Case Files with Kat and Ashley

In this week’s episode, Ashley highlights the women whose groundbreaking work changed the way we understand victims, criminals, and forensic evidence. At the center of the episode is Ann Burgess, the forensic nurse whose research on rape trauma and violent offenders helped shape modern criminal profiling and transform the FBI’s approach to investigating serial killers. Ashley also explores the contributions of other trailblazing women in forensic science, including the creators and innovators behind the rape kit, homicide investigation training tools, advanced DNA profiling, forensic anthropology, hand-vein identification, and more. Their work helped bring science, structure, and compassion into criminal investigations, giving victims a stronger voice and investigators better tools to pursue justice.

Resources:

1.      https://www.forensicmag.com/3594-All-News/623997-New-Book-Details-Forensic-Nurse-s-Role-in-High-profile-Trials/

2.      https://www.bc.edu/bc-web/sites/bc-magazine/bc-magazine-summer-2019-issue/features/mastermind.html

3.      https://www.biography.com/movies-tv/a61488077/ann-burgess-criminology-expert

4.      https://arstechnica.com/science/2024/07/meet-the-woman-whose-research-helped-the-fbi-catch-notorious-serial-killers/

5.      https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ann_Burgess

6.      https://streetsmartsafety.org/ann-burgess-criminal-profiling/

7.      https://press.hulu.com/shows/mastermind-to-think-like-a-killer/

8.      https://www.hulu.com/series/c6d221be-cfc3-49a7-8b11-159629cb8287

9.      https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Frances_Glessner_Lee

10. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sue_Black,_Baroness_Black_of_Strome

11.  https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Marty_Goddard

12. https://www.wittenberg.edu/news/03-10-20/joye-carter-79

13. https://fosterfreeman.com/women-in-forensics/

14. https://www.amazon.com/Killer-Design-Murderers-Mindhunters-Decipher/dp/0306924862

Please like, follow, and share this podcast - we're on all of the platforms! Oh, and please leave reviews so other true crime lovers can find us. 

If you are trying to get a hold of us, we can only respond via:
Case Files with Kat and Ashley
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We're here if you need us! NEVER hesitate to reach out!

FOR HELP WITH STALKING OR CYBERSTALKING:

• https://rainn.org/news/resources-survivors-stalking-and-cyberstalking
• https://www.stalkingawareness.org/

FOR HELP WITH DOMESTIC VIOLENCE:

• NATIONWIDE: https://www.thehotline.org/get-help/domestic-violence-local-resources/
• IN HOUSTON AREA: https://www.bayareaturningpoint.org/ or call 24/7: (281) 286-2525

FOR HELP WITH SEXUAL ASSAULT:

• https://rainn.org/resources

FOR HELP WITH BULLYING:

• Text CONNECT to 741741 
• Need to Vent?
  Simply text HOME or HOLA to 741741 to reach a live volunteer Crisis Counselor. We are always here for you. Free, 24/7, confidential.
  
  

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CONTENT WARNING: This episode discusses serial murder, sexual violence, violence against sex workers, dismemberment, and details involving unidentified human remains. Listener discretion is advised.

In this update episode, Kat revisits the Long Island Serial Killer case after Rex Heuermann’s stunning 2026 guilty plea. We walk through the expanded timeline, the eight women he admitted to killing, the disturbing planning document, the Peacock documentary revelations, and the questions still surrounding unidentified victims connected to Gilgo Beach. Grab a drink and join us as we explore the dark side of humanity.

References: 

1. https://www.peacocktv.com/blog/how-to-watch-rex-heuermann-documentary-gilgo-beach-killer-peacock-wife-kids
2. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Murder_of_Tan
3. a_Jackson_and_Tatiana_Dykes#:~:text=On%20April%2023%2C%202025%2C%20Nassau,deployed%20during%20the%20Gulf%20War.
4. https://www.pbs.org/newshour/nation/rex-heuermann-sentenced-to-life-in-prison-for-new-yorks-gilgo-beach-serial-killings
5. https://nypost.com/2026/06/27/us-news/nyc-architect-serial-killer-sent-to-little-siberia-prison/

Please like, follow, and share this podcast - we're on all of the platforms! Oh, and please leave reviews so other true crime lovers can find us. 

If you are trying to get a hold of us, we can only respond via:
Case Files with Kat and Ashley
Facebook
Instagram

We're here if you need us! NEVER hesitate to reach out!

FOR HELP WITH STALKING OR CYBERSTALKING:

• https://rainn.org/news/resources-survivors-stalking-and-cyberstalking
• https://www.stalkingawareness.org/

FOR HELP WITH DOMESTIC VIOLENCE:

• NATIONWIDE: https://www.thehotline.org/get-help/domestic-violence-local-resources/
• IN HOUSTON AREA: https://www.bayareaturningpoint.org/ or call 24/7: (281) 286-2525

FOR HELP WITH SEXUAL ASSAULT:

• https://rainn.org/resources

FOR HELP WITH BULLYING:

• Text CONNECT to 741741 
• Need to Vent?
  Simply text HOME or HOLA to 741741 to reach a live volunteer Crisis Counselor. We are always here for you. Free, 24/7, confidential.
  
  

INTERNATIONAL RESOURCES - YOU ARE N...

In this week's episode, Ashley discusses the doomsday cult with cats-- how it began, the many cults it was before it became Eva's Eden, and the horrible experiences of those who were members. This episode covers cults, cats, the apocalypse, a murder attempt and more. Join us as we explore the dark side of humanity.

Resources:

1. https://vicomanija.com/en/sheryl-ruthven-biography-american-religious-figure/#google_vignette
2. https://sojo.net/articles/opinion/when-strange-belief-turns-harmful
3. https://www.nashvillescene.com/news/coverstory/apocalypse-meow-how-a-cult-that-believes-cats-are-divine-beings-ended-up-in-tennessee/article_78fc2367-5596-5a7a-ad8e-edae8c83a594.html
4. https://www.hulu.com/watch/69ddaa18-0746-4478-91ee-33f11bd87ca6
5. https://www.facebook.com/IsThereACultInColumbiaTN

Please like, follow, and share this podcast - we're on all of the platforms! Oh, and please leave reviews so other true crime lovers can find us. 

If you are trying to get a hold of us, we can only respond via:
Case Files with Kat and Ashley
Facebook
Instagram

We're here if you need us! NEVER hesitate to reach out!

FOR HELP WITH STALKING OR CYBERSTALKING:

• https://rainn.org/news/resources-survivors-stalking-and-cyberstalking
• https://www.stalkingawareness.org/

FOR HELP WITH DOMESTIC VIOLENCE:

• NATIONWIDE: https://www.thehotline.org/get-help/domestic-violence-local-resources/
• IN HOUSTON AREA: https://www.bayareaturningpoint.org/ or call 24/7: (281) 286-2525

FOR HELP WITH SEXUAL ASSAULT:

• https://rainn.org/resources

FOR HELP WITH BULLYING:

• Text CONNECT to 741741 
• Need to Vent?
  Simply text HOME or HOLA to 741741 to reach a live volunteer Crisis Counselor. We are always here for you. Free, 24/7, confidential.
  
  

INTERNATIONAL RESOURCES - YOU ARE N...

In this week’s episode, Kat explores the story of Lisa Knoefel, a woman who opened her home to offer safety, stability, and a second chance.

Instead, she brought something far more dangerous inside.

In November 2012, Lisa was killed in her own home—but what followed would reveal something far more calculated… and far more personal.

And the person responsible might not be who you think.

Grab a drink and join us as we explore the dark side of humanity...with beer!

References:

1. Evil Lives Here episode "Fostering Evil": https://www.imdb.com/title/tt39301893/
2. CBS NEWS
3. Court Documents
4. cleveland.com article
5. gettyimages.com article
6. apnews.com article
7. anatomyofmurder.com article
8. medium.com article
9. facebook.com/datelinenbc/videos
10. oxygen.com article

Please like, follow, and share this podcast - we're on all of the platforms! Oh, and please leave reviews so other true crime lovers can find us. 

