In 2023, California police responded to a 911 call about a stabbing. When they arrived, officers discovered a 30-year-old woman severely injured. But worst of all, her two toddlers were alone with her in the home. Police searched for the suspect but wouldn't need to look for long. And a history of violence would soon come into focus. Join John Conner in a solo episode as he dives deep into the dark to discuss the murder of Eleni Tavau. Will this case be enough to make you check the locks?

If you, or someone you know, needs help please call the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 800-799-7233

You can also start a text chat by texting START to 88788

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Check the Locks is Supported By: 

Audible: Enjoy 30 Days for Fee

This episode of Check the Locks is dedicated, with love, to the memory of our friend Mathew Scott Halliday. 

Sources:

Salinas man pleads guilty to killing mother in front of their children

District Attorney | County of Monterey, CA

https://www.facebook.com/SalinasPoliceDepartment/posts/pfbid02DHDSoucG7GK3r4uPi6V66WEPZBER1hkBXmoGuyQrpuCJxuBFbqqyTC54s4bVy2xFl

Calif. mom Eleni Tavau allegedly stabbed to death in front of kids by ex

Salinas mother of 3 murdered before she could escape abusive relationship

Man stabbed girlfriend, fled ‘as she bled to death’ in front of kids, CA officials say

Man admits to stabbing his girlfriend, fleeing as she bled to death in front of their 2 toddlers

https://www.countyofmonterey.gov/Home/Components/News/News/11104/1336

In 2021, a new homeowner begins renovations on a property they purchased. But what they discover inside the walls is enough to make anyone's stomach drop. And the previous owners hold the key to disturbing finds. Join Olivia Cornu and John Conner as they dive deep into the dark to discuss the crimes of Theodore and James Smith. Will this case be enough to make you check the locks?

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Check the Locks is Supported By: 

Audible: Enjoy 30 Days for Fee

This episode of Check the Locks is dedicated, with love, to the memory of our friend Mathew Scott Halliday. 

Sources:

New homeowner finds child sexual abuse material in walls, leading to sentencing of father and son

Father and son sentenced for child sexual assaults in Orangevale dating back to 80s and 90s

Father & Son Sentenced for Child Sexual Assaults from 1980s and 1990s – Sacramento County District Attorney's Office

A young man preys on wealthy women in the 1940s. But when a potential victim becomes an accomplice, a violent crime spree takes them across the country. Join Olivia Cornu and John Conner as they dive deep into the dark to discuss the story of Raymond Fernandez and Martha Beck. Will this case be enough to make you check the locks?

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Check the Locks is Supported By: 

Audible: Enjoy 30 Days for Fee

This episode of Check the Locks is dedicated, with love, to the memory of our friend Mathew Scott Halliday. 

Sources:

Match Made in Hell: How the 'Lonely Hearts' Killers Seduced Their Prey with Newspaper Ads During Murderous Spree

Raymond Fernandez and Martha Beck | Criminal Minds Wiki

People v. Fernandez, 301 N.Y. 302 | Casetext Search + Citator

CRIME: Big Martha | TIME

*Join us for a special re-release of our very first Christmas episode!*

It's Christmas Eve, 2008, and the Ortega family celebrated with family and friends. But a knock on the door, and a sinister Santa, would turn the family's celebration into a nightmare. Join Olivia Cornu and John Conner as they dive deep into the dark to discuss Covina, CA's "Killer Santa." Will this case be enough to make you...check the locks?

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Audible: Enjoy 30 Days for Fee and Support Check the Locks

Post-production editing courtesy of Mat Halliday of Mat Halliday Audio Production

Sources:

Homicide for the Holidays S1E3 - A Christmas Massacre

http://www.leticiashope.com

https://www.macabredaily.com/articles/covina-christmas-massacre

https://www.oxygen.com/martinis-murder/covina-massacre-santa-suit-bruce-pardo-ortega-family?amp

In 1984, over 12 days, several brutal attacks took place in Colorado. An unknown man striking randomly and using a hammer to bludgeon his victims. And the attacker was escalating quickly. Sadly, the cases would go gold for decades. Then, in 2018, a new law in a different state helped to break the case wide open. Join Olivia Cornu and John Conner as they dive deep into the dark to discuss the "Hammer Killer," Alex Christopher Ewing. Will this case be enough to make you check the locks?

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Check the Locks is Supported By: 

Audible: Enjoy 30 Days for Fee

This episode of Check the Locks is dedicated, with love, to the memory of our friend Mathew Scott Halliday. 

