Dark and Devious

Countess Elizabeth Bathory was a wealthy and powerful Hungarian noblewoman who reigned as supreme ruler throughout the early 1600s' in what now is present day Slovakia. In 1610 she was accused of gruesome acts of torture and serial murders beyond anyone's imagination. She was confined to her home, Castle Čachtice, where she remained until her death in 1614. Bathory is reputed to have killed at least six hundred victims, earning her a Guinness World Record for most prolific female murderer. Her actions resulted in a nickname of the "Blood Countess", but it's possible Bathory was not guilty of all the crimes that have been laid at her feet. Listen now for an intriguing story that may leave you with more questions than answers.

Starved Rock State Park is a beautiful national park located in the State of Illinois, USA. The park is home to dark historical past, but today flourishes with beauty and awe. However, that dark past seemed to come back to life in the winter of 1960. In March of that year , Frances Murphy, Lillian Oetting, and Mildred Lindquist set off for a girls' trip. Just days later, the three women were found in Starved Rock State Park, bludgeoned to death with their hands and feet bound. After months of investigation, a man was found guilty and sentenced to life in prison. Now, nearly 64 years later, that man still claims his innocence, and the evidence doesn't exactly hold water. Did this man really kill the women back in 1960? Or was the killer, or killers, never caught and set to roam free?  

In the early 1950s Ann Woodward found herself at the top of the best dressed list and the wife of a banking heir. But her happiness at the top of the social ladder would not be for long. It all came crashing down one fateful night in October of 1954 when booze, pills, and paranoia resulted in a family tragedy. Ann was responsible for her husband's death, but later on she would cross paths with someone who was unsuspectingly dangerous: the legendary writer, Truman Capote. This episode is based on the fantastic book Deliberate Cruelty by Roseanne Montillo.

Betty Williams was a small town girl growing up in Odessa, Texas, in the the 1950's-60's. An outspoken feminist and voice for racial equality; she stuck out in the conformists small town she called home. She dreamed of moving to Hollywood with the intent of becoming s star. However, these dreams would never come true as she was subjected to a family that did not support her and bullying and gossip at school. She chose to end her own life, but lacked the courage to do so; Which brings in Mack. Was Mack a murderer? Or just a sympitatic human who just wanted to help Betty achieve an escape route from her every day life? Listen now to hear the tragic story of Betty William's ultimate fate and the possible injustcie that was served,

Tamla Horsford was bright and loving, a devoted wife and mother of six.  She was an avid football fan and was looking forward to a night of fun with her fellow football moms. However, the adult themed slumber party would end in tragedy.  Tamla, was found dead the next morning and suspicion rose quickly as her race became a sticking point in the investigation. Despite multiple attempts to piece together what led up to her death no theory seemed satisfactory. Still, investigators closed the case, leaving behind quite the puzzle -- with missing pieces.  Did she die from an accident?  Or is the truth much more sinister than that?

In the fall of 2013, Gerald and Alice Uden were living comfortably on a farm in rural Missouri, set back a ways from the road and the rest of the world, living happily ever after.  They had both been married multiple times before, but when they found each other they knew it was a match made in Heaven....or was it? For 30 years they lived an ideal life, raising their daughter, Erica and now in their golden years they enjoyed their lives as grandparents.  However, that perfect façade suddenly came crashing down when some sinister, shared family secrets resurfaced. 

In September of 1988, Tara Calico set out on a routine bike ride.  Her route was planned and predictable, yet she never came home.  She vanished, with only a few scraps of evidence left behind pointing to how, and why she was suddenly missing.  34 years later there is still no answer of where Tara went, and what happened on that fateful day. In this episode we'll discuss the case and some of the most prevalent theories.

As we explored on last week's episode, the Dozier School for Boys, located in Florida's panhandle had many accusations leveled against it. Survivors of the school rallied against the institution and it's brutal practices until the school was finally closed in 2011. But the story doesn't end there. When families of deceased children started looking for the remains of their loved ones a whole new battle emerged. It seems that many people in town were more interested in keeping the past buried, but thanks to persistent researchers and advocates, the truth would finally be dug up.

The Arthur G. Dozier School For boys was once America's largest reform school. It operated for more than a century with the goal of setting "troubled" and "delinquent" boys on track to become respectable members of society. But what happened behind the doors of the school was not always well intended. Many suffered cruel punishment and abuse, and some even died while under the school's care. While the school finally shut down operations in 2011, the questions remain; where are the boys who were lost, and what really happened? (Part 1 of 2)

Holidays are generally filled with love, good times, good food, and good cheer.  However not all family gatherings are as joyous as  everyone hopes.  On Christmas Day 1929, Charlie Lawson committed the chilling act of murdering his wife and 6 of his 7 children. What led to this horrific act of familicide and why are there still unanswered questions nearly 100 year later?  Listen to hear the chilling details of this crime and maybe you can crack the case as to why this father, and husband, would murder nearly his entire family.