On March 26, 2018, emergency responders discovered the wreckage of an SUV at the bottom of a 100-foot cliff along California's Pacific Coast Highway. Inside were the bodies of two adults and three children. Three more children remained missing and unaccounted for.What initially appeared to be a tragic accident would soon reveal itself as something far more sinister—the culmination of a decade-long pattern of systematic abuse that had been hidden behind a carefully crafted public image of love and acceptance.This case exposes the catastrophic failures of America's child welfare system, examining how six vulnerable children were removed from their birth families only to be placed with individuals who would ultimately kill them. Through extensive interviews and investigation, we trace the warning signs that were ignored, the reports that went uninvestigated, and the systemic biases that allowed abuse to continue unchecked.This episode contains discussions of child abuse, domestic violence, and suicide. Listener discretion is advised.Keywords: Hart family, child welfare system, adoption abuse, family tragedy, true crime podcast, child protection services, systematic failure, Oregon Washington, Pacific Coast Highway, murder suicideLISTEN AD-FREE AND A DAY EARLY ON - https://patreon.com/NightwatchFiles www.nightwatchfiles.com
A chilling crime, a wrongful conviction, and secrets hidden in plain sight.In December 2011, Betsy Faria was found murdered in her Missouri home. What followed was a case filled with shocking twists — wrongful convictions, hidden motives, and a story that captured national attention.This episode examines the murder of Betsy Faria, the investigation that went off course, and the chain of events that exposed one of the most notorious true crime stories in America.Was justice served, or did the real story remain hidden for years?Join us as we unravel the murder of Betsy Faria — a case of betrayal, deception, and a search for the truth.LISTEN AD-FREE AND A DAY EARLY ON - https://patreon.com/NightwatchFiles www.nightwatchfiles.com
A brutal double homicide that spiraled into betrayal, confessions, and an international manhunt. In the mid-1980s, a well-to-do couple were found savagely murdered inside their quiet Virginia home. Both had been stabbed dozens of times in what investigators described as one of the most vicious crimes the region had ever seen. Their daughter quickly became central to the investigation, along with her boyfriend, a foreign exchange student.What began as a shocking double homicide soon spiraled into an international case involving confessions, retractions, claims of innocence, and decades of legal battles. The murders remain among the most infamous in Virginia’s history, raising ongoing questions about guilt, responsibility, and the justice system. This episode examines the crime scene, the investigation, and the tangled story of two young lovers whose lives became forever linked to the brutal deaths of her parents.LISTEN AD-FREE AND A DAY EARLY ON - https://patreon.com/NightwatchFiles www.nightwatchfiles.comLISTEN AD-FREE AND A DAY EARLY ON - https://patreon.com/NightwatchFiles www.nightwatchfiles.com
A life built on lies, a murder that shocked the world—uncover the truth behind one of the most disturbing family crimes in recent history.A woman is found dead inside her home—stabbed multiple times, left in a pool of blood. Her daughter, who is believed to be severely disabled and dependent on a wheelchair, is missing. So is the chair. An alert is issued, and fears quickly grow: has she been abducted, or is she in danger herself?When authorities finally locate her, the scene is not what anyone expected. She’s walking—unaided—and healthy. As investigators begin piecing together how that’s possible, a disturbing truth begins to surface.What followed was the unraveling of a disturbing and complex story. One that raised unsettling questions about abuse, identity, and accountability.And about what happens when a life has been so thoroughly manipulated, that the only path forward seems to be escape—at any cost.LISTEN AD-FREE AND A DAY EARLY ON - https://patreon.com/NightwatchFiles www.nightwatchfiles.comLISTEN AD-FREE AND A DAY EARLY ON - https://patreon.com/NightwatchFiles www.nightwatchfiles.com
"A mother’s story. A quiet road. And a truth no one wanted to hear."May 1983 – Springfield, Oregon.A red car pulls into the emergency bay of McKenzie-Willamette Hospital. Inside are three young children—each shot at close range. One is dead on arrival. Another is paralyzed. The third is barely clinging to life. Their mother, 27-year-old Diane Downs, tells staff they were ambushed on a dark, rural road by a man who stepped into their path, demanded her car, and opened fire.News of the shooting spreads quickly. A mother attacked. Her children the victims of a senseless act of violence. Local papers cover the case closely. Sympathy pours in from the community. But as investigators begin piecing together what happened on Old Mohawk Road, questions begin to emerge. There’s no physical evidence of a struggle. No sign of a suspect. The crime scene is quiet. Too quiet.In this episode, we examine the events of that night, the immediate police response, and the growing public attention surrounding a case that would grip the country. From the first emergency call to the haunting testimony that followed, this is the story of three children, a quiet road, and a night that left Oregon forever changed.LISTEN AD-FREE AND A DAY EARLY ON - https://patreon.com/NightwatchFiles www.nightwatchfiles.comLISTEN AD-FREE AND A DAY EARLY ON - https://patreon.com/NightwatchFiles www.nightwatchfiles.com
Nothing seemed wrong—until someone opened the garage.In a quiet East Texas town, an elderly woman vanished without explanation. Months passed. Her home sat undisturbed, her absence explained away—until a routine welfare check uncovered something chilling inside a taped-shut garage freezer. This episode unpacks the unsettling mystery that followed, the town’s unusual reaction, and the chain of events that would eventually capture national attention and inspire a Hollywood film. A story of isolation, control, and a community forced to confront what lay beneath the surface.Keywords: Texas true crime, freezer mystery, small town disappearance, unsolved at first, true crime podcast, East Texas case, hidden body, shocking discovery, crime and psychology, real story behind the Bernie movieLISTEN AD-FREE AND A DAY EARLY ON - https://patreon.com/NightwatchFileswww.nightwatchfiles.comLISTEN AD-FREE AND A DAY EARLY ON - https://patreon.com/NightwatchFiles www.nightwatchfiles.com
She claimed God sent her to kill pedophiles. Two men ended up dead. This episode investigates the disturbing case of Sheila LaBarre — and the chilling belief system she used to justify murder.A quiet New Hampshire farm. A woman claiming to be an avenging angel. And a series of gruesome crimes that stunned a small town and the nation.This episode unpacks the case of Sheila LaBarre — how she targeted vulnerable men, lured them with promises of care, and subjected them to escalating abuse and psychological torment before taking their lives.Through police reports, courtroom records, and survivor testimony, we trace the stories of Kenneth Countie and Michael Deloge — two men whose disappearances led to one of the most disturbing murder cases in recent memory.We examine how LaBarre used a self-righteous facade to mask cruelty, and how she maintained control through fear, isolation, and delusion — and why questions still remain about whether she had more victims.LISTEN AD-FREE AND A DAY EARLY ON - https://patreon.com/NightwatchFiles www.nightwatchfiles.comLISTEN AD-FREE AND A DAY EARLY ON - https://patreon.com/NightwatchFiles www.nightwatchfiles.com
What happens when teenage loyalty turns into something else?When 16-year-old Skylar Neese vanished from her West Virginia home in July 2012, police first suspected she had run away. But as days passed and her closest friends offered matching stories—and inconsistent timelines—investigators began to suspect something far darker. This episode unpacks the unraveling of a friendship, the mounting lies, and the shocking confession that revealed everything.LISTEN AD-FREE AND A DAY EARLY ON - https://patreon.com/NightwatchFileswww.nightwatchfiles.comLISTEN AD-FREE AND A DAY EARLY ON - https://patreon.com/NightwatchFiles www.nightwatchfiles.com
He charmed, lied, and vanished into plain sight. Long before his face made front pages, there were warning signs—disturbing, violent, and ignored. This is the story of what was missed, and the darkness that followed.In this episode we examine the disturbing early years of serial predator Christopher Wilder, known as the "Beauty Queen Killer." Before his deadly 1984 cross-country spree, Wilder left a trail of warning signs—allegations of abuse, sexual violence, and manipulation spanning from Australia to Florida. We explore his volatile marriage, suspicious attempts on his wife's life, and his early use of modeling scams to exploit young women. With insight into his carefully constructed façade and failed business dealings, this episode traces the roots of a man who used charm and deception to mask a violent, escalating pathology.Keywords: Christopher Wilder, Beauty Queen Killer, true crime podcast, Nightwatch Files, serial killer, 1980s, modeling scams, Florida crime, Australian true crime, abusive marriage, early signs of violence, criminal psychology, cold cases.LISTEN AD-FREE AND A DAY EARLY ON - https://patreon.com/NightwatchFileswww.nightwatchfiles.comLISTEN AD-FREE AND A DAY EARLY ON - https://patreon.com/NightwatchFiles www.nightwatchfiles.com
Her fans thought she was taking a break. Her friends thought she was busy. But behind the silence, something had gone terribly wrong.When Russian influencer Anastasia Grishman—known online as “grshmn”—suddenly went silent on TikTok and OnlyFans, her absence raised few alarms. But behind her carefully curated posts and growing digital presence, something was deeply wrong.Anastasia had been living in St. Petersburg, balancing work as a tattoo artist with an increasingly public life in adult content creation. At her side was her boyfriend, a man who managed her bookings, her income, and much of her life. As tensions in the relationship grew, so did signs of control, jealousy, and isolation.In this episode, we follow the final weeks of Anastasia’s life in the public eye—and the hidden events that led to a disturbing discovery. We also examine a broader pattern of exploitation and violence affecting online creators worldwide, and the systemic factors that allow it to continue, largely unchecked.LISTEN AD-FREE AND A DAY EARLY ON - https://patreon.com/NightwatchFileswww.nightwatchfiles.comLISTEN AD-FREE AND A DAY EARLY ON - https://patreon.com/NightwatchFiles www.nightwatchfiles.com
Five lives lost in the dead of night. What looked like a targeted act was only the beginning of the real horror.In August 2020, a fire tore through a home on Truckee Street in Denver’s Green Valley Ranch neighborhood, killing five members of a Senegalese-American family, including two young children. Investigators quickly suspected arson—and soon, disturbing evidence began to surface: surveillance footage of masked figures fleeing the scene, a gas can, and signs of a fire set with intent.But as detectives pieced together the timeline and evidence, a deeper question emerged: why this house?This episode examines the early stages of the investigation into one of Denver’s most tragic and complex arson cases, following the work of homicide detectives Neil Baker and Ernest Sandoval as they confront a crime that shocked a city—and may not have been what it first appeared to be.LISTEN AD-FREE AND A DAY EARLY ON - https://patreon.com/NightwatchFileswww.nightwatchfiles.comLISTEN AD-FREE AND A DAY EARLY ON - https://patreon.com/NightwatchFiles www.nightwatchfiles.com
An unidentified Grateful Dead fan. A fatal crash. A mystery that took 20 years to solve.In June 1995, a fatal car crash on a quiet Virginia highway left behind two unidentified victims. One of them—a young man with ticket stubs to a Grateful Dead concert and a note signed by two women named Caroline—remained nameless for two decades. Known only as Grateful Doe, his case became one of the most widely discussed mysteries in the online true crime community.This episode traces the long road to uncovering Grateful Doe’s identity, from the early police sketches and national appeals, to the emotional impact of the 2012 forensic facial reconstruction that brought renewed attention to the case. We explore the nomadic world of Grateful Dead fans in the 1990s, the circumstances that led Grateful Doe to vanish, and the dedicated amateur investigators who refused to let him be forgotten.Through verified records, forensic advancements, and community-driven efforts, we piece together how Grateful Doe was finally named—and why his story still resonates.Keywords: Grateful Doe, Jason Callahan, unidentified persons, true crime, forensic reconstruction, Grateful Dead fan, 1995 car crash, missing person, Doe Network, Websleuths, NCMEC, solved cold case, Casefile style podcastLISTEN AD-FREE AND A DAY EARLY ON - https://patreon.com/NightwatchFiles www.nightwatchfiles.com
In pitch black, the eerie red beam of a flashlight meant one thing: he was already inside.In this episode, we examine the true story of João Acácio Pereira da Costa — the man who would become known across Brazil as the Red Light Bandit. Set against the backdrop of 1960s São Paulo and Baixada Santista, this episode explores how social inequality, urban migration, and post-coup authoritarianism shaped both the city and the criminals it produced. João Acácio didn’t emerge in a vacuum. His actions — a string of high-profile robberies that terrified the public and embarrassed the police — reflected deeper fractures in Brazilian society. We trace João Acácio’s early years, his crimes, and the media storm that followed. What made him stand out wasn’t just the volume of his robberies, but the way the press mythologized him in a Brazil gripped by fear and fascination. Whether you're a true crime fan or someone interested in the social history of Brazil, this episode offers a detailed, fact-based look at one of the country's most talked-about criminals. LISTEN AD-FREE ON - https://patreon.com/NightwatchFileswww.nightwatchfiles.com True Crime Brazil, João Acácio, Red Light Bandit, 1960s São Paulo Crime, Brazilian Criminal History, Crime Podcast Brazil, Infamous Brazilian Robbers, João Acácio Pereira da Costa, São Paulo True Crime, Red Light Bandit Case, Brazilian Urban Crime, True Crime Episode Brazil, Brazilian History Podcast, true crime, murder, crime, serial killer, cold case, unsolved, criminal, missing persons, investigative journalism, real crime, crime podcast, mystery, forensic files, solved case, true story, court case, police investigation, crime documentary, wrongful conviction, psychopathLISTEN AD-FREE AND A DAY EARLY ON - https://patreon.com/NightwatchFiles www.nightwatchfiles.com
Dive into a harrowing tale of digital deception and hidden danger in this gripping true crime episode. When two strangers connect in an anonymous online chatroom, their seemingly harmless friendship takes a sinister turn, unraveling a chilling web of lies, manipulation, and fatal consequences. Explore how investigators untangled a labyrinth of encrypted messages, fabricated identities, and cryptic clues to expose a shocking truth lurking behind the screen. This episode unpacks the psychological twists, forensic breakthroughs, and haunting questions surrounding one of the internet’s most unsettling cold cases. Perfect for fans of cyber mysteries, unsolved crimes, and stories that blur the line between reality and illusion. 🔍 Keywords: True crime podcast, digital deception, anonymous chatrooms, cold case mystery, cyber investigation, online predators, forensic psychology, unsolved crimes, internet mysteries, hidden identities. **Content Warning**: Contains discussions of sensitive topics, including violence and psychological manipulation. Listener discretion advised.LISTEN AD-FREE ON - https://patreon.com/NightwatchFileswww.nightwatchfiles.comLISTEN AD-FREE AND A DAY EARLY ON - https://patreon.com/NightwatchFiles www.nightwatchfiles.com
When her daughter was kidnapped by the notorious Zeta cartel, Mexican mother Miriam Rodríguez embarked on a relentless quest for justice. Armed with disguises, determination, and unwavering courage, she tracked down those responsible, confronting one of Mexico's most dangerous criminal organizations.This episode delves into Miriam's extraordinary journey, highlighting her transformation from caring mother to fearless vigilante.Join us as we explore the true story of Miriam Rodríguez—a tale of love, loss, and the indomitable spirit of a mother who refused to back down.For more information on this case, we recommend "Fear Is Just a Word" by Azam Ahmed, which heavily informed this episode from the following link - https://amzn.to/42HvPEyKeywords: Miriam Rodríguez, Los Zetas cartel, true crime podcast, kidnapping, vigilante justice, Mexico, cartel violence, mother's quest for justice.LISTEN AD-FREE ON - https://patreon.com/NightwatchFileswww.nightwatchfiles.com Hosted by Harper FinleyScript and research by DH SilvaLISTEN AD-FREE AND A DAY EARLY ON - https://patreon.com/NightwatchFiles www.nightwatchfiles.com
He was one of the most influential voices of a generation — a trailblazer in soul, funk, and R&B who redefined the sound of an era. With chart-topping hits and a voice that captured the struggles and spirit of a nation, he seemed untouchable. But behind the fame, the awards, and the legacy was a deeply fractured family dynamic… one that would lead to a shocking and fatal confrontation.In this episode, we unravel the harrowing true story of a musical giant whose life was cut short just one day before his 45th birthday — not by a random act of violence, but by the very person who gave him life. Join us as we dig into the complicated past, the signs everyone missed, and the moments that led to a tragedy that stunned the world. For more information on this case, we recommend "Divided Soul: The Life Of Marvin Gaye" by David Ritz, which heavily informed this episode from the following link - https://amzn.to/3GgzFvzLISTEN AD-FREE ON - https://patreon.com/NightwatchFileswww.nightwatchfiles.com Tags:true crime podcast, unsolved mysteries, celebrity deaths, music industry tragedies, family crimes, iconic musician murder, true crime stories, fatal family feud, shocking celebrity crime, 1980s true crimeLISTEN AD-FREE AND A DAY EARLY ON - https://patreon.com/NightwatchFiles www.nightwatchfiles.com
In this compelling episode, we explore the extraordinary survival of Victoria Cilliers, an experienced skydiver and army physiotherapist, who endured a 4,000-foot fall when both her main and reserve parachutes failed during a jump in 2015. Initially perceived as a tragic accident, the incident led to an extensive investigation that uncovered shocking details.We delve into the complexities of the case, examining the circumstances surrounding the parachute malfunction, the subsequent legal proceedings, and the broader implications of coercive control within intimate relationships.Victoria's resilience and determination to seek justice have been highlighted in various media, including the Channel 4 docuseries "The Fall: Skydive Murder Plot" and her memoir, "I Survived.For more information on this case, we recommend "I Survived: A True Story" by Victoria Cilliers, which heavily informed this episode from the following link - https://amzn.to/42FqPQtLISTEN AD-FREE ON - https://patreon.com/NightwatchFileswww.nightwatchfiles.comLISTEN AD-FREE AND A DAY EARLY ON - https://patreon.com/NightwatchFiles www.nightwatchfiles.com
In this episode, we explore the chilling true story of the Bain family murders — one of New Zealand’s most infamous and controversial criminal cases. On June 20, 1994, five members of the Bain family were found shot dead in their Dunedin home. The only survivor was 22-year-old David Bain.Was it a tragic murder-suicide committed by his father, Robin Bain — or did David kill his entire family and stage the scene? With a cryptic message left on the family computer and conflicting forensic evidence, the case sparked decades of debate, appeals, and public fascination.Join us as we unravel the timeline, the investigation, and the haunting question at the center of it all: who really killed the Bain family? Black Hands: Inside The Bain Family Murders by Martin van Beynen - https://amzn.to/4joBaWN---LISTEN AD-FREE ON - https://patreon.com/NightwatchFileswww.nightwatchfiles.comLISTEN AD-FREE AND A DAY EARLY ON - https://patreon.com/NightwatchFiles www.nightwatchfiles.com
On the night of January 10, 1992, 12-year-old Shanda Sharer was lured from her home by a group of teenage girls with a sinister plan. What began as a case of jealousy and heartbreak quickly spiraled into an unthinkable act of cruelty. Driven by rage and obsession, four young women carried out one of the most shocking crimes in Indiana’s history. In this episode, we explore the twisted motivations, the tragic final hours of Shanda’s life, and the devastating impact her murder had on her family and community. How did teenage emotions turn into unimaginable violence? And could this brutal crime have been prevented?Cruel Sacrifice by Aphrodite Jones - https://amzn.to/4kH3vsLLISTEN AD-FREE ON - https://patreon.com/NightwatchFileswww.nightwatchfiles.comLISTEN AD-FREE AND A DAY EARLY ON - https://patreon.com/NightwatchFiles www.nightwatchfiles.com
Clark Rockefeller was a man of wealth, charm, and influence—moving effortlessly through high society, marrying into prestige, and enjoying a life most could only dream of. But in 2008, a shocking crime shattered the illusion, leading investigators down a path that exposed a story far stranger than anyone could have imagined. What drove him to commit such a desperate act? Why did those closest to him start questioning everything they thought they knew? And how did a seemingly successful man become the center of an investigation that uncovered long-buried secrets?Join us as we unravel the truth behind the enigmatic figure known as Clark Rockefeller—a man whose story is anything but what it seemed.The Man in the Rockefeller Suit: The Astonishing Rise and Spectacular Fall of a Serial Impostor - https://amzn.to/4hwtBvILISTEN AD-FREE ON - https://patreon.com/NightwatchFileswww.nightwatchfiles.comLISTEN AD-FREE AND A DAY EARLY ON - https://patreon.com/NightwatchFiles www.nightwatchfiles.com