True Crime Stories For (No) Sleep

In recent years, cold cases that were solved through advances in science have been the main focus of popular documentary television shows such as Forensic Files and The New Detectives.These shows highlight the unwavering precision of DNA evidence, often a stark contrast to the shaky, unreliable accounts of human witnesses. Science, after all, doesn’t forget or misremember.But for every case where DNA delivers justice, there are many where crafty criminals find ways to outmaneuver it.Some killers wear gloves, wiping away fingerprints before they can betray them. Others destroy bodies to erase the telltale signs of their crimes, or move them far from the scene, creating a labyrinth for investigators to untangle.And sometimes, they don’t even need to be smart—luck, decay, or the chaos of time does the dirty work, erasing evidence before anyone can even begin to collect it.When physical evidence fails, investigators must often turn to a far older, messier source of truth: the people!But people lie. They forget. They’re afraid. And sometimes, misplaced loyalty can make them guard the secrets of the guilty.Yet, in the most unexpected of cases, time itself becomes an investigator. Circumstances shift. Consciences crack. And voices that were once silent—or deemed unreliable—suddenly rise to solve the unsolvable. That’s exactly what happened in the 1993 murder of Rayna Rison. You're listening to True Crime Stories for No Sleep. If you’re new here, welcome! This podcast is made for those quiet nights when you want a chilling story to keep you company—told in a calm, steady voice, without sudden noises or distractions. It’s all about gripping tales delivered in a way that helps you relax, even when the story gets dark.We want to keep True Crime Stories for No Sleep free of ads for everyone, so if you enjoy the show and want to support us, subscribing to Dreams and Crimes is the best way to do that. Your support keeps the stories coming, just the way you love them. Thank you for making this possible.Now, let’s hear the story of Rayna Rison.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/true-crime-stories-for-no-sleep--6172897/support.

It’s a warm spring evening in Austin, Texas. You’ve just wrapped up a day of training, feeling the satisfying ache in your muscles. The air smells like cedar and adventure. You’re staying at a close friend’s house, resting up for a big race—the kind that could define your career.But someone is watching you. They know where you’ve been, who you’ve been with, and they’ve been tracking your every move. You’re completely unaware that this night, which started with hope and ambition, will end in unthinkable tragedy.This is the true and haunting story of Anna Moriah Wilson—a rising star in the cycling world whose promising life was cut short in 2022. Written by Amber Morgan, this story is a wonderful piece found in the all that’s interesting catalog.Brought to you by True Crime Stories For (No) Sleep, a place where incredible stories meet soothing storytelling. Our goal is to bring you the most captivating narratives that helps you wind down, reflect, and drift to sleep.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/true-crime-stories-for-no-sleep--6172897/support.

This is the story of Robert Zarinsky, a predator who roamed the streets of New Jersey, camouflaged by the ordinary, haunting the lives of young women whose only mistake was to cross his path. For years, his acts of cruelty went undetected, leaving families with unanswered questions, shadows that lingered long after the crime. He was always careful, calculating—until the science of a new era finally caught up with him, pulling back the curtain on decades of unspeakable crimes.Now, as we peel back the layers of his twisted life, a story unfolds of a man who walked freely among us, only to be bound by his own darkness.If you're joining us for the first time, welcome to the show. This is a true crime podcast designed for those late-night moments when you want to unwind with a gripping story, but without the chaos of loud ads or unsettling noise. It's a space for those who appreciate the thrill of a good tale—dark, intriguing, but never overwhelming.True Crime Stories for (No) Sleep is entirely listener-supported, and any updates or announcements will come at the start of each episode.Thanks for your support in making these stories possible.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/true-crime-stories-for-no-sleep--6172897/support.

Welcome to the long-awaited debut of True Crime Stories for No Sleep. If you’ve been a fan of this podcast in the past, we sincerely thank you for your patience while we went dark for several months. For those joining us for the first time, welcome to the show. This is a true crime podcast designed for quiet, reflective moments—a place to explore captivating stories and mysteries that are thought-provoking, yet never overwhelming.True Crime Stories for (No) Sleep exists because of your support. While ads or announcements will always be shared at the start of each episode, you can enjoy the show ad-free by subscribing to Dreams and Crimes on Apple Podcasts. Thank you for helping us keep these stories alive.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/true-crime-stories-for-no-sleep--6172897/support.

AnnouncementBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/true-crime-stories-for-no-sleep--6172897/support.

The 1970s were a frightening time in the Pacific Northwest, especially for young girls. In January 1970, 17-year-old Patricia Garrison was brutally murdered in Olympia, Washington. Eight months later, a skull found by children in a wooded area near Olympia led to the discovery of 13-year-old Laura Lea Burbank's remains, resulting in the arrest and conviction of pet shop employee David Fisher.In November 1973, 14-year-old Kathy Devine ran away from home and was later found murdered in a remote campground near Olympia. Initially, her family and detectives suspected she was another victim of serial killer Ted Bundy, but he denied involvement.In 2002, advances in DNA technology linked Kathy's murder to William Earl Cosden Jr., who had a history of violent crimes, including a 1966 murder in Maryland. Cosden was convicted of Kathy's murder in 2004 and died in prison in 2015.

!ChatGPTThe case surrounding the death of Kim Wall and the subsequent trial of Peter Madsen is a harrowing tale of deception, violence, and the pursuit of justice. Here's a detailed summary of what happened:Meeting and Disappearance: Kim Wall, an independent journalist, went missing after accepting an invitation from Peter Madsen, an eccentric inventor, to visit his workshop on August 10, 2017. She was last seen alive boarding Madsen's submarine, the UC3 Nautilus, for what was supposed to be a short trip around the bay near Copenhagen.Discovery of the Submarine: When Kim failed to return, her boyfriend reported her missing to the police. The Danish Navy launched a search operation, and the Nautilus submarine was eventually found sinking in the bay. Madsen was rescued, but Kim was nowhere to be found.Madsen's Conflicting Stories: Initially, Madsen claimed he had dropped Kim off safely, but his story quickly changed. He eventually admitted to the accidental death of Kim aboard the submarine, claiming she was killed when a hatch fell on her head. However, subsequent evidence contradicted his claims.Discovery of Kim's Body Parts: Eleven days after Kim went missing, parts of her dismembered body began washing ashore on Amager Island. Further searches led to the discovery of more body parts, including her head and legs, all showing signs of mutilation.Forensic Evidence and Investigation: Forensic examinations revealed that Kim had been stabbed multiple times and likely strangled to death. Investigators found incriminating evidence on Madsen's computer, including videos depicting violence and death.Trial and Conviction: During the trial, Madsen changed his story multiple times, but the prosecution built a case against him based on evidence of premeditation, including his possession of tools used in dismemberment and his attempts to lure other women onto the submarine. Madsen was found guilty of murder, indecent handling of a corpse, and sexual assault, and was sentenced to life in prison.Aftermath: Madsen's marriage to Jenny Curpen while in prison attracted media attention, with conflicting reports about the nature of their relationship. Emma Sullivan's documentary about Madsen, "Into the Deep," shed further light on the case but faced challenges in distribution.The case of Kim Wall's murder shocked the world and served as a stark reminder of the dangers journalists face in pursuit of the truth, as well as the depths of human depravity.

A rainy Friday the 13th sets the stage for a harrowing tale of jealousy, manipulation, and ultimate betrayal. As Brittany Killgore seeks to escape her troubled marriage, she unwittingly becomes entangled in a web of dark desires spun by Dorothy Maraglino and Louis Perez. Their polygamous BDSM relationship takes a sinister turn, leading to Brittany's untimely demise and a desperate cover-up. Through meticulous investigation and courtroom drama, the truth behind Brittany's fate is unveiled, exposing the chilling depths of human depravity.

This episode delves into the harrowing true story of Hana Williams, a young girl adopted by a devout evangelical family. As she and her brother Immanuel faced unspeakable abuse masked by religious fervor, their tragic tale sheds light on the darker realities of adoption and extreme religious practices in America.

Jennifer Pan, raised by strict "tiger parents" obsessed with her success, faced immense pressure to excel academically and conform to their expectations. Despite early achievements in piano and figure skating, the pressure mounted as she progressed through school. Fearing her parents' disapproval, Jennifer resorted to forging report cards and lying about her academic performance.Her controlled upbringing led her to rebel by secretly dating and lying about her whereabouts. Eventually, she concocted a plan to have her parents killed, believing it would grant her freedom to be with her boyfriend and inherit their wealth. However, her plan went awry, resulting in the murder of her mother and severe injuries to her father.Despite initially fabricating a story of a home invasion, Jennifer confessed to hiring hitmen but claimed she intended to have herself killed. However, evidence contradicted her account, leading to her conviction, along with her boyfriend and the hitmen, for first-degree murder, attempted murder, and conspiracy to commit murder.Jennifer's trial revealed the complexities of her troubled upbringing, her desperation to break free from her parents' control, and the tragic consequences of her actions. Ultimately, she was sentenced to life in prison, leaving behind a shattered family and a father grappling with the loss of his wife and daughter's betrayal.

Imagine this: a successful executive, Tara, seemingly has it all—career, family, the works. But then, out of nowhere, she disappears. The investigation takes a dark turn when her husband, Stephen, becomes the prime suspect. What unfolds is a twisted tale of betrayal, murder, and the gruesome details will send shivers down your spine. It's like something out of a thriller novel, but it's all too real. Trust me, you won't be able to stop thinking about it once you dive in.

On the evening of November 24, 2003, William Matheson strangled his former girlfriend, put her body in a cricket bag and dumped it in the car park of a unit block in Sydney's eastern suburbs.

Some of what Tommy Ragan (the killer) did:Strangled Bruce Kim to death during a drunken rage.Transported Bruce Kim's body in the trunk of his car.Buried Bruce Kim's body in a shallow grave, severing his head to avoid identification.Set fire to the Lemac Apartments, potentially endangering numerous lives.Confessed to multiple other crimes including arson, burglary, larceny, assault, and rape of another young boy.

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Paige Birgfeld was a Colorado mother of three who disappeared in 2007. Her case garnered national attention as it unfolded. Tragically, her remains were found in 2012. Investigation revealed she led a double life, involved in an escort service. Her ex-husband, Lester Ralph Jones, was convicted of her murder in 2016, although her death's exact circumstances remain largely unclear. The case highlighted the complexity of human lives and the challenges in solving crimes.

In April 1991, Rachel McLean, a 19-year-old student at St. Hilda's College, Oxford, was murdered by her boyfriend, John Tanner, after she refused his marriage proposal. Tanner, who had arrived to visit McLean, strangled her in her own home and then ingeniously hid her body under the floorboards. Following the murder, Tanner crafted an elaborate facade to mislead both McLean's family and the police, pretending she was missing and even participating in public appeals for her whereabouts.It took 17 days for the police to discover McLean's body, concealed in a cramped space under her house's floorboards. Tanner's lies unraveled, and he was eventually arrested, tried, and sentenced to life imprisonment, though he was released in the early 2000s after serving more than 11 years. The case shocked the community and remains a stark reminder of the betrayal and violence that can lurk beneath the surface of intimate relationships.

The "God Chose Us" case, as it's known, refers to a series of tragic events involving Shari Smith and Debra Helmick, orchestrated by a criminal who took pleasure in tormenting the victims' families with disturbing phone calls and letters. The case is marked by the kidnappings and murders of Shari Smith and nine-year-old Debra May Helmick in South Carolina.Shari Smith, abducted outside her home, was forced to write a "Last Will and Testament" letter, which the kidnapper mailed to her family. The letter, examined for forensic evidence, was one of the key pieces in the investigation. The kidnapper, enjoying the control and fear he instigated, made several phone calls to the Smith family, in one of which he chillingly stated, "Shari is now part of me... our souls are now one," and later, "We’re waiting. God chose us." These calls displayed his delusion of being in a position of god-like power and control.

The "God Chose Us" case, as it's known, refers to a series of tragic events involving Shari Smith and Debra Helmick, orchestrated by a criminal who took pleasure in tormenting the victims' families with disturbing phone calls and letters. The case is marked by the kidnappings and murders of Shari Smith and nine-year-old Debra May Helmick in South Carolina.Shari Smith, abducted outside her home, was forced to write a "Last Will and Testament" letter, which the kidnapper mailed to her family. The letter, examined for forensic evidence, was one of the key pieces in the investigation. The kidnapper, enjoying the control and fear he instigated, made several phone calls to the Smith family, in one of which he chillingly stated, "Shari is now part of me... our souls are now one," and later, "We’re waiting. God chose us." These calls displayed his delusion of being in a position of god-like power and control.

Carly "Charli" Scott was tragically murdered in Maui in February 2014. Steven Capobianco, her ex-boyfriend, was found guilty of second-degree murder and second-degree arson of her Toyota 4Runner. He was the last person known to have seen Scott alive and was later convicted of murdering her and burning her truck. Despite being convicted, Capobianco has been attempting to appeal his 2016 murder conviction

The Arizona Torso Murder No. 2 refers to the unsolved murder of Marjorie Orbin whose torso was found in Phoenix, Arizona in 1991. The victim's identity and the circumstances of his death remain unknown.It is quite similar to the previous case, and you won't expect what happened.