Highway to Hell

Thank you for listening! Please share and subscribe!Herman Webster Mudgett — better known as H.H. Holmes — is often regarded as America’s first documented serial killer, but long before the murders came fraud, reinvention, and carefully engineered charm. A medical student with a fascination for cadavers, he began his criminal life forging documents, taking out insurance policies on stolen corpses, and committing small-scale scams that sharpened his skill for deception. In Chicago, using aliases and credit manipulation, he built the infamous "Murder Castle" — a multi-level property designed with secret rooms, gas lines, soundproof spaces, and controlled entryways. While later retellings exaggerated elements of torture, confirmed historical evidence shows Holmes used the building primarily to isolate victims, commit insurance schemes, and dispose of bodies with chilling efficiency.Holmes is linked directly to several murders, including those of his employee and probable mistress Julia Conner, her young daughter Pearl, and later the children of his business associate Benjamin Pitezel. Although newspapers of the era sensationalized the number of victims into the dozens or even hundreds, historians note that the confirmed count is considerably smaller — perhaps 9, possibly more, but far from the mythical 200. Holmes' trial for the death of Benjamin Pitezel exposed his layered hoaxes and corpse substitutions, ultimately leading to his conviction and execution in 1896. The Holmes story persists because it lives at the intersection of fact and folklore: a man of intelligence, charisma, and absolute moral vacancy, who weaponized trust and opportunity in a rapidly industrializing American city.SourcesErik Larson — The Devil in the White CityAdam Selzer — H.H. Holmes: The True History of the White City DevilHarold Schechter — Depraved: The Shocking True Story of America’s First Serial KillerDavid Franke — The Torture Doctor: The Murder, Madness, and Mayhem of H.H. HolmesThe Philadelphia Inquirer — 1894–1896 Holmes arrest, trial, and Pitezel coverageChicago Tribune — reporting on the Murder Castle, fraud schemes, arrest, executionNew York Times — trial updates, confession coverage, execution reportingTrial Transcripts of United States v. H.H. Holmes (Pitezel case)Insurance fraud documentation filed under Holmes/Mudgett aliasesPhiladelphia police arrest reports — Holmes + accomplices (1894)Death sentence and execution records — Moyamensing Prison, 1896Architectural references & investigation notes regarding the Chicago “Castle” structureRecovered correspondence between Holmes, Minnie Williams, and business associatesConfession documents attributed to Holmes (with known factual inconsistencies)

And here's the Albert Fish episode! Sorry every body I uploaded them out of order on accident. But here we are.TW: Extreme child abuse and assaultAlbert Fish (1870–1936) was an American serial killer, cannibal, and sadomasochist whose crimes in the early 20th century remain some of the most disturbing in U.S. criminal history. Raised in an abusive orphanage and plagued throughout his life by violent sexual compulsions and self-harm, Fish targeted children, abducting, torturing, and murdering several—most infamously twelve-year-old Grace Budd, whose case led to his capture after he sent her family a chilling letter detailing the crime. Known by monikers such as “The Gray Man” and “The Boogeyman,” Fish displayed extreme psychopathy, claiming to have felt moral justification for his actions and reporting pleasure in pain, including driving needles into his own body. He was arrested in 1934, found sane enough to stand trial, convicted, and executed by electric chair in January 1936, leaving behind a legacy of horror that continues to fascinate and appall criminologists, historians, and true-crime researchers.Sources:Bardsley, M. (2012). Albert Fish. Crime Library. Retrieved January 1, 2014, from http://www.trutv.com/library/crime/serial_killers/notorious/fish/index.html Constantine, N. (2006). A history of cannibalism. Edison, NJ: Chartwell Books. Douglas, J. E. (2006). Crime classification manual: A standard system for investigating and classifying violent crimes. San Francisco: Jossey-Bass. Hickey, E. W. (2013). Serial murderers and their victims (6th ed.). Belmont, CA: Wadsworth Cengage Learning. Johnson, G., & Jenks, A. (2008). Albert Hamilton Fish. Radford, VA: Radford University. Newton, M. (2006). The encyclopedia of serial killers (2nd ed.). New York: Facts on File, Inc. Philbin, T., & Philbin, M. (2009). https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Albert_FishThe killer book of serial killers. Naperville, IL: Sourcebooks. Ramsland, K., & McGrain, P. N. (2010). Inside the minds of sexual predators. Santa Barbara, CA: ABC-CLIO. Mayer, R. (Director). (2009). The bogeyman’s gonna eat you – Albert Fish, the vampire of Brooklyn (Motion picture). United States of America: Mill Creek Entertainment. Schechter, H. (2012). Psycho USA. New York: Random House. Schechter, H. (2012, February 24). Cannibal 'Albert Fish' documentary [Video file]. Retrieved from http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=orJiXNQeScs Schechter, H. (2003). The serial killer files. New York: Random House. Schechter, H. (1990). Deranged: The shocking true story of America’s most fiendish killer. New York: Simon & Schuster. Smith, D. J. (2003). 100 most infamous criminals. New York: Sterling Publishing Company. Wilson, C., & Seaman, D. (2004). The serial killers: A study in the psychology of violence. London: Virgin Publishing. Vronsky, P. (2004). Serial killers: The method and madness of monsters. New York: Penguin

Please review and subscribe to our show!Between 1976 and 1977, Oakland County, Michigan was gripped by fear as four children—Mark Stebbins, Jill Robinson, Kristine Mihelich, and Timothy King—were abducted and murdered in what became known as the Oakland County Child Killer case. This episode walks listeners through the verified timelines of each disappearance, the forensic evidence recovered, the emerging pattern investigators identified, and the massive multi-agency task force that formed in response. We discuss the strongest suspects—including Christopher Busch, Gregory Greene, and later persons of interest—while clearly distinguishing confirmed facts from conjecture. The episode examines investigative failures, communication breakdowns, and how the case has evolved with modern DNA testing, as well as the long-lasting psychological impact on Detroit-area families and the true-crime landscape.We also explore how media coverage, community panic, and later cold-case re-examinations shaped public understanding of the murders. Finally, we look at where the investigation stands today—what has been proven, what remains unresolved, and why this case continues to haunt Michigan nearly fifty years later.Sources:Primary Reporting, Case Files, and Investigations:Michigan State Police publicly released case filesFBI Behavioral Analysis Unit summaries (public portions)National Center for Missing & Exploited Children case summariesDetroit Free Press archival reportingDetroit News archival reportingWDIV (Local 4) investigative reportingWXYZ-TV Detroit investigative reportsBooks & Long-Form Journalism:Marney Keenan, The Snow Killings: Inside the Oakland County Child Killer InvestigationJ. Reuben Appelman, The Kill Jar (for contextual background on the crimes, investigation failures, and suspects)Additional Verified Sources:Helen Dagner correspondence and interviews (verified public segments only)Court records and public affidavits related to Christopher Busch, Gregory Greene, and other suspectsPublic statements, interviews, and advocacy from surviving family members (e.g., the King and Robinson families)

Nestled in the heart of Los Angeles’ Skid Row, the Cecil Hotel was meant to be a beacon of glamour when it opened its doors in 1927. Instead, it became one of America’s most infamous landmarks—a towering witness to tragedy, violence, and urban decay. This episode dives deep into the history of the Cecil: from its grand opening during the Roaring Twenties to its rapid decline during the Great Depression and its decades-long association with death, crime, and despair.We’ll explore the building’s eerie transformation into a haven for the lost, the desperate, and the dangerous. From the chilling stories of serial killers like Richard Ramirez and Jack Unterweger, to the mysterious death of Elisa Lam that reignited public fascination, the Cecil’s legacy is a mirror reflecting Los Angeles’ darkest corners.Through archival research, police reports, and first-hand accounts, this episode examines how a single building became the epicenter of so many real-life horrors—and why its legend still haunts pop culture today.SourcesChandler, Nathan. “The Story of the Cecil, One of the Creepiest Hotels in the World”, HowStuffWorks (Feb 1, 2021). (HowStuffWorks)“’The Suicide’: The Hotel Cecil and the Mean Streets of L.A.’s Notorious Skid Row”, PBS SoCal History Society (Sept 29, 2015). (PBS SoCal)“The Cecil Hotel (Los Angeles)” — Wikipedia summary with many linked references. (⁠Wikipedia⁠)“7 Facts About Los Angeles’s Notorious Cecil Hotel”, Mental Floss (Feb 3, 2021). (Mental Floss)“Photos: the Cecil Hotel’s Eerie History and What It’s Like Today”, Business Insider (Mar 9, 2022). (Business Insider)“The Creepy History of Los Angeles’ Cecil Hotel”, Country Living (Oct 13, 2017). (Country Living)“The Cecil Hotel and the Mystery of Elisa Lam”, Slaycation (recent article) — note: less traditional academic source, good for recent context. (Slaycation)“Cecil Hotel’s once-homeless tenants say it’s crawling with…”, Los Angeles Times (Aug 24, 2023) — covers its conversion to housing and current issues. (Los Angeles Times)“’Crime Scene: The Vanishing at the Cecil Hotel’ and the problem with internet sleuths”, ABA Journal (Mar 25, 2021). (abajournal.com)

In this episode, we delve into the life of Ed Gein — the isolated Wisconsin boy whose descent into necrophilia, murder and grave-robbing would ripple through popular culture to become the blueprint for some of horror’s most iconic monsters. We trace his roots: a domineering, religious mother whose moral fanaticism and isolation of her two sons planted the seeds of psychosis; a father whose abusiveness and alcoholism darkened the home; the death of his brother under mysterious circumstances; and the passing of his mother that left him alone and unmoored.We follow his transformation — from sweet boy to corpse-collector — uncovering the macabre crime scene of November 1957, when authorities found human skin lampshades, skull bowls, a “woman-suit” stitched from corpse flesh, and the bodies of his victims. We explore the psychological fissures: his obsession with his mother, his attempt to become her, his exhumations of female corpses who reminded him of her.Then, we pivot to his chilling cultural legacy: the way his crimes inspired the likes of Psycho, The Texas Chain Saw Massacre and The Silence of the Lambs — how his warped psyche became fuel for Hollywood’s darkest nightmares. We ask: What about Gein’s story continues to haunt us? Why do we feel drawn to the horror that he spawned? And what does his case teach us about the thin boundary between the human and the monstrous?Join us for a harrowing journey into rural horror, psychopathy, and legacy.What you’ll learn:How Gein’s family dynamics (mother, father, brother) shaped his descent.The exact nature of his crimes — grave-robbery, body-mutilation, the two murders.How investigators uncovered the scene and the legal outcome.How Gein’s story echoed into pop culture, influencing cinematic villains and horror tropes.Why his case still fascinates true-crime and horror communities today.Ed Gein: Sources, Legacy & The Anatomy of Horror This comprehensive source list compiles all references used throughout Monte Mader’s research and podcast scripting sessions on Ed Gein. It includes both the sources used for previous questions and the five key additional recommendations. Together, these represent the most authoritative foundation for understanding Ed Gein’s family, crimes, psychological background, and his lasting influence on horror and American culture. Sources Referenced 1. Wikipedia – Ed Gein (birth, family background, crimes, legal outcomes). 2. Biography.com – “7 Horror Movies Inspired by Body Snatcher Ed Gein.” 3. Time.com – “Monster: Horror Movies Inspired by the Ed Gein Story.” 4. A&E; True Crime – “Ed Gein’s Dark Legacy.” 5. Deadline.com – “Monster: The Ed Gein Story.” 6. Netflix Tudum – “Monster: The Ed Gein Story Unmasks the Origins of Modern Horror.” 7. Rolling Stone (2024) – “What Monster Gets Right and Wrong About Ed Gein.”8. Life Magazine (Dec 1957) – “The Mad Butcher of Plainfield.” Further Reading & Primary Investigative Sources 1. Harold Schechter, Deviant: The Shocking True Story of Ed Gein, the Original Psycho (Pocket Books, 1989). 2. Robert H. Gollmar, Edward Gein: America’s Most Bizarre Murderer (Prairie Oak Press, 1981). 3. The Milwaukee Journal Sentinel – “Ed Gein’s Farm: The Fire, the Trial, and the Town That Never Recovered.” 4. Wisconsin State Archives – Plainfield Police Reports and Court Transcripts (1957–1968). 5. Life Magazine (December 1957) – “The Mad Butcher of Plainfield.”

We are back! Welcome to the second season and total revamp of Highway to Hell where we take you all across the country and the world telling the craziest true crime, the scariest paranormal stories and if you are a true crime fan like us, we give you the best places in the area to see, eat and drink. Who doesn't love a little spooky in their travels.SO happy to welcome my cohost Andy Jones, my dear friend and the guitar player of my band for 4.5 YEARS. Today, we are talking about the Amityville horror. The Amityville Horror story begins with a gruesome crime on November 13, 1974, when 23-year-old Ronald DeFeo Jr. murdered his parents and four siblings in their sleep at 112 Ocean Avenue in Amityville, New York. Using a .35 caliber Marlin rifle, DeFeo shot each family member in their beds, later claiming that demonic voices urged him to commit the murders. He was convicted of six counts of second-degree murder and sentenced to life in prison. The shocking crime sent waves through the quiet Long Island community and set the stage for one of America’s most infamous paranormal legends.In December 1975, just over a year later, George and Kathy Lutz purchased the DeFeo home at a discounted price, moving in with their three children. Within 28 days, they fled the house, claiming to have been terrorized by intense supernatural phenomena. According to their accounts, they experienced mysterious cold spots, foul odors, green slime oozing from walls, strange voices, and a pig-like demonic creature named “Jodie.” George Lutz reportedly woke up every night at 3:15 a.m.—the time of the DeFeo murders—while doors slammed, crucifixes turned upside down, and unseen forces moved objects throughout the home.Their terrifying story became the basis for Jay Anson’s 1977 best-selling book The Amityville Horror, which launched a franchise of films, documentaries, and debates about the line between fact and fiction. However, the haunting claims quickly came under scrutiny. William Weber, Ronald DeFeo’s defense attorney, later admitted that he and the Lutzes concocted much of the story during a night of drinking, seeing it as a way to profit from the house’s dark past. Paranormal investigators found no credible evidence of supernatural activity, and subsequent residents reported no unusual experiences. Despite the skepticism and accusations of fabrication, the Amityville Horror endures as a chilling blend of true crime and American folklore—a haunting tale that continues to captivate believers and skeptics alike.

29 missing children and young people 29 bodies Was Wayne Williams guilty? Or a scapegoat?

I wanted to do something lighter this week! a collection of some of the funniest "Florida Man" true crime ending with a "Florida Man Mayor"

VERY DISTURBING CONTENT. The "Toy Box Killer," David Parker Ray, was an American criminal who is believed to have tortured and killed numerous women in the mid-1990s. Ray lived in Elephant Butte, New Mexico, and worked as a mechanic for the New Mexico Parks Department. His crimes came to light in 1999 when a woman named Cynthia Vigil escaped from his trailer, where she had been held captive and subjected to horrific torture. Ray's trailer, referred to as his "Toy Box," was equipped with a variety of devices and tools designed for torture. He would often record his interactions with his victims, many of whom were drugged and had no memory of the events. The exact number of his victims is unknown, but it is believed to be in the dozens. Ray was arrested and, despite the lack of bodies or direct evidence of murder, was convicted of several offenses, including kidnapping and sexual torture. He was sentenced to 224 years in prison. Ray died of a heart attack in 2002 while serving his sentence. The case remains infamous for the sheer brutality and sadism involved.

In 2010-2011, 10 bodies were dug up on the shores of long island. The body count of one killer hiding in plain sight. Please subscribe and share!

Please like and subscribe! Follow on instagram @highwaytohellpod Send story ideas! Step into the chilling world of one of history's most notorious serial killers: Jeffrey Dahmer. In this gripping episode, I delve into the disturbing life and gruesome crimes of the Milwaukee Cannibal. From his troubled childhood and early signs of a twisted psyche to the horrifying murders that shocked the nation, I unravel the mind of a man who hid his monstrous nature in plain sight. Discover how Dahmer lured his victims, the macabre methods he used, and the relentless pursuit of justice that finally brought his reign of terror to an end. Join me as I explore the dark, twisted journey of Jeffrey Dahmer, and the lasting impact his crimes have left on society. This is not just a story of horror, but a sobering reminder of the evil that can lurk behind even the most unassuming faces.

Please like and subscribe! Traveling to Wyoming to discuss the heartbreaking stranger murder of Matthew Shepard, a gay Wyoming college student that shocked and changed the nation. Follow me on IG @highwaytohellpod Thank you to my sponsors!

Please like and subscribe! Traveling to South Carolina Lowcountry to explore the life and crimes of Alex Murdaugh and the entire murderous Murdaugh family!! Don't forget to follow on social media! @Highwaytohellpod

Lets travel to Washington DC!!!! We'll discuss the history of exorcism, the real life story that inspired the exorcist and the movie itself. Follow the pod on new socials: IG: @highwaytohellpod FB: @Highway to Hell Podcast Email: Highwaytohellpod@gmail.com

Fred and Rose West were a British couple who became infamous for their series of brutal murders and sexual assaults, primarily during the 1970s and 1980s. They were responsible for at least twelve known murders, including those of their own children. Please like and subscribe!

Please Rate and subscribe! Comments and questions to monteashleymader@gmail.com The Children of God cult, also known as The Family International, is a religious group that originated in 1968 in Huntington Beach, California, founded by David Berg. It gained notoriety for its extreme beliefs and controversial practices under the guise of Christian fundamentalism. Key elements of the cult included its apocalyptic views, the practice of "flirty fishing" (using sex to attract new members), and communal living. Over the years, it faced widespread criticism and legal actions due to allegations of abuse, including child abuse. The group underwent several rebrandings in an attempt to distance itself from its past, but its core controversial doctrines and the negative impact on former members remain significant issues.

Please rate and subscribe!! questions/comments to monteashleymader@gmail.com A gang rape and assault... or was it? An innocent man is abducted and murdered... or was he? Lets travel to Honolulu and investigate the scandal of an era. A rocky marriage, racism, murder and a miscarriage of justice on this weeks Highway to Hell Episode. Instagram: @montemader

Please rate and subscribe! Email questions and comments to monteashleymader@gmail.com The Sun Gym Gang, led by Daniel Lugo, Adrian Doorbal, and Jorge Delgado, embarked on a spree of violent crimes in the 1990s in Miami, Florida. Their modus operandi blended bodybuilding prowess with a penchant for ruthless criminality. Among their most infamous crimes was the abduction and extortion of wealthy businessman Marc Schiller. They tortured him for over a month, extorting his assets and leaving him for dead. Their exploits also included a series of armed robberies and a failed attempt to kidnap Frank Griga, a wealthy businessman, and his girlfriend, Krisztina Furton. The botched abduction ended in murder, and the gang dismembered the bodies in a gruesome attempt to dispose of the evidence. The Sun Gym Gang's reign of terror came to an end when their crimes were exposed, leading to arrests, trials, and convictions. The sensational nature of their crimes inspired books, documentaries, and the Hollywood film "Pain & Gain," highlighting their audacious and shocking criminal activities.

Please like, rate and subscribe! Thanks for listening Questions and comments: monteashleymader@gmail.com Follow on Socials: www.instagram.com/montemader Show Outline:  History of Savannah The Life and Execution of Alice Riley The Haunted Sorrel-Weed House The Paranormal Investigations of Savannah Theater  Travel Tips (start at 46:48)Things to do:  Ghost Tours- Genteel and Bard Tour Sorrel- Weed House, Mercer Williams House Paranormal Investigations- Truth in Evidence Restaurants:  Rancho Alegre Cuban Collins Quarter The Public Kitchen and Bar The Grey  The Olde Pink House Bar: 1. Artillery  2. The fox lounge 3. Six Pence Bands: McLeod Baroness Donna Savage  Camoflauge

Thanks for listening! Please subscribe and share! Questions and Comments: monteashleymader@gmail.com Sponsors: Intravenous Solutions Podcast: Nashville For Nobodies Adolph Coors III, known as Ad, was the heir to the Coors Brewing Company. He was kidnapped on February 9, 1960, while en route to work from his home in Morrison, Colorado. The route he took over Turkey Creek Bridge was where his car was later found abandoned. Kidnapping The initial discovery of Coors' car led to the immediate suspicion of foul play, as his hat and glasses were found near the vehicle, and there was evidence of a struggle. The FBI got involved quickly due to the nature of the crime and the victim's high profile. They found a ransom note demanding $500,000, which Coors' wife, Mary, tried to follow through with, but the kidnapper never made further contact. Investigation and Law Enforcement's Role The investigation was extensive and challenging. The FBI, alongside local law enforcement agencies, undertook a massive search and follow-up on numerous tips from the public. One of the key pieces of evidence was a description of a suspect and his vehicle, which a witness provided who saw Coors' car on the bridge. This led to the identification of the suspect as Joseph Corbett Jr., a convicted murderer who had escaped from a California prison in 1959. Capture of Joseph Corbett Jr. Corbett became the subject of one of the largest manhunts in FBI history. His car was later found in Atlantic City, New Jersey, which added to the nationwide scope of the search. The case broke wide open when a can of Coors' beer and a typewriter used for the ransom note were traced back to Corbett. By September 1960, Corbett was placed on the FBI's Ten Most Wanted Fugitives list. Discovery and Aftermath Tragically, Adolph Coors III's remains were discovered in September 1960 near Pike's Peak, Colorado, by a hunter. The discovery ruled out any possibility of his survival and shifted the investigation towards a murder inquiry. The autopsy confirmed that Coors died from a gunshot wound. Arrest and Conviction Joseph Corbett was captured in Vancouver, Canada, in October 1960 after being recognized from an FBI poster. Extradited to Colorado, he faced trial in 1961. Despite his plea of innocence and lack of direct forensic evidence linking him to Coors' murder, the circumstantial evidence was overwhelming. Corbett was convicted of first-degree murder and sentenced to life imprisonment. Conclusion Joseph Corbett Jr. remained in prison until his parole in 1980. He maintained his innocence until his death in 2009. The Coors kidnapping and murder case remains one of the most infamous crimes in American history, highlighting both the reach and limitations of law enforcement capabilities at the time. It also marked a significant moment in the FBI's use of nationwide alerts and cooperation with the public in apprehending fugitives. Highway Highlights: 1. Ad Coors III the heir to the Coors company and fortune was kidnapped and murdered on February 9, 1960 by Joseph Corbett Jr. an escaped murderer from California 2. This kidnapping resulted in the largest FBI manhunt since the kidnapping of the Lindbergh baby and involved personal involvement with Hoover himself 3. Ad Coors body was found and identified in September of 1960 and in the 263 days it took to catch Corbett the FBI collected an evidence file so thick it was 5 inches tall.  4. Corbett was convicted of murder and sentenced to life in prison at Old Max but only served 18 years. 5. Corbett died by suicide at the age of 82 as a free man (age of Adolph Coors suicide) Sources:  https://www.fbi.gov/history/artifacts/coors-kidnapping-ransom-note https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KHlaw1O3TMw https://www.fbi.gov/news/stories/-a-look-back-at-the-coors-kidnapping-case https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Adolph_Coors_III https://youtu.be/UFHPRNDYEfY?si=ODfnBphLkzUpp14m https://bookreadfree.com/216131/5352083