Murder In America

In January of 1996, 13 year old Rachel Mellon Skemp wasn’t feeling very well, so she stayed home from school. Later that day, she would completely vanish from her home, leaving no clue as to where she went behind. Over 27 years later, no one knows what happened to her. During the investigation into her disappearance, however, detectives would uncover Rachel’s diary… And before her disappearance, they discovered that she had poured her heart out onto those pages, revealing a very dark family secret. And possibly even leaving clues as to who may have harmed her. You’re listening to Murder in America.-Pick up where you left off to uncover new secrets or start your investigation today and download JUNE'S JOURNEY! Available on Android and iOS mobile devices, as well as on PC through Facebook Games.-Get free Chicken Thighs for a Year and 20 dollars off your first box whenyou sign for BUTCHERBOX today. Just sign up at https://www.butcherbox.com/MIAand use code "MIA" at checkout.-This episode is sponsored brought to you by BetterHelp. Give onlinetherapy a try at betterhelp.com/MIA and get on your way to being your best self.-Stay Connected: Join the Murder in America fam in our free Facebook Community for a behind-the-scenes look, more insights and current events in the true crime world: https://www.facebook.com/groups/4365229996855701If you want even more Murder in America bonus content, including ad-free episodes, come join us on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/murderinamericaInstagram: http://instagram.com/murderinamerica/Facebook:https://www.facebook.com/people/Murder-in-America-Podcast/100086268848682/Twitter: https://twitter.com/MurderInAmericaTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@theparanormalfiles and https://www.tiktok.com/@courtneybrowenFeeling spooky? Follow Colin as he travels state to state (and even country to country!) investigating claims of extreme paranormal activity and visiting famous haunted locations on The Paranormal Files Official Channel: https://www.youtube.com/c/TheParanormalFilesOfficialChannel-SOURCES:https://youtu.be/4agwfyoXL3ohttps://youtu.be/SU1DXsFsQdkhttps://youtu.be/cY8ncuphxQQhttps://youtu.be/oM_035Cwshwhttps://youtu.be/qezi4IcIPx4https://abc7chicago.com/amp/rachel-mellon-vincent-jeff-skemp-bolingbrook-missing-girl/10107761/https://medium.com/saudade/rachel-marie-mellon-skemp-missing-since-1996-5fd9e4c90256https://youtu.be/nEmkMvufDfwhttps://youtu.be/1_UaoYWkJAUhttps://youtu.be/fYKc_rjpR8Qhttps://youtu.be/rvgF3xMQAHUhttps://youtu.be/rvgF3xMQAHUhttps://wgntv.com/news/25-years-later-questions-linger-over-bolingbrook-girls-disappearance/https://www.chicagotribune.com/investigations/chi-childabduct-rachel-skemp-story-archive-story.htmlhttps://abc7chicago.com/news/bolingbrook-teens-disappearance-remains-unsolved/1554183/http://transcripts.cnn.com/TRANSCRIPTS/1102/21/ng.01.htmlhttps://www.rachelfind.comhttps://www.tapatalk.com/groups/usedtobedoe/mellon-rachel-m-january-31-1996-t5228.htmlhttps://www.namus.gov/MissingPersons/Case#/2397https://www.tapatalk.com/groups/porchlightusa/1996-mellon-rachel-1-31-1996-t10583.htmlhttps://medium.com/gone-but-not-forgotten/rachel-marie-mellon-skemp-missing-since-1996-5fd9e4c90256https://www.chicagotribune.com/suburbs/naperville-sun/ct-nvs-rachel-mellon-missing-memorial-st-0203-20160131-story.htmlhttps://www.chicagotribune.com/investigations/chi-childabduct-rachel-skemp-story-archive-story.htmlhttps://www.chicagotribune.com/suburbs/ct-bol-rachel-mellon-missing-tl-0128-20160126-story.htmlhttps://www.tapatalk.com/groups/usedtobedoe/mellon-rachel-m-january-31-1996-t5228-s10.htmlhttp://charleyproject.org/case/rachel-marie-mellon Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In the 80's and 90's, California was rocked by an astounding number of arson attacks. Clothing stores, grocery stores, forests... nothing in the state was safe. But when one of these attacks eventually took the lives of four individuals, the attention of the authorities was captured, and the manhunt to catch the killer arsonist began. Little did the authorities know, however, that the killer was hiding among them, like a wolf amongst sheep...-Listen to HOW TO FIND ZODIAC, the new audiobook that aims to unmask the Zodiac killer, on Podium now! https://www.audible.com/pd/How-to-Find-Zodiac-Audiobook/B0BX4NMCGG-This episode is sponsored brought to you by BetterHelp. Give onlinetherapy a try at betterhelp.com/MIA and get on your way to being your best self.-To learn more about Microdosing THC, head to https://www.microdose.com and use our special code "MIA" for FREE SHIPPING and 30% off your first order!