In August 2002, Michael Short, his wife, Mary, and their daughter, Jennifer, lived in a red brick ranch-style home right off Hwy 220 in Oak Level, Virginia. Michael owned a business named M.S. Mobile Home Movers, employing various people, most of whom were temporary or transient. The company was not doing well, so Michael decided to put their house up for sale and move into a mobile home until he could figure out his next move. He had even made a trip to the coast of North Carolina to see if he could find work there.

On the evening of Wednesday, August 14, 2002, the family's plans were up in the air. They may or may not sell the business, and they may or may not move to North Carolina. On that night, they had every reason to believe that whatever came their way, they'd do it together as a family.

Unfortunately, Michael and Mary would be found shot execution-style the following day, and 9-year-old Jennifer was nowhere to be found.

After an exhaustive search, Jennifer's remains were found 41 days after her parents were found murdered.

Now, 21 years later, police are no closer to finding their killer.

Join Jen and Cam as they discuss The Brown Family Murders.

If you have any information, no matter how small, please call one of the following numbers and report it.
Henry County Sheriff’s Department: 276-638-8751
Henry County Crime Stoppers: 276-632-7463
Rockingham County Sheriff's Department: 336-634-3300
Rockingham County Crime Stoppers: 336-349-9683.

Requested by Judy B

Promo by our friends Amanda and Lauren of Most Wanted

Written and researched by Lauretta Allen
Listener Discretion by Edward October fromhttps://www.youtube.com/c/octoberpodhomevideo
Executive Producer Nico Vitesse of https://theinkypawprint.com

Sources:
https://www.newspapers.com/image/959768809/?terms=Angry%20landlord%20fingered%20Bowman&match=1
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NFL2Fv9iyjU&ab_channel=UnderTheAshTree
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=31RSMpP_jqw&ab_channel=DarkCuriosities
https://unresolved.me/the-short-familyhttps://www.wxii12.com/article/memorial-ride-honors-short-family-unsolved-murders/40891007
https://www.newspapers.com/image/921024090/?terms=%20Oak%20Level%20Virginia%20murder&match=1
https://www.newspapers.com/image/921516510/?terms=%20Oak%20Level%20Jennifer%20Short%20Virginia%20murder&match=1
https://www.newspapers.com/image/837402518/?terms=%20Oak%20Level%20Jennifer%20Short%20Virginia%20murder&match=1
https://www.newspapers.com/image/837396650/?terms=%20Oak%20Level%20Jennifer%20Short%20Virginia%20murder&match=1
https://www.newspapers.com/image/921085015/?terms=%20Oak%20Level%20Jennifer%20Short%20Virginia%20murder&match=1
https://www.newspapers.com/image/921020776/?terms=%20Oak%20Level%20Jennifer%20Short%20Virginia%20murder&match=1
https://www.newspapers.com/image/837399732/?terms=%20Oak%20Level%20Jennifer%20Short%20Virginia%20murder&match=1
https://www.newspapers.com/image/837400335/?terms=%20Oak%20Level%20Jennifer%20Short%20Virginia%20murder&match=1
https://www.newspapers.com/image/837278775/?terms=%20Oak%20Level%20Jennifer%20Short%20Virginia%20murder&match=1
https://www.newspapers.com/image/837397288/?terms=%20Oak%20Level%20Jennifer%20Short%20Virginia%20murder&match=1
https://www.newspapers.com/image/921531331/?terms=%20Oak%20Level%20Jennifer%20Short%20Virginia%20murder&match=1 (https://www.newspapers.com/image/989300186/?terms=%20Oak%20Level%20Jennifer%20Short%20Virginia%20murder&match=1
https://www.newspapers.com/image/921568216/?terms=%20Oak%20Level%20Jennifer%20Short%20Virginia%20murder&match=1

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On July 1, 1998, at nearly 1 p.m., a call came into the 911 emergency call center to report a fire at her home on Cherry Creek Drive in Saugus, California. The woman caller had a dry, matter-of-fact tone “The house is all smoke.” The dispatcher asked if the house was still smoking and the woman said “No, not now, it’s over.” She then went on to say “We had a fire last night. I woke up and everything was black.” The dispatcher in a bit of confusion confirms what she heard. “You had a fire last night?”

Caller: “Uh-huh”
Dispatcher: “And you just woke up?”
Caller: “Yes”
Dispatcher: “You were sleeping the whole time during the fire?”
Caller: “Yeah, I assume”

When responders arrived, they found that the fire had already been extinguished for some time. Sandi Nieves, who called first responders, was covered in soot and was waiting in the living room on the couch along with her 14-year-old son, David who also had soot on him. Both of them were eating cookies and acting bizarrely. David was zoning out watching TV. Sandi told the paramedics that everything was fine and they didn’t need to be there. What authorities would discover was a grisly crime that no one could have ever imagined.

Join Jen and Cam on this episode of Our True Crime Podcast entitled ‘Sleep My Babies: Sandi Nieves.’

Listener Discretion by Edward October @octoberpodVHS

Music by our E.P. Nico @theinkypawprint

Promo by our friend at I Talk To Ghosts. https://www.italktoghosts.com/

Sources:
https://law.justia.com/cases/california/supreme-court/2021/s092410.htmlhttps://thecinemaholic.com/sandi-nieves-where-is-the-killer-mom-now/

https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-9541967/Death-sentence-overturned-California-mom-murdered-four-daughters-fire.html

https://www.cbsnews.com/losangeles/news/california-supreme-court-reverses-death-sentence-sandi-nieves-1998-murders-4-young-daughters/

https://murderpedia.org/female.N/n/nieves-sandi.htm

https://www.liveakhbar.in/2023/09/16/where-is-sandi-nieves-now-and-who-is-she/

https://www.rottentomatoes.com/tv/women_on_death_row/s01/e05

https://www.gettyimages.com/detail/news-photo/mother-sandi-nieves-in-a-family-photo-with-her-son-and-four-news-photo/569159055

https://groups.google.com/d/topic/alt.true-crime/psQH1FXuaXwhttps://murderdb.com/sandi-nieves-murders-4-children/?amp=1

https://abc7.com/death-sentenced-reversed-santa-clarita-woman-sandi-dawn-nieves-children-murdered/10575971/

https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-2000-may-18-me-31278-story.html

https://mycrimelibrary.com/sandi-nieves-women-on-death-row/

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Tristan Redman is a journalist who doesn’t believe in ghosts. But weird things happened in his teenage bedroom – weirder than normal. When, years later, he discovers subsequent occupants of his family home say they have been visited by the ghost of a faceless woman, he’s curious. It just so happens that the house Tristan grew up in is right next door to the house where his wife’s great-grandmother, Naomi Dancy, was murdered – killed by two gunshots to the face. Could there be a connection? Tristan decides to investigate and soon finds himself where no son-in-law should ever be: delving deep into his wife’s family history, asking questions no one wants answered. Wondery and Pineapple Street Studios present Ghost Story — a seven-part podcast series about family secrets, overwhelming coincidence, and the things that come back to haunt us.

Follow Ghost Story on the Wondery App or wherever you get your podcasts. You can binge all episodes of Ghost Story ad-free right now by joining Wondery Plus.

Listen now: Wondery.fm/GS_OTCP

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On February 1st, 1993, a minister was summoned to a house off Dimboola Road in the outback town of Antwerp, Australia. When he arrived, he was greeted by a man named David Klingner, who said, “It’s a long story,” as he led the pastor into the house. Inside, the minister was overcome by a foul stench. Blowflies were buzzing around the house, attracted to the putrid smell of decay. The minister was pretty confident that whoever they had called him for was beyond saving.

​He made his way past a group of people who were calmly eating their lunch at the kitchen table into a bedroom where the swollen remains of 49-year-old Joan Vollmer lay fully dressed on a mattress. The minister immediately phoned the police, and a constable was sent to the house.

When Constable Michael Arnott arrived, he spoke to the dead woman’s husband, 54-year-old pig farmer Ralph Vollmer. After just a few moments, the constable understood the situation as thus: Ralph’s wife had been possessed by ten different demons, and she had died as a result of her “deliverance,” otherwise known as an exorcism.


Join Jen and Cam as they discuss “The Fatal Exorcism of Joan Vollmer.”


Promo by our friend Edward October from Octoberpod AM.
Be sure to catch his newest spooky tale, “The Spirit Doll: A Halloween Fantasia,” on October 24!


Written and researched by Lauretta Allen
Listener Discretion by Edward October from OctoberpodVHS
Executive Producer Nico Vitesse of The Inky Paw Print

Sources:
https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/211590852/joan-vollmer
https://www.nzherald.co.nz/world/the-creepy-australian-country-house-abandoned-after-joan-vollmers-terrifying-death-when-an-exorcist-tried-to-rid-her-of-demons/QSK4KYGCVHVSUMXGBUDKS7C4VA/
https://www.heraldsun.com.au/news/national/the-victorian-woman-who-died-after-a-fourday-exorcism/news-story/884b0b37067ce3bfad090c45c29283cc
https://casefilepodcast.com/case-128-joan-vollmer/https://forgottenillawarra.wordpress.com/2014/08/21/a-terrible-exorcism/
https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/127247897https://www.newspapers.com/image/120622909/?terms=Joan%20Vollmer%20exorcism&match=1
https://www.newspapers.com/image/120621692/?terms=Joan%20Vollmer%20exorcism&match=1
https://www.newspapers.com/image/120464050/?terms=Joan%20Vollmer%20exorcism&match=1

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Follow MrBallen’s Medical Mysteries wherever you get your podcasts. You can binge the first eight episodes early and ad-free on Amazon Music. Download the Amazon Music app today.

The human body is a miracle. But when it’s not working, it can be the stuff of nightmares. In this new series from master storyteller MrBallen, we share medical horror stories and diagnostic mysteries that are surgically calibrated to make your blood run cold.

From bizarre, unheard-of diseases and miraculous recoveries to strange medical mishaps and unexplainable deaths — you’ll never hear the phrase “heart-stopping” in the same way again. MrBallen’s Medical Mysteries is a first-of-its-kind collaboration between MrBallen and Wondery, the award-winning company behind Dr. Death.

Listen Now: Wondery.fm/GS_OTCP

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Today, we are en route to Birmingham, Alabama, where we'll meet Tracey Schoettlin, a 26-year-old with big aspirations. In the summer of 1986, Tracey worked as a waitress at the Southpoint American Cafe while diligently preparing for the LSAT, the crucial exam for law school admission. She took the LSAT multiple times until she achieved the necessary score for acceptance into Samford Law School. Her ultimate aim was to become a lawyer and serve an underserved community. Tracey's determination and ambition indicated that she was well on her way to realizing her dreams. On the fateful evening of July 13, 1986, Tracey left the restaurant around 11 p.m. intending to head home. Tragically, she never reached her destination. As the investigation unfolded, the circumstances surrounding her murder were deeply disturbing and nearly unbelievable. This homicide case would ultimately evolve into one of the most extensive criminal investigations in Jefferson County. The perplexing question remained: What could have motivated someone to inflict harm upon this young woman?

Join Jen and Cam of Our True Crime Podcast on this episode entitled ‘Visions: The Murder of Tracey Schoettlin.’

Listener Discretion by the oh-so-talented @octoberpodVHS

All Music by our EP Nico @theinkypawprint (formally known as @wetalkofdreams)

Promos from our friends at Angels’ Voices Silenced No More angelsvoicesnm.org
and @Twisted_Pod

Sources:
https://law.justia.com/cases/alabama/court-of-appeals-criminal/1990/577-so-2d-541-0.html


https://www.imdb.com/title/tt7846082/

https://www.facebook.com/WBRCnews/videos/who-is-tommy-bradley/589135551060/


https://case-law.vlex.com/vid/bradley-v-state-6-890015804


https://www.facebook.com/WBRCnews/videos/25-years-later-the-tracey-schoettlin-murder/2640830944248/


https://www.al.com/opinion/2013/03/alabama_justice_system_your_vi.html

https://www.newspapers.com/image/795110929/?terms=Tracey%20Schoettlin%20murder&match=1

https://www.newspapers.com/image/795110929/?terms=Tracey%20Schoettlin%20murder&match=1

https://www.newspapers.com/image/795087157/?terms=Tracey%20Schoettlin%20murder&match=1

https://www.wbrc.com/story/16043204/25-years-later-the-tracey-schoettlin-case/

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Step into the world of the unknown and unravel the dark history and infamous legends of the American South. Join us as we journey into the heart of this rich and fascinating region, uncovering its ghostly stories, haunted places, and eeriest tales through captivating storytelling, in-depth historical research, and an immersive audio soundscape.

From the Bell Witch of Tennessee to the haunted Waverly Hills Sanatorium, the ghostly tales of the Myrtles Plantation, the Curse of Lake Lanier, and beyond, get ready for an unforgettable experience that brings history to life and uncovers the truth behind classic tales of the paranormal.

This full-length episode is about the Disappearance of Bobby Dunbar. Our very own writer and researcher, Lauretta Allen, contributed to this episode. Plus, if you listen carefully, you can hear Jen's voice.

Make sure you listen and subscribe to Southern Gothic on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen to your favorite podcasts!

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Pumpkin spice season is often people's favorite time of the year. Relief from scorching summer temperatures arrives, and with it, a glorious orange, gold, and red blanket splays across the countryside. And in October of 2004, California's Napa Valley, home of America's wine country, was amping to be a spectacular autumn.

In one of Napa's cozy neighborhoods on Dorset Street, a house was decorated for Halloween like many others. In that house lived three women, friends who decided it was wiser to pool their resources and live together than separately. And even though Napa had a low crime rate—two years since there had been a serious crime—there was safety in numbers. Or so they thought.

On November 1st, 2004, at about 2:00 in the morning, Lauren was awakened by the security light flipping on behind the garage. She didn't overthink it because sometimes the cats would often get out. But then she heard her dog give a "warning bark." Lauren quieted her dog, but within minutes, she heard someone entering the house and going up the stairs. Thinking it may be one of her roommate's boyfriends, she quieted the dog again and dozed off.

Then she heard a blood-curdling scream.

Join Jen and Cam as they discuss "Napa Valley Nightmare: Adriane Insogna & Leslie Mazzara'.

Thank you to Bingo Bash for sponsoring this episode.
Download Bingo Bash for free today on Google Play Or Apple Store and join the Bingo Fun!

The promo on this episode is I Talk to Ghost. Available on all podcast apps.

Written and researched by Lauretta Allen
with bits added in by Jen
Listener Discretion by Edward October from OctoberpodVHS
Executive Producer Nico Vitesse of The Inky Paw Print

Sources:

https://abcnews.go.com/Primetime/LegalCenter/story?id=1187524&page=1
https://www.theforgivenessproject.com/stories-library/cathy-harrington/
https://www.newsnationnow.com/banfield/parallels-in-idaho-stabbings-2004-napa-murders/
https://www.newspapers.com/image/630821863/?terms=Eric%20Copple&match=
https://www.newspapers.com/image/192676146/?terms=Eric%20Copple&match=1
https://www.newspapers.com/image/192886956/?terms=Eric%20Copple&match=1
https://www.newspapers.com/image/192885977/?terms=Eric%20Copple&match=1
https://www.newspapers.com/image/192888528/?terms=Eric%20Copple&match=1

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On May 31, 1990, in New York City, a call came into the police about a 78-year-old man named Joseph "Joe" Proce, who was shot in the back outside his home by a stranger New York City has seen its share of homicides. In fact, Newsweek magazine said that 1990 was one of the worst years for homicides in the city. This shooting was different because the shooter left a note. A circle at the top of the letter is divided into sections with symbols inside each piece. It was later determined these symbols were the zodiac signs of Gemini, Scorpio, and Taurus. Below the circle is written the statement, “This is the Zodiac. The 12 sign will die when the belts in the heaven are seen.” At the end of the letter, there is yet another symbol, one that is familiar to many: a circle with a cross in it, as in gun sights. Next to the symbol is the name ‘Faust.’ Today, we will discuss the Zodiac Killer but not that Zodiac Killer. This is the New York City Zodiac, and people are wondering if the original has returned to finish what he started all those years ago.

Join Jen and Cam on this episode of Our True Crime Podcast entitled New York City Zodiac: Eddie Seda.

Listener Discretion by the oh-so-talented @octoberpodVHS

All Music by our EP Nico @theinkypawprint (formally known as @wetalkofdreams)

This episode is proudly sponsored by Bingo Bash. Download Bingo Bash Today on iOS and Android devices, and enjoy the 200 chips welcome bonus to help you kick off your Bingo adventure!

Sources:
Crowley, Keiran (2003). Sleep My Little Dead: The True Story of the Zodiac Killer. St Martin's Paperbacks

https://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/americas/zodiac-killer-new-york-caught-b2368470.html

https://www.nytimes.com/1990/06/25/nyregion/3-weeks-later-a-victim-shot-by-zodiac-dies.html

https://www.radiotimes.com/tv/documentaries/true-crime/new-york-zodiac-killer-heriberto-eddie-seda-now-catching-killers-netflix/

https://criminalminds.fandom.com/wiki/Heriberto_Seda

https://www.distractify.com/p/new-york-zodiac-killer-now

https://readysteadycut.com/2023/06/24/who-is-heriberto-seda-serial-killer

https://www.standard.co.uk/culture/tvfilm/who-was-zodiac-killer-catching-killers-netflix-b1091107.html

https://www.nytimes.com/1998/06/25/nyregion/brooklyn-man-is-guilty-in-three-zodiac-killings.html

https://www.fresherslive.com/latest/articles/is-heriberto-seda-still-alive-where-is-new-york-zodiac-killer-heriberto-seda-now-who-are-heriberto-seda-parents-1555036888

https://nymag.com/nymetro/news/crimelaw/features/n_10181/

https://thecinemaholic.com/heriberto-seda-now/

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The Generation Why Podcast released its first episode in 2012 and pioneered the true crime genre in the podcasting world. Two friends, Aaron & Justin, break down theories and give their opinions on unsolved murders, controversies, mysteries, and conspiracies.

Follow The Generation Why Podcast on the Wondery app or wherever you get your podcasts. You can listen to Generation Why ad-free right now by joining Wondery Plus.

Listen Now: Wondery.fm/GY_OTCP

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