Unraveling Darkness: John White

Unspeakable: A True Crime Podcast By Kelly Jennings

In this episode of Unspeakable we unravel a haunting true crime story that will send shivers down your spine. KJ guides you through a disturbing case that challenges our understanding of human depravity, exploring crimes that defy comprehension and delve into the darkest recesses of the human psyche. We kick off our journey in 1980 with the unsettling story of John White, a seemingly ordinary young man whose life takes a dark and sinister turn when he becomes embroiled in a brutal attack on a teenage girl. What initially seems like a case of self-defense soon unravels into a twisted tale of frenzied violence and calculated malevolence, showcased through the chilling testimony of the victim, Teresa Etherton. As we peel back the layers of this case, we uncover the harrowing insights into John's troubled past, his disturbing behavior, and the eerie contrast between his outward persona and the darkness that lurks within. Through meticulous research, we explore the intricate psychological nuances at play during the attack, shedding light on the perplexing motivations behind such incomprehensible acts of brutality. We witness John's descent into further atrocities, from a chilling confession about the death of his lover, Vicki Sue, to the disturbing trail of evidence that implicates him in her murder. Despite a veneer of rehabilitation during his time in prison and his subsequent role as a pastor, lingering doubts persist about the sincerity of his transformation and the complexities of human nature in the face of unfathomable evil. The heart-wrenching saga of Rebecca Gay, her vibrant personality, and the tragic events that befall her at the hands of John White will leave you reeling.
Timestamps
0:06:09 John White: The Troubled Past
0:09:55 John's Early Adulthood
0:11:22 Teresa's Visit and Incident
0:14:12 Trial Revelations
0:18:00 Euphoria and Dysphoric Mania
0:22:02 Appeal and Release
0:23:14 Insanity Defense in the 1980s
0:26:15 John's Disrespect for Women
0:29:28 Affair with Vicki Sue
0:29:37 Vicki Sue's Disappearance
0:32:30 The Discovery of Vicki Sue's Body
0:42:43 Concerns About John's Past
0:47:10 The Disappearance of Rebecca
0:51:23 20 Hours of Uncertainty
1:00:19 John White's Arrest and Sentencing