205: Daughter Hides Parents Bodies For Years, Freezer For Sale Had Head & Hands Inside, Man Murders Brothers & Daughter Cooks Mom’s Body Parts
In this episode of SERIALously, the podcast explores several disturbing cases involving family violence and murder. Listeners will hear about relatives killing their own kin, with details like a daughter poisoning and attacking her elderly parents, a man's suspected murders of his half-brothers, and a daughter cooking her dismembered mother's body parts.
The episode also covers cases where remains were discovered years after the deaths occurred, such as a teenager's body found in a freezer and an elderly woman's death shortly before her daughter's visit. Additionally, the summary outlines other violent crimes, including a fatal stabbing after a parking dispute and a social media influencer charged with murdering a therapist.
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1-Page Summary
Cases of family members killing other family members
Virginia McCullough murdered her elderly parents
Virginia McCullough, 36, killed her parents John and Lois in 2019 by poisoning and attacking them, according to Margo Sanger-Katz. She hid their bodies in her home for years, providing excuses about their whereabouts. McCullough committed the murders due to financial issues, having drained her parents' savings.
Seth South accused of killing his half-brothers
Seth South allegedly murdered his two half-brothers, according to Michael Barbaro. He initially claimed one slit his own throat but later confessed then denied the killings. Evidence suggests a violent altercation occurred.
Cases of suspicious disappearances and remains being discovered years later
Amanda Overstreet's remains found in a freezer
Amanda Overstreet went missing in 2005 at age 16 but was never reported missing, Barbaro notes. Her remains were recently found in a freezer in her family's former home, with speculation of her parents' involvement.
Patricia murdered shortly before her daughter's visit
78-year-old Patricia was strangled hours before her daughter Stephanie's planned visit, Sanger-Katz explains. Earlier, Patricia reported a wallet theft and burglary, though with no forced entry, suggesting potential familiarity with the assailant.
Cases of violent altercations leading to murder
Tristan Salvador Thomas stabbed after apartment dispute
Tristan was fatally stabbed after confronting a neighbor over a parking issue, according to Barbaro. Though Tristan was portrayed as the aggressor, video evidence contradicted claims against him. Three individuals face charges in his death.
Toralina murdered and dismembered her mother Trudy Fields
Sanger-Katz describes how Trudy Fields' dismembered remains were found cooked and scattered in her home by her daughter Toralina, who was arrested after tear gas was used.
The case of a social media influencer allegedly committing murder
TikToker Tarian Thomas charged with murdering therapist
Tarian "Mr. Prada" Thomas was charged with murdering 69-year-old William Abraham, Barbaro reports. Surveillance footage suggests a violent altercation occurred in Thomas' apartment before Abraham's body was disposed of. The motive remains unclear.
1-Page Summary
Additional Materials
Actionables
- You can enhance your personal safety by regularly updating your home security system and ensuring it includes modern features like motion sensors and cameras, which could deter potential assailants and provide evidence in case of any incidents.
- Develop a habit of checking in with elderly family members or neighbors to foster a sense of community and potentially identify any signs of distress or financial hardship that could lead to desperate actions.
- Engage in conflict resolution training or workshops to better handle disputes, such as those over parking, which can escalate quickly; learning de-escalation techniques can help prevent violent outcomes.
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Cases of family members killing other family members
Family tragedy takes a dark turn when financial struggles lead to fatal outcomes, as in the cases of Virginia McCullough and Seth South.
A woman in the UK killed her elderly parents and hid their bodies in her home for years
In a chilling revelation, 36-year-old Virginia McCullough from Chelmsford, Essex, was sentenced to a minimum of 36 years in prison after confessing to the murder of her parents. McCullough admitted to the crimes during a welfare check conducted by the police in September of 2023, revealing a haunting tale of deceit and murder that began in June of 2019.
36-year-old Virginia McCullough murdered her parents, John and Lois, in 2019 by poisoning her father and violently attacking her mother
Virginia McCullough murdered her father, Jonathan, and her mother, Lars, in an attempt to cover up financial misdeeds. McCullough confessed to slipping pills into her father's drink, and although he only drank about half, she found him deceased the next morning. For her mother, whom she described as a more complicated situation, McCullough resorted to even more violent means. After sedating her mother with the poisoned drink, which did not kill her, McCullough attacked her the following day with a hammer and stabbed her multiple times while she lay in bed listening to the radio.
McCullough then hid her parents' bodies in her home, disguising the tomb for her father and concealing her mother's body in a dresser
In a gruesome cover-up, McCullough concealed her father's body in a makeshift tomb made from concrete blocks in his study, which she disguised to look like a bed frame. Her mother's body was wrapped in a sleeping bag and stuffed inside a dresser or wardrobe.
McCullough provided excuses to her parents' friends, family, and doctors about their whereabouts for years, until police conducted a welfare check and she confessed
For years, Virginia McCullough deceived everyone around her by providing various excuses for her parents' absences to friends, family members, and doctors, claiming they were traveling, sick, had moved away, or were on long trips. The misdirection continued until mounting concerns over the couple's lengthy absence, missed doctor's appointments, and uncollected prescriptions led to a police investigation.
McCullough committed the murders due to financial issues, as she had been secretly draining her parents' savings and racking up debt on their credit cards
Virginia McCullough was living with her parents rent-free, under the false pretense of working as a web designe ...
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Cases of family members killing other family members
Additional Materials
Actionables
- You can enhance your personal safety by setting up regular check-ins with family or friends, especially when one of you is going through a tough time financially or emotionally, to ensure everyone's well-being and to offer support if needed. This creates a safety net where unusual absences or behaviors are noticed quickly, potentially preventing harm or escalation of issues.
- Develop a habit of reviewing your financial statements monthly to spot any unauthorized transactions or signs of identity theft, which could indicate someone is misusing your financial information. This proactive approach helps you catch discrepancies early and take action to secure your accounts.
- Educate yourse ...
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Cases of suspicious disappearances and remains being discovered years later
In a chilling reminder that the past can hold dark secrets, two recent cases have brought to light the grim reality of disappearances and murders that went undetected for years.
The case of Amanda Overstreet, whose remains were found in a freezer in her family's former home
Amanda Overstreet, the biological daughter of the home's previous owners, went missing in 2005 at the age of 16, and was never reported as missing
In a shocking revelation, DNA testing confirmed that the head and hands found in a freezer at a residential property belonged to 16-year-old Amanda Overstreet, who vanished in April 2005. Amanda was the biological daughter of the home's previous residents, Bradley David Ammar and Leanne Overstreet. After her disappearance, Amanda's family told inquiring neighbors that she had been sent to Texas. However, friends could not file a missing person's report because they were not related by blood. Further intrigue surrounded the case as neighbors recalled a foul smell from the house shortly after Amanda disappeared, and inquiries to her mother through Facebook were met with claims of ignorance about Amanda's location. The house had changed owners since Amanda's disappearance, and the new homeowners, who made the grim discovery of her remains, are not connected to the case. Despite this gruesome find, investigators treat Amanda's death as an isolated incident, suggesting a possible domestic nature, with speculation rife about her parents' involvement.
The case of Patricia, who was murdered shortly before her daughter's scheduled visit
78-year-old Patricia was strangled to death in her home, just hours before her daughter Stephanie was set to arrive for a visit
Patricia's case adds another layer of dread, as she was strangled in her own home mere hours before her daughter Stephanie's scheduled visit. Patricia's demise became appa ...
Here’s what you’ll find in our full summary
Cases of suspicious disappearances and remains being discovered years later
Additional Materials
Actionables
- You can enhance your personal safety by regularly updating your contact information and whereabouts with a trusted friend or family member. This creates a safety net, ensuring someone always knows your location, especially when traveling or moving. For example, before leaving for a trip, text a friend your expected arrival time and check in with them once you reach your destination.
- Improve your home security by installing a simple door and window alarm system. These systems can alert you to any unauthorized entry, which is particularly useful if you live alone or in an area with a high crime rate. Many affordable, user-friendly options are available that don't require professional installation, such as adhesive alarms that sound when a door or window is opened.
- Protect your financial informatio ...
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Cases of violent altercations leading to murder
The killing of Tristan Salvador Thomas in an apartment complex argument
Tristan Salvador Thomas was fatally stabbed at an Oregon apartment complex on September 21st. The altercation began when Tristan confronted his neighbor, Christopher Stewart, over the parking of Christopher's motorcycle. It escalated into a fight, with Christopher assaulting Tristan, who defended himself with pepper spray. Tristan reported the assault to the police, but no arrests were made. Later, Tristan requested a welfare check on Christopher's apartment after suspect noises were heard, though police found nothing.
Later that night, Tristan called 911 to report an attempted confrontation by Christopher, his friends Chad and Samantha, and Christopher's daughter. The call was cut short, and a returned call from 911 was intercepted by Samantha, who dismissed the urgency despite Tristan's cries for help. Upon arrival, police discovered Tristan gravely injured with multiple stab wounds.
Despite the claims from Christopher, Chad, and Samantha that Tristan was stalking Christopher's daughter and was armed with a knife, bystander video contradicted their narrative, depicting Tristan's pleas and their aggression. Tristan died of his injuries on October 3rd. Christopher, Chad, and Samantha are charged with offenses including murder and assault. Samantha insists Tristan initiated the violence, but photos of Chad's injuries raised police suspicion due to a lack of defensive wounds. Tristan's family remembers him as a community pillar, and they have established a GoFundMe to cover funeral expenses.
The gruesome murder of Trudy Fields by her own daughter, Toralina
In Robertson ...
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Cases of violent altercations leading to murder
Additional Materials
Actionables
- You can enhance your personal safety by taking a community-based self-defense class, which will equip you with the skills to protect yourself in various situations, similar to how Tristan used pepper spray in self-defense. These classes often cover conflict de-escalation, situational awareness, and physical defense techniques, providing you with a well-rounded approach to staying safe.
- Improve your conflict resolution skills by practicing active listening and empathy in daily interactions, aiming to prevent disputes from escalating as seen in the altercation over parking. By focusing on understanding the other person's perspective and finding common ground, you can often defuse tense situations before they become dangerous.
- Support individuals affected ...
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The case of a social media influencer allegedly committing murder
The case of Tarian Thomas, a popular TikTok influencer, accused of murdering a therapist
Tarian Thomas, a TikTok influencer known as "Mr. Prada," stands accused of a disturbing crime—the murder of 69-year-old William Abraham.
Tarian Thomas, known as "Mr. Prada" on TikTok, was charged with the murder of 69-year-old William Abraham, whose body was found wrapped in a tarp
In a shocking turn of events, the body of 69-year-old William Abraham was discovered wrapped in a tarp along a highway. He was confirmed dead from blunt force trauma and his demise was ruled a homicide. Adding to the case’s complexity, Tarian Thomas, with his substantial social media following, was charged with William's murder.
Surveillance footage and evidence from Tarian's apartment suggest a violent altercation between the two, leading to William's death
The investigation into the murder was aided by surveillance footage, which showed William Abraham’s car captured at a shopping center and later recorded Tarian leading police on a car chase, an event that concluded with Tarian’s capture in Texas. Additional footage from Tarian's apartment building indicated William's arrival and subsequently, Tarian dragging a blue tarp—believed to be concealing William's body—downstairs to his car. The evidence of a violent physical altercation was substantial, as police found William's blood, sharp objects, and other weapons inside Tarian's apartment.
The motive for the alleged murder is still under investigation, as it does not appear that William was Tarian's patient
Compounding the tragedy, the motive be ...
Here’s what you’ll find in our full summary
The case of a social media influencer allegedly committing murder
Additional Materials
Actionables
- You can enhance your personal safety by regularly updating your emergency contacts and sharing your location with trusted friends or family when meeting new people or going to unfamiliar places. This strategy is a proactive measure to ensure that someone always knows your whereabouts, which can be crucial in emergencies. For example, before going on a date with someone you met online, let a friend know where you'll be and check in with them at a predetermined time.
- Develop critical thinking about online personas by comparing the content influencers share with their real-life actions when such information becomes public. This helps you maintain a healthy skepticism about the personas people create online. For instance, if an influencer is involved in a scandal or crime, take the time to research and understand the situation rather than taking their social media presence at face value.
- Encourage open discussions with peers about the potential dangers of idolizing s ...
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