Direct Appeal

From the creators of Direct Appeal comes our new project, Women & Crime. Each episode we cover a new female focused true crime case. Enjoy this full length sample episode, and if you like it – Subscribe Now. ************** Ep 32: During the 1980s, Cindy James was purportedly the victim of over 100 attacks of physical and mental abuse by an unknown assailant. After a heavy police presence and no assailant ever identified, police grew skeptical. Was this a hoax or the diabolical plan of someone who wanted to torture and eventually murder her? Credits: • Written and Hosted by Amy Shlosberg and Meghan Sacks • Produced and Edited by James Varga • Music by Dessert Media Help is Available: If you or someone you know is a victim of domestic or other violence, there are many organizations that can offer support or help you in your specific situation.  For details please visit one of the websites below. National Domestic Violence Hotline https://www.thehotline.org/help/  RAINN https://www.rainn.org/about-national-sexual-assault-telephone-hotline Women’s Law https://hotline.womenslaw.org/ Victim Connect List of resources https://victimconnect.org/resources/national-hotlines/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

For the last 13 years, Melanie McGuire has been serving a life sentence for the murder and dismemberment of her husband, whose body was found in three suitcases in the Chesapeake Bay.  With Melanie’s full cooperation, two Criminologists (Dr. Meghan Sacks, and Dr. Amy Shlosberg) will examine the evidence, consult independent experts and explore over 50 hours of exclusive interviews with Melanie (from prison), her family, her friends, witnesses and experts on both sides of the trial looking to uncover the whole truth about this murder.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

01: Three suitcases, containing human remains, surfaced in Virginia’s Chesapeake Bay in May 2004. Police identified the man in the suitcases as 39-year-old William McGuire, from Woodbridge New Jersey, and they quickly focused their attention on Bill’s wife, Melanie McGuire, who did not report him missing. Convicted three years later of murdering and dismembering her husband, Melanie McGuire has been in prison since then but did the state get it right? Is Melanie McGuire the femme fatale that the prosecution painted her to be or is she an entirely different person, prosecuted and convicted because she was the most obvious suspect in this crime? In episode 1, meet Melanie McGuire. Credits:  Hosted by: Meghan Sacks and Amy Shlosberg.  Produced by James Varga.  Written by Meghan Sacks.  Recorded, mixed, and edited by Justin Kral at JC Studios.  Music and underscore by Nick Bassett of Dessert Media.  Legal Counsel provided by Barry Janay.  Special thanks to Alan Tockerman.  Producer-At-Large, Adam Curry For Images related to this episode, visit: https://directappealpodcast.com/images/#ep01 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

02: Bill and Melanie each end their other relationships and begin a life together. However, this may not be storybook ending they had hoped for. Their marriage is a volatile relationship, filled with infidelity, lies and acts that would results in criminal convictions for both. Melanie describes the ups and downs, and details the fight where she said she should have left.   Credits: Hosted by: Meghan Sacks and Amy Shlosberg.  Produced by James Varga.  Written by Meghan Sacks.  Recorded, mixed, and edited by Justin Kral at JC Studios.  Music and underscore by Nick Bassett of Dessert Media.  Legal Counsel provided by Barry Janay.  Special thanks to Alan Tockerman.  Producer-At-Large, Adam Curry Photo credits: Joshua Davis under cc license 2.0 For Images related to this episode, visit: https://directappealpodcast.com/images/#ep02 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

03: Bill and Melanie manage to piece together their relationship after dealing with tumultuous times. They forge ahead with their dreams of owning a home in the suburbs of New Jersey even though their relationship is not entirely a happy one. They find a home and close on it April 28th, 2004, but Bill McGuire is never seen again after the closing. Was this a happy occasion for the couple or part of Melanie’s plan to kill her husband?  For Images related to this episode, visit: https://directappealpodcast.com/images/#ep03 If you have any information regarding this case, you can submit it by emailing us at tips@directappealpodcast.com or leaving a voicemail at (732) 510-0996. If you have a question to ask Melanie, be sure to submit it to us by 7/31/19 and we may select it for a future episode. Credits: Hosted by: Meghan Sacks and Amy Shlosberg Produced by James Varga* Written by Meghan Sacks Recorded, mixed, and edited by Justin Kral at JC Studios Music and underscore by Nick Bassett of Dessert Media Legal Counsel: Barry Janay Special thanks to Alan Tockerman Photo credits: Joshua Davis under cc license 2.0 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

04: Melanie claims that on the evening of the closing, she and Bill had a big fight that lasted into the early morning of April 29th, and concluded with Bill walking out on her. Melanie’s moves over the next few days would cast doubt on her story though. The prosecution says Melanie was establishing a cover story. Whose version of events is more believable?  For Images related to this episode, visit: https://directappealpodcast.com/images/#ep04 If you have any information regarding this case, you can submit it by emailing us at tips@directappealpodcast.com or leaving a voicemail at (732) 510-0996. If you have a question to ask Melanie, be sure to submit it to us by 7/31/19 and we may select it for a future episode. Credits: Hosted by: Meghan Sacks and Amy Shlosberg. Produced by James Varga. Written by Meghan Sacks. Recorded, mixed, and edited by Justin Kral at JC Studios. Music and underscore by Nick Bassett of Dessert Media. Legal Counsel provided by Barry Janay. Special thanks to Alan Tockerman.  Photo credits: Joshua Davis under cc license 2.0 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

05: While Melanie tries to plan Bill’s funeral and move on with her life, the Police begin their Investigation. Eventually, Melanie is indicted. Her bail was eventually raised to $2 million dollars. The search for a defense team begins, and after several trial-and-errors with attorneys, Melanie eventually believes she hit the jackpot. As Melanie and her lawyers prepare for Trial, the prosecution makes a shocking announcement. For Images related to this episode, visit: https://directappealpodcast.com/images/#ep05 If you have any information regarding this case, you can submit it by emailing us at tips@directappealpodcast.com or leaving a voicemail at (732) 510-0996. If you have a question to ask Melanie, be sure to submit it to us by 7/31/19 and we may select it for a future episode. Credits Hosted by: Meghan Sacks and Amy Shlosberg Produced by James Varga* Written by Meghan Sacks Recorded, mixed, and edited by Justin Kral at JC Studios Music and underscore by Nick Bassett of Dessert Media Legal Counsel: Barry Janay Special thanks to Alan Tockerman Photo credits: Joshua Davis under cc license 2.0 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

06: The trial against Melanie McGuire begins on March 5, 2007, live on Court TV, and Melanie finds herself in the middle of a media circus. Lead prosecutor, Patricia Prezioso, makes a forceful opening argument but will her first witnesses help her case or hurt it? The prosecution also claims that the firearm Melanie purchased two days before Bill disappeared was the murder weapon but what does our expert have to say? For Images related to this episode, visit: https://directappealpodcast.com/images/#ep06 If you have any information regarding this case, you can submit it by emailing us at tips@directappealpodcast.com or leaving a voicemail at (732) 510-0996. If you have a question to ask Melanie, be sure to submit it to us by 7/31/19 and we may select it for a future episode. Credits: Hosted by: Meghan Sacks and Amy Shlosberg Produced by James Varga Written by Meghan Sacks Recorded, mixed, and edited by Justin Kral at JC Studios Music and underscore by Dessert Media Legal Counsel: Barry Janay Special thanks to Alan Tockerman Photo credits: Joshua Davis under cc license 2.0 Guest Experts: Stephen Batzer – http://www.batzerengineering.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

07: The prosecution introduces the sedative, chloral hydrate, found in Bill’s car. To fit their timeline, the Prosecution suggests Melanie kept Bill drugged for days before he was shot, but is there a less sinister explanation? Also, Melanie’s friends are pressured to betray her. Who will stay loyal? If you have any information regarding this case, you can submit it by emailing us at tips@directappealpodcast.com or leaving a voicemail at (732) 510-0996. If you have a question to ask Melanie, be sure to submit it to us by 7/31/19 and we may select it for a future episode. Credits: Hosted by: Meghan Sacks and Amy Shlosberg Produced by: James Varga Written by: Meghan Sacks Recorded, mixed, and edited by Justin Kral at JC Studios Music and underscore by Dessert Media* Legal Counsel: Barry Janay Special thanks to Alan Tockerman Producer-At-Large, Adam Curry Photo credits: Joshua Davis under cc license 2.0 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

08: The prosecution says that Melanie drove Bill’s body to the Chesapeake Bay Bridge in Virginia, where she disposed of his remains but Melanie says she was in Delaware furniture shopping. Does Melanie have an alibi witness to support her claim and if so, why didn’t this witness testify? Also, the prosecution introduces damning Internet searches made on the McGuire’s home computer, but was it Melanie who made these searches or someone else?  If you have any information regarding this case, you can submit it by emailing us at tips@directappealpodcast.com or leaving a voicemail at (732) 510-0996. If you have a question to ask Melanie, be sure to submit it to us by 7/31/19 and we may select it for a future episode. For Images related to this episode, visit: https://directappealpodcast.com/images/#ep08 Credits: Hosted by: Meghan Sacks and Amy Shlosberg  Produced by: James Varga* Written by: Meghan Sacks Recorded, mixed, and edited by Justin Kral at JC Studios Music and underscore by Dessert Media Legal Counsel: Barry Janay Special thanks to Alan Tockerman , Jesse Lindmar Photo credits: Joshua Davis under cc license 2.0   Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

09: The State’s witness testifies that there is forensic evidence linking Melanie to trash bags found with the body. However the defense gets lucky and happens across their own expert with a different opinion about what the evidence shows. If you have any information regarding this case, you can submit it by emailing us at tips@directappealpodcast.com or leaving a voicemail at (732) 510-0996. If you have a question to ask Melanie, be sure to submit it to us by 7/31/19 and we may select it for a future episode. Credits Hosted by: Meghan Sacks and Amy Shlosberg Produced by James Varga Written by Meghan Sacks Recorded, mixed, and edited by Justin Kral at JC Studios Music and underscore by Dessert Media Legal Counsel: Barry Janay Special thanks to Alan Tockerman, Frank Ruiz and Sally Ginter Photo credits: Joshua Davis under cc license 2.0 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

10: Now that the State has rested, it’s time for Melanie’s Defense to present their case. Several key witnesses emerge but will Melanie’s lawyers call them to the stand? At least two critical witnesses who testify for Melanie are not permitted to share their whole story but we share what they could not say on the stand. Could this testimony have made a difference? If you have any information regarding this case, you can submit it by emailing us at tips@directappealpodcast.com or leaving a voicemail at (732) 510-0996. If you have a question to ask Melanie, be sure to submit it to us by 7/31/19 and we may select it for a future episode. For Images related to this episode, visit: https://directappealpodcast.com/images/#ep10 Credits: Hosted by: Meghan Sacks and Amy Shlosberg  Produced by James Varga Written by  Meghan Sacks Recorded, mixed, and edited by Justin Kral at JC Studios Music and underscore by Dessert Media Legal Counsel: Barry Janay Special thanks to Alan Tockerman Photo credits: Joshua Davis under cc license 2.0 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

11: Financial documents reveal suspicious transactions in and out of the McGuire’s joint bank account while lab reports reveal untested DNA and hair and police reports raise shocking new accusations. The prosecution alleges that two anonymous letters containing information about Bill’s murder were written by Melanie while Melanie’s camp denies that she wrote these letters. The experts on each side battle it out but who will the jury believe? If you have any information regarding this case, you can submit it by emailing us at tips@directappealpodcast.com or leaving a voicemail at (732) 510-0996. If you have a question to ask Melanie, be sure to submit it to us by 7/31/19 and we may select it for a future episode. Credits: Hosted by: Meghan Sacks and Amy Shlosberg Produced by James Varga* Written by Meghan Sacks Recorded, mixed, and edited by Justin Kral at JC Studios Music and underscore by Dessert Media Legal Counsel: Barry Janay Special thanks to Alan Tockerman Photo credits: Joshua Davis under cc license 2.0 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

12: Both sides make their closing arguments, but an act of God gives one side an advantage. Afterwards, Melanie agonizes while the jury deliberates. The verdict is read and Melanie is sentenced, will she be shown any mercy? Also, we discover that Joe may have had personal reasons to rush things along… If you have any information regarding this case, you can submit it by emailing us at tips@directappealpodcast.com or leaving a voicemail at (732) 510-0996. If you have a question to ask Melanie, be sure to submit it to us by 7/31/19 and we may select it for a future episode. For Images related to this episode, visit: https://directappealpodcast.com/images/#ep12 Credits:  Hosted by: Meghan Sacks and Amy Shlosberg  Produced by James Varga* Written by Meghan Sacks Recorded, mixed, and edited by Justin Kral at JC Studios Music and underscore by Dessert Media Legal Counsel: Barry Janay Special thanks to Alan Tockerman  Photo credits: Joshua Davis under cc license 2.0 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

13: Listen to Melanie’s answers to your questions in part 1 of our question & answer episodes. If you have a question to ask and didn’t hear it in this episode, you have one more chance! Be sure to submit it to us by 7/31/19 by emailing us at tips@directappealpodcast.com or leaving a voicemail at (732) 510-0996 Credits: Hosted by: Meghan Sacks and Amy Shlosberg Produced by James Varga Written by Meghan Sacks Recorded, mixed, and edited by Justin Kral at JC Studios Music and underscore by Dessert Media Legal Counsel: Barry Janay Special thanks to Alan Tockerman Photo credits: Joshua Davis under cc license 2.0 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

14: Melanie is sentenced and transferred to prison. She begins the long process of appeals and holds out hope that her conviction will be overturned. Will the courts grant an appeal or will her life sentence stand? For images related to this episode: https://directappealpodcast.com/images/#ep14 Credits Hosted by: Meghan Sacks and Amy Shlosberg Produced by James Varga Written by Meghan Sacks Recorded, mixed, and edited by Justin Kral at JC Studios Music and underscore by Dessert Media Legal Counsel: Barry Janay Special thanks to Alan Tockerman Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

15: We ask Melanie the your Questions in the second round of Q&A. Thank you for staying tuned during our mid-season break! We are busy following up on your leads and theories and will be sharing them soon. If you have a tip, please contact us at tips@directappealpodcast.com Credits: Hosted by: Meghan Sacks and Amy Shlosberg Produced by James Varga Written by Meghan Sacks Recorded, mixed, and edited by Justin Kral at JC Studios Music and underscore by Dessert Media Legal Counsel: Barry Janay Special thanks to Alan Tockerman Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

16: Direct Appeal is back after a brief hiatus to follow up on listener tips. We return with three interviews from those who knew Melanie best: a friend from her past, a friend from her present and a surprise interview with a key witness for the prosecution. If you have any information regarding this case, you can still submit it by emailing us at tips@directappealpodcast.com or leaving a voicemail at (732) 510-0996. Credits: Hosted by: Meghan Sacks and Amy Shlosberg Produced by James Varga Written by Meghan Sacks Recorded, mixed, and edited by Justin Kral at JC Studios Music and underscore by Dessert Media Legal Counsel: Barry Janay Special thanks to Alan Tockerman Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

17: This season's final episode of Direct Appeal brings you audience tips and alternate theories. Also, Amy and Meghan will reveal their conclusions. To help and participate in our research project, please take our short survey which can be found at: http://directappealpodcast.com/survey If you would like to hear more from Amy and Meghan, check out our new podcast, "Women & Crime". Every two weeks we'll feature a new story which could be about female victims, offenders, or members of the criminal justice system. For now its time to sign-off, however if there are major developments in Melanie's case we will be sure to update our audience. Many thanks to our fans, friends and family!  Credits: Hosted by: Meghan Sacks and Amy Shlosberg  Produced by James Varga Written by Meghan Sacks Recorded, mixed, and edited by Justin Kral at JC Studios Music and underscore by Dessert Media Legal Counsel: Barry Janay Special thanks to Alan Tockerman Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

After more than one year since the last episode of Direct Appeal, we are back to discuss the recent media attention, to answer audience questions, and address potential tips sent in. We'll update you on what's next in Melanie's legal battle, and what supporters of Melanie say they are doing to help. We might even sneak in a word about season 2... Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices