Foul Play: Crime Series

In the gripping final installment of The Phantom Killer of Texarkana, Part 3 on Foul Play: Crime Series, we delve into the heart of darkness that engulfed the small town of Texarkana. This episode takes you on a chilling journey through the twisted paths and dead ends of one of history's most baffling and terrifying unsolved mysteries. As the community reels under the shadow of a ruthless killer, we explore the intricate web of suspects, the psychological profile of the murderer, and the haunting impact of these crimes on the town and its people. The line between myth and reality blurs as we scrutinize each clue and lead, unveiling the complex layers of this enigmatic case.Join us as we traverse the murky waters of fear, suspicion, and intrigue, shedding light on the various theories and suspects that emerged during the investigation. From the chilling modus operandi of the killer to the numerous suspects who captured the public's imagination, we dive deep into the psyche of the elusive Phantom. As we edge closer to the conclusion, the question remains: who was the real Phantom Killer? This episode promises to keep you on the edge of your seat, offering insights that challenge what we think we know about the darkest corners of human nature.Don't miss this heart-stopping finale of The Phantom Killer of Texarkana series. Visit our website at itsfoulplay.com for more intriguing episodes and join our community of mystery and true crime enthusiasts. Stay tuned, stay safe, and keep exploring the mysteries that lie just beyond our grasp.Support our podcast by becoming a patron.Visit us online.

In this suspenseful second episode of the Foul Play: Crime Series podcast titled "The Phantom Killer of Texarkana, Part 2," we delve deeper into the harrowing tale of a series of brutal attacks that terrorized the small town of Texarkana in 1946. This episode takes you through the unnerving investigation and the scant evidence that baffled authorities. As the town grapples with fear, we explore the unique challenges posed by Texarkana's geographical location and its impact on law enforcement efforts. Witness how the community's reaction to these crimes ranged from extreme vigilance to paralyzing fear, with families resorting to extraordinary measures for safety. We recount the grisly details of each attack, from the lovers' lanes to an isolated farmhouse, and examine the aftermath of this chilling spree. The episode offers a deep dive into the law enforcement's struggles with limited forensic capabilities and the complexities of inter-state policing, providing insights into the psychological and societal impact of the Phantom's reign of terror.As we unravel the intricate layers of this dark chapter in Texarkana's history, "The Phantom Killer of Texarkana, Part 2" is not just a recounting of events but a journey into the heart of a community forever changed by fear and uncertainty. For true crime enthusiasts seeking an immersive experience into one of America’s most haunting mysteries, this episode promises to be a compelling and thought-provoking listen.Support our podcast by becoming a patron.Visit us online.Visit us on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter.

In the premiere episode of this Season on The Phantom Killer of Texarkana, we travel back to the year 1946. The small, tranquil city of Texarkana is caught in the grip of terror as a masked predator known as the Phantom Killer emerges, leaving a trail of unspeakable crimes in the moonless night. From lovers' lanes to the quiet of a home, no place is safe from the Phantom's reach. This episode takes listeners through the haunting events as they unfolded—from the first attacks on unsuspecting couples to the chilling home invasion that left the community paralyzed with fear.Join us as we piece together the horrifying details of the Phantom's brutal assaults and murders, diving into a series of crimes that remain unsolved to this day. We explore the anguish and chaos that ensued, the eerie silence of a predator who vanished as mysteriously as he appeared, and the relentless pursuit for justice by the authorities, Texas Rangers, and FBI.Foul Play brings to life the dark shadow that fell over Texarkana. Stay tuned for the shocking twists, the cloud of paranoia, and the legacy of fear that the Phantom Killer left behind. Will the identity of the masked murderer ever be revealed, or will he remain an enigma, lurking in the annals of true crime mystery? Tune in to find out.Support our podcast by becoming a patron.Visit us online.Visit us on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter.

Episode 2 continues the grim saga of the murderous spree that plagued the Tuscan countryside. This installment plunges into the labyrinth of the investigation's most turbulent years. We examine the pressure-cooker environment of the 1980s, where the local police's frantic search for the Monster led to several wrongful arrests that cast a long shadow of doubt over the law enforcement's competence.The episode dissects the case of Enzo Spalletti, whose wrongful accusation and subsequent exoneration underscored the investigation's flaws. As the narrative unfolds, we encounter Francesco Vinci, another man caught in the investigation's dragnet, painting a picture of an inquiry fraught with desperation and hasty conclusions. The series reveals the scandalous media circus and the public's macabre fascination with the satanic cult theories, adding layers of complexity to an already intricate case.Listeners are taken on a journey through the twists and turns of evidence and hearsay that led to Pietro Pacciani's conviction—and the shocking reversal that followed. We close with a sobering reflection on the unsolved mystery that remains, pondering the true identity of the Monster and the fate that befell the accused. As the episode concludes, we are left with more questions than answers, keeping the terrifying legacy of the Monster of Florence alive in the collective memory.Support our podcast by becoming a patron.Visit us online.Visit us on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter.

In the first episode of "Foul Play: Crime Series" titled "The Monster of Florence," we unmask the horrors lurking in the idyllic Tuscan hills. The story begins on a gruesome note with the discovery of Antonio Lo Bianco and Barbara Locci, marking the onset of a series of brutal slayings between 1968 and 1985. This episode probes into the killer's calculated strikes on unsuspecting couples in secluded spots, culminating in chilling surgical mutilations that perplexed investigators and instilled terror in the heart of Florence. As we trace the sequence of these cold-blooded crimes, the episode reveals the Monster's twisted modus operandi, the palpable fear that swept through Tuscany, and the intense media frenzy that followed. With each account, we attempt to penetrate the psyche of the enigmatic killer and his possible motivations, ranging from sadistic pleasure to cult involvement or a vendetta against romance. The episode also explores the futile attempts to capture the elusive killer, whose crimes spanned nearly two decades, ceasing as abruptly as they began with no definitive conclusion. Listeners will be left with haunting questions about the nature of evil and the persistence of unsolved mysteries that still overshadow the beautiful Tuscan landscape. Join us as we dive deep into the dark history of The Monster of Florence, in a tale of murder, mystery, and the relentless quest for answers.Visit us online at itsfoulplay.comEpisode Sponsor:Don't let this clue slip away. Head to FactorMeals.com/foulplay50 and use code foulplay50 to get 50% off!

In this gripping episode the courtroom becomes the stage as we recount the trial and sentencing of Robert Ben Rhoades, the notorious Truck Stop Killer. The episode unravels the intense legal battle that ensued following Rhoades's arrest. From the prosecution's demand for the death penalty to the defense's attempts to downplay the atrocities, we explore the intricate details of a trial that held the rapt attention of a community seeking closure.Listeners will hear of the monstrous crimes recounted in testimonies, the disturbing evidence presented by the state, and the defendant's audacious attempts to challenge his sentencing. The episode dramatizes the trial's most poignant moments, including the harrowing accounts of Rhoades’s victims and the emotional turmoil of the families affected. We also scrutinize Rhoades's manipulative legal maneuvers post-conviction, which added to the anguish of those left in the wake of his violence.This episode not only captures the culmination of Rhoades's legal proceedings but also reflects on the broader implications of his case. It's a story of justice's complex machinery, the pursuit of truth, and the resilience of a community scarred by senseless brutality. As the series progresses, it promises to keep the memory of the victims alive and honor the relentless spirit of those who worked to ensure that such evil does not walk free.Find us ⁠online.⁠ Support the show by joining our Black Label to support the show and unlock exclusive benefits. You can join on ⁠Patreon⁠ and ⁠Apple Podcast Premium⁠.Follow us on ⁠Instagram⁠, ⁠Twitter⁠, and ⁠Facebook⁠. Join ⁠Shane's Facebook Group⁠. Hosted by ⁠Shane Waters⁠. Listen to his other crime podcast ⁠Mystery Inc⁠, or his history podcast ⁠Hometown History⁠!

Episode 2 on the Truck Stop Killer season intensifies as we explore the depths of Robert Ben Rhoades's depravity. This episode recounts the chilling breakthrough in the case when a state trooper's routine check turned into a rescue of a chained, tortured victim from Rhoades's truck. The discovery unearthed Rhoades's horrifying double life as a long-haul trucker and a sadistic predator, with his 18-wheeler doubling as a mobile torture chamber.Listeners will hear how Rhoades was linked to unsolved murders and missing person cases, his personal history with the Houston BDSM scene, and the sinister evidence found in his apartment. The episode also details the heartbreaking story of Regina Walters, one of Rhoades's victims, whose life and tragic end were documented through Rhoades's own photographs.The episode further examines how close calls and narrow escapes of potential victims aided the investigation, with personal accounts adding emotional depth to the narrative. As detectives and the FBI untangled the dark thread of Rhoades's acts, the story captures the clash between the search for truth and the struggle for justice.The description sets up the anticipation for the next episode, promising a focus on the trial and sentencing of Rhoades, and the unresolved questions that torment the victims' families. It's a harrowing journey through the impact of Rhoades's crimes and the search for closure in one of the most disturbing cases of serial murder in America.Find us ⁠online.⁠Support the show by joining our Black Label to support the show and unlock exclusive benefits. You can join on ⁠Patreon⁠ and ⁠Apple Podcast Premium⁠. Follow us on ⁠Instagram⁠, ⁠Twitter⁠, and ⁠Facebook⁠. Join ⁠Shane's Facebook Group⁠.Hosted by ⁠Shane Waters⁠. Listen to his other crime podcast ⁠Mystery Inc⁠, or his history podcast ⁠Hometown History⁠!

In Episode 1 we delve into the grim story of Robert Ben Rhoades, whose reign of terror along the American highways during the late '70s and '80s culminated in the nightmarish transformation of his 18-wheeler into a chamber of horrors. This episode recounts the harrowing escape of his would-be victim, Shana Holts, and the subsequent complacency of law enforcement that allowed Rhoades to continue his murderous spree.Listeners will be taken through a chilling narrative that includes Rhoades's beginnings, from his unsettled childhood marked by his father's suicide to his drift into the world of long-haul trucking, where he found an outlet for his sadistic impulses. The episode paints a sinister portrait of Rhoades's life, revealing the disturbing duality of his existence and his ventures into the underground scenes that possibly fed his cruel fantasies.As the episode unfolds, we learn of the tragic fate of Regina Kay Walters, the young girl whose brutal end was discovered in a secluded barn, and the close call that led to the capture of Rhoades, as recounted by an Arizona Highway Patrol Trooper. The description leads up to the anticipation of further investigation into the depth of Rhoades's crimes in the following episode, promising more insights into the exhaustive efforts to bring him to justice. This account serves as a stark reminder of the vulnerability of those who cross paths with such hidden predators.Find us ⁠online.⁠ Support the show by joining our Black Label to support the show and unlock exclusive benefits. You can join on ⁠Patreon⁠ and ⁠Apple Podcast Premium⁠.Follow us on ⁠Instagram⁠, ⁠Twitter⁠, and ⁠Facebook⁠. Join ⁠Shane's Facebook Group⁠.Hosted by ⁠Shane Waters⁠. Listen to his other crime podcast ⁠Mystery Inc⁠, or his history podcast ⁠Hometown History⁠!

This is the second episode in our series on the mysterious murder of 24-year-old Phoebe Handsjuk. In the last episode, we learned about how Phoebe Handsjuk died and the conflicting theories surrounding her demise. Despite the police's conclusion that it was an accidental death caused by Phoebe's drunken state, her grandfather, Lorne Campbell, a retired police detective, believed that foul play was involved. The medical examiner and Coroner's reports and suggestions raised more questions than answers, leaving the case unsolved. Some can't help but feel that the examiner and Coroner had something to hide, only because they were adamant about letting the court know of Phoebe's drinking habits and shady past, perhaps in an attempt to protect someone. But who?

In the darkest recesses of the human psyche lies an insatiable curiosity for the bizarre and the unexplained… a desire to peer behind the veil of the ordinary and uncover the secrets that hide just beneath the surface.  These strange and confounding cases ignite the imagination and send shivers down the spine as we struggle to comprehend the sinister forces within our seemingly familiar world.  And those are the cases we dive into here on Foul Play. And while we usually cover some old unsolved cases, today we're going to discuss a fairly recent case that has completely vexed true crime fans and detectives alike.  This is the story of Phoebe Handsjuk, a 24 year old Australian girl who found herself in a strange, strange situation.  Visit us online at itsfoulplay.com

In our previous episode, we discussed the death of Mary Cecilia Rogers, famously known as The Beautiful Cigar Girl, in 1841. In this episode, we will delve deeper into the investigation of her death, the various theories surrounding it, and the haunting legacy of her story. Support our podcast by becoming a patron. Find us on all platforms. Visit us online. Visit us on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and TikTok.

In the shadowy corners of human creativity, where imagination and reality intersect, the mysterious figure of the muse has long been a guiding force. Some artists find inspiration in fleeting glimpses of beauty, while others find it in the depths of darkness and despair. For renowned writer Edgar Allan Poe, a master of the macabre, it was the tragic tale of the Beautiful Cigar Girl that sparked a fire within his haunted soul. New York City, 1841. Beneath the gaslit cobblestone streets, a gripping tale of intrigue and suspense was unfolding. It was a story that would make headlines across the nation, casting an eerie light on the city's burgeoning underworld. In the heart of this Gothic metropolis, a young woman named Mary Rogers captured the public's imagination with her striking beauty and tragic fate. Support our podcast by becoming a patron. Find us on all platforms. Visit us online. Visit us on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and TikTok.

Tinseltown shines just enough to blind you from the horrors that go on behind the curtains. This is episode 2 in our series on the murder of Thelma Todd, a celebrated comedic actress, and businesswoman who was found dead in a car in her lover's garage. ‌Could it have been Jewel Carmen, the lover's wife, who learned about his affair? Or could it have been the lover himself, Roland West? Or… could it have been suicide? ‌We dive deeper into the lives of the old Hollywood stars in this episode. Episode Sponsor: Go to Hellofresh.com/foulplay50 and use code foulplay50 for 50% off plus free shipping Support our podcast by becoming a patron. Find us on all platforms. Visit us online. Visit us on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and TikTok.

The 1920s and 1930s were the golden age of Hollywood, a time of glitz and glamour, where movie stars were treated like royalty. But amidst all the glitter and fame, there was a dark side to the movie industry, a side that often saw stars fall from grace and suffer tragic ends. Thelma Todd was a shining star of the silver screen, known for her comedic chops and stunning beauty. She was the epitome of the old Hollywood glamour, but her life was far from a fairy tale. On the morning of December 16th, 1935, Thelma was found dead in her car, parked in a garage. The cause of death was ruled as carbon monoxide poisoning, but to this day, the circumstances surrounding her death remain shrouded in mystery. Support our podcast by becoming a patron. Find us on all platforms. Visit us online. Visit us on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and TikTok.

This is episode 3 of the Hall-Mills Murder story. Be sure to listen to episodes 1 and 2, where we learn about Edward Wheeler Hall and Eleanor Mills and uncover deeper details of their love affair and families. As the clock struck 12, the imposing figures of the officers could be seen marching towards the door of Frances Hall's secluded mansion. Tension filled the air as they prepared to place the most powerful woman in town under arrest for the brutal murder of Edward Hall and Eleanor Mills. Support our podcast by becoming a patron. Find us on all platforms. Visit us online. Visit us on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and TikTok.

This is episode 2 of the Hall-Mills Murder tragedy. Be sure to listen to episode 1, where we learn about the victims, Edward Wheeler Hall and his lover, Eleanor Mills. The Hall-Mills murder mystery of the 1920s is a tale of scandal, tragedy, and intrigue that has captivated the public for decades. On a fateful September night in 1922, two innocent bystanders stumbled upon a gruesome scene while on a romantic stroll down a secluded lover's lane. What they saw would haunt them for the rest of their lives. Episode Sponsors: Go to Hellofresh.com/foulplay50 and use code foulplay50 for 50% off plus free shipping Get a 4-week trial, free postage, and a digital scale at https://www.stamps.com/foulplay. Thanks to Stamps.com for sponsoring the show! Support our podcast by becoming a patron. Find us on all platforms. Visit us online. Visit us on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and TikTok.

Mystery, Intrigue, Tragedy, Scandal. These are the themes that embody the most notorious crime of the 1920s - the Hall-Mills murder mystery. On a dark, moonless night in September of 1922, a couple named Raymond Schlender and Pearl Bahmer, lost in the moment, strolled down a secluded lover's lane. But little did they know their romantic walk in the dark would soon turn into the stuff of nightmares. Support our podcast by becoming a patron. Find us on all platforms. Visit us online. Visit us on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and TikTok.

This is episode 2 of the McMartin preschool trials, and it contains mentions of the sexual abuse of minors. We recommend proceeding with caution. Judy Johnson's outcry about the abuse her son faced in the McMartin preschool launched investigations countrywide into other daycares, with numbers going up to 200 and teachers getting arrested with little to no evidence. Support our podcast by becoming a patron. Find us on all platforms. Visit us online. Visit us on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and TikTok.

The McMartin pre-school trial was one of the most infamous and controversial child sexual abuse cases in American history. The case, which began in 1983, involved allegations of widespread abuse and satanic rituals at the McMartin pre-school in Manhattan Beach, California. This series on Foul Play will discuss difficult themes of sexual abuse and pedophilia. We recommend proceeding with caution. Support our podcast by becoming a patron. Find us on all platforms. Visit us online. Visit us on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and TikTok.

This is episode 4 in our Murder at Lake Waco series. A trigger warning for our listeners: this series contains gruesome depictions of murders and mentions of sexual assault. This episode looks at the trial proceedings of the Lake Waco murder case, which will reveal troublesome details about the night of April 1982. We advise proceeding with caution. In a shivering hand, David Spence scrawled a chilling account of a conversation that had taken place between Deeb and himself. It was June of 1982, Spence claimed, when Deeb posed the question, 'Would you kill someone for 5 thousand dollars?' Spence had answered in the affirmative. Episode Sponsors: Get 16 free meals plus free shipping by going to Hellofresh.com/foulplay16 and use code Foulplay16 Get a 4-week trial, free postage, and a digital scale at Stamps.com/Foulplay. Thanks to Stamps.com for sponsoring the show! Support our podcast by becoming a patron. Find us on all platforms. Visit us online. Visit us on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and TikTok.