Horrorwood: True Crime in Tinseltown

Hello Misfits! Our lives have been a teeny bit bananas lately so we're taking the week off and bringing back an episode from this time last year. We're talking about the 1984 holiday classic "Gremlins." We've got WWII fighter pilots, inspiration from Playboy, and lots of mice and cockroaches. Who knew?   Episode Sources: “Gremlin Trouble!: The Cursed Roald Dahl Film Disney Never Made” by Jim Korkis “Creature Feature: The Oral History of ‘Gremlins’” by Alan Siegel, The Ringer, Jun 6, 2024 “Sexual Anxiety? Racism? The Vietnam War? No One Knows What ‘Gremlins’ Is a Metaphor For” by JM McNab, Cracked, May 23, 2023 “The 50 Most Racist Movies” Complex, May 9, 2012 “Roald Dahl, Author of Gremlins Book, Visits The Walt Disney Studios” by Lucas Seastrom, WaltDisney.org, Dec 9, 2021 “Why Gremlins Didn't Use Monkeys To Create The Special Effects” by Gregory Wakeman, CinemaBlend, Jun 22, 2015 “Chris Columbus on why 'Gremlins' is a Christmas movie — and the dark Santa story the studio wanted to cut out” by Kevin Polowy, Yahoo! Entertainment, Dec 18, 2020 "'Gremlins' Writer Chris Columbus on His Hard R, Darker Original Script” by Adam Chitwood, Collider, Nov 24, 2020 All the Right Movies Podcast “21 Crazy Facts Behind The Making Of The Gremlin Movies” by Christopher Hodges, Screen Rant, Aug 24, 2018 “The True Origin of Disney’s Gremlins” by Jim Korkis, Mouse Planet, Apr 5, 2017 “Protecting the Gremlins” by Jim Korkis, Mouse Planet, Jun 27, 2018 “Gremlins Week: The Evolution Of Gizmo” by Nick De Semlyen, Empire, Jun 30, 2014 “Gremlins' Director Had A Wild Theory For The Mogwai Origin” by Murray Ferguson, Screen Rant, Dec 13, 2021   Join our Patreon! https://www.patreon.com/horrorwoodpodcast   Follow us! IG, FB   Send us an email: horrorwoodpodcast@gmail.com   Creeptastic theme music by: Nicholas Davio - nicholasdavio.com, @mr.nick.davio, @huron_coast   Privacy Policy

Aisling "Tucker" Moore-Reed was a young writer and indie-film actress, building her life around creativity and advocacy. But behind the scenes her family was locked in a long, bitter struggle over money and property. When tensions boiled over at the Oregon ranch where her family lived, she became the center of a case that blurred the line between truth, performance, and fear.   For ad-free and bonus episodes: Subscribe on Apple Podcasts -OR- Join our Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/horrorwoodpodcast   Follow us! IG, FB   Send us an email: horrorwoodpodcast@gmail.com   Episode Sources: “Actress Who Played Killer in Movie Fatally Shot Her Uncle in Real Life Amid Family Financial Dispute” by Jill Sederstrom, January 17, 2025, Oxygen “Horror film actress sentenced to 6 years for manslaughter in killing of her uncle” by KTVL, May 27, 2020, KTVL “Local author charged with murder allegedly caught with heroin in jail” by Newsroom Staff, January 3, 2020, KOBI-TV NBC5 “Actress playing murderer in film charged in real life for killing uncle” by Lauren Botchan, November 8, 2019, ABC News “Star of indie horror film charged with real-life murder is focus of Friday’s ‘Dateline’” by Ariel Harmer, December 29, 2023, Deseret News “'SELF-DEFENSE' Who is Aisling Tucker Moore-Reed and where is she now?” by Ashley Vega, December 29, 2023, The U.S. Sun “From the Dark” on IMDb “I Spoke Out About Being Raped and Sparked a Movement at My College” by Tucker Reed, August 13, 2014, Cosmopolitan “Dateline: Killer Role” Season 29, Episode 44, NBC, Peacock Streaming “Killer Role - Dateline” Podcast from NBC News   Creeptastic theme music by: Nicholas Davio - nicholasdavio.com, @mr.nick.davio, @huron_coast   Privacy Policy

We've got a special treat for you today, Misfits! We're chatting with some of the cast and crew from the post-apocalyptic comedy "Cuisine de la 'Pocalypse." It's the end of the world and the zombies are attacking, the robots are invading and a wi-fi signal is nearly impossible to come by. Enter Chef John, who wants nothing more than to get his cooking show on the air and broadcast to the world (what's left of it, anyway). Today we're talking with writer/director Kyle Weingart, actor Kevin Jack (Chef John) and producer/actor Zuzu Weingart (Laura). WATCH "CUISINE DE LA 'POCALYPSE"   For ad-free and bonus episodes: Subscribe on Apple Podcasts -OR- Join our Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/horrorwoodpodcast   Follow us! IG, FB   Send us an email: horrorwoodpodcast@gmail.com   Creeptastic theme music by: Nicholas Davio - nicholasdavio.com, @mr.nick.davio, @huron_coast   Privacy Policy

On Thanksgiving weekend, 1942, the city of Boston was abuzz. Men serving in WWII were home on leave for the holiday, movie star Buck Jones was in town on a war bond tour as well as promoting his two upcoming films, and the undefeated Boston College Eagles were eager to celebrate a surefire victory over their rivals, the Holy Cross Crusaders. However, on the morning of Saturday, November 28, when Boston Globe reporter Jerry Nason wrote "This is anything-can-happen day," he had no idea how prophetic his statement would prove to be.   To donate to the Cocoanut Grove Memorial Fund, visit www.cocoanutgrove.org or click here.   For ad-free and bonus episodes: Subscribe on Apple Podcasts -OR- Join our Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/horrorwoodpodcast   Follow us! IG, FB   Send us an email: horrorwoodpodcast@gmail.com   Episode Sources: “The Story of the Cocoanut Grove Fire” Boston Fire Historical Society “The Cocoanut Grove Revisited” by Daniel J. Fleming, National Archives, Fall 2017 “The deadliest disaster in Boston’s history happened 75 years ago. Some worry the city is forgetting.” By Nik DeCosta-Klipa, Nov 28, 2017 “Inside the Cocoanut Grove disaster, America's deadliest nightclub fire that killed 492 people in 15 minutes” by James Pasley, Business Insider, Jan 2, 2020 “Cocoanut Grove Fire – Special Section” Boston Fire Historical Society “Bob Shumway, last known survivor of the deadly Cocoanut Grove nightclub fire, dies at 101” by Bryan Marquard, The Boston Globe, Nov 12, 2025 Report Concerning the Cocoanut Grove Fire of November 28, 1942, William Arthur Reilly, Fire Commissioner, Nov 19, 1943 “The Cocoanut Grove Inferno” by Jack Thomas, The Boston Globe, Nov 22, 1992 “DEATH AT THE COCOANUT GROVE: HORRORS OF AMERICA'S WORST NIGHTCLUB FIRE” American Hauntings “Hoofbeats” “SHAME ON YOU” by Dotty Myles; Vin Parlay Ensemble, Harold Aptt “Next Tokyo Raid to Honor Dancer” The Brattleboro Reformer, Jan 19, 1945 “The Fire That Changed the Way We Think About Grief” by Eva K. Rosenfeld, The Harvard Crimson Buck Jones blog “The Cocoanut Grove Nightclub Fire: A Boston Tragedy” by Stephanie Schorow, Oct 31, 2022 Cocoanut Grove Fire - Special Section, Boston Fire Historical Society “Cocoanut Grove Nightclub Fire Survivor Stories” National Fire Protection Association   Creeptastic theme music by: Nicholas Davio - nicholasdavio.com, @mr.nick.davio, @huron_coast   Privacy Policy

When director Ti West checked into the Yankee Pedlar Inn in Torrington, CT, he had no idea his accommodations would provide the inspiration for his next horror film. "The Innkeepers," set and shot in the historic building, follows two employees on a quest to explore the haunted location. Life began to imitate art, however, when the film's cast and crew began experiencing spooky events while residing at the inn during production.   Subscribe on Apple Podcasts   Join our Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/horrorwoodpodcast   Follow us! IG, FB   Send us an email: horrorwoodpodcast@gmail.com   Episode Sources: “Torrington’s ‘Yankee Pedlar Inn’ Considered One of America’s Most Haunted Locations” by Ethan Carey, October 4, 2024, i95: The Home of Rock’N’Roll “The Yankee Pedlar Inn, Torrington” by Ray Bendici, Damned Connecticut “Connecticut’s Yankee Pedlar Inn Is Among The Most Haunted Places In The Nation” by Lisa Sammons, August 9, 2024, Only In Connecticut “Yankee Inn-genuity” by BusinessWest Staff, November 26, 2007, Business West “Ti West On the Real Haunting That Inspired ‘The Innkeepers’” by Nigel M. Smith, February 2, 2012, IndieWire “Ti West Believed His Set Was Haunted, So He Made His Next Movie About It” by Riley Presnell, August 28, 2023, Collider “Haunted Historical Horror: Ti West’s The Innkeepers” by C.H. Newell, September 9, 2015, Father Son Holy Gore “Q&A: Checking In With Ti West On THE INNKEEPERS” by Michael Gingold, February 3, 2019, Fangoria “The real-life haunting of Ti West and ‘The Innkeepers’” by Thomas Coll, February 18, 2024, Far Out Magazine “Yankee Pedlar Inn” from Fright Find “Torrington's abandoned Yankee Pedlar Inn has a buyer, but the sale needs court's approval” by Sloan Brewster, May 12, 2025, CT Insider “Torrington seeks $6.9M in grants for environmental cleanup of Yankee Pedlar Inn and other sites” by Sloan Brewster, March 17, 2025, CT Insider “Torrington officials call hotel extension 'disappointing' as owners secure financing” by Emily M. Olson, February 21, 2024, The Register Citizen “Torrington takes control of Yankee Pedlar's future with receivership ruling: 'Look at possibilities'” by Emily M. Olson, July 31, 2024, The Register Citizen “The House of the Devil (2009)” from IMDb “The Innkeepers (2011)” from IMDb   Creeptastic theme music by: Nicholas Davio - nicholasdavio.com, @mr.nick.davio, @huron_coast   Privacy Policy

