Murders, Missing, Misconduct: A True Crime Podcast for the Natural State

Not long now!

According to The National Domestic Violence Hotline, on average it will take a victim SEVEN TIMES to leave an abusive relationship before staying away for good.

This wasn't the case for a single mother from Conway, Arkansas. It took her only one attempt to escape from the torment of her own prison that at one time was thought to be a budding relationship.

Instead, the relationship withered away to a death sentence of a crime for which she did not commit.

If you are a victim or know a victim of domestic abuse and need help, reach out to The National Domestic Violence Hotline by dialing 1-800-799-SAFE or 1-844-237-2331

www.thecenteronline.org

You don't have to sit in silence and suffer, you are not alone and NEVER be too afraid to reach out. There are people out there who are willing to help.

The year is 2005, in late August, its Hurricane season for those that enjoy the salty life. Here in Arkansas, a young man packs his belongings & loads up his car in preparation to travel the 200 + miles that will take him South to Louisiana. He is an electrician & wherever his skills are needed, he is willing to travel in order to provide for his daughter and her mother. 

As his Mother, Pam watches her son load his car with his personal items, she is of course hoping for safe travels and a quick return. She certainly never imagined that in just 6 short days she would be burying her son.

It was Fall, October 11, 1993. Julie Heath left her home in Malvern, Arkansas to make the 42 minute drive to Hot Springs, AR, which was about 22 miles. Her route would take her NW on US Highway 270, a trip to which Julie was no stranger. However, as fate would have it, when she said goodbye to her family that evening as she was leaving, this would be the last time they would ever talk to or see her alive again.

In Ft. Smith, Arkansas, along I-40, taking the Kelly HWY Exit, Ft. Smith Patrolman, Randy Basnett and an outlaw on the run whom of which is wanted for a double homicide out of Columbia, South Carolina would come face to face. John Edward Swindler, a native of South Carolina was headed to Leavenworth, KS to settle a personal grudge when he made a wrong turn and pulled in to the service station where Officer Basnett was parked. This meeting would prove to be fatal for Officer Basnett and send Swindler to the iconic electric chair Arkansans have come to know as "Ol' Sparky" some 14 years later.

The son of a popular nightclub owner was murdered in his own home after a domestic dispute turns deadly. The suspect, also known as his wife, claims self defense despite of the fact there was no records supporting her defense. This case will leave you scratching your head and make you realize just how easy it can be to get away with a cold blooded murder.

Just around midnight in the small community of Perryville, AR, a man approaches the Deputy Sheriff standing outside the sheriff's office as he was speaking with other officers. He announces that he needs to speak to the deputy about something. Stepping away from the others the Deputy asks the man, whom of which is well known around the small town, what's going on. The man nervously mumbles that he really needs to speak to someone, repeating this line several different times, the Deputy and the Man enter the Sheriff's office. This is where a 5 year case will be busted wide open.

THIS EPISODE CONTAINS SEXUAL CONTENT AND VIOLENCE. LISTENER DECRETION IS ADVISED!

The final chapter in little Isaiah's life. He was the little boy, even though hungry himself, passed out sandwiches to those less fortunate. Though Isaiah's death was a sick and sadistic way in which one could ever imagine a 6 year old to suffer, in the end there is a small ray of light that brings some siblings together while giving each other the strength, comfort and understanding they require just in order to main a normal day to day routine. This episode will also give you an eyewitness detailed account of the events that took place in the days, hours and during Isaiah's death and also in to the days thereafter. We will also discuss portions of the witnesses that testified at the trial as well as the verdict and the shocking ruling when the man responsible for killing Isaiah filed an appeal for his Death Penalty Conviction.