Out Of The Shadows

In this special one-off episode we step back in time to unravel one of the oldest and most perplexing missing child cases in American history. This episode delves into the mysterious vanishing of nine-year-old Catherine Winters from New Castle, Indiana, in 1913, a case that has captivated and baffled investigators for over a century.The episode begins with an overview of the historical context of New Castle in the early 20th century, setting the stage for the fateful day of Catherine's disappearance. We explore the events leading up to the day she went missing, piecing together the last known movements and sightings of the young girl. The narrative unfolds through a blend of historical records, eyewitness accounts, and expert interviews, painting a vivid picture of the community's shock and the extensive search efforts that ensued.As the investigation of Catherine's disappearance unfolds, we examine the various theories and suspects that emerged over the years. The episode delves into the challeng

In the powerful season finale, "Throwaways: Crosses of Remembrance," we return to the haunting question that has threaded through our series: How do we honor those who society has too often chosen to forget? This final episode offers a reflective and personal account of one man's quest to provide a semblance of remembrance to the victims of the Redhead Murders.For years, our host has been driven by the need to acknowledge the lives lost—lives that were marginalized and dismissed, their final resting places marked by anonymity. This act of defiance against oblivion is symbolized by the simple red crosses he plants, a gesture as much about resistance as it is about remembrance.Throughout the episode, we confront the complexities of memory and loss. While recognizing the limitations of these symbolic gestures, our host grapples with the necessity of the act, refusing to succumb to the same apathy that often shrouds such tragedies. The red crosses stand not only as memorials but as silent sentinels ch

Episode eight of "Throwaways," titled "Throwaways: Alibi Ironies," uncovers the bewildering case of Jerry Johns and the staggering realization that the ultimate alibi shielded him from suspicion in the Redhead Murders. In a narrative that subverts all expectations, we explore the ironic twist of fate that placed Johns beyond the reach of law enforcement precisely when his alleged crimes were committed.The clarity of hindsight reveals the flawed brilliance of Johns' alibi. Having been in police custody, he was overlooked as a suspect, creating a formidable barrier to connecting him to the series of crimes that terrorized the southeast in the 1980s. We dissect the thought process that led to this critical oversight, peeling back the layers of law enforcement tactics and the assumptions that can obscure the truth.With detailed accounts and insights from experts, this episode scrutinizes how proximity to the police can become a cunning cover for a criminal. The logic seems unassailable: if you

"Throwaways: Echoes from the Edge," the seventh episode of our series, presents a raw and empathetic look at the life of the individuals often dismissed as 'lot lizards.' These are not just individuals who have chosen this path out of a myriad of options; instead, their journey to the asphalt corners of truck stops is marked by a constellation of traumas.In this episode, we delve into the poignant and turbulent backstories that precede the neon signs and rumbling engines of truck stop sex work. The narrative of each 'lot lizard' we encounter is eerily similar, echoing themes of domestic turmoil and manipulation by those they once trusted.Through intimate interviews, we uncover the harsh realities that push individuals into this line of work, revealing the often unseen struggles that start right at the supposed sanctity of 'home.' We navigate through their tales, understanding how the landscape of their past—dotted with damaging relationships and abuse—maps a road to the high-ri

In the sixth gripping episode of our series, "Throwaways: A Mother's Shadow," we delve into the twisted psyche of Jerry Johns and the dark undercurrents of his murderous spree. Freudian theory posits that the mother-son relationship is complex and often pivotal in psychological development. However, Jerry Johns' story turns this concept on its head with a haunting perversion of familial bonds.The episode peels back the layers of Johns' enigmatic hatred for his mother, revealing a relationship fraught with resentment rather than the expected adoration or desire. Johns' animosity was discreet yet persistent, cloaked beneath the facade of a standard spree killer's indiscriminate rage. Yet, the specifics of his mother's life—a redheaded prostitute—casts a long, inescapable shadow over his violent trajectory.Listeners will be taken on a journey through Johns' tumultuous past, exploring how the contours of his mother's life and profession might have shaped his outlook on wome

In "Throwaways: The Midnight Escape," the fifth episode of our intense series, we illuminate the harrowing escape of Jane Doe #7, whose story is as chilling as the night air that enveloped her. At the witching hour when most of the world lies asleep, Jane Doe #7's fight for life brought her to the verge of death on the desolate stretch of I-40, near the cold concrete of Junction 58 in Kingston, Tennessee. The brutality of her experience is difficult to fathom — a strangulation so severe it burst the capillaries in her eyes, leaving her in a world blurred by shadows and silence. The attack inflicted more than just physical scars; it was an assault on her very senses, a trauma that speaks volumes of her assailant's deadly intent. Through the pitch-black fear and confusion, her survival instinct led her to an unexpected refuge in the median, a narrow strip of land between life and death.This episode traces the anatomy of her ordeal from the moment her fight began, through the shock and desperatio

"Throwaways: The Classroom Detectives," the fourth installment of our series, takes a remarkable turn as we step into a classroom where a high school project transcends the confines of conventional education. Forget the simple science fair exhibits of terrariums or the explosive reactions of a Mentos-dropped Coke volcano. This is where academia and real-world investigation collide, thanks to the innovative spirit of Alex Campbell and his extraordinary class of teenagers.In this episode, we dive into the story of how a school project evolved into a groundbreaking forensic examination. Alex, a visionary teacher, led his students through a hands-on criminal investigation, enlisting the expertise of an FBI profiler to delve into the haunting patterns surrounding the Redhead Murders. This collaboration wasn't just about theoretical learning; it was a pivotal moment that shifted the trajectory of our investigation by confirming a suspicion we dared not voice alone—that a serial killer was indeed at work

In episode three of "Throwaways: Viral Justice," we explore the ripple effect of storytelling and its power to resurrect cold cases from the silence of the archives to the forefront of public attention. This chapter begins with Shane, whose tenacious research into the forgotten case of the Barbourville Jane Doe ignited a spark of interest across the communities tethered to the Bible Belt's local media. As Shane's narrative found its way onto Foul Play, it wasn't long before the tale of the unsolved murder began to reverberate through the corridors of small-town newsrooms and onto the screens of crime bloggers nationwide. The renewed intrigue is a testament to the profound impact that sharing these stories can have — giving voice to the voiceless and igniting a collective determination for resolution. Spurred by this burgeoning interest, I turned to a trusted ally in the investigative community, Gemma Hoskins. Known for her sharp insights and indefatigable spirit, Gemma suggested harnessing

In the second episode of "Throwaways: Shadows at the Crossroads," we delve deep into the world of the truck stop hustler, a figure as misunderstood as they are stigmatized. 'Lot Lizards' is the term that has echoed through the trailer parks and late-night rest stops of America — not as a badge of honor, but as a label born out of mockery and perpetuated by stereotypes. These aren't the glamourous scenes from far-flung locales with their high-stakes espionage and luxury escorts.Instead, our story is rooted in the grit and struggle of the blue-collar sex trade where Hollywood's caricatures meet harsh reality. Picture the scene: the archetypal 'rustbelt hooker' with her leopard print and red lipstick, a figure both vilified and romanticized in equal measure, bearing the unseen scars of a life lived on the precipice of society's margins. We trace the origin of this derisive moniker back to its roots, examining how a quip from a comedian in the 1970s has evolved into a lexicon o

In the premiere episode of our gripping new series "Throwaways: The Forgotten Strands," we unravel the chilling narrative of the Redhead Murders. The episode embarks on a haunting journey through the depths of one of the most enigmatic serial killing sprees of the 1980s, inviting listeners to join me as I trace the killer's bloodstained path and bring to light the stories of those who fell victim to his wrath.Our story begins with a personal account of my entanglement in the investigation that breathed new life into cold cases and opened up wounds that seemed long forgotten. With painstaking research and dogged determination, I pursued leads that would eventually pinpoint a predator who exploited the era's blind spots to traffic in human misery. Through a blend of narrative storytelling and investigative journalism, this episode offers a raw and unflinching look at the danger that truck stops and forgotten highways posed to vulnerable souls dubbed 'Lot Lizards'. These women, often marg