Case Update:It's been over five years since California mother Sherri Papini vanished. Then reappeared 22 days later, she was bruised, battered and weighed only 87 lbs. What happened to Sherry?Was she the victim of a brutal kidnapping or was this all a hoax.Well, now we just might have some answers because on March 3rd, 2022 Sherri Papini was arrested for making false statements to a federal law enforcement officer and engaging in mail fraud.Originally Covered in Episode 37Support Our Work:The easiest way you can support us is by leaving a review, telling your friends, sharing on social media or by sending us a note. We love to hear from our audience! You can also support the show through the following ways: Patron - If you're enjoying the podcast and would like to hear ad-free shows, have access to exclusive AMAs with the hosts, or just want support what we are doing in general, please checkout our Patreon page: https://www.patreon.com/womenandcrimeMerchandise - For T-shirts, Hoodies, notebooks, stickers and mugs check out https://www.womenandcrimepodcast.com/merchCredits:• Written and Hosted by Amy Shlosberg and Meghan Sacks• Produced and Edited by James Varga• Music by Dessert MediaShow your Support:The easiest way you can support us is by leaving a review, telling your friends, sharing on social media or by sending us a note. We love to hear from our audience! You can also support the show through the following ways: Follow Us on Social: YouTube | Instagram | Tik Tok | Facebook | Reddit | TwitterPatron - ad-free shows starting at $2 a month, or upgrade to get an extra episode every month, exclusive AMAs with the hosts, lecture series on criminal justice, our true crime book club, and more! Check out our Patreon page for more info: https://www.patreon.com/womenandcrimeApple Subscriptions - Ad-free shows are now available through Apple’s podcast app for only $1.99 a month.Merchandise - For T-shirts, Hoodies, notebooks, stickers and mugs check out: https://www.womenandcrimepodcast.com/merchHelp is Available:If you or someone you know is a victim of domestic or other violence, there are many organizations that can offer support or help you in your specific situation. For direct links to organizations please visit https://womenandcrimepodcast.com/resources/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Ep 70: This mother appeared generous to family and friends and the community. Helping those in need, but in reality, she ran a house or horrors hiding the most shocking of atrocities.This is the Michelle "Shelly" Knotek storySources for Today's Episode: “If You Tell” by Gregg Olsen The NY Post An episode of snapped The U.S. Sun The Seattle Post-Intelligencer Sponsors: Green Chef - Go to GreenChef.com/women130 and use code 'women130' to get $130 off, plus free shipping! Acorn TV - Try Acorn TV free for 30 days by going to Acorn.TV and using promo code 'women'. But you HAVE to enter the code in all lowercase letters. Credits: Written and Hosted by Amy Shlosberg and Meghan Sacks Produced and Edited by James Varga Music by Dessert Media Show your Support:The easiest way you can support us is by leaving a review, telling your friends, sharing on social media or by sending us a note. We love to hear from our audience! You can also support the show through the following ways: Follow Us on Social: YouTube | Instagram | Tik Tok | Facebook | Reddit | TwitterPatron - ad-free shows starting at $2 a month, or upgrade to get an extra episode every month, exclusive AMAs with the hosts, lecture series on criminal justice, our true crime book club, and more! Check out our Patreon page for more info: https://www.patreon.com/womenandcrimeApple Subscriptions - Ad-free shows are now available through Apple’s podcast app for only $1.99 a month.Merchandise - For T-shirts, Hoodies, notebooks, stickers and mugs check out: https://www.womenandcrimepodcast.com/merchHelp is Available:If you or someone you know is a victim of domestic or other violence, there are many organizations that can offer support or help you in your specific situation. For direct links to organizations please visit https://womenandcrimepodcast.com/resources/Keywords: Michelle Knotek, Raymond Washington, Kathy Loreno, Ronald Woodworth, "The Serial Killer Mom", David Knotek, Shane Watson, James McClintock, 1995-2003  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Ep 69: This woman, like any loving mother would do anything to protect her kids from this unpredictable world turned into a highly overprotective mother who took the law into her own hands when her own son was molested by a Christian summer camp worker who had a previous history of child molestation. Many supported and heralded Ellie Nesler as a hero but that was before a sensational trial that would reveal a side of Ellie Nesler the public had not seen before and this side would raise serious doubt about Ellie's actions.Sources for Today's Episode: Los Angeles Times Recordnet.com Law.justia.com- People v. Nesler (1997) South Florida Sun Sentinel CBS News The New York Times Oprah.com Shouse California Law Group Sponsors:Daily Harvest - Go to DAILYHARVEST.com/women to get up to $40 off your first box!Credits: Written and Hosted by Amy Shlosberg and Meghan Sacks Produced and Edited by James Varga Music by Dessert Media Special Thanks to: Sydney Anderson Show your Support:The easiest way you can support us is by leaving a review, telling your friends, sharing on social media or by sending us a note. We love to hear from our audience! You can also support the show through the following ways: Follow Us on Social: YouTube | Instagram | Tik Tok | Facebook | Reddit | TwitterPatron - ad-free shows starting at $2 a month, or upgrade to get an extra episode every month, exclusive AMAs with the hosts, lecture series on criminal justice, our true crime book club, and more! Check out our Patreon page for more info: https://www.patreon.com/womenandcrimeApple Subscriptions - Ad-free shows are now available through Apple’s podcast app for only $1.99 a month.Merchandise - For T-shirts, Hoodies, notebooks, stickers and mugs check out: https://www.womenandcrimepodcast.com/merchHelp is Available:If you or someone you know is a victim of domestic or other violence, there are many organizations that can offer support or help you in your specific situation. For direct links to organizations please visit https://womenandcrimepodcast.com/resources/Keywords: Daniel Mark Driver, Jamestown Justice Court, William Nesler, 1993, Vigelante Justice, Child Molestation, Methamphetamine  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Ep 68: On June 30, 2009, a black Nissan Sentra was found submerged in the Rideau Canal in Ontario Canada. The car contained the bodies of three young girls and one older woman.It would seem on the outset like a tragic accident but a deeper look would reveal that these women were targeted by someone they knew in an act of betrayal that would shock the entire countrySources for Today's Episode:• An article in Maclean’s• An episode of Forbidden: Dying for love• An article from the Toronto Star• Stacy Mallicoat’s book, “Women and Crime”Sponsors:Green Chef - Go to GreenChef.com/women130 and use code women130 to get $130 off, plus free shipping!Acorn TV - Try Acorn TV free for 30 days by going to Acorn.TV and using promo code women. But you HAVE to enter the code in all lowercase letters.Credits:• Written and Hosted by Amy Shlosberg and Meghan Sacks• Produced by James Varga• Edited by Jose Alfonzo• Music by Dessert MediaShow your Support:The easiest way you can support us is by leaving a review, telling your friends, sharing on social media or by sending us a note. We love to hear from our audience! You can also support the show through the following ways: Follow Us on Social: YouTube | Instagram | Tik Tok | Facebook | Reddit | TwitterPatron - ad-free shows starting at $2 a month, or upgrade to get an extra episode every month, exclusive AMAs with the hosts, lecture series on criminal justice, our true crime book club, and more! Check out our Patreon page for more info: https://www.patreon.com/womenandcrimeApple Subscriptions - Ad-free shows are now available through Apple’s podcast app for only $1.99 a month.Merchandise - For T-shirts, Hoodies, notebooks, stickers and mugs check out: https://www.womenandcrimepodcast.com/merchHelp is Available:If you or someone you know is a victim of domestic or other violence, there are many organizations that can offer support or help you in your specific situation. For direct links to organizations please visit https://womenandcrimepodcast.com/resources/Keywords: Kingston Ontario, Canada, Zainab, Sahar, Geeti, Rona Muhammad Omar, Afghan decent, "Honor Killing", Tooba Mohammad Yahya, Mohammad Safia, Hamed Safia, Rideau Canal  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Ep 67: Convicted of murder twice, this young woman suddenly found herself as tabloid headline during Italy’s highly sensationalized “Trial of the Century”.She spent 4 years in prison prior to being fully exonerated by the Italian Supreme Court. Today she is an advocate for criminal justice reform and for the wrongfully accused.Credits:• Written and Hosted by Amy Shlosberg and Meghan Sacks• Produced and Edited by James Varga• Music by Dessert Media• Special Thanks to: Amanda KnoxShow your Support:The easiest way you can support us is by leaving a review, telling your friends, sharing on social media or by sending us a note. We love to hear from our audience! You can also support the show through the following ways: Follow Us on Social: YouTube | Instagram | Tik Tok | Facebook | Reddit | TwitterPatron - ad-free shows starting at $2 a month, or upgrade to get an extra episode every month, exclusive AMAs with the hosts, lecture series on criminal justice, our true crime book club, and more! Check out our Patreon page for more info: https://www.patreon.com/womenandcrimeApple Subscriptions - Ad-free shows are now available through Apple’s podcast app for only $1.99 a month.Merchandise - For T-shirts, Hoodies, notebooks, stickers and mugs check out: https://www.womenandcrimepodcast.com/merchHelp is Available:If you or someone you know is a victim of domestic or other violence, there are many organizations that can offer support or help you in your specific situation. For direct links to organizations please visit https://womenandcrimepodcast.com/resources/Keywords: Italy, Raffaele Sollecito, Meredith Kercher, Patrick Lumumba, University of Washinton, "Waiting to be Heard"  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Ep 66: While studying in Italy, this vibrant 20-year-old English foreign exchange student was the victim of a horrific crime. What followed was an international media circus that led to several arrests. However, the official narrative would put another women in the forefront, creating new victims and overshadowing the actual victim in this caseSources for Today's Episode:• The Guardian• BBC NewsNight• New York Times• Amanda Knox Netflix Doc• European Journal of Women's Studies• Waiting to Be Heard- by Amanda Knox• Our Interview with Amanda KnoxSponsors:Green Chef - Go to GreenChef.com/women130 and use code women130 to get $130 off, plus free shipping! Credits:• Written and Hosted by Amy Shlosberg and Meghan Sacks• Produced and Edited by James Varga• Music by Dessert Media• Special Thanks to: Jessica Symcox Show your Support:The easiest way you can support us is by leaving a review, telling your friends, sharing on social media or by sending us a note. We love to hear from our audience! You can also support the show through the following ways: Follow Us on Social: YouTube | Instagram | Tik Tok | Facebook | Reddit | TwitterPatron - ad-free shows starting at $2 a month, or upgrade to get an extra episode every month, exclusive AMAs with the hosts, lecture series on criminal justice, our true crime book club, and more! Check out our Patreon page for more info: https://www.patreon.com/womenandcrimeApple Subscriptions - Ad-free shows are now available through Apple’s podcast app for only $1.99 a month.Merchandise - For T-shirts, Hoodies, notebooks, stickers and mugs check out: https://www.womenandcrimepodcast.com/merchHelp is Available:If you or someone you know is a victim of domestic or other violence, there are many organizations that can offer support or help you in your specific situation. For direct links to organizations please visit https://womenandcrimepodcast.com/resources/Keywords: Perugia, Italy, Amanda Knox, Rudy Guede, University of Leeds, "Mez", Raffaele Sollecito  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On August 10, 2018, infamous sexual offender Jeffrey Epstein was found dead in his cell at the Metropolitan Correctional Center, a federal jail for those awaiting trial in the Southern District of New YorkAfter Epstein’s death, the world and authorities began to take a closer look at his  longtime female companion and alleged right “hand woman” in his criminal endeavorsIn this update episode, we also turn our attention to this woman and the outcome of her very famous trial, which just came to an endCredits:• Written and Hosted by Amy Shlosberg and Meghan Sacks• Produced & Edited by James Varga• Music by Dessert MediaShow your Support:The easiest way you can support us is by leaving a review, telling your friends, sharing on social media or by sending us a note. We love to hear from our audience! You can also support the show through the following ways: Follow Us on Social: YouTube | Instagram | Tik Tok | Facebook | Reddit | TwitterPatron - ad-free shows starting at $2 a month, or upgrade to get an extra episode every month, exclusive AMAs with the hosts, lecture series on criminal justice, our true crime book club, and more! Check out our Patreon page for more info: https://www.patreon.com/womenandcrimeApple Subscriptions - Ad-free shows are now available through Apple’s podcast app for only $1.99 a month.Merchandise - For T-shirts, Hoodies, notebooks, stickers and mugs check out: https://www.womenandcrimepodcast.com/merchHelp is Available:If you or someone you know is a victim of domestic or other violence, there are many organizations that can offer support or help you in your specific situation. For direct links to organizations please visit https://womenandcrimepodcast.com/resources/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

A young teen, Mary Vincent, survives a harrowing ride that changes her life forever. Her incredible journey showcases resilience as she escapes a brutal attack and fights for justice. The discussion highlights the dangers of hitchhiking and the societal impact of her story, leading to legislative changes for victim protection. Controversial criminal cases and psychological dynamics also unfold, emphasizing the importance of understanding both victims and perpetrators. This poignant reflection underscores the power of advocacy amid tragedy.

Ep 64: A young woman goes out one night to meet her boyfriend at a bar where they reportedly had a fun evening but she never returns home againThe boyfriend would usually be the first suspect but the police discover that he was also missing with no sign of either one of them after they had left the bar that evening. Did this young couple simply take off somewhere, were they in an accident or was this something much more sinister?Sources for Today's Episode:• An episode of Disappeared• Medium.com• An article from Philadelphia MagazineSponsors: Acorn TV - Try Acorn TV free for 30 days, by going to Acorn.TV promo code "women". But you HAVE to enter the code in all lowercase letters. Green Chef - Go to GreenChef.com/women10 and usecode “women10” to get 10 Free Meals including free shipping! Credits:• Written and Hosted by Amy Shlosberg and Meghan Sacks• Produced by James Varga• Edited by Jose Alfonzo• Music by Dessert Media• Special Thanks to: Dr. Marianne HamelShow your Support:The easiest way you can support us is by leaving a review, telling your friends, sharing on social media or by sending us a note. We love to hear from our audience! You can also support the show through the following ways: Follow Us on Social: YouTube | Instagram | Tik Tok | Facebook | Reddit | TwitterPatron - ad-free shows starting at $2 a month, or upgrade to get an extra episode every month, exclusive AMAs with the hosts, lecture series on criminal justice, our true crime book club, and more! Check out our Patreon page for more info: https://www.patreon.com/womenandcrimeApple Subscriptions - Ad-free shows are now available through Apple’s podcast app for only $1.99 a month.Merchandise - For T-shirts, Hoodies, notebooks, stickers and mugs check out: https://www.womenandcrimepodcast.com/merchHelp is Available:If you or someone you know is a victim of domestic or other violence, there are many organizations that can offer support or help you in your specific situation. For direct links to organizations please visit https://womenandcrimepodcast.com/resources/Keywords: Richard A. Petrone Jr, 2005, Unsolved Disappearence, Philadelphia, New Jersey, Abeline's Bar, The Vanished,  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In 1944 Alabama, a young African American woman named Recy Taylor bravely reported her abduction and assault, igniting a movement for racial justice. Her struggle highlighted systemic racism and victim-blaming within the legal system. The narrative connects her legacy to contemporary fights against sexual violence and the vital role of activists like Rosa Parks. The podcast also uncovers the emotional challenges faced by forensic nurses and the ongoing underreporting of sexual assaults among Black women, showcasing the importance of advocacy and support.