One week before Thanksgiving in 1995, model/actress Linda Sobek disappeared. The last people to speak with her - her mom and her roommates - all said the same thing: that she was headed to a photo shoot. Tragically, she never made it back home. Linda's case inspired Anthony Zuiker to create the television series "CSI: Crime Scene Investigation."   Join our Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/horrorwoodpodcast   Follow us! IG, FB   Send us an email: horrorwoodpodcast@gmail.com   Episode Sources: “Linda Sobek: Model Gone in a Flash” by Rebecca Reisner, Forensic Files Now, May 19, 2024 “CSI at 25: How a Guy From Vegas Forever Changed TV” by Jim Halterman, Television Academy “Jury Convicts Rathbun of Model Sobek’s Murder” by Greg Krikorian & Deborah Belgum, L.A. Times, Nov 2, 1996 “She Was an NFL Cheerleader Who Landed a Role on Married... with Children. Then She Vanished Hours Before a Fitting” by Virginia Chamlee, People, Oct 2, 2025 “Photographer Named Suspect in Slaying of Second Model : Crime: A witness reports seeing Charles E. Rathbun with Kimberly Pandelios about a month before her 1992 disappearance. Her body was found in the Angeles Forest.” By Greg Krikorian & Kenneth Reich, LA Times, Nov 30, 1995 “Friends, Others Offer Complex View of Rathbun : Profile: Descriptions of the top auto photographer, suspected in the slaying of a Hermosa Beach model, range from a nice, social guy to a loner with a temper. Investigators find it equally difficult to pin down simple aspects of his life.” By Eric Slater, L.A. Times, Dec 11, 1995 “Magazine Serves as Memorial to Slain Model Sobek” by Eric Slater, L.A. Times, Jan 27, 1996 “Sobek Family’s Nightmare” by Greg Krikorian, L.A. Times, Oct 27, 1996 “Model’s Body Recovered From Angeles Forest” by Lorenza Munoz & Duke Helfand, L.A. Times, Nov 26, 1995 “`DEATH' PHOTOS FOUND IN SUSPECT'S HOME” The Roanoke Times, Associated Press, Nov 28 1995 “Forensic Files - Season 6, Episode 11 - Photo Finish” “The Real Murders of Los Angeles - S1, E2 - Final Photograph” - Peacock “People Magazine Investigates: Crimes of Fashion - A1, E2 - Killing of Linda Sobek” “Criminalist Contradicts Rathbun’s Testimony” by Greg Krikorian, L.A. Times, Oct 23, 1996 “Rathbun’s Defense May Focus on Victim’s Life” by Greg Krikorian, L.A. Times, Sep 16, 1996   Creeptastic theme music by: Nicholas Davio - nicholasdavio.com, @mr.nick.davio, @huron_coast   Privacy Policy

Her case inspired the 2005 film "The Exorcism of Emily Rose." Anneliese Michel was a young woman from Germany whose quiet, faithful life took a terrifying turn when she began hearing voices and seeing dark figures no one else could. Doctors called it epilepsy; her family eventually believed it was possession. What followed became one of the most haunting true stories of the century.   Join our Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/horrorwoodpodcast   Follow us! IG, FB   Send us an email: horrorwoodpodcast@gmail.com   Episode Sources: “Anneliese Michel And The Shocking Story Behind The Exorcism Of The Real-Life Emily Rose” by Gabe Paoletti, Edited by John Kuroski, Published March 26, 2025, Updated August 19, 2025 “Germans Stirred by Death of Woman in Exorcism” by Craig R. Whitney, August 8, 1976, The New York Times “The Exorcism of Emily Rose (2005)” from Chasing the Frog “30 Chilling Facts About Anneliese Michel: The True Story Behind the Exorcism That Shocked the World” by Trista, April 15, 2025, History Collection “The Exorcism That Ended in Death: The True Story Behind The Exorcism of Emily Rose” by darkholmepublishing, January 31, 2025, Dark Holme Publishing “'The Exorcism of Emily Rose' True Story Explained” by Lloyd Farley, April 5, 2024, Collider “2 Priests Charged In Exorcism Death Of German Woman” on July 14, 1977, The New York Times “The Exorcism of Emily Rose Trivia” on IMDb “The Exorcism of Emily Rose: Scott Derrickson, Paul Harris Boardman, Laura Linney, Jennifer Carpenter” by Steven D. Greydanus, Decent Films “THE EXORCISM OF EMILY ROSE – Realistic portrayal of good and evil” by Staff Writers, October 30, 2005, The Catholic Leader   Creeptastic theme music by: Nicholas Davio - nicholasdavio.com, @mr.nick.davio, @huron_coast   Privacy Policy

Ever since Taylor Swift name-dropped Musso & Frank's in her song "Elizabeth Taylor," reservations at the historic Hollywood restaurant have been filling up. The Musso & Frank Grill has been featured in numerous books, TV shows and films, and has seen some of the most famous figures in entertainment seated at its tables. It turns out that even decades after their deaths, some of those celebrities never want to leave...   Join our Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/horrorwoodpodcast   Follow us! IG, FB   Send us an email: horrorwoodpodcast@gmail.com   Episode Sources: “Musso & Frank Grill: The Story of An LA Icon” by Liz Ohanesian, Discover Los Angeles, June 10, 2025 “Musso and Frank Grill | Haunted Hollywood’s Favorite Restaurant” LA Ghosts, May 01, 2025 “A Taylor Swift Mystery: Which Musso and Frank’s Booth Is ‘Best’?” by Matt Stevens, The New York Times, Oct 8, 2025 “The Musso & Frank Grill: History” “Eat and Drink With the Ghosts of Old Hollywood at Musso & Frank” by Marielle Wakim, Afar, July 26, 2019 “Haunted Filming Location Countdown #7: Musso and Frank Grill” International Screenwriters’ Association, Oct 31, 2024 “Musso & Frank Turns 100 as David Lynch, John Travolta and More Dish on Hollywood’s Oldest Restaurant: ‘There Must Be a Trillion Stories’” by Lesley Balla, The Hollywood Reporter, Feb 22, 2019 “The Ghosts of Musso & Frank Grill on Hollywood Boulevard” by Kristen Winiarski, American Ghost Walks, Mar 18, 2022 “Sightings Get and Afterlife” by Joshua Tompkins, LA Mag, Aug 1999 “Remembering Ruben Rueda: Musso & Frank bartender threw out Steve McQueen and got a guitar from Keith Richards” by Carlos Valdez Lozano, LA Times, June 4, 2019 “Sergio Gonzalez, Longtime Waiter at Hollywood’s Musso & Frank, Dies at 66” by Mike Barnes, The Hollywood Reporter, June 5, 2019 “The Weird And Wild Flavors Of Musso And Frank's Most Old Timey Dishes” by Hadley Meares, LAist, Nov 5, 2019   Creeptastic theme music by: Nicholas Davio - nicholasdavio.com, @mr.nick.davio, @huron_coast   Privacy Policy

Jiah Khan was a rising Bollywood actor whose sudden death left the industry reeling. What started as a tragic loss soon turned into one of India’s most talked-about investigations, filled with unanswered questions and a mother’s long fight for justice. Beneath the surface of fame and success lies a story about love, loss, and the high cost of chasing dreams in Bollywood.   Join our Patreon! https://www.patreon.com/horrorwoodpodcast   Follow us! IG, FB   Send us an email: horrorwoodpodcast@gmail.com   Episode Sources: “A Timeline of Jiah Khan Suicide Case” by India News, Edited by NDTV News Desk, Apirl 28, 2023, NDTV “Sooraj Pancholi says ‘trolling, bashing’ in Jiah Khan suicide case got to him: ‘Couldn’t make eye contact with family’” by HT Entertainment Desk, Edited by Sugandha Rawal, May 27, 2025, Hindustan Times “Death in Bollywood: who killed Jiah Khan?” by Abigail Haworth, October 1, 2017, The Guardian “12 years after Jiah Khan's death, her boyfriend Sooraj Pancholi's mother Zarina Wahab, reveals the missed call that haunts him even today” by ET Online, May 21, 2025, The Economic Times “Sooraj Pancholi reveals he is still unsure who framed him in Jiah Khan suicide case: 'I was a 20-year-old boy in a relationship that didn’t go well... was treated like a terrorist'” by TOI Entertainment Desk, May 19, 2025, Times Entertainment by the Times of India “Jiah Khan's Mother "Destroyed" Case Against Sooraj Pancholi: Court” by Sunikumar Singh, April 29, 2023, India News, NDTV “Jiah Khan suicide case: 'Who will give me 10 yrs of my life back?' Sooraj Pancholi hails Mumbai court verdict, recalls sleepless nights” by ET Online, April 29, 2023, The Economic Times “Explained: Ahead of the verdict of the Jiah Khan-suicide case, here's the timeline of her story with Sooraj Pancholi” by Vinamra Mathur, April 27, 2023, Firstpost “The Jiah Khan Death Case in a Nutshell” by Madhvi Raina, December 16, 2015, MyIndia “Expose the truth and evidence in Jiah Khan Murder” by Rabya Khan on change.org “Sooraj Pancholi acquitted: A complete timeline of Jiah Khan suicide case” by India Today News Desk, New Dehli, April 28, 2023, India Today “Bollywood Actor Sooraj Pancholi Cleared Of Abetment Charges In Jiah Khan Death By Suicide Case” by Swarajya Staff, April 28, 2023, Swarajya Magazine “Who was Jiah Khan? Three films & a tragic life framed in headlines forever” by PTI, April 28, 2023, The Economic Times “Jiah Khan Age, Death, Boyfriend, Family, Biography & More” from Stars Unfolded “Why Bollywood remains 'sexist and regressive'” by Geeta Pandey, July 11, 2023, BBC “Death in Bollywood: Who is Jiah Khan's family?” by Francesca Shillcock, January 13, 2021, Hello! Magazine   Creeptastic theme music by: Nicholas Davio - nicholasdavio.com, @mr.nick.davio, @huron_coast   Privacy Policy

You might know her as Susan Sarandon's daughter; in fact, she's played the daughter of some of her mother's characters on screen. But when she's not acting or producing content for her popular website "Happily Eva After," Eva Amurri is seeing spirits. Well, one specific spirit to be exact. Back in 2011 Eva encountered the ghost of a woman who'd been murdered just eight years earlier.   Join our Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/horrorwoodpodcast   Follow us! IG, FB   Send us an email: horrorwoodpodcast@gmail.com   Episode Sources: “Lawsuit Blames Many in Killings” by Glenn Smith, The Post and Courier, Rosen | Hagood, Dec 19, 2006 “Fatal Attraction” by Keith Morrison, NBC News, Nov 9, 2006 “SC inmate convicted in killing seeks sex change” AP, Corrections1, Apr 18, 2016 Mary Lynn's Law “Transgender South Carolina inmate serving life sentence for raping, killing French teacher seeks tax payer-funded sex change” by Meg Wagner, New York Daily News, Apr 9, 2018 “Celebrity Ghost Stories: S3, E2” - Tubi “Happily Eva After: Our Family Trip to Charleston 2018” by Eva Amurri, July 19, 2018   Creeptastic theme music by: Nicholas Davio - nicholasdavio.com, @mr.nick.davio, @huron_coast   Privacy Policy

Kevin’s counting down his Top 10 Horror Movies of the season — from slow-burn psychological chills to blood-soaked thrill rides. Find out which films scared, shocked, and stuck with him long after the credits rolled.   Join our Patreon! https://www.patreon.com/horrorwoodpodcast   Follow us! IG, FB   Send us an email: horrorwoodpodcast@gmail.com   Episode Sources: “Weapons” on IMDb “Sinners” on IMDb “Humanist Vampire Seeking Consenting Suicidal Person” on IMDb “It Feeds” on IMDb “The Rule of Jenny Penn” on IMDb “Clown in a Cornfield” on IMDb “Presence” on IMDb “The Vourdalak” on IMDb “Red Rooms” on IMDb “Bring Her Back” on IMDb   Creeptastic theme music by: Nicholas Davio - nicholasdavio.com, @mr.nick.davio, @huron_coast   Privacy Policy

What began as a birthday celebration in Queens ended with a life cut short and a community reeling. When actor and musician Isaiah Stokes let a feud from that night fester, it set in motion a plan that would leave Tyrone Jones dead and his family heartbroken. From the party to the ambush to the tense courtroom battle, this story follows how a single grudge grew into something far more tragic.   Join our Patreon! https://www.patreon.com/horrorwoodpodcast   Follow us! IG, FB   Send us an email: horrorwoodpodcast@gmail.com   Episode Sources: “Defendent Sentenced to 25 Years to Life in Prison for 2021 Ambush Murder” from Melinda Katz, Queens County District Attorney, March 21, 2025 “Actor Isaiah Stokes Convicted of ‘Calculated’ Murder After Being Kicked Out of N.Y.C. Birthday Party” by Nicole Acosta, March 13, 2025, People “Isaiah Stokes, Law & Order: SVU and Boardwalk Empire Actor, Sentenced to 25 Years in Prison for N.Y.C. Murder” by Charlotte Phillipp, March 22, 2025, Peopl “Defendent Convicted of Murder for 2021 Ambush Shooting” from Melinda Katz, Queens County District Attorney, March 10, 2025 “Actor who appeared on ‘Law & Order’ sentenced for ‘calculated,’ revenge-fueled murder of Queens man” by Georgett Roberts and Georgia Worrell, March 22, 2025, New York Post “Actor who appeared on ‘Law & Order’ sentenced for ‘calculated,’ revenge-fueled murder of Queens man” by Georgett Roberts and Georgia Worrell, March 22, 2025, New York Post “Queens TV actor convicted of 2021 St. Albans murder in real-life crime drama: DA” by Bill Parry, March 10, 2025, QNS Isaiah Stokes on IMDb “Actor Isaiah Stokes Found Guilty of 2021 Murder” by Cedric “BIG CED” Thornton, March 12, 2025, Black Enterprise “Tyrone Jamel "TJ" Jones, Jr. of New York, New York | 1983 - 2021 | Obituary” from Nickelson-Cummings Funeral Home “Baggage (SVU)” from Law and Order Wiki on Fandom “From Our Neighborhood To Yours” website   Creeptastic theme music by: Nicholas Davio - nicholasdavio.com, @mr.nick.davio, @huron_coast   Privacy Policy

31-year-old Helen Mintiks (known professionally as Helen Hagnes) left the orchestra pit to get a drink. It was intermission for the Met musicians and Helen was hoping to speak with the lead dancer of the ballet whom she believed was relaxing in his dressing room. When the musicians returned to the pit to take their seats, Helen wasn't among them. Her body was found the next day.   Join our Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/horrorwoodpodcast   Follow us! IG, FB   Send us an email: horrorwoodpodcast@gmail.com   Episode Sources: "Murder at the Met" by David Black, 1984, Dial Press “Remembering Violinist Helen Hagnes, 40 Years After Her Murder at the Met” by Thomas Suarez, July 12, 2020 “Two Rooftop Murders, Decades Apart” by Charles Delafuente, The New York Times, Aug 8, 2008 “The tragic tale of a top violinist who vanished mid-performance at New York’s Met Opera House” by Sophia Alexandra Hall, Classic fM, Sep 12, 2024 “How a Real-Life 'Phantom of the Opera' Murdered a Young Violinist at the Met in 1980” by Sal Bono, Inside Edition, June 15, 2019 “Craig Crimmins, Phantom of the Metropolitan Opera” Chelsea News, Feb 16, 2015 “Death of a Violinist” by Kenneth Sandler, The Washington Post, July 25, 1980 “CONFESSION DETAILS GIVEN AS OPERA MURDER TRIAL STARTS” by E. R. Shipp, The New York Times, Apr 28, 1981 “Miss Hagnes Described As 'a Beautiful Person'; Studied in Europe In 'First-Call' Category Photographer Recalls Incident” by John Corry, The New York Times, July 25, 1980 “Personality Spotlight; NEWLN: Craig Crimmins: Stagehand convicted of murder” UPI Archives, June 4, 1981 “ABOUT NEW YORK; A MOTHER HOPES AND TRIES TO UNDERSTAND” The New York Times, Apr 29, 1981 “JURY TOLD CRIMMINS SOUGHT HELP IN EXPLAINING ABSENCE” by E. R. Shipp, The New York Times, May 2, 1981 “Even Model NYS Inmates Face Steep Barriers to Parole” by Bill Hughes, City Limits, Sep 17, 2014   Creeptastic theme music by: Nicholas Davio - nicholasdavio.com, @mr.nick.davio, @huron_coast   Privacy Policy

The Blair Witch Project redefined horror with nothing more than three actors, a few cameras, and a week in the woods—and the chaos didn’t stop when the film ended. Between its improvised shoot, eerie alternate endings, and ties to real Maryland legends, the movie left audiences guessing what was real and what wasn’t. Fan theories kept the mystery alive, while lawsuits and disputes proved that the legacy of Blair Witch was every bit as unsettling as the film itself.   Join our Patreon! https://www.patreon.com/horrorwoodpodcast   Follow us! IG, FB   Send us an email: horrorwoodpodcast@gmail.com   Episode Sources: “‘Blair Witch' makers sued by ex-partner” from Tampa Bay Times, published August 4, 1999, updated September 29, 2005 “‘Witch’ trial may proceed, judge rules” by Janet Shprintz, February 8, 2008, Variety “FILM PRODUCER SETTLES ‘BLAIR WITCH’ LAWSUIT” published December 2, 2000, updated August 6, 2021, Orlando Sentinel “Suit Claims 'Blair Witch' Role” by CBSNews.com staff, August 3, 1999, CBS News “The Blair Witch Project - 4 Alternate Endings” by The Blair Witch Archives, May 5, 2025, YouTube “Blair Witch Project Had 3 Alternate Endings (How Each Would Have Changed It)” by Josephine Michele, December 21, 2021, Screen Rant “15 Fan Theories About 'The Blair Witch Project'” by Jodi Smith, December 9, 2021, Ranker “Revisiting One of the Best Viral Marketing Campaigns of All Time” from Speaking Human How ‘The Blair Witch Project’ revolutionized movie marketing” by Josh Rottenberg, published July 30, 2024, updated July 31, 2024, LA Times “‘The Blair Witch Project’ Fan Theory Makes the Movie Even More Sinister” by Mike Rampton, January 21, 2024, Mental Floss “Blair Witch Project embroiled in litigation” from The Guardian on February 10, 2000 “The Blair Witch Project’s original cast ask for retroactive payments as reboot announced” by Michael Sun, April 22, 2024, The Guardian “‘Blair Witch Project’ Actors Push for Retroactive Royalties” by Sopan Deb, April 22, 2024, The New York Times “'Blair Witch' actors sue film's distributor” by Steve Irsay, Court TV, October 17, 2002, CNN “‘The Blair Witch Project’ Actors Call Out ‘Reprehensible Behavior’ After Missing Out on Profits for Decades: ‘Don’t Do What We Did’ (EXCLUSIVE)” by Adam B. Vary, June 12, 2024, Variety “‘The Blair Witch Project’ Was a Financial Nightmare for Its Stars” by Katherine Ann, October 20, 2024, Collider “Before Reality Became Debatable, There Was ‘The Blair Witch Project’” by Maya Salem, August 7, 2024, The New York Times “The Blair Witch Project: the story of how a low-budget film shook the world and changed horror forever” by Annabel Nugent, April 23, 2024, The Independent “The Terrifying True Story of How ‘The Blair Witch Project’ Was Made” by Tatiana Tenreyro, July 16, 2019, VICE “The Making of ‘The Blair Witch Project’ Was More Brutal Than Its Finale” by Chris Sasaguay, March 13, 2024, Collider “25 years on, The Blair Witch Project leaves its mark on horror — and the film's stars” by Jonathan Ore, August 3, 2024, CBC Radio “What Happened to the Cast of The Blair Witch Project?” by Rachel Holbrook, October 13, 2024, MovieWeb “The Blair Witch Project” on IMDb “Blair Witch Project Killer Theory Totally Changes How You See The Movie” by Cathal Gunning, May 21, 2023, Screen Rant   Creeptastic theme music by: Nicholas Davio - nicholasdavio.com, @mr.nick.davio, @huron_coast   Privacy Policy  

The Lady of the Dunes remains one of Cape Cod’s most haunting mysteries, but years after her body was found in 1974, a surprising theory surfaced: could she have appeared as an extra in the movie Jaws? With the blockbuster filming nearby at the same time, author (and son of Stephen King) Joe Hill spotted a woman onscreen who seemed eerily similar to the unidentified victim. The idea sparked national fascination, especially when the cold case was solved in 2022.   Follow us: IG, FB   Join our Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/horrorwoodpodcast   Send us an email: horrorwoodpodcast@gmail.com   Episode Sources: “'Lady of the Dunes' Ruth Marie Terry killed by husband Guy Muldavin in 1974, investigators conclude” by WBZ-News Staff, August 28, 2023, CBS News “Who Was the Lady of the Dunes? All About Ruth Marie Terry's Life and Death” by Jax Miller, December 2, 2024, Oxygen “Lady of the Dunes: A new headstone in Provincetown and a new documentary” by Gwenn Friss, November 23, 2024, Cape Cod Times “‘Lady of the Dunes’ Identified: FBI’s Use of Investigative Genealogy Led to Major Break in Case” from FBI Boston, October 31, 2022 “He Finally Found His Mom. She Was the Long-Unknown Murder Victim Lady of the Dunes” by NBC Boston, December 3, 2022 “How the 1975 Film Jaws Brought Attention to the Lady of the Dunes Mystery” by Caitlin Schunn, November 21, 2024, Oxygen “Who killed The Lady of the Dunes? How Jaws could hold the answer” by Sheila Flynn, November 3, 2022, The Independent “Former California radio host killed 'Lady of the Dunes,' district attorney says” by Katie Dowd, August 29, 2023, SFGate “‘Lady of the Dunes’: The murder mystery during the filming of ‘Jaws’” by Calum Russell, April 9, 2023, Far Out Magazine “Killer in nearly 50-year-old 'Lady of the Dunes' case identified as victim's husband” by Antonio Planas, August 29, 2023, NBC News “How One Man's "Unbelievable Journey" to Find His Mother Helped ID the Lady of the Dunes” by Jax Miller, December 2, 2024, Oxygen “All About The Lady of the Dunes' Suspected Killer, Her Husband: ‘There Were Stories…’” by Jill Sederstrom, November 30, 2024, Oxygen “Guy Rockwell Muldavin” on Find A Grave “California man questioned in double murder linked to 'Lady of the Dunes' victim Ruth Marie Terry” by Katie Dowd, November 3, 2022, SFGate “Long Unsolved Murder Comes Into Focus” by K.C. Myers, November 30, 2022, The Provincetown Independent “Cape Cod's ‘Lady of the Dunes' murder case closed as killer is IDed” by Kathy Curran and Asher Klein, August 28, 2023, NBC Philadelphia   Creeptastic theme music by: Nicholas Davio - nicholasdavio.com, @mr.nick.davio, @huron_coast   Privacy Policy

UPDATE! The sudden death of paranormal investigator Dan Rivera during the “Devils on the Run” tour reignited rumors about the infamous haunted Annabelle doll. Just weeks later, comedian Matt Rife and YouTuber Elton Castee announced they had purchased/leased the Warrens’ former home and museum, including our Raggedy Ann girl. Yikes!   Episode Sources: “Annabelle doll update: Comedian Matt Rife purchases haunted home and museum” by Megan Ziegler, August 2, 2025, FOX Local “Annabelle Doll Handler Dan Rivera’s Nature of Death Revealed” by Gabrielle Chung, July 17, 2025, E! News “Ghost Adventures' Zak Bagans Was "Very Affected" by Annabelle Doll Before Dan Rivera's Death” by Gabrielle Chung, July 16, 2025, E! News “'Evil' Annabelle Doll Update After 'Missing' Reports Spread” by Marni Rose McFall, May 25, 2025, Newsweek “Police find 'nothing unusual' at scene of Annabelle doll handler's death” by Jonathan Limehouse, July 16, 2025, USA TODAY “Dan Rivera Coroner Shares Update on 'Possessed' Annabelle in Cause of Death” by Megan Cartwright, July 21, 2025, Newsweek “Dan Rivera's Wife Sarah Makes Heartbreaking Statement After He Dies on 'Annabelle' Tour” by Jessica McBride, July 16, 2025, Yahoo Entertainment “Up-Coming Events” from Seekers of the Supernatural “Patrick Wilson and Vera Farmiga React to Comedian Matt Rife Buying the Real-Life Conjuring House (Exclusive)” by Raven Brunner, August 25, 2025, People   Join our Patreon! https://www.patreon.com/horrorwoodpodcast   Follow us! IG, FB, FB Group, Twitter, TikTok   Send us an email: horrorwoodpodcast@gmail.com   Creeptastic theme music by: Nicholas Davio - nicholasdavio.com, @mr.nick.davio, @huron_coast   Privacy Policy

*If you'd like to skip our banter in the beginning, fast forward about 8 minutes. In 1988 Bob Samuels was busy working as a camera assistant on "Lethal Weapon 2," the latest in a long string of films for the 40-year-old. He seemingly had everything he'd ever wanted - the woman of his dreams, an adopted daughter, and a career in the film industry. But when he was found murdered in his home in December of '88, detectives were stumped. With everyone in his life describing what a generous, hard-working guy Bob was, it begged the question: who on earth would want to hurt him?   Episode Sources: People v. Samuels, Supreme Court of California, June 27, 2005 “‘Green Widow’ Convicted in Deaths of Husband, Hit Man” by Ann W. O’Neill, LA Times, July 2, 1994 “‘Green Widow’ Masterminded Hits on Estranged Husband and His Killer, Took Nude Photo Covered in Insurance Money” by Joe Dziemianowicz, Oxygen True Crime, Nov 10, 2023 “Murder Defendant’s Daughter Says Her Stepfather Raped and Beat Her” by Ann W. O’Neill, LA Times, May 6, 1994 “Wife Faces Charges of Hiring Assassins—Twice” by Ann W. O’Neill, LA Times, Mar 21, 1994 “Attorney Pleads for Life of Woman Who Planned 2 Murders” by Ann W. O’Neill, LA Times, July 15, 1994 “Strange Case of Mary Ellen Samuels Unfolds” by Ann W. O’Neill, LA Times, Apr 12, 1994 “The Real Murders of Los Angeles: S1 E6 - Dark Side of the Lens” Oxygen True Crime, Nov 10, 2023 “The Prosecutors: In Pursuit of Justice - S1 E6 - Green Widow” New Dominion Pictures, Oct 30, 2000 “Judge Sentences Samuels to Death” by Ann W. O’Neill, LA Times, Sep 17, 1994 “Man Fatally Shoots Girlfriend, Self” by Timothy Williams, LA Times, July 23, 1993 “Naive or Deadly--2 Images of Wife to Dominate Trial” by Ann W. O’Neill, LA Times, Mar 7, 1994 “Murder Trial Tells Tales Seedy and Bizarre” by Ann W. O’Neill, LA Times, Apr 19, 1994 “Jury Urges Execution of Woman” by Ann W. O’Neill, LA Times, July 22, 1994   Join our Patreon! https://www.patreon.com/horrorwoodpodcast   Follow us! IG, FB, FB Group, Twitter, TikTok   Send us an email: horrorwoodpodcast@gmail.com   Creeptastic theme music by: Nicholas Davio - nicholasdavio.com, @mr.nick.davio, @huron_coast   Privacy Policy  

Richard D. May was finally living his dream. He had just been cast in a professional production, ready to take the stage in Death of a Salesman at the African-American Shakespeare Company in San Francisco, CA. He had the talent, the drive, and a powerful presence that turned heads. But just hours before opening night, everything changed. This is the story of a rising actor and the heartbreaking twist that came too soon.   Episode Sources: “Pedestrian killed in SF 2-car crash was on his way to fulfilling life dream of being stage actor” by Alice Wertz, October 31, 2023, KTVU FOX 2 “San Francisco man Richard D. May, 65, who overcame homelessness to achieve his dream of becoming an actor is knocked down and killed by BMW while walking to rehearsal for debut performance in Death of a Salesman” by Emma Richter, November 2, 2023, updated November 5, 2023, Daily Mail “Pedestrian killed Saturday at Post & Hyde Streets in Nob Hill marks 16th this year” Press Release from Walk San Francisco, October 31, 2023 “Richard D. May” website “The Richard D. May Studio A.C.T. Scholarship Program” from American Conservatory Theater “The African-American Shakespeare Company” on Facebook “Actor Richard D. May’s Family Expenses” on GoFundMe “Bay Area theater company cancels ‘Death of a Salesman’ after key actor was killed in S.F.” by Lily Janiak, November 3, 2023, San Francisco Chronicle “‘Death of a Salesman’ revival in San Francisco canceled after cast member killed in pedestrian accident” by Randy McMullen, November 3, 2023, Bay Area News Group, Marin Independent Journal “City of San Francisco Cancels $14 Million in Dream Keeper Initiative Funding” by Shannon Faulise, April 4, 2025, KQED African-American Shakespeare Company “Official Obituary of Richard Darnell May” from Duggan’s Serra Mortuary   Join our Patreon! https://www.patreon.com/horrorwoodpodcast   Follow us! IG, FB, FB Group, Twitter, TikTok   Send us an email: horrorwoodpodcast@gmail.com   Creeptastic theme music by: Nicholas Davio - nicholasdavio.com, @mr.nick.davio, @huron_coast   Privacy Policy  

Carole Lombard and William Powell were lovers-turned-spouses-turned-exes-turned-lovers again-turned-exes for real this time-turned-BFFs. Together they starred in the 1936 screwball comedy "My Man Godfrey," and despite both of them shining on screen, behind the cameras each faced periods of darkness and tragic loss. Then at the age of 33, a person's mistake brought Carole's life to a horrifying end. We're joined by Emma and Katie, the fabulous ladies of "Go Get Your Girl" - and you can catch us on the August 10th episode of their podcast about "My Man Godfrey," available now!   Episode Sources: “Fireball: Carole Lombard and the Mystery of Flight 3” by Robert D. Matzen, 2014 “Screwball: The Life of Carole Lombard” by Larry Swindell, 1975 “Investigation of Aircraft Accident: TWA: LAS VEGAS, NEVADA: 1942-01-16” Civil Aeronautics Board, Jan 16, 1942 “Carole Lombard feared dead in plane crash” Eugene Register-Guard, Jan 17, 1942, p. 1 “4 Gave Seats In Death Plane To Army Fliers” Greeley Daily Tribune, Jan 17, 1942 “Tales of Vegas Past: The death of Carole Lombard” by Gregory Crosby, Las Vegas Mercury, Mar 06, 2023 “End of a Mission” Time Magazine, Jan 26, 1942 “Crash that killed actress Carole Lombard, 21 others near Las Vegas still echoes after 75 years” by Keith Rogers, Las Vegas Review-Journal, Jan 15, 2017 “The life of Carole Lombard (Part 1)” Baha’i Concepts, Dec 17, 2019 “The life of Carole Lombard (Part 2)” Baha’i Concepts, Dec 17, 2019 “Made for Each Other: Clark Gable and Carole Lombard’s Real Romance” by Hadley Hall Meares, Vanity Fair, May 13, 2022 “{Rumor Mill} Clark Gable and Lana Turner” Dear Mr. Gable, Feb 04, 2012 “Carole Lombard, Clark Gable and The Baby That Never Was” Dear Mr. Gable, Oct 24, 2016 “Russ Columbo Victim of ‘Unloaded Gun’” Berkeley Daily Gazette, Sep 05, 1934 “Lombard and…Columbo?” Carole_and_co LiveJournal, July 16, 2007 “Bill and Carole: Post-Divorce BFFs” by Cazbar Pintar, The William Powell Site, Jan 16, 2017 “Lux Radio Theatre: My Man Godfrey” Once Upon A Screen, Jan 16, 2018 “How Carole Lombard’s career was almost over before it began” by Michelle Morgan, The History Press, Sep 29, 2016 “Clark Gable Joins Search for Plane Wreckage Holding Fate of Carole Lombard and 21 Others” Spokane Daily Chronicle, Jan 17, 1942 “‘I Think That ‘E’ Made The Whole Fucking Difference’” by Alex Belth, Deadspin, July 15, 2013 “STRONG AND TENDER: The Story of Carole Lombard and Bess Peters” Backlots, Oct 29, 2019 “William Powell” on IMDb “Biography” from William Powell Society “Gentleman: The William Powell Story” posted by Molly on August 9, 2017, dreaminginthebalcony “William Powell–A Gentleman and a Survivor” by Hilary Hattenbach, September 6, 2024, In with the Old, Hilary Hattenbach Blog “William Powell, Film Star, Dies at 91” by Peter B. Flint, March 6, 1984, The New York Times “William Powell: The Life and Times” by Roger Bryant, 2006 Publication from Jefferson, N.C. : McFarland, archive.org   Join our Patreon! https://www.patreon.com/horrorwoodpodcast   Follow us! IG, FB, FB Group, Twitter, TikTok   Send us an email: horrorwoodpodcast@gmail.com   Creeptastic theme music by: Nicholas Davio - nicholasdavio.com, @mr.nick.davio, @huron_coast   Privacy Policy

In the center of downtown DeKalb stands the Egyptian Theatre—an architectural tribute to ancient times. But this isn’t just a historic theater; it’s a place where the past lingers in more ways than one. Built in 1929, the Egyptian has survived economic collapse, near demolition, and decades of change. Today, it’s not only a beloved cultural landmark but also one of the most haunted buildings in Illinois, where stories of strange sightings and ghostly encounters are as much a part of its legacy as the shows on stage.   Episode Sources: “Professor suffers fatal heart attack” by Suzanne Tomse, November 14, 1988, Northern Star “History of DeKalb” from City of DeKalb Dorman, Peter F., Faulkner, Raymond Oliver. "Ramses II". Encyclopedia Britannica, 6 May. 2025 “Real-life haunts at DeKalb’s Egyptian Theatre” by Aimee Barrows, July 31, 2024, Shaw Local News Network Egyptian Theatre Website “The discovery of King Tut’s tomb” by Allyson Shaw, National Geographic Kids “The Curse of KIng Tut: Facts & Fable” by Benjamin Radford, October 24, 2022, Live Science “Egyptian Theatre” from HauntedUS   Join our Patreon! https://www.patreon.com/horrorwoodpodcast   Follow us! IG, FB, FB Group, Twitter, TikTok   Send us an email: horrorwoodpodcast@gmail.com   Creeptastic theme music by: Nicholas Davio - nicholasdavio.com, @mr.nick.davio, @huron_coast   Privacy Policy