69 SOUTH

A seemingly ordinary day in an apartment shared by Catherine Schwartz, Tyler Mertlow, and their three children ended in unspeakable tragedy when a fire claimed the life of their three-month-old son. The devastating case unravels like a noir mystery, revealing layers of neglect, substance abuse, and domestic turmoil that created perfect conditions for disaster.

The investigation reveals a household in absolute disarray. Dog waste covered children's mattresses, forcing the family to crowd into a single bedroom where a lit candle sat precariously near the infant's crib. Empty Bacardi bottles and trash littered the apartment, creating a tinderbox waiting for a spark. When Katie stepped out to visit a vape shop, Tyler—with a blood alcohol content later measured at a staggering 0.262—was left in charge of three young children.

"The candle just blew up the house," one of the surviving children would later tell investigators, adding the heartbreaking detail that when she asked her father for help, he was drunk and "did nothing." The timeline reconstructed by detectives shows that within just 13 minutes of Katie's departure, the fire had already begun.

What makes this case particularly troubling is that the Department of Child Services had removed the children just 16 months earlier due to domestic violence concerns, returning them only five months before the fatal fire. The infant who perished was born just weeks after the older children came home, raising serious questions about whether proper safety assessments had been conducted.

Digital forensic evidence uncovered during the investigation painted an even more disturbing picture—videos and photos showing the parents engaging in explicit sexual acts in the presence of their young children in the months leading up to the tragedy. Even more shockingly, jail calls recorded after the infant's death and Tyler's arrest revealed the couple continuing their inappropriate behavior, showing a profound lack of remorse or accountability.

This case forces us to confront uncomfortable truths about parental responsibility, the effectiveness of child protective services, and how quickly neglect can turn deadly. The legal proceedings continue with both parents facing multiple felony charges, including neglect resulting in death.

Have you witnessed warning signs of child neglect in your community? Understanding when and how to report concerns could save a life. Share your thoughts with us or reach out if you need resources on recognizing and reporting suspected child abuse or neglect.

Come join Patreon.com/69South for your daily dose of The Dailly Detour. A 30 minute daily episode discussing the weird, crazy, and odd news stories with a light hearted funny take. 

Visit Rosie's Posy for all your farmstead, sourdough and flower needs at 6082 E. Hadley Rd. , Moorseville, Indiana. 

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Disclaimer: All defendants are INNOCENT UNTIL PROVEN GUILTY in a court of law. All facts are alleged until a conviction!

Come join Patreon.com/69South for your daily dose of The Dailly Detour. A 30 minute daily episode discussing the weird, crazy, and odd news stories with a light hearted funny take. 

Visit Rosie's Posy for all your farmstead, sourdough and flower needs at 6082 E. Hadley Rd. , Moorseville, Indiana. 

Support the show

Disclaimer: All defendants are INNOCENT UNTIL PROVEN GUILTY in a court of law. All facts are alleged until a conviction!

Come join Patreon.com/69South for your daily dose of The Dailly Detour. A 30 minute daily episode discussing the weird, crazy, and odd news stories with a light hearted funny take. 

Support the show

Disclaimer: All defendants are INNOCENT UNTIL PROVEN GUILTY in a court of law. All facts are alleged until a conviction!

Four young lives cut short in the dead of night. A masked intruder stalking through a college house while survivors froze in fear. A criminology PhD student who may have been studying his own crime.

The November 2022 murders of Madison Mogen, Kaylee Goncalves, Ethan Chapin, and Xana Kernodle rocked the small town of Moscow, Idaho and captivated the nation's attention. What should have been an ordinary Saturday night for these University of Idaho students ended in unimaginable tragedy when they were stabbed to death in their beds between 4:00-4:25 AM.

What makes this case particularly haunting isn't just the brutality of the attack, but the eight-hour delay before anyone called 911—despite two roommates surviving in the house, one of whom even saw the masked killer. The psychological impact of fear, the developmental neuroscience of young adult decision-making, and the surreal nature of encountering violence in what should be a safe space all contributed to a paralysis that may have cost precious time.

When authorities finally arrested 28-year-old Bryan Kohberger, the evidence was compelling: DNA on a knife sheath left at the scene, cell phone pings near the victims' house, surveillance footage of his car circling the neighborhood, and Amazon records showing he purchased a Ka-Bar style knife months earlier. Yet the most chilling aspect remains the lack of a clear motive—was it a thrill kill by someone studying criminal behavior? A rejected romantic advance? A calculated experiment?

As the case heads to trial in August 2025, the prosecution seeks the death penalty while defense attorneys challenge evidence collection methods and search warrant validity. Meanwhile, four families continue seeking justice and answers about why their beloved children were taken so senselessly.

