Dr. Richard Weaver Jr., Heather Kenney, and Rachel Czar take listeners on a journey through the world of true crime. With their unique careers in the criminal justice and academic world; they work to provide an entertaining and educational experience for listeners. This podcast examines many areas of true crime including; the formation of laws, cases that defined caselaw, and crimes that impacted the world. Please join us on this journey as we transition from professionals in criminal justice and academia to budding podcasters.
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Send us a text Easter Sunday 1937 became infamous not for celebration, but for the shocking triple homicide that claimed the lives of model Veronica "Ronnie" Gideon, her mother Mary, and a deaf boarder named Frank Barnes. Their killer, Robert Irwin, was a talented sculptor whose descent into untreated schizophrenia revealed catastrophic gaps in America's mental health system. Ronnie's story unfolds against the backdrop of Depression-era New York, where her Hungarian immigrant family struggle...
The Bath School Massacre: America's Forgotten Tragedy (00:54:29)
Send us a text The Bath School Massacre of 1927 stands as the deadliest school attack in US history, yet remains largely forgotten in American memory. Andrew Kehoe, fueled by financial troubles and anger over increased school taxes, meticulously planned and executed a devastating bombing that claimed 45 lives, including 38 children. • Andrew Kehoe's troubled life included his mother's death, a severe head injury, and strained family relationships • After suffering financial hardships and fac...
Marquis de Sade: Inside the Sadistic Mind (00:58:53)
Send us a text The term "sadistic killer" traces back to the Marquis de Sade, an 18th-century French nobleman whose criminal actions and controversial writings initiated an entire psychological classification now used in profiling serial murderers. • Criminal justice defines sadistic killers as offenders who derive sexual gratification from inflicting pain and suffering • The FBI's classification identifies specific patterns including captivity, torture, and careful planning • The Marquis de...
Beyond Bars: The Hidden World of Parole and Probation (01:07:44)
Send us a text Probation and parole represent distinct forms of criminal supervision in the United States, each with its own purpose and impact on millions of Americans caught in the justice system. We explore the key differences between these alternative sentencing approaches and trace their evolution from the 1840s to today's complex implementation challenges. • Probation functions as punishment itself, allowing offenders to remain in the community under supervision rather than going to pr...
The Harvard Medical School Murder: Dr. Webster's Deadly Debt (01:13:19)
Send us a text We delve into the notorious 1849 case of Dr. John White Webster, the Harvard professor who murdered fellow academic Dr. George Parkman over a $2,400 debt and dismembered his body at the medical school. • Boston in the early 19th century provided the backdrop for a shocking academic murder • Webster, educated at Harvard with further training in London, struggled financially despite his prestigious position • Dr. George Parkman, worth approximately $370 million in today's curren...
Mad Dog: The Violent Rise and Fall of Vincent Coll (00:34:34)
Send us a text The notorious life of Vincent "Mad Dog" Coll unfolds as a tragic tale of an Irish immigrant who became one of New York's most feared gangsters during Prohibition, meeting his violent end at just 23 years old. • Born in Ireland in 1908, Coll immigrated to the Bronx where he lost five siblings and both parents by age eight • Sent to reform schools by age 12, where child labor and abuse replaced education and nurturing • Caught the eye of Dutch Schultz and became his enforcer dur...
Brothers in Civil Service (01:21:12)
Send us a text Two brothers share their journey through decades of emergency services, exploring how childhood experiences and family influence shaped their careers in firefighting and law enforcement. Their candid conversation reveals the true nature of first responder life beyond the uniforms. • Growing up at a dangerous intersection where regular accidents occurred prepared them for careers in emergency services • First traumatic calls created lasting memories that still remain vivid deca...
Typhoid Mary: The Woman Behind the Legend (00:38:08)
Send us a text Mary Mallon’s life raises fundamental questions about health, freedom, and the societal treatment of individuals deemed dangerous. This episode explores her transformation from an immigrant cook to an infamous health threat. • Mary Mallon's early life and journey from Ireland to America • The emergence of typhoid fever linked to her cooking • George Soper's investigation and the controversial claims • The ethical implications of forcibly quarantining Mary&nbs...
Ed Gein: A Distorted Childhood, Unspeakable Crimes, and Their Cultural Impact (00:50:30)
Send us a text Ed Gein's life is a disturbing exploration of trauma, isolation, and the dark legacy of mental illness manifesting in heinous crimes. By dissecting his journey, we reflect on the societal implications and responsibilities surrounding such tragedies. • Ed Gein’s childhood marked by dysfunction and neglect • Augustine Gein’s toxic influence on Ed's psyche • The impact of familial violence and isolation • First confirmed murder of Mary Hogan • Arrest ...
George C. Parker: The Con Artist Who Sold the Brooklyn Bridge and His Enduring Legacy (00:38:03)
Send us a text George C. Parker was a notorious con artist who famously sold the Brooklyn Bridge over 3,000 times. His story highlights the audacity of deception, the gullibility of those seeking dreams, and the evolution of law enforcement against crime, ultimately teaching us to remain vigilant against such schemes today. • Exploration of George C. Parker's life and criminal exploits • Discussion of the Brooklyn Bridge and its significance • Analysis of Parker's tactics i...
The St. Valentine's Day Massacre: Gang Rivalries, Public Outcry, and the End of Prohibition (00:35:51)
Send us a text The St. Valentine's Day Massacre exemplifies the bloody clashes between organized crime factions during the Prohibition era, highlighting the impact such violence has on public perception and law enforcement response. This chilling act of gang warfare not only shocked a nation but also prompted significant shifts in societal attitudes towards crime, showcasing the far-reaching consequences of Prohibition and the persistent challenges that remain in combating organized crime tod...
David Edward Moust: A Serial Killer's Path and a Failed Justice System (00:46:55)
Send us a text David Moust's case illustrates the catastrophic failures of the criminal justice system in addressing the needs of individuals with severe mental health issues and violent tendencies. Through a chronicle of his life, the episode discusses the systemic lack of accountability that ultimately allowed him to return to society after multiple warnings of his dangerousness, leading to further tragedies. • Early childhood marked by trauma and instability • Institutionalizat...
Marjorie Jackson: The Eccentric Heiress, Her Murder, and the Mystery of Missing Millions (00:34:27)
Send us a text Marjorie Jackson, an eccentric millionaire heiress, becomes a target for robbery and intrigue due to her vast concealed wealth, leading to her tragic murder in 1977. This episode explores themes of vulnerability, societal neglect, and the dark intersections of wealth and crime. • Marjorie's early life and ascent to wealth • Her distrust of banks and the resulting hoarding behavior • The initial robbery incident that heightened her vulnerability • A deeper loo...
Missouri State Penitentiary: A Legacy of Reform and Injustice (00:55:52)
Send us a text Missouri State Penitentiary, once a notorious symbol of America’s correctional system, offers an unsettling reflection on incarceration's evolution over 170 years. The episode delves into MSP’s dark history, its notorious inmates, failed reform efforts, and the prison’s eventual closure in 2004, encapsulating a legacy that continues to influence talks on prison reform today. • Exploration of the early years and original design principles • Discussion of incarceratio...
Pets as Protectors: True Tales of Furry Heroes (00:27:44)
Send us a text This episode features remarkable stories of pets who acted heroically to protect their human families during attempted break-ins. From a brave German Shepherd to a relentless cat and a fearless squirrel, we explore how these animals embody loyalty and courage in the face of danger. • Discussing the protective instincts of dogs and how they serve as guardians • The story of Rex, a German Shepherd who defended his young owner from burglars • Binky the cat’s unexpecte...
The Colorado Coal Field Wars: The Ludlow Massacre (01:11:55)
Send us a text The episode unearths the tragic story of the Ludlow Massacre, drawing connections between past labor struggles and the contemporary fight for workers' rights. It highlights the desperate conditions faced by miners and their families, ultimately leading to a violent confrontation that reshaped labor relations in the United States. • Overview of the Colorado Coal Field Wars • Unsafe mining conditions and high fatality rates • Demands for better wages and workin...
Charles Harrelson; the story of a killer (00:33:15)
Send us a text The episode illuminates the complicated legacy of Charles Harrelson, a notorious hitman and father of actor Woody Harrelson. We explore family dynamics, the impact of criminality on relationships, and the assassination of Judge John H. Wood Jr., outlining how crime and familial loyalty intertwined in tragic ways. • Examination of Charles Harrelson's life and crimes • Exploration of Woody Harrelson's complicated relationship with his father • Insights into the assas...
