After more than one year since the last episode of Direct Appeal, we are back to discuss the recent media attention, to answer audience questions, and address potential tips sent in.We'll update you on what's next in Melanie's legal battle, and what supporters of Melanie say they are doing to help.We might even sneak in a word about season 2... Learn more about your ad choices. Visit <a href="https://megaphone.fm/adchoices">megaphone.fm/adchoices</a>

After more than one year since the last episode of Direct Appeal, we are back to discuss the recent media attention, to answer audience questions, and address potential tips sent in. We'll update you on what's next in Melanie's legal battle, and what supporters of Melanie say they are doing to help. We might even sneak in a word about season 2... Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

After more than one year since the last episode of Direct Appeal, we are back to discuss the recent media attention, to answer audience questions, and address potential tips sent in.We'll update you on what's next in Melanie's legal battle, and what supporters of Melanie say they are doing to help.We might even sneak in a word about season 2... Learn more about your ad choices. Visit <a href="https://megaphone.fm/adchoices" rel="noopener noreferrer">megaphone.fm/adchoices</a>

One Year Update

From the creators of Direct Appeal comes our new project, Women & Crime. Each episode we cover a new female focused true crime case. Enjoy this full length sample episode, and if you like it – <a href="https://womenandcrimepodcast.com/how-to-listen/">Subscribe Now</a>.**************Ep 32: During the 1980s, Cindy James was purportedly the victim of over 100 attacks of physical and mental abuse by an unknown assailant. After a heavy police presence and no assailant ever identified, police grew skeptical. Was this a hoax or the diabolical plan of someone who wanted to torture and eventually murder her? <h1>Credits:</h1>• Written and Hosted by Amy Shlosberg and Meghan Sacks• Produced and Edited by James Varga• Music by Dessert Media <h1>Help is Available:</h1>If you or someone you know is a victim of domestic or other violence, there are many organizations that can offer support or help you in your specific situation. For details please visit one of the websites below.<ul>
<li>National Domestic Violence Hotline <a href="https://www.thehotline.org/help/">https://www.thehotline.org/help/</a> </li>
<li>RAINN <a href="https://www.rainn.org/about-national-sexual-assault-telephone-hotline">https://www.rainn.org/about-national-sexual-assault-telephone-hotline</a>
</li>
<li>Women’s Law <a href="https://hotline.womenslaw.org/">https://hotline.womenslaw.org/</a>
</li>
<li>Victim Connect List of resources <a href="https://victimconnect.org/resources/national-hotlines/">https://victimconnect.org/resources/national-hotlines/</a>
</li>
</ul> Learn more about your ad choices. Visit <a href="https://megaphone.fm/adchoices">megaphone.fm/adchoices</a>

From the creators of Direct Appeal comes our new project, Women & Crime. Each episode we cover a new female focused true crime case. Enjoy this full length sample episode, and if you like it – Subscribe Now. ************** Ep 32: During the 1980s, Cindy James was purportedly the victim of over 100 attacks of physical and mental abuse by an unknown assailant. After a heavy police presence and no assailant ever identified, police grew skeptical. Was this a hoax or the diabolical plan of someone who wanted to torture and eventually murder her? Credits:• Written and Hosted by Amy Shlosberg and Meghan Sacks • Produced and Edited by James Varga • Music by Dessert Media Help is Available:If you or someone you know is a victim of domestic or other violence, there are many organizations that can offer support or help you in your specific situation. For details please visit one of the websites below. National Domestic Violence Hotline https://www.thehotline.org/help/ RAINN https://www.rainn.org/about-national-sexual-assault-telephone-hotline Women’s Law https://hotline.womenslaw.org/ Victim Connect List of resources https://victimconnect.org/resources/national-hotlines/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

From the creators of Direct Appeal comes our new project, Women &amp; Crime. Each episode we cover a new female focused true crime case. Enjoy this full length sample episode, and if you like it – <a href="https://womenandcrimepodcast.com/how-to-listen/" rel="noopener noreferrer">Subscribe Now</a>.**************Ep 32: During the 1980s, Cindy James was purportedly the victim of over 100 attacks of physical and mental abuse by an unknown assailant. After a heavy police presence and no assailant ever identified, police grew skeptical. Was this a hoax or the diabolical plan of someone who wanted to torture and eventually murder her? Credits:• Written and Hosted by Amy Shlosberg and Meghan Sacks• Produced and Edited by James Varga• Music by Dessert Media Help is Available:If you or someone you know is a victim of domestic or other violence, there are many organizations that can offer support or help you in your specific situation.&nbsp;For details please visit one of the websites below.<ul>
<li>National Domestic Violence Hotline&nbsp;<a href="https://www.thehotline.org/help/" rel="noopener noreferrer">https://www.thehotline.org/help/</a>&nbsp;</li>
<li>RAINN <a href="https://www.rainn.org/about-national-sexual-assault-telephone-hotline" rel="noopener noreferrer">https://www.rainn.org/about-national-sexual-assault-telephone-hotline</a>
</li>
<li>Women’s Law <a href="https://hotline.womenslaw.org/" rel="noopener noreferrer">https://hotline.womenslaw.org/</a>
</li>
<li>Victim Connect List of resources <a href="https://victimconnect.org/resources/national-hotlines/" rel="noopener noreferrer">https://victimconnect.org/resources/national-hotlines/</a>
</li>
</ul> Learn more about your ad choices. Visit <a href="https://megaphone.fm/adchoices" rel="noopener noreferrer">megaphone.fm/adchoices</a>

Introducing Women & Crime: (Cindy James - episode #32)

06: The trial against Melanie McGuire begins on March 5, 2007, live on Court TV, and Melanie finds herself in the middle of a media circus. Lead prosecutor, Patricia Prezioso, makes a forceful opening argument but will her first witnesses help her case or hurt it? The prosecution also claims that the firearm Melanie purchased two days before Bill disappeared was the murder weapon but what does our expert have to say?For Images related to this episode, visit: <a href="https://directappealpodcast.com/images/#ep06">https://directappealpodcast.com/images/#ep06</a>If you have any information regarding this case, you can submit it by emailing us at tips@directappealpodcast.com or leaving a voicemail at (732) 510-0996. If you have a question to ask Melanie, be sure to submit it to us by 7/31/19 and we may select it for a future episode.<h1>Credits:</h1><ul>
<li>Hosted by: Meghan Sacks and Amy Shlosberg</li>
<li>Produced by James Varga</li>
<li>Written by Meghan Sacks</li>
<li>Recorded, mixed, and edited by Justin Kral at JC Studios</li>
<li>Music and underscore by Dessert Media</li>
<li>Legal Counsel: Barry Janay</li>
<li>Special thanks to Alan Tockerman</li>
<li>Photo credits: Joshua Davis under cc license 2.0</li>
<li>Guest Experts: Stephen Batzer – <a href="http://www.batzerengineering.com">http://www.batzerengineering.com</a>
</li>
</ul> Learn more about your ad choices. Visit <a href="https://megaphone.fm/adchoices">megaphone.fm/adchoices</a>

06: The trial against Melanie McGuire begins on March 5, 2007, live on Court TV, and Melanie finds herself in the middle of a media circus. Lead prosecutor, Patricia Prezioso, makes a forceful opening argument but will her first witnesses help her case or hurt it? The prosecution also claims that the firearm Melanie purchased two days before Bill disappeared was the murder weapon but what does our expert have to say? For Images related to this episode, visit: https://directappealpodcast.com/images/#ep06 If you have any information regarding this case, you can submit it by emailing us at tips@directappealpodcast.com or leaving a voicemail at (732) 510-0996. If you have a question to ask Melanie, be sure to submit it to us by 7/31/19 and we may select it for a future episode.Credits: Hosted by: Meghan Sacks and Amy Shlosberg Produced by James Varga Written by Meghan Sacks Recorded, mixed, and edited by Justin Kral at JC Studios Music and underscore by Dessert Media Legal Counsel: Barry Janay Special thanks to Alan Tockerman Photo credits: Joshua Davis under cc license 2.0 Guest Experts: Stephen Batzer – http://www.batzerengineering.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

06: The trial against Melanie McGuire begins on March 5, 2007, live on Court TV, and Melanie finds herself in the middle of a media circus.&nbsp;Lead prosecutor, Patricia Prezioso, makes a forceful opening argument but will her first witnesses help her case or hurt it?&nbsp;The prosecution also claims that the firearm Melanie purchased two days before Bill disappeared was the murder weapon but what does our expert have to say?For Images related to this episode, visit: <a href="https://directappealpodcast.com/images/#ep06" rel="noopener noreferrer">https://directappealpodcast.com/images/#ep06</a>If you have any information regarding this case, you can submit it by emailing us at tips@directappealpodcast.com or leaving a voicemail at (732) 510-0996. If you have a question to ask Melanie, be sure to submit it to us by 7/31/19 and we may select it for a future episode.Credits:<ul>
<li>Hosted by: Meghan Sacks and Amy Shlosberg</li>
<li>Produced by James Varga</li>
<li>Written by Meghan Sacks</li>
<li>Recorded, mixed, and edited by Justin Kral at JC Studios</li>
<li>Music and underscore by Dessert Media</li>
<li>Legal Counsel: Barry Janay</li>
<li>Special thanks to Alan Tockerman</li>
<li>Photo credits: Joshua Davis under cc license 2.0</li>
<li>Guest Experts: Stephen Batzer – <a href="http://www.batzerengineering.com" rel="noopener noreferrer">http://www.batzerengineering.com</a>
</li>
</ul> Learn more about your ad choices. Visit <a href="https://megaphone.fm/adchoices" rel="noopener noreferrer">megaphone.fm/adchoices</a>

Opening Arguments

05: While Melanie tries to plan Bill’s funeral and move on with her life, the Police begin their Investigation. Eventually, Melanie is indicted. Her bail was eventually raised to $2 million dollars. The search for a defense team begins, and after several trial-and-errors with attorneys, Melanie eventually believes she hit the jackpot. As Melanie and her lawyers prepare for Trial, the prosecution makes a shocking announcement.For Images related to this episode, visit: <a href="https://directappealpodcast.com/images/#ep05">https://directappealpodcast.com/images/#ep05</a>If you have any information regarding this case, you can submit it by emailing us at tips@directappealpodcast.com or leaving a voicemail at (732) 510-0996. If you have a question to ask Melanie, be sure to submit it to us by 7/31/19 and we may select it for a future episode.<h1>Credits</h1><ul>
<li>Hosted by: Meghan Sacks and Amy Shlosberg</li>
<li>Produced by James Varga* Written by Meghan Sacks</li>
<li>Recorded, mixed, and edited by Justin Kral at JC Studios</li>
<li>Music and underscore by Nick Bassett of Dessert Media</li>
<li>Legal Counsel: Barry Janay</li>
<li>Special thanks to Alan Tockerman</li>
<li>Photo credits: Joshua Davis under cc license 2.0</li>
</ul> Learn more about your ad choices. Visit <a href="https://megaphone.fm/adchoices">megaphone.fm/adchoices</a>

05: While Melanie tries to plan Bill’s funeral and move on with her life, the Police begin their Investigation. Eventually, Melanie is indicted. Her bail was eventually raised to $2 million dollars. The search for a defense team begins, and after several trial-and-errors with attorneys, Melanie eventually believes she hit the jackpot. As Melanie and her lawyers prepare for Trial, the prosecution makes a shocking announcement. For Images related to this episode, visit: https://directappealpodcast.com/images/#ep05 If you have any information regarding this case, you can submit it by emailing us at tips@directappealpodcast.com or leaving a voicemail at (732) 510-0996. If you have a question to ask Melanie, be sure to submit it to us by 7/31/19 and we may select it for a future episode.Credits Hosted by: Meghan Sacks and Amy Shlosberg Produced by James Varga* Written by Meghan Sacks Recorded, mixed, and edited by Justin Kral at JC Studios Music and underscore by Nick Bassett of Dessert Media Legal Counsel: Barry Janay Special thanks to Alan Tockerman Photo credits: Joshua Davis under cc license 2.0 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

05: While Melanie tries to plan Bill’s funeral and move on with her life, the Police begin their Investigation. Eventually, Melanie is indicted. Her bail was eventually raised to $2 million dollars. The search for a defense team begins, and after several trial-and-errors with attorneys, Melanie eventually believes she hit the jackpot. As Melanie and her lawyers prepare for Trial, the prosecution makes a shocking announcement.For Images related to this episode, visit: <a href="https://directappealpodcast.com/images/#ep05" rel="noopener noreferrer">https://directappealpodcast.com/images/#ep05</a>If you have any information regarding this case, you can submit it by emailing us at tips@directappealpodcast.com or leaving a voicemail at (732) 510-0996. If you have a question to ask Melanie, be sure to submit it to us by 7/31/19 and we may select it for a future episode.Credits<ul>
<li>Hosted by: Meghan Sacks and Amy Shlosberg</li>
<li>Produced by James Varga* Written by Meghan Sacks</li>
<li>Recorded, mixed, and edited by Justin Kral at JC Studios</li>
<li>Music and underscore by Nick Bassett of Dessert Media</li>
<li>Legal Counsel: Barry Janay</li>
<li>Special thanks to Alan Tockerman</li>
<li>Photo credits: Joshua Davis under cc license 2.0</li>
</ul> Learn more about your ad choices. Visit <a href="https://megaphone.fm/adchoices" rel="noopener noreferrer">megaphone.fm/adchoices</a>

Human Sawdust

04: Melanie claims that on the evening of the closing, she and Bill had a big fight that lasted into the early morning of April 29th, and concluded with Bill walking out on her. Melanie’s moves over the next few days would cast doubt on her story though. The prosecution says Melanie was establishing a cover story. Whose version of events is more believable? For Images related to this episode, visit: https://directappealpodcast.com/images/#ep04If you have any information regarding this case, you can submit it by emailing us at tips@directappealpodcast.com or leaving a voicemail at (732) 510-0996. If you have a question to ask Melanie, be sure to submit it to us by 7/31/19 and we may select it for a future episode.<h1>Credits:</h1><ul>
<li>Hosted by: Meghan Sacks and Amy Shlosberg.</li>
<li>Produced by James Varga.</li>
<li>Written by Meghan Sacks.</li>
<li>Recorded, mixed, and edited by Justin Kral at JC Studios.</li>
<li>Music and underscore by Nick Bassett of Dessert Media.</li>
<li>Legal Counsel provided by Barry Janay.</li>
<li>Special thanks to Alan Tockerman. </li>
<li>Photo credits: Joshua Davis under cc license 2.0</li>
</ul> Learn more about your ad choices. Visit <a href="https://megaphone.fm/adchoices">megaphone.fm/adchoices</a>

04: Melanie claims that on the evening of the closing, she and Bill had a big fight that lasted into the early morning of April 29th, and concluded with Bill walking out on her. Melanie’s moves over the next few days would cast doubt on her story though. The prosecution says Melanie was establishing a cover story. Whose version of events is more believable? For Images related to this episode, visit: https://directappealpodcast.com/images/#ep04 If you have any information regarding this case, you can submit it by emailing us at tips@directappealpodcast.com or leaving a voicemail at (732) 510-0996. If you have a question to ask Melanie, be sure to submit it to us by 7/31/19 and we may select it for a future episode.Credits: Hosted by: Meghan Sacks and Amy Shlosberg. Produced by James Varga. Written by Meghan Sacks. Recorded, mixed, and edited by Justin Kral at JC Studios. Music and underscore by Nick Bassett of Dessert Media. Legal Counsel provided by Barry Janay. Special thanks to Alan Tockerman. Photo credits: Joshua Davis under cc license 2.0 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

04: Melanie claims that on the evening of the closing, she and Bill had a big fight that lasted into the early morning of April 29th, and concluded with Bill walking out on her.&nbsp;Melanie’s moves over the next few days would cast doubt on her story though.&nbsp;The prosecution says Melanie was establishing a cover story.&nbsp;Whose version of events is more believable?&nbsp;For Images related to this episode, visit: https://directappealpodcast.com/images/#ep04If you have any information regarding this case, you can submit it by emailing us at tips@directappealpodcast.com or leaving a voicemail at (732) 510-0996. If you have a question to ask Melanie, be sure to submit it to us by 7/31/19 and we may select it for a future episode.Credits:<ul>
<li>Hosted by: Meghan Sacks and Amy Shlosberg.</li>
<li>Produced by James Varga.</li>
<li>Written by Meghan Sacks.</li>
<li>Recorded, mixed, and edited by Justin Kral at JC Studios.</li>
<li>Music and underscore by Nick Bassett of Dessert Media.</li>
<li>Legal Counsel provided by Barry Janay.</li>
<li>Special thanks to Alan Tockerman.&nbsp;</li>
<li>Photo credits: Joshua Davis under cc license 2.0</li>
</ul> Learn more about your ad choices. Visit <a href="https://megaphone.fm/adchoices" rel="noopener noreferrer">megaphone.fm/adchoices</a>

Life After Bill

For the last 13 years, Melanie McGuire has been serving a life sentence for the murder and dismemberment of her husband, whose body was found in three suitcases in the Chesapeake Bay. With Melanie’s full cooperation, two Criminologists (Dr. Meghan Sacks, and Dr. Amy Shlosberg) will examine the evidence, consult independent experts and explore over 50 hours of exclusive interviews with Melanie (from prison), her family, her friends, witnesses and experts on both sides of the trial looking to uncover the whole truth about this murder.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit <a href="https://megaphone.fm/adchoices">megaphone.fm/adchoices</a>

For the last 13 years, Melanie McGuire has been serving a life sentence for the murder and dismemberment of her husband, whose body was found in three suitcases in the Chesapeake Bay. With Melanie’s full cooperation, two Criminologists (Dr. Meghan Sacks, and Dr. Amy Shlosberg) will examine the evidence, consult independent experts and explore over 50 hours of exclusive interviews with Melanie (from prison), her family, her friends, witnesses and experts on both sides of the trial looking to uncover the whole truth about this murder. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

For the last 13 years, Melanie McGuire has been serving a life sentence for the murder and dismemberment of her husband, whose body was found in three suitcases in the Chesapeake Bay.&nbsp;With Melanie’s full cooperation, two Criminologists (Dr. Meghan Sacks, and Dr. Amy Shlosberg) will examine the evidence, consult independent experts and explore over 50 hours of exclusive interviews with Melanie (from prison), her family, her friends, witnesses and experts on both sides of the trial looking to uncover the whole truth about this murder.&nbsp; Learn more about your ad choices. Visit <a href="https://megaphone.fm/adchoices" rel="noopener noreferrer">megaphone.fm/adchoices</a>

Season 1 Trailer

In August 2008, Sarah Widmer, a healthy 24 year-old woman is found dead in her bathtub, just four months after marrying Ryan Widmer… the only person at home with Sarah that night.&nbsp;
Suspicion quickly fell on Ryan, leading to his arrest and conviction for Sarah’s murder. But could this have been a tragic accident?&nbsp;
Ryan has adamantly maintained his innocence for the last 16 years, but now, two seasoned criminologists examine the very controversial conviction of Ryan Widmer, for the murder of his wife Sarah.&nbsp;&nbsp;
Is Ryan a murder or did something else happen in that bathroom?&nbsp;Join us to find out.&nbsp;

Society & Culture

Science

Social Sciences

True Crime

In August 2008, Sarah Widmer, a healthy 24 year-old woman is found dead in her bathtub, just four months after marrying Ryan Widmer… the only person at home with Sarah that night.  Suspicion quickly fell on Ryan, leading to his arrest and conviction for Sarah’s murder. But could this have been a tragic accident?  Ryan has adamantly maintained his innocence for the last 16 years, but now, two seasoned criminologists examine the very controversial conviction of Ryan Widmer, for the murder of his wife Sarah.   Is Ryan a murder or did something else happen in that bathroom? Join us to find out. 

Share Direct Appeal

Sign up to save your podcasts

Direct Appeal

Direct Appeal episodes

About Direct Appeal

Best of Direct Appeal

More shows like Direct Appeal

Crime Junkie

Hell and Gone

COLD

Women and Crime

The Emily Show

Murder With My Husband

Serialously with Annie Elise

LOVE MURDER

Anatomy of Murder

Life After MLM

Betrayal Season 6

People are the Worst

Campus Killings

The Hand in the Window