J. Come back, Kyla. K. I'm sorry, I don't... J. That's alright, Kyla. Why don't we take a moment for a reset? K. Reset. Yes. J. My name is... K. My name is Kyla Barber. I am in Clockview Hospital. J. And... K. And... And... And I am safe. J. And now breathe in. Hold. And breathe out. And again. J. Better? K. Yes.
The Magnus Archives
The Magnus Protocol 32 - Restructuring
Yes, sorry. J. No need to be sorry. Are you ready to continue? K. Yes. J. Alright. Now, Kyla, I'd like you to try and tell me what happened at, uh, at the Man Island developments. K. I can try, but I don't... It doesn't make sense. J. That's alright. It doesn't have to make sense. It's about what you experienced, what you felt. Not about any sense we might try to make of it right now.
The Magnus Archives
The Magnus Protocol 32 - Restructuring
Just start at the beginning. Okay, yeah. Yeah, okay. Sand. Sand silent but for the winds caress of red dunes. Dry iron dancing beneath a thousand, thousand sunrises and sunsets. Calm. So calm. Until... A drop. A single drop that crashes down, herald to the floods that follow.
The Magnus Archives
The Magnus Protocol 32 - Restructuring
Then a trickle, a torrent, earth's blood and water scattering the dancers, then locking them in an embrace of sand and stone as the land roils beneath, bucking and heaving, untamed and unseen until... One becomes two, two becomes four, and four becomes innumerable. Der bräuchte Frucht der Leben schmiert sich über die Wälder, bildet sich in immer mehr unmöglichen Designen.
The Magnus Archives
The Magnus Protocol 32 - Restructuring
Fragmente in Zellen, in Cilia, in Spuren und Pflanzen und Füßen und Hüften und Lippen und Blut und Zähne und Klauen und Haare und Hände. Und endlich wird überall irgendwo hier. Dieser Ort, der in den neu geminten Meilen ist, der durch mich und um mich wandert. Ich bin hier.
The Magnus Archives
The Magnus Protocol 32 - Restructuring
They mark my heart with carven stone, frozen dancers now standing in six exaltations, changing me, turning me once more into somewhere new. I am home. More minds are born, grown, aged and lost in a new and faster dance of happiness, tragedy, love and loss. They know me and love me for sheltering, nourishing and nurturing them until blood is spilled.
The Magnus Archives
The Magnus Protocol 32 - Restructuring
Fresh water for my river, new bones for my earth and soon I have a name. Not home, but Leopold. Now enshrined in ink and pigskin. Six become seven as those long frozen dancers are regimented into the foundation of untold footfalls. New veins of prosperity branching from my river's artery which now ebbs and flows with trade and exploration.
The Magnus Archives
The Magnus Protocol 32 - Restructuring
The quiet is gone now, replaced by shared purpose and disquiet. Sie versuchen, die Berge wieder und wieder zu zerstören, neue Flächen zu bauen, die ich mit Wind und Regen und Meer waschen muss, aber sie sind industriell. Das Blut wascht sich wieder einmal über meinen Boden, verletzt von Stahl und Sulphur, um mich in eine Stadt zu fordern. So ein großer Name für so eine schmerzhafte Wunde.
The Magnus Archives
The Magnus Protocol 32 - Restructuring
Mehr Zuhause zu Stock und Cargo als Fleisch und Blut. They are so industrious. Their choking trade clogs me with the filth of their endeavor and the silt of their constant contempt, which turns to theft as they steal from my river's depths until... Sie füllen diese Schmerzen mit Blut wieder einmal, aber jetzt ist es nicht ihr eigenes.
The Magnus Archives
The Magnus Protocol 32 - Restructuring
Stattdessen spült eine unendliche Flasche von Tobak, Kotten und geschlossener Schmerz in sich, gefuehlt von gestohlenem Schmerz und gestohlenem Stahl. Sie sind so industriell und ich bin wütend. Der Meer stottert, als sie frisches Land aus den Dunkeln drücken und mich innerhalb befinden, von mir ausgeschnitten und von einer Stadt in eine Insel ausgeschnitten, die für Menschen gemacht wurde.
The Magnus Archives
The Magnus Protocol 32 - Restructuring
Und was für Männer sie sind. Die Wälder bluten auf den Körpern der Verbrechenen, sie lachen ohne Schmerz. Die Wälder der Leidenschaft und der Leidenschaft, die mit Regret zwischen dem sauren Teppich der weit entfernten Wilden fliegen. Und immer noch sind die Kinder dieser anderen Wälder zu mir gedrängt.
The Magnus Archives
The Magnus Protocol 32 - Restructuring
Seine Träume sind in den Wäldern der griechischen Karnel-Wälder, die desolationieren und langweilig schweigen, bis das letzte Schiff seinen wütenden Halt auf meinen Schuhen verblüht. Vielleicht hat sich dieses imperialistische Fetisch endlich verbreitet, aber nein. Die grünen Häuser werden zu spät gebrannt und zu früh zurückgekehrt und mit ihnen kommen die Tränen.
The Magnus Archives
The Magnus Protocol 32 - Restructuring
Metall, das von meinem Land zerbrochen wurde und in die Todeszeit gebetet wurde. Schmutziger Schmutz, der in mein Herz zerstört wurde und gefüllt wurde mit gestohlenem, rollendem Licht. Ich bin wütend. Ein weiterer Fluss von Blutschäden, dieses Mal gefangen von Skyfire. Und endlich gibt es einen Moment von Rettung von ihrem unendlichem Erfolg.
The Magnus Archives
The Magnus Protocol 32 - Restructuring
Stattdessen bin ich wieder ein Haus, ein müdees Haus, voll von Schwierigkeiten, aber auch von Kinderlachen. Ich hatte fast vergessen, wie es sich fühlte. Aber dann sind ihre heiligen Räume versperrt, für den Vorteil von Trams, Busen und mehr. Außerdem bin ich wütend.
The Magnus Archives
The Magnus Protocol 32 - Restructuring
Und jetzt wächst ein Schmuck aus Glas, ein leerer Luxus, ein Monument der Verbrechung, das die Lande verhindern würde, während sie die Prosperität versprechen würden. Aber ich werde dich nicht mehr abhängen. Deine Böden, die von Meinen und von denen, die mich zu Hause genannt hätten, gebrochen sind und unter dem Gewicht deiner kapitalistischen Ehrfurcht fliegen.
The Magnus Archives
The Magnus Protocol 32 - Restructuring
Die metallischen Wände, die meine Wälder verdrängen für deine gebluteten Worte, brechen und brechen, überflüssig mit der Leidenschaft deiner Vorhäufer. Die Kabel, die du in meinem Blut so gruselig gestrichen hast, schnappen nun und spüren ihr Licht auf den gestohlenen Wachstum deiner fremden Marble-Flächen.
The Magnus Archives
The Magnus Protocol 32 - Restructuring
Die Stämme aus Stahl, die deine Ambitionen bewegen, weinen und verlieren und fallen, überwältigt von dem Gewicht deiner schrecklichen Intente. Die Dancer, die du durchschaust, aber nie sehen, schattern und stürzen so scharfe Schaden in dich, wie ein Ausdruck für deine Unwissenheit.
The Magnus Archives
The Magnus Protocol 32 - Restructuring
Deine beliebigen Wohnungen, die du verkauft hast, aber nie gekauft hast, wachsen kalt und schwarz, unverliebt, wie die Häuser derjenigen, die vor deinem Blick kamen.
The Magnus Archives
The Magnus Protocol 32 - Restructuring
Die Offiziere, die Sie so laut und sauber wie sauber und sauber und sauber und sauber und sauber und sauber und sauber und sauber und sauber und sauber und sauber und sauber und sauber und sauber und sauber und sauber und sauber und sauber und sauber und sauber und sauber und sauber und sauber und sauber und sauber und sauber und sauber und sauber und sauber und sauber und sauber und sauber und sauber und sauber und sauber und sauber und sauber und sauber und sauber und sauber und sauber und sauber und sauber und sauber und sauber und sauber und sauber und sauber und sauer und sauer und sauer und sauer und sauer und sauer und sauer und sauer und sauer und sauer und sauer und sauer und sauer und sauer und sauer und sauer und sauer und sauer und sauer und sauer und sauer und sauer und sa
The Magnus Archives
The Magnus Protocol 32 - Restructuring
J. Kyla, I asked what happened to you, not what happened to the place. K. And all who dwelt within me will feel the weight of it. Their bones will be my bones, colonized as is my right. J. I don't know if this is helping. K. Let me go home. Let me be home. Transcript ends.
The Matt Walsh Show
Ep. 1545 - The 'Mass Graves' Hoax Is Officially Dead, And No One Will Be Held Accountable
Last year, when archaeologists detected what they believed to be 200 unmarked graves at an old school in Canada, it brought new attention to one of the most shameful chapters of that nation's history. Starting in the 1880s and for much of the 20th century, more than 150,000 children from hundreds of indigenous communities across Canada were forcibly taken from their parents by the government
The Matt Walsh Show
Ep. 1545 - The 'Mass Graves' Hoax Is Officially Dead, And No One Will Be Held Accountable
President Joe Biden has been portrayed by his political opponents and even some of his allies as too old to be president. I'm not asking for your political opinion here, but how does he seem to you?
The Matt Walsh Show
Ep. 1545 - The 'Mass Graves' Hoax Is Officially Dead, And No One Will Be Held Accountable
and sent to what were called residential schools. Funded by the state and run by churches, they were designed to assimilate and Christianize indigenous children by ripping them from their parents, their culture, and their community.
The Matt Walsh Show
Ep. 1521 - Trump Wages All Out War On DEI
So you see there, some fine police work, some very fine police work.
The Matt Walsh Show
Ep. 1521 - Trump Wages All Out War On DEI
Let me just make sure that I understand what you're saying, because at first you said that the first targets are those with criminal records. But you are also saying that those who are undocumented in the U.S., also who don't have criminal records, people who are working in their communities, maybe even have spouses who are American citizens, they could be swept up with ICE today as well?
The Megyn Kelly Show
Andrew Schulz on Why Trump Dominates Culture and Politics, Becoming a Dad, and Dating Red Flags | Ep. 1020
12 years later, we're still trying to solve it. All right, let's get moving.
The Megyn Kelly Show
Andrew Schulz on Why Trump Dominates Culture and Politics, Becoming a Dad, and Dating Red Flags | Ep. 1020
Now we have to rethink everything.
The Megyn Kelly Show
Andrew Schulz on Why Trump Dominates Culture and Politics, Becoming a Dad, and Dating Red Flags | Ep. 1020
The last thing he's gonna wanna see is you, Megan.
The Megyn Kelly Show
Andrew Schulz on Why Trump Dominates Culture and Politics, Becoming a Dad, and Dating Red Flags | Ep. 1020
It's every parent's worst nightmare.
The Megyn Kelly Show
Trump Zeroes in on Greenland, Mysterious Former US Attorney Death, Snow White Bombs: AM Update 3/24
The Democratic Party has been facing growing backlash and calls for a new leader as it tries to find its footing in the new Trump administration. And two prominent progressives are now taking that momentum on the road.
The Megyn Kelly Show
Trump Zeroes in on Greenland, Mysterious Former US Attorney Death, Snow White Bombs: AM Update 3/24
Senator Bernie Sanders, whose anti-oligarchy message is resonating around the country with crowds that have exceeded the turnout of some presidential rallies, despite there being no election anytime soon.
