Don't worry, it's just a movie.. or is it? Did you know that many popular and terrifying horror films were based on true stories? Makes it a little harder to sleep after watching those late night slashers! Here's a few horror movies inspired by true events.

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Sources:
Harpersbazzar.com
Scoopwhoop.com
Headstuff.org
Wikipedia.org

TW FOR THIS EPISODE! This case contains graphic violence that involves a child. Listener discretion is advised.

On October 31, 1973, 9-year-old Lisa Ann French was trick-or-treating in Fond du Lac, Wisconsin. On her way to a big party in town at Pumpkin Place, she stops at three houses, one being the house of 25-year-old Gerald Turner. He is no stranger to her and when he invited her in, Gerald assaulted and murdered innocent Lisa Ann. He is known as The Halloween Killer and because of this horrific crime, it led to cities and towns changing their Trick-or-Treating times to make it safer for children and families.

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Sources:

https://www.wisn.com/article/murder-of-girl-45-years-ago-changes-trick-or-treat-in-wisconsin/6318115#

https://www.fdlreporter.com/story/news/crime/2022/02/23/halloween-killer-gerald-turner-wont-released-fond-du-lac-county-judge-rules/6912835001/

https://www.fdlreporter.com/story/news/2017/12/06/lisa-ann-frenchs-family-fights-release-wisconsins-infamous-halloween-killer/821216001/

https://www.tmj4.com/news/local-news/trick-or-treating-hours-changed-after-halloween-murder-45-years-ago

https://www.washingtonexaminer.com/on-this-day-oct-31-1973

https://www.investigationdiscovery.com/crimefeed/murder/gerald-turner-the-halloween-killer-release-from-prison

https://www.fox6now.com/news/judge-refuses-release-halloween-killer-fond-du-lac

The 80's and 90's was a time known for grunge and skateboarding. It's also known for Mark Gator Rogowski, a very popular, mainstream skateboarder who loved that rich rockstar lifestyle. After suffering from a traumatic fall, battling alcoholism, things quickly took a turn for the worst for Gator. On March 20, 1991, Gator murdered his ex-girlfriend's best friend, Jessica Bergsten. He was sentenced to 31 years in prison and as of June 2022, he just might be getting out.

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Sources:
Wikipedia.org
CBS8.com
Hallidayreginald.medium.com
Murderpedia.org
Stoked: The Rise and Fall of Gator 2002 by Helen Stickler

If you're afraid of the doctor's office or hospitals....this episode will validate that fear! Jolly Jane Toppan was known by doctors as the fun, loving nurse, but she had a darker side. Jolly Jane loved to poison elderly patients and acquaintances and watching them die. Yes, she actually would climb into bed or hold her victim and watch their life end. Between 1895 and 1901 in Massachusetts, she murdered 31 patients and probably many, many more.

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Sources:

https://www.newenglandhistoricalsociety.com/jolly-jane-toppan-killer-nurse-obsessed-death/

https://www.encyclopedia.com/women/encyclopedias-almanacs-transcripts-and-maps/toppan-jane-1854-1938

https://www.lowellsun.com/2011/11/02/for-10-years-jolly-jane-poured-her-poison/

At age 5, a young girl named Audrey Munson was taken to see a fortune teller to learn her fate. The fortune teller warned young Audrey of a life of disappointment and loss. Audrey Munson would become the world's first supermodel. Her likeness can still be seen high atop the streets of New York City adorning some of the world's most iconic buildings and structures. She was the artist's muse. A fame that would be everlasting in stone. But at the height of her fame, she lost it all. Was the fortune teller right? Was she cursed?

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Sources:
Wikipedia.org
Vogue.com
NewEnglandHistoricalSociety.com
Artsy.net

This week on H.H, we're talking about the creepy and psychotic Robert Berdella, aka The Kansas City Butcher. Between 1984 and 1987, Berdella murdered 6 young men in KC, MO and it was brutal. This guy was sick and twisted, so listen with caution, it's a HEAVY episode.

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Sources:
Last Podcast on the Left: Episode 395 & 396
The Generation Y Podcast
Crimes of the Centuries Podcast: Season 1 Episode 6
World’s Most Evil Killers: Season 3, Episode 12 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lmkwI-GxCzk

Lake Mead's levels are getting lower and her secrets are being revealed! Since May 1st, 2022 five bodies have been found in the lake. How many more will be discovered? Who are these bodies? Listen as Aimee and Aly talk about the recent grisly discoveries in Lake Mead.

Facebook: Horrific Heartland Podcast Discussion Group
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[email protected]

Sources:
Cnn.com
Wikipedia.org
NPS.org
Graylinelasvegas.com
NBCnews.com
Pajiba.com

We're back with another doozy! This week, we look at the case of Lauren Spierer and the theories as to what could have happened. On June 3rd, 2011, Lauren left her friend's house in Bloomington, Indiana at 4:30am and wasn't heard or seen from after. It's been 11 years and no one has been charged for her disappearance. There are so many questions around her case and many people question the timeline of events that took place.

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Sources:
https://www.indystar.com/story/news/crime/2016/01/29/timeline-search-lauren-spierer/79524004/

https://www.heraldtimesonline.com/story/news/local/2016/01/30/lauren-spierer-police-searches-timeline/47886655/

https://www.lohud.com/story/news/2016/01/29/lauren-spierer-timeline/79520224/

https://www.wthr.com/article/news/local/11-years-since-iu-bloomington-student-lauren-spierer-disappeared/531-89623e7c-a715-470b-89f1-237b16ee9607

https://www.insideedition.com/lauren-spierer-disappearance-private-investigator-and-podcast-host-search-for-answers-into-decade

Crime Junkie Podcast

https://abcnews.go.com/US/lauren-spierer-case-years-vanished-hope/story?id=40084230

https://www.indianapolismonthly.com/news-and-opinion/crime/the-lauren-spierer-mystery-unraveled

https://www.facebook.com/Lauren.Spierer.Family.Updates/

We've got another spooky episode for you this week! Aly toured the Old Baraboo Inn, located in Baraboo, WI and it is VERY haunted! This historic building, built in 1864, was a boarding house, saloon, and brothel. A lot of guests checked in, came for a drink...and never left. Even Al Capone and his mobsters are known to haunt this place. Did Aly get to meet Al Capone? What paranormal experiences happened while she was there? Listen and find out!

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Sources:

Aly and her EVP & SLS

American Hauntings (tour organizer and podcast)

Baraboo Inn Owner, BC Farr

This week on the podcast, Aimee shares her ghostly experiences in Deadwood, SD. This town is rich in history and known for having some haunted places like the Broken Boot Gold Mine and Mount Moriah Cemetery. Be prepared to get the chills!

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