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On Mother's Day 2015, 42-year-old Christine Santurri, a mother of three from East Providence, Rhode Island, was brutally murdered in her own home. Her ex-boyfriend, Yuland Stanfield, violated a restraining order and stabbed her multiple times, all in front of her 21-year-old daughter. Just days before, Christine had reported Stanfield's threatening behavior to the police, but despite her efforts to seek protection, the system failed her.
Stanfield was later apprehended and pleaded guilty to first-degree murder and violating the restraining order. He was sentenced to life in prison. This case highlights the devastating consequences of domestic violence and the critical importance of enforcing protective orders.
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In April 2017, 19-year-old Serena McKay, an Indigenous high school student from Sagkeeng First Nation, Manitoba, was brutally beaten by two teenage classmates after a house party. The assault was recorded and shared on social media, remaining online for hours before being removed. Serena's body was discovered the next day; she had succumbed to her injuries and hypothermia.
The two teenage girls, aged 16 and 17 at the time, were arrested and charged. Both pleaded guiltyâone to manslaughter and the other to second-degree murderâand received the maximum youth sentences under Canadian law. The leniency of these sentences sparked outrage among Serena's family and the broader community, highlighting concerns about the justice system's handling of crimes involving Indigenous victims.
This episode explores the circumstances surrounding Serena's death, the legal proceedings that followed, and the broader issues of justice and accountability in cases involving Indigenous victims.
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In July 2016, 14-year-old Grace Packer vanished from her home in Abington Township, Pennsylvania. For months, there were no answersâuntil her dismembered remains were discovered in a remote part of Luzerne County. What came next would horrify even seasoned investigators.
Grace hadnât just been failedâshe had been betrayed by the very people who were supposed to protect her. Her adoptive mother, Sara Packer, and Saraâs boyfriend, Jacob Sullivan, had planned and carried out Graceâs assault and murder as part of a disturbing and premeditated fantasy.
This case exposes deep cracks in the foster care and adoption systems, and the horrifying consequences when red flags are ignored. Itâs a story of manipulation, cruelty, and a justice system trying to make sense of a senseless act.
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In October 2012, 43-year-old Janette Tovar, a transgender woman and beloved bar promoter in Dallas, Texas, was found unresponsive in her home. Earlier that day, her partner, Jonathan Stuart Kenney, had violently assaulted herâslamming her head into concrete and continuing the attack behind closed doors.
Despite confessing to the crime, Kenney received a plea deal that resulted in just 10 years of probation. The sentence shocked many and raised urgent questions about how the justice system treats cases involving transgender victims.
In this episode, I take a closer look at what really happened to Janette, the failures that followed, and why her story still matters today.
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In the summer of 1993, 15-year-old Becky Stowe disappeared from her hometown of Niles, Michigan. What began as a missing person case quickly turned tragic when her body was discovered weeks later, buried in a remote wooded area.
Becky had been lured there by her boyfriend, 16-year-old Robert Leamon, who later confessed to killing her. The motive? Becky was pregnantâand Robert didnât want anyone to find out.
The case shocked the community and raised disturbing questions about secrecy, teen relationships, and the devastating consequences of fear and denial.
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In January 1995, Mary Catherine Edwards, a 31-year-old beloved middle school teacher in Beaumont, Texas, was found murdered in her home. The crime scene was chillingâMary had been sexually assaulted and drowned in her own bathtub. Despite a thorough investigation, the case went cold for over two decades.
It wasnât until 2020, thanks to advancements in DNA genealogy, that investigators linked the crime to Clayton Bernard Foremanâa former high school acquaintance of Maryâs who had left behind a hidden trace of himself at the scene. His arrest and eventual conviction brought long-awaited justice to a family that had spent 25 years waiting for answers.
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In November 1988, 17-year-old Junko Furuta disappeared while walking home from school in Tokyo. Her case would become one of the most haunting and disturbing crimes in Japanâs history.
Junko was held captive for 44 days and subjected to prolonged abuse at the hands of four teenage boys. The crime took place inside a residential homeâunseen, unreported, and ignored by those who might have intervened.
When her body was finally discovered, hidden in a concrete drum, the details of the case sent shockwaves throughout the nation. Public outrage intensified when her killers received remarkably lenient sentences, sparking ongoing debate about justice, accountability, and the protection of victims.
â ïž Content Warning: This episode contains references to extreme violence, abuse, and the suffering of a minor. Sensitive listeners and younger audiences are strongly advised to proceed with caution.
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It was a quiet October afternoon in 2000 when 22-year-old Rachel Kiely took her dogs for a walk near her home in Ballincollig, County Cork. She never came back. The next day, her body was discovered near the park â she had been raped and strangled.
The town was shaken. Rachel was well-known, kind, full of life â and the brutality of the crime was incomprehensible. The investigation quickly led to a shocking suspect: Ian Horgan, just 16 years old.
He was charged and convicted, but the sentenceâeight years with six suspendedâsparked outrage. It wouldnât be the end of the legal battle. Public pressure led to a review, and the sentence was later increased to twelve years.
Rachelâs murder left a deep scar on her family, her community, and a country grappling with how to respond to violence committed by a child â against a woman who had simply gone for a walk with her dogs.
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Kris Zoccoâs trial for the reckless homicide of Kelly Dwyer was a twisted, haunting case that gripped Milwaukee. The prosecution painted Zocco as someone with a dangerous obsession with asphyxia during sex, citing testimonies from multiple women who described terrifying experiences where he ignored their pleas for air. Kelly's tragic death in 2013 allegedly resulted from one of these extreme encounters, with the prosecution arguing that Zocco strangled herâeither manually or during a forced sexual actâthen callously disposed of her body in a golf bag. The defense, however, argued that Kellyâs participation in their BDSM relationship was consensual, framing the case as circumstantial with no concrete evidence tying Zocco to her death. Yet, the chilling details, like Zoccoâs 17-hour phone blackout and the video of Kelly gasping for air weeks before her death, struck deep. After deliberating for less than three hours, the jury found him guilty.Kellyâs family, devastated and haunted by the loss, shared powerful victim impact statements, describing her as vibrant, trusting, and tragically naive. The pain of seeing Kelly's private life exposed and her remains shown in court was unbearable, with her mother leaving the room during the most graphic moments. Zocco, already serving time for unrelated charges, was sentenced to 31 more years, making him eligible for release in 2065 at age 90. Despite his appeals, the conviction stands. Now, her family channels their grief into the Kelly Dwyer Memorial Peace Project, helping other women facing violence, ensuring Kellyâs life and legacy continue to make an impact.
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On a cold morning in January 2017, 14-year-old Alianna DeFreeze left her Cleveland home, heading to school like any other day. But Alianna never made it to class. What began as a routine walk turned into a parent's worst nightmare when she crossed paths with Christopher Whitakerâa violent predator hiding in plain sight.
In this episode, we dive deep into the heartbreaking case of Alianna DeFreeze: the horrifying details of her abduction, the investigation that gripped a community, and the justice that followed. We also explore the larger questions this case raises about child safety, offender monitoring, and the lasting impact of such senseless violence.
Join me as we remember Alianna and shed light on a tragedy that should never have happened.
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The Quinton Simon case shocked the nation, as his mother, Leilani Simon, was arrested and charged with his murder in 2024. After a 10-day trial, Leilani was found guilty of 19 charges, including the brutal killing of her 20-month-old son. Despite her attempts to downplay the situation, the prosecution argued that her actions were premeditated, pointing to her history of neglect and abuse toward Quinton, as well as her cold behavior following his disappearance. They suggested that Leilani's lack of bond with her son, combined with her need for male attention and a chaotic lifestyle, ultimately led to Quintonâs tragic death. The defense tried to argue that drugs were to blame, but the jury disagreed, and Leilani was convicted.At her sentencing, Leilani received life in prison with the possibility of parole, plus an additional 10 years for her actions. The judge highlighted the immense impact of Quintonâs death on the community, emphasizing the message this case sent about justice for children. Despite her familyâs emotional support, many viewed Leilani as a manipulative and calculating individual who failed to take responsibility for her son's murder. Her sentencing brought some closure, but the pain of Quintonâs loss is still felt by all who fought for justice. This case has captured the attention of true crime enthusiasts and sparked widespread discussions about retributive justice and the consequences of unthinkable acts.
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Stephen Grant was convicted of second-degree murder for the brutal killing of his wife, Tara Grant, after weeks of testimony detailing his manipulative and calculated actions. Prosecutors revealed that after strangling Tara, he dismembered her body in his fatherâs tool shop and disposed of her remains in the woods. The jury couldn't agree on premeditation, but the judge called Grantâs actions "demonic, manipulative, and barbaric," sentencing him to 50-80 years in prison. Taraâs devastated family, including her mother and sister, delivered heartbreaking victim impact statements, with her sister calling him "Satan in the flesh." Their two young children, who tragically witnessed the murder, later revealed chilling detailsâhis 7-year-old daughter even recalling checking her mother's eyes to see if she was alive. Following the conviction, Grantâs father took his own life, unable to cope with his son's horrific crime.Tara, a successful businesswoman, was thriving in her career while Stephen, resentful and insecure, engaged in an affair and ultimately murdered her in a fit of rage. After killing her, he played the victim, lying to authorities and the media to cover his tracks. The case shocked the nation, highlighting the dark reality of domestic violence and toxic masculinity. Taraâs children, who have since cut ties with their father, were raised by their aunt and now honor their motherâs legacy through the annual "Tara Walk" to raise awareness for domestic violence victims. With Grantâs appeals exhausted, he will spend the rest of his life behind bars, while Taraâs family continues to fight for justice and remember the woman who was taken too soon.
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Josef Fritzl held his daughter Elisabeth Fritzl captive in a basement for 24 years and she gave birth to seven children.
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It was a morning that would forever change the town of Pearl, Mississippi. On October 1, 1997, 16-year-old Luke Woodham embarked on a violent spree that left three dead and seven injured.
The day began with a chilling act of matricide. Woodham brutally murdered his mother, Mary Ann Woodham, at their home before taking her car to Pearl High School. Concealing a .30-30 lever-action deer rifle under a trench coat, he entered the school premises.
His first target was his ex-girlfriend, Christina Menefee, whom he shot and killed. He then turned the gun on Lydia Dew, another student, fatally wounding her. Seven others were injured in the chaos that ensued.
As Woodham attempted to flee, Assistant Principal Joel Myrick retrieved a .45-caliber semi-automatic pistol from his vehicle. Confronting Woodham in the parking lot, Myrick held him at gunpoint until authorities arrived, effectively preventing further bloodshed.
The aftermath revealed disturbing details. Woodham had been associated with a group called the "Kroth," led by Grant Boyette, which dabbled in occult practices. Under Boyette's influence, Woodham claimed he was compelled to commit the murders as part of a "reign of terror."
Legal proceedings were swift and decisive. Woodham was tried and convicted for the murders of his mother and the two students, as well as the attempted murders of the seven injured. He received three life sentences plus 140 years, with eligibility for parole in 2046.
This tragic event served as a grim precursor to future school shootings, highlighting the devastating consequences of unchecked bullying, mental health issues, and the influence of harmful associations.
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In 1990, 17-year-old Samuel Manzie pled guilty to the brutal murder of 11-year-old Eddie Werner, avoiding trial through a controversial plea deal. Originally, his defense planned an insanity plea, but the court rejected it, opting instead for a "mental disease or defect" argument. However, as his trial date neared, Sam admitted to strangling Eddie, stuffing his body in a suitcase, and dumping him in the woodsâbut the sexual assault charge was dropped as part of the deal. This decision outraged Eddieâs family but spared them a painful trial. Samâs parents, devastated by his actions, believed he needed psychological help, but the prosecution argued he was a remorseless sociopath. The judge sentenced him to 70 years in prison, with a minimum of 59.5 years before parole eligibility. However, a later appeal cut this to just 30 years, meaning Sam will be eligible for parole in 2027âshocking Eddieâs parents, who fear he will kill again. This case shares eerie similarities with the 1973 murder of Joan D'Alessandro, whose death led to Joanâs Law, ensuring life without parole for those who sexually assault and murder a child. However, because Samâs plea removed the assault charge, this law didnât apply. Eddieâs family was assured heâd serve at least 85% of his sentence under the No Early Release Act, but a legal loophole overturned that, allowing Sam an early parole hearing. His mother believes he deserves a second chance, but Eddieâs parents say justice has failed them. As 2027 approaches, many wonder: Will a child killer be released back into society?
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It started with a simple Facebook message. Seventeen-year-old Kaytlin Angela Root from St. Joseph, Missouri, was lured to a local park by someone she thought she could trust. But on October 16, 2016, that trust was betrayed in the most horrific way. Joggers discovered Kaytlin's lifeless body near a trail in Krug Parkâshe had been brutally stabbed and strangled. â
The investigation quickly led to two individuals: Amanda Bennett, 17, and Sebastian Dowell, 18. Bennett had reached out to Kaytlin on Facebook, setting the trap that would lead to her death. Shockingly, Bennett later revealed that the murder was intended as a "demonic sacrifice." â
Both Bennett and Dowell were charged with second-degree murder. Dowell pleaded guilty and, in May 2017, was sentenced to life in prison. Bennett also pleaded guilty and received a 25-year sentence. â
This case serves as a chilling reminder of the dark side of social media connections and the unforeseen dangers that can lurk behind a screen.
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In this weeks heartbreaking true crime case, we will discuss.. Claudette Ficik, the 20-year-old woman who went missing in 1994, leading to a frantic search with many people worrying that there was an active serial killer in Georgia. Six weeks later, her body was discovered in the Oconee River, weighted down with steel and showing signs of asphyxiation.Autopsy results later showed that Claudette was four months pregnant at the time of her death, intensifying the tragedy for her family. Initial suspects included several men.. one that did seem promising because.. he had even failed a polygraph test, but.. in a Shyamalan twist! the focus soon shifted to Claudetteâs boyfriend, Jason Ragland.Jason, who had been in a secret relationship with Claudette while still involved with another woman, was arrested and charged with murder and feticide. Despite claiming he was innocent, and the case against him being largely circumstantial, he ultimately accepted a plea deal to avoid the death penalty, pleading guilty to Claudette's murder but never giving the specifics of what happened which left her family with more questions than answers.
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It was supposed to be a fresh start. A 14-year-old girl, a new life in America, a chance to rebuild. But on May 23, 2024, that fresh start turned into a horrific crime scene in Lauderdale Lakes, Florida. 79-year-old Yevheniia Koval was found beaten and unresponsive in her home. She was rushed to the hospital, but it was too lateâher injuries were fatal.
But hereâs where the story takes a disturbing turn. The suspect? Her own granddaughterâ14-year-old Sofia Koval. Sofia had recently moved from Ukraine to live with her father and grandmother. That night, she was left alone with Yevheniia. When her father returned home, he found a nightmareâhis mother, severely beaten.
Sofia claimed self-defense, saying she and Yevheniia got into an argument, and she struck her with a belt and possibly even a walker. But the medical examiner wasnât buying itâthe injuries were too severe. The case was ruled a homicide.
Originally charged with second-degree murder, Sofiaâs case was later moved to adult court, where she faced a manslaughter charge. In October 2024, she pleaded no contest and was sentenced to up to three years in a maximum-risk juvenile detention program, followed by community supervision until she turns 21. And thereâs one more twistâsince sheâs not a U.S. citizen, she could be deported back to Ukraine once her sentence is up.
This case is a chilling reminder of how family conflict can spiral into something unimaginableâand how one night can change everything.
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The Morgan Metzer case is a chilling story of obsession, deception, and a staged rescue gone horribly wrong. On January 1, 2021, in Canton, Georgia, Morgan woke up to a masked intruder in her bedroom, his voice eerily altered to sound like Batman. What followed was a terrifying ordealâshe was assaulted, zip-tied, and left on her back porch, blindfolded with a pillowcase over her head.
But hereâs where it gets even darker. Her ex-husband, Rodney "Rod" Metzer, showed up soon after, playing the hero. He called 911, claiming to have just discovered her. But investigators quickly unraveled his twisted scheme. Turns out, Rod had been faking a cancer diagnosis to win Morgan back. And if that wasnât disturbing enough, his search history exposed himâ"how to get sympathy from your ex" and "how to change the sound of your voice."
In August 2021, the truth finally caught up to him. Facing 14 felony charges, Rod pleaded guilty and was sentenced to 70 yearsâwith 25 behind bars and the rest on probation. A desperate bid for control, a carefully staged attack, and a man who thought he could get away with itâuntil the evidence told a different story.
- Se mer
