"Are you hoping I die so that you can use the insurance money to sort out your mess"? These words were found on a scrap of paper in the home of my Aunt, Sharon Birchwood, following her murder in December 2007.But who had murdered my aunt, and why?The investigation begins.Written and Narrated by Foul Play's crime writer Wendy Cee. ‌Voiceover help from Trevin @ Live Laugh Larceny PodcastFind us online.Support the show by joining our Black Label by becoming a Patron on Patreon. Black Label can also be subscribed to on Apple Podcasts! Follow us on Instagram, Twitter, Snapchat, TikTok, and Facebook.You can find Shane's history podcast Hometown History here.Find Foul Play: Crime Series on all podcasting outlets here.

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S15 Ep1: My Aunt and the Hitman, Beyond the Grave

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In this episode of the Foul Play, we delve into the final letters of the Zodiac Killer, exploring his chilling correspondence from 1971 to 1974. Discover the eerie silence that fell over California and the unsettling resurgence of communication that kept the nation on edge. We’ll examine the chilling threats, cryptic ciphers, and the taunting messages that left investigators and the public in a state of constant fear and uncertainty. Join us as we unravel the mysteries behind these cryptic messages, the taunts to law enforcement, and the lingering questions that continue to haunt investigators to this day. We’ll explore the various theories about the Zodiac’s identity, his possible motives, and the enduring impact of his reign of terror. Don’t miss this deep dive into the mind of one of America’s most enigmatic and elusive serial killers. Visit us online at itsfoulplay.com

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S33 Ep12: The Final Letters

In Episode 11 we delve into the tragic tales of young couples whose lives were cut short in brutal attacks that foreshadow the infamous Zodiac killer's reign of terror. Before the Zodiac became a household name for fear and intrigue, there were eerily similar murders. This episode explores the sunny day in Lompoc, California, in 1963 that ended in darkness for Bobby and Linda, and the heartbreak in San Diego in 1964 for Johnny and Joyce, unveiling the chilling possibility that these violent acts were the early works of the Zodiac. Through detailed investigation and storytelling, the episode paints a vivid picture of the idyllic settings turned crime scenes at Gaviota Beach and Ocean Beach. It meticulously pieces together the victims' final hours and the relentless pursuit for justice that followed. Featuring insights from retired Sheriff’s Investigator Bill Baker, the narrative explores the potential link between these early cases and the Zodiac's notorious killing spree. This episode invites listeners into a haunting reflection on the origins of the Zodiac saga, highlighting the unresolved mysteries and the enduring quest to understand the true scope of the killer's dark journey. Visit us online at itsfoulplay.com

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S33 Ep11: The Beach Murders

In this episode, we journey back to the haunting night of April 10, 1962, when Oceanside cab driver Ray Davis was found murdered under mysterious circumstances. Discover how this chilling crime left investigators puzzled and locals gripped by fear, following an anonymous phone call that eerily predicted the tragedy. As detectives scrambled to find the elusive killer, a pattern emerged that would later draw striking parallels to the infamous Zodiac murders that terrorized California in the late 1960s. We'll delve into the unsettling similarities between Ray Davis' case and the Zodiac's known victims, exploring how the ominous threats against bus drivers, taunting police phone calls, and the brutal nature of the slaying all hinted at a potential connection. Was Ray Davis the Zodiac Killer’s victim? Or was this just a grim coincidence? Join us as we unravel the chilling details and piece together a story that continues to confound and captivate true crime enthusiasts. Visit us online at itsfoulplay.com

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S33 Ep10: Ray Davis 1962 Cab Murder

In this episode we delve into the chilling disappearance of Donna Lass, a 25-year-old nurse who vanished under mysterious circumstances from the Sahara Tahoe Casino Hotel in 1970. As we weave through the sinister trails left by the infamous Zodiac Killer, this episode explores how a cryptic postcard sent to the San Francisco Chronicle might be linked to her disappearance. The card, filled with perplexing symbols and dire messages, hints at the possibility that Lass could have been one of Zodiac’s victims. Our investigation takes us through the eerie details of the postcard, the ongoing Zodiac investigation, and the haunting reality that Lass was never seen again after her shift at the casino. Check out Magic Mind: They have a limited offer you can use now, that gets you up to 48% off your first subscription or 20% off one time purchases with code FOULPLAY20 at checkout You can claim it at: https://www.magicmind.com/foulplay

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S33 Ep9: Donna Lass

In this bonus episode we delve more into the unsolved murder of Cheri Jo Bates. On the night of October 30, 1966, Bates, an 18-year-old college student, met a tragic end on the campus of Riverside College in California. In this episode we discuss the Riverside Suspect and new evidence that came forward. 

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S15 Ep1: My Aunt and the Hitman, Beyond the Grave

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