Shows
WILDCIDEConspiracy: Who Bombed Judi Bari?A car bomb. A forest war. And an activist caught in the middle. When Earth First! organizer Judi Bari was nearly killed by a bomb planted beneath the driver’s seat of her Subaru, the FBI didn’t hunt for the bomber—they arrested her. What followed was a decades-long battle between environmentalists, the logging industry, and law enforcement, marked by conspiracy, smear campaigns, and civil rights violations.
In this episode, we dig into the unsolved car bombing that silenced a voice—but only briefly. We explore the psychological toll of being framed, the sociopolitical war over Californ...2025-06-1157 minWILDCIDEThe Art World’s Greatest Fraud with Filmmaker Barry AvrichWhat happens when one of America’s most prestigious art galleries falls for an $80 million lie?
From the acclaimed filmmaker behind Netflix’s Made You Look, Barry Avrich returns with The Devil Wears Rothko: Inside the Art Scandal That Rocked the World. This gripping true crime exposé pulls back the curtain on the now-infamous Knoedler Gallery fraud—complete with a mysterious dealer, a brilliant forger, and a web of deception that reached the highest tiers of the art world.
With exclusive interviews and deep investigative reporting, Avrich uncovers:
How Glafira Rosales passed off dozens of forg...2025-06-0659 minWILDCIDEThe Art of Deception: Wolfgang BeltracchiFor years, the name Wolfgang Beltracchi meant nothing to the art world. And yet, his fingerprints were everywhere—on canvases attributed to long-dead masters, hanging in prestigious galleries, and sitting in private collections worth millions. He didn’t just forge art—he forged history itself.
But this isn’t your typical forgery tale. This is the story of a man who studied the flaws of the elite and turned them into his canvas. Alongside his wife Helene, Wolfgang created an empire of lies so seductive, it didn’t just fool the experts—it made them complicit. With charm, chemi...2025-06-041h 12WILDCIDEShortcide: Wild, Wild WillsIn today's Shortcide, we explore two outrageous real-life cases where the last wills and testaments caused chaos. First up is T.M. Zink, an Iowa attorney who left his fortune to build a women-free library, complete with “NO WOMAN ADMITTED” signs. His daughter fought back, and what unfolded was a courtroom showdown filled with legal twists and personal pettiness. Then, we head to 1920s Toronto for the bizarre Great Stork Derby, where eccentric millionaire Charles Vance Millar promised his fortune to the woman who had the most babies in ten years. What began as a prank turned into a decade...2025-05-2845 minWILDCIDEAnatomy of Betrayal: The Case of Dr. Jean-Claude DominiqueWhen Dr. Jean-Claude Dominique was struck in a late-night hit-and-run, his Queens community mourned the loss of a respected OB-GYN, devoted father, and loving husband. His wife, Eliette, stood by as he lay in a coma—unaware that the real impact of that night was only just beginning.
What first appeared to be a tragic accident quickly unraveled into a web of forged documents, double lives, and competing claims of marriage. As the investigation deepened, Eliette found herself blindsided by a betrayal no one could’ve predicted—one that would shatter families and ultimately end in violence.
...2025-05-2153 minWILDCIDEHow a Crime Novel Solved a Murder: The Case of Dariusz JaniszewskiIt began with a body. In December 2000, the remains of a missing man surfaced in the Oder River in southwestern Poland. Dariusz Janiszewski—a young entrepreneur who had vanished weeks earlier—was found floating in the river by three fishermen. He was bound by rope in a ‘reverse hog tie’ position with evidence that he’d been starved, tortured and then dumped in the icy river while he was still alive. The brutality of the murder left investigators stunned. But despite the shocking nature of the crime, the case quickly went cold. For three years, there were no suspects, no motive...2025-05-141h 05WILDCIDESex Addiction vs. Sex Offending with Tamara Cooper, CSATSex addiction is often misunderstood, sensationalized, or dismissed altogether—but what’s the truth behind it? In this episode, we sit down with Tamara Cooper, a Certified Sex Addiction Therapist (CSAT), to unpack the often-misunderstood world of sex addiction. Together, we draw a clear line between compulsive sexual behavior and criminal sexual offending—emphasizing the critical roles of consent, legality, and boundaries. Tamara explains how sex addiction is not about desire or impulse alone; it’s a complex intimacy disorder deeply rooted in unresolved trauma, particularly childhood attachment trauma. We discuss how shame, secrecy, and distorted coping mechanisms can entrench...2025-05-091h 05WILDCIDEFall of a Titan: The Murder of Steve "Air" McNairOn July 4, 2009, the world woke up to shocking headlines: beloved NFL quarterback Steve McNair had been found dead in a Nashville condo, alongside 20-year-old Sahel “Jenni” Kazemi. What first looked like a mystery quickly unraveled into a tragic tale of obsession, secrecy, and emotional unraveling.
To fans, McNair was the embodiment of grit—a decorated athlete, a husband, and a father of four. But beneath the surface, his life was divided between the roles he played and the impulses he couldn’t seem to outrun. Lavish gifts, secret properties, and multiple women—all carefully tucked away from his public...2025-05-071h 05WILDCIDEShortcide: Freakshows—What a Weird FlexStep right up, folks—today’s Shortcide takes you on a journey through the wonderfully weird (and slightly horrifying) world of historic freak shows! 🎪 We dig into the strange afterlife of Elmer McCurdy, the outlaw who somehow spent more time touring as a mummy than he ever did causing trouble alive. Then, we honor the story of Julia Pastrana, the incredible performer who deserved so much more than the circus life she was given. Expect a mix of history, absurdity, and the occasional “Wait…WHAT?!” moment as we unravel the bizarre ways society used to treat the extraordinary.
Thanks for...2025-04-3049 minWILDCIDEHonor Killings and Honor Based Violence - A Conversation with SabIn this powerful conversation, Sab sheds light on the hidden dangers of honor-based violence, detailing how it continues to affect countless lives across the world. Through her advocacy, she works to raise awareness, support survivors, and fight for a future where no one has to fear violence in the name of family honor.
Sab's courage to speak out is a reminder that honor killings are not just tragic stories but real, preventable crimes that need urgent attention. This interview is a call to action to stand up against honor-based violence and to ensure the voices of the...2025-04-251h 43WILDCIDEHonor Killing: The Case of Shafilea AhmedIn 2003, Shafilea Ahmed, a 17-year-old British-Pakistani girl, was killed in a brutal act that shocked the world. Behind the walls of a seemingly ordinary family home, Shafilea's desire for independence clashed with her parents' rigid expectations, leading to a tragic and deadly end.
Raised in a family where cultural traditions were enforced without question, Shafilea's growing desire to live life on her own terms set her on a dangerous path. Her defiance of arranged marriage plans and rejection of traditional roles would come at an unimaginable cost.
When Shafilea went missing, her parents quickly reported...2025-04-2359 minWILDCIDEA Love Quadrangle: The Murder of Bruce SaundersWhat happens when love turns deadly? Sharon Graham found herself at the center of a tangled web of emotions, caught between not one, but three men—each unknowingly playing a role in a twisted and dangerous plot. At the heart of this tragic story is Bruce Saunders, a well-liked butcher whose life would be taken by those he trusted most.
As Sharon’s desires and emotions ran wild, her relationship with Greg Roser and Peter Koenig, two men she called lovers, escalated into something far darker than any of them could have predicted. What seemed like a comp...2025-04-1650 minWILDCIDEPantera & Family Ties: Michael 'Doc' Holt on Dimebag, Vinnie Paul, and Their LegacyIt's all about Pantera today! In this special episode, we sit down with Michael "Doc" Holt, the cousin of the legendary Abbott Brothers, Darrell "Dimebag" and Vinnie Paul, for an exclusive interview. As one of the few remaining close family members to the Abbott brothers, Doc shares intimate, never-before-heard stories about their childhood, their rise to fame with Pantera, and the deep personal loss he still feels from Dimebag's tragic death.
