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 DISCLAIMER This podcast is intended for informational and entertainment purposes only. While we make every effort to ensure the accuracy of the information presented, we cannot guarantee its completeness or veracity. Our sources are thoroughly researched, and we strive to use credible, publicly available information. However, this podcast should not be considered a definitive or legal authority on the topics discussed. Much to their parents’ dismay, neither host is a lawyer, journalist, investigator, or any sort of authority figure. The views and opinions expressed by the hosts are personal and should not be taken as fact. Listeners are encouraged to conduct their own research and draw their own conclusions. This podcast is not intended to harm, slander, or defame any individuals, groups, or organizations. All individuals discussed are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.  You can find the list of sources used for each episode on our website, atrialbypodcast.com.  If you have any questions or concerns about the content, feel free to reach out to our team at atrialbypodcast@gmail.com.

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 DISCLAIMER This podcast is intended for informational and entertainment purposes only. While we make every effort to ensure the accuracy of the information presented, we cannot guarantee its completeness or veracity. Our sources are thoroughly researched, and we strive to use credible, publicly available information. However, this podcast should not be considered a definitive or legal authority on the topics discussed. Much to their parents’ dismay, neither host is a lawyer, journalist, investigator, or any sort of authority figure. The views and opinions expressed by the hosts are personal and should not be taken as fact. Listeners are encouraged to conduct their own research and draw their own conclusions. This podcast is not intended to harm, slander, or defame any individuals, groups, or organizations. All individuals discussed are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.  You can find the list of sources used for each episode on our website, atrialbypodcast.com.  If you have any questions or concerns about the content, feel free to reach out to our team at atrialbypodcast@gmail.com.

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 DISCLAIMER This podcast is intended for informational and entertainment purposes only. While we make every effort to ensure the accuracy of the information presented, we cannot guarantee its completeness or veracity. Our sources are thoroughly researched, and we strive to use credible, publicly available information. However, this podcast should not be considered a definitive or legal authority on the topics discussed. Much to their parents’ dismay, neither host is a lawyer, journalist, investigator, or any sort of authority figure. The views and opinions expressed by the hosts are personal and should not be taken as fact. Listeners are encouraged to conduct their own research and draw their own conclusions. This podcast is not intended to harm, slander, or defame any individuals, groups, or organizations. All individuals discussed are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.  You can find the list of sources used for each episode on our website, atrialbypodcast.com.  If you have any questions or concerns about the content, feel free to reach out to our team at atrialbypodcast@gmail.com.

[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 DISCLAIMER This podcast is intended for informational and entertainment purposes only. While we make every effort to ensure the accuracy of the information presented, we cannot guarantee its completeness or veracity. Our sources are thoroughly researched, and we strive to use credible, publicly available information. However, this podcast should not be considered a definitive or legal authority on the topics discussed. Much to their parents’ dismay, neither host is a lawyer, journalist, investigator, or any sort of authority figure. The views and opinions expressed by the hosts are personal and should not be taken as fact. Listeners are encouraged to conduct their own research and draw their own conclusions. This podcast is not intended to harm, slander, or defame any individuals, groups, or organizations. All individuals discussed are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.  You can find the list of sources used for each episode on our website, atrialbypodcast.com.  If you have any questions or concerns about the content, feel free to reach out to our team at atrialbypodcast@gmail.com.

[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 DISCLAIMER This podcast is intended for informational and entertainment purposes only. While we make every effort to ensure the accuracy of the information presented, we cannot guarantee its completeness or veracity. Our sources are thoroughly researched, and we strive to use credible, publicly available information. However, this podcast should not be considered a definitive or legal authority on the topics discussed. Much to their parents’ dismay, neither host is a lawyer, journalist, investigator, or any sort of authority figure. The views and opinions expressed by the hosts are personal and should not be taken as fact. Listeners are encouraged to conduct their own research and draw their own conclusions. This podcast is not intended to harm, slander, or defame any individuals, groups, or organizations. All individuals discussed are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.  You can find the list of sources used for each episode on our website, atrialbypodcast.com.  If you have any questions or concerns about the content, feel free to reach out to our team at atrialbypodcast@gmail.com.

