Lore

Legends 56: Ringed In

Jun 23, 2025
Dive into chilling tales of superstition and scapegoating, starting with the harrowing story of Susan Mummey, falsely accused of witchcraft amid a community's panic. Discover echoes of the infamous Salem witch trials and the haunting case of Emma Kildee, showcasing how fear can distort reality. The podcast also explores a family's desperate search for answers when faced with illness, leading them down a dark path of witch Doctors and rituals. Prepare for a captivating exploration of how history reveals the dangers of unfounded beliefs.
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ANECDOTE

Susan Mummey's Tragic Witch Accusation

  • Susan Mummey predicted her husband's deadly mill explosion but was shunned and blamed as a witch by her community.
  • Despite hardship, she persisted fiercely, even after her house was burned down and police evicted her with force.
ANECDOTE

Albert Shinsky's Witch Murder Confession

  • Albert Shinsky murdered Susan Mummey claiming she had hexed him for years, causing torment and hallucinations.
  • He believed only killing her would break the curse, confessing quickly and feeling relief after his arrest.
INSIGHT

Superstition Meets Mental Illness

  • Albert's case exposed how superstition and mental illness intertwined in rural America.
  • Diagnosed with schizophrenia, his delusions fueled deadly actions and community fear of witchcraft.
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