As of the release of this episode, Christa Pike remains scheduled to be executed by lethal injection by the State of Tennessee on September 30, 2026. If that status changes or new information becomes available, we will update accordingly. 

Interested in going to the Netherlands with us? Scroll to the bottom for info.

Little Devil: Christa Pike 

On the evening of January 12, 1995, Christa Pike stepped into the room of her friend Kim Iloilo at the Knoxville Job Corps Center and casually announced that she, her boyfriend Tadaryl Shipp, their friend Shadolla Peterson, and Colleen Slemmer were heading out to smoke marijuana. The combination immediately struck Kim as odd. Christa hated Colleen. So why, suddenly, were they going anywhere together?

When Kim questioned her, Christa simply smiled, winked, and walked away. A little more than two hours later, at approximately 10:15 p.m., Kim saw Christa, Tadaryl, and Shadolla return to the center.

Colleen did not return. 

What had happened during those missing hours would become one of the most brutal murder cases in Tennessee history and a pending execution that is slated to happen on September 30, 2026. If the execution happens this month, she will be the first woman executed by the state of Tennessee since 1820.

Join Cam and Jen as we discuss  “Lil Devil”: Christa Pike’s Road to Execution — The Murder of Colleen Slemmer.

Listener discretion by @octoberpodVHS

All music by our E.P @theinkypawprint

Sources: 

[Sources: STATE v. PIKE (1998) Supreme Court of Tennessee, at Knoxville; United States Court of Appeal (2018)]

[Media source: World’s Most Dangerous Prisoners S1 E8 Pike (2024)]

https://youtu.be/Wo10ToeqHG0?is=D1xdW_2G9f3XAgPC

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1BSEZ_lV40xlIsEVBuQV8zkvP2nSKS3Gc/view

https://web.archive.org/web/20170920093004/http://www.prisontalk.com/forums/archive/index.php/t-18901.html

https://www.willkern.com/pike.html

https://archive.knoxnews.com/news/local/pike-s-own-words-did-her-in---court-not-convinced-killer-reacted-to-save-another-inmates-life-ep-894-353644061.html/

https://web.archive.org/web/20120329203025/http://www.ksdk.com/news/crime/article/311792/147/Death-row-inmate-woos-NJ-man-and-guard-to-help-plan-escape

https://www.amnestyusa.org/press-releases/amnesty-international-members-worldwide-urge-tennessee-governor-bill-lee-to-stop-the-execution-of-christa-pike/

https://dpw.lawschool.cornell.edu/advocacy/christa-pike/

North, John. “September 2026 Execution Date Set for Christa Gail Pike, Only Woman on Tennessee’s Death Row.” WBIR / 10 News.

Lakin, Matt. “Hearing for Convicted Job Corps Killer Pike Resumes.” Knoxville News Sentinel, April 7, 2008.

Hale, Steven. “Tennessee Is Seeking an Execution Date for the Only Woman on the State’s Death Row.” Nashville Scene, June 8, 2021.

Jorge, Kaylin. “Only Woman on Death Row in Tennessee Seeks Commutation of Sentence.” Fox 17 / WZTV, June 8, 2021.

Pike v. Gross. U.S. Court of Appeals for the Sixth Circuit.

Brand, Bethany. “Forensic Psychological Addendum.” June 1, 2026.

“Claude Davis Charging & No Contest Plea.”

Satterfield, Jamie. “Federal Judge’s Ruling Opens Death Chamber Door for Christa Gail Pike.” Knoxville News Sentinel, March 11, 2016.

North, John. “Judge Dismisses Death Row Inmate Christa Pike’s Bid to Reopen Her Criminal Case.” WBIR-TV, October 31, 2023.

Satterfield, Jamie. “Rejected Appeal for Pike Revealing: Defense’s Testimony Details Death Row Inmate’s Childhood.” Knoxville News Sentinel, December 21, 2008.

Satterfield, Jamie. “Pike’s Own Words Did Her In — Court Not Convinced Killer Reacted to Save Another Inmate’s Life.” Knoxville News Sentinel, March 9, 2006.

Queally, James. “Raritan TWP Man Arrested.” The Star-Ledger.

Donila, Mike. “Federal Court Denies Pike’s Request to Overturn Death Penalty.” WBIR-TV, March 11, 2016.

“Slaying Suspect, 17, Will Be Tried as Adult; Grisly Tale of Job Corps Victim’s Death Told at Hearing.” Knoxville News Sentinel.

Holt, Erin. “Christa Pike Woos Donald Kohut and Justin Heflin to Help Plan Escape.” KSDK, March 22, 2012.

Satterfield, Jamie. “Judge Denies Job Corps Killer’s Appeal: Pike Will Stay on Death Row.” Knoxville News Sentinel, December 11, 2008.

“Tennessee Prisoner Faces 45 More Counts in N.J.” Hunterdon County Democrat.

Mealins, Evan. “Tennessee’s Only Woman on Death Row Featured in ‘Mean Girl Murders.’ Here’s What to Know.” USA Today, May 21, 2024.

Pike v. State, Tennessee Court of Criminal Appeals, April 25, 2011.

“Murder Victim’s Mother Begs TN to Release Skull Fragment.” WBIR, January 16, 2015.

Loggins, Kirk. “Love and Hate on Death Row.” The Tennessean, July 6, 2003.

Sweeney, Catherine. “Special Master Declines Intervention in Christa Pike Execution.” WPLN News, August 22, 2026.

“Petition Alleging Violations of the Human Rights of Christa Pike by the United States of America and Request for Precautionary Measures.”

Satterfield, Jamie. “Final Death-Row Appeal of Christa Gail Pike Delayed Again.” Knoxville News Sentinel.

Caulfield, Philip. “2 Busted in Plot to Spring Female Killer From Death Row.” New York Daily News, March 22, 2012.

“Women on Death Row.” Tennessee Department of Correction.

Kenner, Randy. “Court of Criminal Appeals Grants Pike Stay of Execution.” Knoxville News Sentinel, August 2, 2002.

“Pair Planned to Copy Jail Key.” Chattanooga Times Free Press / Associated Press, March 24, 2012.

“Chattanooga Federal Judge Upholds Conviction of Christa Pike, Who Carried Out Torture Murder of Romantic Rival.” The Chattanoogan, March 17, 2016.

“Tadaryl Shipp Convicted.” The Orlando Sentinel, March 9, 1997.

Bedard, Hayley. “Death-Sentenced Prisoner Christa Pike Files Religious Challenge to Tennessee’s Execution Protocol.” Death Penalty Information Center, January 27, 2026.

Interested in hearing more about The Netherlands trip with OTCP in July 2028. Join us for a meeting on September 24 at 6pm CST.

More info? Go to ourtruecrimepodcast.com

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In October 1976, two teenagers took a late-night drive near a remote military base in the Missouri Ozarks and simply vanished into thin air.

Months later, a second carload of kids was pulled over by a figure of authority on those same dark roads, leading to a brutal murder and betrayal, with one brave survivor.

When the predator behind the badge is finally caught, investigators are left with a troubling question: could the same man responsible for this tragedy also be the answer to what happened to the two teens who went missing months before?

Our team:

Listener Discretion by ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Edward October ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Research & Writing by Lauretta Allen

Executive Producers Nico & Jesse of ⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠The Inky Pawprint⁠⁠

Sources:

Bates v. United States, 517 F. Supp. 1350 (W.D. Mo. 1981) :: Justia

234: Frozen Tears: The Fort Leonard Wood MP Murders w/ J.B. King

Crime Traveler: The Ft. Leonard Wood Massacre TRUE CRIME STORY

Alfred Elmer Hoffman Marshal – The Charley Project

Teresa Joanna Gossage – The Charley Project

701 F.2d 737

Photos of Wesley August “Wes” Hawkins - Find a Grave Memorial

Anthony Lee “Tony” Bates (1958-1977) - Find a Grave Memorial

Fort Leonard Wood - Wikipedia

History :: FORT LEONARD WOOD

Article From Jan 22, 1977, page 2 - Daily American Republic at Newspapers.com™

Oct 17, 1976, page 21 - Springfield Leader and Press at Newspapers.com™

Jan 22, 1977, page 1 - The Daily Capital News at Newspapers.com™ - Newspapers.com™

May 04, 1977, page 27 - Daily American Republic at Newspapers.com™

Article From Feb 16, 1977, page 9 - Henryetta Daily Free-Lance at Newspapers.com™

May 04, 1977, page 29 - The Springfield News-Leader at Newspapers.com™

May 03, 1977, page 1 - The Springfield News-Leader at Newspapers.com™

Feb 23, 1977, page 29 - The Springfield News-Leader at Newspapers.com™

May 08, 1977, page 2 - The Kansas City Star at Newspapers.com™

Article From Jun 10, 1977, page 1 - The Kansas City Times at Newspapers.com™

Jun 10, 1977, page 4 - The Kansas City Times at Newspapers.com™

Article From Apr 16, 1980, page 2 - Daily American Republic at Newspapers.com™

Article From Jan 08, 1981, page 10 - Springfield Leader and Press at Newspapers.com™

Article From Jan 09, 1981, page 8 - Springfield Leader and Press at Newspapers.com™

Article From May 31, 1981, page 35 - Springfield Leader and Press at Newspapers.com™

Article From Aug 23, 1981, page 29 - The Kansas City Star at Newspapers.com™

The Debate Over Whether Dissociative Identity Disorder Is "Real" | Psychology Today

Jul 26, 1977, page 13 - Times Record at Newspapers.com™ (found sane)

Article From Jul 27, 1977, page 2 - The Montgomery Advertiser at Newspapers.com™

Jan 15, 1977, page 1 - Times Record at Newspapers.com™

Article From Jul 23, 1977, page 6 - The Kansas City Star at Newspapers.com™

Jul 27, 1977, page 27 - Journal and Courier at Newspapers.com™

Article From Jul 26, 1977, page 38 - Portland Press Herald at Newspapers.com™

Article From Jul 26, 1977, page 18 - Omaha World-Herald at Newspapers.com™

Article From Jan 15, 1977, page 1 - Springfield Leader and Press at Newspapers.com™

Article From Jan 15, 1977, page 2 - Springfield Leader and Press at Newspapers.com™

Jan 15, 1977, page 9 - The Register at Newspapers.com™

Jan 15, 1977, page 29 - The Times at Newspapers.com™

https://www.newspapers.com/image/887035596/?match=1&terms="Johnny%20Lee%20Thornton"%20&search-id=af39819e-93b9-4829-b9ea-44130a34b461&search-rank=7

Article From Feb 17, 1977, page 25 - Springfield Leader and Press at Newspapers.com™

Jul 27, 1977, page 1 - The Kansas City Times at Newspapers.com™

Jul 27, 1979, page 11 - The Springfield News-Leader at Newspapers.com™

May 20, 1979, page 83 - Springfield Leader and Press at Newspapers.com™

Jun 19, 1979, page 4 - Springfield Leader and Press at Newspapers.com™

Real 'Sybil' Admits Multiple Personalities Were Fake : NPR

The Mesmerizing Story of ‘Sybil Exposed’ | Kirkus Reviews

Aug 09, 1980, page 11 - Albany Democrat-Herald at Newspapers.com™ - Newspapers.com™

Frozen Tears: The Fort Leonard Wood MP Murders | # **EXCERPT FROM CHAPTER 9 - [Frozen Tears: The Fort Leonard Wood MP Murders](https://www.facebook.com/groups/682974085504257/ | Facebook

Frederick E Williams (1958-1977) - Find a Grave Memorial

https://phelpscountyfocus.com/2023/02/15/talking-waynesville-the-mp-murders-of-1977/

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In this special episode, Cam and Jen join forces with Ash from F**K That to unravel the haunting disappearance of Danielle Bell.

Fourteen-year-old Danielle Arion Bell went missing on Friday, September 28th, 2001, from a small town just outside of Pensacola, Florida. She was last seen at a party in a house on Cedar Tree Lane before she seemingly vanished into thin air.

Her sister, Bonnie, has been advocating for her sister’s case for years, pushing local law enforcement to conduct a proper investigation, which they initially failed to do.

If you have any information regarding her disappearance, please contact the Escambia County Sheriff's Office at (850) 436-9620.

Don’t forget to check out Ash's podcast, F**k That. Available wherever you get your podcasts.

Music by Nico Fyffe-Vettese Editing by Jesse Fyffe-Vettese Check them out: The Inky Paw Print

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On a cold Saturday night in January 2007, 21-year-old Channon Christian and her boyfriend, 23-year-old Christopher Newsom, set out for a party. They never arrived. By the following afternoon, two families were desperately searching Knoxville, unaware that their children had crossed paths with a group of strangers whose actions would leave behind one of the most disturbing crime scenes Tennessee had ever witnessed. This is not simply a story about extraordinary cruelty. It is also the story of two deeply loved young people, the families who refused to stop fighting for them, and a pursuit of justice that would take more than a decade to complete. 

Join Cam and Jen of Our True Crime Podcast as we discuss ‘Knoxville Nightmare: Channon Christian and Christopher Newsom.’

Listener discretion by @octoberpodVHS

All music by our executive editors @theinkypawprint

Sources: 

https://web.archive.org/web/20070522111056/http://www.knoxnews.com/kns/local_news/article/0%2C1406%2CKNS_347_5277265%2C00.html

http://www.wrcbtv.com/story/37878832/fifth-person-charged-in-gruesome-2007-murders-of-young-knoxville-couple

https://web.archive.org/web/20070522111056/http://www.knoxnews.com/kns/local_news/article/0%2C1406%2CKNS_347_5277265%2C00.html

http://web.knoxnews.com/pdf/0202body_presentment.pdf

https://www.knoxnews.com/story/news/crime/2018/04/04/christian-newsom-torture-slayings/485812002/

http://www.snopes.com/politics/crime/newsom.asp

https://web.archive.org/web/20210201085000/https://apps.tn.gov/foil-app/details.jsp

http://archive.knoxnews.com/news/local/transcript-davidson-says-he-told-christian-he-would-make-sure-she-got-out-ep-409812679-359308971.html

https://www.wbir.com/article/news/local/10-years-later-remembering-christian-newsom/51-381967577

https://web.archive.org/web/20210423085932/https://casetext.com/case/us-v-boyd-6

http://www.wrcbtv.com/story/37878832/fifth-person-charged-in-gruesome-2007-murders-of-young-knoxville-couple

https://web.archive.org/web/20120526114132/http://www.wate.com/story/18618771/tennessee-supreme-court-overturns-new-trial-rulings-in-christian-newsom-murders

http://archive.knoxnews.com/news/local/judge-sentences-vanessa-coleman-to-35-years-ep-358988293-356193051.html/

https://web.archive.org/web/20130607191130/http://www.knoxnews.com/news/2013/jun/04/judges-order-ensures-george-thomas-will-die-in

https://web.archive.org/web/20070605040843/http://www.crimelibrary.com/news/original/0507/0301_channon_christian.html

https://web.archive.org/web/20160116071346/http://jacksonville.com/apnews/stories/051707/D8P6ED601.shtml

https://www.nbcnews.com/id/wbna16599622

https://web.archive.org/web/20101117170807/http://www.wate.com/Global/story.asp?S=11412794

http://archive.knoxnews.com/news/local/lemaricus-davidson-gets-80-more-years-in-torture-slaying-case-ep-408272924-358681941.html

https://www.oakridger.com/article/20090825/NEWS/308259998

https://web.archive.org/web/20100909110136/http://www.knoxnews.com/news/2009/aug/26/torture-slayings-trial-day-9-jury-weighs-life-deat

https://archive.knoxnews.com/news/local/the-verdicts-in-the-george-thomas-trial-ep-409259416-359047901.html/

https://web.archive.org/web/20101117170809/http://www.wate.com/Global/story.asp?S=11646588

https://web.archive.org/web/20101003193339/http://www.knoxnews.com/news/2010/jul/30/coleman-gets-35-years-judge-rejects-innocent-defen

https://web.archive.org/web/20220428212455/https://casetext.com/case/us-v-boyd-2

https://www.13wmaz.com/article/news/local/boyd-trial/judge-cannot-rule-on-george-thomas-sentence-deal-until-scope-of-agreement-determined/51-df8fa369-639b-4a5a-a279-cc9394b94ffe

https://web.archive.org/web/20220609144811/https://www.kvue.com/article/news/crime/list-heres-what-eric-boyd-was-found-guilty-of-in-deaths-of-channon-christian-chris-newsom/51-b089fe1e-94a1-4e46-af85-1751efff1eaa

State v. Lemaricus Devall Davidson, Tennessee Supreme Court, 2016.

State v. Letalvis Darnell Cobbins, Tennessee Court of Criminal Appeals, 2014.

State v. George Geovonni Thomas, Tennessee Court of Criminal Appeals, 2015.

State v. Vanessa Coleman, Tennessee Court of Criminal Appeals, 2014.

State v. Eric Boyd, Tennessee Court of Criminal Appeals, 2021.

United States v. Eric Boyd, United States Court of Appeals for the Sixth Circuit, 2011.

Tennessee General Assembly, Public Chapter 694, the Chris Newsom Act.

Tennessee General Assembly, Public Chapter 713, the Channon Christian Act.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Thank you to Mary and her partner for the request!

Picture an endless stretch of highway surrounded by thick forests where there's no cell service, and towns are hours apart. Back in July 2019, that quiet part of the Alaska Highway in Canada turned upside down when a young couple on a road trip were found shot in a ditch.

Before anyone even knew what was happening, it turned into a massive cross-country crime spree and a frantic nationwide search to track down the killers.

Join Jen and Cam as they discuss What the Raven Knows: The Alaska Highway Murders.

Our team:

Listener Discretion by ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Edward October ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Research & Writing by Lauretta Allen

Executive Producers Nico & Jesse of⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠The Inky Pawprint⁠⁠

Source:

https://youtu.be/1zHWJtk3dnc?si=W2g3e04EHgCiDKJH

Timeline: B.C. triple murders by Kam McLeod and Bryer Schmegelsky | Vancouver Sun

Former classmates of northern B.C. murder suspect say he would describe killing himself, others | Globalnews.ca

Bryer Alan Schmegelsky (2000-2019) - Find a Grave Memorial

Kam Allan McLeod (2000-2019) - Find a Grave Memorial

Chynna Deese, Lucas Fowler murder: Mum reveals heartbreaking final texts | news.com.au — Australia’s leading news site for latest headlines

Chynna Noelle Deese - Obituary - July 15, 2019

Lucas Robertson Fowler (1995-2019) - Find a Grave Memorial

What We Know About the American-Australian Couple Murdered in Northern Canada

The murders of Chynna Deese, Lucas Fowler & Leonard Dyck – A True Crime Podcast

The Northern British Columbia Murders

Port Alberni - Wikipedia

Jul 29, 2019, page 8 - The Daily Sentinel at Newspapers.com™

Jul 24, 2019, page A6 - The Charlotte Observer at Newspapers.com™

Jul 21, 2019, page A13 - The Charlotte Observer at Newspapers.com™

Jul 23, 2019, page A4 - Asheville Citizen-Times at Newspapers.com™

Jul 26, 2019, page A12 - The Charlotte Observer at Newspapers.com™

Jul 19, 2020, page 1 - The Toronto Star at Newspapers.com™

Jul 19, 2020, page 8 - The Toronto Star at Newspapers.com™

Jul 21, 2020, page 2 - The Toronto Star at Newspapers.com™

Aug 16, 2019, page A8 - The Province at Newspapers.com™

Aug 08, 2019, page NP3 - The Vancouver Sun at Newspapers.com™

Aug 25, 2019, page 13 - The Toronto Star at Newspapers.com™

Aug 25, 2019, page 12 - The Toronto Star at Newspapers.com™

Aug 13, 2019, page A10 - Rimbey Review at Newspapers.com™

Dec 30, 2019, page A5 - Whitehorse Daily Star at Newspapers.com™

Jul 23, 2019, page A6 - National Post at Newspapers.com™

Jul 25, 2019, page A16 - The Free Press at Newspapers.com™ - Newspapers.com™

Sep 30, 2019, page A5 - Whitehorse Daily Star at Newspapers.com™

Oct 02, 2019, page A33 - Alberni Valley News at Newspapers.com™

Dec 20, 2019, page NP4 - Calgary Herald at Newspapers.com™

How the RCMP found Canada’s most wanted fugitives with a raven, a Cree trapper and luck - The Globe and Mail

New documents shed light on McLeod, Schmegelsky manhunt and 3 northern B.C. deaths

2019 Northern British Columbia murders - Wikipedia

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It was a quiet summer morning in Prospect, New South Wales, when a farmer noticed his cows gathered around something in his paddock. At first, he thought it was a mannequin.

Then he realized it was the naked body of a young woman.

She had been brutally attacked, but the worst injury was to her throat, which had been slashed so deeply the medical examiner described it as a “near decapitation.” Investigators believed she had been conscious when it happened. Investigators soon had a likely identity for the young woman, which would become one of Australia’s most heinous crimes. 

Join Jen and Cam on this episode of Our True Crime Podcast ‘Someone Else’s Daughter: Anita Cobby.’

Listener Discretion by @octoberpodVHS

Music by our EP @theinkypawprint

Sources: 

https://cookandyoung.com.au/p/remembering-anita-cobby-the-case-the-husband-the-aftermath-30-years-on

https://people.com/anita-cobby-australia-rape-murder-former-beauty-queen-8726751

https://tv.apple.com/us/episode/the-anita-cobby-murder/umc.cmc.26h8fremeu75ysb9x56m0b6sa?showId=umc.cmc.59hhekmkn5g2tckmjuyk0i3cl

https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2017/mar/20/anita-cobby-everyone-in-the-car-that-dreadful-night-had-a-passport-to-doom

https://www.news.com.au/national/crime/anita-cobby-killer-dying-of-cancer/news-story/c6c50e914446d13bbf7d6cdd98729e58

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Australian_Families_of_Crime

https://web.archive.org/web/20160823114747/https://aussiecriminals.com.au/2010/07/22/murder-of-anita-cobby/

http://www.aww.com.au/latest-news/crime/chilling-recordings-of-cobby-murder-confession-25302

https://news.google.com/newspapers?nid=1301&dat=19860625&id=iTZWAAAAIBAJ&sjid=OOgDAAAAIBAJ&pg=3183,6281176&hl=en

https://www.nytimes.com/movie/review?res=9D07E3D61330F936A25753C1A96F958260

http://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/news/nsw/anita-cobby8217s-mother-grace-lynch-is-buried-covered-in-the-bright-blooms-that-reminded-her-of-her-murdered-child/story-fni0cx12-1226676094426

https://web.archive.org/web/20130426080132/http://www.citv.com.au/crime-investigation-australia/episodes/episode.aspx?id=8

https://www.theaustralian.com.au/breaking-news/how-anita-cobbys-killer-spent-his-final-years-in-jail/news-story/d240138bf529ac7d96515506b2055bbd

https://www.abc.net.au/news/2019-02-22/anita-cobby-killer-michael-murphy-dead/10836460

https://www.reddit.com/r/TrueCrimeDiscussion/comments/r6570q/heartbreaking_case_of_anita_cobby/

https://www.sbs.com.au/news/article/timeline-the-murder-of-sydney-nurse-anita-cobby/j9f9oq405

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Today, Cam and Jen are thrilled to share a special episode from our friends at The Final Trace, a true crime podcast that digs into chilling disappearances, cold cases, and mysteries that still leave us searching for answers.

You might remember Hopper from when he joined us on Our True Crime Podcast. We absolutely loved having him on, and we know you all did too! Hopper and his co-host, McKenzie, have built a great show together, and we want to make sure you get a chance to listen to it.

The episode you're about to hear covers the tragic story of Lisa McCracken.

Kind, outgoing, and only 19 years old, Lisa McCracken had her entire life ahead of her when she was murdered inside her North 6th Street apartment. For decades, her killer remained in the shadows while the case went cold. Science eventually brought the truth to light years later, but even a name couldn't answer every lingering question about what really happened. Hopper and McKenzie release new episodes every True Crime Tuesday. Once you've listened, head over to your favorite podcast app, search for The Final Trace Podcast, and hit subscribe so you never miss an episode.

Jen and Cam will be back this Wednesday with another brand-new, listener-requested episode!

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In March of 1987, Sheila Washington was walking near East Colfax Avenue, which was once dubbed the “longest, wickedest street in America," when a stranger in a blue Concord offered her a ride. That afternoon turned into a fight for survival when he tried to strangle her, exposing 34-year-old Vincent Darrell Groves: a prolific yet largely unknown Colorado serial killer.

Decades later, dedicated cold case units and modern DNA testing are finally holding him accountable for a long list of cold cases and bringing long-overdue answers to grieving families.

Join Jen and Cam as they piece together the many cold cases and DNA evidence that finally brought Vincent Darrell Groves to light. Our team:

Listener Discretion by ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Edward October ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Research & Writing by Lauretta Allen

Executive Producers Nico & Jesse of⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠The Inky Pawprint⁠⁠⁠

Sources:

The Story of Serial Killer Vincent Darrell Groves | They Will Kill You

True Crime: Vincent Darrell Groves, The East Colfax Strangler - Rooster Magazine

People v. Groves :: 1992 :: Colorado Court of Appeals Decisions :: Colorado Case Law :: Colorado Law :: U.S. Law :: Justia

DNA evidence links Colorado woman’s murder to one of state’s most ‘prolific serial killers’ 40 years later | The Independent

The Colfax Serial Killer: Vincent Darrell Groves Colored Red | iHeart

Vincent Groves - Wikipedia

(1) The Denver Body Dump Killer | Unidentified Serial Killer | Free Full Documentary - YouTube

Mar 23, 1989, page 4 - The Daily Sentinel at Newspapers.com™

Sep 03, 1988, page 10 - The Daily Sentinel at Newspapers.com™

Article From Aug 02, 1996, page 12 - Pueblo Chieftain at Newspapers.com™

Article From Dec 30, 1988, page 11 - The Daily Sentinel at Newspapers.com™

Aug 06, 1989, page 14 - The Daily Sentinel at Newspapers.com™

Article From May 27, 1990, page 14 - The Daily Sentinel at Newspapers.com™

Jul 11, 1986, page 8 - The Daily Sentinel at Newspapers.com™ makes appearance at school to talk about staying straight.

Article From Mar 09, 2012, page 5 - Fort Collins Coloradoan at Newspapers.com™

Vincent Darrell Groves | Murderpedia, the encyclopedia of murderers

Colorado cold case linked to one of the state's 'most prolific serial killers' nearly four decades later

Vincent Groves — Grokipedia

Denver - Wikipedia

Colfax Avenue - Wikipedia

Diane Montoya-Mancera (1962-1988) - Find a Grave Memorial

Nearly Four Decades Later, the 1987 Murder of Rhonda Marie Fisher Has Been Solved - Douglas County Sheriff's Office

Deceased serial killer linked to murders of 4 Colorado women – The Denver Post

Melanie Suzanne Cooley. | Another Bundy Blog.

Peggy A Cuff (1959-1979) - Find a Grave Memorial

Chasing A Ghost - 5280

Norma Jean Halford – The Charley Project

Joyce Ellen Ramey (1955-1979) - Find a Grave Memorial

Microsoft Word - 79-521903.Ramey

Jeanette Louise Baca (1960-1978) - Find a Grave Memorial

Baca, Jeannette Louise - Homicide • Jefferson County, CO

Zabra Ann Miller Mason (1968-1987) - Find a Grave Memorial

Colorado Cold Case Files - Case Detail: Zabra Mason

Colorado Cold Case Files - Case Detail: Cynthia Boyd

Cynthia Mae Boyd (1960-1980) - Find a Grave Memorial

Juanita Becky Lovato (1968-1988) - Find a Grave Memorial

Serial killers worked Denver streets from ’75 to ’95, police say – The Denver Post

Billy Edwin Reid - Wikipedia

DNA links prolific serial killer to 1981 murder of girl, 17, in Aurora – The Denver Post

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In this special episode, Jen and Cam talk with Jackie and Jenna from Stop, Who Does That?! about the tragic and frustrating murder of Joy Hayward.

After checking into a hotel room following an argument with her boyfriend, Joy Hayward was found strangled in her bathroom bathtub.

What seemed like an isolated yet horrifying crime took a dramatic turn when DNA evidence linked her killer to a nearby attempted sexual assault just months later.

Despite composite sketches, a matching DNA profile, and a $25,000 reward, Joy's killer remains unidentified and at large.

Make sure you subscribe to Jenna and Jackie's podcast Stop, Who Does That?! Available wherever you listen to podcasts.

If you have any information, please call

Chester Police Department at (610)447-7931 

Email: [email protected] 

SIGN THE PETITION: https://www.change.org/p/justice-for-joy-hayward-dna-testing-unsolved-murder-investigation

Email:  Grace Bowen, Joy's sister [email protected]

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It started with two dog bowls.

On the morning of October 15, 2011, in Philadelphia's quiet Tacony neighborhood, 71-year-old landlord Turgut Gozleveli descended into the basement of the brick building he helped maintain. But that morning, something felt wrong.

The basement was darker than usual. Several lightbulbs had been unscrewed, leaving the room in near darkness.   Two stainless steel dog dishes sat side by side beneath a small table. Pets weren't allowed in the building. He asked the tenants if anyone was feeding a dog. Everyone said no.

Two days later, the bowls were still there. Uneasy, Gozleveli grabbed a flashlight and returned to the basement. He made his way to the building's long-abandoned furnace room. The door was wrapped in a chain. He unlooped it and pulled the door open.

The smell hit him first.  His flashlight revealed a dirt floor littered with scraps of food, filthy blankets, and a bucket overflowing with human waste, and then something moved beneath one of the quilts.

When Gozleveli lifted the blanket, he recoiled. A man and a woman lay curled together, gaunt and wide-eyed.

"Get the hell out of here," he shouted, assuming they were squatters.

They weren't.

Join Cam and Jen on this episode entitled 'Philly House of Horrors: Linda Weston.’

Listener discretion by @octoberpodVHS

All music and editing is by @theinkypawprint

Sources:

https://www.justice.gov/archives/opa/file/768726/dl?inline=

https://www.cbsnews.com/philadelphia/news/judge-drops-one-lesser-charge-in-tacony-basement-of-horror-kidnap-case/

https://abc7.com/archive/8399941/

https://whyy.org/articles/leaders-daughter-in-tacony-dungeon-case-sentenced/

https://www.cbsnews.com/philadelphia/news/self-described-preacher-sentenced-to-27-years-in-prison-in-basement-of-horrors-case/

https://www.cbsnews.com/philadelphia/news/2013-in-review-feds-take-over-phila-basement-of-horrors-case/

https://www.cbsnews.com/philadelphia/news/federal-charges-announced-in-tacony-basement-of-horrors-case/

https://www.cbsnews.com/philadelphia/news/guilty-plea-in-tacony-basement-of-horrors-case-to-avoid-death-penalty/

https://www.cbsnews.com/philadelphia/news/former-neighbor-of-linda-weston-searching-for-little-l/

https://news.sky.com/story/mum-who-starved-victims-in-dungeon-gets-life-10340529

https://oig.ssa.gov/news-releases/2015-09-10-audits-and-investigations-investigations-sept9-weston-guilty-plea/

https://www.cnn.com/2011/10/21/justice/pennsylvania-disabled-chained

https://www.courthousenews.com/new-claim-in-philadelphia-horror-case/

https://www.fbi.gov/contact-us/field-offices/philadelphia/news/press-releases/woman-who-held-disabled-adults-captive-in-subhuman-conditions-sentenced-to-life-plus-80-years-in-prison

https://www.aetv.com/articles/linda-ann-weston-kidnapping

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Philadelphia_basement_kidnapping

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Thank you to Fabi, our fantastic tour guide in Italy, for suggesting this case. I apologize in advance for any mispronunciations.

When 13-year-old Yara Gambirasio vanished on a freezing November night in Brembate di Sopra, it kicked off a heartbreaking search that ended months later in a desolate field.

What started as a devastating local tragedy snowballed into an absolutely unprecedented investigation. Investigators tested the DNA of twenty-two thousand people: a massive undertaking that accidentally blew the lid off decades of deeply buried family secrets across northern Italy. At the same time, authorities hunted down "Unknown 1" and eventually arrested Massimo Bossetti.

Even now, the lingering forensic questions make some wonder if justice was actually served.

Join Jen and Cam as they unravel the twisted genetic mystery of Bloodlines: The Murder of Yara Gambirasio.

Our team:

Listener Discretion by ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Edward October ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Research & Writing by Lauretta Allen

Executive Producers Nico & Jesse of ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠The Inky Pawprint⁠⁠

Sources:

The murder that has obsessed Italy | Italy | The Guardian (excellent, detailed article)

Murder of Yara Gambirasio - Wikipedia

DNA evidence and family secrets snare Italian child murderer | Italy | The Guardian

A Murder That Shook Italy — Yara Gambirasio | by Sandeep Dahiya | Medium

The Yara Gambirasio case: Combining evidence in a complex DNA mixture case - ScienceDirect

https://youtu.be/dCCCly69C-E?si=qMECDKDyiF0mdotq

Netflix: Beyond Reasonable Doubt (is a five-episode breakdown of the case. It leans very much in the direction that Massimo is innocent.)

Jul 27, 2014, page 6 - The Bulletin at Newspapers.com™

Jan 20, 2015, page 22 - Belfast Telegraph at Newspapers.com™ - Newspapers.com™

Jan 17, 2015, page T8-01 - Irish Independent at Newspapers.com™

https://youtu.be/gUXmoYYMDT8?si=7mWnM9UL0UuOBiMH

Lombardy - Wikipedia

Brembate di Sopra - Wikipedia

Northern Italy Vs Southern Italy Culture Guide 2024 - DID SOMEONE SAY ITALY

The Murder Mystery Solved by DNA From the Back of a Postage Stamp - Newsweek

Yara Gambirasio: Most Expensive Murder Investigation in Italian History - HubPages

The Unyielding Claim of Innocence

Chimera (genetics) - Wikipedia

YARA GAMBIRASIO - A MYSTERIOUS PREDATOR and the SECRET of the church

Yara case, Saviano: "They have never investigated the company of the boss's son, disturbing"

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