Episode 567: Fred & Rose West (Part 4)

Embark on an eerie exploration of one of history's most notorious cult leaders with Ash Kelley and Alaina Urquhart in "Morbid," the podcast that exhumes the darkest chapters of true crime. In a continuation of their examination of Charles Manson's nefarious influence, Ash and Alaina untangle the threads of Manson's twisted aspirations and the infamous Tate and LaBianca murders. Listeners will follow the complex saga of Leslie Van Houten's parole struggles and the LAPD's failure to connect these brutal crimes sooner, all set against Manson's unachieved dreams of musical stardom.

As the narrative of fear unfolds, the hosts pivot to celebrate advocacy and resilience. They honor the victims and their families, with special attention to Doris Tate's groundbreaking work in victim’s rights, setting a stage for both remembrance and reform. The hosts convey their excitement for the podcast's evolution, teasing future episodes revolving around lesser-known cases and conspiracy threads. Meanwhile, they extend their gratitude towards the listener community and build anticipation for the launch of their Patreon page, promising exclusive content while inviting robust audience interaction through social media engagement. "Morbid" not only promises a gripping true crime journey but also a growing platform that values its audience's voice and participation.

Immerse yourself in the murky depths of "Murder, Mystery & Makeup," where Bailey Sarian uncovers the mystery of the infamous Jack the Ripper. Sarian paints a vivid picture of a world in turmoil, where societal chaos, strained ethnic associations, poverty, and widespread prostitution rule the streets of Whitechapel, East London. As she narrates the gruesome killings that plagued the area, Sarian explores the chilling account of Mary Ann Nichols and the shockingly precise murder of Annie Chapman, stimulating speculations of an accomplice's involvement.

This gripping podcast by Bailey Sarian doesn't stop at the surface, delving deeper into the struggles of nineteenth-century criminal investigations. Sarian promises to unpack theories, mysterious letters, and potential suspects in future episodes, actively engaging listeners for input. Amid the thrilling narratives, Sarian intermingles reminders of her collaboration with Casetify and intriguing glimpses into her personal interests such as makeup experiments, creating a unique blend of mystery, history, and personal insights.

Media are rife with haunting stories of true crime, but some accounts are more chilling than others—particularly those that involve torture and murder. In If You Tell, Gregg Olsen recounts the story of notorious abuser and murderer Shelly Knotek, who, along with her husband Dave, abused and tortured their daughters, nephew, and two boarders—resulting in three deaths. Olsen is a best-selling true crime author and novelist who was asked to write this story by the Knotek daughters themselves.

In our guide, we'll discuss the ways in which Shelly abused her victims along with Dave’s help. We’ll also look specifically at how she lured two friends to become boarders at her home and then killed them, and we’ll look at the events leading up to Shelly and Dave’s arrests and convictions. Additionally, we’ll add information about the psychology of abuse and psychopathy, compare it to similar stories of child abuse, and add context about the legal system and its responsibilities in cases like these.

In The Waltham Murders, Susan Clare Zalkind takes a personal look into the unsolved homicides of three young men in Waltham, Massachusetts. Tied to these tragic events is her friend Erik Weissman, one of the victims whose life was cut short.

Zalkind guides readers through the investigation, examining potential connections to Tamerlan Tsarnaev and Ibragim Todashev, as well as allegations of police corruption. With firsthand accounts of the victims' families, she highlights how the Boston Marathon bombings and legal proceedings shaped the probe into these brutal killings.

In 1985, a 68-year-old woman was assaulted and murdered in Beatrice, Nebraska. Five people confessed, but 19 years later, they were exonerated. Still, some can’t shake the memories implanted in their minds and still wonder if they’re truly innocent.

In Conviction, prosecutor Juan Martínez provides an inside look at the evidence and strategy behind the high-profile trial of Jodi Arias. This detailed account examines how prosecutors built a case against Arias through meticulous crime scene analysis and compelling testimony from key witnesses. It unveils how prosecutors challenged Arias's shifting narratives and confronted her attempts to mislead the court.

While the sensational murder trial captivated national attention, the book offers insights into the intricate process of empaneling an impartial jury and constructing a convincing argument to secure a conviction. The case culminated with Judge Sherry Stephens sentencing Arias to life without parole, concluding a prolonged sentencing phase that kept the public riveted.

All the alarming statistics about child abuse and neglect—millions of cases reported each year, killing nearly five children each day—don’t begin to illustrate how victims experience abuse. In A Child Called 'It', author Dave Pelzer provides a rare and grisly glimpse into his experience of severe physical and psychological abuse at his mother’s hands.

In one of the worst child abuse cases reported in California’s history at the time, Pelzer was starved, burned on the stove, regularly locked in the bathroom with a noxious mixture of ammonia and Clorox, and forbidden from speaking to or looking at any of his family members. Through it all, Pelzer maintained an indomitable will to survive that’s a testament to the strength of the human spirit even under the bleakest circumstances.

The trauma of Jason Wilson's youth shaped his emotional growth and development. In Cry Like a Man, he details his difficult childhood, marred by abuse, loss, and societal pressures that led him to bottle up his feelings and resort to unhealthy coping mechanisms. Wilson explores his profound spiritual transformation, his purpose in mentoring youth to overcome similar emotional turmoil, and the obstacles he faced in his personal relationships.

Through his faith-based transformative training programs, Wilson has positively impacted thousands of young men across Detroit. He bravely reckons with his past to become the mentor he never had but so desperately needed.

American Black Widow takes a deep dive into the chilling story of Sharon Nelson, a woman who led a life marred by tragedies, deceit, and the mysterious deaths of her two husbands. Gregg Olsen's book unfolds the complex web of Sharon's lifelong struggles, stemming from her restrictive upbringing and traumatic experiences, as well as her relentless pursuit of wealth and infidelity in relationships.

The summary chronicles Sharon's confessions to her role in orchestrating the murders, and the profound impact her actions had on her family and the broader community. It offers an intriguing look into the life of a woman whose dark choices and unrelenting schemes culminated in profound betrayal and heartbreak.

In The Waltham Murders, Susan Clare Zalkind takes a personal look into the unsolved homicides of three young men in Waltham, Massachusetts. Tied to these tragic events is her friend Erik Weissman, one of the victims whose life was cut short.

Zalkind guides readers through the investigation, examining potential connections to Tamerlan Tsarnaev and Ibragim Todashev, as well as allegations of police corruption. With firsthand accounts of the victims' families, she highlights how the Boston Marathon bombings and legal proceedings shaped the probe into these brutal killings.

In an emotionally charged episode of "Rotten Mango," Stephanie Soo and her co-host take listeners through the heart-wrenching details of the Sewol ferry disaster, where over 300 people, mostly high school students, tragically lost their lives on a trip to Jeju Island. The podcast examines the chronological events that lead to the ship's sinking, the failure of cargo securement due to overloading, and the consequent tipping point that set the stage for disaster. They discuss the immediate reactions, heroic acts of bravery, and the chilling farewell messages from students to their loved ones, painting a vivid and heartbreaking picture of the tragedy.

Beyond the recounting of that ill-fated day, "Rotten Mango" explores the depths of human error and systemic failures responsible for the calamity. The episode dissects the negligence of companies prioritizing profit over safety, the inadequate crisis response from authorities, and the incidents of regulatory lapses that contributed to the chaos amidst the crisis. With a focus on the psychological toll on survivors and the national mourning that followed, the podcast offers a profound reflection on accountability and the resilience of the human spirit. As they discuss the aftermath and the cultural response to the disaster, Stephanie Soo and her co-host challenge listeners to contemplate the societal behavior and leadership actions that can either hinder or help in moments of dire need.

Delve into the twisted narrative of one of history's most infamous serial killers with "Morbid" hosts Ash Kelley and Alaina Urquhart as they inaugurate their multi-part series in "Morbid: A True Crime Podcast." In this episode, the seasoned duo skillfully juxtaposes their macabre subject with their characteristic wit, drawing listeners into the complexity of Ted Bundy's early life. With the easy accessibility of ad-free listening through Amazon Prime and Wondery Plus, the hosts set the stage for an in-depth journey through the darkened corridors of Bundy's mind, inviting true crime aficionados to find a community in Morbid's experiences and insights.

As Kelley and Urquhart delicately peel back the layers of Bundy's formative years, they spark thoughtful reflection on whether a tumultuous upbringing could be a harbinger of the horrors to come. Examining his dysfunctional family dynamics, manipulative romantic liaisons, and the inception of his gruesome acts, they bring chilling clarity to Bundy's descent into iniquity. With profound rejections of misguided narratives and an unwavering focus on Bundy's accountability, Morbid promises its listeners not just a recount but a critical analysis of the societal shockwaves emanating from Bundy's reign of terror. Stay gripped as the series resolves to unveil further dissections of Bundy's despicable crimes, and unpick the somber implications lingering in the collective memory of society.