Foul Play: Crime Series

On a warm June afternoon in 1868, a 24-year-old woman accepted a glass of lemonade from her nurse at a Geneva boarding house. Within moments, her pupils dilated grotesquely, her heart pounded violently, and reality dissolved into nightmare. That glass of lemonade broke open one of Switzerland's most disturbing criminal cases.SEASON & EPISODE CONTEXTThis is Episode 9 of Foul Play Season 36: "Serial Killers in History," examining murderers from ancient times through the early 1900s. This season explores 15 cases spanning centuries and continents, revealing how serial murder predates modern criminology by millennia.THE CASE SUMMARYBetween 1865 and 1868, Marie Jeanneret worked as a private nurse in Geneva and surrounding areas of Switzerland, moving between respectable boarding houses and private hospitals. Everywhere she went, patients died under mysterious circumstances. Eleven-year-old children. Elderly widows. Entire families.Her method was both calculated and cruel. She used cutting-edge poisons for the 1860s—plant alkaloids like atropine from belladonna and morphine from opium poppies. These substances were so difficult to detect in corpses that she might never have been caught. She offered candy she called "princesses" to children. She served sweetened water to friends. She predicted deaths days before they happened—not because she had medical insight, but because she knew exactly when the poison would finish its work.When authorities finally exhumed the bodies in 1868, they found chemical signatures of murder in decomposing tissue. The trial revealed at least six confirmed murders and perhaps thirty attempted murders. But the verdict the jury reached would create one of criminal history's most profound paradoxes—her case helped abolish the death penalty in Geneva three years later.THE VICTIMSMarie Jeanneret's victims weren't random—they were people who trusted her completely during their most vulnerable moments:Marie Grétillat, 61, hired Jeanneret for what should have been a minor illness. She died in February 1867 after weeks of escalating agony.Sophie Juvet, 58, died in September 1867 at the Maison de Santé hospital where Jeanneret worked as a nurse.Jenny-Julie Juvet, Sophie's daughter, was only 11 years old. She loved candy and trusted the nurse who brought her special bonbons called "princesses." Before she died in January 1868, she begged her family not to let the nurse near her anymore. They thought she was delirious. She wasn't—she knew.Auguste Perrod (around 80), Louise-Marie Lenoir (72), Madame Hahn, Demoiselle Gay, Demoiselle Junod, Julie Bouvier, and Jacques Gros (Julie's father) all died under Jeanneret's care between 1867 and 1868.KEY CASE DETAILSTHE METHOD: Jeanneret used belladonna (deadly nightshade) and morphine as her primary weapons. Belladonna poisoning produces distinctive symptoms: grotesquely dilated pupils, rapid heartbeat, extreme light sensitivity, terrifying hallucinations, and eventually seizures and respiratory failure. Morphine suppresses breathing until victims simply stop inhaling—the death looks peaceful but is actually suffocation.As a nurse, she had legitimate access to these substances and professional cover for every action. She mixed poisons into sweet items—lemonade, sweetened water, candy—because sugar masks the bitter taste effectively. For some victims, she administered lower doses over time, creating slow declines that mimicked natural illness. For others, she used massive doses intended to kill quickly.THE BREAKTHROUGH: The case broke open when Marie-Catherine Fritzgès, 24, survived a belladonna poisoning in June 1868. Her doctor recognized the symptoms immediately and contacted authorities. Police searched Jeanneret's rooms and found bottles of belladonna extract, containers of morphine, and detailed nursing notes documenting every symptom, decline, and death—inadvertently documenting her own crimes.HISTORICAL CONTEXT & SOURCESThe 1860s represented a turning point in forensic medicine. Swiss medical examiners used groundbreaking techniques to test tissue samples for alkaloid compounds in exhumed bodies—finding chemical signatures consistent with belladonna and morphine poisoning. This case marked one of the first instances where forensic medicine played a crucial role in securing a conviction in Switzerland.The trial opened in Geneva in late 1868 with overwhelming evidence: poisoned bodies, survivors' testimony, bottles of poison, and Jeanneret's own nursing notes. On November 19, 1868, the jury returned a stunning verdict—guilty on all counts, but they recommended clemency. Instead of execution, Jeanneret received life imprisonment with hard labor.Three years later, in 1871, the Canton of Geneva abolished the death penalty. Jeanneret's case was cited as a key example—a jury had looked at overwhelming evidence of serial murder and chosen mercy over execution.RESOURCES & FURTHER READINGSwiss criminal history archives maintain extensive records of the Jeanneret case, including original trial transcripts and forensic reports that revolutionized poison detection methods. The case remains a standard reference in medical ethics courses throughout Europe, illustrating the catastrophic consequences of betrayed medical trust.The Geneva State Archives houses original court documents from the 1868 trial. Swiss forensic medicine institutes continue to study the case as a landmark example of early toxicology and the systematic safeguards developed in response to healthcare serial killers.RELATED FOUL PLAY EPISODESIf you found this episode compelling, explore other Foul Play cases involving Victorian-era poisoners and medical professionals who betrayed their sacred trust. Season 36 examines serial killers throughout history, from ancient Rome through the early 1900s, revealing how murder predates modern criminology and how society responded to unimaginable crimes.Each episode of Foul Play combines meticulous historical research with victim-centered storytelling, honoring those whose lives were taken while examining the criminals who took them.THE LEGACYMarie Jeanneret's crimes fundamentally transformed Switzerland's approach to medical safety and criminal investigation. The case exposed critical gaps in poison control, leading to strict measures including detailed record-keeping of sales and mandatory identification checks. Background checks for medical staff became more thorough, references were more carefully vetted, and supervision was enhanced throughout Europe.Perhaps most significantly, Jeanneret's case transformed public consciousness about the nature of evil. The idea that a healthcare professional could systematically murder patients while maintaining an appearance of respectability forced society to confront uncomfortable truths. The poisoner who took at least six lives became part of the movement that saved countless others from execution—the most paradoxical legacy imaginable.ABOUT FOUL PLAYFoul Play examines history's most compelling true crime cases with meticulous research and sophisticated storytelling. Hosts Shane Waters and Wendy Cee explore serial killers from ancient Rome through the early 1900s, focusing on victim-centered narratives that honor the dead rather than sensationalizing killers. Each episode combines atmospheric period detail with rigorous historical accuracy, transporting listeners to crimes that shaped criminal justice systems across centuries and continents.CONNECT WITH FOUL PLAYNew episodes release every Tuesday at 5:00 AM EST. Follow Foul Play on social media for behind-the-scenes research, historical context, and episode updates. Visit our website for complete episode archives, source lists, and additional resources about the cases we cover.CONTENT WARNINGThis episode contains detailed descriptions of poisoning, murder of children, and medical betrayal. Listener discretion is advised. If you or someone you know needs support, resources are available through crisis helplines and mental health services. Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/foul-play-crime-series/donations Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

Transcribed - Published: 18 November 2025

In 1826, fellow priests caring for an ailing Father Juan Severino Mallari made a horrifying discovery in his residence: bloodstained clothing belonging to dozens of missing parishioners. Over the next ten years, investigators would uncover fifty-seven murders committed by the parish priest of Magalang, Pampanga—a man who believed killing his congregants would break a curse afflicting his mother. Father Mallari's victims trusted him completely. They came to him for confession, for blessings, for spiritual guidance. And then they disappeared. What makes this case even more tragic is that Spanish colonial authorities meticulously documented Mallari's education and artwork, but never bothered to record a single name of the fifty-seven Filipinos he murdered. This is the story of colonial erasure, untreated mental illness, and a murderous priest.This is Episode 7 of Season 36: Serial Killers in History, our ambitious exploration of forgotten murderers from ancient Rome through the early 20th century. This season examines how social inequality, colonial systems, and institutional failures enabled killers across continents and centuries. Juan Severino Mallari's case reveals the devastating intersection of Spanish colonial racism, primitive mental healthcare, and religious authority in early 19th-century Philippines. The next episode continues our journey through history's darkest moments with another case of power, isolation, and the victims erased from official records.Historical Context & BackgroundJuan Severino Mallari was born in 1785 in San Nicolas, Pampanga, into a respected Kapampangan family with church benefactor status. He earned his philosophy degree around 1800, his theology degree in 1805 at San Carlos Seminary, and was ordained at the University of Santo Tomas in 1809 by Archbishop Juan Antonio Zulaybar. But being a Filipino priest in Spanish colonial Philippines meant systemic discrimination. From 1809 to 1812, Mallari served as coadjutor in multiple parishes, applying repeatedly for parish priest positions in Orani, Mariveles, Lubao, and as chaplain at the Port of Cavite. Spanish authorities rejected him every time—not for lack of qualifications, but due to colonial racism that viewed Filipino secular priests as inferior to Spanish friars. Finally, in 1812, he became parish priest of San Bartolome Parish in Magalang, the first Filipino to hold that position in all of Pampanga. In that isolated agricultural community, trusted completely by his parishioners, Father Mallari would commit fifty-seven murders over the next decade.The Descent into MadnessAround 1816, four years after becoming parish priest, Mallari's mother fell gravely ill. He became convinced she was cursed—a belief that merged Catholic faith with pre-colonial Filipino traditions about mangkukulam (witches) who could cast deadly kulam (curses). Historical accounts describe Mallari experiencing severe hallucinations during Mass, stopping mid-sermon to converse with invisible figures. Spain had pioneered psychiatric treatment in Europe, and the Hospicio de San Jose psychiatric facility in Manila had been operational since 1811. But Mallari was in rural Pampanga, miles from Manila, and he was the parish priest—the highest religious authority in Magalang. No one recognized his psychotic delusions as treatable illness requiring intervention. When Mallari decided that killing the people he believed were witches would cure his mother, no one stopped him. His first victim likely came to confession in 1816. We don't know this person's name, age, or family situation—Spanish colonial records didn't consider such details worth documenting.The Ten-Year Killing SpreeOver the next decade, Father Mallari murdered fifty-seven of his parishioners. He killed in the privacy of the parish house—people who came for spiritual guidance, to arrange marriages, to request baptisms. After each murder, he carefully folded the victim's bloodstained clothing and preserved it in his residence. This level of organization existing alongside complete psychotic delusion reveals the terrifying complexity of his mental state. His mother died December 4, 1825. The killings hadn't saved her. Everything had been for nothing. But Mallari didn't stop because of his mother's death—he stopped because sixteen days later, several families finally gathered courage to file a formal complaint with the gobernadorcillo (town mayor). Imagine the bravery required: Filipino families in 1825 Spanish colonial Philippines accusing the parish priest—the most powerful religious figure in their town. In February 1826, when Mallari fell ill and fellow priests came to care for him, they discovered the horrifying evidence: bloodstained belongings of dozens of missing parishioners, folded and stored in his residence. Word reached the constabulary. Townspeople gathered with torches. Ten years of disappearances converged on that moment.Investigation, Trial & ExecutionWhen Spanish authorities arrested Mallari in 1826, he confessed immediately—not with remorse, but with explanation. He detailed his mother's curse, identifying fifty-seven witches, explaining why their deaths would break the curse. The trial began later that year, drawing unprecedented attention across Spanish colonial territory. Prosecutors methodically presented bloodstained clothing, stolen items from victims' families, witness testimony about Mallari's erratic behavior during Mass. The defense attempted to portray him as a respected leader framed by jealous rivals, but couldn't explain the overwhelming physical evidence or Mallari's own detailed confession. He was convicted, but not executed immediately. Mallari spent fourteen years imprisoned—fourteen years between his 1826 arrest and his 1840 execution. The colonial legal system required multiple levels of review for an unprecedented case: a Filipino priest convicted of fifty-seven murders. Those victim families waited fourteen years for justice. Finally, in 1840, Juan Severino Mallari was hanged at Bagumbayan field (today Luneta Park in Manila). He was fifty-five years old, the first Filipino priest ever executed by Spanish colonial authorities. Thirty-two years later, three more Filipino priests—the GOMBURZA martyrs—would be executed for allegedly inspiring revolt, helping spark the Philippine Revolution.The Unnamed Fifty-SevenFather Juan Severino Mallari's life is extensively recorded. Spanish colonial documents detail his birth in San Nicolas, his family's church benefactor status, his philosophy degree (circa 1800), theology degree (1805), ordination (1809), every parish appointment, every rejected job application. Examples of his calligraphy—ornate ecclesiastical documents—survive in historical archives. The Spanish system found Mallari worth documenting in extraordinary detail. The fifty-seven Filipinos he murdered? Not one name recorded. Not one age. Not one occupation. Not one family detail. Were they farmers? Merchants? Young? Old? Parents leaving behind children? We don't know. Spanish authorities didn't care. This isn't accident—it's colonial violence manifesting as bureaucratic erasure. The Spanish system existed to extract wealth and maintain control. Individual Filipino lives didn't serve Spanish interests, so they weren't recorded. Somewhere in Pampanga, descendants of those fifty-seven victims exist. People who grew up hearing family stories about a great-great-grandparent who vanished mysteriously in the 1820s, inheriting trauma without closure. Those descendants deserve to know their family member's death mattered, that their ancestor's life had value, that we haven't forgotten them even if we can't name them.Resources & Further ReadingThe National Archives of the Philippines in Manila maintain limited records from Spanish colonial Pampanga, though documentation of crimes against Filipino civilians remains incomplete. The University of Santo Tomas archives preserve ecclesiastical records from the period, including ordination documentation for Filipino priests like Mallari. Historical studies of Spanish colonial mental healthcare reveal the stark disparity between psychiatric facilities available in Manila (like the Hospicio de San Jose, operational from 1811) and the complete absence of mental health resources in rural provinces. Research into the principalía class structure and Spanish colonial racism illuminates how systemic discrimination created the conditions for Mallari's prolonged killing spree. Philippine Revolution history provides context for understanding how cases like Mallari's—and the later GOMBURZA executions—contributed to growing Filipino resistance against colonial rule. Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/foul-play-crime-series/donations Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

Transcribed - Published: 11 November 2025

In February 1842, a dingo unearthed a shallow grave near Ironstone Bridge, revealing the decomposing body of an Irish immiKearns Landregan was twenty-seven years old when he died on a dusty colonial road seven miles from Berrima. An Irish immigrant who'd traveled halfway around the world seeking opportunity in Australia, Landregan worked as a carrier—hard labor that required strength, reliability, and trust. On February 19th, 1842, he was driving his cart to market when he accepted what seemed like innocent companionship from a fellow traveler. He had no way of knowing that the man walking beside him had already murdered at least eight people. Among Lynch's victims was thirteen-year-old Mary Macnamara, a child who watched her entire family die before being assaulted and killed herself. There was Thomas Smith, a skilled plowman respected for his agricultural expertise. And there was an unnamed Aboriginal boy whose murder was barely recorded in colonial documents—a child whose name we'll never know but whose life mattered just as much.Why This Case MattersJohn Lynch's killing spree across colonial New South Wales exposed the brutal vulnerabilities of frontier justice and the systematic devaluation of certain lives in 1840s Australia. His 1836 acquittal for Thomas Smith's murder—despite clear evidence—taught him he could kill with impunity in a justice system stretched impossibly thin across vast wilderness. The case reveals how colonial authorities treated crimes differently based on victims' race and social status: a white child's murder shocked the colony, while an Aboriginal boy's death warranted barely a sentence in court records. The 2019 memorial plaque installed at All Saints Anglican Church in Sutton Forest represents a crucial shift toward victim-centered historical narrative, finally naming those whose stories were nearly lost to history.Content WarningThis episode contains descriptions of violence against children and references to sexual assault. Listener discretion advised.Key Case DetailsLynch's methodical approach to murder began after his 1836 acquittal emboldened him. Operating along isolated bush tracks in the Razorback Range, he targeted travelers with money or goods, striking them from behind with a tomahawk before stealing their possessions and assuming their identities.Timeline & Investigation:March 1836: Thomas Smith murdered at Oldbury Farm; Lynch tried and acquitted1836-1837: Multiple murders in Razorback Range (exact count unknown)November 1841: Mulligan family massacre (four victims including 13-year-old Mary)February 19, 1842: Kearns Landregan murdered near Ironstone BridgeFebruary 21, 1842: Lynch arrested after Landregan's body discovered by Hugh Tinney Resolution: Chief Constable James Chapman's investigation connected Lynch to Landregan's distinctive felt hat, which Lynch had been wearing openly around Berrima. Excavation of the Mulligan property revealed four shallow graves. Lynch confessed to all murders during questioning, showing no remorse. He was tried, convicted of Landregan's murder, and hanged at Berrima Jail on April 22nd, 1842 at age 29.Historical Context & SourcesThis episode draws on colonial court records from the 1842 Supreme Court trial proceedings in Sydney, contemporary newspaper accounts from the Sydney Morning Herald, and historical research from the Berrima District Historical and Family History Society. The case documentation reveals the challenges of frontier policing in 1840s New South Wales, where vast distances and limited communication made coordinating murder investigations exceptionally difficult. Sergeant James Wilson's creation of a primitive geographic profile to track disappearances along the Berrima-Campbelltown Road represented early criminal investigative innovation. The 2019 memorial plaque commemorating Lynch's victims by name marks an important shift toward victim-centered historical narrative, particularly significant in finally acknowledging the unnamed Aboriginal child whose murder colonial authorities barely recorded.Foul Play CreditsFoul Play is hosted by Shane Waters and Wendy Cee. Research and writing by the Foul Play production team. For more historical true crime stories from the Victorian era and beyond, subscribe to Foul Play wherever you listen to podcasts. Our Sponsors: * Check out Secret Nature and use my code SHANE for a great deal: https://secretnature.com Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/foul-play-crime-series/donations Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

Transcribed - Published: 4 November 2025

In colonial India, travelers befriend strangers on the road, sharing meals and stories, unaware these companions will be.Episode 5 of 15 | Season 36: Serial Killers in History Thug Behram's 40-year reign of terror across colonial India reveals the most prolific serial killer ever documented, whose ritualistic methods would help shape modern criminal investigation.For decades, travelers crossing India's dusty plains vanished without a trace. Merchants carrying goods between cities, pilgrims journeying to sacred sites, families relocating to new villages—all disappeared along the same well-worn trade routes. These weren't random robberies gone wrong. They were calculated murders carried out by the Thuggee cult, a secret brotherhood that moved invisibly through Indian society. Among these killers, none was more prolific than Thug Behram. Over forty years spanning the late 1700s through 1840, he personally strangled 125 victims and witnessed the deaths of hundreds more. The travelers he befriended never suspected the friendly companion sharing their campfire would become their executioner. Behram's victims came from all walks of colonial India's diverse population—traders transporting silk and spices, civil servants traveling between British outposts, farmers returning from market with their earnings. Each trusted their fellow travelers, never imagining the smiling faces around the evening fire belonged to trained killers who had perfected their craft over generations.The Thuggee case represents one of the most significant developments in the history of criminal investigation. Thug Behram's eventual capture and confession in 1840 provided unprecedented insight into organized crime, leading directly to the creation of systematic investigation methods still used today. His case forced British colonial authorities to develop one of the world's first criminal intelligence units, led by William Henry Sleeman, who pioneered techniques like informant networks, detailed record-keeping, and pattern analysis. The investigation would ultimately dismantle a criminal organization that had operated for centuries, leading to the arrest of thousands of Thuggee members across India. The methods developed to catch Behram became the blueprint for modern law enforcement approaches to organized crime. His confessions also revealed the disturbing psychology of ritualistic killing, where murder was justified through religious devotion to the goddess Kali. The Criminal Tribes Act of 1871, though controversial, grew directly from lessons learned during the Thuggee investigations. Today, Behram remains the most prolific documented serial killer in history, his case a stark reminder of how belief systems can be twisted to justify systematic violence.Born in the late 1700s near Jabalpur in central India, Thug Behram learned the art of murder as a child. The Thuggee tradition passed from father to son, and Behram's family had practiced the cult's deadly rituals for generations. Beginning around age ten, he studied the intricate system of hand signals, code words, and deception techniques that allowed Thuggee gangs to operate in plain sight. The cult's primary weapon was the rumāl—a ceremonial silk handkerchief with a heavy silver medallion sewn into one corner. This simple cloth became a lethal instrument in trained hands. When Behram gave the signal—often an innocuous phrase like "bring tobacco"—his gang struck with ruthless efficiency. The rumāl tightened around the victim's throat while accomplices pinned their arms and legs. Death came swiftly and silently. The Thuggee believed they performed sacred work for Kali, conducting elaborate rituals before and after each killing. Victims were buried face down to prevent their spirits from rising in anger, and offerings were made at hidden shrines along the trade routes.As Behram matured, he assembled his own gang of more than fifty specialists—scouts who identified wealthy targets, infiltrators who gained victims' trust, grave diggers who disposed of bodies, and stranglers who performed the actual killings. His organizational genius lay in compartmentalization; each member knew only their specific role, making it nearly impossible for captured Thuggee to reveal the full network. For forty years, Behram moved freely through colonial India, maintaining homes and businesses that gave him the appearance of a respectable merchant. Behind this façade, he kept meticulous records of victims and stolen goods, treating murder with the same systematic precision a clerk might apply to bookkeeping. This discipline made him virtually untouchable until William Henry Sleeman launched his groundbreaking investigation. Using patient intelligence gathering, Sleeman mapped the Thuggee network across India, tracking family connections and recording every detail gleaned from informants. When Behram's lieutenants finally betrayed him in 1840, Sleeman's men arrested him near Jabalpur. In custody, Behram provided detailed confessions that shocked even hardened colonial officers. He admitted to personally strangling 125 victims while being present at approximately 931 additional murders. His matter-of-fact descriptions of ritualistic killings revealed the chilling psychology of a man who viewed mass murder as religious duty rather than crime.Following his confessions, Behram was executed by hanging in 1840 in Jabalpur. His detailed testimonies before execution proved invaluable in Sleeman's broader campaign to dismantle the remaining Thuggee networks. Through information provided by Behram and other captured Thuggee members who turned informant, hundreds of active cult members were identified and arrested, effectively breaking the organization's backbone. The case occurred during a pivotal period in colonial India's history. The British East India Company struggled to maintain control over vast territories where indigenous criminal organizations operated with impunity. The Thuggee had existed for centuries, some historians suggesting their origins dated back to the 13th century or earlier. They justified their actions through a distorted interpretation of Hindu mythology, claiming Kali demanded blood sacrifice through ritual strangulation. This religious framework allowed Thuggee members to live as ordinary citizens between expeditions, maintaining families and legitimate businesses while periodically joining organized murder sprees. Victims were chosen according to strict guidelines—women were generally spared, as were holy men, craftsmen, and travelers during specific religious festivals. The cult's longevity stemmed from this social invisibility combined with elaborate systems of secrecy and mutual protection.Historical understanding of the Thuggee relies heavily on British colonial records, particularly William Henry Sleeman's extensive documentation. His writings, including "Rambles and Recollections of an Indian Official" and "Report on the Depredations Committed by the Thug Gangs," provide detailed accounts of Thuggee practices and the investigation that brought them down. Thug Behram's own confessions, recorded by British authorities in 1840, offer rare first-person testimony about the cult's inner workings. Modern scholarship, including works by historians examining colonial India and organized crime, continues to analyze the Thuggee phenomenon. The British Library maintains extensive archives of East India Company records documenting the investigations. Academic journals have published numerous papers examining both the historical reality of the Thuggee and the ways British colonial narratives shaped public perception of the cult. Kim A. Wagner's "Thuggee: Banditry and the British in Early Nineteenth-Century India" provides critical analysis of how colonial authorities understood and portrayed organized crime. The case remains significant in criminology studies as an early example of systematic investigation defeating organized criminal networks.Resources & Further Reading: For those interested in learning more about the Thuggee cult and colonial India's criminal history: The British Library maintains extensive East India Company archives documenting William Henry Sleeman's investigations and Thuggee court proceedings "Thuggee: Banditry and the British in Early Nineteenth-Century India" by Kim A. Wagner examines colonial perspectives on organized crime "The Strangled Traveler: Colonial Imaginings and the Thugs of India" by Martine van Woerkens explores the historical and cultural context Academic journals in criminology and South Asian studies regularly publish research on the Thuggee phenomenon and its impact on modern policing methods New episodes every Tuesday at 5 AM EST.Part of the Myths & Malice podcast network Our Sponsors: * Check out Secret Nature and use my code SHANE for a great deal: https://secretnature.com Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/foul-play-crime-series/donations Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

Transcribed - Published: 30 October 2025

This is a re-release of a special Holiday collaboration episode I put together a few years ago. I have gotten a lot of requests to hear it again and thought now would be a great time to share it.…1 campfire……1 dark forest……31 bone-chilling stories……Will YOU survive the night? This Halloween season, enter the woods for a unique and truly epic podcast experience! Around the campfire Shane Waters will introduce 31 crime podcast hosts. Each host brings a new, nerve-wracking true story to the circle. It’s an extra special, two part, five-hour, Halloween event, but before hitting play you might want to ask yourself…can you really handle this much murder and mayhem? So, pull up to the fire and brace yourself for ‘A Nightmare Before Halloween’…but be warned……bad things happen in these woods…. Podcasts are listed here in order of appearance:In the last Part 1 Episode:- Foul Play: Crime Series- Murder She Told- Crime Salad- Crimelines- Frightful- Reverie True Crime- Rotten to the Core- The Trail Went Cold- Once Upon A Crime- Criminology- The Peripheral & Generation Why- Live, Laugh, Larceny- The Hidden Staircase- True Crime Cases with Lanie & It's Haunted...What Now?- Obscura: A True Crime Podcast & Disaster In this Part 2 Episode: - True Crime Island- Based on a True Story- The Asian Madness Podcast- Sistas Who Kill- Hometown History- Coffee and Cases- Military Murder- Dystopian Simulation Radio- Cults, Crimes & Cabernet- Morbidology- Dark Pountine- Hillbilly Horror Stories- True Consequences- Gone Cold- Crime Stories with Nancy Grace & Crime Online- True Crime IRL & True Crime Sleep Stories Our Sponsors: * Check out Secret Nature and use my code SHANE for a great deal: https://secretnature.com Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/foul-play-crime-series/donations Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

Transcribed - Published: 24 October 2025

…1 campfire……1 dark forest……31 bone-chilling stories……Will YOU survive the night?This Halloween season, enter the woods for a unique and truly epic podcast experience! Around the campfire Shane Waters will introduce 31 crime podcast hosts. Each host brings a new, nerve-wracking true story to the circle. It’s an extra special, two part, five-hour, Halloween event, but before hitting play you might want to ask yourself…can you really handle this much murder and mayhem?So, pull up to the fire and brace yourself for ‘A Nightmare Before Halloween’…but be warned……bad things happen in these woods….Podcasts are listed here in order of appearance: In Part 1 Episode:- Foul Play: Crime Series- Murder She Told- Crime Salad- Crimelines- Frightful- Reverie True Crime- Rotten to the Core- The Trail Went Cold- Once Upon A Crime- Criminology- The Peripheral & Generation Why- Live, Laugh, Larceny- The Hidden Staircase- True Crime Cases with Lanie & It's Haunted...What Now?- Obscura: A True Crime Podcast & Disaster In Part 2 Episode: - True Crime Island- Based on a True Story- The Asian Madness Podcast- Sistas Who Kill- Hometown History- Coffee and Cases- Military Murder- Dystopian Simulation Radio- Cults, Crimes & Cabernet- Morbidology- Dark Pountine- Hillbilly Horror Stories- True Consequences- Gone Cold- Crime Stories with Nancy Grace & Crime Online- True Crime IRL & True Crime Sleep Stories Our Sponsors: * Check out Secret Nature and use my code SHANE for a great deal: https://secretnature.com Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/foul-play-crime-series/donations Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

Transcribed - Published: 24 October 2025

This week we step into the shadows with a very special bonus episode. Shane sits down with paranormal investigator, author, and TV star Amy Bruni (Ghost Hunters, Kindred Spirits, Haunted Road).Amy shares chilling stories of hauntings rooted in real tragedies—from childhood encounters with “Mr. Green Jeans” to cases where skepticism gave way to the unexplained. Together, Shane and Amy explore the intersection of crime, history, and the paranormal—and why treating the dead with dignity is as important as uncovering the truth.If you’re near Indiana, you can hear even more stories live:📅 October 7 at 7 PM — Amy Bruni appears at the Eagles Theatre in Wabash, Indiana.🎟️ Get tickets hereCan’t make it to Wabash? Amy is touring the U.S.—find her upcoming events here.Learn more about Amy at amybruni.com. Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/foul-play-crime-series/donations Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Transcribed - Published: 24 September 2025

In the olive groves of 18th-century Portugal, a caretaker discovered a shallow grave containing an infant's body withEpisode 4 of 15 | Season 36: Serial Killers in HistoryThe investigation into Luísa de Jesus begins, revealing a systematic pattern of infant murders that would expose fatal flaws in Portugal's child welfare system and lead to her execution as the nation's first documented female serial killer.The Victims: Portugal's Abandoned InfantsIn 1772, desperate poverty gripped Portugal under King Joseph I's reign. Across Coimbra, destitute mothers with no means to feed their newborns turned to the Casa da Rota—the foundling wheel system—hoping charitable institutions would save their babies' lives. These infants, called "expostos" or "exposed ones," were placed anonymously in rotating wooden cylinders built into orphanage walls. A bell would ring, alerting caretakers inside that another abandoned child needed their care. The system was born of compassion, designed to prevent infanticide by offering mothers a safe alternative. For each child taken in, caregivers received a modest stipend of 600 réis, a cradle, and cloth—enough support to raise an infant in theory. In practice, hundreds of babies overwhelmed Coimbra's understaffed facilities each year. These were Portugal's most vulnerable citizens: newborns abandoned by mothers with no other choice, babies born into poverty or out of wedlock, innocent lives dependent on a system that promised protection but delivered catastrophic negligence.Why This Case Changed Portugal ForeverThe case of Luísa de Jesus represents a devastating failure of 18th-century child welfare institutions and a pivotal moment in Portuguese legal history. Her systematic exploitation of the foundling wheel exposed how easily vulnerable populations could be preyed upon when oversight mechanisms collapsed. The discovery of 33 murdered infants shocked a nation and forced Portugal to confront uncomfortable truths about how it protected—or failed to protect—its abandoned children. This case directly led to sweeping reforms of Portugal's child welfare system, including the landmark 1783 decree by Queen Maria I mandating that all towns establish properly supervised foundling hospitals. Luísa's execution on July 1, 1772, made her the last woman ever executed in Portugal, cementing her place in both criminal and legal history. The case remains a stark reminder that society's most vulnerable members require active protection, not passive charity, and that systematic failures create opportunities for monsters to operate in plain sight.The Investigation and DiscoveryOn the morning of April 1, 1772, Angelica Maria, a caretaker from Coimbra's foundling home, walked through olive groves at Monte Arroio when she discovered recently disturbed earth. Kneeling to investigate, she unearthed the shallow grave of an infant with strangulation marks still visible around its delicate neck. Authorities quickly traced the dead child back to Luísa de Jesus, a 23-year-old delivery worker who had officially "adopted" the baby just days earlier.When interrogated on April 6, Luísa coldly confessed to murdering three infants. But investigators suspected far worse. A search of her modest home in Figueira de Lorvão revealed a makeshift graveyard—eighteen tiny bodies buried beneath the floor and hidden in corners. Some had been dismembered, their remains stored in clay pots under straw. Excavations at Monte Arroio uncovered thirteen more infant corpses, bringing the confirmed death toll to 33 babies.Records showed Luísa had officially adopted 34 children from Coimbra's foundling wheel over several years, collecting the 600 réis stipend for each. She had provided false addresses and fictitious adopting families, exploiting a system with virtually no follow-up procedures. The foundling wheel workers, Margarida Joaquina and Leocádia Maria da Conceição, were arrested for criminal negligence—they had handed over dozens of infants without verifying the children's destinations. Both were released in October 1772 after public shaming, their careers destroyed but lives spared.Luísa confessed to 28 murders but was convicted on all 33 counts. On July 1, 1772, she faced one of the most brutal executions in Portuguese history. Bound with rope, she was paraded through Coimbra's streets while a magistrate proclaimed her crimes to horrified crowds. Red-hot tongs burned her flesh before her hands were severed. She died by garrote, and her body was burned to ashes, scattered so "there will never be a memory of such a Monster again." She was 23 years old.Historical Context and the Foundling Wheel SystemEighteenth-century Portugal's relationship with child abandonment was both pragmatic and tragic. The foundling wheel system spread across Catholic Europe as a response to rampant infanticide—desperate mothers who couldn't feed their babies often killed them rather than watch them starve. The wheels offered anonymous surrender, a compassionate alternative that saved some lives while creating new vulnerabilities.Portugal's wheels operated with minimal oversight. Caregivers like Luísa collected stipends with no requirement to prove the children survived. Hundreds of babies entered the system annually in cities like Coimbra, far exceeding institutional capacity. Mortality rates were already catastrophic—historians estimate half of all foundlings died within their first year from disease, malnutrition, or neglect, even in legitimate placements.This case draws from multiple historical sources: court records preserved in Coimbra's archives document Luísa's confession and trial proceedings. Period newspapers reported the shocking discovery and subsequent execution with sensational detail. Modern historian Maria Antónia Lopes's research into Portuguese foundling systems provides crucial context for understanding how systematic failures enabled Luísa's crimes. The Casa dos Expostos of Coimbra's administrative records reveal the staggering volume of abandoned infants and the minimal verification procedures that allowed Luísa to operate undetected for years. Her case remains a foundational study in Portuguese criminology and child welfare history.Resources & Further ReadingFor those interested in learning more about 18th-century Portuguese child welfare and the foundling wheel system:The National Archives of Portugal house complete trial records and court documents from the 1772 caseMaria Antónia Lopes's scholarly work on Portuguese foundling systems and historical child welfare practicesThe Santa Casa de Misericórdia museums in Coimbra and Lisbon maintain exhibits on foundling wheel history and social welfare institutions"Baby Hatch" historical research documenting foundling wheels across Catholic Europe from medieval times through the 19th century Our Sponsors: * Check out Secret Nature and use my code SHANE for a great deal: https://secretnature.com Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/foul-play-crime-series/donations Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

Published: 17 July 2025

Quick Synopsis (appears in most podcast apps)In 1772 Portugal, an 18-year-old caregiver named Luísa de Jesus turned the era’s child-welfare “foundling wheel” into a murderous money scheme. Before authorities intervened, at least 33 abandoned infants lay buried on Monte Arroio or hidden beneath her cottage floorboards. We expose the systemic cracks, the killer’s psychology, and the reforms her crimes set in motion. Episode Breakdown00:00 Opening scene on Monte Arroio04:15 How foundling wheels worked—and failed09:02 Luísa’s early life & public façade15:30 The money trail: 600 réis per child22:47 Forensic discoveries: graves & hidden clay pots30:18 Confession to 28 murders36:55 Trial, garrote, and public execution43:20 Child-welfare reforms that followed48:05 Today’s take-aways on safeguarding the vulnerableWhy This Case Still ResonatesFirst female serial killer executed in Portugal—and the last woman ever put to death there.Exposed lethal flaws in 18th-century child-protection policy, triggering nationwide reform.Challenges myths that women “only poison”; Luísa strangled newborns for profit.A cautionary tale of how financial incentives plus lax oversight can weaponize charity.Fast FactsYears active: 1771–1772Confirmed victims: 33 infants (one child remains unaccounted for) Method: Strangulation or suffocation within days of state payoutMotive: Collecting stipends meant for wet nursesSentence: Hands severed, garroted; body burned, ashes scattered (1 July 1772)Sources & Further ReadingNational Archives, “Casa da Roda” foundling-wheel records, 1760-1775António Barata, Infanticídio e Justiça em Portugal Setecentista (2018)Royal Chancellery of Coimbra trial transcripts, 1772–1773Stay ConnectedFollow & subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or your preferred app.Rate & review—it helps other ethical true-crime fans find us. SEO KeywordsLuísa de Jesus, Foundling Wheel Killer, Coimbra infanticide, 18th-century serial killer, female serial killer history, child-welfare reform, Foul Play podcastMyths & Malice illuminates truth with empathy. Thank you for listening. Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/foul-play-crime-series/donations Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Transcribed - Published: 17 July 2025

In the 18th century paradise of Jamaica, Lewis Hutchinson, an immigrant from Scotland, became the island's first documented serial killer.Known as the Mad Master of Edinburgh Castle, Hutchinson's strategic property in Saint Ann Parish became a deathtrap for wealthy travellers. He would invite them into his home or shoot them from his gunports, dispose of their bodies in underground chambers, and proudly display their possessions.His reign of terror ultimately resulted in a manhunt, arrest, and a sensational trial that exposed the flaws in colonial law enforcement. Hutchinson was sentenced to death in 1773, leaving a dark legacy in Jamaican history.Support the Show:Enjoying the series? Please rate and review on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or your favorite platform. Share with fellow history buffs and true crime fans—evil wears many faces, but together we shine the light on the darkest corners of the past. Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/foul-play-crime-series/donations Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Transcribed - Published: 26 June 2025

What drives a man from Scottish grace to Caribbean bloodshed, turning sun-drenched hills into a killing field, cloaking murderoEpisode 3 of 6 | Season 36: Serial Killers in HistoryLewis Hutchinson's reign of terror from Edinburgh Castle in colonial Jamaica reveals how one man's twisted hospitality became a death trap for unsuspecting travelers in 1768.In 1768, Lewis Hutchinson was a well-respected Scottish planter living atop a strategic hill in St. Anne Parish, Jamaica. Edinburgh Castle, as he named his estate, overlooked the main road connecting Spanish Town to the northern coast—a route regularly traveled by wealthy merchants, plantation owners, and ordinary colonists. To his neighbors, Hutchinson appeared the model of colonial success: educated, prosperous, and charming. Behind his genial hospitality, however, lurked a calculating predator who would become Jamaica's first documented serial killer. Hutchinson didn't kill for profit alone—he savored the hunt, collecting his victims' belongings like trophies and displaying them throughout his home as macabre mementos of murder.The Mad Master case represents a crucial turning point in Caribbean colonial justice. Hutchinson's ability to continue killing for years despite mounting suspicions exposed catastrophic failures in the colonial law enforcement system, particularly regarding missing persons from lower social classes. His crimes forced British authorities to establish new protocols for investigating disappearances and coordinating efforts across parish boundaries throughout the Caribbean colonies. The case also revealed how a person of means and social standing could literally get away with murder in a society deeply divided by class and race. Today, Hutchinson's story serves as a chilling reminder of how privilege and isolation can shield even the most heinous criminals—and how vulnerable travelers were in the lawless reaches of colonial territories.Lewis Hutchinson arrived in Jamaica during the mid-1760s with respectable credentials and enough capital to purchase Edinburgh Castle, a strategic property overlooking the winding mountain road through St. Anne Parish. He quickly established himself among the planter class, hosting elaborate dinners and presenting himself as a model colonist. But Hutchinson had transformed his home into a killing ground. He modified the house with disguised gunports and constructed underground chambers ostensibly for storage—spaces that would later serve as dungeons for victims he chose to torture before killing.His method was brutally efficient: Hutchinson would invite weary travelers to rest at Edinburgh Castle, offering refreshment and shelter. Some he shot from his battlements as they passed on the road below, their bodies tumbling into ravines. Others accepted his hospitality only to be imprisoned in his underground cells, shackled and tortured before being murdered. One survivor, John Callendar, later testified about the horror of those dungeons—the dampness, the rats, the screams of other prisoners echoing off stone walls. Hutchinson disposed of bodies in a nearby cave system, creating what locals would later call "Hutchinson's Hole."The investigation began slowly. Colonial authorities initially dismissed reports of missing travelers, assuming they had simply moved on or fallen victim to common robbery. But as disappearances mounted—and whispers spread among enslaved workers forced to witness Hutchinson's crimes—pressure grew to investigate. When searchers finally examined Edinburgh Castle, they discovered a chamber of horrors: victims' clothing displayed like hunting trophies, jewelry from murdered travelers, and the entrance to the cave containing dozens of skeletal remains. Hutchinson fled toward Port Royal, attempting to board a ship to Scotland, but was recognized and arrested before he could escape.His trial at Spanish Town lasted four days and captivated the island. John Callendar's testimony provided devastating firsthand evidence of Hutchinson's methods. Thirty witnesses identified belongings of missing loved ones found at Edinburgh Castle. The exhumed bones from Hutchinson's cave—evidence of at least forty-three murders—were laid before the court. Throughout the proceedings, Hutchinson maintained an unsettling calm, even smirking when confronted with evidence of his victims. When asked about the remains, he reportedly drawled, "Travelers should be more careful where they choose to rest." The jury quickly convicted him, and he was sentenced to death by hanging.This case emerged from extensive historical sources preserved in Jamaican colonial records. The Spanish Town courthouse archives contain complete trial transcripts from 1773, including John Callendar's testimony and the identification of victims' belongings by their families. Contemporary newspapers like The Jamaica Mercury provided detailed coverage of both the investigation and trial. The National Library of Jamaica houses correspondence between colonial officials discussing the case's impact on law enforcement protocols. Modern historian James Robertson's work on Caribbean crime provides valuable context about how Hutchinson's crimes exposed systemic failures in colonial justice. The ruins of Edinburgh Castle in St. Anne Parish remain accessible to visitors, with the cave system still visible—though local authorities have sealed the entrance for safety.Resources & Further Reading:For those interested in learning more about colonial Caribbean crime and Jamaica's dark history:The National Library of Jamaica in Kingston maintains extensive archives of colonial court records, including the complete Hutchinson trial transcriptsThe Dead Yard: Tales of Modern Jamaica by Ian Thomson explores the island's criminal history from colonial times to presentThe Jamaica National Heritage Trust preserves historical sites including information about Edinburgh Castle ruinsThe University of the West Indies hosts the Caribbean History Archives with primary source materials on colonial crime and justice Our Sponsors: * Check out Secret Nature and use my code SHANE for a great deal: https://secretnature.com Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/foul-play-crime-series/donations Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

Published: 26 June 2025

In the glittering court of Louis XIV's France, where opulence and intrigue walked hand in hand, one woman built a criminal empire that wouldEpisode 2 of 6 | Season 36: Serial Killers in HistoryCatherine Monvoisin's poisoning network spreads through the French aristocracy as her connections to the royal court deepen, implicating some of the most powerful figures in France.Catherine Monvoisin began as Catherine Dyer, born in 1640 to a humble family on the outskirts of Paris. With little formal education but a natural aptitude for herbalism and folk medicine, she married Antoine Monvoisin, a jeweler whose business fell into ruin. As debt mounted, Catherine discovered she possessed something far more valuable than her husband's failing trade: an understanding of human desperation. She started as a fortune teller and midwife in the Villeneuve quarter, offering hope to clients who would pay handsomely for glimpses into their futures. Her charisma and discretion quickly attracted wealthy Parisians seeking solutions to problems they couldn't solve through conventional means. What made Catherine memorable wasn't just her accuracy in predictions—it was her willingness to provide tangible solutions, no matter how dark, to her clients' most desperate desires.The case of La Voisin represents a watershed moment in French criminal history, marking the last great witch trial in France and fundamentally transforming the justice system. Her criminal enterprise exposed the intersection of superstition, organized crime, and aristocratic corruption at the highest levels of French society. The scandal, known as the Affair of the Poisons, forced Louis XIV to establish the Chambre Ardente, a special court that would try 442 suspects over three years and sentence 36 people to death. The case revealed how deeply rooted corruption had become within French aristocratic circles and led to lasting reforms in law enforcement, including increased surveillance of fortune tellers and new regulations controlling dangerous substances. Perhaps most significantly, La Voisin's trial marked the beginning of France's transition from superstition-based justice to rational investigation, helping usher the nation toward the Age of Enlightenment.Catherine's transformation from fortune teller to serial poisoner was gradual but calculated. By the late 1670s, she had built a sophisticated criminal network operating from her lavish establishment in Paris. Her home featured elegant furnishings and private consultation rooms where nobles could discreetly arrange everything from love potions to murder. She employed astrologers, alchemists, and renegade priests, each contributing specialized skills to her expanding enterprise. Her most notorious services were the black masses—elaborate ceremonies combining Catholic ritual with occult practices, performed in secret locations outside Paris. These theatrical events attracted powerful clients who believed they could achieve anything from romantic conquest to political advancement through supernatural means. Among her most influential clients was Madame de Montespan, the official mistress of King Louis XIV himself. Their partnership began in 1667 when Montespan, fearing her waning influence over the King, sought Catherine's services. The rituals performed for Montespan were particularly blasphemous, involving twisted versions of Catholic mass performed over her body as a human altar, with claims that infant sacrifices occurred during these ceremonies.La Voisin's criminal empire finally collapsed in 1679 when one of her associates was arrested for poisoning. Under interrogation, this associate revealed the extent of Catherine's network, leading to her arrest in March 1679. King Louis XIV established the Chambre Ardente specifically to prosecute poisoning cases emerging from this scandal. During her trial, Catherine showed neither remorse nor hesitation in describing her crimes, frankly stating that she provided services people desperately wanted. She implicated numerous prominent figures in French society, shocking the court with detailed accounts of ceremonies involving desecrated communion hosts and murder. The proceedings became so scandalous that Louis XIV ordered certain testimonies sealed, particularly those involving Madame de Montespan. On February 22, 1680, Catherine Monvoisin was executed at the Place de Grève in Paris before thousands of spectators. She remained defiant to the end, refusing last rites and cursing the priest who attempted to offer spiritual comfort. As flames engulfed her, witnesses reported she died without uttering a single cry of pain, maintaining her characteristic composure even in death.This case draws from extensive historical sources documenting one of French history's most sensational trials. Court records from the Chambre Ardente provide detailed testimony transcripts, while contemporary accounts from French newspapers chronicle public reaction to the scandal. Seventeenth-century France's relationship with poison and witchcraft was complex—arsenic and other deadly substances were readily available from apothecaries with minimal regulation, making Catherine's trade frighteningly accessible. The aristocracy's willingness to engage with fortune tellers and participate in blasphemous ceremonies reveals the tension between Catholic orthodoxy and persistent folk beliefs in French society. Modern historians like Anne Somerset have extensively documented the Affair of the Poisons, providing crucial context for understanding how these crimes were perceived by contemporary society. The scandal permanently altered Louis XIV's relationship with his court, making him increasingly reclusive and preferring the controlled environment of Versailles over Paris's more unpredictable social circles.Resources & Further Reading:For those interested in learning more about the Affair of the Poisons and 17th century French criminal history:The Bibliothèque Nationale de France (National Library of France) houses original court documents from the Chambre Ardente trials"The Affair of the Poisons: Murder, Infanticide, and Satanism at the Court of Louis XIV" by Anne Somerset provides comprehensive analysis of the scandalThe Musée de la Police in Paris maintains exhibits on famous French criminal cases including La VoisinThe Archives Nationales (National Archives of France) preserve complete trial records and royal decrees related to the poisoning affair Our Sponsors: * Check out Secret Nature and use my code SHANE for a great deal: https://secretnature.com Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/foul-play-crime-series/donations Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

Published: 12 June 2025

Beneath the chandeliers of Louis XIV’s Versailles, whispers of love and ambition turned lethal. Episode 2 of Serial Killers in History chronicles Catherine Monvoisin—La Voisin—the fortune-teller whose poison ring ensnared France’s elite and sparked the explosive Affair of the Poisons.In this episode:How a Parisian herbalist built a criminal empire of black masses and murder-for-hireThe secret pact with Madame de Montespan, the King’s mistress, to keep royal affection at any costGabriel de La Reynie’s investigation that unmasked 17th-century high-society corruptionThe Chambre ardente: France’s first special court for poison and witchcraft—and the 36 deaths it orderedWhy La Voisin’s trial signaled the twilight of witchcraft fear and the dawn of Enlightenment scepticism🔎  itsfoulplay.com Our Sponsors: * Check out Warpath: https://bit.ly/4ixJCm3 Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/foul-play-crime-series/donations Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Transcribed - Published: 12 June 2025

Poison seeped through the marble corridors of ancient Rome—and one woman mixed every drop. In the Season 36 opener of Serial Killers in History, we track Locusta of Gaul, the herbalist-turned-assassin who helped Emperor Nero carve a blood-stained path to power.What you’ll hear:How a captive chemist became the world’s first documented serial killerDeadly dinners: the mushroom that felled Emperor Claudius and the draught that doomed BritannicusThe Senate’s panic and the birth of Rome’s anti-poison lawsModern forensic insights that finally decode Locusta’s toxic recipes Stay to the end for a teaser of Episode 2—Paris’s infamous Affair of the Poisons.🔍 Visit us online: http://foulplaypodcast.com/locusta🎧 Listen now on Apple, Spotify, or wherever you get your true crime fix.#FoulPlayPodcast #SerialKillersInHistory #LocustaOfGaul #TrueCrime #HistoryNerd Our Sponsors: * Check out Warpath: https://bit.ly/4ixJCm3 Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/foul-play-crime-series/donations Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Transcribed - Published: 5 June 2025

In the shadowy corners of the Roman Empire, a woman named Locusta perfected the art of murder, becoming history's first documentedSeason & Episode Context:Episode 1 of 15 | Season 36: Serial Killers in HistoryJourney back to the 1st century AD, where we meet Locusta of Gaul—the poisoner who terrorized Rome's elite and changed criminal history forever. This season explores lesser-known serial killers spanning centuries and continents.The Woman Behind the PoisonLocusta of Gaul was born around 20 AD in the Roman province of Gaul, a region renowned for its knowledge of herbs and natural medicines. As a young woman, she made her way to Rome and quickly established herself as an expert in creating potions and toxins. Unlike common criminals, Locusta approached murder as a refined science, maintaining detailed records of her experiments and testing compounds on slaves and animals to perfect her deadly recipes. She wasn't simply a poisoner—she was a methodical killer who built a thriving business selling her services to Rome's wealthy elite. Her reputation grew so formidable that she eventually trained others in her craft, establishing what historians consider the first school of professional poisoners. Those who knew of her work whispered her name in fear, recognizing that any suspicious death in Rome might bear her signature.Why This Case Changed HistoryLocusta's crimes fundamentally reshaped how the Roman Empire approached criminal justice and public safety. Her systematic approach to murder—combined with her connections to the Imperial Court—forced authorities to confront the reality of organized, repeated killing for the first time in documented history. Following her execution in 68 AD, the Roman Senate passed the Lexi Sicarius ad Veneficis, the first comprehensive poison control legislation in recorded history. These groundbreaking reforms established formal protocols for investigating suspicious deaths, required merchants to maintain detailed records of toxic substance sales, and created harsh penalties for those who manufactured or distributed poisons. The investigation techniques developed in response to Locusta's activities laid the foundation for modern forensic toxicology and systematic criminal investigation methods that influence law enforcement to this day.The Reign of TerrorLocusta's criminal career reached its peak when she caught the attention of Agrippina, the ambitious wife of Emperor Claudius. In 54 AD, Agrippina commissioned Locusta to create a poison that would eliminate Claudius and clear the path for Agrippina's son Nero to claim the throne. Locusta prepared a toxin that mimicked natural illness, delivering it through a dish of mushrooms—the Emperor's favorite food. When Claudius died after consuming the poisoned meal, few suspected murder, exactly as planned. Her success earned her an even more dangerous assignment: eliminating Britannicus, Claudius's legitimate son and Nero's rival for power. At a banquet, Locusta administered poison that killed the young prince within minutes, though witnesses described his death as a seizure. With Nero now Emperor, Locusta became virtually untouchable, operating openly from a luxurious villa and maintaining a client list that included senators, governors, and wealthy merchants. She employed her deadly talents so frequently that paranoia gripped Rome's upper classes—dinner parties became tense affairs, food tasters were hired at unprecedented rates, and the price of antidotes skyrocketed. Her network of trained poisoners operated throughout the Empire, creating a climate of fear that persisted for years.Historical Context and LegacyAncient Rome's relationship with poison was paradoxically casual despite its deadly potential. Toxic substances were readily available from merchants and apothecaries with virtually no regulation or oversight. Locusta exploited this lax system to build her empire of death, demonstrating how easily dangerous materials could be weaponized by those with knowledge and malicious intent. When Nero died by suicide in 68 AD, Locusta's protection vanished overnight. The new Emperor Galba ordered her immediate arrest and public execution, determined to make an example of the woman who had terrorized Roman society for decades. Historical accounts suggest she was paraded through Rome's streets in chains before being subjected to prolonged torture and eventual death—some sources claim she was forced to consume one of her own poisons, while others describe her being thrown to wild animals in the arena. The reforms sparked by her crimes influenced not only Roman law but medieval European legal systems and, by extension, modern approaches to regulating dangerous substances and investigating systematic murder. Locusta's case forced authorities to grapple with questions that remain relevant today: How do we identify patterns in seemingly unrelated deaths? How do we protect society from those who kill methodically and repeatedly?Resources & Further ReadingFor those interested in learning more about ancient Roman crime and the development of criminal investigation:The British Museum maintains extensive collections on Roman social history, including exhibits on crime and punishment in the ancient world"The Poison King: The Life and Legend of Mithradates" by Adrienne Mayor explores ancient poison use and political assassination in the Roman eraThe Metropolitan Museum of Art's Roman collection includes artifacts from the Imperial period that provide context for understanding Roman societyAcademic journals such as "The Journal of Roman Studies" regularly publish research on Roman criminal justice and social history Our Sponsors: * Check out Secret Nature and use my code SHANE for a great deal: https://secretnature.com Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/foul-play-crime-series/donations Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

Published: 5 June 2025

In the final episode of our series on Charles and Jennifer Chia, we examine the known evidence and unanswered questions that continue to surround their tragic case. With insight from retired detectives Allan Fox and Ron Dreher, we revisit the timeline, key suspects, and overlooked details from the original 1989 investigation. From a mysterious ransom call to a suspicious shovel found near the burial site, every piece of information could be vital. If you remember anything—no matter how small—please come forward. This is a haunting, unsolved murder of two children that still cries out for justice. Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/foul-play-crime-series/donations Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Transcribed - Published: 9 April 2025

In this third installment of our series on Charles and Jennifer Chia, we delve into the discovery of their remains nine months after they vanished on October 18, 1989. Retired Detective Allan Fox and Retired Detective Ron Dreher share their firsthand experiences of this tragic case, describing the remote location where the children’s bodies were found and discussing the investigative steps that followed. We also explore how the authorities confirmed Charles and Jennifer’s identities and how the grisly discovery has shaped ongoing efforts to find their killer. Though more than three decades have passed, the children’s mother, Ann, is still seeking answers—and hoping that someone will come forward with information that could finally bring resolution.Key TopicsRecap of Charles and Jennifer’s Disappearance: A brief overview of the events leading to their disappearance and the efforts by law enforcement to locate them.Discovery of the Remains: How the children’s bodies were found by a Caltrans employee in a shallow grave near Highways 70 and 89, miles away from their Reno home.Insights from Law Enforcement: Commentary from Allan Fox and Ron Dreher on the crime scene, the surrounding area, and the significance of evidence (including a shovel found at the scene).Identification and Aftermath: Matching the children’s clothing to the descriptions from the day they went missing, and the grim confirmation via dental charts.Mother’s Plea for Justice: Ann Chia’s heartbreaking statement about her children and her call for anyone with information to speak up.Why This Episode MattersThis episode underscores the profound impact of Charles and Jennifer’s tragic story and highlights the continued efforts to uncover what truly happened. By revisiting the scene and hearing directly from detectives who were there, listeners gain a deeper understanding of the challenges law enforcement faced—and the desperate need for any new leads that might finally solve this case.Listener DiscretionWhile this episode does not include graphic forensic details, it addresses the sensitive topic of child abduction and murder. Some listeners may find parts of the discussion upsetting.Call to ActionIf you have any information regarding the disappearance or deaths of Charles and Jennifer Chia, please contact the Reno Police Department. If you wish to remain anonymous, you can reach out to us at itsfoulplay.com, and we will forward any tips to law enforcement.Looking AheadIn our fourth and final episode of this series, we will examine the evidence, publicly known suspects, and the open questions that linger decades after Charles and Jennifer were taken from their family. Be sure to tune in to learn how you can help keep their memories alive—and possibly move the case forward.Thank you for joining us on this journey. Every detail, no matter how small, has the potential to help. If you’ve found this episode valuable, please subscribe, leave a review, and share it with friends. Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/foul-play-crime-series/donations Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Transcribed - Published: 10 March 2025

In this episode, we continue our investigation into the heartbreaking case of Charles and Jennifer Chia, two young children who vanished in 1989. Retired Detectives Allan Fox and Ron Dreher help piece together the circumstances surrounding their disappearance, shedding light on key locations and witness accounts. As Shane retraces their last known steps, questions arise about how and when they went missing—did they board the school bus that day, or was something more sinister at play? Despite a busy neighborhood, no one reported anything unusual, leading investigators to believe the children may have known their abductor. Their mother, Ann, was still in Taiwan when they were reported missing, returning home to a nightmare no parent should endure. Join us as we explore the lingering mysteries of this unsolved case and the relentless pursuit of justice.If you have any information, please contact the Reno Police Department or reach out anonymously through our website. Our Sponsors: * Check out NOCD: https://www.treatmyocd.com Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/foul-play-crime-series/donations Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Transcribed - Published: 22 February 2025

In this episode of Foul Play, we delve into the heartbreaking and chilling unsolved case of the Chia children from Reno, Nevada. On October 18, 1989, Charles, 8, and his younger sister Jennifer, 6, vanished after a seemingly ordinary day, only for their tragic fate to unfold amid the media frenzy following a devastating earthquake. With firsthand accounts from retired detectives and a detailed look at the events surrounding their disappearance, we explore the lives of these kind, innocent children and the lingering questions that have haunted the community ever since. If you have any information about this case, please come forward, as even the smallest detail could be the key to solving this mystery. Our Sponsors: * Check out NOCD: https://www.treatmyocd.com Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/foul-play-crime-series/donations Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Transcribed - Published: 5 February 2025

In this episode of Foul Play, Shane and Gemma are joined by Mike, an expert in detecting deception through body language, as they dive deep into the perplexing case of Sister Cathy. The trio scrutinizes the most promising suspects and unpacks intriguing visuals from The Keepers, shedding new light on evidence that has long baffled investigators. Combining detailed analysis with engaging discussion, they explore the nuances of witness behavior and the subtle cues that may reveal the truth behind the murder. Tune in for an insightful and suspenseful investigation that challenges everything you thought you knew about this cold case. Our Sponsors: * Check out NOCD: https://www.treatmyocd.com Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/foul-play-crime-series/donations Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Transcribed - Published: 3 February 2025

In the final episode of Foul Play: Casey Anthony - Truth or Lies, we unravel the shocking verdict delivered after Casey Anthony's high-profile trial. The jury's decision to acquit Casey of murder, manslaughter, and child neglect leaves lingering questions about what truly happened to Caylee Anthony. Rob Dick shares his firsthand insights, highlighting the prosecution's challenges and the troubling details that suggest Casey’s potential culpability. This episode also examines Casey's life after the trial and the emotional impact on her family. What do you think happened to Caylee? Let us know your thoughts as we conclude this gripping series. Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/foul-play-crime-series/donations Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

Transcribed - Published: 21 January 2025

In this episode of Foul Play: Casey Anthony - Truth or Lies, we delve deeper into the six-week trial that captivated the nation. Witness testimony reveals insights from Casey's friends, housemates, and her mother, Cindy, painting a chilling portrait of events leading up to Caylee's disappearance. Emotional moments in court highlight Cindy Anthony’s distress and Casey’s unsettling jailhouse demeanor. With 116 witnesses and 400 pieces of evidence presented, the prosecution and defense make their closing arguments. Was justice served? Stay tuned for the jury's verdict in the next episode. Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/foul-play-crime-series/donations Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

Transcribed - Published: 15 January 2025

In this episode, we jump to May 24, 2011—the opening day of Casey Anthony’s trial—and hear the prosecution and defense lay out two very different narratives about Caylee’s fate. We explore Rob Dick’s firsthand recollections, including his time living with Casey and her family while she was out on bail. The episode also features key trial audio clips, giving insight into the shifting accusations and tense courtroom exchanges. Join us as we break down the powerful claims made on both sides and set the stage for the weeks of testimony to come. Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/foul-play-crime-series/donations Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

Transcribed - Published: 8 January 2025

In this gripping episode of Casey Anthony: Truth or Lies, we delve into the harrowing discovery of Caylee Anthony's remains and the subsequent fallout. From the persistence of Ron Kronk, the utility worker who first raised alarms, to the controversial courtroom interrogations he faced, we explore the pivotal moments that shifted the case. Hear about the shocking details of the autopsy report, the unsettling involvement of individuals seeking fame, and the heart-wrenching memorial service organized by Caylee's family. Join us as we unravel the tragic truths and lingering mysteries surrounding this infamous case.Visit us online at itsfoulplay.comJoin our Patreon at Patreon.com/FriendsofShane Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/foul-play-crime-series/donations Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

Transcribed - Published: 30 December 2024

In this episode of Foul Play, Shane and Gemma pick up where they left off, completing the intricate timeline of events surrounding the disappearance and murder of Sister Cathy Cesnik. They shed light on pivotal moments, uncover new connections, and discuss the lingering questions that continue to haunt this decades-old case. Listeners will also hear thoughtful responses to more submitted questions, as Shane and Gemma explore fresh perspectives and theories that deepen our understanding of the tragedy. Join them as they continue their pursuit of justice and uncover the stories that demand to be told. Our Sponsors: * Check out Quince: https://quince.com/shane Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/foul-play-crime-series/donations Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

Transcribed - Published: 7 December 2024

In this episode of Casey Anthony: Truth or Lies, we explore the growing chaos surrounding Casey Anthony while she was out on bond. Rob Dick shares how tensions peaked during a live broadcast outside the Anthony home, where protestors and media created a volatile spectacle. Texas EquuSearch's arrival and Casey’s hostile refusal to cooperate only deepened suspicions about her involvement in Caylee’s disappearance. After Casey’s second arrest for writing bad checks, Leonard Padilla and his team seized the opportunity to step away from an increasingly dangerous situation while continuing their pursuit of answers. This episode sets the stage for a turning point in the case, as forensic evidence begins to transform the investigation into a search for justice.Join us on Patreon at Patreon.com/friendsofShane Our Sponsors: * Check out Quince: https://quince.com/shane Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/foul-play-crime-series/donations Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

Transcribed - Published: 4 December 2024

In this episode of Foul Play, Shane and Gemma discuss the significant developments and unanswered questions surrounding the disappearance and murder of Sister Cathy Cesnik. They outline a detailed timeline leading up to and following her disappearance, touching on key events and interactions with people close to her. The episode also delves into the potential involvement of certain individuals, the investigative efforts by the police and FBI, and the forensic analysis of evidence. They address numerous listener-submitted questions, providing comprehensive answers and exploring various theories around the case. Our Sponsors: * Check out Quince: https://quince.com/shane Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/foul-play-crime-series/donations Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

Transcribed - Published: 24 November 2024

In Episode 5 of Casey Anthony: Truth or Lies, titled “What’s for Dinner?”, Casey’s behavior after being released on bond paints a chilling picture. Her first moments back home with her grieving parents show no signs of a mother searching for her missing child—her priorities seem unsettlingly trivial, focused on dinner plans and appearances. Rob Dick and Leonard Padilla, tasked with ensuring her safety, quickly observe her lack of concern for Caylee and an alarming fixation on media attention. Even as the Anthony home becomes a circus of protesters, news crews, and chaos, Casey’s demeanor remains disturbingly detached, sparking deeper doubts about her story. This episode exposes Casey’s manipulative tendencies and the mounting tension surrounding her release, leaving everyone wondering: where is Caylee, and why doesn’t Casey seem to care?Join Shane's new Patreon at Patreon.com/friendsofshane Our Sponsors: * Check out Quince: https://quince.com/shane Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/foul-play-crime-series/donations Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

Transcribed - Published: 19 November 2024

In Episode 4 of Casey Anthony: Truth or Lies, we delve into the tense period following Casey's arrest, as the investigation intensifies. With Caylee still missing, detectives rely on clues from Casey’s Pontiac Sunfire and explore leads from coast-to-coast sightings, but none bear fruit. The introduction of cadaver dogs adds a haunting layer as they detect signs of human decomposition, both in Casey’s trunk and the Anthony family’s backyard. Despite her arrest, Casey secures a $500,000 bond with the help of renowned bounty hunter Leonard Padilla, a decision that provokes public outrage. As Casey returns home, her demeanor, marked by a lack of visible grief or urgency, continues to raise troubling questions about her involvement, painting a disturbing portrait of a mother seemingly unfazed by her daughter’s disappearance.Visit us online here.Try out Shane's History podcast here. You may also like his mystery podcast here! Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/foul-play-crime-series/donations Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Transcribed - Published: 30 October 2024

In Episode 3 of Casey Anthony – Truth or Lies, we explore the events leading up to Cindy Anthony's frantic 911 calls on the evening of July 15, 2008. Cindy, concerned after not seeing her granddaughter Caylee for 31 days, reaches a breaking point. In this episode, we delve into the escalation of tension as Cindy confronts her daughter Casey, demanding answers about Caylee's whereabouts. The 911 calls reveal Cindy's growing panic, Casey's evasiveness, and the unsettling details that emerge. As law enforcement steps in, the mystery deepens, setting the stage for the legal battles that follow.Visit us online at itsfoulplay.comJoin our Patreon at Patreon.com/itsfoulplay Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/foul-play-crime-series/donations Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Transcribed - Published: 23 October 2024

In Episode 2 of our Casey Anthony series, "Playing Games," we dive deeper into the troubling timeline following the last sighting of little Caylee Anthony. Casey’s behavior during these critical days raises unsettling questions as we hear from Tony Lazarro, who recounts how Casey spent time with him, seemingly carefree, while Caylee was missing. From borrowing a neighbor’s shovel to attending a "hot body contest," Casey’s actions paint a disturbing picture. We also explore George and Cindy Anthony’s growing desperation as they struggle to get answers from their daughter, culminating in the discovery of Casey’s abandoned car—reeking of something far more sinister than mere garbage. Tune in as we piece together the chilling details that continue to haunt this case.Visit us online at itsfoulplay.com Our Sponsors: * Check out Quince: quince.com/shane Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/foul-play-crime-series/donations Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Transcribed - Published: 16 October 2024

Welcome to the new season of Foul Play—Casey Anthony: Truth or Lies. In this first episode, titled "Where is Caylee," we begin unraveling the tragic and infamous case of Caylee Anthony's disappearance. Caylee, a bright and beautiful 3-year-old girl, was last seen in June 2008. Her mother, Casey Anthony, soon became the prime suspect in a case that captivated the nation. In this episode, we’ll lay out the timeline leading up to Caylee’s disappearance and explore the mysterious behavior of her mother, Casey. Along with Wendy, we are joined by private investigator Rob Dick, who offers insider knowledge about the case. As we revisit the events, the lies, and the investigations, we’ll ask the question everyone was left wondering: what really happened to Caylee?Visit us online at itsfoulplay.com Our Sponsors: * Check out Quince: quince.com/shane Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/foul-play-crime-series/donations Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Transcribed - Published: 10 October 2024

In this final episode of our series on the Zodiac, we explore a radical new theory that challenges everything we've come to believe about one of America's most infamous killers. Professor Thomas Henry Horan, an academic with a controversial stance, suggests that the Zodiac Killer never truly existed. Through his "Zodiac Hoax Theory," Horan argues that the murders attributed to the Zodiac were, in fact, the work of multiple unrelated killers, with the infamous letters and ciphers being the product of hoaxers. Join us as we unravel this alternative perspective on a case that has perplexed investigators and captivated the public for over five decades.Visit us online at itsfoulplay.comJoin our Patreon at Patreon.com/itsfoulplayListen to Shane's history podcast: Hometown History and his mystery podcast Mystery Inc. Our Sponsors: * Check out Quince: quince.com/shane * Unknown 9: Awakening releases on October 18, 2024 for PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X and S, and PC. Pre-order your copy today and learn more about the Unknown 9 universe at unknown9.com/SHANE Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/foul-play-crime-series/donations Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Transcribed - Published: 2 October 2024

Hello friend, in this episode of The Zodiac, we dive deep into one of the most captivating mysteries of the infamous Zodiac Killer—his cryptic Z340 cipher. For over 50 years, this 340-character code baffled experts, evading even the most skilled cryptographers. In 2020, a breakthrough finally came when a team of codebreakers solved the cipher, revealing chilling new insights into the Zodiac’s twisted psyche. I’ll take you on a journey through decades of attempts to crack the code, the modern technologies used, and the remarkable collaboration that ultimately unraveled one of the most elusive puzzles in true crime history. Join me as we explore this long-awaited victory in the hunt for the Zodiac Killer.Visit me online at itsfoulplay.comJoin me on Patreon at Patreon.com/itsfoulplay Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/foul-play-crime-series/donations Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Transcribed - Published: 19 September 2024

In this episode of the Foul Play Zodiac Crime Series, we dive deep into the film adaptation of the Zodiac Killer case, exploring how the movie portrayed one of the most infamous unsolved mysteries in American history. Through a blend of film clips, interviews, and behind-the-scenes insights, we analyze how the filmmakers captured the intense psychological toll on those involved in the investigation and the haunting uncertainty that still lingers today. The episode not only revisits the chilling events but also delves into the challenges of bringing such a complex story to the big screen, revealing the intricacies of both the case and its cinematic retelling.Visit me online at http://itsfoulplay.com Our Sponsors: * Check out Quince: quince.com/shane Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/foul-play-crime-series/donations Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Transcribed - Published: 4 September 2024

In this episode of Foul Play, we delve into the enigmatic figure of Ross Sullivan, a man whose unsettling behavior and proximity to the 1966 murder of Cheri Jo Bates in Riverside, California, have long fueled speculation about his potential connection to the Zodiac Killer. We explore the circumstantial evidence and eerie coincidences that have led some to suspect Sullivan, from his disturbing poems and cryptographic studies to his resemblance to the Zodiac's composite sketch. Despite the compelling connections, the case against Sullivan remains inconclusive, leaving his role in these infamous crimes shrouded in mystery.Visit me online at itsfoulplay.com Our Sponsors: * Check out Rosetta Stone and use my code TODAY for a great deal: www.rosettastone.com/today Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/foul-play-crime-series/donations Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Transcribed - Published: 27 August 2024

In this episode of Foul Play, we explore the lives and possible connections of two men who have long been suspected of being the elusive Zodiac killer. Lawrence Kane and Gary Francis Poste, both with troubled pasts and eerie coincidences linking them to the Zodiac’s crimes, have captured the attention of investigators and amateur sleuths alike. As we piece together their histories, psychological profiles, and the circumstantial evidence that ties them to the infamous murders, we confront the chilling possibility that one of them could indeed be the Zodiac. Join me as we unravel the mysteries surrounding these two suspects and their potential roles in one of America’s most enduring unsolved cases.Visit me online at itsfoulplay.com Our Sponsors: * Check out Rosetta Stone and use my code TODAY for a great deal: www.rosettastone.com/today Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/foul-play-crime-series/donations Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Transcribed - Published: 14 August 2024

In this conclusion to Brooklyn’s Night of Terror, we dive deeper into the case of the New York Zodiac Copycat. Following the disturbing attacks that left the city in fear, we uncover how the assailant, Heriberto ‘Eddie’ Seda, sought to emulate the infamous San Francisco Zodiac. With astrological signs as his twisted guide, Seda’s spree of violence spanned years, leaving a trail of terror and tragedy. This episode unravels the complex investigation that ultimately led to his capture, revealing the painstaking efforts of law enforcement and the crucial break in the case that brought Seda to justice. Join us as we explore the mind of a copycat killer and the relentless pursuit to end his reign of terror. Don’t miss this gripping conclusion to one of New York’s most harrowing crime stories.Visit me online at itsfoulplay.com Our Sponsors: * Check out Rosetta Stone and use my code TODAY for a great deal: www.rosettastone.com/today Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/foul-play-crime-series/donations Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Transcribed - Published: 8 August 2024

In this episode of Foul Play's Zodiac Crime Series, we delve into the chilling case of the New York Zodiac Copycat. Beginning in 1990, a series of brutal shootings in Brooklyn eerily mirrored the infamous Zodiac killings of California. The assailant, adopting the Zodiac moniker, sent taunting letters to law enforcement, detailing his heinous acts and threatening to kill more. With each attack seemingly linked to astrological signs, the NYPD launched an intense manhunt. Join me as we uncover the terror that gripped New York and the desperate efforts to stop this copycat killer.Visit me online at itsfoulplay.com Our Sponsors: * Check out Rosetta Stone and use my code TODAY for a great deal: www.rosettastone.com/today Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/foul-play-crime-series/donations Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Transcribed - Published: 31 July 2024

In this bonus episode we delve into the chilling events surrounding the mysterious April 1978 letter and the ensuing scandal that rocked the San Francisco Police Department. After a four-year silence, the infamous Zodiac killer seemingly re-emerged, sending a cryptic message to the San Francisco Chronicle that reignited the hunt for the elusive murderer. However, the spotlight soon shifted to Detective Dave Toschi, the lead investigator, when suspicions arose about his potential involvement in fabricating the letter. We explore the intricate web of doubt, the media frenzy, and the impact on Toschi's career as we unravel the layers of this complex case. Join us as we examine the evidence, the accusations, and the legacy of a detective forever haunted by the shadows of the Zodiac.Visit me online at itsfoulplay.comJoin me on Patreon at Patreon.com/itsfoulplay Our Sponsors: * Check out Rosetta Stone and use my code TODAY for a great deal: www.rosettastone.com/today Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/foul-play-crime-series/donations Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Transcribed - Published: 17 July 2024

In Episode 17, we delve into the intricate case against Richard Gaikowski, one of the many suspects in the Zodiac murders. The episode explores the series of letters sent to Detective Ken Narlow by an informant named Blaine Blaine, who claimed Gaikowski, a journalist and editor, was the infamous Zodiac Killer. Despite Blaine's fervent allegations and detailed reports, law enforcement found no substantial evidence linking Gaikowski to the murders. Through a careful examination of Blaine's claims, Gaikowski's background, and the broader context of the Zodiac investigation, we navigate the fine line between suspicion and proof, highlighting the challenges faced by investigators in solving one of America's most notorious cold cases.Visit me online at itsfoulplay.com Our Sponsors: * Check out Rosetta Stone and use my code TODAY for a great deal: www.rosettastone.com/today Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/foul-play-crime-series/donations Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Transcribed - Published: 10 July 2024

In Episode 16 we dive into the shadowy world of Richard ‘Rick’ Marshall, a man whose life intersected with the ongoing mystery of the Zodiac killer. The episode unravels the intriguing story that began with an anonymous letter sent to the Sheriff of Napa County in 1976, suggesting Marshall’s involvement in the Zodiac murders. Through the lens of amateur sleuths and dedicated law enforcement officers, we explore how Marshall’s peculiar interests and unsettling hobbies led him to be scrutinized as a potential suspect. Despite some striking coincidences and eerie similarities, the evidence against Marshall remained inconclusive, leaving more questions than answers in the pursuit of the infamous serial killer.Listeners will be captivated by the tale of how journalist Robert Graysmith’s relentless investigation into the Zodiac case brought Marshall back into the spotlight. From anonymous phone calls to clandestine meetings and detailed personal investigations, Graysmith's quest for truth shines a light on the murky waters of the Zodiac investigation. The episode also discusses the broader impact of such unsolved cases on public psyche and the fine line between uncovering hidden truths and fostering unfounded speculation. Tune in as we delve into the complexities and the lingering mysteries surrounding one of the most enigmatic figures linked to the Zodiac killings. Our Sponsors: * Check out Rosetta Stone and use my code TODAY for a great deal: www.rosettastone.com/today * This episode is sponsored by/brought to you by BetterHelp. Give online therapy a try at betterhelp.com/FOUL and get on your way to being your best self. Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/foul-play-crime-series/donations Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Transcribed - Published: 25 June 2024

In this episode, we delve deeper into the life of Arthur Leigh Allen, a key suspect in the Zodiac killer investigation. The spotlight intensified on Allen as his troubling behaviors and circumstantial evidence painted a suspicious picture. The search of his trailer in 1972 yielded no direct links to the Zodiac murders, but his arrest for molestation in 1974 cast a darker shadow over his character. Despite passing a polygraph test about the Zodiac, the question of his guilt remained a haunting possibility.As the years progressed, the scrutiny on Allen didn't wane. The publication of Robert Graysmith's book "Zodiac" in 1986 reignited public interest and speculation about Allen's involvement. Even though Graysmith used a pseudonym for Allen, whispers of his identity spread. Renewed searches and a final interrogation in the early '90s failed to produce conclusive evidence. Allen's death in 1992 left the mystery unresolved, but the debate over his connection to the Zodiac killings endures, highlighting the complexities and enduring intrigue of one of America's most notorious unsolved cases.Visit us online at itsfoulplay.com Our Sponsors: * Check out Rosetta Stone and use my code TODAY for a great deal: www.rosettastone.com/today * This episode is sponsored by/brought to you by BetterHelp. Give online therapy a try at betterhelp.com/FOUL and get on your way to being your best self. Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/foul-play-crime-series/donations Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Transcribed - Published: 17 June 2024

In this episode, we delve deeper into the life of Arthur Leigh Allen, a key suspect in the Zodiac killer investigation. The spotlight intensified on Allen as his troubling behaviors and circumstantial evidence painted a suspicious picture. The search of his trailer in 1972 yielded no direct links to the Zodiac murders, but his arrest for molestation in 1974 cast a darker shadow over his character. Despite passing a polygraph test about the Zodiac, the question of his guilt remained a haunting possibility.As the years progressed, the scrutiny on Allen didn't wane. The publication of Robert Graysmith's book "Zodiac" in 1986 reignited public interest and speculation about Allen's involvement. Even though Graysmith used a pseudonym for Allen, whispers of his identity spread. Renewed searches and a final interrogation in the early '90s failed to produce conclusive evidence. Allen's death in 1992 left the mystery unresolved, but the debate over his connection to the Zodiac killings endures, highlighting the complexities and enduring intrigue of one of America's most notorious unsolved cases.Visit us online at itsfoulplay.com Our Sponsors: * Check out Rosetta Stone and use my code TODAY for a great deal: www.rosettastone.com/today * This episode is sponsored by/brought to you by BetterHelp. Give online therapy a try at betterhelp.com/FOUL and get on your way to being your best self. Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/foul-play-crime-series/donations Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Transcribed - Published: 17 June 2024

In this episode we delve into the life and suspicions surrounding Arthur Leigh Allen, the most compelling suspect in the infamous Zodiac killer case. From his eerie conversations with Donald Cheney to his disturbing behaviors and connections to the Zodiac's chilling crimes, we unravel the evidence that casts a dark shadow over Allen. Discover how the detectives' relentless pursuit and mounting circumstantial evidence brought Allen into the spotlight, raising the haunting question: was he the elusive Zodiac killer?Join us as we explore the unsettling parallels between Allen's actions and the Zodiac's terrifying spree. From his fascination with the macabre to his ominous statements and peculiar behaviors, this episode paints a vivid portrait of a man whose life and alleged crimes remain shrouded in mystery. Tune in to hear the chilling details and decide for yourself whether Arthur Leigh Allen was the true face behind the Zodiac's mask. Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/foul-play-crime-series/donations Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Transcribed - Published: 6 June 2024

In this episode we delve into the life and suspicions surrounding Arthur Leigh Allen, the most compelling suspect in the infamous Zodiac killer case. From his eerie conversations with Donald Cheney to his disturbing behaviors and connections to the Zodiac's chilling crimes, we unravel the evidence that casts a dark shadow over Allen. Discover how the detectives' relentless pursuit and mounting circumstantial evidence brought Allen into the spotlight, raising the haunting question: was he the elusive Zodiac killer?Join us as we explore the unsettling parallels between Allen's actions and the Zodiac's terrifying spree. From his fascination with the macabre to his ominous statements and peculiar behaviors, this episode paints a vivid portrait of a man whose life and alleged crimes remain shrouded in mystery. Tune in to hear the chilling details and decide for yourself whether Arthur Leigh Allen was the true face behind the Zodiac's mask. Our Sponsors: * Check out Rosetta Stone and use my code TODAY for a great deal: www.rosettastone.com/today Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/foul-play-crime-series/donations Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Transcribed - Published: 6 June 2024

In this episode of Foul Play, we dive deep into the enigmatic world of the Zodiac Killer, reviewing the evidence and discussing the possible motivations behind his terrifying spree across Northern California in the late 1960s. We explore the chilling details of his crimes, from the cryptic ciphers he sent to newspapers to the psychological games he played with law enforcement.Join us as we dissect the Zodiac’s complex profile, analyzing how he managed to evade capture and instill fear in the public. We also examine the recent breakthroughs and ongoing efforts to unmask this elusive killer. Don’t miss this gripping discussion on one of America’s most infamous unsolved cases.Visit us online at itsmysteryinc.comContact us at [email protected] Our Sponsors: * You deserve a healthier way to unwind. Head to takearecess.com/SHANE and get 15% off Recess Mood, your go-to alcohol replacement. Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/foul-play-crime-series/donations Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Transcribed - Published: 29 May 2024

In this episode of Foul Play, we dive deep into the enigmatic world of the Zodiac Killer, reviewing the evidence and discussing the possible motivations behind his terrifying spree across Northern California in the late 1960s. We explore the chilling details of his crimes, from the cryptic ciphers he sent to newspapers to the psychological games he played with law enforcement.Join us as we dissect the Zodiac’s complex profile, analyzing how he managed to evade capture and instill fear in the public. We also examine the recent breakthroughs and ongoing efforts to unmask this elusive killer. Don’t miss this gripping discussion on one of America’s most infamous unsolved cases.Visit us online at itsmysteryinc.comContact us at [email protected] Our Sponsors: * Check out Rosetta Stone and use my code TODAY for a great deal: www.rosettastone.com/today Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/foul-play-crime-series/donations Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Transcribed - Published: 29 May 2024

In this episode of the Foul Play, we delve into the final letters of the Zodiac Killer, exploring his chilling correspondence from 1971 to 1974. Discover the eerie silence that fell over California and the unsettling resurgence of communication that kept the nation on edge. We’ll examine the chilling threats, cryptic ciphers, and the taunting messages that left investigators and the public in a state of constant fear and uncertainty.Join us as we unravel the mysteries behind these cryptic messages, the taunts to law enforcement, and the lingering questions that continue to haunt investigators to this day. We’ll explore the various theories about the Zodiac’s identity, his possible motives, and the enduring impact of his reign of terror. Don’t miss this deep dive into the mind of one of America’s most enigmatic and elusive serial killers.Visit us online at itsfoulplay.com Our Sponsors: * Check out Rosetta Stone and use my code TODAY for a great deal: www.rosettastone.com/today Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/foul-play-crime-series/donations Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Transcribed - Published: 24 May 2024

In this episode of the Foul Play, we delve into the final letters of the Zodiac Killer, exploring his chilling correspondence from 1971 to 1974. Discover the eerie silence that fell over California and the unsettling resurgence of communication that kept the nation on edge. We’ll examine the chilling threats, cryptic ciphers, and the taunting messages that left investigators and the public in a state of constant fear and uncertainty.Join us as we unravel the mysteries behind these cryptic messages, the taunts to law enforcement, and the lingering questions that continue to haunt investigators to this day. We’ll explore the various theories about the Zodiac’s identity, his possible motives, and the enduring impact of his reign of terror. Don’t miss this deep dive into the mind of one of America’s most enigmatic and elusive serial killers.Visit us online at itsfoulplay.com Our Sponsors: * This episode is brought to you by BetterHelp. Give online therapy a try at betterhelp.com/FOUL and get on your way to being your best self. * You deserve a healthier way to unwind. Head to takearecess.com/SHANE and get 15% off Recess Mood, your go-to alcohol replacement. Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/foul-play-crime-series/donations Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Transcribed - Published: 24 May 2024