Caterham, England. February 17, 2014. Lorin LaFave was at a loss. Her 14-year-old son, Breck, hadn't been himself for a while. It all began when he joined an online gaming club, headed by Lewis Daynes, an 18-year-old unemployed computer engineer. Daynes's influence on Breck was powerful - he began skipping activities he once enjoyed, he isolated himself from his family and friends, he was constantly irritated and argumentative.

Lorin did everything she could to put an end to the friendship. She installed parental controls on their home computers and tried to ban Breck from using Daynes's server. She even called the police, fearing that Breck was being groomed by Daynes. But her efforts were in vain.

Those who had the power to help Breck failed to do so, and the consequences were devastating.

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Learn more about what The Breck Foundation is doing to keep young people safe online.

You can find sources for this episode here.

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Colorado Springs, Colorado. June 11, 2022. 17-year-old Riley Whitelaw reported her 28-year-old coworker, Joshua Johnson, to her manager at Walgreens. Johnson had been making advances unwanted towards Riley, which were making her seriously uncomfortable at work. This wasn't the first time she had made a report about him either.

She asked for her schedule to be changed so that she would no longer have to work with Johnson. But when she asked for extra hours, her manager told her that this would mean crossing paths with Johnson.

Three weeks later, she was found murdered in the break room at work.

This case is currently ongoing. Joshua Johnson had a preliminary hearing on September 16, in which detectives working the case testified that no one other than Johnson could be responsible for Riley's murder.

A judge ruled the evidence given at the hearing sufficient for Johnson to go to trial. His arraignment is scheduled for Nov 15, where he will plead guilty or not guilty.

I'll post any updates on my Instagram.

The Murder of Riley Whitelaw (my blog post on this case)

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Sources

GoFundMe Page - In Loving Memory - Riley 

Riley Whitelaw Obituary

Preliminary hearing for suspect in Colorado Springs Walgreens homicide

Arrest papers: Teen found dead at Colorado Springs Walgreens allegedly had concerns about suspect since last year

Teenage Walgreens employee in Colorado Springs reported coworker before she was found dead in breakroom

A Walgreens Employee Was Accused Of Killing A Teenage Coworker Who Had Rejected His Advances

Docs: Teen asked not to work with coworker facing charges for her murder at Walgreens

Joshua Johnson charged with first-degree murder in killing of teen co-worker at Walgreens

‘There Was Blood Everywhere’: Walgreens Employee Charged with Killing Teen Co-Worker Who Told Management His ‘Advances’ Made Her ‘Uncomfortable’

Riley Whitelaw funeral service scheduled in Colorado Springs

Teen employee killed inside Walgreens in Colorado Springs was stabbed more than 40 times

Autopsy report reveals horrific new information on murder of teen at Colorado Springs Walgreens

Labor attorney raises concerns about handling of complaint before murder at Colorado Springs Walgreens

Labor attorney weighs in on girl allegedly murdered by coworker in Colorado Springs Walgreens

Man Allegedly Killed Teen Walgreens Coworker Who'd Rejected His Advances

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Cheshire, Connecticut. July 23, 2007. Cheshire has pretty much everything you'd want if you were looking for a quiet, peaceful place to raise a family. The houses are spacious, the lawns are well-manicured and leafy trees line the streets. But what's most attractive about Cheshire is that it's safe. At least, that's what Bill and Jennifer Petit thought - it seemed like the perfect place to raise their two daughters, Hayley and Michaela. And it was, until one night in late July 2007 when all hell broke loose. What Joshua Komisarjevsky and Steven Hayes insisted was only going to be a home burglary, escalated into a frenzy of violence and ultimately, murder. What spurred the two men to carry out such heinous acts? And could the police have done more to stop them?

The Cheshire Home Invasion Murders (my blog post on this case)

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Sources for this episode:

The Cheshire Murders Documentary

Connecticut Murder Suspect’s Ex-girlfriend Speaks Out

Sister of Komisarjevsky Girlfriend Testifies about Concern Over Relationship

Komisarjevsky’s Religious Upbringing Detailed in Court

Petit murder suspect had long, troubled history of drugs, crime

Two Portraits of Triple Killer, Offered to Jurors, Are at Odds

Defense in Connecticut home invasion case aims to shift blame

Steven Hayes, once on death row for Cheshire triple killing, resentenced to 6 life terms in prison

Joshua Komisarjevsky, convicted in Cheshire triple killing, seeks a new trial

CT Supreme Court hears Cheshire killer Komisarjevsky’s argument for new trial

Steven Hayes from Death Row: ‘I just snapped’ at scene of Cheshire home invasion

Revisiting The Grisly Cheshire Murders

The Survivor

Connecticut town finds hope, healing 10 years after gruesome Petit family murders

Connecticut Home Invasion Convict Is Undergoing Gender Transition in Prison

The Petit Family Foundation

Music from Purple Planet Music

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Albuquerque, New Mexico. August 23, 2016. When Victoria Martens stepped off the school bus that Tuesday, her mother, Michelle, should have been waiting for her. But there was no sign of her, so Victoria made her own way home. It was Victoria's 10th birthday, so she was probably anticipating presents and cake, as any 10 year old would. For Victoria, however, the last year had been pretty terrible. Michelle, while she loved her daughter, wasn't very good at putting her first. She had a way of getting involved with bad people. They exploited Michelle's vulnerability and trusting nature and then they turned to Victoria. Michelle had called social services five separate times that year to report incidents involving her boyfriends.

But on this particular day, Victoria's life turned into a living hell; one she did not make it out of alive. Michelle's new boyfriend, Fabian Gonzales, and his cousin, Jessica Kelley, should never have been allowed in Michelle's home, especially with her kids around. Both Kelley and Gonzalez had been in and out of prison for years. Not to mention they both had a fondness for meth.

What happened to Victoria was pure evil. It's especially devastating how so many calls for help went unanswered. 

The Murder of Victoria Martens (my blog post on this case)

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Facebook: @talkmurrderwithme

Support me by buying me a coffee ☕

Sources for this episode:

Report: Suspect in N.M. girl's gruesome slaying should have been under supervision

Documents reveal new details surrounding Victoria Martens' death

Justice for Victoria: Where the case stands now

OPINION | Editorial: False confessions mean we need an outside look at APD's Vigil, Martens homicide investigations

Forensic psychiatrist gives insight into Michelle Martens' false statements

Four years after 10-year-old girl is killed, questions linger

UPDATE: Jessica Kelley accepts plea deal in death of Victoria Martens

CYFD received 5 calls about the Martens family before Victoria was killed

Grandparents open up about Victoria Martens' mom

Bombshell plea deal, murder charges dropped in Victoria Martens' case

A shocker in Victoria Martens case » Albuquerque Journal

Jessica Kelley admits to setting girl on fire after she was killed

The Victoria Martens Case: 'We want to make it right for this little girl'

Details emerge in search for 4th Martens suspect

Prosecutors: 'Gang ties are the reason Victoria Martens was killed'

NM struggles with child neglect, abuse » Albuquerque Journal

Expert: Martens' statements were 'contaminated' » Albuquerque Journal

Suspect on trial in Victoria Martens case asks to be released

Civil suit filed by Victoria Martens' grandparents dismissed

Hundreds gather to remember Victoria Martens at public memorial service

Timeline of investigation » Albuquerque Journal

Birthday memorial held for New Mexico girl who was raped, killed

Fabian Gonzales released from jail

Community remembers life of Victoria Martens

Suspect in Victoria Martens case to be sentenced next month | KOB 4

New report: NM among nation's worst in child abuse, maltreatment - Albuquerque Journal

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Newcastle, England. October 12, 2016. When Alice Ruggles saw the Facebook notification appear on her phone, she was intrigued. It was a comment from a handsome stranger on a photo of her on a recent holiday. In the comment, he wrote how beautiful he thought she was. Alice sent the man, whose name was Harry Dhillon, a message introducing herself.

The two began talking every day and at first, things seemed to be going well, but this didn't last long. It became increasingly clear to Alice that Harry was not the kind and thoughtful person she originally thought he was. He was cruel and spiteful. He wanted to have full control over Alice's life. When Alice realized how toxic he really was, she dumped him. But Harry was having none of it. He harassed and stalked Alice relentlessly.

Alice contacted the police about Harry on several occasions. But over and over, they failed to grasp how much danger she was in.

As Alice tried her best to move on, Harry spent all day, every day, convincing himself that if he couldn't have her, nobody could.

Instagram: @talkmurderwithme

Facebook: @talkmurrderwithme

Sources:

Alice Ruggles Trust - Alice's story

DOMESTIC HOMICIDE REVIEW

Alice Ruggles: Police and Army 'failed' stalking victim - BBC News

Alice Ruggles murder: Trimaan Dhillon to serve minimum of 22 years - BBC News

Alice Ruggles murder accused had restraining order - BBC News

Alice Ruggles murder: Police 'failed to investigate concerns properly' - BBC News

Gateshead 'murder' victim Alice Ruggles' funeral to take place today - Chronicle Live

Alice Ruggles' brutal murder shocked the nation - so what's changed in the two years since?

Alice Ruggles' family: police and army could have prevented murder | Crime | The Guardian

Alice Ruggles murder: days before death she felt 'palmed off by police' | UK news | The Guardian

Soldier jailed for stalking and murdering ex-girlfriend Alice Ruggles | Crime | The Guardian

Two police officers disciplined over Alice Ruggles murder case

STALKING PROTECTION ACT 2019 EXPLANATORY NOTES

IOPC Report - Miss Alice Ruggles

Harassment: "Police Information Notices" or "Early Harassment Notices" in England and Wales - House of Commons Library

STALKING AND CRIMINAL LAW

Maxine's 999 Call

Harry's Voicemail to Alice

Alice's Call to Police

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Bellevue, Washington. November 6, 2011. Sky Metalwala's short life was tragically sad. At just 2-years-old, he had already been through a lot. His parents, Julia Biryukova and Solomon Metalwala, were going through a bitter divorce and custody battle over him and his 4-year-old sister Maile. One morning in early November 2011, Sky woke up feeling unwell, so Julia decided to take him to the doctor. On the way there, she ran out of gas. She parked on the side of the road and walked to a nearby gas station, leaving Sky in the car. When she got back to her car, Sky was nowhere to be found. When Julia told the police her story, however, it didn't add up. They had a lot of questions, but Julia refused to talk. Eventually people began to wonder whether Sky had ever been in that car at all that morning...

Instagram: @talkmurderwithme

Facebook: @talkmurrderwithme

Sources:

Sky Metalwala’s disappearance still an active investigation after 3 years

Police: Missing boy not seen for 2 weeks

Sky Elijah Metalwala - The Charley Project

The Disappearance of Sky Metalwala

Missing Washington toddler Sky Metalwala

Police say they have new information in Metalwala case

Sky Metalwala Missing: Dad Thinks Boy's Mother, Julia Biryukova, May Be Involved in Disappearance

Kirkland resident Solomon Metalwala granted custody of daughter, son still missing

Mother of missing child has new baby, declared unfit mother

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Malibu, California. September 16, 2009. Mitrice Richardson had not been herself for a while. One day in mid-September, 24-year-old Mitrice was arrested for being unable to pay her bill at an exclusive Malibu restaurant. She was taken to the Malibu/Lost Hills Sheriff's Station. Her mother, Latice, was assured by a sheriff's deputy that she would be kept in custody over night. But this was not to be; Mitrice ended up being released in the middle of the night with no purse, phone, or any personal belongings. No one truly knows what happened to Mitrice that night.

Eleven months later, her partially-mummified remains were discovered at the bottom of a canyon. Mitrice's devastated family and friends were desperate for answers. The LA County Sheriff's Department, on the other hand, had no interest in finding out what happened. Time and time again, they failed Mitrice's family. To this day, her cause of death remains unknown.

Instagram: @talkmurderwithme

Facebook: @talkmurrderwithme

Sources:

Latice’s book on Mitrice (Amazon link)

LA Magazine article by Mike Kessler: What Happened To Mitrice Richardson?

Malibu-area search fails to find missing woman, 24

Long search for Mitrice Richardson comes to tragic end

Six Years Later Mitrice Richardson’s Death Still An Unsolved Mystery

Missing woman’s mother sues Los Angeles County and Sheriff’s Department

Friends and relatives remember Mitrice Richardson

Lie and Deny: Secrecy and Suspicion Surround the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department

Hopes for a new investigation into Mitrice Richardson case end in disappointment

Again, no sign of Mitrice Richardson

Coroner's official criticizes Sheriff's Department for moving Mitrice Richardson's remains

Attorney general's probe finds no evidence of wrongdoing by deputies in death of Mitrice Richardson

The California Attorney General's Office Finally Agrees to Look Into the Mitrice Richardson Case

Coroner's official criticizes Sheriff's Department for moving Mitrice Richardson's remains

More bones found in ravine where Mitrice Richardson was discovered

Tentative Settlement Approved in Mitrice Richardson Case

Los Angeles County authorities exhume woman's remains

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Limerick Township, Pennsylvania. September 10, 1995. Caleb Fairley was a deeply unhappy person. He was constantly taunted by his classmates and co-workers, and written off as a failure by his domineering mother. For these reasons, Caleb was happiest when he was by himself in his bedroom, playing role play games involving dragons and vampires. While this side of Caleb was largely innocent and harmless, he also had a dark, sadistic side. While working at his mother's business one Sunday in September, he unleashed his inner monster, resulting in devastating consequences.

Sources:

Caleb Fairley - Murderpedia

Caleb Fairley - Wikipedia

Medical Detectives (Forensic Files) - Season 6, Ep 30: Shopping Spree

William Lashner on Guilt

The Murder of Lisa and Devon Manderach – South Jersey/Philadelphia Crime

Murder Suspect Lived Life of Ridicule, Fantasies

Clerk Charged With Slaying Girl, Mother In Child's Clothing Store

Caleb Fairley Killed Woman, Daughter, Attorney Admits but Defense Lawyer Argues The Act Was Not Planned and Calls For A Finding of Third-Degree Murder

Fairley Guilty of Murder, Gets Life in Prison, Killers Detractors Give the Jury a Standing Ovation and Taunt Him

Fairley Gets Two Life Terms, No Parole Despite MontCo Murderer's Admission of Guilt, He's Taunted By Victims Relatives

Two-story slides and saucer swings: A wonderland like no other after 1995 murder of Limerick mother and infant

Murderer Caleb Fairley continues to seek new trial

Pennsylvania Supreme Court Rejects Petition to Rule Death Penalty Unconstitutional

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Ocean City, Maryland. May 25, 2002. Joshua Ford and Geney Crutchley were both really looking forward to a long Memorial Day weekend together. Originally from Virginia, they had decided on Ocean City, Maryland, for a relaxing getaway. As they were heading into town for a night of drinks and dancing, they met a gregarious young couple, Benjamin and Erika Sifrit. After a fun night together, the pair invited Josh and Geney back to the penthouse they were renting to keep the party going. Josh and Geney happily accepted. Never could they have known of the horrors that were in store for them as they walked into the night with their new friends...

Instagram: @talkmurderwithme

Facebook: @talkmurrderwithme

Sources

​​Different Crimes, Different Criminals: Understanding, Treating and Preventing Criminal Behavior

Man on trial in resort slayings

Ex-Navy SEAL takes stand in friend's trial

Slaying Suspect Called 'Ideal Kid'

Attorneys in Sifrit Case Offer Final Arguments

Erika Sifrit Sentenced in Ocean City Killings

Benjamin Sifrit Gets 38 Years in Slayings

Woman gets life for killing tourists in O.C.

Sifrit gets life plus 20 years for murder

Music from Purple Planet Music

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Happy Halloween everyone!

From the outside, Herb Baumeister appeared to have it pretty good. Herb, his wife, Julie, and their three children lived in a beautiful home named Fox Hollow Farm, situated on 18 acres of land in Westfield, Indiana, a wealthy suburb north of Indianapolis. Together, Herb and Julie, ran two highly successful thrift stores in Indianapolis, through which they raised thousands for underprivileged children in the area. 

However, all was not as it seemed. Herb and Julie's marriage was on the rocks, due to Herb's increasingly erratic behavior at home and at work. Julie began taking the children away for months at a time, leaving Herb alone at Fox Hollow. Which is just how Herb liked it. Because when Julie was away, Herb could be his true self. The only problem was that the real Herb was a sadistic killer who prayed upon young vulnerable men, killed them, and buried them in his back yard.

Sorry for the change in sound toward the end of this episode - I just moved into a new apartment and don't have a studio situation sorted...

Instagram: @talkmurderwithme

Facebook: @talkmurrderwithme

Sources for this episode:

Video clip: Herb Baumeister interview with WISH-TV

Herb Baumeister - Wikipedia

Baumeister: Skeletons Beyond the Closet by Joe Geringer

Herbert Richard Baumeister, Serial Killer

Herb Baumeister Secret Life of a Serial Killer Documentary

Serial Killer Next Door: Herb Baumeister and the Multiple Bodies Unearthed at Fox Hollow Farm

Psychics and investigators believe spirits still inhabit Fox Hollow Farm, along with the current homeowners

A serial killer buried bodies on his Westfield property. Now some of the land is for sale.

While Julie Was Away

Indiana Businessman Is Linked To 9 Other Killings of Men

UPI Focus: Sheriffs link 9 deaths to Indiana man

Music from Purple Planet Music

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