This podcast is devoted to motivating and inspiring other fellow writers to pursue their passion for writing and turn their dreams of becoming a published author into a reality. I also share my personal experiences and tips I've learned throughout my journey as a self published author. Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/shanda-couch/support
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3 lifelong friends who like to dish on true crime and the kind of drama that only small towns can provide 💀
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The senseless, and potentially racially-motivated, crime that killed eight-year-old Noah Bush will have you seething. Sources: -https://home.army.mil/stewart/about/Garrison/DPW/environmental/prevention-and-compliance/borrow-pits#:~:text=What%20is%20a%20Borrow%20Pit,for%20fill%20at%20another%20location. -https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jesup,_Georgia …
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Linda Lee Couch: Self-Defense or Senseless Murder?
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In this episode, Rachael talks about Linda Lee Couch, who murdered her husband, Walter Couch Jr., in their home In Cincinnati, Ohio. The two of them were married for 14 years. As their history is unraveled, the question of self-defense is brought into the mix. Sources: 1) https://appgateway.drc.ohio.gov/OffenderSearch/Search/Details/W017943 2) I Am…
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Dubbed by the media as “The Tube Sock Killings,” these four unsolved murders occurred in 1985 in the remote areas of Lewis and Pierce County, Washington, near the unincorporated community of Mineral, Washington. Tube socks were tied around the necks of the women. Was it the same killer? You might think so, but it's not so cut and dry! Let's talk ab…
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Identifying the Grim Sleeper After Over 20 Years
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Kate talks about a case that was only recently solved using DNA evidence. The Grim Sleeper was identified after having committed at least 10 murders (that he was convicted of) and at least 4 others he was suspected of carrying out. His crimes spanned decades, and he targeted sex workers who were black women. Would he have been found out sooner if h…
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Bison Dele, an ex-NBA player who walked away from it all at the prime of his career, his girlfriend, and the captain of his catamaran are all missing when Bison's brother docks their boat. What does his brother know about what happened to them all? Sources: 1)https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bison_Dele#:~:text=Dele%20won%20a%20championship%20with,have…
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Rachael talks about the brutal, horrific murder of 12-year-old Shanda Sharer in Madison, Indiana, which involved several other young girls. This will leave you shaking your head and wondering how individuals this young can commit such horrible acts of violence. Sources: 1) https://allthatsinteresting.com/shanda-sharer 2) https://www.talesfromtheund…
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The decades-old case of the multi-homicide of the Short Family is ongoing and with few reliable leads. Twenty-two years later, the Short family is still searching for justice - but an inadequate initial investigation might make that impossible. Sources: 1) https://unresolved.me/the-short-family (very detailed!) 2) https://www.wfxrtv.com/news/local-…
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A Deadly Ex: The Murder of Julie Ann Gonzalez
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Julie Ann Gonzalez was only 21-years-old when she went missing, leaving her young daughter, Layla, and a large group of family and friends who cared for her. They immediately knew that something was wrong - Julie would never disappear of her own volition. Find out how there was a murder conviction with no body found. Sources: 1) https://www.oxygen.…
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Gerald Bloom is found buried underneath a trailer in 2010. The story that unfolds when police talk to Bloom's neighbors and roommates is terrifying and sad. Sources: 1) https://law.justia.com/cases/wyoming/supreme-court/2012/s-11-0281.html 2) https://www.championfh.com/obituaries/gerald-bloom 3)https://bloximages.chicago2.vip.townnews.com/billingsg…
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The Axeman of New Orleans terrorized the city in the 1910s, while the world was in the midst of both war and pandemic. Hear about several theories regarding who the Axeman was - are any of them convincing? Sources: 1) https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1918 2) https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Axeman_of_New_Orleans 3) https://www.smithsonianmag.com/history/…
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The Moore family was an affluent family located in the town of Villisca, Iowa. They were well-known and well-liked in town. So when all 6 of them, along with 2 young guests, were found bludgeoned in their own home one morning in 1912, people had no idea who would have committed such a crime. Was this heinous crime committed for some financial motiv…
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In this episode, Rachael covers a 1800s case in which a woman by the name of Cordelia Botkin is jealous of her lover's wife, Mary, causing her to go to great lengths to have Mary killed. Sources: 1) https://medium.com/lessons-from-history/death-by-chocolate-ab1f379e705c 2) https://billypenn.com/2023/09/17/botkin-dunning-case-murder-by-chocolate-del…
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At first, when Stacey Castor's husband unexpectedly passes away, no one thinks anything of it, and his death is ruled a suicide. But when police dig deeper and search the Castor's home, what they find shocks them. And as they delve into Stacey's past with her previous husband, they begin to uncover a sinister web of lies... Sources: 1) https://en.w…
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Killer Clown: The Murder of Marlene Warren
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Marlene Warren answered the door to her home and was fatally shot by a mysterious clown, who then calmly walked away to their getaway car. Although there were eyewitnesses, circumstantial evidence, and a prime suspect, it would take over three decades for her killer to face any kind of justice. Sources: 1) https://www.cbsnews.com/pictures/killer-cl…
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Harrowing Homicide in Hawaii: Telma Boinville
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On December 7, 2017, the body of Telma Boinville was discovered inside a North Shore vacation home in Pupukea, Hawaii by a pair of Australian tourists. In addition to the discovery of Telma’s remains, Makana, Telma’s 8-year-old daughter, was also found inside the home, with both her hands and feet bound. Throughout this episode, Rachael covers Telm…
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This week, we take a brief break from covering cases and reflect on our favorite moments from the podcast over the last 100 episodes. We also hear from listeners and play a fun game at the end! Support the Show.By Kate, Christine, and Rachael
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Vanished Without A Trace: Erin Marie Gilbert
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During a first date, 24-year-old Erin Marie Gilbert vanishes without a trace. Almost 20 years later, and there are still no answers. Could her date have anything to do with her disappearance? Or was another ill-intentioned player involved? Sources: 1) https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Disappearance_of_Erin_Marie_Gilbert 2) https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki…
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The Decades-Long Mystery of the Lyon Sisters
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In this week's episode, Rachael talks about the decades-long mystery of the Lyon sisters, who disappeared from a local mall in Wheaton, Maryland in March of 1975. The case went cold for a whopping 38 years. Eventually, a man who was only 18-years-old at the time of the crime and who had involved himself in the investigation was found guilty of kidn…
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Tune in to learn about the heartbreaking and harrowing murder of Warren Barnes by 19-year-old Brian Cohee, and about the treasured life of Warren Barnes--victimized for being homeless, because his life "didn't matter." The way the community has honored Barnes is truly moving. Sources: 1) https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Grand_Junction,_Colorado 2) htt…
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The Unnerving Disappearance of Ashley Loring Heavyrunner
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This week we dive into the bizarre disappearance of Ashley Loring Heavyrunner from the Blackfeet Reservation in Montana. Just 20 years old, investigators looked into some questionable relationships she may have had, substance abuse issues, and one particularly odd interaction with her father just before she disappeared. An overworked and under-fund…
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This week, Rachael covers the shocking murder of Tracy Mondabough, which occurred as a result of a love-triangle gone wrong. Because the murder happened right around the start of Covid, the defense had some pretty interesting arguments for why the perpetrator might have committed the crime... Sources: 1) https://www.chillingcrimes.com/blogs/news/tr…
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The Three-Decade Murder Mystery of Cathy Sposito
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This is one of those cases that is solved, but justice was unfortunately never served. Today on Small Town Mysteries, hear about the murder of Cathy Sposito, which was solved 36 years (!!!) after it occurred. Support the Show.By Kate, Christine, and Rachael
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Despite there being a good amount of circumstantial evidence in the murder of Jan Kruse, a mom of two who is known in town for being extremely kind and friendly, this is sadly a case that is not solved. Though many people believe they know who committed the crime - is it really that simple? Sources: 1) https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Brewster,_Minnes…
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This week, Rachael dives into two shocking murder cases - both technically still unsolved! George Carroll Sources: 1) https://www.washingtonpost.com/nation/2018/12/13/he-was-told-his-father-walked-out-then-he-started-digging-up-basement/ 2) https://www.fresherslive.com/latest/articles/george-carroll-disappearance-1961-what-happened-to-george-carrol…
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When a woman is found in tarp off the side of the highway in 1968, she remains unidentified for over 30 years. This was a case that took decades to get to the bottom of - and even now, there are still so many questions remaining. Sources: 1) https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-tennessean-barbara-ann-hackman-taylo/24013583/ 2) https://news.google…
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Thirteen year old Jayme Closs witnesses her mother and father being murdered, and is then abducted by their killer, who had been carefully planning her abduction for a long time. Jayme is held in captivity for 88 days before she bravely escapes. Listen to Rachael cover this heartbreaking story this week on Small Town Mysteries. Sources: 1) https://…
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The Unsolved Disappearance of Natalee Holloway
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Natalee Holloway is a name that many people within the true crime circle have heard of and are familiar with - but just how much do you know about Natalee and what happened surrounding her disappearance? This is sadly a case that is still not resolved, despite law enforcement and the general public having a very good idea who likely committed the c…
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The Perplexing Disappearance of 8-year-old Relisha Rudd
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This week, Christine highlights the devastating story of Relisha Rudd, an 8-year-old girl who disappeared from a Washington, D.C. homeless shelter in 2014. What did her family know? Why didn't anyone report her missing for 18 DAYS? And most importantly, why was no one taking care of this vulnerable child? Sources: 1) https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/D…
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The Brutal & Senseless Murder of Chester Allen Poage
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A group of three young men befriend and then brutally torture 19-year-old Chester Poage, with the only motive seeming to be to rob him. This is just one of those cases that make you wonder - how do these horrible people find each other?! Sources: 1) https://medium.com/@Charlie_OBrien/the-horrifying-kidnap-and-murder-of-chester-poage-d131d77cb1f1 2)…
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In this case, what was thought to be a case of religious fanaticism gone wrong might have actually just been a crime of passion. Hear about the brutal murder of Brenda Lafferty and her infant daughter on this episode of Small Town Mysteries. This case inspired the recent series: Under the Banner of Heaven. Sources: 1) https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/…
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Camping Trip Gone Wrong: The Disappearance of DeOrr Kunz
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This week, Christine talks about a horrifying case in which 2-year old DeOrr Cruz vanishes from a campground. Little information on this case exists, but what information does exist causes people to be skeptical of those who were on the camping trip with DeOrr. Sources: 1) https://www.eastidahonews.com/2020/07/deorr-kunz-vanished-5-years-ago-today…
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The murder of 6-year-old Eli Hart by the hands of his mother was tragic and entirely preventable. There were many missteps taken by social workers assigned to the case - it's safe to say that the foster care system failed Eli Hart. Sources: 1) https://www.kare11.com/article/news/investigations/kare-11-investigates-eli-hart-child-red-protection-fail…
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Micki Kanesaki and Lonnie Kocontes were seemingly working on re-igniting their former marriage, which had previously ended in divorce. As such, they booked a beautiful Mediterranean cruise for May of 2006. However, what Micki was not aware of was the fact that Lonnie had booked that particular cruise, as well as the particular room they stayed in, …
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The Heart-Wrenching Murder of Susan Powell
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Susan Powell believes that she found the perfect opposite to her outgoing personality - Joshua Powell. They marry quickly and have children. But as their marriage progresses, Susan learns that Joshua is far from the man she thought he was. This case involves a dangerous obsession, a couple of different heart-wrenching tragedies, and a family who se…
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On March 15, 1989, Tracey, only 17 at the time, was found at her job laying in a pool of her own blood. It was the first time that Tracey had closed the store on her own. After decades of leads that have never fully panned out, the case is still unsolved to this day. Who murdered Tracey Kirkpatrick? Sources: 1) https://www.intothesilentland.com/ 2)…
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Ellen Rae Greenberg’s Homicide…Or Suicide?
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This week, Kate talks about the case of Ellen Rae Greenberg, which was ruled a suicide early on in the investigation. However, the physical evidence points toward homicide... Sources: 1) https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ellen_Rae_Greenberg 2) https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Manayunk,_Philadelphia 3) https://www.cbsnews.com/philadelphia/news/ellen-rae-gr…
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This week, Christine talks about the mysterious deaths and disappearance of the Yuba County Five - a friend group of 5 young men. This group attended a basketball game one night in 1978, and were later found either dead or missing - in a very puzzling place. Sources: 1) https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Yuba_County_Five 2) https://www.washingtonpost.co…
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Baby Holly: Found 40 Years After Her Parents Were Murdered
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It took 40 years for investigators to find out the identities of a Jane and John Doe, only to discover that they had an infant at the time of their deaths...but where was she? In this episode of Small Town Mysteries, find out what happened to Baby Holly, where she is now, and how this case involves a cult. The murder of her parents, Harold Dean Clo…
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This case takes place in Napa, California, in the early morning hours of November 1, 2004, when a young woman was woken around 2AM by the sound of breaking glass and a blood-curdling, terrified scream. When she heard whoever was in the house exit, she went to investigate, and found both of her roommates lying in a pool of blood. Who did this, and w…
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During the last Spooky Szn episode of October 2023, Christine talks about a haunted tunnel in Massachusetts and the story of Eunice Cole, a woman in New Hampshire who was accused of (and tried for) being a witch 3 TIMES throughout her life. Sources: 1) https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hoosac_Tunnel 2) https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Florida,_Massachuset…
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In the first case, Rachael talks about a man who killed the woman he was seeing...over halloween candy. In the second case, we cover the murder of Timothy O’Bryan, a young boy who was killed by his father on Halloween night. Sources: 1) https://www.illinoiscourts.gov/Resources/0c5a6fb2-702d-4961-ad07-c4763daa4ea7/1161735_R23.pdf 2) https://www.nbcc…
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Spooky Szn: A Haunting in Connecticut, and Another in Rhode Island
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On this spooky season episode, Kate talks about the real-life stories that The Conjuring series are based on! Sources: 1) https://allthatsinteresting.com/true-story-of-the-conjuring-perron-family-enfield-haunting 2) https://www.usatoday.com/story/life/movies/2013/07/22/conjuring-true-story-perron/2457209/ 3) https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ed_and_Lor…
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This week, Christine takes on the heartbreaking (and still unsolved) abduction of Morgan Nick. In 1995, Morgan was a vibrant 6-year-old girl who was enjoying an evening catching fireflies with her friends at a little league baseball game. After going toward her mom's car to empty sand from her shoes, Morgan is never seen of or heard from again. The…
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Spooky Szn Episode 2 is OUT! Learn about the spookiest stories from New Hampshire, Vermont, and Maine in this episode. We talk about a college, a couple of cemeteries, and even an Inn. At the end, we discuss a book club we will be starting up in January. Let us know @smalltownmysteriespod (on Instagram) if you have any suggestions (true crime or my…
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1922 - When a family and their maid are all found dead on their farm in Germany, there are far more questions than answers. Unsolved to this day, learn about the Hinterkaifeck murders and the different theories surrounding the case. Sources: 1) https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hinterkaifeck_murders 2) https://medium.com/the-mystery-box/the-hinterkaife…
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Spooky Szn: The Lady in Black & Vampires of New England
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ALERT, ALERT!!! FIRST EPISODE OF SPOOKY SZN!! This Spooky Szn, we are covering cases in New England. Today, Christine talks about The Lady in Black (a famous New England Ghost story) and all about VAMPIRES. No, not the ones who sparkle in the sun. No, sadly not the ones who are brothers pining over a doppleganger of their ex-gf (hello, fans of Vamp…
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Reet Jurvetson: Finally Identified 46 Years Later
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In 1969, a body is discovered in the brush off of Mulholland Drive in LA California. The murder was extremely gruesome -- the woman was stabbed over 150 times. This unidentified woman became known as “Sherry Doe” or “Jane Doe 59.” It took 46 years for this woman to get her name back. Jane Doe #59 is actually a woman named Reet Jurvetson, who was mu…
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The Confusing Kidnapping of Carlee Russell
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Today, Kate explores the kidnapping of Carlee Russell, which recently EXPLODED on social media. Carlee was missing for about 2 days before she suddenly re-appeared. What might have led Carlee to make the choices she made? This case is still very much unfolding, and if there are any major developments, we’ll be sure to cover them! Sources: 1) https:…
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The Baffling Disappearance of The Millbrook Twins
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This case will leave you enraged. When twin sisters Dannette Millbrook and Jeannette Millbrook go missing, nothing happens. They are labeled runaways by the primary investigator (despite clear evidence that points to the contrary) and no actual investigation is conducted until years later. If it weren't for the horrendous lack of investigation in t…
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The Crimes of Holly Harvey and Sandra Ketchum
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In this episode, Rachael covers the heinous crimes committed by two teenage girls, Holly Harvey and Sandra Ketchum, which includes the murder of Holly's grandmother and grandfather. What drove them to do this? Sources: 1) https://www.investigationdiscovery.com/crimefeed/murder/killer-couple-murderous-lesbian-teens-holly-harvey-sandra-ketchum 2) htt…
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