Shows
Motherhood is MurderEp 34: Smuttynose Murders Part 2 / Antisocial Personality DisorderWelcome to episode 34. We dive into the aftermath of the Smuttynose murders, the trial of Louis Wagner, theories, modern interpretations, and a discussion on antisocial personality disorder. There is lots to explore here!SOURCES:https://www.seacoastnh.com/why-louis-wagner-was-smuttynose-slayer/?showall=1#:~:text=Maren%20Hontvet%20went%20berserk%3F,Wagner%20was%20the%20guilty%20man. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/antisocial-personality-disorder/symptoms-causes/syc-20353928 https://bmcpsychiatry.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s12888-022-03710-y#:~:text=Various%20studies%20have%20been%20shown,and%2084%25%20%5B3%5D. Support for Motherhood is Murder is so greatly appreciated!Website: https://mot...2023-12-1249 min
Motherhood is MurderEp 33: The Smuttynose Murders Part OneWe are back! I am excited to bring you a historical two-parter for the month of December. We take it back to 1873 on a cold evening in March on an island far away from everyone else off the coast of Portsmouth, NH. Here a family of a fisherman were brutally murdered one evening. The facts of the case of dismal and shocking. Part One covers a brief history of Smuttynose Island on the Isle of Shoals, family history, and the events that took place the evening of the murders. Sources:https://newengland.com/yankee/history/smuttynose-murders/2023-12-0537 min
Motherhood is MurderMotherhood is Murder Returns December 5Hi All! After a bit of a hiatus, we are returning on Tuesday, December 5. I am excited to offer you a 2-part episode exploring The Smuttynose Murders. What happened, why are we still fascinated by this case today, and what does that say about us then and now. See you all then!Support for Motherhood is Murder is so greatly appreciated!Website: https://motherhoodismurder.weebly.com/ Patreon: http://patreon.com/motherhoodismurderFacebook: http://facebook.com/motherhoodismurderInstagram: @motherhoodismurderpodEmail: motherhoodismurderpodcast@gmail.com2023-11-2401 min
Motherhood is MurderEp 32: Halloween SpecialWelcome to Motherhood is Murder 1st Annual Halloween Special. This week we will break format (once again!) to explore three lesser-known stories of New England lore. I will also share a scary story from my childhood that is a lesson in be care what you wish (or ask) for. Have a happy & safe Halloween season! Stories:Headless Skeleton of Swampton (RI)Haunted Blood Forest of Lancaster (MA)Dover Devil (MA)Will You Visit Me Tonight? (Personal story, MA)No episode next week! We'll be back Tues, Nov 14.SOURCES:https://www.s...2023-10-3145 min
Motherhood is MurderEp 31: Spooky, Scary Hauntings with Shirley Jackson / Bonus Missing Persons CaseHi All! This time around I am trying out a new format with an unscripted episode. Our featured author is the every spooky Shirley Jackson whose works have scared the pants off of readers in the 1940's. We'll also cover a missing persons case that happened in the small college town in VT where Shirley lived and wrote. SOURCES:https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shirley_Jackson https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Paula_Jean_Welden Support for Motherhood is Murder is so greatly appreciated!Website: https://motherhoodismurder.weebly.com/ Patreon: http://pat...2023-10-1741 min
Motherhood is MurderEp 30: The "King" of HorrorThis week we continue our exploration of Spooky Authors for October. This prolific author has created an array of horror pieces all of which have hit the publication charts and many of which have been adapted for movies and TV shows. Born in Maine, Stephen King has created worlds that have entertained and truly frightening millions. This week we explore his life, history, works and process. Enjoy!SOURCES:https://stephenking.com/index.htmlhttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Stephen_King Support for Motherhood is Murder is so greatly appreciated!2023-10-1031 min
Motherhood is MurderEp 29: The Genius of H. P. LovecraftIt is officially Spooky Season! October will have a slightly different format to usher in the spookiest month of the year. We will explore horror and spooky authors in New England throughout the month studying their background, works and influence. This week we dive deep into the cosmic world of H. P. Lovecraft. A native of Providence, RI who struggled with mental illness, H. P. Lovecraft began what we now know to be science fiction. His work has influenced horror fiction, science fiction, graphic novels, comic books, movies, and so much more. A person who studied mythology s...2023-10-0333 min
Motherhood is MurderEp 28: Crimes at UMass Amherst / Keeping Students Safe on CampusAfter a short hiatus, I am back! This week we will discuss crimes on campus at UMass Amherst from the 1990's when I attended to today. Please note that these crimes depict cases of sexual assault. If this would be upsetting please skip this episode as there is some great content ahead! We will also discuss the UMass campus response to these crimes, ask the question "can they do more?", and discuss the systemic issues surrounding these cases.There's lots here to unpack! SOURCES:https://www.capecodtimes.com/story/news/1999/11/22/assaults-on-four-women-leave/51024442007/https://w...2023-09-2641 minMotherhood is MurderEp 27: Harvard University Murder / Barriers to Accessing Mental Health CareWelcome to episode 27, the one with all the bugs and workarounds. Persistence has paid off and although this episode is a pretty much a rough cut with no music and just enough editing, it’s a good one. You will not be sorry you listened, but… you may have to turn up the volume. This week we discuss the murder of Trang Phuong Ho who was murdered by her room mate Tadesse Sinedu. The case brought up questions about what Harvard University had been doing to support those with mental health concerns in 1995. The discussion has continued into...2023-09-1228 min
Motherhood is MurderEp 26: Wayne Lo School Shooting / Narcissistic Personality DisorderNew month, new topic! September we will discuss crimes on college campuses in New England. We will also discuss psychological attributes of the offenders. This week we discuss the Wayne Lo School Shooting at Simon's Rock College in Great Barrington, MA in 1992. Wayne Lo was a gifted violin prodigy that went on to murder 2 people and injure 4 others in a school shooting that seemed to come without warning. Listen to the episode to learn more about the case, how the school reacted prior to the shooting, and the events following the horrific event. We will also discuss n...2023-09-0538 min
Motherhood is MurderEp 25: Family Killers: Peeling Back the OnionWelcome to Motherhood is Murder, a podcast about crimes in New England taking on the perspective of community involvement. In this episode, we will wrap up our month on Family Killers by discussing the profile of the family killer and the adolescent family killer. We will look at our cases to see what fits and what does not. We will also discuss ways you can protect your house and family from home invasion.This one is jammed-packed with good information, and ways you can protect your community. Check out the sources below for more.2023-08-2940 min
Motherhood is MurderEp 24: Lizzie Borden & the Court of Public OpinionThis week I will cover one of New England's most notorious historical cases. The horrific axe murders of Andrew and Abby Borden stunned the mill town of Fall River. Immediately investigators had their eye on one suspect, the Borden's youngest daughter Lizzie. Was Lizzie capable of committing the crime? And if not, who was? Join me for a journey back to the 1890's as we discuss Victorian customs, the bloody murder, and how a community responded.SOURCES:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lWwfGZloTT0https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UL51H9...2023-08-2249 min
Motherhood is MurderEp 23: The Curious Case of John William McGrath / Do We Really Know Anyone?Welcome to episode 23. In this episode we discuss the curious case of John William McGrath, a brilliant and successful high school Senior who appeared to have it all before one winter night when his actions would change everything. Let's head back to 1962 and ask the question, "Do we every really truly know anyone?"SOURCES:https://www.murdershetold.com/episodes/john-mcgrath https://www.fosters.com/story/news/local/2008/03/10/decades-after-killer-s-escape/52492577007/Support for Motherhood is Murder is so greatly appreciated!Website: https://motherhoodismurder.weebly.com/ Patreon: http://patreon.com/motherhoodismurderF...2023-08-1435 min
Motherhood is MurderEp 22: The Cheshire Family Murders / Criminal Legislation Changes in CTAs we are officially in the new month of August we start on a new monthly topic. This month we will discuss family annihilators. Whether the offender is a member of the family or an "outsider" we discuss three notorious cases in New England that made headlines and in some cases changes to the criminal justice system.This week we will discuss the Cheshire Family Murders. When 3 members of a family are murdered in a close-knit community, and entire state begins to wonder how in the world could something so horrific like this happen. In this episode...2023-08-0850 min
Motherhood is MurderEp 21: Runaways or Death HoaxesDo adults run away? And if they do, why? And what about death hoaxes? This week we wrap up the cases of Joan Risch and Maura Murray with a discussion on adults who run away and the psychology behind escape fantasy. We will also discuss faking a death, death hoaxes, and whether or not Joan and Maura exhibited signs of either adults who simply left it all behind, or staged their own deaths to disappear forever. SOURCES: https://www.mindingtherapy.com/missing-adults-runaways/https://www.verywellmind.com/what-to-do-when-you-feel-like-running-away-5207364https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fa...2023-08-0138 min
Motherhood is MurderEp 20: Disappearance of Maura Murray Part TwoWhen we left off, Maura Murray a nursing student at UMass Amherst had disappeared after a single car accident on snowy roads in New Hampshire in February. In Part 2, we will discuss the timeline of her search and developments in her case, current events in the case, and theories of what happened to her and why she went missing. Grab a cup of coffee or tea, snuggle up, and get ready for a wild ride. Sources below for more info or to go on your own deep dive.SOURCES:“The Disappearance of Maura Murray” – documentary on Peacoc...2023-07-2535 min
Motherhood is MurderEp 19: The Disappearance of Maura Murray Part OneMaura Murray was a nursing student at UMass Amherst when she went missing following a car accident in Haverhill, NH. The reason why she was on that distant, winding road and where she went following the accident remain a compelling mystery to this day. For all intents and purposes it appears as if Maura just disappeared into thin air.In Part One we will discuss the events leading up to Maura's disappearance touching on a couple of reasons why Maura may have wished to leave UMass that fateful afternoon. SOURCES:https://en.wikipedia.org/w...2023-07-1838 min
Motherhood is MurderEp 18: The Case of Joan Risch / See Something Say SomethingWelcome to episode 18 of Motherhood is Murder. For the month of July, we will discuss mysterious murders and missing persons in Massachusetts. This week we dive into the Case of Joan Risch.Joan Risch was an at-home mother of 2 who went mysteriously missing one afternoon leaving a trail of blood in her kitchen. With very little answers and lots of questions, this case remains unsolved to this day. Listen to learn about the case, explore theories, and inquiry if "see something, say something" may have helped in this case.Visit www.motherhoodismurder.weebly.com for...2023-07-1146 min
Motherhood is MurderEp 17 Psychology of CaptivityOn this week's episode, we wrap up our month of discussing cases of captivity. We will discuss the psychological impact of captivity to both the victim, and the families. Although the cases covered in this podcast included abduction, POW/war crimes, and wrongful conviction, it is important to distinguish that there are many types of captivity states. Domestic abuse situations rank high in the effects of captivity on an individual, as is personal captivity such as substance abuse disorders and mental health concerns. The following are my sources:https://drdrew.com/2017/mental-effects-captivity/ https://www.ae...2023-06-2723 min
Motherhood is MurderEp 16 The Wrongful Conviction of Victor RosarioThis week we will discuss the wrongful conviction of Victor Rosario, his exoneration, and why wrongful convictions occur. How can someone who was trying to help children out of a burning building be charged with arson and murder? SOURCES:https://innocenceproject.org/states/massachusetts/https://www.nbcboston.com/news/local/wrongfully-convicted-massachusetts-man-gets-13m-settlement/3036997/2023-06-2026 min
Motherhood is MurderEp 15 The Horrific Case of Hannah DustonThis is the story of a woman, a mother, who was taken captive, and who murdered her captors before returning to her family. It is also a story with a lot of questions, and one that has stirred a nation to this very day. SOURCES:https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hannah_Duston https://www.smithsonianmag.com/history/gruesome-story-hannah-duston-american-colonist-whose-slaying-indians-made-her-folk-hero-180968721/ Support for Motherhood is Murder is so greatly appreciated!Website: https://motherhoodismurder.weebly.com/ Patreon: http://patreon.com/motherhoodismurderFacebook: http://facebook.com/motherhoodismurderInstagram: @motherhoodismurderpodEmail: motherhoodismurderpodcast@gma...2023-06-1333 min
Motherhood is MurderEp 14 The Kidnapping and Captivity of Abby HernandezIt is officially June, and we are diving into the topic of Captivity. This week I will cover the kidnapping and captivity of Abby Hernandez. Abby was just 14 when she was abudcted by her kidnapper Nate Kibby while walking home from school. Her captivity would last a harrowing 9 months and it is with a little luck and a ton of smarts that Abby returned home. Listen for her story.SOURCEShttps://blurredbylines.com/articles/abby-hernandez-kidnapping-shed-kibby-story/ https://abc.com/shows/2020/episode-guide/2018-09/07-090718-abby-hernandezSupport for Motherhood is Murder is s...2023-06-0629 min
Motherhood is MurderEp 13: Debunking the Out of Character MythWe have all seen the movie: "bad" guy vs. "good" guy. But is it really that simple? Do we really only have good guys and bad guys? And what happens when the "good" guy becomes the bad guy? This week we review our cases as we consider what is meant by being "out of character". We'll look at a case study and a couple of books that have explored the topic. We'll also discuss the attributes of a health care professional and how all of this relates to our cases this month. Enjoy! The Patreon page has b...2023-05-3030 min
Motherhood is MurderEp 12 The Murders of "Jolly" Jane Toppan Part Two / The Insanity DefenseThis week we continue to discuss the murder of Jane Toppan, and the murders that ultimately brought her to trial. We will also discuss what constitutes "not guilty by reason of insanity" today and how this relates to Jane's actions back in the late 1800's. This is an interesting deep dive so I hope you will check it out.If you are interested in learning more about this case or the insanity defense, check out my sources. Join Patreon for early access to episodes, and a bonus episode each month! More information following the source list.2023-05-2327 min
Motherhood is MurderEp 11 The Murders of "Jolly" Jane Toppan Part OneThis week we will discuss our first historical true crime story. I will cover the murders of "Jolly" Jane Toppan, a nurse in Massachusetts who experimented with her elderly patients, then went on to commit at least 31 murders, perhaps as many as 100. Deemed America's first female serial killer, Jane had an illustrious life of crime. In this first part, we will discuss early life the beginnings of her murder spree. We will also discuss the Irish immigrant population in Boston, as well as what is what like to be a child indentured servant. You do not want to miss...2023-05-1631 min
Motherhood is MurderEp 10 The Case of Dr. Richard Field and Dr. Lina Bolanos / Is Murder Foreseeable?This week we discuss the murders of Dr. Richard Field and Dr. Lina Bolanos, both anesthesiologists in Boston. The engaged couple lived in what was considered a safe penthouse apartment in South Boston when a former employee gained access and murdered them in their own home. We will discuss the aspects of the case, the trial (you know I love a good trial), and the civil suit that brought change to how condo associations maintain safety in their buildings. Do you think that murder is "foreseeable" in resident and commercial buildings? Let me know on the socials...2023-05-0927 min
Motherhood is MurderEP 9: The Case of Kathleen McLean / We Came, We Went, We Came Back AgainIn this episode we discuss the Case of Kathleen McLean, a Reiki practitioner who went missing and was later found dead in a body of water by police. Her husband a prominent surgeon in Boston was the first to be suspected. Listen to hear more about their history, their murder, and how law enforcement responds to domestic violence cases. SOURCES:https://www.bostonmagazine.com/news/2020/11/17/dover-slaying/https://www.boston.com/news/crime/2020/05/19/ingolf-tuerk-charged-murder-kathleen-mclean/https://www.cbsnews.com/news/ingolf-tuerk-charged-killing-wife-kathleen-mclean-massachusetts-doctor/https://www.mass.gov/info-details/massachusetts-law-about-domestic-violence-209ahttps://www.m...2023-05-0230 minMotherhood is MurderEp 8: Kidnapping Got a Fresh Coat of PaintHello! In episode 8, we will explore the concept of kidnapping. What is it? What does the law have to say about it? Who is at risk? Profiling the offender, media influence, and so much more! Interested in a deeper dive? Check out the show sources below.SOURCES:https://malegislature.gov/Laws/GeneralLaws/PartIV/TitleI/Chapter265/Section26https://www.ojp.gov/ncjrs/virtual-library/abstracts/kidnapping-brief-psychological-overview-understanding-andhttps://www.aetv.com/real-crime/psychology-behind-those-who-abducthttps://www.researchgate.net/publication/310421184_Perception_Profiles_and_the_Reality_of_Kidnapping_An_Analysis_of_Victim-Offender_Characteristics2023-04-2530 min
Motherhood is MurderEp 7 The Unsolved Case of Karina Holmer / The Unspoken RuleIn this episode, we'll discuss the chilling unsolved case of Karina Holmer. Karina was a Swedish au pair looking for new experiences and to meet people in America. On the Summer Solstice, June 1996, she went missing and was later found murdered with only her upper torso ever being discovered. Details in the case are chilling and suspects are numerous. I also give you my take on the Boston club scene at that time, and ways to keep safe when going out on a night on the town. If you have information that could help solve this case c...2023-04-1836 min