The Megyn Kelly Show
Trump Zeroes in on Greenland, Mysterious Former US Attorney Death, Snow White Bombs: AM Update 3/24
There is clearly an appetite for this message. The Democratic establishment cannot afford to ignore this energy center of the party.
The Megyn Kelly Show
Elon's Email Drama, Trump vs. Maine Governor, and a German Election Surprise: AM Update for 2/24
Brown has become a target for the Trump administration as they seek to rid the government and the military of leaders who support diversity and equity efforts.
The Megyn Kelly Show
Disturbing Idaho Murders 911 Call Released, and New Bryan Kohberger Selfie Revealed, with Howard Blum | Ep. 1032
Thanks for listening to The Megan Kelly Show. No BS, no agenda, and no fear.
The Planet Reigate Podcast
48: Our ‘Harlequin’ Q&A, more great stories from local volunteers, the sound of steam on local train tracks… and more
This is the Planet Reigate Podcast with Peter Stewart.
The Planet Reigate Podcast
48: Our ‘Harlequin’ Q&A, more great stories from local volunteers, the sound of steam on local train tracks… and more
And speak to real people who can advise you. The Belfry Shopping Centre, Redhill. Woodlands Lettings, connecting landlords with tenants for over 20 years. If you have a property to let, pop into our office on Station Road by the Belfry Main entrance for a coffee and a chat, or call 01737 372 797. Planet Reigate Stars, thanking local heroes who are out of this world.
The Planet Reigate Podcast
48: Our ‘Harlequin’ Q&A, more great stories from local volunteers, the sound of steam on local train tracks… and more
Planet Reigate is the North Downs Way and the Pilgrims Way. And this is the Planet Reigate podcast.
The Planet Reigate Podcast
48: Our ‘Harlequin’ Q&A, more great stories from local volunteers, the sound of steam on local train tracks… and more
The Good Time Guide. Things to do and places to go on the Planet Reigate podcast.
The Planet Reigate Podcast
48: Our ‘Harlequin’ Q&A, more great stories from local volunteers, the sound of steam on local train tracks… and more
This is the Planet Reigate Podcast.
The Planet Reigate Podcast
48: Our ‘Harlequin’ Q&A, more great stories from local volunteers, the sound of steam on local train tracks… and more
The 60 Second Soundscape. Local natural sounds uninterrupted.
The Planet Reigate Podcast
48: Our ‘Harlequin’ Q&A, more great stories from local volunteers, the sound of steam on local train tracks… and more
The Planet Reigate podcast was produced and presented by Peter Stewart.
The Planet Reigate Podcast
48: Our ‘Harlequin’ Q&A, more great stories from local volunteers, the sound of steam on local train tracks… and more
The Good Time Guide. Things to do and places to go on the Planet Reigate podcast.
The Planet Reigate Podcast
77: The Reigate kids’ group with members from across the south-east… and more
From Reigate and Redhill, Buckland, Betchworth and Brockham, great stories from places you love and people you know. This is the Planet Reigate podcast.
The Planet Reigate Podcast
77: The Reigate kids’ group with members from across the south-east… and more
This is the Planet Reigate podcast with Peter Stewart.
The Planet Reigate Podcast
77: The Reigate kids’ group with members from across the south-east… and more
This is the Planet Reigate podcast with Peter Stewart.
The Planet Reigate Podcast
77: The Reigate kids’ group with members from across the south-east… and more
The Good Time Guide. Things to do and places to go on the Planet Reigate Podcast.
The Planet Reigate Podcast
77: The Reigate kids’ group with members from across the south-east… and more
Planet Reigate stars, thanking local heroes who are out of this world.
The Planet Reigate Podcast
77: The Reigate kids’ group with members from across the south-east… and more
The 60-second soundscape. Local natural sounds uninterrupted.
The Planet Reigate Podcast
77: The Reigate kids’ group with members from across the south-east… and more
The Planet Reigate podcast was produced and presented by Peter Stewart.
The Planet Reigate Podcast
77: The Reigate kids’ group with members from across the south-east… and more
This is the Planet Reigate podcast.
The Planet Reigate Podcast
77: The Reigate kids’ group with members from across the south-east… and more
MUSIC The Belfry Shopping Centre, Redhill. Ditch the click for hassle-free local shopping in a welcoming environment. See, touch, smell and try before you buy and speak to real people who can advise you. The Belfry Shopping Centre, Redhill.
The Planet Reigate Podcast
41: The Light’s first birthday, a look back at Reigate’s Summer Festival and Horley carnival… and more.
Email hello at theplanetrigatepodcast.com
The Planet Reigate Podcast
41: The Light’s first birthday, a look back at Reigate’s Summer Festival and Horley carnival… and more.
The Belfry Shopping Centre, Redhill. Ditch the click for hassle-free local shopping in a welcoming environment. See, touch, smell and try before you buy and speak to real people who can advise you. The Belfry Shopping Centre, Redhill. Woodlands Lettings. Connecting landlords with tenants for over 20 years.
The Planet Reigate Podcast
41: The Light’s first birthday, a look back at Reigate’s Summer Festival and Horley carnival… and more.
If you have a property to let, pop into our office on Station Road by the Belfry main entrance for a coffee and a chat. Or call 01737 372797.
The Planet Reigate Podcast
41: The Light’s first birthday, a look back at Reigate’s Summer Festival and Horley carnival… and more.
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The Planet Reigate Podcast
41: The Light’s first birthday, a look back at Reigate’s Summer Festival and Horley carnival… and more.
Great stories from Rigate.
The Planet Reigate Podcast
41: The Light’s first birthday, a look back at Reigate’s Summer Festival and Horley carnival… and more.
The Good Time Guide. Things to do and places to go on the Planet Reigate podcast.
The Planet Reigate Podcast
41: The Light’s first birthday, a look back at Reigate’s Summer Festival and Horley carnival… and more.
The Good Time Guide. Things to do and places to go on the Planet Reigate podcast.
The Planet Reigate Podcast
41: The Light’s first birthday, a look back at Reigate’s Summer Festival and Horley carnival… and more.
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The Planet Reigate Podcast
41: The Light’s first birthday, a look back at Reigate’s Summer Festival and Horley carnival… and more.
This is the Planet Reigate podcast.
The Planet Reigate Podcast
41: The Light’s first birthday, a look back at Reigate’s Summer Festival and Horley carnival… and more.
Planet Reigate Stars. Thanking local heroes who are out of this world.
The Planet Reigate Podcast
41: The Light’s first birthday, a look back at Reigate’s Summer Festival and Horley carnival… and more.
Hidden treasure on the Planet Rygate podcast.
The Planet Reigate Podcast
41: The Light’s first birthday, a look back at Reigate’s Summer Festival and Horley carnival… and more.
The 60-second soundscape. Local natural sounds uninterrupted.
The Planet Reigate Podcast
41: The Light’s first birthday, a look back at Reigate’s Summer Festival and Horley carnival… and more.
The Planet Reigate podcast was produced and presented by Peter Stewart.
The Planet Reigate Podcast
66: 1/4 - The story of Bancroft Road, Reigate 1 – the intriguing story of what was built there, why and who by… and more
This is the Planet Reigate podcast with Peter Stewart. And speak to real people who can advise you. The Belfry Shopping Centre, Redhill.
The Planet Reigate Podcast
66: 1/4 - The story of Bancroft Road, Reigate 1 – the intriguing story of what was built there, why and who by… and more
The Planet Reigate Podcast. Great stories from Reigate.
The Planet Reigate Podcast
66: 1/4 - The story of Bancroft Road, Reigate 1 – the intriguing story of what was built there, why and who by… and more
Woodlands Lettings. Connecting landlords with tenants for over 20 years. If you have a property to let, pop into our office on Station Road by the Belfry Main entrance for a coffee and a chat. Or call 01737 372797. Planet Reigate Stars. Thanking local heroes who are out of this world.
The Planet Reigate Podcast
66: 1/4 - The story of Bancroft Road, Reigate 1 – the intriguing story of what was built there, why and who by… and more
The Good Time Guide. Things to do and places to go on the Planet Reigate podcast.
The Planet Reigate Podcast
66: 1/4 - The story of Bancroft Road, Reigate 1 – the intriguing story of what was built there, why and who by… and more
Planet Rygate is... the castle at Betchworth and the castle in Reigate. And this is the Planet Reigate podcast. The 60-second soundscape. Local natural sounds uninterrupted.
The Planet Reigate Podcast
66: 1/4 - The story of Bancroft Road, Reigate 1 – the intriguing story of what was built there, why and who by… and more
The Planet Reigate podcast was produced and presented by Peter Stewart.
The Planet Reigate Podcast
66: 1/4 - The story of Bancroft Road, Reigate 1 – the intriguing story of what was built there, why and who by… and more
This is the Planet Reigate Podcast.
The Planet Reigate Podcast
44: Reigate's Inner Art and our summer holiday clubs' listing… and more
This is the Planet Reigate podcast with Peter Stewart.
The Planet Reigate Podcast
44: Reigate's Inner Art and our summer holiday clubs' listing… and more
The Belfry Shopping Centre, Redhill. Ditch the click for hassle-free local shopping in a welcoming environment. See, touch, smell and try before you buy and speak to real people who can advise you. The Belfry Shopping Centre, Redhill. Woodlands Lettings, connecting landlords with tenants for over 20 years.
The Planet Reigate Podcast
44: Reigate's Inner Art and our summer holiday clubs' listing… and more
If you have a property to let, pop into our office on Station Road by the Belfry Main entrance for a coffee and a chat, or call 01737 372 797.
The Planet Reigate Podcast
44: Reigate's Inner Art and our summer holiday clubs' listing… and more
The Good Time Guide. Things to do and places to go on the Planet Reigate podcast.
The Planet Reigate Podcast
44: Reigate's Inner Art and our summer holiday clubs' listing… and more
The Good Time Guide. Things to do and places to go on the Planet Rygate podcast.
The Planet Reigate Podcast
44: Reigate's Inner Art and our summer holiday clubs' listing… and more
This is the Planet Reigate podcast.
The Planet Reigate Podcast
44: Reigate's Inner Art and our summer holiday clubs' listing… and more
Planet Reigate Stars. Thanking local heroes who are out of this world.
The Planet Reigate Podcast
44: Reigate's Inner Art and our summer holiday clubs' listing… and more
Support us at buymeacoffee.com slash theplanetreigatepodcast The 60-second soundscape. Local natural sounds uninterrupted.
The Planet Reigate Podcast
44: Reigate's Inner Art and our summer holiday clubs' listing… and more
The Planet Rygate podcast was produced and presented by Peter Stewart.
The Planet Reigate Podcast
44: Reigate's Inner Art and our summer holiday clubs' listing… and more
Planet Reigate is the North Downs Way and the Pilgrims Way. And this is the Planet Reigate podcast.
The Planet Reigate Podcast
43: A little bit of France in Redhill, Reigate’s rogue MPs from history… and more
This is the Planet Reigate podcast with Peter Stewart.
The Planet Reigate Podcast
43: A little bit of France in Redhill, Reigate’s rogue MPs from history… and more
The Belfry Shopping Centre, Redhill. Ditch the click for hassle-free local shopping in a welcoming environment. See, touch, smell and try before you buy and speak to real people who can advise you. The Belfry Shopping Centre, Redhill. Woodlands Lettings, connecting landlords with tenants for over 20 years.
