My Favorite Murder with Karen Kilgariff and Georgia Hardstark MFM Presents…Hell in Heaven
Oct 17, 2025
Becky Milligan, an award-winning investigative journalist, joins the hosts to discuss her intriguing new series, Hell in Heaven, detailing the mysterious lives of John and Ann Bender. She reveals how she stumbled upon their captivating story while facing on-site tension with armed guards at their property. Listeners will hear about the couple's grand vision for a wildlife sanctuary and the eerie isolation of their mansion. Becky shares thrilling accounts from her research in Costa Rica, illustrating the chilling allure of true crime intertwined with human stories.
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Tense Field Visit To The Compound
- Becky Milligan traveled to Costa Rica with a small crew and felt frightened when armed guards filmed them at the compound.
- She described being the "scaredy cat" who urged the team to leave when she saw guns pointed at them.
House As Character In The Story
- The house itself shaped the narrative by being both beautiful and menacing, amplifying isolation and paranoia.
- Its open design and hilltop isolation turned it into a symbol that influenced residents' behaviour and community perception.
On-The-Ground Reporting Yields Leads
- Becky described finding interviewees on the ground by knocking on doors and relying on serendipity while reporting.
- Locals often suggested other people to talk to and filled gaps with personal gossip and theories.