Hell in Heaven: A Mysterious Death in Paradise
Exactly Right and iHeartPodcasts
Exactly Right and iHeartPodcasts
A young Wall Street genius lands in the Costa Rican jungle with a vast fortune and visions of paradise - but ends up in hell. He and his wife build a spectacular circular mansion deep in the rainforest - a sanctuary for themselves and for endangered wildlife. But sinister forces soon have the couple fearing for their lives. As paranoia takes root and shadows close in, the troubled pair steadily lose their grip on reality. They transform their paradise home into a fortress surrounded by armed guards. The story reaches its bloody climax in an open air bedroom lit by 400 Tiffany lamps. A single gunshot leaves one of them dead, igniting three explosive murder trials - and a baffling mystery. Over eight compelling episodes this is the unmissable story of John and Ann Bender - a true tale of wealth, isolation and obsession. From Exactly Right Media and iHeartPodcasts, and produced by Blanchard House, Hell in Heaven is hosted by award-winning journalist Becky Milligan. Also in this feed is host Becky Milligan's true crime limited series, The Butterfly King: A WWII Murder Mystery. When King Boris III of Bulgaria dies amid mysterious circumstances during World War II, there's no shortage of suspects. But eighty years later, his death remains unsolved. Award-winning journalist Becky Milligan follows a trail of dissidents, poisoners, soldiers and spies to unravel eighty years of lies and cover-ups. This tragic family saga of a doomed royal dynasty is a story of treachery, deceit and a quest for the truth. Who killed the Butterfly King? The Butterfly King is a podcast from Exactly Right, produced by Blanchard House.
Nov 20
Ann contemplates leaving Costa Rica forever. A drug bust and a prison visit lead to speculation about the Benders’ former head of security and his role in events. Everyone drawn into the couple’s orbit reflects on this shocking story. The final chapter revisits the jungle house, now abandoned, and the mysteries that refuse to die. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Nov 13
The second trial concludes with a verdict that stuns Costa Rica. Ann Bender adjusts to a completely new way of life as a terrible tragedy shatters her world further. Meanwhile, public opinion dramatically shifts. A second trial is granted, the defence sharpens their case and judges consider the evidence one last time. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Nov 6
John Bender’s death soon becomes a cause celebre. But the woman at the centre of police suspicion is now the hospital. Ann’s psychiatrist is shocked at her physical and mental state. As the full story of the Benders’ isolation unfolds, prosecutors make their move and judges reach a verdict. But the Costa Rican authorities have a surprise in store. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Oct 30
It’s midnight in the jungle. The Benders are alone. A single shot rings out. One person is dead. As police arrive on the scene, they initially conclude it’s a suicide. But suspicion grows and the scene raises questions. But soon, the suspect is out of reach of detectives. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Oct 23
Before Costa Rica, there was Wall Street. John Bender has a mind built for numbers - and makes a vast fortune betting against the crowd. Friends describe him as brilliant, a little arrogant - and haunted. John’s academic parents are relieved when he decides to escape the world of high finance and build a different kind of empire in the trees - but it will prove to be a decision with dark consequences. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Oct 16
On a routine excursion, the Benders are ambushed. Guns are drawn. Is it a robbery, or something far more sinister? The couple are certain they’re about to be kidnapped. In the aftermath, they ramp up security at their jungle compound, hiring a former police chief to protect them. Fearing for their safety, the couple retreat further and further from the outside world. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Oct 9
Dark forces gather as the Benders’ presence grows more controversial. The couple’s jungle fortress stands apart from everything around it - lavish, secretive and utterly out of place. Neighbours speculate. Resentments stir. Mystics speak of a curse. Behind the gates, the atmosphere shifts as the couple’s physical and mental health start to decline. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Oct 9
A jungle compound. A midnight emergency call. The mystery begins. At the centre of it all: John and Ann Bender. Young, brilliant and impossibly rich, they set out to build a vast mansion and wildlife sanctuary in the Costa Rican rainforest. But something is off. Not everything in paradise is what it seems. Hell in Heaven is a production of Exactly Right Media and iHeart Podcasts, produced by Blanchard House. From Blanchard House Hosted, Written and Produced by: Becky Milligan Co-Writer and Producer: Poppy Damon Original Music: Daniel Lloyd Evans, Louis Nanke-Mannell and Toby Matimong Sound Recordist, and Head of Sound and Music: Daniel Lloyd-Evans Lead Sound Designer: Volkan Kiziltug Managing Producer: Amica Sciortino Nowlan Creative Director: Rosie Pye Executive Producer and Head of Content: Laurence Grissell From Exactly Right Artwork: Vanessa Lilak Executive Producers: Karen Kilgariff, Georgia Hardstark and Danielle Kramer Consulting Producer: Lily Ladewig Associate Producer: Jay Elias From iHeart Podcasts Executive Producers: Katrina Norvell, Anna Stumpf and Nikki Ettore See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
