TRUE CRIME with Bratterstein

As always, thank you for hanging out and remembering Robert and Tayten Baker with me today. The tragic murders of 14-year-old Tayten Baker and 12-year-old Robert Baker shocked the community of Melrose, Florida in August 2020. The two young brothers were found brutally murdered in their home, having been beaten with a hammer and stabbed with a knife. The prime suspect, Mark Wilson Jr., the boyfriend of their aunt, had been staying in a shed on the Baker property. Investigations revealed that Wilson had been on a methamphetamine binge leading up to the killings.As the investigation unfolded, it was discovered that Wilson had plotted to kill the entire Baker family. Despite his plan, he went on to murder the two brothers in a horrific act of violence. In January 2023, Wilson was convicted of first-degree murder and sentenced to death. His death sentence was later upheld by the Florida Supreme Court in May 2025.The shocking murders of Tayten and Robert Baker remain a powerful reminder of the impact of drug addiction, violence, and family betrayal.

As always, thank you for hanging out and remembering Natalie Henderson and Carter Davis with me today.

On August 1, 2016, 17-year-olds Natalie Henderson and Carter Davis were found shot execution-style behind a Publix supermarket in Roswell, Georgia—each victim had been shot once in the head. Their bodies were discovered by.

Investigators uncovered chilling surveillance footage showing the killer—a 20-year-old man wearing a “V for Vendetta” mask—approaching them, forcing them out of the car, and shooting them both. He was later identified as Jeffrey Hazelwood, who confessed and pled guilty as mentally ill.

Hazelwood was sentenced in May 2017 to life in prison without parole. His chilling admission that he watched the teens together, followed by abduction and murder, sent shockwaves through the community and highlighted the terrifying reality of stalking and random violence.

In September 2003, 16-year-old Sarah Marie Johnson opened fire on her parents, Diane and Alan Johnson, as they slept in their home in Bellevue, Idaho. The shocking crime ended with both parents dead—Diane with a headshot and Alan fatally shot in the chest—while Sarah fled and called 911, claiming innocence in the chaos.

Investigators pieced together the murder using forensic evidence: Sarah’s DNA on a latex glove and bathrobe, paint chips matching her clothing, and a firearm taken from a renter’s guesthouse crimetraveller.org+4en.wikipedia.org+4caselaw.findlaw.com+4. The motive? Her parents had forbidden her relationship with a 19‑year‑old man, fearing the consequences of their age gap and his background.

A jury convicted Sarah of first-degree murder in March 2005. She received two life sentences—plus 15 years for a firearm enhancement—with no chance of parole. Appeals to the Idaho Supreme Court were rejected, as the court confirmed that her age had been considered during sentencing, making the punishment legally sound under U.S. constitutional standards.

As always, thank you for hanging out and remembering Shilie LaShay Turner with me today. The murder of 15-year-old Shilie King shocked the city of Philadelphia—not just because her body was found shot six times and dumped in a shallow grave in Fairmount Park, but because the person responsible was her own mother, Vivian King. What makes this true crime case even more disturbing is that while holding onto this horrific secret, Vivian marched in protests, handed out flyers, and even let a psychic medium into her home. That medium, Valerie Morrison, claimed to sense Shilie’s death as soon as she entered the house and later told police Vivian killed her daughter and buried her near a religious landmark with water. While her vision wasn’t enough to launch a full search across 9,000 acres of parkland, Shilie was ultimately found near a stone fountain—without her shoes or jacket—just as the psychic predicted.Vivian King was arrested and initially confessed to the murder but later recanted, claiming police coerced her confession. During her 1993 trial, the prosecution relied heavily on her confession, while the defense argued there was no physical evidence linking her to the crime. Vivian was convicted of third-degree murder—a lesser charge that acknowledged her heavy drinking the night of the killing. She ultimately served just 10 years in prison. The Shilie Turner case remains one of Philadelphia’s most chilling examples of a mother killing her daughter.

As always, thank you for hanging out and remembering Kaysi McLeod, LeAnn Emry, Jennifer Marcum, and Terry Kimball with me today. Scott Kimball is a police informant turned murdered who preyed on vulnerable human beings and was responsible for the tragic deaths of Kaysi McLeod, Jennifer Marcum, LeAnn Emry, and Terry Kimball. Initially, he got a pretty lenient plea deal from the authorities, but when he failed to produce Jennifer's body (something he promises), he ended up receiving a 70-year prison sentence. Which.. was more than he bargained for. Despite claiming to be just a conman, investigators suspect he might be linked to even more unsolved murders, including those of Katrina Powell and West Mesa Bone Collector victims.

As always, thank you for hanging out and remembering Penny Caffey, Matthew Caffey, and Tyler Caffey with me today.

On March 1, 2008, the Caffey family home in Alba, Texas, became the scene of a horrifying crime. 16-year-old Erin Caffey, feeling trapped by her parents’ disapproval of her relationship with 18-year-old Charlie Wilkinson, hatched a chilling plan: to murder her own mother and two younger brothers so she could stay with Charlie.

In the early hours, Charlie and his friend Charles Waid broke into the home while Erin and Waid’s girlfriend waited outside. Erin’s father, Terry Caffey, miraculously survived five gunshot wounds, but Penny (37), Matthew (13), and Tyler (8) were brutally killed—shot, stabbed, and the house set ablaze afterward.

All four involved—Erin, Charlie, Charles, and Bobbi Johnson (the getaway driver)—eventually pleaded guilty. Erin was sentenced to life in prison with parole eligibility after 43 years. Charlie and Charles received life without parole, and Bobbi was given 40 years, with parole possible .

As always, thank you for hanging out and remembering beloved teacher Colleen Ritzer with me today.
In 2013, Colleen Ritzer, a beloved teacher at Danvers High School, was tragically murdered by her 14-year-old student, Philip Chism. The brutal attack occurred in a school bathroom, where Chism, following a premeditated plan, concealed his identity with a ski mask and used a box cutter. Despite his defense claiming he suffered from psychosis triggered by the mention of Tennessee, Chism was found guilty of murder, rape, and robbery. He was sentenced to life in prison with the possibility of parole when he turns 54, leaving Colleen’s family heartbroken and advocating for justice.Colleen's family has since dedicated their efforts to honoring her memory through the Colleen Ritzer Memorial Fund, which supports scholarships for aspiring teachers. Community events like the Step Up for Colleen 5K Walk/Run and the annual Day of Kindness highlight her legacy of compassion and dedication to education. The Colleen Ritzer Library was renamed in her honor at Danvers High School, ensuring her spirit lives on in the hearts of students and the community. As Philip Chism continues to appeal his conviction, Colleen's family remains steadfast in their pursuit of justice and remembrance of her impact on countless lives.Colleen’s story is a powerful reminder of the lives we can touch and the kindness we can inspire, reflecting her belief that “to know even one life has breathed easier because you have lived is to have succeeded.”

Rick Ennis is at the center of not one—but two chilling murder cases that shocked the nation.In 1993, at just 12 years old, Ennis brutally murdered his mother and stepfather in Smithfield, Maine. Because of his age, he was tried as a juvenile offender and served nearly 9 years in a juvenile facility. During that time, he escaped not once, but twice—yet no new charges were brought against him. His record was sealed when he was released at age 21.But Rick Ennis wasn’t done. In 2006, 24-year-old Lori Slesinski mysteriously vanished in Auburn, Alabama. Her burned-out car was found, but her body was never recovered. Ennis was the last person to see her alive. He left her a romantic letter, which she rejected, and later gave inconsistent stories to police. His DNA was found in her home, and authorities say he was obsessed with Lori.Despite no body ever being found, a jury in 2022 convicted Ennis of capital murder during a kidnapping and burglary. He was sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole.This case was solved without a body, using circumstantial evidence, witness testimony, and deep investigative work. Prosecutors described Ennis as one of the most dangerous and manipulative killers they’ve ever seen.Rick Ennis continues to deny all involvement, claiming he was wrongly convicted. But the families of both victims say this conviction brought long-overdue justice.

As always, thank you for hanging out and remembering Darlene Vander Giesen with me today.

In February 2006, Darlene Kay VanderGiesen, a Deaf woman active in her local community, disappeared after meeting a friend at a Sioux Falls Pizza Hut. Her car was later found abandoned, and her family feared the worst.

Weeks later, her dismembered remains were discovered—in parts found in both a landfill and a rural ditch across state lines. Investigators uncovered a horrifying motive rooted in jealousy: Daphne Wright, the ex-girlfriend of Darlene’s friend, abducted and murdered her. Wright then burned and dismembered Darlene’s body with a chainsaw before disposing of the remains.

Widely covered in the Deaf community and beyond, the case raised profound concerns about how individuals with disabilities are protected—and how jealousy and rage can escalate into unfathomable violence. Wright was convicted of first-degree murder and kidnapping, receiving life in prison without parole.

As always, thank you for hanging out and remembering Lizette Andrea Cuesta with me today.

In February 2018, 19-year-old Lizette Andrea Cuesta was found gravely injured on a remote stretch of road in Livermore, California. Despite a slit throat, she crawled nearly 100 yards—identifying her attackers in her final moments before she died.

Lizette had entered a car voluntarily with two coworkers—Daniel Gross, 19, and Melissa Leonardo, 25—after working together at a fast-food restaurant. What followed was a horrific act of violence: Lizette was stabbed repeatedly and left to die alone.

Gross later confessed in a jailhouse interview, claiming he “snapped” during the attack. Melissa Leonardo was also charged in connection with Lizette’s death.