Almost Fiction

Description:

Exploring one of Connecticut's most infamous true crime cases, this episode delves deep into the chilling story of Todd Rizzo, aka "The Sledgehammer Killer." Discover how an 18-year-old former Marine lured a 13-year-old boy to his death "just to see what it felt like," and unravel the complex web of psychological, social, and legal issues raised by the case. With court records, expert testimony, appeals, and local news insight, we examine the factors that shaped both Rizzo’s life and the outcome of his trial, including major debates about the death penalty, childhood trauma, and criminal justice reform in Connecticut. Perfect for fans of true crime, legal analysis, and stories that challenge your views on guilt, mitigation, and punishment.

Sources:

Supreme Court of Connecticut. STATE of Connecticut v. Todd RIZZO. No. 16197. Decided: October 14, 2003. 

Supreme Court of Connecticut. STATE of Connecticut v. Todd RIZZO. No. 17527. Decided: November 29, 2011.

Sledgehammer Killer Wants Off Death Row. By Bob Connors for NBCConnecticut.com. October 22, 2010. 

Connecticut court bars execution of 11 death row inmates. By Pat Eaton-Robb for The Associated Press. August 13, 2015. https://www.norwichbulletin.com/story/news/courts/2015/08/13/connecticut-court-bars-execution-11/33682632007/.

Death row inmate resentenced to life in prison. By Unknown Author for TheAssociatedPress.com. May 9, 2018. https://www.seattletimes.com/nation-world/death-row-inmate-resentenced-to-life-in-prison-2/. 

Connecticut Supreme Court upholds death penalty, sentence of convicted murderer Todd Rizzo. November 21, 2011. https://www.masslive.com/news/2011/11/connecticut_supreme_court_upho.html. 

On Death Row: Todd Rizzo. BY SCANMAN1722 for CT LocalPolitics.com. May 17, 2009. https://ctlocalpolitics.wordpress.com/2009/05/17/on-death-row-todd-rizzo/. 

Mothers say convicted killer was once a trusted baby sitter. Unknown Author. May 29, 2005. https://murderpedia.org/male.R/r/rizzo-todd.htm.

Step into the chilling true story of Dixie Lynn Shanahan-Duty, a case that shocked Defiance, Iowa… and the nation.

This episode uncovers the turbulent life of Dixie, marked by years of domestic abuse at the hands of Scott Shanahan, and the tragic events that led her to take a life and stand trial for murder. Was it self-defense or something more complex?

Explore the blurred lines of victim and perpetrator, community silence, and the justice system’s response. With detailed case facts, first-hand accounts, and a nuanced look at domestic violence, this episode challenges listeners to question their own ideas of right and wrong.

Perfect for fans of true crime, courtroom drama, and real-life mysteries, this in-depth examination leaves no stone unturned.

Press play for a gripping, professionally told story that's as thought-provoking as it is unforgettable.

Sources:

State of Iowa v. Dixie Lynn Shanahan. No. 19/04-0855. Filed April 7, 2006.

The Punishment of Dixie Shanahan: Is There Justice for Battered Women Who Kill? By Leigh Goodmark, Assistant Professor, University of Baltimore School of Law. February 23, 2007.

Who is Dixie Shanahan Duty and why did she murder her husband? By Linh Ta for The Des Moines Register. June 20, 2018.

Dixie Shanahan-Duty Talks About Life in Prison. By Tom McMahon for Nonpareilonline.com. October 18, 2007

Vilsack Commutes Dixie Shanahan Duty’s Sentence for Murdering Abusive Husband. By Unown Author for RadioIowa.com. January 5, 2007.

Iowa v. Shanahan: Battered Wife Kills Husband. For Court.TV.com. August 25, 2004

Jury Finds Woman Guilty in Husband's Shooting Death. By Unkown Author for SiouxCityJournal.com. May 1, 2004.

Dixie Shanahan-Duty Loses Custody of Kids. By ADMIN for RadioIowa.com. Jan 5, 2007.

https://www.radioiowa.com/2007/01/05/dixie-shanahan-duty-loses-custody-of-kids/.

The chilling saga of Charles Chitat Ng and Leonard Lake comes to a dramatic close in Part 4 of our Almost Fiction series. Follow the relentless pursuit of justice across borders, from a failed shoplifting attempt to a years-long international extradition battle, as we unravel

the web of lies, confessions, betrayals, and courtroom drama that defined one of North America's most shocking murder cases.

