Minnesota's Most Notorious: Where Blood Runs Cold

Coffee John Fitchette, a notorious con man and bully, settled in Minneapolis where he started Coffee John's Oyster Grotto. He became friends with Mayor Doc Ames, using his connection to become a police captain while continuing his violent ways. Explore his scandalous life and legend in this true crime history podcast.

Author Brian Johnson discusses the 1933 Johnson Family Murders, his personal connection to the tragic event, theories surrounding the case, the challenges faced by the Johnson family during the Great Depression, and the aftermath of the unsolved mystery. The podcast explores the suspicions surrounding the missing patriarch and the community's differing beliefs about his involvement.

Brian Haines, Executive Director of the McLeod County Historical Society, discusses a murder and lynching on Buffalo Creek in 1897. He also highlights the exhibits at the museum, including wildlife art and town displays.

Explore the shocking lynching of Frank McManus in Minneapolis after committing a terrible crime. Discover how citizens turned into vigilantes to seek justice for the victim, Mina Spear. Learn about the tragic events that unfolded, leading to a harrowing tale of mob justice in the late 1800s.

Listen to Bruce Rubenstein, author of 'The Rockwell Heist', recount the violent Barker Karpis gang robbery in 1932. Hear about the 1978 Norman Rockwell art heist and the 20-year hunt for the stolen paintings, leading to shocking revelations about the mastermind behind the theft and their underworld connections.

Erik Rivenes, author of a political true crime book about the rise and fall of Albert Alonzo 'Doc' Ames, joins the podcast to discuss the scandal that rocked Minneapolis. Doc Ames, a colorful and corrupt politician, fired half of the police force and embarked on a year-long crime spree. His reign was ultimately brought down by a muckraking journalist, a persistent grand jury foreman, and reformers ushering in the Progressive era. Dive into the captivating story of corruption, illegal activities, and the downfall of this notorious mayor.

Jen Barr, granddaughter of one of the girls who discovered the bodies of her family in the 1929 Schuch Family Murders in Waseca almost 90 years ago, talks about her own investigation into the murders. Topics include the tragic murders, suspects, impact on the family, current state of the homestead, suspicion surrounding Carl Magley, and chilling tales of urban legends and ghostly apparitions.

Jeff Neuberger, historian for the Saint Paul Police Historical Society, discusses the 1932 contract murder orchestrated by Murder Incorporated. Topics include assassination attempt on Sitting Bull, Abe Wagner's murder, Bugsy Segal's visits, later lives of those involved, and exhibits of St. Paul's gangster era.

"Minnesota's Most Notorious: Where Blood Runs Cold" discusses the 1905 St. Paul murders of Mary & Johnny Keller and the 1935 East Grand Forks murder of Ray Ruud. The podcast features Johnny Keller, Mary Keller, Ray Ruud, and Christine Hill, who is investigating her grandmother's cousin's murder. Topics include the strange relationship between William Williams and Johnny Keller, the negative media portrayal of Williams, the emotional impact of a young hockey player's murder, and the mysterious phone call and fingerprint related to an unsolved murder.

The guest, Steve Thayer, New York Times bestselling author, discusses his novel "Saint Mudd: A Novel of Gangsters and Saints," sharing the inspiring journey of his success as an author. Topics include the seedy underworld of 1930s Saint Paul, the challenges of self-publishing, unexpected popularity, Catholic influence, the Lindbergh kidnapping connection, navigating book sales, and potential adaptation into a TV show or movie.