Attention all shiver-seekers! The Dark Oak is a weekly thrill and chill inducing mystery podcast. Every Wednesday, Stefanie and Cynthia will present to you a true tale of the supernatural, the macabre, historical crimes, cryptids, the unexplained and the downright spooky. To help ease your fears, we also include The Branch of Hope Foundation, which connects you to the human side of our cases by giving back to non-profit organizations related to the first episode of the month. If you enjoy gu ...
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Episode 48: The Mysterious Death of Jessica Renee Johnson
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When Jessica Renee Johnson's friends and family were told that she died by suicide, their worlds were shattered. Over the next few weeks and months, details came to light that that just didn't make sense: Jessica was found wearing clothes that no one recognized, she had strange new markings on her body, and the way in which she died was beyond unus…
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Episode 47: The Disappearance of Maura Murray (Part 3 of 3)
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Maura Murray is an American woman who disappeared on the evening of February 9, 2004, after a car crash on Route 112 near Woodville, New Hampshire, a village in the town of Haverhill. At the time of her disappearance, Maura was a 21-year-old nursing student completing her junior year at the University of Massachusetts. In this three-part series, we…
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Episode 46: The Disappearance of Maura Murray (Part 2 of 3)
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Maura Murray is an American woman who disappeared on the evening of February 9, 2004, after a car crash on Route 112 near Woodville, New Hampshire, a village in the town of Haverhill. At the time of her disappearance, Maura was a 21-year-old nursing student completing her junior year at the University of Massachusetts. In this three-part series, we…
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Episode 45: The Disappearance of Maura Murray (Part 1 of 3)
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Maura Murray is an American woman who disappeared on the evening of February 9, 2004, after a car crash on Route 112 near Woodville, New Hampshire, a village in the town of Haverhill. At the time of her disappearance, Maura was a 21-year-old nursing student completing her junior year at the University of Massachusetts. In this three-part series, we…
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Episode 44: The Bizarre Death of Paulette Gebara Farah
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Commonly referred to as the "Mexican Jon Benet Ramsey", the death of four year old Paulette Gebara Farah is nothing short of a tragedy. What began as a missing person case turned into one of the most suspicious death cases in recent history. Accident? Homicide? Tell us what you think after you listen to the story of Paulette Gebara Farah. Sources: …
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Episode 43: The Abduction of Frederick Valentich
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At the time of his final flight, Frederick was an ambitious, healthy, hardworking, and optimistic young person. On the evening of Saturday October 21st, 1978, at 6:15 Fred Valentich left Moorabbin airport and headed west, crossing Port Philip Bay on the way to King Island. Fred’s flight started without incident. After about 6 minutes over the open …
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Episode 42: The Disappearance of Geneva Adams
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When single mother, Geneva Adams, doesn't come home after a rare night out, her family immediately jumps into action, but finds few clues. After almost 40 years of searching a tip leads them to believe their mother may be buried under the name of Jane Doe in a cemetery about an hour away from where she disappeared. The day of exhumation, everyone i…
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Episode 41: The Unbelievable Story of Once-Convicted Serial Killer, Kathleen Folbigg
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In 2003, Kathleen Folbigg became the most hated woman in Australia when she was convicted of murdering her four children ranging from only 19 days old to two years old. The most damning evidence against her were her journals or what she called her "babble books." These journals detailed her daily life with her children and husband and became a crit…
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Episode 40: The Hidden Side of Boeing - The Suspicious Death of Whistleblower, John Barnett
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On March 9, 2024, less than four weeks ago, Boeing whistleblower John Barnett was found dead of a suspected self- inflicted gunshot wound to the head. But many are calling for a full investigation into his death as Boeing's involvement in his death are examined. The state of the great American manufacturing giant, Boeing, has continual come under f…
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Episode 39: Alfred Rouse and The Burning Car Murder
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In 1930, Alfred Rouse, finding himself in financial trouble, faked his own death by purposefully setting his car, a Morris Minor, ablaze. To make the grizzly scene more believable, he murdered a man and placed him at the scene. The victim's identity has been a mystery for almost 100 years in what would come to be called The Burning Car Murder. But,…
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Episode 38: The Mysterious and Tragic Death of Kenneka Jenkins
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It's hard to believe that a beautiful, smart and talented 19-year-old woman would accidentally lock herself inside of a walk-in freezer, but that's exactly what hotel staff and police say happened to Kenneka Jenkins in 2017. Steeped in mystery, Kenneka's death has raised eyebrows since the news of it broke. Strange surveillance footage and unanswer…
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Episode 37: Escape from Alcatraz Island
