Obscura: A True Crime Podcast

Aileen had been pawning items from her victims: tools missing from David Spears's truck, a camera that had belonged to Richard Mallory, other items linked to other victims. Florida law required pawnshops to take a thumbprint from anyone hocking goods, and the prints were on file.Aileen, while filling out pawnshop intake forms, had been using the alias Cammie Marsh Greene. A signed pawn slip with a thumbprint, in the name of Cammie Marsh Greene, was sitting in a Daytona Beach pawn shop.Our Sponsors:* Check out BetterHelp and use my code betterhelp.com for a great deal: https://www.betterhelp.com* Check out Chime and use my code chime.com/OBSCURA for a great deal: https://www.chime.com* Check out Mood and use my code OBSCURA for a great deal: https://mood.com* Check out Progressive: https://www.progressive.com* Check out Quince and use my code quince.com/obscura for a great deal: https://www.quince.com* Check out Time4Learning: https://www.time4learning.com* Check out TruDiagnostic and use my code OBSCURA20 for a great deal: https://www.trudiagnostic.comSupport this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/obscura-a-true-crime-podcast/exclusive-contentAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

The wooded lot itself was mixed scrub of the sort that grows in the disturbed soil along an interstate corridor in central Florida. Pine. Palmetto. A few scrub oaks. Spanish moss hanging where the canopy thickened. The understory of vines and dead palm fronds that turns any walk off the shoulder into a careful one.The lot was bordered on one side by the interstate, on another by a service road, and on the other two by more of the same scrub. It had the anonymity of land nobody owns in any way they bother to enforce. People dumped things in there. Refrigerators. Mattresses. The carpet remnant.The men got closer to the carpet. The carpet was covering something.Underneath was a bodyOur Sponsors:* Check out BetterHelp and use my code betterhelp.com for a great deal: https://www.betterhelp.com* Check out Chime and use my code chime.com/OBSCURA for a great deal: https://www.chime.com* Check out Mood and use my code OBSCURA for a great deal: https://mood.com* Check out Progressive: https://www.progressive.com* Check out Quince and use my code quince.com/obscura for a great deal: https://www.quince.com* Check out Time4Learning: https://www.time4learning.com* Check out TruDiagnostic and use my code OBSCURA20 for a great deal: https://www.trudiagnostic.comSupport this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/obscura-a-true-crime-podcast/exclusive-contentAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

This is part two of a four part series. Last episode, we walked her childhood. The fire at age six. The grandfather and the belt. The kitten in the bucket. The cigarette pig nickname at age eleven. The pregnancy at fourteen. The baby boy taken from her in March of 1971. Her grandmother Britta dying that July. Her grandfather throwing her out a few weeks later. The sleeping bag in the woods on the edge of Troy.That is where we left her. Tonight we follow her from there.Our Sponsors:* Check out BetterHelp and use my code betterhelp.com for a great deal: https://www.betterhelp.com* Check out Chime and use my code chime.com/OBSCURA for a great deal: https://www.chime.com* Check out Mood and use my code OBSCURA for a great deal: https://mood.com* Check out Progressive: https://www.progressive.com* Check out Quince and use my code quince.com/obscura for a great deal: https://www.quince.com* Check out Time4Learning: https://www.time4learning.com* Check out TruDiagnostic and use my code OBSCURA20 for a great deal: https://www.trudiagnostic.comSupport this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/obscura-a-true-crime-podcast/exclusive-contentAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

She had stopped going to school. She had no money. There was no adult on the planet looking for her. What she had was a sleeping bag in the snow.Her name was Aileen Carol Pittman. The world would come to know her by her grandparents’ last name. Wuornos.Our Sponsors:* Check out BetterHelp and use my code betterhelp.com for a great deal: https://www.betterhelp.com* Check out Chime and use my code chime.com/OBSCURA for a great deal: https://www.chime.com* Check out Mood and use my code OBSCURA for a great deal: https://mood.com* Check out Progressive: https://www.progressive.com* Check out Quince and use my code quince.com/obscura for a great deal: https://www.quince.com* Check out Time4Learning: https://www.time4learning.com* Check out TruDiagnostic and use my code OBSCURA20 for a great deal: https://www.trudiagnostic.comSupport this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/obscura-a-true-crime-podcast/exclusive-contentAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

In 2011, a quiet neighborhood in Bakersfield, California, was shattered by a crime so severe it left veteran investigators shaken. The case began with the frantic search for a missing eight-year-old girl and ended in a tense, seven-hour SWAT standoff. Ray Coriell, the man at the center of the storm, faced a barrage of charges that exposed a harrowing betrayal of trust and a level of violence that seemed unimaginable.Our Sponsors:* Check out BetterHelp and use my code betterhelp.com for a great deal: https://www.betterhelp.com* Check out Chime and use my code chime.com/OBSCURA for a great deal: https://www.chime.com* Check out Mood and use my code OBSCURA for a great deal: https://mood.com* Check out Progressive: https://www.progressive.com* Check out Quince and use my code quince.com/obscura for a great deal: https://www.quince.com* Check out Time4Learning: https://www.time4learning.com* Check out TruDiagnostic and use my code OBSCURA20 for a great deal: https://www.trudiagnostic.comSupport this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/obscura-a-true-crime-podcast/exclusive-contentAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Double Homicide: The House on Benchor Road - Part 02Our Sponsors:* Check out BetterHelp and use my code betterhelp.com for a great deal: https://www.betterhelp.com* Check out Chime and use my code chime.com/OBSCURA for a great deal: https://www.chime.com* Check out Mood and use my code OBSCURA for a great deal: https://mood.com* Check out Progressive: https://www.progressive.com* Check out Quince and use my code quince.com/obscura for a great deal: https://www.quince.com* Check out Time4Learning: https://www.time4learning.com* Check out TruDiagnostic and use my code OBSCURA20 for a great deal: https://www.trudiagnostic.comSupport this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/obscura-a-true-crime-podcast/exclusive-contentAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Double Homicide: The House on Benchor Road - Part 01Our Sponsors:* Check out BetterHelp and use my code betterhelp.com for a great deal: https://www.betterhelp.com* Check out Chime and use my code chime.com/OBSCURA for a great deal: https://www.chime.com* Check out Mood and use my code OBSCURA for a great deal: https://mood.com* Check out Progressive: https://www.progressive.com* Check out Quince and use my code quince.com/obscura for a great deal: https://www.quince.com* Check out Time4Learning: https://www.time4learning.com* Check out TruDiagnostic and use my code OBSCURA20 for a great deal: https://www.trudiagnostic.comSupport this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/obscura-a-true-crime-podcast/exclusive-contentAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

A two-year-old boy was found dead in his crib in Clinton Township, Michigan, starved to death while his mother streamed on Twitch. Featuring real court audio from the sentencing, Obscura examines the 2023 case of Sierra Pearl Zaitona and Jonathon Matthew Cheek, two parents who let their child waste away in silence.The boy had been in foster care before being returned to his biological parents, Sierra Pearl Zaitona and Jonathon Matthew Cheek, both of Clinton Township. According to court records, the child was healthy and thriving under state care. The decision to reunify the family would prove fatal. What happened after his return would become one of Macomb County's most disturbing neglect cases in recent memory.On Thursday, March 16, 2023, Zaitona discovered her son dead in his crib and called 911. Cheek was not home at the time, instead visiting his own mother's residence. When first responders arrived at the Clinton Township home, they found the toddler beyond saving and living conditions that told a story of prolonged neglect. The Macomb County Medical Examiner conducted an autopsy and determined the cause of death was fatal starvation. A child who had once been healthy had slowly wasted away, unfed and unnoticed, while ordinary life carried on around him.Zaitona had established a presence on Twitch as a livestreamer. While the Macomb County Prosecutor's Office did not draw a direct line between her streaming activity and the neglect, the case drew national attention on social media. The contrast between a screen glowing with followers and a crib growing silent became the defining image of this tragedy.Both parents were arrested and charged with second-degree murder, a life felony, and second-degree child abuse, a ten-year felony. Bond was set at one million dollars cash for each defendant. The case moved through the Macomb County Circuit Court, with District Court Judge Jacob Femminineo Jr. binding both parents over for trial in March 2024.Rather than face trial, both parents entered no contest pleas. On December 18, 2024, Jonathon Matthew Cheek, then 26, was sentenced to 24 to 50 years for second-degree murder and 86 months to 10 years for second-degree child abuse, served concurrently. On April 9, 2025, Sierra Pearl Zaitona, then 29, received the same sentence of 24 to 50 years for murder and 43 months to 10 years for child abuse. She was placed on Michigan's Central Registry for Child Abuse and Neglect.Macomb County Prosecutor Peter Lucido spoke at sentencing. "When parents betray the sacred trust to nurture and protect," he said, "we must ensure that the scales of justice tip in favor of accountability." Neither parent will be eligible for release before 2047.This episode features court audio from the sentencing hearings and examines the child welfare system decisions that preceded this tragedy. Listener discretion advised.Support Obscura:Patreon: <a href="https://www.patre

Leslie Preer was murdered in her Chevy Chase, Maryland home on May 2, 2001. For 23 years the case sat cold. This episode features court audio from the August 2025 sentencing and the genetic genealogy breakthrough that finally identified her killer.Leslie Ann Jennings Preer, 48, was a wife, mother, and former University of Florida journalism student. Born in North Kingstown, Rhode Island in 1952 and raised across the country in a large military family, she settled in Chevy Chase in 1982 with her husband Sandy and their daughter Lauren. She volunteered at a local library teaching English to immigrants and newcomers. Friends and family remembered her as gentle, intelligent, and kind.On the morning of May 2, 2001, Leslie did not show up for work. A welfare check at her home on Drummond Avenue revealed she had been beaten and strangled inside the house. There was no forced entry. Blood and skin cells from her attacker were recovered from the dining room, hallway, and near the kitchen. DNA under her fingernails told investigators exactly who did it. The problem was, he was not in any database. Suspicion fell on her husband, Sandy Preer. He was cleared, but the cloud of suspicion followed him for years. Sandy passed away in 2017 before he ever saw justice for his wife.In 2022, Montgomery County investigators Tara Augustin and Alyson Dupouy reopened the file. They uploaded the crime scene DNA to a public genetic genealogy database. The search traced a distant relative in Romania, which narrowed the field until one name surfaced in old case notes. Lauren Preer's high school boyfriend, Eugene Gligor. For five years he had sat at the Preer family dinner table. He had shared their holidays, their game nights, their home on Drummond Avenue. In June 2024, investigators followed Gligor to Washington Dulles International Airport and retrieved a discarded water bottle. The DNA matched.On June 18, 2024, federal marshals arrested Eugene Gligor at his apartment in Washington, D.C. In May 2025 he pleaded guilty to second-degree murder. On August 28, 2025, Montgomery County Circuit Court Judge David Lease sentenced him to 30 years with all but 22 years suspended, followed by five years of supervised probation. Prosecutors Donna Fenton and Jodie Mount handled the case. Gligor remains incarcerated at the Maryland Correctional Training Center. Sandy Preer was posthumously vindicated.This episode features court audio from the 2025 sentencing hearing and archival case reporting. Listener discretion advised.Support Obscura:Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/obscuracrimepodcast/Website: https://www.mythsandmalice.com/show/obscura/Apple Premium: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/channel/black-label/id6443660911Our Sponsors:* Check out BetterHelp and use my code betterhelp.com for a great deal: https://www.betterhelp.com* Check out Chime and use my code chime.com/OBSCURA for a great deal: https

Black Label: The Station Nightclub FireOur Sponsors:* Check out BetterHelp and use my code betterhelp.com for a great deal: https://www.betterhelp.com* Check out Chime and use my code chime.com/OBSCURA for a great deal: https://www.chime.com* Check out Mood and use my code OBSCURA for a great deal: https://mood.com* Check out Progressive: https://www.progressive.com* Check out Quince and use my code quince.com/obscura for a great deal: https://www.quince.com* Check out Time4Learning: https://www.time4learning.com* Check out TruDiagnostic and use my code OBSCURA20 for a great deal: https://www.trudiagnostic.comSupport this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/obscura-a-true-crime-podcast/exclusive-contentAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Two women strangled in two days by the same man in Jacksonville, Florida -- one killed at a motel on Christmas night, the other a beloved teacher murdered in her own home the next morning. This episode features real interrogation footage and court audio.Leah Kline's life ended on December 25, 2019. She and Zebulon Perkins had been staying at a Westside Jacksonville motel when an argument turned violent. Perkins strangled Kline and disposed of her body in a dumpster behind the building. She was 38 years old. Her remains would not be discovered for days.The following morning, December 26, Perkins drove to the Cedar Hills home of Vivian James, a 49-year-old chemistry teacher at Atlantic Coast High School. James had once been his teacher. According to court records, Perkins went to her looking for guidance -- and when James told him he needed to turn himself in to police, Perkins beat her and strangled her with a cord inside her home.Vivian James had spent years in a classroom shaping the futures of Duval County students. Colleagues and former students described her as someone who gave her time and attention freely, a teacher who saw potential where others saw problems. The fact that a former student came to her door in crisis -- and that her instinct was to counsel him toward accountability -- speaks to who she was.On December 28, a friend stopped by James' home and found her body. The friend called Jacksonville Sheriff's Office and reported James' car missing. Investigators located the vehicle at the same Westside motel where Kline had been killed. Perkins was inside. When officers searched the car, they found Perkins' bag containing sweatpants stained with James' DNA, along with her camera and three laptops. Two of James' televisions and her computer monitor were recovered from the home of Perkins' mother. DNA recovered from beneath James' fingernails matched Perkins.In March 2024, Zebulon Perkins pleaded guilty to two counts of second-degree murder. He was sentenced to 70 years in Florida State Prison. The interrogation footage played during court proceedings showed detectives confronting Perkins about the evidence against him -- a man who, according to investigators, showed no emotion when asked about either death.This episode features interrogation recordings and court audio. Listener discretion advised.Support Obscura:Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/obscuracrimepodcast/Website: https://www.mythsandmalice.com/show/obscura/Apple Premium: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/channel/black-label/id6443660911Our Sponsors:* Check out BetterHelp and use my code betterhelp.com for a great deal: https://www.betterhelp.com* Check out Chime and use my code chime.com/OBSCURA for a great deal: https://www.chime.com* Check out Mood and use my code OBSCURA for a great deal: https://mood.com* Check out Progressive: https://www.progressive.com* Check out Q

Abraham Shakespeare won thirty million dollars in the Florida Lottery. Three years later, he was dead -- shot twice, buried under concrete in Lakeland, Florida. This episode features real court recordings and interrogation audio.Abraham Shakespeare, 43, was a truck driver's assistant from Lakeland, Florida, who lived simply and was known for his generosity. Friends described him as someone who would help anyone, even when he had little to give. On November 15, 2006, Shakespeare won a $30 million Florida Lotto jackpot, choosing a lump-sum payout of approximately $17 million. He purchased a million-dollar home in a gated community, bought cars for friends, paid off mortgages for relatives, and gave cash to nearly anyone who asked. Within two years, the majority of his fortune had been spent or given away. He told relatives he sometimes wished he had never won.In late 2008, Dorice "Dee Dee" Moore approached Shakespeare, claiming she wanted to write a book about how people were taking advantage of him. Moore positioned herself as his financial protector. Within months, she had Shakespeare sign over his home, his remaining properties, and control of his bank accounts to companies she owned. By early April 2009, Moore controlled nearly everything. When Shakespeare began pressing her about where his money had gone, he vanished. His last confirmed sighting was in the first week of April 2009.Moore launched an elaborate deception to cover his absence. She sent text messages from his phone, forged letters in his name, and paid a man to impersonate Shakespeare on a phone call to his own mother. She told police he had planned his own disappearance. When Shakespeare's family reported him missing in November 2009, investigators with the Polk County Sheriff's Office traced the financial records. Every explanation Moore offered contradicted the evidence. A controlled phone call arranged by detectives caught Moore pressuring an attorney to maintain lies about Shakespeare's whereabouts.In January 2010, acting on evidence from an undercover operation, authorities discovered Shakespeare's body buried nine feet deep under a concrete slab at a property on Highway 60 in Plant City, Florida. He had been shot twice in the chest with a .38 caliber revolver. On December 10, 2012, a Hillsborough County jury convicted Dorice Moore of first-degree murder after three and a half hours of deliberation. The judge called her "cold, calculated, and cruel" and sentenced her to life in prison without parole.This episode features court recordings and interrogation audio from the investigation into Abraham Shakespeare's murder. Listener discretion advised.Support Obscura:Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/obscuracrimepodcast/Website: https://www.mythsandmalice.com/show/obscura/

For nearly a decade, a predator stalked the quiet marshlands and sugarcane fields of southeastern Louisiana, leaving a trail of bodies in his wake. In this episode, we dive into the chilling case of Ronald Dominique, a man who confessed to the rape and murder of at least 23 men and boys between 1997 and 2006.Despite a victim count that rivals some of history's most notorious killers, Dominique's name is rarely mentioned alongside Bundy or Gacy. We explore the "perfect storm" of factors that allowed him to evade capture for so long—from his strategic targeting of marginalized men on society's fringes to the devastating chaos of Hurricane Katrina that overshadowed the investigation.Our Sponsors:* Check out BetterHelp and use my code betterhelp.com for a great deal: https://www.betterhelp.com* Check out Chime and use my code chime.com/OBSCURA for a great deal: https://www.chime.com* Check out Mood and use my code OBSCURA for a great deal: https://mood.com* Check out Progressive: https://www.progressive.com* Check out Quince and use my code quince.com/obscura for a great deal: https://www.quince.com* Check out Time4Learning: https://www.time4learning.com* Check out TruDiagnostic and use my code OBSCURA20 for a great deal: https://www.trudiagnostic.comSupport this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/obscura-a-true-crime-podcast/exclusive-contentAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

For nearly a decade, a predator stalked the quiet marshlands and sugarcane fields of southeastern Louisiana, leaving a trail of bodies in his wake. In this episode, we dive into the chilling case of Ronald Dominique, a man who confessed to the rape and murder of at least 23 men and boys between 1997 and 2006.Despite a victim count that rivals some of history's most notorious killers, Dominique's name is rarely mentioned alongside Bundy or Gacy. We explore the "perfect storm" of factors that allowed him to evade capture for so long—from his strategic targeting of marginalized men on society's fringes to the devastating chaos of Hurricane Katrina that overshadowed the investigation.Our Sponsors:* Check out BetterHelp and use my code betterhelp.com for a great deal: https://www.betterhelp.com* Check out Chime and use my code chime.com/OBSCURA for a great deal: https://www.chime.com* Check out Mood and use my code OBSCURA for a great deal: https://mood.com* Check out Progressive: https://www.progressive.com* Check out Quince and use my code quince.com/obscura for a great deal: https://www.quince.com* Check out Time4Learning: https://www.time4learning.com* Check out TruDiagnostic and use my code OBSCURA20 for a great deal: https://www.trudiagnostic.comSupport this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/obscura-a-true-crime-podcast/exclusive-contentAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

In Bridgeville, PA, George Sodini executed a chilling attack inside a gym. Featuring real audio. George Alfred Sodini, 48. He was a systems analyst, once invisible and misunderstood, who turned his personal darkness into devastation. On August 4, 2009, in Collier Township, Pennsylvania, Sodini walked into an LA Fitness gym with a duffel bag, setting the stage for chaos. As he turned off the lights in a crowded aerobics class, the room descended into terror as he opened fire. By night's end, three women lay dead, and several others were injured. The investigation revealed a disturbing blog chronicling Sodini's loneliness and rage, providing a glimpse into a troubled mind plotting revenge. The evidence was overwhelming, with cameras capturing the moments leading up to the horror. The case never reached a courtroom closure, as Sodini took his own life at the scene. His actions left a community scarred and searching for answers. This episode features court recordings and 911 calls. Listener discretion advised. Support Obscura:Patreon | Website | Apple PremiumOur Sponsors:* Check out BetterHelp and use my code betterhelp.com for a great deal: https://www.betterhelp.com* Check out Chime and use my code chime.com/OBSCURA for a great deal: https://www.chime.com* Check out Mood and use my code OBSCURA for a great deal: https://mood.com* Check out Progressive: https://www.progressive.com* Check out Quince and use my code quince.com/obscura for a great deal: https://www.quince.com* Check out Time4Learning: https://www.time4learning.com* Check out TruDiagnostic and use my code OBSCURA20 for a great deal: https://www.trudiagnostic.comSupport this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/obscura-a-true-crime-podcast/exclusive-contentAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Marvin Morales found brutally murdered in his Sacramento, CA home. Real audio of police investigation. Marvin Aris Untalan Morales, young and full of potential, became a tragic figure in Sacramento. Known for his vibrant personality and love for music, his life was cruelly cut short. On December 2, 2010, Morales's life was taken in the most violent of ways. His body was discovered in his home, evidence of a vicious assault. The scene told a tale of unbridled aggression and tragic loss. Detectives pieced together a puzzle involving disgruntled acquaintances and a planned attack. Surveillance cameras, witness testimonies, and forensic evidence led to the breakthrough in identifying the culprits responsible for this heinous deed. The trial concluded with swift justice, a rare comfort to those mourning Morales. The perpetrators faced the full weight of the law, though the community still grieves the void left behind. This episode contains police body cam footage and 911 call recordings. Listener discretion advised. Support Obscura:Patreon | Website | Apple PremiumOur Sponsors:* Check out BetterHelp and use my code betterhelp.com for a great deal: https://www.betterhelp.com* Check out Chime and use my code chime.com/OBSCURA for a great deal: https://www.chime.com* Check out Mood and use my code OBSCURA for a great deal: https://mood.com* Check out Progressive: https://www.progressive.com* Check out Quince and use my code quince.com/obscura for a great deal: https://www.quince.com* Check out Time4Learning: https://www.time4learning.com* Check out TruDiagnostic and use my code OBSCURA20 for a great deal: https://www.trudiagnostic.comSupport this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/obscura-a-true-crime-podcast/exclusive-contentAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Ad: Time4LearningOur Sponsors:* Check out BetterHelp: https://www.betterhelp.com* Check out Chime: https://chime.com/OBSCURA* Check out Mood and use my code OBSCURA for a great deal: https://mood.com* Check out Quince: https://quince.com/OBSCURA* Check out TruDiagnostic and use my code OBSCURA20 for a great deal: https://www.trudiagnostic.comSupport this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/obscura-a-true-crime-podcast/exclusive-contentAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

A fan’s obsession turned fatal — The Stalker Files revealed.Ricardo López was an ordinary name behind an extraordinary obsession. He convinced himself he knew Björk intimately, though they had never met.Ricardo’s fixation consumed his thoughts, spiraling into actions that only his twisted mind understood. Lured by her music and public persona, he embarked on a path that eclipsed his grip on reality.The unraveling began when authorities discovered a chilling video diary, a manifesto of madness. His devotion had crossed a line into dangerous delusion.Ricardo’s story culminated in a shocking event, leaving ripples across the globe and ushering in debates about fan culture and personal space.Featuring footage from Ricardo's own recordings, this episode takes you inside the mind of a delusional admirer. Not suitable for all listeners. Viewer discretion is strongly advised.Access Black Label:Patreon | Apple PremiumOur Sponsors:* Check out BetterHelp and use my code betterhelp.com for a great deal: https://www.betterhelp.com* Check out Chime and use my code chime.com/OBSCURA for a great deal: https://www.chime.com* Check out Mood and use my code OBSCURA for a great deal: https://mood.com* Check out Progressive: https://www.progressive.com* Check out Quince and use my code quince.com/obscura for a great deal: https://www.quince.com* Check out Time4Learning: https://www.time4learning.com* Check out TruDiagnostic and use my code OBSCURA20 for a great deal: https://www.trudiagnostic.comSupport this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/obscura-a-true-crime-podcast/exclusive-contentAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Brandon Paul Janssen's tragic tale unfolds in Fountain, FL. Featuring real court and investigative audio. Brandon Paul Janssen, once a beacon of innocence, faced the malign neglect of those who should have protected him. At the heart of a rural community's landscape, his story remains a chilling reminder of justice denied. In 2020, the quiet community of Fountain, Florida, witnessed an atrocity that exposed the depths of moral failings. The unrelenting pursuit of punishment for a child sexual battery case unearthed systemic failures. Law enforcement's relentless pursuit, aided by interrogation records and courtroom revelations, underscored the cruel betrayal suffered by Brandon at the hands of trusted individuals. The judicial resolution was bittersweet; convictions gave voice to the silenced, but the pain of loss forever colors Fountain's memory. This episode features interrogation audio and court recordings. Listener discretion advised. Support Obscura:Patreon | Website | Apple PremiumOur Sponsors:* Check out BetterHelp and use my code betterhelp.com for a great deal: https://www.betterhelp.com* Check out Chime and use my code chime.com/OBSCURA for a great deal: https://www.chime.com* Check out Mood and use my code OBSCURA for a great deal: https://mood.com* Check out Progressive: https://www.progressive.com* Check out Quince and use my code quince.com/obscura for a great deal: https://www.quince.com* Check out Time4Learning: https://www.time4learning.com* Check out TruDiagnostic and use my code OBSCURA20 for a great deal: https://www.trudiagnostic.comSupport this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/obscura-a-true-crime-podcast/exclusive-contentAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

BLACK LABEL CONTENT — Premium subscribers only Heather Strong's murder case unravels into a deeper nightmare, fueled by sordid betrayal. Featured audio includes shocking interrogation clips. This Black Label episode pulls back the curtain on the relentless investigation that seeks justice for Heather. A case stained by manipulation and betrayal. Heather Strong was 26, a devoted mother battling for custody of her children when her life met a brutal end. She was known for her kindness and resilience, shackled by a toxic relationship. The investigation turned her disappearance into a cataclysmic trial, revealing the chilling depths of her fiancé's deception. Audio from the interrogation room captures desperate confessions that pivoted the case into a nationwide spectacle. Access Black Label:Patreon | Apple PremiumOur Sponsors:* Check out BetterHelp and use my code betterhelp.com for a great deal: https://www.betterhelp.com* Check out Chime and use my code chime.com/OBSCURA for a great deal: https://www.chime.com* Check out Mood and use my code OBSCURA for a great deal: https://mood.com* Check out Progressive: https://www.progressive.com* Check out Quince and use my code quince.com/obscura for a great deal: https://www.quince.com* Check out Time4Learning: https://www.time4learning.com* Check out TruDiagnostic and use my code OBSCURA20 for a great deal: https://www.trudiagnostic.comSupport this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/obscura-a-true-crime-podcast/exclusive-contentAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

BLACK LABEL CONTENT — Premium subscribers only Heather Strong vanished into the shadows of betrayal in Marion County. Exclusive interrogation and crime scene audio. This Black Label account unearths the calculated treachery that led Heather Strong into a deadly trap. Through heartbreaking evidence, it paints a portrait of a woman trapped by circumstances and deceit. Heather was a beacon of hope for her children, engulfed by the turmoil of a failing marriage and a bitter battle for custody. Her life unfolded against the backdrop of manipulation. The episode uncovers intricate details of deceit, culminating in Heather's murder. The harrowing audio brings listeners into the investigators' shoes as they peel back layers of deception. Access Black Label:Patreon | Apple PremiumOur Sponsors:* Check out BetterHelp and use my code betterhelp.com for a great deal: https://www.betterhelp.com* Check out Chime and use my code chime.com/OBSCURA for a great deal: https://www.chime.com* Check out Mood and use my code OBSCURA for a great deal: https://mood.com* Check out Progressive: https://www.progressive.com* Check out Quince and use my code quince.com/obscura for a great deal: https://www.quince.com* Check out Time4Learning: https://www.time4learning.com* Check out TruDiagnostic and use my code OBSCURA20 for a great deal: https://www.trudiagnostic.comSupport this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/obscura-a-true-crime-podcast/exclusive-contentAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

BLACK LABEL CONTENT — Premium subscribers only A Piedmont officer uncovered horrors when a runaway's plight revealed deep-seated abuse. Highlighted audio exposes systemic failures. Black Label explores a dark saga of abuse and neglect masked by routine appearances. This episode delves deep into the trauma faced by a child on the brink. Tina Ramirez's case exposes shocking neglect and brutality endured by a 14-year-old girl weighing the size of a five-year-old. A situation that violated innocence and reshaped a community. The investigation, driven by disturbing confessions and heart-wrenching audio, uncovers deeply buried secrets, revealing a system at odds with protection. Access Black Label:Patreon | Apple PremiumOur Sponsors:* Check out BetterHelp and use my code betterhelp.com for a great deal: https://www.betterhelp.com* Check out Chime and use my code chime.com/OBSCURA for a great deal: https://www.chime.com* Check out Mood and use my code OBSCURA for a great deal: https://mood.com* Check out Progressive: https://www.progressive.com* Check out Quince and use my code quince.com/obscura for a great deal: https://www.quince.com* Check out Time4Learning: https://www.time4learning.com* Check out TruDiagnostic and use my code OBSCURA20 for a great deal: https://www.trudiagnostic.comSupport this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/obscura-a-true-crime-podcast/exclusive-contentAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Ana Maria Cardona's chilling narrative concludes in Miami, tracing the final steps of Baby Lollipops. Real court recordings featured. Ana Maria Cardona, a saga of relentless pursuit and ultimate conviction, reflects on the tragic life and death of three-year-old Lazaro Figueroa, known as Baby Lollipops. On November 2, 1990, after the boy's emaciated body was found in Miami Beach, investigators followed chilling clues that unraveled a tapestry of abuse and neglect inflicted by his own mother. The trial, marked by damning testimonies and real court recordings, brought to light the horrifying circumstances leading to Lazaro's death, driving the urgent call for justice. Ana Maria Cardona faced justice, convicted thrice, closing decades of torment and achieving a semblance of justice for Lazaro. This episode includes court and investigative audio. Listener discretion advised. Support Obscura:Patreon | Website | Apple PremiumOur Sponsors:* Check out BetterHelp and use my code betterhelp.com for a great deal: https://www.betterhelp.com* Check out Chime and use my code chime.com/OBSCURA for a great deal: https://www.chime.com* Check out Mood and use my code OBSCURA for a great deal: https://mood.com* Check out Progressive: https://www.progressive.com* Check out Quince and use my code quince.com/obscura for a great deal: https://www.quince.com* Check out Time4Learning: https://www.time4learning.com* Check out TruDiagnostic and use my code OBSCURA20 for a great deal: https://www.trudiagnostic.comSupport this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/obscura-a-true-crime-podcast/exclusive-contentAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Baby Lollipops' tragic story begins with a harrowing discovery in Miami. Featuring real court and testimony audio. Ana Maria Cardona's tale of tragedy begins with the discovery of Lazaro Figueroa, a child caught in the crossfire of his mother's abuse as baby Lollipops. On November 2, 1990, Miami Beach witnessed an atrocity with Lazaro's body lying near a wealthy home, marking the start of a relentless pursuit for justice. Investigators pieced together the harrowing account of Lazaro's short life through forensic evidence and heartbreaking testimonies, painting a dire portrait of neglect. The trial that ensued shed light on unbearable truths, echoed through the courthouses with penetrating intensity to ensure Lazaro's plight was vindicated. This episode features court proceedings and victim testimonies. Listener discretion advised. Support Obscura:Patreon | Website | Apple PremiumOur Sponsors:* Check out BetterHelp and use my code betterhelp.com for a great deal: https://www.betterhelp.com* Check out Chime and use my code chime.com/OBSCURA for a great deal: https://www.chime.com* Check out Mood and use my code OBSCURA for a great deal: https://mood.com* Check out Progressive: https://www.progressive.com* Check out Quince and use my code quince.com/obscura for a great deal: https://www.quince.com* Check out Time4Learning: https://www.time4learning.com* Check out TruDiagnostic and use my code OBSCURA20 for a great deal: https://www.trudiagnostic.comSupport this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/obscura-a-true-crime-podcast/exclusive-contentAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Tina Brown's heinous ambush of Audreanna Zimmerman continues in Pensacola's chilling saga. Featuring interrogations. Tina Brown, seeking reconciliation, laid an insidious trap for Audreanna Zimmerman on March 24, 2010. The nightmare that followed cemented her as a figure of cruelty in Florida's annals. The ambush at a Pensacola trailer park unraveled into one of the region's most traumatic episodes, marked by sheer brutality inflicted upon Audreanna. Investigators dissected the events through exhaustive interviews and interrogation techniques, leading to an unflinching account of the crime. The legal battle that followed delivered hard-fought justice, though the scars of violence linger long after. This episode features interrogation audio and courtroom exchanges. Listener discretion advised. Support Obscura:Patreon | Website | Apple PremiumOur Sponsors:* Check out BetterHelp and use my code betterhelp.com for a great deal: https://www.betterhelp.com* Check out Chime and use my code chime.com/OBSCURA for a great deal: https://www.chime.com* Check out Mood and use my code OBSCURA for a great deal: https://mood.com* Check out Progressive: https://www.progressive.com* Check out Quince and use my code quince.com/obscura for a great deal: https://www.quince.com* Check out Time4Learning: https://www.time4learning.com* Check out TruDiagnostic and use my code OBSCURA20 for a great deal: https://www.trudiagnostic.comSupport this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/obscura-a-true-crime-podcast/exclusive-contentAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Tina Brown orchestrated a brutal ambush of Audreanna Zimmerman in Pensacola, 2010. Features real interrogation audio. On March 24, 2010, Audreanna Zimmerman fell victim to an orchestrated ambush by those she once considered friends. Her story is stamped into Pensacola's tragic timeline of crime and betrayal. The heinous event, executed with unparalleled violence, shocked the community, leaving an indelible mark. Investigators, sifting through a web of lies and deceit, used interrogation tapes and witness accounts to shed light on the calculated act. The subsequent trial provided a harsh mirror to society's darkest capacities and aimed to deliver justice for Audreanna. This episode includes interrogation audio and courtroom briefings. Listener discretion advised. Support Obscura:Patreon | Website | Apple PremiumOur Sponsors:* Check out BetterHelp and use my code betterhelp.com for a great deal: https://www.betterhelp.com* Check out Chime and use my code chime.com/OBSCURA for a great deal: https://www.chime.com* Check out Mood and use my code OBSCURA for a great deal: https://mood.com* Check out Progressive: https://www.progressive.com* Check out Quince and use my code quince.com/obscura for a great deal: https://www.quince.com* Check out Time4Learning: https://www.time4learning.com* Check out TruDiagnostic and use my code OBSCURA20 for a great deal: https://www.trudiagnostic.comSupport this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/obscura-a-true-crime-podcast/exclusive-contentAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Paula Thompson's fatal confrontation with her son reshaped Des Moines' narrative of domestic violence. Includes 911 calls. Paula Marie Thompson, a compassionate claims processor beloved by many, lived with her son Christopher, sharing a home that did not portend the tragedy to come. On March 13, 2020, Des Moines, Iowa witnessed a tragic crescendo of domestic tension as Christopher violently ended his mother's life with a crowbar. The act, a symbol of fractured familial bonds, left profound shockwaves. The immediate investigation utilized vital 911 calls and testimonies as detectives worked diligently to piece together the timeline and motives leading to Paula's untimely death. The subsequent trial unveiled deep issues within the household, culminating in a guilty verdict that pursued justice ruthlessly, yet without eradicating the void left behind. This episode incorporates 911 call recordings and courtroom statements. Listener discretion advised. Support Obscura:Patreon | Website | Apple PremiumOur Sponsors:* Check out BetterHelp and use my code betterhelp.com for a great deal: https://www.betterhelp.com* Check out Chime and use my code chime.com/OBSCURA for a great deal: https://www.chime.com* Check out Mood and use my code OBSCURA for a great deal: https://mood.com* Check out Progressive: https://www.progressive.com* Check out Quince and use my code quince.com/obscura for a great deal: https://www.quince.com* Check out Time4Learning: https://www.time4learning.com* Check out TruDiagnostic and use my code OBSCURA20 for a great deal: https://www.trudiagnostic.comSupport this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/obscura-a-true-crime-podcast/exclusive-contentAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Paul Durousseau's spree leaves a path of sorrow in Jacksonville. Initial murders reveal chilling patterns. Includes victim statements. Paul Durousseau stands among Jacksonville's most notorious figures, with his path of destruction etched in chilling detail. On a humid day in 1997, Tracy Habersham's death introduced a chilling saga, her strangled body found near Fort Benning. This marked the start of a six-year killing spree that haunted the Southeast. The investigation, wrestling with evidentiary and logistic challenges, unearthed disturbing patterns through victim statements and forensic clues that threaded each murder together. The trials struggled to fully represent the loss inflicted by Durousseau’s actions, though his eventual sentence aimed to echo the cries for justice from victims' families. This episode features victim impact statements and courtroom evidence. Listener discretion advised. Support Obscura:Patreon | Website | Apple PremiumOur Sponsors:* Check out BetterHelp and use my code betterhelp.com for a great deal: https://www.betterhelp.com* Check out Chime and use my code chime.com/OBSCURA for a great deal: https://www.chime.com* Check out Mood and use my code OBSCURA for a great deal: https://mood.com* Check out Progressive: https://www.progressive.com* Check out Quince and use my code quince.com/obscura for a great deal: https://www.quince.com* Check out Time4Learning: https://www.time4learning.com* Check out TruDiagnostic and use my code OBSCURA20 for a great deal: https://www.trudiagnostic.comSupport this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/obscura-a-true-crime-podcast/exclusive-contentAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Paul Durousseau's relentless spree grips Jacksonville in terror, unleashing chaos and heartbreak. Court testimonies included. The chronicled violence of Paul Durousseau grips the Southeast as his actions echo through the regions, cementing his infamy. On September 1997, Tracy Habersham’s murder triggered Jacksonville's awareness to a predator among them. Durousseau's methodical strangulation marked a dark timeline. The meticulous investigation relies heavily on court testimonies and forensic advancements to craft a narrative of persistent danger and shocking cruelty. Durousseau's eventual conviction provided a terse victory for justice advocates though each trial unveiled the despair left in his destructive wake. This episode incorporates court testimonies and expert discussions. Listener discretion advised. Support Obscura:Patreon | Website | Apple PremiumOur Sponsors:* Check out BetterHelp and use my code betterhelp.com for a great deal: https://www.betterhelp.com* Check out Chime and use my code chime.com/OBSCURA for a great deal: https://www.chime.com* Check out Mood and use my code OBSCURA for a great deal: https://mood.com* Check out Progressive: https://www.progressive.com* Check out Quince and use my code quince.com/obscura for a great deal: https://www.quince.com* Check out Time4Learning: https://www.time4learning.com* Check out TruDiagnostic and use my code OBSCURA20 for a great deal: https://www.trudiagnostic.comSupport this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/obscura-a-true-crime-podcast/exclusive-contentAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

BLACK LABEL CONTENT — Premium subscribers only Jessica Lunsford’s abduction haunts Homosassa as the search spirals into a distressing nightmare. Featuring chilling interrogation audio. Black Label sheds an unyielding light on the heart-wrenching aftermath of Jessica's disappearance. Jessica, a beacon of innocence, vanished from her bed on February 24, 2005. Her absence symbolized the terror unleashed upon a community struggling to cope with a sinister reality. Investigations, captured through chilling interrogation audio, laid bare the treacherous events leading to an unimaginable conclusion. The community's perseverance underscores the search for one of its own. Access Black Label:Patreon | Apple PremiumOur Sponsors:* Check out BetterHelp and use my code betterhelp.com for a great deal: https://www.betterhelp.com* Check out Chime and use my code chime.com/OBSCURA for a great deal: https://www.chime.com* Check out Mood and use my code OBSCURA for a great deal: https://mood.com* Check out Progressive: https://www.progressive.com* Check out Quince and use my code quince.com/obscura for a great deal: https://www.quince.com* Check out Time4Learning: https://www.time4learning.com* Check out TruDiagnostic and use my code OBSCURA20 for a great deal: https://www.trudiagnostic.comSupport this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/obscura-a-true-crime-podcast/exclusive-contentAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

BLACK LABEL CONTENT — Premium subscribers only Jessica Lunsford's fate captured the nation; her story unfolds with heartrending reality. Critical investigation audio included. This Black Label entry explores the painful steps taken to understand Jessica’s vanishing, marking a pivotal moment in crime history. Jessica Lunsford, an embodiment of childhood dreams, vanished from safety, drawing a community into a vortex of fear. Her room became the epicenter of an inexhaustible search. Investigation updates, supported by piercing audio from the police, depicted the community's resilience and the painful realization of a girl lost to shadows. Access Black Label:Patreon | Apple PremiumOur Sponsors:* Check out BetterHelp and use my code betterhelp.com for a great deal: https://www.betterhelp.com* Check out Chime and use my code chime.com/OBSCURA for a great deal: https://www.chime.com* Check out Mood and use my code OBSCURA for a great deal: https://mood.com* Check out Progressive: https://www.progressive.com* Check out Quince and use my code quince.com/obscura for a great deal: https://www.quince.com* Check out Time4Learning: https://www.time4learning.com* Check out TruDiagnostic and use my code OBSCURA20 for a great deal: https://www.trudiagnostic.comSupport this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/obscura-a-true-crime-podcast/exclusive-contentAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Apopka, Florida. A child's bedroom stained with blood tells a brutal tale of innocence lost. Christine McGowan, a bright and playful 10-year-old, filled her home with laughter. Her world revolved around school projects and hopscotch on sunlit sidewalks. On October 30, 1990, her stepfather discovered the unimaginable. Christine lay lifeless, her sheets soaked in tragedy. An ajar door whispered of an intruder, a man wearing construction boots—a figure caught shadowed in neighborhood whispers. Investigators soon unraveled a chilling picture, pulling threads of evidence from the eerily quiet streets of Apopka. A confession would follow, a harrowing tale from the accused detailing the brutal end of Christine's young life. The trial, filled with heart-stopping testimony, laid bare the depths of human cruelty. Ultimately, justice was served, but the hollow echo of Christine's absence remains. This episode features interrogation footage and court recordings. Listener discretion advised. BLACK LABEL CONTENT — Premium subscribers only Support Obscura: Patreon | Apple PremiumOur Sponsors:* Check out BetterHelp and use my code betterhelp.com for a great deal: https://www.betterhelp.com* Check out Chime and use my code chime.com/OBSCURA for a great deal: https://www.chime.com* Check out Mood and use my code OBSCURA for a great deal: https://mood.com* Check out Progressive: https://www.progressive.com* Check out Quince and use my code quince.com/obscura for a great deal: https://www.quince.com* Check out Time4Learning: https://www.time4learning.com* Check out TruDiagnostic and use my code OBSCURA20 for a great deal: https://www.trudiagnostic.comSupport this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/obscura-a-true-crime-podcast/exclusive-contentAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

The first snuff film left an indelible mark of terror.A grim marker in the dark world of crime filmography, this represents the tangible horror that can spring from human depravity.Once a line was crossed, voyeurism spiraled toward deeds too ghastly to imagine, driven by fear and enticement of the profound unknown. The snuff film unearthed unprecedented evils in cinematic form.Authorities delved into a gut-wrenching investigation, piecing together evidence that drew widespread condemnation. In exploring these grim realities, it opened conversations on media influence and morality.Included are disturbing audio recordings and investigation insights, presenting an unflinching look at humanity’s darker fringes. Content warning for graphic imagery — not suitable for all listeners.Access Black Label:Patreon | Apple PremiumOur Sponsors:* Check out BetterHelp and use my code betterhelp.com for a great deal: https://www.betterhelp.com* Check out Chime and use my code chime.com/OBSCURA for a great deal: https://www.chime.com* Check out Mood and use my code OBSCURA for a great deal: https://mood.com* Check out Progressive: https://www.progressive.com* Check out Quince and use my code quince.com/obscura for a great deal: https://www.quince.com* Check out Time4Learning: https://www.time4learning.com* Check out TruDiagnostic and use my code OBSCURA20 for a great deal: https://www.trudiagnostic.comSupport this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/obscura-a-true-crime-podcast/exclusive-contentAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

The Halloween Horrors tapped into chilling human fantasies.Nguyen Dat’s fatal desire for decapitation intersected with a volatile web of obsession and morbidity. His plea represented personal demons few ever encounter in such raw form.The internet bore witness to exchanges that chronicled Nguyen’s morbid fantasies, unearthing desires that many struggle to comprehend.This case models the cultural and psychological complexities driving individuals toward paths of no return, colliding brutally with reality.Featuring explicit content and discussions on extreme psychological states, this Black Label episode delves into territories offering insight yet demanding caution. Listener discretion with a mature mindset is advised.Access Black Label:Patreon | Apple PremiumOur Sponsors:* Check out BetterHelp and use my code betterhelp.com for a great deal: https://www.betterhelp.com* Check out Chime and use my code chime.com/OBSCURA for a great deal: https://www.chime.com* Check out Mood and use my code OBSCURA for a great deal: https://mood.com* Check out Progressive: https://www.progressive.com* Check out Quince and use my code quince.com/obscura for a great deal: https://www.quince.com* Check out Time4Learning: https://www.time4learning.com* Check out TruDiagnostic and use my code OBSCURA20 for a great deal: https://www.trudiagnostic.comSupport this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/obscura-a-true-crime-podcast/exclusive-contentAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Amid burned dreams, a family lies sheltered by ash—a symbol of lost futures. Timothy and Kelly Farrar were siblings torn from life by flame and smoke in their family's Prairie Village home, leaving behind a sister who escaped the inferno that claimed them. On October 24, 1995, what appeared as a tragic accident became a cauldron of suspicion. Investigators swiftly focused upon someone within the family, a figure shrouded in escalating accusations. A mother faces scrutiny, fueled by whispers of turmoil behind closed doors. Forensic analyses reveal accelerants, fueling the speculation that this was a deadly act of familial betrayal. The devastating loss summoned a court battle filled with desperation and denial, showcasing the twisted depths of darkness within the family dynamic. Features court proceedings and interrogation tapes to delve deeper into unimaginable family trauma. Premium subscribers only. BLACK LABEL CONTENT — Premium subscribers only Access Black Label: Patreon | Apple PremiumOur Sponsors:* Check out BetterHelp and use my code betterhelp.com for a great deal: https://www.betterhelp.com* Check out Chime and use my code chime.com/OBSCURA for a great deal: https://www.chime.com* Check out Mood and use my code OBSCURA for a great deal: https://mood.com* Check out Progressive: https://www.progressive.com* Check out Quince and use my code quince.com/obscura for a great deal: https://www.quince.com* Check out Time4Learning: https://www.time4learning.com* Check out TruDiagnostic and use my code OBSCURA20 for a great deal: https://www.trudiagnostic.comSupport this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/obscura-a-true-crime-podcast/exclusive-contentAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

A quiet night shrouds suburban turmoil; a house of dreams smolders under stars. Timothy and Kelly Farrar were cherished children whose innocence was extinguished by a devastating fire—a familial hearth turned horrific. On the night of October 23, 1995, their sanctuary became a scene of unspeakable terror. As firefighters fought the blaze, murmurings of an internal darkness clouded the air. Surviving reports shifted the lens of suspicion to a family divided by pain and accusations, manifesting a dark tragedy born of fiery destruction. With help from recorded emergency responses and interviews, we delve into the complex psyche behind the inferno, uncovering chilling motives within fractured familial bonds. Features emergency calls and victim interviews, immersing you in the raw emotions of that fateful night. Premium subscribers only. BLACK LABEL CONTENT — Premium subscribers only Access Black Label: Patreon | Apple PremiumOur Sponsors:* Check out BetterHelp and use my code betterhelp.com for a great deal: https://www.betterhelp.com* Check out Chime and use my code chime.com/OBSCURA for a great deal: https://www.chime.com* Check out Mood and use my code OBSCURA for a great deal: https://mood.com* Check out Progressive: https://www.progressive.com* Check out Quince and use my code quince.com/obscura for a great deal: https://www.quince.com* Check out Time4Learning: https://www.time4learning.com* Check out TruDiagnostic and use my code OBSCURA20 for a great deal: https://www.trudiagnostic.comSupport this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/obscura-a-true-crime-podcast/exclusive-contentAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Chaos on the San Mateo Bridge as flames convert joy to untold tragedy. On May 4, 2013, five nurses, vibrant and full of life, were returning from a joyous bachelorette party, their laughter abruptly silenced by fire. The limousine, gleaming under the California night, became a horrifying prison as smoke and flames consumed it on the San Mateo-Hayward Bridge. Out of nine, only four escaped the inferno's relentless grip. Investigators unraveled a grim tapestry of failed safety measures and ignored warnings, bringing those responsible to the forefront of public outrage. The resulting legal journey became a solemn tribute to the lost lives, emphasizing the grievous cost of negligence. Lasting change was demanded by voices echoing through the haunting courtroom proceedings. Includes 911 calls and survivor accounts. Listener discretion advised. Support Obscura: Patreon | Website | Apple PremiumOur Sponsors:* Check out BetterHelp and use my code betterhelp.com for a great deal: https://www.betterhelp.com* Check out Chime and use my code chime.com/OBSCURA for a great deal: https://www.chime.com* Check out Mood and use my code OBSCURA for a great deal: https://mood.com* Check out Progressive: https://www.progressive.com* Check out Quince and use my code quince.com/obscura for a great deal: https://www.quince.com* Check out Time4Learning: https://www.time4learning.com* Check out TruDiagnostic and use my code OBSCURA20 for a great deal: https://www.trudiagnostic.comSupport this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/obscura-a-true-crime-podcast/exclusive-contentAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Violence erupts in Union Township, leaving unanswered questions in its wake. Kelsey Hildal, once a promising MMA fighter, was entangled in battles beyond the ring. Her struggles with mental health hid a powerful strength and quiet determination. On April 1st, 2025, her life was violently cut short in a shocking event that sent shockwaves through Union Township, Ohio. Speculation and suspicion flooded the community. As the investigation unfolded, forensic evidence and witness interviews pieced together the fractured moments leading to Kelsey's tragic end. Legal proceedings sought justice amidst lingering questions of what led to such a fateful confrontation, with courtroom revelations stirring potent emotions. Episode features witness interviews and courtroom recordings. Listener discretion advised. BLACK LABEL CONTENT — Premium subscribers only Access Black Label: Patreon | Apple PremiumOur Sponsors:* Check out BetterHelp and use my code betterhelp.com for a great deal: https://www.betterhelp.com* Check out Chime and use my code chime.com/OBSCURA for a great deal: https://www.chime.com* Check out Mood and use my code OBSCURA for a great deal: https://mood.com* Check out Progressive: https://www.progressive.com* Check out Quince and use my code quince.com/obscura for a great deal: https://www.quince.com* Check out Time4Learning: https://www.time4learning.com* Check out TruDiagnostic and use my code OBSCURA20 for a great deal: https://www.trudiagnostic.comSupport this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/obscura-a-true-crime-podcast/exclusive-contentAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Desperation led Kelsey Hildal down paths where light seldom reached. Kelsey Hildal's resilience was tested at every turn, her life marked by survival against accident, injury, and emotional upheaval. Life threw endless battles her way. In Union Township, Ohio, a community unravels her story, darkened by eventual violence on an April day in 2025. Detectives pieced together a life of challenges and tenacity amid tragedy, leading them through narratives filled with desperation. As the dust settled, the trial examined the intricacies of her turbulent life, leading to informed resolutions that speak for the voiceless lost. Includes 911 calls and personal accounts. Listener discretion advised. Support Obscura: Patreon | Website | Apple PremiumOur Sponsors:* Check out BetterHelp and use my code betterhelp.com for a great deal: https://www.betterhelp.com* Check out Chime and use my code chime.com/OBSCURA for a great deal: https://www.chime.com* Check out Mood and use my code OBSCURA for a great deal: https://mood.com* Check out Progressive: https://www.progressive.com* Check out Quince and use my code quince.com/obscura for a great deal: https://www.quince.com* Check out Time4Learning: https://www.time4learning.com* Check out TruDiagnostic and use my code OBSCURA20 for a great deal: https://www.trudiagnostic.comSupport this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/obscura-a-true-crime-podcast/exclusive-contentAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Joe Winko, a cipher enveloped in enigma, leaves questions louder than answers. Joe Winko's life emerges amidst fragments of lore, a peculiar existence resisting definition. His death surfaces in a web of speculation enveloping history, drawing individuals into a tapestry of mystery about his demise. Investigators wield facts and conjecture as tools, etching out tales of intrigue. A kaleidoscope of possibilities converges on an unsolved conclusion. The episode's conclusion branches into a narrative maze of interviews, pulling secrets buried beneath each conversational pause and uncertainty. Episode contains interviews and event reconstructions. Listener discretion advised. Support Obscura: Patreon | Website | Apple PremiumOur Sponsors:* Check out BetterHelp and use my code betterhelp.com for a great deal: https://www.betterhelp.com* Check out Chime and use my code chime.com/OBSCURA for a great deal: https://www.chime.com* Check out Mood and use my code OBSCURA for a great deal: https://mood.com* Check out Progressive: https://www.progressive.com* Check out Quince and use my code quince.com/obscura for a great deal: https://www.quince.com* Check out Time4Learning: https://www.time4learning.com* Check out TruDiagnostic and use my code OBSCURA20 for a great deal: https://www.trudiagnostic.comSupport this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/obscura-a-true-crime-podcast/exclusive-contentAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Behind Joe Winko's elusive life lies a colder truth that remains obscured. Who Joe Winko truly was is an enigma that dares everyone to decipher the riddle. His narrative threads together a puzzle in perpetual motion, a case that challenges the conventional understanding of truth. Between reality and speculation lies a tale sculpted by interviews and recordings drawn from the shifting sands of memory. The unrevealed aspects of his existence serve as specters wandering through dialogues and fractured legacies. Episode includes interviews and archival material. Listener discretion advised. Support Obscura: Patreon | Website | Apple PremiumOur Sponsors:* Check out BetterHelp and use my code betterhelp.com for a great deal: https://www.betterhelp.com* Check out Chime and use my code chime.com/OBSCURA for a great deal: https://www.chime.com* Check out Mood and use my code OBSCURA for a great deal: https://mood.com* Check out Progressive: https://www.progressive.com* Check out Quince and use my code quince.com/obscura for a great deal: https://www.quince.com* Check out Time4Learning: https://www.time4learning.com* Check out TruDiagnostic and use my code OBSCURA20 for a great deal: https://www.trudiagnostic.comSupport this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/obscura-a-true-crime-podcast/exclusive-contentAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Today we cover a strange case. An unusual case. The case of Joe Winko. But who is Joe Winko? Well, pinning him down is a challenge in itself. I’ll try my best. I warn you this episode is going to be unlike any Obscura episode you’ve heard before. But I promise you it will be worth it.Our Sponsors:* Check out Chime: https://chime.com/OBSCURA* Check out Mood and use my code OBSCURA for a great deal: https://mood.com* Head to https://homeaglow.com/OBSCURA to get your first 3 hours of cleaning for only $19. Thanks so much to Homeaglow for sponsoring this episode! Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/obscura-a-true-crime-podcast/exclusive-contentAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Today we cover a strange case. An unusual case. The case of Joe Winko. But who is Joe Winko? Well, pinning him down is a challenge in itself. I’ll try my best. I warn you this episode is going to be unlike any Obscura episode you’ve heard before. But I promise you it will be worth it.Our Sponsors:* Check out Chime: https://chime.com/OBSCURA* Check out Mood and use my code OBSCURA for a great deal: https://mood.com* Head to https://homeaglow.com/OBSCURA to get your first 3 hours of cleaning for only $19. Thanks so much to Homeaglow for sponsoring this episode! Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/obscura-a-true-crime-podcast/exclusive-contentAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

A man's existence is questioned in Dumfries. A dojo’s dimly lit corridor saw brutality on a December night in 1984. Blood marked the floor where a man was dragged—a scene eerily frozen in grainy footage that resurfaced decades later. Explore the intricacies of a case so entwined with community disillusionment, where the very essence of identity is challenged. The man's story, captured in fleeting moments of violence, invites intense scrutiny and societal reflection. This Black Label narrative peels open layers of resentment and regret, told through rediscovered footage and firsthand accounts. Enter if you dare, into a realm where a man's life is reduced to fragments and perceptions shift with every frame. Access Black Label: Patreon | Apple PremiumOur Sponsors:* Check out BetterHelp and use my code betterhelp.com for a great deal: https://www.betterhelp.com* Check out Chime and use my code chime.com/OBSCURA for a great deal: https://www.chime.com* Check out Mood and use my code OBSCURA for a great deal: https://mood.com* Check out Progressive: https://www.progressive.com* Check out Quince and use my code quince.com/obscura for a great deal: https://www.quince.com* Check out Time4Learning: https://www.time4learning.com* Check out TruDiagnostic and use my code OBSCURA20 for a great deal: https://www.trudiagnostic.comSupport this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/obscura-a-true-crime-podcast/exclusive-contentAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

The final X drawn on a chilling map reveals the hunt's eerie conclusion in Anchorage. Robert Hansen's reign of terror ended amid Anchorage's pattern of shadows and fear, leaving behind a story of unspeakable cruelty. October 27, 1983, saw handcuffs halt a life's twisted saga, unlocking troves of evidence hidden in plain sight in a bakery. The city awoke, confronted by the grotesque realization of horrors inflicted upon countless victims, captive in a woodland blend of fear and deception. Hansen's trial unfolded within courtrooms steeped in horror's legacy, testimony that revisited pages of terror committed during Alaska's boom years. This episode features court recordings and victim testimonies. Premium subscribers only. BLACK LABEL CONTENT — Premium subscribers only Access Black Label: Patreon | Apple PremiumOur Sponsors:* Check out BetterHelp and use my code betterhelp.com for a great deal: https://www.betterhelp.com* Check out Chime and use my code chime.com/OBSCURA for a great deal: https://www.chime.com* Check out Mood and use my code OBSCURA for a great deal: https://mood.com* Check out Progressive: https://www.progressive.com* Check out Quince and use my code quince.com/obscura for a great deal: https://www.quince.com* Check out Time4Learning: https://www.time4learning.com* Check out TruDiagnostic and use my code OBSCURA20 for a great deal: https://www.trudiagnostic.comSupport this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/obscura-a-true-crime-podcast/exclusive-contentAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

The streets of Anchorage witnessed a hunter among the shadows—lives vanished beneath neon promises. Young women, drawn by the allure of a thriving pipeline economy, disappeared under uncertain circumstances—pawns within Robert Hansen's harrowing pursuit. Throughout the 1970s, Hansen left fragmented tales of survival and loss amid Anchorage’s dazzling promises and hidden perils. Surviving victims narrated chilling accounts of escaped encounters, challenging detectives to unravel the sinister truths of vanished lives. The quest for justice laid bare the unyielding drive of those who demanded answers in a web of chaos and desperation. Features victim interviews and police recordings. Premium subscribers only. BLACK LABEL CONTENT — Premium subscribers only Access Black Label: Patreon | Apple PremiumOur Sponsors:* Check out BetterHelp and use my code betterhelp.com for a great deal: https://www.betterhelp.com* Check out Chime and use my code chime.com/OBSCURA for a great deal: https://www.chime.com* Check out Mood and use my code OBSCURA for a great deal: https://mood.com* Check out Progressive: https://www.progressive.com* Check out Quince and use my code quince.com/obscura for a great deal: https://www.quince.com* Check out Time4Learning: https://www.time4learning.com* Check out TruDiagnostic and use my code OBSCURA20 for a great deal: https://www.trudiagnostic.comSupport this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/obscura-a-true-crime-podcast/exclusive-contentAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Within Anchorage's shadows, a sinister specter hunted beneath the tantalizing glow of prosperity. Alaska’s oil boom landscape hid a chilling secret—a serial predator among the thrumming heartbeat of industry and new beginnings. Robert Hansen’s storied path emerges, fraught with terror that cloaked the city, leaving detectives navigating challenging terrains of fear and isolation. Investigators pieced together a jigsaw of vanished young women whose absences unraveled patterns of exploiting innocents drawn northward. The episode touches on ambient paranoia and investigative tenacity as the search for justice exposed cruelty buried by glacial isolation. Includes police interrogations and evidence analysis. Premium subscribers only. BLACK LABEL CONTENT — Premium subscribers only Access Black Label: Patreon | Apple PremiumOur Sponsors:* Check out BetterHelp and use my code betterhelp.com for a great deal: https://www.betterhelp.com* Check out Chime and use my code chime.com/OBSCURA for a great deal: https://www.chime.com* Check out Mood and use my code OBSCURA for a great deal: https://mood.com* Check out Progressive: https://www.progressive.com* Check out Quince and use my code quince.com/obscura for a great deal: https://www.quince.com* Check out Time4Learning: https://www.time4learning.com* Check out TruDiagnostic and use my code OBSCURA20 for a great deal: https://www.trudiagnostic.comSupport this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/obscura-a-true-crime-podcast/exclusive-contentAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

In the quiet of Dragon Rise, shadows stirred, leading to bloodshed and betrayal. The Chapples, beloved within their community, faced unimaginable horror behind doors once intertwined with warmth and laughter. On a Sunday night, the tranquility of Dragon Rise ended in a scene of unrestrained savagery breaking the silence of suburbia. As investigators scrambled to unravel the night's events, they discovered a tangled web of animosity cloaked in suburban normality. The trial unveiled the raw emotions—of families altered by violence and communities grappling with unspeakable truths. Features witness interrogations and crime scene analysis. Premium subscribers only. BLACK LABEL CONTENT — Premium subscribers only Access Black Label: Patreon | Apple PremiumOur Sponsors:* Check out BetterHelp and use my code betterhelp.com for a great deal: https://www.betterhelp.com* Check out Chime and use my code chime.com/OBSCURA for a great deal: https://www.chime.com* Check out Mood and use my code OBSCURA for a great deal: https://mood.com* Check out Progressive: https://www.progressive.com* Check out Quince and use my code quince.com/obscura for a great deal: https://www.quince.com* Check out Time4Learning: https://www.time4learning.com* Check out TruDiagnostic and use my code OBSCURA20 for a great deal: https://www.trudiagnostic.comSupport this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/obscura-a-true-crime-podcast/exclusive-contentAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Dragon Rise—a place that thrived unnoticed, marked by heartbreak and harrowing events. Stephen and Jennifer Chapple stood as pillars within their quaint neighborhood, their lives forever altered by a fateful night. The events of that Sunday transcended mundane routine, drawing dread into their home with unforgiving intensity as darkness descended. Sifting through clues, detectives laid bare disturbing scenarios of disputes veiled in normal gestures, revealing deep-seated tensions. The courtroom became an arena where justice clashed with the unresolved fear echoing through Dragon Rise's peaceful facade. Incorporates security footage and interrogation recordings. Premium subscribers only. BLACK LABEL CONTENT — Premium subscribers only Access Black Label: Patreon | Apple PremiumOur Sponsors:* Check out BetterHelp and use my code betterhelp.com for a great deal: https://www.betterhelp.com* Check out Chime and use my code chime.com/OBSCURA for a great deal: https://www.chime.com* Check out Mood and use my code OBSCURA for a great deal: https://mood.com* Check out Progressive: https://www.progressive.com* Check out Quince and use my code quince.com/obscura for a great deal: https://www.quince.com* Check out Time4Learning: https://www.time4learning.com* Check out TruDiagnostic and use my code OBSCURA20 for a great deal: https://www.trudiagnostic.comSupport this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/obscura-a-true-crime-podcast/exclusive-contentAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Family ties severed by ritualistic cruelty—a tale of unimaginable horror in Pensacola. In July 2015, a normal day became enveloped in sinister motives that ended in a brutal massacre, overwhelming a Florida family. The scene read like an unfathomable ritual—a massacre shrouded in terror's grip amid summer’s heat within Escambia County. The investigation pursued every ominous lead, unpeeling layers of familial dysfunction masked by everyday life's unassuming facade. Courtroom revelations painted a macabre picture of greed and control dictating the lives of a fractured family, leaving indelible marks. Episode features courtroom recordings and eyewitness testimony. Listener discretion advised. Support Obscura: Patreon | Website | Apple PremiumOur Sponsors:* Check out BetterHelp and use my code betterhelp.com for a great deal: https://www.betterhelp.com* Check out Chime and use my code chime.com/OBSCURA for a great deal: https://www.chime.com* Check out Mood and use my code OBSCURA for a great deal: https://mood.com* Check out Progressive: https://www.progressive.com* Check out Quince and use my code quince.com/obscura for a great deal: https://www.quince.com* Check out Time4Learning: https://www.time4learning.com* Check out TruDiagnostic and use my code OBSCURA20 for a great deal: https://www.trudiagnostic.comSupport this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/obscura-a-true-crime-podcast/exclusive-contentAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy