History is in the making folks! Because April, that’s right, APRIL is bringing us a TWO PARTER! 

*Sings “It’s the end of the world as we know it, it’s the end of the world as we know it, and I feel fine…” *

In all seriousness though, she will be telling us about The Evangelista Occult Murders, an unsolved case of the murder of an entire family of six in Detroit, Michigan in 1929. The parents were found beheaded and their four children were also slaughtered. There are numerous theories that go along with the case, ranging from The Black Hand (a money extortionist group) that was beginning to morph into the traditional day Mafia, a real estate deal gone wrong, or shady doings related to the occult. She will continue to dive into the case in Part Two, so stay tuned!

Email us at: [email protected] 

Here's the link to all our listening platforms, socials, tip jar, Patreon page, etc: https://linktr.ee/nocturnaldistractionspodcast

*Part Two*

 **Trigger warning for everyone again: I will be covering child death, mental illness including  depression, post partum depression, post partum psychosis, eating disorders, and suicide.**

Join Kendra as she dives into and tells April the tragic ending of the Andrea Yates Case. 

If you haven't listened to our last episode, which is part one, please stop and go listen to that first because the background given in it is really important.

We left Andrea just as she had had her 4th baby, in about as many years, and she immediately starts to struggle mentally with postpartum depression, she attempts to get the help she can from everyone around her, and some very much do try to help her, others… not so much. 

Rapidly, her mental, physical, and emotional state begins to unravel as postpartum psychosis emerges, and she starts to slips out of OUR reality and into HERS. 

Which all leads to an utter horrific tragedy.

Resources for anyone affected by or needing help with PPD (Postpartum Depression) or PPP (Postpartum Psychosis) or ANY OTHER Mental Health Crisis:

**If you or someone you know is in immediate danger, please call the emergency number for your country (ex. In the United States it would be 911, in the UK it’s 999, etc)**

In the UK: 

https://www.nhs.uk/mental-health/conditions/post-partum-psychosis/#:~:text=You%20can%20call%20111%20if,risk%20of%20developing%20postpartum%20psychosi

International info to helplines and support groups from Postpartum Support International:

https://www.postpartum.net/learn-more/postpartum-psychosis/resources/#toggle-id-4

Info and stats on PPP: https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/24152-postpartum-psychosis

Psycom List of Hotlines/Websites for Mental Health Crisis Help for 16 countries:

https://www.psycom.net/get-help-mental-health

Case Resources:

Emma Kenny: https://youtu.be/T5yf7eTQKqc?si=MAPVuSqW7u0V2ftP

Christina Randall: https://youtu.be/lNprmmOJfTY?si=lx5MU3y2__oD1UJi

Dr. Todd Grande: https://youtu.be/2bcgyeKHeV8?si=s2gTqqCWt5EM6__V

BOZE vs. THE WORLD: https://youtu.be/M43Ep9Fd38A?si=1HmGhe3wOSRFor19

Better Off Red: https://youtu.be/szzy09W3y8c?si=eONm8SRDyT2EaUW1

Email us at: [email protected]

send us a DM on one of the socials, or leave a review for us!

just click the link below to find all the listening platforms our pod can be found on, all the socials (FB, IG, etc.) donation page, case request form, and more!:

https://linktr.ee/nocturnaldistractionspodcast

*Part One*

In June 2001, news broke that rocked the nation to its core. A 36 year old mother had killed all of her children, all five children, the oldest of whom was 7 years old and the youngest a mere 6 months. She drowned them all in the bathtub. 

What more is there to really say after that right? She’s clearly evil, right? 

Here’s the thing though, she wasn’t evil, though her act of course would make anyone think of the word ‘Evil’, she herself WAS NOT evil. Which is why this is a bonus-ode as it’s one I have been wanting to cover for a long time now, because once I learned the REAL story behind this case, my mind switched from thinking this woman was a monster and evil, to realizing that she wasn’t evil, she was sick, and she was failed by many different people in her life as she repeatedly asked for help. 

This is the case of Andrea Yates.

Resources for anyone affected by or needing help with PPD (Postpartum Depression) or PPP (Postpartum Psychosis) or ANY OTHER Mental Health Crisis:

**If you or someone you know is in immediate danger, please call the emergency number for your country (ex. In the United States it would be 911, in the UK it’s 999, etc)**

In the UK: 

https://www.nhs.uk/mental-health/conditions/post-partum-psychosis/#:~:text=You%20can%20call%20111%20if,risk%20of%20developing%20postpartum%20psychosi

International info to helplines and support groups from Postpartum Support International:

https://www.postpartum.net/learn-more/postpartum-psychosis/resources/#toggle-id-4

Info and stats on PPP: https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/24152-postpartum-psychosis

Psycom List of Hotlines/Websites for Mental Health Crisis Help for 16 countries:

https://www.psycom.net/get-help-mental-health

Case Resources:

Emma Kenny: https://youtu.be/T5yf7eTQKqc?si=MAPVuSqW7u0V2ftP

Christina Randall: https://youtu.be/lNprmmOJfTY?si=lx5MU3y2__oD1UJi

Dr. Todd Grande: https://youtu.be/2bcgyeKHeV8?si=s2gTqqCWt5EM6__V

BOZE vs. THE WORLD: https://youtu.be/M43Ep9Fd38A?si=1HmGhe3wOSRFor19

Better Off Red: https://youtu.be/szzy09W3y8c?si=eONm8SRDyT2EaUW1

Email us at: [email protected]

send us a DM on one of the socials, or leave a review for us!

just click the link below to find all the listening platforms our pod can be found on, all the socials (FB, IG, etc.) donation page, case request form, and more!:

https://linktr.ee/nocturnaldistractionspodcast

This is the case of Susan Cummings, a wealthy heiress, who shot and killed her boyfriend, an Argentine polo player named Roberto Villegas. On that day, Sept. 7th, 1997, Susan claims it was self defense, but based on the information gathered by the police and investigators. It was not as cut and dry as it might have appeared to be, which is why I am placing this in Level Four on the 22 Level Gradations of Evil Scale. Listen in to hear more!

Not sure what I mean by the 22-Level 'Gradations of Evil Scale' ? Go back and listen to the Season 2 Premiere episode which will be linked below, to get some info:

https://spotify.link/Za5dQ4S9aDb

so…show note resources…went *poof*? I always save them and I can't find them anywhere.

So, my disclaimer is that all info about this case has been gathered from various online sources.

Email us at: [email protected] 

Or send a DM on one of the socials!

Here's the link to all my listening platforms, socials (FB, IG, etc.) donation page, and case request form:

https://linktr.ee/nocturnaldistractionspodcast

*Fair warning, this inadvertently wound up being a MUCH longer part 2 than anticipated. I tend to dive deep and when the case takes place in a different country, more explaining is needed about court processes etc. So, that being said, this is a 2+ hour episode.*

This is Part 2 of The Murder of Ana Kriegel, a beautiful 14-year old teen girl whose life was taken too soon. Even more tragically, her killer was a classmate. A 13-year old boy. 

This case is my pick for Level 3 on the 22 level 'Gradations of Evil Scale' that I'm covering during Season 2.

Level 3 can include: Willing companions of killers, impulse-ridden killers usually with some antisocial traits. A level of carelessness is seen when attempting to cover up the crime, and they are typically easily caught. Their crimes are also seen as 'one offs', a one time event that takes everyone by surprise.

But, as with any level I will be covering, it's not always that cut and dry. This case being one. Due to the fact that not one but two 13 year old boys were ultimately found guilty, but the guilt of the 2nd boy is NOT cut and dry, unlike the guilt of the 1st boy. 

As with Levels 1 and 2, finding a case to fit in this level is not easy as they are not highly publicized or known. Luckily, another thank you to Denis from @SomethingStrange, is in order for suggesting this case to me. 

I fought with the audio quality on this episode, so I am merely hoping that everyone is able to follow my thoughts. I think that by the end you will be left questioning the conclusion of the case. 

*Not sure what I mean by the 22-Level 'Gradations of Evil Scale' ? If you would like to know more, go back and listen to the Season 2 Premiere episode which will be linked below:

https://spotify.link/Za5dQ4S9aDb

Resources used:

https://www.irishtimes.com/news/crime-and-law/courts/criminal-court/ana-kriegel-murder-trial-the-complete-story-1.3929570

Eleanor Neale (part 1): https://youtu.be/xU5D4ZzMqcI

Eleanor Neale (part 2):

https://youtu.be/oGCAlhJ8vt8

Email us at: [email protected] 

send us a DM on one of the socials, or leave a review for us!

just click the link below to find all the listening platforms our pod can be found on, all the socials (FB, IG, etc.) donation page, case request form, and more!

https://linktr.ee/nocturnaldistractionspodcast

*NOTE: This is a re-recording of part 1, please take the time to listen even if you already listened to the original. I feel it's much better and there's a surprise guest too!*

In May 2018, Ana Kriegel was a beautiful 14 year old living in Ireland when a classmate came to her home, asking her to go to the local park. She went with him and never returned. What followed shocked her community, and Ireland as a whole, when she was found 3 days later brutally killed. The second shock came when two suspects were arrested and charged with her murder. They were two boys, and they were only13 years old. Becoming the youngest EVER in the history of Ireland to be charged with murder. 

Listen in to hear part one of a case that fits, in my opinion, into Level 3 on the 22-Level ‘Gradations of Evil Scale’. Not sure what I mean by the 22-Level 'Gradations of Evil Scale' ? We urge you to go back and listen to the Season 2 Premiere episode which will be linked below:

https://spotify.link/Za5dQ4S9aDb

Resources:

https://www.irishtimes.com/news/crime-and-law/courts/criminal-court/ana-kriegel-murder-trial-the-complete-story-1.3929570

Eleanor Neale (part 1): https://youtu.be/xU5D4ZzMqcI

Eleanor Neale (part 2):

https://youtu.be/oGCAlhJ8vt8

Email us at: [email protected] 

Or send us a DM on one of the socials!

just click the link below to find all the listening platforms our pod can be found on, all the socials (FB, IG, etc.) donation page, case request form, and website:

https://linktr.ee/nocturnaldistractionspodcast

A man received the heart of a suicide victim, married his widow, and years later killed himself in the same way his donor did. 

A seemingly sad story about a woman who lost her husband to suicide and then found love again in the man who received his heart. Only to have that husband take his own life in the same way. Love found and love lost and found and lost again. Or was it? After a little digging, you might find that there’s always more to a story.

Leave me a comment on IG 

Send a DM on IG

email me: [email protected]

check out my donation pages to help fund this podcast, and find all the listening platforms and other junk by using my link to all links! 

Subscribe, rate, leave written reviews on Apple, Spotify, or Audible if you want, and I'll be forever grateful!!

Resources:

https://www.cbsnews.com/news/2-suicide-victims-shared-same-heart-wife/

https://commonplacefacts.com/2021/06/20/two-men-two-deaths-one-wife-and-one-heart-and-a-whole-lot-of-shenanigans/

https://www.nbcnews.com/id/wbna23984857#.XnnWzIgzbIU

https://nypost.com/2008/04/13/2nd-heart-eerie-second-lives/

Jesus Borja, age 15, was surprised and shocked when he found out that the girl he wanted to marry one day, Rosa Guerrero, age 13, was suddenly and with no warning, married to an older man, Pedro Garcia, age 22. She had promised to marry Jesus and he thought they would be happy and have a family one day. Brokenhearted and thinking that his friends and acquaintances were making fun of him at the wedding celebration, Jesus snapped, grabbing a butcher knife and killing the man who had married Rosa, just moments after a wedding photo of the couple was taken. Listen to hear a case that fits, in my opinion, in Level 2 on the 22-Level ‘Gradations of Evil Scale’.

Email me at: [email protected] 

Or send me a DM  on one of my socials!

Here's the link to all my listening platforms, socials (FB, IG, etc.) donation page, case request form, and website: https://linktr.ee/nocturnaldistractionspodcast

Sources: https://www.newspapers.com/clip/118326806/jesus-borja-aug-31-1931/

https://www.newspapers.com/clip/118326641/jesu-sborja-sept-1931/

https://www.newspapers.com/clip/118203520/jesus-borja-1931-ca/

https://www.newspapers.com/clip/118327957/jesus-borja-october-1931/

https://www.newspapers.com/clip/118326289/jesus-borja-october-1931/

https://www.newspapers.com/clip/118462980/jesus-borja-aug-31-1931/

https://www.newspapers.com/clip/118327377/jesus-borja-nov-1931/

https://www.newspapers.com/clip/118326361/jesus-borja-april-1932/

https://www.newspapers.com/clip/118204664/jesus-borja-1933/

https://casetext.com/case/people-v-borja-9/

This case, in my opinion, fits into Category 1: Justifiable Homicide on The Gradations of Evil Scale Wendy Howard was abused by her ex-partner for almost 4 years before she was able to escape him. 14 years later, she finds that he has been sexually abusing the 16 year old daughter they share, for close to two years. After reporting the abuse to the police, the family is told to remain normal acting and nonchalant towards him during the investigation, but when he comes to their house, a confrontation ensues, ending with Wendy shooting in self defense and killing her abusive ex. 

However, this is still an ongoing case, despite what the jury decided, so tune in and decide for yourself. Evil or not evil at all?

