Moms and Mysteries: A True Crime Podcast

Epizode

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  [Florida Files] Tomasz Kosowski: The Surgeon Accused of Killing Attorney Steven Cozzi 17.09.2026 49min

  Former plastic surgeon Tomasz Kosowski is currently on trial in Florida for the 2023 disappearance and alleged murder of attorney Steven Cozzi. Steven represented defendants in a civil lawsuit Tomasz had filed, and prosecutors allege Tomasz became increasingly angry with the case before planning the attack. Steven vanished from the Largo law office where he worked, leaving his wallet, keys, and phone behind. His body has never been found. Prosecutors say surveillance footage, phone data, and forensic evidence connect Tomasz to the crime. Tomasz has pleaded not guilty, is representing himself in a bench trial, and a judge will decide the case. Sources: Missing: 'Suspicious circumstances' surrounding Largo lawyer's disappearance, police say | FOX 13 Tampa Bay https://web.archive.org/web/20230328153845/https://www.washingtonpost.com/nation/2023/03/28/florida-plastic-surgeon-lawyer-murder/ Kosowski vs. Laufer Plastic Surgery Lawsuit | PDF Exclusive: Lawyer who found Cozzi crime scene speaks https://thehill.com/homenews/ap/ap-u-s-news/police-blood-video-link-doctor-to-lawyers-disappearance/ Family celebrates life of slain Largo attorney on 42nd birthday | WFLA Fla. Plastic Surgeon Allegedly Killed Lawyer Representing Former Co-Workers He Was Suing Who Is Tomasz Kosowski? Plastic Surgeon Arrested Over Mystery Lawyer Death - Newsweek Plastic surgeon charged in lawyer’s killing to be held without bond | Court TV Daily News Summary – The Florida Bar Pinellas plastic surgeon charged with murder in connection to missing Largo lawyer | FOX 13 Tampa Bay Arrest Affidavit Newly released documents indicate that the State Attorney believes attorney Steven Cozzi's body was dumped in Collier County Landfill - IONTB Plastic surgeon withdraws all opposition to the death penalty as he represents himself on murder charges | Court TV Steven Cozzi biography: 13 things about Largo, Florida lawyer – CONAN Daily Steven Cozzi was ‘brilliant, loving and caring,’ husband says - Watermark Out News Murdered Largo lawyer’s family, friends honor man who ‘loved helping people’ | FOX 13 Tampa Bay Largo lawyer's disappearance and alleged murder: Timeline of events | FOX 13 Tampa Bay New details that led to the arrest of Dr. Kosowski for the murder of Largo attorney, Steven Cozzi - IONTB Chilling details emerge in case of Florida plastic surgeon accused of killing lawyer Defense attorney breaks down case surrounding missing Largo attorney Steven Cozzi | WFLA Inside the Bitter Battle That Ended With Florida Plastic Surgeon’s Murder Charge Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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  Aliza Sherman: Her Own Attorney Is Accused of Her Murder 15.09.2026 1h 9min

  On March 24, 2013, Aliza Sherman went to downtown Cleveland to meet with Gregory Moore, the attorney handling her contentious divorce. She arrived early, waited outside his locked office building, and exchanged messages with him. Minutes later, Aliza was attacked and fatally stabbed. For more than a decade, her murder remained unsolved. In 2025, a grand jury indicted Moore, Aliza's former divorce attorney, on charges including aggravated murder, conspiracy, murder, and kidnapping. Prosecutors allege he deceived Aliza into waiting outside the office and either participated in or arranged the attack. Moore has pleaded not guilty, and the charges have not been proven. We examine the suspicious messages, the missing evidence, the years of unanswered questions, and the case that is now moving through the courts. Thank you to this week's sponsors! Whether you're looking for WLP-1, Magnesium, Berberine, CoQ10 or dozens of other science-backed supplements, start taking supplements your body can actually absorb.  Go to absorbmore.com and enter MOMS at check out for up to 35% off your first order. Find the fall pieces you’ll reach for most at Quince. Download the Quince app for app-exclusive offers, or go to Quince.com/moms. Get free shipping on your order and 365-day returns. Now available in Canada and the UK, too. Download Cash App Today: https://click.cash.app/ui6m/vwn13ren #CashAppPod. Cash App is a financial services platform, not a bank. Banking services provided by Cash App’s bank partner(s). Prepaid debit cards issued by Sutton Bank, Member FDIC. Cash App Visa® Debit Flex Cards issued by Sutton Bank, Member FDIC, and The Bancorp Bank, N.A., pursuant to a license from Visa U.S.A. Inc. See terms and conditions for the Sutton prepaid card, Sutton debit flex card, and Bancorp debit flex card.  Savings provided by Cash App, a Block, Inc. brand. Visit cash.app/legal/podcast for full disclosures. Sources: Gregory Moore Indictment Aliza Sherman Obituary - Cleveland Heights, OH How technology led to an indictment in the Aliza Sherman cold case Sherman Estate Vs Gregory Moore Civil Complaint | PDF | Damages | Negligence How technology led to an indictment in the Aliza Sherman cold case Who is Gregory Moore? Former divorce attorney charged for murder of Aliza Sherman in downtown Cleveland Aliza Sherman murder case in Cleveland: Suspect Gregory Moore released after posting $2 million bond Cuyahoga County Prosecutor Michael C. O’Malley Announces the Indictment of Gregory Moore in the 2013 Downtown Cleveland Homicide of Aliza Sherman Potential new evidence arises in Sherman murder case Aliza Sherman murder case in Cleveland: Suspect Gregory Moore released after posting $2 million bond Motion for Bond: Gregory J. Moore | PDF | Crimes Aliza Sherman 'Walk for Justice' Murder victim's attorney pleads guilty to other charges Aliza Sherman's divorce lawyer, Greg Moore, sentenced for inducing panic and falsification Estranged husband of Aliza Sherman dies in Florida Attorney for Aliza Sherman murder suspect Gregory Moore asks for new DNA test on evidence DISCIPLINARY COUNSEL v. STAFFORD (2012) | FindLaw VIDEO: Person after Aliza Sherman murder Daughter works with the Cleveland Clinic to honor Aliza Sherman on 10-year anniversary of her murder Aliza Sherman at center of $2 million lawsuit | wkyc.com https://web.archive.org/web/20220911080624/https://eu.cincinnati.com/story/accused/2020/11/07/backstory-7-years-after-aliza-sherman-stabbed-killer-still-large/6123291002/ https://web.archive.org/web/20220817195721/https://clevelandmagazine.com/in-the-cle/the-read/articles/aliza-sherman Court documents revealed: Aliza Sherman wrote she feared her husband  I-team: Court records expose chilling details of Aliza Sherman’s life before her murder Potential new evidence in Aliza Sherman murder case Judge denies motion to dismiss case against man accused of killing Aliza Sherman Dead witnesses, cold case: Gregory Moore's defense says state waited too long in 2013 Cleveland murder of Aliza Sherman | wkyc.com Aliza Sherman murder case: Defense, prosecutors debate evidence against accused killer Gregory Moore Break in the case: Arrest made in 2013 Cleveland murder of Aliza Sherman Aliza Sherman murder case: Defense seeks destruction of Gregory Moore's jail calls Attorney for Aliza Sherman murder suspect Gregory Moore asks for new DNA test on evidence Attorney for Aliza Sherman murder suspect Gregory Moore asks for new DNA test on evidence from 2013 Cleveland killing Aliza Sherman murder in Cleveland: Suspect Gregory Moore on GPS monitoring | wkyc.com 2. March 24, 2013: The Day Everything Changed. | Sherman | clevelandjewishnews.com https://fox8.com/news/i-team-arrest-made-in-connection-to-aliza-sherman-murder/ 1. Who was Aliza Sherman? Daughter, Sister, Nurse, Mother Aliza’s ‘love knew no boundaries’ | Opinion | clevelandjewishnews.com Cleveland attorney accused of murdering Aliza Sherman now faces civil lawsuit Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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  Austin Kanuch: The Mountain Bike Clue in a Targeted Murder 10.09.2026 41min

  On September 21, 2023, Austin Kanuch and his wife closed on a new home where they planned to raise their family. Before they could move, someone entered their rental home in the early morning hours, attacked Austin in his bedroom, and left his wife Mary and their young son physically unharmed. Investigators believe Austin was targeted. Nothing was stolen, no one else in the house was injured, and detectives found no known conflict in Austin's work, relationships, or personal life that explains why someone would want him dead. Nearly two years later, surveillance video showed an unidentified person arriving at Austin's street on a mountain bike shortly before the attack and leaving again afterward. The rider's face is not visible, but investigators believe someone may recognize the route, the bike, or the person. Austin was a devoted father of three, husband, son, friend, singer, car enthusiast, and barbecue fanatic. Nearly three years later, his murder remains unsolved, and up to $40,000 is being offered for information leading to an arrest. We share Austin's story and the questions his family still needs answered. https://www.facebook.com/JusticeForAustinKanuch/ Tips can be submitted anonymously to Crime Stoppers of Houston by calling 713-222-TIPS. That’s 713-222-8477.  Information can also be submitted online at https://crime-stoppers.org or through the Crime Stoppers Houston mobile app. Anyone who prefers to contact the Harris County Sheriff’s Office directly can call 713-755-6044. Thank you to this week's sponsors! To grab your PAKA hoodie, go to www.pakaapparel.com. Upgrade your sleep with Boll & Branch. Get 15% off your first order plus free shipping at BollAndBranch.com/moms with code moms. Exclusions apply. And right now, IQBAR is offering our special podcast listeners 20% off all IQBAR products, plus get FREE shipping. To get your 20% off, text MOMS to 64000. Message and data rates may apply. See terms for details. Sources: Crimestoppers flyer  https://www.click2houston.com/video/houston-life/2025/05/29/20k-reward-offered-help-solve-the-2023-murder-of-austin-kanuch/ https://www.fox26houston.com/news/unsolved-murder-harris-county-fatal-stabbing https://everloved.com/life-of/austin-kanuch/obituary/ https://www.khou.com/article/news/crime/harris-county-unsolved-murder/285-cd48429f-8f24-4d25-95ef-6176da08202d https://myneighborhoodnews.com/copperfield-resident-austin-kanuchs-family-seeks-justice-as-reward-for-information-increases-to-20000 https://www.click2houston.com/news/local/2025/09/12/gov-abbott-increases-reward-for-information-in-2023-deadly-stabbing-of-harris-county-father/?utm_source=facebook&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=snd&utm_content=kprc2&fbclid=IwY2xjawPHjhRleHRuA2FlbQIxMQBicmlkETFDWDhUZjd2UmxRSEtuU1k0c3J0YwZhcHBfaWQQMjIyMDM5MTc4ODIwMDg5MgABHlkoJ83Ghj7cq1GOyjPfZdERGlFb_kQj20NX1lwZ7dy9hBV1luvm3-o5TaYy_aem_esfe4Z244AlrKdCVLxEeSQ https://www.click2houston.com/news/local/2025/05/03/we-want-a-dangerous-person-off-the-street-family-seeks-justice-for-fathers-mysterious-murder-in-nw-harris-county/ https://www.khou.com/article/news/local/harris-county/harris-county-father-stabbing-death-investigation/285-eb4d6c8c-6af1-4806-9c01-5d86fb89e754 https://www.click2houston.com/news/local/2023/10/05/neighbors-plead-for-answers-in-murder-of-northwest-harris-county-father/ https://abc13.com/post/govenor-abbots-office-adds-20k-reward-information-missing-suspect-2-year-murder-case/17811772/ https://truecrimesocietyblog.com/2026/01/01/who-killed-texas-father-austin-kanuch/?fbclid=IwY2xjawPLF9FleHRuA2FlbQIxMQBicmlkETF5OEVXV1dIcWhiWW93Y2ZQc3J0YwZhcHBfaWQQMjIyMDM5MTc4ODIwMDg5MgABHo9-8OvZ0gWmhL_u4BXtULxT_qAsPD7I-pzt7yVpyF88h6aT7dz2N11vE_qQ_aem_WujXHKtfRK-VCnvRmivQCQ Interview with Celene Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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  Judge Kevin Mullins: The Silent Video and the Sheriff Who Shot Him 08.09.2026 51min

  On September 19, 2024, Letcher County District Judge Kevin Mullins and Sheriff Shawn “Mickey” Stines ate lunch together in Whitesburg, Kentucky, then walked back to the courthouse for a private conversation in the judge's chambers. Nearly 10 minutes later, surveillance video showed Stines pull out his gun and shoot Mullins. The video has no audio, leaving the central question unanswered: what was said in that room before the shooting? Stines surrendered at the courthouse and is charged with murder of a public official. He has pleaded not guilty. His defense is expected to focus on his mental condition in the days surrounding the killing, including reports that he had not slept, had become paranoid about his family, and appeared to be in crisis. We also address the online rumor involving Stines's daughter, why the facts do not support it, and the federal civil lawsuit involving a former deputy whose crimes had been connected to Mullins's chambers. The shooting was captured on camera. The man accused of firing the gun was identified immediately. But with no audio, a pending trial, and a motive that has not been publicly established, Kevin Mullins's family and a small Kentucky community are still waiting for answers. Get new episodes a day early and ad free at Patreon.com/momsandmysteriespodcast. Thank you to this week's sponsors! Go to https://kachava.com and use code MOMS for 15% off your first order. Transform your space with pieces that hold up to real life! Join Wayfair Rewards today and get 5% back on every purchase. Head to Wayfair.com or shop the Wayfair app for all things home. Sources: Kentucky District Judge Kevin Mullins fatally shot inside a courthouse, sheriff arrested, state police say | CNN Kevin R. Mullins - Ballotpedia Kentucky Sheriff Arrested in Shooting Death of Judge - The New York Times ​​https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/274885088/kevin-russell-mullins Kentucky sheriff charged in killing of judge at courthouse | The Hill New footage in the shooting death of Kentucky judge Judge grants change of venue for former sheriff accused of killing judge Kentucky sheriff accused of killing judge in chambers appears in court | WJHL |  Wife, daughter of KY sheriff deny contact with slain judge | Lexington Herald Leader Kentucky judge shot and killed in chambers, sheriff charged with murder: Officials  Ex-sheriff indicted in judge's killing pleads not guilty at KY courthouse where shooting erupted Why was a Kentucky judge killed? So far, it remains a mystery Kentucky sheriff fatally shot a judge in courthouse chambers, officials say Ex-Letcher Co. sheriff in psychosis days after shooting judge, records say Former KY sheriff accused of killing judge asks for indictment to be dismissed CI, 24-CR-00204, COMMONWEALTH VS. STINES, SHAWN Civil suit exposes sexual exploitation in Letcher County courts Hearing reveals key details in civil case against Shawn Stines | Court TV Civil suit exposes sexual exploitation in Letcher County courts A former Kentucky sheriff who fatally shot judge was ‘losing it’ in the days before killing, friends said | CNN Chilling Detail Dropped in Sheriff Mickey Stines Judge Slaying https://www.youtube.com/live/2iZ5pQzT_qk?si=K9OhRuPyOScR1Dd4 https://www.nytimes.com/2024/09/19/us/sheriff-judge-shooting-kentucky.html Kentucky sheriff charged with killing judge was in ‘tense’ lawsuit testimony days before Mickey Stines' Daughter Speaks Out | Sheriff Shoots Judge Murder Case Letcher County, Kentucky | Advisory Council on Historic Preservation https://www.weku.org/the-commonwealth/2024-12-09/plaintiff-in-letcher-county-civil-suit-says-she-saw-video-of-judge-having-sex-in-his-office Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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  The Chicago Strangler Cases: The Unforgotten 51 03.09.2026 58min

  Between 2001 and 2017, at least 75 women were strangled or smothered in Chicago. Many were found in alleys, vacant buildings, garbage cans, and other places where it was easy for their deaths to become separate case files instead of a citywide emergency. The women were daughters, mothers, artists, business owners, caregivers, and friends. Their names included Angela Ford, Gwendolyn Williams, Nancy Walker, Margaret Gomez, Teresa Bunn, Hazel Lewis, and Rio Renee Holyfield. In 2018, the Chicago Tribune identified 75 women whose cases showed a devastating pattern. 25 cases had been closed, while more than two thirds remained unsolved. Families and advocates had long questioned whether some of the murders were connected. The term "Chicago Strangler" became shorthand for those fears, but Chicago police have said there is no evidence that one person killed every woman in the group. The available evidence points to an even more difficult possibility: some cases may be linked, some may involve multiple offenders, and far too many families are still waiting for answers. We discuss the women at the heart of these cases, the investigation that revealed the scale of the failures, and the work advocates continue to do to make sure they are not forgotten. Get new episodes a day early and ad free at Patreon.com/momsandmysteriespodcast. Thank you to this week's sponsors!  Right now nutrafol is offering our listeners $10off your first month’s subscription and free shipping when you visit nutrafol.com and enter promo code Moms. And right now, IQBAR is offering our special podcast listeners 20% off all IQBAR products—including the Ultimate sampler pack—plus FREE shipping. To get your 20% off, text MOMS to 64000. Message and data rates may apply. See terms for details. Amplify your spring look with Thrive Causemetics. Go to thrivecausemetics.com/MOMS for an exclusive offer of 20% off your first order.  Treat yourself to the most advanced bras and shapewear on the market. Use our exclusive link to save 20% off Honeylove at honeylove.com/MOMS. Sources: https://www.newspapers.com/image/823292832/?terms=%2275%20women%20have%20been%20strangled%22&match=1 https://www.chicagotribune.com/news/breaking/ct-met-strangled-women-chicago-police-task-force-20190510-story.html https://www.wbez.org/stories/a-serial-killer-may-be-preying-on-black-women-in-chicago/21b45020-ca53-490e-8efe-b9c6ebbe11f3 https://chicagoreader.com/news-politics/have-you-seen-these-51-women/ https://wgntv.com/news/cover-story/long-untold-student-journalists-share-the-stories-of-51-murdered-chicago-women/ https://www.newspapers.com/image/374929179/?terms=%22Winifred%20Shines%22&match=1 https://uncovered.com/connecting-cases-data-shows-serial-killer-chicago/ https://www.cbsnews.com/chicago/news/chicago-serial-killer-alderman-senator-demand-answers/ https://www.mMurdered: Angela Ford | Chicago, IL | Uncoveredurderdata.org/2017/11/chicagos-cluster-of-unsolved-female_30.html https://www.unforgotten51.com/2021/06/we-walk-for-her-march-brings-light-to.html https://www.unforgotten51.com/2020/12/the-dreamcatcher-foundation-on-street.html https://www.fox32chicago.com/news/angela-ford-family-of-chicago-woman-murdered-over-2-decades-ago-awaits-justice https://uncovered.com/cases/angela-ford https://www.newspapers.com/image/829193408/?terms=angela%20ford&match=1 https://www.newspapers.com/image/231273452/?terms=%22Jody%20Grissom%22&match=1 https://chicago.suntimes.com/columnists/2021/1/9/22221431/gwendolyn-williams-chicago-serial-killer-murder-accountability-project-john-fountain-samantha-latson https://www.newspapers.com/image/829193408/?terms=gwendolyn&match=1 https://www.newspapers.com/image/231245061/ https://www.chicagotribune.com/news/ct-xpm-2003-08-15-0308150274-story.html https://www.newspapers.com/image/231875803/ https://www.newspapers.com/image/232284252/?terms=%22Mary%20Thomas%22&match=1 https://www.newspapers.com/image/232271548/?terms=%22Tamala%20Edwards%22&match=1 https://www.newspapers.com/image/231547343/?terms=%22Makalavah%20Williams%22&match=1 https://www.newspapers.com/image/231291038/?terms=%22Denise%20Torres%22&match=1 https://news.medill.northwestern.edu/chicago/inconclusive-dna-results-in-chicago-female-homicides-investigator-still-certain-of-serial-killer/ https://www.newspapers.com/image/236338004/?terms=%22Kelly%20Sarff%22&match=1 https://www.newspapers.com/image/232399899/?terms=%22Charlene%20Miller%22&match=1 https://neverforgetchi.org/neverforget/latoya-banks/ https://uncovered.com/cases/latoya-banks-chicago-il-2009 https://www.chicagotribune.com/news/ct-bn-xpm-2009-12-09-28527033-story.html https://uncovered.com/cases/angela-profit-chicago-il-2011 https://digitaledition.chicagotribune.com/tribune/article_popover.aspx?guid=057de0a3-174f-4c3c-b9a1-aaa9f009fdaa https://uncovered.com/cases/pamela-s-wilson-chicago-il-2012 https://chicago.suntimes.com/2018/3/20/18382957/woman-strangled-in-woodlawn-identified https://chicago.suntimes.com/2018/6/22/18327683/woman-found-strangled-in-fernwood-neighborhood-garage-identified https://chicago.suntimes.com/2018/6/22/18327696/woman-found-strangled-in-west-garfield-park-identified https://web.archive.org/web/20181116042940/https://www.chicagotribune.com/news/ct-xpm-2006-07-16-0607160055-story.html https://neverforgetchi.org/neverforget/marcie-nichols/ https://neverforgetchi.org/neverforget/shannon-williams/ https://www.chicagotribune.com/news/breaking/chi-burned-body-found-in-logan-square-dumpster-20130520-story.html https://www.chicagotribune.com/news/ct-xpm-2007-05-03-0705021080-story.html https://www.chicagotribune.com/news/breaking/chi-autopsy-woman-found-strangled-in-west-side-alley-20140224-story.html https://www.newspapers.com/image/374929179/?terms=Catherine https://www.chicagotribune.com/news/ct-xpm-2003-03-30-0303300459-story.html https://www.unforgotten51.com/2020/11/nancie-walker-as-child-nancie-carolyn.html#more https://www.newspapers.com/image/374929175/ https://www.newspapers.com/image/236315832/?terms=%22Theresa%20Bunn%22&match=1 https://www.newspapers.com/image/232051698/?terms=%22Theresa%20Bunn%22&match=1 https://www.chicagotribune.com/news/ct-xpm-2007-11-26-0711260430-story.html https://www.unforgotten51.com/2020/12/remembering-jenny-daughters-focus-not.html#more https://www.sj-r.com/story/news/2008/10/11/autopsy-says-chicago-woman-was/44241768007/ https://www.newspapers.com/image/374929175/?terms=%22Pamela%20Wilson%22 https://chicago.suntimes.com/2017/6/23/18383763/woman-found-strangled-in-street-in-east-garfield-park https://www.unforgotten51.com/2020/12/portraits-say-her-name-say-all-their.html#more https://abc7chicago.com/chicago-news-breaking-police-department/5890890/ https://abc7chicago.com/post/chicago-crime-arthur-hilliard-found-guilty-killing-21-year-old-diamond-turner-dumping-body-alley-2017/18257712/  HBO/VICE News story https://vpc.org/publication/black-homicide-victimization-in-the-united-states-an-analysis-of-2024-homicide-data/#national-data  https://www.ojp.gov/archive/safe-communities/inside-perspectives/shining-light-on-the-crisis-of-missing-or-murdered-black-women-and-girls-in-the-united-states Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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  The Murder of Lori Ann Slesinski: A Conviction Without a Body 01.09.2026 1h 3min

  In June 2006, 24 year old Lori Ann Slesinski left an Auburn Walmart to pick up drink mixes before a night at her best friend’s house. She never arrived. Days later, her Yorkshire Terrier, Peanut, was found safe in her mobile home, but Lori was gone. Her kitchen rugs and telephone cord were missing, the answering machine messages had disappeared, and her Mazda was later found burned on a secluded Auburn street. Lori’s friend Derrill Richard Ennis, known as Rick, was the last person known to be with her. He claimed she had left to make a drug deal, but police found nothing to support that story. The case went cold for years, even as questions remained about the evidence inside Lori’s home and near her burned vehicle. Sixteen years later, investigators rebuilt the case without Lori’s body. A jury ultimately found Derrill guilty of capital murder, but Lori’s remains have never been recovered. We cover Lori’s disappearance, the cold case investigation, and the trial that brought her family a measure of justice. Thank you to this week's sponsors! And right now, IQBAR is offering our special podcast listeners 20% off all IQBAR products—including the Ultimate sampler pack—plus FREE shipping. To get your 20% off, text MOMS to 64000. Message and data rates may apply. See terms for details. Find the fall pieces you’ll reach for most at Quince. Download the Quince app for app-exclusive offers, or go to Quince.com/moms. Get free shipping on your order and 365-day returns. Now available in Canada and the UK, too. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
• 
  Emma Compton: The Trial Is Underway 28.08.2026 36min

  Today, we’re replaying our 2024 episode about Emma Compton Layne, a woman remembered by the people who loved her for her generous heart, her contagious joy, and the way she always showed up for her family. Emma disappeared in June 2017 after working at her store in Halifax County, Virginia. Months later, her remains were found, leaving her loved ones with years of grief and unanswered questions. Since we first shared Emma’s story, there has been a significant development in the case. In November 2024, Emma’s husband, Russell Wayne Layne, was arrested and charged with first-degree murder in connection with her death. As this episode is re-released, his trial is underway. We’re revisiting Emma’s case because she deserves to be remembered not only for what happened to her, but for the life she lived and the love she gave so freely. Our hearts are with Emma’s family and everyone who continues to carry her memory through this difficult time. Thank you to this week's sponsors! Amplify your spring look with Thrive Causemetics. Go to thrivecausemetics.com/MOMS for an exclusive offer of 20% off your first order. To grab your PAKA hoodie, go to PakaApparel.com. Join Wayfair Rewards today to get 5% back on every purchase and start saving on your next home upgrade. Head to Wayfair.com to shop all things home. Wayfair. Every Style. Every Home. Sources: https://www.timesvirginian.com/news/article_1686a486-580b-11e7-822b-0f6070bab2df.html https://www.nbcnews.com/feature/missing-in-america/emma-compton-layne-still-missing-four-months-after-disappearing-n815781 https://www.nbcnews.com/feature/missing-in-america/four-years-dateline-s-missing-america-90-still-missing-n826516 https://www.facebook.com/TomRodgers197/posts/missing-woman-in-halifax-county-vaemma-layne-age-52-was-last-seen-on-saturday-ev/260060507734080/ https://www.nbcnews.com/feature/missing-in-america/remains-found-very-shallow-grave-identified-missing-virginia-woman-emma-n837286 https://www.chathamstartribune.com/news/article_f342c0f2-d52f-11e7-b4bc-cb5cabdfc22a.html https://www.yourgv.com/news/local_news/medical-examiner-neck-injury-caused-death-in-2017-homicide/article_2b07667a-9396-11e9-b9b5-37dda535c91f.html https://www.wdbj7.com/content/news/New-billboard-in-Halifax-Co-to-help-solve-Emma-Compton-Layne-murder-561157591.html https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rgqWAZ1cQdY&ab_channel=WSLS10 https://www.wdbj7.com/content/news/Vigil-to-be-held-for-Halifax-County-murder-victim-Emma-Compton-Layne-568552601.html?fbclid=IwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAAR0RPQ3cLtTwBFHE3aAISaGC2hhFOku8wH6jBQTdgJRygpxfes7UJDocxJo_aem_dDfHz6nR1coB6kCl-KWbOg https://www.wdbj7.com/content/news/Three-years-later-Who-murdered-Emma-Compton-Layne-571298181.html https://www.wsls.com/news/local/2023/11/22/emma-compton-layne-murder-still-unsolved-six-years-after-her-body-was-found/ https://www.wdbj7.com/2023/11/24/family-emma-compton-layne-still-seeking-justice-six-years-after-her-murder/  https://www.yourgv.com/news/local_news/justice-for-emma-rally-hosted-in-unsolved-death-of-nathalie-woman/article_f7b56cd2-2c0a-11ef-a6d6-bbbd81dc549b.html https://www.change.org/p/5-years-no-justice-for-emma-compton-layne https://www.wdbj7.com/content/news/Emma-Laynes-family-wants-justice-for-her-murder-469039723.html https://wset.com/news/local/one-year-later-emma-laynes-sister-still-seeking-justice https://www.yourgv.com/news/local_news/reward-offered-in-search-of-missing--year-old-cody/article_31787f4a-59e0-11e7-a45e-7f5dc8ffffb9.html  https://www.wdbj7.com/content/news/Halifax-County-missing-woman-search-continues-two-weeks-later-431832353.html  https://www.wsls.com/news/2017/08/03/vigil-being-held-for-missing-halifax-county-woman/  https://www.wdbj7.com/content/news/Human-remains-found-in-Halifax-Co-foul-play-expected-459605953.html  https://www.wdbj7.com/content/news/Family-believes-human-remains-found-in-Halifax-County-belong-to-Emma-Layne-460626173.html  https://www.wdbj7.com/content/news/SHARE-Police-search-for-missing-woman-from-Halifax-county-429921923.html  https://www.evaporatethemissing.com/post/with-butterfly-kisses  https://www.facebook.com/HelpFindEmmaComptonLayne  https://www.yourgv.com/news/lightmare-says-sister-of-missing-cody/article_d96de88e-6d86-11e7-a1cd-d3a4270a79ed.html  https://www.yourgv.com/obituaries/sylvia-whitlow-mccurry/article_5d5effb4-b1e5-11e7-95a9-8bf90331c580.html  Interview with Shawna https://www.ywcaneks.org/blog-collection/blog/2020/12/04/why-survivors-dont-call-the-police Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
• 
  The Murder of Peggy Carr: Poisoned Coca-Cola and the Neighbor Next Door 27.08.2026 1h 6min

  In the fall of 1988, Peggy Carr, her son Duane Dubberly, and her stepson Travis Carr became violently ill inside their rural Florida home. The symptoms were strange and terrifying: severe nerve pain, numbness, weakness, trouble walking, and eventually, hair loss. Doctors discovered they had been exposed to thallium, a rare and deadly heavy metal. The source was even more disturbing. Someone had carefully opened glass bottles of Coca-Cola, added thallium, resealed the caps, and placed the bottles inside the Carr home. Peggy died after spending more than four months in a coma. Six other members of the household were also poisoned, including a young child. The investigation pointed to George Trepal, the Carr family's next-door neighbor. He had chemistry knowledge, a history of disputes with the family, and a bottle-capping machine in his garage. We cover the poisoning, the undercover operation that gave investigators access to Trepal's home, the trial, and the later questions about FBI testimony that did not overturn his conviction. Thank you to this week's sponsors! It’s not too late to enroll for this fall… see how K12-Powered Schools can help your child thrive, this year and beyond! Enroll online today at K12.com/moms. Treat yourself to the most advanced bras and shapewear on the market. Use our exclusive link to save 20% off Honeylove at honeylove.com/MOMS. Experience the new standard in comfort and support with Honeylove.  Right now, IQBAR is offering our special podcast listeners 20% off all IQBAR products—including the Ultimate sampler pack—plus FREE shipping. To get your 20% off text MOMS to 64000. Message and data rates may apply. See terms for details. SOURCES: https://law.justia.com/cases/florida/supreme-court/1993/77667-0.html https://caselaw.findlaw.com/court/fl-supreme-court/1378976.html https://caselaw.findlaw.com/court/us-11th-circuit/1606616.html https://www.leg.state.fl.us/capitalcases/inmatedetails7d85.html?IID=403 https://oig.justice.gov/sites/default/files/legacy/special/9704a/21trepal.htm https://supremecourt.flcourts.gov/content/download/345265/file/01-2267_petition.pdf https://www.flsheriffs.org/uploads/apb/ALL_POINTS_BULLETIN%2C_VOL_1%2C_NO_3%2C_1991.pdf https://www.upi.com/Archives/1990/05/01/Poisoning-suspect-had-staged-murder-party/4393641534400/ https://www.tampabay.com/archive/1990/04/08/sebring-man-arrested-in-fatal-cola-tampering/ https://www.tampabay.com/archive/1990/08/26/suspect-used-poison-before-officials-say/ https://www.tampabay.com/archive/1991/02/05/fatal-cola-tampering-case-goes-to-jury/ https://www.tampabay.com/archive/1991/02/06/man-guilty-of-murder-in-poisoning-of-neighbors/ https://www.tampabay.com/archive/1991/03/08/family-s-bitterness-persists-despite-death-sentence-for-man/ https://www.tampabay.com/archive/1995/09/17/murder-on-the-mind/ https://www.tampabay.com/archive/1997/04/16/u-s-probe-fbi-lab-work-flawed-florida-convictions/ https://www.tampabay.com/archive/2000/10/27/judge-calls-fbi-agent-s-work-sloppy-but-death-verdict-stands/ https://books.google.com/books/about/Poison_Mind.html?id=jkoR8UN8-PIC https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38420185/ https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/8249271/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
• 
  The Murder of Alex Pennig: Behind the Locked Bathroom Door 25.08.2026 55min

  When 32-year-old nurse Alex Pennig was found dead inside the bathroom of her St. Paul apartment, the man who called 911, Matthew Ecker, insisted she had taken her own life behind a locked door. Alex had struggled with depression and addiction in the past, and at first, there were details that seemed to support his story. But the scene inside the bathroom told a much more complicated story. Investigators found a strangely clean gun resting on Alex’s chest, almost no blood on Matthew despite his claims that he had tried to save her, and a bathroom door that didn’t seem to fit his version of events. Matthew’s explanation of what happened also began to change. Then, underneath Alex’s head, investigators discovered a tiny piece of metal from the bathroom door’s locking mechanism, which was the evidence they believed showed the door had been forced open before Alex was shot. We cover Alex’s life and the struggles she worked so hard to overcome, her complicated relationship with Matthew, the final hours before her death, the inconsistencies investigators found inside her apartment, and the small piece of evidence that helped reveal what really happened behind that bathroom door. Thank you to this week's sponsors! Sleep cooler this summer with Boll & Branch. Get 15% off your first order plus free shipping at BollAndBranch.com/moms with code moms. TExclusions apply.  Upgrade your everyday. Download the Quince app for app-exclusive offers, or go to Quince.com/moms. Get free shipping on your order and 365-day returns. Now available in Canada and the UK, too. Sources: Alexandra PENNIG Obituary (2023) - Lindstrom, MN - Pioneer Press State of Minnesota, Respondent, vs. Matthew Phillip Ecker, Appellant The Strange Shooting of Alex Pennig | Full Episode + Post Mortem Matthew Ecker Murder Sentence Longer Than Expected | Fergus Now Fergus Falls Man Charged with 2nd Degree Murder in St Paul Staged Suicide | Matthew Ecker Interrogation A Minnesota woman is fatally shot in her bathroom. Who pulled the trigger? - CBS News How a small piece of a bathroom door lock helped solve the murder of a Minnesota nurse - CBS News Where is Matthew Ecker’s Family Now? https://coms.doc.state.mn.us/publicviewer/OffenderDetails/Index/268547/Search Tracking the hours before a young Minnesota woman became a murder victim - CBS News ER practitioner gets 30 years for murdering girlfriend, staging suicide in her downtown St. Paul apartment Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
• 
  The Disappearance of Andrew Gosden: The One-Way Ticket to London 20.08.2026 1h 2min

  On September 14, 2007, 14-year-old Andrew Gosden left his home in Doncaster dressed for school. After his family left for the day, he returned home, changed out of his uniform, withdrew £200 from his bank account, and bought a one-way ticket to London. Andrew arrived at King’s Cross Station at 11:20 that morning. CCTV captured him walking out of the station alone five minutes later. That is the last confirmed image of him. Nearly 19 years later, his family still does not know why he went to London or what happened after he arrived. We cover Andrew’s life, the carefully planned trip, the missed opportunities in the early investigation, the possible sightings, and the questions that remain in one of the United Kingdom’s most enduring missing person cases. Thank you to this week's sponsors! Amplify your spring look with Thrive Causemetics. Go to thrivecausemetics.com/MOMS for an exclusive offer of 20% off your first order. Treat yourself to the most advanced bras and shapewear on the market. Use our exclusive link to save 20% off Honeylove at honeylove.com/MOMS. To grab your PAKA hoodie, go to PakaApparel.com. Join Wayfair Rewards today to get 5% back on every purchase and start saving on your next home upgrade. Head to Wayfair.com to shop all things home. New episodes every Tuesday and Thursday! Follow us on Instagram: @momsandmysteries Join our Patreon: patreon.com/momsandmysteries Visit our website: momsandmysteries.com SOURCES https://mipp.police.uk/operation/14SY26A01-PO2 https://www.southyorkshire.police.uk/news/south-yorkshire/news/missing/pre-march-2024/missing-andrew-gosden---new-age-progression-photo/ https://www.missingpeople.org.uk/help-us-find/andrew-gosden-07-019198 https://www.missingpeople.org.uk/experiences/stripped-back-kevin-gosden https://www.missingpeople.org.uk/the-power-of-memory https://www.missingpeople.org.uk/experiences/andrews-oak-tree-by-kevin-gosden https://helpustofindandrew.weebly.com/ https://helpustofindandrew.weebly.com/blog.html https://helpustofindandrew.weebly.com/blog/missing-things-unseen https://forenseek.app/the-disappearance-of-andrew-gosden-interview-with-kevin-gosden/ https://www.vice.com/en/article/the-strange-disappearance-of-andrew-gosden/ https://www.theguardian.com/lifeandstyle/2008/sep/20/family.children https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2022/jan/11/two-men-arrested-over-andrew-gosden-disappearance-in-2007 https://www.itv.com/news/calendar/2023-07-10/dad-of-boy-missing-for-16-years-still-barely-able-to-function https://www.itv.com/news/calendar/2023-09-20/men-arrested-over-kidnap-of-missing-teenager-released-from-investigation https://www.itv.com/news/calendar/2025-09-08/appeal-for-teenager-andrew-gosden-who-went-missing-from-doncaster-18-years-ago Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
• 
  The Murder of Harold Allen: The Root Beer Float Poisoning 18.08.2026 52min

  For months, Harold Allen suffered from worsening illnesses that doctors could not fully explain. When he died in Freetown, Indiana, just days before Christmas 2022, his death was attributed to serious cardiac problems. His family believed they had lost him to a sudden decline in his health. Nine months later, a burglary at the home of Harold’s widow, Marsha Allen, gave investigators a reason to look again. What began as a break in led detectives to thousands of text messages between Marsha and her daughter, Ashley Jones, and evidence of a poisoning plot that included a root beer float. In 2025, Ashley pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit murder and attempted murder and was sentenced to 50 years in prison. Marsha died before she was charged. We cover Harold’s life, the illnesses that were not what they seemed, the burglary that changed the investigation, and the evidence that finally explained what happened. Thank you to this week's sponsors! Whether you're looking for WLP-1, Magnesium, Berberine, CoQ10 or dozens of other science-backed supplements, start taking supplements your body can actually absorb. Go to absorbmore.com and enter MOMS at check out for up to 35% off your first order. Upgrade your everyday. Download the Quince app for app-exclusive offers, or go to Quince.com/moms. Get free shipping on your order and 365-day returns. Now available in Canada and the UK, too. Download Cash App Today: https://click.cash.app/ui6m/vwn13ren #CashAppPod. Cash App is a financial services platform, not a bank. Banking services provided by Cash App’s bank partner(s). Prepaid debit cards issued by Sutton Bank, Member FDIC. Cash App Visa® Debit Flex Cards issued by Sutton Bank, Member FDIC, and The Bancorp Bank, N.A., pursuant to a license from Visa U.S.A. Inc. See terms and conditions for the Sutton prepaid card, Sutton debit flex card, and Bancorp debit flex card.  Savings provided by Cash App, a Block, Inc. brand. Visit cash.app/legal/podcast for full disclosures. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
• 
  Holly Bartlett's Death: The Unanswered Hours Beneath Halifax's MacKay Bridge 13.08.2026 57min

  In March 2010, Holly Bartlett, a 31 year old blind public servant and graduate student, left a party in Halifax, Nova Scotia, and took a cab toward her condo. Seven hours later, ironworkers found her critically injured inside a fenced area beneath the MacKay Bridge, less than 1,000 feet from her home. Police concluded Holly became disoriented after leaving the cab, entered the restricted area, climbed a steep concrete abutment, and fell. But the people who knew Holly best struggled to accept that explanation. Holly had spent years mastering the orientation and mobility skills that allowed her to live independently. Her cane was later found leaning against a fence after police and a search dog had already searched the area. Her phone and wallet were discovered scattered in her condo parking lot. The cab driver, Paul Fraser, gave changing accounts of what happened after he dropped her off. A 2014 independent review upheld the accidental death finding, but criticized important parts of the original investigation, including delayed neighborhood canvassing and the brief initial interview with the last person known to see Holly alive. We cover Holly's life, the final night that cannot be fully reconstructed, and the questions her family still carries. Thank you to this week's sponsors! Sleep cooler this summer with Boll & Branch. Get 15% off your first order plus free shipping at BollAndBranch.com/moms with code MOMS. Exclusions apply.  It’s not too late to enroll for this fall… see how K12-Powered Schools can help your child thrive, this year and beyond! Enroll online today at K12.com/moms. For a limited time, Nutrafol is offering our listeners $10 off your first month’s subscription and free shipping when you visit Nutrafol.com and enter promo code MOMS. New episodes every Tuesday and Thursday! Follow us on Instagram: @momsandmysteries Join our Patreon: patreon.com/momsandmysteries Visit our website: momsandmysteries.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
• 
  The Sherry Murders: The "Dixie Mafia", a Corrupt Gulf Coast, and the Judge Who Couldn't Be Bought 11.08.2026 57min

  In September 1987, Vincent Sherry and his wife Margaret were found shot to death inside their Biloxi, Mississippi home. Vincent was a former Air Force colonel, a law professor, and a sitting circuit court judge. Margaret was a prominent local attorney and politician. Neither had any known enemies. The investigation would take years and lead directly into the heart of the Dixie Mafia, a loose network of contract killers, drug smugglers, and corrupt officials who had turned Biloxi's Gulf Coast into one of the most lawless stretches in the American South. What investigators eventually uncovered was that Vincent's own law partner, Peter Hallett, had pointed Dixie Mafia hitman Kirksey Nix toward the Sherrys to protect himself from a money dispute he had no clean way out of. Peter stood at the Sherry family's side at the funeral. He handed out copies of the eulogy to the press. He described Vincent and Margaret as family.Convictions were eventually secured for racketeering, fraud, conspiracy, and murder-for-hire. But no one was ever charged with pulling the trigger inside the Sherry home. The murders technically remain unsolved. We cover the full story, including the Dixie Mafia, the corruption that made Biloxi a criminal safe haven, the Sherry family, and the betrayal that set everything in motion. Thank you to this week's sponsors! Right now, IQBAR is offering our special podcast listeners 20% off all IQBAR products—including the Ultimate sampler pack—plus FREE shipping. Message and data rates may apply. See terms for details. Upgrade your everyday. Download the Quince app for app-exclusive offers, or go to Quince.com/moms. Get free shipping on your order and 365-day returns. Now available in Canada and the UK, too. New episodes every Tuesday and Thursday! Follow us on Instagram: @momsandmysteries Join our Patreon: patreon.com/momsandmysteries Visit our website: momsandmysteries.com Sources: Sources: https://biloxi.ms.us/departments/mayor/mayors-of-biloxi/ https://www.nydailynews.com/news/crime/dixie-mafia-murders-article-1.347104 https://www.gulflive.com/mississippi-press-news/2013/04/former_biloxi_mayor_pete_Halat.html https://www.sunherald.com/news/local/crime/article173225801.html https://www.washingtonpost.com/archive/politics/1996/10/23/charge-in-judges-slaying/61d6e71d-79ab-45d4-9638-6228b780aeaf/ https://www.fbi.gov/news/stories/copy3_of_a-byte-out-of-history http://www.picayuneitem.com/2009/10/mississippi-takes-dixie-mafia-inmate/ https://www.nytimes.com/1991/12/29/us/biloxi-s-tale-of-murder-extortion-and-racy-photos.html https://www.newspapers.com/image/426843603/?article=738e1fb6-6677-438f-b8bd-d499c243712b&focus=0.5019371,0.09007911,0.65432274,0.50956196&xid=2378&_ga=2.152440121.1042031532.1579573623-1444157894.1576362222&_gac=1.191732952.1579330014.Cj0KCQiA04XxBRD5ARIsAGFygj-QvKZWcR4nrMOW3laSu_pML39tiZAhlj4D8-1LcgtM_8x7jNopef0aAtWFEALw_wcB https://www.newspapers.com/image/180627929/?terms=vincent%2Bsherry https://www.newspapers.com/image/278254602/?terms=vincent%2Bsherry https://www.newspapers.com/image/184099588/?terms=margaret%2Bsherry https://www.newspapers.com/image/184077599/?terms=margaret%2Bsherry https://www.newspapers.com/image/181139961/?terms=margaret%2Bvincent%2Bsherry,https://www.newspapers.com/image/181140573 https://www.newspapers.com/image/278299403/?terms=margaret%2Bvincent%2Bsherry https://www.newspapers.com/image/278299613 https://www.newspapers.com/image/181137487/?terms=margaret%2Bvincent%2Bsherry https://www.newspapers.com/image/181138009 https://www.newspapers.com/image/181133386/?terms=margaret%2Bvincent%2Bsherry https://www.newspapers.com/image/181142452, https://www.newspapers.com/image/181143286/?terms=margaret%2Bvincent%2Bsherry https://www.newspapers.com/image/184070689/?terms=margaret%2Bvincent%2Bsherry, https://www.newspapers.com/image/184071980 https://www.newspapers.com/image/181736248/?terms=margaret%2Bvincent%2Bsherry, https://www.newspapers.com/image/181736384 https://www.newspapers.com/image/318805868/?terms=margaret%2Bvincent%2Bsherry https://www.newspapers.com/image/181737314/?terms=margaret%2Bvincent%2Bsherry https://www.newspapers.com/image/315976328/?terms=margaret%2Bvincent%2Bsherry https://www.newspapers.com/image/237859988/?terms=margaret%2Bvincent%2Bsherry https://www.newspapers.com/image/278172011/?terms=margaret%2Bvincent%2Bsherry https://casetext.com/case/us-v-Halat?q=peter%20Halat&p=1&tab=keyword&jxs=&sort=relevance&type=case https://www.bop.gov/inmateloc/ https://casetext.com/case/us-v-sharpe-4?q=peter%20Halat&p=1&tab=keyword&jxs=&sort=relevance&type=case https://casetext.com/case/us-v-sharpe?q=peter%20Halat&p=1&tab=keyword&jxs=&sort=relevance&type=case https://www.sar.org/who-we-are https://www.nytimes.com/1982/12/18/us/new-criminal-class-is-flourishing-in-sun-belt.html https://www.justice.gov/osg/brief/Halat-v-united-states-opposition https://www.wlox.com/story/22304298/wlox-exclusive-former-biloxi-mayor-recalls-trial-talks-about-time-in-federal-prison/ https://www.tulsaworld.com/archive/murder-prison-scam-alleged/article_1c7fe873-85e4-5fcf-807e-b69dcb07557f.html https://www.redorbit.com/news/science/820230/biloxi_confidential_primetime_television_show_to_chronicle_sherry_murders_one/ https://www.newspapers.com/image/183757639/?terms=sheri%2Blara%2Bsharpe%2Bsentence https://www.newspapers.com/image/454246785/?terms=sheri%2Blara%2Bsharpe%2Bparole https://www.newspapers.com/image/278365125/?terms=sharpe%2Bnix%2Bgillich%2Bransom%2Bsentence https://www.newspapers.com/image/318870187/?terms=sharpe%2Bnix%2Bgillich%2Bransom%2Bsentence https://www.newspapers.com/image/237794827/?terms=john%2Belbert%2Bransom%2Bsentence https://www.newspapers.com/image/281120194/?terms=nix%2Bsharpe%2BHalat%2Bholcomb%2Bsentence https://www.newspapers.com/image/278322144/?terms=eric%2Bsherry https://apnews.com/bbe032464d8309feaa6bde15b45c6b7e https://apnews.com/0907bc70054a1780a25d64b1f7df2b05 https://apnews.com/fe0c9cf96d4820b11f0e6ac1d3e6d677 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
• 
  D.B. Cooper and the 7 Men Who Tried to Copy Him 06.08.2026 1h 2min

  On November 24, 1971, a man calling himself Dan Cooper boarded a flight in Portland, handed a flight attendant a note saying he had a bomb, and walked away with $200,000 in ransom after jumping out of the plane somewhere over the Pacific Northwest. He was never identified. His body was never found. And to this day, most of the money has never turned up.To the public, it looked like he got away with it. That was enough. In the months and years that followed, a string of men tried to copy what Dan (or who the public would know him by) D.B. Cooper had done boarding planes with fake bombs, demanding money and parachutes, and attempting to disappear into the sky. Some lost their nerve. Some were surrounded before they ever got off the ground. One actually knew how to use a parachute, landed successfully in a Colorado wheat field, and then discovered that the U.S. Air Force had been watching him the entire way down. We cover the original D.B. Cooper hijacking and the copycats who followed, and why nearly all of them demonstrated just how unlikely his disappearance really was. Thank you to this week's sponsors! Right now IQ Bars is offering our special podcast listeners including the Ultimate sampler pack, plus FREE shipping. That’s MOMS to 64000. Message and data rates may apply. See terms for details. Download Cash App Today: https://click.cash.app/ui6m/vwn13ren #CashAppPod. Cash App is a financial services platform, not a bank. Banking services provided by Cash App’s bank partner(s). Prepaid debit cards issued by Sutton Bank, Member FDIC. Cash App Visa® Debit Flex Cards issued by Sutton Bank, Member FDIC, and The Bancorp Bank, N.A., pursuant to a license from Visa U.S.A. Inc. See terms and conditions for the Sutton prepaid card, Sutton debit flex card, and Bancorp debit flex card.  Savings provided by Cash App, a Block, Inc. brand. Visit cash.app/legal/podcast for full disclosures. New episodes every Tuesday and Thursday! Follow us on Instagram: @momsandmysteries Join our Patreon: patreon.com/momsandmysteries Visit our website: momsandmysteries.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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  The Murder of Saria Hildabrand: What Zarius Hildabrand Did After the Gunshot 04.08.2026 54min

  On the night of his 21st birthday, U.S. Army soldier Zarius Hildabrand came home drunk from the bars in Anchorage, Alaska. His wife Saria, also a soldier and also 21, spent the next hour going through his phone and finding proof he had been cheating. A neighbor heard a single gunshot at 2:46 AM.By the next morning, Zarius was texting her coworkers from her phone, telling her friends she had walked out, and joining the search party that formed to find her. He knew exactly where she was the entire time. Saria Hildabrand was a National Guard combat medic who had moved to Alaska to build a life and a career. She called her mom every single day. On June 25, 2026, a jury found Zarius guilty of second-degree murder and tampering with physical evidence. He faces up to 99 years in prison. Sentencing is scheduled for October 2026. Thank you to this week's sponsors! Sleep cooler this summer with Boll & Branch. Get 15% off your first order plus free shipping at BollandBranch.com/moms with code moms. Exclusions apply.  Right now IQ Bars is offering our special podcast listeners including the Ultimate sampler pack, plus FREE shipping. That’s MOMS to 64000. Message and data rates may apply. See terms for details. New episodes every Tuesday and Thursday! Follow us on Instagram: @momsandmysteries Join our Patreon: patreon.com/momsandmysteries Visit our website: momsandmysteries.com Sources  Saria May Barney Obituary - Rasmussen Mortuary Man found guilty of killing Utah wife in Alaska jury trial | KSL.com 21-year-old Zarrius Hildabrand Arrested for Murder — Anchorage Police Department Details emerge in arrest of husband related to Anchorage woman’s death Military Marriage Murder Trial — AK v. Zarrius Hildabrand — Full Opening Statements Bombshell 911 Calls Played for Jury in Soldier Wife Murder Trial Court documents indicate Utah woman's husband attempted to cover up her murder in Alaska Family, APD searching for Anchorage woman missing since Sunday Mom weeps in court as she describes final messages with daughter, 21, whose body was found in drainpipe - as victim's US soldier husband stands trial for murder  Detective Says Evidence Points to Murder of Military Wife https://www.cbsnews.com/news/saria-hildabrand-alaska-zarrius-hildabrand-army-soldier-arrest/ Army soldier told friend ‘I did what I did’ after arrest for wife’s death | Court TV FULL TESTIMONY: Zarrius Hildabrand takes the stand in his murder trial Emotional Mom Defends Son Accused of Killing Wife Accused Wife Killer Never Said He Missed Her, Mom Testifies US Army soldier accused of killing his wife, a National Guard combat medic, faces court hearing | Stars and Stripes Saria May Barney Obituary - Rasmussen Mortuary Mother of Slain Soldier Recalls Heartbreaking Final Memories Before Daughter’s Murder Army Soldier Charged with Murdering New Wife, a Combat Medic Found Dead in a Storm Drain | Oxygen Army soldier accused of killing newlywed wife, whose body was found in storm drain, called police to report her missing Zarrius Hildabrand shows no emotion as jury convicts him of murder | Court TV Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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  [Re-Release + Update] Lindsay Shiver: The "Kill Him" Text and the Case That May Never Go to Trial 30.07.2026 47min

  In the summer of 2023, police in the Bahamas were investigating a routine bar burglary when they stumbled onto something shocking . And that was WhatsApp messages on a suspect's phone containing a photo of Robert Shiver, a former Auburn football player and Georgia businessman, alongside a text that read: "Kill him." The messages were allegedly sent by his wife, Lindsay Shiver, a former beauty queen from south Alabama. Three years later, Lindsay has still not gone to trial. The case has been delayed over and over again — and now her U.S. attorney is arguing it should be thrown out entirely, claiming there is a "legally fatal" defect in the prosecution's case. He says the Bahamas may not even have jurisdiction to charge her because she was in the United States, not the Bahamas, on the day the alleged conspiracy took place.We originally covered this case in March 2026. We are re-releasing it today with a new update because this story is still very much unfolding, and the question we keep asking is: will Lindsay Shiver ever actually face a jury? We cover the full story: the marriage, the affair, the hitman, the accidental discovery, and where everything stands right now. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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  Leon Jacob and Valerie McDaniel: The Murder for Hire Plot 28.07.2026 1h 2min

  When successful Houston veterinarian Valerie McDaniel began dating Leon Jacob, they bonded over the problems they believed their former partners were causing them. Leon presented himself as a brilliant surgeon, but the reality was a trail of failed residencies, massive debt, and a history of stalking and abuse. Within weeks of their relationship starting, those private grievances escalated into a shocking murder-for-hire plot. In this episode, we dive into how Leon and Valerie arranged to have both of their exes killed, the undercover sting operation at an Olive Garden that brought them down, and the tragic aftermath of their arrests. Thank you to this week's sponsors! IQBAR is offering our special podcast listeners 20% off all IQBAR products—including the Ultimate sampler pack—plus FREE shipping. To get yours text MOMS to 64000. Message and data rates may apply. See terms for details.  Make your summer wardrobe feel easier. Go to Quince.com/moms for free shipping on your order and 365-day returns. Now available in Canada, too. Support the show: Check out our Patreon for ad-free episodes and exclusive bonus content: patreon.com/momsandmysteriespodcast Follow us on Instagram: @momsandmysteries Visit our website: momsandmysteries.com Sources: Leon Jacob’s Wealth Shielded His Abuse. Then He Hired a Hit Man. | The Marshall Project Leon Jacob Harris County Stalking 8 Leon Phillip Jacob v. The State of Texas Appeal from 263rd District Court of Harris County (opinion) Leon Jacob Trial Penalty Phase Part 2 Annie Morrison Testifies Former girlfriend testifies against Leon Jacob in Houston murder-for-hire trial Leon Jacob Trial Day 2 Par 1 Ex Girlfriend Meghan Verikas Testifies 'I didn't want to hurt him,' Valerie McDaniel says in message she shared Valerie McDaniel Dies By Suicide After Arrest In Murder-For-Hire Plot With Leon Jacob What happened in bizarre murder-for-hire plot that led to veterinarian's suicide, her boyfriend in prison - ABC News JACOB v. STATE (2019) | FindLaw Houston murder-for-hire plot: Leon Jacob's troubled past https://media.click2houston.com/document_dev/2017/03/21/Leon%20Jacob%20Youngstown%20Hospital%201_9189482_ver1.0.pdf https://media.click2houston.com/document_dev/2017/03/21/Leon%20Jacob%20Ohio%20appeal%20termination%202_9189480_ver1.0.pdf https://media.click2houston.com/document_dev/2017/03/21/Leon%20Jacob%20Ohio%20Burglary%203_9189481_ver1.0.pdf https://media.click2houston.com/document_dev/2017/03/21/Leon%20Jacob%20Divorce%204_9189477_ver1.0.pdf https://media.click2houston.com/document_dev/2017/03/21/Leon%20Jacob%20Illinois%20Stalking%20Intimidation%205_9189479_ver1.0.pdf https://media.click2houston.com/document_dev/2017/03/21/Leon%20Jacob%20Bankruptcy%206_9189476_ver1.0.pdf Leon Jacob Harris County Assault Case 7 https://media.click2houston.com/document_dev/2017/03/21/Leon%20Jacob%20Harris%20County%20Stalking%208_9189779_ver1.0.pdf https://media.click2houston.com/document_dev/2017/03/21/Valerie%20McDaniel%20Divorce%209_9189780_ver1.0.pdf Leon Jacob Trial Day 1 Part 2 Paralegal Laura Thurlow Testifies Leon Jacob Trial Defense Opening Statements Couple Meets ‘Hitman’ At Olive Garden To Put Hits Out On Their Respective Exes: ‘We’re Taking Care Of Both Problems’ | Oxygen Dr Valarie Ann Busick McDaniel (1969-2017) - Find a Grave Memorial Texas veterinarian charged with murder for hire ends own life | American Veterinary Medical Association Staged photos pretending to show torture, murder shown in murder-for-hire trial | Fox News Leon Jacob Trial Day 1 Part 1 Hired Hitman Moataz Azzeh Testifies Leon Jacob Trial Penalty Phase Part 2 Annie Morrison Testifies Leon Jacob Penalty Phase Part 1 Leslie Jacob Testifies Leon Jacob Trial Prosecution Opening Statement Leon Jacob sentenced to life in prison at murder-for hire trial Leon Jacob Trial Day 4 Part 1 Leon Jacob Testifies Leon Jacob Trial Day 4 Part 2 Leon Jacob Testifies Operation Murder | Full Episode https://inmate.tdcj.texas.gov/InmateSearch/viewDetail.action?sid=16560147 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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  The Framing of Michelle Hadley: The Full Story Behind Netflix's A Toxic Love Story 23.07.2026 1h 12min

  After the release of Netflix's A Toxic Love Story, we knew it was time to bring this one back. We originally covered the case of Michelle Hadley in 2019, but the story has changed dramatically since then, and this week we are telling the whole thing from start to finish. In 2016, Michelle Hadley was accused of terrorizing her ex-fiance's pregnant wife and sending strangers to her home to carry out a violent sexual attack. The evidence appeared so overwhelming that Michelle spent 88 days in jail and faced the possibility of life in prison. But the case was never simply about a jealous ex and the woman who replaced her, and it would take years to uncover the role of the man connecting them. Following a federal investigation and a major 2023 conviction, we now know that US Marshal Ian Diaz was not just an innocent bystander to his new wife's diabolical framing plot. He was an active participant who used his federal position to help send an innocent woman to jail. Thank you to this week's sponsors! For 50% off your order, head to DailyLook.com and use code MOMS50.   Amplify your spring look with Thrive Causemetics. Go to thrivecausemetics.com/MOMS for an exclusive offer of 20% off your first order.  Text MOMS to 64000 to get 20% off all IQBAR products, plus FREE shipping. Message and data rates may apply. New episodes every Tuesday and Thursday! Follow us on Instagram: @momsandmysteries Join our Patreon: patreon.com/momsandmysteries Visit our website: momsandmysteries.com Sources:   https://www.thedailybeast.com/woman-falsely-accused-of-impersonating-ex-boyfriends-pregnant-wife-with-rape-ads-cops-say https://www.dailymotion.com/video/x5dalg1 https://www.latimes.com/local/lanow/la-me-ln-craigslist-sentence-20171018-story.html https://www.latimes.com/local/lanow/la-me-ln-craigslist-plot-michelle-hadley-20170109-story.html https://people.com/crime/craigslist-rape-fantasy-woman-convicted-diabolical-scheme/ https://www.thedailybeast.com/whos-the-real-catfisher-husband-or-wife https://www.cbsnews.com/news/michelle-hadley-da-says-rape-fantasy-attack-was-hoax-woman-arrested-was-framed/ http://orangecountyda.org/civicax/filebank/blobdload.aspx?BlobID=23500 https://www.thedailybeast.com/rape-ads-fake-sonograms-and-a-catfishers-web-of-lies https://ocweekly.com/rape-fantasy-suit-8271398/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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  The Murder of Jade Benning: A Fatal Date Night in Nashville 21.07.2026 52min

  When twenty-four-year-old expecting mother Jade Benning suddenly collapsed during a quiet date night at her Nashville apartment, it was initially reported as a severe allergic reaction. But when paramedics arrived, the scene didn't match the story being told by her boyfriend, former NFL scout Blaise Taylor. Jade was rushed to the hospital where she was placed on life support, but both she and her unborn daughter, Ivy, tragically passed away days later. As investigators began uncovering what really happened inside her apartment on February 25th, 2023, they discovered a chilling timeline of events. A frantic final phone call overheard by Jade's best friend, a deleted photograph, and a toxicology report showing an extraordinarily high concentration of cocaine in Jade's system painted a terrifying picture. In this episode, we cover the story of a successful young chef, a highly respected college athlete turned NFL scout, and a devastating betrayal driven by an unwillingness to accept a future he didn't want. Thank you to this week's sponsors! Sleep cooler this summer with Boll & Branch. Get 15% off your first order plus free shipping at BollAndBranch.com/moms with code moms. Exclusions apply.  Whether you're looking for WLP-1, Magnesium, Berberine, CoQ10 or dozens of other science-backed supplements, start taking supplements your body can actually absorb.  Go to absorbmore.com and enter MOMS at check out for up to 35% off your first order. Let your hair be one less thing to worry about. See visibly thicker, stronger, faster growing hair in 3–6 months with Nutrafol. For a limited time, Nutrafol is offering our listeners $10 off your first month’s subscription and free shipping when you visit Nutrafol.com and enter promo code MOMS. New episodes every Tuesday and Thursday! Follow us on Instagram: @momsandmysteries Join our Patreon: patreon.com/momsandmysteries Visit our website: momsandmysteries.com Sources: The Murder of Jade Benning Jade Benning Obituary - Nashville, TN Day 4: Trial for ex-Titans scout accused of killing pregnant girlfriend resumes ​​Former Titans scout Blaise Taylor is arrested on suspicion of murder - NBC Sports Blaise Taylor Arrested in Utah on Nashville First Degree Murder Indictment Ex-girlfriend: Blaise Taylor discussed putting abortion pill in another woman's drink Former Tenn. Titans scout accused of poisoning pregnant girlfriend bonded out of jail Day 2: Witness recounts pregnant victim's final accusation in Blaise Taylor trial Former Titans scout on trial, accused of poisoning pregnant woman with cocaine Blaise Taylor: What former Tennessee Titans scout is accused of as trial nears https://www.youtube.com/live/MS1SAKaY8U8 Friend Recounts Murdered Victim's Chilling Call — Full Testimony Who is Blaise Taylor? What to know about ex-NFL scout convicted in pregnant girlfriend’s murder Blaise Taylor - 2017 - Football - Arkansas State University Football Player’s Ex Drops Bombshell in Poison Murder Trial ​​Former Titans scout Blaise Taylor guilty of murdering pregnant woman with cocaine https://www.youtube.com/live/F6TVXIxRE88?si=8uHqFXsQvxuvbhwV Former Titans scout found guilty of murdering woman, his unborn child Photos show ‘black hole’ former NFL scout painted for nursery night of pregnant girlfriend’s suspected murder Blaise Taylor Called 911 About His Pregnant Girlfriend’s Allergic Reaction. Now He’s on Trial in Connection with Her Murder LIVE: TN v. Blaise Taylor - Day 1 | The Poison Playbook Murder Trial Blaise Taylor Didn’t Poison Pregnant Girlfriend: Defense Pregnant Girlfriend Poisoned Trial — Full Closing Arguments Paramedic Testifies Blaise Taylor Never Asked If Jade Benning Was Going to Be Okay | Pt 3 Ex-Titans scout testifies at trial of coworker accused of poisoning pregnant woman Blaise Taylor sentenced to life in prison, but will appeal Jade Benning's Stepmother Describes Watching Jade Die on Her 25th Birthday | Pt 4 NO BREAKS EDITION: Pregnant Girlfriend Poisoned Trial — TN v. Blaise Taylor — Day 3 https://www.youtube.com/live/SRVCCL2cyjE?si=sw51U0OKpWMO54rQ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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  The Snowden House Murders: A Legacy of Forgiveness and Fatal Betrayal 16.07.2026 46min

  In 1996, the quiet community of Horseshoe Lake, Arkansas was shattered by the brutal double murder of seventy-five-year-old Sally Snowden McKay and her fifty-two-year-old nephew, Joseph Lee Baker. The historic Snowden House, a landmark family estate that had belonged to Sally's family for generations, was set on fire to cover up the crime. Investigators eventually arrested fifteen-year-old Travis Lewis, a local teenager who lived across the field in a home his family rented from Sally. Travis eventually pleaded guilty to the murders and was sentenced to twenty-eight and a half years in prison, though he never publicly admitted to pulling the trigger. Decades later, Sally's daughter, Martha McKay, made a decision that shocked her family and friends. A practicing Buddhist who believed deeply in redemption and forgiveness, Martha began writing to Travis in prison. She visited him, supported his parole, and eventually hired him to work as a handyman at the newly restored Snowden House after his release in 2018. For a while, the arrangement seemed to work, but when a large sum of cash went missing from the home, Martha suspected Travis of stealing it and fired him. On the morning of March 25th, 2020, an alarm was triggered at the Snowden House. When deputies arrived, they discovered the back door open and a man fleeing the scene. The pursuit ended at the edge of Horseshoe Lake, where the suspect jumped into the water and drowned. Inside the home, deputies found sixty-three-year-old Martha bludgeoned and stabbed to death. The man who drowned was Travis. In a heartbreaking twist of fate, the very man Martha had forgiven and tried to help rebuild his life had returned to the Snowden House to take hers. Thank you to this week's sponsors! See how K12 Powered Schools can help unlock your child’s full potential. Enroll online today at K12.com/moms. New episodes every Tuesday and Thursday! Follow us on Instagram: @momsandmysteries Join our Patreon: patreon.com/momsandmysteries Visit our website: momsandmysteries.com Sources: https://www.commercialappeal.com/story/news/2020/03/25/martha-mckay-murder-travis-lewis-horseshoe-lake-arkansas/5085237002/  https://www.wmcactionnews5.com/2020/03/26/crittenden-co-authorities-recover-body-murder-suspect-who-jumped-into-lake-never-resurfaced/  https://wreg.com/news/authorities-investigating-homicide-in-crittenden-county/  https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/198241915/sally-mckay  https://www.annesdalemansion.com/what-we-do  https://memphismagazine.com/habitats/lady-of-the-lake/  https://memphislibrary.contentdm.oclc.org/digital/collection/p13039coll1/id/197/  https://encyclopediaofarkansas.net/entries/horseshoe-lake-crittenden-county-7164/ https://www.historichotels.org/us/hotels-resorts/the-peabody-memphis/history.php https://www.ancestry.com/family-tree/person/tree/106742835/person/150075104143/facts  https://people.com/crime/ark-woman-befriended-moms-killer-out-of-spiritual-obligation-and-then-he-murdered-her/ https://people.com/crime/inside-the-bizarre-case-of-a-killer-striking-twice-23-years-apart-murdering-a-mother-and-daughter/ https://people.com/crime/arkansas-mom-and-daughter-are-murdered-by-same-man-23-years-apart-then-killer-drowns-himself/  https://www.memphisflyer.com/martha-mckay-murdered-at-horseshoe-lake-home https://www.nbcnews.com/dateline/woman-found-murdered-same-snowden-property-horseshoe-lake-arkansas-where-n1169906 https://www.genealogybank.com/doc/obituaries/obit/1008377F9FD0A125-1008377F9FD0A125?h=1&fname=sally&mname=&lname=mckay&rgfromDate=&rgtoDate=&formDate=&formDateFlex=exact&dateType=range&kwinc=&kwexc=&sid=pvnvurjmnsftcjouvunhyamlafxnikoq_wma-gateway006_1620492395880 https://www.genealogybank.com/doc/obituaries/obit/1008359E9F56903F-1008359E9F56903F?h=11&fname=sally&mname=&lname=mckay&rgfromDate=&rgtoDate=&formDate=&formDateFlex=exact&dateType=range&kwinc=&kwexc=&sid=pvnvurjmnsftcjouvunhyamlafxnikoq_wma-gateway006_1620492395880 https://www.genealogybank.com/doc/obituaries/obit/1008377F909BFC24-1008377F909BFC24?h=1&fname=joseph&mname=lee&lname=baker%20jr.%20&kwinc=&kwexc=&rgfromDate=1996&rgtoDate=1996&formDate=&formDateFlex=exact&dateType=range&processingtime=&addedFrom=&addedTo=&sid=vbfyhchldrhbjvlblywzdggrizqtwyee_wma-gateway003_1620493398450 https://drive.google.com/file/d/18WBUqW-Cvvxa_uce-yjIlxprzNp75pXu/view?usp=sharing  https://drive.google.com/file/d/1hM7hfnvxKc5NIqtkaDSa6AQu1GDzviWy/view?usp=sharing https://drive.google.com/file/d/1tr7WzIo1Zwrp0tA0IsswHvZ3JVfx1CK6/view?usp=sharing  https://drive.google.com/file/d/1_1NQrAGA5MJ0rajNAn4q3lJL-byAMXQQ/view?usp=sharing https://drive.google.com/file/d/1Q7IEJ1K4pc_bf3v7RalVX6SjQyIuycuJ/view?usp=sharing https://drive.google.com/file/d/1xH_RwOsQRCGejtDBKHJU4PMieDolHFPd/view?usp=sharing https://drive.google.com/file/d/1hEBoEMRk2FJl3en_t1YJ-WY3E65Ny4-_/view?usp=sharing https://drive.google.com/file/d/1w0J0BHXgwKaAlNJUxP_pIi4jgv1riG1O/view?usp=sharing https://www.newspapers.com/image/593989258/?article=3dca9af2-8c02-4c5c-9a5b-82e65dce6a27&focus=0.021405237,0.029903919,0.26997072,0.35640967&xid=3398&_ga=2.159940797.1869912334.1620502844-1789801159.1610661381 Learn more about your ad choices. 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