Sources:

A timeline of the January 1984 hammer attacks in the Denver area | 9news.com

Unsolved: Patricia Louise Smith was bludgeoned to death in 1984 | 9news.com

'Hammer Killer' Alex Ewing Guilty Of Patricia Smith Murder | Crime News

Break in Colorado cold case brings old fears to the surface | 9news.com

https://www.denverpost.com/2015/02/01/aurora-woman-attacked-by-serial-killer-seeks-release-of-withheld-clue/

Unsolved: The Bennett family murders | kare11.com

Alex Ewing Ordered To Serve 3 Life Sentences For 1984 Murder Of Aurora Family - CBS Colorado

“Evil is locked away”: Alex Ewing receives fourth life sentence tied to 1984 “Hammer Killer” spree

People Magazine Investigates: Victim of Colorado Hammer Killer Speaks Out

In December 2000, Georgia police received a 911 call for an injured woman and a deceased infant. The story that followed would be one of polygamy, mental illness, and murder. And a child's light is extinguished before having the chance to shine. Join Olivia Cornu and John Conner as they dive deep into the dark to discuss the murderous mother, Chloe Driver. Will this case be enough to make you check the locks?

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Check the Locks is Supported By: 

Audible: Enjoy 30 Days for Fee

This episode of Check the Locks is dedicated, with love, to the memory of our friend Mathew Scott Halliday. 

Sources:

Mother who stabbed toddler to death in polygamous cult murder case sentenced to life

Chloe Driver sentenced to life for killing 13-month-old daughter in Canton | FOX 5 Atlanta

Chloe Driver murder trial day 1: Young Canton mother accused of stabbing of toddler to death | FOX 5 Atlanta

Ga. mom who was allegedly in a cult sentenced for fatally stabbing 13-month-old daughter

Update: 12/22/2020 2:30... - Canton Police Department, GA | Facebook

Panic sets in when a young woman can't contact her college roommate after a night out. When she returns home, the student uncovers a grizzly scene. With no viable suspects or leads, the case grows cold. But 9 years later, a simple DUI arrest will change everything. Join Olivia Cornu and John Conner as they dive deep into the dark to discuss the murder of Faith Hedgepeth. Will this case be enough to make you check the locks?

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Check the Locks is Supported By: 

Audible: Enjoy 30 Days for Fee

This episode of Check the Locks is dedicated, with love, to the memory of our friend Mathew Scott Halliday. 

Sources:

​​Inside The Gruesome Murder Of Faith Hedgepeth And The Search For Her Killer

Additional charges filed against suspect in killing of UNC student Faith Hedgepeth

Faith Hedgepeth Homicide -

In 1993, the body of a 4-year-old boy was found in a sleepy town. Detectives and residents believed the killer to be someone outside of the community. But as the investigation continues, a killer comes into focus. And it's surprising on all fronts. Join Olivia Cornu and John Conner as we dive deep into the dark to discuss the murder of Derrick Robies. Will this case be enough to make you check the locks?

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Check the Locks is Supported By: 

Audible: Enjoy 30 Days for Fee

This episode of Check the Locks is dedicated, with love, to the memory of our friend Mathew Scott Halliday. 

Sources:

A Big-City Horror in a Small Town - The New York Times

When the Face of Evil Is 13: A Small Town's Pain - The New York Times

Grief Over a Dead Child, and Over the Child Accused - The New York Times

14-Year-Old Convicted in Murder of Preschooler in Upstate Town - The New York Times

Child killer Eric Smith and victim Derrick Robie: What to know

Eric Smith: Gambling on a Killer | Full Episode

People v. Smith, 217 A.D.2d 221 | Casetext Search + Citator

Freckle-faced killer Eric Smith, freed on parole at 42, says he's engaged - CBS News

In Plymouth County, MA, two elderly roommates share everything, including the holidays. But when one of the men's sneezing becomes too much, a deadly accident ensues. Ending the decades-long friendship in tragedy. Join Olivia Cornu and John Conner as they dive deep into the dark to discuss the death of Frank Griswold. Will this case be enough to make you check the locks?

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Check the Locks is Supported By: 

Audible: Enjoy 30 Days for Fee

This episode of Check the Locks is dedicated, with love, to the memory of our friend Mathew Scott Halliday. 

Sources:

Man accused of killing 80-year-old roommate in Marshfield

Home

https://people.com/man-accused-killing-roommate-who-often-sneezes-after-he-got-too-close-thanksgiving-dinner-8753537

Marshfield man charged in death of roommate Frank Griswold – NBC Boston

Police in Tennessee received a startling call in the fall of 1997. When they arrived at the scene, they found a 17-year-old boy stabbed to death inside his home. The boy's mother had been sexually assaulted. Detectives worked the case as best they could. But it would eventually grow cold. But 26 years later, new technology is available. And a killer is named and caught. Join Olivia Cornu and John Conner as they dive deep into the dark to discuss the attack of James and Mary Huston. Will this case be enough to make you check the locks?

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Check the Locks is Supported By: 

Audible: Enjoy 30 Days for Fee

This episode of Check the Locks is dedicated, with love, to the memory of our friend Mathew Scott Halliday. 

Sources:

Tennessee Bureau of Investigation and Sullivan County Sheriff's Office Team with Othram to Identify the Suspect in a 1997 Homicide and Assault

https://people.com/james-hutson-killing-suspect-arrested-dna-evidence-8753046

https://www.yahoo.com/news/someone-murdered-teenage-boy-sexually-222749201.html