On a still September night in 2016, the calm of a suburban Pennsylvania neighborhood was pierced by a single, deliberate shot.

Stephanie Roof, 46, had just come home from work when she was killed in her own driveway in Lower Macungie Township. The street was quiet. The houses were dark. There were no signs of a break-in, no immediate suspects, nothing to suggest why violence had found its way there.

But as detectives dug deeper, the picture shifted. What first seemed senseless began to reveal intention. What looked random began to look personal.

At the heart of the investigation was a former lover, a relationship that had ended, and a digital trail that would take years to fully unravel.

It leaves one unsettling question lingering: how well do we ever truly know the people we once trusted?

Support the show

Nearly 32 years ago, on November 10, 1993, the community of Warminster, Pennsylvania, faced a tragic loss when two best friends, Bryan Benson and Seann Campbell, were murdered while finishing their shifts at West Coast Video in the Rosemore Shopping Center. The shocking brutality of the attack—occurring in the adult movie section—left an indelible mark on the community. Despite the men’s valiant struggle for their lives, evidenced by defensive wounds, both were ultimately killed. While $300 was missing from the cash register, their wallets and a significant amount of cash remained untouched, and there were no signs of forced entry. Over the years, local authorities have interviewed more than 300 individuals, including 75 customers who rented movies that evening, but unfortunately, no substantial leads have surfaced, leaving the case unsolved and justice for Bryan and Seann elusive.

Support the show

At forty-two, Rhonda Smith longed for a fresh start—an invigorating chapter filled with hope and the promise of renewal. In her heartfelt quest for solace and a sense of belonging, she embraced the warmth of the Lutheran Trinity Church, a charming haven nestled in the picturesque heart of Springfield Township, Pennsylvania. This quaint, small-town church, revered as a sanctuary for many weary souls, was celebrated for its enveloping warmth and the strong bonds of camaraderie among its members; the congregation welcomed Rhonda with open arms and open hearts.

However, the tranquility of this close-knit community was violently shattered when tragedy struck: Rhonda was discovered murdered within the sacred walls of their beloved sanctuary. The shocking news rippled through the town, leaving residents in disbelief and horror. Initially, they suspected it might be a random act of violence perpetrated by a stranger, an unspeakable invasion of their peaceful lives. 

Yet, what unfolded was far more terrifying. Through the tireless efforts of dedicated investigators, it became painfully clear that evil had infiltrated a place meant for worship and healing. The community was thrown into further turmoil when one of their own, a member of the congregation, was accused of committing this unspeakable act. A heavy, suffocating shadow of fear and uncertainty settled over the once-harmonious town, forever altering its essence and the lives of those who called it home.

Support the show

On a warm summer evening in June 1995, two close friends—Jennifer Grider, a bright-eyed 17-year-old, and the spirited 15-year-old Mary Orlando—eagerly made their way to their beloved spot known as the Lookout in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania. The sun dipped low on the horizon, a perfect backdrop for an evening of laughter and companionship. 

Yet, the warmth of that summer night would soon be consumed by a profound tragedy. Their laughter, once soaring high, was abruptly extinguished as chaos erupted with a hail of gunfire, shattering the tranquility of their cherished gathering. In an instant, the vibrant energy of friendship morphed into a haunting stillness, forever marking the heart of their community with sorrow. 

The aftermath of that fateful night left an indelible scar, propelling a relentless pursuit for justice. For six agonizing months, the shadow of their untimely deaths loomed over Bethlehem, leading investigators through a labyrinth of clues. It would take an anonymous tip to spark a breakthrough in the case, culminating in the arrest that the girls' families had long hoped for, yet the echoes of their laughter would remain a bittersweet memory etched in the souls of those who loved them.

Support the show

Between July 5 and July 7, 2017, four young men went missing in Bucks County, Pennsylvania, United States. 

This tragic incident garnered national attention, drawing public interest to Bucks County and prompting law enforcement to carry out an extensive search for answers. As more details of the case emerged, both authorities and the public were shocked.

