Criminally Absurd

Episode 46- Kidnapped in Plain Sight: The Story of Virginia Piper

On July 27, 1972, Virginia Piper, a socialite wife of investment banker Harry “Bobby” Piper, Bobby who was the chairman of Piper Jaffrey and Hopwood Brokerage in Minneapolis, 

was kidnapped in broad daylight from the garden of her own estate. She was kidnapped by 2 men wearing ski masks and each had 2 guns.

The ransom: $1 million in unmarked bills — one of the largest ever demanded in the United States at the time. Her husband personally delivered the ransom money of 1million dollars - all in $20 dollar bills. He brought the ransom to a back alley of a Minneapolis bar.

Two days later, Virginia was found handcuffed and chained to a tree in Jay Cooke State Park which is near Duluth. The ransom was paid, but the case remains officially unsolved.

The information presented in this episode is from sources

from the most reliable accounts available on the web, inducing an article from the Star Tribune:

https://www.startribune.com/50-years-later-the-virginia-piper-kidnapping-remains-a-minnesota-mystery/600173322 

An Article from the Medium:

https://keithstone.org/true-crime-made-personal-through-genealogy-c0d233d35f84 

An Article from Fox 9 News:

https://www.fox9.com/news/a-million-dollar-secret-is-the-piper-kidnapping-ransom-buried-in-willow-river 

Crimes of the Centuries: Feb 1, 2021 - The Million-Dollar Kidnapping of Ginny Piper

Book: Stolen from the Garden, by William Swanson

Photos include: A photo of Virginia, Harry “Bobby” and their three sons, Tad, David and Harry Piper III, a photo of Virginia, and a photo of Virginia Piper when found at Jay Cooke State Park.

Episode 45-The Absurd Report: Utah Killings, Children’s bodies in Suitcases, and Prank Gone Wrong

This week we are diving into the murders of Margaret Oldroyd, Natalie Graves, and Linda Dewey, the murders of Mila Chatman and Amor Wilson, and the tragic death of Jason Hughes. 

We will hit the key facts, the twists, and the questions that still don’t sit right - all while giving our take as we talk through each crime. 

Catch up, stay informed, and join us for another round of the absurd. 

Sources for the murders of Margaret Oldroyd, Natalie Graves, and Linda Dewey:

An article from KSL:

https://www.ksl.com/article/51457662/3-utah-women-were-killed-at-random-for-their-vehicles-police-say

An article from KMVT:

https://www.kmvt.com/2026/03/06/man-charged-with-killing-3-women-wanted-their-cars-money-get-home-prosecutors-allege/

An article from NBC News:

https://www.nbcnews.com/news/us-news/2-women-bonding-beauty-hike-killed-utah-family-says-rcna262191

Sources for the Amor Wilson and Mila Chatman murders:

An article from NBC News:

https://www.nbcnews.com/news/us-news/cleveland-playground-now-place-mourning-two-girls-found-suitcases-rcna262101

An article from Fox 13 News:

https://www.fox13news.com/news/mother-2-girls-found-buried-suitcases-charged-murder

Sources for the Jason Hughes tragedy:

An article from 11 Alive News:

https://www.11alive.com/article/news/crime/18-year-old-gainesville-teen-charged-hall-county-teacher-killed-prank/85-107fb3f7-5666-4d3a-b6e6-9220a59915a5

An article from NY Post:

https://nypost.com/2026/03/09/us-news/family-of-georgia-teacher-killed-in-prank-gone-wrong-wants-charges-against-teens-dropped-to-prevent-a-separate-tragedy/

Episode 44: A Murdered Mother and Missing Baby: The Story of Christine Holloway and Vanessa Morales

Today we’re discussing the brutal 2019 murder of 43-year-old Christine Holloway in Ansonia, Connecticut—and the still-unsolved disappearance of her 14-month-old daughter, Vanessa Morales. 

When Christine failed to show up for work, police discovered her beaten to death in her own home, while baby Vanessa had vanished without a trace. Christine’s boyfriend and Vanessa’s father, Jose Morales, gave multiple conflicting stories—including a bizarre claim that intruders broke in while he was high on PCP. 

