Casefile True Crime

Samia Shahid, a woman who agreed to an arranged marriage to make her family proud, faces unexpected struggles. Her secret marriage, threats from her family, and attempts to reconcile lead to a risky journey to Pakistan. Conflicting reports about her death suggest an honor killing. Efforts for justice result in the revelation of autopsy findings and a cover-up involving local police. Legal changes are made, but the suspect is released on bail.

A serial killer on the loose in South Carolina links the abductions of nine-year-old Debra May Helmick and the murder of Lexington teenager Shari Smith. Investigators make a breakthrough discovery with a latent phone number on a letter, and focus on Larry Jean Bell as the suspect. Bell denies involvement, but odd requests and a business card linking him to Debra raise suspicions. The arrest of Bell brings relief and disbelief to the community, and the aftermath includes divorce, grieving, and reflections on faith.

This podcast episode features Shari Smith and Debra May Helmick. It delves into the mysterious disappearance of Shari, exploring theories of abduction, ransom, and stalking. The search for her is intensified after a haunting letter is received, and a cryptic phone call from the kidnapper provides new information. The episode also discusses the likely profile of the perpetrator and reveals the discovery of Shari's body.

*** Content warning: Elder abuse ***The Director of Nursing at the Alpine Manor Nursing Home in Grand Rapids, Michigan, was thrilled when Catherine Wood and Gwen Graham joined their team of nursing aides in the mid-1980s. They were hard-working, enthusiastic and well-liked. But soon after they started, some residents of Alpine Manor began telling the staff that their lives were in peril. When those same residents began to pass away, their deaths were put down to natural causes. Was it old age that killed these residents? Or was there a more sinister explanation?---Narration – Anonymous HostResearch & writing – Jessica ForsayethCreative direction – Milly RasoProduction and music – Mike MigasMusic – Andrew D.B. JoslynSign up for Casefile Premium:Apple PremiumSpotify PremiumPatreonFor all credits and sources, please visit casefilepodcast.com/case-260-the-alpine-manor-murders Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

*** Content warning: Child victim, child sexual abuse ***When eight-year-old Jamie Lavis failed to return home on Monday, May 5 1997, his family quickly raised the alarm. Soon, it seemed as though all of Greater Manchester was searching for the missing boy – including a bus driver named Darren Vickers...---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 casefilepodcast.com/case-259-jamie-lavis Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Guest Kay Mortensen was brutally murdered in his own home. The podcast discusses the details of his murder, a terrifying home invasion experienced by his son and daughter-in-law, Kay's background and disputes, suspicions surrounding his son and wife, the grand jury decision and arrest, the investigation into Roger and Pamela Mortensen, and the devastating consequences and failed lawsuit.

A routine check turns tragic for Lieutenant Joe Gliniewicz, leading to a statewide manhunt. The podcast explores the shooting, the investigation, and the impact on the community. It also uncovers troubling behavior and misconduct, the mysterious deletion of text messages, strained relationships and suspicious circumstances, and questionable financial practices.

This podcast episode tells the story of a newborn baby's kidnapping from a Chicago hospital. It explores the investigation into an abandoned toddler, the struggles of the Rosenthal family, and the ongoing mystery surrounding the kidnapped victim's identity. It concludes with a journey of self-discovery and belonging for the victim.

When 52-year-old German farmer Rudolf Rupp failed to return home from a night out drinking in the town of Neuburg an der Donau, several questions were raised. Had Rudolf accidentally driven into the nearby Donau River? Had he taken his own life? Or was he the victim of something more sinister?  ---Narration – Anonymous HostResearch & writing – Elsha McGillCreative direction – Milly RasoProduction and music – Mike MigasMusic – Andrew D.B. JoslynSign up for Casefile Premium:Apple PremiumSpotify PremiumPatreonFor all credits and sources, please visit casefilepodcast.com/case-255-rudolf-rupp Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

*** Content warning: child victim ***On the afternoon of January 14, 2012, 15-year-old Winsie Hau was attacked with a knife by a 14-year-old boy. Winsie's father was also attacked, and while he survived his injuries, Winsie did not.  ---Narration – Anonymous HostResearch & writing – Holly HoydCreative direction – Milly RasoProduction and music – Mike MigasMusic – Andrew D.B. JoslynSign up for Casefile Premium:Apple PremiumSpotify PremiumPatreonFor all credits and sources, please visit casefilepodcast.com/case-254-winsie-hau Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.