Tea Time Crimes

After a frightening assault in her adolescence, Ruth Finley finally has everything she wants: a loving husband, two sons, and a safe house in the suburbs. But one summer day, her past catches up. Terrifying phone calls, deliveries at work, and poems threatening to take Ruth’s life arrive at a constant rate. It's clear to everyone around her that Ruth is in danger, but can the police find the culprit in time?

Tea of the Day: Kolkata Chai

Theme Music by Brad Frank

Sources: 

• The Poet by Corey Mead, Medium, March 8th 2021, https://medium.com/truly-adventurous/the-poet-526595afdde8
• Nightmare in Wichita: The Hunt For The BTK Strangler by Robert Beattie, published by NAL Trade, March 21st, 2005.
• OWN, The Oprah Winfrey Show, Aired March 4th, 2003, https://www.oprah.com/own-oprahshow/the-woman-with-the-split-personality-who-stalked-herself-for-4-years
• The True Crime Database, “The Poet: The Wichita Case.” January 7th, 2020,  https://www.thetruecrimedatabase.com/case_file/the-poet/
• Daily Mail, By Erica Tempesta For Dailymail.com, Published: 07:29 EDT, 23 April 2021, Updated: 12:45 EDT, 23 April 2021, https://www.dailymail.co.uk/femail/article-9500577/Inside-true-story-Poet-stalker-victims-story-Netflix-movie.html
• The Wichita Eagle, “Victim and perpetrator of ‘the Poet’ crime hoax in Wichita four decades ago has died.” BY JASON TIDD UPDATED JUNE 10, 2019 10:11 PM, https://www.kansas.com/news/local/crime/article231411383.html
• Show: Many Sides of Jane - 2019 - Season 1, A&E Networks, Release date January 22nd, 2022, https://www.imdb.com/title/tt8201656/
• American Psychiatric Organization, Physician Review, Jack Drescher, M.D., October 2022, “What Are Dissociative Disorders?” https://psychiatry.org/patients-families/dissociative-disorders/what-are-dissociative-disorders

On Monday, August 26th, 1893, 20-year-old Anna Wiese was brutally murdered on her way home from a friend’s house. Coined ‘Atrocious Murder in Iowa,’ this crime is incredibly hard to get to the bottom of due to multiple factors: the time period, the environment, and lack of criminal analysis. We at Tea Time Crimes have a hunch on who did it, but we want to hear from you, too! 

Tea of the Day: Twining's Blackcurrant Breeze

Theme Music by Brad Frank

For a full list of sources, go to https://tea-time-crimes.simplecast.com/episodes.

Sources:

• Iowa Unsolved Murders: Historic Cases, ““None But a Frenzied Woman”: Murder of Anna Wiese 1893.” By Nancy Bowers, December 2010, https://iowaunsolvedmurders.com/the-murders/murder-of-anna-wiese-1893/
• “Atrocious Murder in Iowa.” Kansas City Journal, Mon, Aug 28, 1893, Page 1, https://www.newspapers.com/image/1023501547/
• “The Murder of Anna Wiese.” The Sioux City Journal, Tue, Aug 29, 1893, Page 1, https://www.newspapers.com/image/416343636/
• “Isenhart Proves An Alibi.” The Sioux City Journal, Wed, Aug 30, 1893, Page 1, https://www.newspapers.com/image/416343776/
• “Still in the Dark.” The Gazette, Thu, Aug 31, 1893, Page 1, https://www.newspapers.com/image/550898120/
• Audubon Republican, Thu, Oct 26, 1893, Page 1, https://www.newspapers.com/image/897356835/
• “An Iowa Murder Mystery.” The Indianapolis News, Thu, Nov 16, 1893, Page 5, https://www.newspapers.com/image/34515994/
• “Traced By Her Hair.” Chicago Tribune, Fri, Nov 10, 1893 Page 11, https://www.newspapers.com/image/349828607/
• “The Gladbrook Mystery.” The Sioux City Journal, Sun, Sep 17, 1893, Page 2, https://www.newspapers.com/image/416347967/
• “The Bennett-Weise Tragedy.” St. Louis Globe-Democrat, Tue, Nov 14, 1893, Page 2, https://www.newspapers.com/image/571304010/
• “The Body of Anna Wiese Disturbed for the Third Time.” The Morning Democrat, Wed, Jan 17, 1894, Page 1, https://www.newspapers.com/image/299119378/
• Algona Courier, Fri, Feb 02, 1894 Page 2, https://www.newspapers.com/image/2319179/
• “The Weise Murder.” The Courier, Tue, Mar 20, 1894 Page 4, https://www.newspapers.com/image/356711136/
• “Wiese Trial.” The Gazette (Cedar Rapids, Iowa), Thu, Apr 05, 1894 Page 2, https://www.newspapers.com/image/550909705/
• “Trying to Prove an Alibi.” The Morning Democrat, Sun, Apr 15, 1894, Page 4, https://www.newspapers.com/image/299134797/
• “A Stricken Juror.” St. Louis Globe-Democrat, Sun, Apr 22, 1894, Page 3, https://www.newspapers.com/image/571297084/
• “The Second Trial.” The Gazette, Thu, Jul 12, 1894, Page 1, https://www.newspapers.com/image/550922456/
• “Ready To Hear Testimony.” Quad-City Times, Sat, Sep 08, 1894, Page 4, https://www.newspapers.com/image/298970244/
• “Mrs. Bennett Talks.” The Cedar Rapids Evening Gazette, Wed, Sep 19, 1894, Page 3, https://www.newspapers.com/image/550811261/
• “Mrs. Bennett Goes Free.” The Sioux City Journal, Sun, Sep 23, 1894, Page 1, https://www.newspapers.com/image/416362325/
• “Clew to Anna Wiese’s Slayer.” The Sioux City Journal, Thu, Oct 04, 1894, Page 1, https://www.newspapers.com/image/416365141/
• The Cedar Rapids Evening Gazette, Thu, Oct 04, 1894, Page 1, https://www.newspapers.com/image/550814070/

In the 1930s, Ohio resident Anna Marie Hahn took the gateway crime of insurance fraud down a dark path of murder. She could not help charming people, convincing them to give her money in their will (think tens of thousands– and this is Great Depression money!), and then making sure that will was in play. We also visit another Ohioan on death row, Dovie Dean, who shared Anna’s method of murder but not her motivation. Hear the story of both women and decide for yourself what really happened. 

Tea of the Day: Howl’s Moving Tea House Earl Grey 

Theme Music by Brad Frank

For a full list of sources, go to https://tea-time-crimes.simplecast.com/episodes.

Sources:

• Anna Marie Hahn: Serial Killer, “The Beautiful Blonde Killer.” By True Crime: Bus Stop Reads, Bus Stop Reads Copyright 2015
• Huffpost, “Anna Marie Hahn: The First Woman to Die in Ohio's Electric Chair.” By The Lineup, Contributor, Mar 7, 2016 - Updated Dec 6, 2017, https://www.huffpost.com/entry/anna-marie-hahn-the-first_b_9400002
• “The Lost History of Hester Foster.” By Bucky Cutright, June 21st, 2021, Columbus Underground, https://columbusunderground.com/the-lost-history-of-hester-foster-bc1/
• “Dovie Dean Dies in Electric Chair.” (Ap) The Cincinnati Enquirer, Sat, Jan 16, 1954, Page 1, https://www.newspapers.com/image/100638905/
• “Three Held in Death of Farmer.” The Cincinnati Post, Thu, Sep 04, 1952, Page 1, https://www.newspapers.com/image/762752375/
• Wife Confesses Poisoning Mate.” The Morning News, Sat, Sep 13, 1952, Page 2, https://www.newspapers.com/image/154516979/
• “Mrs. Dean in Hospital As 1st Trial Date Arrives.” The Cincinnati Post, Mon, Oct 20, 1952, Page 21, https://www.newspapers.com/image/762732137/
• “Accused Poison Slayer’s Counsel Denies Guilt.” The Cincinnati Post, Tue, Dec 09, 1952, Page 1, https://www.newspapers.com/image/762757290/
• “State Demands Death Penalty As Poison Murder Trial Opens.” The Times Recorder, Wed, Dec 10, 1952 Page 1, https://www.newspapers.com/image/294194274/
• “Report on Poison.” The Cincinnati Enquirer, Thu, Dec 11, 1952, Page 28, https://www.newspapers.com/image/102840399/
• “Jury Weighs Mrs. Dean’s Fate.” By Arthur Keller, The Cincinnati Post, Sat, Dec 13, 1952, Page 1, https://www.newspapers.com/image/762761070/
• “Dovie Dean Dies In Electric Chair.” (AP) The Cincinnati Enquirer, Sat, Jan 16, 1954 Page 1, https://www.newspapers.com/image/100638905/
• “Not Exactly a Blushing Bride, or Weeping Widow.” By Mara Bovsun, Daily News, Sun, Jun 11, 2023, Page 22, https://www.newspapers.com/image/977791681/
• “Mrs. Hahn In Collapse, Dies in Chair.” By Ralph Donaldson, The Plain Dealer, Thu, Dec 08, 1938, Page 4, https://www.newspapers.com/image/1059664358/

On September 6th, 1952, Betty Butler viciously murdered Evelyn Clark, while fishing at Sharon Woods. An argument occurred, and once they were back to shore, multiple witnesses saw Betty attack and drown Evelyn. No one denies Betty is guilty, not even Betty herself, but what happened to cause such a violent crime? Join us as we peel back the layers of this case and try to understand why Betty did it. 

Tea of the Day: Shaka Sunrise Tea

Theme Music by Brad Frank

For a full list of sources, go to https://tea-time-crimes.simplecast.com/episodes.

Sources:

• Deadly Women: Season 10, Episode 13, “Friends to Foes.” Episode aired Nov 26, 2016, Director: Ryan Osmond, https://www.imdb.com/title/tt6276114/
• Spooked by Ken Summers, “Dead Women Tell No Tales…Or Do They?” Wednesday, August 3, 2011, https://moonspenders.blogspot.com/2011/08/dead-women-tell-no-tales-or-do-they.html
• “'A War of Currents': The Real Story of Thomas Edison and the Invention of the Electric Chair.” By Kevin Martin, May 08, 2019, Magellan, https://www.magellantv.com/articles/a-war-of-currents-the-real-story-of-thomas-edison-and-the-invention-of-the-electric-chair
• Report: Ohio’s Capital-Punishment System Remains Unworkable, Ohio Attorney General, April 1st, 2024, https://www.ohioattorneygeneral.gov/Media/News-Releases/April-2024/Report-Ohio%E2%80%99s-Capital-Punishment-System-Remains-Un
• Department of Rehabilitation & Correction, “Capital Punishment: Overview.” https://drc.ohio.gov/about/capital-punishment/capital-punishment
• Death Penalty Information Center, “History of the Death Penalty.” https://deathpenaltyinfo.org/state-and-federal-info/state-by-state/ohio
• STATE v. THOMPSON (2002): Supreme Court of Ohio, The STATE of Ohio, Appellee, v. THOMPSON, Appellant, No. 2001-0333, Decided: May 15, 2002, https://caselaw.findlaw.com/court/oh-supreme-court/1152986.html
• “West End Woman Strangled, Drowned in Sharon Woods.” The Cincinnati Enquirer, Sun, Sep 07, 1952, Page 1, https://www.newspapers.com/image/102828410/
• “Rival Choked and Drowned; Woman Held for Grand Jury.” The Cincinnati Enquirer, Mon, Sep 08, 1952, Page 14, https://www.newspapers.com/image/102828825/
• “Indicted for Murder.” (AP) News Journal, Sat, Oct 04, 1952, Page 1, https://www.newspapers.com/image/294545519/
• “Jury Seated Tentatively In Lake Murder Trial.” The Cincinnati Enquirer, Wed, Mar 04, 1953, Page 8, https://www.newspapers.com/image/100606455/
• “Bus Balks Jury’s Trip.” The Cincinnati Enquirer, Thu, Mar 05, 1953, Page 26, https://www.newspapers.com/image/100606557/
• “State Complete Testimony In Willful Drowning.” The Cincinnati Enquirer, Sat, Mar 07, 1953, Page 14, https://www.newspapers.com/image/103287432/
• “Blame Killing on Victim.” The Cincinnati Enquirer, Tue, Mar 10, 1953, Page 5, https://www.newspapers.com/image/100607200/
• “Murder Case Near End.” The Cincinnati Enquirer, Wed, Mar 11, 1953, Page 8, https://www.newspapers.com/image/100607276/
• “Woman Gets Death In Park Slaying.” The Cincinnati Post, Thu, Mar 12, 1953, Page 29, https://www.newspapers.com/image/762608222/
• “Betty Butler Third Woman to Face Execution From Hamilton County Since ‘37.”  The Cincinnati Enquirer, Fri, Mar 13, 1953, Page 16, https://www.newspapers.com/image/100607434/
• “Strangle-Drowning Killer Asks New Trial.” The Cincinnati Post, Mon, Mar 16, 1953, Page 4, https://www.newspapers.com/image/762608491/
• “Plea For Mercy Is Made In Death Sentence.” The Cincinnati Enquirer, Tue, Mar 31, 1953, Page 8, https://www.newspapers.com/image/100612836/
• “New Trial Denied.” (AP) The Marion Star, Mon, Apr 06, 1953, Page 1, https://www.newspapers.com/image/296626177/
• “Refuse to Show Mercy To Woman Condemned to Die.” (INS) The Daily Times, Wed, Apr 08, 1953, Page 4, https://www.newspapers.com/image/83973405/
• “Death Sentence for ‘Sex Slave’ Slaying.” The Plain Speaker, Sat, Apr 18, 1953, Page 15, https://www.newspapers.com/image/503493891/
• “Woman Facing ‘Chair’ Taken to Reformatory.” The Tribune, Thu, Apr 23, 1953 ·Page 1, https://www.newspapers.com/image/321713424/
• “Drowning Slayer Gets Death Stay.” The Cincinnati Post, Tue, Aug 04, 1953, Page 4, https://www.newspapers.com/image/762515136/
• “Death Sentence is Upheld in Park Slaying.” The Cincinnati Post, Mon, Oct 19, 1953, Page 18, https://www.newspapers.com/image/762810610/
• “St. Dismas, St. Paul, and Christ… Betty Butler sketches in death-row cell.” By James T. Keenan. The Cincinnati Post, Fri, Nov 27, 1953 ·Page 15, https://www.newspapers.com/image/762835455/
• “Betty Butler Doomed To Die Same Day As Dovie Dean.” The Cincinnati Enquirer, Tue, Dec 01, 1953, Page 10, https://www.newspapers.com/image/100630664/
• “To Hear Appeal.” (U.P.) The Daily Advocate, Sat, Feb 20, 1954, Page 8, https://www.newspapers.com/image/651646674/
• “Betty Butler Files Appeal From Date With Death.” The Cincinnati Enquirer, Sat, Mar 13, 1954, Page 29, https://www.newspapers.com/image/102838386/
• “Court To Hear Murder  Appeal.” The Zanesville Signal, Wed, Mar 17, 1954, Page 9, https://www.newspapers.com/image/1045690534/
• “Betty Butler Gets Reprieve.” The Akron Beacon Journal, Mon, Apr 05, 1954, Page 3, https://www.newspapers.com/image/150110769/
• “Pardon Board Hears Plea of Woman Slayer.” The Newark Advocate, Fri, Apr 09, 1954, Page 15, https://www.newspapers.com/image/287290882/
• “Letters Poured In!” New Pittsburgh Courier, Sat, Apr 17, 1954, Page 5, https://www.newspapers.com/image/40032549/
• “Betty Butler Paints, Studies Religion as Death Nears.” By James T. Keenan, The Cincinnati Post, Fri, May 07, 1954, Page 17, https://www.newspapers.com/image/762604071/
• “Betty Butler Wants Simple Food And Solitude as Death Nears.”By Scripps-Howard Newspapers. The Cincinnati Post, Fri, Jun 11, 1954, Page 1, https://www.newspapers.com/image/762784627/
• “Betty Butler Dies in Chair For Murder.” By Post State Wire, The Cincinnati Post, Sat, Jun 12, 1954, Page 14, https://www.newspapers.com/image/762785655/

Saturday, September 2nd, 1933, hundreds of people flocked to the station as five women (Ms. Eleanor Jarman, Mrs. Bessie Opas, Mrs. Vera Carl, Mrs. Louise Murphy and Miss Katherine Brockman) were ushered onto a train to be sent to Oakdale Reformatory where they’d carry out their sentences. We know about Eleanor’s crimes, but what did the other four other women do to earn themselves a seat next to the supposedly “most dangerous woman alive?” 

Tea of the Day: Wild Maine Blueberry Green Tea

Theme Music by Brad Frank

For a full list of sources, go to https://tea-time-crimes.simplecast.com/episodes.

Sources:

• “Prophecies Are True In Chicago Mystery Murder.” (AP) The San Bernardino County Sun, Sun, Jul 17, 1932, Page 22, https://www.newspapers.com/image/49261328/
• “Grocer Slain in Store, Quiz Widow and Son.” Chicago Tribune, Sun, Jul 17, 1932, Page 5, https://www.newspapers.com/image/355134970/
• “Husband Slain After Seeress Foretells Fate.” Chicago Tribune, Mon, Jul 18, 1932,Page 1, https://www.newspapers.com/image/355135382/
• “Police Forego Seance with Seeress of Death.” (AP) Alton Evening Telegraph, Tue, Jul 19, 1932, Page 1, https://www.newspapers.com/image/16343529/
• “Seeress Finds Cash in Death Picture Cards.” (U.P.)  Daily News, Wed, Jul 20, 1932 ·Page 355 (3), https://www.newspapers.com/image/415074302/
• “Cards Forecast Woman’s Freedom.” (UP) Martinsville, IN, The Reporter-Times, Mon, Aug 01, 1932, Page 1, https://www.newspapers.com/image/551592762/
• “Grand Jury Clears Widow, Brother of Murder Charges.” Chicago Tribune, Sat, Aug 06, 1932, Page 3, https://www.newspapers.com/image/355061142/
• “Solve Fortune Teller Murder: Accuse Widow.” “Shot when he tries to play a prank on friends.”Chicago Tribune, Mon, Feb 27, 1933, Page 1, https://www.newspapers.com/image/354928197/
• “New Witness Disputes Alibi in Carl Slaying.” Chicago Tribune, Fri, Jul 22, 1932, Page 8, https://www.newspapers.com/image/355136335/
• “Widow Denies Part in Fortune Teller Murder.” Chicago Tribune, Tue, Feb 28, 1933, Page 13, https://www.newspapers.com/image/354928716/
• “Slayer Tells of Killing In Insurance Plot.” Chicago Tribune, Wed, Jun 28, 1933, Page 16, https://www.newspapers.com/image/354985651/
• “State to Close Today In Carl Murder Trial.” Chicago Tribune, Thu, Jun 29, 1933, Page 6, https://www.newspapers.com/image/354985914/
• “Two Sentenced to Life Terms in Carl Murder.” Chicago Tribune, Sat, Jul 15, 1933, Page 6, https://www.newspapers.com/image/355101063/
• “Slayer Accuses Widow Carl as Murder Plotter.” Chicago Tribune, Sat, Jul 22, 1933, Page 3, https://www.newspapers.com/image/355162238/
• “Widow Swears Denial of Part in Carl Murder.” Chicago Tribune, Tue, Jul 25, 1933, Page 3, https://www.newspapers.com/image/355163655/
• “Woman Faints as Sentence Meted.” (AP) Lexington Herald-Leader, Wed, Jul 26, 1933, Page 7, https://www.newspapers.com/image/683308671/
• “Thou Shalt Not Kill Thy Husband!” By Elizabeth Walker, Detroit Free Press, Sun, Sep 17, 1933, Page 46, https://www.newspapers.com/image/97968323/
• “Blonde Tiger Girl and 4 Other Women are Sent to Prison.” (AP) The Gazette, Sun, Sep 03, 1933, Page 2, https://www.newspapers.com/image/548016620/
• “In Search of the Blonde Tigress: The Untold Story of Eleanor Jarman,” by Silvia Pettem, Published by Lyons Press 2023.
• “Parole Board to Give Killers Hearing Today.” Chicago Tribune, Tue, Oct 09, 1951, Page 7, https://www.newspapers.com/image/370193743/
• Chicago Tribune, Tue, Mar 18, 1969, Page 28, https://www.newspapers.com/image/376637673/
• “Blonde Tiger Girl and 4 Other Women Are Sent to Prison.” (Chicago AP) and “Woman Scientist’s Discovery Fixes Virus in Kidneys As Cause Of Sleeping Disease.” (St. Louis UP) The Gazette, Sun, Sep 03, 1933, Page 2, https://www.newspapers.com/image/548016620/
• Vera Carl in the 1940 United States Federal Census, United States of America, Bureau of the Census. Sixteenth Census of the United States, 1940. Washington, D.C.: National Archives and Records Administration, 1940. T627, 4,643 rolls. Retrieved on July 15th, 2024 on Ancestry.com
• Vera F. Grilec in the Cook County, Illinois, U.S., Marriages Index, 1871-1920, Cook County, Illinois, U.S., Marriages Index, 1871-1920 [database on-line]. Provo, UT, USA: Ancestry.com Operations, Inc., 2011, Retrieved on July 15th, 2024 at Ancestry.com
• Frances Grilec in the 1950 United States Federal Census, Original data: Department of Commerce. Bureau of the Census. 1913-1/1/1972. Population Schedules for the 1950 Census, 1950 - 1950. Washington, DC: National Archives at Washington, DC. Retrieved on July 15, 2024 at Ancestry.com
• George Carl in the 1940 United States Federal Census, Original data: United States of America, Bureau of the Census. Sixteenth Census of the United States, 1940. Washington, D.C.: National Archives and Records Administration, 1940. T627, 4,643 rolls. Retrieved on July 15, 2024 at at Ancestry.com
• Ivan Grilec in the 1940 United States Federal Census, Original data: United States of America, Bureau of the Census. Sixteenth Census of the United States, 1940. Washington, D.C.: National Archives and Records Administration, 1940. T627, 4,643 rolls. Retrieved on July 15, 2024 at Ancestry.com
• Camille Kruse in the Cook County, Illinois Marriage Index, 1930-1960, Original data: Cook County Clerk, comp. Cook County Clerk Genealogy Records. Cook County Clerk’s Office, Chicago, IL: Cook County Clerk, 2008.  Retrieved on July 15, 2024 at Ancestry.com
• Chicago Tribune, Wed, Jun 05, 1968, Page 38, https://www.newspapers.com/image/376642230/
• D George Carl in the U.S., World War II Draft Cards Young Men, 1940-1947, National Archives at St. Louis; St. Louis, Missouri; Wwii Draft Registration Cards For Illinois, 10/16/1940-03/31/1947; Record Group: Records of the Selective Service System, 147; Box: 258, Retrieved on July 15, 2024 at Ancestry.com
• “Police Nonplussed by True Prediction of a Murder.” By Bryce Engle, The Odessa American, Sun, Nov 29, 1959 Page 48, https://www.newspapers.com/image/297560430/
• Women in Health Sciences - Biographies: “Margaret Gladys Smith (1896 - 1970), Bernard Becker Medical Library Digital Collection, https://beckerexhibits.wustl.edu/mowihsp/bios/smith.htm
• “encephalitis lethargica disease” by Fid Backhouse and other, Britannica.com, https://www.britannica.com/science/encephalitis-lethargica
• “Tigress Weeps As Prison Door Closes on Her.” Chicago Tribune, Sun, Sep 03, 1933, Page 3, https://www.newspapers.com/image/355172231/
• “Mrs. Carl, Blue Over Conviction Sees Mrs. Opas.” Chicago Tribune, Thu, Jul 27, 1933, Page 14, https://www.newspapers.com/image/355164440/

Bessie Opas

• “Bessie Opas Goes on Trial.” Streator Daily Times-Press (Streator, Illinois) Thu, Jul 20, 1933 ·Page 1, https://www.newspapers.com/image/542785420/
• “Wife Innocent, Mate Believes.” The Rock Island Argus, Wed, Jun 21, 1933, Page 8, https://www.newspapers.com/image/531348582/
• “Wife Repudiates Confession of Opas Death Plot.” Chicago Tribune, Wed, Jun 21, 1933, Page 16, https://www.newspapers.com/image/354981356/
• “Mrs. Opas Makes Not Guilty Plea In Murder Case.” Chicago Tribune, Thu, Jul 20, 1933, Page 14, https://www.newspapers.com/image/355161768/
• “Mrs. Opas Given Maximum Term In Murder Plot.” Chicago Tribune, Tue, Aug 08, 1933, Page 3, https://www.newspapers.com/image/355095224/
• “Woman Convict Refused Cigaret, Candy Alimony.” Chicago Tribune, Wed, Nov 08, 1933,Page 20, https://www.newspapers.com/image/355255864/
• “Five Are Jailed in Plot to Kill.” The Pantagraph, Tue, Jun 20, 1933, Page 1, https://www.newspapers.com/image/69152384/
• “ Woman On Trial In Alleged Attempt To Slay Her Husband.” Belleville Daily Advocate, Thu, Jul 20, 1933, Page 1, https://www.newspapers.com/image/767539720/
• “Death Plotter Admits Killing Autoist On Dare.” Chicago Tribune, Thu, Jun 22, 1933, Page 6, https://www.newspapers.com/image/354981720/
• “Tigress Weeps As Prison Door Closes On Her.” Chicago Tribune, Sun, Sep 03, 1933, Page 3, https://www.newspapers.com/image/355172231/

Louise Murphy

• “Criminal Court Speeds Murder Trials of Seven.” Chicago Tribune, Fri, Aug 18, 1933 Page 8, https://www.newspapers.com/image/355102211/

Eleanor Jarman was nicknamed ‘The Blonde Tigress’ after a robbery-gone-wrong in 1933. She had a string of successful robberies, until the very last one devolved into murder. The papers paint her as vicious and deadly, but is that a fair portrayal of a woman trying to survive as a single mother during the Great Depression? Listen along and decide for yourself: is Eleanor a vicious murderer, a misunderstood mother, or somewhere in between?

Tea of the Day: Aveda Comforting Tea 

Theme Music by Brad Frank

For a full list of sources, go to https://tea-time-crimes.simplecast.com/episodes

Sources:

• “In Search of the Blonde Tigress: The Untold Story of Eleanor Jarman,” by Silvia Pettem, Published by Lyons Press 2023.
• “Community Saddened Over Fate Of George Dale Who Goes To Electric Chair October 13.” The Democrat-News, Thu, Sep 07, 1933 ·Page 5, https://www.newspapers.com/image/687243032/
• “Blonde Chicago Gunwoman Is Blamed Again.” Burlington Daily News, Sat, Aug 05, 1933, Page 1, https://www.newspapers.com/image/657277072/
• “Seize Member of Murder Gang: Mother of 2 Sought.” Chicago Tribune, Sun, Aug 06, 1933 ·Page 2, https://www.newspapers.com/image/355093952/
• “Victims Identify ‘Tiger Woman’ In Score Of Crimes.” Chicago Tribune, Fri, Aug 11, 1933, Page 16, https://www.newspapers.com/image/355096481/
• “Blonde Tigress Is Identified By 37 Victims in All.” Chicago Tribune, Sat, Aug 12, 1933, Page 3, https://www.newspapers.com/image/355096775/
• “State Closes Case Against ‘Blonde Tigress’ and Aids.” Chicago Tribune, Wed, Aug 30, 1933, Page 2, https://www.newspapers.com/image/355107118/
• “Three Killers Find Death in Electric Chair.” The La Crosse Tribune, Fri, Apr 20, 1934, Page 1, https://www.newspapers.com/image/511016188/
• “‘Blonde Tigress,’ Serving 199 Years for Murder, Flees Prison.” The Associated Press, The Baltimore Sun, Fri, Aug 09, 1940, Page 6, https://www.newspapers.com/image/374092083/
• “Hunt for ‘Blonde Tigress’ Who Fled Reformatory Fails.” St. Joseph News-Press, Fri, Aug 09, 1940, Page 11, https://www.newspapers.com/image/559010456/
• “Grandson of 1940 escapee reveals name she used.” By Kate Thompson, The Sioux City Journal, Sun, Dec 11, 1994 ·Page 18, https://www.newspapers.com/image/335807547/
• “Active in Law at 80: Wants 10 More Yrs.” By Robert Enstad, Chicago Tribune, Sun, Jan 03, 1965 ·Page 97, https://www.newspapers.com/image/
• “The Blonde Tigress.” By Patricia Leeds, Chicago Tribune, Sun, Sep 16, 1951, Page 103 (7), https://www.newspapers.com/image/371724127/
• “The Blonde Tigress,” By Ron Grossman, Chicago Tribune, Sun, Aug 13, 2023, Page 1-14, https://www.newspapers.com/image/993395920/

In our oldest case yet, Alana tells the story of Queen Medb (pronounced ‘Maeve’) of Ireland. We encounter a war over a bull, a steady line of lovers, and an ex-husband as a lifelong antagonist. Buckle up for this truly wild ride and decide for yourself what is myth or legend.

Tea of the Day: Peppermint Chocolate Tea 

Theme Music by Brad Frank

For a full list of sources, go to https://tea-time-crimes.simplecast.com/episodes.

Sources:

• The Tain Bó Cúailnge
• Charlwood, Katie. "100. Queen Medb - Warrior Queen of Ireland." Who Did What Now. Airwave Media Podcast
• Chthonia Podcast. “Queen Medb (Maeve): the Threat of Female Sovereignty”
• Human Voices Wake Us Podcast. “The Great Myths #12: Queen Medb of Connacht”
• Gals Guide Podcast. “Queen Medb - Riwo’s Irish Gal Pick”
• O'Floinn, John. "Electronic Text of Cath Ruis na Rígh." CELT: Corpus of Electronic Texts [University College Cork]. https://celt.ucc.ie/
• Mac Eoin, Gearóid (ed.). (2000). Echtra Ferce Fer Fiad [The Adventures of Fergus Son of Fiachra]. Dublin: University College Dublin https://www.001-translations.ie/c_132101/websites-internationaux.html
• Bergin, Michael. (2021, May 1). Ladies of Legend: Queen Medb. Beyond the Dreamline. https://mixhart.ca/blog/index.php/queen-medbs-message/
• Ceawlor, Stewart. Queen Maeve. Queen Maeve.org. https://www.wearemaeve.org/
• Gerard, Margaret. (2011, May 16). Ancient Irish Mythology: Queen Medb. BlogotheIrish. https://historycooperative.org/medb/
• History Cooperative. Medb. The History Cooperative. https://historycooperative.org/articles/
• O'Brien, Lora. The Real Queen Maeve/Medb. Lora O'Brien. https://loraobrien.ie/
• O'Brien, Lora. Queen Maedbh/Maeve Cheat Sheet. Lora O'Brien. https://www.amazon.com/Irish-Queen-Medb-Tradition-Practice/dp/1913821013
• Waddell, John. Medb Lethderg. Timeless Myths. https://www.britannica.com/topic/Medb
• Wilde, Robert. (2017, May 1). Irish Folklore: Queen Maeve. Wilderness Ireland. https://www.wildernessireland.com/blog/category/folklore/
• Brehon Academy. (2023, January 29). Heroic Biography: Maeve of Connacht – The Intoxicating Warrior Queen. https://brehonacademy.org/heroic-biography-maeve-of-connacht-the-intoxicating-warrior-queen/
• Ó hAodha, Michael. (2017). Medb Chruachna. Dictionary of Irish Biography. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medb
• Wikipedia. Hill of Tara. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hill_of_Tara
• Wikipedia. Medb. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medb
• Gutenberg Project. (2019, September 3). Lebor Laignech [The Book of Leinster]. https://www.gutenberg.org/files/53793/53793-h/53793-h.htm
• Royal Irish Academy. Corpus of Electronic Texts [CELT]. https://celt.ucc.ie/

Monday, January 19th, 1953 was the last time Willie Torrence saw his wife, Rose. On Tuesday, Willie called the police and learned that a body of a woman matching Rose’s description had been found. Join us as we try to make heads or tails of a case fraught with racial tension and sparse news coverage.

Tea of the Day: TWG 1837 Black Tea

Theme Music by Brad Frank

This episode is sponsored by Kyoot Tees.

For a full list of sources, go to https://tea-time-crimes.simplecast.com/episodes.

Sources:

• By William A Fowlkes, “Woman’s Slayer Still Free.” New Pittsburgh Courier, Sat, Feb 07, 1953, Page 1, https://www.newspapers.com/image/40111565/
• Obituary, Mrs. Rosa Bradley Torrence, The Atlanta Constitution, Thu, Jan 22, 1953, Page 28, https://www.newspapers.com/image/398007330/
• Obituary, Torrence, The Atlanta Constitution, Fri, Jan 23, 1953, Page 23, https://www.newspapers.com/image/398007574/
• By George Coleman, “Torrence Case Suspect is Indicted on Murder Charge.” Alabama Tribune, Fri, Feb 27, 1953, Page 1, https://www.newspapers.com/image/554730305/
• “City Orders Family Vacate Bombed House.” The Atlanta Constitution, Thu, Apr 28, 1949, Page 10, https://www.newspapers.com/image/397759629/
• Department of Commerce - Bureau of the Census: Fifteenth Census of the United States: 1930 Population Schedule, Retrieved June 29th, 2024 from https://www.ancestry.com/discoveryui-content/view/2298451:6224
• Department of Commerce - Bureau of the Census: Fifteenth Census of the United States: 1940 Population Schedule, Retrieved June 29th, 2024 from https://www.ancestry.com/discoveryui-content/view/50802384:2442
• “Negro Tenants Guarded in Rubble.” The Atlanta Constitution, Wed, Apr 27, 1949, Page 20,  https://www.newspapers.com/image/397759553/
• “Atlanta Woman Beaten to Death.” California Eagle, Thu, Jan 29, 1953 ·Page 1, https://www.newspapers.com/image/693598503/
• “Wealthy Woman Beaten to Death.” Spokane Chronicle, Sat, Jan 24, 1953, Page 2,  https://www.newspapers.com/image/566321803/
• “Rich Negro Woman Found Beat to Death in Atlanta.” Alabama Journal, Sat, Jan 24, 1953 ·Page 1,  https://www.newspapers.com/image/457048878/
• “Suspect Indicted in Sewer Death.” The Atlanta Journal, Sat, Feb 21, 1953, Page 7, https://www.newspapers.com/image/968741277/
• “Negro Lady Killed, Stuffed into Sewer.” Beatrice Daily Sun, Sun, Jan 25, 1953 ·Page 8, https://www.newspapers.com/image/507433478/
• “Mistrial Declared in Murder Trial of Major Bailey.” The Black Dispatch, Sat, Apr 18, 1953 ·Page 6,  https://www.newspapers.com/image/872012484/
• “Atlanta Woman Who Moved into White Neighborhood is Found Dead in City Sewer.” The Black Dispatch, Sat, Jan 31, 1953, Page 5, https://www.newspapers.com/image/872011484/
• “Bailey Case Winds Up in Mistrial as Atlanta Jury Hangs.” New Pittsburgh Courier, Sat, May 23, 1953, Page 10, https://www.newspapers.com/image/40111880/
• “Seeks Hole in Murder Confession.” The New York Age, Sat, May 23, 1953, Page 12,  https://www.newspapers.com/image/40477532/
• “ Bailey Case Declared Mistrial By Judge As Jury Panel is “Hopelessly Deadlocked.”” Alabama Tribune, Fri, May 22, 1953, Page 1,  https://www.newspapers.com/image/554731109/
• Atlanta Scene by Alyce Martin Ware, and “Willena Torrence Allen Selected English Ave Teacher of the Year.” The Atlanta Voice, Sat, May 13, 1978 ·Page 4, https://www.newspapers.com/image/519871810/
• Obituaries - Torrence, The Atlanta Constitution, Fri, Nov 02, 1956, Page 18,  https://www.newspapers.com/image/397505884/
• Obituaries - Mrs. Willena T. Allen, The Atlanta Constitution, Wed, Aug 27, 1997 ·Page 82, https://www.newspapers.com/image/403353798/
• National Archives at Washington DC; Washington DC, USA; Applications for Headstones For U.S. Military Veterans, 1925-1941; Retrieved on June 29th, 2024 at  https://www.ancestry.com/discoveryui-content/view/821686:2375
• Georgia Department of Health and Vital Statistics, 1914 - 1940; Retrieved on June 29th, 2024 at https://www.ancestry.com/discoveryui-content/view/60041277:2562
• “Seeking to Tell a Story: Political action from slavery to civil rights.” Archives Research Center at AUC Robert W. Woodruff, https://digitalexhibits.auctr.edu/exhibits/show/seekingtotell/segregation
• “This Day in History.” By History.Com Editors https://www.history.com/this-day-in-history/kkk-founded
• “Ku Klux Klan in the Twentieth Century.” New Georgia Encyclopedia, Published July 7th, 2005 and edited Aug 12, 2020, https://www.georgiaencyclopedia.org/articles/history-archaeology/ku-klux-klan-in-the-twentieth-century/
• A 'Forgotten History' Of How The U.S. Government Segregated America : NPR,  MAY 3, 201712:47, HEARD ON FRESH AIR hosted by Terry Gross with guest Richard Rothstein author of “The Color of Law.”

In the US, over 600,000 people are considered missing every year, though the vast majority of those return home quickly. But what happens when someone disappears in a National Park? Are these cases of abduction, runaways, tragic accidents, or murder? This episode covers several women who seem to have vanished into thin air.

Tea of the Day: Kiki’s Bakery Lemon Cake 

Theme Music by Brad Frank 

Resources:

If you have any information regarding the disappearance of Alissa McCrann, contact the Missing Persons Unit by email: [email protected].

Recommended Listens:

• Bryan's Mysteries & Adventures on Trail, “Vanished on a Run in Columbia Gorge, OR. Disappearance of Alissa McCrann.” https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Xgdt1OuRfyg
• The People That Disappeared Under IMPOSSIBLE Circumstances, (Keith Parkins Segment) Missing Void, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G_YLn42U3pI

Sources (for all of our sources, please go to teatimecrimes.show or Tea Time Crimes on Spotify):

• “Search suspended for Portland woman missing near Multnomah Falls.” Author: KGW Staff, Published:December 24, 2015, https://www.kgw.com/article/news/local/search-suspended-for-portland-woman-missing-near-multnomah-falls/283-7342607
• “Hiker’s Disappearance From Smokies Remains Mystery.” By Liz Keller, (Knoxville News Sentinel - USA Today Network Tennessee) The Daily News-Journal, Mon, Mar 28, 2022 ·Page A3, https://www.newspapers.com/image/828398069/
• The Disappearance of Glen and Bessie Hyde. By Sandra Wagner-Wright, Posted on NOVEMBER 15, 2021, at www.SandraWright.com : https://www.sandrawagnerwright.com/the-disappearance-of-glen-bessie-hyde/
• “Air Land and Water Search Is Made for Thrill Seekers.” The Peninsula Times Tribune (by Associated Press), Tue, Dec 18, 1928, Page 1, https://www.newspapers.com/image/838076166/
• “Army Planes Unable To Locate Trace of Missing Man, Woman.” The Daily Herald, Wed, Dec 19, 1928 ·Page 2, https://www.newspapers.com/image/1026079371/
• “Father Keeps Up Search Of Chasm.” The Times-News, Sat, Jan 12, 1929, Page 1, https://www.newspapers.com/image/566086973/
• “Strange Clue To Hydes.” The Roanoke Times, Sat, Dec 29, 1928, Page 5, https://www.newspapers.com/image/912055831/
• “Pioneer rafter leaves mystery her wake.” By Christopher Smith (The Salt Lake Tribune) The Idaho Statesman, Mon, Dec 03, 2001, Page 16, https://www.newspapers.com/image/917970031/
• “An Unsolved Mystery: Kimberly couple’s 1928 case aired.” South Idaho Press, Sun, Nov 22, 1987, Page 21, https://www.newspapers.com/image/567421368/
• Unsolved Mysteries: Season 1, Episode 1, “Honeymoon Bones.” Directed by John Cosgrove, Starring Robert Stack
• “‘Here I am!’ Girl Rescued After Week of Wandering in Woods.” Springfield Leader and Press, Mon, Jun 24, 1946, Page 1, https://www.newspapers.com/image/670950200/
• “Six Day Search for Girl Lost in Ozarks Still Recalled.” by Donald Bradley, The Kansas City Star, Thu, Oct 16, 1997, Page 204 (13), https://www.newspapers.com/image/820348461/
• “Kept Hopes in Prayer.” The Kansas City Times, Thu, Jun 27, 1946, Page 7, https://www.newspapers.com/image/655632511/
• “Father Reads in Newspaper of Lost Girl, 8, Being Found.” St. Louis Globe-Democrat, Mon, Jun 24, 1946, Page 1, https://www.newspapers.com/image/573473761/
• Leslie Ackerson, 10 News, Appalachian Unsolved, “Appalachian Unsolved:Polly Melton Missing in the Smokies.” Published: 8:01 PM EST December 8, 2017, Updated: 7:48 PM EDT May 21, 2018, https://www.wbir.com/article/news/local/appalachian-unsolved-polly-melton-missing-in-the-smokies/51-498115020
• Unsolved Disappearance in the Great Smoky Mountains by Juanitta Baldwin and Ester Grubb, Suntop Press 1998.
• “Authorities Seen Hiker.” By Sondra J. Harris, Asheville Citizen-Times, Sun, Sep 27, 1981, Page 54, https://www.newspapers.com/image/201099967/
• “Mystery of Missing Hiker Deepens.” By Carson Brewer, The Knoxville News-Sentinel, Fri, Oct 02, 1981, Page 2, https://www.newspapers.com/image/774298236/

In the fall of 1907, Mary Farmer decided she was tired of her modest life. So, one day, Mary wakes up with a plan to obtain her neighbors’ house…illegally.  Weaving a web of lies, Mary is desperate to stay in her new big house and stay out of prison. 

Tea of the Day: Barry’s Tea 

Theme Music by Brad Frank

Sources:

• Deadly woman vol 15: 20 Shocking True Crime Cases of Women Who Kill by Robert Keller, Copyright 2023.
• “Woman’s Body In Trunk.” New-York Tribune, Tue, Apr 28, 1908, Page 1, https://www.newspapers.com/image/187176288/
• https://www.villageofbrownvilleny.com/
• “Mrs. Farmer Confesses Crime,” Yonkers Statesman, Tue, Apr 28, 1908, Page 1, https://www.newspapers.com/image/675968687/
• “Confesses Brennan Murder.” The New York Times, Wed, Apr 29, 1908, Page 1, https://www.newspapers.com/image/20440019/
• “Confesses, Say Police.” Buffalo Courier Express, Wed, Apr 29, 1908, Page 7, https://www.newspapers.com/image/344263753/
• “Mrs. James Farmer Makes Confession.” The Buffalo Enquirer, Sat, May 02, 1908 ·Page 1, https://www.newspapers.com/image/325711398/
• “New Facts Brought To Light.” The Buffalo Times, Wed, May 06, 1908 ·Page 3, https://www.newspapers.com/image/441770244/
• “Mrs. Farmer Guilty.” Rutland Daily Herald, Sat, Jun 20, 1908, Page 1, https://www.newspapers.com/image/533212606/
• “Woman Being Tried For Killing Woman.” The Morning Call, Fri, Jun 12, 1908, Page 1, https://www.newspapers.com/image/274596842/
• “Mary Farmer Put On Trial For Murder.” Poughkeepsie Eagle-News, Wed, Jun 17, 1908, Page 1, https://www.newspapers.com/image/114047250/
• “Swear That Mary Farmer Was Insane.” The Buffalo News, Thu, Jun 18, 1908, Page 1, https://www.newspapers.com/image/842991136/
• “Case Near The End.” Star-Phoenix, Thu, Jun 18, 1908, Page 1, https://www.newspapers.com/image/507501763/
• “Special Cell Needed For Condemned Woman.” The Brooklyn Citizen, Sun, Jun 21, 1908, Page 10, https://www.newspapers.com/image/541735960/
• “Troubled By Woman Slayer.” The New York Times, Mon, Jun 22, 1908, Page 1, https://www.newspapers.com/image/20432288/
• Poughkeepsie Eagle-News, Fri, Jun 26, 1908, Page 1, https://www.newspapers.com/image/114049119/
• “Respite for Murdress.” Lebanon Courier and Semi-Weekly Report, Fri, Aug 07, 1908, Page 7, https://www.newspapers.com/image/81498581/
• “Man and Wife in Death House.” Democrat and Chronicle, Tue, Nov 03, 1908, Page 2, https://www.newspapers.com/image/135480143/
• “Good Home for Child.” The Buffalo Enquirer, Mon, Nov 16, 1908, Page 6, https://www.newspapers.com/image/326283315/
• “Husband and Wife, Leaving Baby Boy, Will Die Together in Electric Chair.” Wilkes-Barre Times Leader, (Special to the Press) Auburn, NY, Tue, Nov 10, 1908, Page 4, https://www.newspapers.com/image/395192939/
• “Life of an Ex-Local Woman Rests with Highest Court.” Press and Sun-Bulletin, Wed, Jan 20, 1909, Page 2, https://www.newspapers.com/image/252653485/
• “Shall Motherhood Suffer Death in the Dreadful Chair.” Evansville Press, Wed, Feb 24, 1909, Page 3, https://www.newspapers.com/image/138553942/
• “Sal Randazzio & Pacy Hill: 2 of 12 Convicted of Murder in Cattaraugus and Executed.” Thomas McCarthy,General Secretary/webmaster, NY Correction History Society, https://www.correctionhistory.org/html/timeline/cattaraugus/salrandazzio&pacyhill.html
• “Secure Affidavits From Local People To Save Mary Farmer From Electric Chair.” Press and Sun-Bulletin, Sat, Feb 27, 1909 Page 2, https://www.newspapers.com/image/252663306/
• “Mrs. Farmer Is Electrocuted; Last Words Exonerate Husband.” The Buffalo News, Mon, Mar 29, 1909 Page 1, https://www.newspapers.com/image/351410552/
• “Mrs. Farmer Says Husband Had Nothing To Do With Murder.” and “Mrs. Farmer is Electrocuted in Auburn Prison.” (By United Press) The Cincinnati Post, Mon, Mar 29, 1909, Page 1, https://www.newspapers.com/image/761312669/
• “James Farmer Escapes Chair.” The Buffalo Commercial, Wed, Mar 02, 1910 Page 7, https://www.newspapers.com/image/279032363/
• “Jury Acquits Farmer on Its First Ballot: Greeted By Applause.” The Post-Standard, Wed, Mar 02, 1910 Page 8, https://www.newspapers.com/image/18716036/
• “Farmer Can’t Work Till He’s Stronger.” The Post-Standard, Tue, Mar 15, 1910 Page 12, https://www.newspapers.com/image/18719951/
• “Wife’s Story Saves and Innocent ‘Judd.””Daily News, Tue, Jan 10, 1928 Page 304, https://www.newspapers.com/image/411639588/