What we lose in the Shadows (A father and daughter True Crime Podcast)

Send us Fan Mail

Have you ever felt a shiver down your spine while walking to your car in a deserted parking lot? That ripple of fear isn't unfounded, as Caroline and I explore the unsettling truth behind women's safety in these common yet potentially perilous spaces. We take you through the heart-wrenching abductions of Kelsey Smith and Mercedes Vega, whose stories are stark reminders of the dangers that can hide in the most ordinary of places. Our conversation isn't just about the darkness that exists in the shadows; it's a lantern lighting the path to vigilance and self-protection.

This episode paints a vivid portrait of the intersection between technology and personal safety, from life-saving community tips to the critical role surveillance footage played in piecing together these crimes. As we share the bravery of the families who turned their grief into action, like the Smiths championing the Kelsey Smith Law, you'll feel the weight of their fight for justice and the importance of legislative support in times of crisis. Join us as we reflect on the vulnerability many women face and discuss ways to forge a shield of awareness against the unforeseen terrors of daily life.

• https://www.azfamily.com/2023/11/28/family-friends-ask-help-solving-murder-tempe-woman-found-burned-alive-car-near-i-10/
• https://www.kshb.com/news/local-news/kelsey-smiths-family-reflects-on-her-impact-15-years-after-murder
• https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Murder_of_Kelsey_Smith

Contact us at: [email protected]



Background music by Michael Shuller Music 

Send us Fan Mail

The bravery of two young girls who faced life-threatening dangers and their incredible rescues are the heart-pounding narratives we share in a chapter you won't forget. From the streets of Long Beach to the quiet town of Mount Vernon, these stories of survival remind us of the power of community awareness and the ever-important role of the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children. We wrap up by inviting you to join our ongoing conversation on unsolved mysteries, engage with our community on Instagram, and tune in next Tuesday for more gripping tales from the shadows of true crime. Your courage to confront these chilling accounts with us is what keeps the darkness at bay.

"Help me note" News Nation 7-22-23.
Fox 4 Dallas kidnapping in North Texas 
CNN.com "A Texas man pleaded guilty in kidnapping 1-20-2024.

Contact us at: [email protected]



Background music by Michael Shuller Music 

Send us Fan Mail

Our dialogue recounts the harrowing path of two premeditated murders.  The first case involves the 2021 murder of Spanish teacher, Nahema Graber, in rural Iowa. The second the 1975 case of Debbie Gamma, a student whose life ended at the hands of her English teacher, Raymond Payne.

 https://www.the-independent.com/news/world/americas/crime/nohema-graber-jeremy-goodale-willard-mille-b2448484.html

https://www.cbsnews.com/news/jeremy-goodale-iowa-teen-sentenced-killing-spanish-teacher-nohema-graber/

https://www.dailyamerican.com/story/news/local/2020/12/02/teacher-raymond-payne-who-strangled-erie-student-debbie-gama-in-1975-dies-at-sci-laurel-highlands/115798806/

https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.1030825753624417&type=3

Contact us at: [email protected]



Background music by Michael Shuller Music 

Send us Fan Mail

 

Transition to a moment in history marked by tragedy—the 1996 Atlanta Olympic Park bombing. We honor the heroism of Richard Jewell, a security guard whose quick actions saved countless lives but couldn't shield him from the media's misguided accusations. The real perpetrator, Eric Rudolph, eludes capture by weaving a trail of devastation with his lethal nail-laden devices. Through a lens of regret and reflection, we confront the emotional aftermath of these events, the lessons learned about prematurely pointing fingers, and the lasting effects on those caught in the crossfire of public scrutiny. Jameson's first fiction novel, "The Vanishing Ballerina," is now available for presale at The Vanishing Ballerina: A Bobby Bocchini Mystery by Jameson Keys, Paperback | Barnes & Noble® (barnesandnoble.com) .

CNN.com 7-6-2023 Olympic Park Bombing 

History.com 7-26-2021 Bombing at Centennial Olympic Park

Wikipedia Centennial Olympic Park Bombing 

Contact us at: [email protected]



Background music by Michael Shuller Music 

Send us Fan Mail

As we reopen the dusty files of the past, we're not just revisiting cold cases; we're reigniting the flame of justice. Welcome to the new season of our podcast, where we peel back the veneer of nature's beauty to reveal the grim reality of true crime. Today, we grapple with the harrowing events of Julie and Lollie's fateful camping trip in Shenandoah National Park—a chilling reminder of the dangers that can hide in plain sight. Amid our personal anecdotes, including Caroline's recent adventures and my own strides in the literary world, we prepare you to face the darkness that might be lurking around your next campfire.

Venturing beyond mere storytelling, we scrutinize the unsolved mysteries that haunt America's great outdoors. This season's grim tapestry weaves together the narratives of victims, the tireless efforts of park rangers, and the sinister ideologies of those who tread where they're not welcome. With respect and safety hanging in the balance, we dissect the undercurrents of gender, homophobia, and possibly racism that permeate these crimes. Our reflection on a 1996 national park murder underscores the enduring relevance of societal issues that continue to challenge our communal resolve.

Outside Online 5-13-2022
Blue Ridge Outdoors 3-1-2018
Washington Post 6-25-2021

Contact us at: [email protected]



Background music by Michael Shuller Music 

Send us Fan Mail

Discover the unsettling truths behind Jeffrey Epstein's criminal network as Jameson Keys and I, Caroline, peel back the layers of his infamous legacy. Our latest episode brings to light the harrowing consequences of Epstein's actions and the complex intersections of wealth, power, and the quest for justice. Join us for an unflinching examination of how Epstein's vast and sordid operations—spanning private islands and the notorious Lolita Express—were facilitated by systemic failures, and the shocking leniency of his 2008 plea deal.

As the web of Epstein's influence unravels, we scrutinize the aftermath of his mysterious death and its implications for his high-profile circle. We grapple with the names entangled in his narrative, from presidents to magicians, and dissect what their associations with Epstein truly signify. The enigma of Epstein's demise, compounded by Ghislaine Maxwell's trial and the curious case of Jean-Luc Brunel, leads us down a path of conspiracy theories and pressing questions about the accountability of those in power.

Our episode culminates with a fervent discussion on the judicial response to Epstein's transgressions, advocating for stringent punishment for perpetrators of such heinous acts. We invite you, our listeners, to join the dialogue by connecting with us on social media and sharing your thoughts. As we sign off, we're reminded that justice for the victims remains a battle worth fighting, and each voice raised in solidarity brings us closer to shedding light on these crimes that for too long have lurked in the shadows.

The Mirror/US Charlie Jones 1-4-24

NEWSWEEK 1-3-2024

ABC News 2-19-22 Ali Dukakis

New York Times 12-7-2021 James C. Mckinley Jr.

Business Insider 1-5-2024 Madeline Berg

Contact us at: [email protected]



Background music by Michael Shuller Music 

Send us Fan Mail

Can you even begin to imagine the raw emotional turmoil of losing a child? Brace yourself for a harrowing journey into the shadowy world of child abduction in our latest episode. We will take you through an agonizing 51-year search for Melissa Highsmith, abducted at just two years old, underscoring the importance of unwavering hope even when the odds seem insurmountable. 

Then, we take a sharp turn into the shocking reality of infants kidnapped and nurtured by their abductors. We share the stories of two women who faced this distressing ordeal and discuss the subsequent legal fallout and emotional devastation endured by all involved. Ending on a heartwarming note, we express our endless gratitude to you, our loyal listeners, and send out warm holiday wishes. We're excited to hear your thoughts and case suggestions for future episodes. Be prepared, this is not for the faint-hearted but trust us, it's a journey worth taking.

Contact us at: [email protected]



Background music by Michael Shuller Music 

Send us Fan Mail

Ever wonder what goes on in the minds of serial killers? Join us today as we pull back the curtain on the eerie world of Keith Jesperson, better known as the "Happy Face Killer". We trace his dark childhood, marred by violence and abuse, and speculate how these early experiences could have nudged him down a sinister path. We also analyze a disquieting exchange of letters between Jesperson and another alleged killer, Rex Heuermann. With their disturbing messages and potential motives, these correspondences paint a chilling portrait of these murderers' mindset.

From pet abuse to arson, we take a hard look at the warning signs of a budding serial killer. Commonalities such as antisocial tendencies and substance abuse get under our scrutiny as we delve deeper into the psyche of these dangerous individuals. Our journey into Jesperson's life doesn't stop at his childhood. We delve into his unsuccessful stint with the Royal Canadian Mounted Police and his strange connection with Rex Heuermann. Our discussion takes a turn when we bring up the false confession made by a woman named Laverne Pavlina and her abusive boyfriend, who claimed to have killed one of Jesperson's victims.

Finally, we examine how Jesperson's daughter, Melissa Moore has forged a brave future. As a successful author, podcaster and speaker. She uses her platform to raise awareness and support for survivors of trauma and violent crimes. 

Nations News "Happy Face killer pens note to Gilgo beach suspect." 11-29-23
Long Island.com " Happy Face killer urges Heuermann to confess." 11-21-23
Happy Face Podcast-Melissa Moore and Lauren Bright Pacheco
"Whole: a guide to self-repair" by Melissa Moore

Contact us at: [email protected]



Background music by Michael Shuller Music 

Send us Fan Mail

Imagine finding an Apple AirTag hidden in your car - a sinister shadow trailing your every move. A tale that chills the bones, yet that's precisely what happened in a disturbing case of stalking that culminated in a heartbreaking tragedy. This episode dissects the horrifyingly real implications of such technology being misused and emphasizes the critical importance of recognizing and addressing stalking behavior.

Sorce material:

Woman Allegedly Used AirTag to Stalk and Kill Her Ex-Boyfriend (futurism.com)

https://www.indystar.com/story/news/crime/2022/06/03/woman-charged-murder-after-man-struck-outside-indianapolis-pub/7495447001/

https://arstechnica.com/tech-policy/2023/10/apple-airtags-triggered-explosion-of-stalking-reports-nationwide-lawsuit-says/

Contact us at: [email protected]



Background music by Michael Shuller Music 

Send us Fan Mail

Want to know how a man eluded justice amidst a trail of suspicious activities and chilling criminal behavior? Imagine a tale of power, corruption, and murder that unfolds the dark mysteries surrounding the disappearance of Stacey Peterson and the controversial death of Kathleen Savio, with their husband, Drew Peterson, at the center of this storm. Join us as we explore a gripping narrative that reveals Peterson's history of domestic abuse and his manipulations, using his status as a police officer to dodge the law.

We go beyond the headlines, examining the unsettling circumstances surrounding Kathleen Savio's death, which was initially ruled as an accident despite compelling evidence suggesting foul play. We scrutinize the blatant police corruption in Will County and the role it played in shielding Peterson. Stacey Peterson's tragic tale and her son Steven's suspicion of his own father further paints a chilling picture that will leave you questioning the justice system. 

Our investigation doesn't stop there. We dive deep into Drew Peterson's pattern of narcissistic behavior and his alleged torment of his fourth wife, Stacey. Hear the shocking details of his attempt to hire a contract killer and Stacey's chilling confession to her pastor, Reverend Neil Schory. This episode promises to leave you gripped, as we dissect a chilling tale of a man who, for too long, managed to cloak his sinister actions under the guise of law enforcement. Tune in, listen closely, and let's decipher this complex web of corruption and injustice together.

Fox 32 Chicago Stacy Peterson's disappearance 15 years later 10-27-22
NBC News So what happened to Stacy Peterson? 9-6-2012
NBC News Ex-Cop found guilty of murdering third wife. 9-6-2012

Contact us at: [email protected]



Background music by Michael Shuller Music