On the night of February 17, 2025, a desperate 32-year-old man risked everything to escape the nightmare he had been trapped in for years. His prison? A locked room in an unassuming house in Waterbury, Connecticut—a place that had become his personal dungeon. Starved, abused, and neglected for years, he weighed a mere 68 pounds—less than the average 10-year-old child.
With no way out and no hope left, he made a decision that could either free him or kill him—he set the house on fire. Using only a lighter, hand sanitizer, and paper, he ignited the flames that would determine his fate. His life-or-death gamble set off a terrifying race between the Waterbury Fire Department and the raging fire trapping him inside.
When firefighters arrived at 8:40 PM, they fought to control the flames and rescue the man still inside. But when they finally entered the house, they found something even more horrifying than the fire—a skeletal, barely alive man, covered in filth, with rotting teeth and matted hair. He had survived not just the fire but years of unimaginable cruelty at the hands of his captor—his stepmother, Kimberly Sullivan.
While Kimberly had managed to flee the burning house, her stepson had been left behind, just as he had been for years. But on this night, he finally escaped—not just the flames, but the horrors of his captivity.
The fire had nearly killed him, but in the end, it was what set him free.


If you're worried a child may be experiencing abuse, help is available. Contact the Childhelp National Child Abuse Hotline by calling or texting 800-422-4453, or visit childhelphotline.org to chat with a live crisis counselor. They're available 24/7 to listen, offer support, and guide you on the next steps. You don't have to face this alone — someone is always ready to help.

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In this gripping episode, we delve into the tragic story of Adan Manzano, a 27-year-old sports reporter for Telemundo Kansas City, who was found dead in his New Orleans hotel room on February 5, 2025, while covering Super Bowl LIX. Surveillance footage revealed that Adan was last seen with Danette Colbert, infamously known as the "Bourbon Street Hustler," who has a notorious history of fraud and theft. Authorities suspect that Colbert may have drugged Adan to facilitate a robbery, as similar accusations have been made against her in the past. This episode explores the events leading up to Adan's untimely death, the ongoing investigation, and the broader implications of such crimes in vibrant cities like New Orleans. Join us as we uncover the details of this heartbreaking case and discuss the measures travelers can take to protect themselves from similar dangers.


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It’s been nearly fifteen years since Tanya Zuvers last saw her three sons—Andrew, Alexander, and Tanner Skelton. But instead of a long-awaited reunion, she’s now standing in a Lenawee County probate courtroom in Michigan, alongside her attorney, making a request that no parent should ever have to make: Tanya has come before the court to petition for her children, who would now be adults, to be declared legally unalived.

After years of searching, hoping, and fearing—it’s an acknowledgment of the unthinkable. A declaration that her children, who vanished under the care of their father in 2010, are never coming home.

This is the story of the Skelton brothers—a story of loss, unanswered questions, and a fight for justice. 


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A middle-aged man with graying hair leaned against his balcony railing, taking in the familiar seaside view. The waves crashed gently against the shore, a sight he had admired for years. He let out a quiet chuckle, bringing a thick cigar to his lips. The rich smoke curled into the evening air as he grinned to himself—satisfied but not free from the past.

Join Ashley and Ricky as they conclude Stolen Betrayal: The Life and Tragedy of Lita McClinton, Part 3. In this final chapter, we will unravel the shocking truth behind a story of love, deception, and ultimate betrayal. Will Lita and her family ever get justice? Don’t miss the gripping conclusion to this unforgettable case.

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Crime House True Crime Stories is the ultimate destination for true crime fans. Every episode features two notorious cases from that week in crime history, connected by a common theme—infamous serial killers, mysterious disappearances, tragic murders, and more. Every Monday, host Vanessa Richardson uncovers the full stories behind the headlines, taking you through high-profile investigations like the murder of Gabby Petito, the kidnapping of Elizabeth Smart, and the mass suicide of the Heaven's Gate cult.

Follow Crime House True Crime Stories—a Crime House Original—wherever you listen to podcasts.

On January 3rd, 1971, sixteen-year-old Angela Brandt was curled up in front of her family’s new color TV, getting settled back into their home located in Fort Wayne, Indiana, after having spent two weeks vacationing in Florida. 

That evening, Angela and her family were watching the TV show, The FBI. "Unknown Victim," Season 6, Episode 16, just aired. An episode where kidnappers abduct a young woman, mistakenly believing she is the daughter of a millionaire. In reality, she is the daughter of a middle-class couple who was driving a car that belonged to the intended victim.

While engrossed in the show, Angela had no idea that, all too soon, she was about to live through a horrific ordeal—one that she had only ever heard about.

After the show, Angela went up to her room to read. Her mother, who was pregnant, Isla Brandt, ran a bath and started reading Time magazine. While her father, Herbert Brandt, was shaving. The night seemed like any other as the family went about their typical, nightly routines. 

That is until the quiet stillness of the casual night was shattered in an instant—when gunshots echoed through the house. 

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In Part 2 of Stolen Betrayal: The Life and Tragedy of Lita McClinton, we dive into the twisted motives, the hired hitman, and the decades-long pursuit of justice for a woman who deserved so much more.

Power, greed, and a cold-blooded plan.

Jim Sullivan, a wealthy businessman with everything to lose, was hundreds of miles away in Florida when his estranged wife, Lita McClinton, answered the door to what should have been an ordinary delivery. Instead, she met a bullet. The brutal murder was no random act—it was orchestrated with chilling precision by a man who refused to let go.


Fueled by greed and an unchecked ego, Sullivan’s desire for control didn’t end with divorce papers. He wanted Lita erased. But how did he pull off a murder from another state? And how did investigators finally unravel the tangled web of deception?

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Lita Gail McClinton was the embodiment of grace, ambition, and charm—a young woman deeply loved by her family and admired in Atlanta’s elite social circles. But beneath the surface of her seemingly perfect life, a storm was brewing.

In this first part of our two-part series, we explore Lita’s supportive upbringing, her whirlwind romance with a wealthy man, and the red flags that signaled trouble ahead. What started as a fairytale soon turned into something far more sinister. As Lita fought for love, respect, and independence, she had no idea that the battle she was fighting would lead to a devastating betrayal.

What happens when love turns into control? When trust becomes manipulation? And when warning signs are overlooked—until it’s too late?

Join us as we unravel the untold story of Lita McClinton, a woman caught in a dangerous web of love and deception—one that would ultimately change her life forever.

Keywords:
Lita McClinton story, Atlanta socialite mystery, Lita McClinton husband, James Sullivan marriage, true crime Atlanta, high-profile crime case, toxic relationship warning signs, love and betrayal, Crime Salad podcast


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In 1986, Nancy Daugherty’s life was stolen, leaving behind a haunting mystery that stretched on for decades. With no leads and DNA testing providing no matches, her case went cold—until an unexpected forensic breakthrough in 2020 changed everything. Investigators finally had a name, but now, years after his conviction, the man accused of her murder is fighting for a fair trial.

Join us as we dive into the details of Nancy’s case, the groundbreaking role of genetic genealogy, and the legal battle that could alter the course of justice. This is a story of loss, resilience, and the relentless pursuit of the truth.

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On the evening of August 2, 2015, at a Speedway gas station near Columbus, Ohio, life changed forever for 31-year-old Judy Malinowski. What started as an ordinary summer night ended in horror when her then-boyfriend, Michael Slager, committed an unthinkable act of violence.

This episode dives deep into the chilling events of that night, the devastating impact of domestic violence, Judy’s courageous fight for justice, and the inception of Ohio’s “Judy’s Law,” which enforces harsher penalties for those who commit such heinous crimes.

Join Crime Salad as they explore the details of Judy’s heartbreaking yet inspiring journey and the legacy she left behind in the battle against intimate partner violence.

Please be advised that this episode comes with a few trigger warnings. This narration includes descriptions of domestic violence, substance abuse, disfigurement, and death.


Domestic Violence: Ways to Get Help
National Domestic Violence Hotline: 800-799-7233
SMS: Text  “START” to 88788
National Resource Center on Domestic Violence: www.nrcdv.org
Warning Signs of Domestic Violence: www.wadvocates.org
Recognizing the Patterns of Domestic Violence: www.mayoclinic.org
Common Questions About Sexual Assault: https://florinroebig.com/sexual-assault-guide/


Struggling with addiction? Help is available  
SAMHSA Helpline:
1-800-662-HELP (4357)
You can also text your ZIP code to 435748 to find treatment resources near you.
Visit their website at samhsa.gov for more information.

This helpline is available 24/7, 365 days a year, offering free and confidential assistance for individuals and families facing substance use disorders. They can connect you with treatment centers, support groups, and other local resources.


Struggling with Mental Health
If you or someone you know is struggling with mental health, help is available. In the U.S., you can call or text 988, the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline, for free, confidential support 24/7.

For more resources, visit 988lifeline.org to chat with a trained counselor and find additional support options.


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In this chilling episode, we unravel the infamous Sharon Nelson murder case, a tale of deceit, betrayal, and fatal ambition set in Trinidad, Colorado. After the crushed remnants of Perry Nelson’s VW are discovered, questions about his disappearance lead to shocking revelations and even another victim. Sharon Nelson, caught in a tangled web of lies and an affair with Gary Adams, becomes the center of a Colorado love triangle murder investigation. Was this a case of insurance fraud and murder plot, or a deadly game of control? Whatever the case may be, one thing is for sure, stay away from a black widow murderer. 


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