Empty Nesters and True Crime

Join Susan and Nancy as they dive into the latest updates on the controversial Susan Smith parole hearing. In this episode, they discuss the shocking details of Smith's original case, the emotional toll on the families involved, and the public outrage over the possibility of her release. With strong opinions and thought-provoking insights, Susan and Nancy break down the legal implications, explore the societal response, and question whether justice can ever truly be served in such a case.

Key Topics Covered:

Tune in for a passionate and no-holds-barred conversation about justice, accountability, and the limits of redemption.

Christy Bautista, a 31-year-old woman, was tragically killed in Washington, D.C., in March 2023. She was staying at the Ivy City Hotel when she was stabbed multiple times. The suspect arrested and charged in her murder is 43-year-old Darrell D. Rushton from Maryland.

Rushton reportedly entered Bautista's hotel room shortly after she checked in. Witnesses heard sounds of distress coming from the room, and police were called. When officers arrived, they found Bautista with fatal injuries and arrested Rushton at the scene. Investigations indicated that the attack was both brutal and unprovoked.

The motive remains unclear, but Rushton had a criminal history, raising questions about why he targeted Bautista. Her case has drawn attention to the safety of travelers and the tragic consequences of random acts of violence.

This episode unravels the chilling mystery of Robert "Bobby" Adam Whitt and Myoung Hwa Cho, a mother and son whose identities remained unknown for over two decades. Bobby, dubbed "The Boy Under the Billboard," and Myoung, a Jane Doe found along a roadside, were both victims of a brutal series of events in 1998. Through the tireless efforts of investigators and advancements in forensic genealogy, their names—and their tragic fates—were uncovered in 2019.

We delve into the heartbreaking details of their lives, the deception that kept their murders hidden, and the journey that led to justice. This is a story of loss, resilience, and the power of never giving up on the forgotten.

References

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Murders_of_Bobby_Whitt_and_Myoung_Hwa_Cho

https://abc11.com/cold-case-orange-county-robert-adam-whitt-bobby/5853339/

https://abc11.com/cold-case-orange-county-robert-adam-whitt-bobby/5121007/

https://www.wral.com/story/father-charged-in-death-of-boy-whose-remains-were-found-under-mebane-billboard-in-1998/18383618/

https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/cold-case-solved-the-boy-under-the-billboard/id1485570562?i=1000668024875

https://finishedpages.com/the-mystery-of-the-boy-under-the-billboard/

This week on Empty Nesters & True Crime, Susan and Nancy dive into the horrifying case of Dr. Farid Fata, a once-respected oncologist who preyed on his patients in the most unimaginable way. Behind the mask of a trusted doctor, Fata was responsible for misdiagnosing countless patients, subjecting them to unnecessary treatments, and inflicting needless pain—all for personal gain.

Join Susan and Nancy as they unravel the details of Fata’s shocking crimes, exploring the impact on his victims and how justice was ultimately served. Paired with the sinister Evil Doctor cocktail, this episode is both chilling and eye-opening.

NBC News. "Full Episode: Do No Harm." Dateline, October 2, 2016. https://www.nbcnews.com/dateline/video/full-episode-do-no-harm-605292611904.

In this episode, Susan and Nancy delve into the life and mysterious death of Pamela Mitchell Hoy. Born in 1948, Pam was the beloved eldest of six siblings, a talented athlete, and a passionate dog handler. After marrying Fred Hoy, the couple seemed to have it all, but their story took a tragic turn. In July 1990, after separating from her husband, Pam went missing. Weeks later, her body was found wrapped in a quilt, sparking an investigation that remains unsolved to this day.

Was it a case of domestic violence gone too far, or did someone else play a sinister role? Susan and Nancy unravel the timeline, explore the suspects, and discuss the controversial evidence surrounding Pam’s case—including the unsettling circumstances that point fingers at Fred. With no physical evidence and the clock ticking, this is a story of love, betrayal, and a relentless search for justice.

Tune in as we explore the heartbreaking case of Pamela Mitchell Hoy and the unanswered question: Who killed Pam?

🎙️ Listen now to Empty Nesters and True Crime! #TrueCrime #PamelaMitchellHoy #UnsolvedMystery

On this week's episode of Empty Nesters and True Crime, Nancy shares a gripping and heart-wrenching tale with Susan—the story of Heather Robinson and her Uncle John, a man who hid dark secrets beneath the surface of a seemingly normal family life. As Nancy dives into the details, Susan listens intently, knowing the importance of giving a voice to victims whose stories often go untold.

Heather Robinson grew up believing her life was as ordinary as any other. Her Uncle John was a constant figure in her childhood, a trusted family member who seemed to always be around, lending a helping hand. But behind his friendly demeanor was a sinister truth. Heather had no idea the man she called Uncle John would later become a central figure in a shocking crime that shattered her world.

Nancy takes listeners on a journey through the layers of deception, manipulation, and ultimate betrayal. Uncle John, a man trusted by everyone around him, had a dark past that was carefully hidden for years. When the truth finally came to light, the revelations were almost too horrifying to comprehend. Not only was Heather's life irreparably changed, but the entire community was left in disbelief as the story of her uncle's crimes unfolded.

The episode explores how deeply betrayal from within a family can cut, especially when the perpetrator is someone who is supposed to protect, not harm. Nancy passionately narrates the emotional toll Heather’s story took on her, highlighting the resilience of survivors like Heather who, even after such trauma, find the strength to rebuild their lives.

Susan, as always, offers insightful commentary on the case, pointing out how crimes like these often leave lasting scars on the survivors and those around them. The two hosts discuss the failings of the systems that should have caught Uncle John's behavior sooner and how easily abusers can hide in plain sight.

This episode of Empty Nesters and True Crime serves as both a cautionary tale and a testament to the strength of the human spirit, shedding light on the darkness that can sometimes lurk within the most trusted relationships. Don't miss this intense and emotional story of Heather Robinson and Uncle John, available now on all major podcast platforms.

On this week’s episode of Empty Nesters and True Crime, Susan takes a closer look at the chilling murder that took place in the seemingly perfect town of Celebration, Florida. Known for its connection to Disney and proximity to the "Happiest Place on Earth," Celebration was built to reflect a flawless suburban lifestyle. However, for the Todt family, this idyllic setting became the stage for an unthinkable crime.

Susan revisits with Nancy the horrifying case of the Todt family murder, where the facade of a picture-perfect life crumbled in the most tragic way. The episode focuses on the shocking details of how Anthony Todt, a father and physical therapist, was accused of killing his wife, Megan, and their three children inside their home, turning what appeared to be a life of stability and success into a nightmare. In a town designed to offer happiness and harmony, the dark events that unfolded behind the walls of the Todt home shattered that image.

Rather than exploring the aftermath for the family or the community, Susan concentrates on the harrowing facts surrounding the case itself. What drove Anthony Todt to commit such a brutal act? How could this happen in a community so closely tied to joy and perfection? Susan expertly guides listeners through the tragic timeline of events, detailing the police investigation, the eerie lack of communication from the family for weeks, and the eventual discovery of the grisly scene that shocked the nation.

With her signature style of gripping storytelling and in-depth research, Susan presents a compelling episode that explores how, even in the most idealistic settings like Celebration, Florida, the truth can be far darker than anyone imagines. This episode is a haunting reminder that appearances can be deceiving, and no place, no matter how perfect, is immune to tragedy.

Sources:

"The Todt Family" – Crime Junkie Podcast
Crime Junkie. Accessed September 2024. https://crimejunkiepodcast.com/murdered-todt-family/Truesdell, Jeff. “Anthony Todt, Celebration, Florida Father, Convicted of Killing Family.” People, April 14, 2022. https://people.com/crime/anthony-todt-celebration-florida-father-convicted-killing-family/

Join Nancy and Susan as they delve into the chilling story of Baby Benson and the horrifying actions of Marissa M. Tietsort, a babysitter who turned a parent’s worst nightmare into reality. In this episode, they uncover the shocking details of this tragic case that will leave you speechless. Don't miss the lead-up YouTube video, where Nancy crafts a drink called the Purple Monster—perfectly fitting for the monstrous nature of the woman you'll soon learn more about. Tune in for a story that will stay with you long after the episode ends.