Digest

The podcast begins with a celebration of the 600th episode and introduces a new segment, "Rewind," where they revisit past episodes. This episode focuses on episode 10, "Murderous Tendencies Get It," which originally aired in April 2016. The hosts, Karen and Georgia, discuss their journey of creating the podcast and the impact it has had on listeners. They then delve into the case of "Who Put Bella in the Witch Elm?" a captivating unsolved case involving the discovery of a woman's skull in a witch elm tree during World War II. The episode then shifts its focus to Richard Chase, the "Vampire of Sacramento," a serial killer who committed a series of brutal murders in the late 1970s. The hosts discuss Chase's troubled childhood, his fascination with violence and animal cruelty, and his descent into psychosis. They detail his bizarre behavior, including injecting himself with rabbit blood, and his eventual commitment to a psychiatric hospital. The episode explores Chase's release from the hospital, his mother's decision to wean him off his medication, and his subsequent descent into full-blown vampire mode. They detail his gruesome killings, his obsession with animal blood, and the chilling details of his crimes. The episode concludes with Chase's suicide in prison and a discussion about the importance of mental health services. The hosts emphasize the need for accessible and effective treatment to prevent tragedies like Chase's. The episode also reflects on the impact of true crime stories and the role of "hometown" narratives in shaping our understanding of these events. The podcasters express gratitude for their audience and the impact of their work.

Outlines

00:00:00

Introduction and Episode Overview: Rewinding to Episode 10

The podcast begins with a brief introduction and a celebration of the 600th episode. The hosts, Karen and Georgia, introduce their new weekly segment, "Rewind," where they revisit past episodes and provide case updates. They announce that they will be rewinding to episode 10, "Murderous Tendencies Get It," from April 1, 2016.

00:01:28

Rewinding to Episode 10: "Murderous Tendencies Get It"

Karen and Georgia discuss their journey of creating the podcast and how they never thought they would reach 10 episodes. They reflect on their growth and the impact the podcast has had on listeners, including inspiring someone to pursue a career in forensic science.

00:23:25

Episode 10: "Murderous Tendencies Get It" - Part 1: "Who Put Bella in the Witch Elm?"

Karen and Georgia discuss their process of choosing a murder case for the episode. Karen initially wanted to cover vintage unsolved cases but ultimately chose "Who Put Bella in the Witch Elm?" due to its unique and intriguing nature. She provides a detailed overview of the case, including the discovery of the skull in a witch elm tree, the investigation, and the various theories surrounding Bella's death.

00:36:25

Episode 10: "Murderous Tendencies Get It" - Part 2: "Who Put Bella in the Witch Elm?"

Karen and Georgia continue their discussion of the "Who Put Bella in the Witch Elm?" case. They delve into the theory that Bella was involved with a Nazi spy ring during World War II and how her death may have been related to her espionage activities. They also explore the possibility of a second victim, another prostitute named Bella, who disappeared in the same area.

00:42:54

Episode 10: "Murderous Tendencies Get It" - Part 3: Richard Chase, the "Vampire of Sacramento"

Karen and Georgia shift their focus to the case of Richard Chase, also known as the "Vampire of Sacramento." They discuss Chase's troubled childhood, his fascination with violence and animal cruelty, and his descent into psychosis. They detail his bizarre behavior, including injecting himself with rabbit blood, and his eventual commitment to a psychiatric hospital.

00:54:23

Episode 10: "Murderous Tendencies Get It" - Part 4: Richard Chase, the "Vampire of Sacramento"

Karen and Georgia continue their exploration of Richard Chase's case. They describe his release from the psychiatric hospital, his mother's decision to wean him off his medication, and his subsequent descent into full-blown vampire mode. They detail his gruesome killings, his obsession with animal blood, and the chilling details of his crimes.

00:56:33

Richard Chase: The Vampire of Sacramento - Crimes and Encounters

This chapter delves into the chilling story of Richard Chase, a serial killer known as the "Vampire of Sacramento." The episode begins with a bizarre incident involving Chase being found naked and covered in blood at Pyramid Lake, setting the stage for his disturbing crimes. The podcast details Chase's escalating crimes, starting with a drive-by shooting and culminating in the brutal murder of a pregnant woman and her young son. The episode highlights the disturbing nature of his actions, including mutilation, organ removal, and the consumption of blood. This chapter also recounts a chilling encounter between Richard Chase and a woman named Nancy Holden. Chase, appearing disheveled and with blood on his clothing, asks Holden if she was on a motorcycle when her boyfriend was killed years prior. This encounter ultimately leads to Chase's arrest.

01:08:23

Richard Chase: The Vampire of Sacramento - Arrest and Aftermath

The podcast describes the horrifying scene that unfolded when police finally apprehended Chase. His apartment was a blood-soaked nightmare, with body parts found in the refrigerator and a disturbing array of blenders filled with unknown substances. The episode explores Chase's mental state and the events leading up to his trial. It highlights his delusional beliefs about Nazis and UFOs trying to kill him, and his need to consume blood and organs to survive. The podcast also discusses the tragic impact of his untreated mental illness. The chapter concludes with Chase's suicide in prison and a discussion about the importance of mental health services. The episode emphasizes the need for accessible and effective treatment to prevent tragedies like Chase's.

01:15:56

The Impact of True Crime and Hometown Stories

The podcast reflects on the impact of true crime stories and the role of "hometown" narratives in shaping our understanding of these events. The episode also acknowledges the audience's role in shaping the podcast's content and direction. The episode concludes with a heartfelt reflection on the Rewind podcast, highlighting the joy of working with friends and colleagues on a project they are passionate about. The podcasters express gratitude for their audience and the impact of their work.

Keywords

Q&A

• What is the "Who Put Bella in the Witch Elm?" case and why is it so intriguing?

  The case involves the discovery of a woman's skull in a witch elm tree in England during World War II. The mystery surrounding Bella's identity, the circumstances of her death, and the strange graffiti that appeared years later make it a captivating unsolved case.

• What is the McDonald Triad and how does it relate to Richard Chase's case?

  The McDonald Triad refers to three behaviors (bedwetting, fire-setting, and cruelty to animals) often associated with later violent behavior. Richard Chase exhibited all three behaviors in his childhood, which is consistent with the theory that the triad can be a predictor of future violence.

• What were some of the bizarre behaviors that Richard Chase exhibited?

  Chase believed his blood was turning to powder and that his cranial bones were moving around. He injected himself with rabbit blood and drank animal blood mixed with Coke, believing these actions would prevent his heart from shrinking.

• What were some of the disturbing details about Richard Chase's crimes?

  Chase's crimes were particularly disturbing due to their brutality and the bizarre nature of his actions. He mutilated his victims, removed their organs, and consumed their blood. He also engaged in other disturbing behaviors, such as defecating on a child's bed and drinking from a yogurt cup filled with blood.

• What was Richard Chase's mental state like?

  Chase suffered from severe psychosis, which led to his delusional beliefs about Nazis and UFOs trying to kill him. He believed that he needed to consume blood and organs to survive, and his actions were driven by these delusions.

• What was the significance of Nancy Holden's encounter with Richard Chase?

  Nancy Holden's encounter with Chase was crucial in leading to his arrest. She recognized him from high school and reported his strange behavior to the police, which ultimately led them to his apartment and the discovery of his horrific crimes.

• What does Richard Chase's case tell us about the importance of mental health services?

  Chase's case highlights the devastating consequences of untreated mental illness. His crimes were a direct result of his psychosis, which could have been prevented or mitigated with proper diagnosis and treatment. This case underscores the need for accessible and effective mental health services to support individuals in need and prevent tragedies.

• How does the Rewind podcast reflect on the impact of true crime stories?

  The Rewind podcast acknowledges the power of true crime stories to both fascinate and disturb listeners. The podcasters recognize the importance of exploring these stories responsibly and with sensitivity, while also highlighting the need for understanding and compassion for those affected by these events.

• What is the significance of "hometown" stories in the context of true crime?

  Hometown stories often provide a unique perspective on true crime events, offering insights into the local context and the impact of these crimes on the community. These stories can help listeners connect with the victims and understand the broader implications of these events.

Show Notes