If you are trying to get a hold of us, we can only respond via:
Case Files with Kat and Ashley
Facebook
Instagram

We're here if you need us! NEVER hesitate to reach out!

FOR HELP WITH STALKING OR CYBERSTALKING:

• https://rainn.org/news/resources-survivors-stalking-and-cyberstalking
• https://www.stalkingawareness.org/

FOR HELP WITH DOMESTIC VIOLENCE:

• NATIONWIDE: https://www.thehotline.org/get-help/domestic-violence-local-resources/
• IN HOUSTON AREA: https://www.bayareaturningpoint.org/ or call 24/7: (281) 286-2525

FOR HELP WITH SEXUAL ASSAULT:

• https://rainn.org/resources

FOR HELP WITH BULLYING:

• Text CONNECT to 741741 
• Need to Vent?
  Simply text HOME or HOLA to 741741 to reach a live volunteer Crisis Counselor. We are always here for you. Free, 24/7, confidential.
  
  

INTERNATIONAL RESOURCES - YOU ARE N...

In this week's episode Ashley discusses the unsolved case of the double murder of the Shorts' and the abduction of their 9 year old daughter, Jennifer Short. On August 15, 2002 Michael and Mary Short were shot by an intruder execution-style. Their daughter was taken. Who killed them? Why did they take Jennifer? Join us as we discuss this case and what has been discovered over the years.

Resources:

1.      https://unresolved.me/the-short-family

2.      https://medium.com/the-mystery-box/9-year-old-jennifers-body-was-found-under-a-bridge-far-from-her-home-8a698982aaf6

3.      https://www.wxii12.com/article/memorial-ride-honors-short-family-unsolved-murders/40891007

4.      https://www.king5.com/article/news/crime/14-years-later-short-family-murders-remain-unsolved/83-298597844

5.      https://www.wdbj7.com/content/news/Short-family-home-burns-down-murder-case-remains-cold-after-17-years--506116151.html

Please like, follow, and share this podcast - we're on all of the platforms! Oh, and please leave reviews so other true crime lovers can find us. 

If you are trying to get a hold of us, we can only respond via:
Case Files with Kat and Ashley
Facebook
Instagram

We're here if you need us! NEVER hesitate to reach out!

FOR HELP WITH STALKING OR CYBERSTALKING:

• https://rainn.org/news/resources-survivors-stalking-and-cyberstalking
• https://www.stalkingawareness.org/

FOR HELP WITH DOMESTIC VIOLENCE:

• NATIONWIDE: https://www.thehotline.org/get-help/domestic-violence-local-resources/
• IN HOUSTON AREA: https://www.bayareaturningpoint.org/ or call 24/7: (281) 286-2525

FOR HELP WITH SEXUAL ASSAULT:

• https://rainn.org/resources

FOR HELP WITH BULLYING:

• Text CONNECT to 741741 
• Need to Vent?
  Simply text HOME or HOLA to 741741 to reach a live volunteer Crisis Counselor. We are always here for you. Free, 24/7, confidential.
  
  

INTERNATIONAL RESOURCES - YOU ARE N...

In this week's episode, Ashley discusses the double murder of Ray and Ruth Raycroft and the attempted murder of their teenage daughter, Colleen. Collen was dating a man named Rick who just couldn't handle rejection. Take a listen as Ashley discusses the lives and murders of Ray and Ruth. 

If you are being stalked or feel like you're life is in danger due to an ex partner, please contact your local authorities, or reach out to us. There is help. You are not alone. Do not ignore the signs.

Resources:

1.      https://mysterydelver.com/no-choir-boy/

2.      https://northernstar.info/19630/news/city/student-sought-by-police-after-woodstock-murders/

3.      https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/11417028/ruth_ann-ritter

4.      https://www.chicagotribune.com/1988/08/28/woodstock-tragedy-starting-to-sink-in/

5.      https://www.chicagotribune.com/1988/08/28/woodstock-tragedy-starting-to-sink-in/

6.      https://www.upi.com/Archives/1988/08/21/A-man-and-his-wife-were-found-stabbed-to/3081236080952/

7.      https://www.deseret.com/1991/11/23/18953250/girl-says-murder-suspect-had-bad-temper/

8.      https://online.nwherald.com/infinity/article_popover_share.aspx?guid=5ea8b353-aa62-4ccd-be83-beec755454d4

Please like, follow, and share this podcast - we're on all of the platforms! Oh, and please leave reviews so other true crime lovers can find us. 

