Crime Salad

Lita Gail McClinton was the embodiment of grace, ambition, and charm—a young woman deeply loved by her family and admired in Atlanta’s elite social circles. But beneath the surface of her seemingly perfect life, a storm was brewing. In this first part of our two-part series, we explore Lita’s supportive upbringing, her whirlwind romance with a wealthy man, and the red flags that signaled trouble ahead. What started as a fairytale soon turned into something far more sinister. As Lita fought for love, respect, and independence, she had no idea that the battle she was fighting would lead to a devastating betrayal. What happens when love turns into control? When trust becomes manipulation? And when warning signs are overlooked—until it’s too late? Join us as we unravel the untold story of Lita McClinton, a woman caught in a dangerous web of love and deception—one that would ultimately change her life forever. Keywords: Lita McClinton story, Atlanta socialite mystery, Lita McClinton husband, James Sullivan marriage, true crime Atlanta, high-profile crime case, toxic relationship warning signs, love and betrayal, Crime Salad podcast This episode is sponsored by BetterHelp. Give online therapy a try at betterhelp.com/CRIMESALAD and get on your way to being your best self.

In 1986, Nancy Daugherty’s life was stolen, leaving behind a haunting mystery that stretched on for decades. With no leads and DNA testing providing no matches, her case went cold—until an unexpected forensic breakthrough in 2020 changed everything. Investigators finally had a name, but now, years after his conviction, the man accused of her murder is fighting for a fair trial. Join us as we dive into the details of Nancy’s case, the groundbreaking role of genetic genealogy, and the legal battle that could alter the course of justice. This is a story of loss, resilience, and the relentless pursuit of the truth. Thanks to our sponsor:  ShipSkis: Right now, ShipSkis is offering Crime Salad listeners 20% off your first shipment. Just go to ShipSkis.com and use the code CRIMESALAD.

On the evening of August 2, 2015, at a Speedway gas station near Columbus, Ohio, life changed forever for 31-year-old Judy Malinowski. What started as an ordinary summer night ended in horror when her then-boyfriend, Michael Slager, committed an unthinkable act of violence. This episode dives deep into the chilling events of that night, the devastating impact of domestic violence, Judy’s courageous fight for justice, and the inception of Ohio’s “Judy’s Law,” which enforces harsher penalties for those who commit such heinous crimes. Join Crime Salad as they explore the details of Judy’s heartbreaking yet inspiring journey and the legacy she left behind in the battle against intimate partner violence. Please be advised that this episode comes with a few trigger warnings. This narration includes descriptions of domestic violence, substance abuse, disfigurement, and death. Domestic Violence: Ways to Get Help National Domestic Violence Hotline: 800-799-7233 SMS: Text  “START” to 88788 National Resource Center on Domestic Violence: www.nrcdv.org Warning Signs of Domestic Violence: www.wadvocates.org Recognizing the Patterns of Domestic Violence: www.mayoclinic.org Common Questions About Sexual Assault: https://florinroebig.com/sexual-assault-guide/ Struggling with addiction? Help is available   SAMHSA Helpline: 1-800-662-HELP (4357) You can also text your ZIP code to 435748 to find treatment resources near you. Visit their website at samhsa.gov for more information. This helpline is available 24/7, 365 days a year, offering free and confidential assistance for individuals and families facing substance use disorders. They can connect you with treatment centers, support groups, and other local resources. Struggling with Mental Health If you or someone you know is struggling with mental health, help is available. In the U.S., you can call or text 988, the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline, for free, confidential support 24/7. For more resources, visit 988lifeline.org to chat with a trained counselor and find additional support options. Thanks to our sponsors for this week: Shopify: The best time to start your new business is right now! Go to shopify.com/crimesalad to start selling with Shopify today.

In this chilling episode, we unravel the infamous Sharon Nelson murder case, a tale of deceit, betrayal, and fatal ambition set in Trinidad, Colorado. After the crushed remnants of Perry Nelson’s VW are discovered, questions about his disappearance lead to shocking revelations and even another victim. Sharon Nelson, caught in a tangled web of lies and an affair with Gary Adams, becomes the center of a Colorado love triangle murder investigation. Was this a case of insurance fraud and murder plot, or a deadly game of control? Whatever the case may be, one thing is for sure, stay away from a black widow murderer.  Thanks to our sponsor for this episode! Miracle Made: Sheets that are amazing and inspired by NASA technology. TRYMIRACLE.COM/CRIMESALAD

In Part 1 we dive into the chilling case of Sharon Nelson Harrelson, infamously known as the "Black Widow." Sharon's story is one of manipulation, betrayal, and murder, as she left a trail of broken hearts baiting new lovers in with her seductive behavior but with deadly intentions in her wake. From her tumultuous relationships to the shocking murders of her husbands, this case uncovers the darker side of a woman whose charm masked a sinister agenda. Tune in as we explore the twisted motives, shocking evidence, and courtroom drama that made Sharon Nelson Harrelson's crimes one of the most notorious in true crime history. Thanks to our Sponsors! Better Help: This episode is brought to you by BetterHelp. Give online therapy a try atbetterhelp.com/crimesalad and get on your way to being your best self. Acorns: Head to acorns.com/crimesalad or download the Acorns app to start saving and investing for your future today! ShipSkis: ShipSkis is offering our listeners 20% off your first shipment! Visit ShipSkis.com and use the code CRIMESALAD to claim your discount. written and researched by Rasha Aly and Crime Salad

In February 2020, Sarah Boone made a chilling 911 call claiming to have found her boyfriend, Jorge Torres Jr., lifeless inside a suitcase after an innocent game of hide-and-seek turned deadly. According to Sarah, she had fallen asleep, leaving Jorge trapped and unable to escape—a horrific accident, or so she insisted. But Sarah’s demeanor during the call was erratic, her words detached and cold. The pieces didn’t quite fit. Then, a damning video surfaced: Jorge, locked inside the suitcase, desperately gasping, “I can’t breathe,” and pleading for his life while Sarah mocked him. That video turned the case upside down, transforming a supposed accident into something far more sinister. Sarah Boone was arrested and charged with second-degree murder, her chilling actions leading to a trial that left everyone questioning the dark side of human relationships. Join us as we revisit this unforgettable case that still haunts true crime enthusiasts to this day. Thanks to the sponsor of this episode. Beam’s biggest Cyber Monday sale is here—get up to 50% off their best-selling Dream Powder at shopbeam.com/crimesalad with code crimesalad while supplies last!

Elisabeth Fritzl endured an unimaginable reality for years, trapped and tormented by the very person who was supposed to protect her—her father. Waking up every day in that dark, suffocating basement, being graped time and time again, questioning whether she would ever see the light of day again or if another one of her children would die in such a place. You would lose every bit of hope, thinking theres no way out; no one even knows your down there…  The psychological weight she carried is unfathomable. Listen to this episode to hear the story. *Listener discretion is advised due to the disturbing nature of this episode's content, which includes explicit descriptions of child sexual abuse and other disturbing details. -Thanks for our sponsors for supporting this episode- Ship Skis Go to Shipskis.com and use the code CRIMESALAD to get 20% off your first shipment and save yourself the hassle this ski season. Apotstrope Get your first visit for only five dollars at Apostrophe.com/CRIMESALAD when you use our code: CRIMESALAD. 

Mark Twitchell was a film enthusiast with big ambitions, but those ambitions took a dark and disturbing turn. Beneath his passion for movies was something much more sinister, and it didn’t take long for those dark desires to surface. Wearing a hockey mask and armed with duct tape, a fake gun, and a taser baton, Mark set a trap in a garage he had rented to film a movie, prepared to look like a crime scene, complete with plastic sheeting, but it was actually a kill room. Sponsors: Apostrophe Go to Apostrophe.com/CRIMESALAD, click “Get Started,” and use the code CRIMESALAD at sign-up. 

This episode contains discussions of sensitive topics, including sexual violence, child exploitation, psychological abuse, and relatable topics. We strongly advise listeners to exercise discretion. Victims of exploitation aren’t always bound by physical restraints—they’re trapped by psychological abuse, fear, and manipulation, as perpetrators use our systemic failures to their advantage. In this special episode, we step away from our usual content to shed light on a devistating reality: the estimated 15 million children impacted by sexual exploitation in the U.S. In this episode we will look into Jessa Dillow Crisp’s story, who is now a co-founder of Bridge Hope, and a strong advocate for survivors and the many challenges many victims face. Hotlines for Immediate Support National Human Trafficking Hotline (U.S.): Call: 1-888-373-7888 Text: 233733 National Sexual Assault Hotline (U.S.): Call: 1-800-656-HOPE (4673) Survivor Story and Support Jessa Dillow Crisp's Experience: YouTube Video Jessa Dillow Crisp's Website: Bloomify Community Government Resources US Department of Justice on Human Trafficking: What is human trafficking? Organizations Fighting Trafficking and Exploitation Empower the Fight (Child Exploitation Awareness): What is child sex trafficking? Training and Education Training: Watchful Eye Title: Safeguarding Children from Sex Abuse & Exploitation Access Training Here: https://risingsteps.thinkific.com/courses/watch SPONSORS Apostrophe Get your first visit for just five dollars at Apostrophe.com/CRIMESALAD when you use our code CRIMESALAD. Beam's Dream Powder Get up to 50% off while supplies last when you go to shopbeam.com/crimesalad and use code CRIMESALAD at checkout.

A routine call from a frantic husband unravels a horrific family tragedy in Columbia, Illinois. The chilling murders of Chris Coleman’s wife and two sons lead to a complex investigation filled with forensic surprises and unexpected twists. As secrets emerge, including Chris's extramarital affair, unsettling evidence complicates the narrative. The case raises haunting questions about family annihilators and the dark motives behind their actions, blending stark realities with intriguing psychological insights.