Discover the surprising twists involving star informant Mo Laberge, harrowing escapes, assassination plots, and the long-awaited trial that held the world transfixed. With exclusive details, psychological insights, and a look at the system’s quest for closure, this is the gripping conclusion you’ve been waiting for.

Follow Almost Fiction on Instagram @AlmostFictionPod for daily true crime shorts, behind-the-scenes content, and all things strange but true.

The walls begin to close in on Charles Ng and Leonard Lake as a simple theft spirals into something much darker. 

Part 3 of our case delves into the moment their carefully constructed facade starts to crumble. 

The pair is scrambling now, trying to run from the impending consequences to their horrific actions. 

Welcome back to Almost Fiction.

Sources:

https://casetext.com/case/people-v-charles-chitat-ng

Henton, Darcy; Owens, Greg. No Kill No Thrill: The True Story of Serial Killers Charles Ng And Leonard Lake. Kindle Edition.

People v. Charles Chitat Ng, 13 Cal.5th 448, 474 (Cal. 2022)

Links: 

Ko-fi.com/chaseellerman - Buy me an Arizona Green Tea

https://www.facebook.com/groups/1251161132141164

[email protected]

https://www.instagram.com/almostfictionpod?igsh=ZXlxaWphYzNlanlj&utm_source=qr

https://www.youtube.com/@AlmostFictionPod

Discover the chilling story of Charles Ng and Leonard Lake, two ex-Marines whose paths crossed in California, leading to one of America's most disturbing criminal cases. Part 2 delves into their escalating crimes from 1984-1985, including disappearances, sexual assaults, and murders. From Lake's disturbing "Operation Miranda" to the vanishing of multiple victims, this episode examines how these predators lured victims in, and covered up their disgusting crimes.

Welcome to Almost Fiction Season 4. 

Ko-fi.com/chaseellerman - Buy me an Arizona Green Tea

https://www.facebook.com/groups/1251161132141164

[email protected]

https://www.instagram.com/almostfictionpod?igsh=ZXlxaWphYzNlanlj&utm_source=qr

https://www.youtube.com/@AlmostFictionPod

Sources:

https://casetext.com/case/people-v-charles-chitat-ng

Henton, Darcy; Owens, Greg. No Kill No Thrill: The True Story of Serial Killers Charles Ng And Leonard Lake. Kindle Edition.

People v. Charles Chitat Ng, 13 Cal.5th 448, 474 (Cal. 2022)

Charles Ng and Leonard Lake - Part 1: Before the Horror. 

Explore the troubled early lives of two killers before they ever joined forces. From Ng's strict upbringing in Hong Kong to Lake's abandoned childhood in San Francisco, discover how their paths to violence began. 

This episode covers thier military service, early crimes, and the fateful meeting that would lead to one of America's most shocking criminal partnerships. 

Ko-fi.com/chaseellerman - Buy me an Arizona Green Tea

https://www.facebook.com/groups/1251161132141164

[email protected]

https://www.instagram.com/almostfictionpod?igsh=ZXlxaWphYzNlanlj&utm_source=qr

https://www.youtube.com/@AlmostFictionPod

Sources:

https://casetext.com/case/people-v-charles-chitat-ng

Henton, Darcy; Owens, Greg. No Kill No Thrill: The True Story of Serial Killers Charles Ng And Leonard Lake. Kindle Edition.

People v. Charles Chitat Ng, 13 Cal.5th 448, 474 (Cal. 2022)

In May 2013, 17-year-old Georgia Williams vanished after telling her parents she was helping a friend with a photo shoot. That friend was Jamie Reynolds, a boy with a hidden obsession, a disturbing past, and a plan he had written in horrifying detail years before.

This episode explores the chilling case of Georgia Williams’s murder, the warning signs authorities ignored, and the predator hiding in plain sight. 

With exclusive insight, narrative depth, and haunting detail, we expose the cracks in the system that allowed a known threat to escalate into tragedy.

Sources: 

https://www.peacocktv.com/watch-online/tv/worlds-most-evil-killers/6655699059636331112/seasons/6/episodes/jamie-reynolds-episode-2/e7974646-335a-3892-ba8a-7e0386e3b62d

Judiciary of England and Wales: In the Crown Court at Stafford. The Queen v Jamie Reynolds: Sentencing Remarks. December 19, 2013. https://www.judiciary.uk/wp-content/uploads/JCO/Documents/Judgments/r-v-jamie-reynolds.pdf.

Georgia Williams murder: 'Sexual deviant' Jamie Reynolds jailed for life after luring teenager to his home and hanging her. By Richard Vernalls for Independent.co.uk. December 20, 2013.

'I cry endlessly from morning to night... we have been damned by evil to endure this misery to the end of our lives': Agony of father of murdered teenager Georgia Williams as her killer is jailed for life. By James Rushand Lucy Crossley - DailyMail.co.uk. December 19, 2013.

Jamie Reynolds took photos of himself killing Georgia Williams, court hears. By Hayley Dixon for Telegraph.co.uk. December 2, 2013. 

Jamie Reynolds charged with murder of Georgia Williams. Telegraph.co.uk. June 1, 2013. 

Fears are growing for the safety of Georgia Williams, the missing 17-year-old daughter of a police officer, after a man whom she rejected on Valentine’s Day was arrested. By Nick Britten For Telegraph.co.uk. May 29, 2013. 

Jamie Reynolds: Sex fantasy led to Georgia Williams murder. No Author Noted for BBC.com. October 14, 2015. https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-england-34475373. 

Timeline: Georgia Williams murder. No Author Noted for BBC.com. October 14, 2015. https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-england-shropshire-25137700. 

Georgia Williams: killer had been cautioned after similar attack. By Steven Morris for TheGuardian.com. October 15, 2015.

Georgia Williams: police admit failing murdered 17-year-old: Serious case review finds 'shortfalls' in investigation of killer's previous offence by The Week Staff for TheWeek.com. October 14, 2015. https://theweek.com/56615/georgia-williams-police-admit-failing-murdered-17-year-old.

In this gripping true crime episode, we investigate the haunting case of Nathan Ybanez, a 16-year-old who murdered his mother after years of alleged abuse. This deeply emotional story examines how a system meant to protect children failed repeatedly, leading to tragic consequences.

Featuring exclusive details about Nathan's troubled childhood, his desperate calls for help, and the controversial trial that sent a teenager to prison for life, this episode challenges everything we think we know about juvenile justice, from the inadequate legal defense to the ignored warning signs, we uncover how multiple institutions failed to prevent this tragedy.

Join us for this powerful examination of abuse, justice, and redemption that has captivated true crime audiences and sparked crucial debates about juvenile sentencing reform.

Sources: 

Scars of abuse concealed. By Miles Moffeit for DenverPost.com. October 28, 2006. 

https://www.pbs.org/wgbh/pages/frontline/whenkidsgetlife/five/nateerik.html

Journal entry from Nathan Ybanez. RocktMountainNews.com. September 20, 2005. 

New trial sought for teen who killed mom. By Miles Moffeit For DenverPost.com. May 7, 2016. https://www.denverpost.com/2007/08/27/new-trial-sought-for-teen-who-killed-mom/. 

'Thankful For The Opportunity': Erik Jensen Ready For Second Chance After Being Released From Prison. Author not noted for CBSNews.com. March 5, 2020. 

https://www.cbsnews.com/colorado/news/erik-jensen-nathan-ybanez-prison-sentence-jared-polis/.

Prison theatre: Finding freedom and purpose in the power of making art. By John Moore for Denver Centre of the Performing Arts. September 16, 2019. https://www.denvercenter.org/news-center/prison-theatre-finding-freedom-power-purpose-making-art/. 

In this gripping true crime episode, we investigate the haunting case of Nathan Ybanez, a 16-year-old who murdered his mother after years of alleged abuse. This deeply emotional story examines how a system meant to protect children failed repeatedly, leading to tragic consequences.

Featuring exclusive details about Nathan's troubled childhood, his desperate calls for help, and the controversial trial that sent a teenager to prison for life, this episode challenges everything we think we know about juvenile justice, from the inadequate legal defense to the ignored warning signs, we uncover how multiple institutions failed to prevent this tragedy.

Join us for this powerful examination of abuse, justice, and redemption that has captivated true crime audiences and sparked crucial debates about juvenile sentencing reform.

Sources: 

Scars of abuse concealed. By Miles Moffeit for DenverPost.com. October 28, 2006. 

https://www.pbs.org/wgbh/pages/frontline/whenkidsgetlife/five/nateerik.html

Journal entry from Nathan Ybanez. RocktMountainNews.com. September 20, 2005. 

New trial sought for teen who killed mom. By Miles Moffeit For DenverPost.com. May 7, 2016. https://www.denverpost.com/2007/08/27/new-trial-sought-for-teen-who-killed-mom/. 