What would you do if you came face-to-face with a masked intruder in your home? The psychology of fear and fight-or-flight responses plays out in this true crime case that feels more like a nightmare than reality.

Come join Patreon.com/69South for your daily dose of The Dailly Detour. A 30 minute daily episode discussing the weird, crazy, and odd news stories with a light hearted funny take. 

Support the show

Disclaimer: All defendants are INNOCENT UNTIL PROVEN GUILTY in a court of law. All facts are alleged until a conviction!

Trust shattered in an instant. A disturbing case unfolds in Martinsville, Indiana, where Adam Anderson, owner of Anderson Video Security and Alarm LLC, stands accused of serious crimes hiding behind his professional facade. What began with a cybertip about child pornography images uploaded from his IP address quickly evolved into something even more invasive.

The digital trail was damning. Authorities tracked the IP address to Anderson's home, where they discovered he had been secretly recording his security clients in intimate moments through the very cameras he installed to protect them. We dive deep into the investigation that revealed how Anderson allegedly used his position of trust to capture footage of unsuspecting women in various states of undress, including footage of clients naked in their hot tub and walking through private areas of their homes wearing only underwear.

Perhaps most disturbing was the discovery of child pornography on Anderson's devices. Investigators found five images of young girls, which Anderson had photographed directly from his computer screen using his iPhone—the metadata capturing the exact location of these photos at his residence. When confronted, Anderson initially claimed concern about "questionable" material online before requesting a lawyer.

This episode pulls back the curtain on digital forensics, examines the legal ramifications of voyeurism in Indiana, and raises critical questions about who we allow into our homes. With Anderson facing multiple felony counts and a jury trial scheduled for 2025, we explore the potential consequences, including sex offender registration requirements. Have you vetted who's installing your security cameras? Subscribe now for more true crime coverage and follow us for updates on this case as it develops.

Come join Patreon.com/69South for your daily dose of The Dailly Detour. A 30 minute daily episode discussing the weird, crazy, and odd news stories with a light hearted funny take. 

Support the show

Disclaimer: All defendants are INNOCENT UNTIL PROVEN GUILTY in a court of law. All facts are alleged until a conviction!

Come join Patreon.com/69South for your daily dose of The Dailly Detour. A 30 minute daily episode discussing the weird, crazy, and odd news stories with a light hearted funny take. 

Visit Rosie's Posy for all your farmstead, sourdough and flower needs at 6082 E. Hadley Rd. , Moorseville, Indiana. 

Support the show

Disclaimer: All defendants are INNOCENT UNTIL PROVEN GUILTY in a court of law. All facts are alleged until a conviction!

Come join Patreon.com/69South for your daily dose of The Dailly Detour. A 30 minute daily episode discussing the weird, crazy, and odd news stories with a light hearted funny take. 

Visit Rosie's Posy for all your farmstead, sourdough and flower needs at 6082 E. Hadley Rd. , Moorseville, Indiana. 

Support the show

Disclaimer: All defendants are INNOCENT UNTIL PROVEN GUILTY in a court of law. All facts are alleged until a conviction!

A digital predator hiding in plain sight exposes the crucial role social media platforms play in catching those who exploit children online. The hosts delve into the troubling case of Christopher Cooley, a seemingly ordinary young man from Mooresville, Indiana, whose secret life was uncovered when both Kik Messenger and Snapchat independently flagged his activities and reported them to the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children.

What unfolds is a masterclass in digital forensic investigation, as detective Kevin Frank meticulously traces IP addresses, email accounts, and subscriber information across multiple platforms to build an airtight case. The digital breadcrumbs create a disturbing picture of escalating behavior that culminates in Cooley's full confession after a search warrant execution recovers evidence from his devices.

Most chilling is Cooley's own admission about his progression from watching adult pornography to seeking increasingly disturbing content involving children - a pattern the hosts identify as the dangerous escalation that often precedes contact offenses. They express particular concern that despite the severity of the evidence and Cooley's confession, he was released on a mere $1,000 bond.

The case highlights how digital platforms serve as a crucial first line of defense in identifying predatory behavior before it escalates to physical abuse. While difficult to discuss, these conversations are vital for community awareness and safety. Understanding how these investigations unfold and recognizing the warning signs of concerning online behavior could prevent future victims.

Have you noticed suspicious online behavior? Report it immediately to local authorities or NCMEC. Follow us on social media and let us know what cases you'd like us to cover in future episodes.

Come join Patreon.com/69South for your daily dose of The Dailly Detour. A 30 minute daily episode discussing the weird, crazy, and odd news stories with a light hearted funny take. 

Visit Rosie's Posy for all your farmstead, sourdough and flower needs at 6082 E. Hadley Rd. , Moorseville, Indiana. 

Support the show

Disclaimer: All defendants are INNOCENT UNTIL PROVEN GUILTY in a court of law. All facts are alleged until a conviction!

Discover the harrowing story of Deborah Meyer and the tragic events that unfolded on Valentine’s Day, leading to a deeply unsettling confrontation with her husband, Taylor. What was intended as a reconciliation dinner between a couple facing the precipice of divorce spiraled into a nightmare of violence and betrayal. As their marriage unraveled amidst past resentments and infidelity accusations, the couple found themselves in an explosive argument that culminated in Deborah's tragic death.

This episode dives into the complexities of love, the warning signs of domestic violence, and the devastating consequences of unchecked emotions. We analyze the events leading up to the fatal night, exploring the psychological and emotional undercurrents that drove Taylor to commit such an unfathomable act. The case raises critical questions about marital dynamics, trust, and the dire need for open communication in relationships. 

Join us as we unpack the layers of this tragic story, reminding listeners of the importance of recognizing warning signs and engaging in meaningful conversations about love and safety. As the episode closes, we provide crucial resources for anyone struggling with similar issues, advocating for the importance of support and awareness in the fight against domestic violence. Engage with us, share your thoughts, and let’s work together to break the cycle of violence.

Local Domestic Violence Resources in Indiana

Here are some key resources available for survivors of domestic violence in Morgan, Owen, Putnam, Monroe, Greene, Marion, and Johnson Counties. These organizations provide support for all survivors, regardless of gender, offering services such as emergency shelters, crisis hotlines, legal advocacy, counseling, and more. If you or someone you know needs help, reach out—support is available.

Morgan County

•Desert Rose Domestic Violence Shelter
•Services: Emergency shelter, advocacy, and support for domestic violence and sexual assault survivors.
•Phone: (765) 342-7673 (24/7 Crisis Line)
•Location: Martinsville, IN
•Notes: Serves Morgan County and surrounding areas with residential and outreach programs.

Owen County

•Middle Way House – Owen County Outreach Office
•Services: Emergency shelter, legal advocacy, victim support, and crisis intervention for survivors of domestic violence, sexual assault, and human trafficking.
•Phone: (812) 336-0846 (24/7 Hotline)
•Notes: Based in Bloomington but serves Owen County with outreach services. No prior relationship with Middle Way House is required to access help.

Putnam County

•Family Support Services of Putnam County
•Services: Support for families in crisis, including domestic violence resources and referrals.
•Phone: (765) 653-4820
•Notes: While not exclusively a domestic violence agency, they can connect survivors to local shelters and services. Contact the Indiana Coalition Against Domestic Violence (ICADV) for additional support.

Monroe County

•Middle Way House
•Services: Emergency shelter, legal advocacy, counseling, and support for survivors of domestic violence, sexual assa

Come join Patreon.com/69South for your daily dose of The Dailly Detour. A 30 minute daily episode discussing the weird, crazy, and odd news stories with a light hearted funny take. 

Support the show

Disclaimer: All defendants are INNOCENT UNTIL PROVEN GUILTY in a court of law. All facts are alleged until a conviction!

The unsettling allegations against Brittany Fortenberry challenge our perception of trust and safety within our communities. As we unravel the complexities surrounding her case, we invite you to listen to the grim testimonies and troubling details that have emerged. Brittany faces serious charges of sexual misconduct with minors, dissemination of harmful material, and contributing to the delinquency of a minor. In a courageous appearance, the grandmother of one of the victims shares her grandson's harrowing account, bringing to light the coercion and manipulation he endured.

The nature of victim testimony and peer pressure in cases like these is complex and often heartbreaking. We explore the environment that allowed such abuses to occur, touching on the influence of substances and the internal conflict victims face between societal expectations and personal regret. We discuss the broader implications for those affected, highlighting the emotional turmoil and the pursuit of justice that drives our conversation.

With new charges emerging against Brittany, the legal landscape continues to shift. We analyze the implications of these developments and the potential involvement of others in Brittany's sphere, including her open marriage. Stay informed with the latest updates on this case by tuning in and following our Facebook page, Podcast 69 South, as we strive to uncover the truth and seek justice for those impacted by these disturbing allegations.

Come join Patreon.com/69South for your daily dose of The Dailly Detour. A 30 minute daily episode discussing the weird, crazy, and odd news stories with a light hearted funny take. 

Support the show

Disclaimer: All defendants are INNOCENT UNTIL PROVEN GUILTY in a court of law. All facts are alleged until a conviction!