After a night out on January 28, 2022, 46-year-old Boston Police Officer was discovered dead in his friend's driveway, covered in snow. The already bizarre scene was made more chaotic when John's girlfriend, Karen Read, was allegedly heard by first responders saying "I hit him! I hit him!" 

Almost immediately law enforcement determined that John's death was a result of Karen Read purposely hitting him with her vehicle the night before.....but this case wasn't so cut and dry. Almost all of the witnesses shared relationships with John and were involved in the law enforcement community. Was it possible they were covering up what really happened that night? 

According to Karen Read and her defense team, everyone involved with the case was involved in a conspiracy to frame her and ultimately cover up John's real murderer. 

Sources:

karen. (n.d.). wondery. https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/karen/id1756594491

Brother of John O’Keefe Speaks out about Karen Read mistrial. (n.d.). wcvb.com.

Karen Read and the Death of John O’Keefe (episode 252-260). (n.d.). https://prosecutorspodcast.com/tag/karen-read/

www.msn.com/en-us/news/crime/who-is-karen-read-a-look-at-the-woman-at-the-center-of-a-media-firestorm/ar-BB1lznpM

https://www.cbsnews.com/boston/news/karen-read-trial-timeline-john-okeefe/

https://www.nytimes.com/2024/05/15/us/karen-read-murder-trial-boston.html

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This episode of The Dark Oak was created, researched, written, recorded, hosted, edited, published, and marketed by Cynthia and Stefanie of Just Us Gals Productions with artwork by Justyse Himes and Music by Ryan Creep

After a night out on January 28, 2022, 46 year old Boston Police Officer was discovered dead in his friend's driveway, covered in snow. The already bizarre scene was made more chaotic when John's girlfriend, Karen Read, was allegedly heard by first responders saying "I hit him! I hit him!" 

Almost immediately law enforcement determined that John's death was a result of Karen Read purposely hitting him with her vehicle the night before.....but this case wasn't so cut and dry. Almost all of the witnesses shared relationships with John and were involved in the law enforcement community. Was it possible they were covering up what really happened that night? 

According to Karen Read and her defense team, everyone involved with the case was involved in a conspiracy to frame her and ultimately cover up John's real murderer. 

Sources:

karen. (n.d.). wondery. https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/karen/id1756594491

Brother of John O’Keefe Speaks out about Karen Read mistrial. (n.d.). wcvb.com.

Karen Read and the Death of John O’Keefe (episode 252-260). (n.d.). https://prosecutorspodcast.com/tag/karen-read/

www.msn.com/en-us/news/crime/who-is-karen-read-a-look-at-the-woman-at-the-center-of-a-media-firestorm/ar-BB1lznpM

https://www.cbsnews.com/boston/news/karen-read-trial-timeline-john-okeefe/

https://www.nytimes.com/2024/05/15/us/karen-read-murder-trial-boston.html

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This episode of The Dark Oak was created, researched, written, recorded, hosted, edited, published, and marketed by Cynthia and Stefanie of Just Us Gals Productions with artwork by Justyse Himes and Music by Ryan Creep

Welcome, true-crime lovers, to New Year, New Binge 2025 Edition! What you’ll find included is your guide to an exciting lineup of podcasts that will make 2025 your best year for listening yet. New Years is a time for resolutions, and mine is simple: to share with you the most captivating, chilling, and downright binge-worthy true-crime podcasts. Whether you’re looking to uncover unsolved mysteries or dive into deep investigative storytelling, I’ve got you covered.

Be sure to follow all of the podcasts you enjoyed so you never miss a new episode. Podcasts are listed below in the order in which you will be introduced to them:

Episode 2:

Coffee and Cases Podcast https://linktr.ee/coffeeandcases

Heart Starts Pounding  https://www.heartstartspounding.com/

Mortal Musings Podcast  https://linktr.ee/mortalmusingspodcast

True Crime Creepers https://linktr.ee/TrueCrimeCreepers

Private Dicks Podcast https://linktr.ee/privatedicks

Welcome, true-crime lovers, to New Year, New Binge 2025 Edition! What you’ll find included is your guide to an exciting lineup of podcasts that will make 2025 your best year for listening yet. New Years is a time for resolutions, and mine is simple: to share with you the most captivating, chilling, and downright binge-worthy true-crime podcasts. Whether you’re looking to uncover unsolved mysteries or dive into deep investigative storytelling, I’ve got you covered.

Be sure to follow all of the podcasts you enjoyed so you never miss a new episode. Podcasts are listed below in the order in which you will be introduced to them:

Episode 1:

Reverie True Crime  https://linktr.ee/paigeelmore 

Fresh Hell Podcast  https://freshhellpodcast.com/

Malice  https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/malice-a-true-crime-podcast/id1471251398

Women & Crime  https://www.womenandcrimepodcast.com

True Crimecast  https://linktr.ee/truecrimecast

The Dark Oak Podcast  thedarkoak.com

On Nov 26, 2016, the Saturday after Thanksgiving, 18-year-old high school student Ben Keita was reported missing by his parents, Ibrahima and Aissata Keita. He apparently left his home in Lake Stevens, Washington State by himself, without his wallet, phone or car.

Temperatures around that time were freezing, and his family was worried the cold could trigger problems for Ben’s sickle cell anemia.

Because Ben left his cell phone behind, the police were not able to get a precise location to begin their search, so they began by looking through a wide sweeping wooded area around the Keita home.  Experienced searchers, including a dog trained to detect human remains, were deployed.

The search for Ben stretched on for days, and then to weeks.

Six weeks passed with no sign of Ben. Then, on January 9, 2017, a group of teenagers wandering into the woods stumbled across an awful sight. About 12 to 14 feet from a trail, and about 10 feet from the nearest backyard fence was the body of Ben Keita. He was hanging from a rope strung over a tall branch in a densely wooded area just blocks from his home. Disturbingly, his body was found in an area that was previously searched multiple times in the days after his initial disappearance.

One end of the rope was fashioned into a noose around Ben’s neck; The other end was attached to a branch that was estimated to be 50 feet in the air. Ben’s feet were 2 and a half feet off the ground. Incredibly his neck was not broken. His official cause of death was recorded as asphyxiation.

Despite the odd circumstances, based on the fact there were no other evidence of trauma, the Snohomish County Medical Examiner determined the manner of death to be suicide.

But Ben’s parents immediately objected to this finding. His family said there was no reason to suspect anything was bothering Ben to the point that he would take his life. Ben was a young black man being raised in the Muslim faith. To Ben's family, Ben's cause of death was nothing short of a lynching.

What happened to Ben Keita?

Sources:

Victim Connect Resource Center. (2024, October 29). Victim Connect Resource Center - Confidential referrals for crime victims. https://victimconnect.org/

King, R. (2017, March 9). Parents again call for FBI to investigate death of Ben Keita | HeraldNet.com. HeraldNet.com. https://www.heraldnet.com/news/parents-again-call-for-fbi-to-investigate-death-of-ben-keita/

Hanna, J., & Hassan, C. (2017, March 4). Family asks FBI to probe black Muslim teen’s hanging. CNN. https://www.cnn.com/2017/03/03/us/washington-teen-ben-keita-hanging/index.html

Staff, C. (2017, March 3). FBI reviewing case of Muslim teen found hanging from tree. CBS News. https://www.cbsnews.com/news/fbi-reviewing-case-of-muslim-teen-found-hanging-from-tree/

Green, S. J. (2017, March 14). Hate-crime suspicions cloud death of Muslim teen in Lake Stevens. The Seattle Times. https://www.seattletimes.com/seattle-news/law-justice/hate-crime-suspicions-cloud-death-of-black-teen/

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This episode of The Dark Oak was created, researched, written, recorded, hosted, edited, published, and marketed by Cynthia and Stefanie of Just Us Gals Productions with artwork by Justyse Himes and Music by Ryan Creep

Merry Christmas Day from The Dark Oak!

Christmas traditions run deep in every culture and every family. In America, the legend of St Nicholas reigns supreme. But it turns out that Santa Claus is only one of the many fables, legends and haunts that come alive around the celebration of Christmas. So, today I present to you, The Monsters of Christmas. Join us for discussions of The Tomten, The Yule Family (including the Yule boys and the Yule Cat), Mari Lwyd, Belsnickel, Krampus, and more!

Sources:

December 15). The Monsters of Christmas. Atlas Obscura. https://www.atlasobscura.com/articles/monsters-of-christmas

Palmer, A., & Palmer, A. (2021, December 20). Mari Lwyd, or “Caroling with Zombie Horses”: A Christmas Story - Weird Little Worlds Press. Weird Little Worlds Press -. https://weirdlittleworlds.com/mari-lwyd-or-caroling-with-zombie-horses/

Little, B., & Little, B. (2023, December 12). Meet Krampus, the Christmas devil who punishes naughty children. HISTORY. https://www.history.com/news/krampus-christmas-legend-origin

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This episode of The Dark Oak was created, researched, written, recorded, hosted, edited, published, and marketed by Cynthia and Stefanie of Just Us Gals Productions with artwork by Justyse Himes and Music by Ryan Creep

We know the tragic story well: a 6-year-old beauty queen is found murdered in her upscale home the day after Christmas. Police and the media immediately zero in on the usual suspects...the remaining three members of the Ramsey family. 

Nearly three decades later we have learned that much of what we were "fed" in the days, weeks, months and years since JonBenet's death has been skewed to fit a particular narrative. Unfortunately, the downside of having a case so widely covered is that much of the widespread information can be incorrect. At The Dark Oak we understand that sometimes it can feel like the victim is lost in the chaos of the investigation and the media frenzy that surrounds it. 

