When police saw what was left of Carol Ryan’s body, dumped in the driveway of a suburban compost site in September of 1996, they wondered what weapon could cause that level of devastation. The truth was grislier than anyone imagined, and the unsolved mystery of Carol’s murder has haunted Central New York for decades. “Firecracker” is available exclusively and ad-free on Wondery+ beginning Nov. 13.
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Introducing Firecracker: The Murder of Carol Ryan

When police saw what was left of Carol Ryan’s body, dumped in the driveway of a suburban compost site, they wondered what weapon could cause that level of devastation. The truth was grislier than anyone imagined, and the unsolved mystery of Carol’s murder has haunted Central New York for 27 years. 
 
Carol’s only son blames police. After hundreds of interviews, investigators couldn’t make any leads stick. Three cops believe they know the man who killed Carol. He’s still out there. But they haven’t been able to prove it. The lead detective calls it the greatest regret of his career. 

This six-part podcast from syracuse.com explores the death and life of Carol Ryan and the chilling effect her unsolved murder had on a community. Reporter Katrina Tulloch spent over a year digging into the case, interviewing 25 people including law enforcement, medical professionals, industry experts, witnesses and people who knew Carol. 

The podcast outlines how Carol spent the hours leading up to her murder, how first responders bungled the crime scene, the challenges police have faced in trying to find her killer, and how DNA technology could break open the case any day.

True crime

Carol Ryan’s family holds onto hope for a break in her cold case. DNA technology dangles with promise, and detectives have resubmitted case evidence. Host Katrina Tulloch interviews forensic experts who unpack the likelihood that Carol will receive justice. 
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Sliver of a Chance

There is a man who walks free, who lied to police about where he was the night Carol Ryan was viciously attacked. Host Katrina Tulloch interviews the original lead detective on Carol’s case, who believes he knows exactly who the killer is. But they just can’t prove it. 
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The Stranger Who Lied

Who killed Carol Ryan? Detectives chased hundreds of leads trying to solve this horrific cold case in Central New York. Was it Carol’s ex-boyfriend? Her ex-husband? A total stranger? Host Katrina Tulloch interviews detectives, legal experts, and several relatives of people interviewed by police who say they would not be surprised if their family members were responsible. 
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The Cabinet of Carol Ryan

The murder of Carol Ryan was one of the most inhumane, savage homicides in Central New York history, and it’s still unsolved. Host Katrina Tulloch interviews the former medical examiner who wrote Carol’s autopsy report — a 22-page document revealing monstrous torture at the hand of her killer.  
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Level of Violence

Carol Ryan was in good spirits, bar-hopping the night before she was murdered. Her only son reveals the depression she was hiding, and trauma from past abusive relationships. Host Katrina Tulloch unpacks clues from witness interviews on this disturbing unsolved Central New York homicide case. 
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Introducing Firecracker: The Murder of Carol Ryan

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