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Join us as we reveal the secrets of the United States Penitentiary, Alcatraz Island, also known as Alcatraz or simply, The Rock, which was a maximum-security federal prison on Alcatraz Island, 1.25 miles off the coast of San Francisco, California. We take a look at famous inmates, including the Birdman of Alcatraz and two of the most famous prison …
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Episode 36: The Unsolved Murder of Lindsay Buziak
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When up and coming real estate agent Lindsay Buziak received a cold call from a new client that seemed too good to be true, she was both excited and nervous. This transaction could create a lot of amazing opportunities for her, but she struggled to understand why she, relatively new in the business, would have been trusted with such an opportunity.…
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Episode 35: The Mysterious Death of Hugues de la Plaza
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Hugues de la Plaza's death is quite the compelling mystery... a dead body, stabbed multiple times, behind a locked door with no evidence of an assailant and no potential suicide weapon. Security cameras did not pick up anyone other Hugues near his home on the early morning of his death. After being stabbed, why did 36-year-old Hugues de la Plaza wa…
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Episode 34: The DB Cooper Skyjacking
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We cover details of DB Cooper’s 1971 plane hijacking and go into some of the more compelling theories and suspects including Richar Floyd McCoy, Dick Briggs, Robert Rackstraw, Sheridan Peterson, Vince Petersen and William Gossett. This episode will be a great way to get caught up to speed on the latest and greatest in the land of the Cooperites. **…
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Episode 33: The Disappearance of Jennifer Kesse
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Almost exactly 18 years ago, a young professional woman seemingly disappeared without a trace. Few clues were ever found and the ones that were are more frustrating than helpful. From grainy security footage where any identifying characteristics of the person of interest were obscured to many potential witnesses never being interviewed, the Kesse f…
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Episode 32: The 16th Street Baptist Church Bombing
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In honor of Black History Month, today we delve into the 16th Street Baptist Church bombing. The 16th Street Baptist Church was a large and prominent church located downtown, just blocks from Birmingham's commercial district and City Hall. Just before 11 o'clock on September 15, 1963, instead of rising to begin prayers, the congregation was knocked…
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Episode 31: The Disappearance of Cynthia Anderson - PATREON SNEAK PEEK
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Cindy was last seen on August 4, 1981, at the law office where she worked on East Manhattan Boulevard in Toledo, Ohio. The law partners arrived back at the office after a meeting at noon to find the radio on and their desks prepared for the day. Cindy left her romance novel open on her desk to the only violent scene in the book, where the heroine w…
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Episode 30: The Unsolved Murder of Dian Fossey
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Thanks to lack of education and movies like King Kong, gorillas used to be considered ferocious man killers. It took a tenacious Dian Fossey moving to the jungles of Africa and living among the great apes, to change the public's mind about the gentle giants. During the 1960s and 70s, when a poaching pandemic threatened the existence of the African …
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Episode 29: The Lost Colony of Roanoke
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The origins of one of America’s oldest unsolved mysteries can be traced to August 1587, when a group of about 115 English settlers arrived on Roanoke Island, off the coast of what is now North Carolina. Later that year, it was decided that John White, governor of the new colony, would sail back to England in order to gather a fresh load of supplies…
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Episode 28: The Brown Family Disappearance
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When a Florida family went missing in 1985, local authorities were at a complete loss with absolutely no leads. Nearly 6 weeks after James and Carolyn Brown and their three children were last heard from, the family was reported missing. Strange phone calls, a dead hamster and a wall that was freshly painted in an effort to cover blood stains, left …
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Episode 27: The Mysterious Survival Story of Casey Hathaway
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After three days in the unforgiving wilderness, three-year-old Casey Hathaway was miraculously found unharmed. He said a bear saved him from harm. Is it possible? We will explore his story as well as five additional stories of children mysteriously surviving in the wilderness including that of Alice Rachel Peck and Ida Mae Curtis. We conclude by ex…
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Episode 26: Elizabeth Short AKA The Black Dahlia
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We delve in to the most brutal, baffling, sensationalized, and shocking murders in American history. We will cover the life of Elizabeth short as well as details of the murder and several key suspects that may represent the faces of evil. Sources: The Murder of the Black Dahlia: The Ultimate Cold Case Crime magazine. (n.d.). https://crimemagazine.c…
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Episode 25: The Sodder Family’s Christmas Tragedy
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When a tragic house fire destroys the Sodder Family home in the early hours of Christmas Day, 1945, it is believed 5 missing children perished in the flames. As details unfold over the next days, weeks and months, the Sodder parents begin to question whether their children were in the house on the night of the fire. For decades, a large billboard h…
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Episode 24: The Disappearance of Amelia Earhart
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On the morning of July 2, 1937, Amelia Earhart and her navigator, Fred Noonan, took off from Lae, New Guinea, on one of the last legs in their historic attempt to circumnavigate the globe. They never made it. What became of the two adventurers? Lost at sea? Crash landed on a deserted island? Captured by the Japanese? We will explore all the options…
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Episode 23: The Disappearance and Murder of Laci and Conner Peterson - Re-examined
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The disappearance and murder of Laci and Conner Peterson has been in and out of news and media headlines for over twenty years. In this episode we compare Scott's version of events to the State's, along with the corresponding evidence in an effort to find the truth. We discuss Scott's recent appeal where he alleges there is new evidence that a burg…
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Episode 22: The Unsolved Murder of Alonzo Brooks
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When 23-year-old Alonzo Brooks went missing after attending a party in rural Kansas, his family set out to find their loving, laid back son. After weeks' long searches, authorities came to the conclusion that he must have decided to make the long walk home while intoxicated and shoeless. Sadly, nearly a month after he went missing, Alonzo's body wa…
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Episode 21: The History of the Famous Bell Witch
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The 1800s haunting of the Bell Farm made history books. A family of 9 suffered from mysterious noises, sleepless nights, whispers, voices and disembodied laughter. One victim of the Bell Witch even became the first person in US history to die from supernatural causes. We will fill you in on all the details. Sources: Ingram, M. V. (1894). An authent…
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Episode 20: The Unsolved Murder of Athalia Ponsell Lindsley
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Who killed Athalia Ponsell Lindsley? The logical suspect was a man who had previously threatened her life. A man, that, conveniently, borrowed a machete from the county and never returned it. A man that had been called out by name by the only eyewitness to the murder. A man who lived in the house with a blood trail leading from the crime scene to i…
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Episode 19: The Obscure Lives of Feral Children
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We will explore the lives of feral children raised in isolation, away from human contact. How does this strange phenomenon occur? And what becomes of children who befall this horrendous fate? How can we help them regain the ability to communicate, engage with the world and understand what it means to be human? Sources: dMSEd, K. C. (2022). The Stor…
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Episode 18: The Mysterious Death of Phoebe Handsjuk
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When a beautiful woman is found dead at the bottom of a trash chute, authorities quickly rule it a suicide; The evidence, however, seems to bring up more questions than answers. Did Phoebe kill herself or was she murdered? Listen to this week's episode and let us know what you think. Sources: Baker, R. (n.d.). Phoebe’s fall. Smh. https://www.smh.co…
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Episode 17: The Haunting of BallyGally Castle - Oaktober Fest Special Edition
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Welcome to Oaktober Fest, our annual celebration of spooky season lasting the entire month of October! Come with us on a journey through historic Ireland as we shiver through tales of BallyGally Castle, the only 17th century building still used as a residence in Northern Ireland. It is also reputed to be one of the most haunted places in all of Nor…
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Episode 16: Lizzie Borden - Oaktober Fest Special Edition
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Welcome to Oaktober Fest, our annual celebration of spooky season lasting the entire month of October! Lizzie Borden took an ax… Or did she? In this special Oaktober Fest Episode we discuss what you may not have heard about the Lizzie Borden case. Was a Victorian era woman capable of murder? At the time, scientist didn’t think so. We have learned s…
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Episode 15: Creepy Bugs That Will Haunt Your Dreams - Oaktober Fest Special Edition
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Welcome to Oaktober Fest, our annual celebration of spooky season lasting the entire month of October! Is there anything creepier than being surrounded by bugs? We will delve in the wild, wonderful and terrifying world of bugs... bugs that torture us, bugs that disgust us and bugs that flat out scare us. Giant spiders, disgusting bot flies, exotic …
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Episode 14: The Senseless Killing of Yoshihiro Hattori - Oaktober Fest Special Edition
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Welcome to Oaktober Fest, our annual celebration of spooky season lasting the entire month of October! This episode highlights the tragic death of Yoshihiro Hattori, a 16-year-old Japanese student on an exchange program to the United States. When "Yoshi" and his friend and fellow student Webb Haymaker knocked on the door of a house where they belie…
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Episode 13: The Werewolf Trials - Oaktober Fest Special Edition
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Welcome to Oaktober Fest, our annual celebration of spooky season lasting the entire month of October! In this episode we cover stories of lycanthropy, the belief that one can transform into a wolf. Before the Salem Witch trials, the Werewolf Trials were paving the way across Europe. Lycanthropy is not a new concept but was originally in the works …
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Episode 12: The Dyatlov Pass Incident - What You Don’t Know - Part 2
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In February 1959, a group of nine experienced hikers in the Russian Ural Mountains died mysteriously on an elevation known as Dead Mountain. In part 1 of this 2-part series, Stefanie will provide details about the rescue and recovery mission to find the lost hikers as well as theories into their causes of death. Was it nature, man or beast? Could t…
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Episode 11: The Dyatlov Pass Incident - What You Don’t Know - Part 1
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In February 1959, a group of nine experienced hikers in the Russian Ural Mountains died mysteriously on an elevation known as Dead Mountain. In part 1 of this 2-part series, Stefanie will introduce you to the nine hikers and guide you through the hiker's last days. Where did they go? Who did they meet? Where were they headed? What were their motive…
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Episode 10: Bigfoot - Closer Than Ever
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Things that go bump in the night may be closer than you think. In this episode we will take a hard look at expert opinions, current data and provocative research that combat the hard questions. Is Bigfoot real? And if so, how close are we to finding one? Report your Bigfoot Sighting - http://www.bfro.net/ Patterson-Gimlin Film 1967 - Patterson Giml…
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Episode 09: Murder or Suicide: The Mysterious Death of Rebecca Zahau
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One of the most baffling cases in recent true crime history, the death of Rebecca Zahau fills our minds with more questions than answers. Did Rebecca kill herself due to extreme guilt or was she the victim of a bizarre murder? Sources:CBS8.comTimesofsandiego.comKusi.comNBCsandiego.comHeavy.comAzcentral.comOxygen.comWe Would Be Dead Podcast Produced…
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Episode 08: Serial Murderer Dana Sue Gray
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Impeccably dressed and put together, Dana Sue Gray spared no expense on herself. Dropping thousands of dollars on a shopping binge or a luxurious day spa was nothing out of the ordinary for Dana-nor for many wealthy women. But Dana wasn't wealthy-she was an unemployed nurse. She was also a serial murderer, who preyed upon elderly women, violently k…
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Episode 07: Clueless Criminals - Episode 1
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We cover a lot of dark material here at The Dark Oak. Join us as we indulge in stories of the most outrageous, the most awkward, the most bizarre, and the absolute most clueless criminals we could find. Enjoy a good laugh with us! Sources: Atkin, H. (2010, July 26). Man Dressed in Wig, Clown Pants and Fake Breasts Robs Bank with BB Gun, Say Cops. C…
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Episode 06: The Lost Panama Hikers
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When two well-traveled young women seemingly disappear into thin air while on a hike in the jungles of Panama, at first it is assumed they succumbed to the dangerous terrain. Months after their disappearance, a bizarre clue is found and from that moment on the mystery only grows. From strange phone calls to creepy nighttime photos, we are left wond…
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Episode 05: The Somerton Man
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On the morning of December 1, 1948, the body of a man was discovered lying on his back in the sand, his head and shoulders propped up against the seawall on Somerton Beach, in Adelaide, Australia. The man was smartly dressed in a full suit and polished shoes, but he had no form of identification. Clues to his identity have left investigators with m…
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Episode 04: The Curse of the Hope Diamond
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The most iconic gem in history has been enchanting the world for centuries. But the largest blue diamond in the world may also hold a dark side. A curse. Those that have been beguiled by its charm have also opened their world to doom. Is the Hope Diamond a coveted piece of treasure, or a beautifully cut piece of dark magic? Courses, G. (2020). The …
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Episode 01: The Devil’s Teeth Murder of Jeanette DePalma
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When a 16-year-old girl is found dead in a sleepy mountain town, surrounded by strange objects, conjecture and rumors run rampant. Is it witchcraft? A killer covering their tracks? Or do our imaginations sometimes get the best of us. Follow us as we explore the 50-year-old cold case of Jeanette DePalma’s murder. Sources: Pollack, J. P. (2022). Deat…
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Episode 02: The Mysterious Death of Tina Watson
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Imagine looking at your scuba diving vacation photos and seeing the figure of a woman laying lifeless on the bottom of the ocean floor.... When Gabe and Tina Watson go on their scuba diving honeymoon, Tina drowns and only Gabe comes home. Was it a tragic accident or did Gabe drown his wife? Sources: O’Loughlin, T. (2017, July 15). Husband admits ki…
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Episode 03: The Disappearance of Sneha Anne Philip
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When a woman is last seen in New York on September 10, 2001, her friends and family are left wondering if she perished at the World Trade Center or if she met another fate. Sources: “Missing”: The mystery of Dr. Sneha Anne Philip - the woman who disappeared night before 9/11. (2022, October 24). ABC7 New York. https://abc7ny.com/dr-sneha-anne-phili…
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