Doc opens up about the bond he shared with the brothers, their early days in the music scene, and what it was like watching Pantera transform...2025-04-111h 05WILDCIDEWhen Metal Mourns: The Alrosa Villa MassacreIn this intense episode, we cover one of the most shocking and heartbreaking events in rock music history: the murder of Dimebag Darrell, guitarist of the iconic band Pantera, during a live performance in 2004. The episode delves into the tragic shooting at the Alrosa Villa in Columbus, Ohio, where Darrell and three others—tour manager Chris Paluska, security guard Jeff Thompson, and fan Nathan Bray—lost their lives in an act of brutal violence that would leave the music world reeling.
Bailey and Chelsea explore the motive behind the horrific attack, the chilling background of the shooter, Nath...2025-04-091h 07WILDCIDEKiller Genes: The Murder of Rhonda "Chantay" BlankinshipIn this episode, we dive into the haunting murder of Rhonda “Chantay” Blankinship, whose tragic fate would remain a mystery for over a year. Chantay’s disappearance seemed like an ordinary missing persons case, but what unfolded would leave the small town of Brownwood, Texas, reeling. Her body was found in an abandoned house, brutally beaten and left for dead, but the question remained: Who would do this to someone so loved by all?
What initially appeared to be a case of a random abduction quickly turned into a complex investigation with twists and turns, including an unlike...2025-04-021h 07WILDCIDEShortcide: Death Played DirtyIn this Shortcide, it's almost as if death itself is playing dirty, pulling off Final Destination-style tricks, taking lives in the most unexpected and bizarre ways. Bailey and Chelsea dive into two of the most perplexing and bizarre cases in recent memory. Bailey covers the eerie deaths of Lucien Perot and Olivier Boudin, two men found dead under mysterious circumstances at a French bistro, their meal left unfinished and their deaths seemingly simultaneous. Was it a tragic accident, a botched meal, or something more sinister? Bailey unpacks the chilling details, from the discovery of their bodies to the postmortem...2025-03-2650 minWILDCIDEThe Murders at Snowden HouseIn September of 1996, tragedy shattered the peace at the historic Snowden House, a grand estate resting in the heart of the Arkansas Delta. It was there that 75-year-old Sally Snowden McKay and her nephew, 52-year-old Joseph Lee Baker, were brutally murdered—a brutal act of violence that stained a home that had stood for generations. The killer? A teenage burglar, Travis Lewis, who had crept onto the property that day with intentions that turned deadly. He was caught, convicted, and sentenced to life behind bars. Justice, it seemed, had prevailed. But some stories don’t end where we expect them...2025-03-1951 minWILDCIDEBeyond the Exam Room: Marie McKenzie on Forensic Nursing After Sexual AssaultIn this gripping episode of Wildcide, we sit down with Marie McKenzie, a seasoned Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner (SANE), to uncover the critical role forensic nurses play in the justice system. Marie shares firsthand experiences from the field, explaining how she conducts forensic exams, supports survivors, and helps build cases against perpetrators. We discuss the emotional toll of the job, the misconceptions about sexual assault investigations, and the changes needed to improve survivor advocacy. This is an eye-opening conversation you don’t want to miss.
About our Honored Guest:
Once silenced by the aftermath of se...2025-03-141h 13WILDCIDEZhenhao Zou: The UK's Most Prolific Serial RapistContent Warning: This episode discusses sexual violence and drug-facilitated assault. Listener discretion is advised.
Zhenhao Zou appeared to be just another PhD student at University College London—until investigators exposed him as one of the most prolific sexual predators in British history. But beneath the surface, he was hiding a horrifying secret. Between 2019 and 2023, Zou preyed on women—primarily Chinese and East Asian—through social media and dating apps, luring them in under false pretenses. Behind the glow of his academic achievements and even post-plastic surgery, he was a deeply disturbed predator.
Zou’s obsession with ‘st...2025-03-1251 minWILDCIDEThe Zizians: A Murderous Transgender Vegan Cult?Content Warning: This episode discusses murder, suicide, and other sensitive or controversial topics.
Ooof. This one is a full-blown inferno, and it is STILL DEVELOPING.
Meet the Zizians—who refer to themselves as—wait for it—the Vegan Siths. *Cue "The Imperial March"* This case unravels the shocking layers of a radical faction of rationalists who, despite preaching altruism, have left a trail of brutality in their wake. With at least four brutal murders and two additional deaths linked to the group, their ideology has mutated from intellectual posturing into a twisted labyrinth of suicide, faked dea...2025-03-051h 25WILDCIDEShortcide: Death Took an LSome call it luck, some call it fate—but one thing’s for sure, Death took a serious L on this one. In this Shortcide, we’re bringing you two cases of two different people who repeatedly dodged death like it was their full-time job. Chelsea covers the outrageous tale of a man named Frane Selak, who seemed to have a VIP pass to disaster—but somehow always walked away. And Bailey tells the unbelievable story of Violet Jessop, a woman who kept finding herself in the middle of history’s most infamous maritime catastrophes… and lived to tell the tale....2025-02-2551 minWILDCIDE'Welcome to Video' (Part 2): The Fall of a Dark Web EmpireCONTENT WARNING: This episode contains content around child sexual abuse material and child exploitation. Listener discretion is advised.
After authorities dismantled Welcome to Video, the largest known child exploitation marketplace on the dark web, the real battle began—tracking down its users. What followed was a sprawling global manhunt as law enforcement agencies across multiple countries worked to identify and arrest the perpetrators hiding behind encrypted screens.
This episode uncovers the shocking scale of the network, the high-profile arrests that followed, and the devastating impact on both victims and investigators. We examine how international cooperation br...2025-02-211h 02WILDCIDE'Welcome to Video' (Part 1): The Dark Web’s Most Vile EmpireCONTENT WARNING: This episode contains content around child sexual abuse material and child exploitation. Listener discretion is advised.
This case makes Dark Web Diaries look tame. This week, we dive into the horrifying Welcome to Video case—one of the darkest and most expansive child exploitation networks ever uncovered. Operating in the shadows of the internet, Welcome to Video was a marketplace of unimaginable crimes, where thousands of users exchanged Bitcoin for access to child abuse material.
At the center of it all was Son Jong-Woo, an unassuming South Korean student who built and maintained th...2025-02-191h 00WILDCIDEThe Crimes of Robert Sparks: A Firsthand Account from Dallas PD’s Joe KingA horrific crime, a high-stakes manhunt, and the inside story from the officer who lived it. In this episode, we sit down with Dallas PD Officer Joe King, a key player in the investigation and capture of Robert Sparks, the man responsible for one of Dallas’ most shocking family murders. Joe takes us behind the scenes of the case, sharing firsthand what it was like to track down Sparks and the reality of working major crimes in law enforcement.
But this episode isn’t just about true crime—it’s also about bridging the divide between law enforceme...2025-02-141h 07WILDCIDEFamilicide: The Crimes of Robert SparksContent Warning: This episode contains descriptions of sexual assault, violence, and human suffering. Listener discretion is advised.
Alright, let’s rewind to September of 2007 where a man by the name of Robert Sparks was living a relatively normal life—at least, that’s how it looked from the outside. But inside his home, it was a different story. Robert Sparks had a reputation for being controlling and paranoid, especially about his wife, Chare Agnew. By September 2007, Sparks’ paranoia hit its breaking point, and a Dallas neighborhood would become the backdrop for an unthinkable crime.
When police a...2025-02-1257 minWILDCIDEGod's Misfits: The Murders of Veronica Butler and Jilian KelleyA routine custody exchange. A deserted highway. Two women vanish without a trace.
On March 30, 2024, Jilian Kelley and Veronica Butler set off on what should have been a simple trip to pick up Veronica’s children. But when they never returned home, their loved ones knew something was terribly wrong. Their vehicle was later found abandoned near the Oklahoma-Kansas border, but there was no sign of the women. The unsettling clues left behind hinted at something far more sinister.
As law enforcement launched an investigation, they began to uncover a dark and twisted conspiracy—one fuel...2025-02-051h 12WILDCIDEResilience and Hope: My Parents' Survival Through the Holocaust with Tom Glaser⚠️ Trigger Warning: This episode contains discussions of the Holocaust, including themes of genocide, suicide, violence, and trauma. Listener discretion is advised.
In this powerful and deeply personal episode, we sit down with Tom Glaser as he shares the extraordinary and harrowing journey of his parents' survival through the Holocaust. Through Tom’s vivid storytelling, we uncover the resilience, heartbreak, and unimaginable strength that defined his parents' experience during one of history’s darkest chapters.
Tom takes us beyond the statistics, giving voice to the intimate struggles and triumphs that shaped his family’s legacy. Fro...2025-01-291h 24WILDCIDEJosef Mengele: Auschwitz's Angel of DeathContent Warning: This episode contains descriptions of violence, genocide, and human suffering. Listener discretion is advised.
In this compelling and deeply introspective episode, we delve into one of humanity’s darkest chapters: the Holocaust. Beginning with a look at the state of Germany in the 1930s, we explore the political and economic collapse that created the fertile ground for Adolf Hitler’s rise to power and the horrifying events that followed. We discuss the establishment of Auschwitz, the largest and most infamous Nazi concentration and extermination camp, and examine the systemic and meticulous organization of genocide carr...2025-01-271h 02WILDCIDELethal Curiosity: The Murder of Amie GrayIn this gripping episode, we uncover the shocking case of Nasen Saadi, a criminology student who crossed the line from studying crime to committing it. Amie Gray and her friend Leanne Miles were enjoying a fire at the beach before tragedy struck. Amie Gray, a mother, wife and coach, was a vibrant young woman whose life was brutally cut short. We explore Saadi’s background, his twisted fascination with criminal behavior, and the chilling events leading up to the murder. Through an in-depth look at the investigation, we reveal how Saadi’s actions betrayed the very field he claimed to s...2025-01-2244 minWILDCIDEBob Crane: Behind the Scenes with His Official BiographersWas Bob Crane a victim of fame’s shadowy underbelly, or did his lifestyle lead him down a dangerous path? What clues were left behind at the crime scene, and why has his murder remained unsolved for over four decades? Join us for an exclusive deep dive into murder, mystery, and scandals as we delve into the life and shocking death of beloved actor Bob Crane, star of Hogan’s Heroes.
In this gripping interview, we sit down with Bob Crane’s official biographers, Carol Ford and Linda Groundwater, whose years of exhaustive research and unparalleled access to Cra...2025-01-171h 26WILDCIDEBob Crane: Hollywood’s Infamous Unsolved MurderStep into the glamorous yet shadowy world of 1970s Hollywood as we unravel the unsolved murder of Bob Crane, the charismatic star of Hogan's Heroes. Found bludgeoned to death in his Scottsdale, Arizona apartment in 1978, Crane’s murder shocked the entertainment world and left behind a tangled web of suspects and motives. From his double life of scandalous videotapes and troubled relationships to the cloud of suspicion surrounding his close friend John Carpenter, this case has all the elements of a true-crime classic. In this episode, we dive deep into the salacious rumors of Bob Crane's sexual fetishes, the gru...2025-01-1550 minWILDCIDEShortcide: The Bizarre Case of Vaidas JucevičiusIn this episode, we dive into the enigmatic and chilling case of Vaidas Jucevičius, a man whose life took a turn so strange it left investigators and the public stunned. What started as a routine inquiry soon unraveled into a labyrinth of unanswered questions, cryptic clues, and unsettling twists. Vaidas wasn’t just any ordinary figure—his actions and the circumstances surrounding his case suggested a story far more intricate and unnerving.
As investigators peeled back the layers of his life, they were met with peculiar behavior, an unexpected trail of events, and discoveries that only deepe...2025-01-0835 minWILDCIDEHexed (Part 1): The Dark Doctrine of the Witch's Hammer
In the first part of this witchy two-part episode, Chelsea delves into the dark origins of the Salem Witch Trials, unraveling the sinister influence of the Malleus Maleficarum, also known as the Witch's Hammer. This infamous 15th-century treatise fueled witch hunts across Europe and the American colonies, laying the groundwork for the hysteria that gripped Salem. Chelsea explores how the Malleus Maleficarum's doctrines were used to justify the persecution and execution of countless individuals accused of witchcraft. Join us as we uncover the chilling history behind one of the most notorious periods of mass hysteria and injustice.
**The interview t...2025-01-031h 07WILDCIDEWildcide 2025: New Year UpdatesIt’s a new year, but don’t worry – we’re still here, digging into the darkest corners of true crime! In this special update episode, Bailey and Chelsea kick off 2025 with a recap of Wildcide’s 2024 year, listener shoutouts, and a sneak peek at what’s coming next. From unsolved mysteries to cases that left us scratching our heads (and locking our doors), we reflect on the stories that haunted us most.
Tune in to hear what’s in store for Wildcide!
Happy New Year, Wildciders! 🔪✨
2025-01-0120 minWILDCIDEChristmas Mourning: The Murder of Kashmier JamesIt was Christmas night in 2010, a time for joy, family, and celebration—but for 25-year-old Kashmier James, the holiday ended in an unthinkable tragedy. After spending the day with loved ones, Kashmier stopped to visit a friend in the Hyde Park neighborhood of South Los Angeles. Just moments later, gunfire shattered the quiet night. Kashmier, a nurse and young mother with aspirations of building a brighter future for her three-year-old daughter, was gunned down in a hail of bullets. Her child witnessed the entire ordeal, left to endure a trauma that would haunt her forever.
When investigators ar...2024-12-181h 18WILDCIDEDr. Satan: The Crimes of Marcel PetiotIn this Chelstacular episode, Chelsea dives into the story of Dr. Marcel Petiot, a man whose sinister charm and calculated brutality earned him the infamous nicknames "Doctor Satan" and “The Butcher of Paris.” Marcel André Henri Félix Petiot, a seemingly charming and enigmatic figure in wartime Paris, was widely trusted as a physician and community leader. To those desperate to flee the Nazi regime, he presented himself as a savior, offering promises of escape during one of history’s darkest periods. Refugees, resistance fighters, and ordinary citizens placed their faith in him, unaware of the horrific fate that awaited...2024-12-111h 27WILDCIDEThe Angel's Landing Cult (Part 2)In part two of this two-part case, we are back to the manipulation, crime, and charisma of Daniel Perez, AKA Lou Castro. In part one, we explored Perez’s control over his followers led to a series of suspicious deaths, each conveniently linked to large life insurance payouts that supported the cult's luxurious lifestyle. For part two, we begin to really dig into how Perez's control extended beyond financial exploitation. In the spring of 2011, the 'nail in the coffin' for bringing down Daniel Perez was a recovered hard drive full of incriminating information. We begin to get into the te...2024-12-061h 01WILDCIDEThe Angel's Landing Cult (Part 1)In part one of this two-part case, Bailey takes us through the investigation into the Angel’s Landing cult. It is a chilling tale of manipulation, crime, and a charismatic leader who preyed on the vulnerable. At the heart of the case is Daniel Perez, also known as Lou Castro, who presented himself as a clairvoyant and prophet. Claiming to have supernatural powers and the ability to foresee the future, Perez lured followers to a secluded compound in Kansas, promising them protection and prosperity. However, behind the façade of spiritual guidance lay a sinister operation. The group was fin...2024-12-041h 12WILDCIDEFatal Vow: The Murder of Dr. W.D. BroadhurstIn the remote reaches of eastern Oregon in 1946, the respected chiropractor and rancher Dr. W.D. Broadhurst met his violent end on a desolate road near Jordan Valley. Ambushed and slain, his death left behind a widow, a trail of dark secrets and twisted motives. His widow, Gladys, was a woman with too many aliases to count, had a labyrinthine past and a talent for manipulation. Her secretive and tangled history included bigamy and a pattern of calculated relationships. What followed was a story almost stranger than fiction. Gladys, attempting to deflect suspicion, fabricated threats and scattered lies, but...2024-11-271h 12WILDCIDEDeadly Secrets: The Caldwell Ranch MurdersIn June 2017, a horrifying discovery on the Caldwell Ranch, a secluded Idaho property, unraveled a chilling web of deception, infidelity, and murder. Three bodies—Cheryl Baker, Nadja Medley, and her teenage daughter, Payton—were found under a tarp in an abandoned shed, along with three lifeless dogs. All were killed execution-style. The connection between the victims? A man by the name Mike Bullinger. As investigators dug deeper, they uncovered the tangled threads of Mike's history: a pattern of manipulation, domestic violence, and betrayal. What ensued next was an all-out manhunt stretched across three states, Wyoming, Utah and Idaho, involving the...2024-11-201h 08WILDCIDE'The Dark Side of the Mind' with Melissa Kim CorterFor decades, Melissa Kim Corter has studied various forms of darkness. She speaks, writes, and teaches about fascinating subjects such as:
* Death
* Narcissism and Psychopathy
* Shadow Work
* Dreams & Nightmares
* Psychology of shadow in fairytales
* The benefit of horror and psychological thrillers for mental health
* Hauntingly beautiful things
* Jungian perspectives on death
* Parallels between true crime and personal development
Bailey and Chelsea sit down with the fabulous Melissa and pick her brain about Depth Psychology. What is it? Do we...2024-11-151h 24WILDCIDEBody of Evidence: The Case of William "Bill" McGuireIn this episode, we unravel the chilling tale of William “Bill” McGuire’s murder in what became known as the infamous “Suitcase Murder.” Bill, a U.S. Navy veteran and father of two, was last seen on April 28, 2004. Days later, his dismembered body was discovered stuffed in three separate suitcases that had washed ashore in Chesapeake Bay. Suspicion quickly centered on his wife, Melanie McGuire, a New Jersey fertility nurse, after investigators uncovered a trail of damning evidence. Through questionable forensics, scandalous secrets, and courtroom drama, we explore the chilling twists of a seemingly normal middle-class couple that unraveled into a nig...2024-11-131h 27WILDCIDEDisappeared: The Case of Leila CavettIn the morning on Sunday, July 26, 2020, A 911 call was placed by a resident of the Edge Apartments in Miramar, Florida. The resident was calling because she found a two-year-old little boy wandering around the parking lot of the apartment complex unaccompanied by an adult. She had no idea where he came from and couldn’t find anyone around responsible for the toddler. She told the operator that she had seen him between 8:00 and 8:30 that morning and that the little boy was barefoot and wearing only a diaper and a t-shirt. It wasn’t until almost 48 hours later that a fami...2024-11-0652 minWILDCIDEPsycho: The Halloween Killer and the Murder of Robert WilkieIn this chilling episode, we uncover the disturbing story of Heather Stephenson-Snell, a licensed psychotherapist turned ruthless stalker, who spiraled into an obsessive, 18-month campaign of harassment and terror. Dubbed the “Halloween Killer,” her fixation on her ex-lover and his new partner evolved from subtle psychological manipulation into overt, violent threats that left her victims in constant fear. As Halloween night drifted into the early hours of November 1, 2003, a red car pulled onto Holland Street in Radcliff. The driver stepped out, cloaked in an eerie white sheet and a Scream mask, blending her real-life horror with the chilling fiction of H...2024-10-311h 01WILDCIDEThe Salem Witch Trials: Interview with Historian Richard TraskIn this captivating episode, we sit down with renowned Salem Witch Trials historian and expert Richard Trask to explore the complex social, political, and religious factors that fueled one of history's most infamous events. Richard delves into the underlying causes of the witch hysteria that gripped 17th-century Salem, shedding light on how fear, superstition, and the Puritanical worldview created a perfect storm for the tragic trials. We’ll discuss the fascinating insights into key figures of the trials, including the accusers and the accused, and the role of gender, power struggles, and local rivalries in driving the deadly frenzy. Th...2024-10-291h 14WILDCIDEHexed (Part 2): The Deadly Hysteria of the Salem Witch TrialsIn the second part of this witchy two-part episode, we connect the dots between Europe’s medieval witch hunts and the blood-soaked soil of Salem. Hang with us as Chelsea unravels the dark tale of the Salem Witch Trials, one of the most infamous episodes in American history. Journey back to 1692, where fear and suspicion gripped the Puritan village of Salem, Massachusetts, leading to a wave of accusations, hysteria, and brutal executions. We explore how mass paranoia, religious zealotry, and local politics set the stage for the persecution of dozens of innocent people. We take a look into the li...2024-10-2550 minWILDCIDENorwegian Black Metal (Part 2): Chaos, Arson and MurderIn part two of this wild two-parter episode, we are right back into the shadowy world of Norwegian black metal. In part one, we delved into the notorious and influential history of Mayhem, the band that laid the foundation for Norway’s black metal scene. We talked about how after Dead’s suicide, Mayhem’s popularity soared. Arguably, this tragedy was the first domino to fall in the chain reactions in Norway that included violence, arson, murder, and a further tumble into black metal chaos. In part two, we will focus on the notorious beef between Euronymous (the ‘Godfather’ of Black M...2024-10-1852 minWILDCIDENorwegian Black Metal (Part 1): Darkness, Mayhem and TragedyIn part one of this wild two-parter episode, we dive into the shadowy world of Norwegian black metal- a music scene that transcended mere sound to become a notorious subculture known for its aggressive music with dark, philosophical, and anti-religious ideologies. This chaotic story begins with the notorious and influential history of Mayhem, the band that laid the foundation for Norway’s black metal scene. The band members comprised of aliases like ‘Euronymous’, ‘Hellhammer’, and ‘Necrobutcher’, ‘Count Grishnackh’, along with others, together became a symbol of extreme ideology, shocking events, and underground rebellion. Most notably, is the tragic and disturbing death o...2024-10-1653 minWILDCIDEThe Electrocution of Baby Lawrence: Interview with Author James E. OvermyerIn this episode, Bailey and Chelsea dive into a captivating piece of true crime history with author James "Jim" Overmyer, who explores a tragic and mysterious case from the early 20th century in his book, The Electrocution of Baby Lawrence: A Murder That Shook a New England Town. Learn about the harrowing murder of Baby Lawrence, a toddler whose shocking death by electrocution rattled a peaceful New England town. We delve into the social and historical context of the era and the initial reactions from the community. Jim shares insights into how he uncovered and pieced together details of...2024-10-111h 04WILDCIDE“A Mercy Killing”: The Electrocution of Baby Lawrence
In the mid-1940s, a small New England town was devastated by the mysterious death of an infant named Lawrence Noxon. Initially thought to be a horrible accident, suspicions quickly rose surrounding the six-month old’s death sparking an investigation into Lawrence’s father John Noxon, Jr. As local tensions rose, dark dynamics of the town came to light, and a sensationalized murder trial gripped the community. Some say baby Lawrence’s death was a terrible accident and tragedy. Others, well, they think that if John did kill his son, it was an act of mercy. An act dri...2024-10-0959 minWILDCIDEBlack Klansman: The Case of Ron StallworthIn the late 1970s, one of the most improbable and audacious undercover investigations in American history took place. Ron Stallworth's story, Black Klansman, is a gripping and almost surreal tale of infiltration and deception. Ron Stallworth, the first black detective in Colorado Springs, Colorado, undertook a dangerous and audacious mission—to pose as a white supremacist to infiltrate the Ku Klux Klan. Through phone calls and written correspondence, he gained the trust of local Klan members and even the Grand Wizard, David Duke. His story, later recounted in his 2014 memoir Black Klansman: A Memoir, inspired both the 2018 Spike Lee fi...2024-10-0253 minWILDCIDEInside the Walls: Life as a Correctional OfficerIn this episode of the Wildcide Podcast, Bailey and Chelsea sit down with a seasoned correctional officer, Angie, to gain firsthand insights into the challenges and realities of working in a correctional facility. Our guest shares her experiences managing inmate populations, maintaining safety, and navigating the emotional and psychological demands of the job. We discuss the evolving role of correctional officers, the impact of staff shortages, and the importance of mental health support within the correctional system. This candid conversation provides a behind-the-scenes look at a profession that plays a critical, yet often unseen, role in the criminal justice...2024-09-2754 minWILDCIDEEnd of Watch: Officer Marianne JohnsonIn the eerie pre-dawn hours of July 16, 2016, the French Robertson Unit of the Texas Department of Criminal Justice was on lockdown. Most inmates were confined, but Dillion Gage Compton, a convicted criminal, was one of twenty inmates working in the kitchen under the supervision of correctional officers, including Officer Mariann Johnson. Hours later, a routine count revealed a chilling reality: Officer Marianne Johnson was missing. Suspicion quickly turned to Dillion Gage Compton, whose earlier suspicious behavior and fresh scratches on his face and neck raised alarms. Forensic evidence would soon give some answers to the heartbreaking reality of Officer...2024-09-251h 00WILDCIDESex on the Moon: The Infamous NASA Moon Rock HeistIn the summer of 2002, a quiet but audacious plot unfolded within NASA’s Johnson Space Center. A group of interns, led by Thad Roberts, became infamous for orchestrating one of the most audacious crimes in the history of space exploration—the theft of moon rocks. Under the cover of night, they navigated through the heart of NASA’s high-security vaults, making off with hundreds of pounds of lunar material. The heist involved stealing moon rocks that had been brought back to Earth by Apollo astronauts, a crime that shocked both the scientific community and the general public. Their motivations remain...2024-09-181h 15WILDCIDEThe Voice Behind 911: Interview with Lindzee RotenIn today's interview, Chelsea and Bailey get to do a deep dive into the world of 911 operators, the unsung heroes who are the first point of contact during some of the most critical moments in people's lives. These operators are the calm voice on the other end of the line, guiding individuals through emergencies ranging from medical crises to natural disasters, offering a lifeline when every second counts. Today, we have the privilege of speaking with Lindzee Roten, a seasoned 911 operator with over 12 years of experience, to gain insight into the challenges, rewards, and intense realities of this vital...2024-09-1358 minWILDCIDE911 Call: Catching a Serial KillerOn September 13, 2016, at 6:47am, Ohio's Ashland Police received a 911 call from a woman identified only as Jane Doe who whispered that she’d been kidnapped and was tied up mere feet away from her sleeping abductor. She tried to describe the man who was holding her captive and the house she was in but the best she could manage was that it was next to the Fourth Street laundromat. She spoke as quietly as she could to avoid waking her abductor: Shawn Grate. Little did Jane Doe know, Shawn Grate was a serial killer, and she was close to be...2024-09-111h 19WILDCIDEWicked Woman: The Crimes of Leigh Ann SabineLeigh Ann and John Sabine were an enigmatic couple whose lives were cloaked in mystery, and whose story ultimately unraveled in the most chilling of ways. John and Leigh Ann sought fame and financial successes over caring for their children; often up and moving on a whim and leaving a wake of destruction behind them wherever they went. Leigh Ann, an unsuccessful cabaret singer with a charismatic demeanor, seemed to weave a web of stories around her life. After his disappearance, Leigh Ann often spoke of her husband, John, but these tales were inconsistent, filled with peculiar details that...2024-09-041h 02WILDCIDEFalse Memories: Interview with Dr. Elizabeth LoftusY'all! Today is a special interview because Bailey gets to sit down with her professional crush Dr. Elizabeth Loftus. Dr. Loftus shares about her extensive research in the field of memory particularly around the misinformation effect, false memory and criticism of recovered memory therapies. Dr. Loftus is an instrumental figure in cognitive psychology. Her work has made a huge contribution to psychology and opened a unique and controversial aspect of psychology and memory. She has been an expert witness or consultant in hundreds of cases, including the McMartin preschool molestation case, the trial of Oliver North, the trial of...2024-08-3051 minWILDCIDEThe Beatrice Six and the Murder of Helen Wilson (Part 2)In the heart of Nebraska, the serene town of Beatrice is shattered when Helen Wilson, a local woman wholly loved by her community, is brutally murdered in her own home, leaving the community in a state of terror. The suspect pool was very small and early leads lead to a promising arrest. However, DNA would prove the Beatrice Police Department had the wrong guy. Following Helen's murder, and the gruesome nature of the crime sets off a frenzy of suspicion and paranoia, eventually culminating in the arrest and conviction of six locals- Joseph White, Thomas Winslow, Ada JoAnn Taylor...2024-08-291h 24WILDCIDEThe Beatrice Six and the Murder of Helen Wilson (Part 1)In the heart of Nebraska, the serene town of Beatrice is shattered when Helen Wilson, a local wholly loved by her community, is brutally murdered in her own home, leaving the community in a state of terror. The suspect pool was very small and early leads lead to a promising arrest. However, DNA would prove the Beatrice Police Department had the wrong guy. Following Helen's murder, and the gruesome nature of the crime sets off a frenzy of suspicion and paranoia, eventually culminating in the arrest and conviction of six locals- Joseph White, Thomas Winslow, Ada JoAnn Taylor, Debra...2024-08-281h 09WILDCIDEThe Sterilization of Leilani MuirThe sterilization of Leilani Muir is a stark example of the human rights violations that can occur when governments adopt policies based on discriminatory ideologies. Muir's successful legal battle against the Alberta government not only brought her personal justice but also exposed the broader injustices of the eugenics movement in Canada. Her case serves as a powerful reminder of the need to protect individual rights, ensure informed consent, and confront the legacy of eugenics in modern society. The story of Leilani Muir continues to resonate as a cautionary tale about the dangers of allowing prejudice and pseudoscience to dictate...2024-08-211h 08WILDCIDEWildcide Husbands React: The Case of Agneta WestlundHigh school sweethearts Agneta and Ingemar Westlund decided to retire to a life of retirement piddling around the house, walking down to the lakes, and enjoying their dog Yocke in the town of Loftahammar, Sweden. Their two daughters were grown and living in Stockholm and the two were anticipating many more years together on their little farm. However, on September 8, 2008 life would come crashing down for the Westlunds. Join Chelsea with special guests Lucas and Zach, aka “The Husbands” and we theorize how Agneta would end up in a pool of her own blood brutally beaten beside a serene lake...2024-08-1432 minWILDCIDEThe Kidnapping and Murder of Leiby KletzkyTRIGGER WARNING: This episode includes content around the kidnapping and murder of a child. Listener discretion is advised.
Brooklyn, 2011. Eight year old Yehudah “Leiby” Kletzky had begged his mother to let him walk the few city blocks to his Hasidic Jewish summer camp. He didn’t want to ride the bus and his mother agreed but only after they both practiced the simple route too and from his summer camp. Leiby’s mother waited at their predetermined spot to hear about her little boy’s first day at camp but unfortunately that first day of camp, July 11, 2011 would be t...2024-08-071h 06WILDCIDEInterview with your Wildcide Host Bailey: All Things TherapyWhat a Wildcide Special today! I guess the stars finally aligned for Bailey (one half of the magical Wildcide sister duo) to be in the hot seat today! We also have our wonderful OG Wildcide fangirl, future Wildcide Mascot and dear friend Melanie as our guest co-host today to interview Bailey. Talk about a special, am I right? We have a listener on our show and we get to peek inside Bailey’s therapist brain. You will not want to miss this super fun and informative interview about all things therapy; answering questions that our wonderful listeners provided for us...2024-08-021h 24WILDCIDEReborn to Die: The Tragic Death of Candace NewmakerTRIGGER WARNING: This episode includes content around child abuse, child endangerment and negligent homicide of a child. Listener discretion is advised.
Candace Elizabeth Newmaker was born Candace Tiara Elmore on November 19, 1989 in rural North Carolina. She was born into poverty and her mother was a second-generation foster child. The same fate unfortunately came for Candace herself when she was removed from her mother’s custody at the age of 5. After two years in foster care, Candace was formally adopted by a stable and successful single woman, Jeane Newmaker, who christened Candace with her new name and tried to...2024-07-311h 18WILDCIDETainted Love: The Case of Gailen Eugene "Gene" Thurnau IIBy 2006, Gailen Eugene “Gene” Thurnau II was an accomplished man who had a successful stint in the Air Force and was in the midst of a successful career as an air traffic controller. He had just moved from Nebraska to St. Petersburg, FL to be closer to family. He was in a new, loving relationship with his co-worker Juanita “Jaye Jaye” Formoso, and was in a good place in life. Gene was extroverted, friendly, and gregarious so he naturally struck up a friendship with his colleague Robert “Bob” Peterson. After years of working together and a friendship built amongst Gene, Jaye J...2024-07-241h 18WILDCIDECriminal Profiling with Renowned Profiler Mark SafarikMeet the oz behind the curtains. Today, Bailey and Chelsea interview Mark Safarik Supervisory Special Agent, F.B.I. (Ret.). Not only is he awesome in every way, he’s also the GOAT when it comes to behavioral analysis. Listen in as Mark walks us through what criminal profiling actually is and his approach to getting inside criminal minds and catching killers. To access Mark’s Website, click here. To purchase Mark's book, click here.
About Mark:
Mark E. Safarik M.S., V.S.M.
Supervisory Special Agent, Behavioral Analysis Unit - Federal Bureau o...2024-07-191h 11WILDCIDEInside the Criminal Mind: The Murder of Lisa Dahm CarlsonLisa Carlson (nee Dahm) grew up in a military family and after moving around quite a bit throughout her childhood, Lisa and her family finally settled down in Tacoma, Washington. Not long after graduating high school and pursuing a career in the health field, Lisa ended up meeting and marrying a man named Daniel Carlson in 1994. By all accounts, Lisa was a wonderful mother to the couple’s twin boys and was described as vivacious and full of life. Tragically, that all came to an end on July 18, 1998. Daniel Carlson came home from work to find his wife murdered on...2024-07-171h 16WILDCIDELittle Shop of Horrors: The Murders of Holger Holz and Manfred HinterbergerGoidsargi Estibaliz Carranza Zabala, better known as Esti, wanted what most women want, a happy, married, successful life. Fleeing from her life in Spain after the heartbreaking end of a 5 year relationship, Esti found a new in Germany and then Austria working at an ice cream parlor and quickly finding love and then a marriage to Holgen Holz…then Manfred Hinterberger… then Roland R. When the relationships would turn sour her fantasies of killing or revenge would overtake her and her preferred tools: a gun, chainsaw, and cement. Planning is key when devious actions are involved, unfortunately sometimes parts are...2024-07-1051 minWILDCIDESurvivor Interview: Patricia Wenskunas, Founder/CEO of Crime Survivors Inc.Patricia Wenskunas is the Founder/CEO of Crime Survivors Inc. and has gained national renown for her tireless advocacy on behalf of the victims of violent crime. Crime Survivors is dedicated to the proposition that with community support, respectful advocacy and hopeful healing, one can survive a violent crime, and thrive in their personal lives. Ms. Wenskunas stresses the important distinction between being a victim and a survivor, and it is this mindset that forms the basis for the organization’s universally-praised work.
Ms. Wenskunas’ passion to assist those who have been victimized by criminal attacks and trag...2024-07-051h 00WILDCIDESurviving a Predator: Patricia Wenskunas' Tale of SurvivalIn June of 2001, 32 yo Patricia Wenskunas was a single mother living in Irvine, CA struggling with body image issues and disordered eating due to an extensive history of trauma. So June of that year, Patricia decided to seek some help to finally get through the struggles she had for years. She found herself at 24 Hour Fitness near Irvine working with Jeffrey Kelavos, a personal trainer who claimed to be a registered nurse who also had knowledge of eating disorders. What a perfect fit, right? However, over the course of the next 9 months, things would start to shift in Jeffrey’s...2024-07-031h 06WILDCIDECain and Abel: The Murder of Zetta Camille ArfmannIn November of 1999, Zetta Camille Arfmann was a 14-year-old freshman at Oskaloosa High School in Oskaloosa, Kansas. She had recently moved in with her sister, Heidi Bledsoe, Heidi’s husband, Floyd and the couple’s children Cody and Christian. This move proved good for Camille, as she quickly began to succeed academically, becoming an honor roll student, and found stability with Heidi and Floyd. Shortly after her move, tragedy would strike. On November 5th, 1999, Camille was dropped off at her home by the bus driver wand was seen walking towards her home. That was the last time Camille Arfmann was...2024-06-261h 32WILDCIDEPsychopathy vs. Sociopathy: Interview with Expert Dr. Joseph A. ToomeyY’all. Today is the day we’ve all waited for... We get to interview the real-life sorting hat himself, Dr. Joseph ‘Jay’ Toomey. Come hang with us as we discuss forensic evaluations, primarily criminal evaluations, and as we try to understand what a psychopath actually is. Is there a difference between a psychopath and a sociopath? And how does one become diagnosed, clinically speaking, as a psychopath? Dr. Toomey shares his vast experiences as the person who evaluates these individuals to better understand their needs as well as determine if they are a risk for society.
About ou...2024-06-211h 17WILDCIDEPsychopathic Predator (Part 2): The Horrific Crimes of Nathaniel Bar-JonahNathaniel Benjamin Levi Bar-Jonah, born David Paul Brown, was born in 1957 in Worcester, Massachusetts. Beginning with many troubles in his early life, much of his upbringing remains shrouded in obscurity. What we do know is that it became evident early on in his life that there would be a pattern of violence that spanned a lifetime. With him collecting his first victim, a 5-year-old girl, when he was only 7 years old. Bar-Jonah, despite slipping through the cracks of an imperfect judicial system, was a brutal child predator who was allowed to haunt the American landscape in the latter half o...2024-06-2048 minWILDCIDEPsychopathic Predator (Part 1): The Horrific Crimes of Nathaniel Bar-JonahNathaniel Benjamin Levi Bar-Jonah, born David Paul Brown, was born in 1957 in Worcester, Massachusetts. Beginning with many troubles in his early life, much of his upbringing remains shrouded in obscurity. What we do know is that it became evident early on in his life that there would be a pattern of violence that spanned a lifetime. With him collecting his first victim, a 5-year-old girl, when he was only 7 years old. Bar-Jonah, despite slipping through the cracks of an imperfect judicial system, was a brutal child predator who was allowed to haunt the American landscape in the latter half o...2024-06-191h 03WILDCIDECatfished: The Twisted Murder of Cynthia "CeCe" HoffmanGRAPHIC CONTENT WARNING: This episode includes content and discussions around child sexual abuse, sexual assault, sexual offending behaviors, and child pornography. Listener discretion is advised.
On June 2, 2019, Cynthia “Cece” Hoffman told her dad she was going hiking with her best friend Denali Brehmer, and she would see him later. Papa Hoffman wasn’t worried about this outing because CeCe was responsible, always careful, and always did what she was supposed to do. He also knew Cece had her phone and she always followed the family rule: if dad calls, answer immediately. No questions asked. No excuses. At some p...2024-06-121h 16WILDCIDEWildcide Special: Interview with Retired FBI Profilers James Fitzgerald and Raymond CarrWe're just hanging with two retired FBI profilers. No Big. Tune in to listen to the wild stories from retired Profilers, James Fitzgerald and Raymond Carr. This is fun and fascinating.
About Our Guests:
James R. Fitzgerald is a retired FBI Supervisory Special Agent, Criminal Profiler, Forensic Linguist and former Member of the FBI’s Behavioral Analysis Unit. Early in his career, Jim graduated from Penn State University with a degree in criminal justice then spending eleven years working with the Bensalem (PA) Police Department (BPD). By 1988, Jim joined the FBI and was assigned to New...2024-06-071h 04WILDCIDEMafia Manhunt: The Murder of Special Agent Everett E. HatcherSpecial Agent Everett Emerson Hatcher was one badass dude and accomplished a lot in his 46 years. Tragically, Special Agent Hatcher’s dedication to law enforcement ended on February 28, 1989, when he was murdered during an undercover operation on Staten Island. Special Agent Hatcher had been trying to infiltrate a cocaine trafficking ring run by associates of the Bonanno crime family. One such associate, mob figure, Costabile “Gus” Farace, was the prime suspect in the killing of Special Agent Hatcher and became the object of a massive manhunt; a manhunt so intense that it literally created a war amongst New York’s mafia...2024-06-051h 20WILDCIDEFamilicide: The Hope Forest MassacreClifford Palmer is buried next to his wife of over twenty years. He was known to his family as “Poppy Cliff”. Known to his second family that is. His first family knew him as Clifford Cecil Bartholomew; a man whose brutal past would evade family and friends for decades. Several decades before his death, in the early hours of the morning, September 7, 1971, Clifford would claim that “love” was the driving force behind Australia’s most horrific case of familicide. What started as an insatiable idea that his wife was having an affair with a younger man would evolve in a plot to s...2024-05-291h 04WILDCIDEInterview with Crime Author Lynda DrewsIf you haven't listened to the previous episode 'A Fatal Love Triangle: The Case of Pamela Bulik', you may need to listen to that before this interview so you don't get any spoilers! Chelsea and Bailey interview Lynda Drews, author of Run at Destruction: A True Fatal Love Triangle about her book which centers around the suspicious death of her best friend Pamela Bulik. Tune in to listen to why Lynda decided to write the book, how writing this book helped her with the grief of losing her friend, her own personal theories on Pam's mysterious death and her...2024-05-2458 minWILDCIDEA Fatal Love Triangle: The Case of Pamela BulikIn 1984, Pamela Bulik lived in Green Bay, WI with her husband Bob and their two children. Pam was an avid runner, a popular schoolteacher, and by April, Pam had been training months with her best friend Lynda Drews for the upcoming local marathon. Pam was excited for the race: she had lost weight, gained speed, and made new personal records on her times. Tragically, however, on the morning of April 7th, Pam had missed the marathon and is soon found dead in her home. Investigators were quick to the scene and identified that there were only three options for...2024-05-221h 27WILDCIDEWicked Web: The Murders of the Ottey Sisters and Dimitrija “Jimmy” TrajceskiOn a warm August evening in 1995, the lives of two promising young women, Marsha and Tamara “Tami” Ottey, were tragically cut short in their Scarborough, Ontario home. The brutal murders of the 19-year-old Marsha and 16-year-old Tamara sent shockwaves through the community, shattering their family, and leaving a legacy of grief. Just two months later, another high-profile murder took place in Toronto that thrust the community into panic: 54- year-old Dimitrija “Jimmy” Trajceski, a 27-year transit veteran, was brutally murdered at a deserted subway station booth. These cases highlights the importance of collaboration between law enforcement agencies in solving complex...2024-05-151h 04WILDCIDEClergy Abuse: Interview with Survivor and Advocate Tim LennonGRAPHIC CONTENT WARNING: This interview contains discussions around child sexual abuse from a survivor. Listener discretion advised.
There are some things in this world that must be brought to light. Clergy abuse, specifically sexual clergy abuse, is one of these horrible ugly things that must be brought to light. Interestingly, clergy abuse, although typically seen within religious establishments, can be found in any setting where an authority figure abuses their power. Tim Lennon and the people involved in organizations like Survivors Network of those Abused by Priests (SNAP) and Stand Up Speak Up have dedicated much of...2024-05-101h 10WILDCIDEBlack Collar: The Crimes of Reverend Ryan EricksonGRAPHIC CONTENT WARNING: This episode contains graphic content around sexual abuse of minors, substance abuse, suicide and homicide. Listener discretion advised.
In June of 2000, Ryan Gene Erickson was ordained as a priest at St. Anne’s Church in Somerset, Wisconsin. Shortly thereafter, Father Ryan, a new priest with a long history of questionable behaviors to include cruelty to animals, alcoholism, and sexual abuse, was stationed at St. Patrick’s Church in Hudson, Wisconsin. Despite the fact that he had been under the seminary spotlight for eight years and having been psychologically evaluated no less than three separate time...2024-05-081h 30WILDCIDEThe Hair Fetish Killer (Part 2)In part 1, we covered the disappearance of Elisa Claps, the brutal murder of Heather Barnett and the cat-and-mouse chase of a weird dude named Danilo Restivo that had a gnarly hair fetish. In part 2, we finally get to put all the puzzle pieces together. Elisa Claps disappeared from The Most Holy Trinity church in the city center; she was seen going in but never coming out. After 17 long years, the Claps family and the entire community of Potenza, Italy would finally have some long-awaited answers. In March of 2010, Elisa Claps body was finally found and in the most unexpected...2024-05-0252 minWILDCIDEThe Hair Fetish Killer (Part 1)From 1992-1993, nine women and girls made complaints that someone in their town of Potenza, Italy was cutting off locks of their hair. The community only grew more tense as on September 12, 1993, 16 yo Elisa Claps went missing from The Most Holy Trinity church in Potenza's city center; she was seen going in but was never seen coming out. Danilo Restivo, who was known to have a fetish for women's hair, was the prime suspect but there was no physical evidence tying him to the hair cuttings or Elisa's disappearance. By 2002, feeling the pressure becoming too much, Restivo moved to...2024-05-0152 minWILDCIDEFalse Confessions: Interview with Expert Dr. Fabiana Alceste and Lauren MotzIs it possible for someone to confess to a crime that they didn't commit? Or is claiming 'false confessions' a little too much like the 'boy who cried wolf'? Well, stick around as Dr. Alceste and Lauren walk us through new research and the approaches to identifying and addressing false confessions within the legal system. This will BLOW YOUR MIND!
More about our Honored Guests:
Dr. Fabiana Alceste received a B.A. from the University of Florida, her Ph.D. from John Jay College of Criminal Justice/The Graduate Center, City University of N...2024-04-261h 01WILDCIDEA Father's Confession: The Abduction and Murder of Riley FoxGRAPHIC CONTENT WARNING: This episode contains graphic content on child abduction and sexual assault. Listener discretion is advised.
On Sunday June 6, 2004, Kevin Fox was awoken by his 6-year-old son Tyler saying 'Riley is gone.' Kevin immediately began searching the house, the neighborhood and checking with neighbors, but 3-year-old Riley Fox was nowhere to be found. Within hours, the small community of Wilmington, Illinois kicked into full gear to begin the massive search to try and find Riley. Fast forward 8 months, Kevin Fox is in jail being charged with a crime that he confessed to, but a...2024-04-241h 17WILDCIDEFallible Forensics: Interview with Expert Dr. Jeff KukuckaDr. Jeff Kukucka is a professor of psychology whose work aims to understand and prevent forensic science errors. He regularly testifies as an expert witness, trains various legal audiences, and works with forensic scientists to strengthen crime lab procedures. Make sure to tune in and listen to this episode of ‘How Dr. K Ruined Science For Us’. Just kidding, we LOVE Dr. K. However, he did kind of bust the bubble of the long-held belief that forensic science is 100% reliable and infallible. Is it possible that forensic science isn’t as ‘sciency’ as we all thought and has actually lead to inn...2024-04-191h 16WILDCIDELoved to Death: The Case of Lacey Ellen FletcherGRAPHIC CONTENT WARNING: This episode contains graphic content around child abuse and neglect. Listener discretion advised.
The date is January 3, 2022. It had been almost 15 years since anyone had seen 36-year-old Lacey Ellen Fletcher outside of her house in her Slaughter, LA. Around 2am on the morning of January 3, Lacey’s mother Sheila Fletcher made a call to 911 stating that Lacey had stopped breathing. Paramedics and East Feliciana Parish Coroner Dr. Ewell Bickham were immediately called to 2568 Tom Drive. The coroner, law enforcement officials, and first responders who arrived on scene were met with the most horrific sight th...2024-04-171h 07WILDCIDEThe Choy Family TragedyBuckle up, folks! We're diving headfirst into the whirlwind tragedy of the Choy Family, a real-life saga that's part mystery, part drama, and all jaw-dropping. The Choy family was a conservative, close-knit family living in a nice suburban neighborhood in Brockton, Massachusetts. Anne Trinh-Choy and her husband Ching “Jimmy” Choy did their best to raise their daughter Frances and grandson Kenneth in a happy, hardworking household. However, not everything was as it seemed within the walls of the Choy residence. Soon, tragedy struck the Choy family that sent a ripple effect through the community. 17-year-old Frances Choy soon finds herse...2024-04-1251 minWILDCIDEQuestionable Forensics and the Double Homicide of Cheryl Williams and Carol BareisIn 2004, three generations of women lived together in a home in Altamonte Springs, Florida: 68-year-old Carol Bareis, her daughter 47-year-old Cheryl Williams and Cheryl’s daughter Samantha Williams. On the morning of June 17, 2004, the once quiet street of Vagabond Way was crawling with law enforcement and crime scene techs processing the double homicide of Carol and Cheryl. The mother-daughter duo had been viciously attacked, stabbed a total of 131 times between the two of them. It didn’t take long for the investigation to hone in on 24 year-old Clemente Aguirre-Jarquin, an illegal immigrant from Honduras for good reason: there was DNA e...2024-04-101h 11WILDCIDEThe Murder of Warren "The Reading Man" BarnesIn a two day span, from February 28th to March 1st 2021, officers from Mesa County Sheriff’s office in Grand Junction, CO would respond to four different calls in various parts of the city that were all linked in a horrific, gruesome tale of murder. They would soon identify that a recently-reported missing 69 year-old man by the name of Warren Barnes, would be identified as the victim of a vicious crime. Warren was affectionately known as "the Reading Man" due to his love for reading and was a loved staple in the community. What the community would soon learn wa...2024-04-031h 03WILDCIDECannibalism: Interview with Dr. Bill SchuttToday’s interview explores everything Cannibalism. Yep, you heard that right. Tune in while Chelsea and Bailey interview author and zoologist Dr. Bill Schutt to discuss his surprising specialty of cannibalism. Although we don’t dive into the gory aspect of cannibalism, we do take a very cool dive into cannibalism from a zoological and human cultural perspective; although it does shine some light on why criminal cannibalism is so sensationalized as well. Plus hear Dr. Bill’s wild story about eating placenta. This is a Wildcide episode you definitely don’t want to miss!
A little...2024-03-291h 11WILDCIDEJosé Doráncel Vargas Gomez AKA The Cannibal of VenezuelaFebruary 1999 the country of Venezuela would have to decide how to navigate through their first serial killer case. This case would include a dozen male victims but also evidence of cannibalism. The media, judicial system, law enforcement staff, and thousands of citizens would be shaken to find that Jose Dorancel Vargas Gomez hunted, killed, prepared, and ate his unsuspecting victims. How would the legal system handle the country’s first ever cannibalistic serial killer? To make matters trickier, how would “Dorangel Vargas”, as the papers would mistype, be sentenced due legal restrictions around diagnosed mental illness. Bailey and Chelsea will p...2024-03-271h 06WILDCIDEThe Heidt Family MurdersEffingham County sits on Georgia’s eastern border and is a located about 30 miles northwest of Savannah. Nestled within a small town in Effingham County lived the Heidt family who were very well-liked and a highly respected local family. The Heidt family’s patriarch was Philip Heidt who was a successful real estate developer. Philip and his wife Linda Heidt had been happily married for 41 years and together they had three sons: Philip Jr. “Craig”, Christopher, and Carey. However, in 2008, unthinkable tragedy struck the Heidt family. On the night of August 25, an intruder entered the Heidt home and silently crept th...2024-03-201h 11WILDCIDETeen and Police Relations: Interview with Criminologist Dr. Everette Penn (TAPS Academy)Today’s interview explores the TAPS (Teen and Police Service) Academy focusing on prevention and teen and police relations. Can we really ‘back the blue’ AND stand up and advocate for at risk youth and minority populations? We believe we can. You don’t want to miss this educational dive into the world of law enforcement with a focus on finding solutions rather than pointing fingers.
About our Guest:
Dr. Everette B. Penn is the Co-Founder and Executive Director of the Teen and Police Service (TAPS) Academy in Houston, Texas. TAPS Academy’s mission is...2024-03-151h 03WILDCIDERodney King, Latasha Harlins, and the Los Angeles Riots of 1992The Los Angeles riots lasted six days, from April 29-May 4, 1992. During this time there were 63 deaths, 2300 injuries, 12,000 arrests and an estimated1,100 buildings were damaged resulting in 1 BILLION dollars in damages. The LA streets were rampaged with widespread arson, looting, assault, and vandalism by enraged members of LA’s South Central, Pico-Union and Koreatown communities while chanting “NO JUSTICE, NO PEACE”.
The LA riots would become the most destructive period of unrest and uprising in modern U.S. history. An allegorical bomb had detonated but what was the catalyst? It was multi-faceted: the brutal assault of Rodney King...2024-03-131h 14WILDCIDEThe Fall River Cult Murders (Part 2): Hysteria, Corruption and 'Beyond a Reasonable Doubt'As this case evolves, it seems as if we are reading a work of fiction. Perjury, coercion, disregarded alibis, plea bargains, and life sentences without parole all play a role in these twisted, sensationalized murder trials. After 40 years, some of the police officials originally involved in the case aren’t quite convinced of the final verdicts. Open your mind, get out the push pins and red yarn, and see if you can piece together what truly happened between October 1979 and February 1980. Is Carl Drew the self-proclaimed “Son of Satan” local pimp turned murderer that many believe him to be, or was...2024-03-081h 11WILDCIDEThe Fall River Cult Murders (Part 1): Satanic Panic and a Murderous Devil Worshipping Cult Leader 'The Son of Satan'The Satanic Ritual Abuse Scare, or Satanic Panic, began in the 1980’s in North America and lasted throughout much of the 1990’s. This widespread hysteria swept across the country alleging threats of child sexual abuse, human ritual sacrifice, teenage abductions, animal sacrifice, claims of Satanic Cults, and even went as far as claiming that heavy metal rock, horrorcore music and fantasy games were the work of the devil. This panic was contributed to thousands of unsubstantiated cases and accusations of Satanic Ritual Abuse throughout the United States. The impact for some was much more significant than for others. Fall Rive...2024-03-061h 17