Out Of The Shadows

In the first part of this compelling two-episode feature, "Sister Cathy: Unmasking Darkness with Jane Doe and The Keepers' Director," we welcome two pivotal figures who have played a crucial role in bringing the chilling story of Sister Cathy Cesnik's murder to the public eye.Ryan White, the director of the critically acclaimed Netflix documentary series "The Keepers," joins us to peel back the layers on the creation and impact of the series. With a director's precision and a storyteller's grace, White takes us behind the scenes, sharing the challenges and triumphs of documenting one of the most harrowing and enigmatic true crime stories of our time.Beside him is Jean Wehner, a woman of extraordinary courage whose testimony as Jane Doe became the cornerstone of the case against Father Joseph Maskell and the Archdiocese of Baltimore. Jean’s narrative is more than a survivor's tale; it's a beacon for truth and justice in the face of staggering adversity.Together, Shane Wa

Welcome to Episode 15 of our series: "Sister Cathy: Reflections from the Podcasters." In this interlude from the investigative journey, hosts Shane Waters and Gemma Hoskins take a moment to reflect on the path that has led them to uncover the intricate web of secrets and silence surrounding Sister Cathy's unsolved murder.This episode provides listeners with an inside look at the behind-the-scenes process of podcasting an intricate true crime story. Shane and Gemma share their experiences, challenges, and the weight of responsibility they feel in giving a voice to the silenced. They’ll delve into the impact that "The Keepers" documentary has had on the case and their personal lives, as well as on public perception.Expect an honest and candid discussion, a prelude to the next milestone in their journey—conversations with key figures from the Netflix docuseries. Mark your calendars for January 8th, when the series resumes with an impactful interview featuring Jean Wehner, the woman behind the

This episode pays homage to the crucial role teachers play in their students' lives. Teachers are often on the front lines of their students' well-being, serving as educators, protectors, and sometimes, the only line of defense against undisclosed traumas. Sister Cathy was such a teacher—a beacon of hope and guidance for many of her students.This episode doesn't just reflect on Sister Cathy's legacy as an educator; it sends a powerful message to all those in the teaching profession: Your role is critical, and the attention you pay to your students' lives could make all the difference. The sentiment "you never know" is a poignant reminder that vigilance can uncover hidden truths and possibly prevent tragedies.As part of our continuous series on Sister Cathy, we explore the intersection where education meets advocacy, where teaching meets safeguarding. We honor Sister Cathy's memory by recognizing the quiet yet powerful impact teachers can have, often in ways they "never know

In the thirteenth installment of our investigation into Sister Cathy's life and untimely death, we sit down with a former student of Sister Cathy and Sister Russell. But her connection with these women extends far beyond the confines of the classroom; they were mentors, shaping her worldview, and in time, became friends who offered glimpses into their lives outside their teaching vocations.This episode, "Sister Cathy: Beyond the Blackboard," bridges personal memories with historical context, as our guest reflects on the personal character and daily lives of these two influential educators. With Gemma Hoskins's insight and Shane Waters's probing inquiry, we explore the human side of Sister Cathy and Sister Russell, drawing a more intimate portrait of their passions, concerns, and the era they lived in—an era marked by social change and, tragically, by Sister Cathy's mysterious death.Through a series of reflective conversations, we aim to present a richer, multifaceted view of Sister Cat

In this episode of "Sister Cathy," Dr. Lee Richmond takes us through the enigmatic tale of Father Joseph Maskell, a character mired in complexity and contradiction. As a former professor of education at Loyola University Maryland, Dr. Richmond brings to the table her profound insights into the psyche of this man who was both a religious leader and a manipulative predator.The conversation delves into Dr. Richmond's personal recollections of Maskell, providing a contrasting image of the persona he presented to the world—a learned and seemingly compassionate counselor, against the backdrop of the heinous acts he is alleged to have committed. This juxtaposition of "Good Joe" with "Bad Joe" paints a vivid picture of the duality that Maskell embodied and the confounding aura that he cast around those who thought they knew him.As Gemma Hoskins and Shane Waters navigate this discussion with Dr. Richmond, listeners will be invited to reflect on the alarming potential for evil to reside behi

In "Sister Cathy: Echoes of Silence," we introduce a haunting narrative from Charles Franz, whose voice breaks decades of silence enveloping the abuses perpetrated by Father Joseph Maskell. At an age when innocence should be the only concern, Charles faced harrowing experiences that no child should ever endure.This episode journeys into the grim reality of Charles' youth, where the fantasy worlds of storybooks were brutally replaced by the nightmare of exploitation at the hands of a trusted priest. His story is a chilling reminder of the unseen battles many carry with them through life.Shane Waters and Gemma Hoskins honor Charles' bravery in revealing a past riddled with darkness, extending the narrative beyond female survivors and illuminating the nondiscriminatory nature of Maskell's abuse. Charles' testimony is not just a personal account; it's a critical piece of the larger puzzle that is the legacy of Sister Cathy's death and the systematic abuse hidden in plain sight.As y

Join us for a compelling Q&A session in "Sister Cathy: Voices From the Void," where your questions take center stage. Shane Waters and Gemma Hoskins address the queries, theories, and reflections submitted by you, our valued listeners. In this episode, we delve into the nuances of the investigation, clarifying doubts and shedding light on new perspectives.The exchange of questions and answers aims to deepen our collective understanding of the case's complexities, as Gemma and Shane dissect listener-provided insights with the rigor and respect that has become the hallmark of our series. Weaving through the labyrinth of Sister Cathy's murder investigation, every question asked and answered adds another layer to the mystery and magnifies our resolve for seeking the truth.As anticipation builds for our upcoming interviews, which promise to bring new revelations to the surface, this episode serves as a testament to the power of community engagement in the pursuit of justice. "Sister Cathy:

In this gripping installment of our Sister Cathy series, titled "Sister Cathy: The Prosecutor's Puzzle," we dive deep into the enigmatic role of Assistant State Attorney Sharon May. Featured guest, podcaster Brooke Gittings, brings her incisive take on May's controversial handling of the case, offering insights that shed light on the inner workings of the legal challenges and the hurdles to justice.The episode uncovers Sharon May's puzzling decision-making process, which has long been a subject of debate and speculation both in and out of court. Listeners will be taken on a journey through the intricate maze of prosecutorial discretion, exploring the interplay between law enforcement, the legal framework, and the potent mix of power and responsibility.Shane Waters and Gemma Hoskins lend their investigative prowess to the conversation, presenting a narrative that is as educational as it is compelling. With Gittings' expertise in the realm of true crime, this episode promises to unravel

Uncover a perplexing layer of the Sister Cathy Cesnik case in this episode, "Sister Cathy: Unseen Witness." As we delve into the peculiar circumstances surrounding her mysterious death, a shadowy figure emerges from the past - Sharon's Uncle Billy. His silent oversight from the apartment complex where Cathy resided casts a long, uncertain shadow on the investigation.Was Uncle Billy merely an unnoticed observer, or is there more to his silent vigil over Cathy's routines? The coincidence of Cathy's car found abandoned near his residence weaves a suspicious thread through the fabric of this case.Sharon Schmidt returns to our series with her insider perspective on Uncle Billy, igniting a conversation that oscillates between dark suspicions and the pursuit of truth. Shane Waters and Gemma Hoskins engage in a piercing dialogue, unraveling the potential connections that could shine a light on hidden aspects of the case.The episode explores the uncomfortable possibility that an unseen witness migh

In this seventh revealing episode, "Sister Cathy: The Courage of Jane Roe," we delve into the legal battles that erupted in the aftermath of revealed abuses by Father Maskell. Despite the troubling evidence presented by numerous victims, the state's prosecuting office, led by Sharon May, declined to press criminal charges – a decision met with bewilderment and frustration, which "The Keepers" documented with palpable tension.As criminal avenues were obstructed, two women—known to the world only as Jane Doe and Jane Roe—braved the public's scrutiny and the pain of their past to seek justice through civil action. Their lawsuits opened a new chapter in the quest for closure and accountability, setting a precedent for survivors fighting to be heard against powerful adversaries.Through a gripping narrative, this episode explores the complexities of the legal system, the courage it takes to confront one's abusers, and the systemic barriers victims face in their pursuit of justice. "S

