WILDCIDE

On July 4, 2009, the world woke up to shocking headlines: beloved NFL quarterback Steve McNair had been found dead in a Nashville condo, alongside 20-year-old Sahel “Jenni” Kazemi. What first looked like a mystery quickly unraveled into a tragic tale of obsession, secrecy, and emotional unraveling.

To fans, McNair was the embodiment of grit—a decorated athlete, a husband, and a father of four. But beneath the surface, his life was divided between the roles he played and the impulses he couldn’t seem to outrun. Lavish gifts, secret properties, and multiple women—all carefully tucked away from his public image—painted a portrait of a man at war with himself.

This week, we break down the events leading up to the murder-suicide that shocked the nation. Then, we’re joined by Certified Sex Addiction Therapist Tamara, who helps us unpack the psychological and relational damage caused by sexual compulsivity. She guides us through the difference between a double life and a disorder, what it means for betrayed partners, and why so many people still misunderstand sex addiction today.

This isn’t just a story about a sports icon. It’s a story about secrets, trauma, and what happens when the mask finally slips.

Resources:

The Athlete Identity Project

Mental Health & Crisis Support:

988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline (U.S.):

Crisis Text Line:

NAMI HelpLine (National Alliance on Mental Illness):

Sexual Compulsivity & Sex Addiction Support:

SAA (Sex Addicts Anonymous):

Sexual Health Alliance:

The International Institute for Trauma and Addiction Professionals (IITAP):

For Partners of Betrayal or Trauma Survivors:

APSATS (The Association of Partners of Sex Addicts Trauma Specialists):

Bloom for Women:

References:

Associated Press. (2009, July 16). McNair's death ignites discussions of infidelity. ESPN. https://www.espn.com/nfl/news/story?id=4334826

BBC News. (2018, April 27). Sex addiction: 'Five times a day wasn't enough'. https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-england-43921760

Howard, K., Sarrio, J., & Echegaray, C. (2009, July 3). Steve McNair death podcast: Titans, Nashville, Sahel Kazemi anniversary. The Tennessean. https://www.tennessean.com/story/sports/nfl/titans/2019/07/03/steve-mcnair-death-podcast-titans-nashville-sahel-kazemi-anniversary/1597765001/

Howard, K., Sarrio, J., & Echegaray, C. (2019, July 3). Steve McNair death timeline: The rise and fall of the NFL legend and Sahel Kazemi’s tragic end. The Tennessean. https://www.tennessean.com/story/sports/nfl/titans/2019/07/03/steve-mcnair-death-sahel-jenni-kazemi-timeline/1551927001/

McMullan, J. (n.d.). Steve McNair Biography - Showed Early Signs of Greatness, Glory Years at Alcorn State, Signed with Oilers. Biography.jrank.org. Retrieved May 5, 2025, from https://biography.jrank.org/pages/2358/McNair-Steve.html

Nasaw, D. (2009, July 9). Former NFL star Steve McNair was killed by jealous girlfriend, police say. The Guardian. https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2009/jul/09/steve-mcnair-murder-girlfriend

Piccotti, T. (2024, August 20). The complex legacy of NFL quarterback Steve McNair. Biography. https://www.biography.com/athletes/a61916082/steve-mcnair-legacyBiography

Tanner, L. (2017, December 10). Sex cases put spotlight on sex addiction, but is it real? The Clarion-Ledger. https://www.clarionledger.com/story/news/2017/12/10/sex-cases-put-spotlight-sex-addiction-but-real/938632001/The Clarion-Ledger+1The Clarion-Ledger+1

Today. (2024, August 20). Who killed Steve 'Air' McNair? True story behind 'Untold' episode. https://www.today.com/popculture/steve-air-mcnair-murder-true-story-rcna166895

Walters, J. (2017, September 25). Sex addicts see a familiar story in Anthony Weiner's path to ruin. The Guardian. https://www.theguardian.com/lifeandstyle/2017/sep/25/sex-addicts-recovery-anthony-weiner

Forensic Misuse of Sex Addiction | Psychology Today

McNair, S. (n.d.). Steve McNair Biography. JRank. Retrieved May 2, 2025, from https://biography.jrank.org/pages/2358/McNair-Steve.html

Merrill, E. (2018, February 11). The family Tennessee Titans legend Steve McNair left behind. ESPN. Retrieved May 2, 2025, from https://www.espn.com/espn/feature/story/_/id/22349868/the-family-tennessee-titans-legend-steve-mcnair-left-behind​:contentReference[oaicite:2]{index=2}

Associated Press. (2009, July 29). Agent: McNair left instructions to care for family. ESPN. https://www.espn.com/nfl/news/story?id=4364855

Step right up, folks—today’s Shortcide takes you on a journey through the wonderfully weird (and slightly horrifying) world of historic freak shows! 🎪 We dig into the strange afterlife of Elmer McCurdy, the outlaw who somehow spent more time touring as a mummy than he ever did causing trouble alive. Then, we honor the story of Julia Pastrana, the incredible performer who deserved so much more than the circus life she was given. Expect a mix of history, absurdity, and the occasional “Wait…WHAT?!” moment as we unravel the bizarre ways society used to treat the extraordinary.

Thanks for listening! If you want to support us, you can follow/subscribe to WILDCIDE on your favorite podcast listening app. While you’re there, please rate and leave us a review – we would really appreciate it! You can also visit our website at www.wildcidepodcast.com (merch now available!) Make sure to get updates by following us on Instagram (@wildcidepodcast) and Facebook (Wildcide Podcast). 

Don’t forget Wildcide Wednesdays- new episodes drop every Wednesday at 6am EST. Interviews will drop every other Friday at 6am EST.

Background music by Brad Parsons at Train Sound Studio. Art for the podcast was created by Kelly Steen. 

​WILDCIDE Podcast and any content posted is presented solely for general informational, educational, and entertainment purposes. The use of information on this podcast or materials linked from this podcast or website is at the user’s own risk. It is not intended as a substitute for the advice of a physician, professional coach, psychotherapist, or other qualified professional, diagnosis, or treatment. Users should not disregard or delay in obtaining medical advice for any medical or mental health condition they may have and should seek the assistance of their healthcare professionals for any such conditions

References:

Lovejoy, B. (2014, November 26). Julia Pastrana: A “Monster to the Whole World”. The Public Domain Review. https://publicdomainreview.org/essay/julia-pastrana-a-monster-to-the-whole-world/

Powell, J. M. (2023, September 6). Holy cow! History: The strange afterlife of Elmer McCurdy. NH Journal. https://nhjournal.com/holy-cow-history-the-strange-afterlife-of-elmer-mccurdy/

Stelloh, T. (2013, December 13). Behold! The heartbreaking, hair-raising tale of freak show star Julia Pastrana, Mexico’s monkey woman. BuzzFeed News. https://www.buzzfeed.com/timstelloh/behold-the-heartbreaking-hair-raising-tale-of-julia-pastrana

Thomas, H. (2018, July 24). Elmer McCurdy: Traveling Corpse. Headlines & Heroes. Library of Congress Blogs. https://blogs.loc.gov/headlinesandheroes/2018/07/elmer-mccurdy-traveling-corpse/

Wilson, C. (2013, February 11). Julia Pastrana, who died in 1860, to be buried in Mexico. The New York Times. https://www.nytimes.com/2013/02/12/arts/design/julia-pastrana-who-died-in-1860-to-be-buried-in-mexico.html

In this powerful conversation, Sab sheds light on the hidden dangers of honor-based violence, detailing how it continues to affect countless lives across the world. Through her advocacy, she works to raise awareness, support survivors, and fight for a future where no one has to fear violence in the name of family honor.

Sab's courage to speak out is a reminder that honor killings are not just tragic stories but real, preventable crimes that need urgent attention. This interview is a call to action to stand up against honor-based violence and to ensure the voices of the vulnerable are never silenced again.

About our Special Guest, Sab:

I'm a survivor of child abuse and come from a family of survivors. My mum experienced domestic abuse during many different periods of her life, and I grew up watching her support other women in our community who had been through similar experiences. That shaped so much of who I am and gave me the courage to speak up about my own experiences when friends at school started confiding in me about theirs.

I originally planned to go into law enforcement, but during university, I began volunteering at a Rape Crisis Centre and never looked back. I ended up working there for six years in various roles including Specialist BAMER (Black, Asian, Minority Ethnic and Refugee) Outreach Worker, Helpline Support Worker, Independent Sexual Violence Advocate (ISVA), Prevention Worker, and Trainer. I created prevention programmes for schools and colleges, and worked alongside national organisations like Barnardo’s to raise awareness and support survivors. I also spent a lot of time training professionals from police to healthcare workers on sexual violence and how to respond with compassion and confidence.

Later, I worked with Women’s Aid, supporting women on probation who were also victims of domestic abuse. While I valued my time with these organisations, I often felt that the needs of BAMER survivors were treated as a tick-box, acknowledged, but not deeply understood or embedded into practice.

Today, I’m the Director of Creative Optimistic Visions (COV), a Community Interest Company that uses the Protective Behaviours approach to help individuals and communities feel safer, build resilience, and access support through education, mentoring, and training.

I’m also the founder of Sab Against Abuse a platform dedicated to transforming how professionals understand and respond to abuse within ethnic minority communities. I specialise in training around complex and culturally sensitive issues such as forced marriage, honour-based violence, dowry abuse, female genital mutilation (FGM), and other harmful practices. My goal is to equip professionals with the tools, confidence and cultural awareness to support survivors without judgement, assumptions, or discrimination, because meaningful support starts with understanding.

In 2003, Shafilea Ahmed, a 17-year-old British-Pakistani girl, was killed in a brutal act that shocked the world. Behind the walls of a seemingly ordinary family home, Shafilea's desire for independence clashed with her parents' rigid expectations, leading to a tragic and deadly end.

Raised in a family where cultural traditions were enforced without question, Shafilea's growing desire to live life on her own terms set her on a dangerous path. Her defiance of arranged marriage plans and rejection of traditional roles would come at an unimaginable cost.

When Shafilea went missing, her parents quickly reported it as an unfortunate disappearance, but the truth was far darker than anyone could have imagined. It wasn’t until months later when some workers found Shafilea's dismembered remains when investigators began to piece together the shocking events leading to her death.

The case of Shafilea Ahmed is one of heartbreaking betrayal—a reminder of the devastating consequences of honor-based violence and the silencing of young women in the name of tradition. It serves as a wake-up call to the need for greater awareness and action to prevent honor killings, ensuring that no one, especially young women, should ever feel that their only choice is death for the sake of family “honor.”

**Tune in on Friday April 25th to listen to our interview with Sab, a childhood abuse survivor and advocate against Honor Based Violence.**

Thanks for listening! If you want to support us, you can follow/subscribe to WILDCIDE on your favorite podcast listening app. While you’re there, please rate and leave us a review – we would really appreciate it! You can also visit our website at www.wildcidepodcast.com (merch now available!) Make sure to get updates by following us on Instagram (@wildcidepodcast) and Facebook (Wildcide Podcast). 

Don’t forget Wildcide Wednesdays- new episodes drop every Wednesday at 6am EST. Interviews will drop every other Friday at 6am EST.

Background music by Brad Parsons at Train Sound Studio. Art for the podcast was created by Kelly Steen. 

​WILDCIDE Podcast and any content posted is presented solely for general informational, educational, and entertainment purposes. The use of information on this podcast or materials linked from this podcast or website is at the user’s own risk. It is not intended as a substitute for the advice of a physician, professional coach, psychotherapist, or other qualified professional, diagnosis, or treatment. Users should not disregard or delay in obtaining medical advice for any medical or mental health condition they may have and should seek the assistance of their healthcare professionals for any such conditions. 

References:

BBC News. (2012, August 3). Shafilea Ahmed: Parents jailed for life for murder. BBC News. https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-england-19119014

BBC News. (2012, May 24). Shafilea sister talks of 'relief'. BBC News. https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-england-18194131

BBC News. (2012, May 22). Stephen Lawrence murder: Timeline of key events. BBC News. https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-england-18161066

BBC News. (2012, May 18). Shafilea Ahmed: Parents guilty of murdering daughter. BBC News. https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-england-merseyside-18144095

Manchester Evening News. (2023, July 19). 20 years since Shafilea Ahmed's murder: What happened to the case and those involved? Manchester Evening News. https://www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk/news/uk-news/20-years-shafilea-ahmed-murder-27321857

The Guardian. (2012, August 3). Shafilea Ahmed: A life and death timeline. The Guardian. https://www.theguardian.com/uk/2012/aug/03/shafilea-ahmed-life-death-timeline

The Guardian. (2012, August 3). Shafilea Ahmed: Parents guilty of murder. The Guardian. https://www.theguardian.com/uk/2012/aug/03/shafilea-ahmed-parents-guilty-murder

The Independent. (2018, July 20). Murderer Iftikhar Ahmed abandoned son and Danish first wife to follow through with arranged marriage to Shafilea's mother, Farzana. The Independent. https://www.the-independent.com/news/uk/crime/murderer-iftikhar-ahmed-abandoned-son-and-danish-first-wife-to-follow-through-with-arranged-marriage-to-shafilea-s-mother-farzana-8005441.html

Wales Online. (2023, July 26). ITV1's Murder Without Honour: Full story of Shafilea Ahmed’s tragic death and her parents’ conviction. Wales Online. https://www.walesonline.co.uk/lifestyle/tv/itv1-murder-without-honours-full-30882659

West Yorkshire Police. (n.d.). National Day of Remembrance for Honour-Based Violence: The Shafilea Ahmed story. West Yorkshire Police. https://www.westyorkshire.police.uk/advice/relationships/national-day-remembrance-honour-based-violence-shafilea-ahmed-story/national-day-remembrance-honour-based-violence-shafilea-ahmed-story

Warrington Guardian. (2022, February 21). A decade since parents convicted of Shafilea Ahmed murder. Warrington Guardian. https://www.warringtonguardian.co.uk/news/20595190.decade-since-parents-convicted-shafilea-ahmed-murder/

What happens when love turns deadly? Sharon Graham found herself at the center of a tangled web of emotions, caught between not one, but three men—each unknowingly playing a role in a twisted and dangerous plot. At the heart of this tragic story is Bruce Saunders, a well-liked butcher whose life would be taken by those he trusted most.

As Sharon’s desires and emotions ran wild, her relationship with Greg Roser and Peter Koenig, two men she called lovers, escalated into something far darker than any of them could have predicted. What seemed like a complicated love triangle quickly morphed into a chilling act of betrayal, as Sharon orchestrated a plan that would result in Bruce’s shocking and untimely death.

Bailey and Chelsea unravel the emotional undercurrents of a case where love, jealousy, and manipulation created a deadly storm. Bruce’s tragic fate is not just about a murder—it’s about how far someone will go when revenge and deceit take the place of affection.

Dive into the disturbing details of a crime where the lines between love and betrayal blurred with deadly consequences. The truth behind this twisted love quadrangle is more sinister than anyone could have imagined.

Thanks for listening! If you want to support us, you can follow/subscribe to WILDCIDE on your favorite podcast listening app. While you’re there, please rate and leave us a review – we would really appreciate it! You can also visit our website at www.wildcidepodcast.com (merch now available!) Make sure to get updates by following us on Instagram (@wildcidepodcast) and Facebook (Wildcide Podcast). 

Don’t forget Wildcide Wednesdays- new episodes drop every Wednesday at 6am EST. Interviews will drop every other Friday at 6am EST.

Background music by Brad Parsons at Train Sound Studio. Art for the podcast was created by Kelly Steen. 

​WILDCIDE Podcast and any content posted is presented solely for general informational, educational, and entertainment purposes. The use of information on this podcast or materials linked from this podcast or website is at the user’s own risk. It is not intended as a substitute for the advice of a physician, professional coach, psychotherapist, or other qualified professional, diagnosis, or treatment. Users should not disregard or delay in obtaining medical advice for any medical or mental health condition they may have and should seek the assistance of their healthcare professionals for any such conditions. 

References:

Antrobus, B. (2023, November 11). ‘It’s just got to be done’: Woman’s six words which sparked heinous plot to murder ex in woodchipper. News.com.au. https://www.news.com.au/national/queensland/crime/there-will-be-an-accident-murderers-chilling-claim-weeks-before-expartner-fed-to-woodchipper-in-heinous-plot/news-story/39c0baa1a6f8d0947bc36b8c33d749db

Antrobus, B. (2023, October 28). ‘Deep-seated psychopathy’: Judge lashes woodchipper murderer Sharon Graham as evil request to son revealed. News.com.au. https://www.news.com.au/national/queensland/courts-law/sharon-graham-found-guilty-of-heinous-woodchipper-murder-of-expartner-bruce-saunders/news-story/59d3bd18dad38812ac5284dcfb2a8d92​news

Australian Associated Press. (2022, September 19). Man found dead in woodchipper had unwittingly become part of ‘love quadrangle’, Queensland court hears. The Guardian. https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2022/sep/19/man-found-dead-in-woodchipper-bruce-saunders-love-quadrangle-gympie-queensland-court-told​

Brisbane Times. (2022, September 28). 'I hit the stop button … to leave a bit of Bruce out for the police to see'. https://www.brisbanetimes.com.au/national/queensland/i-hit-the-stop-button-to-leave-a-bit-of-bruce-out-for-the-police-to-see-20220928-p5blnn.html

Crockford, T. (2022, September 20). Woodchipper murder accused ‘didn’t want to be with him, but he had money’. Brisbane Times. https://www.brisbanetimes.com.au/national/queensland/woodchipper-murder-accused-didn-t-want-to-be-with-him-but-he-had-money-20220920-p5bjh6.html

Crockford, T. (2022, September 19). Couple part of ‘love quadrangle’ on trial over alleged woodchipper killing. Brisbane Times. https://www.brisbanetimes.com.au/national/queensland/couple-part-of-love-quadrangle-on-trial-over-alleged-woodchipper-killing-20220919-p5bj99.html

Daily Mail Australia. (2023, October 27). 'Woodchipper murder' Sharon Graham's final post. Daily Mail. https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-12903047/woodchipper-murder-Sharon-Graham-final-post.html

Daily Mail Australia. (2018, May 29). Photos emerge of two people charged with murder of Bruce Saunders who died in woodchipper. https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-5781343/Photos-emerge-two-people-charged-murder-Bruce-Saunders-died-woodchipper.html

Lavelle, L. (2023, October 9). Sharon Graham pleads not guilty to murder of Bruce Saunders, whose body was fed through woodchipper near Gympie. ABC News. https://www.abc.net.au/news/2023-10-09/queensland-woodchipper-trial-sharon-graham-bruce-saunders/102950598

Lavelle, L. (2023, October 27). Sharon Graham's sinister web of sex and deception ended in the bloody murder of Bruce Saunders. ABC News. https://www.abc.net.au/news/2023-10-28/qld-woodchipper-murder-trial-sharon-graham-gregory-roser/103024716

McKenna, K. (2023, October 27). Sharon Graham on trial for murder of ex-lover Bruce Saunders. The Australian. https://www.theaustralian.com.au/breaking-news/sharon-graham-on-trial-for-murder-of-exlover-bruce-saunders/news-story/33528c966a1e3c7effce706d2cbe6a9a

Remeikis, A. (2023, October 10). Ex-partner was the ‘architect’ of gruesome woodchipper plot, Queensland court told. The Guardian. https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2023/oct/10/ex-partner-was-the-architect-of-gruesome-woodchipper-plot-queensland-court-told

It's all about Pantera today! In this special episode, we sit down with Michael "Doc" Holt, the cousin of the legendary Abbott Brothers, Darrell "Dimebag" and Vinnie Paul, for an exclusive interview. As one of the few remaining close family members to the Abbott brothers, Doc shares intimate, never-before-heard stories about their childhood, their rise to fame with Pantera, and the deep personal loss he still feels from Dimebag's tragic death.

Doc opens up about the bond he shared with the brothers, their early days in the music scene, and what it was like watching Pantera transform into one of the most influential heavy metal bands of all time. He offers a glimpse into their family dynamics, highlighting the real people behind the legends. Doc reflects on the pain of losing Dimebag in such a brutal way and the lasting impact that tragedy had on their family and the world. Hear firsthand accounts of the brothers' personalities and the highs and lows of their journey.

This interview offers a rare, personal look into the Abbott family’s legacy, from their humble beginnings to the heartbreak that changed their lives forever. If you’ve ever wondered what it was like to grow up with two of rock’s most iconic figures—or if you want to hear more about the real people behind the Pantera story—this is an episode you don’t want to miss.

About Doc:

Doc started playing guitar at 10 with Jerry Bob Abbott’s help. He played and sang rock and country professionally for over 40 years with several well known Texas bands. Doc even opened for Billy Monroe, Earl Scruggs, the Osborn Bros, and several other blue grass groups. His country band won entertainers of the year at the Stephenville opera.  Doc’s band also opened for Big Otis and others including Fog Hat with over 8000 in attendance in College Station. 

In this intense episode, we cover one of the most shocking and heartbreaking events in rock music history: the murder of Dimebag Darrell, guitarist of the iconic band Pantera, during a live performance in 2004. The episode delves into the tragic shooting at the Alrosa Villa in Columbus, Ohio, where Darrell and three others—tour manager Chris Paluska, security guard Jeff Thompson, and fan Nathan Bray—lost their lives in an act of brutal violence that would leave the music world reeling.

Bailey and Chelsea explore the motive behind the horrific attack, the chilling background of the shooter, Nathan Gale, and the devastating impact this event had on Pantera’s fans, family, and the music industry at large.

As they recount the events of that fateful night, they also dive into the fallout that followed—both in terms of the tragic loss to the music world and the deep personal loss felt by Darrell’s family and bandmates, including his brother, Vinnie Paul, who was forever changed by the death of his sibling. The episode touches on the intense grief, the ongoing investigations, and the unanswered questions that linger about Gale’s motivations.

Thanks for listening! If you want to support us, you can follow/subscribe to WILDCIDE on your favorite podcast listening app. While you’re there, please rate and leave us a review – we would really appreciate it! You can also visit our website at www.wildcidepodcast.com (merch now available!) Make sure to get updates by following us on Instagram (@wildcidepodcast) and Facebook (Wildcide Podcast). 

Don’t forget Wildcide Wednesdays- new episodes drop every Wednesday at 6am EST. Interviews will drop every other Friday at 6am EST.

Background music by Brad Parsons at Train Sound Studio. Art for the podcast was created by Kelly Steen. 

​WILDCIDE Podcast and any content posted is presented solely for general informational, educational, and entertainment purposes. The use of information on this podcast or materials linked from this podcast or website is at the user’s own risk. It is not intended as a substitute for the advice of a physician, professional coach, psychotherapist, or other qualified professional, diagnosis, or treatment. Users should not disregard or delay in obtaining medical advice for any medical or mental health condition they may have and should seek the assistance of their healthcare professionals for any such conditions. 

References:

The road to success was a lengthy one for Pantera. (2001, July 17). Las Vegas Sun. https://lasvegassun.com/news/2001/jul/17/the-road-to-success-was-a-lengthy-one-for-pantera/#:~:text=As%20Pantera%20got%20recognition%20%2D%2D%20all%20on,touch%20the%20group%20(too%20loud%20for%20radio;

Drumeo. (2023, March 10). The genius of Vinnie Paul [Video]. YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ikaJz1GBBFw

MasterClass. (2021, September 1). Groove metal guide: A brief history of groove metal music. MasterClass. https://www.masterclass.com/articles/groove-metal-guide

Schaffner, L. (2024, April 3). A photo timeline of Pantera’s famed career. Loudwire. https://loudwire.com/timeline-pantera-career-photos/

Simeone, M. (2025, January 13). Pantera’s Vinnie Paul reveals origin of band’s name and more in 2014 interview. SiriusXM. https://www.siriusxm.com/blog/pantera-vinnie-paul

Bowcott, B. N. (2010, April 2). Jerry Abbott: Father Dime. Guitarworld. https://www.guitarworld.com/artists/jerry-abbott-father-dime

Dawsoncochran. (2023, May 11). Slaughtered: The life, death, and legacy of Dimebag Darrell. 89.1 The Bash. https://www.bashradio.com/post/slaughtered-the-life-death-and-legacy-of-dimebag-darrell

MetalTalk, & MetalTalk. (2022, July 15). A tribute to Vinnie Paul, 11 March 1964 to 22 June 2018. MetalTalk - Heavy Metal News, Reviews and Interviews | We Are MetalTalk and We Publish Rock ’n Roll. https://www.metaltalk.net/a-tribute-to-vincent-paul-abbott-11th-march-1964-to-22nd-june-2018.php

Vhnd. (2019, September 29). “Dime was an original, he deserves the original” —Eddie Van Halen on Dimebag Darrell. Van Halen News Desk. https://www.vhnd.com/2014/12/08/dime-was-an-original-he-deserves-the-original-eddie-van-halen-on-dimebag-darrell/

Wikipedia contributors. (2025, April 3). Columbus nightclub shooting. Wikipedia. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Columbus_nightclub_shooting

References:

This episode isn't just about a shooting—it’s a tribute to Darrell Abbott’s legacy, a man who revolutionized heavy metal and touched countless lives with his music, and a look at how a community of fans and musicians struggled to heal after this senseless tragedy.

In this episode, we dive into the haunting murder of Rhonda “Chantay” Blankinship, whose tragic fate would remain a mystery for over a year. Chantay’s disappearance seemed like an ordinary missing persons case, but what unfolded would leave the small town of Brownwood, Texas, reeling. Her body was found in an abandoned house, brutally beaten and left for dead, but the question remained: Who would do this to someone so loved by all?

What initially appeared to be a case of a random abduction quickly turned into a complex investigation with twists and turns, including an unlikely forensic breakthrough. With DNA phenotyping as the key to unlocking the case, investigators were able to generate a digital image of the killer—a face made from genetic clues—giving the community something they hadn't had in 18 months: a suspect.

The twist? The killer was someone familiar to the victim, someone who had been part of the search, someone who had even attended her funeral. As investigators close in, the startling truth about the motive and the killer's confession unfolds in ways no one could have predicted.

Join us as we explore this chilling case and the cutting-edge science that finally brought justice for Chantay. This episode delves into the power of DNA and how it transformed this cold case into a story of shocking discovery and ultimate closure.

Thanks for listening! If you want to support us, you can follow/subscribe to WILDCIDE on your favorite podcast listening app. While you’re there, please rate and leave us a review – we would really appreciate it! You can also visit our website at www.wildcidepodcast.com (merch now available!) Make sure to get updates by following us on Instagram (@wildcidepodcast) and Facebook (Wildcide Podcast). 

Don’t forget Wildcide Wednesdays- new episodes drop every Wednesday at 6am EST. Interviews will drop every other Friday at 6am EST.

Background music by Brad Parsons at Train Sound Studio. Art for the podcast was created by Kelly Steen. 

​WILDCIDE Podcast and any content posted is presented solely for general informational, educational, and entertainment purposes. The use of information on this podcast or materials linked from this podcast or website is at the user’s own risk. It is not intended as a substitute for the advice of a physician, professional coach, psychotherapist, or other qualified professional, diagnosis, or treatment. Users should not disregard or delay in obtaining medical advice for any medical or mental health condition they may have and should seek the assistance of their healthcare professionals for any such conditions. 

References:

Bradshaw, N. (2019, February 17). Mother of murdered Brownwood woman forgives daughter's killer. KTXS. Retrieved from https://ktxs.com/news/local/mother-of-murdered-brownwood-woman-forgives-daughters-killer

NBC News. (2023, October 6). The haunted house confession (Season 31, Episode 2) [Audio podcast episode]. In Dateline NBC. https://www.podcastworld.io/episodes/the-haunted-house-confession-kvdy5je4

Parabon NanoLabs. (n.d.). Murder of Rhonda “Chantay” Blankinship. Retrieved March 31, 2025, from https://snapshot.parabon-nanolabs.com/snapshot-case-summary--lake-brownwood-tx--chantay-blankinship-murder.html

Starnes, J. (2019). Snapshot of a killer. The Texas Prosecutor, September–October 2019. Texas District & County Attorneys Association. Retrieved from https://www.tdcaa.com/journal/snapshot-of-a-killer/

In this Shortcide, it's almost as if death itself is playing dirty, pulling off Final Destination-style tricks, taking lives in the most unexpected and bizarre ways. Bailey and Chelsea dive into two of the most perplexing and bizarre cases in recent memory. Bailey covers the eerie deaths of Lucien Perot and Olivier Boudin, two men found dead under mysterious circumstances at a French bistro, their meal left unfinished and their deaths seemingly simultaneous. Was it a tragic accident, a botched meal, or something more sinister? Bailey unpacks the chilling details, from the discovery of their bodies to the postmortem results that shed light on the true cause of their deaths.

Meanwhile, Chelsea takes us through the bizarre case of Mary Reeser, the "Cinder Woman," who was found in her Florida apartment reduced to ashes, leaving behind only a portion of her skull and a few bones. Could spontaneous human combustion explain the phenomenon, or was there something more to this unsettling incident? Chelsea explores the strange theories and puzzling evidence surrounding Mary’s death, bringing a dose of mystery and intrigue to this truly bizarre case.

Join us for a chilling, strange, and darkly fascinating episode of Shortcide, where we dig into the unexplained and unexplainable.

Thanks for listening! If you want to support us, you can follow/subscribe to WILDCIDE on your favorite podcast listening app. While you’re there, please rate and leave us a review – we would really appreciate it! You can also visit our website at www.wildcidepodcast.com (merch now available!) Make sure to get updates by following us on Instagram (@wildcidepodcast) and Facebook (Wildcide Podcast). 

Don’t forget Wildcide Wednesdays- new episodes drop every Wednesday at 6am EST. Interviews will drop every other Friday at 6am EST.

Art for the podcast was created by Kelly Steen. Editing/Production for the podcast by Bltzwolff ([email protected]).

​WILDCIDE Podcast and any content posted is presented solely for general informational, educational, and entertainment purposes. The use of information on this podcast or materials linked from this podcast or website is at the user’s own risk. It is not intended as a substitute for the advice of a physician, professional coach, psychotherapist, or other qualified professional, diagnosis, or treatment. Users should not disregard or delay in obtaining medical advice for any medical or mental health condition they may have and should seek the assistance of their healthcare professionals for any such conditions. 

References:

Amare, V. (n.d.). Dying together: The double death with a twist. Medium. Retrieved from https://verityamare.medium.com/dying-together-the-double-death-with-a-twist-416bee8d8ce3

Calise, G. (2019, October 17). Spontaneous combustion in St. Petersburg? The curious case of Mary Reeser. Tampa Bay Times. https://www.tampabay.com/news/florida/2019/10/17/spontaneous-combustion-in-st-petersburg-the-curious-case-of-mary-reeser/

Chrisafis, A. (2017, August 9). Postmortems solve strange case of French pair who died at dinner. The Guardian. https://www.theguardian.com/world/2017/aug/09/mysterious-case-two-men-found-dead-authon-du-perche-french-village-solved

Encyclopaedia Britannica. (n.d.). Is spontaneous human combustion real? Encyclopaedia Britannica. Retrieved February 13, 2025, from https://www.britannica.com/story/is-spontaneous-human-combustion-real

France 24. (2017, August 10). A fatal bromance: The last supper of Lucien and Olivier. France 24. https://www.france24.com/en/20170810-mysterious-death-dinner-french-village-authon-perche-france

Frisk, A. (2017, August 9). Mystery solved in the case of 2 French friends who died over supper. Global News. https://globalnews.ca/news/3657748/french-friends-died-over-dinner-together-mystery/

Wikipedia contributors. (2025, February 13). Death of Mary Reeser. Wikipedia. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Death_of_Mary_Reeser

M, N. (2022, January 15). Consumed by the Flames of Hell: A history of Spontaneous human combustion. Medium. https://medium.com/the-mystery-box/consumed-by-the-flames-of-hell-a-history-of-spontaneous-human-combustion-d44aad2e8f57

In September of 1996, tragedy shattered the peace at the historic Snowden House, a grand estate resting in the heart of the Arkansas Delta. It was there that 75-year-old Sally Snowden McKay and her nephew, 52-year-old Joseph Lee Baker, were brutally murdered—a brutal act of violence that stained a home that had stood for generations. The killer? A teenage burglar, Travis Lewis, who had crept onto the property that day with intentions that turned deadly. He was caught, convicted, and sentenced to life behind bars. Justice, it seemed, had prevailed. But some stories don’t end where we expect them to. And for the Snowden family, the darkness wasn’t finished with them yet.

Fast forward more than 20 years, and the unthinkable happened—the same house, the same family, the same killer but a new victim. This time, 63-year-old Martha McKay. How did a convicted murderer get a second chance to kill? Why did Martha McKay, who believed in forgiveness, allow him back into her life? And how did this twisted story finally end? We’re breaking down every eerie and unbelievable detail in this episode. Trust us, you won’t believe how it all unfolds.

Thanks for listening! If you want to support us, you can follow/subscribe to WILDCIDE on your favorite podcast listening app. While you’re there, please rate and leave us a review – we would really appreciate it! You can also visit our website at www.wildcidepodcast.com (merch now available!) Make sure to get updates by following us on Instagram (@wildcidepodcast) and Facebook (Wildcide Podcast). 

Don’t forget Wildcide Wednesdays- new episodes drop every Wednesday at 6am EST. Interviews will drop every other Friday at 6am EST.

Art for the podcast was created by Kelly Steen. Editing/Production for the podcast by Bltzwolff ([email protected]).

​WILDCIDE Podcast and any content posted is presented solely for general informational, educational, and entertainment purposes. The use of information on this podcast or materials linked from this podcast or website is at the user’s own risk. It is not intended as a substitute for the advice of a physician, professional coach, psychotherapist, or other qualified professional, diagnosis, or treatment. Users should not disregard or delay in obtaining medical advice for any medical or mental health condition they may have and should seek the assistance of their healthcare professionals for any such conditions. 

References:

Baker, K. C. (2020, May 6). Inside the bizarre case of a killer striking twice 23 years apart, murdering a mother and daughter. PEOPLE. https://people.com/crime/inside-the-bizarre-case-of-a-killer-striking-twice-23-years-apart-murdering-a-mother-and-daughter/

Baker, K. C. (2021, May 17). 'People Magazine Investigates': Inside the mother-daughter murders at Horseshoe Lake – 24 years apart. PEOPLE. https://people.com/crime/people-magazine-investigates-mother-daughter-murders-horseshoe-lake/

Baker, J. (2020, March 25). Martha McKay murdered at Horseshoe Lake home. Memphis Flyer. https://www.memphisflyer.com/martha-mckay-murdered-at-horseshoe-lake-home

 Criminal Matters. (n.d.). Woman killed by same man who killed mother 20 years earlier. Vocal Media. https://vocal.media/criminal/woman-killed-by-same-man-who-killed-mother-20-years-earlier

Finger, M. (2012, December 3). Lady of the lake: Martha McKay's love affair with Arkansas' iconic Horseshoe Plantation. Memphis Magazine. https://memphismagazine.com/habitats/lady-of-the-lake/

Jones, J. (2021, June 29). Murder mystery: Murder at Horseshoe Lake, conclusion. AY Magazine. https://aymag.com/murder-mystery-murder-at-horseshoe-lake-conclusion/

National Organization of Victims of Juvenile Murderers. (n.d.). Joseph Baker, Martha McKay, & Sally McKay. https://teenkillers.org/memorials/arkansas-victims/joseph-baker-martha-mckay-sally-mckay/

Puryear, M. (2020, September 30). Murder mystery: Murder at Horseshoe Lake, Part 1. AY Magazine. https://aymag.com/murder-mystery-murder-at-horseshoe-lake-part-1/

Weintraub, A. (2020, March 26). Arkansas woman killed by same man convicted of mother's murder 23 years earlier, sheriff says. ClickOrlando.