Hidden Killers Live! Daily True Crime News & Breakdowns

In a harrowing turn of events, a vigilant Lyft driver's quick thinking reportedly prevented what could have been a tragic outcome in Chicago. As distressing details surface about the incident, the importance of following one's instincts, even in seemingly routine situations, comes to the fore.

Jeremiah Campbell, 29, found himself in the midst of a controversy when a Lyft driver, transporting him and his two-year-old son to an address on South Shore Drive, dialed 911. The driver had overheard Campbell utter disturbing remarks about intending to drown his son as a sacrifice to Jehovah.

On that very night, an anonymous call was made from the South Shore Drive residence, reporting a child having drowned in a bathtub. This led the Chicago Police Department (CPD) to the scene promptly. Upon their arrival, their attempts to get a response by knocking went unanswered. However, a glance through the window revealed a concerning sight: a man, later identified as Campbell, making suspicious movements over the bathtub.

Relying on the information from the Lyft driver and the subsequent call, CPD officers believed they were witnessing a potential drowning in progress. Their immediate decision to intervene was pivotal. They forced their way inside, prompting Campbell to hastily remove the child from the water. The toddler, drenched and coughing, was quickly handed over to the paramedics, who transported him to a nearby hospital. Meanwhile, Campbell was detained and also sent for a mental health evaluation.

Tonya, a witness to the events that night, described the situation as "awful." The haunting scene reminded her of her own grandson, reinforcing the gravity of what could have been a devastating tragedy.

Campbell is no stranger to the law. Court records reveal his previous conviction in a 2021 case where he was found guilty of aggravated battery resulting in significant bodily harm and domestic battery leading to bodily harm. As a result, he was handed a 36-month probation sentence in November 2021. Furthermore, he had violated a protection order which barred him from contacting the victim, his child's mother, and other family members. He is currently being held without bail at the Cook County Jail.

Local resident Chris Beasley expressed his shock upon hearing the allegations. As a father, he found it difficult to fathom such a horrifying act. He, along with several others interviewed by WGN-TV, commended the Lyft driver for his timely action. Beasley emphasized the importance of speaking out even if one might be unsure, "It’s better to say something and nothing's behind it, than to not say something and something bad happens."

Lyft's response to the incident was swift and supportive. In a statement released to WGN-TV, a spokesperson praised the driver's prompt action, saying, "We applaud the quick thinking and courage of the Lyft driver who reported the suspicious rider behavior to the authorities." Lyft has since permanently removed Campbell's account from their platform and has offered their cooperation in the ongoing investigation.

This incident serves as a stark reminder of the unforeseen dangers that can lurk in everyday situations. The Lyft driver's instinctive response undeniably saved a young boy from impending danger. As the story unfolds, it underscores the value of vigilance, intuition, and the power of taking swift action when something feels amiss.

Danelo Cavalcante, a fugitive who had escaped from custody, was successfully captured after nearly two weeks on the run. 

The escapee had fled Chester County Prison on August 31, mere days after receiving a life sentence for the fatal stabbing of his ex-girlfriend, Deborah Brandao, aged 33. Additionally, he is wanted in connection with a 2017 murder case in Brazil.

Law enforcement agencies utilized thermal imaging technology to track him down, and tactical teams swiftly closed in on him around 8 a.m. on Wednesday morning, capitalizing on the element of surprise, as revealed during a police press conference. 

Cavalcante was discovered asleep, rifle in hand, as law enforcement located him. Caught off guard, he attempted to evade capture by maneuvering through dense underbrush with the firearm, as described by Bivens. To halt his escape, a police dog was deployed, and it successfully apprehended him. This marked the abrupt conclusion of a dramatic and perilous manhunt that spanned a wide area of Chester County and left several communities on edge.

Bivens emphasized the vital role played by the police dog in preventing Cavalcante from utilizing the rifle he had in his possession. During the encounter, Cavalcante grappled with the dog, resulting in a scalp injury for him. Fortunately, there were no other injuries reported during the apprehension, according to Bivens.

A state police spokesperson stated that Cavalcante would remain in the custody of state police for an extended period, undergoing a medical evaluation. Subsequently, he will be transferred to a state correctional institution to serve his life sentence, as confirmed by Bivens.

Cavalcante's escape initiated an extensive manhunt, with multiple instances of him successfully evading authorities by altering his appearance. On Tuesday, officials disclosed that he had broken into a garage and stolen a firearm.

In an interview with The New York Times, Cavalcante's mother, Iracema Cavalcante, defended her son's actions, asserting that he killed Brandao after she allegedly threatened to inform American authorities about his status as a fugitive wanted by Brazilian police.

