Today is Wednesday, August 19th, 2020.

On this day in 1692, five residents of Salem, Massachusetts, including a clergyman, were hanged to death

for the crime of witchcraft.

They wouldn't be the last.

Welcome to today in True Crime, a parcast original.

I'm Vanessa Richardson, and today I'm joined by our guest host, Wendy.

Thanks for having me here, Vanessa.

And hello, everyone.

Parcast fans may recognize Wendy from the parcast original unsolved murders.

Every Tuesday, unsolved murders dives into a new crime scene and

investigation and then attempts to solve the case.

Wendy's here to discuss some of the historical aspects

of the Salem witch trials and executions

while I'll cover the narrative.

I'm excited to dive into the hysteria of Salem's notorious witch trials.

Thrilled to have you join me.

Due to the graphic nature of today's crimes,

listener discretion is advised. Extreme caution is advised for listeners under 13.

Now let's go back to the town of Salem, Massachusetts,

on the evening of August 19, 1692.

As the cart rolled through Salem, people came out from their homes to watch it pass.

It was a macabre curiosity that pulled them to their doors.

...