Residue: A True Crime Podcast

Episoder

• 
  Cries Unheard: The Donna Yaklich Story 28.07.2026 41min

  Cries Unheard: The Donna Yaklich Story (also released as Victim of Rage) is a 1994 made-for-TV film based on the real-life case of Donna Yaklich, a Colorado woman convicted of hiring two men to kill her abusive husband, police officer Dennis Yaklich. While the film portrays Donna as a survivor of years of severe domestic violence with no safe way to escape, the true story remains the subject of debate. Supporters believe the movie accurately reflects the abuse she endured, while Dennis Yaklich's family has strongly disputed that portrayal, arguing the film presents only Donna's perspective. In this episode, we examine the real case, the evidence, the controversies, and the question that continues to divide people decades later: how closely did the movie reflect the truth? Sources: Cries Unheard: The Donna Yaklich Story  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HXo6K-K5ZH8 https://law.justia.com/cases/colorado/court-of-appeals/1991/88ca1369-0.html Husband Killer: Donna Yaklich by Jessi Dixon  https://www.chieftain.com/story/news/2005/10/21/yaklich-s-release-draws-mixed/8984309007/ Evil Stepmother: Donna Yaklich Nanny Nightmare  https://variety.com/1994/tv/reviews/cries-unheard-the-donna-yaklich-story-1200436017/ https://murderpedia.org/female.Y/y/yaklich-donna.htm Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
• 
  Dead Man's Wire: Tony Kiritsis 21.07.2026 50min

  In this episode, we unravel the shocking true story of Tony Kiritsis and the 1977 hostage crisis that became known as the "Dead Man's Wire" case. Armed with a sawed-off shotgun connected to a homemade dead man's wire, Kiritsis held mortgage executive Richard Hall hostage for more than 60 hours, turning a personal grievance into one of the most bizarre standoffs in American history. We examine the events that led to the kidnapping, the intense negotiations that played out live on television, and the legal battle that followed. We also compare how the story has been portrayed in the film Dead Man's Wire and documentary Dead Man's Line, exploring what the adaptation gets right, what they change, and how Hollywood interpreted one of America's strangest true crime cases. SOURCES: Dead Man’s Line Dead Man’s Wire  https://www.indystar.com/story/entertainment/movies/2018/01/31/tony-kiritsis-story-indys-most-insane-hostage-taker-now-movie/699747001/?gnt-cfr=1&gca-cat=p&gca-uir=false&gca-epti=z117461u004660e1166xxv117461&gca-ft=220&gca-ds=sophi https://thecinemaholic.com/dead-mans-wire-linda-page-indianapolis-news-now-12/ https://www.aetv.com/articles/tony-kiritsis-kidnapping-dick-hall-1977-journalists-reevaluate-live-coverage https://ibha.indiana.edu/the-tony-kiritsis-hostage-incident-62-hours-that-forever-changed-indiana-broadcasting/ https://variety.com/2025/film/awards/gus-van-sant-dead-mans-wire-river-phoenix-1236561384/ https://indyencyclopedia.org/tony-kiritsis-case/ https://deadmansline.com/richard-hall/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
• 
  Open Water: The Disappearance of Tom and Eileen Lonergan 14.07.2026 37min

  Open Water (2003) is a survival thriller inspired by the true story of Tom and Eileen Lonergan. In the film, a married couple is accidentally left behind during a scuba diving trip after the boat crew miscounts the passengers. As they drift alone in the open ocean, they face dehydration, exhaustion, and sharks while waiting for a rescue that never comes. The real events happened in 1998, when Tom and Eileen Lonergan were accidentally abandoned during a dive at Australia's Great Barrier Reef. Their disappearance wasn't discovered for nearly two days, and despite a massive search, they were never found. Months later, some of their dive gear washed ashore, but their bodies were never recovered. Sources: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K-faZE1ZJ6Q https://www.abc.net.au/news/2023-01-12/ocean-survival-expert-advice-qld-couple-three-days-at-sea/101848206 https://allthatsinteresting.com/tom-eileen-lonergan Open Water  https://www.stuff.co.nz/world/americas/9625524/The-fall-and-rise-of-Milton-Windsor-Harris Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
• 
  When Love Kills: The Falicia Blakely Story 07.07.2026 40min

  In this episode, we uncover the true story behind When Love Kills: The Falicia Blakely Story, the 2017 film inspired by real events. We explore who Falicia Blakely was, the circumstances that shaped her life, and how an abusive and controlling relationship influenced the choices that ultimately led to a series of tragic crimes. Sources: https://tubitv.com/tv-shows/200146223/s01-e09-falicia-blakely-kiesha-smith Snapped: Season 32, episode 11 https://nappythoughts.com/falicia-blakely https://www.oxygen.com/snapped/crime-news/atlanta-stripper-falicia-blakely-kills-robs-3-men https://creativeloafing.com/content-171458-alleged-pimp-accused-of-ordering-killings-is-jailed https://www.oxygen.com/snapped/crime-news/atlanta-stripper-falicia-blakely-kills-robs-3-men Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
• 
  Girl In the Shed: The Kidnapping of Abby Hernandez 30.06.2026 46min

  Girl in the Shed: The Kidnapping of Abby Hernandez is based on the true story of Abby Hernandez, a New Hampshire teenager who was abducted in 2013 while walking home from school. Held captive in a concealed shipping container for nine months, Abby endured unimaginable hardship but demonstrated extraordinary courage and resilience. It is ultimately a story of hope, perseverance, and the strength of the human spirit in the face of trauma. Sources: https://abcnews.com/US/kidnapping-survivor-abby-hernandez-details-life-captivity-told/story?id=57599326 https://www.oxygen.com/true-crime-buzz/how-abigail-hernandez-convinced-nathaniel-kibby-to-free-her https://hollywoodlife.com/2022/02/26/girl-in-the-shed-abby-hernandez-lifetime-movie-interview/ Girl In the Shed: The Kidnapping of Abby Hernandez  https://www.kget.com/community/ricks-reviews/abigail-hernandez-tells-her-story-in-girl-in-the-shed/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
• 
  136: The Bling Ring 23.06.2026 50min

  The Bling Ring is based on the true story of a group of Los Angeles teenagers who burglarized the homes of celebrities including Paris Hilton, Lindsay Lohan, Audrina Patridge, and Orlando Bloom between 2008 and 2009. Driven by an obsession with fame, fashion, and celebrity culture, they stole millions of dollars' worth of luxury items before eventually being caught by police. Sofia Coppola's 2013 film explores not only the crimes themselves, but the culture of celebrity worship that inspired them. SOURCES:The Real Bling Ring: Hollywood Heist https://nypost.com/2023/09/30/bling-ring-leader-rachel-lee-reveals-what-fueled-celeb-crimes/https://variety.com/2023/film/news/erin-lee-carr-ringleader-case-bling-ring-rachel-lee-1235737937/https://www.etonline.com/rachel-bilson-confronts-bling-ring-member-gabby-neiers-years-after-she-robbed-her-192522 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
• 
  135: Boys Don't Cry: The Brandon Teena Story 16.06.2026 56min

  Boys Don't Cry brought Brandon Teena's story to the big screen, but how closely did the film follow the real events? In this episode, we separate fact from fiction, exploring Brandon's life, the people often left out of the story, and the lasting legacy of a case that changed conversations about transgender representation in America. Using a victim-centered approach, we'll look beyond the movie to understand the real people behind the headlines. Sources:The Brandon Teena Story All He Wanted by Aphrodite Joneshttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zU6zjFkS3PcBoys Don’t Cry https://www.rogerebert.com/reviews/boys-dont-cry-1999https://stroudradicalreading.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/devinescut-blackonbothsides.pdfhttps://papers.iafor.org/wp-content/uploads/papers/acah2024/ACAH2024_78518.pdfErased Podcast  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
• 
  134: David (1988): A Survival Story 09.06.2026 42min

  The story of David Rothenberg's survival would eventually reach millions of viewers through the 1988 made-for-television film David. Starring Bernadette Peters as Marie Rothenberg and Matthew Lawrence as David, the film focused not only on the horrific crime that nearly took his life, but also on his extraordinary recovery and the strength he showed in the years that followed. Sources: David’s Story by Marie Rothenberghttps://medium.com/mel-magazine/the-boy-that-fire-couldnt-destroy-the-life-and-death-of-dave-dave-aa9332120acfhttps://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1988-03-20-mn-2215-story.html Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
• 
  133: She Made Them Do It: Sarah Jo Pender 02.06.2026 48min

  Was Sarah Jo Pender a master manipulator who orchestrated a brutal double murder, or was she a young woman caught in a flawed investigation and wrongfully convicted? One of the most controversial true-crime cases of the 2000s. Sarah Jo Pender was convicted in 2002 for the murders of Andrew Cataldi and Tricia Nordman, a crime prosecutors argued she planned and directed. Dubbed the "female Charles Manson", Pender maintained her innocence throughout her trial and imprisonment. The Lifetime movie She Made Them Do It, starring Jenna Dewan depicted Sarah's story.  Sources:https://www.hulu.com/series/5eb21b90-555a-4dc3-9b6c-60c8f7087bd4She Made Them Do It https://law.justia.com/cases/indiana/court-of-appeals/2003/12090302-smb.htmlhttps://www.aetv.com/articles/sarah-pender-escaped-prison-many-call-wrongful-conviction Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
• 
  132: Cruel Doubt: The Murder of Leith Von Stein 26.05.2026 38min

  In July 1988, Washington, North Carolina businessman Leith Von Stein was fatally stabbed and bludgeoned in his bed while his wife, Bonnie, was severely injured. The violent crime was initially staged as a burglary but later exposed a twisted conspiracy motivated by a $2 million inheritance.The chilling true-crime story was famously chronicled in the 1991 bestselling book Cruel Doubt by Joe McGinniss. Cruel Doubt was adapted into a highly rated, two-part television miniseries that premiered on NBC in May 1992 starring Blythe Danner and Gwyneth Paltrow. Sources:Cruel Doubt by Joe McGuinessBlood Relatives: Death is in the Air https://finishedpages.com/from-patriarch-to-the-small-screen-the-north-carolina-murder-of-leigh-von-stein/https://www.orlandosentinel.com/1991/11/17/two-very-different-tellings-of-the-same-crime/http://www.theescapist.com/archive-pritchard01.htmhttps://law.justia.com/cases/north-carolina/supreme-court/1992/89a90-0.html Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
• 
  131: Song Sung Blue: The Mike and Claire Sardina Story 19.05.2026 38min

  We are taking a true crime break this week, but still focusing on a "based on a true story" movie. Mike and Claire Sardina were a real-life Milwaukee husband-and-wife musical duo who formed the popular Neil Diamond tribute act "Lightning & Thunder". Their remarkable true story of soaring success, devastating heartbreak, and perseverance inspired the acclaimed feature film Song Sung Blue (2025). The duo were also the subject of the 2008 documentary of the same name. A story that proves we should all dream big.  Sources:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YDukMQIz1ScSong Sung Blue the Documentary (2008) Song Sung Blue https://parade.com/movies/meet-the-real-life-couple-who-inspired-song-sung-bluehttps://ew.com/song-sung-blue-true-story-fact-vs-fiction-11876118https://shepherdexpress.com/film/i-hate-hollywood/lightning-thunder-story/https://www.foxnews.com/entertainment/hugh-jackman-kate-hudson-face-backlash-real-family-behind-tribute-band-filmhttps://archive.jsonline.com/entertainment/musicandnightlife/35103989.html Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
• 
  130: Abducted: The Carlina White Story 12.05.2026 39min

  In this episode, we explore the shocking true story behind the Lifetime film Abducted: The Carlina White Story. A case so unbelievable it sounds fictional, yet every major detail really happened. In 1987, 19-day-old Carlina White was kidnapped from Harlem Hospital in New York City by a woman later identified as Ann Pettway, who raised her under the name Nejdra “Netty” Nance for more than two decades. What makes this story extraordinary is that the case was ultimately solved not by investigators, but by Carlina herself. Sources:Beyond the Headlines: The Carlina White Story https://nymag.com/news/features/carlina-white-2011-10/Abducted: The Carlina White Story https://allthatsinteresting.com/carlina-white Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
• 
  129: I Know My First Name Is Steven: PART 2, Cary Stayner the Yosemite Park Killer 05.05.2026 48min

  PART 2: While Steven Stayner became known for his extraordinary survival, his story reached millions through the made for TV film I Know My First Name Is Steven, and for a time the Stayner name was associated with resilience and hope. But that sense of closure did not last, and years later the same name would return to the national spotlight under far darker circumstances. In 1999, Cary Stayner carried out a series of murders in and around Yosemite National Park, killing Carole Sund, Juli Sund, Silvina Pelosso, and later Joie Armstrong. The case stunned the country not only for its brutality but for its connection to Steven’s story. The contrast is stark. Two brothers from the same family, one remembered for survival, the other for tragedy. Sources: Captive Audience: A Real American Horror Story I Know My First Name Is Steven https://www.theguardian.com/tv-and-radio/2022/apr/20/there-was-a-lot-of-torment-the-family-who-endured-two-true-storieshttps://www.upi.com/Archives/1981/12/18/The-man-who-kidnapped-young-Steven-Stayner-alternated-sexual/8624377499600/https://time.com/archive/6883464/nation-escaping-dad/Wikihttps://people.com/carole-sund-teen-daughter-murdered-yosemite-serial-killer-1182569220/20: Evil In Eden  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
• 
  128: I Know My First Name Is Steven: Part 1, Steven Stayner 28.04.2026 1t 6min

  PART 1: The 1989 television miniseries I Know My First Name Is Steven is a dramatization of the real-life kidnapping of Steven Stayner, who was held captive for seven years before heroically escaping and rescuing another child. The film chronicles the abduction of seven-year-old Steven by Kenneth Parnell in 1972. Parnell brainwashes Steven into believing his parents no longer want him and renames him "Dennis Parnell". Over the next seven years, Steven endures severe physical and sexual abuse while living a transient life with his captor.  The story reaches its climax in 1980 when Parnell kidnaps five-year-old Timmy White. Determined to spare the young boy from the same fate, a 14-year-old Steven escapes with Timothy and brings him to a police station. The title comes from Steven's actual police statement: "I know my first name is Steven."  Sources:Captive Audience: A Real American Horror Story I Know My First Name Is Steven by Mike EcholsI Know My First Name Is Steven the movie https://www.theguardian.com/tv-and-radio/2022/apr/20/there-was-a-lot-of-torment-the-family-who-endured-two-true-storieshttps://www.upi.com/Archives/1981/12/18/The-man-who-kidnapped-young-Steven-Stayner-alternated-sexual/8624377499600/https://time.com/archive/6883464/nation-escaping-dad/Wiki Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
• 
  127: Soldier's Girl: The Murder of Barry Winchell 21.04.2026 38min

  The 2003 film Soldier's Girl tells the true story of Barry Winchell, a young soldier stationed at Fort Campbell who becomes romantically involved with transgender performer Calpernia Addams. Their relationship develops quietly at first, but it becomes increasingly dangerous within the highly rigid and hostile environment of the military under the “don’t ask, don’t tell” era. As rumors about Winchell begin circulating among fellow soldiers, he becomes the target of escalating harassment and social pressure. That hostility is fueled in part by other soldiers, including Justin Fisher, who encourages and manipulates younger soldier Calvin Glover. The film builds toward the real-life tragedy where Winchell is attacked with a baseball bat while sleeping in his barracks, a violent act rooted in a toxic mix of rumor, prejudice, and peer pressure. Sources: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2NpanzTImkEhttps://inmagazine.ca/2024/07/flashback-soldier-barry-winchell-dies-after-anti-gay-hate-crime-july-6-1999/https://www.vanityfair.com/news/2000/05/kentucky-murder-200005?srsltid=AfmBOoppbiKCRONCbuReee_d9LP_ImBd8uuuNkWew3BvLsttjmk1De7khttps://www.out.com/news/drag-race-barry-winchell-murderhttps://www.nytimes.com/1999/12/09/us/killer-s-trial-shows-gay-soldier-s-anguish.html#:~:text=But%20nothing%20came%20of%20their,factors%20in%20meting%20out%20sentences.&text=Articles%20yesterday%20about%20the%20conviction,the%20Army%20account%20for%20312.https://archive.nytimes.com/www.nytimes.com/library/magazine/home/20000528mag-calpernia.html Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
• 
  126: Kidnapped: The Hannah Anderson Story 14.04.2026 56min

  In this episode, we examine the disturbing events surrounding the Kidnapping of Hannah Anderson, a case that shocked the nation in 2013. The story follows 16-year-old Hannah Anderson, who was abducted by family friend James DiMaggio after what initially seemed like a routine visit. What followed was a tragic chain of events, including the murders of Hannah’s mother, Christina Anderson, and her younger brother, Ethan Anderson, and a multi-state manhunt that gripped the country. Sources:Kidnapped: The Hannah Anderson Story https://abcnews.com/US/saving-hannah-anderson-inside-dramatic-fbi-rescue-kidnapped/story?id=29089347https://www.nbcnews.com/video/hannah-anderson-on-kidnap-i-couldnt-do-anything-53357123546?featureFlagAix=trueFBI True: Season 1, Epi 4https://www.cnn.com/2013/09/24/justice/hannah-anderson-family-autopsyhttps://fox5sandiego.com/news/20m-lawsuit-against-fbi-in-hannah-anderson-kidnap-case-can-move-forward-judge-rules/https://www.csmonitor.com/USA/2013/0817/What-s-the-real-story-behind-Hannah-Anderson-s-abductionhttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OhIPIu3W4Tohttps://www.10news.com/news/hannah-anderson-blasts-credibility-of-lifetime-moviehttps://www.today.com/video/hannah-anderson-speaks-out-in-today-exclusive-44023363804 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
• 
  125: Heavenly Creatures: The Murder of Honorah (Rieper) Parker 07.04.2026 39min

  This episode explores the chilling true story that inspired Heavenly Creatures, the 1997 film based on the infamous case of Pauline Parker and Juliette Hulme. In 1950s Christchurch, New Zealand, two teenage girls formed an intense and obsessive friendship after bonding over illness, isolation, and a shared love of fantasy. Together, they created an elaborate imaginary world where they ruled as powerful figures, blurring the line between imagination and reality. As their relationship deepened, they became increasingly detached from the outside world.  Sources:Anne Perry The Murder of the Century - by Peter Graham https://parkerhulme.wordpress.com/2016/08/13/the-relationship/https://www.adamabrams.com/hc/faq2/Section_7/7.4.3.htmlhttps://heavenly-creatures.com/phc_people_pauline.phphttps://medium.com/crimes-by-mr-o/this-best-selling-crime-author-was-actually-a-convicted-teenage-killer-true-crime-ee63e98d03c7wiki Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
• 
  124: Stuck: The Murder of Gregory Glen Biggs 31.03.2026 37min

