Obscura: A True Crime Podcast

Listener, in today’s episode we will refer to the victim of this case simply as M.S. This is for the safety of the victim, as she’s already been through enough. I ask that you leave the victim alone and not go out of your way to track down her name. Now, let’s get on with it.Join the Black Label on Patreon at https://www.patreon.com/obscuracrimepodcastOur Sponsors:* Check out Incogni: incogni.com/obscura* Check out Rosetta Stone and use my code TODAY for a great deal: www.rosettastone.com/todaySupport this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/obscura-a-true-crime-podcast/exclusive-contentAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Peter Sotos is potentially the single most controversial figure in True Crime. A godfather of the genre, he pushed the boundaries in ways that made even yours truly uncomfortable.This is a collaborative project put together with fellow True Crime creator T.Z. Borden. He's the host and creator of the excellent Tapes from the Darkside podcast. A podcast that takes you down the darkest roads the genre has on offer. When he asked me to collaborate on this project I couldn’t resist.Borden aptly titled the episode Modern De Sade. What you’re going to hear is an expertly edited episode, crafted by Mr. Borden, which runs for 90 mins. Much of the episode features a conversation between me and TZ.Tapes from the Darkside Website.Our Sponsors:* Check out Incogni: incogni.com/obscura* Check out Rosetta Stone and use my code TODAY for a great deal: www.rosettastone.com/todaySupport this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/obscura-a-true-crime-podcast/exclusive-contentAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

On November 4th, 2018, at 8:59 AM, the Forsyth County 911 Center received a call. Jeanne Meyers, the homeowner, is on the call. She’s reporting her friend, Tamla Horsford, has fallen off a balcony. Jeanna hands her phone to the host of the party and her boyfriend Jose Barrera.Join Black Label at Patreon.com/obscuracrimepodcastOur Sponsors:* Check out Incogni: incogni.com/obscura* Check out Rosetta Stone and use my code TODAY for a great deal: www.rosettastone.com/todaySupport this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/obscura-a-true-crime-podcast/exclusive-contentAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Officer Miles Bennett was dispatched to a disturbance at a residence on the 500 block of Jefferson Street in the City of Oshkosh, Wisconsin. The call was originally dispatched as "sister freaked out and boyfriend is bleeding. Possibly stabbed in arms." What the officer found was equally horrifying and mysterious.Obscura - A True Crime Podcast | PatreonOur Patreon has been overhauled. Click the link to discover our new tiers. We now are producing new extended episodes and offering apparel!Visit us online at obscuracrimepodcast.comOur Sponsors:* Check out Incogni: incogni.com/obscura* Check out Rosetta Stone and use my code TODAY for a great deal: www.rosettastone.com/todaySupport this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/obscura-a-true-crime-podcast/exclusive-contentAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

The following episode has several twists and turns. I ask that you hold on tight and not look into the case. You’ll have a better time if you do so. A lot of thought is put into Obscura in terms of keeping coverage objective. With that said the opening part of this episode is sourced directly from the Innocence project of Florida as well as court records. With several sections read verbatim. Alright… let’s get on with it.Join me on Black Label at https://www.patreon.com/obscuracrimepodcastOur Sponsors:* Check out Incogni: incogni.com/obscura* Check out Rosetta Stone and use my code TODAY for a great deal: www.rosettastone.com/todaySupport this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/obscura-a-true-crime-podcast/exclusive-contentAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

In high school Nicholas Brutcher was known as a bit of a jock and bully. Large for a teen, you didn’t want to get in his way on the football field. Nicholas played shoulder to shoulder with Aaron Hernandez and Alex Ryng. Aaron Hernandez was linked to three murders before committing suicide. Alex Ryng shot and killed both he and his wife in a 2014 murder suicide. The three players were all destined for violence. Each traveling their own dark road.Our Sponsors:* Check out Incogni: incogni.com/obscura* Check out Rosetta Stone and use my code TODAY for a great deal: www.rosettastone.com/todaySupport this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/obscura-a-true-crime-podcast/exclusive-contentAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

In high school Nicholas Brutcher was known as a bit of a jock and bully. Large for a teen, you didn’t want to get in his way on the football field. Nicholas played shoulder to shoulder with Aaron Hernandez and Alex Ryng. Aaron Hernandez was linked to three murders before committing suicide. Alex Ryng shot and killed both he and his wife in a 2014 murder suicide. The three players were all destined for violence. Each traveling their own dark road.Our Sponsors:* Check out Incogni: incogni.com/obscura* Check out Rosetta Stone and use my code TODAY for a great deal: www.rosettastone.com/todaySupport this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/obscura-a-true-crime-podcast/exclusive-contentAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

(Part 2) The following information has been sourced directly from the Florida Department of Law Enforcement, court documents, social media websites, and eyewitness reports. And when I say directly, I mean often read verbatim. Listener discretion is advised.Join Black Label at https://www.patreon.com/obscuracrimepodcastOur Sponsors:* Check out Incogni: incogni.com/obscura* Check out Rosetta Stone and use my code TODAY for a great deal: www.rosettastone.com/todaySupport this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/obscura-a-true-crime-podcast/exclusive-contentAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

The following information has been sourced directly from the Florida Department of Law Enforcement, court documents, social media websites, and eyewitness reports. And when I say directly, I mean often read verbatim. Listener discretion is advised.Join Black Label on Patreon here: http://www.patreon.com/obscuracrimepodcastOur Sponsors:* Check out Incogni: incogni.com/obscura* Check out Rosetta Stone and use my code TODAY for a great deal: www.rosettastone.com/todaySupport this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/obscura-a-true-crime-podcast/exclusive-contentAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Martha Montoya has been given the worst news of her life. She’s been told by her (soon to be) 13-year-old daughter that all she wants for her birthday tomorrow is for her stepfather to move out. The disturbing reason why will start a domino effect that will tear the family apart.Our Sponsors:* Check out Incogni: incogni.com/obscura* Check out Rosetta Stone and use my code TODAY for a great deal: www.rosettastone.com/todaySupport this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/obscura-a-true-crime-podcast/exclusive-contentAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

On Mar 28, 2024, in Everett, Washington, at around 7:00 AM, four-year-old Ariel Garcia was declared missing. The boy is Hispanic with brown hair and brown eyes. He is 3 feet, 1 inch tall and weighs 37 pounds. Ariel went missing at an apartment on Vesper Drive.Ariel’s mother, Janet Garcia, struggles with drug and alcohol. To the point that it made her leave for days. And frequently without notice. Her grandmother described her daughter as being both violent and unpredictable.Our Patreon has been overhauled. Click the link to discover our new tiers. We now are producing new extended episodes and offering merch! Patreon.com/obscuracrimepodcastVisit us online at obscuracrimepodcast.comOur Sponsors:* Check out Incogni: incogni.com/obscura* Check out Rosetta Stone and use my code TODAY for a great deal: www.rosettastone.com/todaySupport this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/obscura-a-true-crime-podcast/exclusive-contentAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

May 20th, 2020, two police officers arrive at a Grand Forks, North Dakota apartment complex. It’s around 2:00 PM and a sunny day. The officers are there to serve eviction papers to 41-year-old Salamah Pendleton and his mother Lola Moore. Nothing will go to plan.Visit me online at https://www.blacklabelpodcasting.com/show/obscura/Our Sponsors:* Check out Incogni: incogni.com/obscura* Check out Rosetta Stone and use my code TODAY for a great deal: www.rosettastone.com/todaySupport this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/obscura-a-true-crime-podcast/exclusive-contentAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

On August 18, 1988, Noberto Piertri walked away from the Lantana Community Correctional Work Release Center. At the time, he was restricted to the center's grounds while he awaited transfer to a more secure facility. Or, in other words, he escaped.Our Sponsors:* Check out Incogni: incogni.com/obscura* Check out Rosetta Stone and use my code TODAY for a great deal: www.rosettastone.com/todaySupport this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/obscura-a-true-crime-podcast/exclusive-contentAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Heather Claypool is sleeping. It’s early morning hours. A small creak stirs her. Between squinted eyes she scans the side of her bed. It was probably someone downstairs. She lived in an apartment. Heather drifts back to sleep. Another creak. She sits up. There is a man crouched at the end of your bed.Purchase one of our Obscura Mugs here.Our Sponsors:* Check out Incogni: incogni.com/obscura* Check out Rosetta Stone and use my code TODAY for a great deal: www.rosettastone.com/todaySupport this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/obscura-a-true-crime-podcast/exclusive-contentAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Around 10 p.m. on January 30, 1993, Lynette Tschida went to the Winn Dixie store in Eustis, Florida. It was at the Grove Square Shopping Center in Lake County. She saw a young man and a teenage boy sitting on a bench near the entrance of the store.As she walked in the store, she noticed how intense the older one was. He was tall, muscular. His smooth, but dark skin and handsome features betrayed by a scowl. He watched Lynette enter the store and she felt his eyes on her back as the automatic doors slid shut. Purchase one of our Obscura Mugs here.Our Sponsors:* Check out Incogni: incogni.com/obscura* Check out Rosetta Stone and use my code TODAY for a great deal: www.rosettastone.com/todaySupport this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/obscura-a-true-crime-podcast/exclusive-contentAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Nine year old Brisenia is sleeping in the living room of her home. She’s not sleeping in her bedroom because she’s so excited that she got a new puppy. At that age these experiences are so magical for us.Her mother told her that her bed was freshly made with clean sheets. If Bresenia wanted to sleep with the puppy, then it needed to be in the living room. It was an easy choice. Raul Flores and Gina Marie Gonzalez, his wife, are sleeping in their bed.It’s 1AM in the morning when someone knocks on their door.Purchase one of our Obscura Mugs here.Our Sponsors:* Check out Incogni: incogni.com/obscura* Check out Rosetta Stone and use my code TODAY for a great deal: www.rosettastone.com/todaySupport this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/obscura-a-true-crime-podcast/exclusive-contentAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

July 25, 2018 Lakemoor, Illinois Officer Brianna Tedesco starts her shift. It’s 11:00 p.m. She’s scheduled until 7:00 a.m. Tedesco is dressed in her duty uniform of shirt, pants, and outer ballistic vest. She has her Lakemoor Police badge and name plate pinned to the outside of her vest and is wearing a duty belt which includes her standard duty gear.Her body camera is equipped and, along with a squad camera microphone, she has a microphone clipped to her left shoulder. Listener, the body cam and microphones will give us insight into the worst day of Officer Tedesco’s career. And present to us the night that she peered the eyes later described as soulless.Purchase one of our Obscura Mugs here. Our Sponsors:* Check out Incogni: incogni.com/obscura* Check out Rosetta Stone and use my code TODAY for a great deal: www.rosettastone.com/todaySupport this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/obscura-a-true-crime-podcast/exclusive-contentAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

July 2009Escambia County, FloridaLeonard “Patrick” Gonzales Jr., age 35, is broke. He’s desperate for cash. So desperate that his mom is paying his bills. Patrick, of course, finds this embarrassing. Against his wife Tabitha’s better judgment, he invested their savings into a Karate School. Savings that the two saved up together working at Long-Wiggins’ antique business.But the Karate business, like 40 percent of businesses in the United States, went belly up. And that little venture has placed Patrick (and by extension Tabitha) in financial jeopardy. Patrick felt like he was letting his family down. Both his wife and his children. But he had an idea. His ticket out of this whole mess was 66-year-old Byrd "Bud" Starling Billings Escambia County, FloridaLeonard “Patrick” Gonzales Jr., age 35, is broke. He’s desperate for cash. So desperate that his mom is paying his bills. Patrick, of course, finds this embarrassing. Against his wife Tabitha’s better judgment, he invested their savings into a Karate School. Savings that the two saved up together working at Long-Wiggins’ antique business.But the Karate business, like 40 percent of businesses in the United States, went belly up. And that little venture has placed Patrick (and by extension Tabitha) in financial jeopardy. Patrick felt like he was letting his family down. Both his wife and his children. But he had an idea. His ticket out of this whole mess was 66-year-old Byrd "Bud" Starling BillingsDon't forget to give Magic Mind a try: They have a limited offer you can use now, that gets you up to 48% off your first subscription or 20% off one time purchases with code Obscura20 at checkoutYou can claim it at:Magic Mind | Mental Performance ShotOur Sponsors:* Check out Incogni: incogni.com/obscura* Check out Rosetta Stone and use my code TODAY for a great deal: www.rosettastone.com/todaySupport this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/obscura-a-true-crime-podcast/exclusive-contentAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Katherina “Katie” Allen is afraid of her husband. On Easter Sunday, the 42 year old woman packed her things and took the kids with her. The man she married, Kevin Allen, age 51, has a history of violence. A 20 year long rap sheet. Filled with domestic abuse and death threats against the four women he married in his life.Katie was going to play it cool. She’d meet Kevin at Cracker Barrel for their daughter Kerri Allen’s birthday party. There, in a public space, she would tell her husband that she wanted a divorce. And if Kevin became violent there would be witnesses. Things don't go to plan.Obscura - A True Crime Podcast | PatreonOur Patreon has been overhauled. Click the link to discover our new tiers. We now are producing new extended episodes and offering apparel!Visit me online at obscuracrimepodcast.comOur Sponsors:* Check out Incogni: incogni.com/obscura* Check out Rosetta Stone and use my code TODAY for a great deal: www.rosettastone.com/todaySupport this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/obscura-a-true-crime-podcast/exclusive-contentAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Listener, rummaging through these old, discarded newspapers, it paints a picture for me. The image is of a community left in a state of terror. In which a man stretched his arm, and the people of Okaloosa recoiled. And this man, this monster was acting fast. But what he didn’t know is that investigators were on his tail. Closer than he realized.Dr. Edmun Kielman and Chief Investigator Don Vinson were working in tandem. They had prints. They had DNA. Artists sketches. Eye witness reports. Investigator Don Vinson just needed to get there when the body was still hot. No decomposing corpse. Or someone discarded on the beach.Obscura - A True Crime Podcast | PatreonOur Patreon has been overhauled. Click the link to discover our new tiers. We now are producing new extended episodes and offering apparel!Visit me online at obscuracrimepodcast.comOur Sponsors:* Check out Incogni: incogni.com/obscura* Check out Rosetta Stone and use my code TODAY for a great deal: www.rosettastone.com/todaySupport this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/obscura-a-true-crime-podcast/exclusive-contentAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy