Method & Madness

In the late summer of 1968, 22-year-old Joan Freeman reported for an overtime shift at Hoffman-LaRoche, a sprawling pharmaceutical complex on the border of Clifton and Nutley, New Jersey. What should have been an ordinary Saturday at work became a nightmare: Joan would not leave the building alive.From the strange theories surrounding industrial theft and espionage to potential connections with other New Jersey cold cases, we examine the angles investigators considered and what they ultimately concluded.In this episode, we also touch on patterns in workplace homicides, the chilling notion that a coworker could have committed the crime, and the eerie possibility of a connection to the infamous “Torso Killer”, a thread we’ll explore in greater detail in a future episode.Join us as we honor the memory of Joan Freeman and navigate the unanswered questions that haunt her story.Trigger Warning: This episode includes discussions of graphic violence. Listener discretion is advised.If you have any information about the murder of Joan Freeman, please contact the Clifton Police Department at 973-470-5908.To submit information about the murder of Alexander Messier, contact the Morris County Prosecutor’s Office at (973) 285-6200To submit tips about the murder of Alys Eberhardt, contact the Fair Lawn PD at 201-794-5410******Method & Madness is researched, written, hosted, & produced by Dawn CateMusic by Tymur Khakimov from Pixabay***Get in Touch!:methodandmadnesspod@gmail.comCONNECT:InstagramTikTokDIVE INTO MORE: MethodandMadnessPodcast.com***All sources are listed on the website, under each episode description.MethodandMadnessPodcast.comThank you for listening!Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/method-madness--6241524/support.

On October 21, 2021, cinematographer Halyna Hutchins was killed on the set of the film Rust, a tragedy that shook Hollywood and the world. In this episode, we explore how a series of missteps, overlooked safety protocols, and human error led to her death. We delve into the history of on-set accidents, the role of unions and armorers, and the legal battles that followed - including the trials of Hannah Gutierrez-Reed and Alec Baldwin.Through interviews, court records, and eyewitness accounts, we examine not just what happened that day, but why it could happen in 2021 despite decades of lessons from past tragedies. Most importantly, we remember Halyna - her artistry, her courage, and the legacy she left behind - and consider what Hollywood can do to prevent another life lost.Support the next generation of cinematographers and honor Halyna’s memory by donating to the Halyna Hutchins Memorial Scholarship Fund:Halyna Hutchins Scholarship Fund | American Film Institute***Method & Madness is researched, written, hosted, & produced by Dawn CateMusic by Tymur Khakimov from Pixabay***Get in Touch!:methodandmadnesspod@gmail.comCONNECT:InstagramTikTokDIVE INTO MORE:  MethodandMadnessPodcast.com***All sources are listed on the website, under each episode description.MethodandMadnessPodcast.comThank you for listening!Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/method-madness--6241524/support.

This week’s episode of Method & Madness is being released alongside a new installment of Mean Girl Murders titled “Tears of a Clown” on Investigation Discovery and HBO Max, where I was honored to contribute to the retelling of Adrianne Reynolds’ story, especially knowing her family was involved. The TV episode was released on Monday 8/4/25 at 9pm EST and can be streamed anytime.In January 2005, 16-year-old Adrianne Reynolds was reported missing by her parents. Four days later, they learned the devastating truth: Adrianne had been murdered.This episode examines the toxic dynamics that led to Adrianne’s death, the investigation that followed, and the courtroom drama that nearly let her killer walk free. We also reflect on the enduring grief of Adrianne’s family — and the legacy they’ve built in her honor.Content warning: This episode contains descriptions of extreme violence, including the murder of a teenage girl.It also references gender identity in the context of a person who transitioned after the crime. I acknowledge her current identity, while using the name and pronouns from the time of the events to preserve narrative clarity and respect everyone involved.***Method & Madness is researched, written, hosted, & produced by Dawn CateMusic by Tymur Khakimov from Pixabay***Get in Touch!: methodandmadnesspod@gmail.comCONNECT:InstagramTikTokDIVE INTO MORE:  MethodandMadnessPodcast.com***All sources are listed on the website, under each episode description.MethodandMadnessPodcast.comThank you for listening!Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/method-madness--6241524/support.

As Pride Month comes to a close, we honor two lives taken too soon; one an openly gay man, the other a fierce ally.This week’s episode tells the story of Jeremy Waggoner, a gentle soul and hairstylist murdered in Detroit in 2008. And Lauri Carleton, a California shop owner shot in front of her store in 2023 for flying a Pride flag.One case is unsolved. The other, shockingly recent. Both are reminders of how deadly hate can be, and how powerful love and allyship truly are. Their lives mattered. Their stories deserve to be heard.Call to ActionIf you have any information about the murder of Jeremy Waggoner:Call 1-800-CRIME STOPPERSor reach out to the Detroit Police Homicide Division at 313-596-2260.If you want to support businesses supporting the LGBTQ community year-round, consider donating to Viva Rescue,  a queer-owned, registered 501c nonprofit and animal sanctuary.https://vivaglobalrescue.org/To support LGBTQ+ youth and help build a safer, more inclusive future, consider donating to The Trevor Project, a leading organization providing crisis support, education, and advocacy.***Method & Madness is researched, written, hosted, & produced by Dawn CateMusic by Tymur Khakimov from Pixabay***Get in Touch!: methodandmadnesspod@gmail.comCONNECT:InstagramTikTokDIVE INTO MORE: MethodandMadnessPodcast.com***All sources are listed on the website, under each episode description.MethodandMadnessPodcast.comThank you for listening!Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/method-madness--6241524/support.

A note from Dawn regarding 2 big updates to cases covered recently on Method & Madness.Listen to the original episodes here:Samantha HumphreyJohn UmbergerThank you for listening.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/method-madness--6241524/support.

On Thanksgiving weekend in 2006, 24-year-old Priscilla Pimentel, affectionately known as “Peaches” by her family, never showed up for dinner. Days later, her siblings made a devastating discovery inside her Queens apartment.Priscilla was kind, funny, full of life, and part of a close-knit Puerto Rican family. She was also a queer woman living independently in New York City, chasing her dreams and always staying connected to her roots. Her brutal murder remains unsolved nearly 18 years later.In this episode, we remember Priscilla Pimentel not as a headline, but as a human being. We look at her life, the circumstances of her death, and the questions that still haunt her case. We also zoom out to examine the long and painful history of violence against the LGBTQ+ community, from systemic failures in law enforcement to the rise of anti-LGBTQ rhetoric, and how it continues to manifest today. This is not just a story about loss. It’s about the urgent need for visibility, justice, and respect.Content warning: This episode includes discussion of violent crime, including anti-LGBTQ violence.Call to ActionIf you have any information about the murder of Priscilla Pimentel, please come forward. Your tip could help bring long-overdue justice to her family.📞 Call: 1-800-577-TIPS💻 Submit online: Crimestoppers.NYPDOnline.org Tips are completely confidential.To support LGBTQ+ youth and help build a safer, more inclusive future, consider donating to The Trevor Project, a leading organization providing crisis support, education, and advocacy.***Method & Madness is researched, written, hosted, & produced by Dawn CateMusic by Tymur Khakimov from Pixabay***Get in Touch!: methodandmadnesspod@gmail.comCONNECT:InstagramTikTokDIVE INTO MORE:  MethodandMadnessPodcast.com***All sources are listed on the website, under each episode description.MethodandMadnessPodcast.comThank you for listening!Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/method-madness--6241524/support.

An investigator, determined to identify a Jane Doe. A young woman, determined to meet her birth mother. Their paths would cross in 2006, and a murder investigation would begin.In October 1978, 23-year-old Wilma June Nissen was found discarded on the side of a road in rural Iowa. For nearly 3 decades, she was known only as Jane Doe.  This week on Method & Madness, we sit down with Wilma’s daughter, Krissi, who has found purpose in advocating for her mother’s cold case.Call to ActionIf you have any information, you can call the Lyon County Sheriff’s Department at:712-472-8326Deputy Amy Stoneramy.stoner@lyoncountyia.comAnd join Krissi’s page that she has dedicated to her advocacy: https://www.facebook.com/groups/950469630056425/***Method & Madness is researched, written, hosted, & produced by Dawn CateMusic by Tymur Khakimov from Pixabay***Get in Touch!: methodandmadnesspod@gmail.comCONNECT:InstagramTikTokDIVE INTO MORE: MethodandMadnessPodcast.com***All sources are listed on the website, under each episode description.MethodandMadnessPodcast.comThank you for listening!Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/method-madness--6241524/support.

14-year-old Enci “Aubrey” Wu vanished in January 2025, leaving a Pennsylvania community desperate for answers. Three months later, she was found — safe — hundreds of miles from home. This episode unpacks her disappearance, the digital movement that followed, and the legal questions still unfolding. A rare case with a hopeful ending — and a hard look at the power and pitfalls of social media.***Method & Madness is researched, written, hosted, & produced by Dawn CateMusic by Tymur Khakimov from Pixabay***Get in Touch!: methodandmadnesspod@gmail.comCONNECT:InstagramTikTokDIVE INTO MORE:  MethodandMadnessPodcast.com***All sources are listed on the website, under each episode description.MethodandMadnessPodcast.comThank you for listening!Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/method-madness--6241524/support.

Samantha Humphrey was a brilliant, funny, and empathetic child taken far too soon. Who would want to harm her?It was the day after Thanksgiving, 2022, when 14-year-old Samantha went missing in Schenectady, NY.  For 3 months, New York State Police worked with various search & rescue organizations to look for the child in and around the last area she was seen - Riverside Park & The Mohawk River.  Meanwhile, a heartbroken family was putting the pieces together to figure out why Samantha left late in the night to meet someone at Riverside Park. Join Dawn as she sits down with Samantha’s father, Jeff, and her aunt, Nica as they share this heartbreaking story.There is currently a $20,000 reward for information leading to an arrest and conviction. If you have any information about the murder of Samantha Humphrey, please contact the Schenectady County District Attorney, Robert Carney:518-388-4364If you or someone you know is experiencing domestic violence you can call:National Domestic Violence Hotline1-800-799-SAFEAll persons of interest and/or suspects are considered innocent until proven guilty. ***Method & Madness is researched, written, hosted, & produced by Dawn CateMusic by Tymur Khakimov from Pixabay***Get in Touch!:methodandmadnesspod@gmail.comCONNECT:InstagramTikTokDIVE INTO MORE:  MethodandMadnessPodcast.com***All sources are listed on the website, under each episode description.MethodandMadnessPodcast.comThank you for listening!Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/method-madness--6241524/support.

33-year-old Jared McColloch has been missing since 11/5/23.On November 4th, 2023, Jared drove over 500 miles north from his home in Louisiana.  He arrived in Salem, Illinois, at 1:38 AM the next day and stopped for gas at a local convenience store. According to Jared's ex-girlfriend, the two were supposed to meet up and then visit their teenage son later that day. The following day, a local citizen called the police to report an abandoned truck on a remote road in Knox County, Indiana. Jared's truck had been left running with his 2 beloved dogs still inside. He has not been heard from since. Where is Jared McColloch?Join Dawn as she sits down with Jared's mom, Tammie Reppond.This episode originally aired on 2/25/24. Note: In the original episode, Tammie discussed working with a few search & rescue organizations. That information has been removed from this replay.There is a $2500 reward offered by Dylan's Legacy.Call the tipline:844-642-5678Additional Information:Jared was 33 years old at the time of his disappearance.He is 5'9", 175 lbs, with blonde hair and blue eyesKnox County Sheriff’s Office:812-882-7660.Follow Jared’s case on Facebook:Finding Jared McCollochNamUs:Missing Person / NamUs #MP111425 | NamUs (ojp.gov)_________________________________Method & Madness is researched, written, hosted, & produced by Dawn CateSound Editing by Brogan MolloyMusic by Tymur Khakimov from Pixabay____________________________________REACH OUT: methodandmadnesspod@gmail.comCONNECT:InstagramXTikTok____________________________________Sources for this Episode:All sources for this episode were provided by the family of Jared McColloch.Thank you for listening!Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/method-madness--6241524/support.

April 15th, 2025 Update: Enci ‘Aubrey’ Wu has been found safe! More details to come.Enci Wu, who goes by Aubrey, is a 14-year-old girl who went missing in January 2025 from her Palmer Township, PA home. Her family is desperately trying to find her. Authorities have classified her as a runaway, but her parents do not believe she left willingly. They fear that she may be the victim of human trafficking.We’re calling on YOU for help.Call in tips:Palmer Township Police Northampton County non-emergency dispatch line:610-759-2200 or 911 (Case # 25-00323)Submit a tip anonymously:Submit a TipPrint the family’s flier:Aubrey's FlierAubrey, if you’re listening, there are a lot of people that are concerned and just want you to be safe. Please call 911 or call Palmer PD at (610) 759-2200.But if you can’t or don’t want to, you have options: Call a member of your familyCall National Runaway Safeline: 1-800-RUNAWAY (1-800-786-2929) Call National Center for Missing & Exploited Children: 1-800-THE-LOST (1-800-843-5678) Text Crisis Line: Text HELLO to 741741 Reach out to another trusted adult. Your dance teacher, your FBLA teacher ***Method & Madness is researched, written, hosted, & produced by Dawn CateMusic by Tymur Khakimov from Pixabay***Get in Touch!: methodandmadnesspod@gmail.comCONNECT:InstagramTikTokDIVE INTO MORE: MethodandMadnessPodcast.com***All sources are listed on the website, under each episode description.MethodandMadnessPodcast.comThank you for listening!Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/method-madness--6241524/support.

Months went by and a 14-year-old's disappearance got little media attention.  23 years later, one woman is ensuring this story isn't forgotten.High School freshman Danielle Bell went to a party on the evening of September 28th, 2001 in Cantonment, Florida.  It was the last time the 14-year-old was ever seen.Her loved ones describe her as “a stranger to nobody”.  When she didn’t return home that fall evening, her heartbroken family clung to hope. They waited for the day Danielle would walk back through the front door. Still searching more than 23 years later, Danielle’s sister Bonnie sits down with me to share her story.We’re calling on YOU for help.If you have any information, please contact the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office Major Crimes Unit:(850) 436-9580Or contact Crime Stoppers:(850) 433-STOPDanielle’s sister, Bonnie:justicefordaniellebell@gmail.comInformation & Age Progression Photo:https://charleyproject.org/case/danielle-arion-bell***Method & Madness is researched, written, hosted, & produced by Dawn CateMusic by Tymur Khakimov from Pixabay***Get in Touch!: methodandmadnesspod@gmail.comCONNECT:InstagramTikTokDIVE INTO MORE: MethodandMadnessPodcast.com***All sources are listed on the website, under each episode description.MethodandMadnessPodcast.comThank you for listening!Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/method-madness--6241524/support.

A day meant to honor and celebrate mothers became a moment of cruelty for a childless woman.On October 16, 2016 police in Bella Vista were called to a bloody scene outside a residence. Piecing together what had happened that night was looking simple enough; multiple witnesses, one man dead, a suspect in custody- case solved, right? Not quite.This is the unbelievable true story of “Higui” Eva Analía De Jesús, and how adversity, hate, and violence intersected one night.If you or someone you know needs support for sexual violence, contact:https://rainn.org/Call 800.656.HOPE (4673) to be connected with a trained staff member from a sexual assault service provider in your area.For LGBTQIA support, contact:https://lgbthotline.org/***Method & Madness is researched, written, hosted, & produced by Dawn CateMusic by Tymur Khakimov from Pixabay***Get in Touch!: methodandmadnesspod@gmail.comCONNECT:InstagramTikTokDIVE INTO MORE:  MethodandMadnessPodcast.com***All sources are listed on the website, under each episode description.MethodandMadnessPodcast.comThank you for listening!Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/method-madness--6241524/support.

Two cases are discussed today, both involving sensitive topics about child sexual abuse. Please listen with care.His message to her read “I made a vow to you that in sickness and in health I would always be with you.”It’s not a romantic notion sent from one loving spouse to another, but rather - a real-life message sent from an adult male to a child. A Roblox developer known as “Doc” and a group of online predators known as “The Bored Group” are taken down and prosecuted for targeting dozens of children.This episode includes resources for parents to discuss the dangers of the dark web.For information about Project Safe Childhood:http://www.justice.gov/pscFor resources on keeping children safe online:https://www.wxyz.com/news/reading-this-predators-playbook-could-help-protect-your-childENDCANhttps://www.icmec.org/icmec-resources/https://www.d2l.org/child-grooming-signs-behavior-awareness/https://www.justice.gov/psc/national-strategy-child-exploitation-prevention-and-interdiction____________________________________Method & Madness is researched, written, hosted, & produced by DawnMusic by Tymur Khakimov from Pixabay____________________________________REACH OUT:methodandmadnesspod@gmail.comCONNECT:InstagramXTikTokDIVE INTO MORE: MethodandMadnessPodcast.com____________________________________All sources are listed on the website, under each episode description.MethodandMadnessPodcast.comThank you for listening!Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/method-madness--6241524/support.

4-year-old Dorothy Good was taken into custody by the Marshalls’ deputy on March 24th,1692. She was questioned in court briefly and sent to jail. She spent her “sentence” in a dark, grim dungeon after being convicted of witchcraft.This is her story.____________________________________Method & Madness is researched, written, hosted, & produced by DawnMusic by Tymur Khakimov from Pixabay____________________________________REACH OUT: methodandmadnesspod@gmail.comCONNECT:InstagramXTikTokDIVE INTO MORE: MethodandMadnessPodcast.com____________________________________All sources are listed on the website, under each episode description.MethodandMadnessPodcast.comThank you for listening!Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/method-madness--6241524/support.

Buckle up for an in-depth conversation with Othram’s Dr. Kristen Mittelman. We delve into the fascinating world of genetic genealogy and how it’s revolutionizing the way we solve cold cases. Dr. Mittelman shares insights on the science behind DNA analysis, how Othram is building the infrastructure and metrics for all labs to use this technology,  the challenges faced in cold case investigations, and some remarkable success stories that have brought closure to families. Most recently, Othram’s work provided a huge update in the case of 6-year-old Morgan Nick who was abducted in 1995.Have a case that needs solving? Reach out to Othram:Solve@Othram.comFind out more about Othram:A Revolution in Cold Case Resolution - Othram____________________________________Method & Madness is researched, written, hosted, & produced by DawnMusic by Tymur Khakimov from Pixabay____________________________________REACH OUT:methodandmadnesspod@gmail.comCONNECT:InstagramXTikTokDIVE INTO MORE: MethodandMadnessPodcast.com____________________________________All sources are listed on the website, under each episode description.MethodandMadnessPodcast.comThank you for listening!Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/method-madness--6241524/support.

It wasn’t like 21-year-old Romona Moore to run off. Nobody knew that better than her mom, Ellie Carmichael. In April of 2003, Romona left the Brooklyn home she shared with her mother and said she was heading to Burger King to grab dinner. She never returned.It took days of pleading for Ellie to get the NYPD to take Romona’s disappearance seriously. By the time detectives began looking, it was too late. Romona had endured days of torture, before being discarded like trash.This case unfolds with a series of abductions, allegations of racial bias against the NYPD, intense manhunts, and a daring attempted courtroom escape. It also raises the proposal of new legislation in response to these events.This is Romona’s story.____________________________________Method & Madness is researched, written, hosted, & produced by DawnMusic by Tymur Khakimov from Pixabay____________________________________REACH OUT: methodandmadnesspod@gmail.comCONNECT:InstagramXTikTokDIVE INTO MORE: MethodandMadnessPodcast.com____________________________________All sources are listed on the website, under each episode description.MethodandMadnessPodcast.comThank you for listening!Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/method-madness--6241524/support.

In July of 1972, residents in the Tacony neighborhood of Philadelphia witnessed a violent abduction right outside their homes.  Nobody called the police. The next morning, 17-year-old Dolores Della Penna was confirmed missing and her family was sick with worry.  Law enforcement canvassed the area and interviewed more than 100 people as the city of brotherly love offered their support to the heartbroken Della Penna family.  Ten days after the abduction, a gruesome discovery in the pine barrens of New Jersey would lead to a decades-long investigation and the horrifying reality of what happened to Dolores Della Penna.____________________________________Method & Madness is researched, written, hosted, & produced by Dawn Music by Tymur Khakimov from Pixabay____________________________________REACH OUT: methodandmadnesspod@gmail.comCONNECT:InstagramXTikTokDIVE INTO MORE:  MethodandMadnessPodcast.com____________________________________All sources are listed on the website, under each episode description.MethodandMadnessPodcast.comThank you for listening!Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/method-madness--6241524/support.

In November of 1979, the body of a female was found in a cornfield in the village of Caledonia, New York. She had been shot twice.With no identification on her and no missing persons reports matching her description, her identity was a mystery. She became known as Caledonia Jane Doe.Over the next 3 decades, thousands of tips came in but nothing that provided answers. Then one day, a woman took to Facebook in hopes of finding her old friend, and a mystery was solved.This is the story of Tammy Jo Alexander.If you have any information about the murder of Tammy Jo Alexander, contact the FBI's Toll-Free Tipline at1-800-CALL-FBI (1-800-225-5324) Livingston County Sheriff's Office at 1-844-LCSO-TIP (1-844-527-6847).Or email: jmerrick@co.livingston.ny.us________________________________Method & Madness is researched, written, hosted, & produced by Dawn GandhiMusic by Tymur Khakimov from Pixabay____________________________________REACH OUT: methodandmadnesspod@gmail.comCONNECT:InstagramXTikTok____________________________________All sources are listed on the website, under each episode description.MethodandMadnessPodcast.comThank you for listening!Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/method-madness--6241524/support.

Welcome to Hot Pursuit, a summer true-crime collaboration, where we dive deep into the world of true crime. We’ve gathered many incredible true-crime podcasters to bring you a multi-part series that’s all about the heat of the chase. We'll explore cases where justice was relentlessly pursued, delve into crimes that occurred during the scorching summer months, and highlight cold cases that desperately need some heating up. From heart-pounding pursuits to stories of perseverance and determination, this collaborative effort aims to shed light on cases that have captivated the public’s imagination and those that need your attention now more than ever. In episode 1 you’ll hear from the following podcasters (in order); if you enjoy listening, please check out their podcasts by clicking their link below:Fresh Hell   https://freshhellpodcast.com/The Trail Went Cold   https://www.trailwentcold.com/Suffer the Little Children  https://linktr.ee/stlcpodMusic City 911 https://musiccity911.com/ Already Gone  https://www.instagram.com/alreadygonepod/Sirens: A Southern True Crime Podcast   Https://bit.ly/TheSirensNetwork Www.thesirenspodcast.comEverything Scary   https://linktr.ee/everythingscary Private Dicks   https://linktr.ee/privatedicksIn episode 2 you’ll hear from the following podcasters (in order); if you enjoy listening, please check out their podcasts by clicking their link below:The Dark Oak Podcast The Dark Oak | Podcast on Spotifythedarkoak.comKey to the Case  https://linktr.ee/keytothecaseTrue Crime Creepers  https://linktr.ee/TrueCrimeCreepersVintage Homicide  https://linktr.ee/vintagehomicidepodcastExcuse Me, That’s Illegal   www.linktr.ee/excusemethatsillegal.podBeyond the Rainbow   https://beyondtherainbowpodcast.comMurder and Mimosas  https://linktr.ee/murder.mimosas.pod?utm_source=linktree_admin_shareCoffee and Cases   https://linktr.ee/coffeeandcases Method and Madness   Method & Madness Podcast (methodandmadnesspodcast.com)Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/method-madness--6241524/support.