-Sign up for HelloFresh today at https://www.hellofresh.com/state50 and get 50% off your order and free shipping on your first box!-Stay Connected: Join the Murder in America fam in our free Facebook Community for a behind-the-scenes look, more insights and current events in the true crime world: https://www.facebook.com/groups/4365229996855701If you want even more Murder in America bonus content, including ad-free episodes, come join us on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/murderinamericaInstagram: http://instagram.com/murderinamerica/Facebook:https://www.facebook.com/people/Murder-in-America-Podcast/100086268848682/Twitter: https://twitter.com/MurderInAmericaTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@theparanormalfiles and https://www.tiktok.com/@courtneybrowenFeeling spooky? Follow Colin as he travels state to state (and even country to country!) investigating claims of extreme paranormal activity and visiting famous haunted locations on The Paranormal Files Official Channel: https://www.youtube.com/c/TheParanormalFilesOfficialChannel-SOURCES:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DcNN6gNldt0https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2G2PT82ckYM&t=2sSeason 9, Episode 21: Point of Origin – Forensic Files Ex-Fire Investigator Gets Life Term in Fatal Arson – LA TimesManuscript Adds Fuel to the Fire in Murder Case – LA TimesFirefighters searched the rubble of a gutted hardware store… – UPIEx-Fire Captain Charged in 4 Deaths in 1984 Store Blaze : Arson: Once acclaimed investigator, now serving a 30-year sentence for setting six fires, could face death penalty if convicted of South Pasadena crime – LA TimesBurning Ambition – PeopleHistory in flames – Glendale News-PressUnited States of America, Plaintiff-appellant, v. John Leonard Orr, Defendant-appellee, 977 F.2d 593 (9th Cir. 1992)United States of America, Plaintiff-appellee, v. John Leonard Orr, Defendant-appellant, 29 F.3d 636 (9th Cir. 1994)Arson: The Scorched-Earth Obsession – Newsweekhttps://www.frontlinewildfire.com/wildfire-news-and-resources/california-wildfires-history-statistics/https://www.savethechildren.org/us/charity-stories/california-wildfires-how-to-help-facts-faq#:~:text=More%20than%205.7%20million%20acres,began%20on%20July%2029%2C%202022. Fire Lover: A True Story https://anca.org/remembering-the-1990-college-hills-fire/https://www.healthline.com/health/pyromania#definitionhttps://www.aetv.com/real-crime/john-orr-arsonist-father-firefighter-murderer-family-lori-orr-kovach Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

We will see y'all soon, tonight 6:00 PM EST on our Instagram, Instagram: http://instagram.com/murderinamerica/ ! <3 - Stay Connected: Join the Murder in America fam in our free Facebook Community for a behind-the-scenes look, more insights and current events in the true crime world: https://www.facebook.com/groups/4365229996855701 If you want even more Murder in America bonus content, including ad-free episodes, come join us on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/murderinamerica Instagram: http://instagram.com/murderinamerica/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/people/Murder-in-America-Podcast/100086268848682/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/MurderInAmerica TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@theparanormalfiles and https://www.tiktok.com/@courtneybrowen Feeling spooky? Follow Colin as he travels state to state (and even country to country!) investigating claims of extreme paranormal activity and visiting famous haunted locations on The Paranormal Files Official Channel: https://www.youtube.com/c/TheParanormalFilesOfficialChannelUpdate Description Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Every day, millions of people walk the busy streets of New York City, from natives heading to work to tourists visiting famous attractions. Everywhere you go, you see thousands of faces from all walks of life. But how well do we really know these people? What are they capable of? In February of 2011 a man named Maksim Gelman spent 28 hours terrorizing Brooklyn and New York City, stabbing and killing people he believed had wronged him. He then attempted to flee by hijacking several cars, running over a man in the streets, and trying to hijack a subway train. During a harrowing subway ride, Maksim Gelman attempted to add Joe Lozito to his list of murder victims. But thanks to Joe's heroic actions, he bravely thwarted Gelman's attack and single-handedly took down New York’s Spree Killer. Today, we have the privilege of hearing from Joe Lozito himself as he shares his incredible story. This is the story of Maksim Gelman, The NYC Spree Killer, and you are listening to Murder in America.-Start your new language-learning journey today and get up to 55% off your subscription when you go to babbel.com/MIA.-This show is sponsored by BetterHelp. Visit betterhelp.com/MIA and use our custom code MIA for 10% off your first month of easy online therapy. -Stay Connected: Join the Murder in America fam in our free Facebook Community for a behind-the-scenes look, more insights and current events in the true crime world: https://www.facebook.com/groups/4365229996855701If you want even more Murder in America bonus content, including ad-free episodes, come join us on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/murderinamericaInstagram: http://instagram.com/murderinamerica/Facebook:https://www.facebook.com/people/Murder-in-America-Podcast/100086268848682/Twitter: https://twitter.com/MurderInAmericaTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@theparanormalfiles and https://www.tiktok.com/@courtneybrowenFeeling spooky? Follow Colin as he travels state to state (and even country to country!) investigating claims of extreme paranormal activity and visiting famous haunted locations on The Paranormal Files Official Channel: https://www.youtube.com/c/TheParanormalFilesOfficialChannel Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In the early days of the internet, chat rooms were often the only forms of interaction for people as they navigated their way through the unregulated and mysterious world wide web. And it was in those chat rooms where you could get to know people and divulge your deepest, darkest hidden secrets. But there are dangers that lie within. And this, unfortunately, was the trap that thirty-five-year-old Sharon Lopatka fell into. Sharon was a trusting person, a little too trusting, and it was this misplaced trust that would place her in an early grave. This is the twisted story of the murder of Sharon Lopatka and you’re listening to Murder In America.-Pick up where you left off to uncover new secrets or start your investigation today and download June’s Journey! Available on Android and iOS mobile devices, as well as on PC through Facebook Games.-This show is sponsored by BetterHelp. Visit betterhelp.com/MIA and use our custom code MIA for 10% off your first month of easy online therapy. -Set your business up for success when you get started with stamps.com today.Sign up with promo code MIA for a special offer that includes a 4-week trial, plus free postage, and a free digital scale. -Start your new language-learning journey today and get up to 55% off your subscription when you go to babbel.com/MIA.Stay Connected: Join the Murder in America fam in our free Facebook Community for a behind-the-scenes look, more insights and current events in the true crime world: https://www.facebook.com/groups/4365229996855701If you want even more Murder in America bonus content, including ad-free episodes, come join us on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/murderinamericaInstagram: http://instagram.com/murderinamerica/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/people/Murder-in-America-Podcast/100086268848682/Twitter: https://twitter.com/MurderInAmericaTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@theparanormalfiles and https://www.tiktok.com/@courtneybrowenFeeling spooky? Follow Colin as he travels state to state (and even country to country!) investigating claims of extreme paranormal activity and visiting famous haunted locations on The Paranormal Files Official Channel: https://www.youtube.com/c/TheParanormalFilesOfficialChannel Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On April 15th, 2013, during the annual Boston Marathon, two brothers approached the crowd and planted bombs right at the feet of innocent bystanders watching the race. Three people lost their lives, 17 people lost limbs, and hundreds of people were injured. The bombing was one of the deadliest attacks on US soil since 9/11, and in this episode, we discuss the Tsarnaev brothers - where they came from, the religion they practiced, the trial, and the possible connection to a triple homicide. This is the story of the Boston Marathon Bombers: The Tsarnaev Brothers, and you are listening to Murder in America.-Try HelloFresh today- America's #1 Meal Kit! Just go to https://www.HelloFresh.com/state21 and use code STATE21 for 21 free meals plus free shipping!-To learn more about microdosing THC go to Microdose.com and use code MIA to getfree shipping & 30% off your first order.-Stay Connected: Join the Murder in America fam in our free Facebook Community for a behind-the-scenes look, more insights and current events in the true crime world: https://www.facebook.com/groups/4365229996855701If you want even more Murder in America bonus content, including ad-free episodes, come join us on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/murderinamericaInstagram: http://instagram.com/murderinamerica/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/people/Murder-in-America-Podcast/100086268848682/Twitter: https://twitter.com/MurderInAmericaTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@theparanormalfiles and https://www.tiktok.com/@courtneybrowenFeeling spooky? Follow Colin as he travels state to state (and even country to country!) investigating claims of extreme paranormal activity and visiting famous haunted locations on The Paranormal Files Official Channel: https://www.youtube.com/c/TheParanormalFilesOfficialChannel Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Every year, the citizens of Boston, Massachusetts all get together to celebrate Patriot’s day. It was on the 15th of April when 26,839 runners all made their way to Hopkinton, Massachusetts, for the start of the 117th annual Boston Marathon. It truly is the happiest day of the year in the city. But on this day, in 2013, while everyone’s eyes are towards the finish line, no one notices the two unassuming young men walking through the crowd with backpacks on. No one knew that the most festive day of the city would turn into an agonizing chaos that was full of screams, flesh, and blood. This is part one of the story of the Boston Marathon Bombings, and you’re listening to Murder in America. -This show is sponsored by BetterHelp. Visit betterhelp.com/MIA and use our custom code MIA for 10% off your first month of easy online therapy-Get free Chicken Nuggets for a Year and 10% off your first box when you sign up at butcherbox.com/MIA and use code MIA-Feeling creepy? Never look at EVERYTHING the same again! Listen on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, wherever you find your favorite Podcasts, or on YouTube at https://www.youtube.com/@EverythingisCreepy/about-Take back your financial freedom today by visiting PDSDEBT.com/MIAStay Connected: Join the Murder in America fam in our free Facebook Community for a behind-the-scenes look, more insights and current events in the true crime world: https://www.facebook.com/groups/4365229996855701If you want even more Murder in America bonus content, including ad-free episodes, come join us on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/murderinamericaInstagram: http://instagram.com/murderinamerica/Facebook:https://www.facebook.com/people/Murder-in-America-Podcast/100086268848682/Twitter: https://twitter.com/MurderInAmericaTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@theparanormalfiles and https://www.tiktok.com/@courtneybrowenFeeling spooky? Follow Colin as he travels state to state (and even country to country!) investigating claims of extreme paranormal activity and visiting famous haunted locations on The Paranormal Files Official Channel: https://www.youtube.com/c/TheParanormalFilesOfficialChannel Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On a cold night in December of 1996, a night of hanging out and getting high turned into the darkest nightmare for Rita Kemper. A man named Joe Metheny, whom she had known for a few months, invited her over to his desolate trailer in South Baltimore. Rita trusted Joe but little did she know she would barely get out of his trailer alive, and that many other women had suffered a much worse fate than Rita having been murdered, dismembered, and scattered throughout Joe’s yard. This is the story of Baltimore’s Cannibal Serial Killer, Joe Metheny and you’re listening to Murder in America. -Learn more about microdosing THC by going to microdose.com and using code MIA to get free shipping and 30% off your first order!-Stay Connected: Join the Murder in America fam in our free Facebook Community for a behind-the-scenes look, more insights and current events in the true crime world: https://www.facebook.com/groups/4365229996855701If you want even more Murder in America bonus content, including ad-free episodes, come join us on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/murderinamericaInstagram: http://instagram.com/murderinamerica/Facebook:https://www.facebook.com/people/Murder-in-America-Podcast/100086268848682/Twitter: https://twitter.com/MurderInAmericaTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@theparanormalfiles and https://www.tiktok.com/@courtneybrowenFeeling spooky? Follow Colin as he travels state to state (and even country to country!) investigating claims of extreme paranormal activity and visiting famous haunted locations on The Paranormal Files Official Channel: https://www.youtube.com/c/TheParanormalFilesOfficialChannel Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

It all started on August 23rd 1980, in the small town of Bellville, Texas. Sixteen year old Cheryl Dee Fergeson woke up that morning and was in a rush for the first tournament of the season. The volleyball team in which she was a part of had to ride the 60 mile bus ride to Conroe, Texas. The girls were excited – until Cheryl disappeared and the game was canceled. She was eventually found in the auditorium – naked and lifeless. Unfortunately, this is not the only tragedy that came from this story. The corrupt and racist investigators that investigated this crime had their eyes set on one person, and one person only: the African American high school janitor, Clarence Brandley. This story is not just about the murder of an innocent teenager, but also about an innocent man who sat on death row for 10 years for a crime he did not commit. This is the story of Cheryl Fergeson and the wrongful conviction of Clarence Brandley, and you are listening to Murder in America.-Find your inner detective and download June’s Journey, available on Android and iOS mobile devices, as well as on PC through Facebook Games!-Get a 4-week trial, free postage, and a digital scale at https://www.stamps.com/mia. Thanks to Stamps.com for sponsoring the show!-Take the guesswork out of finding high-quality meat and seafood! Sign up today at butcherbox.com/MIA and use code MIA to get a 100% grass-fed chuck roast and a whole chicken FREE in your first box plus $20 off.-This show is sponsored by BetterHelp. Visit betterhelp.com/MIA and use our custom code MIA for 10% off your first month of easy online therapyStay Connected: Join the Murder in America fam in our free Facebook Community for a behind-the-scenes look, more insights and current events in the true crime world: https://www.facebook.com/groups/4365229996855701If you want even more Murder in America bonus content, including ad-free episodes, come join us on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/murderinamericaInstagram: http://instagram.com/murderinamerica/Facebook:https://www.facebook.com/people/Murder-in-America-Podcast/100086268848682/Twitter: https://twitter.com/MurderInAmericaTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@theparanormalfiles and https://www.tiktok.com/@courtneybrowenFeeling spooky? Follow Colin as he travels state to state (and even country to country!) investigating claims of extreme paranormal activity and visiting famous haunted locations on The Paranormal Files Official Channel: https://www.youtube.com/c/TheParanormalFilesOfficialChannel Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In the late hours of May 23rd, 2013, paramedics in Palmdale, California, responded to a call about an 8-year-old boy who wasn't breathing. Most parents would be in hysteria if their child were put in this situation – but Gabriel’s mother, Pearl Fernandez, and her boyfriend Isauro Aguirre were both agitated, repeatedly telling the first responders that it happened when the brothers were playing instead. However, the injuries on the little boy’s body told a different story. This is the story of the torture and murder of 8-Year-Old Gabriel Fernandez, and you are listening to Murder in America.-Try HelloFresh today- America's #1 Meal Kit! Just go to https://www.HelloFresh.com/state21 and use code STATE21 for 21 free meals plus free shipping!-Stay Connected: Join the Murder in America fam in our free Facebook Community for a behind-the-scenes look, more insights and current events in the true crime world: https://www.facebook.com/groups/4365229996855701If you want even more Murder in America bonus content, including ad-free episodes, come join us on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/murderinamericaInstagram: http://instagram.com/murderinamerica/Facebook:https://www.facebook.com/people/Murder-in-America-Podcast/100086268848682/Twitter: https://twitter.com/MurderInAmericaTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@theparanormalfiles and https://www.tiktok.com/@courtneybrowenFeeling spooky? Follow Colin as he travels state to state (and even country to country!) investigating claims of extreme paranormal activity and visiting famous haunted locations on The Paranormal Files Official Channel: https://www.youtube.com/c/TheParanormalFilesOfficialChannel Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices