Casefile True Crime

A woman receives threatening letters accusing her of an affair, leading to escalating harassment and accusations. Intriguing events unfold, including a threatening phone call and the discovery of a booby-trapped gun. Despite imprisonment, the letters persist, uncovering new suspects and motives. The case connects to an unsolved murder with disturbing claims. Suspicions surround a family member as the letter writer.

Marea Yann, a doting grandmother and a dedicated volunteer worker, was violently bludgeoned to death in her Healesville home. The investigation revealed that Marea had been living in fear of one person in particular. The podcast explores the events leading up to the discovery of her body, the escalating situation that eventually led to her death, James Unamadu's denials and suspicions, and the trial of James Unamadu for her alleged pre-meditated killing.

Andrew Gosden, a gifted 14-year-old, mysteriously disappeared from his home. The podcast explores his disappearance, the theories surrounding it, and the ongoing search for him. Topics include Andrew's academic achievements, his routine evening, alternative explanations, anniversary and sightings, search efforts, and coping with his family.

A young woman goes missing, and her parents soon discover a body matching her description. The podcast delves into the investigation, including the strange behavior of a family member and the pursuit of the fugitive responsible. The emotional impact on the victim's family is also explored.

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.