It’s no mystery that Dr. Joseph Bell’s intense observational skills inspired Arthur Conan Doyle’s Sherlock Holmes, but ever since then, historians have continued drawing comparisons to real-life detectives. Recently, writer Dr. Angela Buckley uncovered Jerome Caminada–the true Sherlock Holmes, probably. Plus a breakdown of the ongoing Karen Read criminal trial! Is it a cover-up?! Let’s Mourn… Ackermann, A. M. (2023, June 15). The real victorian detective vs. Sherlock Holmes . Ann Marie Ackermann...
Jun 27, 2024•26 min•Ep. 104
William Gates overcame the death of his young wife, excelled in his career, started his own business, and found love for a second time–only to wake up on a makeshift operating table in a house designed for torture… Plus, a 30-year-old cold case has been solved! Let’s Mourn. CBS Interactive. (n.d.). 1996 cold case killings of 2 campers at Shenandoah National Park solved, FBI says, pointing to serial rapist . CBS News. https://www.cbsnews.com/news/shenandoah-national-park-1996-cold-case-killings-2...
Jun 24, 2024•17 min•Ep. 103
Hundreds of thousands of people go missing each year, with few ever finding a resolution. Each case is stranger than the one before. The disappearance of Daniel Robinson is one such case. After a string of “odd” behavior, 24-year-old Daniel disappeared into the desert in 2021—the only trace of the young man, his flipped-over jeep in a nearby ravine. Let’s Mourn… The Daniel Robinson Investigation Overview | City of Buckeye. (n.d.). https://www.buckeyeaz.gov/community/daniel-robinson-2070 Fuoco-Ka...
Jun 20, 2024•25 min
Underwater murder, rare as it may be, is quite difficult to prove. During an Australian excursion, newlyweds Gabe and Tina Watson suffered the ultimate loss under eerie circumstances. What started with a shining moment in their marriage, ended in a lasting, haunting memory. Let’s Mourn… ABC News. (n.d.-a). Gabe Watson: “Liar” or Victim of “Tragic Accident.” https://abcnews.go.com/US/honeymoon-killer-gabe-watson-liar-victim-tragic-accident/story?id=15587003 ABC News. (n.d.-b). Honeymoon “Killer”:...
Jun 17, 2024•35 min
Was an innocent man put to death?? But first! In the late 1940s women began disappearing in a German forest…a swastika-growing forest!! The wooded lands of Brandenburg hold a murderous history few others can contend with. Let’s Mourn… Sources: ABC News Network. (n.d.). Horticultural Hate: The Mystery of the Forest Swastikas . ABC News. https://abcnews.go.com/International/horticultural-hate-mystery-forest-swastikas/story?id=19588288 CBS Interactive. (n.d.). Missouri executes death row inmate Dav...
Jun 13, 2024•19 min•Ep. 100
“I hug the people I hate so I know how big to dig their hole in my backyard...” Who said chivalry was dead?! Would you like to guess what else is still alive and well? Cannibalism. Less than a decade ago, one man from Tennessee abducted a woman in hopes of honoring his hero–The Night Stalker. Let’s Mourn… Blanco, J. I. (n.d.). Gregory Hale: Murderpedia, the Encyclopedia of Murderers . Gregory Hale | Murderpedia, the encyclopedia of murderers. https://murderpedia.org/male.H/h/hale-gregory.htm CBS...
Jun 10, 2024•19 min
Some would consider Hollywood itself a cult, or religion for that matter. So what do you get when you mix Hollywood, religion, and two cult leaders? The Ministry of Evil–ran by lovers and con artists Tony and Susan Alamo. This cult may have begun in the 1970s, but they have loyal followers to this day. Let’s Mourn… CBS Interactive. (2019, June 16). Amanda Knox “traumatized” by media firestorm surrounding her return to Italy . CBS News. https://www.cbsnews.com/news/amanda-knox-traumatized-by-medi...
Jun 06, 2024•24 min
Kateřina of Komárova, a notorious noblewoman turned serial murderer. Amidst a beautiful Bohemian backdrop, servants of this 16th-century Katerina endured extreme torture. For her crimes, she suffered a punishment fit for a fairy tale! Plus, an update on Chad Daybell and HERB BAUMEISTER!!! Let’s Mourn… Karlstejn Castle - https://www.visitcentralbohemia.com/experience/karlstejn-castle/ Scavenger's Daughter - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IHyrkKQrEPI Sources: Cesaric, C. (2024, May 25). Some vict...
Jun 03, 2024•17 min
Arguably the first woman serial killer of all time, Locusta of Gaul was an expert in ancient poisons. From humble beginnings to skillful kingmaker, she earned her title of Imperial Poisoner after years of service to both Emperor Nero and his mother, Agrippina the Younger. Unfortunately, poison is a deadly game no person is immune to. Let’s Mourn… Sources: Carlton, G. (2021, October 7). Meet Locusta of gaul, emperor Nero’s personal poison maker and perhaps history’s first serial killer . All That...
May 30, 2024•18 min
Spanning a mere two centuries, the LDS Church has a history as violent as some ancient religions. From the Lafferty brothers to Mark Hofmann to the countless polygamy cults, death never seems far off. The Children of Thunder are no different—a murderous trio following a false prophet searching for glory. Let’s Mourn… Cotter, H., & Downey, K. (2024, May 22). Newport evidence search related to cases linked to so-called Connecticut River Valley Serial Killer . WMUR. https://www.wmur.com/article...
May 27, 2024•26 min
From the unsolved Santa Rosa hitchhiker murders to Kai the hatchet-wielding hitchhiker to the infamous Münsterland murders, tales of serial killers hunting the open road have gripped us for decades. The Aachen Strangler of Germany is a lesser-known monster known for kidnapping and killing young, female hitchhikers during the 1970s and ‘80s. Let’s Mourn… Sources: CBS Interactive. (2024, May 20). Arizona man gets life in prison in murder of wife who “vigorously struggled” after being buried alive,...
May 23, 2024•20 min
To be a cannibal is one thing, but to be a picky cannibal… Joachim Kroll, often described as Germany’s most sadistic serial killer, would only eat what he considered “young and tender” flesh. As in children. What he didn’t eat would end up in the toilet. This habit of flushing human flesh would lead to Kroll’s downfall. (THIS MAN PAN-FRIED ENTIRE HANDS) Let’s Mourn… Sources: Blanco, J. I. (n.d.). Joachim Kroll: Murderpedia, the Encyclopedia of Murderers. Joachim Kroll | Murderpedia, the encyclop...
May 20, 2024•21 min
Colorado’s history is splattered with mysteries and murders ranging from The Black Widow to Scott Lee Kimball to even Ted Bundy! However, none date as far back as the killer on Capitol Hill in Denver. At the turn of the 20th century, a string of at least 10 women were bludgeoned in the back of the head while walking alone. Some would survive, while others wouldn’t. Welcome, Colorado's first serial killer. Let’s Mourn… Sources: Denver’s “Capitol hill thug” - historicalcrimedetective.com. (n.d.). ...
May 16, 2024•22 min
The legend of Ned Kelly is as historic as it is polarizing. A thief from the ripe young age of fourteen, Kelly robbed banks and stole horses for the men he learned from. Quickly, he became Australia’s most revered and most wanted bushranger. Or as I like to call them, land pirates! Plus, a bonus story about Angela Gosser–a Kentucky woman who recently went on a deadly shooting rampage. Let’s Mourn… Sources: Encyclopædia Britannica, inc. (2024, March 19). Ned Kelly . Encyclopædia Britannica. https...
May 11, 2024•20 min•Ep. 91
In the vast wilderness of British Columbia, near the Northern Rockies, three people were murdered and left for dead. Described as ‘introverted loners’ by their grandmother, two young men went on a killing spree that led to the largest manhunt in Canadian history. Let’s Mourn… Sources: CBC/Radio Canada. (2019, December 21). Inside Last Summer’s RCMP manhunt for admitted killers Bryer Schmegelsky and Kam McLeod | CBC news . CBCnews. https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/northern-bc-murders-ito-1.5401732 ...
May 08, 2024•24 min•Ep. 90
One man’s charisma and religious fervor permanently stained Quebec’s history. Roch Theriault–a catholic turned 7th Day Adventist turned Cult Leader –manipulated a group of vulnerable people to follow him into the densely forested mountains of Canada. There, he would perform the unspeakable. Let’s Mourn… Sources: Lyon, R. (2023, December 11). Manipulation, mutilation, and murder: The story of the ant hill kids, Quebec’s disturbing Doomsday cult . All That’s Interesting. https://allthatsinterestin...
May 05, 2024•31 min
For a history that spans centuries and has seen countless power shifts, you might think Iceland would have more serial killers. However, only one person holds this title. Axlar-Bjorn, of the 16th century, is Iceland’s only serial killer! Let’s Mourn… Sources: Axlar-Björn, the only Icelandic serial killer, terrorized travellers on Snæfellsnes Peninsula . Icelandmag. (n.d.). https://icelandmag.is/article/axlar-bjorn-only-icelandic-serial-killer-terrorized-travellers-snaefellsnes-peninsula Axlar-Bj...
Apr 30, 2024•22 min
A century ago, a man condemned to death showed just how resilient the human body can be. Michael Schiller murdered his wife in cold blood and would pay the price with his own. However, his execution quickly went awry. This is history’s most brutally botched execution you’ve never heard of. Let’s Mourn… Sources: As lethal injection turns forty, states botch a record number of executions . Death Penalty Information Center. (n.d.). https://deathpenaltyinfo.org/news/as-lethal-injection-turns-forty-s...
Apr 22, 2024•19 min•Ep. 87
A deceased girl embalmed, preserved, and hidden for years: a high priestess and her Godly daughter. Oh, and don't forget the puppies... Welcome, The Blackburn Cult! Let’s Mourn… Sources: The Blackburn cult. (n.d.). http://www.laalmanac.com/religion/re720.php CBS Interactive. (n.d.). 4 arrested, bodies found in connection with disappearance of 2 women in Oklahoma . CBS News. https://www.cbsnews.com/news/veronica-butler-jilian-kelley-oklahoma-arrests-bodies-found/ Morrow, J. (n.d.). The Blackburn ...
Apr 18, 2024•19 min
A large, tight-knit Delaware family received a delightful box of poisoned chocolates. Little did they know that by week’s end, their family would be much smaller… Plus, an extra feature story about the perplexing crime scene of Mrs. Nora Kelly! Let’s Mourn… Sources: Morrow, J. (n.d.-a). Candy from a stranger: The cordelia botkin case of 1898 . historicalcrimedetective.com. https://www.historicalcrimedetective.com/candy-from-a-stranger-the-cordelia-botkin-case-of-1898/ Morrow, J. (n.d.-b). The Se...
Apr 15, 2024•39 min
What’s worse? Killing for money…or manipulating your children to kill for you? A vintage murder went unsolved for years until a confession came from a child who was never supposed to remember. Plus a bonus story involving the Six Mile Murder Inn! Let’s Mourn… Sources: Feature stories - historicalcrimedetective.com. (n.d.). https://www.historicalcrimedetective.com/category/feature-stories/ #germanserialkillers #murderpodcast #newpodcast #murders #classickillers #jacktheripper #truecrimepodcast #t...
Apr 11, 2024•23 min
You’ve never heard about these murders, because the family chose to never speak of that night…until recently. Over half a century ago, a German farmer helplessly watched as all twelve members of his family were slaughtered in front of him. What he did in the wake of utter tragedy will shock you! A special thank you to Lilli Heinemann, a descendant of those involved, for sharing the dark side of her family’s past and writing such a beautifully heartfelt piece. PLUS! We finally have movement in th...
Apr 08, 2024•23 min
To murder your uncle is cruel and hateful, but to leave no witnesses is vile. The massacre of the Knight family has been slowly forgotten over the decades, but let’s not forget the kindness they exhibited that led to their deaths. Plus, an update to The Dartmouth Murders! Let’s Mourn… Sources: Boehm, C. D., & Parker, J. H. (2021, January 27). The Dartmouth murders twenty years later . The Dartmouth Review. http://dartreview.com/the-dartmouth-murders-twenty-years-later/ Knight family killed 1...
Apr 04, 2024•23 min
The double homicide of an elderly couple in the Pacific Northwest rocked the residents of 19th-century Washington. However, this wasn’t the first time the murderer had struck. Welcome, Washington’s first serial killer. Let’s Mourn… CBS Interactive. (n.d.). California woman says her bloody bedroom was not a crime scene . CBS News. https://www.cbsnews.com/news/jane-dorotik-bob-dorotik-california-murder-crime-scene-48-hours/ Documentation for the execution of Martin Stickles . Online Content | M.E....
Apr 01, 2024•26 min
The most powerful General in China’s history, who led the bloodiest rebellion, and forever changed their regional landscape–was born an outsider . An Lushan, a legendarily large man, fled to China as a boy and rose through the ranks, becoming close friends with the emperor himself. But, all good things must come to an end. Let’s Mourn… Carter, J. (2021, February 4). The end of China’s Golden Age . The China Project. http://thechinaproject.com/2021/02/03/the-end-of-chinas-golden-age/ CBS Interact...
Mar 28, 2024•23 min
Most often a father is their son's teacher, and a son is their father’s shadow. But what happens when the roles are reversed? Can a child teach his father to kill? Let’s Mourn… Sources: Blanco, J. I. (n.d.). Aleksandr Rubel: Murderpedia, the Encyclopedia of Murderers . Aleksandr Rubel | Murderpedia, the encyclopedia of murderers. https://murderpedia.org/male.R/r/rubel-aleksandr.htm Janisch, K. (2011, March 8). Courts commit woodbury man who wanted to be a serial killer to a mental hospital . Woo...
Mar 25, 2024•19 min
Arsenic, the king of poisons, has been silently killing people for nearly 1,000 years. When a man keels over and dies for seemingly no reason, one signature in the apothecary’s poison book stands out above the rest. Let’s Mourn… Asma-Sadeque, S. (2024, March 16). Married man accused of killing girlfriend after fisherman discovers bag with toes sticking out . Peoplemag. https://people.com/married-man-accused-killing-girlfriend-fisherman-discovers-bag-toes-sticking-out-8608486 Blanco, J. I. (n.d.)...
Mar 21, 2024•28 min
You don’t often see a cold case solved by the person who committed the crime. Yet that is exactly what happened back in 2001 in Fort Worth, Texas. A woman nearly killed a man and instead of finding help, she provided him with a slow, agonizing death inside her garage. Let’s Mourn… Blanco, J. I. (n.d.). Chante Mallard: Murderpedia, the Encyclopedia of Murderers . Chante Mallard | Murderpedia, the encyclopedia of murderers. https://murderpedia.org/female.M/m/mallard-chante.htm Helling, S. (2018, M...
Mar 18, 2024•19 min
The legend of Blackbeard has gripped people around the world for centuries. However, a lesser-known figure named Blue Beard has an equally troubled past. Blue Beard is a fantastical figure from Fench folklore, but sometimes, truth is stranger than fiction! Let’s Mourn… Sources: Blanco, J. I. (n.d.). Henri Landru: Murderpedia, the Encyclopedia of Murderers . Henri Landru | Murderpedia, the encyclopedia of murderers. https://murderpedia.org/male.L/l/landru-henry.htm Ephson, J. (2024, March 9). Eve...
Mar 14, 2024•23 min
Some people are born to create music, some are born to lead, and some were born to fingerprint. Frederick R. Cherrill, aka ‘Fingerprint Man’ , was a finger and palm print pioneer. His meticulous crime scene work and evidence organization are the basis for the same fingerprinting system we use today. Without Cherrill, London’s Blackout Ripper may have never been caught. Let’s Mourn… Sources: The Blackout Ripper: A serial killer in wartime London . Crime + Investigation UK. (n.d.). https://www.cri...
Mar 11, 2024•26 min
