New York's Dark Side

Episode Summary:On April 29, 1986, 13-year-old Tammie Anne McCormick of Saratoga Springs, New York, vanished without a trace. Despite decades of investigation, leads, rumors, and persons of interest, her case remains unsolved.In this episode, Amanda Morgan unpacks the chilling mystery surrounding Tammie's disappearance. From that fateful morning in 1986 to modern theories and forensic searches, we explore what happened to this bright, spirited young girl—and the many unanswered questions still haunting those who knew and loved her.What You'll Hear in This Episode:Tammie's background and life leading up to April 1986Conflicting accounts of her plans the morning she vanishedInvestigative missteps and rumors of runaway plansKey persons of interest, including Arthur Mason Slaybaugh IIPossible connections to serial predator Lewis Lent Jr.The 2021 “Rails to Trails Jane Doe” theory and Reddit speculationUpdates from recent years, including searches and investigative dead endsA detailed description of Tammie at the time she disappearedA call to action for anyone with informationKey Details:Name: Tammie Anne McCormickAge at Disappearance: 13Date: April 29, 1986Location: Saratoga Springs, NYHeight/Weight: Approx. 5'3", 105 lbsPhysical Description: Long light brown hair, hazel eyes, pierced ears, homemade tattoo/scar of initials "TAM" on upper left armClothing: Denim jacket, yellow striped shirt, black corduroy pants, beige boots, shoulder bagHave Information?Call the Saratoga Springs Police Department at 518-584-1800.🔗 Resources & Links:Visit our website for full source material: nydarksidepodcast.comFollow us on Facebook or Instagram: New York’s Dark Side PodcastListen to Episode 32 for more on the Rails to Trails Jane Doe case💬 Leave a Review & Follow Us:Enjoying the show? Please consider subscribing, rating, and reviewing New York’s Dark Side on your podcast platform of choice. Your support helps us continue bringing these stories to light.Stay safe. Stay curious.– Amanda MorganThe intro music of this episode is a portion of 'Mysteries Remain' courtesy of Krooked Knuckles. Check out our collaborative video featuring some open New York unsolved cases: https://youtu.be/nK8Gy4hDLZA

On July 10, 1971, eight year old Douglas Legg would go missing from his family's summer retreat in the Adirondack Mountain region of Newcomb, New York. His disappearance would lead to the largest search for a missing person in New York State. What happened to Douglas remains a mystery to this day, despite all the effort to search for him he's never been found and with occasional leads as recently as 2020... In this episode we'll discuss the history of Great Camp Santanoni and the disappearance of Douglas Legg. Camp Santanoni is now owned by New York State and is the only Great Camp that is open to the public, offering hiking, fishing, boating, skiing and tours of the massive beautiful buildings. Episode Transcript ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Check out our Patreon Page!⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ For all episode sources and additional information about this case, please check out our episode page following this⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠LINK⁠⁠⁠.⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠ Don't forget you can also follow the show on the following Social Media Platforms Facebook: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠New York's Dark Side⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ X: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@NYDarkSidePod⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@NYDarkSidePod⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Have feedback or want to get in contact with Amanda? Reach out via email at nydarksidepodcast@gmail.com The intro theme for this podcast are sections of Nightmare Machine by Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com), CC BY 3.0 <⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠>, via Wikimedia Commons 

July 2, 1918 an explosion at a munitions plant shook the night, killing 65 men, injuring dozens more, and nearly took out the city of Syracuse in the process. The cause of the explosion has never really been identified though there are several theories. Was it sabotage, and if so, was it an inside job? In this episode, we dive into the history of Split Rock and the explosion on that fateful night in 1918. We'll also dive into some rabbit holes, exploring the discovery of the Hart's Tongue Fern and the evolution of the Pinkerton Detective Agency & the first female investigator- Kate Warne. For more on Split Rock- Check out the Onondaga Historical Society's YouTube Channel Episode Transcript ⁠⁠⁠⁠Check out our Patreon Page!⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ For all episode sources and additional information about this case, please check out our episode page following this⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠LINK⁠⁠⁠.⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠ Don't forget you can also follow the show on the following Social Media Platforms Facebook: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠New York's Dark Side⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ X: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@NYDarkSidePod⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@NYDarkSidePod⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Have feedback or want to get in contact with Amanda? Reach out via email at nydarksidepodcast@gmail.com The intro theme for this podcast are sections of Nightmare Machine by Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com), CC BY 3.0 <⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠>, via Wikimedia Commons 

On Tuesday October 28, 2008, 36-year-old Corrie Anderson would vanish without a trace. That morning she had worked her normal shift at Jamestown Community College, where she worked part time in the library, before stopping to visit her boyfriend at the car dealership where she worked. She would stop home before all signs of her vanished. There's been no trace of her since. In 2021 two sets of human remains would be found 10 yards apart of the Rails to Trails path in Portland, NY. While neither them would prove to be Corrie, they also lead to three additional mysteries. What happened to Corrie Anderson, Marquita Mull, & Patricia Laemmerhirt? And who is the Rails to Trails Jane Doe? If you have any information about Corrie Anderson's disappearance, please call NYSP at 716-665-3114. If you have any information about Marquita Mull or the Rails to Trails Jane Doe, please call Chautauqua County Sheriff’s office at 716-753-4973 or you can send an email to UnsolvedChautauqua@sheriff.us If you have any information about the disappearance of Patricia Laemmerhirt, please call NYSP-Fredonia at 716-679-1549. You can join the Justice for Marquita Mull Facebook Group here: https://www.facebook.com/share/ALzGNYypVY2NMcda/ Be sure to also check out the Facebook Group WNY Missing and Unidentified Persons:  https://www.facebook.com/wnymissingandunidentifiedpersons And a Facebook Group to help Find Corrie Anderson: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1362627964213519 Episode Transcript ⁠⁠⁠Check out our Patreon Page!⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ For all episode sources and additional information about this case, please check out our episode page following this⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠LINK⁠⁠⁠.⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠ Don't forget you can also follow the show on the following Social Media Platforms Facebook: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠New York's Dark Side⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ X: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@NYDarkSidePod⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@NYDarkSidePod⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Have feedback or want to get in contact with Amanda? Reach out via email at nydarksidepodcast@gmail.com If you are in need of additional support/resources or want to get involved in supporting any of the organizations discussed in this episode you can reach out to: RAINN- 1-800-656-HOPE, ⁠online.rainn.org⁠ y ⁠rainn.org/es⁠ Domestic Violence Hotline- 1-800-799-7223, text the word 'start' to 88788 or visit ⁠thehotline.org⁠ The intro theme for this podcast are sections of Nightmare Machine by Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com), CC BY 3.0 <⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠>, via Wikimedia Commons 

On July 5, 1995, a disturbing 911 call was placed by a Park Slope resident, reporting that she had been assaulted and shot by a man who had broken into the apartment she shared with her girlfriend. When police responded, they could hear someone screaming inside the apartment for help, but the door was locked. It took several moments for the caller to reach the door to let them in, and what they would find inside was a horrible scene. This episode covers the vicious attack on Amanda Leach and Sylvia Lugo, that would leave Sylvia sadly deceased and Amanda looked at as the main suspect. Meanwhile the person actually responsible was left to continue to wreak havoc on Park Slope. This episode will discuss aspects of sexual violence, domestic violence and crime victimization. Please see the resources below if you or someone you know have been personally impacted by any of these. Episode Transcript⁠ ⁠⁠⁠Check out our Patreon Page!⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ For all episode sources and additional information about this case, please check out our episode page following this⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠LINK⁠⁠⁠.⁠ ⁠⁠⁠ Don't forget you can also follow the show on the following Social Media Platforms Facebook: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠New York's Dark Side⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ X: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@NYDarkSidePod⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@NYDarkSidePod⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Have feedback or want to get in contact with Amanda? Reach out via email at nydarksidepodcast@gmail.com If you are in need of additional support/resources or want to get involved in supporting any of the organizations discussed in this episode you can reach out to: RAINN- 1-800-656-HOPE, online.rainn.org y rainn.org/es Domestic Violence Hotline- 1-800-799-7223, text the word 'start' to 88788 or visit thehotline.org National Center for Victims of Crime- victimsofcrime.org Anti-Violence Program- ⁠https://avp.org⁠ If you are having thoughts of self harm or suicide, You can reach a specialized LGBTQI+ affirming counselor by texting “Q” to 988 or by calling 988 and pressing “3.” The intro theme for this podcast are sections of Nightmare Machine by Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com), CC BY 3.0 <⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠>, via Wikimedia Commons 

On July 2, 1990, Jackson Heights resident Alan Sack had stopped while walking home to speak with a friend after parting ways with his life partner Julio Rivera about 20 minutes earlier near Public School 69 on 78th Street when they were approached by a panicked man yelling that a man was being murdered in the nearby school yard. The group started running in the direction of the school yard and what they would find would alter not only the lives of the group but would lead to the first prosecutions and convictions for a hate crime in New York State and spur a flurry of pro-LGBTQ changes across the state and the nation. In this episode we delve into the life and legacy of 29 year old Julio Rivera whose life was brutally taken from him in a senseless act of hate and violence. The act would unite the LGBTQ community in Queens to have the first successful march in Queens and lead to the start of the Queens pride parade that still takes place today. Episode Transcript ⁠⁠Check out our Patreon Page!⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ For all episode sources and additional information about this case, please check out our episode page following this⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠LINK⁠⁠⁠.⁠ ⁠⁠ Don't forget you can also follow the show on the following Social Media Platforms Facebook: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠New York's Dark Side⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ X: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@NYDarkSidePod⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@NYDarkSidePod⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Have feedback or want to get in contact with Amanda? Reach out via email at nydarksidepodcast@gmail.com If you are in need of additional support/resources or want to get involved in supporting any of the organizations discussed in this episode you can reach out to: Anti-Violence Program- https://avp.org If you are having thoughts of self harm or suicide, You can reach a specialized LGBTQI+ affirming counselor by texting “Q” to 988 or by calling 988 and pressing “3.” The intro theme for this podcast are sections of Nightmare Machine by Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com), CC BY 3.0 <⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠>, via Wikimedia Commons 