If you are trying to get a hold of us, we can only respond via:
Case Files with Kat and Ashley
Facebook
Instagram

We're here if you need us! NEVER hesitate to reach out!

FOR HELP WITH STALKING OR CYBERSTALKING:

• https://rainn.org/news/resources-survivors-stalking-and-cyberstalking
• https://www.stalkingawareness.org/

FOR HELP WITH DOMESTIC VIOLENCE:

• NATIONWIDE: https://www.thehotline.org/get-help/domestic-violence-local-resources/
• IN HOUSTON AREA: https://www.bayareaturningpoint.org/ or call 24/7: (281) 286-2525

FOR HELP WITH SEXUAL ASSAULT:

• https://rainn.org/resources

FOR HELP WITH BULLYING:

• Text CONNECT to 741741 
• Need to Vent?
  Simply text HOME or HOLA to 741741 to reach a live volunteer Crisis Counselor. We are always here for you. Free, 24/7, confidential.
  
  

INTERNATIONAL RESOURCES - YOU ARE N...

In this week's episode Ashley covers a case submitted to us by our listener Katie. The disappearance of Phylicia Thomas is a heartbreaking one. All Phylicia was trying to do is solve the disappearance of her friend Jennifer Barziloski and got too close to finding out the truth. This episode discusses Jennifer's disappearance, the people involved, and the theories of what happened to Phylicia. 

There is a $7,000 reward for any information that can help solve the case. All information should be reported to the Pennsylvania state police. 

Resources:

1.      https://veritycreates.medium.com/was-she-murdered-for-knowing-too-much-acd6dc6bb3cc

2.      https://www.pharmacytimes.com/view/man-convicted-for-strangling-pharmacist-in-drug-ring

3.      https://odiefiles.wordpress.com/

4.      https://fox56.com/news/local/state-police-in-tunkhannock-renew-search-for-woman-missing-since-2004-offer-5000-reward

5.      https://www.reddit.com/r/UnresolvedMysteries/comments/5y8z36/the_mysterious_disappearance_of_phylicia_thomas/

6.      http://www.trackmissing.org/Cases/Details/580

7.      https://www.timesleader.com/news/1706801/beyond-the-byline-21-plus-years-later-we-wait-to-learn-what-happened-to-phylicia-thomas

8.      https://unsolvedmysteries.fandom.com/wiki/Phylicia_Thomas

9.      https://www.2822news.com/news/local-news/family-seeks-answers-in-22-year-cold-case/

10. https://www.yahoo.com/news/remembering-phylicia-thomas-20-years-032732016.html

11. https://truecrimenews.com/2016/04/25/woman-vanishes-while-investigating-dead-friends-disappearance/

12. https://charleyproject.org/case/phylicia-albina-thomas

13. https://www.reddit.com/r/UnresolvedMysteries/comments/1ishy92/is_the_disappearance_of_cindy_song_connected_to/

Please like, follow, and share this podcast - we're on all of the platforms! Oh, and please leave reviews so other true crime lovers can find us. 

If you are trying to get a hold of us, we can only respond via:
Case Files with Kat and Ashley
Facebook
Instagram

We're here if you need us! NEVER hesitate to reach out!

FOR HELP WITH STALKING OR CYBERSTALKING:

• https://rainn.org/news/resources-survivors-stalking-and-cyberstalking
• https://www.stalkingawareness.org/

FOR HELP WITH DOMESTIC VIOLENCE:

• NATIONWIDE: https://www.thehotline.org/get-help/domestic-violence-local-resources/
• IN HOUSTON AREA: https://www.bayareaturningpoint.org/ or call 24/7: (281) 286-2525

FOR HELP WITH SEXUAL ASSAULT:

• https://rainn.org/resources

FOR HELP WITH BULLYING:

• Text CONNECT to 741741 
• Need to Vent?
  Simply text HOME or HOLA to 741741 to reach a live volunteer Crisis Counselor. We are always here for you. Free, 24/7, confidential.
  
  

INTERNATIONAL RESOURCES - YOU ARE N...

In the tiny farming town of Skidmore, Missouri, nearly fifty people stood on Main Street and watched Ken McElroy die in broad daylight.

When police arrived, every single witness said the same thing.

“I didn’t see anything.”

In this episode, Kat dives into the story of the man known as the “town bully,” the decades of fear that built up in Skidmore, and the shocking day when an entire town closed ranks and refused to identify a killer.

Grab a drink and join us as we explore the dark side of humanity… with beer.\

References:

1. In Broad Daylight - By Harry N. MacLean: https://www.amazon.com/Broad-Daylight-Harry-N-MacLean/dp/1482639874

Please like, follow, and share this podcast - we're on all of the platforms! Oh, and please leave reviews so other true crime lovers can find us. 

If you are trying to get a hold of us, we can only respond via:
Case Files with Kat and Ashley
Facebook
Instagram

We're here if you need us! NEVER hesitate to reach out!

FOR HELP WITH STALKING OR CYBERSTALKING:

• https://rainn.org/news/resources-survivors-stalking-and-cyberstalking
• https://www.stalkingawareness.org/

FOR HELP WITH DOMESTIC VIOLENCE:

• NATIONWIDE: https://www.thehotline.org/get-help/domestic-violence-local-resources/
• IN HOUSTON AREA: https://www.bayareaturningpoint.org/ or call 24/7: (281) 286-2525

FOR HELP WITH SEXUAL ASSAULT:

• https://rainn.org/resources

FOR HELP WITH BULLYING:

• Text CONNECT to 741741 
• Need to Vent?
  Simply text HOME or HOLA to 741741 to reach a live volunteer Crisis Counselor. We are always here for you. Free, 24/7, confidential.
  
  

INTERNATIONAL RESOURCES - YOU ARE N...

We're a little late, but Happy 7th Anniversary to US! If you've been listening to us that long -WE LOVE YOU! If you're a new listener, we LOVE YOU, TOO! Thanks, y'all - we truly mean that. 

This week, Kat dives into the case of Brenda Andrew, the only woman on death row in Oklahoma.

What began as a churchgoing suburban marriage ended in an affair, a bitter divorce and custody fight, and the fatal shooting of Rob Andrew in his own garage just before Thanksgiving 2001.

We examine the controversy surrounding Brenda’s trial and failed appeals, while keeping the focus where it belongs: on Rob Andrew, the father whose life was taken and whose children lost him forever.

Join us as we explore the dark side of humanity...with beer

References:

The Heartbreaking Andrew Family Murder - Robert & Brenda Andrew - True Crime Stories | Deep Dive: https://youtu.be/u67tz4ziaj4?si=j8o3hUq84ouc_scz

Her Website: https://www.savebrendaandrew.org

U.S. Supreme Court Opinion:
https://www.supremecourt.gov/opinions/24pdf/23-6573_m647.pdf

FindLaw Case Summary:
https://caselaw.findlaw.com/court/us-supreme-court/23-6573.html

Death Penalty Information Center:
https://deathpenaltyinfo.org/supreme-court-rules-in-favor-of-only-woman-on-oklahoma-death-row-confirming-admission-of-prejudicial-gendered-evidence-can-violate-due-process-rights

American University WCL (Amicus Advocacy):
https://www.american.edu/wcl/news-events/news/auwcl-professor-supports-amicus-advocacy-leading-to-death-row-case-reconsideration.cfm

Cornell Death Penalty Project:
https://dpw.lawschool.cornell.edu/advocacy/brenda-andrew-sex-shamed-to-death-in-oklahoma/

People Magazine:
https://people.com/death-row-inmate-convicted-killing-husband-claims-sex-shamed-trial-8778143

ABC News:
https://abcnews.com/Primetime/story?id=132093&page=1

KOCO:
https://www.koco.com/article/brenda-andrew-oklahoma-woman-death-row-loses-appeal/69993112

Murderpedia Summary:
https://murderpedia.org/female.A/a/andrew-brenda.htm

Rob Andrew Obituary:
https://www.legacy.com/us/obituaries/oklahoman/name/rob-andrew-obituary?id=29449261

Please like, follow, and share this podcast - we're on all of the platforms! Oh, and please leave reviews so other true crime lovers can find us. 

If you are trying to get a hold of us, we can only respond via:
Case Files with Kat and Ashley
Facebook
Instagram

We're here if you need us! NEVER hesitate to reach out!

FOR HELP WITH STALKING OR CYBERSTALKING:

• https://rainn.org/news/resources-survivors-stalking-and-cyberstalking
• https://www.stalkingawareness.org/

FOR HELP WITH DOMESTIC VIOLENCE:

• NATIONWIDE: https://www.thehotline.org/get-help/domestic-violence-local-resources/
• IN HOUSTON AREA: https://www.bayareaturningpoint.org/ or call 24/7: (281) 286-2525

FOR HELP WITH SEXUAL ASSAULT:

• https://rainn.org/resources

FOR HELP WITH BULLYING:

• Text CONNECT to 741741 
• Need to Vent?
  Simply text HOME or HOLA to 741741 to reach a live volunteer Crisis Counselor. We are always here for you. Free, 24/7, confidential.
  
  

INTERNATIONAL RESOURCES - YOU ARE N...

They say twins have unbreakable bonds. Ones where they develop secret twin languages, intense connections and experiences, and so on. But what about twins that display erratic, completely psychotic behavior together? In this episode, Ashley discusses Ursula and Sabina Eriksson, identical twins from Sweden. 

Two women stood in the median of one of the busiest highways in the country. Then, one after the other, they ran directly into moving traffic.

Resources:

1.      https://grokipedia.com/page/Ursula_and_Sabina_Eriksson

2.      https://womenandcrimepodcast.com/ursula-and-sabina-eriksson/

3.      https://icantbelieveitsnonfiction.com/2017/08/09/ursula-and-sabina-eriksson/

4.      https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ursula_and_Sabina_Eriksson

5.      https://www.walesonline.co.uk/news/uk-news/disturbed-twins-eriksson-murder-m6-21576116

6.      https://www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk/news/uk-news/twins-ran-onto-m6-before-32237521

7.      https://www.themirror.com/news/uk-news/uk-suicide-pact-twins-manslaughter-1551260

8.      https://amhwrites.medium.com/the-twins-who-shared-psychosis-5edfa90cc900

9.      https://www.vice.com/en/article/the-twins-who-ran-into-traffic-before-stabbing-a-man-to-death/

Please like, follow, and share this podcast - we're on all of the platforms! Oh, and please leave reviews so other true crime lovers can find us. 

If you are trying to get a hold of us, we can only respond via:
Case Files with Kat and Ashley
Facebook
Instagram

We're here if you need us! NEVER hesitate to reach out!

FOR HELP WITH STALKING OR CYBERSTALKING:

• https://rainn.org/news/resources-survivors-stalking-and-cyberstalking
• https://www.stalkingawareness.org/

FOR HELP WITH DOMESTIC VIOLENCE:

• NATIONWIDE: https://www.thehotline.org/get-help/domestic-violence-local-resources/
• IN HOUSTON AREA: https://www.bayareaturningpoint.org/ or call 24/7: (281) 286-2525

FOR HELP WITH SEXUAL ASSAULT:

• https://rainn.org/resources

FOR HELP WITH BULLYING:

• Text CONNECT to 741741 
• Need to Vent?
  Simply text HOME or HOLA to 741741 to reach a live volunteer Crisis Counselor. We are always here for you. Free, 24/7, confidential.
  
  

INTERNATIONAL RESOURCES - YOU ARE N...