It’s a lighthearted nightmare in here, weirdos! Morbid is a true crime, creepy history and all things spooky podcast hosted by an autopsy technician and a hairstylist. Join us for a heavy dose of research with a dash of comedy thrown in for flavor.
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The Union Screaming House
In the spring of 2001, single father Steven LaChance moved his family from a cramped apartment to a spacious house in Union, Missouri. The house was intended to be a new start for the family, but before long their excitement turned to dread as life in the new house became a nightmare.Within weeks of moving into the house, Steven and his children began experiencing strange and unexplainable phenomena. Lights turned on and off by themselves, temperatures fluctuated wildly from room to room, and there was an ever-present feeling of being watched. In time, whatever entity lived in the house began focusing its malevolent attention on the children, exploiting their fears and terrifying them night after night. After several months, the LaChance family couldn’t tolerate the home anymore and moved out but, little did Steven know, that was only the beginning of his journey into the paranormal.ReferencesCline, Chris. 2006. "Paranormal team investigates Arcadia Academy." Daily Journal (Flat River, MO), October 29: 1.LaChance, Steven. 2004. The Union, Missouri Haunting. Accessed October 13, 2026. https://www.legendsofamerica.com/mo-unionhaunting/.Schmidt, Kaprise. 2007. "Top ten most haunted places in Franklin County." Washington Missourian (Washington, MO), October 27: 37.Wiecha, Joe. 2006. A Haunting. Directed by Joe Wiecha. Cowritten by Alaina Urquhart, Ash Kelley & Dave White (Since 10/2022)Produced & Edited by Mikie Sirois (Since 2023)Research by Dave White (Since 10/2022), Alaina Urquhart & Ash KelleyListener Correspondence & Collaboration by Debra LallyListener Tale Video Edited by Aidan McElman (Since 6/2025) Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
October Bonus Episode: The Kidnapping of Peggy McMath
On May 2, 1933, the Harwich Center School received a telephone call from the father of ten-year-old Peggy McMath, a student at the school. Mr. McMath informed them that he was sending a driver to pick up his daughter and he expected her to be ready. However, when the driver showed up, Peggy didn’t recognize the man and was hesitant to get into the car. In response, the driver of the car, Kenneth Buck, grabbed the girl, threw her in the car, and drove off before anyone could stop him.This month's Bonus Episode is #sponsored by our friends at @netflixfilm and their riveting film release ANIMALS! Haven’t watched the film yet? Check it out NOW on @netflix!”ReferencesAssociated Press. 1933. "Buck removed to hospital." Boston Globe, May 29: 1.Boston Globe. 1933. "Kenneth Buck in prison to serve 24 to 25 years." Boston Globe, June 26: 4.—. 1933. "Latest description of Peggy and man who kidnapped her." Boston Globe, May 4: 23.—. 1934. "McMath family to leave Cape Cod." Boston Globe, March 29: 12.Cox, Carolyn. 2021. The Snatch Racket. New York, NY: Potoman Books.Haviland, Alexander. 1933. "Buck brothers gain two points." Boston Globe, June 15: 1.—. 1933. "First ransom demand called for $250,000." Boston Globe, May 7: 1.—. 1933. "General and boy star witnesses." Boston Globe, June 17: 1.—. 1933. "Peggy and Cyril tell vivid stories to jury." Boston Globe, June 22: 1.Kingsbury, Alex. 2016. "Kidnapped on old Cape Cod." Boston Globe, August 28: K6.Sibley, Frank. 1933. "Kidnaper "in trouble" before but was not prosecuted." Boston Globe, May 8: 5.—. 1933. "State police refuse to halt girl search." Boston Globe, May 5: 1.Springfield Daily News. 1933. "Police called off while father of child pleads with her abductors." Springfield Daily News, May 3: 1. Cowritten by Alaina Urquhart, Ash Kelley & Dave White (Since 10/2022)Produced & Edited by Mikie Sirois (Since 2023)Research by Dave White (Since 10/2022), Alaina Urquhart & Ash KelleyListener Correspondence & Collaboration by Debra LallyListener Tale Video Edited by Aidan McElman (Since 6/2025) Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
Notorious Prison Breaks (Vol. 1)
For as long as human beings have been locking one another up in cages or dungeons, there have been other human beings scheming and strategizing ways to escape their cells and break free of their prisons. More often than not, their attempts prove futile and they’re recaptured, their punishments extended and the conditions of their surroundings made worse. But in their experiences with freedom, however brief they may be, the escapee becomes legendary, their exploits going on to be told and retold in books, films, and songs long after the prisoner has passed away. While some prison breaks—like those of the wrongfully incarcerated or unduly punished—can be justified and go on to be romanticized, others are less romantic or exciting and can even lead to deadly outcomes. And yet, no matter the circumstances and outcomes, each one can tell us something about the system and culture responsible for the initial sentence and subsequent escape. Here is the first volume of this fascinating subject!ReferencesAssociated Press. 1986. "Supervisor apparently kidnapped by escapee." Ann Arbor News, December 6: 1.—. 1962. "Alcatraz 'age' held factor in trio's escape." Los Angeles Times, June 14: 5.Frishman, Dan. 1962. "Big Bay manhunt on for three Alcatraz escapees." San Francisco Exminer, June 13: 1.Hanson, Tom. 2023. Prison escapes in America: How common are they and what's the real risk? September 18. Accessed September 12, 2026. https://www.cbsnews.com/news/prison-escapes-in-america-how-common-are-they-and-whats-the-real-risk/.Hotz, Mark. 2012. "Awaiting trial Dillinger escapes." Bank Note, June: 10.Indianapolis Star. 1934. "Dillinger, 3 state felons caught." Indianapolis Star, January 25: 1.—. 1934. "Expecting death, prisoner tells of crime career." Indianapolis Star, January 31: 1.—. 1934. "Vast army hunts John Dillinger." Indianapolis Star, March 4: 1.Kinkopf, Eric. 1987. "Escape." Detroit Free Press, January 2: 16.Leff, Lisa. 2012. Escape from Alcatraz: 50 years later, mystery remains. June 12. Accessed September 9, 2026. https://www.nbcnews.com/id/wbna47782343.Martindale, Mike. 1987. "Escapee murders way across country." Burlington Free Press, June 14: 1.New York Times. 1962. "3 Alcatraz convicts cut their way out with spoons." New York Times, June 13: 1.—. 1962. "3 Alcatraz convicts cut their way out with spoons." New York Times, June 13: 1.Press, Associated. 1986. "Police say Ypsi center worker adits he aided man's escape." Herald-Palladium (Benton Harbor, MI), December 26: 17.Richardson, Randi. 2021. Beryl Hovious and Public Enemy No. 1. March 22. Accessed September 8, 2026. https://monroehistory.org/2021/03/22/beryl-hovious-and-public-enemy-no-1/.Swickard, Joe. 1987. "Suspects in deadly tales." Detroit Free Press, January 22: 1.Warren, Jenifer. 1993. "Escape from Alcatraz?" Los Angeles Times, November 11: 3. Cowritten by Alaina Urquhart, Ash Kelley & Dave White (Since 10/2022)Produced & Edited by Mikie Sirois (Since 2023)Research by Dave White (Since 10/2022), Alaina Urquhart & Ash KelleyListener Correspondence & Collaboration by Debra LallyListener Tale Video Edited by Aidan McElman (Since 6/2025) Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
Alma Fielding and the Thornton Heath Haunting
In February 1938, thirty-four-year-old housewife Alma Fielding went to the press with an amazing story: her home in the London suburb of Croydon was haunted. According to Alma, objects would fly off the shelves without the aid of human hands, the family was constantly under assault from unseen forces, and on multiple occasions, they found a six-fingered handprint on a mirror.It was through a local clergyman that paranormal investigator Nandor Fodor learned of Alma’s haunting and he was immediately interested in the family. As a member of the International Institute for Psychical Research, Fodor had recently come under attack from the Spiritualist community, who saw him as nothing more than a cynic, and he was looking for precisely this kind of case to reestablish himself as a believer. However, after several months studying Alma and the haunting of the Fielding home, Fodor found himself at the center of a story far more complex than he’d ever expected. ReferencesCrane, Lionel. 1938. "House is haunted, declare experts." Sunday Pictorial, February 27: 3.Duchi, Shireen. 1992. "The strange case of the terrified housewife." Croydon Advertiser, August 28: 20.—. 1992. "The strange case of the terrified housewife, part three." Croydon Advertiser, August 21: 16.—. 1992. "The strange case of the terrified housewife, part two." Croydon Advertiser, August 14: 16.Masad, Ilana. 2021. 'The Haunting Of Alma Fielding' Is A Ghost Story — And A Tale Of Power And Fear. April 28. Accessed October 5, 2026. https://www.npr.org/2021/04/28/991151623/the-haunting-of-alma-fielding-is-a-ghost-story-and-a-tale-of-power-and-fear.Norwood News. 1938. "Is it an evil spirit?" Norwood News (Croydon, UK), February 25: 3.Summerscale, Kate. 2021. The Haunting of Alma Fielding: A True Ghost Story. New York, NY: Penguin Random House.Thompson, Victor, and Lionel Crane. 1938. "Terror night in home wrecked by ghosts." Sunday Pictorial, February 20: 40. Cowritten by Alaina Urquhart, Ash Kelley & Dave White (Since 10/2022)Produced & Edited by Mikie Sirois (Since 2023)Research by Dave White (Since 10/2022), Alaina Urquhart & Ash KelleyListener Correspondence & Collaboration by Debra LallyListener Tale Video Edited by Aidan McElman (Since 6/2025) Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
The Haunting of Lemp Mansion
Throughout the latter half of the nineteenth century, as America spread westward, industrial tycoons made a fortune building out the nation’s infrastructure, and growing their already substantial wealth in the process. In St. Louis, Missouri, one of those tycoons was Adam Lemp, whose Western Brewery was among the most productive and prosperous breweries in America. Following Adam’s death, the brewery was passed down to his son, William, starting a dynasty that would last nearly a century. It seems that, when Lemp passed the business on, he may have also passed on something far more insidious to his descendants that would mark the Lemp family for tragedy. In the decades that followed, the Lemp family suffered one tragic death after another, each one playing out in the Benton Park mansion where the Lemps resided. For more than a century, the residents of St. Louis have wondered who—or what—resided in the mansion that caused so much misfortune, and whether the spirits of the Lemps still walk the halls.ReferencesKantrowitz, Marc. 2025. "The beer, scandal and haunted mansion of the Lemp dynasty." South Carolina Lawyers Weekly, October 13.Linzee, David. 1999. "The lighter side of Lemp." St. Louis Post-Dispatch, October 14.Richmond, Dick. 1982. "At the haunt of haunts." St. Louis Post-Dispatch, May 14: 47.Shepley, Carol Ferring. 2008. "The Lemp family of St. Louis." Voices, October.St. Louis Post-Dispatch. 1949. "Charles A. Lemp, ex-brewer, kills self as did three others in family." St. Louis Post-Dispatch, May 10: 1.—. 1922. "William J. Lemp kills himself in brewery office." St. Louis Post-Dispatch, December 29: 1.—. 1904. "Wm. J. Lemp kills himself in grief." St. Louis Post-Dispatch, February 13: 1.St. Louis Republic. 1901. "Frederick W. Lemp is dead." St. Louis Republic, December 13: 13.St. Louis Star and Times. 1920. "Mrs. Elsa Lemp Wright shoots herself at home." St. Louis Star and Times , March 20: 1.—. 1922. "William J. Lemp commits suicide by shooting self." St. Louis Star and Times, December 29: 1.Taylor, Betsy. 2001. "Lemp Mansion, rumored to be haunted, draws attention to St. Louis history." Daily American Republic, October 31: 3.Walker, Stephen. 1989. Lemp: The Haunting History. St. Louis, MO: Lemp Preservation Society.Wilkinson, Melissa. 2020. Exploring a Lemp Mansion mystery. March 4. Accessed October 2, 2026. https://www.timesnewspapers.com/westendword/exploring-a-lemp-mansion-mystery/article_14480610-5d8f-11ea-ae8d-d70995bc6099.html. Cowritten by Alaina Urquhart, Ash Kelley & Dave White (Since 10/2022)Produced & Edited by Mikie Sirois (Since 2023)Research by Dave White (Since 10/2022), Alaina Urquhart & Ash KelleyListener Correspondence & Collaboration by Debra LallyListener Tale Video Edited by Aidan McElman (Since 6/2025) Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
Carrie, Cult Classics & Chaos: A Sit Down with Matthew Lillard
Weirdos! We’re continuing the most wonderful time of the year with a truly iconic guest that you have been asking for: Matthew Lillard!! He joins us to talk shop about his current projects as well as his incredible body of work, all the while proving that he is human charisma with a little bit of chaos sprinkled on top! We honestly haven’t laughed this much during an episode EVER! In the episode, we chat about his upcoming Amazon Prime series Carrie where he rejoins the Flanaverse! It’s INCREDIBLY well acted, written, and directed! So prepare yourself to stream your next Spooky Season hyperfixation and appreciate the countless brilliant performances in this incredible adaptation of the Stephen King classic! We also dive into his resume (Scream, Thir13en Ghosts, Life of Chuck, The Curve, Five Nights At Freddie’s, Serial Mom, Scooby Doo, The Descendants ) and talk about why he is loving this latest chapter in his life! Catch Carrie on Amazon Prime on October 7th! We promise you will be as obsessed with it as we are!Check out Find Familiar Spirits, featuring their Ghost Face Blood Orange Killer Collection Box Set as well the GORGEOUS Macabre Spirits boxes featuring the perfect pairing of spirits, art and current voices in horror! Cowritten by Alaina Urquhart, Ash Kelley & Dave White (Since 10/2022)Produced & Edited by Mikie Sirois (Since 2023)Research by Dave White (Since 10/2022), Alaina Urquhart & Ash KelleyListener Correspondence & Collaboration by Debra LallyListener Tale Video Edited by Aidan McElman (Since 6/2025) Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
The Eddy Brothers and the High Life Ski Club
In the early-to-mid 1870s, as interest in Spiritualism and psychic mediums swept the United States, William and Horatio Eddy, two enterprising brothers from the tiny village of Chittenden, Vermont, made headlines for their supposed psychic abilities. In time, the brothers attracted the attention of the movement’s biggest names including Henry Olcott and Helena Blavatsky, until 1875, when allegations of fraud destroyed their massive popularity.ReferencesAmerican Hauntings. n.d. The Haunted Museum from Another World. Accessed September 19, 2026. https://www.americanhauntingsink.com/eddy.Bigelow, L.A. 1873. "The Eddy family humbug again." Burlington Free Press, September 29: 3.Bushnell, Mark. 2012. "A spirited past." The Times Argus (Barre, VT), April 1: B1.Hall, Joseph. 1873. "The Eddy family--exposure of the humbugs by a 'spiritualist'." Rutland Daily Herald, September 13: 2.Herman, Jan. 1976. "The eerie Eddys." Burlington Free Press, October 31: 67.New York Sun. 1875. "Exposure of the Eddys." Rutland Daily Globe, November 27: 2.Olcott, Henry Steel. 1875. People From the Other World. Hartford, CT: American Publishing Company.Rutland Daily Globe. 1873. "The Eddys and Spiritualism." Rutland Daily Globe, October 15: 1.—. 1873. "Visit to the Eddy family." Rutland Daily Globe, October 1: 4.Rutland Weekly Herald. 1871. "Quarterly convention of the Vermont State Spiritualist Association." Rutland Weekly Herald, February 2: 1.Wescott, D.P. 1875. "The modus operandi of the Eddys'." Rutland Daily Globe, March 22: 3. Cowritten by Alaina Urquhart, Ash Kelley & Dave White (Since 10/2022)Produced & Edited by Mikie Sirois (Since 2023)Research by Dave White (Since 10/2022), Alaina Urquhart & Ash KelleyListener Correspondence & Collaboration by Debra LallyListener Tale Video Edited by Aidan McElman (Since 6/2025) Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
Listener Tales 114: Back to School Tales
Weirdos! It’s back to school time, so grab some lunch money, don’t forget your homework, and meet us at the bus stop for some listener tales! This time, Deb has collected some scholarly tales that that will have you freaked out AND cackling with laughter. OH! And these tales are BY you FOR you and ALL ABOUT YOU!! Check out the YOUTUBE version is packed with extra Nicholas footage!If you’ve got a listener tale please send it to Deb by emailing us at morbidpodcast@gmail.com with “Listener Tales” somewhere in the subject line, and if you share pictures, please let us know if we can share them with fellow weirdos! :) Cowritten by Alaina Urquhart, Ash Kelley & Dave White (Since 10/2022)Produced & Edited by Mikie Sirois (Since 2023)Research by Dave White (Since 10/2022), Alaina Urquhart & Ash KelleyListener Correspondence & Collaboration by Debra LallyListener Tale Video Edited by Aidan McElman (Since 6/2025) Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
Morbid Book Club: Killing The Boogeyman by Richard Chizmar
Weirdos! We are stoked to bring you this special Bonus MORBID BOOK CLUB episode, #sponsored by our friends at @ashleyofficial ! This month we are joined by the incredible Richard Chizmar to chat about his upcoming release, Killing the Boogeyman available everywhere on 10/6/2026! Richard takes us behind the scenes of the writing process of this series that blends memoir and horror, talks about ticking of not one- BUT TWO dream collaborations off of his bucket list, and what it’s like to spend YEARS willingly inviting the Boogeyman into your brain! #ashleypartner Cowritten by Alaina Urquhart, Ash Kelley & Dave White (Since 10/2022) Produced & Edited by Mikie Sirois (Since 2023) Research by Dave White (Since 10/2022), Alaina Urquhart & Ash Kelley Listener Correspondence & Collaboration by Debra Lally Listener Tale Video Edited by Aidan McElman (Since 6/2025) Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
The Exorcism of Anneliese Michel (Part 2)
When sixteen-year-old Anneliese Michel began having seizures and hallucinations in 1968, her parents took her to a doctor, who diagnosed Anneliese with temporal lobe epilepsy and depression and recommended psychiatric treatment. Two years later, however, her delusions and hallucinations returned, manifesting in the form of “devil faces” and voices that telling her she was evil and would be going to hell. Believing the treatment wasn’t working and fearing Anneliese was possessed by demons, Anneliese’s family arranged for her to be visited by a local Jesuit priest, who confirmed their fear: Anneliese was possessed and the only way to save her soul was an exorcism.After nearly fifty years, the exorcism of Anneliese Michel still stands as one of the most shocking and harrowing stories of supposed demonic possession and exorcism in history—not only because it resulted in a woman’s death, but because it also resulted in the prosecution of her exorcists. Yet with all the information that has been released about the case, no one seems to know what really happened to Anneliese Michel.ReferencesAssociated Press. 1978. "Bizarre exorcism draws suspended prison terms." Press-Courier (Oxnard, CA), April 22: 3.—. 1978. "Exorcists 'tried to save girl'." The Guardian, March 31: 6.Buschschluter, Siegfried. 1977. "Charges after exorcism death." The Guardian, July 14: 6.Day, Elizabeth. 2005. "'God told us to exorcise my daughter's demons. I don't regret her death.'." Sunday Telegraph (London, UK), November 27: 15.Goodman, Felicitas D. 1981. The Exorcism of Annaliese Michel. New York, NY: Doubleday and Company.Hansen, Eric T. 2005. "What in God's name?" Washington Post, September 4.Sword, Autumn. 2021. "Seized By the Spirit: Temporal Lobe Epilepsy and the Exorcism of Anneliese Michel." Skeptical Inquirer, July 30.Time. 1976. "Religion: A Phenomenon of Fear." Time, September 6. Cowritten by Alaina Urquhart, Ash Kelley & Dave White (Since 10/2022)Produced & Edited by Mikie Sirois (Since 2023)Research by Dave White (Since 10/2022), Alaina Urquhart & Ash KelleyListener Correspondence & Collaboration by Debra LallyListener Tale Video Edited by Aidan McElman (Since 6/2025) Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
The Exorcism of Anneliese Michel (Part 1)
When sixteen-year-old Anneliese Michel began having seizures and hallucinations in 1968, her parents took her to a doctor, who diagnosed Anneliese with temporal lobe epilepsy and depression and recommended psychiatric treatment. Two years later, however, her delusions and hallucinations returned, manifesting in the form of “devil faces” and voices that telling her she was evil and would be going to hell. Believing the treatment wasn’t working and fearing Anneliese was possessed by demons, Anneliese’s family arranged for her to be visited by a local Jesuit priest, who confirmed their fear: Anneliese was possessed and the only way to save her soul was an exorcism.ReferencesAssociated Press. 1978. "Bizarre exorcism draws suspended prison terms." Press-Courier (Oxnard, CA), April 22: 3.—. 1978. "Exorcists 'tried to save girl'." The Guardian, March 31: 6.Buschschluter, Siegfried. 1977. "Charges after exorcism death." The Guardian, July 14: 6.Day, Elizabeth. 2005. "'God told us to exorcise my daughter's demons. I don't regret her death.'." Sunday Telegraph (London, UK), November 27: 15.Goodman, Felicitas D. 1981. The Exorcism of Annaliese Michel. New York, NY: Doubleday and Company.Hansen, Eric T. 2005. "What in God's name?" Washington Post, September 4.Sword, Autumn. 2021. "Seized By the Spirit: Temporal Lobe Epilepsy and the Exorcism of Anneliese Michel." Skeptical Inquirer, July 30.Time. 1976. "Religion: A Phenomenon of Fear." Time, September 6. Cowritten by Alaina Urquhart, Ash Kelley & Dave White (Since 10/2022)Produced & Edited by Mikie Sirois (Since 2023)Research by Dave White (Since 10/2022), Alaina Urquhart & Ash KelleyListener Correspondence & Collaboration by Debra LallyListener Tale Video Edited by Aidan McElman (Since 6/2025) Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
The Murders of Mary Phagan and Leo Frank
Atlanta Constituion . 1913. "Frank and Lee ordered held by coroner's jury for Mary Phagan murder." Atlanta Constitution , May 9: 1.Atlanta Constitution. 1915. "Mob's own story in detail." Atlanta Constitution, August 18: 1.Atlanta Journal. 1915. "Leo Frank forcibly taken from prison." Atlanta Journal , August 17: 1.—. 1913. "Arnold's motion for a mistrial is denied by Judge Roan." Atlanta Journal, August 25: 5.—. 1913. "Detectives building case on theory that Frank and negro can clear mystery." Atlanta Journal, April 29: 1.—. 1913. "Dorsey will finish his speech in few hours." Atlanta Journal, August 24: 1.—. 1913. "Factory girls eager to testify for Frank." Atlanta Journal, July 29: 1.—. 1913. "Frank Receives sentence like stoic, asserting his innocence of the crime." Atlanta Journal, August 26: 1.—. 1913. "Negro sweeper tells officer Frank asked him to write some notes day before tragedy." Atlanta Journal, May 24: 1.—. 1913. "Phagan case will go to grand jury in present form." Atlanta Journal, May 17: 1.—. 1913. "Phagan inquest in session." Atlanta Journal, May 8: 1.Berman, Sandra, and Jane Leavey. n.d. Seeking Justice: The Leo Frank Case Revisited. Atlanta, GA: The Breman Jewish Heritage and Holocaust Museum.Jewish Advocate. 1913. "Is Leo M. Frank of Atlanta GA., guilty of murder." Jewish Advocate, December 12: 1.New York Times. 1914. "Appeal for Frank in murder case." New York Times, February 25: 6.—. 1914. "Frank convicted by public clamor." New York Times, March 2: 1.—. 1914. "Split court denies new trial to Frank." New York Times, February 18: 3.—. 1915. "Took Frank's life in resentment." New York Times, August 18: 3.Oney, Steve. 2003. And the Dead Shall Rise: The Murder of Mary Phagan and the Lynching of Leo Frank. New York, NY: Pantheon Books.Slaton, John. 1915. "Gov. Slaton's statement." New York Times, June 22: 6.United Press International. 1982. "Alonzo mann, 83, Sunday made public a secret." United Press International, March 7. Cowritten by Alaina Urquhart, Ash Kelley & Dave White (Since 10/2022)Produced & Edited by Mikie Sirois (Since 2023)Research by Dave White (Since 10/2022), Alaina Urquhart & Ash KelleyListener Correspondence & Collaboration by Debra LallyListener Tale Video Edited by Aidan McElman (Since 6/2025) Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
The Disappearance of Daniel Robinson
Anyone with any knowledge of his disappearance is encouraged to reach out to the family through their 24/7 tip line at 844-602-0660, or to the Buckeye Police Department at 623-349-6411.When twenty-four-year-old geologist Daniel Robinson left work on the morning of June 23, 2021, no one knew where he was going or why he was leaving work so early; they only noticed that he was driving west, further into the desert. The unexpected departure was out of character for Robinson, so when he failed to return that afternoon and no one had heard from him outside of work, his disappearance was reported to the police. Days soon turned to weeks and there was still no sign of Daniel. Then, in late July, a month after he went missing, Daniel’s Jeep was found rolled over and crashed in a ravine some distance from the job site. The airbags in the car had both deployed and there was significant damage to the vehicle, but there was no sign of Daniel Robinson, turning a relatively routine missing person case into a bizarre mystery that remains unsolved to this day.ReferencesBeresford, Jack. 2021. Gabby Petito Case Sparks Appeal Over Unsolved Disappearance of Arizona Man. September 20. Accessed August 10, 2026. https://www.newsweek.com/gabby-petito-case-appeal-unsolved-disappearance-arizona-man-daniel-robinson-1630758.Cardoba Perez, Angela, and Perry Vandell. 2022. "Geologist remains missing one year later." Arizona Republic, June 24: 4.Ellis, Nicquel Terry. 2024. "Turning tragedy into purpose: Gabby Petito's father advocates for missing Black and brown people." CNN, December 24.Encinas, Amaris. 2021. "Family still searching for missing 24-year-old." Arizona Republic, September 21: 3.Galka, Matt, and Brent Corrado. 2021. Investigators release new details about crash leading up to geologist's disappearance. November 4. Accessed August 10, 2026. https://www.fox10phoenix.com/news/daniel-robinson-investigators-release-new-details-about-crash-leading-up-to-geologists-disappearance.Gonzalez, Jose. 2023. "Police reveal new casework on missing Tempe geologist." Arizona Republic, June 2: 12.Hardle, Alexandra. 2024. "How a missing son led Robinson to a run for Congress." Arizona Republic, March 20: B3.Jaafari, Joseph Darius. 2021. "Who crashed car belonging to missing geologist?" Arizona Republic, October 6: 1.Jensen, Audrey. 2021. "Search continues for man last seen in Buckeye." Arizona Republic, July 11: A4.2023. Disappeared. Directed by Ricky Lewis.Sarup, Eshaan. 2023. "New information on Daniel Robinson, who has been missing since 2021." Arizona Republic, October 13: 10. Cowritten by Alaina Urquhart, Ash Kelley & Dave White (Since 10/2022)Produced & Edited by Mikie Sirois (Since 2023)Research by Dave White (Since 10/2022), Alaina Urquhart & Ash KelleyListener Correspondence & Collaboration by Debra LallyListener Tale Video Edited by Aidan McElman (Since 6/2025) Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
The Mysterious Death of Kathleen Peterson (Part 2)
By the time Michael Peterson went to trial, the case had attracted national attention, particularly after details about his personal life came to light, particularly his numerous affairs with men. The case gained even more attention when it was learned that, in 1985, Michael Peterson’s friend Elizabeth Ratliff died under very similar circumstances to those of his wife. With significant evidence against him and no compelling argument for his innocence, Michael Peterson was found guilty of his wife’s murder in 2003. But, as it turned out, that was hardly the end of the story.ReferencesAssociated Press. 2002. "Durham novelist insists wife's death caused by fall on stairs, not beating." Winston-Salem Journal, February 20: 6.Cain, Brooke. 2022. A ‘Staircase’ timeline from Kathleen Peterson’s death to her husband’s trial and plea. May 10. Accessed July 16, 2026. https://www.newsobserver.com/news/local/article260637047.html.Curliss, J. Andrew, and Vicki Cheng. 2001. "Death of former candidate's wife under scrutiny." The News and Observer (Raleigh, NC), December 11: B1.Dalesio, Emery P. 2003. "Prosecution: Death was no accident." Charlotte Observer, October 4: 26.Griffin, Anna. 2003. "Durham writer found guilty of killing wife." Charlotte Observer, October 11: 1.—. 2001. "High-profiler gets unwanted attention." Charlotte Observer, December 16: 23.—. 2003. "Peterson murder case goes to jury." Charlotte Observer, October 7: B1.Jarvis, Craig. 2002. "Peterson case takes a turn." The News and Observer (Raleigh, NC), May 11: 1.Jarvis, Craig, and John Sullivan. 2001. "Peterson seen as vibrant, devoted." The News and Observer (Raleigh, NC), December 23: 1.Johns, Michael. 2002. "Peterson's motive?" The News and Observer (Raleigh, NC), January 20: 28.Jones, Aphrodite. 2013. A Perfect Husband. New York, NY: Pinnacle.Kane, Dan. 1999. "Mayoral candidate's fake-wound disclosure splits backers." News and Observer (Raleigh, NC), September 23: 3B.Lee, Demorris. 2003. "Agent's findings point to beating." The News and Observer (Raleigh, NC), August 15: 1.—. 2002. "Durham DA seeks exhumation." The News and Observer (Raleigh, NC), October 19: 1.—. 2003. "Sisters grant autopsy request." The News and Observer (Raleigh, NC), February 17: B1.—. 2002. "Stepdaughter files suit against Peterson." The News and Observer (Raleigh, NC), October 30: B3.Lee, Demorris, and Aisling Swift. 2001. "Peterson indicted in death." The News and Observer (Raleigh, NC), December 21: 1.—. 2001. "Peterson to spend holiday in jail." The News and Observer (Raleigh, NC), December 22: B1.Lee, Demorris, and Craig Jarvis. 2003. "Autopsy: Peterson friend slain." The News and Observer (Raleigh, NC), April 29: 1.Modell, Josh. 2018. "The real killer in The Staircase might be -- an owl?" Vulture, June 14.Murphy, Dennis. 2006. Death at the bottom of the stairs. November 25. Accessed July 16, 2026. https://www.nbcnews.com/id/wbna15894727.Peterson, Michael. 2019. Behind the Staircase. Durham, NC: Independently published.Press, Associated. 2001. "Special grand jury called in death of arts patron." Charlotte Observer, December 20: 23.Rogers, Patrick, and Lori Rozsa. 2022. Revisit PEOPLE's 2002 Conversation with Michael Peterson, Whose Wife's Death Inspired HBO Max's 'The Staircase'. May 5. Accessed July 16, 2026. https://people.com/crime/people-magazine-2002-interview-with-michael-peterson-the-staircase/.Saker, Anne. 2003. "Peterson Trial: Trial opens, rival lawyers offer weapon theory, accident scenario to jury." The News and Observer (Raleigh, NC), July 1: 1.—. 2003. "Sexuality introduced into the trial." The News and Observer (Raleigh, NC), August 8: 1.Sheehan, Ruth. 2002. "Is Peterson the wrong man, too?" The News and Observer (Raleigh, NC), February 21: 15.—. 2002. "Win-win tactic for DA." The News and Observer (Raleigh, NC), October 28: 15.State of North Carolina v. Michael Iver Peterson. 2007. 547A06 (Supreme Court of North Carolina, November 9). Cowritten by Alaina Urquhart, Ash Kelley & Dave White (Since 10/2022)Produced & Edited by Mikie Sirois (Since 2023)Research by Dave White (Since 10/2022), Alaina Urquhart & Ash KelleyListener Correspondence & Collaboration by Debra LallyListener Tale Video Edited by Aidan McElman (Since 6/2025) Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
The Mysterious Death of Kathleen Peterson (Part 1)
When Kathleen Peterson died in December 2001, it was assumed her death had been the result of an accidental fall down the stairs after combining alcohol and Valium. However, within a few weeks, suspicion fell on Kathleen’s husband, Michael, after the medical examiner concluded that Kathleen’s injuries were consistent with assault, not an accidental fall.By the time Michael Peterson went to trial, the case had attracted national attention, particularly after details about his personal life came to light. The case gained even more attention when it was learned that, in 1985, Michael Peterson’s friend Elizabeth Ratliff died under very similar circumstances to those of his wife. ReferencesAssociated Press. 2002. "Durham novelist insists wife's death caused by fall on stairs, not beating." Winston-Salem Journal, February 20: 6.Cain, Brooke. 2022. A ‘Staircase’ timeline from Kathleen Peterson’s death to her husband’s trial and plea. May 10. Accessed July 16, 2026. https://www.newsobserver.com/news/local/article260637047.html.Curliss, J. Andrew, and Vicki Cheng. 2001. "Death of former candidate's wife under scrutiny." The News and Observer (Raleigh, NC), December 11: B1.Dalesio, Emery P. 2003. "Prosecution: Death was no accident." Charlotte Observer, October 4: 26.Griffin, Anna. 2003. "Durham writer found guilty of killing wife." Charlotte Observer, October 11: 1.—. 2001. "High-profiler gets unwanted attention." Charlotte Observer, December 16: 23.—. 2003. "Peterson murder case goes to jury." Charlotte Observer, October 7: B1.Jarvis, Craig. 2002. "Peterson case takes a turn." The News and Observer (Raleigh, NC), May 11: 1.Jarvis, Craig, and John Sullivan. 2001. "Peterson seen as vibrant, devoted." The News and Observer (Raleigh, NC), December 23: 1.Johns, Michael. 2002. "Peterson's motive?" The News and Observer (Raleigh, NC), January 20: 28.Jones, Aphrodite. 2013. A Perfect Husband. New York, NY: Pinnacle.Kane, Dan. 1999. "Mayoral candidate's fake-wound disclosure splits backers." News and Observer (Raleigh, NC), September 23: 3B.Lee, Demorris. 2003. "Agent's findings point to beating." The News and Observer (Raleigh, NC), August 15: 1.—. 2002. "Durham DA seeks exhumation." The News and Observer (Raleigh, NC), October 19: 1.—. 2003. "Sisters grant autopsy request." The News and Observer (Raleigh, NC), February 17: B1.—. 2002. "Stepdaughter files suit against Peterson." The News and Observer (Raleigh, NC), October 30: B3.Lee, Demorris, and Aisling Swift. 2001. "Peterson indicted in death." The News and Observer (Raleigh, NC), December 21: 1.—. 2001. "Peterson to spend holiday in jail." The News and Observer (Raleigh, NC), December 22: B1.Lee, Demorris, and Craig Jarvis. 2003. "Autopsy: Peterson friend slain." The News and Observer (Raleigh, NC), April 29: 1.Modell, Josh. 2018. "The real killer in The Staircase might be -- an owl?" Vulture, June 14.Murphy, Dennis. 2006. Death at the bottom of the stairs. November 25. Accessed July 16, 2026. https://www.nbcnews.com/id/wbna15894727.Peterson, Michael. 2019. Behind the Staircase. Durham, NC: Independently published.Press, Associated. 2001. "Special grand jury called in death of arts patron." Charlotte Observer, December 20: 23.Rogers, Patrick, and Lori Rozsa. 2022. Revisit PEOPLE's 2002 Conversation with Michael Peterson, Whose Wife's Death Inspired HBO Max's 'The Staircase'. May 5. Accessed July 16, 2026. https://people.com/crime/people-magazine-2002-interview-with-michael-peterson-the-staircase/.Saker, Anne. 2003. "Peterson Trial: Trial opens, rival lawyers offer weapon theory, accident scenario to jury." The News and Observer (Raleigh, NC), July 1: 1.—. 2003. "Sexuality introduced into the trial." The News and Observer (Raleigh, NC), August 8: 1.Sheehan, Ruth. 2002. "Is Peterson the wrong man, too?" The News and Observer (Raleigh, NC), February 21: 15.—. 2002. "Win-win tactic for DA." The News and Observer (Raleigh, NC), October 28: 15.State of North Carolina v. Michael Iver Peterson. 2007. 547A06 (Supreme Court of North Carolina, November 9). Cowritten by Alaina Urquhart, Ash Kelley & Dave White (Since 10/2022)Produced & Edited by Mikie Sirois (Since 2023)Research by Dave White (Since 10/2022), Alaina Urquhart & Ash KelleyListener Correspondence & Collaboration by Debra LallyListener Tale Video Edited by Aidan McElman (Since 6/2025) Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.