The investigation centered on a suspect who appeared to know more than he was disclosing. As police delved deeper into the circumstances surrounding the men's disappearance, they uncovered far more than they had ever anticipated. 

Support the show

Between July 5 and July 7, 2017, four young men went missing in Bucks County, Pennsylvania, United States. 

This tragic incident garnered national attention, drawing public interest to Bucks County and prompting law enforcement to carry out an extensive search for answers. As more details of the case emerged, both authorities and the public were shocked.

The investigation centered on a suspect who appeared to know more than he was disclosing. As police delved deeper into the circumstances surrounding the men's disappearance, they uncovered far more than they had ever anticipated. 

Support the show

On March 28, 1979, 17-year-old Holly Branagan, a beloved daughter, sister, and friend, was found brutally murdered in her home in an affluent area of Bethlehem, Pennsylvania. At the time of her murder, Holly was on the phone with a friend when someone knocked at the door. She answered the door and returned to the phone, telling her friend she would call back, but she never did. The next day, her lifeless body was discovered by her older brother and a friend.

Holly had been stabbed 18 times, with 15 of the wounds in her back and 3 defensive wounds. Her murder was eerily compared to the film "Halloween," which had been released just a few months earlier and featured a similar home invasion scenario. Police believe that Holly's killer took advantage of her home setting. Holly did not seem to have any enemies, making it difficult to establish a motive. The nature of the stab wounds suggests that this murder was deeply personal. 

As we approach March 28, 2025, it will mark 46 years since the tragic murder of Holly Branagan. Still, no suspect has been officially named, and no one has been arrested in connection with her death. This case remains devastating and puzzling, contributing to the list of 35 unsolved homicides in Bethlehem. Perhaps this is the year that the person responsible for Holly's murder is finally brought to justice

Support the show

On March 28, 1979, 17-year-old Holly Branagan, a beloved daughter, sister, and friend, was found brutally murdered in her home in an affluent area of Bethlehem, Pennsylvania. At the time of her murder, Holly was on the phone with a friend when someone knocked at the door. She answered the door and returned to the phone, telling her friend she would call back, but she never did. The next day, her lifeless body was discovered by her older brother and a friend.

Holly had been stabbed 18 times, with 15 of the wounds in her back and 3 defensive wounds. Her murder was eerily compared to the film "Halloween," which had been released just a few months earlier and featured a similar home invasion scenario. Police believe that Holly's killer took advantage of her home setting. Holly did not seem to have any enemies, making it difficult to establish a motive. The nature of the stab wounds suggests that this murder was deeply personal. 

As we approach March 28, 2025, it will mark 46 years since the tragic murder of Holly Branagan. Still, no suspect has been officially named, and no one has been arrested in connection with her death. This case remains devastating and puzzling, contributing to the list of 35 unsolved homicides in Bethlehem. Perhaps this is the year that the person responsible for Holly's murder is finally brought to justice.

Support the show

The kidnapping and murder of Joann Katrinak and her infant son Alex outraged the small, tight-knit community of Catasaqua as well as the rest of the nation. What was more heartbreaking was the unnecessary and torturous death of baby Alex, who was left to suffer a painful death, most likely confused while lying on his mother's lifeless body. Once investigators had identified and arrested their subject, there was relief that the person who was responsible  had been caught, but the public still wanted answers from a woman who was accused of one of the most ruthless and cold crimes in history. Throughout the trial, many questions remained: Did the police have the right person? Was the investigation flawed? These and many more questions have been debated for the past 30 years, with the woman at the center of it all still proclaiming her innocence.

Support the show

After Joann Katrinak, 26 years old, disappeared with her infant son in December 1994, family members and friends hoped that they would be able to return home safely. Their lifeless bodies were found in a field four painful months after the tragedy occurred. Immediately, investigators worked tirelessly to find the person responsible for the brutal murders. As they tried to uncover clues, they discovered someone from Andy Katrinak's past might have a motive. It would take long years, hundreds of interviews, 500 miles, and eight hairs to announce an arrest in the murders of the beloved mother and son. In part 2, we uncover the past of a woman supposedly scorned and how she almost got away with murder.

Support the show