Stab in the Back

Have you ever had a bad neighbor? For our first show of the new year, we dive into murders in the community between people who live in close proximity with each other. 

First, Benton tells the tale of Melanie Smith, who burned 5 members of her neighbor's family to death, and Anna relays the tragic story of the Pike County murders. Lastly, the two enjoy a classic episode of American Justice, profiling the murder of Bobby Kent.

Our TV doc this week is Season 8: Episode 33 of American Justice, "Payback for a Bully".

Our first live show! For Episode 86, Benton and Anna attempt to condense the story of Jonbenét Ramsey into a tight hour and a half. Please enjoy our thoughts on this whopper of a crime, as well as our opinions on who might have done it.

A very special thank you to Tim and Evan at Brother Friend for hosting us and supporting our podcast, we love you!

How do you do, fellow Halloween kids?! Welcome to a very special episode of Stab in the Back, where Benton and Anna take a look at torture methods in medieval times, as well as some of its practitioners.

First, Anna gives a rundown on the generalities of torture in the middle ages, and Benton presents a list of especially horrible forms of torture. Then, Anna tells the tale of the notorious Vlad the Impaler, inspiration for Count Dracula. Finally, the two watch a documentary about the Tower of London's most famous executioner, Bloody Bonner.

Our TV doc this week is "The Psychopathis Executioner of the Tower of London | Tales from the Tower" from Chronicle.

Do you have any authors in your life? They may be hiding a dark secret in some of their work, and it just might mean murder! Episode 84 is all about writers involved in the deaths of themselves or others. 

First, Benton tells the tale of Syndrome author Blake Leibel's murder of Iana Kasian. Then, Anna relays the tragic story of Kenneth Halliwell and Joe Orton's murder-suicide. Lastly, the two watch an episode of World's Most Evil Killers, profiling the serial killer Jack Unterweger.

Our TV doc this week is Season 2: Episode 9 of World's Most Evil Killers, "Jack Unterweger".

Hey, Backstabbers!  Have you ever had your identity stolen? You'll be glad that it wasn't by one of these hustlers in Episode 83. 

First, Anna gives a rundown on how identity theft has always been with us, but much easier it is in the digital world of today, and Benton tells of the infamous Chameleon Killer, Elaine Parent. Then, Anna gives us a look at credit card fraud gone wild with David Matthew Read. Finally, the two get comfortable and watch a classic case of Forensic Files, profiling the murder of Paul Gruber.

Our TV doc this week is Season 11: Episode 28 of Forensic Files, "If I Were You".

Attention all armchair detective Backstabbers, this episode is all about the coldest of cold cases! First, Anna gives some numbers on how many crimes go unsolved, and Benton tells the tale of San Francisco's unknown serial killer, the Doodler. Then, Anna relays the story of Edgar Allen Poe's mysterious death in 1849. Finally, the two watch a classic episode of Cold Case Files, profiling the murder of Elizabeth Short, otherwise known as the Black Dahlia.

Our TV doc this week is Season 6: Episode 6 of Cold Case Files, "The Black Dahlia".

Hey Backstabbers! This really isn't an episode, but we thought it'd be fun if we recorded a viewing of the absolutely classic piece of cinema known as...The Silence of the Lambs!

We have a pretty sizable gap between episodes around now due to vacation time, so we thought this would tickle your fancy. Watch along with us! Have a laugh! 

We streamed on Max and a prompt will be given at the proper time to press play if you'd like to watch along with us.

Some crimes are much worse than others, and Episode 81 takes a look at the specific methods of murder known as familicide and family annihilation. First, Anna gives us a glimpse into the reasons why one may commit such a crime, and Benton tells the horrible tale of Jennifer and Sarah Hart's murder suicide. Then, Anna relays the story of Xavier Dupont, who disappeared after murdering his entire family. Finally, the two watch a classic episode of City Confidential, profiling the murders of the Defeo family in Amityville, New York.

Our TV doc this week is Season 6: Episode 8 of City Confidential, "Horror in Amityville".

See that school? Keep your eyes peeled, those teachers may not have the best intentions, they may be killers! First, Benton relays the story of Carolyn Warmus, a woman who earned the nickname 'Fatal Attraction Killer'. Then, Anna recounts the murder of Kathy Essery at the hands of Nathaniel Mellerson. Finally, the two settle in for a classic episode of Forensic Files, profiling the murder of Avis Banks.

Our TV doc this week is Season 14: Episode 9 of Forensic Files, "Textbook Murder".

They say it's usually the husband. Sometimes that's true many times over! This episode is all about so called Blue Beards, men who kill more than one wife. 

First, Anna share a few bits of information on how so-called Blue Beards operate, and Benton tells the tale of double wife murderer Earl Taylor. Then, Anna shares the sinister story of Johann Otto Hoch, a bigamist who may have killed up to 50 women. Finally the two watch a favorite episode of Cold Case Files, profiling the murders of John Smith.

Our TV doc this week is Season 2: Episode 9 of Cold Case Files, "Lady in the Box".