Willie Sutton: The Gentleman Robber and His Enduring Legacy (00:47:06)
Send us a text Unlock the captivating world of Willie Sutton, the infamous bank robber whose charm and cunning made him a legend of his time. Discover how Sutton's non-violent approach to crime and his transformation into a folk hero offered a unique perspective on the interplay between criminality and society during the Prohibition era. We'll unravel his early life, shaped by a working-class Irish immigrant upbringing in Brooklyn, and explore how it set the stage for his audacious criminal c...
The Lawson Family Christmas Massacre (00:57:34)
Send us a text The episode delves into the tragic events surrounding the Lawson family murders, which occurred on Christmas Day in 1929 amidst the Great Depression. It highlights the struggles of the family leading up to the horrific act, the psychological motivations behind it, and the community's response to this monumental tragedy, aiming to keep the victims' memories alive. • Exploring the socio-economic backdrop of the Great Depression • Uncovering the lives and struggles of the L...
The Death of Za'Zell Preston and Tragic Reality of Domestic Violence (00:49:28)
Send us a text Domestic violence isn't just a statistic—it’s a harsh reality that often escalates during the holiday season, affecting countless individuals and families. We explore this troubling phenomenon through the lens of Heather's extensive experience in domestic violence units. With her insights, we break down societal misconceptions, highlighting the frustration of victim-blaming and challenging stereotypes about who can fall victim to abuse. Our discussion calls for empathy and awar...
Eastern State's Dark Legacy of Isolation and Corruption (00:58:18)
Send us a text Prepare to rethink everything you thought you knew about prison reform. Eastern State Penitentiary, established in 1829, was a radical experiment in solitary confinement, driven by Quaker ideals of repentance and reflection. What began as a groundbreaking vision quickly unraveled into a cautionary tale of psychological trauma and systemic corruption. Listen as we navigate the labyrinth of this institution's history, revealing the stark contrast between its lofty goals and the g...
Heather's Blind Episode: Terry Barton and the Hayman Fire (01:37:42)
Send us a text What if one moment of personal crisis could ignite a wildfire of unimaginable chaos and destruction? Join us as we delve into the story of the Hayman Fire of 2002, the largest wildfire in Colorado's history, with over 137,000 acres consumed. We explore the complexities of the fire's origin, the media's amplification of the disaster, and the philosophical dilemmas that arose during legal proceedings. With Heather leading our conversation, we dissect the far-reaching impact of th...
Brenda Spencer: Unraveling the Tragedy and Its Aftermath (01:00:29)
Send us a text What compels a 16-year-old to open fire on a school, claiming, “I don’t like Mondays”? It's a question that has haunted us since Brenda Spencer’s shocking actions on January 29, 1979. Our latest episode peels back the layers of this tragic event, unraveling the story behind the Boomtown Rats' infamous song and examining how Brenda’s case brought gender dynamics to the forefront of mass shooting discussions. Listen as we dissect the complexities surrounding the definitions of ma...
The Spectacle of Dillinger's Pursuit and Ultimate End (00:48:29)
Send us a text Escape-proof jails and notorious gangsters rarely go in the same sentence, but John Dillinger shattered expectations with his legendary breakout from Crown Point Jail. Was his gun real or a wooden decoy? As we unravel this thrilling escapade, we uncover the audacity that turned Dillinger into a folk hero and the blunders that embarrassed law enforcement. Explore the fascination that gripped 1930s America, fueled by media glorification and a public enthralled by the exploits of ...
The Rise of John Dillinger: From Farm Boy to Infamous Bank Robber (00:45:40)
Send us a text Unlock the secrets of America's most notorious bank robber, John Dillinger, as we explore his journey from an innocent farm boy to a legendary criminal mastermind. Discover how Dillinger's prison years became his classroom, with mentors like Harry Pierpont and John Hamilton introducing him to Herman Lamb's methodical heist techniques, setting the stage for robberies that would captivate the nation and inspire cinematic heists in "Ocean's 11" and "The Italian Job." As we unravel...
