A middle-aged man with graying hair leaned against his balcony railing, taking in the familiar seaside view. The waves crashed gently against the shore, a sight he had admired for years. He let out a quiet chuckle, bringing a thick cigar to his lips. The rich smoke curled into the evening air as he grinned to himself—satisfied but not free from the past.

Join Ashley and Ricky as they conclude Stolen Betrayal: The Life and Tragedy of Lita McClinton, Part 3. In this final chapter, we will unravel the shocking truth behind a story of love, deception, and ultimate betrayal. Will Lita and her family ever get justice? Don’t miss the gripping conclusion to this unforgettable case.

Thanks for supporting Crime Salad! Please share our show, find us on social media, and leave a 5-star review to show your love. Your support helps us continue bringing you compelling true crime stories.

Also, check out CRIMESALAD.SHOP for some new, updated Crime Salad hoodies and shirts. <3

Thanks to our sponsors for this episode:

 

Quince: Shop high-quality essentials at unbeatable prices. Get FREE shipping and 365-day returns when you go to Quince.com/crimesalad today! 🛍️💎

Kikoff: Build credit fast and get your first month for just a dollar at GetKikoff.com/crimesalad today. Thanks to Kikoff for sponsoring us!

Crime House True Crime Stories is the ultimate destination for true crime fans. Every episode features two notorious cases from that week in crime history, connected by a common theme—infamous serial killers, mysterious disappearances, tragic murders, and more. Every Monday, host Vanessa Richardson uncovers the full stories behind the headlines, taking you through high-profile investigations like the murder of Gabby Petito, the kidnapping of Elizabeth Smart, and the mass suicide of the Heaven's Gate cult.

Follow Crime House True Crime Stories—a Crime House Original—wherever you listen to podcasts.

On January 3rd, 1971, sixteen-year-old Angela Brandt was curled up in front of her family’s new color TV, getting settled back into their home located in Fort Wayne, Indiana, after having spent two weeks vacationing in Florida. 

That evening, Angela and her family were watching the TV show, The FBI. "Unknown Victim," Season 6, Episode 16, just aired. An episode where kidnappers abduct a young woman, mistakenly believing she is the daughter of a millionaire. In reality, she is the daughter of a middle-class couple who was driving a car that belonged to the intended victim.

While engrossed in the show, Angela had no idea that, all too soon, she was about to live through a horrific ordeal—one that she had only ever heard about.

After the show, Angela went up to her room to read. Her mother, who was pregnant, Isla Brandt, ran a bath and started reading Time magazine. While her father, Herbert Brandt, was shaving. The night seemed like any other as the family went about their typical, nightly routines. 

That is until the quiet stillness of the casual night was shattered in an instant—when gunshots echoed through the house. 

Upgrade your selling experience today at Shopify.com/crimesalad and take your business to the next level!

Power, greed, and a cold-blooded plan.

Fueled by greed and an unchecked ego, Sullivan’s desire for control didn’t end with divorce papers. He wanted Lita erased. But how did he pull off a murder from another state? And how did investigators finally unravel the tangled web of deception?

Our favorite bed sheets:

TryMiracle.com/CRIMESALAD and use code CRIMESALAD to get over 40% off—plus a FREE three-piece towel set!

Lita Gail McClinton was the embodiment of grace, ambition, and charm—a young woman deeply loved by her family and admired in Atlanta’s elite social circles. But beneath the surface of her seemingly perfect life, a storm was brewing.

In this first part of our two-part series, we explore Lita’s supportive upbringing, her whirlwind romance with a wealthy man, and the red flags that signaled trouble ahead. What started as a fairytale soon turned into something far more sinister. As Lita fought for love, respect, and independence, she had no idea that the battle she was fighting would lead to a devastating betrayal.

What happens when love turns into control? When trust becomes manipulation? And when warning signs are overlooked—until it’s too late?

Join us as we unravel the untold story of Lita McClinton, a woman caught in a dangerous web of love and deception—one that would ultimately change her life forever.

Keywords:

Lita McClinton story, Atlanta socialite mystery, Lita McClinton husband, James Sullivan marriage, true crime Atlanta, high-profile crime case, toxic relationship warning signs, love and betrayal, Crime Salad podcast

In 1986, Nancy Daugherty’s life was stolen, leaving behind a haunting mystery that stretched on for decades. With no leads and DNA testing providing no matches, her case went cold—until an unexpected forensic breakthrough in 2020 changed everything. Investigators finally had a name, but now, years after his conviction, the man accused of her murder is fighting for a fair trial.

Join us as we dive into the details of Nancy’s case, the groundbreaking role of genetic genealogy, and the legal battle that could alter the course of justice. This is a story of loss, resilience, and the relentless pursuit of the truth.

Thanks to our sponsor: 

ShipSkis: Right now, ShipSkis is offering Crime Salad listeners 20% off your first shipment. Just go to ShipSkis.com and use the code CRIMESALAD.

On the evening of August 2, 2015, at a Speedway gas station near Columbus, Ohio, life changed forever for 31-year-old Judy Malinowski. What started as an ordinary summer night ended in horror when her then-boyfriend, Michael Slager, committed an unthinkable act of violence.

This episode dives deep into the chilling events of that night, the devastating impact of domestic violence, Judy’s courageous fight for justice, and the inception of Ohio’s “Judy’s Law,” which enforces harsher penalties for those who commit such heinous crimes.

Join Crime Salad as they explore the details of Judy’s heartbreaking yet inspiring journey and the legacy she left behind in the battle against intimate partner violence.

Please be advised that this episode comes with a few trigger warnings. This narration includes descriptions of domestic violence, substance abuse, disfigurement, and death.

National Domestic Violence Hotline: 800-799-7233

SMS: Text  “START” to 88788

National Resource Center on Domestic Violence: www.nrcdv.org

Warning Signs of Domestic Violence: www.wadvocates.org

Recognizing the Patterns of Domestic Violence: www.mayoclinic.org

Common Questions About Sexual Assault: https://florinroebig.com/sexual-assault-guide/

Struggling with addiction? Help is available  

1-800-662-HELP (4357)

You can also text your ZIP code to 435748 to find treatment resources near you.

Visit their website at samhsa.gov for more information.

This helpline is available 24/7, 365 days a year, offering free and confidential assistance for individuals and families facing substance use disorders. They can connect you with treatment centers, support groups, and other local resources.

Struggling with Mental Health

If you or someone you know is struggling with mental health, help is available. In the U.S., you can call or text 988, the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline, for free, confidential support 24/7.

For more resources, visit 988lifeline.org to chat with a trained counselor and find additional support options.

Shopify: The best time to start your new business is right now! Go to shopify.com/crimesalad to start selling with Shopify today.

In this chilling episode, we unravel the infamous Sharon Nelson murder case, a tale of deceit, betrayal, and fatal ambition set in Trinidad, Colorado. After the crushed remnants of Perry Nelson’s VW are discovered, questions about his disappearance lead to shocking revelations and even another victim. Sharon Nelson, caught in a tangled web of lies and an affair with Gary Adams, becomes the center of a Colorado love triangle murder investigation. Was this a case of insurance fraud and murder plot, or a deadly game of control? Whatever the case may be, one thing is for sure, stay away from a black widow murderer. 

Thanks to our sponsor for this episode!

Miracle Made: Sheets that are amazing and inspired by NASA technology. TRYMIRACLE.COM/CRIMESALAD

In Part 1 we dive into the chilling case of Sharon Nelson Harrelson, infamously known as the "Black Widow." Sharon's story is one of manipulation, betrayal, and murder, as she left a trail of broken hearts baiting new lovers in with her seductive behavior but with deadly intentions in her wake. From her tumultuous relationships to the shocking murders of her husbands, this case uncovers the darker side of a woman whose charm masked a sinister agenda. Tune in as we explore the twisted motives, shocking evidence, and courtroom drama that made Sharon Nelson Harrelson's crimes one of the most notorious in true crime history.

Better Help: This episode is brought to you by BetterHelp. Give online therapy a try atbetterhelp.com/crimesalad and get on your way to being your best self.

Acorns: Head to acorns.com/crimesalad or download the Acorns app to start saving and investing for your future today!

ShipSkis: ShipSkis is offering our listeners 20% off your first shipment! Visit ShipSkis.com and use the code CRIMESALAD to claim your discount.

written and researched by Rasha Aly and Crime Salad

In February 2020, Sarah Boone made a chilling 911 call claiming to have found her boyfriend, Jorge Torres Jr., lifeless inside a suitcase after an innocent game of hide-and-seek turned deadly. According to Sarah, she had fallen asleep, leaving Jorge trapped and unable to escape—a horrific accident, or so she insisted.

But Sarah’s demeanor during the call was erratic, her words detached and cold. The pieces didn’t quite fit. Then, a damning video surfaced: Jorge, locked inside the suitcase, desperately gasping, “I can’t breathe,” and pleading for his life while Sarah mocked him.

That video turned the case upside down, transforming a supposed accident into something far more sinister. Sarah Boone was arrested and charged with second-degree murder, her chilling actions leading to a trial that left everyone questioning the dark side of human relationships.

Join us as we revisit this unforgettable case that still haunts true crime enthusiasts to this day.

Thanks to the sponsor of this episode.

Beam’s biggest Cyber Monday sale is here—get up to 50% off their best-selling Dream Powder at shopbeam.com/crimesalad with code crimesalad while supplies last!