A quiet Christmas Eve in Brevard County ends in violence and betrayal, serving as a reminder that the most dangerous threats don’t always come from strangers. Join John Conner as he discusses the real-life Grinch of Florida, Heather Nelson. Will this case be enough to make you check the locks?

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Check the Locks is Supported By: 

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

Sources:

Housekeeper Facing Charges for Allegedly Assaulting 83-Year-Old Employer Who Denied Her a $500 Christmas Bonus

https://nypost.com/2025/01/12/us-news/florida-housekeeper-heather-nelson-arrested-robbed-and-assaulted-83-year-old-boss-over-christmas-bonus/

'She actually took the check by force': Florida woman allegedly injures 83-year-old employer, steals her money and holiday cards after being denied $500 Christmas bonus | Law & Crime

Brevard County house cleaner assaults older woman, deputies say

https://www.facebook.com/BrevardCountySheriff/posts/pfbid0oRxbLSrdhSTKRJj6tCv4RtnKesFDyRYKEp2yQScS9HBDmg9eKHQcCzEu9wYQ4gfUl

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On a cold December night in 1989, a five-year-old girl vanished from a Christmas party—without a scream, without a trace, and without ever coming home. Join John Conner as he dives deep into the dark to discuss the disappearance of Melissa Brannen. Will this case be enough to make you check the locks?

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Check the Locks is Supported By: 

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

Sources:

Forensic Files - Season 4, Episode 5 - Innocence Lost - Full Episode

Melissa Brannen Archives - Forensic Files Now

Melissa Brannen’s abductor, Caleb Hughes, will be freed from prison after nearly 30 years

Melissa Lee Brannen

Convicted child abductor on parole for 1989 case found babysitting in Virginia

Fairfax police still seek killer of 5-year-old Melissa Brannen, who vanished in 1989

https://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-srv/WPcap/1999-11/27/005r-112799-idx.html

Inmate Locator — Virginia Department of Corrections

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On Christmas Day, 2011, terror struck a town in Texas. A whispered 911 call, a family gathering turned deadly, and a killer dressed as Santa Claus. Join John Conner as he dives deep into the dark to discuss the Grapevine Christmas Murders. 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 Free

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

Sources:

Estranged Husband Dressed As Santa Blamed For Christmas Day Massacre - ABC News

He turned up to his ex’s home dressed as Santa to surprise his kids. Then he killed them all | The Independent

Grapevine, TX | Data USA

Wife's good fortunes spurred Texas killings

Authorities identify victims in Christmas shootings

Christmas Capital of Texas® | Christmas Getaway in Grapevine

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What should have been a night of celebration turned into a tragedy marked by escalating abuse and a chilling scene no child should ever witness. As investigators peeled back the layers of their victim's life, they uncovered the truth behind her violent death and the pattern of control that led her there. Join John Conner as he dives deep into the dark to discuss the murder of Za'Zell Preston. 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 Free

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

Sources:

William Wallace dragged wife Za'Zell Preston into the living room with sunglasses on her head, propped her body on the couch, and told his kids that "she got drunk and ruined Christmas."

Man sentenced who killed wife, propped body in front of kids | AP News

Man who placed wife's body in front of kids guilty of murder

Christmas Day Killing of Wife in Anaheim Heads to Jury – Los Angeles Sentinel

O.C. man who killed his wife on Christmas is guilty of murder - Los Angeles Times

Man Convicted of Murder After Killing Wife and Having Kids Open Christmas Gifts in Front of Her Body

William Wallace Of Anaheim Convicted For Killing Wife On Christmas 2011, Had Propped Her Body On Couch As Children Opened Presents

Man accused of killing wife, propping her in front of kids to open Christmas gifts

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Between 1992 and 1993, the quiet city of Allentown, Pennsylvania, was stalked by a predator who seemed to strike at random and disappear without a trace. As bodies were discovered and survivors came forward with chilling accounts, investigators raced to identify the teen responsible for a string of brutal attacks and murders. Join John Conner as he dives deep into the dark to discuss the Monster of Allentown, Harvey Miguel Robinson. Will this case be enough to make you check the locks?

