01: Three suitcases, containing human remains, surfaced in Virginia’s Chesapeake Bay in May 2004. Police identified the man in the suitcases as 39-year-old William McGuire, from Woodbridge New Jersey, and they quickly focused their attention on Bill’s wife, Melanie McGuire, who did not report him missing. Convicted three years later of murdering and dismembering her husband, Melanie McGuire has been in prison since then but did the state get it right? Is Melanie McGuire the femme fatale that the prosecution painted her to be or is she an entirely different person, prosecuted and convicted because she was the most obvious suspect in this crime? In episode 1, meet Melanie McGuire.
Credits: 

Hosted by: Meghan Sacks and Amy Shlosberg. 

Produced by James Varga. 

Written by Meghan Sacks. 

Recorded, mixed, and edited by Justin Kral at JC Studios. 

Music and underscore by Nick Bassett of Dessert Media. 

Legal Counsel provided by Barry Janay. 

Special thanks to Alan Tockerman. 

Producer-At-Large, Adam Curry


For Images related to this episode, visit: https://directappealpodcast.com/images/#ep01
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The Fixer

In August 2008, Sarah Widmer, a healthy 24 year-old woman is found dead in her bathtub, just four months after marrying Ryan Widmer… the only person at home with Sarah that night. 
Suspicion quickly fell on Ryan, leading to his arrest and conviction for Sarah’s murder. But could this have been a tragic accident? 
Ryan has adamantly maintained his innocence for the last 16 years, but now, two seasoned criminologists examine the very controversial conviction of Ryan Widmer, for the murder of his wife Sarah.  
Is Ryan a murder or did something else happen in that bathroom? Join us to find out.

Society & Culture

Personal Journals

History

Philosophy

Places & Travel

Social Sciences

Science & Medicine

Science

True crime

Ep10:
We'll learn whats next in Ryan's appeals process, and is there any possible explanation for what happened that night in the bathroom.
Finally, Amy and Meghan give their thoughts on Ryan's guilt or innocence and whether he got a fair trial.
If you have any information regarding this case, you can still submit it by emailing us at tips@directappealpodcast.com or leaving a voicemail at (570) 844-0499.

If you'd like to support Ryan Widmer you can visit the following pages:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100028875264608
Go Fund Me: https://www.gofundme.com/f/9wsur-ryan-widmer-an-innocent-man
Change.org: https://www.change.org/p/ohio-attorney-for-justice-release-the-dna-in-the-ryan-widmer-case
Credits:

Hosted by: Meghan Sacks and Amy Shlosberg 

Produced by James Varga

Written by Meghan Sacks & Amy Shlosberg

Editing by Jose Alfonzo

Music and underscore by Dessert Media

Special Thanks to:

Jessica Henry and her book, Smoke but No Fire: Convicting the Innocent of Crimes that Never Happened

Janice Hisle and her book, Submerged: Ryan Widmer, his drowned bride and the justice system


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The Conclusion

Ep09:
A new mystery witness for the prosecution has everyone wondering who it is... and would they have any information that could seal Ryan's fate?

If you have any information regarding this case, you can still submit it by emailing us at tips@directappealpodcast.com or leaving a voicemail at (570) 844-0499.

Credits:

Hosted by: Meghan Sacks and Amy Shlosberg 

Produced by James Varga

Written by Meghan Sacks & Amy Shlosberg

Editing by Jose Alfonzo

Music and underscore by Dessert Media

Special Thanks to Janice Hisle and her book, Submerged: Ryan Widmer, his drowned bride and the justice system



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Surprise Witness

Ep08:
Ryan has one more chance at fighting for his freedom, but will his new legal team be able to achieve a different outcome this time around?

If you have any information regarding this case, you can still submit it by emailing us at tips@directappealpodcast.com or leaving a voicemail at (570) 844-0499.

Credits:

Hosted by: Meghan Sacks and Amy Shlosberg 

Produced by James Varga

Written by Meghan Sacks & Amy Shlosberg

Editing by Jose Alfonzo

Music and underscore by Dessert Media

Special Thanks to Janice Hisle and her book, Submerged: Ryan Widmer, his drowned bride and the justice system



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The ReTrial

Ep07:
In this episode we have a verdict, Ryan is found guilty, but someone comes forward with information that may turn the case upside-down. And Ryan builds a new legal team to take on the challenge ahead.

If you have any information regarding this case, you can still submit it by emailing us at tips@directappealpodcast.com or leaving a voicemail at (570) 844-0499.

Credits:

Hosted by: Meghan Sacks and Amy Shlosberg 

Produced by James Varga

Written by Meghan Sacks & Amy Shlosberg

Editing by Jose Alfonzo

Music and underscore by Dessert Media

Special Thanks to Janice Hisle and her book, Submerged: Ryan Widmer, his drowned bride and the justice system



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The Jury's Duty

Ep06:
The Defense makes their case that Sarah's death was a tragic accident, but will Ryan take the stand and defend himself? Also, we talk to a 3rd party pathologist and get their thoughts on the autopsy and manner of death.

If you have any information regarding this case, you can still submit it by emailing us at tips@directappealpodcast.com or leaving a voicemail at (570) 844-0499.

Credits:

Hosted by: Meghan Sacks and Amy Shlosberg 

Produced by James Varga

Written by Meghan Sacks & Amy Shlosberg

Editing by Jose Alfonzo

Music and underscore by Dessert Media

Special Thanks to Janice Hisle and her book, Submerged: Ryan Widmer, his drowned bride and the justice system



Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The Fixer

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