My Favorite Murder with Karen Kilgariff and Georgia Hardstark

MFM Minisode 473

Feb 2, 2026
A string of hometown tales includes a near-miss with John Wayne Gacy and a block terrorized by arson and swatting. A restored 1928 banjo sparks a possible mafia yarn. Therapy worst-case journaling and a stadium fear get discussed. A creative pregnancy reveal using whiskey bottles and a heartwarming reverse dog adoption bring warmth and laughs.
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ANECDOTE

Near Miss With John Wayne Gacy

  • Kristen Murphy's father nearly became John Wayne Gacy's first murder victim after accepting a 1972 hitchhike to a Cheech and Chong concert.
  • He escaped when the driver made a sexual advance and let him out, later recognizing Gacy's photo on the news.
ANECDOTE

Neighborhood Fire And Targeted Attacks

  • A San Francisco teen saved their home after smelling smoke and calling 911 when a garage fire was set deliberately with fuel.
  • The block had other violent incidents including drive-by shootings and Molotov attacks tied to hired attackers from a jailed neighbor.
ANECDOTE

Antique Banjo Reveals Colorful Past

  • A professional banjo restorer traced a 1928 Bacon and Day Silver Bell owner's name, Sammy Musmano, finding colorful (and possibly exaggerated) ties to Chicago's music and mafia scene.
  • The restorer treasures instrument histories and enjoys connecting instruments to past lives and stories.
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