Killer Instinct - podcast cover

Killer Instinct

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Every Wednesday, join Savannah Brymer as she delves into the gripping and mysterious world of true crime, where each case uncovers hidden truths and unexpected twists. From infamous serial killers to haunting missing person mysteries, Killer Instinct goes beyond the headlines to seek justice and uncover the emotional depths of each story. With meticulous research and heartfelt storytelling, Savannah sheds light on untold tales of resilience, loss, and the relentless pursuit of truth, inviting listeners to journey through the darkest corners of human nature—and the strength of those left behind. Get the ad-free version here: https://killerinstinct.supercast.tech/ For advertising opportunities please email [email protected]   We wanna make the podcast even better, help us learn how we can: https://bit.ly/2EcYbu4  Privacy Policy: https://www.studio71.com/us/terms-and-conditions-use/#Privacy%20Policy
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Episodes

40 Hours of Torture: A Survival Story

Nicholas "Niko" P and Ani Okeke Ewo were 2 star athletes and honor-roll students when they innocently accepted an invitation to a party one weekend night. Little did they know that they had actually accepted an invitation to a torture chamber that would nearly leave them dead. This week, Savannah explores the unimaginable abuse these 2 men endured, all due to a case of mistaken identity. She details how the 9 individuals involved, both men and women, were brought to justice, just several hours b...

Sep 22, 202136 minEp. 128

Postcards from a Killer: The Johnathan & Linda Sohus Story

What began as a simple home renovation project in San Marino, CA, ended in an arrest for murder. When Johnathan Sohus' body was uncovered in the backyard of the home, investigators were able to finally pin the killing on long-time con artist Christian Gerhartsreiter AKA Clark Rockafeller, Christopher Chichester, and many other aliases. But one mystery still remains, what ever happened to John's wife Linda Sohus, who is still considered missing? This week, Savannah explores the couple's tragic st...

Sep 15, 202133 minEp. 127

Father and Son Suspects in a Murder, But Both Blame Each Other

Diane Kyne was murdered in her own home while her husband and son were there, those details are not disputed. What's not clear is which of the 2 men is the witness and which is the murderer? This week, Savannah breaks down the baffling case of a father and son blaming each other for a murder. 2 separate 911 calls, 2 separate stories, but only one true murderer. Love Killer Instincts but hate the ads? Subscribe to the ad-free version here!: https://killerinstinct.supercast.tech/ Get to know your ...

Sep 08, 202146 minEp. 126

Amber Smith's Roommate Savagely Beat Her and Left Her for Dead

The story of Amber Smith's attack is a story of survival, but her ordeal was still horrifying. This week, Savannah details how Amber was bound, beaten and left for dead at Cottonwood Glen Park, a park near where she lived. Amber didn't remember much of her attack and the case went cold for over 4 years. As luck would have it, a man named Stefan Moon was charged with a minor felony, forcing him to enter his DNA in the system. Stefan "Sam" Moon's DNA matched that of Amber's attacker, and the more ...

Sep 01, 202136 minEp. 125

Kate Waring: Murdered Over Money

Katherine Waring seemingly vanished out of thin air on June 12, 2009. When an uncharacteristically large-sum check surfaced, having been signed by Katherine (who went by Kate), it started a chain of events that ultimately lead to the horrifying truth, Kate was brutally tased, beaten and drowned by people that she trusted. This week, Savannah details the many players in Kate's disappearance and killing, including Ethan Mack, someone who was like a brother to her that convinced Kate to get into th...

Aug 25, 202149 minEp. 124

Murder, Secrets and Privilege: Examining The Murdaugh Family

This case actually involves several cases of accidental death and murder. Savannah explores the legacy of the famous (and often infamous) Murdaugh family and the many tragedies that have surrounded them. Savannah starts with the most recent incident on June 7, 2021 where Maggie and her son Paul Murdaugh were found shot to death near their hunting lodge in South Carolina, and backtracks to a boat accident that killed teenager Mallory Beach, and that many believe let Andrew Murdaugh off the hook f...

Aug 18, 202132 minEp. 123

A Tenacious Detective Finally Catches Lynsie Ekelund's Killer

Lindsay AKA Lynsie Ekelund went missing after going out with some friends one night in February 2000. It would take almost a decade to find her true killer. This week, Savannah runs down the small pool of suspects, including Lynsie's own mother, and why it took a fresh set of eyes on the case to ultimately discover what happened to Lynsie that night. Detective Larry Montgomery finally closed the case after agonizing over the details and getting a confession out of the murderer, Christopher Micha...

Aug 11, 202139 minEp. 122

Solved, then Unsolved: The Case of Jennifer Lockmiller

In May of 1995, Alan Beaman was sentenced to 50 years for the murder of his ex-girlfriend Jennifer Lockmiller. Seems like case closed, right? This week, Savannah examines Jennifer's tragic final moments before she was discovered murdered in her home, why Alan was the main target from early on in the investigation, and why Alan was ultimately set free in 2008, over a decade later thanks to DNA evidence. Plus, Savannah brings to light the one suspect whose DNA was found on the scene, but police ha...

Aug 04, 202128 minEp. 121

Jealous Rage Led To Sadie Hartley's Brutal Murder

Sadie Hartley was a hardworking & successful businesswoman who began dating a man named Ian Johnston. Little did Sadie know that simply by being with Ian, that would cause a ripple effect that would lead to her murder. Savannah explores the tragic backstory of one of Sadie's murderers Sarah Williams, Sarah's torrid affair with Ian, and how Sarah and her accomplice Katrina Walsh planned Sadie's murder for nearly 2 years before brutally attacking and killing her in her own home. Sarah and Katr...

Jul 28, 202133 minEp. 120

Andrea Yates Drowned Her 5 Children in the Bathtub

Andrea and Russell "Rusty" Yates lived a complicated life, plagued with mental illness and a religious zealot. All of their issues culminated in Andrea Yates systematically drowning her five children in their home bathroom while Rusty was off at work. Savannah explores Andrea and Rusty's family history and strained lifestyle that might answer just a few of the millions of questions this case brings up. Plus, Savannah explores how this case has divided many people, is Andrea solely to blame or di...

Jul 21, 202134 minEp. 119

Armin Meiwes: The Cannibal Whose Victim Volunteered to be Eaten

Also known as the Rotenberg Cannibal, Armin Meiwes is currently serving a life sentence for cutting up and consuming Bernd Jürgen Armando Brandes, a man he met over a chatroom for people with cannibalistic fetishes. Savannah explores Armin and Brandes' background, the night that Armin and Brandes met up to consume Brandes and videotape the entire event, and why Armin is currently allowed to walk around the town with police protection. Love Killer Instincts but hate the ads? Subscribe to the ad-f...

Jul 14, 202133 minEp. 118

The Gruesome Murder-Suicide of Zack Bowen and Addie Hall

When police found the body of Zack Bowen on the roof of a parking garage, they had no idea this would unravel one of the most bizarre cases in New Orleans history. They found a note with a confession from Zack and instructions leading them to his apartment. It was there they found the dismembered body of Addie Hall, along with her severed head boiling in a pot on the stove. Savannah explores Zack and Addie's relationship and what series of events lead to this horrifying conclusion. Savannah also...

Jul 07, 202133 minEp. 117

The Tragic Ripple Effects of Kenneth Parnell's Crimes

Kenneth Parnell was a serial sex offender living in Northern California when he kidnapped Steven Stayner from his home. He created a new identity for Steven and held him captive for several years before abducting Timothy White. The two boys would encounter abuse for years before finally making their incredible escape. But the trauma and damage done to them would have a rippling effect on their families. Savannah details how Kenneth and an accomplice were able to evade authorities for so long, ho...

Jul 01, 202126 minEp. 116

Kelly Cook's Disappearance: 2000 Suspects, No Arrests

15-year-old Kelly Cook received a call on April 22, 1981 requesting her babysitting services by a man named Bill Christensen. Bill picked Kelly up that night and she was never seen alive again. Kelly's body was discovered months later, but as of now, no one has been arrested for her murder. This week, Savannah examines Kelly's life, a few of the possible suspects, and explains why this case is one of highest profile cases in Alberta, Canada's history. Love Killer Instincts but hate the ads? Subs...

Jun 23, 202134 minEp. 115

The Many Brutal Killings of the Kindly Killer, Dennis Nilsen

Dennis Nilsen has many monikers, and he has earned them all through his cruel killings of at least 16 innocent men and boys. Savannah explores Dennis' background and how he struggled with his sexuality, as well as how Dennis lured victim after victim to his apartment to strangle, dismember, and even store various dead bodies. Plus, Savannah examines the multiple times that Dennis could've been stopped and how his own foolishness ultimately led to him being caught and sentenced to life in prison ...

Jun 16, 202132 minEp. 114

Tristyn Bailey: Mother Tries to Cover Up Son's Murder

This week, Savannah brings you an ongoing investigation of a brutal murder of an innocent 13-year-old girl, Tristyn Bailey. Tristyn's killer, 14-year-old Aiden Fucci, had talked about his urge to lure someone into the woods and kill them, and it appears that he did just that. When Tristyn's body was discovered, they found that she was stabbed nearly 100 times before succumbing to her injuries. Savannah explores the how investigators were able to link the crime to Aiden, and more unbelievably, ho...

Jun 09, 202127 minEp. 113

Why Did it Take 10 Years to Find Shannon Melendi's Killer?

Colvin “Butch” Hinton III kidnapped, raped and murdered Shannon Melendi in March 1994, but authorities didn't know that when they personally spoke to Butch and he provided an alibi. Ten years after Shannon went missing, Butch was finally charged with her murder. But why did it take so long? This week, Savannah digs into the facts of the case, the horrible last moments of Shannon's life, and why it so long for police to bring justice to the Melendi family. Love Killer Instincts but hate the ads? ...

Jun 02, 202132 minEp. 112

LaJoya McCoy Was Stalked and Killed by Her Jealous Ex

When the 31-year-old mother of two LaJoya McCoy was not answering calls or texts, her family began to worry, and rightfully so. They could have no idea that LaJoya was murdered by her enraged ex Jose Roberto Turner and left in her car just a mile away from her apartment. This week, Savannah explores LaJoya's life, which was filled with love and success, and why this led to Jose Roberto Turner to stalk, intimidate and ultimately strangle LaJoya in her car. Love Killer Instincts but hate the ads? ...

May 26, 202133 minEp. 111

The Real Estate Agent Killing: Beverly Carter's Kidnapping and Murder

Beverly Carter was a wife, grandmother, friend and successful real estate agent when she disappeared after showing a home. After her friends and family received strange texts from her phone, they contacted police and the investigation began. Savannah examines how investigators eventually honed in on Arron Lewis as the prime suspect, a man who was a complete stranger to Beverly up until her kidnapping and murder. Arron and his wife Crystal Lowery allegedly plotted to hold Beverly for ransom money...

May 19, 202137 minEp. 110

Jerry Michael Williams: A Love Affair Turned Deadly

Despite being an experienced hunter, Jerry Michael "Mike" Williams was thought to either have drowned or even been eaten by alligators while out for a routine duck hunt near his home of Tallahassee, Florida. After years of investigation, however, the truth turned out to be far more sinister. Savannah details the discovery of Mike's body almost 20 years after his disappearance, the life insurance policy taken out by his widow Denise Williams, and the complicated love affair between Denise and Mik...

May 12, 202134 minEp. 109

Kevin Cooper: Dangerous Murderer or Was He Framed?

Richard Goodman, now known as Kevin Cooper, was no Boy Scout when he was given the death sentence for the brutal murder of the Ryen family. But here's the thing many in the legal system believe that Kevin is innocent. Savannah explores Kevin's checkered past and what lead him to be the main suspect in these horrendous crimes. She also examines why there are many doubts in Kevin's case and why he could actually be a victim himself of institutionalized racism. After hearing all the facts and evide...

May 05, 202135 minEp. 108

Tanner Ward's Death Ruled a Suicide, But the Facts Don't Add Up

Tanner Ward left behind an infant daughter when he was found dead, hanging from a tree in a wooded area of Trenton, Kansas. Officials deemed the death a suicide by hanging, but his family isn't so sure. Savannah discuss the mysterious details surrounding Tanner's case, including how his family emphatically states that he had no reason to take his own life and how Tanner's trouble with the law in his past might have led to his murder and cover-up. Get a better insurance with Gabi. It’s totally fr...

Apr 28, 202133 minEp. 107

Kristin Smart: Are a Father and Son Involved in Her Murder?

On May 25, 1996, Kristin attended a frat party near her college campus, California State Polytechnic University. She was last seen being helped to her dorm by Paul Flores. She was found legally dead in May 2002, despite that her body has never been recovered. Savannah dissects the efforts to retrace Kristin's steps and how Paul and his father Ruben Flores may be found culpable for Kristin's disappearance decades later. Right now, Save 30% on Select Solid Gold Products by going to SolidGoldPet.co...

Apr 21, 202135 minEp. 106

The Bricca Family Murders of 1966

21, that's the amount of times the Bricca family was stabbed to death. This week, Savannah explores the case that has puzzled Cincinnati investigators for over 50 years, the brutal slaying of the Bricca family in their own home in 1966. When neighbors noticed strange things about the Bricca household, they went over to the home and made a gruesome discovery. They discovered the bodies of father Jerry, mother Linda, and 4-year-old daughter Debbie brutally murdered throughout the home. Savannah de...

Apr 14, 202133 minEp. 105

Suicide or Murder for Money?: The Strange Case of Tim McNamara

A suspicious death, insurance payouts, multiple instances of incest, and so much more. Tim McNamara's case has many complicated layers and theories, and Savannah explores them all. Tim McNamara died from a gunshot wound to the head, but whether it was self-inflicted or a murder by his "wife" Tracy Nessl is still up for debate. Tim is Tracy's biological uncle with several accusations of molestation, and even supposedly dated Tracy's mother decades ago. Savannah wades through the strange family hi...

Apr 07, 202134 minEp. 104

The Missing 67 Minutes in Jason Landry's Disappearance

On December 13, 2020, Jason Landry was on his way home to visit his parents. Jason never made it, but his crashed car was found several miles from his intended destination, and many of his belongings were left inside the car. Jason, however, is gone without a trace. This week, Savannah details the little we know about Jason's trip and the multiple theories that might explain his sudden disappearance. With over 80 days since Jason's disappearance, will this mystery ever come to a close? Check out...

Mar 31, 202128 minEp. 103

Jennifer Dulos: Did Her Husband and His Lawyer Conspire to Murder Her?

On May 24, 2019, Jennifer Dulos went missing after dropping her children off at school. Although Jennifer's whereabouts are still unknown, authorities eventually arrested her husband Fotis Dulos, Fotis' lawyer Kent Douglas Mawhinney, and Fotis' former girlfriend Michelle Troconis in connection to Jennifer's possible murder. While awaiting trial, Fotis committed suicide, leaving a suicide note that still claims he is innocent. Savannah tracks the timeline of this winding case, the various affairs...

Mar 24, 202146 minEp. 102

Orrin and Orson West: Gone Without a Trace

On December 21, 2020, two young boys, Orrin and Orson West, went missing from their home in California City. Since their disappearance, a lot of speculation has been placed on their adoptive parents, Trezell and Jacqueline West. Savannah explores why police have been suspicious of the families whereabouts surrounding the boys' disappearance, and why there have been so many roadblocks in finding out what truly happened. Right now, when you purchase of a 3-month Babbel subscription, you’ll get an ...

Mar 17, 202129 minEp. 101

Ed Gein Killed to Make a Skin Suit Out of His Victims

Although not the most prolific serial killer in American history, Ed Gein's story has captivated many because of how gruesome and disturbing his crimes truly are. This week, Savannah explores the life and crimes of Ed Gein, a man who has inspired countless movie villains, but his truth is stranger than fiction. Ed Gein murdered several women and skinned them in an attempt to create a skin suit that he could wear to emulate his mother. He would also dig up several corpses to add to his project. A...

Mar 10, 202132 minEp. 100

The Cold-Blooded Dardeen Family Murders

Ketih and Elaine Dardeen were expecting a baby girl to add to their family and make their son Peter a big brother. But when Keith didn't show up for work, many got concerned and police made a visit to their home. That is where Elaine, Peter, and the newborn's bodies were found savagely beaten to death. Keith's body was discovered later, beaten and horrifically mutilated. Savannah goes through the timeline of these murders, the ongoing investigation that has lasted decades, and why the only viabl...

Mar 03, 202128 minEp. 99
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