Appalachian Mysteria

Joan Ann Charlton was the first of her family to attend college. Three weeks into her freshman year at Frostburg State University, she was brutally murdered in the campus arboretum. This episode tracks three generations of college students, from 1980s Frostburg to current-day Morgantown, each story centering around the memory of one 19-year-old woman who seems perpetually on the cusp of being forgotten. But it’s also about how Appalachian college students are laying entirely new ...

Transcribed - Published: 28 October 2025

Four big updates from the Mysteria Crew. Sarah & Geoff's book about the WVU Coed Murders (available on Amazon) Kendall's Appalachian Motorcycling Travel Channel (@motoappalachiadiscovery on YouTube) Kromatic Media

Transcribed - Published: 14 October 2025

This short Christmas special tells the story of a Pennsylvania Santa Claus (and his chauffeur) who definitely ended up on the naughty list in 1983. Taking listeners from the top of the tallest skyscraper in Pittsburgh to a backwoods hangar in West Virginia, this episode throws our own rules to the wind with a solved case, zero interviews, and way too much humor. Sarah & Geoff's book about the WVU Coed Murders (available on Amazon) Kendall's Appalachian Motorcycling Travel Channel (@motoap...

Transcribed - Published: 17 December 2024

In one month, the killers of Julie Williams, Lollie Winans and at least two victims of the Colonial Parkway murders are identified. Bill Thomas joins us to discuss the details, and why there are still so many questions unanswered. Meanwhile the grave of Harry Spitz, which inexplicably exploded in 1975, has its headstone stolen by thieves. A Morgantown resident and Appalachian Mysteria producer step up to set things right. Sarah & Geoff's book about the WVU Coed Murders (available on Amazo...

Transcribed - Published: 28 August 2024

In the second of this 2-part series, Jack Edward Hawkins is put on trial without physical evidence for three assaults committed by the Sunnyside rapist, but prosecutors refuse to claim he is a suspect in any others. Neighbors of the Hawkins family come forward to describe their experience with Jack and his children. As Hawkins’ involvement in a 1975 incident comes to light, the Mysteria team learns that a new West Virginia law now makes it impossible to learn details about any sexual as...

Transcribed - Published: 31 July 2024

Fifteen years after the events of Season 1 (The WVU Coed Murders), Morgantown women are faced with a new predator: a rapist so meticulous and organized that he vanishes through police checkpoints and neighborhood lockdowns every summer. In the first of this two part series, we speak with two women who met the Sunnyside rapist face-to-face at both ends of his 10-year crime spree. Geoff Fuller (season 1) returns to help set the scene for a trial that will become studied internationally. S...

Transcribed - Published: 11 July 2024

In the last of this 3-part series, we examine Mabel’s top suspects in the murder of Walter Curnutte. Years later, Tim and Becky discover an entirely new motive connected to a forged document, a federal racketeering case, South American cocaine, and, potentially, the West Virginia mafia. Sarah & Geoff's book about the WVU Coed Murders (available on Amazon) Kendall's Appalachian Motorcycling Travel Channel (@motoappalachiadiscovery on YouTube) Kromatic Media

Transcribed - Published: 5 June 2024

After Walter Curnutte’s murder, his sister Mabel takes on the case, recording interviews, writing letters to powerful officials, and hiring a private detective. The community’s war on Walter comes to light – from protests to arson to civil disobedience. We look back at the strange month preceding Walter’s death – including his hiring of Herb Willie, the man tried for his murder. Was Herb a drunken liar, a murderer, or both? A state trooper who investigated the case has an opinion. Tim a...

Transcribed - Published: 15 May 2024

After the Mysteria crew receives a concerned email from a professional working on sexual assault issues, we invite her on the show to critique Season 2, Big Savage. What follows is a discussion of Megan Shaffer’s poor defense, the biological response to trauma, how the absence of expert testimony may have worked against her, and some ways that language affects how we perceive issues surrounding rape. Sarah & Geoff's book about the WVU Coed Murders (available on Amazon) Kendall's App...

Transcribed - Published: 8 May 2024

This is the beginning of a 3-part story about one square mile of the West Virginia mountains. The story winds its way through a savage war between Indians and settlers, a poor boy adopted into wealth for his ruthlessness, more than one murder trial, the infamous black hand mafia, environmental protests, and international cocaine smuggling. In Part 1, the descendants of West Virginia’s first white settlers find themselves at war with Indian tribes, eventually building a home that will become t...

