Moms and Mysteries: A True Crime Podcast

This week, we are discussing the tragic murder of Heidi Firkus. Heidi was killed after an alleged intruder broke into the home she shared with her husband—the same home that was scheduled to be foreclosed on the next day, a fact unbeknownst to her. Thank you to this week’s sponsors!  Right now, Hungryroot is offering Moms and Mysteries: A True Crime Podcast  listeners 40% off your first delivery and free veggies for life. Just go to Hungryroot.com/MOMS, to get 40% off your first delivery and get your free veggies. Don’t forget to use our link, so they know we sent you. Treat yourself to the best bras and shapewear on the market and save 20% Off at honeylove.com/[moms20. After you purchase, they’ll ask you where you heard about them. PLEASE support our show and tell them we sent you. Start the new year with confidence thanks to Honeylove. Listen to your gut with Seed’s DS-01® Daily Synbiotic. Go to Seed.com/moms and use code 25MOMS to get 25% off your first month.   New merch! Check out Moms and Mysteries Threadless! You can also get new episodes a day early and ad free, plus merch and more at Patreon.com/momsandmysteriespodcast Listen and subscribe to Melissa’s other podcast, Criminality!! It’s the podcast for those who love reality TV, true crime, and want to hear all the juicy stories where the two genres intersect. Subscribe and listen here: www.pod.link/criminality  Check-out Moms and Mysteries to find links to our tiktok, youtube, twitter, instagram and more! Make sure you subscribe and rate our show to help others find us! Sources: Nick Firkus criminal complaint Collection of court documents Minnesota court records Ramsey County Attorney’s Office news release Gottfried, Mara H. “As Heidi Firkus murder…”, Pioneer Press, 27 Jan 2023 Gottfried, Mara H. “At Firkus murder…”, Pioneer Press, 2 Feb 2023 Gottfried, Mara H. “Investigator testifies he…”, Pioneer Press, 6 Feb 2023 Gottfried, Mara H. “No evidence of…”, Pioneer Press, 7 Feb 2023 Gottfried, Mara H. “Heidi Firkus’ signature…”, Pioneer Press, 8 Feb 2023 Ferraro, Nick. “Nicholas Firkus found…”, Pioneer Press, 10 Feb 2023 Gottfried, Mara H. “Friends seek justice…”, Pioneer Press, 14 May 2019 Harlow, Tim. “St. Paul woman’s husband…”, Star Tribune, 20 May 2021 Gottfried, Mara H. “Heidi Firkus’ family…”, Pioneer Press, 23 May 2021 Kinsey, Jordan. “Did embarrassment of…”, 48 Hours, 3 Dec 2023 Browning, Blue et al. “2nd wife’s suspicions…”, 20/20, 14 Apr 2023 Stelloh, Tim. “His wife was…”, NBC News, 20 Oct 2023 Kinsey, Jordan. “Who killed Heidi…”, 48 Hours, 3 Dec 2023 Stangeland, Brooke. “Husband sentenced to…”, ABC News, 14 Apr 2023 Gottfried, Mara H. “Firkus murder trial…”, Pioneer Press, 1 Feb 2023 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

This week we are discussing the murder of Irene Garza, a beloved teacher and pillar in her community and the decades it took to prosecute her killer.  Listen and subscribe to Melissa’s other podcast, Criminality!! It’s the podcast for those who love reality TV, true crime, and want to hear all the juicy stories where the two genres intersect. Subscribe and listen here: www.pod.link/criminality     Check-out Moms and Mysteries to find links to our tiktok, youtube, twitter, instagram and more!   Make sure you subscribe and rate our show to help others find us! Sources: https://www.courthousenews.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/feit-appeal.pdf https://pa.co.hidalgo.tx.us/CaseDetail.aspx?CaseID=3295220 Death Cert https://drive.google.com/file/d/1EMtrvsCOu-s3jvsKWm3MQyvHDTcrDLsa/view?usp=sharing Memorandum https://drive.google.com/file/d/1IUABykxr23t9VZyELBRF56xpwnbtPpwZ/view?usp=sharing Clergy Letter https://drive.google.com/file/d/1FewdmV-7P7eNAkheJ8JlruYfW4nj-5_N/view?usp=sharing  https://www.cnn.com/2013/05/31/justice/garza-cold-case-timeline/ http://transcripts.cnn.com/TRANSCRIPTS/1307/25/acd.02.html https://www.bishop-accountability.org/news2018/01_02/2018_01_27_Lourdes_News_Inside_Texas.htm https://www.cbsnews.com/pictures/evidence-photos-in-the-irene-garza-murder-case/16/ https://www.cbsnews.com/news/inside-the-trial-of-former-priest-charged-with-1960-murder-of-texas-schoolteacher/ https://www.cbsnews.com/news/church-officials-shielded-priest-suspected-of-murder-for-decades/ https://www.podles.org/case-studies/files/Murder-of-Irene-Garza.pdf https://www.cbsnews.com/news/irene-garza-murder-john-feit-former-priest-dies/  https://www.texasmonthly.com/articles/unholy-act/  Clips for Last Thing Before We Go: Tiktok- @bloopersnfails Watch Mojo Tiktok- @ljordan1121 Tiktok-@bloopersnfails Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Hi Friends! I know we told you we were going to take the week off, but then we had the opportunity to record with our dear friends Kimberly and Katie with A Date with Dateline, and so we did! We hope you enjoy this incredibly fun episode all about the very real Lifetime show "Phrogging: Hider in My House". We recapped episode 8 and I don't know if we'll ever recover. Or sleep. Thank you all for your support! Make sure you subscribe to A Date with Dateline wherever you listen to your podcasts! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

