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Easter Sunday 1937 became infamous not for celebration, but for the shocking triple homicide that claimed the lives of model Veronica "Ronnie" Gideon, her mother Mary, and a deaf boarder named Frank Barnes. Their killer, Robert Irwin, was a talented sculptor whose descent into untreated schizophrenia revealed catastrophic gaps in America's mental health system.

Ronnie's story unfolds against the backdrop of Depression-era New York, where her Hungarian immigrant family struggled through Prohibition and economic hardship. Her career as a model for detective novels and "racy" publications made her a recognizable face—and later, allowed the media to subtly blame her for her own murder through sensationalized coverage that emphasized her "provocative" lifestyle.

The case raises disturbing questions about society's treatment of female victims, even today. While Ronnie and her mother were each worth only "20 years" in the killer's sentencing, Frank Barnes—the male victim—warranted 99 years, revealing deep gender biases in how the justice system valued lives. Meanwhile, Irwin's repeated attempts to seek help for his deteriorating mental condition went inadequately addressed, creating a perfect storm of tragedy.

What makes this case particularly haunting is how many opportunities existed to prevent it. Irwin had voluntarily committed himself multiple times, clearly aware something was wrong with his mind. Yet the primitive understanding of mental illness in the 1930s meant he was repeatedly released without proper treatment for the delusional thoughts that eventually turned deadly.

The silver lining—if one can be found amid such tragedy—is that the Gideon murders sparked significant reforms in New York's mental health system, potentially saving countless lives through improved assessment protocols and stricter oversight of psychiatric facilities.

Have you ever wondered what happens when someone recognizes their own dangerous thoughts and seeks help, only to be failed by the system? What responsibility do we bear as a society when warning signs are ignored? Join us as we explore this haunting case that reveals how far we've come in mental health treatment—and how far we still have to go.

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The Bath School Massacre of 1927 stands as the deadliest school attack in US history, yet remains largely forgotten in American memory. Andrew Kehoe, fueled by financial troubles and anger over increased school taxes, meticulously planned and executed a devastating bombing that claimed 45 lives, including 38 children.

• Andrew Kehoe's troubled life included his mother's death, a severe head injury, and strained family relationships
• After suffering financial hardships and facing farm foreclosure, Kehoe blamed rising property taxes for his problems
• Despite serving on the school board, Kehoe harbored growing resentment toward the Bath community
• Over several months, Kehoe secretly planted explosives throughout the school building
• On May 18, 1927, Kehoe detonated explosives at his farm, killed his wife, then targeted the school
• A second cache of 500 pounds of explosives failed to detonate, potentially saving many lives
• Kehoe completed his attack with a suicide bombing that killed several rescuers
• The community demonstrated remarkable resilience, rebuilding the school within a year
• Despite being America's deadliest school massacre, the incident received limited historical recognition
• The attack shares disturbing parallels with modern mass violence events, highlighting our continued struggle to identify warning signs

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The term "sadistic killer" traces back to the Marquis de Sade, an 18th-century French nobleman whose criminal actions and controversial writings initiated an entire psychological classification now used in profiling serial murderers.

• Criminal justice defines sadistic killers as offenders who derive sexual gratification from inflicting pain and suffering
• The FBI's classification identifies specific patterns including captivity, torture, and careful planning
• The Marquis de Sade's notorious crimes included imprisoning, torturing, and sexually assaulting multiple victims
• His philosophical writings advocated for pursuing pleasure without moral restraints
• Notable works like "The 120 Days of Sodom" blended graphic depictions with complex philosophical arguments
• The term "sadism" was coined in 1886 by psychiatrist Richard von Krafft-Ebing
• Several notorious serial killers have been influenced by Sade's writings, including Ian Brady of the Moors Murders
• The concept raises philosophical questions about consent, harm, and where society draws moral boundaries

If you're enjoying our podcast, please follow, rate, or subscribe on your preferred platform. Downloads help our growth, so share with friends, family, or coworkers through word of mouth or social media. Visit our website at www.deviantcriminology.com for show notes and more information.

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Probation and parole represent distinct forms of criminal supervision in the United States, each with its own purpose and impact on millions of Americans caught in the justice system. We explore the key differences between these alternative sentencing approaches and trace their evolution from the 1840s to today's complex implementation challenges.

• Probation functions as punishment itself, allowing offenders to remain in the community under supervision rather than going to prison
• Parole operates as a reward system, providing early release for prisoners who demonstrate rehabilitation
• John Augustus, a Boston cobbler, pioneered probation by bailing out minor offenders and helping them find jobs in the 1840s
• The term "parole" comes from the French word for "word of honor" and began in New York's corrections system in the 1870s
• Approximately 3.6 million Americans are on probation and 878,000 on parole according to most recent data
• Supervision systems face significant challenges including inadequate resources, overwhelming caseloads, and racial disparities
• Nearly half of state prison admissions result from probation and parole violations rather than new crimes
• Dual diagnosis (concurrent substance use and mental health disorders) requires specialized treatment often unavailable to those on supervision
• Technology like ignition interlocks and electronic monitoring plays an increasing role in supervision systems
• Evidence-based practices including cognitive behavioral interventions show promise for improving outcomes and reducing recidivism

Download our episodes and tell your friends about Deviant Criminology to help us grow! Visit our website at www.deviantcriminology.com or find us on social media.

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We delve into the notorious 1849 case of Dr. John White Webster, the Harvard professor who murdered fellow academic Dr. George Parkman over a $2,400 debt and dismembered his body at the medical school.

• Boston in the early 19th century provided the backdrop for a shocking academic murder
• Webster, educated at Harvard with further training in London, struggled financially despite his prestigious position
• Dr. George Parkman, worth approximately $370 million in today's currency, loaned Webster money which he couldn't repay
• Harvard janitor Ephraim Littlefield discovered human remains in Webster's laboratory after breaking through walls and a privy floor
• The sensational trial attracted 60,000 spectators with courtroom seating rotated every 10 minutes
• First US case to use dental evidence for identification in a murder trial
• Webster was executed in 1850 despite questions about the fairness of his trial and possible alternative suspects
• The case continues to fascinate crime historians due to its academic setting and forensic significance

If you're enjoying our podcast, please follow, rate, and subscribe wherever you listen. Visit our website at www.deviantcriminology.com for background information, show notes, and references. Find us on social media at Deviant Criminology on Facebook and @deviant_criminology on Instagram.

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The notorious life of Vincent "Mad Dog" Coll unfolds as a tragic tale of an Irish immigrant who became one of New York's most feared gangsters during Prohibition, meeting his violent end at just 23 years old.

• Born in Ireland in 1908, Coll immigrated to the Bronx where he lost five siblings and both parents by age eight
• Sent to reform schools by age 12, where child labor and abuse replaced education and nurturing
• Caught the eye of Dutch Schultz and became his enforcer during Prohibition
• Earned his "Mad Dog" nickname after killing a 5-year-old boy during a street shooting in 1931
• Despite numerous criminal charges, Coll was acquitted when his defense attorney exposed the prosecution's witness as a paid informer
• Falling out with Schultz led to a bloody gang war with casualties on both sides
• Met his end in a hail of gunfire in a phone booth after accepting a contract to kill Lucky Luciano
• His short, violent career illustrates how trauma, poverty and discrimination drove some immigrants toward organized crime

Join us next week for another deep dive into true crime and criminal justice issues that continue to shape our understanding of  crime and justice in society.

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Two brothers share their journey through decades of emergency services, exploring how childhood experiences and family influence shaped their careers in firefighting and law enforcement. Their candid conversation reveals the true nature of first responder life beyond the uniforms.

• Growing up at a dangerous intersection where regular accidents occurred prepared them for careers in emergency services
• First traumatic calls created lasting memories that still remain vivid decades later
• Coping with trauma requires various mechanisms including dark humor, peer support, and professional counseling
• The unique "family dynamic" between first responders creates bonds that transcend personal differences
• Working in the same city created interesting intersections between fire service and law enforcement
• Mental health challenges are real and seeking help is essential for survival in these professions
• The importance of staying victim and family-focused even during the most difficult calls
• Advice for civilians: remember first responders are human beings trying to help others in crisis

If you're enjoying the podcast, please follow us, like or rate us on whatever system you're listening to us on, subscribe to our podcast and download episodes. Visit our website at www.deviantcriminology.com or find us on Facebook and Instagram @Deviant_Criminology.

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Mary Mallon’s life raises fundamental questions about health, freedom, and the societal treatment of individuals deemed dangerous. This episode explores her transformation from an immigrant cook to an infamous health threat.

• Mary Mallon's early life and journey from Ireland to America 
• The emergence of typhoid fever linked to her cooking 
• George Soper's investigation and the controversial claims 
• The ethical implications of forcibly quarantining Mary 
• Her later years under alias and tragic outbreak at Sloan Hospital 
• The cultural legacy of “Typhoid Mary” today 

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Ed Gein's life is a disturbing exploration of trauma, isolation, and the dark legacy of mental illness manifesting in heinous crimes. By dissecting his journey, we reflect on the societal implications and responsibilities surrounding such tragedies. 
• Ed Gein’s childhood marked by dysfunction and neglect 
• Augustine Gein’s toxic influence on Ed's psyche 
• The impact of familial violence and isolation 
• First confirmed murder of Mary Hogan 
• Arrest after the murder of Bernice Worden 
• Ed's gruesome artifacts discovered in his home 
• Trial outcomes and psychiatric evaluation 
• Cultural impact and ethical implications of glorifying criminals 
• Importance of remembering the victims and their stories

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George C. Parker was a notorious con artist who famously sold the Brooklyn Bridge over 3,000 times. His story highlights the audacity of deception, the gullibility of those seeking dreams, and the evolution of law enforcement against crime, ultimately teaching us to remain vigilant against such schemes today. 

• Exploration of George C. Parker's life and criminal exploits 
• Discussion of the Brooklyn Bridge and its significance 
• Analysis of Parker's tactics in selling major landmarks 
• Overview of Parker's imprisonment, escape, and eventual capture 
• Reflection on Parker's legacy and its contemporary relevance

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