Criminally Absurd

Episode 37: The Digital Trail: Dr. Teresa Sievers

Dr. Teresa Sievers was a beloved holistic physician in Bonita Springs, Florida. In June 2015, she was brutally murdered with a hammer in her kitchen while her family was away.

Investigators unraveled a chilling murder-for-hire plot masterminded by her husband, Mark Sievers, who feared losing control of his marriage and finances.

The killers—Mark’s best friend Curtis Wayne Wright and Wright’s accomplice Jimmy Rodgers—drove 1,100 miles from Missouri to Florida, leaving behind a digital trail of GPS data, phone records, and surveillance footage that ultimately exposed the conspiracy.

The information presented in this episode is from sources from the most reliable accounts available on the web, including an Article from CBS News/48 Hours:

https://www.cbsnews.com/news/teresa-sievers-murder-how-gps-led-cops-to-killers-of-florida-doctor/

An episode from Dateline “The Road Trip”

A Youtube video:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3g5Bi9Mf3a0&list=PLFDGFHygGV12deNuUzSSTcCPTwVtXg3E6&index=4

An article from Wink News:

https://www.winknews.com/news/lee/reflecting-on-dr-teresa-sievers-murder-in-bonita-springs-10-years-later/article_c812c49a-4111-4c92-aaff-3b85222c9eec.html

A 48 hours episode: The plot to kill Dr Sievers

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5tk4LwJXXT0

Photos include: Dr. Teresa Sievers, Teresa and Mark Sievers on their wedding day, and Mark Sievers, Curtis Wright, and Jimmy Rodgers booking photos.

Episode 36-When the System Fails:The Disappearance of Emmanuel Haro

August 14, 2025, Emmanuel Haro, a 7 month old baby boy, was reported missing by his mother, Rebecca Haro, who told police she was attacked in a Yucaipa parking lot and woke up to find her baby was gone.

Detectives found major inconsistencies in Rebecca's story and she stopped cooperating with investigators. On August 22, 2025, Jake Haro, Emmanuel's father and Rebecca, Emmanuel's mother, were both arrested and charged with murder with malice.

This episode talks about the couple's troubling past, specifically Jake's abusive history.

This episode was recorded 8/28/2025-an update is soon to come with this ongoing case/investigation.

The information presented in this episode is from sources from the most reliable accounts available on the web, including information on Abby Blabby’s TikTok-Emmanuel Haro Series:

https://www.tiktok.com/@abbylynn0715

LA Times article:

https://www.latimes.com/california/story/2025-08-22/parents-of-missing-baby-emmanuel-haro-arrested-on-suspicion-of-murder

An article on KESQ News:

https://kesq.com/news/local-news/2025/08/19/parents-of-missing-cabazon-baby-seen-leaving-juvenile-court/

Articles on KTLA News:

https://ktla.com/news/local-news/woman-says-she-was-attacked-before-her-baby-was-kidnapped-in-san-bernardino-county/

https://ktla.com/news/local-news/father-of-toddler-missing-in-california-has-felony-child-cruelty-conviction/

An article on ABC 7 News:

https://abc7.com/post/san-bernardino-county-sheriffs-investigators-cannot-rule-foul-play-mom-reported-baby-boy-kidnapped-yucaipa/17559259/

Photos include:  Rebecca and Jake Haro being arrested for the dispperance of their son, Emmanuel. One of the few photos we have of Emmanuel Haro (bottom left.) A memorial outside of the Haro's home (bottom right.)

Episode 35: An Abuse of Power: Justice for Sandra Birchmore 

Sandra Birchmore was 23 and pregnant, and found dead in her Canton, Massachusetts, apartment on February 1st, 2021. Her death was ruled a suicide, until her family continued to look into her death and hired a private pathologist. The pathologist determined it was a homicide and not a suicide. As the family dug deeper, it was determined that there was sexual misconduct and abuse of power by multiple people in the Stoughton police department when she was a minor.

At the age of 12, Sandra joined the  police explorers program. This is where she met many people including, Matthew Farwell, his twin brother, William Farwell and the program director Robert Devin. 

Matthew engaged inappropriate behavior with Sandra and it escalated to a sexual relationship when she was just shy of 16. 

She had become pregnant in December of 2020 and indicated Matthew was the father. He didn’t seem as excited as Sandra was for the new baby. 

On February 1st, 2021, Matthew is seen on video surveillance entering Sandra’s apartment at 9:12pm and leaving at 9:43pm. Sandra’s phone shows her last movements were at 9:40pm. 

Matthew Farwell was arrested and federally indicted on charges of killing a witness or victim on August 27th 2024. He is awaiting trial.

The information presented in this episode is from sources from the most reliable accounts available on the web, including information on the Podcast Going West:

Going West Podcast: Episode 474

An article from University of Colorado - Boulder - College of communication, media, design and information: 

https://www.colorado.edu/cmdi/news/2025/04/10/journalism-nakkula-award-crimaldi-boston-globe 

Information off of Wikipedia:

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Killing_of_Sandra_Birchmore 

Press Release: United States Attorney’s Office - District of Massachusetts:

https://www.justice.gov/usao-ma/pr/former-massachusetts-police-officer-arrested-connection-murder-young-woman 

Article from NBC Boston:

https://www.nbcboston.com/news/local/sandra-birchmore-matthew-farwell-lawyer-death-penalty/3751780/?amp=1 

Facebook: Justice for Sandra Birchmore group:

https://www.facebook.com/groups/951589495851184 

Stoughton Police Department Official Website:

https://stoughtonpolice.com/2024/06/24/statement-of-chief-donna-m-mcnamara/

Photos include: Two photos of Sandra Birchmore and a photo of support, demanding justice for Sandra. 

Update episode on episode number 7-Suitcase of Secrets: The Murder of Jorge Torres

Sara Boon was convicted of killing her boyfriend, Jorge Torres Jr. on October 25, 2024. This is an update on how things have been going with Sara while being incarcerated. 

The information presented in this update episode is from sources from the most reliable accounts available on the web, including an episode of Court TV:

https://www.courttv.com/title/judge-rules-no-snacks-for-sarah-boone/

The letter written by Sarah Boon:

https://storage.googleapis.com/www-courttv-uploads/2024/12/4755d1ec-boone-letter-to-judge.pdf

And a video on Facebook via Court TV’s page:

https://www.facebook.com/watch/?mibextid=wwXIfr&v=566373742512302&rdid=7kM9twZRyDsZVeHl

Photos include: A photo of Sarah Boone in court (left) and the victim Jorge Torres Jr (right)

We have updates from episode for Episode 24: Family Annihilation: The Brom Family Murders!

David Brom, who is a convicted axe murderer, who murdered his mom, dad, and little brother and sister in 1988.

He has been released from prison for work release in July of 2025. This episode talks about David's release from prison and some of the "why' s."

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

https://www.kttc.com/2025/07/24/digging-deeper-axe-murderer-david-broms-disciplinary-record-prison/

CBS news article:

https://www.cbsnews.com/minnesota/news/david-brom-rochester-axe-murder-parole-release/

Information on the Department of Minnesota website:

https://coms.doc.state.mn.us/publicviewer/OffenderDetails/Index/146854/Search

Information from Justia Law:

https://law.justia.com/cases/minnesota/supreme-court/1990/c3-89-2269-2.html

Photos include: The Brom family, including his mom Paulette, little sister Diane, little brother Richard, David Brom, and his dad, Bernard (top left), a photo of David Brom being booked into Olmsted County jail, and a current photo of David Brom.

Episode 34-Ethics in the Eye of the Storm: Memorial Medical Center Story 

In the days after Hurricane Katrina, Memorial Medical Center was left without power, running water, or working elevators. Temperatures soared, floodwaters surrounded the building, and the rescue efforts were slow to arrive. 

As conditions worsened, dozens of patients remained trapped inside. When help finally came, 45 patients were dead- and questions swirled about whether some had been intentionally given lethal doses of drugs. At the center of the storm: Dr. Anna Pou. Was it mercy or was it murder?

The information presented in this episode is from sources from the most reliable accounts available on the web including The New England Journal of Medicine article Murder or Mercy? Hurricane Katrina and the Need for Disaster Training:

https://www.nejm.org/doi/full/10.1056/NEJMp068196

Information off of Wikipedia:

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Memorial_Medical_Center_and_Hurricane_Katrina#cite_note-TP060806-27

https://www.npr.org/2013/09/08/216838132/five-days-of-ambiguous-morality-at-katrina-hit-hospital

A Pro Publica Article:

https://www.propublica.org/article/on-the-frontlines-at-memorial-medical-center-826

A ton of information off of this New York Times Article:

https://www.nytimes.com/2009/08/30/magazine/30doctors.html

Photos include: A helicopter retrieving patients from the helipad on the parking garage of Memorial Medical Clinic, (top left) staff, visitors, and patients waiting to get rescued by airboat, (top right) Memorial Medical Clinic under water after Hurricane Katrina and the Levy failed, (bottom left) and people being rescued by boat (bottom right.)  

Episode 33-Angelika Graswald AKA the Kayak Killer

On April 19, 2015, Angelika Graswald and her fiancé, Vincent Viafore, went kayaking on the Hudson River near Bannerman Island, New York. On the return home, Vincent Viafore’s kayak capsized, and he drowned. 

Police grew suspicious after Graswald made strange social media posts and gave inconsistent statements.

Investigators discovered she removed the drain plug from Viafore’s kayak and admitted she “felt relieved” he was gone, citing relationship problems and his life insurance policy.

She was charged with second-degree murder and manslaughter in May of 2015.

In 2017, Graswald took a plea deal for criminally negligent homicide and served 2.5 years in jail (including time already served). She was released in December 2017

The information presented in this episode is from sources from the most reliable accounts available on the web, including the podcast:

 Let’s Go To Court Podcast - Episode 54

A Video from ABC News:

https://www.google.com/search?q=911+call+kayak+killer&rlz=1C5MACD_enUS1151US1151&oq=911+call+kayak+killer&gs_lcrp=EgZjaHJvbWUyCQgAEEUYORigATIHCAEQIRigATIHCAIQIRiPAtIBCDQxODVqMGo3qAIAsAIA&sourceid=chrome&ie=UTF-8#fpstate=ive&vld=cid:4e5338de,vid:vst9ClJ0NMY,st:0 

CBS News article:

https://www.cbsnews.com/news/kayak-murder-case-angelika-graswald-interrogation-video-raises-key-questions-in-boyfriends-death/ 

Elle Magazine article:

https://www.elle.com/life-love/a26453558/angelika-graswald-kayak-killer-profile/ 

Poughkeepsie Journal Article:

https://www.poughkeepsiejournal.com/story/news/2017/12/21/angelika-graswald-released-prison/973208001/#

Photos include: The Bannerman Castle Ruins, Photos of Angelika Graswald and Vincent Viafore

Episode 32: She Stayed To Help; He Stayed To Murder: The Colleen Ritzer Case

In October of 2013, a Massachusetts community was devastated when 24 year old high school teacher, Colleen Ritzer, was found murdered behind her school. The killer? A 14 year old student named Philip Chism. 

The episode explores the chilling timeline of events, the evidence captured on surveillance footage, the swift and shocking arrest, and the courtroom drama that followed. 

Colleen Ritzer was more than a teacher-she was a beloved daughter, sister, and friend. Passionate about education, she went above and beyond to help her students thrive. Her legacy lives on through countless lives she touched, her radiant smile, and her beautiful heart. 

The information presented in this episode is from sources from the most reliable accounts available on the web, including information on BBC:

https://www.bbc.com/news/world-us-canada-24657401

Articles from CNN:

https://www.cnn.com/2013/10/23/us/massachusetts-colleen-ritzer-profile

https://www.cnn.com/2013/11/22/justice/massachusetts-danvers-school-killing

An article from NBC News:

https://www.nbcnews.com/news/us-news/teen-suspect-murder-teacher-colleen-ritzer-left-hate-note-documents-flna2d11641586

An article from CBS News:

https://www.cbsnews.com/boston/news/philip-chism-appeal-murder-trial-sentence-colleen-ritzer/

The Massachusetts Government Website:

https://www.mass.gov/info-details/colleen-e-ritzer

Photos include: Two photos of Colleen Ritzer, Bottom left photo is the student who murdered her, Philip Chism

Episode 31- Footprints in Blood: The Murder of Jeanie Childs

Jeanie Childs, 35 years old, was found murdered in her high rise Minneapolis apartment on June 13th, 1993. At the scene there were multiple DNA profiles found, but went unmatched until 2015 when forensic scientists used genealogy websites to help uncover potential suspects. 

A unique piece of evidence was that there were bloody footprints next to the apartment window. It was determined that these were the footprints of the perpetrator and not Jeanie.

Through genealogical searches, Jerry Westrom’s DNA was found as one of the profiles at the scene. His DNA had been repeated on multiple items found at the crime scene. Eventually two forensic scientists would determine the bloody footprints were a match to Jerry Westrom. But did he really commit this heinous crime? There were other DNA profiles in the apartment that caused the authorities to do some more digging. They got a few hits and investigated those leads. Ultimately Jerry went on trial for the death and murder of Jeanie Childs. He was convicted of 1st and 2nd degree murder and sentenced 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 The “Footprint” Post Mortem:

The “Footprint” Post Mortem 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bBhCdY2g8UY 

An article from 48 hours - CBS News

https://www.cbsnews.com/news/jeanie-childs-murder-minneapolis-crime-scene-clue-barefoot-killer-48-hours/ 

An episode of 48 hours: 

48 hours - Season 47, Episode 55, “The Footprint” - now playing on Paramount +

Photos include: Jeanie Childs (top) Arthur Gray with Jeanie, another photo of Jeanie (Bottom)

Episode 30-The Babysitter Who Never Came Home-The Disappearance of Evelyn Hartley 

Evelyn Hartley was a 15 year old high school honor student from La Crosse, Wisconsin, who vanished without a trace on the night of October 24, 1953. The was babysitting for a local family while they attended a homecoming game. When Evelyn failed to call home to check in, he went to the house and found it locked, the lights and radio on, and Evelyn’s shoes, glasses, and school books were scattered inside. 

A window was found pried open, and signs of a struggle were evident-including broken glasses and blood both inside the house and in the yard. Despite one of the largest manhunts in Wisconsin history, including mandatory car searches and a lot of man power searching ground, water, and air-Evelyn was never found. 

If you have any information on the disappearance of Evelyn please contact the LaCrosse police department at 608-785-5962

The information presented in this episode is from sources from the most reliable accounts available on the web, including information on the Winona Radio Website:

https://winonaradio.com/2023/10/22/la-crosse-teenager-vanished-70-years-ago-this-week/

Information from J.R. Erickson Author’s Website:

https://www.jrericksonauthor.com/post/the-true-story-that-inspired-black-hollow-hideaway

Information on the Charley Project Website:

https://charleyproject.org/case/evelyn-grace-hartley

Information on the Britannica website:

https://www.britannica.com/biography/Ed-Gein

News Paper Article from the La Crosse Library:

https://archives.lacrosselibrary.org/local-history/history-repeats/evelyn-hartley/

Information on Reddit:

https://www.reddit.com/r/UnresolvedMysteries/comments/21twbk/evelyn_hartley_the_missing_babysitter/

Information on Wikipedia:

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Disappearance_of_Evelyn_Hartley

Information on the Line Up Website:

https://the-line-up.com/evelyn-hartley

Information on the WI Missing Website:

https://www.wimissing.org/post/evelyn-hartley

Photos include: The Jacket and shoes that are suspected of being that of the kidnapper’s and 2 photos of Evelyn Hartley.