This week we are discussing the murder of Lynn Hernan, initially deemed a suicide, but later revealed as a homicide when investigators uncovered evidence of her fatal poisoning with Visine eye drops. Look for a new crossover episode next Tuesday, and we will return with brand-new episodes on January 2, 2024! Thank you to this week’s sponsors! Get the kids in your life a gift they will actually enjoy this year with Crunchlabs. Go to crunchlabs.com/MOMS to sign up today. For their holiday special they are offering two months free when you sign up for an annual subscription.  Keep things fresh this holiday with Lume! As a special offer for listeners, new customers GET $5 OFF a Lume Starter Pack with code MOMS at LumePodcast.com. Get affordable luxury for everyone on your list with Quince! Go to Quince.com/moms for free shipping on your order and 365-day returns. This episode is sponsored by Better Help. In the season of giving, give yourself what YOU need – with BetterHelp.Visit BetterHelp.com/MOMS today to get 10% off your first month. New merch! Check out Moms and Mysteries Threadless! You can also get new episodes a day early and ad free, plus merch and more at Patreon.com/momsandmysteriespodcast Listen and subscribe to Melissa’s other podcast, Criminality!! It’s the podcast for those who love reality TV, true crime, and want to hear all the juicy stories where the two genres intersect. Subscribe and listen here: www.pod.link/criminality  Check-out Moms and Mysteries to find links to our tiktok, youtube, twitter, instagram and more! Make sure you subscribe and rate our show to help others find us! Sources: Jessy Kurczewski complaint Jessy Kurczewski court records “WI v. Jessy Kurczewski…”, Court TV, 14 Nov 2023 Lynn Hernan obituary Hanley, Erik S., “Jessy Kurczewski found…”, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, 14 Nov 2023 Kozlowicz, Cathy, “In eye drops…”, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, 3 Nov 2023 Ramirez, Chris, “Waukesha County eye…”, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, 26 Oct 2023 Ramirez, Chris, “Eye drops trial…”, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, 30 Oct 2023 Hughes, Elliot, “Defense attorney’s comments…”, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, 25 Oct 2023 Hughes, Elliot, “Here are 3…”, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, 24 Oct 2023 Lemoine, Bret, “Wisconsin eye drops…”, FOX6 Milwaukee, 14 Nov 2023 Huber, Brian, “Witnesses discuss attempt…”, Waukesha County Freeman, 1 Nov 2023 Attorneys withdraw, Jessy Kurczewski's sentencing in Waukesha eye drops trial delayed Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

