In 1999, a seventeen year old girl named Jessica Dishon was abducted out of her driveway in Shepherdsville, Kentucky as she was leaving for school. Though a rookie sheriff’s deputy tried to sound the alarm, a senior detective refused to come to the scene, dismissing her as a runaway. That mistake would kick off an egregious mishandling of the case, that included accusing an innocent neighbor with no real evidence. It would take fifteen years to bring Jessica’s real killer to justice. He was a serial pedophile, who had abused six children in the Dishon family.Sources: https://www.southernfriedtruecrime.com/53-jessica-dishonEpisode suggested by: Chelsea BiggersWritten, hosted, produced by Erica KelleyResearched by Erica KelleyOriginal Graphic Art by Coley Horner Original Music by Rob Harrison-Gamma RadioMerch | Donate | In the Media:https://southernfriedtruecrime.com @southfriedtruth (Twitter) @southernfriedtruecrime (Insta)https://www.facebook.com/southernfriedtruecrimehttps://www.youtube.com/southernfriedtruecrime

In 1948, a Delta Mississippi socialite named Ruth Thompson Dickins, hacked her mother to death with gardening shears. She blamed the murder on a “negro” man she claimed attacked her as well. But a jury of 12 white men didn’t believe her, in Mississippi, in 1949. That fact alone is incredible. But with her prominent family, wealthy and aggressive “cotton man” husband and the backing of the elite white people of her town and county, the governor of Mississippi was finally badgered into suspending her sentence after she served only six years. Sources: https://www.southernfriedtruecrime.com/52-the-murder-of-idella-thompsonWritten, hosted, produced by Erica KelleyResearched by Erica KelleyOriginal Graphic Art by Coley Horner Original Music by Rob Harrison-Gamma RadioMerch | Donate | In the Media:https://southernfriedtruecrime.com @southfriedtruth (Twitter) @southernfriedtruecrime (Insta)https://www.facebook.com/southernfriedtruecrimehttps://www.youtube.com/southernfriedtruecrime

In August of 2008, the small town of Springfield, Georgia was shaken by a double murder in one of the town’s most prominent families. Soon, the full story would come out. That one brother was sleeping with another brother’s wife, causing a family tragedy of almost Biblical proportions. Sources: https://www.southernfriedtruecrime.com/51the-heidt-double-murderWritten, hosted, produced by Erica KelleyResearched by Erica KelleyOriginal Graphic Art by Coley Horner Original Music by Rob Harrison-Gamma RadioMerch | Donate | In the Media:https://southernfriedtruecrime.com @southfriedtruth (Twitter) @southernfriedtruecrime (Insta)https://www.facebook.com/southernfriedtruecrimehttps://www.youtube.com/southernfriedtruecrime

In June of 2013, a 21 year old Vanderbilt student was gang raped in a dorm room by four football players. She was an unofficial hostess, one of the pretty girls coaches use to “assist” in player recruiting. She had no memory of the event, but her attackers had filmed and photographed it on their cell phones. They were also caught on security footage carrying her unconscious body into the dorm. The implications of this case affected Tennessee state law regarding public records, caused a Title IX investigation into Vanderbilt University and is emblematic of the continued, insidious rape culture rampant on American college campuses. Sources: https://www.southernfriedtruecrime.com/50-the-vanderbilt-rape-caseWritten, hosted, produced by Erica KelleyResearched by Erica KelleyOriginal Graphic Art by Coley Horner Original Music by Rob Harrison-Gamma RadioMerch | Donate | In the Media:https://southernfriedtruecrime.com @southfriedtruth (Twitter) @southernfriedtruecrime (Insta)https://www.facebook.com/southernfriedtruecrimehttps://www.youtube.com/southernfriedtruecrime

In June of 1985, residents of the Midland area of South Carolina were frozen in fear. Two girls were kidnapped and murdered and the sadistic man responsible relished in making phone calls to one of the families. This is part two of the case of serial killer Larry Gene Bell, covering the abduction and murder of nine year old Debra May Helmick and the investigation into both murders. I also discuss the trials for both murders, and the execution of Larry Gene Bell. Sources: https://www.southernfriedtruecrime.com/48-49-larry-gene-bell-part-1-2Special thanks to author and former SLED Lieutenant, Rita Shuler, who gave me permission to use her book as a major source for this episode: Murder in the Midlands: Larry Gene Bill and the 28 Days of Terror that Shook South Carolina.Shari Faye’s sister, Dawn Smith Jordan, also wrote book: Grace So Amazing.And Shari Faye Smith’s mother, Hilda Smith also wrote a book: The Rose of ShariWritten, hosted, produced by Erica KelleyResearched by Erica KelleyOriginal Graphic Art by Coley Horner Original Music by Rob Harrison-Gamma RadioMerch | Donate | In the Media:https://southernfriedtruecrime.com @southfriedtruth (Twitter) @southernfriedtruecrime (Insta)https://www.facebook.com/southernfriedtruecrimehttps://www.youtube.com/southernfriedtruecrime

In June of 1985, residents of the Midland area of South Carolina were frozen in fear. Two girls were kidnapped and murdered and the sadistic man responsible relished in making phone calls to one of the families. This is part one of two episodes on the crimes of Larry Gene Bell. Sources: https://www.southernfriedtruecrime.com/48-49-larry-gene-bell-part-1-2Special thanks to author and former SLED Lieutenant, Rita Shuler, who gave me permission to use her book as a major source for this episode: Murder in the Midlands: Larry Gene Bill and the 28 Days of Terror that Shook South Carolina.Written, hosted, produced by Erica KelleyResearched by Erica KelleyOriginal Graphic Art by Coley Horner Original Music by Rob Harrison-Gamma RadioMerch | Donate | In the Media:https://southernfriedtruecrime.com @southfriedtruth (Twitter) @southernfriedtruecrime (Insta)https://www.facebook.com/southernfriedtruecrimehttps://www.youtube.com/southernfriedtruecrime

In December of 2004, a beautiful young graduate student was brutally stabbed in her apartment. Her roommate was also attacked. He ran to a convenience store and called 911. Johnia Berry crawled, bleeding from her own apartment, and knocked on the five neighbor’s doors around her. No one answered. Paramedics got there while she was still alive but she died at the hospital. Unknown DNA was found at the crime scene. But there was no match in the database. There wouldn’t be a match made for almost three years. During that time, her parents lobbied for the Johnia Berry Act. It was signed into law in 2007 and it requires anyone arrested for a felony in Tennessee to be automatically swabbed for DNA. This is just one Johnia’s legacies. Sources: https://www.southernfriedtruecrime.com/47-the-life-death-legacy-of-johnia-berrWritten, hosted, produced by Erica KelleyResearched by Erica KelleyOriginal Graphic Art by Coley Horner Original Music by Rob Harrison-Gamma RadioMerch | Donate | In the Media:https://southernfriedtruecrime.com @southfriedtruth (Twitter) @southernfriedtruecrime (Insta)https://www.facebook.com/southernfriedtruecrimehttps://www.youtube.com/southernfriedtruecrime

My fault is past. But, O, what form of prayerCan serve my turn? Forgive me my foul murder?These words, from Shakespeare’s Hamlet, spurred a confession from a teenage murderess. Sixteen year old Marie Robards, of Fort Worth Texas, poisoned her own father, because she preferred to live with her beloved mother. Sources: https://www.southernfriedtruecrime.com/46-patricide-thy-name-is-marieSuggested *fictional* reading: Give Me Your Hand by Megan Abbott -- it is a novel based on Marie's case. I enjoyed it so much after researching this episode. Written, hosted, produced by Erica KelleyResearched by Erica KelleyOriginal Graphic Art by Coley Horner Original Music by Rob Harrison-Gamma RadioMerch | Donate | In the Media:https://southernfriedtruecrime.com @southfriedtruth (Twitter) @southernfriedtruecrime (Insta)https://www.facebook.com/southernfriedtruecrimehttps://www.youtube.com/southernfriedtruecrime

On New Year’s day of 2012, 38 year old Shelby Wilkie went missing. She left behind her three month old daughter. Shelby had been planning to leave her abusive husband. Michael Wilkie eventually admitted to burning Shelby’s body, though he insisted he didn’t kill her. He claimed that she committed suicide due to post partum depression. But the blood evidence in their home told a very different story. Sources :https://www.southernfriedtruecrime.com/45-the-murder-of-shelby-wilkieUS National Domestic Violence Hotline: 800-799-7233UK Domestic Abuse Hotline: 0808 2000 247Australia Rape & Domestic Violence Hotline: 800-737-732Canada: http://thelifelinecanada.ca./help/call/Episode suggested by Teresa HaynesWritten, hosted, produced by Erica KelleyResearched by Erica KelleyOriginal Graphic Art by Coley Horner Original Music by Rob Harrison-Gamma RadioMerch | Donate | In the Media:https://southernfriedtruecrime.com @southfriedtruth (Twitter) @southernfriedtruecrime (Insta)https://www.facebook.com/southernfriedtruecrimehttps://www.youtube.com/southernfriedtruecrime

From 1994 to 2008, a serial predator terrorized the Greater Nashville area. The Wooded Rapist moved like a ghost, through rainy nights, under the cover of trees, assaulting at least fourteen women before he was finally brought to justice.Sources: https://www.southernfriedtruecrime.com/44-the-wooded-rapist-robert-jason-burdickWritten, hosted, produced by Erica KelleyResearched by Erica KelleyOriginal Graphic Art by Coley Horner Original Music by Rob Harrison-Gamma RadioMerch | Donate | In the Media:https://southernfriedtruecrime.com @southfriedtruth (Twitter) @southernfriedtruecrime (Insta)https://www.facebook.com/southernfriedtruecrimehttps://www.youtube.com/southernfriedtruecrime

