14th August 2023 · Episode 217

Morbidology the Podcast - 217: Joanne Witt

46 Min · By Emily G. Thompson

On Friday the 11th of June, 2009, Joanne Witt’s co-workers were concerned when she failed to show up for work. Over the weekend, they routinely checked at her home. The air conditioning was switched on, but nobody answered the door. By Monday, their concern had escalated so much that they promptly reported her missing.

On Friday the 11^th of June, 2009, Joanne Witt’s co-workers were concerned when she failed to show up for work. Over the weekend, they routinely checked at her home. The air conditioning was switched on, but nobody answered the door. By Monday, their concern had escalated so much that they promptly reported her missing.

Sponsors:

Babbel: Thank you to Babbel for sponsoring this episode! Learn a new language in as little as three weeks with Babbel. Get 55% off at: https://babbel.com/morbidology

4Patriots: Thank you to 4Patriots for sponsoring this episode! With hurricane season fast approaching, it’s time to prepare with 4Patriot’s emergency food packages. Use the code “MORBIDOLOGY” for 10% off: https://4patriots.com/

Factor: Thank you to Factor for sponsering this episode! Take away the stress of cooking and get Factor’s delicious meals delivered right to your door. Get 50% off your order at: https://factormeals.com/morbidology50

Audio Sources:

“Forbidden Love: Couple Sentenced”

“Girl, Boyfriend Sought in Slaying”

Sources:

The Sacramento Bee, 16 June, 2009 – “Daughter, Boyfriend Sought in El Dorado Hills Homicide”

The Auburn Journal, 17 June, 2009 – “Mother Was Stabbed”

The Auburn Journal, 17 June, 2009 – “El Dorado Hills Murder Scene in Eerily Quiet”

The Mercury News, 17 June, 2009 – “Teen Suspects in El Dorado County Slaying Arrested in San Bruno”

The Sacramento Bee, 18 June, 2009 – “El Dorado Hills”

Associated Press, 22 June, 2009 – “DA Ponders Adult Charges in Calif. Mom Killing”

Mountain Democrat, 22 June, 2009 – “Joanne Witt Remembered as Devoted Single Mom”

Associated Press, 24 June, 2009 – “Note, Rat Poison Found in Teen’s Room”

Mountain Democrat, 26 June, 2009 – “You Will Find us Together, Death on a Beach”

Mountain Democrat, 28 June, 2009 – “Attorneys Took Initial Steps Monday in Determining if Tylar Witt Will be Charged as an Adult”

Mountain Democrat, 28 September, 2009 – “Accused Murderers Steven Colver and Tylar Witt Showed a Friend the Bloody Knife”

Mountain Democrat, 18 November, 2009 – “Details Revealed in Witt Murder Hearing”

The Sacramento Bee, 18 November, 2009 – “Details Emerge in Slaying”

Associated Press, 24 November, 2009 – “Girl, 15, Can Be Tried as Adult in Mom’s Slaying”

Associated Press, 22 January, 2010 – “Death Penalty off Table in El Dorado Mom Killing”

Mountain Democrat, 3 February, 2010 – “Witt Pleads Insanity”

The Sacramento Bee, 14 June, 2010 – “Judge Denies Separate Trials”

The Auburn Journal, 17 September, 2010 – “Teen Enters Guilty Plea”

The Auburn Journal, 20 September, 2010 – “Witt’s Guilty Plea May Help Colver”

Associated Press, 17 May, 2011 – “Trial Opens in Killing of El Dorado Co. Teen’s Mom”

Mountain Democrat, 17 May, 2011 – “Murder Trial Begins”

The Sacramento Bee, 17 May, 2011 – “Teen’s Love Affair Led to Sadistic Murder”

Mountain Democrat, 19 May, 2011 – “Defendant Confesses to God”

The Sacramento Bee, 20 May, 2011 – “Friends Testify Colver Confessed to Killing His Girlfriend’s Mom”

The Sacramento Bee, 20 May, 2011 – “Friends Testify Colver Confessed to Killing His Girlfriend’s Mom”

The Sacramento Bee, 23 May, 2011 – “Friends Testify About Mom’s murder”

The Sacramento Bee, 25 May, 2011 – “Father of El Dorado Hills Murder Suspect Testifies”

The Auburn Journal, 1 June, 2011 – “Tylar Witt Details Abuse at Young Age”

The Sacramento Bee, 1 June, 2011 – “Three Personalities Lurking Inside Me”

The Sacramento Bee, 2 June, 2011 – “Girl Tells How Lover’s Knife Frenzy Killed Mom”

The Sacramento Bee, 2 June, 2011 – “Colver Was in Shock After Stabbing”

Mountain Democrat, 7 June, 2011 – “Read Letter Day in Court”

Mountain Democrat, 8 June, 2011 – “Attorneys Debate DNA Evidence”

FOX – 40 KTXL, 9 June, 2011 – “Steven Colver Testifies”

Mountain Democrat, 9 June, 2011 – “Tylar Did it for Us”

Associated Press, 10 June, 2011 – “Tense Cross-Examination in Trial Over Calif Mom Stabbing”

Associated Press, 14 June, 2011 – “Jury Hears Closing Arguments in Calif Mom Stabbing”

Associated Press, 15 June, 2011 – “Man Found Guilty of Murder in Calif Mom Stabbing”

The Auburn Journal, 12 August, 2011 – “Colver Gets Life in Prison for Murder”

The Sacramento Bee, 13 August, 2011 – “Anger, Sorrow Punctuate Couple’s Sentencing for Murder”

The Sacramento Bee, 15 September, 2011 – “ABC Interview”

3rd July 2023 · Episode 211

Morbidology the Podcast - 211: Lola James

56 Min · By Emily G. Thompson

It is a parents duty to ensure the safety and well-being of their child. This includes exercising the utmost caution when it comes to welcoming people into the home. Unfortunately, some parents put their own needs before the safety of their children, and in Haverfordwest, Pembrokeshire, Wales, in July 2020, a disturbing incident highlighted this harsh reality.

It is a parents duty to ensure the safety and well-being of their child. This includes exercising the utmost caution when it comes to welcoming people into the home. Unfortunately, some parents put their own needs before the safety of their children, and in Haverfordwest, Pembrokeshire, Wales, in July 2020, a disturbing incident highlighted this harsh reality.

Sponsors:

4Patriots: Thank you to 4Patriots for sponsoring this episode! With hurricane season fast approaching, it’s time to prepare with 4Patriot’s emergency food packages. Use the code “MORBIDOLOGY” for 10% off: https://4patriots.com/

Audio Sources:

“Video: 999 call and police footage from trial into death of two-year-old Lola James”

“Stepfather and mother sentenced for murder of two-year-old Lola James”

“Lola James: Father’s statement after mother and partner found guilty over toddler’s death”

Sources:

The Daily Mirror, 5 August, 2020 – “Girl, 2, Dies Cruel Death”

Press Association, 5 August, 2020 – “Two-Year-Old Girl Dies”

Milford Mercury, 15 September, 2020 – “Funeral of Young Girl Who Died Takes Place Today”

Western Telegraph, 21 September, 2020 – “Fundraiser Launched to Help Pay for a Headstone for Lola”

Press Association, 8 April, 2021 – “Girl, Two, Died After Suffering Head Injury”

Evening Standard, 22 April, 2022 – “Man in Court After Being Charged”

Evening Standard, 22 April, 2022 – “Mother Accused Over Two-Year-Old Lola James’ Death”

MailOnline, 29 June, 2022 – “Mother Denies Allowing Death of Girl, Two”

Evening Standard, 7 March, 2023 – “Pair Face Trial”

Cambrian News, 8 March, 2023 – “Trial Begins in Man Accused of Murdering Toddler”

The Daily Mirror, 8 March, 2023 – “Stepdad Filmed Trying to Prop up Dying Girl”

The Daily Telegraph, 8 March, 2023 – “Toddler Killed in Extremely Violent Attack”

Evening Standard, 8 March, 2023 – “Toddler Murder Accused Made Disturbing Video Showing her Limp Body”

Tivyside Advertiser, 8 March, 2023 – “Court Hears Murder Suspect Didn’t Call Paramedics”

Evening Standard, 9 March, 2023 – “Best Friend Told Mother to get rid of Murder Accused”

MailOnline, 9 March, 2023 – “Stepfather Launched Fatal Attack”

Western Mail, 10 March, 2023 – “Accused Told Girl’s Mum to Get Account Bang On”

Western Mail, 11 March, 2023 – “Woman Saw Lola with Purpley Nose and Bruised Neck”

The Daily Mirror, 13 March, 2023 – “Stepdad Shook Girl to Death”

The Daily Mirror, 15 March, 2023 – “Friend Saw Girl, 2, With Black Eye”

The Express, 17 March, 2023 – “Girl, 2, Filmed by Stepdad”

Western Telegraph, 21 March, 2023 – “Messages Reveal How Two-Year-Old Lola was Hurt”

Western Telegraph, 21 March, 2023 – “Toddler Who Died After Catastrophic Head Trauma”

The  Daily Mirror, 22 March, 2023 – “Man Accused of Murdering Toddler Told Police she was a Nutcase”

MailOnline, 22 March, 2023 – “Man Who Brutally Killed His Two Year Old Stepdaughter Called Her a Nutcase”

Western Telegraph, 22 March, 2023 – “Questions as to Why it Took an Hour”

Western Telegraph, 22 March, 2023 – “This is What Murder Accused Told Police”

MailOnline, 23 March, 2023 – “Mother Told Police that Partner who Killed Two Year Old Daughter Was Amazing”

Western Telegraph, 24 March, 2023 – “Mum Didn’t Think Lola was in Major Danger”

Western Telegraph, 23 March, 2023 – “Lola’s Mum Accused of Failing to Act”

Western Mail, 25 March, 2023 – “Toddler’s Mum Doing Drugs, Drinking More”

Evening Standard, 28 March, 2023 – “Man Accused of Murdering Partner’s daughter”

Evening Standard, 28 March, 2023 – “Mother Says Partner Should Rot in Hell”

Western Telegraph, 29 March, 2023 – “Mum Took No Steps”

Western Telegraph, 30 March, 2023 – “Didn’t Stand a Chance”

Western Telegraph, 30 March, 2023 – “Mum of Toddler Lola Will Blame herself”

Western Telegraph, 3 April, 2023 – “The 999 Calls”

Bristol Post, 25 April, 2023 – “Man Who Murdered Beautiful Toddler Handed Minimum Term of 28 Years”

19th June 2023 · Episode 209

Morbidology the Podcast - 209: Rita Camilleri

57 Min · By Emily G. Thompson

St. Clair, New South Wales, Australia, was enveloped in stillness on the night of 19 July, 2019, It was approaching midnight when the tranquillity was pierced by piercing screams echoing up and down a neighbourhood. The screams were followed by a woman begging her neighbours to call police.

St. Clair, New South Wales, Australia, was enveloped in stillness on the night of 19 July, 2019, It was approaching midnight when the tranquility was pierced by piercing screams echoing up and down a neighbourhood. The screams were followed by a woman begging her neighbours to call police.

Sponsors:

Glow Natural Wellness: Thank you to Glow Natural Wellness for sponsoring this episode! As we age, we experience fatigue, moodiness, weight gain and hot flashes. Take control of your hormones and sign up to their Hormone Restoration Masterclass for free: http://fixhormones.com/

June’s Journey: Thank you to June’s Journey for sponsoring this episode! The objective of this murder-mystery game is to find objects that are hidden within beautiful, colorful and carefully crafted scenes. Download June’s Journey for free on the Apple app store and Google Play.

4Patriots: Thank you to 4Patriots for sponsoring this episode! With hurricane season fast approaching, it’s time to prepare with 4Patriot’s emergency food packages. Use the code “MORBIDOLOGY” for 10% off:

Audio Sources:

“Jessica Camilleri sentenced to long jail term by Justice Helen Wilson | 7NEWS”

Sources:

Australian Broadcasting Corporation, 20 July, 2019 – “Woman  Charged with Murder Over Mother’s Stabbing”

The Age, 21 July, 2019 – “Daughter Charged After Woman, 57, Found Dead”

The Advertiser, 22 July, 2019 – “I Can’t Wash the Blood off My Fingers”

The Australian, 22 July, 2019 – “Mother Beheaded in Suburb Horror”

The Daily Telegraph, 22 July, 2019 – “Man at Centre of Family’s Troubles”

MailOnline, 22 July, 2019 – “The Tragic Twist of Fate that Meant Young Boy, 4, Was at Home”

The Australian, 23 July, 2019 – “Victim’s Neighbour Saw Warning Signs”

The Daily Telegraph, 25 July, 2019 – “Courts Hand out Asylum”

The Daily Telegraph, 1 August, 2019 – “Boy Shaken up by Beheading Ordeal”

The Sydney Morning Herald, 10 August, 2019 – “Daughter Accused of Beheading Back in Court”

MailOnline, 22 August, 2019 – “We’re Going Through Hell”

The Daily Telegraph, 29 Janaury, 2020 – “More Accused”

The Daily Telegraph, 1 May, 2020 – “Sydney Beheading Accused Jessica Camilleri Fit to Stand Trial”

The Daily Telegraph, 19 June, 2020 – “St. Clair Alleged Beheading”

The Daily Telegraph, 7 August, 2020 – “Sydney Beheading Accused Jessica Camilleri Trial Date Set”

Australian Associated Press, 1 December, 2020 – “Daughter on Trial for Mum’s Decapitation”

Australian Broadcasting Corporation, 1 December, 2020 – “Jessica Camilleri Was Acting in Self-Defence”

The Daily Telegraph, 1 December, 2020 – “Mum Decapitated in Frenzied Stabbing Attack”

The Sydney Morning Herald, 1 December, 2020 – “Not My Jessica”

Australian Associated Press, 2 December, 2020 – “Can Doctors Sew Mum’s Head Back On?”

Australian Broadcasting Corporation, 2 December, 2020 – “Sydney Court Shown Video of Jessica Camilleri”

The Sydney Morning Herald, 2 December, 2020 – “In Self-Defence I think I Killed Her”

Australian Associated Press, 3 December, 2020 – “Decapitation Threats Before Mum Killed”

Australian Associated Press, 3 December, 2020 – “Horror Movies Inspired Decapitation”

The Sydney Morning Herald, 3 December, 2020 – “I Had Sick Thoughts”

Australian Associated Press, 4 December, 2020 – “Horror Film Fan Impaired”

Australian Broadcasting Corporation, 4 December, 2020 – “Sydney Court Hears Jessica Camilleri Prone to Rage Attacks”

The Daily Telegraph, 7 December, 2020 – “Jessica Camilleri Had Morbid Curiosity with Death”

The Sydney Morning Herald, 7 December, 2020 – “Decapitation Idea Came Early”

The Daily Telegraph, 8 December, 2020 – “Jessica Camilleri Jury Retires to Consider Verdict”

Australian Broadcasting Corporation, 10 December, 2020 – “Jessica Camilleri Would Call Strangers”

The Daily Telegraph, 10 December, 2020 – “Jessica Camilleri Trial”

Australian Associated Press, 17 February, 2021 – “Sydney Mum’s Killer Refused Help”

Australian Associated Press, 11 March, 2021 – “Sydney Woman Jailed for Mum’s Decapitation”

Australian Associated Press, 12 March, 2021 – “Sydney Woman Jailed for Mum’s Decapitation”

12th June 2023 · Episode 208

Morbidology the Podcast - 208: Ashley Zhao

38 Min · By Emily G. Thompson

China was governed by the Communist Party of China in the late 1990s, a regime that had held power since 1949. Consequently, a significant number of Chinese citizens emigrated from the country, with some choosing to settle in the United States. Among them were Ming Ming Chen and Liang Zhao, who arrived in Ohio and established their own restaurant. In 2017, however, tragedy struck, when a phone call came in to police from their restaurant.

China was governed by the Communist Party of China in the late 1990s, a regime that had held power since 1949. Consequently, a significant number of Chinese citizens emigrated from the country, with some choosing to settle in the United States. Among them were Ming Ming Chen and Liang Zhao, who arrived in Ohio and established their own restaurant. In 2017, however, tragedy struck, when a phone call came in to police from their restaurant.

Sponsors:

June’s Journey: Thank you to June’s Journey for sponsoring this episode! The objective of this murder-mystery game is to find objects that are hidden within beautiful, colorful and carefully crafted scenes. Download June’s Journey for free on the Apple app store and Google Play.

Sources:

CBS – 19 WHNT, 10 January, 2017 – “Missing 5-Year-Old Girl Found Deceased and Concealed”

FOX – 8 WJW, 10 January, 2017 – “State Issues Missing Child Alert”

FOX – 8 WJW, 10 Janaury, 2017 – “Police Use  Drones, Dogs to Search for 5-Year-Old Girl”

Independent – 3 KTVK, 10 January, 2017 – “5-Year-Old Girl Reported Missing”

The Repository, 10 January, 2017 – “Statewide Alert Issued for Girl Missing in Jackson”

FOX – 8 WJW, 11 January, 2017 – “Memorial Growing Outside Restaurant in Jackson Township Where Little Girl Was Killed”

FOX – 8 WJW, 11 January, 2017 – “Police Investigating Past of Parents Accused in Girl’s Murder”

FOX – 8 WJW, 11 January, 2017 – “It Rips Your Heart Out”

FOX – 8 WJW, 11 January, 2017 – “Vigil Held for 5-Year-Old North Canton Girl”

The Repository, 11 Janaury, 2017 – “We Never Stopped Searching”

FOX – 8 WJW, 12 Janaury, 2017 – “Sister of Murdered 5-Year-Old Stays in Custody”

FOX – 8 WJW, 12 January, 2017 – “North Canton Mom Charged with Daughter’s Murder Ordered Deported”

The Repository, 15 January, 2017 – “Mother’ Religious Claims don’t Jibe”

The Repository, 22 Janaury, 2017 – “They Looked so Nice”

The Repository, 7 March, 2017 – “Ashley Zhao’s Parents Indicted on Murder Charges”

The Repository, 16 June, 2017 – “Psychiatrist to Evaluate Ming Ming Chen”

Akron Beacon Journal, 11 September, 2017 – “Man Pleads Guilty to Hiding 5-Year-Old”

The Repository, 12 October, 2017 – “Jackson Twp. Mother Seeks Insanity”

The Repository, 16 October, 2017 – “Judge to Rule on Evidence in Jackson Township Murder Case”

Akron Beacon Journal, 29 December, 2017 – “Mom Gets 22-Years”

Ashland Times-Gazette, 29 December, 2017 – “Judge Rebukes Mother”

FOX – 8 WJW, 1 January, 2018 – “Chilling Video Shows North Canton Mother Confessing”

The Repository, 10 Janaury, 2018 – “Ashley Zhao’s Father Failed Her”

CBS – 3 WTKR, 23 January, 2018 – “Father Reveals Disturbing Details During Interrogation About Daughter’s Murder”

5th June 2023 · Episode 207

Morbidology the Podcast - 207: Alexis Rasmussen

52 Min · By Emily G. Thompson

In the autumn of 2011, a teenage girl from North Ogden, a quaint suburb in Utah, suddenly disappeared under mysterious circumstances while fulfilling her babysitting duties at a nearby household. As authorities delved into the unsettling case, their quest for answers would ultimately thrust them into the sordid and depraved realm of drugs and predators.

In the autumn of 2011, a teenage girl from North Ogden, a quaint suburb in Utah, suddenly disappeared under mysterious circumstances while fulfilling her babysitting duties at a nearby household. As authorities delved into the unsettling case, their quest for answers would ultimately thrust them into the sordid and depraved realm of drugs and predators.

Sponsors:

Zocdoc: Thank you to Zocdoc for sponsoring this episode! Zocdoc is the only free app that lets you find and book doctors who are patient reviewed, take your insurance & are available when you need them. To find a & book a top rated doctor today, visit: https://zocdoc.com/morbidology

Audio Sources:

“Dea Milberg Sentencing”

“Millberg Trial”

Sources:

News & Politics Examiner, 26 September, 2011 – “Teen Missing from Utah”

Standard-Examiner, 5 October, 2011 – “Reward Offered in Search for Teen”

Standard-Examiner, 12 October, 2011 – “Search for North Ogden Teen Turns to Criminal Probe”

Associated Press, 13 October, 2011 – “Search Continues  for Teenage Girl Missing a Month”

Standard-Examiner, 13 October, 2011 – “Ogden’s Real Time Crime Center Helps in Hunt for Teen”

The Salt Lake Tribune, 14 October, 2011 – “Search Continues for North Ogden Teen”

Standard-Examiner, 17 October, 2011 – “Candlelight Vigil Planned”

Standard-Examiner, 19 October, 2021 – “A  Flame of Hope for Alexis”

Standard-Examiner, 20 October, 2011 – “Police Searching for Missing North Ogden Teen Find Body”

The Salt Lake Tribune, 21 October, 2011 – “Police Have Found Body”

Associated Press, 22 October, 2011 – “Body Identified as that of Missing Utah Teen”

The Deseret News, 22 October, 2011 – “Remains Identified as those of Missing N. Ogden Teen”

Standard-Examiner, 22 October, 2011 – “North Ogden Family Grieves After Alexis’ Body ID’d”

Standard-Examiner, 22 October, 2011 – “Rasmussen May Have Left Millbergs’ House”

Associated Press, 25 October, 2011 – “Couple Named ‘Persons of Interest’ in Teen’s Death”

The Salt Lake Tribune, 26 October, 2011 – “Investigators Have Suspects in Utah Teen’s Death”

Standard-Examiner, 26 October, 2011 – “Mom: I knew Alexis Didn’t Run Away”

The Salt Lake Tribune, 27 October, 2011 – “North Ogden Couple Persons of Interest in Teen’s Death”

Associated Press, 29 October, 2011 – “Hundreds Remember Utah Teen Found in Shallow Grave”

Standard-Examiner, 29 October, 2011 – “Millerbergs’ Neighbors: Cops Frequented House”

Standard-Examiner, 29 October, 2011 – “Millerbergs Have a Long History of Legal Trouble”

Associated Press, 2 November, 2011 – “Warrants Detail Sex, Drugs in Death of Utah Teen”

Standard-Examiner, 2 November, 2011 – “Millerberg Search Warrant Show Alexis Partied with Couple”

Standard-Examiner, 2 November, 2011 – “Millerberg Search Warrants Reveal Much About Relationship with Teen”

The Salt Lake Tribune, 3 November, 2011 – “Search Warrant Detail Couple’s Alleged Role in Teen’s Death”

Associated Press, 31 Janaury, 2012 – “Man Charged with Homicide in Death of Babysitter”

FOX – 13 KSTU, 9 April, 2012 – “Eric Millerberg Ordered to Stand Trial”

Standard-Examiner, 9 April, 2012 – “Eric Injected Alexis with Meth”

Standard-Examiner, 27 June, 2012 – “Attorney Seeks Funds”

FOX – 13 KSTU, 26 July, 2012 – “Alexis Rasmussen’s Mother Creates Lexi’s Legacy”

Standard-Examiner, 19 April, 2012 – “Suspects in Murder Case not Divorcing”

FOX – 13 KSTU, 12 February, 2014 – “Millerberg Goes on Trial in Alexis Rasmussen’s Death”

Lincoln Journal Star, 12 February, 2014 – “Utah Man Accused of Killing Baby Sitter With Drugs”

The Salt Lake Tribune, 12 February, 2014 – “Man Injected Drugs into Utah Teen”

Standard-Examiner, 12 February, 2014 – “Millerberg Victim had Extreme Meth Overdose”

Associated Press, 14 February, 2014 – “Man Charged in Teen’s Death”

The Columbia Chronicle, 14 February, 2014 – “Jury Gets Case of Utah Man Charged in Teen’s Death”

FOX – 13 KSTU, 18 March, 2014 – “Millerberg Sentenced in Alexis Rasmussen’s Death”

Associated Press, 21 August, 2014 – “Prison Time for Woman Charged in Baby Sitter’s Death”

22nd May 2023 · Episode 205

Morbidology the Podcast - 205: Richard & Janet Sweet

57 Min · By Emily G. Thompson

The quaint town of Manchester, Iowa, was bathing in the warm glow of the early morning sun on Mother’s Day of 2012. Families across the town were getting together in celebration, but as the day wore on, an eerie hush fell across the town, like a foreboding cloud. On the quaint residential street of Deann Drive, the silence was broken by the shrill sound of police sirens, as a gruesome crime was being uncovered.

The quaint town of Manchester, Iowa, was bathing in the warm glow of the early morning sun on Mother’s Day of 2012. Families across the town were getting together in celebration, but as the day wore on, an eerie hush fell across the town, like a foreboding cloud. On the quaint residential street of Deann Drive, the silence was broken by the shrill sound of police sirens, as a gruesome crime was being uncovered.

Audio Sources:

“Isaiah Sweet Sentencing”

“Plea Agreement in Isaiah Sweet Trial”

“Isaiah Sweet Trial Day 3”

Sources:

NBC – 13 WHO, 13 May, 2012 – “Bodies Discovered”

Telegraph Herald, 13 May, 2012 – “Manchester Police Investigating Double Murder”

Associated Press, 14 May, 2012 – “Iowa Teen Charged in Grandparents’ Death”

Associated Press, 15 May, 2012 – “Iowa Teen Accused of Killing Grandparents in Court”

The Gazette, 15 May, 2012 – “Teen Wanted in Manchester Slayings Arrested”

The Gazette, 16 May, 2012 – “No Indication of Slayings at Release”

The Gazette, 17 May, 2012 – “Drugged Grandparents Shot to Death”

The Gazette, 18 May, 2012 – “Court Files Show Family and Financial Troubles”

Associated Press, 22 May, 2012 – “Records Show Many Police Calls to Manchester Home”

The Gazette, 23 May, 2012 – “Police Calls Show Escalating Tension”

Associated Press, 10 July, 2012 – “Iowa Man Accused of Suggesting Killing Methods”

Telegraph Herald, 10 July, 2012 – “Manchester Teen Charged with Helping Sweet Dispose of Gun”

Associated Press, 18 July, 2012 – “Iowa Murder Suspect Faces New Charges”

Telegraph Herald, 18 July, 2012 – “Sweet Facing Additional Charges from Juvenile Court”

Associated Press, 12 December, 2012 – “Iowa Attorney Wants Interview out of Homicide Case”

The Gazette, 12 December, 2012 – “Defendant Wants Interview Kept From Jury”

Telegraph Herald, 18 December, 2012 – “County Attorney Wants to Consolidate Sweet, AHlers Trials”

Telegraph Herald, 23 January, 2013 – “State Special Defence Unit to Represent Sweet”

Telegraph Herald, 26 February, 2013 – “Ahlers Waives Right to Jury Trial”

Associated Press, 16 July, 2013 – “Iowa Man Reaches Plea Deal in Manchester Slayings”

Telegraph Herald, 16 July, 2013 – “Accused Accomplice in Killing Faces 18 Years in Prison”

The Gazette, 17 July, 2013 – “Man Sentenced for Role in Manchester Homicides”

Telegraph Herald, 24 September, 2013 – “Judge Gives 18 Years in Prison”

Associated Press, 17 October, 2013 – “Man Testifies”

Telegraph Herald, 17 October, 2013 – “Sweet Discussed Ways to Kill Grandparents”

Associated Press, 18 October, 2013 – “Manchester Teenager’s Lawyer Seeks Mistrial”

Associated Press, 18 October, 2013 – “Teen Seemed Relived to Admit Killings”

The Gazette, 18 October, 2013 – “Suspect Asked how to Kill, Man Testifies”

The Gazette, 19 October, 2013 – “Jurors See Graphic Photos in Sweet Trial”

Associated Press, 21 October, 2013 – “Manchester Teen Agrees to Plead Guilty”

The Gazette, 22 October, 2013 – “Plea Deal Ends Double Murder Trial”

Telegraph Herald, 24 October, 2013 – “Murder Victim’s Daughter: No Remorse from Killer”

Telegraph Herald, 26 February, 2013 – “Sides Clash Over Sentence for Manchester Murderer”

Associated Press, 11 March, 2014 – “Iowa Teen Gets Life Terms for Killing Grandparents”

Associated Press, 27 May, 2016 – “Iowa Supreme Court Bans Life Without Parole for Teen Killers”

Telegraph Herald, 20 September, 2016 – “Manchester Man Who Killed Grandparents is Eligible for Parole”

15th May 2023 · Episode 204

Morbidology the Podcast - 204: Susan Cadieux

42 Min · By Emily G. Thompson

Snow blanketed the ground of St. Mary’s Churchyard School, London, Ontario, on 6 January, 1956. Susan Cadieux was playing outside the school with her two brothers when an unknown man approached them. The boys were momentarily distracted by a little girl who had slipped on the ice. When they turned back, Susan and the man had vanished into the frigid night air.

Snow blanketed the ground of St. Mary’s Churchyard School, London, Ontario, on 6 January, 1956. Susan Cadieux was playing outside the school with her two brothers when an unknown man approached them. The boys were momentarily distracted by a little girl who had slipped on the ice. When they turned back, Susan and the man had vanished into the frigid night air.

Sponsors:

Glow Natural Wellness: Thank you to Glow Natural Wellness for sponsoring this episode! As we age, we experience fatigue, moodiness, weight gain and hot flashes. Take control of your hormones and sign up to their Hormone Restoration Masterclass for free: http://fixhormones.com/

June’s Journey: Thank you to June’s Journey for sponsoring this episode! The objective of this murder-mystery game is to find objects that are hidden within beautiful, colorful and carefully crafted scenes. Download June’s Journey for free on the Apple app store and Google Play.

Sources:

The Kingston Whig-Standard, 7 January, 1956 – “5-Year-old Found Dead After All-Night Search”

The Windsor Star, 7 November, 1956 – “Doubt Foul Play”                 

The Philadelphia Inquirer, 8 Janaury, 1956 – “Girl, 5,  Found Dead”

The Times Herald, 8 January, 1956 – “Dead Child Had Been Attacked”

The Ottawa Citizen, 9 January, 1956 – “Detectives Work Around Clock”

The Ottawa Citizen, 9 January, 1956 – “Parish Priest Helped in Search for Susan”

The Calgary Albertan, 9 January, 1956 – “Assault, Slaying of Girl, 5, Triggers Sex Deviate Hunt”

The Windsor Star, 9 Janaury, 1956 – “Widen Net for Suspect”

The Kingston Whig-Standard, 10 Janaury, 1956 – “Mystery Woman Is Linked with Hunt for Sex Deviate”

The Sault Star, 11 January, 1956 – “Province – Wide Search for Susan’s Abductor”

The Windsor Star, 12 January, 1956 – “Dad Stoic on Hearing Tragic Tale”

The Kingston Whig-Standard, 14 January, 1956 – “Man Claims he Abducted Dead Child”

The Sault Star, 16 January, 1956 – “Deny Youth Connected with Death of Susan”

Calgary Herald, 21 January, 1956  – “Rapings in Ontario Rouse Ire of MP’s”

The Ottawa Citizen, 23 January, 1956 – “Questioned in Slaying”

North Bay Nugget, 27 January, 1956 – “Looks Like Slayer of London Tot”

The Montreal Star, 20 February, 1956 – “Police Hold Possible Suspect in Girl’s Death”

The Kingston Whig-Standard, 23 February, 1956 – “To Aid Police”

The Windsor Star, 31 October, 1961 – “Psychic Sleuth in London Hunt”

The Sun Times, 4 February, 1998 – “Books Opened on Old Murders”

Edmonton Journal, 6 April, 2000 – “Air Force Sergeant Investigated in 1950s Deaths”

The London Free Press, 6 April, 2000 – “Project Angel Eyes Truscott Case Figure”

CBC, 11 Janaury, 2023 – “Local Sleuths Hope to Shed New Light”

Breck Bednar was a bright, intelligent, year ten pupil at St. Bedes in Redhill, Surrey. His father, Barry, was a successful City oil trader originally from Houston, Texas, who went on to manage a series of companies, including Rubicon Oil Brokers. Breck’s mother, Lorin LaFave, hailed from Michigan and had previously worked for clothing companies before she became governor and teaching assistant at St. John’s C of E Primary School.¹

The family had moved to the United Kingdom from the United States due to Barry’s career. Lorin also said she felt safer because the United Kingdom had stricter gun laws. ² Unfortunately, the couple separated, but on amicable terms.³

Breck was known as an incredibly smart teenager. He had a talent for computing, electronics, and engineering and was a member of the Air Cadets with the 135 Squadron in Redhill, Surrey. He enjoyed looking after his triplet siblings, and was described by his principal, Christopher Curtis, as a pleasure to teach.⁴

Like many teenagers, Breck found solace and companionship on the internet, immersing himself in online gaming and making new friends. He joined an online community called TeamSpeak after being introduced to it at a church youth group. The platform was similar to Skype, allowing him to play games with his school friends and meet new ones, including two boys named Liam and Tom. Although they attended different schools, they would all chat on the server after classes.⁵

Initially, Breck’s parents believed the online server was a positive thing for him as it fostered socializing and interaction with like-minded individuals. Breck excelled in sports, but it was computers that were his passion and future career. Even as a young boy, he had a deep interest in computers, teaching himself code and building his own gaming computer using components purchased online.⁶

The server was owned and controlled by 18-year-old Lewis Daynes. Breck became close to Daynes and looked up to him. First of all, he was impressed by his extensive computer knowledge. As the relationship grew, Daynes told Breck that he worked as a computer engineer by day and had even worked for the US Defence Department as a hacker and promised Breck great wealth through a fictional software company. According to Lewis, he had ties to the FBI, ran multi-million-pound businesses and owned luxury homes in London and New York City.

In reality, Daynes was unemployed and lived in a flat in Grays, Essex. He had been abandoned by his parents and had spent his childhood and adolescence in and out of foster care. Online, he created this persona as a wealthy and successful entrepreneur and Breck was impressed. He believed that Daynes was living the kind of life that he had dreamed of for himself.

Breck’s parents became worried about his online relationship with Daynes. From the start, he gave off a false impression, speaking confidently over the microphone and pretending to be somebody he was not, which they had sussed out. Despite their concerns, Breck refused to believe that Daynes was not who he professed to be. Lorin tried to intervene and confront Daynes, but he retaliated by criticizing her parenting skills. She then received a letter from Breck in which he threatened to leave home as son as he turned 16 if she did not change her ways.

Daynes soon began to take control of Breck’s life, gradually isolating him from his friends and family. Breck spent most of his time online and Daynes influenced his thinking about religion, government, family and education. Breck had been brought up Christian, and Daynes told him that God did not exist and that his parents didn’t love him. As a result, he stopped attending church and became even more distant.

When Breck spoke to his mother, he would say things such as: “Lewis doesn’t think I should have to do chores when I don’t make any messes, Lewis doesn’t think I should have to go to church if I don’t believe in God, Lewis doesn’t think I have to finish school because he can get me an apprenticeship with Microsoft when I’m 16.”

Daynes also shared extremist videos with Breck and the other boys in the group He claimed he had donated to ISIS and suggested he planned on travelling to Syria. He then began to use Breck’s interest in computers to his advantage, offering to help him with his career ambitions and granting him access to an exclusive gaming server. However, his offer was merely a ploy to manipulate Breck even further.

As the web of lies spun by Daynes became even more tangled, the other boys in the gaming server knew they needed to intervene. Despite their warnings, Breck continued the online friendship.

In early 2014, Lorin and Barry met with the family of another boy who was in the server and expressed their concerns about the control that Daynes appeared to have over Breck. They feared that he was being groomed online. When Daynes was informed of the meeting, he asked Breck to record it and send it to him. During the conversation, Breck agreed to cut all ties with Daynes.

In just eight months, Breck’s personality had transformed completely, and his parents believed that the meeting had finally opened his eyes to the truth: that Lewis Daynes was a liar and a groomer.

Lorin then took further steps to protect her son. She limited his computer access, installed parental controls, and then banned him from Daynes’ server. She also contacted police to report her concerns that he was being groomed and that Daynes could have been involved in terrorism and radicalizing the boys. She provided them with his full name and address in Essex, but the officer who took the call seemed disinterested. There was no follow-up investigation, and the report was quietly forgotten about.

On the 16^th of February, 2014, Breck told his father that he was going to a friend’s house nearby for a sleepover. Instead, however, Breck travelled two hours by a taxi which had been booked by Daynes to his flat in Grays in Essex. Lorin and Barry had believed that Breck and Lewis had cut off contact. However, after the meeting, Daynes had sent Breck a mobile phone and they had been secretly communicating.  Daynes encouraged Breck to come to his flat under the premise that he was going to hand over his £135 million computer business to Breck.

Before heading to Daynes’ flat, Breck received an email from him which read: “If your father asks you where you’re going on Sunday, say meeting a friend who’s 14, who moved to Cairo last year with his mother when his parents split up. He’s invited you over to his dad’s house in Caterham for the day while he’s visiting his father.”⁷

The following day, Grays police received a phone call from Lewis Daynes. He calmly stated: “My friend and I got into an altercation and I’m the only one who came out alive.” He claimed that Breck had come at him with a pen-knife and that he acted him in self-defence and killed him.

Moments later, graphic photographs of Breck were sent to the other members of the online group. Daynes told Tom, one of Breck’s friends, that Breck had come to his flat feeling depressed and suicidal. He alleged that he had been attempting to prevent Breck from self-harming but had somehow managed to stab him in the neck in the scuffle. Before police and paramedics had even arrived on the scene, the grisly photographs had made their way to Breck’s 12-year-old siblings.

Paramedics arrived at the flat in Rosebery Road in Grays. Officers found Breck in Daynes’ bedroom surrounded in a pool of his own blood. They attempted to save his life but were unsuccessful. Breck was pronounced dead at the scene. He had been stabbed in the neck.  Lewis Daynes was handcuffed and escorted by police to their awaiting car. Neighbours recollected that he appeared extremely pale and had blood all over his hands. He was remanded at Chelmsford Crown Court and charged with murder.

A search of Daynes apartment turned up duct tape in a bin bag as well as computer equipment that had been submerged in water. An autopsy would show that Breck had been tied up with duct tape to his wrists and ankles. He had been raped and then his throat has been slashed. Following the murder, Daynes showered, changed his clothes and called police.⁸

An investigation revealed that shortly before the murder, Daynes had purchased duct tape, condoms and syringes online. While behind bars, however, Daynes changed his story and instead claimed that two masked men were responsible for Breck’s murder.

Breck’s parents, driven by their grief, established The Breck Bednar Foundation to honor their son’s memory. The foundation would focus on educating young people about computer safety and the dangers of the internet. Within a week, the foundation received an overwhelming response, with donations exceeding £20,000.

On what would have been Breck’s 15th birthday, his funeral was held at St. John the Evangelist Church, near his home. The funeral procession began at Breck’s home and was led by the Redhill Air Training Corps’ pipe band, of which Breck was a member.⁹

Cadets formed a guard of honour as Breck’s coffin, adorned with white flowers, was carried into the church. The funeral was attended by over 600 mourners, including Breck’s school friends, teachers, and family, most of whom wore blue, Breck’s favourite colour, at Lorin’s request. Reverend Jeremy Garton presided over the service and spoke of how senseless Breck’s death was.¹⁰

On May 1st, Daynes appeared in Chelmsford Crown Court, and the murder case was adjourned until June 20th. Lewis applied for bail, which was denied. In September, he pleaded not guilty to the murder of Breck, but in November, he changed his plea to guilty. Prosecutor Richard Whitham described the murder as being motivated by sexual sadism.¹¹

Lorin expressed her grief and devastation outside the court and urged everyone to recognize the danger of online predators. Lorin and Barry then launched a legal action against Essex and Surrey police for their handling of Lorin’s reports. They claimed that Essex police had failed to share information with Surrey police about the case. The Independent Police Complaints Commission announced that they would investigate the matter.

It was later revealed that Breck was not the first teenage boy whom Daynes had groomed online. In 2010, he had groomed a 13-year-old boy, referred to as John, whom he met while gaming online. After only a few months, Daynes told John that he had been chosen to work for the server company he established to host games. They became so close that John created a PowerPoint presentation titled “Why Lewis Should Live With Us, By Your Son.” John attempted to persuade his parents to let Daynes come and live with them, describing him as responsible, super nice, and helpful. In the presentation, John also wrote: “Whenever we are Skyping or talking, get on with me and join in and talk to him with me so you can get to know him better.”

It was later revealed that Daynes had faced five previous charges, including rape, attempted rape, engaging in sexual activity without consent, and possession of indecent images. These offences occurred in 2011, when Daynes and his victim were both 15-years-old. Daynes denied the charges and they were reported to Essex Police at the time but no action was taken and Daynes was released. However, after Breck’s murder, these offences were re-investigated and Daynes was charged with them.

The mother of Lewis’s first victim accused the police of having blood on their hands, stating that her son was only 15 years old when Lewis kidnapped him and subjected him to sexual assaults, including rape. Although the police did not pursue the case, they recorded the accusations on both the Police National Computer and the Police National Database because they considered Lewis to be a significant threat. Every police force in the UK has access to these two databases.

Breck’s family was horrified when they learned of these other offenses, which the Essex Police seemingly ignored. They wondered how a sexual predator could be let go without consequences. “When a person calls into a police number, you want a sense of security that somebody on the other end is taking it on board – you don’t phone the police for fun,” said Lorin. If the police had investigated Lorin’s claims or checked Lewis’s name in either database, they would have discovered his history of sex crimes, and perhaps they could have acted accordingly and saved Breck’s life.

In January, Daynes was back in court for the sentencing phase. His defence lawyer, Simon Mayo, argued that he had Asperger’s syndrome which “affects his ability to make sound judgements.” He added that Daynes most likely couldn’t accept that his behaviour had been sexual and sadistic. “There is insufficient evidence for the court to conclude that there was a significant degree of premeditation and planning for murder.” He described how Daynes had been in care and had felt rejected and isolated from his family and therefore, deserves leniency. 

Lewis Daynes was sentenced to life in prison with a minimum of 25 years. Judge Justice Cox addressed him, stating: “You had befriended Breck and a number of other adolescent friends through an online community. Your contact with Breck increased in a sinister way. The precise details of what happened in your flat are unclear and may never be known. I’m sure that this murder was driven by sadistic or sexual motivation.”¹²

Shortly after the sentencing, the 999 operator who had taken Lorin’s phone call about the fears that Breck was being groomed resigned along with her supervisor. An investigation had found that the Surrey Police call handler and their supervisor had lacked knowledge of dealing with grooming concerns and that Lorin called, she provided information that should have flagged the potential risk of Breck being groomed.

Nevertheless, the phone call was reviewed by a police supervisor who ruled that no further action was required adding: “Nothing to suggest this is grooming.” The Independent Police Complaints Commission said that police needed better training so that they’re able to recognize the danger. They also criticized police for failing to carry out a check on the national computer for Daynes.¹³

The Independent Police Complaints Commission also ruled that Essex Police had acted accordingly with how they dealt with the rape claim against Daynes. They said that there was no realistic prospect of conviction because the victim had refused to give evidence.¹⁴

Ultimately, Surrey Police settled the claim by Lorin and Barry, who accused them of failing to protect their son. They received a pay-out from the police and an apology. In a statement, they said: “Surrey Police accept that mistakes were made in how Ms LaFave’s telephone call to them was handled and responded to; and unreservedly apologises for them.” As part of the settlement, Surrey Police agreed to implement recommended changes to their procedures to ensure that other children like Breck are protected.¹⁵

Since Breck’s death, Lorin has continued to campaign for greater awareness of online safety with her Breck Bednar Memorial Foundation whose slogan is: “Play Virtual, Live Real. She hopes that something positive can come out of Breck’s death and that his death wasn’t in vain. She often speaks at schools as well as child exploitation conferences about the perils of communicating with strangers online. “If other people recognise danger signs of predators or groomers we need the strong people, the good people, to do something about it, to save each other and help each other. “I feel Breck is saving other children and that gives me hope,” she said.

In 2017, a new law came into force making it illegal to groom a child online. The long awaited legislation in the Serious Crimes Act 2015 was labelled as “a victory for common sense” by the National Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children.

24th April 2023 · Episode 201

Morbidology the Podcast - 201: Jordyn Dumont

44 Min · By Emily G. Thompson

Bess Town Road is located on the outskirts of Bessemer City, North Carolina. It’s surrounded in rolling fields and dotted with various wooded areas. On the afternoon of 15 August, 2016, police were directed to the quaint road after a report of a missing girl came in…

Bess Town Road is located on the outskirts of Bessemer City, North Carolina. It’s surrounded in rolling fields and dotted with various wooded areas. On the afternoon of 15 August, 2016, police were directed to the quaint road after a report of a missing girl came in…

Sponsors:

June’s Journey: Thank you to June’s Journey for sponsoring this episode! The objective of this murder-mystery game is to find objects that are hidden within beautiful, colorful and carefully crafted scenes. Download June’s Journey for free on the Apple app store and Google Play.

Audio Sources:

“Heartbreaking moments in Jordyn Dumont murder trial”

“Prosecutors say man admitted to killing girlfriend’s daughter”

Sources:

Sun Journal, 16 August, 2016 – “Jordyn Dumont’s Body Found in Gastonia, Mom’s Boyfriend Charged”

ABC – 9WSOC, 17 August, 2016 – “Father of Slain 3-Year-Old Girl Upset at Gaston County DSS”

ABC – 9WSOC, 17 August, 2016 – “Neighbors Say Gaston Co. Toddler Found Dead Lived in Abusive Home”

NBC – 36 WNCN, 17 August, 2016 – “Man Bawls in 911 Call Reporting Girl, 3, Missing”

ABC – 9WSOC, 18 August, 2016 – “Vigil Held for Girl Killed in Gaston County”

The Charlotte Observer, 18 August, 2016 – “Gaston Police Had 16 Calls”

NBC  – 36 WCNC, 18 August, 2016 – “DHHS Investigated Jordyn Dumont’s Family”

The Charlotte Observer, 19 August, 2016 – “Mother of Murdered Toddler Thanks community for Help”

ABC – 9 WSOC, 21 August, 2016 – “Fundraiser Held for Slain 3-Year-Old”

ABC – 9 WSOC, 23 August, 2016 – “Lawmaker Wants Investigation into DSS”

The Star, 24 August, 2016 – “Daughter’s Death, Father’s Grief”

NBC – 36 WNCN, 28 August, 2016 – “Memorial Service Held for 3-Year-Old Jordyn Dumont”

The Free Press Advocate, 6 September, 2016 – “Young Dad to Remember his Little Girl”

NBC – 36 WNCN, 20 September, 2016 – “Jordyn Dumont, Social Worker Resigns”

The Charlotte Observer, 3 November, 2016 – “Autopsy Shows Jordyn Dumont, 3, Severely Beaten Prior to Death”

ABC – 9 WSOC, 10 November, 2016 – “Man Accused of Murdering Gaston County Toddler will not Face Death Penalty”

ABC – 9 WSOC, 10 February, 2017 – “Judge Grants Change of Venue”

NBC – 36 WNCN, 31 March, 2017 – “A Toddler’s Murder Prompts Bill Proposal”

NBC – 36 WNCN, 25 July, 2018 – “Jury Hears Heartbreaking Details”

ABC – 9 WSOC, 26 July, 2018 – “I Lost My Temper”

The Gaston Gazette, 26 July, 2018 – “Detective Describes Finding Body”

The Gaston Gazette, 26 July, 2018 – “Day 3 of the William McCullen Murder Trial”

NBC – 36 WCNC, 26 July, 2018 – “McCullen Confessed to Killing Three-Year-Old”

ABC – 9 WSOC, 27 July, 2018 – “Gaston Co. Man Accused in Toddler’s Death Doesn’t Testify as Defence Rests”

The Gaston Gazette, 27 July, 2018 – “Jurors Hear from Detective Describe How 3-Year-Old Jordyn Dumont Died”

The Gaston Gazette, 27 July, 2018 – “Jurors Saw Confession Video”

The Gaston Gazette, 28 July, 2018 – “Jordyn Dumont Bled to Death”

CBS – 17 WNCN, 30 July, 2018 – “NC Mom’s Boyfriend Guilty of Murder by Torture”

NBC – 36 WNCN, 30 July, 2018 – “William McCullen Convicted”

The Gaston Gazette, 31 July, 2018 – “Verdict Does Not Ease Pain of Jordyn Dumond’s Death on Family”

The Gaston Gazette 1 August, 2018 – “Dumont Named in Wrongful Death Lawsuit”

The Gaston Gazette, 29 February, 2020 – “A Gaston County Judge Awarded the Father of Jordyn Dumond $12 Million”

17th April 2023 · Episode 200

Morbidology the Podcast - 200: Levi & Christina Karlsen

57 Min · By Emily G. Thompson

Yale Farm Road in the small town of Varick, New York, was quiet on the afternoon of 20 November, 2008. Karl and Cindy Karlsen had just returned home from a family funeral. Before they left, Karl’s son, Levi, had come over to do some repair work to his truck in the garage. As they pulled up outside, they observed that Levi’s car was still parked in the driveway…

Yale Farm Road in the small town of Varick, New York, was quiet on the afternoon of 20 November, 2008. Karl and Cindy Karlsen had just returned home from a family funeral. Before they left, Karl’s son, Levi, had come over to do some repair work to his truck in the garage. As they pulled up outside, they observed that Levi’s car was still parked in the driveway…

Sponsors:

June’s Journey: Thank you to June’s Journey for sponsoring this episode! The objective of this murder-mystery game is to find objects that are hidden within beautiful, colorful and carefully crafted scenes. Download June’s Journey for free on the Apple app store and Google Play.

Sources:

The Post-Standard, 22 November, 2008 – “Pickup Truck Slips Off Jacks, Kills Romulus Man”

Associated Press, 24 November, 2012 – “Dad Charged in NY Death Once Thought an Accident”

The Post-Standard, 24 November, 2012 – “Grandfather of Seneca County Man Crushed by Car Always Suspected Victim’s Father”

The Post-Standard, 25 November, 2012 – “Seneca County Man Accused of Killing his Son”

The Record, 5 December, 2012 – “Murder Charge Spurs Lode Probe”

The Union Democrat, 7 December, 2012 – “Probe into 1991 Fatal House Fire Reopened”

The Post-Standard, 10 December, 2012 – “Karl Karlsen Pleads Not Guilty”

The Post-Standard, 11 December, 2012 – “21 Years Later, Fatal Fire Probe Reopened”

The Post-Standard, 18 December, 2012 – “Levi Karlsen Bought $700,000 Life Insurance Policy”

The Post-Standard, 19 December, 2012 – “I Will Never Plead Guilty”

The Post-Standard, 14 May, 2013 – “Karl Karlen’s Son Left Everything to him”

The Record, 6 June, 2013 – “Family Feels Calaveras Neglecting Possible Homicide”

The Post-Standard, 3 July, 2013 – “Karl Karlsen Told Investigators He Left his Son Dead in Barn to Attend Funeral”

Associated Press, 15 July, 2013 – “NY Man Gave Varied Accounts of Son’s Death”

The Post-Standard, 16 July, 2013 – “Truck Just Tipped Killed Son”

Associated Press, 3 August, 2013 – “NY Murder  Suspect’s Wife Feared she would be Next”

Associated Press, 16 September, 2013 – “Wife’s Fear Leads to New Look at Husband in Deaths”

Associated Press, 6 November, 2013 – “NY Man Admits Killing Son for $700K Insurance”

The Post-Standard, 7 November, 2013 – “Karlsen Admits he Killed Son”

The Post-Standard, 8 November, 2013 – “Grateful for Closure”

The Post-Standard, 9 November, 2013 – “Family Feared Karlsen Would Target Grandkids”

The Post-Standard, 17 November, 2013 – “Where Did The Money Go?”

Associated Press, 16 December, 2013 – “NY Man Who Killed Son for Insurance Sentenced”

The Union Democrat, 25 July, 2016 – “Story of Christina Karlsen’s Death Has Many Versions”

The Union Democrat, 14 January, 2020 – “Karl, Get The Kids”