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Description
When Afrikka Hardy was strangled in 2014 it seemed completely random, but it wasn’t. It was part of a pattern.
Four years earlier, reporter Thomas Hargrove had created an algorithm to detect serial killers and flagged Gary, Indiana as the site of an unusual number of strangulations.
But when Hargrove reached out to warn local police, he was ignored -- until Afrikka Hardy was murdered, and those cold cases suddenly didn’t look so cold.
Algorithm follows the investigation into Afrikka’s murder, exposing the warnings that police ignored, and uncovering more than anyone expected -- that a serial killer was strangling women in Gary, Indiana could've been stopped. And that Afrikka Hardy should be alive today.
This podcast will explore how technology can be used to identify and track serial killers, and how an algorithm can influence the way homicides are investigated all across the country.
Four years earlier, reporter Thomas Hargrove had created an algorithm to detect serial killers and flagged Gary, Indiana as the site of an unusual number of strangulations.
But when Hargrove reached out to warn local police, he was ignored -- until Afrikka Hardy was murdered, and those cold cases suddenly didn’t look so cold.
Algorithm follows the investigation into Afrikka’s murder, exposing the warnings that police ignored, and uncovering more than anyone expected -- that a serial killer was strangling women in Gary, Indiana could've been stopped. And that Afrikka Hardy should be alive today.
This podcast will explore how technology can be used to identify and track serial killers, and how an algorithm can influence the way homicides are investigated all across the country.
15 Episodes
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1Can an algorithm connect cold cases -- and help catch a modern serial killer? Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
When Afrikka Hardy was murdered, it seemed completely random. But it wasn't. It was part of a pattern. And police had been warned that a serial killer was on the loose in Indiana. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
When Afrikka Hardy was strangled in 2014 it seemed completely random. But it wasn’t. It was part of a pattern.Lori Townsend reminisces about her daughter Afrikka, and journalist Thomas Hargrove says Afrikka's death could've been prevented.Subscribe to Algorithm now, so you don't miss an episode, and follow host Ben Kuebrich on twitter for more information about the case. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Four years before Afrikka's Death, reporter Thomas Hargrove took clues from the Atlanta child murders and the Green River Killer and created an algorithm to detect serial killers. His algorithm flagged Gary, Indiana as the site of an unusual number of strangulations. But how did this algorithm work, and what came of the findings?Thomas Hargrove discusses the creation of the algorithm and Dr. Mike Aamodt talks serial killing stats. Finally, host Ben Kuebrich receives an unexpected phone call.Subscribe to Algorithm now, so you don't miss an episode and leave a review! This is a brand new show that could really use your help. Also, follow host Ben Kuebrich on Twitter for more information about the case. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Jackie investigates the cases Hargrove's algorithm identified. But there aren't any major leads... until Afrikka's murder.What really happened the night Afrikka was killed?Find out more about the case on twitter, instagram, or facebook. And follow host Ben Kuebrich on twitter. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Detective Ford investigates Afrikka's killer... and discovers the killer may be connected to even more murders.Find out more about the case on twitter, instagram, or facebook. Follow host Ben Kuebrich on twitter. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The Death March Continues as Darren Vann leads detectives to more victims... but it's unclear if he's telling the whole truth about his crimes ...Find out more about the case on twitter, instagram, or facebook. Follow host Ben Kuebrich on twitter. And reach out with any tips on Darren Vann, Big E, or crimes that might be related on social media or by leaving us a voicemail at 888-501-3309. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Detective Ford interrogates Vann about his past and tries to determine how many Vann has really killed... And what can we learn from Vann's ex-wife, stepson, and ex-girlfriend?Find out more about the case on twitter, instagram, or facebook. Follow host Ben Kuebrich on twitter @Ben_kuebrich. And reach out with any tips on Darren Vann, Big E, or crimes that might be related on social media or by leaving a voicemail at 888-501-3309. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
After the death of Vann's child, Vann snaps. He's arrested twice for horrific crimes, once in Gary and then in Austin.Find out more about the case on twitter, instagram, or facebook. Follow host Ben Kuebrich on twitter @Ben_kuebrich. And reach out with any tips on Darren Vann, Big E, or crimes that might be related on social media or by leaving a voicemail at 888-501-3309. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
After Vann returns to Gary, Marvin Clinton's fiance Teaira Batey disappears. Frustrated with the police, Marvin starts investigating on his own.Find out more about the case on twitter, instagram, or facebook. Follow host Ben Kuebrich on twitter @Ben_kuebrich.Reach out with any tips on Darren Vann, China, or crimes that might be related on social media or by leaving a voicemail at 888-501-3309. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
One woman escapes Vann and tries to warn the police, but they don't listen.Find out more about the case on twitter, instagram, or facebook. Follow host Ben Kuebrich on twitter @Ben_kuebrich.Reach out with any tips on Darren Vann or crimes that might be related on social media or by leaving a voicemail at 888-501-3309. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Ben listens to voicemails and answers listener questions.You can leave a voicemail of your own at 888-501-3309. Or ask a question or leave a tip on twitter, instagram, or facebook. Follow host Ben Kuebrich on twitter @Ben_kuebrich. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Ben investigates some of the cold cases that Hargrove identified and explores Darren Vann's connection to killings in Chicago.Find out more about the case on twitter, instagram, or facebook. Follow host Ben Kuebrich on twitter @Ben_kuebrich.Reach out with any tips or suggestions for other clusters of murders to explore on social media or by leaving a voicemail at 888-501-3309. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Ben receives a letter from Vann agreeing to an interview. Ben talks to Kasich about Vann and why he plead to life in prison after wanting to be executed. And a mysterious caller describes another victim and sheds possible light on Vann's motivations.Find out more about the case on twitter, instagram, or facebook. Follow host Ben Kuebrich on twitter @Ben_kuebrich.Reach out with any tips or suggestions for other clusters of murders to explore on social media or by leaving a voicemail at 888-501-3309. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
What happened to the DNA evidence associated with Hargrove's list. And what happened to Gary's backlogged rape kits?Follow host Ben Kuebrich on twitter @Ben_kuebrich, and follow the algorithm podcast on twitter, instagram, or facebook.Reach out with any tips or suggestions for other clusters of murders to explore on social media or by leaving a voicemail at 888-501-3309.And if you want more episodes -- please leave a review, letting us know you liked the show on apple podcasts! Hopefully, we'll be back with more episodes soon. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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it is unwise to invoke a nonexistent "good old days" in which things were done right, when speaking of murders. in the past decades more murders were solved? I am very skeptical and don't believe this should be accepted in and of itself. there were quite a few WRONGFUL convictions that traced back to that time, and their standards of "solved" were a lot different based on technologies and procedures available then. plus many murders were recorded as accidents or suicides and closed without rightful due process. there was abuse of power, dereliction of duty, and failure to communicate between law enforcement agencies, which all went unchallenged to a greater degree than in present times. today, one in three murders are unsolved? That is more believable. deaths that are very likely to be or obviously are murders are still characterized as suicides and accidents. there is still abuse of power, dereliction of duty, etc., and now a very changed standard of "solved".
I really enjoy the podcast. Thank you for all of your hard work Ben. I've binged it all day! Only 3 episodes left!
Great potential, to hosts voice is very off putting
wtf with the long ass nothing and music from nowhere
i like the investigator's voice. He's an excellent presenter and the slight regional accent is delightful.
Is there another season coming?
Love the podcast! Really interesting, thanks for your hard work in bringing light to the subject. I'd be interested in hearing about the Algorithm being used in Anchorage. Next season??
Another possible reason for lower clearance rates is that with DNA technology advances, it’s harder to convict innocent people than it was in the past.
Ep. 12's guest interview started with strong John B. McLemore vibes...the wit, the humor, and the charm... (S-Town Podcast)
I was addicted to this podcast! They need to use this algorithm in Detroit. they are always finding murdered women in dumpsters and abandoned houses.
obsessed with this!
You should look in to the bodies being found in Minneapolis!
Host needs to becoming more self aware about how he sounds and presents himself.
This is not a good podcast.
another banger Ben
omg! I hope the host gets over himself and loses the whiney voice. I'm really interested in the content of this podcast but I'm going to have to stoooop. Ugghhh.
I want to continue listening to this podcast but the host's narration is just too unbearable!
another great episode
So far, LOVE IT. Intrigue level 9.5/10
the voice!😤