'Thankful For The Opportunity': Erik Jensen Ready For Second Chance After Being Released From Prison. Author not noted for CBSNews.com. March 5, 2020. 

https://www.cbsnews.com/colorado/news/erik-jensen-nathan-ybanez-prison-sentence-jared-polis/.

Prison theatre: Finding freedom and purpose in the power of making art. By John Moore for Denver Centre of the Performing Arts. September 16, 2019. https://www.denvercenter.org/news-center/prison-theatre-finding-freedom-power-purpose-making-art/. 

In 2012, Celeste Fronsman was abducted, tortured, and burned alive in rural Ohio. Her killers? People she thought were her friends. In this episode of Almost Fiction, we explore the dark world of addiction, abuse, and betrayal, and how Celeste’s final words helped solve her own murder. 

Sources: 

Lafonse Dixon v. Warden Richland Correctional Institution. Case NO. 2:16-CV-0251-EAS-KAJ. Filed November 21, 2016. https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/USCOURTS-ohsd-2_16-cv-00251/pdf/USCOURTS-ohsd-2_16-cv-00251-0.pdf.

Those responsible for Celeste Fronsman's death serving life. By Kate Snyder for ZanesvilleTimesRecorder.com. September 14, 2017. https://www.zanesvilletimesrecorder.com/story/news/local/2017/09/14/those-responsible-celeste-fronsmans-death-serving-life/662198001/.

Culberson to be sentenced in Fronsman murder. By Ed Balint for TimesReporter.com. November 5, 2013. https://www.timesreporter.com/story/news/local/canton/2013/11/06/culberson-to-be-sentenced-in/41981635007/. 

Former lover gets life sentence for Canton woman's burning death. By Eric Lyttle for The Columbus Dispatch. November 7, 2013. https://www.dispatch.com/story/news/crime/2013/11/06/former-lover-gets-life-sentence/23746132007/. 

Ohio Man Guilty of Setting Woman Ablaze. Author not noted for The Columbus Dispatch. October 16, 2013. https://www.firehouse.com/home/news/11192998/ohio-man-facing-death-penalty-for-burning-woman.

5 years later: Celeste Fronsman murder case stays with officials. By Kate Snyder for ZanesvilleTimesRecorder.com. September 15, 2017. https://www.zanesvilletimesrecorder.com/story/news/local/2017/09/14/5-years-later-celeste-fronsman-murder-case-stays-investigators/626693001/.

Celeste Fronsman Murder: LaFonse Dixon sentenced to life in prison in death of Ohio woman who was beaten and burned. By Crimesider Staff for CBSnews.com. November 4, 2013. https://www.cbsnews.com/news/celeste-fronsman-murder-lafonse-dixon-sentenced-to-life-in-prison-in-death-of-ohio-woman-who-was-beaten-and-burned/. 

Fronsman investigation unique for Muskingum. By Ed Balint for CantonRep.com. November 9, 2013. November 9, 2013.

Woman sentenced to life for Fronsman burning death. Author not Noted for CoshoctonTribune.com. November 7, 2013. 

Canton woman pleads guilty to murder in Fronsman death. By Kathy Thompson for ZanesvilleTimesRecorder.com. September 27, 2012. 

In the shocking conclusion of our three-part true crime series, we uncover the final days of Charles William Yukl, a manipulative killer whose parole failure led to a second brutal murder in 1970s New York City. 

After convincing the system he was rehabilitated, Yukl lured an aspiring actress to his apartment under the pretense of casting her in a fake film. 

What followed was a horrific repeat of his first crime, strangulation, assault, and deception, all while hiding in plain sight.

With disturbing psychological insights and haunting survivor accounts, this episode dives deep into the failures of parole boards, psychiatric oversight, and the criminal justice system.

It’s a devastating reminder of what happens when dangerous people are given a second chance, and how the system too often listens to the wrong voices.

Sources: 

https://www.nytimes.com/1974/08/25/archives/-village-slaying-laid-to-paroled-killer.html

https://case-law.vlex.com/vid/people-v-yukl-893896295

https://www.nytimes.com/1974/09/03/archives/sexslaying-case-posing-questions-to-justice-system-sexslaying-case.html

https://mail.murderpedia.org/male.Y/y/yukl-charles.htm

https://www.law.cornell.edu/wex/spontaneous_exclamation

Tanenbaum, Robert K., and Peter S. Greenberg. The Piano Teacher: The True Story of a Psychotic Killer. eBook ed., Simon and Schuster, 1987.