Episodes

  • In October 2001, an assistant United States attorney sat in his basement floor office working late into the night. Without warning, gunshots would ring out from the backyard, breaking the window facing his desk and hitting the man. They would be fatal. More than 20 years later, people are still asking who killed the man and why.

    Summary
    In this episode of Crimepedia, Morgan and Cherry discuss the upcoming CrimeCon UK event and congratulate a friend on being shortlisted for an award. They then delve into the case of Tom Wales, an assistant United States attorney who was assassinated in his home. The FBI's handling of the investigation is examined, and the lack of physical evidence leads investigators to focus on motive. The episode ends with the exploration of Tom's personal and social life to determine a possible motive for his murder. Tom Wales' murder investigation explores various potential motives, including an altercation at a parking garage, his involvement with Washington Ceasefire, and his work as an assistant United States attorney. The investigation also focuses on the helicopter case that Tom had been working on, as well as the legal action and motives of James Anderson. The FBI identifies a suspicious man in the neighborhood and discovers unusual markings on the bullets used in the murder, leading to the search for a replacement gun barrel. These chapters provide a comprehensive overview of the principal themes in the conversation. This episode concludes the discussion on the unsolved murder of Tom Wales. The conversation delves into the credibility of witness recollections and the discovery of an anonymous letter claiming responsibility for the murder. The FBI's theory of a conspiracy and hired gunmen is explored, along with the ongoing investigation and increased reward for information. The hosts express their fascination with the case and share a story about a dumb criminal.



    TakeawaysThe accuracy of witness recollections can be questioned, especially when details are remembered years after the event.An anonymous letter claiming responsibility for a crime can provide valuable information, but its credibility must be carefully evaluated.The FBI's theory of a conspiracy and hired gunmen suggests a complex network of individuals involved in the murder.The investigation into Tom Wales' murder is ongoing, with the FBI determined to solve the case and bring justice to the victim's family.


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  • A young man on his way home from a football game finds himself confronted with a choice. Take the short path and walk through a situation that gets out of control fast or take the long path and avoid the situation completely. He makes the right choice- only fate has other ideas. The situation and him collide and he is left fighting for his life- having done nothing wrong. Someone chose to involve him, and to take his life.

    Summary

    In this episode, Cherry and Morgan discuss the unsolved case of Sammy Sidum, an 18-year-old who was fatally stabbed in 2018. Sammy was described as popular, ambitious, and caring, with a passion for law and helping others. The attack occurred after Sammy witnessed an altercation between rival gangs and tried to avoid it. Despite multiple arrests, no one has been convicted for Sammy's murder. The hosts highlight the impact on Sammy's family and the need for witnesses to come forward. They also discuss the broader issue of gang violence and the grooming of young individuals. In this conversation, Morgan and Cherry discuss a bizarre incident where suspects escaped from a Porta Potty. They explore the gross and humorous aspects of the situation, highlighting the challenges faced by the police officers involved. The hosts also provide information on how to contact them for case suggestions.

    Takeaways
    The case of Sammy Sidum highlights the devastating impact of gang violence and the need for witnesses to come forward to bring justice to the victim's family.Grooming young individuals into gangs and the allure of belonging and protection can lead to tragic consequences.The lack of progress in solving Sammy's case underscores the challenges faced by law enforcement in tackling gang-related crimes.The legacy of Sammy Sidum lives on through the Sammy Sidum Award, which supports a student at Queen Mary University. Escaping from a Porta Potty is a highly unusual and gross way to evade the police.The suspects in this case were caught in a very embarrassing and uncomfortable situation.The lack of regular cleaning of Porta Potties can lead to unsanitary conditions.Listeners can contact the hosts on Instagram for case suggestions.
    Chapters

    00:00 Introduction and Catching Up
    02:05 Introducing the Case of Sammy Sidum
    04:02 Sammy Sidum's Background and Interests
    07:46 Altercation and Attack
    10:10 Witnesses and Investigation
    16:19 Appeals and Lack of Progress
    23:45 Impact on Sammy's Family
    25:38 Gang Activity and Grooming
    29:13 Connection to CJ Davis's Case
    36:15 Appeal for Information and Legacy
    39:44 Discussion and Closing Remarks
    42:38 The Porta Potty Escape
    43:11 A Crappy Situation
    44:14 Contacting the Hosts
    44:40 Case Suggestions

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  • In 1974, Karen Silkwood was a technician at a plutonium processing plant near Oklahoma City. In November of that year, she would be killed in a mysterious one-car crash. Prior to her death, Karen Silkwood had been critical of the plant’s health and safety procedures and had files numerous complaints to the Atomic Energy Commission about unsafe conditions at the plant. Was Karen’s death a tragic accident, or was it her status as a whistleblower that lead to her being killed?

    Summary
    In this episode, Morgan and Cherry discuss the case of Karen Silkwood, a chemical technician and advocate for labor unions who died under suspicious circumstances in 1974. Karen worked at a nuclear facility where she discovered multiple breaches of health and safety protocols. She was contaminated with plutonium and her car crashed shortly after attending a union meeting. The circumstances surrounding her death raise questions about possible foul play and a cover-up by the company. The missing documentation and the presence of sedatives in her system add to the mystery. Karen Silkwood's suspicious death and the subsequent investigation into the nuclear facility she worked at revealed potential foul play and safety concerns. The missing paperwork, threatening phone calls, and exposure to plutonium raised suspicions. Legal battles ensued, with the jury initially awarding Karen's estate $10.5 million, which was later reduced to $5,000. The case led to a federal investigation and the closure of the plant. Karen's story inspired a movie and serves as a reminder of the importance of workplace safety.

    Takeaways
    Karen Silkwood's death raised suspicions of foul play and safety concerns at the nuclear facility she worked at.The missing paperwork, threatening phone calls, and exposure to plutonium added to the suspicion.Legal battles ensued, with the initial jury award being reduced to a mere $5,000.The case led to a federal investigation and the closure of the plant, highlighting the importance of workplace safety.




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  • Summary
    In this episode, Cherry and Morgan discuss the mysterious case of Jim Dawson, a farmer who was shot and later died from his injuries. The investigation takes a turn when it is discovered that the bullet was homemade and likely shot from a catapult. The locals in the small village of Bashall Eves are reluctant to talk about the case, leading to various theories, including mistaken identity and a jealous husband. The case remains unsolved, and the village continues to keep silent about the events. The murder of Jim Dawson remains unsolved after over 80 years. The conversation explores various theories and speculations surrounding the case. One theory suggests that Jim may have been mistaken for someone else, possibly Tommy Simpson, who had a conflict with another person named Tommy. The conversation also discusses the possibility of a youth being involved in the shooting, with Jim possibly knowing the identity of the culprit. The villagers' refusal to talk about the murder suggests that they may be protecting someone, possibly a child who made a terrible mistake. The conversation concludes with a discussion about a dumb criminal who taped fish to ATMs in Utah.

    TakeawaysCrimeCon London is an immersive true crime experience featuring sessions with renowned experts.Jim Dawson, a farmer, was shot and later died from his injuries in the small village of Bashall Eves.The bullet was homemade and likely shot from a catapult, leading to theories of mistaken identity and a jealous husband.The locals in Bashall Eves are reluctant to talk about the case, adding to the mystery surrounding Jim Dawson's death.Chapters00:00 Introduction and CrimeCon London
    03:30 Unusual Case: The Murder Witness
    07:57 The Location: Bashall Eves
    09:08 Jim Dawson's Last Night
    12:22 The Mysterious Shooting
    19:16 The Unusual Bullet
    22:48 Jim Dawson's Death
    25:23 Theories and Locals' Silence
    38:33 The Mystery of the Dog
    39:58 Speculations on the Culprit
    41:27 Tommy Kenyon's Theory
    42:20 Protecting the Culprit
    43:19 Jim's Knowledge of the Culprit
    44:21 No Enemies, No Issues
    45:16 A Prank Gone Wrong
    46:38 The Target Practice Connection
    48:31 Protecting the Culprit
    49:19 The Culprit's Identity
    50:27 Unsolved Mystery
    51:56 Interest in the Case
    52:53 Dumb Criminal: The Fish Bandit

    Music: The Day After Tomorrow by Sascha Ende
    Website: https://filmmusic.io/song/412-the-day-after-tomorrow
    Licensed under CC BY 4.0: https://filmmusic.io/standard-license



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  • College years are typically a time of significant transformation. For many, it marks the initial taste of genuine autonomy, starting a path toward personal discovery. However, in 1976, this quest for self-understanding might have contributed to the disappearance of a college student.



    Takeaways


    The old school thinking surrounding marijuana as a gateway drug may have hindered the private investigator's investigation into Brian's disappearance.The Salvation Army's Missing Person Department played a role in the search for Brian, but ultimately no new leads were uncovered.Speculation about Brian's relationship with Kim raises questions about possible shame and confusion surrounding his sexuality.The family's belief in Brian's eventual return and their ongoing search for answers highlight the emotional toll of a missing loved one.Investigating a cold case after many years presents significant challenges, including the difficulty of obtaining accurate information and the fading memories of witnesses.The case serves as a reminder to be compassionate and understanding towards individuals who may be struggling with their identity or facing societal pressures.
    Chapters

    00:00 Introduction

    01:24 The Under-Appreciated Crime of Stalking

    03:48 Acknowledging New Patreons

    05:03 Introduction to the Case of Brian Vargo

    08:02 Brian Vargo's Background and Personal Struggles

    09:03 Brian's Arrest and its Impact on Him

    10:09 Brian's Emotional State and Letters to Family

    11:07 Possible Reasons for Brian's Struggles

    14:51 Brian's Academic Decline and Decision to Drop Out

    19:18 Brian's Disappearance and Possible New Life

    26:31 Concerns and Efforts to Find Brian

    34:55 Private Investigator's Focus on Drug Involvement

    36:40 Old School Thinking

    37:09 Private Investigator Investigation

    37:41 Salvation Army's Investigation

    38:59 Speculation about Kim

    40:08 Possible Shame and Confusion

    42:52 Exploring Kim's Identity

    45:29 Family's Belief in Brian's Return

    49:46 Late Police Report

    50:23 Difficulty of Investigating After Many Years

    54:45 Hope for Brian's Well-being

    55:33 Contact Information for Tips

    56:05 Discussion on Privacy and Family's Need for Answers

    59:19 Hope for Brian's Message to His Family

    01:01:39 Dumb Criminal: Stolen ID

    Track: "Disappearing Memory", HUKU
    Music provided by https://slip.stream
    Free Download / Stream: https://slip.stream/tracks/cc98a64a-25c1-4f5c-899d-3cf5a67326e2?utm_source=attribution



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  • Summary

    In this episode, Cherry and Morgan discuss the unsolved murder of Jean Townsend in 1954. They provide background information on Jean and her job as a manageress at a costume-making firm in London. The hosts also mention their plans for the year, including attending CrimeCon UK and True Crime Fest. They then delve into the details of Jean's murder, including her attendance at a pyramid party and her last moments before her body was discovered. The conversation covers witness accounts, similar cases in the area, and the investigation's focus on American servicemen. The hosts discuss the possibility of a cover-up and the involvement of a family member in the crimes. The episode concludes with the closure of the case and the mention of other unsolved murders in the same area. This episode discusses a series of unsolved murders in the same area, highlighting the need for further investigation. The conversation explores the possibility of a connection to Air Force bases in the vicinity and speculates on the killer's movements. The hosts discuss the challenges of tracing potential serial killers and the chilling thought of the killer's mobility across different countries. The episode concludes with a lighthearted segment on a dumb criminal who went skinny dipping in a store aquarium.

    TakeawaysThe murder of Jean Townsend in 1954 remains unsolved, despite extensive investigations and witness accounts.Witnesses reported seeing men with American accents in the area, leading to speculation about the involvement of American servicemen stationed nearby.Similar cases of unsolved murders of women occurred in the same area during the same time period, raising questions about a potential serial killer.The case remains open, and the files have been reviewed multiple times, but no definitive suspects have been identified.
    Chapters

    00:00 Introduction and Plans for the Year
    05:46 Background of Jean Townsend
    06:34 Pyramid Party and Jean's Last Moments
    10:15 Discovery of Jean's Body
    11:43 Witness Accounts and Similar Cases
    21:28 Bloodstained Clothing and Suspects
    28:06 Vigilante Patrols and Speculation
    32:47 Closure of the Case and Unsolved Murders
    40:41 Unsolved Murders in the Same Area
    41:19 Possible Connection to Air Force Bases
    42:27 Speculating on the Killer's Movements
    43:30 Tracing Potential Serial Killers
    44:45 Possibility of Killings in Other Countries
    45:51 Chilling Thought of the Killer's Mobility
    46:35 Dumb Criminal: Naked Swim in a Store Aquarium

    Music: Soft Whispers Of Love [Full version] by MusicLFiles
    Free download: https://filmmusic.io/song/10945-soft-whispers-of-love-full-version
    Licensed under CC BY 4.0: https://filmmusic.io/standard-license


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  • In December 1958, The Martin family left their home in Portland, Oregon to gather some greenery for Christmas crafts. They would never return home. It has now been over 65 years since the Martin family's mysterious disappearance from the Columbia River Gorge, marking it as one of Oregon's most perplexing unsolved cases.

    Takeaways
    The disappearance of the Martin family remains an unsolved mystery.The Columbia River Gorge in Oregon is a challenging location for search and rescue operations.Conflicting reports and autopsy findings make it difficult to determine what happened to the Martin family.The discovery of the bodies of two of the Martin children raises more questions about their fate. The condition of the bodies and the presence of aluminium in their autopsy findings suggest they were in or around the river for a significant amount of time.The threatening phone calls received by Dr. Waterman and the unclaimed urns of Virginia and Susan raise suspicions of foul play.Donald Martin's suspicious behavior, including failing to attend memorial services and inheriting the entire Martin estate, makes him a prime suspect.The possible involvement of ex-convicts and the connection to Wayne, a close friend of Donald, further complicates the case.The opposition from law enforcement agencies and the mishandling of evidence hindered the investigation. The story of the helicopter heist involving Santa and Rudolph is a fascinating mystery.Santa's escape to Lapland and his possible involvement in the theft adds intrigue to the story.The motive behind the theft and the whereabouts of the stolen helicopter remain unknown.The podcast 'Santa May Be a Criminal' is recommended for those interested in satirical true crime stories.

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  • Teenage girls are full of mystery- hormones all over the place as they embark on the journey to adulthood. For one young woman, adulthood would never be a place shed reach. Her parents would never know what kind of adult life she would lead- what job shed have and if shed have a family of her own one day.

    Someone took that away from them.

    Music: Return Of The Hero (instrumental) by Sascha EndeFree download: https://filmmusic.io/song/451-return-of-the-hero-instrumentalLicensed under CC BY 4.0: https://filmmusic.io/standard-license

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  • For the initial three years of her life, Oakley Carlson was nurtured by caring foster parents, before eventually being reunited with her biological parents. In February 2021, Oakley went missing from Oakville, WA, a fact that unfortunately remained unreported for almost 10 months. Subsequent investigations into her disappearance uncovered a troubling situation in her biological parents' home, marked by child abuse, drug use, and the tragic turn of events leading to Oakley being a missing child.

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  • Adam Ellison was born on 7th Feb 1988, He worked at tesco in Prescot working through a management course and was described by colleagues and friends as a true gentleman. He was kind and loving and adored his family. They were a close family. Adam’s family clearly adored him.

    November 2017 would be a month that the family would never forget, Adam was brutally murdered, his life stolen from him in a callous attack.

    Music: Rising Hope [Full version] by MusicLFiles
    Free download: https://filmmusic.io/song/11961-rising-hope-full-version
    Licensed under CC BY 4.0: https://filmmusic.io/standard-license

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  • During the '70s and '80s, a shadow of terror loomed over Wichita, Kansas, as the community was rocked by a series of horrific crimes. Although the infamous BTK was responsible for many of these heinous acts, some remained unconnected to his reign of terror. Among these was a chilling case from 1987, where a father and his two daughters were brutally slain in their own home. The mystery that persists: Who was behind these murders, and what was the motive?

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  • This week we have two cases for you that involve Halloween. But one is a trick (fake) and one is a true crime. Can you figure out which one is which?

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  • On September 15, 1981, Ursula Herrmann, a 10-year-old girl, rode her bike home after visiting with a cousin. She would never make it. This event marked the beginning of one of Germany’s most debated and infamous criminal cases in modern history.

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  • Everyone has the right to freedom. To earn money. Make a living. To fall in love.

    Imagine being in a relationship with someone who has control over your whole life. Who punishes you for doing things that they don't agree with. Who isolates you from friends and family and leaves you completely dependent on just them. Only this has happened so slowly over a number of years, you don't recognize it as emotional and sometimes physical abuse, because you love them and they love you. Don't they?

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  • Everyone has the right to freedom. To earn money. Make a living. To fall in love.

    Imagine being in a relationship with someone who has control over your whole life. Who punishes you for doing things that they don't agree with. Who isolates you from friends and family and leaves you completely dependent on just them. Only this has happened so slowly over a number of years, you don't recognize it as emotional and sometimes physical abuse, because you love them and they love you. Don't they?

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  • After being found gulity in the 1994 rape and murder of 12 year-old Josette Wright, Andrew Krivak and Anthony Dipippo begin their decades long fight for their freedom.

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  • In 1994, a 12-year-old girl would leave her family home in Carmel, New York and never return. Once police were able to determine that the girl had been a victim of a violent crime, they would quickly arrest two teenage boys in connection to the crime. Despite the lack of any physical evidence, the two boys would be charged with murder and sit for trial. Where these two boys guilty of murder, or were they two additional victims of a horrific crime?

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  • During our trip to CrimeCon London back in June, we got to sit down with some of our favorite podcast friends to discuss all things podcasting, all while enjoying some pints. If you haven't yet done so, please make sure to check out these great podcasts:
    Twisted Britain (Bob and Ali)True Consequnces (Eric Carter-Ladin)Seeing Red (Mark and Bethan)

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  • This week we give you an update on the podcast, as we take a short break while Cherry recovers from surgery.

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