Casefile True Crime

In May 1994, Lindsay Jellett vanished during a walk, sparking immediate concern among his caregivers. His intellectual disabilities and epilepsy added urgency to the search. A witness reported seeing him enter a mysterious brown sedan, deepening the intrigue. The episode reveals the tragic past of Lindsay and his complex bond with his twin sister, Judith, as detectives uncover unsettling motives. Their heartbreaking connection and Lindsay’s cheerful spirit are highlighted, making his untimely death even more poignant.

In the late 1970s, Ruth Finley is haunted by cryptic letters from a mysterious stalker known as 'The Poet.' The narrative unfolds her terrifying encounter and a dramatic escape from an obsessed captor. As Ruth grapples with escalating threats, the unfolding investigation reveals a shocking twist, suggesting she may hold secrets of her own. Layers of psychological trauma and identity struggles are explored, culminating in Ruth's powerful journey of healing and transformation through poetic expression.

The chilling story of The Night Caller unfolds, revealing the terror that swept through Perth in the 1960s. A couple stumbles upon a murder that leads detectives to track down the elusive Eric Edgar Cooke. The podcast explores Cooke's dark dual life, contrasting his family man exterior with a string of horrific crimes. Haunting confessions and witness accounts paint a disturbing portrait of his mindset. The lasting psychological scars on the community remind listeners of the deep impact such events can have on society, even decades later.

Perth in the late 1950s felt like a safe haven until a figure dubbed The Night Caller shattered that illusion. The tranquility was disturbed by increasing burglaries and a chilling encounter with the McLeod family, sparking fear among residents. As crime rates soared, the shocking murders of Penina Berkman and Gillian Brewer left the community reeling. The narrative delves into a wave of violence, including a series of terrifying hit-and-run incidents, highlighting the local struggle for safety in a changed societal landscape.

In 2009, Ina and David Steiner created an influential e-commerce newsletter but faced immense backlash after a critical article about eBay. As threats escalated, they encountered real-world dangers linked to online harassment. Their harrowing journey involved police investigations and heightened security measures. The connection to a stalker and the toxic environment at eBay showcased a troubling intersection of corporate hostility and personal safety. The unfolding intrigue reveals the disturbing implications of criticism in the digital age.

The podcast recounts the chilling abduction of Josefina Rivera and other women by Gary Heidnik, delving into their harrowing tales of survival amid unimaginable horror. It highlights the complexity of survivor experiences and the failures of law enforcement in addressing crucial evidence. The emotional journeys of survivors like Jackie Askins and Josefina are explored, focusing on their struggles with trauma and the path to healing. Ultimately, it’s a powerful reminder of resilience and the enduring impact of support in overcoming dark pasts.

The Staudte family's tragic saga unfolds with unexpected deaths and a chilling revelation of betrayal. Mark's sudden illness leads to a shocking medical conclusion, prompting further investigation as family members experience similar symptoms. The narrative takes a dark turn with a mother's confession to poisoning her children, exposing deep-seated resentments. Disturbing family dynamics are uncovered, highlighted by chilling journal entries and the emotional aftermath faced by the surviving daughter. Resilience and a journey of healing emerge from the shadows of trauma.

The podcast delves into the mysterious disappearance of Duncan MacPherson, a young Canadian ice hockey player, shortly after moving to Scotland. His family's emotional journey unfolds as they face bureaucratic hurdles while searching for him in the Austrian Alps. Tension builds as a 1993 TV segment raises a false lead, amplifying their heartbreak. Ultimately, the case reveals a tragic skiing accident, shedding light on negligence in recovery efforts. The narrative intertwines Duncan's story with chilling survival tales, highlighting human resilience amidst despair.

Wayne and Jennifer De Gruchy's ordinary life is shattered when tragedy strikes their family in 1996. The gruesome double homicide reveals shocking details of betrayal and grief. Investigators face complications as they navigate the family's dynamics and unravel alibis. When a suspicious bag leads to Matthew, a family member's arrest shakes the community. This gripping tale explores the emotional turmoil of confronting potential guilt amidst a heartbreaking search for justice.

*** Content warnings: Child sexual assault, child murder ***In 1986, two pre-teen girls from Tacoma, Washington, were abducted and murdered mere months apart. Both Michella Welch and Jennifer Bastian were attacked, sexually assaulted and killed after cycling to a public park. Their crime scenes were eerily similar; both bodies were hidden in wooded areas, and the girls even looked alike. Investigators were quick to rule the slayings were the work of a serial killer… But it would take more than 30 years for the shocking truth to come out.---Narration – Anonymous HostResearch & writing – Erin MunroCreative direction – Milly RasoProduction and music – Mike MigasMusic – Andrew D.B. JoslynSign up for Casefile Premium:Apple PremiumSpotify PremiumPatreonFor all credits and sources, please visit https://casefilepodcast.com/case-301-michella-welch-jennifer-bastian Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.