Unlawful Acts

She Looked Like a Sweet Grandma... Until They Found the Bodies 18.06.2026 1val 15min

Dorothea Puente appeared to be the last person anyone would suspect of murder. In 1980s Sacramento, she was known as a kind, grandmotherly woman who opened her home to society's most vulnerable people—elderly residents, disabled individuals, and those with nowhere else to go. To neighbors, she seemed caring and generous. To the people living under her roof, she offered shelter, meals, and support. But one by one, her tenants began disappearing. Friends and family were told they had moved away. Social workers were given excuses. Questions were asked, but the answers always seemed to satisfy investigators—until one missing person case led police to her Victorian boarding house. What they discovered beneath the backyard would expose one of California's most disturbing serial murder cases. In this episode of Unlawful Acts, Connie and Jocelyn unravel the shocking crimes of Dorothea Puente, the woman who turned a place of refuge into a killing ground. From forged checks and stolen benefits to multiple murders hidden beneath her property, this is the chilling story of how a seemingly harmless grandmother became one of America's most notorious serial killers. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Introducing the Jordan Harbinger Show 18.06.2026 2min

In this brief segment, we recommend The Jordan Harbinger Show. Jordan has some amazing guests on his show, and he has a gift for making complex ideas accessible. We have become regular listeners, and hope you check it out too.

The Man Forced to Rob a Bank With a Bomb Around His Neck 11.06.2026 59min

On August 28, 2003, a pizza delivery driver walked into a bank in Erie, Pennsylvania carrying a cane gun, a handwritten demand note, and a metal collar locked around his neck. Minutes later, he was surrounded by police in a parking lot, desperately claiming that the bomb attached to him was real. Then it exploded. What followed became one of the most bizarre and disturbing criminal investigations in FBI history. Was Brian Wells a willing participant in a carefully planned bank robbery? Or was he an innocent man forced into a deadly plot he could never escape? In this episode of Unlawful Acts, Connie and Jocelyn unravel the shocking story behind the infamous Pizza Bomber case—a twisted conspiracy involving scavenger hunt clues, homemade explosives, conflicting confessions, and a cast of eccentric suspects whose stories only became stranger as investigators dug deeper. More than two decades later, one question still fuels debate: Who was really responsible for Brian Wells' death? Subscribe for new true crime episodes every week. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The Brink’s Robbery That Turned Into a Deadly Manhunt 04.06.2026 37min

October 20, 1981. What began as a carefully planned armored truck robbery outside a shopping center in Rockland County, New York quickly became one of the most infamous crimes in American history. Armed members of the Black Liberation Army and Weather Underground ambushed a Brink’s armored truck, stealing $1.6 million in cash. Within minutes, the robbery erupted into deadly gunfire that left a Brink’s guard dead and sparked a violent confrontation with police. By the end of the day, two Nyack police officers had also been killed, launching one of the largest manhunts in FBI history. In this episode of Unlawful Acts, Connie and Jocelyn break down the planning, execution, investigation, arrests, and lasting impact of the Brink’s Robbery—a crime that blurred the lines between political extremism, terrorism, and organized robbery. What really happened that day? Who was behind the attack? And how did this case reshape law enforcement's approach to domestic extremist groups? Subscribe for new true crime episodes every week. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Ted Bundy: America’s Most Dangerous Serial Killer 28.05.2026 1val

America, 1974. Young women begin disappearing from college campuses across multiple states. Witnesses describe the same man over and over — charming, clean-cut, injured, and asking for help before victims vanished without a trace. In this episode of Unlawful Acts, we uncover the terrifying rise of Ted Bundy, one of the most infamous serial killers in American history. From his manipulative tactics and shocking crimes to the nationwide manhunt, courtroom chaos, prison escapes, and final downfall, this is the story that changed how America viewed serial killers forever. Bundy didn’t look like a monster. That’s what made him so dangerous. Subscribe for more true crime stories, unsolved mysteries, kidnappings, serial killer cases, and infamous criminal investigations. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Frank Sinatra Jr. Kidnapped: The Crime That Shocked Hollywood 21.05.2026 58min

In this episode of Unlawful Acts, Susan Davis and Jocelyn Frankhuizen examine the shocking 1963 kidnapping of Frank Sinatra Jr., the son of legendary singer Frank Sinatra. What began as a quiet night at a Lake Tahoe hotel quickly became one of the most infamous celebrity crimes in American history. Armed kidnappers abducted the 19-year-old at gunpoint, launching a nationwide manhunt filled with ransom demands, FBI investigations, and nonstop media attention. Who were the kidnappers? How did they pull it off? And how did one of the world’s biggest entertainers respond when his son vanished? Through timelines, evidence, criminal psychology, and expert analysis, Unlawful Acts breaks down the crime that captivated Hollywood and shocked the nation. New true crime episodes every week. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Gilgo Beach Murders: Rex Heuermann Finally Caught 14.05.2026 1val 13min

In this episode of Unlawful Acts, Susan Davis and Jocelyn Frankhuizen break down the horrifying case of the Gilgo Beach murders and the arrest of alleged serial killer Rex Heuermann. For years, the discovery of multiple victims along a remote stretch of Long Island left investigators and the public searching for answers. The case became one of the most infamous unsolved serial killer investigations in America — until a shocking arrest changed everything. Who is Rex Heuermann? How did investigators finally identify him? And what evidence connected him to the victims found near Gilgo Beach? Through timelines, criminal psychology, investigative mistakes, and the evidence that led to the arrest, Unlawful Acts dives deep into one of the most disturbing true crime cases in modern history. Subscribe for new true crime episodes every week. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The Versace Murder: Inside Andrew Cunanan’s Deadly Rampage 07.05.2026 51min

In this episode of Unlawful Acts, Susan Davis and Jocelyn Frankhuizen examine the shocking murder of fashion icon Gianni Versace and the nationwide manhunt for serial killer Andrew Cunanan. Before the world knew his name, Cunanan had already left a trail of violence across multiple states. But on July 15, 1997, everything changed when Versace was gunned down outside his Miami Beach mansion in one of the most infamous murders of the decade. Who was Andrew Cunanan? What drove his killing spree? And how did one of America’s most wanted fugitives evade capture for so long? Through evidence, timelines, criminal psychology, and expert analysis, Unlawful Acts breaks down the case that captivated the world. Subscribe for new true crime episodes every week. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The Wonderland Murders: Did John Holmes Set Up the Brutal Killings? 30.04.2026 42min

In the premiere episode of Unlawful Acts, Susan Davis and Jocelyn Frankhuizen dive into one of Los Angeles’ most infamous and brutal crime scenes — The Wonderland Murders. In 1981, four people were found bludgeoned to death inside a small house on Wonderland Avenue, launching an investigation filled with cocaine, organized crime, betrayal, and one name that kept surfacing: John Holmes. Was Holmes a witness, a pawn, or something far darker? With expert analysis and deep case breakdowns, we examine the timeline, the evidence, the theories, and the lingering questions that still surround this notorious unsolved crime. Subscribe for new true crime episodes every week. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Killed for Her Fortune? The Chilling Irene Silverman Murder Case 30.04.2026 1val 2min

In this episode of Unlawful Acts, Susan Davis and Jocelyn Frankhuizen examine the chilling murder of New York socialite Irene Silverman, a case involving deception, greed, stolen identities, and an alleged mother-son murder plot. What began as a room rental arrangement turned into one of Manhattan’s most disturbing true crime cases when Silverman vanished without a trace. Investigators soon uncovered forged documents, financial motives, and a scheme prosecutors said ended in murder. Who were the masterminds behind the plot — and how did they nearly get away with it? Through expert analysis and case breakdown, we explore the evidence, the psychology, and the unanswered questions surrounding a case that shocked New York. Subscribe for new true crime episodes weekly. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Trailer 29.04.2026

Unlawful Acts is a weekly true crime podcast hosted by Susan Davis and Jocelyn Frankhuizen, delivering gripping, condensed storytelling that dives deep into some of history’s most fascinating criminal cases. From elusive serial killers and unsolved disappearances to organized crime, corruption, and decades-old mysteries, each episode peels back the layers to uncover truths often left untold. But this isn’t just about the crimes — it’s about the people. The families who never stopped searching. The detectives who chased justice across years and continents. The hidden patterns and overlooked clues hiding in plain sight. With sharp analysis, compelling narrative, and a passion for uncovering what others miss, Susan and Jocelyn explore not just what happened — but why. If you’re fascinated by criminal psychology, drawn to detail, and want the full story without the filler, Unlawful Acts invites you to dig deeper and discover what they didn’t want you to know. New episodes weekly. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The Billionaire Murders - Honey & Barry Sherman 26.03.2026 37min

In this episode of Unlawful Acts, we examine one of the most chilling and mysterious cases in modern true crime — the deaths of billionaire pharmaceutical executive Barry Sherman and his wife Honey Sherman. In December 2017, the couple was found dead inside their Toronto mansion under circumstances investigators quickly determined were suspicious. Barry Sherman was the founder of Apotex, one of the largest generic drug companies in the world, and the Shermans were among the wealthiest families in Canada. What initially appeared confusing soon became even more disturbing as police ruled the deaths a targeted double homicide. Despite international attention, multiple theories, and years of investigation, the case remains unsolved. Who would want two prominent philanthropists dead? Was it business rivalry, personal betrayal, or something far more calculated? In this episode of Unlawful Acts, we break down the timeline, the evidence, and the unanswered questions surrounding one of the most baffling unsolved murders involving billionaire wealth and power. 🔎 Topics Covered: • The timeline of the Shermans’ final days • The crime scene and investigation • Barry Sherman’s powerful business empire • Theories behind the murders • Why the case remains unsolved Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Dr. Death - Dr. Harold Shipman 19.03.2026 32min

In this episode of Unlawful Acts, we examine one of the most disturbing cases in modern criminal history — Dr. Harold Shipman, a trusted physician who became one of the most prolific serial killers the world has ever seen. For years, Shipman was seen as a respected family doctor in England. Patients trusted him with their lives, families relied on his guidance, and his reputation within the medical community appeared spotless. But behind the image of a caring physician was a horrifying reality. Investigators would eventually uncover that Shipman had been secretly murdering his own patients, many of them elderly women under his care. Using his medical authority to avoid suspicion, he was able to operate undetected for years. When the truth finally surfaced, the scale of the crimes shocked the world. Authorities would later determine that Dr. Harold Shipman may have killed over 200 people, making him one of the most prolific serial killers in recorded history. In this episode, we break down: • How Shipman gained the trust of an entire community • The subtle warning signs that were missed for years • The investigation that finally exposed the truth • How he manipulated medical systems to cover his crimes • The lasting changes to the healthcare system after his case Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The Truck Stop Killer - Robert Rhoades 12.03.2026 35min

In this episode of Unlawful Acts, we examine the disturbing crimes of Robert Ben Rhoades, a long-haul truck driver who used America’s interstate system as his hunting ground. Known as the Truck Stop Killer, Rhoades spent years traveling across the country while secretly abducting and torturing victims inside a specially modified sleeper cab designed for captivity. Authorities believe Rhoades may be connected to dozens of disappearances across multiple states throughout the 1980s and early 1990s. His crimes came to light after a routine traffic stop revealed a horrifying scene inside his truck — one that exposed a hidden world of violence, manipulation, and calculated cruelty. In this episode, we break down how Rhoades operated, how he evaded detection for years, and the moment law enforcement finally uncovered the truth behind one of the most chilling serial killer cases connected to America’s highways. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The Gainesville Ripper - Danny Rolling 05.03.2026 31min

In the late summer of 1990, the quiet college town of Gainesville, Florida became the center of a nightmare that would shock the entire country. Over the course of just a few days, five University of Florida students were brutally murdered in their own apartments, sending waves of fear through the campus and beyond. In this episode of Unlawful Acts, we break down the horrifying crimes of the man who would become known as the Gainesville Ripper. We examine how the killings unfolded, the investigative mistakes and breakthroughs that followed, and how one of Florida’s most notorious serial killers was finally identified. We also explore the psychology behind the crimes, the atmosphere of panic that gripped the university community, and the lasting impact these murders had on law enforcement and campus safety across the country. This is the story of a case that paralyzed a city, terrified a generation of students, and ultimately exposed the dark reality hiding in plain sight. If you enjoy deep dives into the minds behind the crimes and the systems built to stop them, Unlawful Acts takes you inside the investigation. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The Mailroom Murderer - Robert Shulman 26.02.2026 25min

In this episode of Unlawful Acts, we examine the chilling case of Robert Shulman — the Brooklyn mailroom worker who lived a quiet double life as a serial killer. Known as the “Mailroom Murderer,” Shulman targeted vulnerable women in New York during the mid-1990s, evading detection while maintaining the appearance of an ordinary family man. But when investigators began connecting the dots, the truth behind his crimes unraveled quickly. We break down the timeline of the murders, the investigative breakthroughs that led to his arrest, and the disturbing psychology behind a man who hid in plain sight. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The Green River Killer - Gary Ridgway 19.02.2026 29min

For nearly two decades, women began disappearing along the Green River in Washington State. Many were young, vulnerable, and living on the margins of society. Their cases were overlooked, their names forgotten—until investigators uncovered a pattern that would lead to one of the most prolific serial killers in American history. In this episode of Unlawful Acts, we break down the crimes of the Green River Killer, the massive investigation that spanned decades, and the man at the center of it all: Gary Ridgway. From his early life and disturbing psychology to the forensic breakthroughs that finally brought him to justice, this is the full story behind the case that haunted a generation. Who were the victims? How did he avoid capture for so long? And what finally stopped him? This is the true story of the Green River Killer. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The Machete Murders - Juan Corona 12.02.2026 31min

In this episode of Unlawful Acts, we dive into one of the most shocking mass murder cases in California history. Juan Corona was a quiet farm labor contractor in the small town of Yuba City—until authorities uncovered a gruesome secret buried in the orchards. Between 1970 and 1971, Corona lured vulnerable migrant workers to their deaths, leaving behind a trail of violence that stunned the nation. As investigators began to dig, the scale of the horror came into focus. Body after body was discovered, many brutally attacked with a machete, turning the rural farmland into a chilling crime scene. Questions quickly arose about Corona’s mental health, his past, and whether warning signs had been missed. In this episode, we explore the investigation, the disturbing evidence, the courtroom battles, and the legacy of one of America’s deadliest serial killers. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The Day Trader Massacre - Mark Barton 05.02.2026 28min

On this episode of Unlawful Acts, we examine the disturbing case of Mark Barton, the day trader whose financial losses and unraveling personal life culminated in one of the most shocking mass shootings in Atlanta history. In July 1999, Barton carried out a brutal series of attacks that began inside his own home and ended in two brokerage offices, leaving multiple victims and a city searching for answers. What appeared to be a story about money and market losses quickly revealed a much darker past—one filled with violence, deception, and earlier suspicious deaths. This episode explores Barton’s troubled history, the warning signs that went unnoticed, and the events that led to the tragic shootings. We break down the timeline, the psychology behind the crimes, and how this case continues to be remembered as one of the most chilling examples of financial desperation turning into mass violence. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The Base Commander — Russell Williams 29.01.2026 36min

In this episode of Unlawful Acts, we examine the case of Russell Williams, a man trusted with national security, elite power, and absolute authority — who was living a violent double life in plain sight. Known publicly as “The Base Commander,” Williams was a decorated colonel in the Canadian Air Force, commanding one of the country’s most important military bases. Privately, he was committing a series of escalating crimes fueled by control, secrecy, and compulsion — burglaries, sexual violence, and murder — all while maintaining the image of discipline and honor. This episode traces how unchecked authority, entitlement, and secrecy allowed Williams to operate undetected, how investigators finally connected the dots, and why his calm demeanor during interrogation remains one of the most chilling aspects of the case. Unlawful Acts explores not just what he did — but how someone so trusted was able to become so dangerous, and what this case reveals about power, blind spots, and the lies we accept when someone wears a uniform. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices