Murder in the Mountains

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Have you ever been gripped by the chilling echoes of an unsolved crime that linger in a small town's whispered tales? This week's Murder in the Mountains episode takes you to the heart of Waco, Texas, where the 1982 triple homicide case of Kenneth Franks, Jill Montgomery, and Raylene Rice remains etched in the town's memory. As your hosts, we navigate the murky depths of the investigation, led by the determined Sergeant Truman Simons, while uncovering the unsettling dynamics of local community reactions and the dark motives lurking behind what appeared to be a tragic case of mistaken identity.

Venture further into the shadows with us as we scrutinize the intricate layers of the Lake Waco murders, where life insurance policies and forensic odontology weave a complex web that challenged the very foundations of legal evidence. The relentless dedication of Sergeant Simons, coupled with the convoluted testimonies of informants, paints a tumultuous picture of justice seeking in the absence of concrete physical proof. The specter of bias and the lengths one will go to prove a theory come into sharp focus, revealing the harrowing journey towards a conviction rife with questions and controversy.

In our concluding segments, we confront the heart-wrenching realities of wrongful convictions and the profound impact they have on the lives entangled within the justice system. The somber fate of David Spence's mother, Juanita White, stands as a stark reminder of the fragility of truth amidst legal complexities. As we wrap up this episode, we invite you to join the conversation on Instagram, where the dialogue continues beyond the mountain peaks of Waco. Sharpen your true crime insights with us on Murder in the Mountains, and prepare for another gripping chapter next week.


Show Sources: 

https://www.texasmonthly.com/true-crime/the-murders-at-the-lake/

https://authorcindyparmiter.medium.com/a-deadly-case-of-mistaken-identity-the-shocking-lake-waco-murders-d6005e5571ab

https://www.law.umich.edu/special/exoneration/Pages/casedetail.aspx?caseid=3168 

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Imagine a New Year's Day filled with the aroma of chili and the warmth of family, abruptly turning into a chilling crime scene that would haunt Richmond, Virginia, forever. As hosts Alexa and Cherish, we guide you through the tragic fate of the Harvey family, whose sense of security was shattered by a single unlocked door. Bryan and Kathryn Harvey, known for their love of music and community, together with their daughters Stella and Ruby, were brutally taken from a world they made brighter. This episode strips back the veneer of daily life, exposing the vulnerabilities we all share and the devastating choices a mother had to make when that security was threatened.

We then pivot to dissect the criminal history of Ricky and Ray, uncle and nephew, whose lives spiraled into a series of increasingly violent crimes. From the overlooked murder of Ricky's wife, Treva, to the senseless end of Ashley Baskerville and her parents, their story is a stark reminder of the consequences of unheeded warning signs. Through the tapestry of these harrowing events, we critique the failures within the criminal justice system and discuss how easily danger can weave itself into the fabric of a community, leaving an indelible mark on those left behind. Join us as we piece together this complex puzzle, shedding light on the ripple effects of violence and the echoes of loss that reverberate long after the headlines fade.

Show Sources: 
https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/2006_Richmond_spree_murders
https://authorcindyparmiter.medium.com/bloody-new-year-the-horrific-slaying-of-the-
harvey-family-a39b8ed3121a
http://www.forgottenvictims.com/Harvey%20U%201.htm
https://www.oxygen.com/family-massacre/crime-news/ricky-gray-ray-dandridge-
masterminded-2-family-massacres
https://www.wtvr.com/2017/01/18/ricky-gray-executed-by-lethal-injection-for-harvey-
family-killings
https://www.nbcnews.com/news/amp/wbna10845384
https://www.imsurroundedbyidiots.com/people-on-death-row-in-virginia/ricky-jovan-gray/

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Children are often seen as symbols of innocence, but what happens when they step over an unimaginable line? The story of Mary Bell, a young girl whose life was marred by abuse and led to actions so heinous they shook the foundations of societal norms, is the focus of our heart-wrenching discussion. We'll navigate the tragedy of her crimes, her troubled history, and the community that was ill-prepared to deal with the concept of a child as a murderer. Through the lens of this sobering case, we confront the moral and legal quandaries involved in sentencing a child of merely 11 years old.

There are no easy answers here, only tough questions and the pursuit of understanding. As we dissect the Mary Bell case, we're left pondering how to adequately balance public safety with the rehabilitation of juvenile offenders. We invite you to share your perspective and join the conversation on social media while we tease the possibility of further delving into similar cases that challenge our perceptions of crime, punishment, and redemption. Don't forget to support our podcast by leaving a review so that we can continue to offer these gripping narratives on 'Murder in the Mountains'.


Show Sources: 

https://allthatsinteresting.com/mary-bell

https://books.google.com/books?id=g6-
DAwAAQBAJ&pg=PA153&lpg=PA153&dq=%22solely+for+the+pleasure+
and+excitement+of+killing%22&source=bl&ots=XIDbmXQyFq&sig=q8np

BhRAVJjuqrLI-
3XEVA5UQMQ&hl=en&sa=X&ved=0ahUKEwjLldqj2fHZAhXomOAKHV5IC

gEQ6AEIUjAF#v=onepage&q=%22solely%20for%20the%20pleasure%20a
nd%20excitement%20of%20killing%22&f=false

https://thecrimewire.com/multifarious/Murderous-Children-Mary-Bell

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5306269/#:~:text=Results,
%25%20were%20aged%2011–12.

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Every run tells a story, and sometimes, those stories take a dark turn. Join me, Alexa, alongside my co-host Cherish, as we intertwine the exhilaration of running with the sobering realities of safety for women in the great outdoors. We kick off with heartfelt personal experiences, celebrating our running milestones, and then pivot to the stark statistics that cast a long shadow over female runners. The conversation gets real as we talk about the practical steps we've taken to stay safe, such as skipping the headphones and bringing my loyal dog Huckleberry for company.

The heart of our episode lies in the tragic tale of Eliza Fletcher, whose passion for running was met with a sinister end on the streets of Memphis. We share the poignant details of her case, from her family's anguish to the relentless efforts of law enforcement. Cherish and I delve into the chilling discovery of evidence, leading to the arrest of Cleotha Henderson, and reflect on the broader implications of his prior criminal record slipping through the cracks of the justice system. It's a stark reminder of the dangers that lurk, and the importance of vigilance and community in seeking justice.

As we emerge from our podcast hiatus, the anticipation for what lies ahead is palpable. We're not just recounting stories; we're forging a space for you to engage with us, sharing your thoughts on the complex web of Henderson's past and the safety of our running paths.  Prepare for a season of suspenseful tales, as Cherish and I are back on the trail, uncovering the mysteries that await.


Show Sources:
https://www.foxbusiness.com/lifestyle/92-of-women-runners-say-
concerned-safety-outdoor-runs-survey#
https://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/americas/crime/eliza-fletcher-
women-run-funeral-b2164018.html
https://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/americas/crime/eliza-fletcher-
killer-lawsuit-memphis-b2173397.html
https://www.independent.co.uk/news/ap-tennessee-dna-nashville-eliza-
fletcher-b2179923.html
https://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/americas/crime/eliza-fletcher-
autopsy-results-fentanyl-b2181394.html
https://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/americas/crime/eliza-fletcher-
autopsy-results-fentanyl-b2181394.html
https://www.localmemphis.com/article/news/crime/man-charged-with-
killing-memphis-teacher-eliza-fletcher-to-go-to-trial-by-end-of-2024-
court-says/522-1ff7bdf9-8bde-4b6e-b49b-1cc20a09e909
https://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/americas/crime/eliza-fletcher-
memphis-kidnapping-cleotha-abston-b2160090.html

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Ever wonder how a violent criminal with multiple rape convictions managed to slip through the cracks of the justice system? Prepare to be chilled to the bone as we delve into the horrific murders of Suzanne Harrison, Gena Turner, and Bryan Boone, teenagers from the close-knit community of Hawkins, Texas whose lives were tragically cut short back in 1986. We follow their last day, spent with friends at Lake Hawkins and the fateful encounter with a man in a light blue Bronco. Together, we'll sift through the harrowing details of this chilling crime and the subsequent puzzling discovery of the teens bodies miles away from where they were last seen.As we turn the spotlight on Jerry Walter McFadden, a three-time convicted rapist and the main suspect, we unravel his disturbing past and shockingly short prison sentences. We question how a man with such a violent history was continually let loose. We'll also explore his daring jail escape and subsequent capture, finally leading to his arrest for Suzanne's murder. Don't miss out on this week's gripping episode of Murder in the Mountains, and stay tuned for more spine-chilling stories.Show Sources:https://tylerpaper.com/news/local/a-town-in-terror-part-iv-a-look-into-the-legal-challenges-that-freed-serial/article_a7df011e-8058-57dc-9245-a714e85680cd.htmlhttps://tylerpaper.com/news/local/police-say-executed-east-texas-killer-jerry-the-animal-mcfadden-killed-oregon-woman/article_3c06825e-2a27-11e9-a1e9-8331cbdfdccb.htmlhttps://tylerpaper.com/news/local/a-town-in-terror-part-ii-hawkins-mourns-three-young-victims-as-law-enforcement-searches/article_10c5e93c-dbae-5334-8f7a-5857cafc68e0.htmlhttps://tylerpaper.com/news/local/a-town-in-terror-part-iii-accused-murderer-jerry-mcfadden-takes-hostage-escapes-jail-and/article_fa91f0e9-c18e-5bd1-b9c3-f1a94375b86d.html10https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jerry_Walter_McFaddenhttps://authorcindyparmiter.medium.com/show-no-mercy-the-savage-slayings-of-three-high-school-friends-by-a-ruthless-killer-known-as-the-fbc6132c34ed

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Have you ever wondered what it feels like to have someone you love disappear without a trace? Experience the heart-wrenching journey of the Young family as they grapple with the unsettling disappearance of their vivacious daughter, Lisa Marie Young. Lisa, last seen getting into the red jaguar of Chris Adair after a night out in 2002, remains missing to this day, her case mired in a perplexing blend of inaction and mystery.

Our exploration of Lisa's unsolved case uncovers the deeply concerning response by local law enforcement, raising pressing questions about their handling of her disappearance. Feel the Young family's pain and frustration as they hit wall after wall, dealing with an unresponsive system and a puzzling delay in the police investigation. We also shine a light on the curious behavior of Chris Adair and his grandmother - a saga that begs belief and leaves us questioning - could more have been done to find Lisa?

As we navigate the chilling aspects of Lisa's case, we are left with the cold reality - her case remains unsolved. The bold criminal history of Chris Adair, the last person known to have seen Lisa alive, hangs ominously over this tragedy. In this episode, we discuss the recent developments, the unanswered questions, and the challenges faced by the Young family, offering an intimate look into their relentless pursuit for answers. So, come join the conversation - your voice matters. Let's keep the memory of Lisa Marie Young alive and the quest for truth burning. See you next week for another gripping episode of Murder in the Mountains.

Show Sources: 

https://www.cheknews.ca/man-dies-after-being-struck-by-a-vehicle-in-
nanaimo-sunday-433013/

https://medium.com/@bekah302/seeing-red-in-nanaimo-the-case-of-lisa-
marie-young-26efe62ca46c

http://www.allisoncrowe.com/lisaspage.html

https://nanaimonewsnow.com/2021/06/26/new-information-in-lisa-marie-
youngs-disappearance-after-several-people-come-forward/

https://int-missing.fandom.com/wiki/Lisa_Marie_Young
https://medium.com/p/26efe62ca46c

https://www.nwac.ca/assets-knowledge-
centre/NWAC_Story_Telling_Lisa_Marie_Young.pdf

https://thewickedtruthblog.com/woman-leaves-party-with-a-strange-man-
sends-chilling-last-text-c889b6cc0f62

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Ever thought how a simple fire could morph into a crime scene so sinister that it would perplex even seasoned investigators? That's the haunting narrative we explore in this captivating episode, as we journey back into the chilling case of the 1991 Austin yogurt shop murders. Join us, alongside our guest Megan, as we delve into the intricacies of a case that saw four young girls brutally killed and left in a scene so shrouded by fire and water damage that the evidence was almost obliterated. We also draw parallels to the infamous McDonald's murders, adding an intriguing layer to this already complex mystery.

Yet, the enigma doesn't end there. In the latter part of our discourse, we shift our focus to the confessions extracted from two suspects - Robert Springsteen and Michael Scott. Poring over the harrowing transcripts from the intense interrogation sessions, Megan aids us in identifying the questionable tactics employed by law enforcement and the problematic use of these confessions during the trial proceedings. Strap in, as we traverse the murky intersection of crime, law enforcement strategies, and the relentless pursuit of justice. 

Show Sources: 

https://www.austinchronicle.com/news/2011-12-16/scene-of-the-crime/

https://law.justia.com/cases/texas/court-of-criminal-appeals/2007/pd-
0862-05-7.html

https://www.cbsnews.com/news/who-killed-these-girls/

https://the-line-up.com/yogurt-shop-murders-austin-1991

https://www.austinchronicle.com/news/2009-07-17/810486/

https://www.statesman.com/story/news/2012/09/21/yogurt-shop-murder-
case-timeline/9955363007/

https://www.aetv.com/real-crime/the-austin-yogurt-shop-murders-cold-
case-revisiting-the-scene-of-the-crime-more-than-25-years-later

https://www.statesman.com/picture-gallery/news/2021/11/30/yogurt-
shop-murders-austin-cold-case-photos/8798254002/

https://www.cbsnews.com/pictures/yogurt-shop-murders-investigation-
key-moments/13/

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Prepare yourself for a chilling journey into the life of Tommy Sells, a man whose horrific crimes had a disastrous impact on countless lives. Today, we're unraveling the dark story of this notorious killer, starting with his early abandonment and neglect at the age of seven, leading to a life marred by substance abuse, molestation, and murder. Hear the alarming account of his first kill at the tender age of 16, and his subsequent life on the run, leaving a trail of terror and devastation across the nation.

Get to grips with the tragedies inflicted by Sells, from Julie Rea and her son Joel Kirkpatrick's brutal murder to Stephanie Mahaney, Debbie Harris, Ambria, Haley McHone, and Bobbie Lynn Wofford's untimely demise. The tale takes a fateful turn on New Year's Eve of 1999, when Sells invaded the home of Katy Harris, launching a ruthless attack on her and her friend. This ill-fated evening eventually led to his capture and execution in 2014. As we discuss the harrowing impact of Sells' deeds on his victims' relatives and the criminal justice system, this episode serves as a grim reminder of the darkness within humanity and the lingering consequences of child abuse and neglect.


Show Sources: 

https://charleyproject.org/case/stefanie-kelly-stroh
https://people.com/crime/32-years-later-dna-arrest-murder-michelle-xavier-jennifer-duey/
https://crimelibrary.org/serial_killers/predators/tommy_sells/5.html
http://www.clarkprosecutor.org/html/death/US/sells1374.htm
https://www.dallasobserver.com/news/killer-smile-6394042
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dardeen_family_homicides
https://jessielondon.medium.com/the-10-year-old-who-stopped-a-texas-serial-killer-976033fdc9b
https://www.thoughtco.com/serial-killer-tommy-lynn-sells-973154
https://www.buggedspace.com/unsolved-murder-of-the-dardeen-family/
https://abcnews.go.com/US/serial-killer-survivor-speaks-alive/story?id=81081689

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Show Sources: 

https://www.forbes.com/sites/crime/2011/10/30/murder-in-oklahoma-

connecting-the-dots-more-than-once-part-3/?sh=29db11b85d10

 https://tulsaworld.com/news/local/history/timeline-weleetka-girls-

murder-case/collection_b6d55812-22cb-5c88-a9d3-

d0b76649c56c.html#1

 https://tulsaworld.com/archives/updated-girls-killed-near-

weleetka/article_d1799a7e-bd7e-50d7-b312-db103e5ce883.html

 https://tulsaworld.com/archives/osbi-releases-tape-in-effort-to-get-

new-leads-in/article_dd8a4194-7e2a-57e5-bd86-e79e82e37980.html

 https://www.mirror.co.uk/news/real-life-stories/double-child-murder-

cold-case-4648173

 https://www.oxygen.com/crime-news/kevin-sweat-murdered-ashley-

taylor-2-kids-in-oklahoma



http://s3.amazonaws.com/content.newsok.com/documents/d10weleetk

aaff.pdf

 https://www.theadanews.com/news/local_news/autopsy-released-in-

girls-murders/article_fde2c218-3fe2-5bc8-8514-20b2c142ecc0.html

 https://www.forbes.com/sites/crime/2011/10/28/murder-in-oklahoma-

connecting-the-dots-more-than-once-part-2/?sh=5b9874071bdc

 https://www.forbes.com/sites/crime/2011/10/27/murder-connecting-

the-dots-more-than-once-in-oklahoma-part-1/?sh=64a2e67427e6

 https://www.mcclendon-winters.com/obituaries/AshleyCeleste-Taylor-

485/#!/Obituary

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This week, Alexa tells Megan the incredible survival story of Kara Robinson and how she helped catch a serial killer. 

Kara's Blog : 

https://www.kararobinsonchamberlain.com/blog

Show Sources: 

https://www.eonline.com/news/1364336/why-kara-robinsons-escape-

from-a-suspected-serial-killer-in-2002-is-as-timely-a-story-as-ever

https://www.nydailynews.com/news/crime/serial-killer-meets-match-15-

year-old-article-1.2384136

https://thecinemaholic.com/kristin-and-kati-lisk-murders-what-

happened-to-them-who-killed-them/

https://apnews.com/article/0a2cd85c1d3258f1af723ef944a8e956

https://www.oxygen.com/escaping-captivity-the-kara-robinson-

story/crime-news/kara-robinsons-story-who-were-richard

7

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Richard_Evonitz

https://www.foxnews.com/us/south-carolina-kidnapping-survivor-kara-

robinson-reveals-tips-escaping-abduction

https://www.sportskeeda.com/pop-culture/5-chilling-details-kara-robinson-

s-kidnapper-richard-evonitz

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