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A startling revelation unfolded when a patient in a Wisconsin hospital confessed to a nurse that he had committed a murder nearly four decades ago, as documented in the City of Madison police call logs. At 8:01 pm, a nurse at a local hospital contacted police to report that a patient told her he was the suspect in an unsolved murder case from nearly 40 years ago in another county," as detailed in the Madison police blotter. "Officers relayed this information to the appropriate authorities."

The victim in this long-standing mystery is believed to be Terry Dolowy, a 24-year-old finance student at the University of Wisconsin who vanished on Valentine's Day in 1985. WKOW, a local news outlet, interviewed the lead investigator, Scott Bjerkos of the Vernon County Sheriff's Office, who has been dedicated to the case for the past 25 years.

Bjerkos acknowledged the patient's alleged confession but stressed that more corroborative evidence is needed to proceed. "You have to corroborate the information that he or any individual, where I'm able to link him to her death," Bjerkos told WKOW. He mentioned that the patient had connections as a farmer and a friend of the victim's fiancé at the time but did not provide further details or disclose the patient's identity. The specifics of what the hospital patient divulged to the nurse and the motive behind the alleged confession remain undisclosed.

Efforts to obtain additional information from Bjerkos, Madison police, and the Vernon County Sheriff's Office have been met with silence, as the investigation is declared "active."

Terry Dolowy's cold case is marked by its enigmatic and gruesome nature. Four days after her fiancé, Russell "Whitey" Lee, reported her disappearance, investigators from the Vernon County Sheriff's Office discovered her decapitated and charred remains in response to a call regarding a burning body. Her head and her dog were never recovered.

The last known sighting of Dolowy was around 12:30 a.m. on February 14, 1985, at her trailer home near Barre Mills, Wisconsin. She had just returned home from her job as a bar manager at Piggy's restaurant in La Crosse before vanishing. Notably, she left behind her purse and personal items, had no access to her car, and her dog was also missing, as documented in Vernon County Sheriff's summary notes on the case. These notes also mentioned that Dolowy had confided in friends about her decision not to marry Lee, primarily due to his rumored gambling and potential drug issues, which had strained their relationship.

Despite the absence of any direct evidence pointing to her fiancé, DNA found on her remains cleared him as a suspect. The only significant evidence was a paint chip from a vehicle discovered in a sheet wrapped around the victim. Nevertheless, investigators narrowed down the possibilities to a range of vehicle models from various manufacturers. The paint chip was believed to have originated from the trunk of a vehicle used to transport the victim's body, as per the sheriff's office's notes.

The records and reports related to this baffling case were digitized in 2003, and they encompassed every report generated during the investigation, creating a digital repository of the cold case's complex history.

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In a distressing incident that unfolded in November 2022 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, an 11-year-old boy is set to stand trial for allegedly shooting his mother in the face, reportedly due to her refusal to purchase a virtual reality headset for him. The identity of the boy remains undisclosed.

Following an evaluation by two psychologists, one of whom questioned the child's understanding of the crime and charges against him, Milwaukee County Circuit Court Judge Jane Carroll made the controversial decision to charge him as an adult. Despite concerns raised by the boy's attorney about his ability to advocate for himself, Judge Carroll determined that the child did not have a "major mental diagnosis" that would impede his trial as an adult.

According to a criminal complaint, the boy is accused of fatally shooting his mother, Quiana Mann, aged 44, in the eye at their Milwaukee home on November 21, 2022. He allegedly attempted to hide the weapon and then informed his older sister of their mother's death, prompting her to call 911. The boy reportedly accessed his deceased mother's Amazon account the following day to purchase the Oculus Virtual Reality Headset.

Initially, the child claimed the shooting had been accidental, allowing him to remain with his family. However, doubts arose within the family, leading to the boy confessing to his aunt that he had intentionally aimed the gun at his mother.  As outlined in the complaint, the child's family informed detectives of a history of "anger-related problems" that persisted throughout his life. The document additionally recounted an incident from when he was four years old, alleging that the boy swung a puppy by its tail until the dog emitted distressing cries of pain. Moreover, it claimed that he ignited a fire within the family's residence by inflating a balloon with a flammable substance and setting it ablaze.

A therapist had reportedly diagnosed the boy with a "concerning diagnosis," prompting Mann to install cameras in their home, although they were unplugged at the time of the shooting.

The child's grandmother, Lueritha Mann, disclosed that he had mentioned hearing voices, and the family had attempted to seek help for his apparent mental illness.

Quiana Mann, who worked in behavioral health and had four children, was remembered as a generous and deeply religious individual. A GoFundMe account described her as having a "spirit of giving" and an unwavering "love for God." 

The 11-year-old boy is facing charges of first-degree reckless homicide and was previously in custody with a $50,000 bond. If found guilty, he could potentially face up to 60 years in prison. Milwaukee police continue to investigate the tragic incident and emphasize the importance of securing firearms to prevent such occurrences. 

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Renowned YouTube personality Ruby Franke and her business associate, Jodi Hildebrandt, are entangled in a distressing situation, as both have encountered health complications during their incarceration. Their legal woes began on August 30 when they were arrested on serious charges of felony child abuse, shedding an unsettling light on Franke, who had garnered fame through her "8 Passengers" YouTube vlog.

Hildebrandt, aged 54, and Franke, aged 41, are currently facing multiple counts of felony child abuse. Recently, the two women made virtual appearances before a judge, albeit facing technical hiccups caused by an overload of the court's WebEx system. Subsequently, they were ordered to be held without bail, temporarily placed in the confines of the Purgatory Correctional Facility in Southern Utah. A pivotal review hearing has been scheduled for Thursday, September 21.

Following this hearing, Hildebrandt's legal representative filed a motion, requesting an expedited detention hearing to ascertain whether she would remain incarcerated or be granted bail. The motion cited a "life-threatening medical issue" that led to her hospitalization for an extended period. Intriguingly, details surrounding the nature of her ailment remain undisclosed, leaving uncertainty about whether Hildebrandt received medical care at a nearby hospital or within the correctional facility.

Hildebrandt's attorney further petitioned for a "special setting" with the judge on September 14 to discuss her continued detention.

Meanwhile, Ruby Franke also faced apparent health complications of her own. Official documents revealed that she was relocated from her initial holding cell, where she had been participating in the remote proceedings scheduled for Friday, to a medical block within the jail. However, specifics regarding the reasons behind this transfer remain shrouded in mystery.

Notably, Hildebrandt founded ConneXions, a counseling service specializing in relationships and business, based in Utah. Both women frequently appeared in videos on the company's YouTube page, addressing topics related to parenting, mental health, and interpersonal relationships. The arrest stemmed from an alarming incident where Franke's 12-year-old child sought food and water from a neighbor while staying at Hildebrandt's residence in Ivins, Utah. Witnesses reported that the boy appeared "emaciated" and displayed signs of being restrained with duct tape.

In response, law enforcement intervened, dispatching the boy and a 10-year-old sibling to the hospital, where medical professionals diagnosed severe malnourishment. Simultaneously, two other children residing at Franke's Springville home were taken into the custody of the Utah Division of Child and Family Services, intensifying the gravity of the situation.

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A boy who committed a horrifying act by murdering five members of his family, including an infant and two young children, has been sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole. The judge characterized the crime as "draped in unmitigated evil."

Mason, who was just 14 years old at the time, fatally shot each family member in the head at their Elkmont home. The victims were John Wayne Sisk, 38, his wife Mary Sisk, 35, and their children: 6-year-old Grayson, 4-year-old Aurora, and 6-month-old Colson.

Initially, Mason claimed that he was playing video games in the basement on September 2, 2019, when he heard gunshots and saw a car driving away. However, he later confessed to the murders, providing detectives with a potential motive during a preliminary hearing.

Now 18 years old, Mason received his sentence after an Alabama jury found him guilty in April of multiple charges of capital murder for the 2019 slayings of his father, stepmother, and three younger siblings. Due to his age at the time of the crimes, Mason was spared the death penalty.

Circuit Judge Chadwick Wise deemed Mason's offense as "ghastly, disturbing, and draped in unmitigated evil," justifying the harshest punishment allowed by law. Mason showed no clear reaction to the sentence and did not make a statement in court.

Following the judgment, Brian C.T. Jones, the district attorney for Limestone County, issued a written statement to the media, expressing deep concern about the defendant, stating, "I've prosecuted a lot of people in my career, and I can tell you that out of all of those people, only four out of five people scare the hell out of me, and he's at the top of my list."

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The latest on Catching the Long Island Serial Killer, Awaiting Admission: BTK’s Unconfessed Crimes, Chad & Lori Daybell, The Murder of Ana Walshe, Alex Murdaugh, Bryan Kohberger, Lucy Letby, Kouri Richins, Justice for Harmony Montgomery, The Murder of Stephen Smith, The Murder of Madeline Kingsbury, and much more! Listen at https://www.truecrimetodaypod.com

Stacy Cole and Carol Hughes discuss a horrific accident with a weird twist. 

