Stab in the Back

Does love win in the end?  We like to think so, and this week's episode is all about finding love in unusual places.  First, Anna dives into the dark world of hybristophilia, where women will go after some of the world's worst people as possible romantic partners.  Then, Benton shares some of his findings on the strange world of sexual relationships within prison society.  Finally, the two discuss the infamous case of Diane Downs, who chose to murder her three children to win a man's affection.

Our TV doc this week is Season 41: Episode 29 of ABC's 20/20, "My Mother's Sins".  The episode can be viewed at the link below: 

https://abc.com/shows/2020/episode-guide/2019-03/22-my-mothers-sins

Come for the crime, stay for the animal puns!  This week's episode is all about how our pets can help solve crimes.  First, Anna goes over the details of using animal based evidence in forensic science, and Benton tells the tale of Misty Morse, whose murder was solved by the DNA of a dog hair.  Then, Anna relays the tragic tale of Shirley Duguay, whose murderer was caught by the hair of a cat.  Finally, the two catch up with a classic Cold Case Files episode, profiling the murder of Dan Schrader and his dog, Chico.

Our TV doc this week is Season 1: Episode 14 of Cold Case Files, "Man's Best Friend".

It's celebrity stalker edition on Stab in the Back!  First, Anna gives us a look into the many ways we can be a little too preoccupied with our favorite celebrities, and Benton tells the tragic tale of the bomb mailing Björk stalker, Ricardo Lopez.  Then, Anna relays the details of Yolanda Saldívar's obsession with and murder of Selena Quintanilla-Pérez.  Finally, the two dive into the first episode of Cold Case Files, with a segment profiling the murder of Bob Crane, star of Hogan's Heroes.

Our TV doc this week is the 3rd story of the very first episode of Cold Case Files, "Pilot Episode".

Have you ever wondered about the people who survived being in the clutches of a killer?  Episode 25 is for you!  First, Anna gives a rundown of how a person deals with the aftermath of surviving trauma, and Benton shares the story of Mary Vincent, who survived an ordeal with rapist and would-be killer, Lawrence Singleton.  Then, Anna tells the story of Kate Moir, who outsmarted her kidnappers, David and Catherine Birnie, in order to escape being their 5th murder victim.  Finally, the two discuss the harrowing survival tale of Thad Phillips, who managed to escape his fate at the hands of Joe Clark, AKA the Bonebreaker, as profiled on a classic episode of Cold Case Files.

Our TV doc this week is the second half of Season 1: Episode 18 of Cold Case Files, "The Tortured Truth".

Good help is hard to find.  The same applies if you want someone murdered.  Join Benton & Anna this week as they dive into the dark world of murder for hire!  First, Anna gives a rundown of the reasons why someone may hire another person to murder, and Benton revisits the case of Dana Ewell and the gruesome triple murder of his entire family.  Then, Anna gives us a glimpse into the dark world of the founder of Chippendales, Steve Banerjee.  Finally, the two discuss the murder of Grady Stiles, known as Lobster Boy, by his wife and stepson as profiled on a classic episode of City Confidential.

Our TV doc this week is Season 2: Episode 3 of City Confidential, "The Last Side Show".

This week's episode is all about celebrities who snap!  First, Benton tells the sordid tale of wealthy heiress Doris Duke and the accidental(?) death of her best friend, Eduardo Tirrella.  Then, Anna relays the events of the night that the actor who once played the Red Power Ranger, Ricardo Medina, killed his roommate in a blind rage.  Finally, the two dive into a classic episode of Dominick Dunne's Power, Privilege, and Justice, profiling the murder of Lana Clarkson by record producer Phil Spector.

Our TV doc this week is Season 9: Episode 10 of Dominick Dunne's Power, Privilege, and Justice, "Phil Spector".

This week's episode is coming in hot!  Join Benton and Anna as they discuss all things arson, and the psychology behind pyromania.  First, Anna gives an overview of what defines a pyromaniac, and Benton relays the possible sexual thrill fire may give them.  Then, they go over the details of the most prolific arsonist in American history, John Leonard Orr.  Finally, they take a look at a classic episode of Cold Case Files, profiling the Stockton Arsonist in California.

Our TV doc this week is the second half of Cold Case Files Classic, Season 1: Episode 13, "Fire Flicks".

In this week's episode, Benton and Anna take a look at some of our more modern investigative tools and the history behind them, as well as some cases involving very unusual evidence.  First, Benton takes a look at the Bertillon method for identifying offenders and the remarkable case of William and Will West.  Then, Anna gives a rundown of the tragic case of Jessica Chapman and Holly Wells, whose murders were solved by the work of a botanist.  Finally, the two discuss the murder of Deputy Bill Simmons in Illinois that was solved by putting a witness under hypnosis.

Our TV doc this week is the second segment of Season 1: Episode 16 of Cold Case Files, "The Tow Truck Killer".

This week's episode is all about criminals who wear disguises!  First, Anna gives some insight on why a disguise might be worn during a crime and what it might mean about the psychology of the criminal.  Then, the two discuss the cases of the killer clown from Florida, Sheila Keen Warren, and the bank robbing Geezer Bandit.  Finally, they take a stroll down to Texarkana to examine the Moonlight Murders by the Phantom Slayer.

Our TV doc this week is Murder in the Moonlight, viewable on Amazon Prime.

This week it's all about police tunnel vision!  First, Benton lays out the tragic story of Edna Posey, whose murderer is still at large after authorities went after the wrong man.  Then, Anna tells the tale of "Hurricane" Rubin Carter, who was sent to prison for a crime he didn't commit based on prejudice and lies.  Finally, the two dive into the still unsolved murder of Peggy Hettrick, and the wrongful prosecution of Tim Masters.

Our TV docs this week:
Season 7, Episode 12 of Forensic Files, "Scout's Honor" 
Cold Case Files, "Murder Illustrated", viewable on Youtube at the link below:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A77c00jncbI