In 2003, a domestic violence case ended in a hostage stand-off at a Bi-Lo grocery store in Greenville, South Carolina. A young mother lost her life and a cognitively impaired young man was sentenced to death. US National Domestic Violence Hotline: 800-799-7233UK Domestic Abuse Hotline: 0808 2000 247Australia Rape & Domestic Violence Hotline: 800-737-732Canada: http://thelifelinecanada.ca./help/call/Sources: https://www.southernfriedtruecrime.com/43-hostage-stand-offEpisode Suggested by Ashley ReeceWritten, hosted, produced by Erica KelleyResearched by Erica KelleyOriginal Graphic Art by Coley Horner Original Music by Rob Harrison-Gamma RadioMerch | Donate | In the Media:https://southernfriedtruecrime.com @southfriedtruth (Twitter) @southernfriedtruecrime (Insta)https://www.facebook.com/southernfriedtruecrimehttps://www.youtube.com/southernfriedtruecrime

In the year 2000, Tracy Fortson was the first female deputy at the Oglethorpe County Sheriff’s Department in Georgia. She filed a sexual harassment claim against the department and then her boyfriend went missing. His body was found, Tracy was charged, but to this day she says she was framed. Sources: https://www.southernfriedtruecrime.com/42-the-deputy-the-body-builderSuggested Reading: M. William Phelps: Targeted: A Deputy, Her Love Affairs, A Brutal MurderWritten, hosted, produced by Erica KelleyResearched by Erica KelleyOriginal Graphic Art by Coley Horner Original Music by Rob Harrison-Gamma RadioMerch | Donate | In the Media:https://southernfriedtruecrime.com @southfriedtruth (Twitter) @southernfriedtruecrime (Insta)https://www.facebook.com/southernfriedtruecrimehttps://www.youtube.com/southernfriedtruecrime

Just before Christmas of 1985, a Corpus Christi couple was brutally slain with a hatchet and knife as they slept in their home. A local policeman was charged with the murders. The DA dropped the charges almost two years later due to lack of evidence, though it was a very strong circumstantial case. 34 years later and no other persons of interest have been investigated. #justice4GilletteIf you have any information about this tragic case, please contact the Corpus Christi police department at 361-886-2600.Sources: https://www.southernfriedtruecrime.com/41-gary-stephanie-gilletteThank you to Erica and Vincent from gone cold podcast for their generous collaboration with me on this case. If you haven’t checked out their show, please go right now and download the Gillette episodes. They covered this case in long form, with extensive interviews from many people involved. And a very special thank you to Shea, Kristie and Candace, the daughters of Gary Gillette and stepdaughters of Stephanie Gillette, for trusting me in telling their story. Written, hosted, produced by Erica KelleyResearched by Erica KelleyOriginal Graphic Art by Coley Horner Original Music by Rob Harrison of Gamma RadioMerch | Donate | In the Media:https://southernfriedtruecrime.com @southfriedtruth (Twitter) @southernfriedtruecrime (Insta)https://www.facebook.com/southernfriedtruecrimehttps://www.youtube.com/southernfriedtruecrime

Known as the “Bitter Blood Murders,” in 1985, first cousins and lovers, Susie Newsom Lynch and Fritz Klenner led police and SBI on a chase that ended in an explosion that killed them and Susie’s two young sons. It was the culmination of a bloody feud that had already left five dead, decimating two prominent families in a Southern Gothic tragedy of Shakespearean proportions. Sources: https://www.southernfriedtruecrime.com/40-the-bitter-blood-murdersThis case was first reported in a series of articles by journalist Jerry Bledsoe, who then researched the families for three years before releasing his #1 New York Times best-selling opus, Bitter Blood: A True Story of Southern Family Pride, Madness, and Multiple MurderThis incredible true crime classic is still in print to this day, as well as available on kindle.Case suggested by Bridgett JochumWritten, hosted, produced by Erica KelleyResearched by Erica KelleyOriginal Graphic Art by Coley Horner Original Music by Rob Harrison-Gamma RadioMerch | Donate | In the Media:https://southernfriedtruecrime.com @southfriedtruth (Twitter) @southernfriedtruecrime (Insta)https://www.facebook.com/southernfriedtruecrimehttps://www.youtube.com/southernfriedtruecrime

In a tiny town in Tennessee, a young couple are brutally shot, execution style in their home. Their infant son was still cradled in his dead mother’s arms. Initially police were baffled by the crime, until they uncovered a web of lies and manipulation so bizarre it would catapult the small town into the national spotlight. Sources: https://www.southernfriedtruecrime.com/39-catfishing-in-mountain-city-tnCase suggested by Linda MorganSuggested Reading: Too Pretty to Live: The Catfishing Murders of East Tennessee by James BrooksWritten, hosted, produced by Erica KelleyResearched by Erica KelleyOriginal Graphic Art by Coley Horner Original Music by Rob Harrison-Gamma RadioMerch | Donate | In the Media:https://southernfriedtruecrime.com @southfriedtruth (Twitter) @southernfriedtruecrime (Insta)https://www.facebook.com/southernfriedtruecrimehttps://www.youtube.com/southernfriedtruecrime

In 1999, a dedicated rookie police officer on the luxury island of Bald Head, North Carolina, is shot in the back of the head while on duty. Emergency officials destroyed the crime scene and all evidence and the DA quickly closed the case, ruling it a suicide. Her family sued in civil court to get the ruling changed to homicide and the case is still open to this day. Sources: https://www.southernfriedtruecrime.com/38-officer-davina-buff-jonesSuggested Reading: Out With Three: The Murder and Betrayal of Bald Head Island Police Officer Davina Buff JonesCase suggested by Allie R.Written, hosted, produced by Erica KelleyResearched by Erica KelleyOriginal Graphic Art by Coley Horner Original Music by Rob Harrison-Gamma RadioMerch | Donate | In the Media:https://southernfriedtruecrime.com @southfriedtruth (Twitter) @southernfriedtruecrime (Insta)https://www.facebook.com/southernfriedtruecrimehttps://www.youtube.com/southernfriedtruecrime

A young mother goes on a personal journey and leaves her deadbeat husband. He couldn’t let that happen. And the press disgustingly blamed her for it. US National Domestic Violence Hotline: 800-799-7233UK Domestic Abuse Hotline: 0808 2000 247Australia Rape & Domestic Violence Hotline: 800-737-732Canada: http://thelifelinecanada.ca./help/call/Sources: https://www.southernfriedtruecrime.com/37-heather-palumbo-jonesSpecial thanks to suggested by Lindsey Murphy-Thomas for suggesting this case.Written, hosted, produced by Erica KelleyResearched by Erica KelleyOriginal Graphic Art by Coley Horner Original Music by Rob Harrison-Gamma RadioMerch | Donate | In the Media:https://southernfriedtruecrime.com @southfriedtruth (Twitter) @southernfriedtruecrime (Insta)https://www.facebook.com/southernfriedtruecrimehttps://www.youtube.com/southernfriedtruecrime

Cyntoia Brown was granted clemency by Tennessee Governor Bill Haslam today. To hear Cyntoia's story, check out episode 9 #freeCyntoiaBrown: A Minor Facing Life in Prison.Sources for the original episode on Cyntoia's case and today's update: https://www.southernfriedtruecrime.com/9-free-cyntoia-brownWritten, hosted, produced by Erica KelleyResearched by Erica KelleyOriginal Graphic Art by Coley Horner Original Music by Rob Harrison-Gamma RadioMerch | Donate | In the Media:https://southernfriedtruecrime.com @southfriedtruth (Twitter) @southernfriedtruecrime (Insta)https://www.facebook.com/southernfriedtruecrimehttps://www.youtube.com/southernfriedtruecrime

The Christmas Eve murder of a beloved bartender and manager of a gay nightclub in Houma, Louisiana. Hate crime or robbery? Or maybe both. Sources: https://www.southernfriedtruecrime.com/36-the-murder-of-robert-lecompteSpecial Thanks to this episode’s Patreon Producer, Lynn Cummings!Written, hosted, produced by Erica KelleyResearched by Erica KelleyOriginal Graphic Art by Coley Horner Original Music by Rob Harrison-Gamma RadioMerch | Donate | In the Media:https://southernfriedtruecrime.com @southfriedtruth (Twitter) @southernfriedtruecrime (Insta)https://www.facebook.com/southernfriedtruecrimehttps://www.youtube.com/southernfriedtruecrime

In 1997, in the tiny town of Santa Claus, Georgia, a former foster child returned to the loving family who had taken him in. Jerry Scott Heidler destroyed their family and almost destroyed the “town who loves children.”Sources: https://www.southernfriedtruecrime.com/35-santa-claus-georgiaSuggested Reading: Fear Came to Town: The Santa Claus, Georgia MurdersSpecial Thanks to this episode’s Patreon Producer, Megan BullardWritten, hosted, produced by Erica KelleyResearched by Erica KelleyOriginal Graphic Art by Coley Horner Original Music by Rob Harrison-Gamma RadioMerch | Donate | In the Media:https://southernfriedtruecrime.com @southfriedtruth (Twitter) @southernfriedtruecrime (Insta)https://www.facebook.com/southernfriedtruecrimehttps://www.youtube.com/southernfriedtruecrime

In 1992, A young mother in Atlanta was in a loveless marriage. Her husband was a criminal. She wanted to leave, but he had too many legal connections and kept complete control of their money. When she decided to prove what he was, he had her shot to death in front of their two little boys. Sources: https://www.southernfriedtruecrime.com/34-the-execution-of-sara-ambrusko-tokarsSpecial Thanks to listeners Sara Lindsey and John Williams who suggested today’s case.Written, hosted, produced by Erica KelleyResearched by Erica KelleyOriginal Graphic Art by Coley Horner Original Music by Rob Harrison-Gamma RadioMerch | Donate | In the Media:https://southernfriedtruecrime.com @southfriedtruth (Twitter) @southernfriedtruecrime (Insta)https://www.facebook.com/southernfriedtruecrimehttps://www.youtube.com/southernfriedtruecrime

In 1974, a feisty, outspoken woman in St. Augustine, FL became embroiled in a ridiculous feud with her neighbors, one that went public and turned most of the old city against her. Then she was brutally murdered with a machete on her own front porch, in broad daylight. And her murderer was set free. Sources: https://www.southernfriedtruecrime.com/33-an-inconvenient-womanIf you're interested in reading more about this fascinating and infuriating case, please check out "Murder in St. Augustine: The Mysterious Death of Athalia Ponsell Lindsley" by Elizabeth Randall: Special thanks to Southern Fried listener, Chadwick, for suggesting this case.Written, hosted, produced by Erica KelleyResearched by Erica KelleyOriginal Graphic Art by Coley Horner Original Music by Rob Harrison-Gamma RadioMerch | Donate | In the Media:https://southernfriedtruecrime.com @southfriedtruth (Twitter) @southernfriedtruecrime (Insta)https://www.facebook.com/southernfriedtruecrimehttps://www.youtube.com/southernfriedtruecrime

Corpsewood Manor in Northern Georgia is an infamous haunted tourist attraction. And many believe it is cursed. Either by the ghosts of the men murdered there, or by a more mysterious and evil entity. Sources: https://www.southernfriedtruecrime.com/32-the-corpsewood-manor-murdersReading recommendation: The Corpsewood Manor Murders of North Georgia by Amy PetullaWritten, hosted, produced by Erica KelleyResearched by Erica KelleyOriginal Graphic Art by Coley Horner Original Music by Rob Harrison-Gamma RadioMerch | Donate | In the Media:https://southernfriedtruecrime.com @southfriedtruth (Twitter) @southernfriedtruecrime (Insta)https://www.facebook.com/southernfriedtruecrimehttps://www.youtube.com/southernfriedtruecrime

Double jeopardy protects our citizens from malicious prosecution. But every now and then, the good guys lose. And the bad guy benefits from this protection we all enjoy. The Brenda Schaefer case is an extreme example of dedicated police work and earnest prosecution still losing to abject evil. Sources: https://www.southernfriedtruecrime.com/31-justice-deniedSpecial thank you to author Bob Hill. His book, Double Jeopardy, was an incredible resource in researching this case. Written, hosted, produced by Erica KelleyResearched by Erica KelleyOriginal Graphic Art by Coley Horner Original Music by Rob Harrison-Gamma RadioMerch | Donate | In the Media:https://southernfriedtruecrime.com @southfriedtruth (Twitter) @southernfriedtruecrime (Insta)https://www.facebook.com/southernfriedtruecrimehttps://www.youtube.com/southernfriedtruecrime

In August of 2017, Hurricane Harvey was bearing down on the gulf coast and a beautiful mother of two vanishes. In the days that followed, Baytown, Texas had to contend with historic rainfall and flooding while searching for Crystal McDowell. But if it wasn't for the storm, her murderer would probably have gotten away with it. Sources: https://www.southernfriedtruecrime.com/30-the-disappearance-of-crystal-mcdowellWritten, hosted, produced by Erica KelleyResearched by Erica KelleyOriginal Graphic Art by Coley Horner Original Music by Rob Harrison-Gamma RadioMerch | Donate | In the Media:https://southernfriedtruecrime.com @southfriedtruth (Twitter) @southernfriedtruecrime (Insta)https://www.facebook.com/southernfriedtruecrimehttps://www.youtube.com/southernfriedtruecrime

The conclusion to the Narcissistic Family Annihilator, Jeffrey MacDonald. MacDonald is a brutal and cold murderer that destroyed his family to save himself and in doing so, brought family annihilators into the public consciousness. Sources: https://www.southernfriedtruecrime.com/28-29-jeffrey-macdonaldKey:A – Colette MacDonaldB – Jeffrey MacDonaldAB – Kimberley MacDonaldO – Kristen MacDonaldWritten, hosted, produced by Erica KelleyResearched by Erica KelleyOriginal Graphic Art by Coley Horner Original Music by Rob Harrison-Gamma RadioMerch | Donate | In the Media:https://southernfriedtruecrime.com @southfriedtruth (Twitter) @southernfriedtruecrime (Insta)https://www.facebook.com/southernfriedtruecrimehttps://www.youtube.com/southernfriedtruecrime

There are some murders that are so intrinsically shocking that we all become obsessed. Known as the family annihilator, these horrific cases dominate our news and social media. This is the historic case of one of the most infamous monsters who destroy their families: Jeffrey MacDonald. Sources: https://www.southernfriedtruecrime.com/28-29-jeffrey-macdonaldWritten, hosted, produced by Erica KelleyResearched by Erica KelleyOriginal Graphic Art by Coley Horner Original Music by Rob Harrison-Gamma RadioMerch | Donate | In the Media:https://southernfriedtruecrime.com @southfriedtruth (Twitter) @southernfriedtruecrime (Insta)https://www.facebook.com/southernfriedtruecrimehttps://www.youtube.com/southernfriedtruecrime

The 1980’s were the beginning of a sea change in politics and drug culture in the United States. Listen to this tale of how a cocaine, corruption, a double murder, and a dead patsy trumped justice in one Ozark town. Sources: https://www.southernfriedtruecrime.com/27-murder-in-the-ozarksWritten, hosted, produced by Erica KelleyResearched by Erica KelleyOriginal Graphic Art by Coley Horner Original Music by Rob Harrison-Gamma RadioMerch | Donate | In the Media:https://southernfriedtruecrime.com @southfriedtruth (Twitter) @southernfriedtruecrime (Insta)https://www.facebook.com/southernfriedtruecrimehttps://www.youtube.com/southernfriedtruecrime

Bonus Episode-- an interview with acclaimed thriller novelist, Laura Lippman. Her modern noir novel, Sunburn, comes out in paperback today!http://www.lauralippman.nethttps://www.facebook.com/lauralippmanTwitter: @LauraMLippmanWritten, hosted, produced by Erica KelleyResearched by Erica KelleyOriginal Graphic Art by Coley Horner Original Music by Rob Harrison-Gamma RadioMerch | Donate | In the Media:https://southernfriedtruecrime.com @southfriedtruth (Twitter) @southernfriedtruecrime (Insta)https://www.facebook.com/southernfriedtruecrimehttps://www.youtube.com/southernfriedtruecrime

Lauren Agee went to Center Hill Lake in Smithville, Tennessee with some "friends" to attend the annual wake-boarding tournament known as WakeFest. They were camping on a steep cliff, 90 feet above the water. She supposedly went to bed Saturday night, and was missing the next morning. She was found hours later by two fishermen, floating dead, face down in a cove. Her death was barely investigated and her friends acted extremely suspicious. Sources: https://www.southernfriedtruecrime.com/25-lauren-ageeSpecial thanks to private investigator, Sheila Wysocki. Check out her podcast on Lauren's case called Without Warning. It's a long form series on her investigation into Lauren's suspicious death. Also special thanks to Sherry and Michael Smith for trusting me with your daughter's story. I hope it helps.Written, hosted, produced by Erica KelleyResearched by Erica KelleyOriginal Graphic Art by Coley Horner Original Music by Rob Harrison-Gamma RadioMerch | Donate | In the Media:https://southernfriedtruecrime.com @southfriedtruth (Twitter) @southernfriedtruecrime (Insta)https://www.facebook.com/southernfriedtruecrimehttps://www.youtube.com/southernfriedtruecrime

I had a wonderful chat with Dr. Peter Vronsky, author, historian and serial killer expert. He came on the show to discuss his new book, Sons of Cain: A History of Serial Killers from the Stone Age to the Present. We covered everything, from the historical witch hunts, which Peter considers the state sanctioned serial murder of women, to Jack the Ripper and the Golden Age of serial killers, beginning in the 1970’s through the 90’s. And of course, his special relationship to serial killer, Richard Cotthingham. For more information, visit Peter’s website:http://www.petervronskybooks.comWritten, hosted, produced by Erica KelleyResearched by Erica KelleyOriginal Graphic Art by Coley Horner Original Music by Rob Harrison-Gamma RadioMerch | Donate | In the Media:https://southernfriedtruecrime.com @southfriedtruth (Twitter) @southernfriedtruecrime (Insta)https://www.facebook.com/southernfriedtruecrimehttps://www.youtube.com/southernfriedtruecrime

I had a lovely chat with author and historian, Patrick Bowmaster, about his ebook "What the Little Dog Witnessed." He was kind enough to talk to me about his research as well as how he went about getting it published. Special shout out to Richard from the podcast True Crime Historian!For more information, please visit Patrick's blog:https://patrickbowmaster.wordpress.com/Written, hosted, produced by Erica KelleyResearched by Erica KelleyOriginal Graphic Art by Coley Horner Original Music by Rob Harrison-Gamma RadioMerch | Donate | In the Media:https://southernfriedtruecrime.com @southfriedtruth (Twitter) @southernfriedtruecrime (Insta)https://www.facebook.com/southernfriedtruecrimehttps://www.youtube.com/southernfriedtruecrime

The Reckoning: The Trials of Perry March is the conclusion to the Janet Levine March series. It took ten years to get Perry March to justice, and he didn’t go down alone.Sources: https://www.southernfriedtruecrime.com/20-21-22-janet-levine-marchWritten, hosted, produced by Erica KelleyResearched by Erica KelleyOriginal Graphic Art by Coley Horner Original Music by Rob Harrison-Gamma RadioMerch | Donate | In the Media:https://southernfriedtruecrime.com @southfriedtruth (Twitter) @southernfriedtruecrime (Insta)https://www.facebook.com/southernfriedtruecrimehttps://www.youtube.com/southernfriedtruecrime

The investigation into the disappearance of Janet Levine March was going cold, but the war between Perry March and the Levines was about to explode. Part 2 of 3. Sources: https://www.southernfriedtruecrime.com/20-21-22-janet-levine-marchWritten, hosted, produced by Erica KelleyResearched by Erica KelleyOriginal Graphic Art by Coley Horner Original Music by Rob Harrison-Gamma RadioMerch | Donate | In the Media:https://southernfriedtruecrime.com @southfriedtruth (Twitter) @southernfriedtruecrime (Insta)https://www.facebook.com/southernfriedtruecrimehttps://www.youtube.com/southernfriedtruecrime 

A beautiful young artist, mother and wealthy native of Nashville goes missing. (Part 1 of 3)Sources: https://www.southernfriedtruecrime.com/20-21-22-janet-levine-marchWritten, hosted, produced by Erica KelleyResearched by Erica KelleyOriginal Graphic Art by Coley Horner Original Music by Rob Harrison-Gamma RadioMerch | Donate | In the Media:https://southernfriedtruecrime.com @southfriedtruth (Twitter) @southernfriedtruecrime (Insta)https://www.facebook.com/southernfriedtruecrimehttps://www.youtube.com/southernfriedtruecrime

We're shaking things up this week on Southern Fried! Join me as I chat with international best-selling author, Karin Slaughter. She is a critically acclaimed and much beloved crime writer known for her gripping page turners. And she's a sassy, southern woman who is a lot of fun to interview. I think you're gonna love her. We talk about crime, her writing process, getting to know female cops, the #metoo movement, daddy's girls and even dish about everyone's favorite guilty pleasure: VC Andrews. Go buy her brilliant stand alone novel "The Good Daughter" in paperback today! And be on the look out for her new novel, "Pieces of Her", coming out on August 21, 2018. http://www.karinslaughter.comhttps://www.facebook.com/AuthorKarinSlaughterTwitter: @SlaughterKarin  Insta: @karinslaughterauthorWritten, hosted, produced by Erica KelleyResearched by Erica KelleyOriginal Graphic Art by Coley Horner Original Music by Rob Harrison-Gamma RadioMerch | Donate | In the Media:https://southernfriedtruecrime.com @southfriedtruth (Twitter) @southernfriedtruecrime (Insta)https://www.facebook.com/southernfriedtruecrimehttps://www.youtube.com/southernfriedtruecrime  

The story of Shelly Michael, former cheerleader, wife, mother, stepmother, nurse practitioner and murderer could not be contained in one episode. I hope you enjoy the conclusion of this West Virginian saga.Sources: https://www.southernfriedtruecrime.com/17-18-shelly-michaelIf you’re interested in learning more about this case, check out my best source. Author John Glatt wrote the definitive work on Shelly Michael: Playing with Fire: A Nurse, Her Husband, and a Marriage Turned Fatal. He covers Shelly’s trial in depth as well as many more players in this story I didn’t have time for. Written, hosted, produced by Erica KelleyResearched by Erica KelleyOriginal Graphic Art by Coley Horner Original Music by Rob Harrison-Gamma RadioMerch | Donate | In the Media:https://southernfriedtruecrime.com @southfriedtruth (Twitter) @southernfriedtruecrime (Insta)https://www.facebook.com/southernfriedtruecrimehttps://www.youtube.com/southernfriedtruecrime 

The story of Shelly Michael, wife, mother, stepmother, nurse practitioner and murderer could not be contained in one episode. I hope you enjoy part one of this West Virginian saga about a former Mountaineer cheerleader turned murderess. Sources: https://www.southernfriedtruecrime.com/17-18-shelly-michaelIf you’re interested in learning more about this case, check out my best source. Author John Glatt wrote the definitive work on Shelly Michael: Playing with Fire: A Nurse, Her Husband, and a Marriage Turned Fatal. He covers Shelly’s trial in depth as well as many more players in this story I didn’t have time for. Written, hosted, produced by Erica KelleyResearched by Erica KelleyOriginal Graphic Art by Coley Horner Original Music by Rob Harrison-Gamma RadioMerch | Donate | In the Media:https://southernfriedtruecrime.com @southfriedtruth (Twitter) @southernfriedtruecrime (Insta)https://www.facebook.com/southernfriedtruecrimehttps://www.youtube.com/southernfriedtruecrime 

An 18 year old girl tortures and kills another teenager and is sentenced to death. Does she belong on Death Row? You decide. Sources: https://www.southernfriedtruecrime.com/16-christa-pikeWritten, hosted, produced by Erica KelleyResearched by Erica KelleyOriginal Graphic Art by Coley Horner Original Music by Rob Harrison-Gamma RadioMerch | Donate | In the Media:https://southernfriedtruecrime.com @southfriedtruth (Twitter) @southernfriedtruecrime (Insta)https://www.facebook.com/southernfriedtruecrimehttps://www.youtube.com/southernfriedtruecrime

In 1987, Willie Grimes is accused of the rape of an elderly white woman. He has an alibi and there is no physical evidence. And yet he is still taken to trial and convicted. It would take 24 years to prove his innocence.Sources: https://www.southernfriedtruecrime.com/15-willie-grimesWritten, hosted, produced by Erica KelleyResearched by Erica KelleyOriginal Graphic Art by Coley Horner Original Music by Rob Harrison-Gamma RadioMerch | Donate | In the Media:https://southernfriedtruecrime.com @southfriedtruth (Twitter) @southernfriedtruecrime (Insta)https://www.facebook.com/southernfriedtruecrimehttps://www.youtube.com/southernfriedtruecrime

The murder of an 18 year old girl, the mayor, a cover up and the 20 year investigation that blew the lid off.Sources: https://www.southernfriedtruecrime.com/14-the-babysitter-murderSpecial thanks to author Michael Bishop for graciously talking with me about his investigation. https://www.amazon.com/Murder-Music-City-Corruption-Innocent/dp/1633883450Written, hosted, produced by Erica KelleyResearched by Erica KelleyOriginal Graphic Art by Coley Horner Original Music by Rob Harrison-Gamma RadioMerch | Donate | In the Media:https://southernfriedtruecrime.com @southfriedtruth (Twitter) @southernfriedtruecrime (Insta)https://www.facebook.com/southernfriedtruecrimehttps://www.youtube.com/southernfriedtruecrime

For five months, beginning in November of 2012, a pair of arsonists would terrorize Accomack County, Virginia, setting more than 80 fires. This is a love story. Happy Valentine’s Day.Sources: https://www.southernfriedtruecrime.com/13-burning-loveSpecial thanks to author Monica Hesse. Her book, American Fire: Love, Arson, and Life in a Vanishing Land, was an invaluable resource for this episode. Written, hosted, produced by Erica KelleyResearched by Erica KelleyOriginal Graphic Art by Coley Horner Original Music by Rob Harrison-Gamma RadioMerch | Donate | In the Media:https://southernfriedtruecrime.com @southfriedtruth (Twitter) @southernfriedtruecrime (Insta)https://www.facebook.com/southernfriedtruecrimehttps://www.youtube.com/southernfriedtruecrime

In 1999, PFC Barry Winchell was beaten to death in his bed in the barracks of Fort Campbell, Kentucky. He had been harassed and abused for months over his relationship with a transgender show girl named Calpernia Addams. His murder and the subsequent publicity and activism by his family and girlfriend helped to finally end the Don't Ask, Don't Tell era of the US Military.Sources: https://www.southernfriedtruecrime.com/12-the-murder-of-pfc-barry-winchellSpecial thanks to Calpernia AddamsWritten, hosted, produced by Erica KelleyResearched by Erica KelleyOriginal Graphic Art by Coley Horner Original Music by Rob Harrison-Gamma RadioMerch | Donate | In the Media:https://southernfriedtruecrime.com @southfriedtruth (Twitter) @southernfriedtruecrime (Insta)https://www.facebook.com/southernfriedtruecrimehttps://www.youtube.com/southernfriedtruecrime

In 1999, Karen Tipton was murdered in the small town of Decatur, Alabama. A biased judge, ruthless defense attorneys and unethical media coverage would turn her killer's murder trial(s) into a three ring circus. And her husband and daughters are the ones who ultimately paid the price.Sources: https://www.southernfriedtruecrime.com/11-decatur-justiceWritten, hosted, produced by Erica KelleyResearched by Erica KelleyOriginal Graphic Art by Coley Horner Original Music by Rob Harrison-Gamma RadioMerch | Donate | In the Media:https://southernfriedtruecrime.com @southfriedtruth (Twitter) @southernfriedtruecrime (Insta)https://www.facebook.com/southernfriedtruecrimehttps://www.youtube.com/southernfriedtruecrime

In 1991, a young mother is murdered. Small town cops have their suspect almost immediately. But they do not arrest. Years pass, and Kathy Page's father started a billboard campaign calling out her ex-husband as the suspect and the police as corrupt. Her unresolved murder and the famous billboards that have stood for over 27 years inspired the award winning movie, Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri. Sources: https://www.southernfriedtruecrime.com/10-the-murder-of-kathy-pageWritten, hosted, produced by Erica KelleyResearched by Erica KelleyOriginal Graphic Art by Coley Horner Original Music by Rob Harrison-Gamma RadioMerch | Donate | In the Media:https://southernfriedtruecrime.com @southfriedtruth (Twitter) @southernfriedtruecrime (Insta)https://www.facebook.com/southernfriedtruecrimehttps://www.youtube.com/southernfriedtruecrime

Cyntoia Brown was 16 years old when she committed murder. But it isn’t as simple as that. She was also a rape victim, pimped out and had been abandoned as a child. Did the system fail her?Sources: https://www.southernfriedtruecrime.com/9-free-cyntoia-brownWritten, hosted, produced by Erica KelleyResearched by Erica KelleyOriginal Graphic Art by Coley Horner Original Music by Rob Harrison-Gamma RadioMerch | Donate | In the Media:https://southernfriedtruecrime.com @southfriedtruth (Twitter) @southernfriedtruecrime (Insta)https://www.facebook.com/southernfriedtruecrimehttps://www.youtube.com/southernfriedtruecrime

A scandalous double murder in a small Kentucky town notorious for police corruption. Will there be justice?Sources: https://www.southernfriedtruecrime.com/the-kentucky-bordello-murdersWritten, hosted, produced by Erica KelleyResearched by Erica KelleyOriginal Graphic Art by Coley Horner Original Music by Rob Harrison-Gamma RadioMerch | Donate | In the Media:https://southernfriedtruecrime.com @southfriedtruth (Twitter) @southernfriedtruecrime (Insta)https://www.facebook.com/southernfriedtruecrimehttps://www.youtube.com/southernfriedtruecrime

A scandalous double murder in a small military town with a long history of corruption plays out like a hillbilly soap opera in the national spotlight.Sources: https://www.southernfriedtruecrime.com/the-kentucky-bordello-murdersWritten, hosted, produced by Erica KelleyResearched by Erica KelleyOriginal Graphic Art by Coley Horner Original Music by Rob Harrison-Gamma RadioMerch | Donate | In the Media:https://southernfriedtruecrime.com @southfriedtruth (Twitter) @southernfriedtruecrime (Insta)https://www.facebook.com/southernfriedtruecrimehttps://www.youtube.com/southernfriedtruecrime