On October 21, 2021, cinematographer Halyna Hutchins was killed on the set of the film Rust, a tragedy that shook Hollywood and the world.

 In this episode, we explore how a series of missteps, overlooked safety protocols, and human error led to her death. We delve into the history of on-set accidents, the role of unions and armorers, and the legal battles that followed - including the trials of Hannah Gutierrez-Reed and Alec Baldwin.

Through interviews, court records, and eyewitness accounts, we examine not just what happened that day, but why it could happen in 2021 despite decades of lessons from past tragedies. Most importantly, we remember Halyna - her artistry, her courage, and the legacy she left behind - and consider what Hollywood can do to prevent another life lost.

Support the next generation of cinematographers and honor Halyna’s memory by donating to the Halyna Hutchins Memorial Scholarship Fund:
Halyna Hutchins Scholarship Fund | American Film Institute



***
Method & Madness is researched, written, hosted, & produced by Dawn Cate

Music by Tymur Khakimov from Pixabay

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This week’s episode of Method & Madness is being released alongside a new installment of Mean Girl Murders titled “Tears of a Clown” on Investigation Discovery and HBO Max, where I was honored to contribute to the retelling of Adrianne Reynolds’ story, especially knowing her family was involved. The TV episode was released on Monday 8/4/25 at 9pm EST and can be streamed anytime.

In January 2005, 16-year-old Adrianne Reynolds was reported missing by her parents. Four days later, they learned the devastating truth: Adrianne had been murdered.

This episode examines the toxic dynamics that led to Adrianne’s death, the investigation that followed, and the courtroom drama that nearly let her killer walk free. We also reflect on the enduring grief of Adrianne’s family — and the legacy they’ve built in her honor.

Content warning: This episode contains descriptions of extreme violence, including the murder of a teenage girl.
It also references gender identity in the context of a person who transitioned after the crime. I acknowledge her current identity, while using the name and pronouns from the time of the events to preserve narrative clarity and respect everyone involved.


***
Method & Madness is researched, written, hosted, & produced by Dawn Cate

Music by Tymur Khakimov from Pixabay

***

Get in Touch!: 
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CONNECT:

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All sources are listed on the website, under each episode description.

MethodandMadnessPodcast.com

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Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/method-madness--6241524/support.

As Pride Month comes to a close, we honor two lives taken too soon; one an openly gay man, the other a fierce ally.

This week’s episode tells the story of Jeremy Waggoner, a gentle soul and hairstylist murdered in Detroit in 2008. And Lauri Carleton, a California shop owner shot in front of her store in 2023 for flying a Pride flag.

One case is unsolved. The other, shockingly recent. Both are reminders of how deadly hate can be, and how powerful love and allyship truly are. Their lives mattered. Their stories deserve to be heard.


Call to Action
If you have any information about the murder of Jeremy Waggoner:
Call 1-800-CRIME STOPPERS
or reach out to the Detroit Police Homicide Division at 313-596-2260.

If you want to support businesses supporting the LGBTQ community year-round, consider donating to Viva Rescue,  a queer-owned, registered 501c nonprofit and animal sanctuary.

https://vivaglobalrescue.org/

To support LGBTQ+ youth and help build a safer, more inclusive future, consider donating to The Trevor Project, a leading organization providing crisis support, education, and advocacy.


***

Method & Madness is researched, written, hosted, & produced by Dawn Cate

Music by Tymur Khakimov from Pixabay

***

Get in Touch!: 
[email protected]

CONNECT:

• Instagram
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DIVE INTO MORE: 
MethodandMadnessPodcast.com

***

All sources are listed on the website, under each episode description.

MethodandMadnessPodcast.com

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Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/method-madness--6241524/support.

A note from Dawn regarding 2 big updates to cases covered recently on Method & Madness.

Listen to the original episodes here:

Samantha Humphrey

John Umberger

Thank you for listening.

Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/method-madness--6241524/support.

On Thanksgiving weekend in 2006, 24-year-old Priscilla Pimentel, affectionately known as “Peaches” by her family, never showed up for dinner. Days later, her siblings made a devastating discovery inside her Queens apartment.

Priscilla was kind, funny, full of life, and part of a close-knit Puerto Rican family. She was also a queer woman living independently in New York City, chasing her dreams and always staying connected to her roots. Her brutal murder remains unsolved nearly 18 years later.

In this episode, we remember Priscilla Pimentel not as a headline, but as a human being. We look at her life, the circumstances of her death, and the questions that still haunt her case.

 We also zoom out to examine the long and painful history of violence against the LGBTQ+ community, from systemic failures in law enforcement to the rise of anti-LGBTQ rhetoric, and how it continues to manifest today. This is not just a story about loss. It’s about the urgent need for visibility, justice, and respect.

Content warning: This episode includes discussion of violent crime, including anti-LGBTQ violence.

Call to Action

If you have any information about the murder of Priscilla Pimentel, please come forward. Your tip could help bring long-overdue justice to her family.
📞 Call: 1-800-577-TIPS
💻 Submit online:
 Crimestoppers.NYPDOnline.org
Tips are completely confidential.

To support LGBTQ+ youth and help build a safer, more inclusive future, consider donating to The Trevor Project, a leading organization providing crisis support, education, and advocacy.

***

Method & Madness is researched, written, hosted, & produced by Dawn Cate

Music by Tymur Khakimov from Pixabay

***

Get in Touch!: [email protected]

CONNECT:

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 MethodandMadnessPodcast.com

***
All sources are listed on the website, under each episode description.

MethodandMadnessPodcast.com

Thank you for listening!


Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/method-madness--6241524/support.

This is a replay of Enrique's story. It's been almost 5 years since the remains of Enrique Roman-Martinez washed ashore in North Carolina. Someone knows something.

In May 2020, Fort Bragg Paratrooper SPC Enrique Roman-Martinez was reported missing at Cape Lookout on North Carolina’s Outer Banks. Days later, his decapitated head washed onto shore. Many questions about the circumstances surrounding Enrique’s murder have gone unanswered. Why did it take 19 hours for Enrique’s fellow soldiers to make a 911 call? Why was information withheld that could have helped in the investigation? Where was the loyalty that was expected of soldiers when wearing the uniform of the United States Army?

Today, Dawn is joined by a very special guest - Enrique’s sister, Griselda Martinez. Griselda is a warrior in this fight for justice.
 ___________________________________
Call to Action:

 If anyone has any information about the murder of Enrique Roman-Martinez, please contact Army CID special agents:

910-396-8777.

Persons who wish to remain anonymous will be honored to the degree allowable under the law, and the information will be held in the strictest confidence allowable.

 Go Fund Me
Change.org

For more information on Enrique’s case and to view timelines, interactive maps, and more - visit my friends at Uncovered.com.

The link to Enrique’s case is here

___________________________________

Method & Madness is researched, written, hosted, & produced by Dawn 

 Sound Editing by moInspo
Music by Tymur Khakimov from Pixabay
Additional episode Music by Ashot-Danielyan-Composer from Pixabay

 ____________________________________

REACH OUT:
[email protected]
CONNECT:

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DIVE INTO MORE:

MethodandMadnessPodcast.com

 ____________________________________

Sources:
For a list of sources used, visit the podcast website: MethodandMadnessPodcast.com

Thank you for listening!

Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/method-madness--6241524/support.

An investigator, determined to identify a Jane Doe. A young woman, determined to meet her birth mother. Their paths would cross in 2006, and a murder investigation would begin.

In October 1978, 23-year-old Wilma June Nissen was found discarded on the side of a road in rural Iowa. For nearly 3 decades, she was known only as Jane Doe.  This week on Method & Madness, we sit down with Wilma’s daughter, Krissi, who has found purpose in advocating for her mother’s cold case.

Call to Action
If you have any information, you can call the Lyon County Sheriff’s Department at:
712-472-8326
Deputy Amy Stoner
[email protected]

And join Krissi’s page that she has dedicated to her advocacy: https://www.facebook.com/groups/950469630056425/



***

Method & Madness is researched, written, hosted, & produced by Dawn Cate

Music by Tymur Khakimov from Pixabay

***
Get in Touch!:
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CONNECT:

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MethodandMadnessPodcast.com

***
All sources are listed on the website, under each episode description.

MethodandMadnessPodcast.com

Thank you for listening!


Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/method-madness--6241524/support.

On April 9, 1987, 9-month-old Jacob Landin was critically injured in his New Mexico home. He later died from blunt force trauma to the head. Despite the tragedy, Jacob’s case received no media attention at the time. Now, thanks to the tireless efforts of his mother, Brenda, and brother, Eric Carter-Landin, Jacob’s case has been reopened — but the fight for justice is far from over.

Join Dawn and special guest Eric Carter-Landin as they uncover Jacob’s story: a painful reminder that sometimes the danger is closer than we think, and that true heroes can rise from unimaginable heartbreak. This is Jacob’s story.

Content Warning: This episode discusses child abuse, intimate partner violence, domestic abuse, and sexual abuse.

Call to Action:
Please help by sharing Jacob’s story and supporting the effort to seek justice.
Eric is raising funds to hire a private investigator. 
Donate here: GoFundMe link 

 Resources:

• National Domestic Violence Hotline: 1-800-799-SAFE (7233) or text "START" to 88788
• National Child Abuse Hotline (Childhelp): 1-800-4-A-CHILD (1-800-422-4453) | childhelp.org
• National Sexual Assault Hotline: 1-800-656-HOPE (4673) | rainn.org   

***
Method & Madness is researched, written, hosted, & produced by Dawn Cate

Music by Tymur Khakimov from Pixabay

***

Get in Touch!:
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CONNECT:

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MethodandMadnessPodcast.com

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All sources are listed on the website, under each episode description.

MethodandMadnessPodcast.com

Thank you for listening!


Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/method-madness--6241524/support.

14-year-old Enci “Aubrey” Wu vanished in January 2025, leaving a Pennsylvania community desperate for answers. Three months later, she was found — safe — hundreds of miles from home. This episode unpacks her disappearance, the digital movement that followed, and the legal questions still unfolding. A rare case with a hopeful ending — and a hard look at the power and pitfalls of social media.

***
Method & Madness is researched, written, hosted, & produced by Dawn Cate

Music by Tymur Khakimov from Pixabay

***

Get in Touch!: 
[email protected]

CONNECT:

• Instagram
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DIVE INTO MORE:
  MethodandMadnessPodcast.com

***

All sources are listed on the website, under each episode description.

MethodandMadnessPodcast.com

Thank you for listening!

Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/method-madness--6241524/support.

Samantha Humphrey was a brilliant, funny, and empathetic child taken far too soon. Who would want to harm her?

It was the day after Thanksgiving, 2022, when 14-year-old Samantha went missing in Schenectady, NY.  For 3 months, New York State Police worked with various search & rescue organizations to look for the child in and around the last area she was seen - Riverside Park & The Mohawk River.  

Meanwhile, a heartbroken family was putting the pieces together to figure out why Samantha left late in the night to meet someone at Riverside Park.
 
Join Dawn as she sits down with Samantha’s father, Jeff, and her aunt, Nica as they share this heartbreaking story.

There is currently a $20,000 reward for information leading to an arrest and conviction. If you have any information about the murder of Samantha Humphrey, please contact the Schenectady County District Attorney, Robert Carney:
518-388-4364

If you or someone you know is experiencing domestic violence you can call:
National Domestic Violence Hotline
1-800-799-SAFE

All persons of interest and/or suspects are considered innocent until proven guilty. 

***
Method & Madness is researched, written, hosted, & produced by Dawn Cate

Music by Tymur Khakimov from Pixabay

***
Get in Touch!:
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CONNECT:

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***
All sources are listed on the website, under each episode description.
MethodandMadnessPodcast.com

Thank you for listening!


Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/method-madness--6241524/support.