In this episode, Cynthia and Stefanie want to remember JonBenet the person, while exploring the facts surrounding her murder investigation.  

Sources: 

The ransom note – a short life in the spotlight. (n.d.). https://sites.gsu.edu/moyasfinalproject/support-1/

JonBenet Ramsey Murder - The 911 Call - Statement Analysis®. (n.d.). https://www.statementanalysis.com/jonbenet-ramsey-murder/

Lovitt, B. (2018, June 25). Who killed JonBenet Ramsey? 8 possible suspects. Rolling Stone. https://www.rollingstone.com/culture/culture-lists/who-killed-jonbenet-ramsey-8-possible-suspects-129125/the-mother-129180/

JonBenet Ramsey murder case: The Denver Post. (n.d.). https://extras.denverpost.com/news/jon031400.htm

https://pherson.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/06/JonBenet-Ramsey-Case-Study.pdf

https://abcnews.go.com/US/inside-mistakes-jonbenet-ramsey-investigation-noted-police-chief/story?id=29247378

Kenton, L. (2023, August 6). JonBenét Ramsey’s father reveals beauty pageant regrets as he recounts final show on what would be her 33. . . The US Sun. https://www.the-sun.com/news/8758625/jonbenet-ramsey-birthday-beauty-pageant-regrets-dad/

Jon Benet Ramsey Investigation: The Denver Post Online. (n.d.). https://extras.denverpost.com/news/jon22.htm

https://www.walteradavis.com/works/2005/02/essay_there_is_.html. (n.d.). https://www.walteradavis.com/works/2005/02/essay_there_is_.html.

The Denver Post Online: Today’s news. (n.d.). https://extras.denverpost.com/news/jon102.htm

JonBenét Ramsey’s Murder: Timeline of the Child Pageant star’s death and investigation. (2020, November 17). Biography. https://www.biography.com/crime/jonbenet-ramsey-murder-investigation-timeline

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This episode of The Dark Oak was created, researched, written, recorded, hosted, edited, published, and marketed by Cynthia and Stefanie of Just Us Gals Productions with artwork by Justyse Himes and Music by Ryan Creep

We know the tragic story well: a 6-year-old beauty queen is found murdered in her upscale home the day after Christmas. Police and the media immediately zero in on the usual suspects...the remaining three members of the Ramsey family. 

Nearly three decades later we have learned that much of what we were "fed" in the days, weeks, months and years since JonBenet's death has been skewed to fit a particular narrative. Unfortunately, the downside of having a case so widely covered is that much of the widespread information can be incorrect. At The Dark Oak we understand that sometimes it can feel like the victim is lost in the chaos of the investigation and the media frenzy that surrounds it. 

In this episode, Cynthia and Stefanie want to remember JonBenet the person, while exploring the facts surrounding her murder investigation.  

Sources: 

The ransom note – a short life in the spotlight. (n.d.). https://sites.gsu.edu/moyasfinalproject/support-1/

JonBenet Ramsey Murder - The 911 Call - Statement Analysis®. (n.d.). https://www.statementanalysis.com/jonbenet-ramsey-murder/

Lovitt, B. (2018, June 25). Who killed JonBenet Ramsey? 8 possible suspects. Rolling Stone. https://www.rollingstone.com/culture/culture-lists/who-killed-jonbenet-ramsey-8-possible-suspects-129125/the-mother-129180/

JonBenet Ramsey murder case: The Denver Post. (n.d.). https://extras.denverpost.com/news/jon031400.htm

https://pherson.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/06/JonBenet-Ramsey-Case-Study.pdf

https://abcnews.go.com/US/inside-mistakes-jonbenet-ramsey-investigation-noted-police-chief/story?id=29247378

Kenton, L. (2023, August 6). JonBenét Ramsey’s father reveals beauty pageant regrets as he recounts final show on what would be her 33. . . The US Sun. https://www.the-sun.com/news/8758625/jonbenet-ramsey-birthday-beauty-pageant-regrets-dad/

Jon Benet Ramsey Investigation: The Denver Post Online. (n.d.). https://extras.denverpost.com/news/jon22.htm

https://www.walteradavis.com/works/2005/02/essay_there_is_.html. (n.d.). https://www.walteradavis.com/works/2005/02/essay_there_is_.html.

The Denver Post Online: Today’s news. (n.d.). https://extras.denverpost.com/news/jon102.htm

JonBenét Ramsey’s Murder: Timeline of the Child Pageant star’s death and investigation. (2020, November 17). Biography. https://www.biography.com/crime/jonbenet-ramsey-murder-investigation-timeline

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This episode of The Dark Oak was created, researched, written, recorded, hosted, edited, published, and marketed by Cynthia and Stefanie of Just Us Gals Productions with artwork by Justyse Himes and Music by Ryan Creep

Sandra Hemme, is the longest known wrongfully convicted woman in the United States. Sandra was just 20 years old when she was found guilty of the murder of Patricia Jeschke, despite no solid evidence that she committed the crime. She didn’t know the murder victim, there were no witnesses, and no DNA evidence ever connected to her.

We will give you all the information on Sandra, Patricia's murder, Sandra's conviction and exoneration, and maybe most shockingly of all, the person suspected of being Patricia’s true killer.

Sources:

8 facts about Sandra Hemme’s case you need to know - Innocence Project. (2023, May 1). Innocence Project. https://innocenceproject.org/8-facts-about-sandra-hemmes-case-you-need-to-know/

Zeff, S. (2024, October 9). Missouri released Sandra Hemme from prison, so she’s spending time with her dying father. KCUR - Kansas City News and NPR. https://www.kcur.org/news/2024-07-23/missouri-sandra-hemme-innocence-prison-freed-attorney-general-andrew-bailey

Ozarks True Crime — Anne Roderique-Jones. (2023, June 13). Anne Roderique-Jones. https://www.anneroderiquejones.com/ozarks-true-crime

Nov 14, 1980, page 1 - St. Joseph Gazette at Newspapers.com. (n.d.). https://www.newspapers.com/image/563725892/?match=1&terms=Patricia%20Jeschke

Dec 13, 1980, page 13 - St. Joseph News-Press at Newspapers.com. (n.d.). https://www.newspapers.com/image/562524263/?match=1&terms=sandra%20hemme

8 facts about Sandra Hemme’s case you need to know - Innocence Project. (2023, May 1). Innocence Project. https://innocenceproject.org/8-facts-about-sandra-hemmes-case-you-need-to-know/

Apr 10, 1981, page 1 - St. Joseph News-Press at Newspapers.com. (n.d.). https://www.newspapers.com/image/562058591/?match=1&terms=sandra%20hemme

Mar 31, 1983, page 7 - St. Joseph Gazette at Newspapers.com. (n.d.). https://www.newspapers.com/image/563837303/?match=1&terms=sandra%20hemme

Apr 16, 1983, page 27 - St. Joseph News-Press at Newspapers.com. (n.d.). https://www.newspapers.com/image/562460478/?match=1&terms=sandra%20hemme

Jul 19, 2024, page A6 - Johnson City Press at Newspapers.com. (n.d.). https://www.newspapers.com/image/1126157909/?match=1&terms=sandra%20hemme

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This episode of The Dark Oak was created, researched, written, recorded, hosted, edited, published, and marketed by Cynthia and Stefanie of Just Us Gals Productions with artwork by Justyse Himes and Music by Ryan Creep

On the night of November 28th, 1985, several members of the Blount Family had gathered at a family trailer in the Hilltop Mobile Home Park that lay in the suburbs of Fort Worth, Texas. The gathering consisted of Joe Blount, a skilled mechanic, Joe’s wife Susan, Robert who was Joe and Susan’s teenaged son, Joe’s daughter Angela, Joe’s brother Carl Blount and Carl’s estranged son Michael Columbus.

The family sat down and ate dinner between 4 and 5pm, after dinner was finished, Carl went home. At 9pm that night Susan went for a lie down while Joe drove Angela, Robert and Michael to a local convenience store about half a mile away so the kids could grab ice-creams, and he could pick up some beer.

While the others were out, Susan later said she heard a knock at the door but when she looked outside, she didn’t see anyone and went back to sleep. When the others returned to the trailer around 20 minutes after they had left, they found a tan briefcase sitting at the door. The three teenagers were excited that the briefcase might contain valuables or money and brought it inside. At a minimum, they figured they could find out who it belonged to and return it. Angela immediately set it down in the living room, opened it and the bomb inside detonated.

Joe Blount aged 44, Angela aged 15 and Michael aged 18 were all killed instantly by the blast.

Even though a suspect was tried and convicted, they were eventually cleared of all charges and the case remains unsolved to this day.

Who bombed the Blount family?

Sources:

Blanco, J. I. (n.d.). Michael Roy Toney | Murderpedia, the encyclopedia of murderers. https://murderpedia.org/male.T/t/toney-michael-roy.htm

A Thanksgiving Mystery, the Blount Family Bombing : r/UnresolvedMysteries. (n.d.).

https://www.reddit.com/r/UnresolvedMysteries/comments/jyly61/a_thanksgiving_mystery_the_blount_family_bombing/

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This episode of The Dark Oak was created, researched, written, recorded, hosted, edited, published, and marketed by Cynthia and Stefanie of Just Us Gals Productions with artwork by Justyse Himes and Music by Ryan Creep