Tiff is going to wrap Season 3 up with a banger of a creepy place…St. Vincent’s Home in Oklahoma City. 

The property, often mistaken for an abandoned church, was once a hospital established in 1944 by the Catholic Brothers of Mercy. Initially intended to care for mentally and physically ill men and boys, the facility expanded over the years, adding more rooms and amenities. Its history includes a tragic incident in 1962 when a former nurse confessed to murdering patients, leading to the hospital's eventual closure. In 1968, the building was repurposed as a rehabilitation center for alcoholics and renamed The Main Artery, managed by Father Richard Frank Dolan until his unsolved murder in 1988.

Today, the property is private and strictly off-limits to the public due to safety concerns. Those who dare to visit report eerie experiences, such as cold sensations, strange noises, and sightings of shadows, reflecting its haunted reputation. Despite the risks, thrill-seekers and ghost hunters are drawn to the site, leading to increased security measures. The property remains a point of intrigue, with rumors of a demonic presence and ongoing paranormal investigations, but it is crucial to remember that entering the premises is illegal and dangerous.

And cousins, this ends Season 3! Thank you so much to all our friends, family, and fans! We couldn't and wouldn't do this without you. We hope you will stick around for season 4 when we can bring you even more kooky and spooky stuff in and around the great state of OK. 

Again thanks for listening…

Sources:

• Abandoned, Forgotten, & Decayed Website

• Abandoned Oklahoma

• Only in Oklahoma Website

• Reddit

• Roaming Ryan via Facebook

• Ghost Asylum on YouTube

• Brothers of Mercy

• Northwestern Oklahoma State University

• Freakmore Paranormal 

This week, Jess tackles one of Oklahoma’ s many instances of the US Government going back on a treaty made with Native Tribes…

Chitto Harjo, also known as Crazy Snake, was born in 1846 into the Muscogee Creek Nation, which held onto important ceremonial roles even as other Native tribes faced significant changes due to U.S. policies. The Muscogee people, descendants of a rich culture that once thrived across the Southeastern United States, constructed impressive ceremonial complexes and formed a sophisticated political confederacy. However, in the early 19th century, U.S. Indian policy aimed to remove the Muscogee and other tribes from their ancestral lands. This led to a forced relocation, with many Muscogee settling in Indian Territory, where they established farms and a new governance structure. Harjo emerged as a prominent figure opposing land allotment policies that threatened tribal sovereignty and cultural identity, advocating for the restoration of traditional customs.

As tensions escalated in the late 19th century, Harjo led a faction known as the Snakes, which opposed the Dawes Commission's allotment system. Their resistance involved organizing a separate government and engaging in protests rooted in ancient Muscogee traditions. Despite initial successes, including establishing jurisdiction over a small area, Harjo's movement faced significant backlash from both tribal governments and U.S. authorities. The situation intensified with violent confrontations, ultimately leading to Harjo's arrest and imprisonment. Although he was never captured after his release, his life took a mysterious turn, with rumors of his death in various locations. Harjo's story exemplifies the broader resistance of the “Five Civilized Tribes” against U.S. encroachment and the struggle to maintain their identity and autonomy.

Join us this week as we examine Chitto Harjo and the Crazy Snake Uprising. 

Sources:

• OHS - Chitto Harjo

• OHS - Crazy Sanke Uprising

• OHS - Smoked Meat Rebellion  

• OHS - Allotment 

• Wikipedia - Chitto Harjo

• Wikipedia - Crazy Snake Rebellion

• FindAGrave.com

• Marietta Monitor

• JSTOR.org

• Oklahoma Originals: Early Heroes, Heroines, Villains & Vixens by Jonita Mullins 

• FiveCivilizedTribes.org 

When picturing the stomping grounds of serial killers Oklahoma doesn’t quite come to mind…right? Well, Tiff is going to trample right over that belief in this week’s episode!

The Oklahoma City Butcher is an unidentified serial killer responsible for the brutal murders of three young, unhoused Native American women—Cathy Lyn Shakelford, Arley Bell Killian, and Tina Marcia Sanders—between 1976 and 1986. All victims were subjected to brutal deaths at the hand of someone unknown. Cathy, 18, was found in an abandoned house, her mutilated body parts scattered, while Arley, 22, had her body parts discovered by children playing basketball. Tina, also 22, was found in a similar gruesome manner, indicating a pattern of violence against women from marginalized backgrounds. Despite investigations, including connections to notorious serial killer Henry Lee Lucas, the cases remain unsolved, highlighting the alarming rates of violence against Native American women, who are often overlooked in criminal reporting. The killer is believed to still be at large, prompting ongoing calls for information from the public. 

This episode comes with listener discretion due the graphic deaths. Trigger warnings for various kinds of abuse as well. 

If you have any information, please contact OSBI Cold Case Unit at [email protected] or OKC Crime Stoppers at 405*235*7300…or you can visit their office or mail them a tip at 700 Colcord Dr, OKC, OK 73102 or contact Oklahoma City Police Department at 405-297-1180

Sources: 

• Wikipedia

• Unresolved Podcast

• The Daily Oklahoman: April 17, 1986; November 30, 1993

• Justice for Native People

• Odd Murders and Mysteries

Nothing says kooky and spooky like a jail, turned church, turned handicap home, turned cult headquarters! But Jess found just the place! 

"Church Row" is located on Noble Avenue in Guthrie, OK. It features a series of houses of worship. Guthrie became a city, almost quite literally, overnight during the 1889 Land Run. This area also houses the notorious Black Jail, constructed in 1892, to manage the outlaws that plagued the region. Initially deemed "escape-proof," the jail, in fact, saw multiple successful escapes, including several notorious figures from the American Frontier. Over time, it transitioned from a federal prison to a church and later housed the controversial Samaritan Foundation cult, whose leader, Linda Greene, was linked to bizarre beliefs and the mysterious disappearance of her husband, Allen Ross. Following Greene's death, the jail has remained abandoned, attracting paranormal investigators who report strange occurrences, including ghost sightings and unexplained sounds, adding to its eerie legacy. Today, efforts are underway to restore the building, though its haunted history continues to intrigue and mystify.

Join us this week as we explore one of Oklahoma’s most well-known haunted towns! 

Sources:

• Haunted Guthrie, Oklahoma by Tanya McCoy & Jeff Provine

• Ghosts and Legends of Oklahoma by Mike Ricksecker

• The Haunted Attic

• Abandoned Oklahoma

• Edmond Life and Leisure

• The Oklahoman

• Medium

• Oklahoma Mysteries

This week, Tiff dives into the story of a true Oklahoma legend.

Quannah Parker was the last great Comanche Chief, ruling over a vast territory that was originally Comanche land long before settlers arrived. The Comanche people thrived as skilled horsemen, becoming a powerful tribe after the introduction of horses by the Spanish. Quanah, born around 1845, was the son of Cynthia Ann Parker, a captive who was adopted by the Comanche after the Fort Parker Massacre. His mother struggled to adapt after being recaptured by Texas Rangers in 1860, ultimately dying in despair. Quanah became a respected leader among the Comanche, refusing to sign treaties that compromised their land. He led warriors in battles against U.S. forces but later adapted to reservation life, promoting education and self-sufficiency while maintaining ties with both Native and White communities. Known for his wealth and influence, he established the Native American Church and became a cultural figure, advocating for his people even as their lands were encroached upon. Quanah Parker passed away in 1911 and was buried with honors, leaving a legacy celebrated through various locations and events named in his honor. His life reflects the complex balance between traditional Comanche culture and the pressures of modernization.

Join your favorite cousins as we jump into the way-back machine, and explore a piece of Oklahoma’s Native history! 

Sources: 

• Kevin Costner's The West Docu-series on the History Channel, S1 E4

• Wikipedia

• Oklahoma Historical Society

• Texas State Historical Association    

This week, Jess will wrap up the bonkers ride that was the Roger Wheeler case!

The investigation into the murder of Roger Wheeler highlighted significant corruption within the Boston FBI and the involvement of the Winter Hill Gang, including notorious mobsters like Johnny Martorano, Whitey Bulger, and Stevie Flemmi. In 1994, sealed indictments for racketeering were issued against several gang members, leading to Martorano's arrest for an unrelated horse-racing charge. Upon learning that Bulger and Flemmi were FBI informants, Martorano agreed to cooperate with authorities, which set off a chain reaction of testimonies from other gang members. As the plot unfolded, Martorano and accomplice Joe McDonald meticulously planned Wheeler's murder, ultimately targeting him during a golf game at Southern Hills Country Club, in Tulsa, where Martorano shot Wheeler in a carefully orchestrated hit.

Following the murder, the fallout included the unraveling of the Winter Hill Gang and the exposure of FBI corruption. While several gang members, including Martorano and Flemmi, received deals in exchange for their testimonies, many felt justice was inadequately served, particularly for Wheeler's family. Bulger was ultimately captured in 2011 and sentenced to two life sentences after a trial that revealed his extensive criminal activities. His death in prison in 2018 brought some closure, but many in the community, including Detective Michael Huff, believed the impact of Wheeler's murder had lasting effects on Tulsa, emphasizing the broader implications of organized crime and corruption on society.

Sources: 

• Oklahoma's Most Notorious Cases Vol. 2 - Kent Frates 

• Voices of Oklahoma Podcast

• Fox23News

• Gangland Wire.com

• Wikipedia - Roger Wheeler - Background Info

• Wikipedia - Winter Hill Gang 

• News Channel 6

• News Channel 8

• Golf Digest.com    

  The Mob Museum.com   

In the complex landscape of organized crime, the murder of Roger Wheeler was orchestrated primarily by Johnny Martorano and involved significant players from the Winter Hill Gang, including Whitey Bulger. Martorano, known for his violent reputation and loyalty to the gang, ultimately accepted the contract. The motivations for his murders were often rooted in loyalty rather than financial gain; betrayal was met with lethal consequences. Meanwhile, the gang's connections to law enforcement, particularly through former FBI agent H. Paul Rico, complicated the investigation, as Rico had a history with Bulger and was suspected of corruption.

Tulsa Detective Michael Huff faced numerous challenges in the investigation, encountering resistance from the Boston FBI while pursuing leads on Wheeler's murder and its ties to World Jai Alai. Despite initial setbacks, including the suspicious death of John Callahan, Huff's persistence paid off over the years. Eventually, evidence accumulated against Bulger and his associates led to racketeering charges. This culminated in Johnny Martorano's decision to testify against Bulger, Flemmi, and corrupt FBI agents, revealing the intricate web of crime and betrayal. Martorano's confession highlighted Callahan's pivotal role in targeting Wheeler, ultimately shedding light on the motivations and dynamics within the criminal enterprise that led to Wheeler's assassination.

Organized crime...am I right? It’s time for Part 3 of Roger Wheeler’s tumultuous case! 

Sources: 

• Oklahoma's Most Notorious Cases Vol. 2 - Kent Frates 

• Voices of Oklahoma Podcast

• Fox23News

• Gangland Wire.com

• Wikipedia - Roger Wheeler - Background Info

• Wikipedia - Winter Hill Gang 

• News Channel 6

• News Channel 8

• Golf Digest.com    

Last week, Jess started us down the rabbit hole that was Roger Wheeler’s unalving…The investigation into his death identified three potential motives: armed robbery, kidnapping/extortion, and the most likely scenario of a contract killing. The police quickly dismissed robbery since Wheeler had significant cash and credit cards still on him. The detectives at the scene, including Michael Huff, arrived amid heavy traffic to find Wheeler fatally shot in his Cadillac. Initial theories suggested that a robbery had gone wrong, but evidence soon indicated a professional hit: a single bullet wound, the calm demeanor of the killer, and the absence of fingerprints on the shell casings pointed to a calculated execution rather than a random crime. The detectives found links between Wheeler's murder and organized crime, particularly involving the Dixie Mafia and two suspects, Patrick Early and Dennis Bates Fletcher, known for their criminal connections.

As the investigation progressed, the focus shifted to the Winter Hill Gang, an Irish mob based in Boston with a long history of organized crime activities, including extortion and murder. Detective Huff traveled to Boston to gather information about potential connections between the gang and Wheeler's ownership of World Jai Alai. The gang, notorious under the leadership of James "Whitey" Bulger, was characterized by its ruthlessness and enforced loyalty through violence. Bulger's criminal rise mirrored that of his associate Stephen Flemmi, who was also an FBI informant, complicating the investigation further. Despite extensive efforts to connect the Winter Hill Gang to Wheeler's murder, leads continually turned cold, leaving the case shrouded in uncertainty.

Join us for part 2 of the Roger Wheeler case! 

Sources: 

• Oklahoma's Most Notorious Cases Vol. 2 - Kent Frates 

• Voices of Oklahoma Podcast

• Fox23News

• Gangland Wire.com

• Wikipedia - Roger Wheeler - Background Info

• Wikipedia - Winter Hill Gang 

• News Channel 6

• News Channel 8

• Golf Digest.com    

• The Mob Museum.com    

This week Jess dips her toes into the world of organized crime…or does she? 

Roger Wheeler, a prominent businessman in Tulsa, was unexpectedly murdered in 1981, sending shockwaves through the community. The assassination occurred in the parking lot of Southern Hills Country Club, with no clear motive or suspects at the time. It wasn't until 1997 that the truth emerged: the 16-year-old murderer linked to the notorious Winter Hill Gang from Boston. Wheeler, from Boston, had displayed entrepreneurial talent from a young age, eventually starting a successful anode manufacturing company and later acquiring Telex Corporation. Under his leadership, Telex grew into a competitive force in the electronics industry, challenging giants like IBM. However, Wheeler's aggressive business tactics and a significant antitrust lawsuit against IBM led to financial and legal turmoil for the company.

By 1978, Wheeler ventured into the gambling business by investing in World Jai Alai, a risky decision that ultimately proved fatal. He acquired World Jai Alai, despite warnings about mob connections. As he sought to rectify underperformance within the business, he became increasingly concerned for his safety, especially after the murder of a company cashier. Tragically, on May 27, 1981, Wheeler was shot in the head as he left the country club, leaving behind unanswered questions and a complex investigation into the motives behind his assassination.

Join your favorite cousins for part 1 of the kooky case of Roger Wheeler. 

Sources: 

• Oklahoma's Most Notorious Cases Vol. 2 - Kent Frates 

• Voices of Oklahoma Podcast

• Fox23News

• Gangland Wire.com

• Wikipedia - Roger Wheeler - Background Info

• Wikipedia - Winter Hill Gang 

• News Channel 6

• News Channel 8

• Golf Digest.com    

  The Mob Museum.com   

The Murrell Home, located at 19479 E Murrell Rd, Park Hill, OK, is the only antebellum plantation house still standing in the state. Built in 1845 by George Michael Murrell, a wealthy white planter married to Minerva Ross, the home is one of the few surviving structures from the antebellum period in Cherokee lands. The Murrell family, allied with the influential Ross family, moved to Indian Territory around 1839. The plantation, originally named Hunter’s Home due to George's passion for fox hunting, features Greek Revival architecture and was equipped with modern amenities of the time, including living quarters for enslaved people, a barn, and a smokehouse. The home witnessed significant historical events, including troop movements during the Civil War, yet it survived relatively unscathed, unlike many local buildings.

In 1948, the state of Oklahoma acquired the house, which was designated a national historic landmark in 1974 and is now run by the Oklahoma Historical Society. The museum showcases life in the 1800s through living history demonstrations, allowing guests to experience chores, cooking, and crafting from that era. Additionally, the home is known for its haunted reputation, with numerous accounts of ghostly encounters, including sightings of Civil War soldiers and children playing. Paranormal activities reported include flickering lights, mysterious noises, and apparitions, such as a woman in an attic window and a shadowy girl in a plaid dress. Annual events like the May Day Celebration and Ghost Stories events attract visitors, making the Murrell Home a significant historical and cultural site within the Cherokee Nation.

Join Tiff as she takes us on a spine-tingling adventure to the early days of Indian Territory, where life was both humble and haunting…

Sources: 

Murrell Home

Oklahoma Historical Society

Ghost Stories from Murrell Home by Jennifer Sparks

Oklahoma Historical Society