Sinister Crimes and Cocktails: A True Crime Podcast

Send a text

On October 4, 1978, two electric company workers found the remains of a young woman near the campus of Whitworth University in Spokane, Washington. She had been beaten, sexually assaulted, and strangled; at the time police called her injuries "extreme trauma".  The young woman was soon identified as 16-year-old Krisann Baxter who had been reported to police as a runaway just a few days earlier. The case soon turned cold, but her clothing and other evidence was preserved despite this being before the era of DNA testing, in hopes that it would one day reveal the killer's identity. Almost 45 years later in 2023, Krisann Baxter’s killer was identified through DNA and genetic genealogy. So, was Krisann’s killer responsible for other sinister crimes.
References:
Murderer of 16-year-old Krisann Baxter of Spokane, Washington in 1978 identified via genetic genealogy : r/UnresolvedMysteries (reddit.com)

Krisann Baxter Cold Case: Spokane Police Say Her Killer Was Keith Lindblom (thedailybeast.com)

Major Crimes detectives use genetic genealogy to solve 45-year-old cold case in Spokane County | Spokane News | khq.com

DNA identifies suspect 45 years after teen found dead: cops | Tacoma News Tribune (thenewstribune.com)

Suspect determined in 1978 Spokane cold case, died in 1981 | News | kxly.com

Spokane cold cases: Krisann Baxter's 1978 killing 'tougher' than most to solve | The Spokesman-Review

Cold Case solved: Genetic genealogy unravels 1978 killing of Krisann Baxter near Whitworth (yahoo.com)

Support the show

email- [email protected]
website-https://www.sinistercrimesandcocktailspodcast.com/
Facebook Page-https://www.facebook.com/sinistercrimesandcocktails
Instagram Page-https://www.instagram.com/sinistercrimesandcocktails/
Cash App-

Send a text

Just last month, on January 24, 2024, 37-year-old Sarah Scheffer, a part-time art and design teacher at the Christian Calvary Lutheran High School in Jefferson City, Missouri was charged with the attempted murder of her husband by continuous poisoning. Over a six-week period, Sarah’s husband had grown suspicious of his wife after becoming severely ill from ingesting several meals and beverages made by her. Her husband then set up a hidden camera in their kitchen. After capturing his deadly discovery on surveillance footage, Sarah’s husband turned over his deadly findings to the Jefferson County police. According to police records, Sarah, who was having an affair at the time, admitted to poisoning her husband with a deadly plant root, but would later enter a plea of not guilty. So, is Sarah Scheffer one of a sinister mind that attempted to kill her husband or is she innocent? 
References:
Missouri Teacher Sarah Scheffer Poisoned Husband with Toxic Smoothies | St. Louis | St. Louis Riverfront Times

Christian school teacher allegedly tried to poison hubby’s smoothie with deadly plant during affair: cops (msn.com)

Teacher Sarah Scheffer charged, accused of trying to poison husband (usatoday.com)

Missouri teacher accused of poisoning husband charged with attempted murder - ABC News (go.com)

Suspicious Husband Installed Hidden Cameras in Home, Allegedly Caught Wife Trying to Poison Him: Police (msn.com)

Sarah Scheffer: Missouri teacher charged with attempted murder after allegedly poisoning husband with toxic smoothie (msn.com)

Jefferson City woman charged with poisoning husband | Jefferson City News Tribune

Support the show

email- [email protected]
website-https://www.sinistercrimesandcocktailspodcast.com/
Facebook Page-https://www.facebook.com/sinistercrimesandcocktails
Instagram Page-https://www.instagram.com/sinistercrimesandcocktails/
Cash App-

Send a text

In late September of 1981 23-year-old Laura Kempton’s body was discovered in her Portsmouth, New Hampshire apartment by police. Laura had last been seen alive in the early morning hours before her murder, entering her apartment alone after a night out with a friend. Over the next four decades, investigators pursued hundreds of leads and potential suspects, but were unable to identify the perpetrator.  That was until 2022, when the Portsmouth Police Department, working in conjunction with the New Hampshire State Police Forensic Laboratory, the Maine State Police Forensic Laboratory, the Attorney General's Cold Case Unit, and Identifinders International, used forensic genetic genealogy to identify the perpetrator through analysis of numerous DNA samples recovered from the crime scene in 1981. However, Laura Kempton’s killer would not be arrested and charged with her murder as investigators learned he was already deceased.  So why was Laura killed and was the sinister mind behind her death responsible for another Portsmouth unsolved homicide.
References:
Anatomy of a cold case, solved: How Portsmouth police tracked down Laura Kempton’s killer | Manchester Ink Link

A New Hampshire beauty school student was found dead in 1981. Her killer has finally been identified. - CBS News

Decades-old New Hampshire cold case murder solved through genetic genealogy, officials say - ABC News (go.com)

Laura Kempton death: Suspect identified in 1981 killing with help of genetic genealogy, attorney general says | CNN

Laura Kempton and Tammy Little: Portsmouth, NH Murders — Murder, She Told: Maine & New England True Crime (murdershetold.com)

Portsmouth NH 1981 murder of Laura Kempton 'solved," AG says (seacoastonline.com)

Cold case solved: Police identify deceased suspect in 1981 murder of Laura Kempton in Portsmouth, N.H. - The Boston Globe

Laura Kempton's cold case murder in Portsmouth NH solved with genetic genealogy, AG says - CBS Boston (cbsnews.com) 

Support the show

email- [email protected]
website-https://www.sinistercrimesandcocktailspodcast.com/
Facebook Page-https://www.facebook.com/sinistercrimesandcocktails
Instagram Page-https://www.instagram.com/sinistercrimesandcocktails/
Cash App-

Send a text

Between1986 and 1989 on or near a scenic drive that connects Jamestown, Williamsburg, and Yorktown in southeastern Virginia, two double homicides occurred with a third believing to have taken place, but those bodies have never been found. The killings were suspected to be the workings of a serial killer. Sadly, investigators were unable to apprehend the culprit and the slayings now known as the "Colonial Parkway Murders” went cold. Between those years, in the 1987, 20-year-old David Knobling and 14-year-old Robin Edwards were found fatally shot near the south bank of the James River in Isle of Wight County of Virgina. Unfortunately, this case went cold too. Also in 1989, another unsolved murder occurred in Hampton, Virginia. Although there are similarities in the Isle of Wight County homicides, the Hampton homicide and those of the “Colonial Parkway Murders, at the time, there was no forensic or physical evidence to link to those murders together.  However, over 40 years later police have named a suspect in the Isle of Wright County murders as well as the Hampton one too. So was this sinister mind also responsible for the “Colonial Parkway Murders”.
References:
CASES CLOSED: One “Colonial Parkway Murder” case, Hampton homicide solved (msn.com)

Deceased Virginia fisherman Alan Wilmer ID'd as cold-case killer (nypost.com)

Police link Va. man to 3 unsolved murders, address Colonial Parkway connection (wtvr.com)

Virginia police identify suspect in 3 cold-case homicides from the 1980s, including victims of the "Colonial Parkway Murders" - CBS News

Alan Wilmer Sr. Identified in Colonial Parkways Murders | Crime News (oxygen.com)

Virginia Fisherman Is Linked to Three 1980s Killings, Police Say - The New York Times (nytimes.com)

What we know about the man suspected in Colonial Parkway murders (pilotonline.com)

Support the show

email- [email protected]
website-https://www.sinistercrimesandcocktailspodcast.com/
Facebook Page-https://www.facebook.com/sinistercrimesandcocktails
Instagram Page-https://www.instagram.com/sinistercrimesandcocktails/
Cash App-

Send a text

 Located in Pennsylvania, Philadelphia at the Ivy Hill Cemetery in Cedarbrook, there is a headstone that reads “America’s Unknown Child.” The child who lies beneath the headstone, is a boy who was found in a cardboard box beaten to death some 65 years ago in 1957. The death of the young boy is one of Philadelphia’s most famous unsolved murders with the case having become known as the “Boy in the Box.” For decades this cold case has baffled Philadelphia police who over the years have pursued thousands of leads in search of the child’s identity and those responsible for his death but have continually come up empty handed. Well, that was until 2022, thanks to genetic genealogy testing and some good old-fashioned detective work, the victim has finally been identified as four-year-old Joseph Augustus Zarelli. Unfortunately, though, investigators have yet to uncover who is responsible for his death. So, who is the sinister mind responsible for the death of Joseph Augustus Zarelli. 

References:
What helped ID Joseph Augustus Zarelli? His mother’s family dabbles in genetic genealogy. (inquirer.com)

Boy In The Box: America's Unknown Child - Historic Mysteries

'Boy in the Box' DNA used to crack 1957 Philadelphia cold case (inquirer.com)

The Tragic 1957 Murder Of The Boy In The Box Explained (grunge.com)

The Boy In The Box: The Mysterious Case That Took Over 60 Years To Solve (allthatsinteresting.com)

The biological parents of the ‘Boy in the Box,’ Joseph Augustus Zarelli, have finally been identified (msn.com)

‘Boy in the Box,’ found dead in Philadelphia 65 years ago, is finally identified (nbcnews.com)

After 65 Years, Philadelphia Police Identify the ‘Boy in the Box’ - The New York Times (nytimes.com)

Philadelphia's slain 'Boy in the Box' named 6 decades later - Los Angeles Times (latimes.com)

Joseph Augustus Zarelli: Philadelphia police identify body of 'Boy in the Box' - 6abc Philadelphia

Philadelphia police identify body of ‘boy in the box’ after 66 years | Philadelphia | The Guardian

Support the show

email- [email protected]
website-https://www.sinistercrimesandcocktailspodcast.com/
Facebook Page-https://www.facebook.com/sinistercrimesandcocktails
Instagram Page-https://www.instagram.com/sinistercrimesandcocktails/
Cash App-

Send a text

The two cases that we will be diving into today are our last Texas cold cases we will be looking at this month. Both these cases have had more details made public than any other Texas cold case we have covered but have yet to find a resolution for the victims’ families. However, a new theory has emerged for one that does not include foul play, while police have three suspects for the other with no arrest being made so far. 
References:
Details - Unsolved Homicide (texas.gov)
Missing Pieces update: Natasha Atchley | khou.com
‘Cold Justice’ Investigates Natasha Atchley’s 1992 Murder | Crime News (oxygen.com)
A new theory in 1992 death of Texas cheerleader Natasha Atchley | khou.com
What Happened To Natasha Atchley? Cold Justice Has New Death Theory | Crime News (oxygen.com)
Marianne Wilkinson: No rhyme nor reason in Texas cold case from December 2007 (dmc0796.wixsite.com)
View Cases - Unsolved Homicide (texas.gov)
2007 North Richland Hills Slaying Receiving New Attention – NBC 5 Dallas-Fort Worth (nbcdfw.com)
Family Still Hopeful For Resolution In Wilkinson Murder - CBS Texas (cbsnews.com)
Person of Interest in 2007 North Richland Hills Slaying Found Dead – NBC 5 Dallas-Fort Worth (nbcdfw.com)
Unsolved murder: North Richland Hills grandma shot while answering door | wfaa.com
For the first time, a DNA profile has been created for 2007 cold case murder involving 68-year-old woman | wfaa.com
Gunned down: Person of interest in North Richland Hills slaying killed | Fort Worth Star-Telegram 

Support the show

email- [email protected]
website-https://www.sinistercrimesandcocktailspodcast.com/
Facebook Page-https://www.facebook.com/sinistercrimesandcocktails
Instagram Page-https://www.instagram.com/sinistercrimesandcocktails/
Cash App-

Send a text

We are still paying it forward this month and once again are looking at cold cases in our home state of Texas. Just like before, few details have been released to the public since they are still ongoing investigations. If you have any information regarding the cold cases we cover, please come forward and help give closure to the victims’ families. · If any of you have any information about these unsolved cases you can submit a tip through the Texas Rangers’ Cold Case website http://www.dps.texas.gov/TexasRangers/UnsolvedHomicides/index.htm or contact the Missing Persons Clearinghouse at 1-800-346-3243 or the Crime Stoppers hotline at 1-800-252-TIPS.
References:
Christmas Day unsolved murder : r/UnresolvedMysteries (reddit.com)

Details - Unsolved Homicide (texas.gov)

Mother and Son Murdered on Christmas Day in Houston, Texas - The CrimeWire

Details - Unsolved Homicide (texas.gov)

Unsolved cold case, what happened to Bill Roland | News | dailynewsandmore.com

Reward increased in 1997 disappearance of Texas man (kwtx.com)

DPS Offers Increased Reward, Seeks Leads in 1997 Cold Case | Department of Public Safety (texas.gov)

Harold William Roland – The Charley Project

Details - Unsolved Homicide (texas.gov)

Police Upgrade 1984 Homicide to Active after Remains are Identified (forensicmag.com)

OPD makes breakthrough in 1984 missing person case | newswest9.com

Maria Faye Mendez remains identified through DNA (lawandcrime.com)

Details - Unsolved Homicide (texas.gov)

TX - TX - Carol Reed, 17, Brownsville, 6 Dec 1993 | Websleuths

Who killed Carol Reed? | KVEO-TV (valleycentral.com)

Carol Reed – December 7, 1993 (sheriffericgarza.com)

Support the show

email- [email protected]
website-https://www.sinistercrimesandcocktailspodcast.com/
Facebook Page-https://www.facebook.com/sinistercrimesandcocktails
Instagram Page-https://www.instagram.com/sinistercrimesandcocktails/
Cash App-

Send a text

As part of us paying it forward for the month of January we decided to try to renew interest in some cold cases in our home state of Texas. Since Texas does not have a statute of limitations when it comes to murder, these cold cases are still considered active investigations, with few details pertaining to the crimes and suspects having been released. Our hope is that this coverage will spark a memory or bring someone forward who has information about the crimes or perpetrators. At the end of our episode as well as on our social media pages we will let you know where you can report any information that you may have on any of the cold cases we cover today. Now if any of you have any information about these unsolved cases you can submit a tip through the Texas Rangers’ Cold Case website http://www.dps.texas.gov/TexasRangers/UnsolvedHomicides/index.htm or contact the Missing Persons Clearinghouse at 1-800-346-3243 or the Crime Stoppers hotline at 1-800-252-TIPS.
References:
DPS Seeks Leads in 1990 Vernon Murders (texomashomepage.com)

DPS Seeking Leads in 1990 Double Homicide (bigcountryhomepage.com)

Details - Unsolved Homicide (texas.gov)

DPS Seeks Leads in 1990 Murders of North Texas Brothers | Department of Public Safety

Family still seeking justice for 13-year-old Veronica Taylor 34 years after brutal murder | KLBK | KAMC | EverythingLubbock.com

Who killed 13-year-old Veronica Taylor? More can be done to find out, family says | KLBK | KAMC | EverythingLubbock.com

Cold case investigators seek new leads in 1987 murder of 13-year-old Texas girl (kwtx.com)

Texas DPS increases reward for tips in 1987 Lubbock cold case homicide (lubbockonline.com)

Lubbock family thinks they know who killed 13-year-old Veronica Taylor (everythinglubbock.com)

Who killed 13-year-old Veronica Taylor? More can be done to find out, family says | KLBK | KAMC | EverythingLubbock.com

DPS Seeks Information In 1979 Slaying Of Dallas Child, Elizabeth Lynne Barclay - CBS Texas (cbsnews.com)

Support the show

email- [email protected]
website-https://www.sinistercrimesandcocktailspodcast.com/
Facebook Page-https://www.facebook.com/sinistercrimesandcocktails
Instagram Page-https://www.instagram.com/sinistercrimesandcocktails/
Cash App-

Send a text

We have been fortunate to have other podcasts such as Into the Looking Glass, Darkly to help promote our show when we first launched Sinister Crimes and Cocktails. For our New Years Bonus Episode this year, Kori and I wanted to pay it forward by promoting the new podcast Slaycation, that has a truly fascinating twist on true crime podcasts. Slaycation, which will be launched on January 9th, is a gripping and darkly comedic podcast that delves into the chilling world of murders on vacation. Hosted by true crime enthusiast Kim Davis, her comedy writer husband, and a seasoned TV producer, this unique and hilarious show will have you laughing and exclaiming, “What the Actual Fuck”, as it takes you on a twisted journey through the wildest vacation murders that will have you canceling your flight. We are privileged to have co-host of Slaycation, Kim Davis with us today to talk about her exciting new endeavor in the world of podcasting.

Support the show

email- [email protected]
website-https://www.sinistercrimesandcocktailspodcast.com/
Facebook Page-https://www.facebook.com/sinistercrimesandcocktails
Instagram Page-https://www.instagram.com/sinistercrimesandcocktails/
Cash App-

Send a text

On July 23, 2016, inside the Ellenville, NY, apartment of 27-year-old Sarra Gilbert a murder in the most horrific fashion occurred. Sarra stabbed her 52-year-old mother, Mari Gilbert more than 200 hundred times and then bludgeoned her head with a fire extinguisher until she was certain her mother was dead. Sarra had a long history of mental illness staring at a young age, with her defense attorney arguing that on the day of the murder, she had been suffering from hallucinations and was hearing voices that told her to kill her mother. The defense would also argue that she had been subjected to years of mental and physical abuse at the hands of her mother and had even suffered from sexual abuse at the hands of her mother’s boyfriend. However, the prosecution and some of the members of Sarra’s family told a very different story, one that was filled with a devious and manipulative young woman who tried to excuse her drug addiction as a mental illness. Several of Sarra’s family members claimed that she had tormented and belittled her mother Mari for years. So, was this a mentally ill woman whose psychosis had led to her committing murder or was this just a sinister mind of a cold-blooded killer.
References:
Sarra Gilbert murdered mom Mari Gilbert with 227 stab wounds: Twisted Sisters investigates (dailycrime.com)

Mari Gilbert Killed: Daughter Sarra Had Schizophrenia, Attorney Says (people.com)

Shannan Gilbert’s Sister, Accused of Stabbing Their Mother 200 Times, Found Guilty in Jury Trial – NBC New York

Mari Gilbert's Daughters Now - What Happened To Sheree, Stevie, Sarra (womenshealthmag.com)

Ellenville woman who brutally murdered her mother loses appeal - Mid Hudson News

Long Island Serial Killer case: Mother of victim linked to serial killer case is slain - CBS News

Sarra Gilbert Prison Sentence: When Is Her Release Date? (heavy.com)

Shannan Gilbert’s death drove sister to kill mom: lawyer (nypost.com)

Sarra Gilbert: Shannan Gilbert's Sister is in Jail Today (thecinemaholic.com) 

Support the show

email- [email protected]
website-https://www.sinistercrimesandcocktailspodcast.com/
Facebook Page-https://www.facebook.com/sinistercrimesandcocktails
Instagram Page-https://www.instagram.com/sinistercrimesandcocktails/
Cash App-