  The tragic true story of Gregory Glen Biggs and the shocking case involving Chante Mallard. A story that stunned the nation for its cruelty and unimaginable choices. We break down what really happened the night Biggs lost his life, the disturbing decisions that followed, and how those actions impacted not only the victim, but his family, including his son Brandon, and others who became entangled in the aftermath. We also take a closer look at how this real-life case was adapted into the film Stuck, examining what the movie gets right, what it changes, and why certain creative decisions have sparked conversation. This story isn’t just about the true crime or the film, it’s about the ripple effects of one tragic night and the lasting impact on those left behind. Sources:Stuck (2007)Court TV: Judgement of Chante Mallardhttps://www.cbsnews.com/news/was-windshield-victim-conscious/https://abcnews.com/Entertainment/story?id=4991235&page=1https://law.justia.com/cases/texas/second-court-of-appeals/2005/16351.htmlhttps://www.google.com/search?q=prosecuting+evil+with+kelly+siegler+season+2+episode+5&rlz=1CAGZLV_enUS1160&oq=season+2+episode+5+prosecu&gs_lcrp=EgZjaHJvbWUqCAgCEAAYFhgeMgYIABBFGDkyCAgBEAAYFhgeMggIAhAAGBYYHjIHCAMQABjvBTIKCAQQABiABBiiBDIHCAUQABjvBTIHCAYQABjvBTIHCAcQABjvBdIBCjEyOTAxajBqMTWoAgywAgHxBdjlihKDahZv8QXY5YoSg2oWbw&sourceid=chrome&ie=UTF-8#fpstate=ive&vld=cid:89a2cf69,vid:mXDnKf8Cr6k,st:0https://deathpenaltyinfo.org/victims-son-awarded-scholarship-from-prisoners-on-death-row Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
• 
  123: Gaslit By My Husband: The Morgan Metzer Story 24.03.2026 40min

  In this episode, we unpack the unsettling themes behind Gaslit By My Husband:The Morgan Metzer Story, a story that dives into the hidden world of psychological abuse. What happens when the person you trust most begins to manipulate your reality? What starts as small moments of doubt quickly escalates into something far more unsettling, as Morgan struggles to separate truth from deception and hold onto her sense of self. Sources:Gaslit By My Husband: The Morgan Metzer Story https://people.com/where-is-morgan-metzer-now-11928319https://www.google.com/search?q=morgan+metzer+48+hrs&rlz=1CAGZLV_enUS1160&oq=morgan+metzer+48+hrs+&gs_lcrp=EgZjaHJvbWUyBggAEEUYOTIICAEQABgWGB4yCAgCEAAYFhgeMgoIAxAAGIAEGKIEMgoIBBAAGIAEGKIEMgoIBRAAGIAEGKIEMgoIBhAAGIAEGKIEMgcIBxAAGO8F0gEJNTg2OGowajE1qAIIsAIB8QXCQV1uRpPvFA&sourceid=chrome&ie=UTF-8#fpstate=ive&vld=cid:68f174bd,vid:6J27-GEwBYc,st:0https://www.fox5atlanta.com/news/when-gaslighting-turns-violent-how-a-canton-mom-wants-to-shed-light-on-sinister-problem Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
• 
  122: Vampire Clan: The Wendorf Murders 17.03.2026 42min

  The 2002 true-crime film Vampire Clan dramatizes the shocking real-life murders carried out by a group of teenagers who believed they were part of a vampire cult. Starring Drew Fuller as cult leader Rod Ferrell, the film follows how fantasy role-playing and obsession with vampirism spiraled into violence, ultimately leading to the brutal killing. The case of Rod Ferrell and the brutal Wendorf Murders began as a group of teenagers role-playing vampires spiraled into real-world violence when Ferrell, who called himself a 500-year-old vampire, led members of his so-called “Vampire Clan” to the home of Richard Wendorf and Naomi Wendorf in Eustis, Florida. Sources:Killer Kids Vampire Clan (2002) The Vampire Murders (1999) https://www.yahoo.com/entertainment/teen-vampire-cult-leader-rod-203422626.htmlhttps://www.dailycommercial.com/story/news/local/eustis/2019/12/01/mother-of-vampire-cult-killer-ive-changed/2178130007/https://www.orlandosentinel.com/1998/07/16/cooper-pleads-guilty/https://www.tampabay.com/archive/1998/11/22/more-evidence-turns-up-in-vampire-cult-deaths Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices