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The shadows of Skidmore, Missouri run deeper than most people realize. Following the infamous vigilante killing of town bully Ken Rex McElroy, a disturbing pattern emerged as three devastating tragedies struck the same family in this tiny rural community between 2000 and 2004.

We begin with Wendy Gillenwater, a young woman trapped in the cycle of domestic violence and methamphetamine addiction. Her boyfriend Greg Dragoo's controlling behavior escalated to unimaginable violence, culminating in a brutal assault that took her life in October 2000. Though Dragoo was eventually sentenced to life imprisonment, this conviction marked only the beginning of the family's suffering.

Just months later, Wendy's cousin Branson Perry vanished without a trace. Last seen walking to return jumper cables to his shed, the 20-year-old disappeared in broad daylight, leaving behind all personal belongings including his wallet. What started as a missing person case soon revealed disturbing connections to the local drug scene, with witnesses placing Branson at a house that suspiciously burned down days after he went missing—before he was even reported absent.

The investigation took a bizarre turn when Jack Wayne Rogers, arrested for child pornography in 2003, was discovered to have described picking up and murdering a hitchhiker matching Branson's description in graphic online chats. Despite this disturbing lead, authorities believe the truth lies closer to home, with approximately nine individuals from the community likely involved in Branson's disappearance.

Twenty years later, the case remains unsolved. Multiple searches spanning wells, ponds, and abandoned structures across several counties have yielded no concrete evidence. Perhaps most heartbreakingly, Branson's closest family members—his father, mother, and grandmother—have all passed away without the closure they desperately sought.

Join me as we unravel these interconnected mysteries and explore how one family paid the ultimate price for a small town's culture of silence. What secrets still lurk beneath Skidmore's surface? Subscribe now to hear the conclusion of this three-part investigation into a community haunted by its past.

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Step into the chilling world of Skidmore, Missouri, where one man’s unyielding reign of terror ends in a shocking act of vigilante justice. The story of Ken Rex McElroy reveals the profound fear he instilled in the community, the countless allegations of violence he evaded, and the dramatic circumstances that led to his murder in broad daylight. 

This episode challenges listeners to confront difficult questions about justice and morality, as Skidmore grapples with the resolve to protect itself from a man who had escaped legal consequences time and again.

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Sharon Thor's tragic disappearance and murder in 1982 still resonate in her community decades later. Exploration of her life, the subsequent search efforts, and an enduring commitment to justice highlight the resilience of those seeking answers. 

• Sharon's upbringing and passion for dance
• The timeline of Sharon's disappearance 
• Initial community response and police hesitance
• Discovery of Sharon’s body and investigation challenges
• Revival of interest in the case through community initiatives
• Recent developments regarding forensic advancements
• Family reflections, ongoing advocacy, and memorial efforts

Change.org Petition: https://www.change.org/p/justice-for-the-thor-family-get-the-case-solved

'Remembering Sharon' Play: https://read.amazon.com/?asin=B0792XNV11&ref_=dbs_t_r_kcr

Source Materials: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1JmcaVEQolwqlStt86NV8_OYpK_6SGk5K5CVTxHgIOIE/edit?usp=sharing

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What happens when a meticulously planned heist unravels due to fractured trust and relentless investigation? Uncover the thrilling final chapter of the Great Brinks Robbery, where elaborate schemes and duplicity ultimately led to one of the most dramatic turns in criminal history. We'll walk you through how Joseph O'Keefe, cornered by legal troubles and assassination attempts, flipped on his accomplices, exposing the intricate details that sealed their fate. Prepare to be captivated by the precision in planning—from casing the Brinks building to duplicating keys—and how these masterful plans fell apart.

Join us as we follow the FBI's relentless pursuit of justice, which culminated in a surprising twist in 1956 involving a small-time crook and a hidden stash of bills. Discover how a figure known as "Fat John" became a pivotal clue, leading to critical breakthroughs and further implicating the conspirators. This episode promises to tie together the thrilling investigation, the betrayal within the criminal ranks, and the ultimate resolution of one of America's most notorious robberies. Don't miss this gripping conclusion to an unforgettable saga.

Source Material: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1GXtsG66sFXign9XE5_ynezkBoHEDLQtGyXF1Yt3P7mM/edit?usp=sharing

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What happens when a group of seasoned criminals meticulously plans one of the most audacious heists in American history? Join us as we recount the daring Great Brinks Robbery of January 17, 1950, a night when a crew of masked and disguised thieves managed to infiltrate the heavily fortified Brinks Armored Car Depot in Boston, making off with $2.7 million in cash, coins, checks, and money orders. This episode tracks the incredible precision of the robbers, who left the crime scene spotless, and the ensuing all-out investigation by the FBI and Boston Police, capturing the public's imagination and leading to a wave of tips and theories.

Get to know the key players behind the heist, such as Joseph James O'Keefe and Stanley Albert Gusciora, whose criminal backgrounds and suspicious activities drew intense scrutiny from investigators. We also explore the internal conflicts and legal battles that plagued the Brinks crew, including Pino's fight against deportation and O'Keefe's escalating confrontations with fellow gang members. Listen in to uncover the intricate connections within Boston's criminal underworld and the relentless pursuit by authorities to solve the case of the century. This is a gripping narrative you won't want to miss.

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Could one of Australia's oldest cold cases finally be cracked with modern technology? Join us on an eerie journey back to 1965 as we uncover the chilling details of the Wanda Beach Murders, a case that has haunted a community for almost six decades. We revisit the tragic day when teenage friends Mary Ann Schmidt and Christine Sherrick disappeared during a beach outing, leading to a grim discovery that shocked the nation. Listen in as we recount their last known movements and the agonizing hours that followed, ultimately ending with the discovery of their bodies in the sandhills.

Our exploration doesn’t stop at the crime scene. Hear from Detective Inspector Haynes and former detective Sec Johnson about the exhaustive investigation that followed, filled with thousands of interviews but no concrete arrests. We delve into renewed media interest in the 1980s and 2000s, especially focusing on lost evidence and the promise of DNA technology. Listen to Johnson's compelling argument regarding suspect Alan Bassett and his eerie painting, which he believes depicts the crime scene. Despite decades of persistent efforts, this episode underscores the ongoing quest for answers in one of Australia’s most harrowing unsolved murders. Join us as we piece together the clues and ponder the lingering mysteries of the Wanda Beach Murders.

Source Material: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1yB3VN9UabYvsIJN4-YlmjITcsT-hxQQR1bKX_98oeQg/edit?usp=sharing

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What could possibly drive a young man to commit an unimaginable act against his own family? On our one-year anniversary episode of Crime Connoisseurs, we unravel the perplexing case of the Jackson family murders in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. We start with the chilling 911 call from Alexander Jackson, who claimed an intruder had broken into their Oakleaf Court Northeast home and fatally shot his parents and sister. Yet, as inconsistencies in his account mounted and forensic evidence painted a different picture, suspicion turned inward. With detailed discussions on the initial police response and the dark secrets within the Jackson family, we question the true narrative behind this gruesome tragedy.

Joining us is Dr. Kelly Cruz, the Associate State Medical Examiner, whose expert testimony on the fatal injuries sustained by Jan, Melissa, and Sabrina Jackson provides crucial insights into the case. The defense asserts that Alex Jackson is a victim, emphasizing his own gunshot wound and the supposed home invasion. But the prosecution challenges this narrative, highlighting potential staging of the 911 call and damning forensic findings. Through gripping courtroom exchanges and a look at hidden family tensions, we piece together a comprehensive look at one of Cedar Rapids' most shocking cases.

Source Material: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1Jr6V04lVr1quNCwtM9qloCIDi4nyk_dngbs1PipN0YY/edit?usp=sharing

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What if we could shift the focus from the infamous O.J. Simpson to the real heart of the case—Nicole Brown Simpson and Ron Goldman? Join me as we paint a vivid portrait of who Nicole and Ron were in life before they became victims of a national tragedy. You'll meet Nicole, whose charisma and charm captivated O.J., and Ron, an aspiring young man whose friendship with Nicole led him to a tragic end. This episode promises to honor their memories by telling their stories in depth, from Nicole's early years to Ron's journey to Los Angeles.

Imagine the harrowing events of June 12, 1994, unfolding before your eyes. Nicole's loyal dog Kato, the brutal crime scene, and the immediate actions of the police are recounted to provide a comprehensive understanding of that fateful night. We’ll explore Ron's heroic attempt to save Nicole and the crucial evidence gathered that night, leading to Simpson's arrest. The intense police investigation and dramatic moments from the trial, like Detective Furman's controversial plea and the notorious glove demonstration, are dissected to reveal the complexities behind the headlines.

But the story doesn't end with the trial. We delve into the aftermath, spotlighting the relentless pursuit of justice by the Goldman and Brown families. From the civil lawsuit that followed Simpson's acquittal to his controversial book, "If I Did It," we trace the ongoing impact of this case on American society. Join me in this deep exploration as we remember Nicole and Ron with dignity and respect, ensuring their stories remain central to this tragic narrative. Don't forget to follow us on Instagram at Crime Connoisseurs and check out Kim Goldman's powerful podcast, "Confronting OJ Simpson," for more insights.

Source Material: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1N-Q2j_mDFE__PgHDmrATyq7xZElV4j6MXTS9Q2GjhBs/edit

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Embark on an immersive investigation into the dark descent of ex-NFL phenomenon Aaron Hernandez, whose life spiraled into a harrowing saga of murder, trials, and personal demons. In a narrative that's as gripping as any game Hernandez ever played, we piece together the chilling events leading to Odin Lloyd's death, unraveling the potent mix of fame, psychology, and the relentless spotlight that may have driven Hernandez to the edge. As we tread through the crime scene evidence and Hernandez's bewildering behavior post-crime, we also acknowledge the weight of these revelations and offer support for those grappling with similar struggles.

The courtroom became an arena of its own—the stakes, someone's very freedom. Listen intently as we recount the strategic chess match between defense and prosecution in the trial that captivated the nation. From the DNA evidence that cornered Hernandez to the dramatic immunity of Shana Jenkins and the controversial elements that swayed public opinion, this episode doesn't shy away from the intricate details that painted a portrait of justice in the modern era. The narrative culminates in the jury's decision, resonating far beyond the confines of the court with a life sentence that echoed the gravity of Hernandez's downfall.

Our journey doesn't end at the sentencing. Hernandez's story is a cautionary tale that spirals further within the walls of incarceration, where the complexities of identity, mental health, and the specter of CTE cast long shadows over his final days. We explore Hernandez's battle against his inner turmoil, the legal disputes that lingered, and the devastating conclusion to a life marred by violence and loss. This episode is a stark reminder of the depth of human fragility and the urgent need for compassion and understanding in addressing mental health and preventing tragedy. We part with a heartfelt message to anyone facing their own battles and remind you that support is always available.

Source Material: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1fTxSs7y4wvKdiQq-b6zKhiFy10N-DKG2x-OQFEnzkj0/edit?usp=sharing

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Discover your dog's DNA with a simple cheek swab for their genetic testing. 

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Your cat deserves better. Have fresh, human-grade meals for your cat straight to your door each month.

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Thanks for being a loyal Crime Connoisseur! Enjoy your free 30-Day Audible Trial Membership

Smalls
Your cat deserve better. Have fresh, human-grade meals for your cat straight to your door each month

Wisdom Panel
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BoxDog
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Discover the haunting tale of Aaron Hernandez, a man whose life epitomized a fall from grace as extreme as they come. I'm your host, Grace D., and this week we're untangling the sinister web of a former NFL star turned convicted murderer. We begin by tracing Hernandez's steps back to a childhood overshadowed by abuse and the tragic loss of his father, a figure who shaped Aaron in ways that haunted him long after his passing. As we navigate the tumultuous waters of Hernandez's life, we reveal how a once-promising football career became riddled with dangerous liaisons and questionable decisions, all of which played a part in his undoing.

The final chapter of our exploration into Hernandez's life brings us face to face with the darkest truths, challenging our preconceptions and delving into a psyche marred by controversy and unspeakable acts. We invite you to join us in this sobering reflection on the fragility of human nature, the impact of unchecked aggression, and the tragic consequences that can unfold when one's inner demons are left to run rampant. Subscribe, review, and share as we continue to dissect the most gripping tales, keeping you informed, intrigued, and perhaps, a little bit more aware of the complexities that shape a human life.

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Smalls
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Wisdom Panel
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