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Recorded live at Henry's Majestic, November 7th. Could a deadly mistake lead to an unsolved mystery that plagued a community for over a decade? On Thanksgiving Day 1985, a tragic bombing shattered the hopes of the Blount family, who had recently moved to Lake Worth, Texas. While they anticipated a warm holiday gathering, a mysterious black briefcase turned their lives upside down. Only the mother and son survived the catastrophic explosion, leaving investigators to grapple with questions of intent and identity. Was it a botched attempt on a different target, or did Joe Blount's past hold the key to understanding this senseless act?

Join us as we unravel the complex investigation that followed this heartbreaking event. Forensic experts initially considered alternative explanations, from propane accidents to drug-related mishaps, before confirming the briefcase held a deadly bomb. The lack of clear motives and evidence created significant hurdles for investigators, who were faced with a tangled web of possible suspects and theories. We scrutinize the controversial conviction and later exoneration of Michael Toney, whose life was forever changed by a justice system that faltered under the weight of scant and unreliable evidence.

Our episode also confronts the unsettling reality that the Blount family might have been innocent bystanders in a criminal plot gone awry. We explore theories involving a local jeweler and meth dealer, whose illicit dealings may have inadvertently drawn danger to an unsuspecting family's doorstep. This haunting case serves as a sobering reminder of life's uncertainties and the unexpected threats that can disrupt ordinary lives. With insights from surviving family members and seasoned investigators, we invite you to ponder the lingering questions that continue to overshadow this chilling unsolved mystery.

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What connects an exquisite Estate Merlot with the ghostly tales of Texas? Join us as we toast to four glorious years of Texas Wine and True Crime, celebrating with our listeners and supporters who've made our journey unforgettable. We're thrilled to announce our upcoming live show in Fredericksburg at Longhorn Cellars, where you can join us for a unique wine tasting paired with riveting true crime stories. As we sip on this delightful Merlot, we also reminisce about our memorable collaborations and share exciting events lined up for the rest of the year. Our hearts are full of gratitude for the venues and individuals who've been with us every step of the way.

Embark on a spine-chilling exploration of Texas's haunted history, from the Lady of the Lake's chilling whispers at White Rock Lake to the ghostly halls of Yorktown Memorial Hospital. Jefferson, Texas, reveals its haunted secrets, even giving famed horror writer Stephen King a shiver. Discover surprising ties between the Thornton family's legacy in Dallas and the troubling trends in Highland Park's justice system. From judicial roles to unsettling leniency, we unravel how these connections echo through Dallas's political corridors, offering a compelling narrative that intertwines the supernatural with the shadows of history.

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What happens when familial bonds are stretched to the breaking point by secrets and betrayal? In this gripping episode, we unravel the tragic case of Ted Shaughnessy, whose life was abruptly ended in a crime that shocked Austin, Texas. Joined by Teri from "True Crime and Wine Time," we explore the chilling involvement of Ted's adoptive son, Nick, and his secret daughter-in-law, Jackie. Discover the turbulent paths that led these young conspirators from a Russian orphanage to the heart of a murder-for-hire plot, influenced by their tangled web of young love, desperation, and misplaced priorities.

We'll delve into the consequences of their actions, from the sophisticated use of home security systems to the unraveling of an elaborate conspiracy. As we dissect the investigation, learn how deleted videos and suspicious behaviors paved the way for legal revelations. The story takes a turn into the tragic dynamics of the Shaughnessy family, examining the emotional turmoil faced by Ted's widow, Corey, as she grapples with the shocking betrayal of those she held dear. The community's initial support for Nick, seen as a successor to his father's business, adds another layer to this complex narrative.

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Is justice truly served when new evidence is ignored? Our latest episode challenges the integrity of the legal system as we scrutinize the controversial case of Robert Roberson, a Texas death row inmate who faces execution despite emerging evidence suggesting a wrongful conviction. With serious gaps in the initial diagnosis of Shaken Baby Syndrome, leading figures now question their past conclusions, casting doubt on the very foundation of Roberson’s conviction. We explore the unsettling reality of how the justice system handles such cases, and the implications of the 2013 junk science law.

The relentless pursuit of truth by the Texas Innocence Project brings into sharp focus the biases and systemic flaws that can plague legal proceedings. As they battle for a reevaluation of Roberson’s case, we uncover the emotional complexities involved, including the possible misinterpretation of his autistic behavior by medical staff. With the Texas Board of Pardons and Paroles upholding the execution, the discussion turns to broader themes of due process and the urgent need for reform.

Amidst these heavy discussions, we offer a moment of warmth and reflection, sharing our experience of pairing a rich Alicante Boucher wine with a comforting homemade chili, as the first cold snap of the season sets in. This episode not only highlights the critical importance of pursuing truth and justice but also finds moments of solace and humanity in the face of life's injustices. Join us as we balance the weight of these vital issues with a shared commitment to truth and compassion.

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Unlock the secrets behind wrongful convictions as we question whether personal details should ever cloud a quest for justice. Join us on a captivating journey through the Texas Innocence Project's crucial work in re-examining evidence and advocating for those who might be wrongfully incarcerated. Through this episode, we spotlight their collaboration with Longhorn Cellars and the complex case of Scott Peterson as examples of the challenging paths to uncovering truth amidst uncertainty.

Experience the chilling narrative of the 2005 murders of Dennis and Norma Woodruff in Royce City, Texas. We unravel the investigation that cast their son, Brandon, into the spotlight, scrutinizing his secret life and the potential biases it introduced. With a mix of intriguing testimonies, missing weapons, and a blood-stained dagger, we question the fairness of using personal lifestyles as a motive in legal proceedings, especially in small-town settings where prejudices may run deep.

As the Texas Innocence Project takes on Brandon Woodruff’s case, we explore their efforts to challenge the original investigation and the potential for new evidence to reshape his fate. Through discussions on untested hair samples and intriguing interview demeanor, we highlight the importance of thoroughness in the pursuit of justice. This episode promises an eye-opening exploration of how societal attitudes can impact legal outcomes and the ongoing fight for fairness in the courtroom.

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Tonight, we discuss the murder of Viki Lozano at the hands of her husband, Bobby Lozano. Bobby was a Denton police officer in 2002 when he found his wife lying on their bed with a gunshot wound to the chest. He tells his fellow officers, the Texas Rangers, and his family, that what happened to Viki was probably an accident. Because of favoritism, inaccuracies, and possible perjury, Bobby was released and not charged with Viki's death. Things changed six years later when Bobby was rearrested, and charged with the murder of his wife. 

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This week we are joined by Victoria, a then 7 year old victim to a family hostage situation that could've ended terribly. We are going to discuss this scary, bizarre, murderous incident in University Park, TX. This quiet, wealthy area of Dallas is the last place you would see an innocent woman being gunned down as she is delivering her morning papers at 3 AM. After the shooting, the suspect, Walter Lewis Perryman, will then enter a judge's home, and hold the family hostage. What Lew Perryman doesn't know is that Victoria and her mother are hiding in a tiny bedroom closet hoping the heavily armed Perryman won't find them. Victoria, you are a brave warrior, and your story is going to touch a lot of lives. 

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Tonight we are joined by We Know Texas Vino host, Will Donahue. We dot down and discuss the death of Glenn Patrick Felts, the owner of La Kiva Bar in Terlingua, Texas. Felts was found dead in the parking lot of his bar on February 4, 2014. Tony Flint was charged with first-degree murder in Felts' death, but was found not guilty in May 2015. Did Tony get away with murder? You decide.

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This week we discuss a case over a hundred years old that is still considered unsolved. Abby and Andrew Borden were killed with a hatchet in their home while their daughter Lizzie was at home, also at home during the crime was the maid, Bridget Sullivan. Police quickly determine that this must be an inside job. Lizzie is arrested, put on trial for the murders, and then found not guilty by a jury of 12 men.  The courtroom erupts into cheer. Back in the 1890's did they want to believe a woman could not have committed such a heinous murder. Or, did Lizzie pull off the perfect murder. You decide!

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Caleb Harris disappeared on March 4th, and his body was found over three months later on June 24th. His badly decomposed body was found in a sewage system, that had been previously searched. It wasn't until the tropical storm hit the city, and that's when Caleb's remains were discovered. 

What we don't know is how did Caleb end up underground in the wastewater system. Did he fall? Was he being his adventurous self and exploring when there was an accident? A partially covered manhole was discovered 600 feet from where Caleb took the foggy bridge picture. Does that manhole have something to do with his disappearance? Or, did he meetup with someone and was murdered. 

It seems the family and police feel differently at the moment about what might have happened to Caleb. Randy, his father, does not hide the fact that he believes someone murdered his son. The police, they believe this was a terrible accident and he might have fallen down the partially covered manhole. 

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Donna Marie Miller is the author of  Texas Secessionists Standoff; the 1997 Republic of Texas "War,” (2023.) A real-life drama that unfolds involving the Republic of Texas antigovernment militia, otherwise known as ROT. 

Richard Lance McLaren, (self-proclaimed) “ambassador” for the ROT claimed that Texas was illegally annexed in 1845 by the United States. McLaren, since the early 1990s operated what he called the ROT “embassy” within the Davis Mountains in West Texas. Jo Ann Canady Turner, 54, meets McLaren, and a ripple effect of arrests, jail time, and hostages lie ahead. 

Donna’s freelance articles have appeared in Alternate Root, Americana Rhythm, Austin Food, Austin Monthly, Cowgirl, Creative Screenwriting, Elmore, Fiddler, No Depression (Music,) Texas Highways, and former Third Coast magazines. Early in her professional writing career she worked nine years as anewspaper reporter covering general assignment, entertainment and crime beats at three Texas daily newspapers including The El Paso Herald-Post, The El Paso Times, and The Amarillo Globe-News. Miller also taught secondary level journalism courses for 24 years in the Amarillo, Austin, El Paso, Eanes, and Manor school districts before retiring from teaching in 2013. Currently she is collaborating with film producer Cynthia Uhrich to write a television series adaptation of her 2023 nonfiction true crime book. 

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