Stab in the Back

Have you ever been blamed for something you didn't do? It sucks! But that pales in comparison to truly being framed, which is the focus of Episode 78!

First, Anna goes over some of the ways a person can be put away for a crime they didn't commit, and Benton tells the strange tale of Barry Ardolf and his reign of terror via a hacked wifi network. Then, Anna relays the frame up of Floyd Bledsoe by his brother Tom. Finally, the two watch a truly iconic episode of Dateline, profiling the three alleged murders by Pamela Hupp.

Our TV doc this week is Season 30: Episode 22 of Dateline, "The Real Thing About Pam".

Happy Mother's Day, Backstabbers! Welcome to Episode 77, where mothers will do any manner of unspeakable things for their children. First, Benton tells the sordid tale of the murder for hire plot to kill Emilia Raras' own daughter-in-law, Sara. Then, Anna relays the story of Wanda Holloway, who chose murder to help advance her daughter's chances of making the cheerleading squad. Finally, the two settle in for a classic episode of Cold Case Files, profiling Esther Kahut, notorious member of a Portland crime family.

Our TV doc this week is the first half of Season 4: Episode 18 of Cold Case Files, "The Family".

Get ready for a doozy! This episode is all about people who were kept captive and locked away by their family members, only to be discovered decades later. First up. is Benton, with the terrible story of Elisabeth Fritzl, who was imprisoned by her father Josef for 25 years, and Anna tells the tale of Blanche Monnier, who was imprisoned by her mother and brother before being discovered a few decades later emaciated and filthy in a locked room in their mansion. Then, the two watch a classic episode of Forensic Files, profiling the mysterious death of recluse Virginia Ridley. 

Our TV doc this week is Season 5: Episode 9 of Forensic Files, "Kill-igraphy".

Have you ever wondered what the weirdest murder weapon might have been? Then episode 75 is for you! First, Anna and Benton discuss why weapons can be, and often are completely random nearby objects, and Benton tells of a homemade suicide helmet and the murder of a man using a prosthetic leg. Then, Anna relays the story of a man murdered with a loaf of bread, and a seemingly innocent conch shell that held the key to a case. Finally, the two watch a classic episode of Forensic Files, profiling the murder of Denise O'neill.

Our TV doc this week is Season 13: Episode 49 of Forensic Files, "Pet Rock".

*Production Note: Please excuse the first 20 minutes of audio, Benton's feed was inadvertently recorded through the Mac's microphone.

Hell hath no fury like a woman scorned! This episode is all about women who attempt to get back at the men in their lives, to varying degrees of success. First, Anna makes a few points about why a scorned woman may plot to kill, and Benton tells the tale of Brian Sugrim and his eventual arrest.  Then, Anna shares the poisonous plot of Lakhvir Singh. Finally, the two settle in for a classic episode of Cold Case Files, profiling the murder of sailor Jerry McClendon by Roxanna Latham and David Deshazo.

Our TV doc this week is Season 1: Episode 26 of Cold Case Files, "The Baiting Game".

Do you like music? We like music, too! But sometimes. the musicians we know and love murder people, and that's what Episode 73 is all about. First, Benton tells the tale of Big Lurch's murder of Tynisha Ysais due to drug induced psychosis, and then Anna relays the tragic tale of the death of Keith Moon's bodyguard, Neil Boland. Finally, the two watch a documentary about Sid Vicious and the mysterious death of Nancy Spungen. Did Sid do it?

Our documentary this week is Sad Vacation: The Last Days of Sid and Nancy.

Do you ever see someone following you out of the corner of your eye, and they look exactly like you? They're your twin, and they want to murder you. Just kidding! But this episode IS all about twins and the special bond they can share. First, Anna shares a few details about how twins differ from the rest of us on a DNA level, and Benton tells the unbelievable story of June and Jennifer Gibbons. Then, Anna relays the bizarre tale of Sabina and Ursula Eriksson. Finally, the 2 settle in for a classic episode of Forensic Files, profiling the conspiratorial murder of Dr. Jack Wilson.

Our TV doc this week is Season 1: Episode 8 of Forensic Files, "The Wilson Murder".

Also, a special happy birthday to Matt! Love ya!

Hey backstabbers, get ready for a rough one! We're back with another Valentine's Day episode all about the shared psychosis known as folie à deux. First, Anna gives a rundown on the actual definition and diagnosis of the disorder, and Benton tells the horrible tale of the Sunset Strip Killers in Los Angeles. Then, Anna relays the story of the infamous Papin sisters. Finally, the two settle in for a documentary on the legendary Bonnie & Clyde.

Our TV doc this week is Season 28: Episode 1 of American Experience, "Bonnie & Clyde".

Want to be creeped out? In this episode, Benton and Anna discuss the phenomenon of phrogging, or the act of living in a dwelling amongst us unknowingly. First, Anna gives a rundown on the differences between phroggers and squatters, and Benton shares the incredibly frightening crimes of Daniel Laplante. Then, Anna tells the tale of how a phrogger lived in the home of Stacy Ferrance, who couldn't understand why Christmas presents and food kept disappearing. Finally, the two watch a show all about phrogging, detailing the harrowing home invasion of James and Brittany Campbell.

Our TV doc this week is Season 1: Episode 1 of Phrogging: Hider in My House, "Bump in the Night".

Happy 2nd anniversary to Stab in the Back! Join Benton and Anna as they reminisce and discuss Lizzie Borden's meatloaf recipe, and invite a few special guests to share their favorite true crime stories. First up, we welcome back Benton's partner Matt to tell the horrifying tale of the Soap Maker of Correggio. Then, we welcome one of Anna's best friends, Casey, who relays her hometown's most infamous crime, the axe murder of Betty Gore in Wylie, Texas. Also, play along to Anna's game, "Paula Deen or Charles Manson?", and stay for the 2nd annual Stabby Awards!