Despite being convicted of Christine’s murder in 2025, Vanessa has never been found. In this episode, we break down the suspicious timeline, the evidence that unraveled Jose’s story, and the ongoing mystery of what happened to Vanessa.

If you have any information about the whereabouts of Vanessa Morales, please contact the Ansonia Police at. 203-735-1885. 

The information presented in this episode is from sources from he most reliable accounts available on the web, including an article on CBS News:

https://www.cbsnews.com/news/jose-morales-christine-holloway-connecticut-murder-sentencing/

An article from WTNH:

https://www.wtnh.com/news/connecticut/new-haven/search-continues-for-vanessa-morales-6-years-after-mothers-murder/#:~:text=ANSONIA, Conn.,2, 2019.

Information on the Charley Project Website:

https://charleyproject.org/case/vanessa-morales

An article on Fox61:

https://www.fox61.com/article/news/local/new-haven-county/christine-holloway-jose-morales-vanessa-trial-connecticut-ansonia/520-183fe604-579b-4621-a2b7-22039608d878

An article on CTPost:

https://www.ctpost.com/news/article/jose-morales-trial-day-1-holloway-ansonia-murder-20262316.php

An article from NBC Connecticut News:

https://www.nbcconnecticut.com/news/local/forensic-examiners-provide-insight-testimony-jose-morales-trial/3541342/

Photos: A photo of Vanessa and Christine, a photo of Vanessa, and an age progression photo of Vanessa.

This week, we are bringing you the latest update in the Banfield double murder case, the falling of El Mencho, the Madeline Kingsbury Foundation information, and the wild resolve of Michele Hundley Smith’s missing persons case.

We’ll hit the key facts, the twists, and the questions that still don’t sit right — all while giving our take as we talk through each crime.

Catch up, stay informed, and join us for another round of the absurd. 

Banfield case sources:

20/20 episode "The Au Pair, the Affair and Murder" (aired Feb. 20, 2026)  

https://abcnews.com/US/plot-involving-fetish-website-au-pair-affair-led/story?id=129895465 

El Mencho Sources:

https://www.cnn.com/world/live-news/mexico-el-mencho-killed-travel-chaos-02-23-26-intl-hnk

Madeline Kingsbury Foundation Information:

https://www.kaaltv.com/news/madeline-kingsbury-foundation-announces-financial-aid-program/ 

https://www.kimt.com/news/the-madeline-kingsbury-foundation-opens-financial-aid-grant-for-domestic-violence-survivors/article_2d379da9-9389-4869-a79f-e7acc3b3fb4c.html 

Application: https://www.joytricklesin.org/survive-and-thrive-financial-aid 

Michele Hundley Smith sources:

https://people.com/mom-who-vanished-without-a-trace-24-years-ago-found-alive-leaving-family-with-unanswered-questions-11911606

https://abc7chicago.com/post/michelle-hundely-smith-found-rockingham-county-woman-missing-2001-alive-north-carolina-deputies-say/18639377/

Episode 42: Into the Cloud Forest: The Disappearance of Lisanne Froon and Kris Kremers 

In March 2014, two Dutch college students - Lisanne Froon, 22 and Kris Kremers, 21 traveled to Boquete, Panama for what was supposed to be a dream trip. They were planning to volunteer at a local school, in Boquete with the local children and decided to explore the beautiful Panamanian highlands during their downtime. 

On April 1st, 2014 they set out to hike the El Pianista Trail, a scenic but remote route cutting into the jungle. Unfortunately they never returned.

 Eventually a backpack was found containing a camera with several photos. When the area where the backpack was found was searched, they came across clues that would tell them that Lisanne and Kris did not make it out of the forest.

The information presented in this episode is from sources from the most reliable accounts available on the web, including an article from Knox Pages:

https://www.knoxpages.com/2025/09/21/found-dead-in-panama-new-clues-on-2014-cold-case/

From The Darker Side of Life Podcast: The Disappearance of Lisanne Froon and Kris Kremers, Aug 27, 2024

https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-disappearance-of-lisanne-froon-and-kris-kremers/id1460116903?i=1000666856795&r=2416 

Imperfect Plan website:

https://imperfectplan.com/kris-kremers-and-lisanne-froon-case-articles/ 

Park Predators Podcast: “The Camera” released August 2021, Episode 26

https://parkpredators.com/the-camera/ 

Introducing our newest segment: The Absurd Report.

This week, we’re diving into the disappearance of Nancy Guthrie, bringing you the latest update in the Morphew case, unpacking the arrest of James Pearce Jr., and breaking down the conviction and sentencing in the Walshe case.

We’ll hit the key facts, the twists, and the questions that still don’t sit right — all while giving our take as we talk through each crime.

Catch up, stay informed, and join us for another round of the absurd. 

Nancy Guthrie’s case sources:

https://www.usatoday.com/story/entertainment/celebrities/2026/02/08/savannah-guthrie-mom-nancy-update-today/88577717007/,mg

https://www.cnn.com/us/live-news/savannah-guthrie-mom-nancy-missing-02-08-26

https://www.foxnews.com/us/nancy-guthrie-expected-friends-home-not-church-day-she-vanished-source

https://www.nbcnews.com/news/us-news/live-blog/live-updates-savannah-guthrie-mother-nancy-missing-search-rcna258281

Morphew update:

https://www.cpr.org/2026/01/12/barry-morphew-pleads-not-guilty-alamosa/ 

https://abcnews.com/US/barry-morphew-pleads-not-guilty-alleged-murder-wife/story?id=129144043 

James Pearce Jr’s arrest sources:

https://majicatl.com/4700805/update-james-pearce-charges-domestic-dispute/

https://www.nbcmiami.com/news/local/falcons-star-james-pearce-intentionally-rammed-wnba-stars-car-twice-hit-officer-cops/3762753/

https://www.local10.com/news/local/2026/02/09/nfls-james-pearce-jr-crashed-into-wnba-stars-car-twice-as-he-stalked-her-after-breakup-police/

https://people.com/james-pearce-jr-maintains-innocence-after-arrest-attorney-11903100

Walshe Conviction and Sentencing:

https://www.nbcnews.com/news/us-news/brian-walshe-sentenced-murdering-wife-dismembering-body-rcna249870 

WBZ-TV - CBS News - @Pennylikeacoin - on TikTok

Episode 40-The Twin Switch: A Fatal Crash and a Calculated Lie

On a September morning in rural Minnesota, four Amish children riding to school in a horse-drawn buggy were struck from behind by an SUV. Two of the children were killed, and two were critically injured.

What initially appeared to be a tragic accident soon unraveled into something far more disturbing—a drug-impaired driver, an attempted cover-up involving identical twins, and a calculated effort to evade responsibility.

This episode tells the story of the Miller family’s devastating loss, the investigation that exposed the truth, and the accountability that followed in a community forever changed.

The information presented in this episode is from sources from the most reliable accounts available on the web, including the Post Bulletin Newspaper 

https://www.postbulletin.com/news/local/driver-in-fatal-amish-buggy-crash-sentenced-to-four-years-in-prison

KTTC News:

https://www.kttc.com/2025/10/16/driver-september-2023-fatal-amish-buggy-crash-sentenced/

CBS News:

https://www.cbsnews.com/minnesota/news/minnesota-amish-buggy-crash-sentencing-samantha-peterson/

KROC Radio News Website:

https://krocnews.com/samantha-peterson-sentenced-amish-buggy-deaths/

The Amish America Website:

https://amishamerica.com/minnesota-amish/

The Fillmore County Journal:

https://fillmorecountyjournal.com/samantha-petersen-pleads-guilty-in-buggy-crash-that-killed-two-amish-children/

KAAL TV News Website:

https://www.kaaltv.com/news/2-killed-2-hospitalized-after-crash-involving-amish-buggy-in-fillmore-county/?fbclid=IwY2xjawNfZhNleHRuA2FlbQIxMQABHhsBdWGVjuBuCRpe0QQKeJYOg89VDy5sLDnDtLx87W1A3bUI98cZPwR78gfq_aem_EaELur3VeGHl1JEInPWR4g

Photos include: One of the Miller’s horses from Melissa Baus Design’s Facebook, Samantha (left) and Sarah (right),  the scene of the crime. 

We’re officially back—and we’re not doing things the same way this time. Researching, recording, and gearing up for what’s next. Tune in for all the updates 🔥

Episode 39- Fitbit Murder: Connie Dabate

On December 23rd, 2015, Connie Dabate was found shot to death in her basement. She had two gunshot wounds, one to her stomach and the other in the back of her head. Her husband, Richard was found by first responders tied to a metal folding chair. He claimed that a masked intruder had attacked him and then murdered his wife. This was a murder that got a lot of attention, not only due to the fact that it was a tragic death of a mother, wife and daughter, but for how technology ultimately helped detectives solve the case.

Richard would go on to tell elaborate stories of the events that day, even telling one that involved his pregnant girlfriend, Sarah. It ultimately was the reason that authorities started to question him more in depth in an attempt to learn the truth.

Their home security system, gunshot residue, blood splatter and Connie's fitbit would help detectives piece together the scene and the actual events of that day.

Richard was found guilty and sentenced to 65 years in prison in 2022, almost 7 years after Connie's death.

The information presented in this episode is from sources from the most reliable accounts available on the web, including the Podcast-Crime Weekly - Season 2 Episode 91, 92 and 93

An article from People: February 9th, 2025

https://people.com/fitbit-murder-case-connie-dabate-8788511

A news article from CBS News: March 11th, 2025

https://www.cbsnews.com/.../fitbit-murder-case.../

An new article from Fox61: dated August 18th, 2022

https://www.fox61.com/.../520-5686447d-52c5-4189-921c...

An article from NBC Connecticut: dated November 1st, 2017

https://www.nbcconnecticut.com/.../husband-emptied.../25146/

Information from th eJudicial District of Tolland Website:

STATE OF CONNECTICUT v. RICHARD G. DABATE, SC 20749 Judicial District of Tolland

https://jud.ct.gov/.../supapp/summaries/docket/20749.htm....

Information from the Division of Criminal Justice - Connecticut Website:

https://portal.ct.gov/.../press-releases/051022dabate...

Information on the Cinemaholic Website:

https://thecinemaholic.com/where-are-richard-and-connie.../

Photos Include: A photo of Connie and Richard's home, A photo of Connie, and a photo of Richard and Connie.

Episode 38: Concrete Evidence: What Happened to Michael Shaver?

In 2015, Florida husband Michael Shaver vanished without a trace. For more than 2 years, his wife Laurie told friends he’d left town His friends and family had very little contact with Michael after he had quit his job and abandoned his family. 

After close friends realized they hadn’t seen Michael in over 2 years, they asked for a welfare check. In 2018, Deputies searching the couple’s property discovered Michael’s remains. 

After a dramatic 2014 trial, a jury convicted Laurie Shaver of second degree murder with a firearm and she was sensed to life in prison. 

The information presented in this episode is from sources from the most reliable accounts available on the web, including information on True Crime Society Blog:

https://truecrimesocietyblog.com/2020/09/29/buried-in-his-own-backyard-the-disappearance-and-death-of-michael-shaver/

An article from Wesh:

https://www.wesh.com/article/laurie-shaver-sentencing-husband-murdered-florida/63019530

An article from ABC News:

https://abcnews.go.com/US/discovery-backyard-burial-leads-killers-arrest-justice/story?id=117378247

Information on the New Hope Website:

https://www.new-hope.org/facts-about-domestic-violence/

Information on the DVSN Website:

https://www.dvsn.org/september-2024-male-victims-of-domestic-violence-distinct-challenges-barriers-to-disclosure-and-support/

Photos include Laurie Shaver on the stand and two photos of Michael Shaver enjoying his hobbies.