One night in December of 1998, a family suffered an unbelievable tragedy in their small town Missouri home. Smelling smoke, 14-year old Michael Politte investigated the source and found his mother dead on the bedroom floor, bludgeoned and set on fire. Rita Politte had been viciously murdered and who did the police zero in on? Son, Michael. Two days after Rita’s murder, Michael was arrested. After a trial riddled with various inconsistencies and questionable evidence, Michael was convicted of her murder. Was justice served? Or is Rita’s killer still out there, walking free?

Drawing from various resources including a “48 Hours” documentary, the Mombies Podcast, and news channels, host David brings the SWAC Pack an engaging discussion regarding the details surrounding Rita’s murder, including: the events leading up to the murder, the police’s subsequent investigation, and the problems surrounding the scientific evidence used to convict Michael. 

In our conclusion of this week’s episode, we talk about the recent efforts of the Midwest Innocence Project to exonerate Michael who, after spending 24 years incarcerated for the murder of his mother Rita, was granted parole in April of 2022.

Join the SWAC Pack as they explore alternative suspects. Share your theories with us on the “Speculating Wildly About Crime (SWAC Pod) Discussion Group” on Facebook.

https://www.cbsnews.com/news/michael-politte-rita-politte-missouri-sleepover-murder-investigation/

https://apnews.com/article/lifestyle-business-missouri-c11bb1934a7b50779da9776d2221a49c

https://sandhillsexpress.com/cbs_national/man-convicted-as-a-teen-of-murdering-his-mom-says-the-real-killer-is-still-out-there-cbsid7902c50b/

MTV Series: Unlocking The Truth About Wrongful ConvictionsLangdon & Emisonhttps://www.langdonemison.com › Blog

"48 Hours" The Case Against Michael Politte (TV Episode 2022)IMDbhttps://www.imdb.com › title

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This episode of 'Speculating Wildly About Crime' explores the unsolved disappearance and death of Molly Ann Bish. Host Jamie, drawing on various sources such as the show Disappeared, podcasts, news clips, and Molly's sister Heather's TikTok, delves into Molly's background, the circumstances of her disappearance from Warren, Massachusetts in 2000, and the subsequent discovery of her remains in 2003. The investigation into Molly's case has led to several suspects over the years, including Rodney Stanger, Gerald Battistoni, and Francis Sumner, but no arrests have been made. The script also highlights the efforts of Molly's family to find justice, including the establishment of the Molly Bish Foundation and advocacy for improved child safety measures. Viewers are encouraged to share any information that could lead to solving Molly's case.

"Disappeared" Murky Waters (TV Episode 2011) - IMDb

Unsolved: Worcester - Who Killed Molly Bish? (thisweekinworcester.com)

Molly Bish (voicesforjusticepodcast.com)

https://www.listennotes.com/podcasts/missing/165-the-murder-of-molly-bish-XtqGS2wgAV1/

https://www.tiktok.com/t/ZTLdPG27Q/ (video of the pond area from Heather)

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Could the key to a decades-old murder mystery lie buried in the haunting echoes of a Labor Day tragedy? Prepare to be gripped by the harrowing tale of the Reker sisters, whose lives were mercilessly cut short in the sleepy town of St. Cloud, Minnesota. This episode pulls back the curtain on the family's background, the critical days leading up to the sisters' disappearance, and the local quarry where their bodies would later be discovered, riddled with stab wounds. Diving deep into the narrative with insights from "The Deck" podcast host Ashley Flowers and firsthand accounts from local news, we piece together the sinister puzzle that has left this case cold for far too long.

The plot thickens as we explore the perplexing circumstances of Mary and Susie's last known whereabouts, including a neighbor's foreboding observations and a bar patron’s chilling tip-off. We stitch together the fragmented memories of that fateful weekend, juxtaposed against Sue Dukowitz's spine-chilling survival story from years later, which might just reopen old wounds and breathe new life into the investigation. Every lead, every heart-stopping encounter with potential suspects brings us a step closer to understanding the muddled truths behind the sisters’ untimely demise.

We wrap our investigation in shrouds of intrigue and speculation, questioning the possible involvement of an authority figure with a dark past and the shadowy implications of the Troubled Teen Industry. Could a reverend with a checkered history hold the key to unlocking this mystery? A neighbor's unsettling eagerness to help, the haunting words of a diary fearing the worst, and the enigmatic presence of gold wire-rimmed glasses—all these elements are dissected as we attempt to shed light on a case that has been shrouded in darkness for almost half a century. Join us as we navigate through this labyrinthine saga, piecing together the fragments left behind in the quest for closure.

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https://www.kare11.com/article/news/investigations/kare-11-investigates-new-lead-in-minnesota-cold-case-double-murder/89-9aafabd4-0304-4538-a5da-4c7c209594a0

https://thedeckpodcast.com/mary-susanne-reker-part-1/

https://thedeckpodcast.com/mary-susanne-reker-part-2/

https://www.fox9.com/news/mother-of-murdered-girls-confronts-suspected-killer-on-his-death-bed.amp

https://dps.mn.gov/entity/soc/Documents/poster-spotlight-on-crime-mary-and-susan-reker-acc.pdf

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Janelle from 'Speculating Wildly About Crime,' delves into the life and untimely death of actress Brittany Murphy. Beginning with her early life and rise to fame, the script explores Murphy's career highlights and personal struggles, including her transformation to fit Hollywood's beauty standards and her relationships with Ashton Kutcher and Eminem. The focus then shifts to her marriage with screenwriter Simon Monjack, highlighting the concerning dynamics of their relationship, Monjack's dubious background, and the isolation of Murphy from her friends and family. The narrative takes a darker turn with the detailed account of Murphy's death in 2009, under suspicious circumstances involving pneumonia, iron deficiency anemia, and multiple drug intoxication. The video also investigates the aftermath, including the bizarre behavior of Monjack and Murphy's mother Sharon post-mortem, further speculative theories regarding their deaths, and the impact of celebrity culture on personal health and privacy. Ultimately, this video aims to respectfully remember Brittany Murphy's legacy, while also critically examining the circumstances that led to her and Monjack's premature deaths.


Doc - What Happened Brittany Murphy on MAX 
https://podcasts.apple.com/cr/podcast/the-mysterious-death-of-brittany-murphy/id1379959217?i=1000490918365 
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5MDDrJw5yPw https://www.morningjournal.com/2010/05/25/brittany-murphys-husband-is-found-dead-at-home/ https://www.today.com/popculture/brittany-murphys-mom-disputes-claim-star-was-poisoned-2d11650631 https://www.bustle.com/entertainment/brittany-murphy-mom-sharon-husband-simon-relationship-dating-rumors https://www.esquire.com/entertainment/tv/a37962982/true-story-what-happened-brittany-murphy-death-hbo-max/
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The Mysterious Story of Brittany Murphy and Simon Monjack

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This episode of 'Speculating Wildly About Crime' hosted by Missy delves into the perplexing case of Henry McCabe, a 32-year-old Liberian immigrant and Minnesota Department of Revenue auditor. Henry disappeared on September 6, 2015, after a night out with friends during Labor Day weekend. His wife, Corinne, received a disturbing voicemail from him in the early hours of September 7, in which he sounded distressed. Despite efforts from friends, family, and local authorities, Henry's body was eventually found in Rush Lake, leading to more questions than answers. The podcast explores various theories about Henry's disappearance and death, including foul play, accidental drowning, and potential involvement by the Liberian government, as well as the enigmatic circumstances surrounding the last known hours of his life. The discussion is enriched by community input and speculation, shedding light on the complexities and uncertainties of this haunting case.


https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/melissa-reece4https://crimejunkiepodcast.com/murdered-amber-tuccaro-henry-mccabe/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n3H25CzguMs
https://coldcaseexplorations.com/minnesota-cold-or-unsolved-cases/disturbing-voicemails-and-a-troubling-disappearance-what-happened-to-henry-mccabe/
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The Enigmatic Case of Bryce Laspisa: A Deep Dive into His Mysterious Vanishing

Today we examine the mystifying disappearance of college student Bryce Laspisa, combining insights from various sources including 'Disappeared,' 'True Crime Garage,' and 'Mysteries and Mimosas,' alongside a Reddit insider. It explores the events leading up to Bryce's vanishing, analyzing his behavior, relationships, and mental state, speculating on reasons ranging from potential suicide to the desire to start anew. The narrative also considers the effect of Bryce's possible drug and alcohol problems, family dynamics, and a rumored psychotic break, offering a comprehensive look at the theories and efforts to find him. Despite extensive discussions and investigative attempts, Bryce's fate remains an unresolved puzzle, highlighting the need for any information that could lead to his whereabouts.

https://allthatsinteresting.com/bryce-laspisa
https://truecrimegarage.com/blogs/true-crime-garage/posts/7054536/bryce-laspisa-611-612
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The Mysterious Disappearance of Branson Perry

In this true crime podcast episode, the host Carolina explores the unsolved disappearance of Branson Kayne Perry. The case took place in the small town of Skidmore, Missouri, known for its surprising criminal history despite a small population of about 340 people. Perry, born on February 24, 1981, was missed by his family since April 11th of 2001. Carolina discusses various theories about what could have happened to Perry such as the involvement of his neighbors, two unknown mechanics, or even the notorious convicted criminal Jack Wayne Rogers. The local law enforcement are speculated to have engaged in deep investigation but couldn't draw a conclusion. The case still remains a mystery two decades later. The podcast episode attempts to shed light on some unturned stones in Branson's tragic disappearance.

Branson Kayne Perry- Show Notes (Sources):Book: 

“Baby Be Mine” by Diane Fanning 

Newspaper Articles: 

Gaug, Andrew (April 11, 2011). “Searching for Branson Perry: 10 Years Later”. St. Joseph News Press

Corey, Lindsey V (April 11, 2002). “Man Still Missing After Year’s Hunt”. St. Joseph News Press

Corey, Lindsey V (April 11, 2003). “FBI agent links man to unsolved Skidmore disappearance” St. Joseph News Press

Gaug, Andrew (April 17, 2021). “20 years later, Branson Perry Search Continues”. St. Joseph News Press

Morris, Mark (June 16, 2003). “Fate of 20-year-old linked to frightening internet chat”. The Kansas City Star

Corey, Lindsey V (August 6, 2001). “After 4 months, Skidmore man is still missing”. St. Joseph News-Press

Myers, Jimmy (August 15, 2003). “Clues pointing to Perry’s slaying”. St. Joseph News Press

Morris, Mark (December 3, 2006). “Mother renews push to solve mystery of son’s loss”. The Kansas City Star

“Dinner set to raise funds in Perry case”. St Joseph News Press

White, Marshall (June 11, 2009). “Promising lead digs up few clues”. St. Joseph News Press

Jacobs, Jennifer and Santiago, Frank (December 18, 2004). “Woman killed, baby stolen”. The Des Moines Register

Dobkin, Rachel (August 16, 2022) “Eerie details emerge in disappearance of man, 20, who vanished without a trace from a shed near his home”. The U.S. Sun

Websites: 

Justice for Branson Perry: A Mother’s Plea

https://bringbransonhome.wordpress.com/a-mothers-plea/

Missing Branson Perry

https://www.angelfire.com/jazz/jazzyrose/BransonPerry.html

NamUs - Branson Kayne Perry (Page)

The Charley Project - Branson Perry (Page)

https://charleyproject.org/case/branson-kayne-perry

Podcast(s): 

Trace Evidence, Episode 89 Air Date: 09/02/2019

True Crime Garage, Episode 484 Air Date: 04/2

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Exploring the Unresolved Mysteries of the Bakersfield 3: A Deep Dive into the Crimes, Connections and Theories

Join us as we delve into the perplexing case of the Bakersfield 3. In this detailed analysis, we examine the timelines, potential connections, and theories surrounding the disappearances of Micah Holsonbake, James Kulstad, and Baylee Despot. Their interconnected vanishings have left investigators and communities baffled and driven their families to seek justice. This episode takes you through the background of each individual, their shared connections, and the complex sequence of events leading to their disappearances. We present different theories and viewpoints while also exploring the role of drugs, gun manufacturing, and potential connection to sex trafficking.

The Bakersfield Three podcast - https://shows.acast.com/the-bakersfield-three 

News Articles:

https://thiswastv.com/bakersfield-3-wikipedia/

https://www.kget.com/news/local-news/domestic-violence/a-closer-look-at-the-bakersfield-3-where-is-baylee-despot/ 

https://www.kget.com/news/a-closer-look-at-the-bakersfield-3-what-happened-to-micah-holsonbake/

https://charleyproject.org/case/baylee-cheyanne-despot

https://thecinemaholic.com/baylee-despot-where-is-bakersfield-3-fugitive-now/

https://www.kget.com/bakersfield3/found-remains-of-bakersfield-3-victim-take-a-toll-on-grieving-family/

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This compelling content uncovers the unsolved incident of pastry chef Stephanie Wasilishin's homicide, driven by the relentless dedication of her daughter, Nicole (Nikki) Wasilishin.. The discussion delves into the controversial 911 call, the investigation of the crime scene, and the complex dynamics between Stephanie and significant individuals in her life. The emotional centerpiece of the content is Nikki's touching account of her quest for justice, her struggles with the police, and her efforts to gain public backing. The narrative further highlights her bond with the SWAC PAK Team, a steadfast ally in disseminating her cause. The program concludes by pledging continuous support for Nikki's campaign for justice, encapsulating a narrative of resilience, hope, and community strength.

https://www.fox10phoenix.com/news/unsolved-in-sedona-decades-later-family-members-frustrated-at-lack-of-progress-in-cold-case

https://www.redrocknews.com/2020/07/16/sedona-police-department-returns-to-1993-case/

https://www.google.com/search?q=stephanie+wasilishin+911+call&rlz=1C1CHBF_enUS792US792&oq=stephanie+wasilishin+911+call&gs_lcrp=EgZjaHJvbWUyBggAEEUYOTIHCAEQIRigAdIBCDkwOTZqMGo3qAIAsAIA&sourceid=chrome&ie=UTF-8#fpstate=ive&vld=cid:e52527f9,vid:ICx4VL95xow,st:0

https://www.change.org/p/demand-a-complete-homicide-investigation-for-the-murder-of-stephanie-marie-wasilishin

https://www.indiegogo.com/projects/i-am-the-daughter-of-a-murdered-woman-documentary#/

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In this episode of Speculating Wildly About Crime, we delve into the unsolved case of Laureen Rahn, a

14-year-old girl who mysteriously disappeared from her home in 1980. Listen as we explore the strange circumstances surrounding this case, such as the unidentified late-night phone calls, unconfirmed eyewitness accounts of Laureen, and the three missing girls with uncanny similarities. Join us as we speculate the possible theories behind Laureen's disappearance and don't forget to share your thoughts in the comments section. Stay tuned for future episodes where we discuss your speculations and delve further into this intriguing case.

Disappearance of Laureen Rahn - Wikipedia

The Forty Year Search For Laureen Rahn — Murder, She Told: Maine & New England True Crime (murdershetold.com)

Laureen Ann Rahn – The Charley Project

https://charleyproject.org/case/laureen-ann-rahn

Denise Ann Daneault – The Charley Project

https://charleyproject.org/case/denise-ann-daneault

Rachael Elizabeth Garden – The Charley Project

https://charleyproject.org/case/rachael-elizabeth-garden

Terry Peder Rasmussen - Wikipedia

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

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