This week we are discussing the murder of Ildiko Krajnyak who was murdered in 2018 when a bomb exploded at her Southern California day spa. Thank you to this week’s sponsors! If you want to try Beam’s best-selling Dream Powder, take advantage of their biggest sale of the year and get up to 50% off for a limited time when you go to shopbeam.com/MOMS - the discount is auto-applied at checkout, no code necessary.  Don't wait for the unexpected to happen— join the massive community of pet owners who trust Embrace Pet Insurance to protect their pet. Head to EmbracePetInsurance.com/MOMS and sign up for pet insurance today.  Go to Zocdoc.com/MYSTERIES and download the Zocdoc app for FREE. Then find and book a top-rated doctor today.  Treat your pup like the friend he is with NomNom! Go Right Now for 50% off your no-risk two week trial at TryNom.com/MOMS.  New merch! Check out Moms and Mysteries Threadless! You can also get new episodes a day early and ad free, plus merch and more at Patreon.com/momsandmysteriespodcast Listen and subscribe to Melissa’s other podcast, Criminality!! It’s the podcast for those who love reality TV, true crime, and want to hear all the juicy stories where the two genres intersect. Subscribe and listen here: www.pod.link/criminality  Check-out Moms and Mysteries to find links to our tiktok, youtube, twitter, instagram and more! Make sure you subscribe and rate our show to help others find us! Sources: Collection of court documents “Long Beach man…”, US Attorney’s Office, 4 Mar 2019 “Federal grand jury…”, US Attorney’s Office, 13 Mar 2019 “Long Beach man…”, US Attorney’s OFfice, 19 Jul 2023 Simon, Darran, “California explosion victim…”, CNN, 17 May 2018 Staff, “Prosecutors drop charges…”, ABC 7, 29 May 2018 “Mistrial declared in…”, ABC 7, 22 Aug 2022 Emery, Sean, “Long Beach man…”, The Orange County Register, 28 Jun 2023 Henry, Jason, “Aliso Viejo bombing…”, The Orange County Register, 16 Jun 2022 Panzar, Javier, Winton, Richard, and Tchekmedyian, Alene, “A relationship sours…”, Los Angeles Times, 18 May 2018 Stephen Beal IMDb Pelisek, Christine, “Did a controlling…”, People, 3 Oct 2019 Stephen Beal Stage 32 Profile “Late wife of…”, KCAL News, 19 May 2018 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

This week we are discussing the disappearance and murder of Christie Wilson after a night out at a local casino. Thank you to this week’s sponsors! Make every look merry with Pair eyewear. Take advantage of Pair’s holiday sale. Go to paireyewear.com and use code HOLIDAY20 for 20% off your first pair. And be sure to mention that we sent you in the post-checkout survey!  Go to Zocdoc.com/MYSTERIES and download the Zocdoc app for FREE. Then find and book a top-rated doctor today.  Stop wasting money on things you don’t use. Cancel your unwanted subscriptions – and manage your money the easy way – by going to RocketMoney.com/MOMS .  Go to Nutrisense.com/MOMS and use code MOMS to save $30 and get 1 month of free nutritionist support.  New merch! Check out Moms and Mysteries Threadless! You can also get new episodes a day early and ad free, plus merch and more at Patreon.com/momsandmysteriespodcast Listen and subscribe to Melissa’s other podcast, Criminality!! It’s the podcast for those who love reality TV, true crime, and want to hear all the juicy stories where the two genres intersect. Subscribe and listen here: www.pod.link/criminality  Check-out Moms and Mysteries to find links to our tiktok, youtube, twitter, instagram and more! Make sure you subscribe and rate our show to help others find us! Sources: People v Garcia, 2009 Moriarty, Erin, “A killer’s family…”, 48 Hours, 30 Jan 2021 Moriarty, Erin, “How detectives outsmarted…”, 48 Hours, 29 Jan 2021 “A mother’s quest…”, CBS13, 18 Nov 2020 “Christie Wilson’s family…”, CBS13, 24 Aug 2020 “The biggest gamble”, 48 Hours, 15 Feb 2007 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

This week we are discussing the murder of CJ Sayers, a beloved son, brother, and father.  *New episode next week 11/28/2023* If you’d like to contribute to the second annual Toy Drive as mentioned in the beginning of the episode, you can send donations via venmo to CJ’s sister Alyssa. Her venmo is: @alyssa-sayers.  Special thanks this week to the Sayers Family as well as Haley Gray with Haley Gray Research who was instrumental in putting this episode together.   New merch! Check out Moms and Mysteries Threadless! You can also get new episodes a day early and ad free, plus merch and more at Patreon.com/momsandmysteriespodcast Listen and subscribe to Melissa’s other podcast, Criminality!! It’s the podcast for those who love reality TV, true crime, and want to hear all the juicy stories where the two genres intersect. Subscribe and listen here: www.pod.link/criminality  Check-out Moms and Mysteries to find links to our tiktok, youtube, twitter, instagram and more! Make sure you subscribe and rate our show to help others find us! To advertise on our podcast, please reach out to sales@advertisecast.com or visit https://www.advertisecast.com/MomsandMysteriesATrueCrimePodcast Sources: https://chroniclet.com/news/335925/man-sentenced-to-11-15-years-in-lagrange-township-shooting-death-updated/ https://www.bognerfamilyfuneralhome.com/obituaries/Christopher-Sayers-2/#!/Obituary https://www.cleveland19.com/2022/01/31/lorain-county-sheriffs-office-investigates-overnight-shooting/ https://chroniclet.com/news/290419/elyria-man-shot-killed-in-lagrange-twp-was-doting-father-family-says/ https://chroniclet.com/news/290714/graphic-911-call-documents-shed-more-light-on-lagrange-township-fatal-shooting/ https://www.wkyc.com/article/news/crime/man-indicted-murder-domestic-dispute-lagrange/95-1ddaf5d5-8e40-46cf-8394-8c0f211f6c41 https://www.gofundme.com/f/help-with-funeral-and-memorial-for-cj-sayers?utm_campaign=p_cp+share-sheet&utm_medium=copy_link_all&utm_source=customer Kody Rutledge Lorain County Common Pleas docket https://appgateway.drc.ohio.gov/OffenderSearch/Search/Details/A794679  Interview with the Sayers family Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