The Planet Reigate Podcast
43: A little bit of France in Redhill, Reigate’s rogue MPs from history… and more
If you have a property to let, pop into our office on Station Road by the Belfry Main entrance for a coffee and a chat, or call 01737 372 797. Music
The Planet Reigate Podcast
43: A little bit of France in Redhill, Reigate’s rogue MPs from history… and more
Email hello at theplanetreigatepodcast.com Find out more at theplanetreigatepodcast.com Leave a text or voice message on WhatsApp 07917 874572 and leave a review on your favorite podcast app. Support us at buymeacoffee.com slash theplanetreigatepodcast.
The Planet Reigate Podcast
43: A little bit of France in Redhill, Reigate’s rogue MPs from history… and more
The Good Time Guide. Things to do and places to go on the Planet Rygate podcast.
The Planet Reigate Podcast
43: A little bit of France in Redhill, Reigate’s rogue MPs from history… and more
The Good Time Guide. Things to do and places to go on the Planet Reigate podcast.
The Planet Reigate Podcast
43: A little bit of France in Redhill, Reigate’s rogue MPs from history… and more
Planet Reigate Stars, thanking local heroes who are out of this world.
The Planet Reigate Podcast
43: A little bit of France in Redhill, Reigate’s rogue MPs from history… and more
Local natural sounds uninterrupted.
The Planet Reigate Podcast
43: A little bit of France in Redhill, Reigate’s rogue MPs from history… and more
The Planet Reigate podcast was produced and presented by Peter Stewart.
The Planet Reigate Podcast
43: A little bit of France in Redhill, Reigate’s rogue MPs from history… and more
This is the Planet Reigate Podcast.
The Prosecutors
Killer Minds
Along with Vanessa's immersive storytelling full of high-stakes twists and turns, Dr. Ingalls will be providing expert analysis of the people involved. Not just how they killed, but why. Charles Manson. Jeffrey Dahmer. Griselda Bianco, a.k.a. the Cocaine Godmother. These are just a few of the names they will be covering. It's about so much more than their crimes. It's about their minds.
The Prosecutors
293. The Aconcagua Mystery Part 1 of 2 -- Mountain Sound
For weeks now, New Jersey residents have been plagued by unexplained drones flying overhead. Is there intelligent alien life? And if so, has the government been covering it up?
The Prosecutors
293. The Aconcagua Mystery Part 1 of 2 -- Mountain Sound
What does it all mean? We are here to try and figure it all out with our new Ancient Aliens podcast. There is a doorway in the universe. Beyond it is the promise of truth. It demands we question everything we have ever been taught. The evidence is all around us. The future is right before our eyes. We are not alone. We have never been alone.
The Prosecutors
293. The Aconcagua Mystery Part 1 of 2 -- Mountain Sound
Listen to the Ancient Aliens podcast, available wherever you get your podcasts.
The Prosecutors
302. West Memphis 3 Part 4
For weeks now, New Jersey residents have been plagued by unexplained drones flying overhead. Is there intelligent alien life? And if so, has the government been covering it up?
The Prosecutors
302. West Memphis 3 Part 4
What does it all mean? We are here to try and figure it all out with our new ancient aliens podcast. There is a doorway in the universe. Beyond it is the promise of truth. It demands we question everything we have ever been taught. The evidence is all around us. The future is right before our eyes. We are not alone. We have never been alone.
The Prosecutors
302. West Memphis 3 Part 4
Listen to the Ancient Aliens podcast, available wherever you get your podcasts.
The Prosecutors
300. West Memphis 3 Part 2
Podcasting isn't just about talking, it's about growing, engaging, and monetizing, and that's where Podcast One Pro comes in. Whether you're an independent creator or a major brand, Podcast One Pro gives you the tools you need to take your podcast to the next level. We're talking about premium hosting, advanced analytics, dynamic ad integration, and expert distribution.
The Prosecutors
300. West Memphis 3 Part 2
all designed to maximize your reach and revenue. Plus, with access to Podcast One's industry-leading network, you'll be connected to top-tier advertisers and a massive audience. It's time to go pro and turn your passion into profit. Visit podcastonepro.com to get started today. Podcast One Pro, the power behind the podcast.
The Prosecutors
300. West Memphis 3 Part 2
Stream all the movies and shows you love for free on Pluto TV. Say what now? Showtime. That means drama is free with heart-wrenching stories from love and basketball, power, and Greenleaf. In this family, we live by the spirit. And laughter is free with gut-busting comedies like Key & Peele, The Neighborhood, Everybody Hates Chris, and Boomerang.
The Prosecutors
300. West Memphis 3 Part 2
Watch all the hits, all for free, from all your favorite devices. Oh, my God. I love it. Feel the free Pluto TV. Stream now. Pay never.
The Prosecutors
294. The Aconcagua Mystery Part 2
For weeks now, New Jersey residents have been plagued by unexplained drones flying overhead. Is there intelligent alien life? And if so, has the government been covering it up?
The Prosecutors
294. The Aconcagua Mystery Part 2
Right. UFO sightings the military can't explain. Congressional hearings. Pentagon whistleblower. What does it all mean?
The Prosecutors
294. The Aconcagua Mystery Part 2
What does it all mean? We are here to try and figure it all out with our new Ancient Aliens podcast. There is a doorway in the universe. Beyond it is the promise of truth. It demands we question everything we have ever been taught. The evidence is all around us. The future is right before our eyes. We are not alone. We have never been alone.
The Prosecutors
294. The Aconcagua Mystery Part 2
Listen to the Ancient Aliens podcast, available wherever you get your podcasts.
The Rachel Maddow Show
Busted: DOGE humiliated by brutal fact-checking, walks back bogus savings claims
Liar! Liar! Liar! Liar! 13,000 employees at the CDC. A lot of the work they do is duplicitous.
The Rachel Maddow Show
Busted: DOGE humiliated by brutal fact-checking, walks back bogus savings claims
Protesters rallying against the cuts the Department of Government Efficiency made to the medical field. These cuts mean cancer patients left without hope. Emilia Ventriglia, researcher at the National Institutes of Health, says it's more than just people losing their jobs.
The Rachel Maddow Show
Busted: DOGE humiliated by brutal fact-checking, walks back bogus savings claims
Hours earlier, workers recently laid off by the federal government took their complaints directly to the Hart Senate office building on Capitol Hill.
The Rachel Maddow Show
Busted: DOGE humiliated by brutal fact-checking, walks back bogus savings claims
So what do we say today? Vote!
The Rachel Maddow Show
Trump fires 1,300 at Department of Education; programs expected to suffer with staff gutted
ABC10 asked Kiley if he plans to have a town hall anytime soon. He says because his district is so large, teletown halls have been more convenient for him and his constituents, and that one is in the works.
The Rachel Maddow Show
Trump fires 1,300 at Department of Education; programs expected to suffer with staff gutted
But Kylie's congressional website shows there are no scheduled upcoming teletown halls or in-person meetings. ABC 10 reached out to his office to get a comment regarding town hall meetings and a response to the criticism, but his spokesperson did not provide an update.
The Rachel Maddow Show
Trump fires 1,300 at Department of Education; programs expected to suffer with staff gutted
Karen and Mark Essex live in Van Orden's district and say that they're upset at the representative for not being transparent with them.
The Rachel Maddow Show
Trump fires 1,300 at Department of Education; programs expected to suffer with staff gutted
I like your tie. Oh, you like my tie? Hey, Hey. So there you have it. That is a thing that happened.
The Rachel Maddow Show
Trump fires 1,300 at Department of Education; programs expected to suffer with staff gutted
They proclaimed that between now and the end of this Congress, that is just one long day. That's just one day.
The Rachel Maddow Show
'The time is now to stand up!': Eric Holder sounds alarm on Trump's war on the rule of law
Protesters were outside of the federal building on Main Street in Springfield, chanting. We say fight back. Holding signs that read, hands off our social security. The group made up of concerned citizens and advocacy organizations believe social security that supports 73 million Americans is in danger.
The Rachel Maddow Show
'The time is now to stand up!': Eric Holder sounds alarm on Trump's war on the rule of law
Their concerns are centered around the Doge cuts to Social Security and the modernization of online systems, as well as the threat of a cutoff of telephone services that was scheduled to take effect April 14, but has since been pushed back.
The Rachel Maddow Show
'The time is now to stand up!': Eric Holder sounds alarm on Trump's war on the rule of law
The Social Security Administration plans to cut over 7,000 employees and to close regional offices, which people worry could create an even bigger problem. Seniors and disabled residents tell 22 News this could break the system and interrupt benefit payments.
The Ramsey Show
Draw a Line in the Sand and Say “I’m Done!”
Hey, what's up, guys? Episode two of 90 Day Money Makeover is available right now on YouTube. This series follows real people as they take on the challenge of transforming their finances and their lives in just 90 days. In this episode, watch as they face new obstacles, celebrate wins, and push forward on their journey. And of course, I'll be walking alongside them every step of the way.
The Ramsey Show
Draw a Line in the Sand and Say “I’m Done!”
Okay, now here's a little sneak peek of what the new episode is all about.
The Ramsey Show
Hope Is the Difference Between Victim and Victor
I hate to admit this, but I don't always eat right. I know, I need to eat more fruits and veggies, but sometimes I just have to pound some chips because they taste so good. That's why I love my Field of Greens. It helps me eat healthy when I don't have much time. And each fruit and vegetable in Field of Greens was doctor selected for a specific health benefit.
The Ramsey Show
Hope Is the Difference Between Victim and Victor
Heart, lungs, kidney, metabolism, even healthy weight. And folks, I ain't getting any younger. It's super easy to mix with water. And here is the great part of it. I thought it might taste like grass, but it tastes great. And only Field of Greens makes this promise. Your doctor will notice your improved health or your money back.
The Ramsey Show
Hope Is the Difference Between Victim and Victor
So go to fieldofgreens.com slash Ramsey for 20% off your first order. That's fieldofgreens.com slash Ramsey to save 20% on your first order.
The Ramsey Show
Hope Is the Difference Between Victim and Victor
This is a paid advertisement. NMLS ID 1591. NMLSConsumerAccess.org. Equal housing lender. 1749 Mallory Lane, Suite 100. Brentwood, Tennessee 37027.
The Ramsey Show
Break the Cycle of Financial Self-Sabotage
You know, one of the first things I discovered working in the financial world is how absolutely devastating it is when the breadwinner of a family dies.
The Ramsey Show
Break the Cycle of Financial Self-Sabotage
there's too little life insurance or none at all grieving families are suddenly left behind scrambling to pay bills and trying to make ends meet i also discovered that there are a lot of rip-offs in the life insurance world like that whole life crap posing as an investment opportunity what you need is level term life insurance usually 10 to 12 times your income
The Ramsey Show
Break the Cycle of Financial Self-Sabotage
which is the smartest, most affordable way to protect your family. The key is finding an independent broker who represents a ton of companies and works for you, not for the insurance company. This is exactly what my friend Jeff Zander and his team at Zander Insurance are all about. They shop the term life companies to find you the best options, and they've been around for over 95 years.
The Ramsey Show
Break the Cycle of Financial Self-Sabotage
so you know they'll be there when you need them. Zander is the real deal, and that's why they've handled all my personal insurance for over 25 years. I trust them, and you can too. Visit Zander.com for instant online quotes or for a more personal touch. Give them a call at 800-356-4282.
The Ramsey Show
Break the Cycle of Financial Self-Sabotage
Hey guys, our two-night virtual event, Investing Essentials, is almost here. There's a lot of confusion out there about building wealth. So George Campbell and I are breaking it down and teaching you how to invest with confidence. You'll learn how to maximize your 401k and mutual funds. Plus, I'll be sharing my personal playbook for real estate. But hurry, time's running out.
The Ramsey Show
Break the Cycle of Financial Self-Sabotage
Investing Essentials is March 4th and 5th. Tickets start at $199. Grab yours today at ramseysolutions.com slash events.
The Ramsey Show
Break the Cycle of Financial Self-Sabotage
where we share the proven system that helped us break through those challenges and build Ramsey Solutions from a card table in my living room to a $250 million company in the process.
The Ramsey Show
Break the Cycle of Financial Self-Sabotage
When you pre-order today, you're going to get more than $350 in bonuses for free, including an enhanced audiobook experience, early access to the Build a Business You Love eBook, and instant access to our hiring playbook, so you can start transforming your business right now. Build a business you love.
The Ramsey Show
Break the Cycle of Financial Self-Sabotage
The essential guide for every business owner like you that wants to grow yourself, lead your team, and scale your business. To reserve your copy, go to RamseySolutions.com slash store. RamseySolutions.com slash store.
The Ramsey Show
Break the Cycle of Financial Self-Sabotage
What does the future hold for business? Ask nine experts and you'll get 10 different answers. Economic growth or a recession. Business taxes will go up or down. AI will help us work or it will replace us all. But there's no such thing as a crystal ball.
The Ramsey Show
Break the Cycle of Financial Self-Sabotage
That's why more than 40,000 businesses have future-proofed themselves with NetSuite by Oracle, the number one cloud enterprise resource planning system. Ramsey Solutions uses NetSuite, and you should too. Whether your company's earning millions or even hundreds of millions, NetSuite helps you respond to immediate challenges and seize your biggest opportunities.
The Ramsey Show
Break the Cycle of Financial Self-Sabotage
With one unified business management suite, there's only one source of truth for the visibility and control you need to make quick decisions. NetSuite's real-time insights and forecasting help you see into the future with actionable data. And when you're closing the books in days, not weeks, you can spend less time looking backward and more time focusing on what's next.
The Ramsey Show
Break the Cycle of Financial Self-Sabotage
And speaking of what's next, download the CFO's Guide to AI and Machine Learning at netsuite.com slash ramsey. It's free at netsuite.com slash ramsey.
The Ramsey Show
Normal Is Comfortable, but Comfort Doesn’t Build Wealth
Listen, I know a lot of you would rather watch paint dry in slow motion than file your taxes. But thankfully, you don't have to dread filing when you've got Ramsey Smart Tax. It comes packed with everything you need to file online before the big deadline. That means all major federal forms and deductions are covered with no hidden fees.
The Ramsey Show
Normal Is Comfortable, but Comfort Doesn’t Build Wealth
Plus, with Ramsey Smart Tax, you can save up to 70% compared to other tax software out there. It's a no-brainer. Just go to ramseysolutions.com slash smart tax and see how simple tax filing can be. That's ramseysolutions.com slash smart tax.
The Ramsey Show
Normal Is Comfortable, but Comfort Doesn’t Build Wealth
Hey guys, I'm super excited to announce that two of the goats of sticking to a budget have finally teamed up. That's right, Ramsey and Aldi are partnering together because, well, groceries cost a lot of money. And besides that, most stores are designed to trap you in a maze, a sad, expensive maze. But Aldi is different.
The Ramsey Show
Normal Is Comfortable, but Comfort Doesn’t Build Wealth
Aldi gives you simpler, better food choices that save you money and get you in and out so you can focus on what really matters. From affordable, high-quality must-haves to grass-fed meat, organic produce, and yes, even name brands, Aldi has what you need at prices that won't steal your joy. So stop paying more and start shopping smarter at Aldi. Find a store near you today at aldi.us.
The Ramsey Show
Face Debt Head-On Before It Destroys Your Family
It's Holy Week in Jerusalem. Crowds welcome Jesus as King. Rebellion is in the air. Jesus operates outside our jurisdiction. Rome will descend on us all! But instead of taking the throne, Jesus turns the tables.
The Ramsey Show
Face Debt Head-On Before It Destroys Your Family
the world will never be the same. Now in theaters, The Chosen Last Supper. Get your tickets now.
The Ramsey Show
The Baby Steps Break You out of the Paycheck-to-Paycheck Cycle
What does the future hold for business? Ask nine experts and you'll get 10 different answers. Economic growth or a recession. Business taxes will go up or down. AI will help us work or it will replace us all. But there's no such thing as a crystal ball.
The Ramsey Show
The Baby Steps Break You out of the Paycheck-to-Paycheck Cycle
That's why more than 40,000 businesses have future-proofed themselves with NetSuite by Oracle, the number one cloud enterprise resource planning system. Ramsey Solutions uses NetSuite, and you should too. Whether your company's earning millions or even hundreds of millions, NetSuite helps you respond to immediate challenges and seize your biggest opportunities.
The Ramsey Show
The Baby Steps Break You out of the Paycheck-to-Paycheck Cycle
With one unified business management suite, there's only one source of truth for the visibility and control you need to make quick decisions. NetSuite's real-time insights and forecasting help you see into the future with actionable data. And when you're closing the books in days, not weeks, you can spend less time looking backward and more time focusing on what's next.
The Ramsey Show
The Baby Steps Break You out of the Paycheck-to-Paycheck Cycle
And speaking of what's next, download the CFO's Guide to AI and Machine Learning at netsuite.com slash ramsey. It's free at netsuite.com slash ramsey.
The Ramsey Show
The Baby Steps Break You out of the Paycheck-to-Paycheck Cycle
If you own a small business and you like The Ramsey Show, then you're going to love the Entree Leadership Podcast. Almost 200,000 listeners tune in every Monday to hear me take calls from real business leaders and give tactical advice based on my 30 years of experience leading. This is not a podcast about business theory. It's real insight from a practitioner who actually does this stuff.
The Ramsey Show
The Baby Steps Break You out of the Paycheck-to-Paycheck Cycle
Find it anywhere you listen to podcasts. Or if you're listening on YouTube or Podcast Now, just click the link in the description.
The Ramsey Show
The Baby Steps Break You out of the Paycheck-to-Paycheck Cycle
You know, one of the first things I discovered working in the financial world is how absolutely devastating it is when the breadwinner of a family dies. and there's too little life insurance or none at all. Grieving families are suddenly left behind scrambling to pay bills and trying to make ends meet.
The Ramsey Show
The Baby Steps Break You out of the Paycheck-to-Paycheck Cycle
I also discovered that there are a lot of rip offs in the life insurance world like that whole life crap posing as an investment opportunity. What you need is level term life insurance, usually 10 to 12 times your income. which is the smartest, most affordable way to protect your family.
The Ramsey Show
The Baby Steps Break You out of the Paycheck-to-Paycheck Cycle
The key is finding an independent broker who represents a ton of companies and works for you, not for the insurance company. This is exactly what my friend Jeff Zander and his team at Zander Insurance are all about. They shop the term life companies to find you the best options, and they've been around for over 95 years. so you know they'll be there when you need them.
The Ramsey Show
The Baby Steps Break You out of the Paycheck-to-Paycheck Cycle
Zander is the real deal, and that's why they've handled all my personal insurance for over 25 years. I trust them, and you can too. Visit Zander.com for instant online quotes or for a more personal touch. Give them a call at 800-356-4282. Hey, guys, good news. Pre-sale is on now for my new book, Build a Business You Love. If you're a business owner, you know running a business is hard.
The Ramsey Show
The Baby Steps Break You out of the Paycheck-to-Paycheck Cycle
That's why I wrote this book, to share what we learned over the last 30 years so business owners can grow your business faster with fewer mistakes. Pre-order your copy today, and you'll get access to over $350 in bonus items only at RamseySolutions.com slash store. RamseySolutions.com slash store. Pre-order today.
The Ramsey Show
The Baby Steps Break You out of the Paycheck-to-Paycheck Cycle
Listen, guys, I've heard just about every excuse for why folks think they can't get ahead with money. So let's go ahead and settle this right now. You get the final say on what happens with your money. That's why you have to start telling your money where to go so you can stop wondering where it went. So if you're going to start winning with money, you have to get on a budget.
The Ramsey Show
The Baby Steps Break You out of the Paycheck-to-Paycheck Cycle
The easiest way to get started and stick to it is with the EveryDollar budget app. It'll help you make a plan for every single dollar coming in and every single dollar going out every single month. And guess what? It's free, so no excuses. Download EveryDollar in the App Store or Google Play today.
The Russell Brunson Show
Introducing The Side Hustle Show
Whether you're looking for ways to make extra money in your spare time or build a side hustle to replace your income, The Side Hustle Show is helping thousands of listeners just like you reach their goals. Make about $1,000 a day. We have a net profit of three grand.
The Russell Brunson Show
Introducing The Side Hustle Show
It was doubling my income from my nine to five job. And I said, I got to quit. Since 2013, I've been studying the best legit side hustle ideas and learning what works and what doesn't from real side hustle entrepreneurs, not the high ticket gurus. Success leaves clues. At some point, they all made the decision to start something, something that changed their lives for the better.
The Russell Brunson Show
Introducing The Side Hustle Show
Even if you have no idea what side hustle you should start, The Side Hustle Show shares tons of different options so you can find the ones that work for you. Here are three recommendations. A great episode to start with is number 603 that shares 17 side hustles you can start even if you have, quote unquote, no skills. Would an extra $100 a day change your life?
The Russell Brunson Show
Introducing The Side Hustle Show
Check out the $100 a day challenge in episode 594. And if you can't be bothered with low paying side hustles, check out our top 10 most profitable side hustles in episode 624. We've collected more than 1200 five star reviews and would love to earn one from you as well. So follow the side hustle show and your favorite podcast app today, or get your own free personalized playlist at hustle.show.
The School of Greatness
Harvard Psychiatrist: How To Heal Your Mind With Your Diet - The Scientific Connection Between Nutrition & Mental Health
The book of Leviticus chapter nine.
The School of Greatness
7 Steps To Achieve Your Wildest Dreams (No Matter How Stuck You Feel)
From high school math teacher and basketball coach to founder of a billion dollar global company.
The School of Greatness
7 Steps To Achieve Your Wildest Dreams (No Matter How Stuck You Feel)
A leader, innovator, and game changer in the business world. Mark Pentecost.
The Startup Ideas Podcast
I built an AI startup in 65 minutes (using ChatGPT, Leonardo AI, Kling AI, ElevenLabs)
AI robots, cool inventions, and ways to make the world a better place.
The Startup Ideas Podcast
I built an AI startup in 65 minutes (using ChatGPT, Leonardo AI, Kling AI, ElevenLabs)
Greg and his magic cup. A teeny tale's tale. This is Greg. Greg loves exploring new ideas in his magical treehouse. Today, something extraordinary caught his eye. A golden cup glowing with a rainbow light. What could this be? He wondered. Greg took a sip from the magical golden cup and whoosh! A vibrant rainbow glow surrounded him. Suddenly, bright ideas started swirling in his mind.
This Doesn't Happen to People Like Me
2. Nowhere to Run
Tina thought if she got to the house, she might be able to defend herself a little bit better because she knew that there were loaded firearms in her house. Obviously, her husband was an avid deer hunter.
This Doesn't Happen to People Like Me
2. Nowhere to Run
Schmidt testified that his wife told him that the man who was in the car told her that if your husband's there, I'm going to kill you both.
This Doesn't Happen to People Like Me
2. Nowhere to Run
Tim Schmidt lived on basically, it's called North Bottom Road. When you live in Quincy and you sort of understand the layout of the town, most of the city is up on a bluff away from the river. However, Bottom Road is literally a road that you could walk across the road and you could go dip your toes in the Mississippi River. I mean, he was right next to the river.
This Doesn't Happen to People Like Me
2. Nowhere to Run
And that's kind of when her nightmare started.
This Doesn't Happen to People Like Me
2. Nowhere to Run
Tim Schmidt was about 63 years old. He had run a business called American Builders Supply. He had been friends with Tina Lohmann for more than three decades, but they had only just recently gotten married a couple of years earlier.
This Doesn't Happen to People Like Me
2. Nowhere to Run
Tim Schmidt left the family business, the American Builders Supply, at around 5 o'clock that evening and drove to Farm and Home Supply, and he went there to go look for equipment for deer hunting season. And then he drove... to his home on North Bottom Road, probably about a 15-minute drive, and he saw that the garage door was open when he arrived.
This Doesn't Happen to People Like Me
2. Nowhere to Run
His wife's car was missing, and there were wheel tracks from a car in the front lawn. He checked around his home. He saw that there were some items missing from the garage. And then he saw that the door from the garage leading into the house had been kicked in. There were shoe prints left on the door. And that's when he went inside and found his wife and she was in tears.
This Doesn't Happen to People Like Me
2. Nowhere to Run
And then he went on to ask her basically, hey, what happened?
This Doesn't Happen to People Like Me
1. Nightmare in Quincy
And on November 9th, 2021, she was looking forward to celebrating the upcoming Thanksgiving and Christmas holidays with her family. She was looking forward to spending those holidays with her husband, her children, her 14 grandchildren, and her 17 great-grandchildren.
This Doesn't Happen to People Like Me
1. Nightmare in Quincy
Sergeant Lohmeyer, did you learn that her name was Tina Lohman?
This Doesn't Happen to People Like Me
1. Nightmare in Quincy
Did she also, Ms. Lowman also indicate to you there was another individual present with the white man with the scruffy hair?
This Doesn't Happen to People Like Me
1. Nightmare in Quincy
Did you ask her about that person as well to try to get information to find that person as well?
This Doesn't Happen to People Like Me
1. Nightmare in Quincy
What did she tell you about the person that was with that white man with the scruffy hair?
This Doesn't Happen to People Like Me
1. Nightmare in Quincy
How do you think she felt? Was she relieved? Did she think she was going to get help? Was she scared? Was something bad about to happen? But she was 77 years old. And this is Quincy. Nothing bad happens in Quincy, right? In Quincy, when you have trouble, people stop, they pull over, and they help you.
This Doesn't Happen to People Like Me
1. Nightmare in Quincy
When you went into the residence further, did you observe an individual inside of that residence? Yes. Tina's husband, Tim Schmidt, arrived home. He found Tina on the floor, crying and bleeding. Crying that she'd been raped, bleeding from her body. Tim, her husband, had a gun because Tina was so terrified the defendant and his accomplice were going to come back.
This Doesn't Happen to People Like Me
1. Nightmare in Quincy
Did she appear to be emotional to you? Yes, she did. Did she tell you that she was worried they were going to come back? Yes, she did.
This Doesn't Happen to People Like Me
1. Nightmare in Quincy
At 77 years old, Tina Lohman had raised four children. She was a wife, a mother, a grandmother, and a great-grandmother. She ran a successful hot business. But to Tina, what was most important was her family.
This Doesn't Happen to People Like Me
1. Nightmare in Quincy
Tina was the matriarch of what became a very big and very close family.
Throughline
Ralph Nader, Consumer Crusader (Throwback)
Come spring, Nader's Raiders will be swooping down. For now, they're lying back in the shadows of Ivy League universities, gathering ammo.
Throughline
Ralph Nader, Consumer Crusader (Throwback)
Thank you, Ralph, for the Iraq war. Thank you, Ralph, for the tax cuts. Thank you, Ralph, for the destruction of the environment. Thank you, Ralph, for the destruction of the Constitution.
Throughline
Ralph Nader, Consumer Crusader (Throwback)
Now, what kind of car are we looking for today?
Throughline
Ralph Nader, Consumer Crusader (Throwback)
We're at the scene of a pretty bad smash-up here on US Highway Number 1 near Laurel, Maryland.
Throughline
Ralph Nader, Consumer Crusader (Throwback)
I've sent to the Congress today a special message on protecting the consumer interests. All of us are consumers.
Throughline
Ralph Nader, Consumer Crusader (Throwback)
All of us deserve the right to be protected against fraudulent or misleading advertisements and labels.
True Crime with Kendall Rae
Life360 App Helps Police Find Missing 13 Yr. Old: Justice for Savannah Copeland
Within hours, detectives named a suspect, 15-year-old Malachi Harris. He was a friend of Savannah's and her family.
True Crime with Kendall Rae
Life360 App Helps Police Find Missing 13 Yr. Old: Justice for Savannah Copeland
Do you have any indication why? No.
True Crime with Kendall Rae
Life360 App Helps Police Find Missing 13 Yr. Old: Justice for Savannah Copeland
Can you tell me who?
True Crime with Kendall Rae
Life360 App Helps Police Find Missing 13 Yr. Old: Justice for Savannah Copeland
And the Copelands were constants at Powell Middle Games to cheer on their girl, Van, as they called her.
True Crime with Kendall Rae
Life360 App Helps Police Find Missing 13 Yr. Old: Justice for Savannah Copeland
The morning after Powell Middle's first basketball game of the season, Michael was on his way to work. A call from his wife brought silence. Savannah was missing. The family used an app to trace her digital tracks up until her phone died. They scoured the area before Knox County deputies launched a search.
True Crime with Kendall Rae
Life360 App Helps Police Find Missing 13 Yr. Old: Justice for Savannah Copeland
Twelve hours later, a detective knocked on the Copeland's door. Savannah's body was discovered along a trail.
Under Yazoo Clay
Introducing: Under Yazoo Clay
These graves hold real people, and their descendants are looking for the real story.
Under Yazoo Clay
Introducing: Under Yazoo Clay
In a place where even the ground wants you to forget.
Under Yazoo Clay
Introducing: Under Yazoo Clay
But this is also a story about how we reckon with the past. We don't see the shame, but we see the effects of the shame.
Under Yazoo Clay
Introducing: Under Yazoo Clay
In Mississippi, keeping secrets is as old as the soil itself. So can the truth ever really be uncovered? The story is much more complicated and nuanced than that. I'm Larison Campbell, and this is Under Yazoo Clay. Listen wherever you get your podcasts.
Under Yazoo Clay
Introducing: Under Yazoo Clay
Over the years, Yazoo clay has held and destroyed a lot of Mississippi's secrets. But in 2012, a construction crew uncovered a big one. Graves. Thousands of them. On the site of the old state asylum.
Under Yazoo Clay
Introducing: Under Yazoo Clay
And all this begs the question, just how do you lose track of 7,000 graves? The Mississippi State Lunatic Asylum closed its doors back in 1935. It didn't take long for the asylum cemetery to fade from memory.
Under Yazoo Clay
Introducing: Under Yazoo Clay
Dig below the surface in central Mississippi, and odds are good you'll find a burnt orange color looking back up at you. It's called Yazoo clay, and there's one thing it's known for, wreaking havoc on anything buried in it.
Under Yazoo Clay
Introducing: Under Yazoo Clay
Today, the cemetery... It's just a sprawling green island in the middle of what's now the biggest medical center in the state. But the graves might not be there much longer.
Under Yazoo Clay
Threads
The Southern ethos, the reverence for the grave, it ran deep in Kim's family. Cemeteries have been part of her life since childhood.
Under Yazoo Clay
Threads
Kim's grandmother had no grave to point to. Just one memory, one story of her mother she could pass down to her own children.
Under Yazoo Clay
Threads
I mean, that's really interesting because I feel like we've talked to so many or, you know, a fair number of people at this point who had relatives who were in there. And it's kind of the reactions I've heard have been a little bit different in that I think there's a lot of shame associated.
Under Yazoo Clay
Threads
Her family never tried to hide her, but Zennie got lost anyhow. Part of the confusion was bureaucratic. In Mississippi these days, when people say asylum, they mean Whitfield, the current state hospital. Kim and her family, like many Mississippians, never even knew there was an old asylum in Jackson.
Under Yazoo Clay
Threads
So when Kim went to search for her great-grandmother's records, she contacted Whitfield. Every time, they'd just say they had no records of Zennie. Because Zennie was never there. For Kim, it felt like the asylum had just swallowed her whole. But Zennie hadn't vanished. She was closer than anyone knew.
Under Yazoo Clay
Threads
Tougaloo College is in Jackson, just six miles from the old asylum. And for decades, Zenni's daughter, and then her granddaughter, and finally her great-granddaughter, passed right by that cemetery like ships in the night. Until, remember back in Episode 2, that PR roadshow that the Asylum Hill Project went on? The one where they spoke in rotary clubs and put out newspaper ads?
Under Yazoo Clay
Threads
Over the course of the old asylum's life, it grew. Jackson grew around it. Its story unspooled, threads joining the tapestry of ever-expanding daily life in central Mississippi. Back at the State Hospital Museum, Donna Brown and Kathy Denton showed us around a room full of photos and memorabilia from the old asylum.
Under Yazoo Clay
Threads
What is it about connecting these dots? What does it, as the person who's still alive today, what does it give you?
Under Yazoo Clay
Threads
Kim has something a lot of other descendants have been looking for. She can just about point to the spot where Zinni is buried.
Under Yazoo Clay
Threads
So Kim checks in with her. She fills Zinni in on what's become of her family.
Under Yazoo Clay
Threads
Come as the poster child for what the Asylum Hill Project is hoping to pull off.
Under Yazoo Clay
Threads
By the way, Dr. Deadlake says that any descendants who may be listening can contact the Asylum Hill Project through its website, asylumhill.org.
Under Yazoo Clay
Threads
But of course, the Asylum Hill project isn't just about connecting descendants with information about their loved ones. It's about that land, the land that the medical center needs to build more vital medical infrastructure, the land currently occupied by thousands of former patients. As they've talked to more people like him, the folks at Asylum Hill have begun to formulate a plan
Under Yazoo Clay
Threads
And, of course, the cemetery exhumations, the process of removing the remains to make space for the medical center's expansion.
Under Yazoo Clay
Threads
We've talked a lot about final resting places here. That's what cemeteries are, right? Except for this one. An important thing to realize is that if we say there's 7,000 graves, then at the end of all this, there will be 7,000 sets of remains removed from the clay. And that brings up an awkward truth. There's a fine line between being taken care of and being treated like a burden.
Under Yazoo Clay
Threads
It's hard not to worry that what these former patients are, more than anything else, is in the way. And if there's one clear takeaway from talking with descendants, it's that the first and foremost duty of care owed to these patients is just respect. And sometimes that looks like acknowledgement, which Dr. Didlake says is a part of what will happen next.
Under Yazoo Clay
Threads
So what does it mean to make remains more available? Well, for starters, they're not going back into the ground anywhere. Instead, the Asylum Hill Project will build a standalone mausoleum to house the remains above ground. This is partially in service of the budget. If they wanted to rebury the remains, they'd have to buy more land to do it on.
Under Yazoo Clay
Threads
But it's also in service of the core aim of the Asylum Hill Project, to learn all they can about the old asylum, including its patients. This whole thing is part of a university after all. And keeping everything above ground does keep the remains more available for research. There is the specter of spectacle with this plan. So Asylum Hill did what it does best.
Under Yazoo Clay
Threads
After the old asylum shuttered its doors when its buildings were torn down in the 50s, the stories died down for a bit, too. But with the rediscovery of the Asylum Hills Cemetery, the lore is also coming back to life. Asylum Hills' Lyda Gibson even has her own.
Under Yazoo Clay
Threads
They went out to the descendant community and got their buy-in for this stage of the project, too. Amazing.
Under Yazoo Clay
Threads
That paradigm is acceptable. It all ties back to that Southern ethos. Because maybe, just maybe, building a new home for these remains in the heart of the city is the best chance for finally reintegrating these former patients with their community. interweaving the threads of their lives once again with the fabric of the city.
Under Yazoo Clay
Threads
Nothing is done. None of it is finished. The family story goes on because the family does. A little more whole than before.
Under Yazoo Clay
Threads
The story of Asylum Hill is one of discovery, memory, pain, and catharsis. But most of all, the story of Asylum Hill is unexpected. A crew of scientists, historians, artists, school counselors, professors, and gravedowsers, all digging deeper in search of understanding.
Under Yazoo Clay
Threads
For the most part, the stories that survive are the ones that lean into the Southern Gothic of it all. Here's Bill Lee, Wayne's cousin.
Under Yazoo Clay
Threads
The final years of the asylum did not leave a great impression on Jackson. That shifting Yazoo clay had done a number on the foundation, which was then doing a number on the walls and ceilings. Plaster was literally crumbling onto the patient beds. But repairs were out of the question. Any state funds flowed to the new state hospital being built, the one out in Whitfield.
Under Yazoo Clay
Threads
, , , , , , , ,, in P P P P P P P P P P P P G ay z, ac , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , a a , , , , , , , ,, P P P P P P P P P,實, , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , a a . . . .
Under Yazoo Clay
Threads
.. a, set, men P P P P P P P P seg , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , . a in Special thanks to Betsy Bradley at the Mississippi Museum of Art, as well as Lyda Gibson at the Center for Bioethics and Medical Humanities at the University of Mississippi Medical Center. Visit Jackson and Jay and Dini Stein.
Under Yazoo Clay
Threads
When the new state hospital, Whitfield, opened its doors, the old asylum shut its own. And there wasn't a lick of overlap between the two.
Under Yazoo Clay
Threads
Woodfield was about as blank of a slate as you could find. If there were a way for the state to sanction forgetting, this was it.
Under Yazoo Clay
Threads
Well, except the old crumbling history is right there, a cemetery taking up 12 acres of this town. So the real question is, what kind of space will Jackson make for the people interred there? I'm Larison Campbell, and this is Under Yazoo Clay. When we sat down with Lyda for one of our mini-chats, her phone rang mid-interview. Most days, that would be a pretty big bummer, but not this time.
Under Yazoo Clay
Threads
The person on the other end of the line was Kimberly Jackson, a descendant. Hey, Kimberly.
Under Yazoo Clay
Threads
She's a caregiver for her mother, for her aunt, and for her uncle. Kim is dedicated to doing it all.
Under Yazoo Clay
Threads
The day we met her, she'd driven a little over an hour from her home in Carthage, Mississippi. She was in Jackson to bring her aunt and uncle to their doctor's appointments. And so that's where we did the interview. On a couch, outside the doctor's office, right next to the vending machines and the elevator bank. So if you hear a clank or a ding, Now you know. This is good.
Under Yazoo Clay
Threads
And that might be the fourth floor up there, in which case it doesn't look like they have as much area as we do. So, perfect.
Under Yazoo Clay
Threads
As she swooped in for a hug hello, I clocked her light pink long-sleeved shirt with the slogan, Love Yourself. It's abundantly clear that to Kim, family is everything. Almost straight from the moment we arrived, she waxed poetic about a whole slew of relatives, from her grandmother's dating history.
Under Yazoo Clay
Threads
The cloth of her life is made up of these memories of these people. But like all the descendants we spoke to, there was that familiar blank spot, a rent in the fabric. So if you would, yeah, I mean, tell us about your, it's your great-grandmother, right?
Under Yazoo Clay
Threads
Pilgrim Rest was a small community, not too far away. Zennie's whole family was nearby. But then things went south for Zennie. Her mom died. It shook everyone in the family, but no one more than Zennie, a young mother herself.
Under Yazoo Clay
Threads
But Kim's great-grandfather, Zinni's husband Monroe, remained devoted. His wife was his wife, in sickness or in health.
Under Yazoo Clay
Threads
The largest art museum in the state, the Mississippi Museum of Art connects Mississippi to the world and the power of art to the power of community. Located in downtown Jackson, the museum's permanent collection is free to the public. National and international exhibitions rotate throughout the year, allowing visitors to experience works from around the world.
Under Yazoo Clay
Threads
The gardens and expansive lawn at the Mississippi Museum of Art are home to art installations and a variety of events for all ages. Plan your visit today at msmuseumart.org. That's msmuseumart.org.
Up First from NPR
Trump Meets CEOs At Mar-A-Lago, School Shooting In Wisconsin, Pig Kidney Transplant
A second-grade student called 911 to report a shooting...
Up First from NPR
Trump Meets CEOs At Mar-A-Lago, School Shooting In Wisconsin, Pig Kidney Transplant
Don't let that soak in for a minute. A second grade student called 911 at 1057 a.m. to report a shooting at school.
Verdict with Ted Cruz
Bonus Pod: Democrats hold Government Hostage plus Trump vs the Department of Education
You're listening to a 47 Morning Update, special government shutdown edition with Ben Ferguson.
Verdict with Ted Cruz
Bonus Pod: Democrats hold Government Hostage plus Trump vs the Department of Education
Thank you for listening to the 47 Morning Update with Ben Ferguson. Please make sure you hit subscribe wherever you're listening to this podcast right now. And for more in-depth news, also subscribe to the Ben Ferguson podcast. And we will see you back here tomorrow.
Very Scary People
Introducing Very Scary People: A Family to Fear
David had upwards of a million dollars plus a two-week head start. What became clear to us was that the kidnapping was not the end.
Very Scary People
Introducing Very Scary People: A Family to Fear
They said Christine planned to sell David's three white, blonde, beautiful girls to pedophiles for $50,000 apiece. They're crazy, twisted, evil people.
Very Scary People
Introducing Very Scary People: A Family to Fear
You cross the family and you end up dead. Everything, all of it, led to this.
Very Scary People
Ep.2: The Root of Evil
Christine weiß, dass sie vielleicht paranoid oder hysterisch werden könnte. Aber sie glaubt, dass etwas nicht richtig ist und ihre Mädchen in Gefahr sind. Das Spazieren in ihrem leeren Haus hilft nicht, ihre Töchter nach Hause zu bringen. Christine entscheidet also, sich an die Newcastle Polizei zu bewegen.
Very Scary People
Ep.2: The Root of Evil
Das Mindset würde die meisten entscheidenden Entscheidungen in Toms Leben in seiner Kindheit in seine älteren Jahre beeinflussen. Lenores Ursprung könnte nicht mehr anders gewesen sein. Sie wollte nicht über ihre Kindheit sprechen. Aber es ist klar, dass sie als Kind ihre Heimwohnung sehr unabhängig hatte.
Very Scary People
Ep.2: The Root of Evil
Lenores Tochter Amy erinnert sich an die Schwierigkeiten, die ihre Mutter zu Beginn ihrer Leben beschäftigte. Meine Mutter Lenore wurde sexuell verletzt von einem Onkel.
Very Scary People
Ep.2: The Root of Evil
Tom and Lenore started dating in high school. Although they come from different backgrounds, they are instantly drawn to each other. Tom sucht einen Partner, der ihm das Zentrum ihres Universums machen wird. Lenore sah Tom als einen Mann mit großem Potenzial. Jemanden, der helfen kann, die Familie zu bauen, die sie so besorgniserregend schützen und kontrollieren will.
Very Scary People
Ep.2: The Root of Evil
Tom und Lenore hatten eine gemeinsame Vision für das Zukunft, von Anfang an. Sie wussten ihre Rolle und es ging ihnen jeweils darum, den Ende ihres Vorgehens zu halten.
Very Scary People
Ep.2: The Root of Evil
Es ist sicher zu sagen, dass Tom O'Toosewitz ein bisschen ein Jack of all Trades und ein Master of None war. Bob Romano erinnert sich an die sechs Jahre, in denen er und Tom Brüder der Batsche waren.
Very Scary People
Ep.2: The Root of Evil
Unabhängig davon, sich in die Augen zu schauen, entwickelt Tom eine tiefe Enttäuschung der Regierung. Er fühlt sich, als wäre er unvergültig getargetet und aus seinem öffentlichen Arbeitsplatz gezwungen, in Plätzen wie der Post Office und der Polizei. Toms erotisches Verhalten und Unabhängigkeit von Impulse-Kontrolle starten ein Verlust auf sein Verheiratung.
Very Scary People
Ep.2: The Root of Evil
Lenore wird nicht eindeutig sitzen, als Tom ihre Familie in Gefahr macht. Es scheint, dass nur die unabhängige Kraft das unbewegbare Objekt bewegen kann.
Very Scary People
Ep.2: The Root of Evil
Lenore kann die Kräfte in ihrer Familien-Foundation multiplizieren. Mit jedem von Toms neuen Karrieren, neuen Verkäufen oder neuen Fehler. Sie lässt niemanden in ihrem Weg stehen, wenn es darum geht, ihre Familie zu bilden, wie sie sich befindet. Nicht mal Tom.
Very Scary People
Ep.2: The Root of Evil
Lenore successfully entranges herself as the shot caller in the Matusowitz household. However, she knows this family needs a true provider. It's clear Tom is too unpredictable, too undisciplined. She needs someone who is able to take her direction without questioning her authority.
Very Scary People
Ep.2: The Root of Evil
As the children grew, Lenores' focus shifts more and more towards the family's rising star, David. A hardworking and studious young man, David is Lenores' last hope at securing her family's future. Lenore muss alles tun, was sie kann, um David nicht in der gleichen Weise zu verletzen, wie Tom. David war immer sehr klug.
Very Scary People
Ep.2: The Root of Evil
Er hat in der Schule überlebt und sogar seine eigene leistungsvolle Optometrische Praxis verkauft. Seine Puppetierung ist ein besonderer Erfolg geworden. Sie war nicht begeistert, als David und Christine verheiratet wurden, weil sie die Idee nicht mag, dass jemand anderes ihre Golden Boy beeinflusst hat. Aber für Lenore war nichts wichtiger, als David Kinder zu haben.
Very Scary People
Ep.2: The Root of Evil
Und dafür brauchte er eine Frau. Nichts war wichtiger, als dass die Matusowitz-Familie weiter in die nächste Generation gehen würde.
Very Scary People
Ep.2: The Root of Evil
Lenors relentless desire for control over the next generation of the Matusowitz clan has led directly to David and Christine's divorce. Die Entscheidung des Gerichts, dass die Mädchen mit David leben, bis Christine an ihren Beinen kommt, hat nur Lenore mehr Macht gegeben.
Very Scary People
Ep.2: The Root of Evil
Und jetzt, fast elf Monate nach dem Schluss ihrer Verabschiedung, realisiert Christine, dass Lenore nichts stoppt, um ihre Familie unter ihrer Regen zu halten.
Very Scary People
Ep.2: The Root of Evil
An diesem Punkt haben Christine und David seit acht Monaten separat gelebt. Christine hat sich immer darauf konzentriert, die Kinder zu erstellen und eine Familie zu finden, die für sie am besten funktioniert.
Very Scary People
Ep.2: The Root of Evil
David hatte keine Chancen und schlug alle seine Räume. Der Geld aus der Wartefraude würde die Leben auf dem Weg leichter verlassen. Aber wenn David für immer weggehen wollte, brauchte er noch viel mehr.
Very Scary People
Ep.2: The Root of Evil
Es wurde auch entdeckt, dass er seine Praxis verkauft hatte. Er verkaufte seine Optometrie-Praxis an die Optometrische, die dafür arbeiteten.
Very Scary People
Ep.2: The Root of Evil
Mit dem Verkauf seines erfolgreichen Unternehmens sind Davids Geldversuche zu einem schockierenden und gefährlichen 1 Millionen Dollar gestiegen.
Very Scary People
Ep.2: The Root of Evil
Er hat definitiv ein Verheiratungskrieg. Er hatte keine Pläne, zurückzukommen.
Very Scary People
Ep.2: The Root of Evil
However, the divorce proceedings could take a while and there needs to be a temporary plan in place for parenting the girls.
Very Scary People
Ep.2: The Root of Evil
Very Scary People is produced by Lionsgate Alternative Television for ID. I'm Donnie Wahlberg. You can follow our show wherever you get your podcasts. And we'd love it if you could take a second to leave us a five-star review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify.
Very Scary People
Ep.2: The Root of Evil
Christine hat schon zu einem Verabschiedungssatz gearbeitet und weiß, dass Stabilität und Konsistenz die größte Bedeutung für Kinder während dieser schwierigen Übergänge sind. David, aber, ist mehr auf die Verabschiedung von Christine konzentriert, weil er zuerst für einen Verabschiedungssatz verabschiedet ist.
Very Scary People
Ep.2: The Root of Evil
David wollte alle Entscheidungen machen und ohne ihre Einführung. Wir hatten im März 2007 eine Beteiligung, um zu diskutieren, wer die temporäre oder interne Behandlung der Kinder haben würde. Er wollte alle Entscheidungen machen und sie wollte ihn an diesem Punkt nicht kämpfen. Also hat sie an diesem Punkt, temporär, mit ihm die Entscheidungen gemacht.
Very Scary People
Ep.2: The Root of Evil
After filing for divorce, Christine and Katie had moved in with Christine's grandmother. She needs to find a permanent residence before she can have the girls come to live with her part-time. And on top of that, she needs to find a new job.
Very Scary People
Ep.2: The Root of Evil
David fired her from her job at his clinic at a time in her life when things weren't going really well. Her goal was to eventually get on her feet financially. Und dann, wenn das Gericht auf die ultimative Verwaltung der Verwaltung regiert, dann würde sie eine gute Wohnung haben, in der sie leben könnte und ihre Kinder dort leben können, wo ich mit ihr bin.
Very Scary People
Ep.2: The Root of Evil
Es war Christiane klar, dass David das Verheirat nicht gut aufgenommen hat. Aber es ist nicht ungewöhnlich, dass Verheiratungen unabhängig werden. Egal, wie beschädigt und mature Christine ist während der Verhandlungsverhandlungen, David versucht ständig, Wege zu finden, um ihre Kindheitsrechte zu unterbinden.
Very Scary People
Ep.2: The Root of Evil
Um dir eine Idee über Kontrolle zu geben, habe ich Chris gesagt, dass es nur fair ist, dass du ihm die Kinder mitbringst, um ihm ein Kind zu unterstützen. Das wäre nicht sehr viel, weil er viel mehr Geld gemacht hat, als sie. Also habe ich gesagt, hier ist ein Ausgleich, was du bezahlen kannst. Und so hat sie... Ich wollte ihm einen Schein schicken. Sie schickte ihm einen Schein.
Very Scary People
Ep.2: The Root of Evil
This is a story that involves stalking, psychological torture, alleged sexual abuse, kidnapping and murder. Listener discretion is advised.
Very Scary People
Ep.2: The Root of Evil
Und wir haben eine Antwort von seinem Arzt, der sagte, er wollte keine Geld. Er wollte keine Geld von ihr. Und du siehst das immer wieder in Kustodien, wo ein Vater die Kontrolle über die Kinder durch den Kustodienprozess haben will. Und sie sagen, ich will die Geld nicht, ich will nur die Kinder. Aber so ist das Gesetz. Du zahlst nicht für das Recht, deine Kinder zu haben.
Very Scary People
Ep.2: The Root of Evil
Und das war effektiv, was er machte. Er wollte alle Entscheidungen machen, dass die Kinder mit ihm immer leben.
Very Scary People
Ep.2: The Root of Evil
Christine's stepmother, Eileen McDermott, can remember the palpable tension during this time. David wasn't the only one driving this aggressive custody stance.
Very Scary People
Ep.2: The Root of Evil
Christine ist ein offenes Buch mit Behörden über die Verbrechung ihres Verbrechens und die Events, die den Disney-Welttrip führten. Sie spart keine Details, die die Eskalation in David und Lenores Behörde beweisen, die sie dazu geführt hat, zu glauben, dass dies eine emergency-Situation ist. Die Behörden werden von ihrer Geschichte bewegt. In einer Art von Urgenz.
Very Scary People
Ep.2: The Root of Evil
Das Haus, das David und die Mädchen geteilt haben, war im Herzen einer kleinen suburbanen Nachbarschaft. Der Art von Straße, auf der Kinder ihre Bikes fahren würden und alle zusammen für Barbecues im Sommer gehen würden. Menschen können feststellen, dass etwas mit einem eigenen ist. Routine ist der König der Städte.
Very Scary People
Ep.2: The Root of Evil
So können sogar kleine Änderungen mit einem der Residenzen von der Gemeinschaft erhoben werden. Journalist Chris Barish erinnert sich an einige der subtilen Ungewöhnungen, die die Nachbarn erhoben haben, während des Fortschritts der Familie.
Very Scary People
Ep.2: The Root of Evil
Christine's concerns are starting to gain traction. Investigators are finding puzzle pieces that match her narrative. The investigators need to gather more evidence, though, before they can say for sure that the Matusowitz girls are officially missing.
Very Scary People
Ep.2: The Root of Evil
David refinanced the house to take all of the remaining equity, $249,000, out of the house. He was able to get a notary public um eine Signatur zu akzeptieren, die er oder jemand unter seiner Richtung auf Christine Belfords Namen auf dieser Morgensprache geformt hat.
Very Scary People
Ep.2: The Root of Evil
Und obwohl Christine zu diesem Geld verantwortlich ist, so viel wie David, ist er jetzt der, der auf dem Weg ist. Mit fast einem Viertel von einem Millionen Dollar wird es klar geworden, dass David das als viel mehr als eine lange Verabschiedung sieht.
Very Scary People
Ep.2: The Root of Evil
Die Anwesenden hoffen, dass das Familienhaus Hinweise gibt, die ihnen zeigen werden, wohin David und Lenore sind. Aber sie werden bald lernen, dass nichts mit der Matusowitz-Familie immer so einfach ist.
Very Scary People
Ep.2: The Root of Evil
Es war nur ein Haufen Trash. Das Haus von Matuszowicz, das früher das wunderschöne Zuhause von acht Leuten war, ist jetzt sauber und ehrlicherweise leer. Bewerber gehen in jedes Zimmer ein. exactly what they found in the room before. Nothing. It was clear the family had no intention of returning to the house in this state. But so far, there is nothing to explain why they left.
Very Scary People
Ep.2: The Root of Evil
Until something in the living room catches Detective Schreiner's eye.
Very Scary People
Ep.2: The Root of Evil
Detective Schreiner is grateful for this one piece of evidence that points to a potential motive for David and Lenore skipping town. But if David and Lenore left town because of the divorce, Detective Schreiner still has no evidence telling him where they were heading. The family seems to have vanished into thin air.
Very Scary People
Ep.2: The Root of Evil
With Christine completely in the dark, detectives turn to the only other people who might be able to help find David and Lenore.
Very Scary People
Ep.2: The Root of Evil
Detektivs wissen, dass Zeit wert ist. Und mit Tom, der nicht hilfreich war, wurden sie zu den nur noch bleibenden Matusowitz, die sie helfen konnten.
Very Scary People
Ep.2: The Root of Evil
Es ist September 8th, 2007 und Christine Belford lebt ihr schlimmstes Schmerz. Seine drei Mädchen waren zwei Tage zu Hause von einer Reise nach Disney World mit ihrem Vater und Großmutter. Aber die Kommunikation mit ihrem Ex-Husband David Matusiewicz ist auf Radio silent gegangen. Jede Sekunde fühlt es sich an, als ob die Mädchen weiter und weiter weg fliegen.
Very Scary People
Ep.2: The Root of Evil
Wir sind gewohnt, dass Leute sagen, Familie ist das Wichtigste. Das ist nicht das Wichtigste. Was richtig ist und was falsch ist, ist das Wichtigste. Und wenn Familien sich in falsches Verhalten engagieren, dann tun sie es falsch. Und das ist keine gesundheitliche Familie.
Very Scary People
Ep.2: The Root of Evil
Die Matusiewicz-Familie ist nicht am Morgen aufgewacht, um die drei Mädchen zu abducken. Das sieht immer mehr wie eine bemerkenswerte Verschwörung aus. But how did it come to this? Looking back one generation earlier, it turns out David is not the first to be crowned the family's golden boy. And Dr. A.J. Marsden believes this winding road weaves all the way back to the birth of the original.
Very Scary People
Ep.2: The Root of Evil
Jill Matusiewicz ist die Tochter von Toms Großvater. Sein Vater hatte keine wunderschönen Erinnerungen an seine Kindheit mit Tom. Er warf in ihr ein, dass sein Ursprung eine traumhafte Veränderung nahm, als Tom in die Bildung kam.
Very Scary People
Ep.2: The Root of Evil
It seems that Tom was born basking in his parents' light, leaving his step-siblings in a cold shade. Tom's status within the family would quickly reach truly bizarre extremes.
Wait Wait... Don't Tell Me!
HTDE: Heckling, Yawning, and Imitating, with James Austin Johnson and Patton Oswalt
Hmm.
Wait Wait... Don't Tell Me!
HTDE: Heckling, Yawning, and Imitating, with James Austin Johnson and Patton Oswalt
Yeah.
Wait Wait... Don't Tell Me!
HTDE: Heckling, Yawning, and Imitating, with James Austin Johnson and Patton Oswalt
Okay.
Wait Wait... Don't Tell Me!
HTDE: Heckling, Yawning, and Imitating, with James Austin Johnson and Patton Oswalt
Hey, guys. Thanks.
Wait Wait... Don't Tell Me!
HTDE: Heckling, Yawning, and Imitating, with James Austin Johnson and Patton Oswalt
Yeah.
Wait Wait... Don't Tell Me!
HTDE: Heckling, Yawning, and Imitating, with James Austin Johnson and Patton Oswalt
No.
Wait Wait... Don't Tell Me!
HTDE: Heckling, Yawning, and Imitating, with James Austin Johnson and Patton Oswalt
Hmm.
Wait Wait... Don't Tell Me!
HTDE: Heckling, Yawning, and Imitating, with James Austin Johnson and Patton Oswalt
Yeah.
Wait Wait... Don't Tell Me!
HTDE: Heckling, Yawning, and Imitating, with James Austin Johnson and Patton Oswalt
How to Do Everything
Wait Wait... Don't Tell Me!
WWDTM: One Last Gift to Unwrap
What a pleasure to talk to you again. Take care. Awesome.
Wait Wait... Don't Tell Me!
WWDTM: One Last Gift to Unwrap
Now, let me, before I answer this question, I'm just going to say this. There was a lot of fallacy that's been spoken. A lot of things.
Wait Wait... Don't Tell Me!
WWDTM: One Last Gift to Unwrap
Give it up for a living legend, everybody.
Wait Wait... Don't Tell Me!
WWDTM: Brian Tyree Henry
The scary new movie Sinners from the director of Black Panther finds Michael B. Jordan playing twin brothers. It's got vampires, it's got great music, and it's a fun one to see with a big crowd.
Wait Wait... Don't Tell Me!
WWDTM: Brian Tyree Henry
We'll tell you why you should see Sinners on the biggest screen you can. Listen to the Pop Culture Happy Hour podcast from NPR.
Wait Wait... Don't Tell Me!
WWDTM: Brian Tyree Henry
Hey, this is Celine calling from Steamboat Springs, Colorado. Wow.
Wait Wait... Don't Tell Me!
WWDTM: Brian Tyree Henry
Yeah, and, you know, Steamboat's a great place for, you know, a landlocked mountain town, so.
Wait Wait... Don't Tell Me!
WWDTM: Brian Tyree Henry
Imagine, if you will, a show from NPR that's not like NPR, a show that focuses not on the important but the stupid, which features stories about people smuggling animals in their pants and competent criminals in ridiculous science studies, and call it Wait, Wait, Don't Tell Me because the good names were taken. Listen to NPR's Wait, Wait, Don't Tell Me.
Wait Wait... Don't Tell Me!
WWDTM: Brian Tyree Henry
Yes, that is what it is called, wherever you get your podcasts.
Wait Wait... Don't Tell Me!
WWDTM: Brian Tyree Henry
If this story had never happened... All of us wouldn't be here right now. Sammy wouldn't be here. Nana wouldn't be here. Wally wouldn't be here. Anyone that we know wouldn't be here.
Wait Wait... Don't Tell Me!
WWDTM: Brian Tyree Henry
At Radiolab, we love nothing more than nerding out about science, neuroscience, chemistry.
Wait Wait... Don't Tell Me!
WWDTM: Brian Tyree Henry
But we do also like to get into other kinds of stories. Stories about policing or politics, country music, hockey, sex of bugs.
Wait Wait... Don't Tell Me!
WWDTM: Brian Tyree Henry
Regardless of whether we're looking at science or not science, we bring a rigorous curiosity to get you the answers.
Wait Wait... Don't Tell Me!
WWDTM: Brian Tyree Henry
Radiolab, adventures on the edge of what we think we know.
Wait Wait... Don't Tell Me!
WWDTM: Brian Tyree Henry
At NPR's Pop Culture Happy Hour, we sort through a lot of television. And we've found some recent TV comedies we really like that you don't want to miss. And we'll tell you where to watch them in one handy guide. Listen to the Pop Culture Happy Hour podcast from NPR.
Wait Wait... Don't Tell Me!
WWDTM: Brian Tyree Henry
If buying a home feels out of reach, you might have more options than you think. You might be able to, especially if you have a little bit of money saved up. And if you qualify for a low down payment mortgage, maybe even with some down payment assistance, it definitely could be a possibility for you.
Wait Wait... Don't Tell Me!
WWDTM: Brian Tyree Henry
Listen to the Life Kit podcast from NPR for first time home buyer tips.
Wait Wait... Don't Tell Me!
WWDTM: Sterling K. Brown
If this story had never happened... All of us wouldn't be here right now. Sammy wouldn't be here. Nana wouldn't be here. Wally wouldn't be here. Anyone that we know wouldn't be here.
Wall Street Breakfast
Tariffs, tech sluggishness, gold, bitcoin, and inflation
Look for links for stories in the show notes section. Don't forget, these episodes will be up with transcriptions at seekingalpha.com slash WSB. And join the highest level discussion of any stock or ETF with our community of serious investors like you. Find us at seekingalpha.com slash subscriptions.
Wall Street Breakfast
Recession risk and pockets of strength
Don't forget, these episodes will be up with transcriptions at seekingalpha.com slash WSB. And for a full suite of news, analysis, ratings, and data on stocks and ETFs, go to seekingalpha.com slash subscriptions.
Watch What Crappens
#2662 RHOSLCS5E14 Part Two: Todd Bedfellows
They say Hollywood is where dreams are made, a seductive city where many flock to get rich, be adored and capture America's heart. But when the spotlight turns off, fame, fortune and lives can disappear in an instant. When TV producer Roy Radin was found dead in a canyon near L.A. in 1983, There were many questions surrounding his death.
Watch What Crappens
#2662 RHOSLCS5E14 Part Two: Todd Bedfellows
The last person seen with him was Laney Jacobs, a seductive cocaine dealer who desperately wanted to be part of the Hollywood elite. Together, they were trying to break into the movie industry. But things took a dark turn when a million dollars worth of cocaine and cash went missing. From Wondery comes a new season of the hit show Hollywood and Crime, The Cotton Club Murder.
Watch What Crappens
#2662 RHOSLCS5E14 Part Two: Todd Bedfellows
Follow Hollywood and Crime, The Cotton Club Murder on the Wondery app or wherever you get your podcasts. You can binge all episodes of The Cotton Club Murder early and ad-free right now by joining Wondery Plus.
Watch What Crappens
#2686 Southern Hospitality S03E02 Part Two: Post Traumatic Dress Misorder
Hi everyone, welcome back. This is part two of a two-part recap. If you're wondering where part one was, well go check in the feed and be sure to subscribe.
Watch What Crappens
#2701 Southern Charm S10E07: It Takes Tuba To Tango
UFO lands in Suffolk and that's official, said the News of the World. But what really happened across two nights in December 1980, when US servicemen saw mysterious lights in the forest near RAF Woodbridge and claimed to have had a close encounter with an actual craft?
Watch What Crappens
#2701 Southern Charm S10E07: It Takes Tuba To Tango
Are we alone? Encounters is a podcast which is going to find out. Listen to Encounters exclusively in ad-free on Wondery+. Join Wondery Plus in the Wondery app or in Apple Podcasts.
We Can Do Hard Things
Who Said What in that Group Chat Debacle & Is MAGA Starting to Fracture? | Jessica Yellin
If this podcast means something to you, it would mean so much to us if you'd be willing to take 30 seconds to do these three things. First, can you please follow or subscribe to We Can Do Hard Things? Following the pod helps you because you'll never miss an episode and it helps us because you'll never miss an episode. To do this, just go to the We Can Do Hard Things show page on Apple Podcasts,
We Can Do Hard Things
Who Said What in that Group Chat Debacle & Is MAGA Starting to Fracture? | Jessica Yellin
spotify odyssey or wherever you listen to podcasts and then just tap the plus sign in the upper right hand corner or click on follow this is the most important thing for the pod while you're there if you'd be willing to give us a five star rating and review and share an episode you loved with a friend we would be so grateful we appreciate you very much
We Can Do Hard Things
Who Said What in that Group Chat Debacle & Is MAGA Starting to Fracture? | Jessica Yellin
We Can Do Hard Things is created and hosted by Glennon Doyle, Abby Wambach, and Amanda Doyle in partnership with Odyssey. Our executive producer is Jenna Wise-Berman, and the show is produced by Lauren LaGrasso, Alison Schott, and Bill Schultz.
We Can Do Hard Things
Who Said What in that Group Chat Debacle & Is MAGA Starting to Fracture? | Jessica Yellin
I love it.
White Hot Hate: Agent Pale Horse
Introducing White Hot Hate Season 2: Agent Pale Horse
This is a CBC Podcast.
White Hot Hate: Agent Pale Horse
Introducing White Hot Hate Season 2: Agent Pale Horse
Here's what I tell people when they ask me, like, how did you cope living with an undercover? And I said, well, I did get some training through the movie of Donnie Brasco. That was my training.
White Hot Hate: Agent Pale Horse
Introducing White Hot Hate Season 2: Agent Pale Horse
For more CBC Podcasts, go to cbc.ca.
You're Dead to Me
Arctic Exploration: the fatal quest for the Northwest Passage
Witness the destruction of Earth, stumble upon the ancient planet of Magrathea, and dine at the restaurant at the end of the universe. Enjoy this dynamic remastering of the original BBC Radio 4 full-cast serial, The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy.
You're Dead to Me
Arctic Exploration: the fatal quest for the Northwest Passage
Start listening to The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy, Primary Phase. Available to purchase wherever you get your audiobooks.
You're Dead to Me
Arctic Exploration: the fatal quest for the Northwest Passage
Start listening to The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy, Primary Phase. Available to purchase wherever you get your audiobooks.
You're Dead to Me
Arctic Exploration: the fatal quest for the Northwest Passage
enjoy this bbc dramatized tale of middle earth tolkien's epic the lord of the rings this classic radio production boasts an outstanding cast with ian home michael horden robert stevens and bill nye where is baggins what's mr baggins's business to do with you a friend of his is looking for him
You're Dead to Me
Arctic Exploration: the fatal quest for the Northwest Passage
Start listening to The Lord of the Rings, The Fellowship of the Ring, a full cast BBC radio dramatisation. Available to purchase wherever you get your audiobooks.
You're Dead to Me
Arctic Exploration: the fatal quest for the Northwest Passage
Witness the destruction of Earth, stumble upon the ancient planet of Magrathea and dine at the restaurant at the end of the universe. Enjoy this dynamic remastering of the original BBC Radio 4 full cast serial, The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy.
You're Dead to Me
Cuneiform: the world’s first writing system
This BBC podcast is supported by ads outside the UK. This podcast is sponsored by Wise, the app for doing things in other currencies. If you're sending or spending money abroad, you should use Wise. You'll have up to 40 currencies in the palm of your hand. Wise gives you the real exchange rate, which means you'll spend less on fees and more of your money gets where you need it to be.
You're Dead to Me
Cuneiform: the world’s first writing system
Yeah. This podcast is sponsored by Wise, the app for doing things in other currencies. If you're sending or spending money abroad, you should use Wise. You'll have up to 40 currencies in the palm of your hand. Wise gives you the real exchange rate, which means you'll spend less on fees and more of your money gets where you need it to be. Download the Wise app today or visit wise.com.
You're Dead to Me
Cuneiform: the world’s first writing system
Download the Wise app today or visit wise.com. T's and C's apply.
You're Dead to Me
Cuneiform: the world’s first writing system
This podcast is sponsored by Wise, the app for doing things in other currencies. If you're sending or spending money abroad, you should use Wise. You'll have up to 40 currencies in the palm of your hand. Wise gives you the real exchange rate, which means you'll spend less on fees and more of your money gets where you need it to be. Download the Wise app today or visit wise.com. T's and C's apply.
You're Dead to Me
Catherine de’ Medici: the real Serpent Queen of France
And he tells her that she will be sent to France as a secret agent. She will work undercover and if she is caught, she's going to be shot.
You're Dead to Me
Catherine de’ Medici: the real Serpent Queen of France
And he tells her that she will be sent to France as a secret agent. She will work undercover and if she is caught, she's going to be shot.
You're Dead to Me
Catherine de’ Medici: the real Serpent Queen of France
And he tells her that she will be sent to France as a secret agent. She will work undercover and if she is caught, she's going to be shot.
You're Dead to Me
Hernán Cortés and Malintzin: the Spanish conquest of Mexico
And he tells her that she will be sent to France as a secret agent. She will work undercover and if she is caught, she's going to be shot.
You're Dead to Me
Hernán Cortés and Malintzin: the Spanish conquest of Mexico
And he tells her that she will be sent to France as a secret agent. She will work undercover and if she is caught, she's going to be shot.