A Trial by Podcast

On May 14th, 2008, 19-year-old Brandon Swanson drove his car into a ditch, but, by his own account, was not injured. He called his parents for help, but was unable to describe exactly where he was. He had been on the phone with them for over 45 minutes when he yelled “oh shit!” The line then went silent, and despite the fact that the car was found, Brandon was never seen again, and to this day, no one knows what happened to him. Was he the victim of foul play, did he decide to walk away from his life, or did a series of accidents not only take Brandon’s life but also hide his body away forever? Well, this is A Trial by Podcast, so we'll let you be the judge. Find us on socials: Facebook: ⁠A Trial by Podcast⁠ Instagram: ⁠@atrialbypodcast⁠ TikTok: ⁠@atrialbypodcast   Theme Music: https://uppbeat.io/t/all-good-folks/mr-mischief License code: MOYK9CTUWGH7BLCS

In 2020, 35-year-old Jessica Lewis and 27-year-old Austin Wenner were shot and killed by their landlord, Michael Dudley. Dudley then dismembered their bodies, put them into dufflebags and suitcases, and scattered their remains across bodies of water and forested areas in and around Seattle. The first set of remains was discovered by a group of teenagers, who posted a series of TikTok videos documenting their discovery. In this episode, not only do we tell Jessica and Austin’s story, but we discuss what is the proper way to act if you ever were to (God-forbid) discover human remains. Find us on socials: Facebook: ⁠A Trial by Podcast⁠ Instagram: ⁠@atrialbypodcast⁠ TikTok: ⁠@atrialbypodcast   Theme Music: https://uppbeat.io/t/all-good-folks/mr-mischief License code: MOYK9CTUWGH7BLCS

On July 16th, 2011, 17-year-old Tyler Hadley brutally murdered his parents, Blake and Mary Jo Hadley, with a hammer. He then cleaned up the crime scene, hid the bodies in the master bedroom, and through a party in the house with over 60 people. But what could have possibly been the motive for such a heinous and heartless act against the two people that gave him life? Honestly, we can't figure it out. Plus, this is A Trial by Podcast, so as always, we'll let you be the judge. Find us on socials: Facebook: ⁠A Trial by Podcast⁠⁠ Instagram: ⁠⁠@atrialbypodcast⁠⁠ TikTok: ⁠⁠@atrialbypodcast⁠   Theme Music: https://uppbeat.io/t/all-good-folks/mr-mischief License code: MOYK9CTUWGH7BLCS

[Part 2 of 2] On Friday, June 13th, 1980, 30-year-old Betty Gore was brutally killed with 41 swings of an axe at the hands of one of her closest friends, Candy Montgomery. Despite admitting to the crime, Candy was acquitted at trial. So does Candy Montgomery deserve to be free? Well, this is A Trial by Podcast, so we'll let you be the judge. Find us on socials: Facebook: ⁠⁠A Trial by Podcast⁠⁠ Instagram: ⁠⁠@atrialbypodcast⁠⁠ TikTok: ⁠⁠@atrialbypodcast⁠   Theme Music: https://uppbeat.io/t/all-good-folks/mr-mischief License code: MOYK9CTUWGH7BLCS

[Part 1 of 2] On Friday, June 13th, 1980, 30-year-old Betty Gore was brutally killed with 41 swings of an axe at the hands of one of her closest friends, Candy Montgomery. Despite admitting to the crime, Candy was acquitted at trial. So does Candy Montgomery deserve to be free? Well, this is A Trial by Podcast, so we'll let you be the judge. Find us on socials: Facebook: ⁠A Trial by Podcast⁠ Instagram: ⁠@atrialbypodcast⁠ TikTok: ⁠@atrialbypodcast   Theme Music: https://uppbeat.io/t/all-good-folks/mr-mischief License code: MOYK9CTUWGH7BLCS

In 2014, Derek and Maria Broaddus were thrilled to buy their dream home in Westfield, New Jersey, eager to move in with their three children. However, their excitement turned to dread just days after closing when they received the first of many unsettling letters from an anonymous stalker who called himself The Watcher. Unlike typical stalkers, The Watcher’s fixation wasn’t on Derek, Maria, or their children—it was on the house itself. He claimed his family had been ~watching~ the property for generations. So, who was behind this disturbing campaign? A neighbor with a sinister agenda? A teenager indulging dark fantasies? Or could it even be the Broadduses themselves? Well, this is A Trial by Podcast, so we'll let you be the judge. Find us on socials: Facebook: ⁠⁠A Trial by Podcast⁠⁠ Instagram: ⁠⁠@atrialbypodcast⁠⁠ TikTok: ⁠⁠@atrialbypodcast⁠   Theme Music: https://uppbeat.io/t/all-good-folks/mr-mischief License code: MOYK9CTUWGH7BLCS

[Part 2 of 2] In 1981, 6-year-old Adam Walsh was kidnapped from the Hollywood Mall in Hollywood, Florida, where he was shopping with his mother Reve. Two weeks later, Adam's partial remains were found in a drainage canal about 136 miles north of where he was abducted. Adam's parents went on to make significant changes to policy, forever benefiting the families of missing and murdered children. Adam's father, John Walsh, also went on to host over 1,000 episodes of the hit TV show, America's Most Wanted. In the end, the family and authorities are satisfied that they know who killed Adam, but are you? Well, this is A Trial by Podcast, so we'll let you be the judge. Find us on socials: Facebook: ⁠⁠A Trial by Podcast⁠⁠ Instagram: ⁠⁠@atrialbypodcast⁠⁠ TikTok: ⁠⁠@atrialbypodcast⁠   Theme Music: https://uppbeat.io/t/all-good-folks/mr-mischief License code: MOYK9CTUWGH7BLCS

[Part 1 of 2] In 1981, 6-year-old Adam Walsh was kidnapped from the Hollywood Mall in Hollywood, Florida, where he was shopping with his mother Reve. Two weeks later, Adam's partial remains were found in a drainage canal about 136 miles north of where he was abducted. Adam's parents went on to make significant changes to policy, forever benefiting the families of missing and murdered children. Adam's father, John Walsh, also went on to host over 1,000 episodes of the hit TV show, America's Most Wanted. In the end, the family and authorities are satisfied that they know who killed Adam, but are you? Well, this is A Trial by Podcast, so we'll let you be the judge. Find us on socials: Facebook: ⁠A Trial by Podcast⁠ Instagram: ⁠@atrialbypodcast⁠ TikTok: ⁠@atrialbypodcast   Theme Music: https://uppbeat.io/t/all-good-folks/mr-mischief License code: MOYK9CTUWGH7BLCS

John McAfee, the creator of the McAfee antivirus software, lived a wild life. Despite his severe drug addiction, he amassed $100 million and ran for U.S. president. He later moved to Belize, where he was accused of the murder of his neighbor, Greg Faull, but never charged for the crime. After being imprisoned for tax evasion, McAfee reportedly died by suicide. However, before going to prison, McAfee tweeted, "Getting subtle messages from U.S. officials saying, in effect: "We're coming for you McAfee! We're going to kill yourself". I got a tattoo today just in case. If I suicide myself, I didn't." So was McAfee responsible for the murder of Greg Faull? And did McAfee truly die by suicide, or was he killed? Well, this is A Trial by Podcast, so we'll let you be the judge. Find us on socials: Facebook: ⁠A Trial by Podcast⁠ Instagram: ⁠@atrialbypodcast⁠ TikTok: ⁠@atrialbypodcast   Theme Music: https://uppbeat.io/t/all-good-folks/mr-mischief License code: MOYK9CTUWGH7BLCS

In 1994, 27-year-old Alison Botha was kidnapped outside of her home in Port Elizabeth, South Africa. She was then driven out to a remote location where she was raped, strangled, stabbed over 30 times, and disemboweled by two men: Thuens Krueger and Frans Du Toit. Her throat was cut so deeply she was almost decapitated, and yet, Alison SURVIVED. In July of 2023, just a year before recording this episode, Alison's attackers were given parole and now live freely amongst society in South Africa. But are they really rehabilitated? Fucking of course not, but we usually ask a question at the end of the summary. Still, this is A Trial by Podcast, so we'll let you be the judge (you will definitely agree with us). Find us on socials: Facebook: ⁠A Trial by Podcast⁠ Instagram: ⁠@atrialbypodcast⁠ TikTok: ⁠@atrialbypodcast   Theme Music: https://uppbeat.io/t/all-good-folks/mr-mischief License code: MOYK9CTUWGH7BLCS

The story of one of the most famous wrestling families of all time, the Von Erich family, is a tragic one. Out of six brothers, only one lived past the age of thirty-three. This causes some people to speculate the family is cursed, but is there a more realistic explanation for what happened to the brothers? Well, this is A Trial by Podcast, so we'll let you be the judge. TW: Drug abuse, self harm, mental illness, and suicide. If you are struggling with suicidal thoughts or ideation, PLEASE text or call the suicide crisis line at 988. We <3 you and want you to get the help that you need. The book we mentioned in the episode is Mindset by Dr. Carol Dweck. Find us on socials: Facebook: ⁠A Trial by Podcast⁠ Instagram: ⁠@atrialbypodcast⁠ TikTok: ⁠@atrialbypodcast   Theme Music: https://uppbeat.io/t/all-good-folks/mr-mischief License code: MOYK9CTUWGH7BLCS

In October of 1989, 10-year-old Amy Mihaljevic was abducted from her hometown of Bay Village, Ohio. Just months later, her body was discovered off a rural road. The investigation leads detectives down a lot of different paths, but is it possible Amy's death was at the hands of a local teacher? Well, this case is unsolved, and this is A Trial by Podcast, so we'll let you be the judge. [Part 2 of 2] Instagram Profile Kelsey mentioned: @ctrl.skin Find us on socials: Facebook: ⁠A Trial by Podcast⁠⁠ Instagram ⁠⁠@atrialbypodcast⁠⁠ TikTok: ⁠⁠@atrialbypodcast⁠   Theme Music: https://uppbeat.io/t/all-good-folks/mr-mischief

In October of 1989, 10-year-old Amy Mihaljevic was abducted from her hometown of Bay Village, Ohio. Just months later, her body was discovered off a rural road. The investigation leads detectives down a lot of different paths, but is it possible Amy's death was at the hands of a local teacher? Well, this case is unsolved, and this is A Trial by Podcast, so we'll let you be the judge. [Part 1 of 2] Find us on socials: Facebook: A Trial by Podcast⁠ Instagram ⁠@atrialbypodcast⁠ TikTok: ⁠@atrialbypodcast   Theme Music: https://uppbeat.io/t/all-good-folks/mr-mischief

Legend has it that Giulia Tofana, the alleged creator of the infamous poison acqua tofana, may be the most prolific serial killer of all time with her death toll totaling over 600 men - but how much of this story is really true? Well, this is A Trial by Podcast, so we'll let you be the judge. Find us on socials: Facebook: A Trial by Podcast⁠ Instagram: ⁠@atrialbypodcast⁠ TikTok: ⁠@atrialbypodcast   Theme Music: https://uppbeat.io/t/all-good-folks/mr-mischief License code: MOYK9CTUWGH7BLCS

In today's episode, we tell the stories of some of the women (and even one man) who survived horrific encounters with serial killer Ted Bundy. Find us on socials: Facebook: ⁠A Trial by Podcast⁠ Instagram: ⁠@atrialbypodcast⁠ TikTok: ⁠@atrialbypodcast   Theme Music: https://uppbeat.io/t/all-good-folks/mr-mischief License code: MOYK9CTUWGH7BLCS

Diamond (3) and Tionda (10) Bradley disappeared from their Chicago home in 2001, and to this day, we still have no answers to what happened to them. The family hints that they believe someone close to them knows more than they're saying, so is it possible the person responsible has been hiding in plain sight for 23 years? Well this is A Trial by Podcast, so we'll let you be the judge. Find us on socials: Facebook: ⁠A Trial by Podcast⁠ Instagram: ⁠@atrialbypodcast⁠ TikTok: ⁠@atrialbypodcast   Theme Music: https://uppbeat.io/t/all-good-folks/mr-mischief License code: MOYK9CTUWGH7BLCS

Mata Hari was many things throughout her life: an exotic dancer, a model, a courtesan, and even a World War I spy... but was she a traitor? Well, this is A Trial by Podcast, so we'll let you be the judge. Find us on socials: Facebook: ⁠A Trial by Podcast⁠ Instagram: ⁠@atrialbypodcast⁠ TikTok: ⁠@atrialbypodcast   Theme Music: https://uppbeat.io/t/all-good-folks/mr-mischief License code: MOYK9CTUWGH7BLCS

[Part 2 of the Murder of Sarah Everard] After the murder of 33-year-old Sarah Everard by active London Metropolitan Police Officer Wayne Couzens, the Met tried to quell the public fear and outrage by painting Couzens as just one bad apple in their force. However, subsequent investigation has revealed a pervasive culture of troubling behavior within the police force. So how the f*ck did this happen? Well, this is A Trial by Podcast, so we'll let you be the judge (but we'll talk your ear off for an hour first). Find us on socials: Facebook: ⁠A Trial by Podcast⁠ Instagram: ⁠@atrialbypodcast⁠ TikTok: ⁠@atrialbypodcast   Theme Music: https://uppbeat.io/t/all-good-folks/mr-mischief License code: MOYK9CTUWGH7BLCS

During a Tier 4 COVID lockdown in March of 2021, 33-year-old Londoner Sarah Everard was kidnapped, raped, and murdered by an active London Metropolitan Police Officer named Wayne Couzens. So, how was a monster like Wayne Couzens ever able to become a police officer in the first place? And what can be done to make sure this never happens again? Well, this is A Trial by Podcast, so we’ll let you be the judge. [Part 1 of 2] Find us on socials: Facebook: ⁠A Trial by Podcast⁠ Instagram: ⁠@atrialbypodcast⁠ TikTok: ⁠@atrialbypodcast   Theme Music: https://uppbeat.io/t/all-good-folks/mr-mischief License code: MOYK9CTUWGH7BLCS

On Christmas Eve, 1945, George and Jenny Sodder watched their home burn entirely to the ground, presumably with five of their 10 children still inside. Officials ruled that Maurice, Martha, Louis, Jennie, and Betty, who were supposed to be asleep on the third floor, died in the fire, yet not a single bone fragment was found in the rubble. The Sodders found this unbelievable, as the fire did not burn nearly as long or as hot as a cremation chamber, which still leaves bone fragments behind. So did the children really perish in the fire, or as the Sodder family believed, were they kidnapped from the home before it began?  Well, this is A Trial by Podcast, so we’ll let you be the judge. Find us on socials: Facebook: ⁠A Trial by Podcast⁠ Instagram: ⁠@atrialbypodcast⁠ TikTok: ⁠@atrialbypodcast   Theme Music: https://uppbeat.io/t/all-good-folks/mr-mischief License code: MOYK9CTUWGH7BLCS