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Check the Locks is Supported By: 

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

Sources:

Harvey Robinson, The Teen Serial Killer Who Murdered 3 People

COMMONWEALTH v. ROBINSON (2004) | FindLaw

ALLENTOWN WOMAN SLAIN AT HOME

Judge Urges Serial Killer Harvey Robinson To Donate Brain To Science

ALLENTOWN MAN CHARGED IN SERIAL MURDERS, RAPES CALL CARRIER SCHMOYER 1 OF 3 SLAIN

Com. v. Robinson | Cases | Westlaw

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It's Halloween, and we are sending Olivia out with a truly terrifying case.

In August 1990, the quiet college town of Gainesville, Florida, was gripped by terror. Over just four days, five students were brutally murdered by a man who came to be known as The Gainesville Ripper. As panic spread across campus, dorms emptied, and locks clicked shut across the city. Join us as we welcome special guest Jessica Gomez to discuss the Gainesville Ripper, the real-life horror that inspired the movie Scream. 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 Free

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

Sources:

Rolling’s confession to Shreveport murders

Danny Rolling

IN DREAD AND SORROW, CAMPUS WAITS OUT HUNT FOR KILLER - The Washington Post

https://library.law.fsu.edu/Digital-Collections/flsupct/dockets/83638/83638ini.pdf

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Halloween night, 1957 — a knock at the door, a masked visitor, and a single gunshot that leaves a man dead. But this wasn’t a random attack. Behind the disguise lies a story of jealousy, obsession, and betrayal that shattered the illusion of suburban perfection. Join John Conner as he dives deep into the dark to discuss the Trick or Treat Murder of Peter Fabiano. 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 Free

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

Sources:

Three's a Crowd: The Cold Blooded Halloween Murder of Peter Fabiano

The Trick-or-Treat Murder - Deranged LA Crimes

Murder on Halloween: The 'Trick-or-Treat Slaying' – Overview & Analysis | Crime+Investigation UK

Murder on Halloween: The Trick or Treat Murder

The Bizarre Lesbian Murder Scandal That Rocked 1950s LA

California "Consenting Adults" Law: The Sex Act in Perspective.

The Trick or Treat Murder

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In September of 1993, what began as a petty theft spiraled into one of Arizona’s most brutal family murders. When a man who was convinced the system had failed him decided to take justice into his own hands. And sadly, an innocent family paid the price. A mother, father, teenage daughter, and a five-year-old boy—each caught in a web of vengeance that no one saw coming. Join Olivia Cornu and John Conner as they dive deep into the dark to discuss the Luna Family Murders. Will this case be enough to make you check the locks?

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Check the Locks is Supported By: 

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

Sources:

No. 19–7856 RICHARD KENNETH DJERF, -vs- DAVID SHINN, et al., BRIEF IN OPPOSITION O.H. SKINNER PHOENIX, ARIZONA 85007-2997 TELE

Arizona Man Executed 32 Years After Killing Family of 4 in Shocking Act of Revenge

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This week, a new Netflix documentary has inspired a deeper look at neighborhood violence. Join Olivia Cornu and John Conner as they dive deep into the dark to discuss two stories where Halloween went wrong. Will these cases be enough to make you check the locks?

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Check the Locks is Supported By: 

Audible: Enjoy 30 Days for Free

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

Sources:

Masked people terrorize Virginia family

Police searching for Halloween mask-wearing trio who terrorized family

Slain trick-or-treater's dad says boy saved him

The Halloween Murder of T.J. Darrisaw | Criminal

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In Massachusetts, Kylee Monteiro was young, pregnant, and hopeful — until a chilling text to her sister read, “If I die, it was Greg.” Days later, she was gone. When police began to dig into her disappearance, the truth they uncovered was darker than anyone imagined. Join Olivia Cornu and John Conner as they dive deep into the dark to discuss a breaking story. Will this case be enough to make you check the locks?

If you are experiencing domestic violence, know that help is available.

Please call the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 800-799-7233

You can also text BEGIN to 88788

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Check the Locks is Supported By: 

Audible: Enjoy 30 Days for Free

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

Sources:

Body of missing pregnant 18-year-old found, ex-boyfriend confessed to murder: Officials - ABC News

Vigil held in Rehoboth for Kylee Monteiro, pregnant teen allegedly murdered by boyfriend - CBS Boston

Kylee Monteiro Rehoboth candlelight vigil – NBC Boston

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