Murder Is Bad

We're sharing the disturbing accounts of five Montana Indigenous people—Diane MedicineHorse, and Amy Marie Johnson, Jody Fern Howard, Leo Wagner, and Ashley HeavyRunner Loring, who were tragically ripped away from their families in the early 1980s. Their unresolved cases reveal uncomfortable truths about the efforts, or lack thereof, of authorities like the Bureau of Indian Affairs and the Montana Department of Justice, leaving their families with more questions than answers. The alarmin...

We're pulling apart Arthur Jackson's spotlight-hogging tales and taking a closer look at the sensationalized press coverage of the murder of Melvin Clark, Jr. The existence of 'the set', a rumored partner-swapping club, adds another twisted layer to this complex story. As we sift through newfound evidence, including a bundle of blood-stained clothing, we begin to question whose narrative is the reality. Former Chief of Police John F. Hethermen even ran a parallel investigation, adding mo...

Imagine the shock of an unsuspecting birdwatcher, discovering a decomposed body in a marsh - a body later identified as Melvin Clark, Jr.’s through Navy and dental records. Brace yourselves as we delve into the puzzling gangland-style murder theory the police entertained and the aftermath of Melvin's disappearance, throwing light on the riveting details of the intense 14-hour police questioning of Lorraine Clark. It's the second part of a three-part series about a 1950s murder mystery.For ima...

Prepare to journey back to 1954, as we unravel a tale of love, betrayal and mystery in the quiet town of Amesbury, Massachusetts. This episode is brimming with scandal, heartbreak, and the chilling disappearance of Melvin Clark, Jr. We pull back the curtain on the Clark family's troubled marriage, revealing a young couple's struggle to create a life together amidst financial pressures. Listen as we uncover the gritty details of Lorraine Clark's affair and the chain of events that led to Mel's...

What if the inconsistencies in a tragic death case could be uncovered? Listen to the mysterious circumstances surrounding the demise of 22-year-old Aliyah Nicole Wilson. This episode unveils the puzzling autopsy findings, overlooked evidence, and the alleged negligence of the authorities. The Houston Police Department allege that Aliyah's death is a suicide, but there's a growing consensus amongst the public that something more sinister happened to her. Our hearts are heavy as we remember Ali...

Ever wondered how petty conflicts can snowball into catastrophic incidents? Walk with us through the quiet village of Pennygroes near Caernarfon, Wales where a beloved mother, Emma Jones, makes a simple request to turn down the party music and ends up in a fatal face-off. Shift to sunny Florida where a teenage love triangle unravels deadly passions and fatal rivalries, painting a chilling picture of how a simple schoolyard crush can turn violent.In our heartfelt discussion, we also introduce ...

We're taking a trip down memory lane, spilling the beans on the public outcry that led to Betty Rubble's vitamin debut. Then there's a song by Bree Sharp that unexpectedly became a time capsule for the 90s as well as a tribute to Agent Mulder himself--David Duchovny. And for anyone who was (and maybe still is) obsessed with all things Buffy, we chat about Sarah Michelle Gellar's beginning stardom. It's a nostalgic episode filled with quirky tales from the past—sure to satisfy your thirst for ...

Are you ready to step inside the courtroom of the captivating second trial of Kenneth Botham Jr? The case against Botham continues to build, as we navigate the twists and turns of the defense and prosecution's strategies. The focus sharpens on the significant role forensic details play. Listen as the trial of Kenneth Botham, Jr.'s and its legacy are explored.Giblin, Mary Louise. “Botham sentenced to life term.” The Daily Sentinel. Grand Junction, Colo. February 16, 1982.Moss, Michael. “Prosec...

The courtroom drama unfolding during Ken's trial is dissected, from Judge Wolvington's unique jury guidelines, to the prosecution's strategic evidence presentation and the cross-examination of crucial witnesses.Giblin, Mary Louise. “Botham jury selection begins.” The Daily Sentinel. Grand Junction, Colo. January 5, 1982.Giblin, Mary Louise. “Botham retrial gets under way.” The Daily Sentinel. Grand Junction, Colo. January 11, 1982.Giblin, Mary Louise. “Police actions challenged at Botham tria...

Revealing testimonies, perplexing forensic evidence, and a captivating insight into the life of the accused, Kenneth Botham Jr., form the chilling narrative of this episode. As the validity of the evidence presented is questioned, the question is - is this a pursuit of justice or just of vindication? Remember to follow on Instagram, subscribe to our podcast, and leave a review for the Murder Is Bad podcast!Giblin, Mary Louise. “Prosecution’s final witness testifies.” The Daily Sentinel....

What if simple tools like wire and wire cutters held the secrets to a grim series of events that shocked the community? From a blood speck in Ken Botham's Land Cruiser to his mysteriously missing pistol to the unsettlingly casual comments about his wife's tragic demise, listen as evidence and testimonies are pieced together that paint Botham in an increasingly suspicious light in the murders of his wife, Pat, and their neighbors Linda, Troy, and Chad Miracle.Giblin, Mary Louise. “Author...

Can you imagine coming home to find your spouse and children missing, only to discover the same eerie emptiness in your neighbor's home? Picture the chilling realization of not one mother, but two, along with two children, vanishing without a trace in the quiet town of Grand Junction, Colorado. As the episode unfolds, you'll encounter the baffling contradictions within the police force concerning the disappearances. From claims hinting at intentional disappearance to police's belief of t...

This episode pulls back the curtain on the trial of Dondie Tidwell, Greg Dodson's nephew-in-law accused of the crime. The emotional testimonies of Mary Reese and Joy Dodson, Greg's mother and wife, alongside neighbor Vivian Knox, paint a haunting picture of racial slurs and threats from Tidwell. Meanwhile, Chris Stacey's testimony, the man who already confessed to the murder, tries to shift the blame away from Tidwell.The media often slaps the 'innocent victim' label on victims who fit a cert...

A man is approached to buy a shotgun and a Nissan Stanza in the middle of the night at a Circle K. What follows is a bizarre exchange involving a gruesome discovery, and the arrest of two 19-year-olds.Demsky, Ian. “Man convicted of 1996 killing to get new trial.” The Tennessean. December 25, 2002.Goode, Jennifer. “Police charge victim’s brother-in-law with murder after help from citizen.” The Tennessean. July 19, 1996.Marchesoni, Lisa. “Informant tip nets arrest in murder.” The Daily News Jou...

This episode is just the tip of the iceberg of the often overlooked issue of missing indigenous people in Oklahoma. Listen as Julia shares the heart-wrenching stories of Kassaundra Denise Williams Patterson, Dawn Michelle Nakedhead, David Allen Crabtree, and Kendra Nicole Battelo. We peel back the layers of the unique challenges these cases present – from limited media coverage to bureaucratic indifference – while revealing the relentless hope and resilience of the families involved. Listen t...

This episode explores the chilling unsolved murders of Diana Smith and Scott Jones. Diana, a promising theater set design graduate, and Scott, a former x-ray equipment salesperson turned landscape architecture student, had lives full of potential that were abruptly ended when their bodies were discovered in Scott’s apartment. There are suspicious details surrounding the case, from the peculiar $12 check endorsed by Diana, to the elusive woman seen with her just days before the tragic incident...

For years, there were no answers to who murdered 8-year-old Marguerita Bejarano, but there's finally a break in the case when a pastor's son, escaped convict, and pedophile confesses. And that all describes one person -- Cozzie Merrill Jones.RESOURCES “Find girl’s body.” United Press International. April 21, 1941.“Hearing for youth: Terre Haute young man held in young girl’s death.” United Press International. April 22, 1941.“Guard prisoner against suicide.” United Press International. A...

In the spring of 1961, a third grader from Tucson, Arizona goes missing on her way to school. Her story quickly becomes a tragedy when her body is discovered. Authorities have to sort through numerous leads, confessions, and allegations in an attempt to find out who murdered Marguerita Bejarano.RESOURCESStirling, Bob. “Missing girl believed detained in secret.” Tucson Daily Citizen. March 27, 1961.Duddleston, Tom. “Child’s killer sought; sex assault rules out: Teo bullets snuffed out girl’s l...

There just aren’t that many true crime podcasts out there. Okay, that’s a lie. But if you’re like me, you’re always looking for a new case to dive into. Join me as I unravel lesser known cases with a quiet rage. Okay, it’s not always quiet. But you can always find horrendous crimes that you might not have heard of on the Murder Is Bad podcast. Listen and subscribe wherever you get your podcasts and remember, Murder Is Bad.For images related to the cases, check out the Instagram.

Tina Marie Finley was like most 25-year-olds. Though she went through some dark times as a child, she was planning her new life. She had friends, a few jobs, and the support of her family. But on one night that she goes out, all those plans change. *This is one of the Short Stories that are normally released to the Patrons. If you're interested in more Short Stories, visit Patreon.com/cozycrimeclubRESOURCES“Silence Envelops Mystery Many Feel They Have Solution, But Lack Proof” by Richard Roesler, The Spokesman-Review (March 3, 1996)“FBI still searching for Coeur d’Alene Tribe member missing for 29 years” by Jonathan Glover, The Spokesman-Review (March 8, 2017)“Native tribes run, bike in honor of murdered, missing Indigenous women” by Amber D. Dodd, Spokesman-Review (July 28, 2021)Music by ZaharValaha, HarumahiMusic, GioeleFazzeri, Ashot-Danielyan-Composer, MichaelKobrin, Coma-Media from PixabaySupport the show