In 1991, Salem’s “Official Witch,” Laurie Cabot, claimed she could see where missing woman Martha Brailsford was hidden. Days later, police recovered the body, and arrested neighbor Thomas Maimoni for her murder.

This chilling true crime story blurs the line between witchcraft, intuition, and justice.

When Martha Brailsford went missing after a day of sailing, Salem police faced a mystery with no leads — until famed witch and psychic Laurie Cabot stepped in. Her visions led searchers toward the harbor, where Brailsford’s body was later discovered weighted with an anchor. Soon after, police arrested Tom Maimoni, who was convicted of second-degree murder in 1993.

🎧 Listen & Subscribe

🎙️ Murder Unscripted

📺 Watch → https://www.youtube.com/@MurderUnscriptedPod/videos

🔔 Subscribe for weekly true crime deep dives

📚 Sources

Counterpoint: A Murder in Massachusetts Bay

– Margaret Press Unsolved Mysteries

– Martha Brailsford

Patheos: “The True Story of a Witch Who Solved a Murder”

Massachusetts Parole Board records (public summaries)

Local Salem & Boston reporting archives

🔖 Hashtags #TrueCrime #SalemWitch #LaurieCabot #MarthaBrailsford #PsychicDetective #Witchcraft #SalemMassachusetts #UnsolvedMysteries #MurderUnscripted

🔑 Keywords Martha Brailsford disappearance, Tom Maimoni conviction, Laurie Cabot Salem witch, psychic helps police, witch solves murder, Salem Massachusetts true crime, 1991 murder case, paranormal crime story, psychic detective, true crime podcast episode ___________________________________________________________________________

🎙️ Welcome to Murder Unscripted — the weekly true-crime podcast where veteran producer Ed Hydock (Forensic Files, Cold Case Files & many more) teams up with his bestie - super-sleuth fan Melissa Spivey - to explore real life murder investigations. Our unique dynamic resonates with both seasoned true-crime fans and those new to the genre, while our unscripted interviews with detectives, forensic scientists, prosecutors, and victims’ families bring you far beyond recycled headlines - immersing you in the world of true-crime like no one else.

🔍 Expect deep dives into obscure stories, serial killers, cold cases, DNA breakthroughs & courtroom drama, plus Friday Minis, Shorts and live Q&As. Built on Insight, Integrity & Advocacy, we keep victims front-and-center, while adding a touch of humor to brighten even the darkest tales.

👉 New episodes every Tuesday. Subscribe, join the MU Crew & tap the bell!

🌐 For more information about us and the show, visit our website at: www.MurderUnscriptedPod.com

E-mail us at: [email protected]

Follow us on socials 👇

FB - https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61557418124048

Insta - https://www.instagram.com/murderunscripted/

TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@murderunscripted

⚠️ Graphic details; listener discretion advised.