Shows
Front Porch Mysteries with Carole TownsendMalice Aforethought: The Susan Smith MurdersA mother's desperate claim that her two young sons were kidnapped by a carjacker unravels into one of the most shocking murder cases in South Carolina history. The Susan Smith case reveals how a web of lies, inconsistencies, and a devastating confession led to the discovery of a premeditated crime that shocked the nation.• Susan Smith reported her sons Michael (3) and Alex (14 months) were taken during a carjacking on October 25, 1994• For nine days, America watched as Susan and her husband David made tearful pleas on national television• Investigators noticed troubling inconsistencies in Susan's story, including speaki...2025-03-1427 min
Front Porch Mysteries with Carole TownsendThe Missing Sodder ChildrenOn Christmas morning in 1945, a family's holiday joy shattered when flames consumed their home and five children mysteriously vanished. The Sodder family of Fayetteville, West Virginia, faced unthinkable tragedy that sparked theories of conspiracy and kidnapping. Starting with a strange phone call that Jenny Sautter received just before the blaze began, the episode delves into the moments leading to the horrifying fire that would change their lives forever.We explore the bizarre occurrences that transpired that fateful night. Why did their coal trucks fail to start? Why was the ladder inexplicably missing? Why was the phone line...2025-02-2726 min
Front Porch Mysteries with Carole TownsendThe Alday MurdersDiscover the shocking crime spree of Carl Isaacs and his gang, whose violent escape from the Maryland State Penitentiary led to a terrifying series of events in 1973. How did a group of fugitives leave a trail of car thefts, burglaries, and brutal murders across several states? Unravel the gripping narrative of their journey southward, culminating in the harrowing Alday family massacre in Donaldsonville, Georgia, an event that left an indelible mark on the community and the justice system.Experience the desperate and chaotic flight of these criminals, from the haunting break-in at the Alday family trailer to...2025-02-1333 min
Front Porch Mysteries with Carole TownsendDiamond Doris: Unveiling a Southern Jewel Thief's LegacyCould a life of crime be born from the pages of a fashion magazine? Join me, Carole Townsend, as we uncover the thrilling story of Doris Payne, the woman who turned the allure of Harper's Bazaar into a blueprint for an extraordinary life as a master jewel thief. Raised amid the challenges of poverty, domestic violence, and racial inequality in 1930s West Virginia, Doris defied the odds stacked against her. From her audacious heist of a $20,000 diamond ring to the international escapades that followed, Doris's story is a fascinating mix of charm, skill, and boldness, each step drawing her...2025-01-3132 min
Front Porch Mysteries with Carole TownsendThe Garden of Good and EvilEver wondered what secrets lie beneath the cobblestone streets of Savannah? Join me, Carole Townsend, as I unravel the ghostly allure and historical intrigue of this Southern city, with tales that will leave you questioning the line between myth and reality. Our journey takes us first to the Mercer House, where the echoes of a dramatic event from May 2, 1981, continue to haunt Savannah's storied past. Inspired by John Barrett's "Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil," we'll peel back the layers of Southern charm to discover a city where history, mystery, and idiosyncratic characters create an irresistible tapestry.2025-01-1630 min
Front Porch Mysteries with Carole TownsendThe Lost Colony of RoanokeWhat if a single word could hold the key to one of America's oldest mysteries? Join me, Carole Townsend, as we journey through the haunting story of the Lost Colony of Roanoke. Set against the dramatic and often perilous landscape of North Carolina's Outer Banks, we'll unravel the complex tapestry of hope, ambition, and possibly tragedy that defined the fateful expedition led by Sir Walter Raleigh in the late 16th century. With only the enigmatic word "Croatoan" as a clue, the disappearance of 117 settlers remains an unsolved puzzle that continues to captivate historians and curious minds alike....2024-12-2732 min