In this episode, we unravel the shocking story of Tom Bird and Lorna Anderson, two respected members of a Kansas community whose secret relationship would become connected to a deadly web of lies, betrayal, and murder. What initially appeared to be a tragic accident and a random act of violence soon raised disturbing questions, leading investigators to uncover a conspiracy that would shock the community.

Breneman, A. (2025, October 30). Bird bridge: What lies beneath – the Bulletin. The Bulletin. https://esubulletin.com/19335/news/bird-bridge-what-lies-beneath/

Minister found guilty in Wife’s murder - UPI archives. UPI. (1985, July 23). https://www.upi.com/Archives/1985/07/23/Minister-found-guilty-in-wifes-murder/3742490939200/

Mlynar, B. (2015, May 7). Lorna Anderson discharged from Parole | News | emporiagazette.com. Emporia Gazette. https://www.emporiagazette.com/news/article_3eb06f94-31f1-5944-ae6f-187b0fbedf76.html

NEW ENGLAND MUTUAL LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY, Plaintiff-Appellant, v. Lorna ANDERSON. Law Resource. (1989, October 16). https://law.resource.org/pub/us/case/reporter/F2/888/888.F2d.646.87-2883.89-3080.html

Robe, M. (Director). (1987, May 3). Murder Ordained [Film]. Braun Entertainment Group & Interscope.

Sandra Lea Stringer “sandy” 33 years old - national organization of parents of murdered children. POMC.org. (n.d.). https://www.pomc.org/murder-wall/murder-wall-stories/sandra-lea-stringer-sandy-33-years-old/

State v. bird :: 1985 :: Kansas Supreme Court decisions :: Kansas case law :: Kansas law :: U.S. law :: Justia. Justia U.S. Law. (1985, October 25). https://law.justia.com/cases/kansas/supreme-court/1985/57-592-1.html

State v. Bird. Justia U.S. Law. (1986, December 5). https://law.justia.com/cases/kansas/supreme-court/1986/58-564-2.html?__cf_chl_f_tk=1SnwjjNbmyQj5LgzO8eoCMtLyTuLVSz17uNAy3omxIU-1783367450-1.0.1.1-fqmIyaVchsf_27tsVDhoOZ60y7eHm1sw4UffVCHCfmU

State v. bird (state v. bird, 240 kan. 288, 729 p.2d 1136 (kan. 1986)) - vLex United States - vlex. vLex. (1986, December 5). https://case-law.vlex.com/vid/state-v-bird-no-886101060

A quiet farmhouse outside Ottawa, Kansas. A group of friends who trusted one another. Then, in the spring of 2013, everything changed. This week on Midwest Murder Girls, we explore the case of Kyle Flack and the devastating events that forever changed four families.

Arvesen, A. (2016, March 16). Witnesses recall text messages received from victim’s phone after determined date of death. The Topeka Capital-Journal. https://www.cjonline.com/story/news/politics/state/2016/03/16/witnesses-recall-text-messages-received-victims-phone-after-determined-date-death/16597223007/

Breit, P. (2016, March 7). Trial begins for man charged in 2013 Franklin County Slayings. KMBC. https://www.kmbc.com/article/trial-begins-for-man-charged-in-2013-franklin-county-slayings-1/3693095

Mipro, R. (2024, January 19). Kansas Supreme Court affirms death penalty conviction in quadruple murder case • kansas reflector. Kansas Reflector. https://kansasreflector.com/2024/01/19/kansas-supreme-court-affirms-death-penalty-conviction-in-quadruple-murder-case/#:~:text=Thirty%2Deight%2Dyear%2Dold,for%20two%20of%20these%20killings

Press, T. A. (2016, March 7). Quadruple murder trial of Kyle Trevor Flack begins Monday in Franklin County district court. The Topeka Capital-Journal. https://www.cjonline.com/story/news/politics/state/2016/03/07/quadruple-murder-trial-kyle-trevor-flack-begins-monday-franklin-county-district/16598400007/

Lysen, D. (2024, January 19). Kansas Supreme Court upholds death sentence of convicted murderer Kyle Flack. KCUR. https://www.kcur.org/news/2024-01-19/kansas-supreme-court-upholds-death-sentence-of-convicted-murderer-kyle-flack

B, J. (2026, June 11). Flack files for Clemency. KOFO Radio. https://kofo.com/2026/06/11/flack-files-for-clemency/

Bush, A. M. (2013, May 8). Olathe woman, two men id’d in Franklin Co. homicide. The Topeka Capital-Journal. https://www.cjonline.com/story/news/politics/state/2013/05/08/olathe-woman-two-men-idd-franklin-co-homicide/16398046007/

Steven Eugene White (1981-2013) - find a grave... Find a Grave. (2013). https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/110517988/steven-eugene-white

Legacy.com, & Legacy. (2013, May 14). Andrew Stout Obituary (2013) - Baldwin City, KS - Lawrence Journal-World. Andrew Stout Obituary (2013). https://obituaries.ljworld.com/us/obituaries/ljworld/name/andrew-stout-obituary?id=23234220

Find A Grave. (2013). Kaylie Kathleen Smith Bailey (1991-2013) - find a... Kaylie Kathleen Smith Bailey (1991-2013) Find A Grave Memorial. https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/127811921/kaylie_kathleen-bailey

Cummings, I. (2013, May 19). Burgers, bratwurst, gifts and good times: Friends tell of homicide victims’ Last Days. LJWorld.com. https://www2.ljworld.com/news/2013/may/19/friends-tell-homicide-victims/

In this episode of Midwest Murder Girls, we unravel the chilling story of the Staudte family murders, a case of betrayal that shattered a Springfield, Missouri household. What initially appeared to be a series of unexplained illnesses soon exposed a calculated plot driven by greed and manipulation, leading investigators to uncover a devastating truth hidden within the family itself.

Crime traveler: The chilling murders of the Staudte family. Ozarks First. (2021, October 19). https://www.ozarksfirst.com/crimetraveler/crime-traveler-the-chilling-murders-of-the-staudte-family/

Jones, J (Director). (2022, February 25). Home Sweet Murder (Season 45, Episode 18) [TV Series Episode]. Diaz J., & Sadler, T. (Executive Producer), 20/20. ABC News Productions. 

Smith, J. (2016, April 15). Missouri woman recalls moment she suspected her mom tried to kill her - ABC news. ABC News. https://abcnews.com/US/missouri-woman-recalls-moment-suspected-mom-kill/story?id=38036627

Staudte Family Murders. (2026, March 4). In Wikipedia. https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Staudte_family_murders&oldid=1341689437

In 2007, 18-year-old Kelsey Smith disappeared after a routine stop at a Target in Overland Park, Kansas. What began as an ordinary shopping trip forever changed one family and ultimately reshaped the way investigators use technology in missing person cases.

ABC News. (2007, June 7). Suspect charged with Kansas Teen’s abduction, murder - ABC news. ABC News. https://abcnews.com/GMA/story?id=3254107

FBI - MO. (n.d.-a). FBI — Kansas City, MO. FBI - Kansas City, MO. https://archives.fbi.gov/archives/about-us/partnerships_and_outreach/community_outreach/dcla/2009/kansascity

Find A Grave. (n.d.). Kelsey Ann Smith (1989-2007) - find a grave memorial. Find A Grave. https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/19751202/kelsey_ann-smith

KMBC . (2008, September 16). Edwin Hall: “I’m so, so sorry.” KMBC 9 News. https://www.kmbc.com/article/edwin-hall-i-m-so-so-sorry/3651801

YouTube. (2019). The Teen Who Never Came Home From the Store. Retrieved from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4Kr3LiOBT9U.

Wikipedia. (n.d.). Murder of Kelsey Smith - Wikipedia. Murder of Kelsey Smith . https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Murder_of_Kelsey_Smith

In this episode of Midwest Murder Girls, we examine the mysterious death of Bethany Deaton, a young woman whose apparent suicide quickly raised unsettling questions. As investigators uncovered secrets involving religious manipulation, deception, and a web of complex relationships, the case took unexpected turns that continue to spark discussion and debate years later.

Bethany Leidlein Deaton obituary October 30, 2012 - Wade funeral home & crematory. Wade Family Funeral Home. (n.d.). https://www.wadefamilyfuneralhome.com/obituaries/bethany-leidlein-deaton

Curry, C. (2012, November 14). Missouri religious group investigated in slaying of Bethany Deaton - ABC News. ABC News. https://abcnews.com/US/missouri-religious-group-investigated-slaying-bethany-deaton/story?id=17719725

Kramer, N. (Writer), & Klug, R. (Director). (2016, February 7th). Fall From Grace (Season 6, Episode 66) [TV Series Video] Zirinsky, S (Executive Producer), 48 Hours. CBS News Productions.

Micah Moore. KSHB - Media Assets. (2014, October 9). https://mediaassets.kshb.com/pdf/Micah_Moore.pdf

Roberts, T. (2015, August 1). Fall from Grace - CBS News. CBS News. https://www.cbsnews.com/news/48-hours-the-mysterious-death-of-bethany-deaton/

A knock at the door rarely feels like the beginning of a nightmare. We often think danger comes from outside our homes, but sometimes the greatest risk is the person we choose to let inside. This week on Midwest Murder Girls, we explore the case of Marti Hill and the events that would change her life forever.

Breit, P. (2015, February 9). Survivor of handyman’s attack shares story to warn others. KMBC. https://www.kmbc.com/article/survivor-of-handyman-s-attack-shares-story-to-warn-others/3686814

Marti Hill. (n.d.). https://www.martihill.com/

CBS Interactive. (2013, December 28). Crime scene photos: Savage early morning attack. CBS News. https://www.cbsnews.com/pictures/crime-scene-photos-savage-early-morning-attack/

Pepitone, J. (2015, February 9). Woman beaten and stabbed in 2010, shares story of survival at JCCC. https://fox4kc.com/news/woman-beaten-and-stabbed-in-2010-shares-story-of-survival-at-jccc/

YouTube - 48 Hours. (2013, December 28). The Stranger You Know. The Stranger You know - YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zXeA8Kw4cEs

Marti’s story. Marti Hill. (n.d.). https://www.martihill.com/about#:~:text=attack%20next%20to%20her%20so,the%20injuries%20she%20had%20sustained

In this episode of Midwest Murder Girls, we examine the chilling case of the serial killer responsible for multiple attacks along Indian Creek Trail. We explore the investigation, the evidence that connected the crimes, and how law enforcement ultimately uncovered the truth behind a predator who terrorized the community.

David Lee Lenox obituary February 27, 2017 - Muehlebach funeral care. Muehlebach Chapel. (n.d.). https://www.muehlebachchapel.com/obituaries/david-lee-lenox

Fredrick Scott, 22 charged in two South Kansas City homicides • Jackson County Prosecutor, MO. Johnson County Prosecutor . (2017, August 29). https://www.jacksoncountyprosecutor.com/m/newsflash/home/detail/373

Greenstein, M. (2018, March 2). Man charged in Indian Creek murders faces more charges. KSHB. https://www.kshb.com/news/crime/man-charged-in-indian-creek-murders-faces-more-charges

Grunwald, F. (2018, April 22). TimothyF Shawn O’Shay Rice. Find a Grave. https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/189072869/timothy-shawn_o%27shay-rice

In the Circuit Court of Jackson County, Missouri at Kansas City. (n.d.-c). https://jacksoncountyprosecutor.com/DocumentCenter/View/681/FDScott_Redacted?bidId=

Knute, C. (2025, January 16). Families of alleged serial killer’s victims still waiting for trial more than 7 years later. KSHB. https://www.kshb.com/news/local-news/investigations/families-of-alleged-serial-killers-victims-still-waiting-for-trial-more-than-7-years-later

Michael Darby Obituary - Kansas City, MO. Dignity Memorial. (n.d.). https://www.dignitymemorial.com/obituaries/kansas-city-mo/michael-darby-7414233

O’Brien, S., & Pekarsky, M. (2017, August 29). Prosecutor says DNA evidence on bottle, shirt & cigarette led to charges in Indian Creek Trail Murder case | fox 4 Kansas City WDAF-TV | news, weather, sports. Fox 4 KC. https://fox4kc.com/news/prosecutor-announces-charges-in-indian-creek-trail-murder-another-killing-near-67th-troost/

Schmidt, H. (2025, June 3). Accused Kansas City serial killer deemed competent to stand trial, years after arrest. KCTV5. https://www.kctv5.com/2025/07/03/accused-kansas-city-serial-killer-deemed-competent-stand-trial-years-after-arrest/

Sexton, C. (2018, December 14). Karen Louise Harmeyer (1952-2017) - find a grave memorial. Find a Grave. https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/195352483/karen_louise-harmeyer

Tour de hope. TOUR de HOPE. (n.d.). https://www.tourdehope.org/

Weaver, D. (2021, April 15). Steven “Gibby” Gibbons. Find a Grave. https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/225682318/steven-gibbons

In this episode of Midwest Murder Girls, we explore the heartbreaking story of 13-year-old Liz Wilson, who disappeared during the short walk home from the Prairie Village pool with her younger brother on a warm July evening in 1974. What should have been a routine walk home became one of the Kansas City area's most haunting unsolved murders. For nearly three decades, Liz's family searched for answers before investigators finally uncovered the truth. Join us as we examine the timeline, the investigation, and the decades-long pursuit of justice for Liz and her family.

KSCourts. (2007, February 2). Case 93982: State v. Horton - KS Courts. kscourts.gov Cases / Decisions. https://kscourts.gov/Cases-Decisions/Decisions/Published/State-v-Horton

Life Sentence Given in 1974 Slaying of 13-year old . Lawrence Journal World. (2005a, January 22). https://www2.ljworld.com/news/2005/jan/22/life_sentence_given/

Rizzo, T. (2018a, September 7). Man who killed prairie village girl in 1974 is up for parole | Kansas city star. kansas City Star. https://www.kansascity.com/news/local/crime/article217644015.html

AP News. (2018, October 24). Parole denied for janitor who killed Kansas Girl in 1974. AP News. https://apnews.com/general-news-c1dd209a9f6b4d0d9484fb3bb71db2f7

Boatright, J. (2018, September 6). Lizabeth Wilson Murder in 1974 | Kansas City Star. Lizabeth Wilson Murder in 1974. https://www.kansascity.com/news/local/crime/article217947670.html

In this episode of Midwest Murder Girls, we take a closer look at one of America's most baffling unsolved mysteries—the disappearance of the Springfield Three. We examine the timeline, the evidence, and the countless theories surrounding the case of three women who vanished without a trace from their home in Springfield, Missouri, leaving behind more questions than answers decades later.

KY3 Staff. (2025, June 7). ‘the springfield three’: 33 years and counting since the disappearance of Suzie Streeter, Sherill Levitt, and Stacy McCall. KY3. https://www.ky3.com/2025/06/08/springfield-three-33-years-counting-since-disappearance-suzie-streeter-sherill-levitt-stacy-mccall/

Roderique-Jones, A. (Executive Producer). (2021). Ozarks True Crime [Audio Podcast]. https://open.spotify.com/show/0hFJ7copfJDrwNUoaQZyGw

Sherrill Elizabeth Levitt – the charley project. Charley Project. (2012, August 6). https://charleyproject.org/case/sherrill-elizabeth-levitt

Springfield Three. (2026, June 22). In Wikipedia. https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Springfield_Three&oldid=1360639901

Testin, M. (Director). (November 4, 2019). The Springfield Three (Season 4, Episode 1) [TV Series Episode]. Hill, B., Spenser, K., Wakeford., D (Executive Producers), People Investigates. Radley Studios.

Three missing women | Springfield, Mo - Official website. Springfield Police. (n.d.). https://www.springfieldmo.gov/2498/Three-Missing-Women

In this episode of Midwest Murder Girls, we examine the heartbreaking case of Ali Kemp, a young Kansas woman whose life was tragically cut short in a shocking act of violence. We discuss the investigation, the community’s response, and the groundbreaking use of a billboard campaign that ultimately helped lead authorities to her killer. Join us as we explore how one family’s determination helped bring justice in a case that captivated the Midwest.

ABC News. (2005, October 27). Billboard ad helps Town Nab Girl’s murder suspect - ABC News. ABC News. https://abcnews.com/2020/story?id=1257064&page=

Alexandra Elizabeth “Ali” Kemp (1982-2002) - find a grave memorial. (n.d.-a). https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/10124232/alexandra_elizabeth-kemp

Halifax, L. (2019, August 22). Ali Kemp’s Dad prepares to fight back as her killer argues for reduced prison sentence. Fox 4. https://fox4kc.com/news/ali-kemps-dad-prepares-to-fight-back-as-her-killer-argues-for-reduced-prison-sentence/

Heartbreak and hope: A look at the Ali Kemp Story | by Belle - Cup of Coffee and crime | Medium. (n.d.-b). https://medium.com/@coffeecrimeandcosmetics/heartbreak-and-hope-a-look-at-the-ali-kemp-story-a73d9c787c2b

Kettler, S. (2026, April 20). Ali Kemp’s Dad helped solve her murder in an unexpected way | A&E. A&E. https://www.aetv.com/articles/ali-kemp-2002-murder-roger-kemp

Man serving multiple life sentences back in court Friday. Hutch Post. (2020, August 26). https://hutchpost.com/posts/9f92f56e-2f83-446f-b9da-dad23d2b80c6

Manderfield, N. (2002). About Ali - ali-forever.com. ali-frever. https://www.ali-forever.com/forever.php

Rizzo, T. (2019, March 26). Benjamin Appleby loses appeal in Ali Kemp Murder | kansas city star. kansas City Star. https://www.kansascity.com/news/local/crime/article175899496.html

Take defense – giving the gift of safety. Take Defense. (n.d.). https://takedefense.org

Torres, A. (2022, March 2). Roger Kemp, who was spurred to action after his daughter Ali was murdered in Leawood, dies. Kansas City Star. https://www.kansascity.com/news/local/article259048443.html

Unseen. (2024, October, 12). Dad Discovers Daughter in Pool Shed – And Takes Down Her Killer | The Case of Ali & Roger Kemp [Video]. YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9OaPgqb53t0

10 years later, Ali Kemp’s life leaves Legacy. (n.d.). https://www.kmbc.com/article/10-years-later-ali-kemp-s-life-leaves-legacy/3670981