My Favorite Murder with Karen Kilgariff and Georgia Hardstark 487 - As Will Mine Be
Jul 3, 2025
Join a wild ride through true crime and unexpected stories! Discover the life of White Boy Rick, a Detroit drug kingpin entangled in the chaos of the 1980s drug wars. Then, dive into the astonishing tale of Violet Jessup, a stewardess who survived not just the Titanic, but multiple maritime disasters. With humor and poignant anecdotes, the hosts explore themes of resilience, the impact of systemic issues, and the joys of quirky birdwatching. It’s a blend of history, hilarity, and heart, perfect for any curious listener!
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White Boy Rick's Double Life
- Rick Wershey Jr., aka White Boy Rick, became a notorious Detroit drug dealer and informant at just 17.
- He owned multiple cars and flaunted wealth, all while secretly feeding information to the FBI.
Racial Bias in Drug Enforcement
- Crack cocaine and powdered cocaine are the same drug but prosecuted differently due to racial and economic biases.
- This disparity led to harsher sentencing on poor and Black communities during the war on drugs.
Teen Informant Infiltrates Crime
- At 14, Rick became an informant after FBI questioned his father about illegal gun sales.
- Rick’s street knowledge quickly made him a valuable asset to law enforcement.