A Manteca man is facing a murder charge after police say he drove his semi-truck on a deadly collision course in Parker, Arizona. Parker police confirm that 28-year-old Karan Singh is from Manteca and that after that fiery crash, Singh walked away from the scene and ordered lunch for himself.  Surveillance video shows the moment of impact: the semi-truck barreling into (at high speed) and running right over three vehicles stopped at a red light. The victims inside likely never saw what hit them. The crash left one person dead and several seriously hurt.  "I've never seen anything so devastating," Halie Jackson said.  Jackson shot a video of the crash aftermath, showing the semi-truck bursting into flames with thick smoke rising high above the wreckage. Singh is now facing second-degree murder charges as well as eight counts of aggravated assault. Investigators are waiting for toxicology reports to show whether he was impaired at the time of the crash. Signage on the cargo of the trailer he was hauling reads "RTL Carrier, Incorporated," a trucking company based in Manteca. A search of the company's federal safety records shows it has 36 drivers -- and up until this weekend, had 4

reported crashes; two with injuries and none fatal. Singh made his first court

appearance in Arizona on Tuesday. He is being held on $1 million bail. 

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The latest on Catching the Long Island Serial Killer, Awaiting Admission: BTK’s Unconfessed Crimes, Chad & Lori Daybell, The Murder of Ana Walshe, Alex Murdaugh, Bryan Kohberger, Lucy Letby, Kouri Richins, Justice for Harmony Montgomery, The Murder of Stephen Smith, The Murder of Madeline Kingsbury, and much more! Listen at https://www.truecrimetodaypod.com

Stacy Cole and Carol Hughes discuss a horrific murder in Florida in today’s episode of

Murder in the Morning. In Florida, a 37-year-old man, Stephen Thomas Rodda, with a history of criminal activityand methamphetamine use, is in custody, charged with the murder of his16-year-old son, Stephen Lee Rodda. The tragic incident took place on Labor Day morning, where the suspect allegedly used an angle grinder to commit the

heinous act. The victim had been living with his grandfather, who discovered

the gruesome scene when he returned home. Sheriff Grady Judd expressed deep

sadness over the incident and revealed that the suspect had a history of drug

use and an extensive criminal record across multiple states. The motive behind

the murder is under investigation, and authorities are exploring whether the

defendant was under the influence of drugs at the time of the crime.

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Stacy Cole and Carol Hughes discuss new developments in the Murdaugh case in today’s episode of Murder in the Morning.

Alex Murdaugh's attorney, Jim Griffin, expressed strong frustration and shock in response to allegations of jury tampering against court clerk Rebecca Hill, whom he once considered a friend. Griffin appeared on "The Story" shortly after filing a motion for a new trial, claiming that Hill had influenced the jury to reach a guilty verdict in the high-profile double murder case. He described the jurors' accounts of Hill's behavior as astonishing and revealed that Alex was extremely angry and surprised by the revelations about her conduct. The motion cited newly discovered evidence obtained from conversations with jurors, alleging that Hill had pushed for a swift verdict, had private discussions with the jury foreperson, and manipulated the removal of a sympathetic juror. Hill's actions, including her book release, prompted jurors to raise concerns. Griffin clarified that they had requested a federal investigation into Hill's alleged misconduct and sought to move the case to a trial court for a new trial. Despite his conviction, Alex Murdaugh maintained his innocence, supported by his son Buster, who was interviewed in a Fox Nation docuseries.

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The latest on Catching the Long Island Serial Killer, Awaiting Admission: BTK’s Unconfessed Crimes, Chad & Lori Daybell, The Murder of Ana Walshe, Alex Murdaugh, Bryan Kohberger, Lucy Letby, Kouri Richins, Justice for Harmony Montgomery, The Murder of Stephen Smith, The Murder of Madeline Kingsbury, and much more! Listen at https://www.truecrimetodaypod.com

Stacy Cole and Carol Hughes discuss the arrest of Ruby Franke in today’s episode of Murder in the Morning.

Ruby Franke, known for her family's YouTube channel "8 Passengers," has been arrested on two counts of aggravated child abuse following the discovery of a malnourished child with severe injuries. Her arrest, along with that of her business partner Jodi Hildebrandt, founder of ConneXions, has raised concerns over their parenting style, which critics deem harsh. The Frankes faced previous allegations of child abuse, resulting in investigations that yielded no charges. The accusations include withholding lunch from their child, disposing of belongings, and invading personal space. ConneXions, known for strict parenting teachings, has also faced criticism. Franke's arrest has garnered mixed reactions from her family, with some expressing relief and support for the actions taken.

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 The latest on Catching the Long Island Serial Killer, Awaiting Admission: BTK’s Unconfessed Crimes, Chad & Lori Daybell, The Murder of Ana Walshe, Alex Murdaugh, Bryan Kohberger, Lucy Letby, Kouri Richins, Justice for Harmony Montgomery, The Murder of Stephen Smith, The Murder of Madeline Kingsbury, and much more! Listen at https://www.truecrimetodaypod.com