This crucial sixth episode of our true crime investigation, "Sister Cathy: The Shadow Network," unveils a testimony that may shift the very foundations of this intricate case. Michele Stanton bravely steps forward, bridging gaps in a conspiracy that has long cast a shadow over the death of Sister Cathy.In a revelatory conversation, Michele connects Edgar Davison to Officer James Scannell, entwining the nefarious web that ties the church, law enforcement, and victims in a suffocating grasp of corruption and cover-up. As the net of collusion tightens, it becomes increasingly apparent that Father Maskell's influence was far-reaching, bolstered by his alliance with figures of authority.The episode serves not just as a narrative but as an exposé of the chilling brotherhood of silence that allowed predators to operate with impunity. With Michele's account, the list of those complicit in this web of abuse extends, challenging our hosts and listeners to confront the uncomfortable reality of systemic c

In the haunting fifth installment of our series, "Sister Cathy: Donna's Silent Struggle," we confront the chilling silence enforced by abuse. This episode holds a story that breaks the barriers of fear and survives the darkest of threats — Donna Vondenbosch's narrative of survival against a vow of imposed silence.Once a victim of the manipulative and monstrous Father Joseph Maskell, Donna, now a beacon of hope as a Nurse Practitioner, courageously shares her ordeal. Maskell's horrific influence extended beyond physical abuse to psychological torment, planting a lethal suggestion to ensure her silence: speaking out would mean death.In this episode, we not only recount Donna's struggle but also honor her bravery in reclaiming her voice. With utmost respect and sensitivity, we navigate the repercussions of her abuse — unraveling how the threat of compelled suicide served as a weapon to guard grim secrets.Hosts Shane Waters and Gemma Hoskins provide a compassionate platform for Donna's

In our fourth episode, "Sister Cathy: Unearthing Truths with Bob Erlandson," we delve into the labyrinthine tale of corruption, silence, and the quest for justice with veteran investigative reporter Bob Erlandson. Erlandson, with his seasoned journalist's eye, unpacks the complexities of Sister Cathy Cesnik's unsolved murder and the associated cover-up of rampant abuse within the Baltimore area. His unique insights offer a stark look into the convergence of media, law enforcement, and church in a city grappling with the ghosts of its past. Throughout the episode, hosts Shane Waters and Gemma Hoskins of "The Keepers" fame engage in a riveting discussion with Erlandson, exploring the intricacies of investigative reporting in the context of sensitive and scandalous narratives. With each question posed and story told, the episode crafts an intricate mosaic of both the historical and current climate surrounding sexual abuse cases. Listeners are taken on a journey through time, from the tumu

In the third episode of our gripping series, "Sister Cathy: Cindy's Courageous Journey," we are honored to share the harrowing and resilient story of Cindy Lovell. Once a victim ensnared in a web of systematic abuse, Cindy's tale is a testament to the strength of the human spirit in the face of unimaginable adversity. Cindy recounts her years of torment under Father Joseph Maskell at Archbishop Keough High School, an era marked by coercion, secrecy, and pain. Ignored by those she reached out to for aid, her experiences reflect a broader narrative of institutional failure and the silencing of survivors. Her voice, once withheld from the discourse amplified by "The Keepers," is now ready to emerge into the public consciousness. Through her narrative, we witness the transformation from victimhood to survival, charting a path of personal restoration and defiant reclaiming of truth. Hosts Shane Waters and Gemma Hoskins navigate this difficult conversation with sensitivity and resolve, under

Episode two of our investigative series, "Sister Cathy: Schmidt Family Shadows," finds hosts Shane Waters and Gemma Hoskins engaging in a poignant dialogue with Sharon Schmidt. In an intimate discussion, Sharon opens up about her family's proximity to a chilling nexus of unanswered questions and untimely deaths, with her uncle living just across from Sister Cathy Cesnik when she met her untimely end. As if torn from the pages of a novel, Sharon recounts the perplexing circumstances that shroud her family in mystery. With one unsolved murder casting a long shadow over their lives, the occurrence of a second tragedy just years later bends the arc of coincidence into a circle of suspicion. We explore the disturbing thought: Could there be a link between these two dark chapters in the Schmidt family history? This episode peers into the complexities and potential connections in these cases, examining the impact of Sister Cathy's murder on those who lived in the orbit of its intrigue. Sharon's t

In our opening episode of Season 2, titled "Sister Cathy: The Silenced Truth," we peel back the layers of one of Baltimore's most haunting mysteries: the unsolved murder of Sister Catherine Cesnik. Did Sister Cathy uncover a horrific web of abuse that led to her untimely death?As co-hosts Shane Waters and Gemma Hoskins explore new angles and unfurl evidence not seen in the Netflix series "The Keepers," this podcast continues the mission to bring justice to light. With Gemma's firsthand insights from starring in "The Keepers" and Shane's investigative prowess, the series takes listeners beyond the documentary into uncharted territory.The team engages with both familiar faces from the series and new voices that emerge from the past, bringing fresh perspectives to the fore. Each episode of this ongoing series offers a deep dive into the context of Sister Cathy's life, the dark secrets she may have stumbled upon, and the subsequent efforts to bury the truth alongside her.We

Today is Father’s day and two days before my birthday, so I wanted to share with you a special story about a tragedy that happened in my own family. On November 14, 1979, my dad was hit by a drunk driver - after 42 days in a coma he defied the doctors and woke up. My dad, and my family, were never the same again - but the question remains on if some things happen for a reason. If my dad were never in this horrific accident, I never would have been born.Find us ⁠online.⁠Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/foul-play-crime-series/donationsAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

In the case of Alvira Johnson and her seven children, it is unclear whether they were murdered or if they met their untimely end in an accident. Either way, their story is one that should be remembered. Alvira and Albin Johnson married around 1923, against her parents' wishes. Albin was 36 and Alvira was only 19.Both were born to Swedish immigrants and Albin was described as a typical farmer in the woods. He was strong and could always be seen wearing blue overalls. The couple had seven children together. Albin and Alvira Johnson were a poor family in the Great Depression. They had seven children together and were rumored to be expecting another.Their friendliness and lack of resources were well-known around their town. One day, their 10-year-old son, Harold, came home from playing with a friend and told his mother that he had eaten too much while at their house. She scolded him, but he didn't understand why Santa never left them anything at Christmas. Find us ⁠online.⁠Support the show by joining our

Charlie and Mavis McCloud are installing a new septic tank on their rural property in Canada. They found an old septic tank on the property and decided to use it. However, when they opened it, they found a human body inside. The body was wearing a gray wool sock and a brown shoe, and it appeared to be attached to a leg. In 1977, a couple in the small Canadian community of Tofield discovered a body in a septic tank. The body was wrapped in a yellow blanket and tied up with nylon, with no ID or indication of sex.After a lengthy autopsy, it was determined that the person was a white or native man who had been brutally beaten, burned, sexually mutilated, and shot before being dumped in the septic tank. A man's body was discovered in a septic tank on a farm in Canada. The body was well preserved, and it was later determined that the man was male, had all of his teeth, and had recently had dental work done. The man's identity remains unknown.In 1948 or 1949, a man known only as Sam was brutally murdered and

In a chilling one-off episode of Foul Play: Crime Series, "John Hubbard – The Bones in the Basement," Shane takes listeners on a journey into a dark chapter of Wabash, Indiana's history. The episode unfolds with a startling discovery made in the basement of the Wabash County Historical Museum, where an unassuming box reveals the remains of John Hubbard, a mid-19th-century serial killer.The narrative begins as Shane, exploring the old museum, stumbles upon this eerie relic and seeks to unravel the story behind it. He sits down with a local historian to delve into the sinister tale of John Hubbard, who, in a macabre twist of fate, murdered the French family and then audaciously took over their home and possessions.The episode vividly recounts the events leading up to the discovery of the French family's bodies, hidden beneath the floorboards of their own house. As the historian guides Shane through the grim details of the case, they discuss Hubbard's motivations and the methods he used to co