Four years before Afrikka's Death, reporter Thomas Hargrove took clues from the Atlanta child murders and the Green River Killer and created an algorithm to detect serial killers. His algorithm flagged Gary, Indiana as the site of an unusual number of strangulations. But how did this algorithm work, and what came of the findings? Thomas Hargrove discusses the creation of the algorithm and Dr. Mike Aamodt talks serial killing stats. Finally, host Ben Kuebrich receives an unexpected phone call. Subscribe to Algorithm now, so you don't miss an episode and leave a review! This is a brand new show that could really use your help. Also, follow host Ben Kuebrich on Twitter for more information about the case.   Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Algorithm

When Afrikka Hardy was strangled in 2014 it seemed completely random, but it wasn’t. It was part of a pattern.

Four years earlier, reporter Thomas Hargrove had created an algorithm to detect serial killers and flagged Gary, Indiana as the site of an unusual number of strangulations.

But when Hargrove reached out to warn local police, he was ignored -- until Afrikka Hardy was murdered, and those cold cases suddenly didn’t look so cold.

Algorithm follows the investigation into Afrikka’s murder, exposing the warnings that police ignored, and uncovering more than anyone expected -- that a serial killer was strangling women in Gary, Indiana could've been stopped. And that Afrikka Hardy should be alive today. 

This podcast will explore how technology can be used to identify and track serial killers, and how an algorithm can influence the way homicides are investigated all across the country.

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True crime

Up and Vanished presents... Status: Untraced. In 2016, survivalist and world traveler Justin Alexander goes missing in the Parvati Valley while on a spiritual trek into the Himalayan Mountains. While the circumstances of his disappearance point to murder, a chilling message he left behind throws everything into question: “I should return mid-September or so. If I’m not back by then, don’t look for me.” Four years later, host and true crime newcomer Liam Luxon is introduced to Justin's story and embarks on an investigation into the case. "Status-Untraced" is a 10-episode journey that explores the secrets the Valley holds, the stones left unturned, and what really happened to Justin Alexander. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

MISSING: Survivalist & World Traveler

Payne Lindsey returns to lead a new investigation into the disappearance of Alaska Native Florence Okpealuk, who vanished from the subarctic town of Nome in 2020. From Tenderfoot TV, a new chapter begins, this is season 4... 'Up and Vanished: In the Midnight Sun'. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Up and Vanished Returns

In the early evening on New Year’s Eve, in 1973, a 34 year old man was found bleeding to death on a downtown street in Stockton, California. In his dying moments, he named the men behind his murder: Calvin Jones and Rosalio Estrada. 50 years later, Rosalio’s son, Alex Estrada sets off to find out if his father was actually involved in the murder. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Introducing The Estate

What happened to the DNA evidence associated with Hargrove's list. And what happened to Gary's backlogged rape kits? Follow host Ben Kuebrich on twitter @Ben_kuebrich, and follow the algorithm podcast on twitter, instagram, or facebook. Reach out with any tips or suggestions for other clusters of murders to explore on social media or by leaving a voicemail at 888-501-3309. And if you want more episodes -- please leave a review, letting us know you liked the show on apple podcasts! Hopefully, we'll be back with more episodes soon.   Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ben receives a letter from Vann agreeing to an interview. Ben talks to Kasich about Vann and why he plead to life in prison after wanting to be executed. And a mysterious caller describes another victim and sheds possible light on Vann's motivations. Find out more about the case on twitter, instagram, or facebook. Follow host Ben Kuebrich on twitter @Ben_kuebrich. Reach out with any tips or suggestions for other clusters of murders to explore on social media or by leaving a voicemail at 888-501-3309.   Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Algorithm

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