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 DISCLAIMER This podcast is intended for informational and entertainment purposes only. While we make every effort to ensure the accuracy of the information presented, we cannot guarantee its completeness or veracity. Our sources are thoroughly researched, and we strive to use credible, publicly available information. However, this podcast should not be considered a definitive or legal authority on the topics discussed. Much to their parents’ dismay, neither host is a lawyer, journalist, investigator, or any sort of authority figure. The views and opinions expressed by the hosts are personal and should not be taken as fact. Listeners are encouraged to conduct their own research and draw their own conclusions. This podcast is not intended to harm, slander, or defame any individuals, groups, or organizations. All individuals discussed are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.  You can find the list of sources used for each episode on our website, atrialbypodcast.com.  If you have any questions or concerns about the content, feel free to reach out to our team at atrialbypodcast@gmail.com.

[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 DISCLAIMER This podcast is intended for informational and entertainment purposes only. While we make every effort to ensure the accuracy of the information presented, we cannot guarantee its completeness or veracity. Our sources are thoroughly researched, and we strive to use credible, publicly available information. However, this podcast should not be considered a definitive or legal authority on the topics discussed. Much to their parents’ dismay, neither host is a lawyer, journalist, investigator, or any sort of authority figure. The views and opinions expressed by the hosts are personal and should not be taken as fact. Listeners are encouraged to conduct their own research and draw their own conclusions. This podcast is not intended to harm, slander, or defame any individuals, groups, or organizations. All individuals discussed are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.  You can find the list of sources used for each episode on our website, atrialbypodcast.com.  If you have any questions or concerns about the content, feel free to reach out to our team at atrialbypodcast@gmail.com.

[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 DISCLAIMER This podcast is intended for informational and entertainment purposes only. While we make every effort to ensure the accuracy of the information presented, we cannot guarantee its completeness or veracity. Our sources are thoroughly researched, and we strive to use credible, publicly available information. However, this podcast should not be considered a definitive or legal authority on the topics discussed. Much to their parents’ dismay, neither host is a lawyer, journalist, investigator, or any sort of authority figure. The views and opinions expressed by the hosts are personal and should not be taken as fact. Listeners are encouraged to conduct their own research and draw their own conclusions. This podcast is not intended to harm, slander, or defame any individuals, groups, or organizations. All individuals discussed are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.  You can find the list of sources used for each episode on our website, atrialbypodcast.com.  If you have any questions or concerns about the content, feel free to reach out to our team at atrialbypodcast@gmail.com.

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 DISCLAIMER This podcast is intended for informational and entertainment purposes only. While we make every effort to ensure the accuracy of the information presented, we cannot guarantee its completeness or veracity. Our sources are thoroughly researched, and we strive to use credible, publicly available information. However, this podcast should not be considered a definitive or legal authority on the topics discussed. Much to their parents’ dismay, neither host is a lawyer, journalist, investigator, or any sort of authority figure. The views and opinions expressed by the hosts are personal and should not be taken as fact. Listeners are encouraged to conduct their own research and draw their own conclusions. This podcast is not intended to harm, slander, or defame any individuals, groups, or organizations. All individuals discussed are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.  You can find the list of sources used for each episode on our website, atrialbypodcast.com.  If you have any questions or concerns about the content, feel free to reach out to our team at atrialbypodcast@gmail.com.

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 DISCLAIMER This podcast is intended for informational and entertainment purposes only. While we make every effort to ensure the accuracy of the information presented, we cannot guarantee its completeness or veracity. Our sources are thoroughly researched, and we strive to use credible, publicly available information. However, this podcast should not be considered a definitive or legal authority on the topics discussed. Much to their parents’ dismay, neither host is a lawyer, journalist, investigator, or any sort of authority figure. The views and opinions expressed by the hosts are personal and should not be taken as fact. Listeners are encouraged to conduct their own research and draw their own conclusions. This podcast is not intended to harm, slander, or defame any individuals, groups, or organizations. All individuals discussed are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.  You can find the list of sources used for each episode on our website, atrialbypodcast.com.  If you have any questions or concerns about the content, feel free to reach out to our team at atrialbypodcast@gmail.com.

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