On this episode, we discuss the possible theories surrounding the events that unraveled in the Dyatlov Pass Incident. Although there are thousands of possible theories about this event, we discuss the most frightening and famous theories surrounding this case. 

Perhaps the Mansi Tribe murdered the hikers? Perhaps an avalanche struck? Possibly even supernatural beings such as Aliens or the Yeti played a role in the mysterious deaths of the 9 hikers? The theories surrounding this case are frightening. We may never know the reality of the events that occurred, but we certainly can discuss possible theories. 

In the winter months of 1959, a young experienced group of hikers began a journey to reach the northern Ural Mountains of Russia. Although this was not the first winter hike this group of hikers would embark in, it would be their last. During this hike, the group encountered something so frightening in the desolate region that led to their deaths. What exactly happened to the crew remains unknown, and perhaps one of the worlds most well investigated and documented unsolved mysteries.

The bodies of the hiker were found with severe fractures and puncture wounds, missing eyes and tongues, and even missing eyebrows. Hypothermia was the official cause of death ruled for the majority of the hikers, but the injuries sustained were labeled as unexplainable by coroner reports.

The exact events that caused the hikers' deaths remains unknown and makes this specific case a difficult one to understand. Join us for Part 1 as we discuss the background, story, and condition of the bodies found in the Dyatlov Pass Incident. 

Alien abduction stories have been a fundamental topic when discussing the paranormal. The sightings of UFO's, extraterrestrial beings, and for the purpose of this episode, alien abductions, persist in our culture. Alien abduction stories often serve as an argument for the existence of aliens due to the vast volume of individuals who claim to have encountered extraterrestrial beings or have been abducted, often accompanied with claims of physical and psychological experimentation, and lingering after effects. 

In this episode we present our top 5 choices for the most convincing and frightening alien abduction stories. We will briefly present the major  over-the-surface details known about these alien abduction cases. 

Do aliens exist? We will leave that to your own judgement. Enjoy this relaxed episode! 

Don't Fear The Unknown. Don't Fear The Reaper.

Former NBA player Lorenzen Wright was murdered more than a decade ago. His body was found on July 28, 2010 in a wooden area on Callis-Cutoff Road, just west oh Hacks Cross Road. His body was found horrifically decomposed in a wooden area near his mother's home. The death of Lorenzen Wright left many dealing with unanswered questions. 

Many theorized that Lorenzen's death was caused by loose ties with drug dealers, even though evidence did not support this claim. Others pointed to Lorenzen's ex -wife Sherra, who immediately moved homes and cashed out on Lorenzen's 1 million dollar life insurance policy.  
Furthermore, a frantic 911 call had been received form his cell phone on July 19, 2010, with Lorenzen Wright pleading for help as gunshots rang out. 

On November 9, 2017, the gun believed to have been used in the murder was found in a Walnut, Mississippi lake. The discovery of the gun was made possible by Sherra's cousin, Jimmy Martin. Martin confessed to his involvement in murdering Lorenzen, a plan created by Sherra. 

The motives for the murder of Lorenzen Wright remain unclear. Join us as we give our opinions as to why Sherra would murder the father of her children and ex-husband, Lorenzen Wright. 

Don't Fear The Unknown. Don't Fear The Reaper. 

In 2017, Takahiro Shiraishi murdered 8 women and 1 man throughout his two month killing spree in Zama, Japan.  Known as "The Twitter Killer", Takahiro used two Twitter accounts to lure women who were struggling with mental illness, with some of these individuals even wanting to end their own life. Takahiro actively used both twitter profiles to attempt to find someone who would perform a suicide pact with him, in which Takahiro and the individual would take their own life at the same time. 

As these victims struggled with their mental illness, Takahiro would gain their trust through the use of his Twitter profiles and lure them into his loft where he would murder them. Takahiro would then dismember and store the remains on boxes and ice coolers. It was not until his potential 10th victim that authorities connected all 9 murders to Takahiro and arrested him. 

Takahiro was sentenced to death by hanging for his crimes on December 15, 2020. 

Join us for Episode 8 as we discuss the tragic events known as the Zama Suicide Pact Slayings. 

Christmas Eve, a time of happiness and celebration suddenly turned fatal as scorned divorcee, Bruce Pardo, would enter his ex wife's in laws home dressed as Santa Claus. On December 24, 2008, dressed as the iconic Christmas character, Bruce Pardo would open rapid gunfire and murder 9 of his former family members, including his ex wife. He would then set the house on fire and flee the scene of the murder, leaving survivors mentally scarred for the rest of their lives. 

Bruce Pardo patiently planned his maniacal murder for months. Records of multiple gun purchases, car rentals, maps of the Southwestern United States and Mexico, a custom fit Santa Claus costume, and a compressor show just how careful Bruce planned the murder of his former family members. 

In our last episode of 2020, we close the year by discussing the tragic event that was the Covina Christmas Massacre. 

Horror movies are meant to be fiction. But in the case of Cassie Jo Stoddart, fiction became a cruel reality. 

Described by many as a typical teenage girl with a love for music and drawing, 16-year-old Cassie was brutally murdered by fellow friends/classmates on the night of September 22, 2006, as she house sat her aunt and uncle's home on Whispering Cliffs Drive. 

Brian Lee Draper and Torey Adamcik were obsessed with horror films. They spent their days filming themselves and classmates, and writing scripts for horror movies. Documented on video, their obsession suddenly became deadly. 

Brian Lee Draper and Torey Adamcik plotted to kill Cassie after being inspired by the horror movie franchise "Scream". They waited until Cassie was alone to enter the house, where they proceeded to stab her 29 times, with 9 of the stabbings being fatal. 

Join us as we discuss what is popularly known as The Scream Murder, The Murder of Cassie Jo Stoddart. 

Darrell Lance Abbott, better known by his stage name, Dimebag Darrell, wasn't just a phenomenal musician: he was revolutionary. Dimebag played guitar with immeasurable power and influenced generations of guitarists with his amazing work. 

After the separation of Pantera, Dimebag Darrell and brother Vinnie Paul formed new band Damageplan, a band that the brothers planned on musically skyrocketing to the top of the metal world. Sadly, this plan would not come into fruition. 

On December 8, 2004, as Damageplan played live in support of their newly released album "New Found Power", 4 people were murdered and 3 others were wounded in a mass shooting at the Alrosa Villa nightclub in Columbus, Ohio as 25 year old Nathan Gale ran on stage and murdered Dimebag Darrell. 

"Van F'n Halen", the last words spoken by Dimebag Darrell to his brother Vinnie Paul, minutes before being shot onstage. 

As of this episode, it has been 16 years since the loss of Dimebag. Considered one of the greatest heavy metal guitarists to ever live, he continues to influence generations of musicians after his tragic death. 

Beloved and admired by friends, family, fellow musicians, and fans, Dimebag did not deserve the tragic end that occurred. Aside from his innovative and unmistakable playing style, he was known for his hospitality, friendship, and partying spirit. 

But why did Nathan Gale murder DImebag Darrell? Stolen lyrics and the breakup of Pantera are among the most popular theories in the discussion of Dimebag's death. However, who exactly was Nathan Gale? What was Gale's background prior to the murder? Could Dimebag's death have been prevented? Gale murdered a total of 4 people and wounded 3 others before being killed by police officer James D. Niggemeyer, who arrived on the scene minutes after Gale began his killing spree. 

Join us as we discuss the untimely and unfortunate events in the death of Dimebag Darrell. 

In 1946, the Lipstick Killer terrorized the city of Chicago as he murdered two women and one 6 year old girl. William Heirens earned the name of the "Lipstick Killer" at the age of 18 after leaving a notorious message scrawled in lipstick at a crime scene. Although Heirens was convicted as the Lipstick Killer, the police investigation was tainted by numerous intricacies and controversial methods of interrogation. A manhunt left many individuals questioned on their whereabouts during the night of the murder, but one simple mistake got Heirens convicted. 

Was William Heirens actually the Lipstick Killer? Or was he framed by police just to end a long and daunting search in order to provide a false peace of mind to the windy city? Intelligent before and while serving his prison sentence, Heirens searched for clemency, but was never able to obtain it. He passed away on March 15, 2012. 

Join us as we discuss the early life, crimes, investigation, and prison life of William Heirens. 

Don't Fear The Unknown. Don't Fear The Reaper. 

On May 16, 2006, 32-year-old Rey Rivera went missing after a mysterious phone call. Six days later, his body was found in an old conference room of the Belvedere Hotel in Baltimore, Maryland. Initially ruled as a suicide, there were many intricate pieces of evidence that made his death mysterious. The hole on top of the conference room was the biggest clue, but inconsistencies with injuries to his body due to the fall did not make sense. 

Although the body showed signs of a punctured lung, broken shins, lacerations and heavy bruises, Rey's cellphone and glasses were still perfectly intact. A note left behind further increases the mystery as it included a variety of different topics, including Freemasonry. 

So what happened to Rey Rivera? On this episode, the DFTR Podcast team dives into the mysterious disappearance and death of Rey Rivera. Based on the Netflix Series "Unsolved Mysteries", the DFTR Podcast team presents evidence and discusses possible theories as to what really happened to Rey Rivera. 

Don't Fear The Unknown. Don't Fear The Reaper.