Venus Xtravaganza was an up and coming performer in New York City's underground ballroom community. She had landed a spotlight in Jennie Livingston's Documentary 'Paris is Burning' highlighting New York City's drag scene and some of the challenges members of the community faced. On December 21, 1988, Venus' life would be cut short when she was strangled and left under a bed in room 113 of New York City's Duchess Hotel. Her murder is still unsolved. This episode we talk about the life and legacy of Venus, the challenges that members of the LGBTQ+ community face in the 1980's that still exist today, as well as the history and evolution of the underground ballroom community, voguing, and House Xtravaganza. Episode Transcript ⁠⁠Check out our Patreon Page!⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ For all episode sources and additional information about this case, please check out our episode page following this⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠LINK⁠⁠⁠.⁠ ⁠ Don't forget you can also follow the show on the following Social Media Platforms Facebook: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠New York's Dark Side⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ X: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@NYDarkSidePod⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@NYDarkSidePod⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Have feedback or want to get in contact with Amanda? Reach out via email at nydarksidepodcast@gmail.com If you are in need of additional support/resources or want to get involved in supporting any of the organizations discussed in this episode you can reach out to: Human Rights Campaign- ⁠⁠https://www.hrc.org⁠⁠ Movement Advancement Project- ⁠https://www.lgbtmap.org⁠ Rape, Abuse, & Incest National Network- ⁠www.rainn.org⁠ National Institute of Mental Health- ⁠https://www.nimh.nih.gov⁠ If you are having thoughts of self harm or suicide, You can reach a specialized LGBTQI+ affirming counselor by texting “Q” to 988 or by calling 988 and pressing “3.” The intro theme for this podcast are sections of Nightmare Machine by Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com), CC BY 3.0 <⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠>, via Wikimedia Commons 

In this powerful return to New York’s Dark Side, Amanda dives deep into the untold story of Stephanie Saint Clair—a fierce, brilliant, and fearless woman of color who built a criminal empire in the heart of Harlem during the early 20th century.Known as Madam Queen of Policy, Saint Clair battled not just poverty and racism, but corrupt cops, rival bankers, and even mafia boss Dutch Schultz. From her traumatic beginnings in the French Caribbean to her rise as a numbers game queen in Prohibition-era New York, this episode explores her harrowing experiences, sharp intellect, and unrelenting spirit that made her one of Harlem's most iconic underworld figures.Despite enduring violence, betrayal, and imprisonment, Saint Clair emerged as a community advocate, civil rights champion, and living legend. This episode is a tribute to her legacy—and to the power of defiance.Episode Transcript⁠⁠Check out our Patreon Page!⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠For all episode sources and additional information about this case, please check out our episode page following this⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠LINK⁠⁠⁠.⁠ ⁠Don't forget you can also follow the show on the following Social Media PlatformsFacebook: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠New York's Dark Side⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠X: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@NYDarkSidePod⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@NYDarkSidePod⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Have feedback or want to get in contact with Amanda? Reach out via email at nydarksidepodcast@gmail.comThe intro theme for this podcast are sections of Nightmare Machine by Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com), CC BY 3.0 <⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠>, via Wikimedia Commons 

📋 Episode Description:On a stormy December night in 1986, 21-year-old Nancy Hyer set out to do a kind deed—picking up a friend in need. What began as an act of compassion turned into a mystery that still haunts Long Island nearly 40 years later. In this deeply tragic episode, Amanda Morgan tells the heartbreaking story of Nancy and 19-year-old Billy Fischer, whose lives were brutally cut short, and of the man who remains the primary suspect: William Peter Fischer—Billy's own father—who has been on the run ever since.As the one-year anniversary of the podcast coincides with a personal loss, Amanda reflects on grief, persistence, and the enduring pain of unanswered questions. This is a case of family betrayal, haunting evidence, and a search for justice that continues to this day.🕵️‍♀️ Key Topics Covered:Timeline of the events leading up to Nancy and Billy’s disappearanceBackground on Nancy Hyer and Billy Fischer’s friendshipThe strained relationship between Billy and his father, William Peter FischerThe discovery of the abandoned car and the tragic crime sceneEvidence recovered from William Fischer’s homeThe investigation, arrest warrant, and William’s sudden disappearanceOngoing efforts to locate William Peter FischerReflections on loss, justice, and podcast milestones🔍 Case Status: William Peter Fischer remains a fugitive. As of 2025, he would be approaching 80 years old. He is still listed on New York’s Most Wanted list and is wanted internationally by the FBI and Interpol.If you have any information on the whereabouts of William Peter Fischer, please contact:New York State Police: (631) 756-3300🧵 Follow & Support the Show:Instagram, Facebook & X: @NewYorksDarkSidePatreon: Support the show for early access and bonus contentFull source list & images: Episode Webpage🙏 Special Mentions: Huge thanks to our listeners for supporting us through an incredible first year!Shout-out to Keystone Cold Cases Podcast for the recent promo swap and support.The intro theme for this podcast are sections of Nightmare Machine by Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com), CC BY 3.0 <⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠>, via Wikimedia Commons 

On October 16, 1869, two men digging a well for a farmer in Cardiff, New York would make a shocking discovery when their shovels hit something hard in the in dirt. They would uncover what appeared to be a giant petrified man, lying naked in the ground. News of the discovery would enthrall the nation, bringing visitors from all around to see the spectacle, but experts would soon uncover the truth of the giant. This is the tale of how the 'villainous' George Hull, a man from Binghamton, NY created a hoax that has been dubbed "The Greatest Hoax in United State History". Episode Transcript ⁠⁠Check out our Patreon Page!⁠⁠⁠ For all episode sources and additional information about this case, please check out our episode page following this ⁠⁠⁠LINK⁠⁠⁠.  Don't forget you can also follow the show on the following Social Media Platforms Facebook: ⁠⁠⁠New York's Dark Side⁠⁠⁠ X: ⁠⁠⁠@NYDarkSidePod⁠⁠⁠ Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠@NYDarkSidePod⁠⁠⁠ Have feedback or want to get in contact with Amanda? Reach out via email at nydarksidepodcast@gmail.com The intro theme for this podcast are sections of Nightmare Machine by Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com), CC BY 3.0 <⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠>, via Wikimedia Commons

Thursday October 10, 1991, was just normal fall day in New York City for most people and started out that way for Tiffany Dixon. After dropping her eight-year-old cousin Israel off at Carroll Elementary School, 12-year-old Tiffany began the four blocks walk through Brooklyn towards her junior high school… She would never make it, vanishing without a trace and leading to a mystery that has yet to be solved decades later… What happened to Tiffany Madia Dixon? This mystery has haunted me since I came across her story earlier this year. While there's not a lot of information to go on, and as far as I can tell, there's been no publicized persons of interest, I want to share her story in the hopes that someone knows something that may help solve this mystery. ⁠Episode Transcript⁠⁠ ⁠⁠Check out our Patreon Page!⁠⁠ For all episode sources and additional information about this case, please check out our episode page following this ⁠⁠LINK⁠⁠.  Don't forget you can also follow the show on the following Social Media Platforms Facebook: ⁠⁠New York's Dark Side⁠⁠ X: ⁠⁠@NYDarkSidePod⁠⁠ Instagram: ⁠⁠@NYDarkSidePod⁠⁠ Have feedback or want to get in contact with Amanda? Reach out via email at nydarksidepodcast@gmail.com The intro theme for this podcast are sections of Nightmare Machine by Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com), CC BY 3.0 <⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠>, via Wikimedia Commons

On Tuesday, May 13, 1997, 11-year-old Quin Rong Wu was walking to Public School No. 2 in Brooklyn, New York with her mother. They split ways about 100 yards from the doors to the building, and unfortunately, Quin-Rong would never make it to the school that day, disappearing in broad daylight never to be seen by her family again… What happened to Quin-Rong Wu? Was it the bearded man that a woman would report seeing twice on the subway with a young girl? Or the stranger that people would report seeing hanging around the school? Or was it someone else entirely? That remains a mystery to this day. Episode Transcript⁠ ⁠Check out our Patreon Page!⁠ For all episode sources and additional information about this case, please check out our episode page following this ⁠LINK⁠.  Don't forget you can also follow the show on the following Social Media Platforms Facebook: ⁠New York's Dark Side⁠ X: ⁠@NYDarkSidePod⁠ Instagram: ⁠@NYDarkSidePod⁠ Have feedback or want to get in contact with Amanda? Reach out via email at nydarksidepodcast@gmail.com The intro theme for this podcast are sections of Nightmare Machine by Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com), CC BY 3.0 <⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠>, via Wikimedia Commons

On the evening of April 1st 2008, in a small hamlet of Killowag, New York, 18-year-old Logan Dougherty was winding down for the night after a long day. He hugged and kissed his mother goodnight and went to bed. When Logan awoke on Wednesday April 2nd, 2008 at 6:00 AM, he found the house empty. The clothing that his mother had set out to wear for her early morning shift at the  Xtra-mart was still set out. It's been almost 16 years, and what happened to Bethanie remains a mystery. This episode is presented by a special guest host, Amanda's long time best friend, Stephanie Yoder. Episode Transcript Check out our Patreon Page! For all episode sources and additional information about this case, please check out our episode page following this LINK. Don't forget you can also follow the show on the following Social Media Platforms Facebook: New York's Dark Side X: @NYDarkSidePod Instagram: @NYDarkSidePod Have feedback or want to get in contact with Amanda? Reach out via email at nydarksidepodcast@gmail.com The intro theme for this podcast are sections of Nightmare Machine by Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com), CC BY 3.0 <⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠>, via Wikimedia Commons

Monday, October 30, 1967, was a normal day for two young girls who had returned from school and gone up to a bedroom to play. A while later, while peering out of one of the upstairs windows they saw what they would later recount appeared to them a waxy mannequin lying in a car parked on the street below. Curious, they went outside to investigate but when they got closer, to their horror they realized it was a woman lying naked in the backseat of the car. In this episode we finish out our coverage of Richard Cottingham with the stories of the victims he confessed to while serving his life sentences. Link to our fundraising campaign with the Polaris Project⁠ ⁠Check us out on Patreon! ⁠⁠ Source Material Information: Berlinger, J. (Director). (2021). Crime Scene: The Times Square Killer [Documentary]. Bonvillian, C. (2021, April 30). Infamous New Jersey 'Torso Killer' admits to abducting, torturing, and drowning 2 teens in 1974. Retrieved from Boston 25 News: ⁠⁠https://www.boston25news.com/news/trending/infamous-new-jersey-torso-killer-admits-abducting-torturing-drowning-2-teens-1974/R4NVRGWOPNA7TCWOTJCV765NQI/⁠⁠ Cheng, P.-S. (2022, December 5). Infamous 'Torso Killer' Admits Murdering Long Island Dance Teacher, 4 others. Retrieved from nbcnewyork.com: ⁠⁠https://www.nbcnewyork.com/news/local/crime-and-courts/long-island-serial-killer-richard-cottingham-diane-cusick-valley-stream-court-murder-torso-killer-nj/3983727/⁠⁠ District Attorney: County of Nassau, N.Y. (2022, June 22). Richard Cottingham Indicted for 1968 Murder Outside Green Acres Mall. Retrieved from nassauda.org: ⁠⁠https://nassauda.org/civicalerts.aspx?aid=1420⁠⁠ Ehrlich, B. (2022, February 5). 'Darkness Enveloped My Soul': The Final Confessions of The Torso Killer. Retrieved from Rolling Stone: ⁠⁠https://www.rollingstone.com/culture/culture-features/torso-killer-richard-cottingham-murder-confessions-1295148/⁠⁠ Gusoff, C. (2022, December 5). Richard Cottingham confesses to 1968 killing of Diane Cusick, 4 other murders on Long Island. Retrieved from CBS News: ⁠⁠https://www.cbsnews.com/newyork/news/richard-cottingham-confesses-to-1968-killing-of-diane-cusick-4-other-murders-on-long-island/⁠⁠ Leith, R. (1983). The Prostitute Murders. New York: Pinnacle Books. Murphy, M. (2022, August 24). Adult Children of Victims Traumatized by Serial killer. Retrieved from PIX11: ⁠⁠https://pix11.com/news/local-news/adult-children-of-victims-traumatized-by-serial-killer/⁠⁠ Rosewood, J. (2016). Richard Cottingham: The True Story of The Torso Killer. Wiq Media. Stuart, M. (1971, July 18). Profile of the Killer. The Sunday Record, pp. D-3. Valentin, M. (Director). (2023, 9 March). The Torso Killer Confessions [Documentary]. The intro theme for this podcast are sections of Nightmare Machine by Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com), CC BY 3.0 <⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠>, via Wikimedia Commons

On December 2, 1979, firefighters were responding to the Travel Inn Motor Lodge on 42nd Street in Manhattan, two blocks from Times Square where it had been reported that there was a fire in Room 417. A member of the squad, Jim Rogers, entered the smoke-filled room and saw a person lying on one of the rooms double beds. Acting quickly, he pulled the motionless figure from the room to the hallway and prepared to start administering CPR. To his horror, once out of the smoke, he found that the body was missing a head. In this episode we continue our coverage of Richard Cottingham, covering his New York victims and the court proceedings that led to his first convictions. Episode Transcript Link to our fundraising campaign with the Polaris Project Check us out on Patreon! ⁠ Source Material Information: Berlinger, J. (Director). (2021). Crime Scene: The Times Square Killer [Documentary]. Bonvillian, C. (2021, April 30). Infamous New Jersey 'Torso Killer' admits to abducting, torturing, and drowning 2 teens in 1974. Retrieved from Boston 25 News: ⁠https://www.boston25news.com/news/trending/infamous-new-jersey-torso-killer-admits-abducting-torturing-drowning-2-teens-1974/R4NVRGWOPNA7TCWOTJCV765NQI/⁠ Cheng, P.-S. (2022, December 5). Infamous 'Torso Killer' Admits Murdering Long Island Dance Teacher, 4 others. Retrieved from nbcnewyork.com: ⁠https://www.nbcnewyork.com/news/local/crime-and-courts/long-island-serial-killer-richard-cottingham-diane-cusick-valley-stream-court-murder-torso-killer-nj/3983727/⁠ District Attorney: County of Nassau, N.Y. (2022, June 22). Richard Cottingham Indicted for 1968 Murder Outside Green Acres Mall. Retrieved from nassauda.org: ⁠https://nassauda.org/civicalerts.aspx?aid=1420⁠ Ehrlich, B. (2022, February 5). 'Darkness Enveloped My Soul': The Final Confessions of The Torso Killer. Retrieved from Rolling Stone: ⁠https://www.rollingstone.com/culture/culture-features/torso-killer-richard-cottingham-murder-confessions-1295148/⁠ Gusoff, C. (2022, December 5). Richard Cottingham confesses to 1968 killing of Diane Cusick, 4 other murders on Long Island. Retrieved from CBS News: ⁠https://www.cbsnews.com/newyork/news/richard-cottingham-confesses-to-1968-killing-of-diane-cusick-4-other-murders-on-long-island/⁠ Leith, R. (1983). The Prostitute Murders. New York: Pinnacle Books. Murphy, M. (2022, August 24). Adult Children of Victims Traumatized by Serial killer. Retrieved from PIX11: ⁠https://pix11.com/news/local-news/adult-children-of-victims-traumatized-by-serial-killer/⁠ Rosewood, J. (2016). Richard Cottingham: The True Story of The Torso Killer. Wiq Media. Stuart, M. (1971, July 18). Profile of the Killer. The Sunday Record, pp. D-3. Valentin, M. (Director). (2023, 9 March). The Torso Killer Confessions [Documentary]. The intro theme for this podcast are sections of Nightmare Machine by Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com), CC BY 3.0 <⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠>, via Wikimedia Commons

On May 22, 1980, around 9 AM a housekeeper named Eleanor at the Quality Inn Hotel in Hasbrouck Heights, New Jersey was making her usual rounds checking the rooms when she heard screams coming from room 117. Inside, eighteen-year-old Leslie Ann O’Dell had been enduring hours of torture at the hands of one of New York and New Jersey’s most prolific serial killers. The quick actions of the hotel staff at the Quality Inn likely saved the life of Leslie as well as countless other future potential victims. In the first part of our three episode deep dive into the life and crimes of Richard Francis Cottingham, we discuss his attack on Leslie Ann O'Dell and how the actions of the staff of the Quality Inn Hotel led to the arrest of Cottingham and the start of the investigation that would uncover other past victims- solving the cases of the deaths of two other women left at the same hotel- one in 1977 and the other only a few week's before Leslie's attack, as well as the rape and torture of three other women. Episode Transcript: https://www.nydarksidepodcast.com/episodes-16-20/episode-20-richard-cottingham-the-torso-ripper-part-1/episode-20-transcript Link to our fundraising campaign with the Polaris Project: https://polaris.gospringboard.com/p2p/NYDSpodcast-polaris-fundraising-campaign Link to the show's Patreon Page: patreon.com/user?u=90374045 Source Material Information: Berlinger, J. (Director). (2021). Crime Scene: The Times Square Killer [Documentary]. Bonvillian, C. (2021, April 30). Infamous New Jersey 'Torso Killer' admits to abducting, torturing, and drowning 2 teens in 1974. Retrieved from Boston 25 News: https://www.boston25news.com/news/trending/infamous-new-jersey-torso-killer-admits-abducting-torturing-drowning-2-teens-1974/R4NVRGWOPNA7TCWOTJCV765NQI/ Cheng, P.-S. (2022, December 5). Infamous 'Torso Killer' Admits Murdering Long Island Dance Teacher, 4 others. Retrieved from nbcnewyork.com: https://www.nbcnewyork.com/news/local/crime-and-courts/long-island-serial-killer-richard-cottingham-diane-cusick-valley-stream-court-murder-torso-killer-nj/3983727/ District Attorney: County of Nassau, N.Y. (2022, June 22). Richard Cottingham Indicted for 1968 Murder Outside Green Acres Mall. Retrieved from nassauda.org: https://nassauda.org/civicalerts.aspx?aid=1420 Ehrlich, B. (2022, February 5). 'Darkness Enveloped My Soul': The Final Confessions of The Torso Killer. Retrieved from Rolling Stone: https://www.rollingstone.com/culture/culture-features/torso-killer-richard-cottingham-murder-confessions-1295148/ Gusoff, C. (2022, December 5). Richard Cottingham confesses to 1968 killing of Diane Cusick, 4 other murders on Long Island. Retrieved from CBS News: https://www.cbsnews.com/newyork/news/richard-cottingham-confesses-to-1968-killing-of-diane-cusick-4-other-murders-on-long-island/ Leith, R. (1983). The Prostitute Murders. New York: Pinnacle Books. Murphy, M. (2022, August 24). Adult Children of Victims Traumatized by Serial killer. Retrieved from PIX11: https://pix11.com/news/local-news/adult-children-of-victims-traumatized-by-serial-killer/ Rosewood, J. (2016). Richard Cottingham: The True Story of The Torso Killer. Wiq Media. Stuart, M. (1971, July 18). Profile of the Killer. The Sunday Record, pp. D-3.Valentin, M. (Director). (2023, 9 March). The Torso Killer Confessions [Documentary]. The intro theme for this podcast are sections of Nightmare Machine by Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com), CC BY 3.0 <⁠⁠⁠⁠https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0⁠⁠⁠⁠>, via Wikimedia Commons

On February 26, 1931, the body of vivacious red head Vivian Gordon was found by an oil worker on his way to work in Van Cortland Park. News of her death would dominate the press, catching the attention of Governor Franklin Delano Roosevelt who had already been investigating rumors of corruption in New York City's government. He would urge the commission investigating the government to also look into the murder of Vivian Gordon, as she had reached out to the commission to testify regarding schemes involving the police framing women across New York City to scam them out of thousands of dollars in fake prostitution busts. The death of Vivian Gordon would lead to the downfall of New York City's mayor James J. Walker and the dissolution of Tammany Hall. How's that for revenge? Episode Transcript: https://www.nydarksidepodcast.com/episodes-16-20/episode-19-vivian-gordon/episode-19-transcript Episode Sources: Blakemore, E. (2019, April 22). The Insane 1930s Graft Investigation That Took Down New York’s Mayor—and Then Tammany Hall. Retrieved from History: https://www.history.com/news/tammany-hall-corruption-downfall-fdr-seabury-investigation Cobb, G. (2022, January 31). New York's Mayor Walker: Charming and Corrupt. Retrieved from The Irish Echo: https://www.irishecho.com/2022/1/new-york-s-mayor-walker-charming-and-corrupt Cobb, K. R. (5, February 2021). Mayor James J. Walker. Retrieved from NYC DEPARTMENT OF RECORDS & INFORMATION SERVICES: https://www.archives.nyc/blog/2021/2/5/mayor-james-j-walker Downey, P. (2016). Notorious New Yorkers Vivian Gordon. Murder on Moshulu. (1931, March 9). Retrieved from Time: https://content.time.com/time/subscriber/article/0,33009,741172-2,00.html Shteir, R. (2013, February 25). The Dead Woman Who Brought Down the Mayor. Retrieved from Smithsonialn Magazine: https://www.smithsonianmag.com/history/the-dead-woman-who-brought-down-the-mayor-27003776/ The intro theme for this podcast are sections of Nightmare Machine by Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com), CC BY 3.0 <⁠⁠⁠https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0⁠⁠⁠>, via Wikimedia Commons

On October 28, 1999, Susan Fassett was gunned down as she was entering her jeep to head home from choir practice. Investigators would get more than they bargained for as they searched for answers as to who killed Susan. This is a tale of love, betrayal, corruption, extortion, political scandal, and a twisted love triangle that shattered multiple families. Episode Transcript: https://www.nydarksidepodcast.com/episodes-16-20/episode-18-susan-fassett-a-tale-of-love-betrayal-murder/episode-18-transcript Episode Sources: Associate Press. (2001, February 24). Former Water Official Convicted of Murder. Retrieved from The New York Times: https://www.nytimes.com/2001/02/24/nyregion/former-water-official-convicted-of-murder.html Chen, D. W. (2000, July 8). Sentencing of Ex-G.O.P. Head Caps Scandal in Dutchess County. Retrieved from The New York Times: https://www.nytimes.com/2000/07/08/nyregion/sentencing-of-ex-gop-head-caps-scandal-in-dutchess-county.html Davis, J., & Stewart, E. (2014, March 22). Disgraced Republican giant William Paroli Sr. dies at 86. Retrieved from Poughkeepsie Journal: https://www.poughkeepsiejournal.com/story/news/2014/03/22/william-paroli-sr-controversial-former-gop-leader-has-died/6730283/ National Law Enforcement and Corrections Technology Center. (2002). Time Proves the Crime. Retrieved from TECH Beat: https://www.ojp.gov/pdffiles1/nij/nlectc/211888.pdf Packer, H., & Packer, D. (2020). Love Triangle: The Murder of Susan Fassett. Mountain Murders. Mountain Murders Podcast. Silvernail, D. (2009, October 25). A Murder in Pleasant Valley. (P. Zahn, Interviewer) Obituary for Fred A. Andros (2002). Poughkeepsie Journal. Pg. 4B Retrieved from: https://www.newspapers.com/article/poughkeepsie-journal-obituary-for-fred-a/46866361/ Dowling, P. (Producer) (2010, October 22) Forensic Files: Three’s a Crowd. Season 14, Episode 4. [Television Broadcast] Katie & Whitney. (2020, April 10) Breaking Dawn: Murder of Susan Fassett. True Crime Campfire. Spreaker Prime Network.  The intro theme for this podcast are sections of Nightmare Machine by Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com), CC BY 3.0 <⁠⁠https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0⁠⁠>, via Wikimedia Commons

In the 1690's neighboring colonies of Massachusetts and Connecticut were plagued with a hysteria regarding concerns that they were besieged with witches. This is the era of the dark history of the Salem Witch Trials. New York had its own problems, as it fought alone to try to maintain its borders from destruction in the King Williams War. This is the story of Philip and Mary English, Nathanial and Elizabeth Cary, and Goodwife Miller who had all been accused of witchcraft and fled the neighboring colonies to seek safe harbor in New York. Transcript: https://www.nydarksidepodcast.com/episodes-16-20/episode-17-colonial-new-york-in-the-1690s-witch-trial-hysteria/episode-17-transcript Join my Patreon to help support the show: patreon.com/user?u=90374045 References: Blue Anchor Tavern, Site of. (n.d.). Retrieved from Salem Witch Museum: https://salemwitchmuseum.com/locations/blue-anchor-tavern-site-of/ Brooks, R.B. (2002, August 21). The Witchcraft Trial of Philip English. Retrieved from History of Massachusetts Blog: https://historyofmassachusetts.org/philip-english-salem/ Britannica, T. Editors of Encyclopaedia (2020, September 14). King William’s War. Encyclopedia Britannica. https://www.britannica.com/event/King-Williams-War  Dunlap, D. (2020, April 6). Seven Badass Women of Salem: Eleanor Hollingsworth & Mary English. Retrieved from Salem Daughters of Darkness: https://www.salemdaughtersofdarkness.com/post/seven-baddass-women-of-salem-eleanor-hollingsworth-mary-english Ferrera, S. (2023). Accused of Witchcraft in New York. The History Press.  Godbeer, R. (2005). Escaping Salem: The other witch hunt of 1692. Oxford University Press.  No Author. Eleanor Hollingsworth. (No Date). WikiTree. https://www.wikitree.com/wiki/Unknown-334287#_note-SalemWitch The intro theme for this podcast are sections of Nightmare Machine by Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com), CC BY 3.0 <⁠https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0⁠>, via Wikimedia Commons

Don Bolles had a meeting with a potential informant on June 2nd, 1976 at the Clarendon House Hotel in downtown Phoenix. When his informant didn't arrive and he was going to leave the parking lot, his car exploded, leaving him mangled in the parking lot. There would be a lot of questions raised regarding his homicide, some that are still unanswered to this day. One of those questions was if there was a connection to a Buffalo, New York multi-million dollar organization- The Emprise Corporation. We dive deeper into the rabbit hole of this case in part two. Episode Transcript LINK References: Adamson v. Superior Court of Arizona, 14898 (Superior Court of Arizona May 29, 1980). Bradshaw, J. (1976, September 6). The Death of a Reporter Who Knew Too Much. Retrieved from The Stacks Reader: 1976 http://www.thestacksreader.com/the-death-of-a-reporter-who-knew-too-much/  Devereux, D. (2012). Devereux Reports. Retrieved from dondevereux.com: https://dondevereux.com Doudna, M. (2023, June 2). 47 years after bombing, friends,fans, and coworkers gather to remember Don Bolles. Retrieved from 12 News: https://www.12news.com/article/news/local/valley/47-years-after-bombing-don-bolles/75-ac66c126-38cf-46c2-a193-fbd318fcfdde Jacobson, R. R. (2023, September 18). Delaware North Companies Incorporated. Retrieved from encyclopedia.com: https://www.encyclopedia.com/books/politics-and-business-magazines/delaware-north-companies-incorporated Leitch, C., & Prince, A. (2023, February 7). The Patsy. Voyage Media. Possley, M. (2012, May). James Albert Robison. Retrieved from The National Registry of Exonerations: https://www.law.umich.edu/special/exoneration/Pages/casedetail.aspx?caseid=3588 Ruelas, R. (2016, July 6). James Robison, accused of bombing Republic reporter Don Bolles in 1976, dead at 90. Retrieved from AZ Central: https://www.azcentral.com/story/news/local/phoenix/2016/07/06/james-robison-accused-bombing-republic-reporter-don-bolles-1976-dead-90/86001272/ Session Laws Thirty Third Legislature First Regulary Session (State of Arizona January 10, 1977). STATE of Arizona, Appellee, v. James Albert ROBISON, Appellant, 4127 (Supreme Court of Arizona February 25, 1980). STATE of Arizona, Appellee, v. John Harvey ADAMSON, Appellant, No. 5155 (Supreme Court of Arizona April 11, 1983). STATE of Arizona, Appellee, v. John Harvey ADAMSON, Appellant, 5155 (Supreme Court of Arizona, In Banc. April 11, 1983). State v. Dunlap, 4128 (Supreme Court of Arizona, In Banc. February 25, 1980). State v. Dunlap, 94-0068 (Superior Court of Maricopa County September 5, 1996). Whitney, B. (2023, April 20). Daughter of convicted murderer in 1976 Don Bolles car-bomb claims dad was framed. Retrieved from AZ Family: http://www.azfamily.com/2023/04/21/daughter-convicted-murderer-1976-don-bolles-car-bomb-claims-dad-was-framed/ The intro theme for this podcast are sections of Nightmare Machine by Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com), CC BY 3.0 <https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0>, via Wikimedia Commons