Moms and Mysteries: A True Crime Podcast

When Sandra Birchmore was 12, she joined a Stoughton, Massachusetts police youth program because she hoped to become an officer herself. What began as trust in the adults around her became the basis for years of alleged exploitation by men connected to the program. In 2021, Sandra was found dead in her Canton apartment while pregnant with her first child. Her death was initially ruled a suicide. Federal prosecutors now allege that former Stoughton Police Officer Matthew Farwell, who had known Sandra through the Police Explorers program, strangled her and staged the scene to look like a suicide. They allege he did so to prevent Sandra from disclosing information about his conduct to law enforcement. As of October 7, 2026, jury selection is underway in Matthew's federal trial. He has pleaded not guilty, and his defense maintains that Sandra died by suicide. In this episode, we trace Sandra's life, the Police Explorers program, the original investigation, and the case now being argued in federal court. New episodes every Tuesday and Thursday! Follow us on Instagram: @momsandmysteries Join our Patreon: patreon.com/momsandmysteries Visit our website: momsandmysteries.com Upgrade your sleep with Boll & Branch! Get 15% off your first order plus free shipping at BollAndBranch.com/moms with code moms. Exclusions apply. Save 20% Off Honeylove by going to honeylove.com/moms #honeylovepod Text MOMS to 64000 to get 20% off all IQBAR products, plus FREE shipping. Message and data rates may apply. Get compounded GLP-1s for $59 a month from Collective. It's the same price every dose and you don’t have to prepay in advance to get the lowest price in the country. Visit collective.org/MOMS. Sources: Former Massachusetts Police Officer Arrested in Connection with Murder of Young Woman | United States Department of Justice The Betrayal of Sandra Birchmore The Sandra Birchmore Case Details Get Worse The Sandra Birchmore Case: Ex Stoughton Police Detective Indicted on Murder Charges Could Sandra Birchmore’s Alleged Killer Be Charged with Larceny? Family of former Stoughton police explorer files wrongful death lawsuit against 3 ex-officers https://s3.documentcloud.org/documents/25079501/farwellindictment.pdf https://www.bostonmagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/10/usa_v._matthew_farwell_-_detention_affidavit_2.pdf ​​A timeline of Sandra Birchmore's relationship with her alleged killer, former Stoughton police officer Matthew Farwell Sexual relationship between Stoughton police officer and minor detailed in report - masslive.com Matthew Farwell, charged in Sandra Birchmore's death, to remain in custody until trial - CBS Boston Matthew Farwell to remain behind bars until trial on charges in death of Sandra Birchmore - Boston News, Weather, Sports | WHDH 7News William Farwell, brother of man charged with killing Sandra Birchmore, has police certification revoked - CBS Boston Former Stoughton deputy chief Robert Devine decertified over misconduct allegations | GBH Sandra Birchmore’s mental health history allowed in Matthew Farwell trial Karen Read's attorneys seek unredacted documents from Sandra Birchmore death investigation - CBS Boston Sandra Birchmore case records https://crimetimelines.com/sandra-birchmore-timeline/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In 1983, Sam and Judith Haney were preparing to install a swimming pool behind their home in the Newport subdivision of Crosby, Texas, when they uncovered two human graves. The discovery led them to the Black Hope Addition Graveyard, a largely forgotten African American cemetery whose boundaries and burial records had faded from public view. Court records later confirmed that Purcell Company, Inc.'s field superintendent had been warned about a possible grave during construction and had ordered the marked area cleared. After the graves were found, the Haneys and other Newport residents began sharing unsettling accounts of unexplained noises, flickering appliances, shadows, and an overwhelming feeling that something was wrong in their homes. Those reports remain personal accounts, not independently verifiable findings. We follow the documented discovery, the neighborhood's haunting stories, and the legal battle that reached the Texas Supreme Court, while considering what it means when a community's lost burial ground is rediscovered beneath a new neighborhood. Thank you to this week's sponsors! Get 20% off all IQBAR products, plus free shipping: text MOMS to 64000. That’s MOMS to 64000. Message and data rates may apply. See terms for details. Find the fall pieces you’ll reach for most at Quince. Download the Quince app for app-exclusive offers, or go to quince.com. Get free shipping on your order and 365-day returns. When Quince asks where you heard about them, let them know it was Moms and Mysteries. Discover Uresta, trusted by more than 70,000 women, at uresta.com. Join Wayfair Rewards today to get 5% back on every purchase. Head to wayfair.com to shop all things home. Go to https://kachava.com and use code MOMS for 15% off your first order. https://blog.hmns.org/2016/10/dead-things-that-might-be-under-your-house-part-3-the-black-hope-horror/ https://www.dailypress.com/news/dp-xpm-19910703-1991-07-03-9107020204-story.html https://www.chron.com/neighborhood/article/Black-Hope-horror-doesn-t-haunt-this-hood-9565799.php https://www.newspapers.com/image/6328483/?terms=black%20hope%20cemetery&match=1 https://www.newspapers.com/image/432137176/?terms=black%20hope%20cemetery&match=1 https://www.newspapers.com/image/587255480/?terms=%22Judith%20Haney%22&match=1 https://www.newspapers.com/image/587810697/?terms=black%20hope%20cemetery&match=1 https://unsolved.com/gallery/black-hope-curse/ https://www.peacocktv.com/watch-online/tv/unsolved-mysteries/6560804523973069112/seasons/12/episodes/episode-7-episode-7/3bd5e703-4112-364d-966c-6e5d08627632 https://aaregistry.org/story/black-slave-cemeteries-in-america-a-story/ http://www.virginiaplaces.org/population/enslavedgrave.html http://www.virginiaplaces.org/population/africanamericancemetery.html https://www.sciway.net/hist/chicora/gravematters-1.html https://www.atlasobscura.com/articles/africanamerican-grave-markers https://forum.savingplaces.org/blogs/special-contributor/2016/06/02/recovering-and-preserving-african-american-cemeteries https://www.nbcnews.com/news/nbcblk/growing-movement-black-cemeteries-rcna15566 https://www.sapiens.org/archaeology/african-american-cemeteries-destruction/ https://www.reuters.com/article/us-usa-landrights-race-trfn/the-race-to-save-african-american-cemeteries-from-being-erased-idUSKCN2DW01A https://www.theatlantic.com/health/archive/2014/09/why-do-people-believe-in-ghosts/379072/ https://www.livescience.com/52641-science-of-paranormal-ghosts.html https://today.yougov.com/topics/society/articles-reports/2022/10/20/americans-describe-paranormal-encounters-poll https://www.apa.org/news/podcasts/speaking-of-psychology/ghosts https://casetext.com/case/haney-v-purcell-co-inc https://casetext.com/case/haney-v-purcell-co-inc- https://law.justia.com/cases/texas/supreme-court/1989/c-7949.html https://www.casem https://blog.hmns.org/2016/10/dead-things-that-might-be-under-your-house-part-3-the-black-hope-horror/ https://www.dailypress.com/news/dp-xpm-19910703-1991-07-03-9107020204-story.html https://www.chron.com/neighborhood/article/Black-Hope-horror-doesn-t-haunt-this-hood-9565799.php https://www.newspapers.com/image/6328483/?terms=black%20hope%20cemetery&match=1 https://www.newspapers.com/image/432137176/?terms=black%20hope%20cemetery&match=1 https://www.newspapers.com/image/587255480/?terms=%22Judith%20Haney%22&match=1 https://www.newspapers.com/image/587810697/?terms=black%20hope%20cemetery&match=1 https://unsolved.com/gallery/black-hope-curse/ https://www.peacocktv.com/watch-online/tv/unsolved-mysteries/6560804523973069112/seasons/12/episodes/episode-7-episode-7/3bd5e703-4112-364d-966c-6e5d08627632 https://aaregistry.org/story/black-slave-cemeteries-in-america-a-story/ http://www.virginiaplaces.org/population/enslavedgrave.html http://www.virginiaplaces.org/population/africanamericancemetery.html https://www.sciway.net/hist/chicora/gravematters-1.html https://www.atlasobscura.com/articles/africanamerican-grave-markers https://forum.savingplaces.org/blogs/special-contributor/2016/06/02/recovering-and-preserving-african-american-cemeteries https://www.nbcnews.com/news/nbcblk/growing-movement-black-cemeteries-rcna15566 https://www.sapiens.org/archaeology/african-american-cemeteries-destruction/ https://www.reuters.com/article/us-usa-landrights-race-trfn/the-race-to-save-african-american-cemeteries-from-being-erased-idUSKCN2DW01A https://www.theatlantic.com/health/archive/2014/09/why-do-people-believe-in-ghosts/379072/ https://www.livescience.com/52641-science-of-paranormal-ghosts.html https://today.yougov.com/society/articles/44143-americans-describe-paranormal-encounters-poll https://www.apa.org/news/podcasts/speaking-of-psychology/ghosts https://casetext.com/case/haney-v-purcell-co-inc https://casetext.com/case/haney-v-purcell-co-inc- https://law.justia.com/cases/texas/supreme-court/1989/c-7949.html https://www.casemine.com/judgement/us/59148956add7b049345010db https://www.newspapers.com/image/1207164572/?match=1&terms=%22Black%20Hope%20Horror%22%20williams https://www.newspapers.com/image/112488089/?match=1&terms=Grave%20Secrets%3A%20The%20Legacy%20of%20Hilltop%20Drive https://www.newspapers.com/image/528141740/?match=1&terms=%22Black%20Hope%20Horror%22%20williams https://www.newspapers.com/image/1204728502/ https://www.newspapers.com/image/1205424778/?match=1&terms=%22Black%20Hope%22%20cemetery%20sam%20judy%20haney%20supreme%20court https://www.newspapers.com/image/350766163/ https://www.newspapers.com/image/1204705228/?match=1&terms=%22Black%20Hope%20Horror%22%20williams https://search.worldcat.org/title/The-black-hope-horror-%3A-the-true-story-of-a-haunting/oclc/760946601 https://books.google.com/books/about/The_Black_Hope_Horror.html?id=7W1WAAAAYAAJ https://www.davidselby.com/photos/grave_secrets.htm https://www.mountvernon.org/preservation/archaeology/african-american-burial-ground https://www.nps.gov/articles/000/building-an-african-american-community-at-hot-springs.htm https://www.theartnewspaper.com/2024/03/14/how-the-uss-black-cemeteries-are-being-made-visible-once-more https://www.usf.edu/arts-sciences/chronicles/2023/antoinette-jackson-featured-on-60-minutes.aspx https://blackcemeterynetwork.org/leadership https://savingplaces.org/press-center/media-resources/african-american-burial-grounds-preservation-act-passes-congress Learn more about your ad choices. 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This is a new follow up to last week’s episode on Ashley Flynn’s death. We cover the trial of her husband, Caleb Flynn. Prosecutors argued that Caleb staged a home invasion after killing Ashley, while the defense maintained the state had built a circumstantial case around an affair, with no recovered murder weapon, eyewitness, or gunshot residue evidence. Over eight days of proceedings, the jury heard testimony about the garage door, the missing 9 mm handgun, phone and Apple Watch data, and more than 107,000 messages between Caleb and Alleigha Botner. On September 29, 2026, the jury found Caleb guilty on all nine felony counts and the firearm specifications. Sentencing is scheduled for October 5, and the defense has indicated it intends to appeal. New episodes every Tuesday and Thursday! Follow us on Instagram: @momsandmysteries Join our Patreon: patreon.com/momsandmysteries Visit our website: momsandmysteries.com Thank you to this week's sponsors! To grab your Paka hoodie, go to www.PAKAapparel.com. Get compounded GLP-1s for $59 a month from Collective. It's the same price every dose and you don’t have to prepay in advance to get the lowest price in the country. Visit collective.org/MOMS. Sources: ABC News: Jury deliberations underway in murder trial of former ‘American Idol’ contestant (Sept. 29, 2026.) https://abcnews.com/US/caleb-flynn-former-american-idol-contestant-murder-trial-wife-closing-arguments/story?id=136849417 CNN: Closings wrap in murder trial of former “American Idol” contestant Caleb Flynn (Sept. 29, 2026.) https://www.cnn.com/2026/09/29/us/caleb-flynn-murder-trial CNN live coverage: Prosecutors highlight Caleb Flynn’s affair in opening statement (Sept. 18, 2026.) https://www.cnn.com/2026/09/18/us/live-news/caleb-flynn-trial-opening-statements Tipp Gazette: Flynn trial day one: Stunning text messages subject of opening statements (Sept. 2026.) https://www.tippgazette.com/news/2026/9/flynn-trial-day-one-stunning-text-messages-subject-of-opening-statements WLWT: Jurors begin deliberations in Caleb Flynn trial (updated Sept. 29, 2026.) https://www.wlwt.com/article/verdict-watch-jury-deliberations-caleb-flynn-murder-trial/73939967 Dayton Daily News: What to know from Day 2 of testimony (Sept. 21, 2026.) https://www.daytondailynews.com/local/crime/caleb-flynn-murder-trial-what-to-know-from-day-2-of-testimony/article_4d1d397c-f471-5f72-aacc-2ca9edfd2318.html Tipp Gazette: Tipp officers, paramedic discuss response to home following Ashley Flynn’s death (Sept. 18, 2026.) https://www.tippgazette.com/news/2026/9/flynn-trial-day-two-tipp-officers-paramedic-discuss-response-to-home-following-ashley-flynns-death WHIO: Law enforcement, coroner’s office testify in Caleb Flynn murder trial (Sept. 21, 2026.) https://www.whio.com/news/local/law-enforcement-coroners-office-testify-caleb-flynn-murder-trial/PB4HFXDS7NDYLEO6PRWXIL6DX4/ Journal-News: Family shocked by Ashley Flynn’s death, husband’s affair (Sept. 22, 2026.) https://www.journal-news.com/local/crime/caleb-flynn-murder-trial-updates-alleged-mistress-loses-laptop-cellphone-tipp-city-captain-says/article_2f891ce9-4693-53d1-b726-7160725f8ce4.html Courtroom Insider: Live updates from forensics experts expected on day 3 (Sept. 22, 2026.) https://www.courtroominsider.com/2026/09/live-updates-testimony-from-forensics-experts-expected-on-day-3-of-caleb-flynns-murder-trial CNN: Caleb Flynn’s daughters were “nervous” after speaking with him, grandmother testifies (Sept. 22, 2026.) https://www.cnn.com/2026/09/22/us/caleb-flynn-trial-grandmother-testifies WHIO: Prosecution calls more witnesses on Day 5 (Sept. 23, 2026.) https://www.whio.com/news/local/prosecution-call-more-witnesses-day-5-caleb-flynn-trial/VHP7TZT6FFHXLPQRYDKHIYOZTM/ WDTN: Search for murder weapon focus of Caleb Flynn morning testimony (Sept. 23, 2026.) https://www.wdtn.com/news/search-for-murder-weapon-focus-of-caleb-flynn-morning-testimony/ Courtroom feed: Caleb Flynn Murder Trial — Day 5 (Sept. 23, 2026.) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vw-Mx1247-o Dayton Daily News: Text messages reveal mistress jealous, insecure about wife (Sept. 24, 2026.) https://www.daytondailynews.com/local/crime/caleb-flynn-murder-trial-text-messages-reveal-mistress-jealous-insecure-about-wife/article_0bba189a-c2cd-583c-ab91-970e9d8aaa4f.html CNN: Caleb Flynn’s former mistress took the stand at his murder trial (Sept. 24, 2026.) https://www.cnn.com/2026/09/24/us/caleb-flynn-murder-trial WHIO: Mistress of Caleb Flynn continues testimony on Day 6 (Sept. 24, 2026.) https://www.whio.com/news/local/mistress-caleb-flynn-continues-testimony-day-6-murder-trial/XA7CCI7T5VDPVHDQFL57YWIIRM/ Springfield News-Sun: Digital evidence, police interviews take center stage (Sept. 25, 2026.) https://www.springfieldnewssun.com/local/crime/caleb-flynn-murder-trial-we-expect-our-staff-to-behave-in-christian-ways-lead-pastor/article_a4fbaf47-9481-5747-8f27-6540d1de8b25.html WLWT: Jurors hear texts from Ashley’s phone, watch Caleb Flynn police interviews (Sept. 25, 2026.) https://www.wlwt.com/article/jurors-hear-texts-ashley-phone-caleb-flynn-police-interviews/73895080 Dayton 24/7 Now: Digital evidence, police interviews take center stage (Sept. 25, 2026.) https://dayton247now.com/news/local/digital-evidence-police-interviews-take-center-stage-in-caleb-flynn-murder-trial Dayton Daily News: Closing arguments set after final testimony (Sept. 28, 2026.) https://www.daytondailynews.com/local/crime/caleb-flynn-murder-trial-day-7-of-testimony-begins-this-morning/article_47804501-902d-4460-90ff-52fedcc0c6bc.html WLWT: Both sides rest after testimony focuses on digital evidence (Sept. 28, 2026.) https://www.wlwt.com/article/caleb-flynn-murder-trial-defense-prosecution-rest-cases/73932093 ABC News: Caleb Flynn denies killing wife in police interview played at trial (Sept. 28, 2026.) https://abcnews.com/US/caleb-flynn-denies-killing-wife-police-interview-played/story?id=136829023 WHIO courtroom feed: September 28 proceedings (Sept. 28, 2026.) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1FPCqBGiZ5I WDTN: Caleb Flynn defense rests without calling any witnesses (Sept. 28, 2026.) https://www.wdtn.com/news/caleb-flynn/caleb-flynn-defense-surprisingly-rests-without-calling-any-witnesses/ Dayton Daily News: “The bottom line is he did it,” prosecutor says (Sept. 29, 2026.) https://www.daytondailynews.com/local/crime/caleb-flynn-murder-trial-the-bottom-line-is-he-did-it-prosecutor-says/article_673d3137-c07f-4f3d-90f5-5969d68ee90b.html Dayton Daily News: Deliberations to begin soon (Sept. 29, 2026.) https://www.daytondailynews.com/local/crime/caleb-flynn-murder-trial-deliberations-to-begin-soon/article_673d3137-c07f-4f3d-90f5-5969d68ee90b.html WLWT: Caleb Flynn found guilty on all charges in wife’s death (updated Sept. 29, 2026.) https://www.wlwt.com/article/verdict-watch-jury-deliberations-caleb-flynn-murder-trial/73939967 NBC News: Caleb Flynn, former ‘American Idol’ singer, found guilty of wife’s murder (updated Sept. 29, 2026.) https://www.nbcnews.com/news/us-news/jury-reaches-verdict-case-caleb-flynn-american-idol-singer-charged-wif-rcna600448 Learn more 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In late 2019, 69 year old Patricia Bennett suddenly stopped answering calls from her family. Messages continued coming from her phone, but her grandson John knew something was wrong. The wording did not sound like Patricia, and no matter how often he asked, he could not hear her voice. As police checked the shifting stories told by Patricia’s daughter, Carol Rey, the lies began to unravel. Patricia was not at her sister’s house or at the doctor’s office, and her phone was found hidden inside the home. We cover Patricia’s disappearance, John’s persistence, and the investigation that revealed what had happened to her. New episodes every Tuesday and Thursday! Follow us on Instagram: @momsandmysteries Join our Patreon: patreon.com/momsandmysteries Visit our website: momsandmysteries.com Thank you to this week's sponsors! Find the fall pieces you’ll reach for most at Quince. Download the Quince app for app-exclusive offers, or go to Quince.com/moms. Get free shipping on your order and 365-day returns. Now available in Canada and the UK, too. Sources: https://www.fox2detroit.com/news/roseville-woman-accused-of-killing-mom-also-suspected-spending-victims-money  https://www.clickondetroit.com/news/local/2020/01/17/roseville-woman-faces-charges-after-killing-mother-stuffing-her-in-storage-tub-last-year/ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T9As-xUFnrE  https://www.newspapers.com/image/629566457/  https://www.macombdaily.com/2022/05/20/roseville-woman-pleads-to-second-degree-murder-for-shooting-mother/  https://www.macombdaily.com/2022/07/07/roseville-woman-who-killed-mother-sentenced-to-20-years/  https://mdocweb.state.mi.us/OTIS2/Profile  https://www.verheyden.org/obituaries/Patricia-Ann-Bennett?obId=28390095  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S5mxhCjqc0c  https://courtpa.macombgov.org/eservices/searchresults.page?x=cEkyA7QREx46zbeQv8SGOrfSS4pSZO8rCqcRL34Jt0kugJZRRFLW2viYgYy67zpd6lU90QaVJ65G9FBNo6D6Yw  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-XmKxmvINOA Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

From the archive, we are revisiting the disappearance of former NBA player Bison Dele.In July 2002, Bison Dele, his girlfriend Serena Karlan, and boat captain Bertrand Saldo vanished while sailing through the South Pacific. Bison’s older brother, Miles Dabord, was the only person to return from the trip. When he arrived in Tahiti, Bison’s catamaran had been repainted and renamed. As investigators searched for answers, they uncovered evidence that someone had been using Bison’s identity after he disappeared. Authorities came to believe Miles was responsible for the deaths of Bison, Serena, and Bertrand, but he died later that year before the case could ever be resolved in court. No bodies were found, and what happened aboard that boat remains a mystery. New episodes every Tuesday and Thursday! Follow us on Instagram: @momsandmysteries Join our Patreon: ⁠patreon.com/momsandmysteries⁠ Visit our website: ⁠momsandmysteries.com⁠ #TrueCrime #Podcast #FloridaMoms #BisonDele #NBA #MissingAtSea #SouthPacific #MilesDabord #UnsolvedMystery Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices