Elisabeth Fritzl endured an unimaginable reality for years, trapped and tormented by the very person who was supposed to protect her—her father. Waking up every day in that dark, suffocating basement, being graped time and time again, questioning whether she would ever see the light of day again or if another one of her children would die in such a place. You would lose every bit of hope, thinking theres no way out; no one even knows your down there… 
The psychological weight she carried is unfathomable. Listen to this episode to hear the story.

*Listener discretion is advised due to the disturbing nature of this episode's content, which includes explicit descriptions of child sexual abuse and other disturbing details.


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Mark Twitchell was a film enthusiast with big ambitions, but those ambitions took a dark and disturbing turn. Beneath his passion for movies was something much more sinister, and it didn’t take long for those dark desires to surface. Wearing a hockey mask and armed with duct tape, a fake gun, and a taser baton, Mark set a trap in a garage he had rented to film a movie, prepared to look like a crime scene, complete with plastic sheeting, but it was actually a kill room.

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This episode contains discussions of sensitive topics, including sexual violence, child exploitation, psychological abuse, and relatable topics. We strongly advise listeners to exercise discretion.


Victims of exploitation aren’t always bound by physical restraints—they’re trapped by psychological abuse, fear, and manipulation, as perpetrators use our systemic failures to their advantage. In this special episode, we step away from our usual content to shed light on a devistating reality: the estimated 15 million children impacted by sexual exploitation in the U.S. In this episode we will look into Jessa Dillow Crisp’s story, who is now a co-founder of Bridge Hope, and a strong advocate for survivors and the many challenges many victims face.

Hotlines for Immediate Support

• 
  National Human Trafficking Hotline (U.S.):
  Call: 1-888-373-7888
  Text: 233733
  
  
• 
  National Sexual Assault Hotline (U.S.):
  Call: 1-800-656-HOPE (4673)
  
  

Survivor Story and Support

• 
  Jessa Dillow Crisp's Experience:
  YouTube Video
  
  
• 
  Jessa Dillow Crisp's Website:
  Bloomify Community
  
  

Government Resources

• 
  US Department of Justice on Human Trafficking:
  What is human trafficking?
  
  

Organizations Fighting Trafficking and Exploitation

• 
  Empower the Fight (Child Exploitation Awareness):
  What is child sex trafficking?
  
  

Training and Education

• 
  Training: Watchful Eye
  Title: Safeguarding Children from Sex Abuse & Exploitation
  Access Training Here: https://risingsteps.thinkific.com/courses/watch

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This episode contains graphic descriptions of violence and strong language that may not be suitable for all listeners. Listener discretion is strongly advised.

At 6:43 a.m. on Tuesday, May 5, 2009, Detective Justin Barlow’s phone rang. On the other end was his neighbor, Christopher Coleman sounding anxious. He had just returned from the gym and couldn’t get his wife, Sheri, to answer the phone. Something wasn’t right. That call would set off an investigation that would uncover one of the most chilling family tragedies in Columbia, Illinois. A small town located near St. Louis Missouri. The family of four: Chris Coleman Sheri,who were highschool sweet hearts and their two sons 9 year old Gavin and 11 year old Garrett were living in a two-story house located in a suburban neighborhood. 

Links to check out:

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK549867/#:~:text=Rigor%20mortis%20appears%20approximately%202,after%20death)%20and%20then%20disappears. 

If you or someone you know is struggling, please remember that help is available. You can reach out to the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline by calling or texting 988, or visiting 988lifeline.org for support. 

Kids can be cruel at a young age, and as we know even adults. It seems like over time, bullying has evolved, extending its reach beyond the schoolyard or around the local town to the world of online harassment where indivusals can hide behind their screen and really, say or do whatever, with out any real consequences. Statistics show that an estimated 160,000 children skip school every day because of fear—an alarming reminder of the emotional toll bullying takes.


Links you need to check out: 
https://www.change.org/p/tell-congress-to-enact-anti-bullying-legislation-in-honor-of-10-year-old-sammy-teusch

https://www.gofundme.com/f/the-wyatt-family-legal-fees

https://www.amandatoddlegacy.org/

How to navigate bullying: https://hside.org/connection-between-bullying-and-suicide/#Types

This story highlights the importance of taking domestic violence seriously. Please be warned of the graphic nature of this episode may be triggering, and if you feel like your in a situation similar, contact the domestic abuse hotline to get help. Text BEGIN to 88788.


On August 27, 2015, a horrifying act of violence shattered the peaceful, upscale planned community in St. Augustine, Florida. In this shocking true crime story, Amanda Cloaninger-Colley and Lindy Dobbins were tragically killed during a brutal shooting in Amanda’s home, leaving five young children motherless and a community reeling in disbelief.


This episode delves into the harrowing 911 call, where a desperate voice pleads for police as gunshots echo in the background. We explore the details of that tragic night, the fallout that tore two families apart, and the chilling reality that gripped the affluent World Golf Village community. Join us as we uncover the events that led to this unimaginable crime and the impact it left on St. Johns County.


The National Domestic Violence Hotline offers 24/7 confidential support for those affected by domestic violence. Trained advocates provide assistance with safety planning, resources, and local connections.


Call 1-800-799-7233  or text "begin" to 88788.  For more info, visit thehotline.org.


Amanda Cloaninger Family & Memorial (Go Fund Me) https://gofund.me/ce8ba28e 

As Halloween approaches and the leaves change, it's the perfect time to explore one of the most controversial and notorious haunted attractions: McKamey Manor. Known as the most extreme haunted house experience, McKamey Manor has been pushing the boundaries of fear since 2001. Originally, it started as a backyard haunt in a quiet San Diego neighborhood, with the classic jump scares and eerie sounds we all expect. But over time, McKamey Manor transformed into something much darker—a psychological endurance test designed to push people to their limits, both mentally and physically.

Reports detail participants enduring grueling challenges, often leaving with bloody faces, broken bones, and swollen lips—not to mention the lasting psychological effects. What began as a spooky attraction evolved into an intense and controversial experience, sparking debates on the limits of horror and personal endurance. This week, we're taking you inside McKamey Manor to see what lies beyond the fear.

Interesting Links to check out:

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In the heart of Michigan, a young girl named Calista Springer was reportably living in a world filled with mental and physical abuse at the hands of two adults who were referred as her parents. At the time of her death she was chained to her bed, left to die, unable to be freed- inside of a house where she was horribly treated, flames overtook the house as Calista struggled to escape the smoke that filled her lungs, struggling at every breath, knowing her fate. knowing no one would come save her from this evil torturous death. Because for years, its always been brushed under the rug.

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In this episode, uncover the chilling events of March 19, 2024, in Brandon, Mississippi, where a seemingly normal family facade crumbles. Fourteen-year-old Carly Gregg finds herself at the heart of a tragic confrontation that leads to the unthinkable: the death of her mother, Ashley Smylie. With high expectations weighing heavily on her, Carly struggles to conceal her secret life from her loving mother. Join us as we delve into the complexities of this devastating case.

Ashley Nicole Smylie’s Obituary: Read more at: https://www.vicksburgpost.com/2024/03/26/ashley-nicole-smylie/

This week, we're revisiting the tragic and unsolved murders of Keyona Griffin and Cherletta Baber-Bey. Long-time Crime Salad listeners may recall this heartbreaking case, but I feel deeply compelled to keep their story alive, as justice has yet to be served for them and their family. Before we dive in, please be aware that this episode contains graphic details that may be disturbing. Listener discretion is advised.

The Grand Rapids Police Department released a statement saying, “We need the community’s help locating Derrell Demon Brown, who is wanted in the homicides of Keyona Griffin and Cherletta Baber-Bay. Derrell is 47 years old, 5’8 and 180 pounds. He could be in the Columbus, Ohio, Milwaukee, Wisconsin, or Atlanta, Georgia areas. Call police at 616-456-2400 with any information."

https://www.usmarshals.gov/what-we-do/fugitive/15-most-wanted/derrell-brown

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This is part 2 and the completion of this story that takes place in Oak Ridge, Tennessee. Find out what comes to the surface once Rebecca Dishman tells Sean Finnigan’s dark secrets and how it all led to a gruesome, haunting discovery that was happening right next door. 

*Listener discretion advised*

The following episode discusses graphic details of torture, abuse, and murder that may be distressing to some listeners. We encourage you to use caution and prioritize your well-being while listening. 

If you or someone you know is affected by issues of violence or abuse, there is help:

www.thehotline.org

Find Local Resources:

https://www.thehotline.org/get-help/domestic-violence-local-resources/

Call 1.800.799.SAFE (7233)

Text "START" to 88788 Msg & Data Rates May Apply. Text STOP to opt out.

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