In December 1984, Kingston Falls, Pennsylvania, went from a quiet, festive town to the scene of absolute chaos, all thanks to one ill-considered Christmas gift. A set of very specific rules wasn’t followed, and the result was something no one in town could have imagined. We’ll talk about what happened that night, how things went so catastrophically wrong, and why you might want to double-check your own holiday traditions. It’s a holiday story, but definitely not the cozy kind.

We Wish You a Merry Christmas von Twin Musicom unterliegt der Lizenz Creative-Commons-Lizenz "Namensnennung 4.0". https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

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In this episode, Annie takes us to the historic town of Sandwich, Massachusetts, for a chilling true crime case set against the backdrop of 19th-century Cape Cod. Learn about the Christmas night murder of 15-year-old Daniel Fogarty Jr. in 1857, the mob mentality fueled by alcohol and gambling, and the tragic events that led to his untimely death. Along the way, Annie explores the fascinating history of Sandwich, from its Puritan roots and glass-making legacy to its evolution into the charming town it is today. A poignant tale of history, tragedy, and resilience, perfect for the holiday season.

In this episode Johanna takes us to the quiet, rural landscapes of Schleswig-Holstein, Germany, to tell you about the tragic case of Robert Syrokowski. On a freezing December night in 2002, 18-year-old Robert disappeared after leaving a nightclub and was later found dead, struck by a car in the middle of a desolate road. But this was no mere accident—it was the result of a series of shocking failures by the very people meant to protect him.

We explore how Robert’s night spiraled out of control, from his disoriented wanderings, to the police officers who abandoned him miles from help, dismissing their duty of care.

This heartbreaking story covers systemic failures, police accountability, and the devastating ripple effects of a preventable tragedy. It’s a case that forces us to ask: How could so many people fail one vulnerable young man? And how do we ensure this never happens again?

Robert Syrkowski

Schleswig-Holstein

Die Ziegelei nightclub

Police negligence

Hypothermia

Paradoxical undressing

Krumesser Heide

Negligent manslaughter

Police trial

Systemic failure

Duty of care

German legal system

Fresh Hell podcast

True crime Germany

Rural tragedy

In part two, we focus on the aftermath of the Bloody Benders’ crimes and their shocking methods of murder. The gruesome discoveries at their property reveal the extent of their brutality, and we share stories of those who narrowly escaped their deadly trap. We also look at their dramatic flight from justice, the many theories surrounding their mysterious disappearance, and the possible role of vigilante groups in their fate. Finally, we explore how the Benders’ crimes shaped Kansas folklore, inspired true crime tourism, and continue to fascinate people today.

In this episode, we examine the chilling story of the Bloody Benders, America’s infamous serial killer family. Set in 1870s Kansas, we recount the Bender family’s arrival in Labette County and the dark secrets concealed behind their seemingly ordinary inn on the Osage Trail. We explore the family’s unsettling behavior, the growing rumors about disappearances along the trail, and how the mysterious vanishing of Dr. William H. York became the key to exposing a horrifying truth. Join us as we reveal the eerie setup of the Benders’ inn and the wave of fear that pushed a community to seek justice.

In this episode, we talk about the mysterious disappearances of three young men: Christopher Thompkins, Christopher Matthew Kerze, and Steven Clark. Each case is haunting and unexplained, though only Thompkins' disappearance fits within the so-called "Missing 411" phenomenon—a term used to describe unusual and often inexplicable disappearances in wilderness areas.

Each story shines a light on the inexplicable elements surrounding their disappearances, inviting listeners to ponder how three seemingly ordinary days could end with these three men vanishing without a trace. We examine the strange circumstances, theories, and lasting impact on families desperate for answers.

In this spine-tingling episode, we dive into the haunted legacies of two military legends: Pausanias, the ancient Spartan general with a cursed afterlife, and Mad Anthony Wayne, whose restless ghost reportedly wanders to this day. From ancient Greece to post-Revolutionary War America, we explore the eerie tales that have kept these spirits alive in folklore. Is it guilt that keeps them from finding peace, or something far more sinister?

The iconic Hotel Chelsea is more than just a New York City landmark; it’s a haunting ground for some of the most legendary ghosts in history. In this episode, Johanna and Ingrid explore the eerie tales of the hotel’s past residents—some of whom never checked out. From the tragic death of punk rock icon Sid Vicious' girlfriend Nancy Spungen to the lingering spirits of famous artists, writers, and musicians, we'll uncover the dark side of this bohemian haven. Is the Chelsea Hotel just haunted by the memory of its past, or are there actual spirits wandering its halls?