Jeffrey Norman Crum, a convicted sex offender, has been indicted for the murder, kidnapping, and sexual battery of 12-year-old Jennifer Odom in 1993. The case was a cold case for decades, but advanced DNA analysis led investigators to Crum. Crum is already serving a life sentence for a 1992 incident with a 17-year-old girl. In that case, authorities obtained a full DNA profile and eventually matched it to Crum’s son’s DNA. The similarities between the 1992 and 1993 cases, as well as Crum’s ownership of a blue pickup truck that matched eyewitness descriptions, led to his arrest. Crum could face the death penalty if convicted, and investigators believe he may have committed other crimes.

Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/murder-files-unsealed--6017387/support.

The episode recounts the successful investigation and identification of the killer of Teree Becker, a woman who was found murdered in 1975. Using DNA evidence and genetic genealogy, investigators connected the crime to Thomas Martin Elliot, a career criminal who died by suicide in 1991. The investigation took almost 50 years and involved comparing DNA profiles, using a family tree to identify possible relatives, and tracking Elliot's criminal history. The investigation finally provided closure for Becker's family, who described her as a free spirit who enjoyed life to the fullest.

Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/murder-files-unsealed--6017387/support.

This episode explores the relationship between ordinary jobs and serial killers. It debunks the common misconception that serial killers are always isolated individuals with unstable work histories. Instead, the article highlights how everyday jobs, particularly in blue-collar fields, can provide serial killers with opportunities to commit crimes and conceal their actions. The epsiode provides examples of serial killers, such as Bruce McArthur and Dennis Rader, who used their professions as landscapers and alarm installers to facilitate their killings. Additionally, the article discusses how some serial killers, like Jeffrey Dahmer, blend seamlessly into their workplaces, appearing like ordinary employees despite their heinous actions.

Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/murder-files-unsealed--6017387/support.

The Servant Girl Annihilator was a serial killer who terrorized Austin, Texas, in 1884 and 1885. The killer targeted servant girls, often attacking them in their beds and mutilating them, leading to widespread fear and speculation. While authorities investigated numerous suspects, including James Phillips, the husband of one of the victims, no one was ever definitively convicted. Despite widespread investigation, the killer's identity remains a mystery, with some believing it was a single individual and others suggesting a group of men. Numerous theories abound about the killer's motives and identity, with some believing the perpetrator was a white man with magic powers, while others have suggested the involvement of an accomplice or gang. Modern-day investigations, including those conducted by PBS's History Detectives, have attempted to use historical research and forensic techniques to uncover the killer's identity.

Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/murder-files-unsealed--6017387/support.

The episode examines the phenomenon of serial killers writing manifestos, exploring the motivations behind these actions. The article cites examples like Leonard Lake, who, along with Charles Ng, created a torture-murder compound, and Ted Kaczynski, the "Unabomber," who wrote a hate-filled mission statement. Forensic psychologists suggest that these manifestos stem from a combination of factors, including narcissism, a desire to justify their actions, a need for attention and power, and an attempt to leave a lasting mark on history. Additionally, the text provides details about Lake and Ng's crimes and Ng's current incarceration.

Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/murder-files-unsealed--6017387/support.

The episode explores why serial killers might contact one another. It posits three possible reasons: attention, affinity, and inspiration. Attention involves seeking notoriety from media coverage, as seen in the case of Keith Jesperson who contacted Rex Heuermann. Affinity involves finding validation and camaraderie from others who have committed similar acts, such as Donald Harvey's potential correspondence with Charles Cullen. Lastly, inspiration arises when aspiring killers seek to emulate a notorious killer, exemplified by Liam McAtear who wrote to Ian Brady before attempting his own murder. The episode highlights how understanding these motivations is crucial for risk assessment and intervention, particularly in cases where individuals express admiration for serial killers.

Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/murder-files-unsealed--6017387/support.

This episode investigates the reasons behind the selective attention given to certain true crime cases, exploring the complex interplay of social, psychological, and media influences. It examines how media coverage, victim demographics, case location, and the appeal of mystery all contribute to the prominence of specific cases. Additionally, the article analyzes the impact of true crime entertainment, social media, and the evolving role of online communities on public perception and advocacy within the genre. Finally, it stresses the importance of ethical storytelling in true crime, emphasizing the need for a balanced approach that prioritizes accuracy, empathy, and justice for all victims.

Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/murder-files-unsealed--6017387/support.

The episode is a chilling excerpt from a book that recounts the true story of a serial killer in Laredo, Texas. The book's author, Rick Jervis, spent years researching the case, including interviewing law enforcement officers and the families of the victims, to piece together the horrifying events that unfolded in 2018. The text specifically focuses on the discovery of the second victim, Claudine Luera, and the realization by law enforcement that they were dealing with a serial killer, rather than isolated incidents. The text highlights the similarities between the two murders, including the victims' professions, the murder weapons, and the proximity of the crime scenes, all of which pointed to a pattern of violence and a dangerous individual at large.

Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/murder-files-unsealed--6017387/support.

The episode provides a comprehensive timeline of the Karen Read murder trial, which ended in a mistrial due to a hung jury. The case revolves around the death of Boston police officer John O'Keefe, who was found dead outside the home of Brian Albert, a friend who was present at a party with Read and O'Keefe the night of his death. Read's defense argues that she was framed by a group of people, including law enforcement, and that O'Keefe was killed during a fight inside Albert's home. The timeline details the investigation, the accusations against Read, the conflicting evidence presented by both sides, and the events leading up to the mistrial.

Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/murder-files-unsealed--6017387/support.

Deborah Poe vanished from her job at a convenience store in Orlando, Florida in 1990. Her disappearance remains unsolved. The circumstances of her case are eerily similar to the disappearance of another convenience store clerk, Donna Callahan, a few months prior. Both women were working the graveyard shift when they went missing, and both cases initially appeared to involve no signs of struggle. The investigation into Deborah's disappearance ultimately led to a potential suspect who may have been a customer at the store the night she disappeared. Though the suspect was never identified, his description was obtained from a witness who claimed to have interacted with him at the store. The investigation also turned up connections to a man who had previously dated Deborah and to a man who worked with her at the store. Police were unable to find any definitive evidence to link any of these individuals to her disappearance. The case remains unsolved, and the whereabouts of Deborah Poe are still unknown.

Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/murder-files-unsealed--6017387/support.