Email me at: [email protected] 

Here's the link to all my listening platforms, socials, donation page, Patreon page, and entry form for my GIVEAWAY!!

https://linktr.ee/nocturnaldistractionspodcast Sources: 

https://truthout.org/articles/grassroots-defense-committees-support-criminalized-survivors-of-vlnce/ https://www.the-sun.com/news/6358811/wendy-howard-tehachapi-woman-stand-trial-murder/amp/ https://www.bakersfield.com/news/police-had-active-sex-abuse-case-against-man-allegedly-killed-by-ex-wife-in-tehachapi/article_e94d543a-9c3f-11e9-b4aa-bff5114eb02f.html https://www.bakersfield.com/news/woman-accused-of-killing-former-partner-to-stand-trial-in-april/article_340240a6-e922-11e9-a26b-83ea6b0ef641.html https://www.bakersfield.com/news/wendy-howard-trial-self-defense-or-murder-attorneys-dispute-moments-before-shooting/article_593a396a-4440-11ed-afbe-2bb188793222.html https://www.bakersfield.com/news/wendy-howard-trial-testimony-centers-around-abuse-allegations/article_9a1339a0-451c-11ed-9acb-b3c26c32f6e3.html https://www.bakersfield.com/news/wendy-howard-trial-defendants-daughter-recalls-sex-abuse-shooting/article_53701bd4-46ad-11ed-a3b2-23600dc896d6.html https://www.bakersfield.com/news/wendy-howard-trial-prosecution-rests-as-attorneys-dispute-defendants-emotional-state-before-shooting/article_f56b6db6-4b5e-11ed-afb4-c7b8b3ee7e43.html https://www.bakersfield.com/news/wendy-howard-trial-emotions-of-defendant-key-to-determining-mindset-prior-to-shooting/article_c1bad740-4e8d-11ed-b060-d364d618edd3.html

https://www.bakersfield.com/news/wendy-howard-trial-defense-prosecution-rest-closing-arguments-set/article_5e360f64-4f46-11ed-bbdd-d345008dc30f.html https://www.bakersfield.com/news/wendy-howard-not-guilty-of-murder-jury-deadlocks-on-voluntary-manslaughter/article_eec1fcf4-5145-11ed-8e74-431057e540ca.amp.htm https://truthout.org/articles/ordeal-is-not-over-for-criminalized-survivor-wendy-howard-after-trial-verdict/ https://www.bakersfield.com/news/juror-speaks-out-about-wendy-howard-case-ahead-of-hearing-to-determine-retrial/article_35deac16-66dd-11ed-a4ee-d73083808b29.amp.html https://www.bakersfield.com/news/hearing-postponed-to-determine-retrial-of-wendy-howard/article_9aed4874-679b-11ed-b692-278fd993efa6.html

https://copwatch.media/2022/12/domestic-violence-survivor-wendy-howards-trial-reveals-the-prosecutions-sexism/ https://www.bakersfield.com/news/uncommon-legal-questions-arise-in-wendy-howard-trial/article_1fafb584-72c2-11ed-bba5-37532466b6d6.amp.html

Season Two on Nocturnal Distractions will be a series that will cover Forensic Psychologist, Michael Stone’s, 22- level “Gradations of Evil” Scale.

But what exactly is the definition of “evil”? And is there a way to classify one act of evil as being more evil than another? Or, what is the point of even dividing evil into levels?

Could we use this information to rehabilitate perpetrators if possible? Or maybe even be able to recognize violent tendencies in younger people, or even children, and try to intervene and hopefully prevent future acts of violence.

Maybe to begin to try to understand and answer one of the major questions that makes me, and many others, interested in true crime, the WHY. WHY do people commit ‘evil’ acts?

Dr. Stone bases his scale off of research and information that he has gathered about hundreds of murderers in the 20th century. and its focus remains mainly on murder.

The few exceptions are cases involving multiple rapes and the strong suspicion of murder, that could not be proven. Or cases where a person was regarded as evil by the community due to their cruelty to a spouse, to children, or to other family/friends. Their actions fall short of actual murder, but still often lead to the death of the victim.

In this premiere episode I will be explaining the history behind the scale and how Dr. Stone laid out the 22 levels (also called categories) and his process behind it. I will also briefly give the definitions and characteristics associated with each level.

Each episode in the series will be covering a case that can be classified as ‘evil’ beginning with Category 1, then 2, and so on and so forth until all 22 have been discussed.

Just to reiterate, this is a SERIES, and not a multi-parter. I like to compare it to a TV show like CSI or Law and Order, you can listen to an episode in the middle of the season and not be lost. While there is an underlying backstory (the ‘Gradations of Evil’ Scale) each case can be listened to on its own with no catching up needed.

Resources:

https://bigthink.com/culture-religion/michael-stone-explains-his-scale-of-evil/

https://www.npr.org/2010/08/21/129175964/on-the-scale-of-evil-where-do-murderers-rate

https://exploringyourmind.com/the-scale-of-evil-from-self-defense-to-psychopaths/

Book:

The Anatomy of Evil by Michael H. Stone, MD

Email me at: [email protected]

Here's the link to all the listening platforms, socials, tip jar, Patreon page, etc: https://linktr.ee/nocturnaldistractionspodcast