E393 A Feral Rat Summer and A Trench Coat Full of Snakes
Digest
This podcast delves into the eerie history of the Step Cemetery in Martinsville, Indiana, a small rural cemetery known for its paranormal activity. The hosts discuss the cemetery's origins, its ownership changes, and the various ghost stories associated with it, including the most prominent one, the Woman in Black. They also explore the unusual beliefs of the "Crab Bites," a fringe religious group active in the area, and the cemetery's popularity as a hangout spot for teenagers in the 1950s and 1960s. The podcast then shifts focus to the story of Sally McNeil, a bodybuilder who had a tumultuous upbringing and a troubled marriage. It explores her early life, her athletic achievements, and her two abusive marriages, culminating in the tragic murder of her second husband, Ray McNeil, on Valentine's Day 1995. The podcast details the events leading up to the murder, Sally's arrest, trial, and conviction, and her eventual release from prison after serving 25 years. The podcast concludes by discussing the controversy surrounding Sally's case, with some criticizing the portrayal of Ray and others defending Sally's conviction. It highlights the complexities of domestic violence and the challenges of being a "perfect victim."
Outlines
The Step Cemetery: A Haunting History and the "Crab Bites"
This chapter explores the history of the Step Cemetery, its association with the "Crab Bites" religious group, and the various ghost stories associated with it, including the Woman in Black.
The Cemetery's Popularity and Paranormal Activity
This chapter discusses the cemetery's rise in popularity as a hangout spot for teenagers in the 1950s and 1960s, which contributed to the spread of ghost stories. It also explores the various paranormal experiences reported by visitors, including sightings of shadowy figures, hearing voices, and experiencing electronic malfunctions.
UFO and Sasquatch Sightings and Preservation Efforts
This chapter reveals that the Step Cemetery and its surrounding forest are also known for UFO and Sasquatch sightings. It discusses the potential reasons for these sightings and the current preservation efforts of the cemetery by the Indiana Pioneer Cemetery's Restoration Project.
Sally McNeil: A Bodybuilder's Life and Troubled Marriages
This chapter introduces Sally McNeil, a bodybuilder who had a tumultuous upbringing and a troubled marriage. It explores her early life, her athletic achievements, and her first marriage to Tony Loudon, who was abusive.
Sally's Second Marriage and the Night of the Murder
This chapter details Sally's second marriage to Ray McNeil, a fellow bodybuilder, and the abusive nature of their relationship. It culminates in the tragic incident on Valentine's Day 1995, where Sally calls 911, admitting to killing Ray after he attacked her.
The Trial, Conviction, and Aftermath
This chapter covers Sally's arrest for murder, her trial, and her conviction for second-degree murder. It discusses the prosecution and defense arguments, focusing on the history of abuse in the marriage and the use of the battered woman syndrome as a defense.
Sally's Release and New Life
This chapter details Sally's release from prison in 2020 after serving 25 years. It discusses her support for veterans, her new relationship, and her reconnection with her children and grandchildren.
The Controversy and Nuances of the Case
This chapter concludes by discussing the controversy surrounding Sally's case, with some criticizing the portrayal of Ray and others defending Sally's conviction. It highlights the complexities of domestic violence and the challenges of being a "perfect victim."
Keywords
Step Cemetery
A small rural cemetery in Martinsville, Indiana, known for its paranormal activity and association with the "Crab Bites" religious group.
Crab Bites
A fringe religious group known for their unusual beliefs, including snake handling, resurrection, and a belief in a square earth.
Woman in Black
The most prominent ghost story associated with the Step Cemetery, often seen mourning a baby, digging a grave, or crying.
Sally McNeil
A bodybuilder who was convicted of second-degree murder for killing her abusive husband, Ray McNeil.
Domestic Violence
A pattern of abusive behavior that is used by one partner to gain power and control over the other. It can include physical, emotional, sexual, and financial abuse.
Battered Woman Syndrome
A term used to describe the behavior of women who have endured violence from their partners. It is often used as a defense in cases of domestic violence, but it is not an official diagnosis.
Q&A
What are some of the most prominent ghost stories associated with the Step Cemetery?
The Step Cemetery is known for stories about two brothers who dueled to the death, a ghost in robes who hisses at visitors, and the most famous, the Woman in Black, who is often seen mourning a baby.
Who were the "Crab Bites" and what were their beliefs?
The "Crab Bites" were a fringe religious group who believed in snake handling, resurrection, and a square earth. They were known for their unusual rituals and their disruptive behavior at funerals.
What were some of the challenges Sally faced in her early life?
Sally's biological father left when she was young, and her stepfather preferred his biological daughters over her. She was grounded for dating a black boy in ninth grade, highlighting the prejudice she faced.
How did Sally's bodybuilding career impact her life?
Bodybuilding provided Sally with a sense of empowerment and strength, but it also led to her meeting Ray McNeil, who became her second abusive partner.
What were the key pieces of evidence presented at Sally's trial?
The prosecution presented forensic evidence that contradicted Sally's claim of self-defense, including blood spatter patterns and fingernail marks on her neck.
How did the media portray Sally's case?
The media sensationalized the case, focusing on Sally's physique and her "Killer Sally" persona. They questioned whether she could be a victim of abuse due to her strength, perpetuating harmful stereotypes.
What are some of the broader themes explored in this podcast?
The podcast explores the complexities of domestic violence, the challenges of being a "perfect victim," and the impact of abuse on children. It also highlights the role of the media in shaping public perception and the importance of understanding the nuances of complex situations.
Show Notes
Welcome to episode 393, where we discover Em has broccoli hair! This week Em takes us to Indiana and the spooky Stepp Cemetery. Then Christine covers the wild case of Sally McNeil. And is Christine the new Kevin McAllister? ...and that's why we drink!
We're getting so close to our very first live show of our new tour where we explore a brand new haunted location! Get your tickets and your creepy vibes ready! andthatswhywedrink.com/live
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