Transcribed - Published: 1 May 2024

A WVU alum working for the state prosecutor’s office suddenly finds herself on the scene of a very personal tragedy that could be much more sinister. Much to her dismay, her forensic investigation training is not being employed by authorities in the real world. Meanwhile, the victim’s sister is conducting her own investigation, releasing all of her findings to the public. Was the death of Amber Whitelaw a case of accidental fire or murder? Sarah & Geoff's book about the WVU Coed Mur...

Transcribed - Published: 28 February 2024

Arthur's phone is tracked down, and we listen to audio of a Morgantown detective interviewing three students who headed out on the town with Arthur the night he died. Sarah & Geoff's book about the WVU Coed Murders (available on Amazon) Kendall's Appalachian Motorcycling Travel Channel (@motoappalachiadiscovery on YouTube) Kromatic Media

Transcribed - Published: 25 April 2023

This two-part special introduces the life and death of Arthur Bagenda, an international student at WVU who drowned in a ditch within sight of the Morgantown Police station. In this first episode, we visit the Walnut Street bridge, where a long-time local explains her problems with hard drug users at the site of Arthur's death. We review forensic photographs from the scene, hear from Arthur’s mother about the 19-year-old son she lost, and explain the first 72 hours following the discover...

Transcribed - Published: 4 April 2023

A child's grave explodes after 63 years underground. As Morgantown police and reporters gather around the coffin, they are shocked to find that his corpse is strangely well-preserved. Cradle Will Rock is the story of the life, death, and disinterment of four-year-old Harry Spitz and his family, as uncovered by co-producer Jordan Carter. This stand-alone episode has been missing from our podcast catalog for two years, and we're finally making it available again. Sarah & Geoff's book ...

Transcribed - Published: 15 March 2023

In this episode, we take a step back in time to the week Cathy Thomas and Becky Dowski were murdered in the first of several Colonial Parkway murders. As the crime scene tape still hangs from Becky Dowski’s doorway at William & Mary College, another headline hits the student paper: Three men are being charged in the campus gang rape of another student. Our guest for this episode was directly involved in that incident, and she helps us use it as a lens through which we can exam...

Transcribed - Published: 22 February 2023

This episode is the last of a three-part update on Appalachian Mysteria Season 1 — Mared & Karen: The WVU Coed Murders. Without a doubt, these three episodes will be the most important updates since the season finished airing in 2018.In this episode, Devona Coffey — formerly Devona Daft — finds out about the existence of Geoff and Sarah’s book, and one paragraph in particular makes her blood boil. The passage leads to an emotional confrontation in the holler, and eventually to Devon...

Transcribed - Published: 15 November 2022

These three episodes will be the most important updates since the season finished airing in 2018.In this episode, we’re reintroduced to Danny Strakal, host of the YouTube series Spirit Walk Paranormal. Danny’s history with the spirit realm began in his childhood, but his full-scale investigations began after the release of our first podcast season. A viewer of Danny’s channel connects him with Dave Campbell, another man who was there at the moment Mared and Karen’s bodies were discovered. Aft...

Transcribed - Published: 8 November 2022

This episode is the first of a three part update on Appalachian Mysteria Season 1 — Mared & Karen: The WVU Coed Murders. Without a doubt, these two episodes will be the most important updates since the season finished airing in 2018. In this episode, we’re reintroduced to Albert “Rod” Everly, a National Guardsman who was one of the first people on the scene when the bodies of Mared & Karen were found. As it turns out, Rod has been nursing a theory about the murders for more tha...

Transcribed - Published: 25 October 2022

We're going to be giving a presentation on Season 3, Outlandish, this Thursday night at the Samuels Library in Front Royal Virginia. This is the northern entrance to Shenandoah National Park, where Yvonna Malbasha was accosted and Julie and Lollie were found brutally murdered. Thursday, October 13 @ 6pm Samuels Library, Front Royal, VA Please come out if you can!

Transcribed - Published: 10 October 2022

As Appalachian Mysteria finished covering the story of Julie and Lollie, author Kathryn Miles completed her own book about the murders. In this episode, Kathryn uses her total access to Dierdre Enright's evidence to bring to light new information — including how we've been wrong about a key piece of evidence. Resources: Trailed: One Woman’s Quest to Solve the Shenandoah Murders — Purchase Kathryn’s book here. Interviewees: Kathryn Miles — Kathryn Miles is an award-winning journal...

Transcribed - Published: 4 October 2022

Darrell Rice is released from prison, but the publicity of his indictments makes a normal life elusive. The FBI plans a summit to examine other possible murders by Evonitz, but it falls by the wayside. Two decades later, we give it a shot. Resources: The Pamela Gould Special — We’re hosting this 24-page special investigation from the Fredericksburg Freelance-Star until it is made available elsewhere. If you want to dive deep on the comparisons of Rice, Evonitz, and forensic eviden...

Transcribed - Published: 5 July 2022

Forensic evidence throws the upcoming trial of Darrell Rice into upheaval, and an unexpected conclusion leads to yet another indictment. Several of our guests openly disagree on the final results. Resources: Witness Points Out Suspect as Abductor — Washington Post article on the Shomo trial Sarah & Geoff's book about the WVU Coed Murders (available on Amazon) Kendall's Appalachian Motorcycling Travel Channel (@motoappalachiadiscovery on YouTube) Kromatic Media

Transcribed - Published: 14 June 2022

We examine key evidence in the pre-trial hearings of Darrell Rice: jailhouse informants, the audio recording that gave rise to hate crime charges, a shifting timeline, and a phone call that Rice’s defense attorney calls “a bizarre piece of evidence”. Interviewees: Jerry (Gerald) Zerkin: One of Rice’s defense attorneys in the double-homicide of Julie & Lollie Sarah & Geoff's book about the WVU Coed Murders (available on Amazon) Kendall's Appalachian Motorcycling Travel Chan...

Transcribed - Published: 7 June 2022

Kara Robinson makes an escape, putting all the information she memorized to good use. Evonitz goes on the run. Kara talks to us about the complex ethics of telling stories like hers in the true crime genre, and explains what “trauma-informed” media looks like. Resources and Links: Escaping Captivity — Oxygen Network documentary made with the involvement of Kara Robinson Interviewees: Kara Robinson Chamberlain — The survivor who ended the career of serial killer Richard...

Transcribed - Published: 31 May 2022

The Attorney General of the United States announces the indictment of Darrell Rice. We review the life story of the serial killer responsible for the deaths of Sofia Silva and the Lisk sisters, and interview his final victim about her abduction. Resources and links: Into the Water — Diane Fanning’s true crime book about the serial killer responsible for the deaths of Sofia Silva and the Lisk sisters Escaping Captivity — Oxygen Network documentary made with the involvement of Kara ...

Transcribed - Published: 24 May 2022

As murders and abductions haunt Lignum, Rt 29, and Shenandoah National Park, three children are taken from their front yards less than 30 miles away. The girls are the first known victims of a serial killer who will become an important part of our story. Resources and links: Into the Water — Diane Fanning’s true crime book about the serial killer responsible for the deaths of Sofia Silva and the Lisk sisters Interviewees: Diane Fanning — Author of 15 true crime books a...

Transcribed - Published: 17 May 2022

We investigate claims that the Park Service has a history of transferring troubled rangers. An NPS whistleblower explains a coverup culture within the agency, and shares the story of a ranger who investigated both the Shenandoah and Colonial Parkway murders. Resources and Links: The Case of the Indian Trader — The book in which Paul Berkowitz extensively documents his investigation at Hubbell Trading Post. Recommended for fans of police procedurals. Culture of Sexual Harassment — ...

Transcribed - Published: 10 May 2022

Eight Years Earlier: The Navy undertakes “purges” of lesbians from its ranks. The first of Virginia’s Colonial Parkway murders looks eerily familiar. A southern con-man helps find the killer — and defrauds the victims’ families. Resources and links: The Lover’s Lane Murders — Oxygen Network show about the Colonial Parkway murders, for which guest Bill Thomas served as consulting producer. Mind Over Murder — Entire podcast covering all the details of the Colonial Parkway Murd...

Transcribed - Published: 3 May 2022

Someone is pulling over dozens of women on a road just 15 miles from Skyline Drive. Alicia Reynolds disappears. At least three bodies turn up in a small hamlet nearby. The Innocence Project fights to free a man convicted of murder. Resources and links: Rt 29 Stalker Unsolved Mysteries Wiki Twenty Years Later — Article by Scott Shenk on the 20th anniversary of the murder of Alicia Showalter Reynolds Interviewees: Scott Shenk — Reporter with the Fredericksburg Freelance-Star. Sarah ...

Transcribed - Published: 26 April 2022

A massive hunt for Julie & Lollie's killer begins. Some demand a hate crime investigation, drawing parallels to the attack of another lesbian couple hiking the Appalachian Trail. A lesbian defense lawyer finds herself arguing for the prosecution. Resources and links: "Panic Defense" — Podcast episode from Criminal with Phoebe Judge explaining the fascinating history of the gay/trans panic defense. "In the Hollow" — 15-minute documentary/short film featuring Claudia Brenner returni...

Transcribed - Published: 19 April 2022

The unsolved murder of a young couple in Shenandoah National Park shakes the gay and lesbian communities. One year later, a bicyclist is assaulted in the same area, and authorities begin to suspect him of serial murder. Resources and Links: "Murder on the Mountain" (1996) — Barry Yeoman's article quoted and discussed in this episode. Trail map of Shenandoah National Park — Julie and Lollie were killed just off the Skyland / Big Meadows Horse Trail, not far from Skyline Drive. Inte...

Transcribed - Published: 12 April 2022

A lesbian couple is found brutally murdered near the Appalachian Trail. As authorities build the first federal hate crime prosecution in the nation's history, a web of horrific crimes creeps down the Blue Ridge mountains into the heart of Virginia. A special agent who has been on the case for twenty five years details his own recollections. Season 3 of Appalachian Mysteria explores the terrifying characters and narratives that weave through these stories, culminating in the violent deat...

Transcribed - Published: 5 April 2022

The conviction of Glen Woodall begins to look suspicious as a rookie lawyer ushers West Virginia into a new era of DNA testing. Prosecutors fight the new forensic method tooth and nail, but the results will uncover a trail of crime unprecedented in U.S. history. Sarah & Geoff's book about the WVU Coed Murders (available on Amazon) Kendall's Appalachian Motorcycling Travel Channel (@motoappalachiadiscovery on YouTube) Kromatic Media

Transcribed - Published: 13 October 2021

As ice storms sweep over Huntington, WV, a masked rapist is stalking the mall. After two abductions, suspicion falls on a nearby grave-digger with a checkered past. As evidence begins piling up, a forensic science superstar helps set the stage for a court case that will echo through West Virginia history more than anyone can possibly know. (This episode does not contain graphic details of sexual assault, but the topic matter is mature. Listener discretion advised.) Sarah & Geo...

Transcribed - Published: 29 September 2021

A lot has happened since the season finale of Big Savage, including Megan Shaffer’s appeals, the unfortunate death of Alexander’s father, and a scandal involving the judge who presided over Megan's trial. Sarah & Geoff's book about the WVU Coed Murders (available on Amazon) Kendall's Appalachian Motorcycling Travel Channel (@motoappalachiadiscovery on YouTube) Kromatic Media

Transcribed - Published: 23 June 2021

In a special two-part episode, the president of Jam Street Media, Matty Staudt, sits down with creators of Appalachian Mysteria, Kendall Perkinson, and Sarah James McLaughlin, to talk about their journey creating the first two seasons. Part two focuses on the creation of season two, Big Savage: The Death of Alexander Stevens. Kendall and Sarah go down the rabbit hole of what went into making the season and how it was different from the first. Stick around until the end of the episode to get a tease of what’s to come in season three! Thank you to our sponsor June's Journey. Download June’s Journey free today on the Apple App Store or Google Play! Thank you to our sponsor Hello Fresh. Visit Hellofresh.com/mysteria16 to get 16 free meals today! 0:00 – Introduction 1:00 – Interview with Sarah and James 12:56 - Introduction of the 9-1-1 tapes 31:59.139 - Season Three Teaser Follow us on social media Facebook Instagram Twitter A Jam Street Media Production. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Transcribed - Published: 5 February 2021

In a special two-part episode, the president of Jam Street Media, Matty Staudt, sits down with the creators of Appalachian Mysteria, Kendall Perkinson, and Sarah James McLaughlin, to talk about their journey creating the first two seasons. They discuss their backgrounds, how they got into podcasting, details about each case, and what went into bringing each of these stories to life. Thank you to our sponsor June's Journey. Download June’s Journey free today on the Apple App Store or Google Play! Thank you to our sponsor Switchcraft! Download Switchcraft for free and unlock the magical mystery! 0:00 – Introduction 1:29 – Introduction of Sarah and James Follow us on social media Facebook Instagram Twitter A Jam Street Media Production. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Transcribed - Published: 21 January 2021

As the true-crime world revels in the decoding of a cipher written by the infamous Zodiac Killer, the team at Appalachian Mysteria have unearthed a discovery of their own. With the help of Dr. Korshi Dosoo, Sarah has decoded the mystical copper plate first introduced to our story in episode two. We discover the real story behind the plate and learn more about the mystical Morgantown figure who created it. Sarah & Geoff's book about the WVU Coed Murders (available on Amazon) Ke...

Transcribed - Published: 7 January 2021

A stranger approaches Teresa as the jury deliberates. The verdict is finally delivered, and we speak with two jurors about the discussion and debate that went on behind closed doors. Sarah & Geoff's book about the WVU Coed Murders (available on Amazon) Kendall's Appalachian Motorcycling Travel Channel (@motoappalachiadiscovery on YouTube) Kromatic Media

Transcribed - Published: 6 May 2019

Two medical examiners take the stand. Megan finally takes the stand to testify about the entire ordeal, closing out the trial. Sarah & Geoff's book about the WVU Coed Murders (available on Amazon) Kendall's Appalachian Motorcycling Travel Channel (@motoappalachiadiscovery on YouTube) Kromatic Media

Transcribed - Published: 10 April 2019

Kromatic Media sets legal precedent in Maryland by obtaining Megan's 911 call from the morning Alex was found dead. Jay and Tristan – Alex's father and sister – take the stand. Sarah & Geoff's book about the WVU Coed Murders (available on Amazon) Kendall's Appalachian Motorcycling Travel Channel (@motoappalachiadiscovery on YouTube) Kromatic Media

Transcribed - Published: 5 March 2019

Sarah and Kendall get personal, Alex's therapist takes the stand, and a stranger testifies about finding Alex on her doorstep one week before High Rock. Sarah & Geoff's book about the WVU Coed Murders (available on Amazon) Kendall's Appalachian Motorcycling Travel Channel (@motoappalachiadiscovery on YouTube) Kromatic Media

Transcribed - Published: 3 February 2019

Three defense witnesses all make a claim that could swing the jury's opinion. But is there any evidence? One of those witnesses helps to arrange a third police interview with Megan, only 48 hours after Alex is found dead. Megan's story has one more important change. Sarah & Geoff's book about the WVU Coed Murders (available on Amazon) Kendall's Appalachian Motorcycling Travel Channel (@motoappalachiadiscovery on YouTube) Kromatic Media

Transcribed - Published: 18 January 2019

The trial of Megan Shaffer begins with testimony from Steven Moon. We examine Megan's slightly shifting story of what happened that night. Sarah, Kendall and Teresa each make a visit to High Rock -- bringing a realization to all that only confuses the story more. Sarah & Geoff's book about the WVU Coed Murders (available on Amazon) Kendall's Appalachian Motorcycling Travel Channel (@motoappalachiadiscovery on YouTube) Kromatic Media

Transcribed - Published: 16 December 2018

In this episode, we try to find out who Alex & Megan really were. The second case file discovered by reporters makes the whole situation even more confusing. Pretrial hearings set the stage for an unusual prosecution. Sarah & Geoff's book about the WVU Coed Murders (available on Amazon) Kendall's Appalachian Motorcycling Travel Channel (@motoappalachiadiscovery on YouTube) Kromatic Media

Transcribed - Published: 13 November 2018

Two “extremely close friends” perform a ritual on a clifftop in Savage River Forest. By morning, only one is still alive. Big Savage: The Death of Alexander Stevens is an 8-part investigation into the baffling trial of a young woman charged with murder and assisted suicide for the same death. In this opening episode, we follow the early investigation of reporters Teresa McMinn and Michael Sawyers as the bizarre details of the case begin to trickle out. Nine months pass...

Transcribed - Published: 13 November 2018

The epic story of West Virginia's most notorious murders begins. Sarah & Geoff's book about the WVU Coed Murders (available on Amazon) Kendall's Appalachian Motorcycling Travel Channel (@motoappalachiadiscovery on YouTube) Kromatic Media

Transcribed - Published: 1 August 2018

In this, the final episode, we talk to a forensic pathologist about the state of the bodies, several characters from Parade of Horribles come back into play, Geoff reveals the identity of his top suspect, and Sarah offers an alternative theory. And finally, we hear how the case may soon be solved. Sarah & Geoff's book about the WVU Coed Murders (available on Amazon) Kendall's Appalachian Motorcycling Travel Channel (@motoappalachiadiscovery on YouTube) Kromatic Media

Transcribed - Published: 6 April 2018

In Episode 7, we flash forward to 2006 when a new investigation begins. We discover that the case affected those involved so strongly, they could not let it go. And we update listeners on where the case stands now. Sarah & Geoff's book about the WVU Coed Murders (available on Amazon) Kendall's Appalachian Motorcycling Travel Channel (@motoappalachiadiscovery on YouTube) Kromatic Media

Transcribed - Published: 7 February 2018

The final chapter of Clawson's story. We take a close look at his trials, his multiple confessions, and his potential innocence. We also see how Mared and Karen live on, even almost 50 years later. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoicesLearn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Sarah & Geoff's book about the WVU Coed Murders (available on Amazon) Kendall's Appalachian Motorcycling Travel Channel (@motoappalachiadiscovery on YouTube) Kromatic Media

Transcribed - Published: 27 August 2017