This week we are discussing the tragic murder of New Zealand farmer, Scott Guy, on his family’s farm. Police quickly honed in on one suspect, but was it the correct one? Thank you to this week’s sponsors! Treat yourself to the best bras and shapewear on the market and save up to 50% Off sitewide at honeylove.com/MOMS20 this month only. After you purchase, they’ll ask you where you heard about them. PLEASE support our show and tell them we sent you. It’s time to ditch the underwire for good thanks to Honeylove. Lume’s Starter Pack is perfect for new customers. It comes with a Solid Stick Deodorant, Cream Tube Deodorant, two free products of your choice (like Mini Body Wash and Deodorant Wipes), and free shipping. As a special offer for listeners, new customers get $5 off Lume’s Starter Pack with our exclusive code and link. And for a limited time, returning customers can get $5 off their next purchase of $30 or more, too! Use code MOMS at LumeDeodorant.com.  Feed your favorite dogs the best food on the market! Go Right Now for 50% off your no-risk two week trial at TryNom.com/MOMS.  This episode is sponsored by Better Help. Find your bright spot this season, with BetterHelp. Visit BetterHelp.com/MOMS today to get 10% off your first month.  New merch! Check out Moms and Mysteries Threadless! You can also get new episodes a day early and ad free, plus merch and more at Patreon.com/momsandmysteriespodcast Listen and subscribe to Melissa’s other podcast, Criminality!! It’s the podcast for those who love reality TV, true crime, and want to hear all the juicy stories where the two genres intersect. Subscribe and listen here: www.pod.link/criminality  Check-out Moms and Mysteries to find links to our tiktok, youtube, twitter, instagram and more! Make sure you subscribe and rate our show to help others find us! Sources: https://coronialservices.justice.govt.nz/assets/csu-2010-pno-261-guy-scott-grahame.pdf https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/guy-trial-farm-in-family-buy-out/IYCLMVFHXZ3WZZQZEMNOEPSKTA/?c_id=1&objectid=10813525 https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/macdonald-letter-to-guys-given-to-police/M6C2IU536NHHVAEBBOB4MNUZVM/ https://www.stuff.co.nz/national/crime/121972334/scott-guys-murder-10-years-on--did-cops-get-the-wrong-man http://www.stuff.co.nz/national/crime/7213148/Scott-Guy-murder-trial-in-summary https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/scott-guy-trial-family-at-war/3AWWZ25YGUSRNKWWDPWP77IKGU/?c_id=1&objectid=10817214 https://www.stuff.co.nz/national/crime/71781768/kylee-guy-calls-off-hunt-for-scotts-killer https://www.odt.co.nz/star-news/star-national/scott-guy-murder-mystery-we-will-never-forget-or-forgive https://www.odt.co.nz/news/national/details-macdonald-charges-revealed http://www.stuff.co.nz/ipad-big-picture/7094388/Scott-Guys-sister-had-doubts-about-farm-partnership More sources can be found at momsandmysteries.com. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

This week we are discussing the disappearance of former Marine, Bryan “Vladek” Hasel, and his family’s desperate search to locate him.  Thank you to Bethany and Jodi Hasel for sharing your brother’s story with us.  If you have information that could lead to the discovery of Vlad, please reach out to the Orange County Sheriff’s Office missing persons unit at 407-254-7000. The case number is 21-83864.  To keep up to date with Vladek’s case, visit https://linktr.ee/findvladekhasel If you'd like to make a donation towards a kindness bag for World Kindness Day, send your donations to momsandmurder@gmail.com via paypal, and you will be entered to win a copy of Laurah Norton's new book "Lay Them to Rest".  Research by Satori Good and Haley Gray, assistance from Whitney St. Andre (from Navigating Advocacy Podcast). Thank you to this week’s sponsors! If you want to try Beam’s best-selling Dream Powder, take advantage of their biggest sale of the year and get up to 50% off for a limited time when you go to shopbeam.com/MOMS.  Don’t wait for the unexpected to happen— join the massive community of pet owners who trust Embrace Pet Insurance to protect their pet. Head to EmbracePetInsurance.com/MOMS and sign up for pet insurance today.  Stop wasting money on things you don’t use. Cancel your unwanted subscriptions – and manage your money the easy way – by going to RocketMoney.com/moms.  Go to Zocdoc.com/MYSTERIES and download the Zocdoc app for FREE. Then find and book a top-rated doctor today.  New merch! Check out Moms and Mysteries Threadless! You can also get new episodes a day early and ad free, plus merch and more at Patreon.com/momsandmysteriespodcast Listen and subscribe to Melissa’s other podcast, Criminality!! It’s the podcast for those who love reality TV, true crime, and want to hear all the juicy stories where the two genres intersect. Subscribe and listen here: www.pod.link/criminality  Check-out Moms and Mysteries to find links to our tiktok, youtube, twitter, instagram and more! Make sure you subscribe and rate our show to help others find us! Sources: Hernández Caraballo, Lillian M. “Deputies looking…” NSM Today. 26 November 2021. “Find Bryan “Vladek” Hasel.” Facebook Group. “Find Bryan “Vladek” Hasel.” Website. Moore Russell, Tiffany. “Estate of BRYAN…” Orange County Court Records Search. 30 March 2023. “Bryan Vladek Hasel.” CUE Center for Missing Persons.  Lama, Danielle. “Search for Vladek Hasel…” Fox 35 Orlando. 18 April 2022. Dukes, Amanda. “Missing Orange County man’s family…” WESH 2 News. 25 April 2022. Bullock, J.J. and Brian Entin. “Family searching for…” Newsnation from Nexstar Media. 4 May 2022. Cardentey, Jackie. “Search for missing 24-year-old continues…” NSM Today. 1 April 2023. Hogan, Brandon. “Deputies reissue call for information...” Channel 6 Orlando. 20 September 2023. Interview and conversations with Jodi and Bethany Clarifying questions email Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

This week we are discussing the murder of Variety reporter Addison Verrill, at the hands of The Exorcist actor Paul Bateson.  If you'd like to make a donation towards a kindness bag for World Kindness Day, send your donations to momsandmurder@gmail.com via paypal, and you will be entered to win a copy of Laurah Norton's new book "Lay Them to Rest".  Thank you to this week’s sponsors!  Get high quality essentials at affordable prices with Quince! Go to Quince.com/moms for free shipping and 365-day returns on your order.   Lume’s Starter Pack is perfect for new customers. It comes with a Solid Stick Deodorant, Cream Tube Deodorant, two free products of your choice (like Mini Body Wash and Deodorant Wipes), and free shipping. As a special offer for listeners, new customers GET $5 OFF a Lume Starter Pack with code MOMS at LumePodcast.com.  Make every look merry with Pair eyewear. Go to paireyewear.com/MOMS for 15% off your first pair.  This episode is sponsored by BetterHelp. Make your brain your friend, with BetterHelp. Visit BetterHelp.com/MOMS today to get 10% off your first month. New merch! Check out Moms and Mysteries Threadless! You can also get new episodes a day early and ad free, plus merch and more at Patreon.com/momsandmysteriespodcast Listen and subscribe to Melissa’s other podcast, Criminality!! It’s the podcast for those who love reality TV, true crime, and want to hear all the juicy stories where the two genres intersect. Subscribe and listen here: www.pod.link/criminality  Check-out Moms and Mysteries to find links to our tiktok, youtube, twitter, instagram and more! Make sure you subscribe and rate our show to help others find us! Sources: McEnroe, Colin, “Films may shock…”, The Hartford Courant, 2 Nov 1980 Bell, Arthur, “There’s nothing gay about murder”, The Village Voice, 12 Sept 1977 N/A, “Suspect held in…”, The New York Times, 24 Sept 1977 N/A, “Murderer of a writer…”, The New York Times, 7 April 1979 N/A, “The City”, The New York Times, 6 Mar 1979 Bell, Arthur, “Phone call from…”, The Village Voice, 3 Oct 1977 Bell, Arthur, “A talk on…”, The Village Voice, 31 Oct 1977 Bono, Sal, “How the Bag Murders…”, Inside Edition, 2 July 2021 Goldberg, Reid, “There’s a real-life…”, Collider, 4 Oct 2023 Miller, Matt, “Searching for the…”, Esquire, 25 Oct 2018 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices