Body Bags with Joseph Scott Morgan

Jillian Kelley, 39, and Veronica Butler, 27, disappeared in late March while on a trip from Hugoton, Kansas, to pick up Butler’s children. Their abandoned car was found 3-miles from their intended location and there are signs of struggle near and in the vehicle. On April 14, nearly two weeks after they went missing, investigators discovered their bodies sealed inside a freezer and buried under concrete in a remote area of a leased field. Joseph Scott Morgan will explain the details of Jillian Kelley's autopsy, what it is like to find two bodies in one location, buried together, and what new information is known after going over the autopsy report. 

Transcript Highlights

00:00:11.31. Introduction - update Kansas Moms 

00:01:31.84  Jillian Kelley Autopsy

00:03:18.70 Explanation of custody arrangements

00:06:47.31 Autopsy room

00:11:28.26 Freezer with bodies inside dropped into a hole that is 10 feet deep

00:16:12.44 Looking at the tracks around the area where freezer was buried

00:21:31.67 Opening the freezer in the lab

00:26:29.62 Know idea of what type of evidence will be recovered 

00:31:30.98 Veronica Butler Autopsy expected later, Jillian Kelley Autopsy now

00:36:02.75 Veronica Butler body on top of Kelley. Bodies removed

00:41:04.70.Kelley has defensive wounds, grabbed blade of knife with her hand

00:46:03.01 Difficult to determine the order of when injuries occurred

00:51:02.87 Injury with hemorrhage
 
00:54:54.03 Conclusion: another update when Veronica Butler autopsy released

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On a hot August day in the Nevada desert, two hikers find the body of a young woman about 20 miles east of Las Vegas near the Gypsum Wash in Clark County. The next day, August 28,  the Clark County Coroner’s Office identified the victim as 27-year-old  Melonie White. Her death is listed as homicide due to strangulation and blunt force trauma to the head and police say she was also dragged behind a car before her body was left in the desert. Melonie and her infant son moved to Las Vegas with her boyfriend four months earlier from Phoenix, Arizona. But the boyfriend doesn't get a job and leaves Melonie alone with her baby in Las Vegas. Police investigate the case but fail to develope a viable suspect and the case turns cold. Joseph Scott Morgan will explain how the case that went unsolved for 30 years has finally been solved with DNA, gentic genealogy, and Othram.

Transcript Highlights

00:00.00 Introduction - First trip to Las Vegas

02:21.07 Death of Melonie White, 30 year mystery
 
05:06.81 Melonie White beaten, strangled, dragged by car into desert

10:12.12 Brothers report Melonie missing

16:26.41 Police say Melonie was tied to back of car and dragged

21:11.46 Las Vegas is an Oasis surrounded by nothingness

26:05.98 Joe describes other evidence needed 

31:22.50 No Lack of trauma

35:19.83. Very personal attack

40:16.59 Describing solving cold case 

41:34.76 Genetic Genealogy solves murder

44:27.92 Conclusion: Case solved after 30 years

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Sara Bermudez, 38, and her three children, Madison, 8, James, 6, and Michael, 2, are viciously attacked in the middle of the night while they sleep.

The murderer Sexually assaults Sara and her 8-year-old daughter, with a knife and stabs the family to death before setting them on fire. Sara's father finds the carnage and calls for Help. Investigators catch a break in that the killer tried to use diesel to fuel the fire but it burned itself out before totally destroying all the evidence.

Joseph Scott Morgan is going to take you inside the master bedroom and explain how investigators find a suspect from a portion of body fluid left behind at the scene. And the suspect isn't just close to the family, he is family. 

Transcript Highlights
00:00.96 Introduction - chewing and identity
04:20.45 Somebody breaks into a home in the middle of the night Slaughters the mom, daughter, two boys
09:20.18 Family murdered and set on fire
14:12.60 Disturbing element to the case 
18:12.07 Setting up a line to prevent contamination
22:57.18 Evidence of sexual assault
28:07.64 Knife used in sexual attack
32:56.90 Blood stains found on walls, carpet, lamp, other items
37:12.63 Finding blood in the fire
42:00.92 Mother defended her children
44:58.66 Conclusion

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How does a 130 pound, 58-year-old woman, put her 6'3", 300 pound husband on a burn pile?

When law enforcement was called to a farm outside of Atlanta, they were told a body was found burned up in a burn pile. Taking a quick look around, the body is burned beyond recognition, but it is probably 58-year-old Gary Farris. He and his wife Melody live on the 10-acre farm.  Gary Farris is a big man, 6 foot 3 inches tall, 300 pounds, it looks like he might have had a heart attack and fallen into the burn pile, dead. His body is burned to the bone and he is identified by dental records. But before this death can be written up as a natural death, a bullet is found lodged in one of his ribs! Joseph Scott Morgan will unpack what it's like to investigate a death that starts in a burn pile and Dave Mack will share how investigators put together a case that ends up with Gary Farris wife, Melody, convicted for his murder.

Transcript Highlights
00:00.47 Introduction - moving heavy weight

04:31.17 How to move 300 pounds of dead weight

09:45.12 What happens to a body when it is burned

14:06.78 Melody Farris burns body of husband

19:01.72 Can't get a height on a body that's been burned

25:52.49 Collecting body from burned area

30:37.21 How big is a bullet?

34:34.87 What was used to start fire?

39:29.36 Smell of Citronella at burn pit

42:02.85  Conclusion 

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Shayna Hubers calls 911 from Ryan Poston's condo in Highland Heights, Kentucky, and tells dispatch "I killed my boyfriend in self-defense". Hubers tells police Ryan Poston had been beating her all day long, tossing her around like a rag doll, and when he pulled out his gun, she grabbed it and shot him in the face. Police read Shayna Hubers her "Miranda" rights, and Hubers asks for a lawyer.  Even though Shayna Hubers has just been told she "has the right to remain silent" she lacks the ability, and tells investigators that she shot him twice in the face, then, as he was twitching, she said she thought he was going to die anyway or his face would be really deformed so she shot him 4 more times to make sure he was dead. Shayna Hubers tells police "I gave him the nose job he always wanted."  Joseph Scott Morgan explains how the crime scene and Ryan Poston's clothes tell a different story than the one Shayna Hubers is telling and Dave Mack digs into the background of an 18-month relationship that ended in the murder of a man who seemed to be everyone's favorite person.

Transcribe Highlights

00:03.40 Introduction - Rhinoplasty

04:55.81 Hammers, Chisels, and black eyes

09:27.14 Hubers gave boyfriend the "nose job he always wanted

14:58.88 Shayna Hubers and Jody Arias

20:15.42 What happened when Ryan Poston was murdered

25:04.98 True case of domestic abuse

30:20.01 Difference in bullet size

35:01.84 Stippling present on Ryan Poston

39:38.81 Hubers claims of abuse unfounded

44:21.70 Blood on shirt and pants indicates Poston seated

48:14.50 Conclusion

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James Skinner begins doing some work inside his home outside of Chicago when he finds a human skull stuffed in a wall! Not wanting to be accused of a murder, Skinner calls police and they investigate as far as they can in 1978, and after identifying the skull as human, the case goes cold and police send the skull to the  Batavia Depot Museum for storage. The skull was forgotten until March of 2021 when supervisors at the museum discovered a box with the skull inside. Joseph Scott Morgan will take you through the investigation that identified the skull and Dave Mack will tell the backstory of the 17-year-old girl, Esther Ann Granger, who died in 1866 and how did her skull end up inside the wall of a home outside of Chicago.  A cold case solved with Othram Labs.

00:00:04.46 Introduction

00:04:09.88 A Human skull found inside a wall 

00:10:20.41 Explaining what happens to bones that are protected from elements

00:14:14.68 Joe talks anthropology

00:19:09.14 Other than bones, a Bonet was discovered with skull

00:24:31.45 Discussion of Dr. Clyde Snow and his work

00:30:10.59 Age of bones determination

00:34:04.70 Othram Labs identifies a living relative 

00:40:36.81 Esther Granger identified, died during childbirth

00:42:36.56 Conclusion - Othram Labs www.dnasolves.com

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Delphi Murder Trial: What REALLY Happened to Libby and Abby
Body Bags Delphi Murders Part 2

Libby German and Abby Williams vanished from a public park area in broad daylight on February 13. Witnesses were all around, but nobody saw what happened to the girls. The girls were on the High Bridge at 2:13 pm taking pictures and posting them online. By 3:15 Libby isn't answering her phone and nobody can find the girls. Police are called early but Libby and Abby are nowhere to be found. The bodies of Libby and Abby are found on February 14. They were murdered. Joseph Scott Morgan has been involved in the case since it began and has met with Family members but waited until some of the forensic information was available so he could break it down and explain what the science tells us about the deaths of Libby German and Abby Williams

Transcript Highlights
00:00:00.89 INTRODUCTION: Delphi Murder Trial PART TWO 

00:02:00.29 Delphi Case-specifics of the box cutter

00:04:19.95 Blood four feet up from the ground

00:10:15.62 Recording Bridge Guy 

00:15:10.56 Law Enforcement knows evil is in the area

00:20:16.14 Other suspects, Keegan Kline

00:25:11.54 Describing the bodies

00:30:10.84 Libby was outgoing, Abby was quiet

00:35:02.39 How could one person control both girls

00:40:20.38 Discussion of the unfired bullet

00:45:00.12 Conclusion Trial is ongoing

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Liam Payne became a huge star as a member of One Direction and he has
been very public about his struggles with alcohol and depression. He recent 
death shocked millions of fans around the world. Joseph Scott Morgan takes
a close-up look at "Pink Cocaine" and other drugs rumored to be in Liam Payne's
Hotel room and what really happened in the moments before Liam Payne plunged to his death from his hotel balcony.

Transcript Highlights
00:14.53 Introduction - celebrity deaths

03:02.27 The death of Liam Payne

05:06.76 Living Recovery

10:02.36 Why do musicians have issues

14:08.85 Pink Cocaine - New?

20:15.60 Walter White - Blue Meth

24:58.34 Liam Payne talked about his life with alcohol

29:24.53 Autopsy 

34:35.74 Hotel was warned about a guest and balcony

39:13.93 Looking for security cameras

43:28.79 Was his death witnessed?

47:48.18 Conclusion - Dial 988

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Libby German and Abby Williams vanished from a public park area in broad daylight on February 13. Witnesses were all around, but nobody saw what happened to the girls. The girls were on the High Bridge at 2:13 pm taking pictures and posting them online. By 3:15 Libby isn't answering her phone and nobody can find the girls. Police are called early but Libby and Abby are nowhere to be found. The bodies of Libby and Abby are found on February 14. They were murdered. Joseph Scott Morgan has been involved in the case since it began and has met with Family members but waited until some of the forensic information was available so he could break it down and explain what the science tells us about the deaths of Libby German and Abby Williams. 

00:00:00.89 INTRODUCTION: Delphi Murder Trial

00:02:36.29 Delphi Case - getting to know Libby's grandparents

00:07:19.95 Who knows about a "snow day" "teacher day"

00:12:15.62 By 5pm Libby and Abby are missing

00:17:10.56 Libby and Abby not dressed for running off

00:22:16.14 Elderly gentleman finds the girls, turns his back, waits for police

00:27:21.54 Trial underway: More info available 

00:32:10.84 The Reason a large crime scene is created

00:37:02.39 Libby's shirt found tossed in tree

00:40:20.38 Trial is ongoing, this is the first show on Delphi
There will be more shows coming up

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Anthony Maggio has two children with his fiancé and has another child with his girlfriend. After a discussion about child support,

Ashtin Eaton is found dead on her kitchen floor by her 11-year-old daughter. Her 14-month old daughter Hazel is found smothered to death on her bed. What looks like a possible murder suicide turns out to be a double homicide. On this episode of Body Bags,

Joseph Scott Morgan will explain how investigators knew in the first few minutes that Ashtin Eaton did not kill her baby and commit suicide, and Dave Mack will break down the family dynamic that Anthony Maggio created, then destroyed.  

Transcribe Highlights

00:00:08.88 Introduction - Jury Duty

00:05:01.57 Anthony Maggio is engaged and has a girlfriend

00:09:52.16 Maggio's girlfriend and daughter are both killed

00:15:23.08 The "Finder" is 11-year-old daughter of girlfriend

00:19:57.83 Daughter sees purple discoloration on face and injury to left arm

00:25:13.33 Box cutter creates the injury on the victim

00:30:48.67 Smothering is an action that takes place

00:35:04.18 Reports mentions no sexual assault

00:40:17.40 Suicide by cutting wrist would not cause head to turn purple

00:41:45.79 Conclusion - The man called for jury duty passes out

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A Montana man, Dustin Kjersem, sets off on a camping trip. When he doesn't meet up with his friend at an appointed time and location the friend goes looking for him. When the friend makes it to Dustin, he calls 911 and reports his friend is dead from a Bear Attack! Joseph Scott Morgan explains how experts determine the shocking attack that caused the death of Dustin Kjersem was not done by a bear, it was someone swinging some type of weapon in a "chopping" motion. 

Transcript Highlights
00:20.21 Introduction

02:00.71 Savage Death 

04:56.01 Joe talking about Bear story

09:38.49 Victim is a "Man's Man"

15:01.06 The "Finder" and the "victim" both experienced
          No sign of bear activity

19:48.73 Injuries so shocking it must be a Bear Attack

25:13.58 A Bear would tear down tent in an attack

30:12.97 A Bear is constantly looking for food

34:27.69 Weapon like a hatchet

39:45.60 Expect fractured, fragmented bone

43:22.39 Chopping motion would cause blood spatter

47:25.54 Conclusion - not a bear attack

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The murder of Michael Jordan's father, James Jordan, was a very sad story that led to Michael Jordan retiring from Basketball in 1993. In 1996 Daniel Green was convicted for the murder based on the testimony of Larry Demery who took a plea deal and testified against his childhood friend, Green. Green was convicted and sentenced to life in prison. 28 years later, the judge who sentenced Green to prison for life believes he was wrong, and wants to help get Daniel Green out of prison. Joseph Scott Morgan will explain how James Jordan ended up cremated as a an unidentified homicide victim "John Doe" in South Carolina, and Dave Mack  look behind the headlines to find out what really happened when the father of the most popular man on the planet vanished into thin air.

Transcript Highlights

00:26.31 Introduction - Being a Dad

04:14.50 James Jordan, father of Michael Jordan

09:11.94 James Jordan is missing, July 23, 1993

14:04.27 Using a swamp to get rid of evidence

19:01.45 Condition of James Jordan's body

23:10.14 Identifying a body. Jordan identified with dental records

27:23.88 James Jordan's body cremated as a "John Doe". Head and hands removed, kept for identification

32:36.18 Post-Mortem death investigation. Death was from gunshot wound to chest

37:01.94 County did not have cooler to store body

41:13.25 Car is found stripped down and stashed in the woods

46:00.01 Judge wants Daniel Green released, says evidence didn't support conviction

49:57.53 Blood evidence found in backseat

50:21.30 Conclusion

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Crystal Rasch is missing and her husband is using her bank card to purchase cleaning supplies. He also fails to report his estranged wife missing. Joseph Scott Morgan  explains the cleaning materials used as well as the type of experts that have to be brought in when investigators suspect a victim has been cremated in a backyard burn pile. Dave Mack will help uncover the relationship that left Crystal Rasch identified by a single tooth and her husband in jail. The trial has yet to happen but this is the first part of the story of Crystal and Zachariah Rasch. 

Transcribe Highlights
00:13.30 Introduction - back from London

01:00.71 Strangers in London tell Joe to watch for "pickpockets"

05:03.49 The married couple had separate bank accounts

09:55.96 Working a case from back to front

15:08.97 CCTV Records coupled with receipts from purchases

20:29.75 Wife missing, husband admits spending her money with her card

25:57.18 List of searches done on phone, gunshot wound to head vs chest

29:51.13 Search warrant explanation

35:07.58 Evidence found in a car, what to take out

39:31.91 Relationships between law enforcement and experts

44:02.09 Investigators find a tooth

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Quinton Simon is just 20-months old when he vanishes from his home. His mother and her boyfriend claim they Woke up, the front door was ajar, and Quinton was gone. Searches are conducted, the mother's story is vetted. Eight days into his disappearance, law enforcement announces they do not expect to find Quinton alive and his mother,Leilani Simon, is a suspect. Joseph Scott Morgan goes deep into the investigation, explaining what it is like to look for a child.What do searchers hope to find in a landfill and what can they expect to find. Joe Scott explainsDave Mack will fill in the background on all of the adults involved as this case continues to move through the system.Will there ever be justice for Quinton Simon?

Transcript Highlights

00:00.01. Introduction - Liars

01:20.05  The death of Quinton Simon

05:08.07   Detective says within every lie is a nugget of truth

10:07.10.  Story about someone coming into house makes no sense

15:35.82.  Talking about death investigations of children

20:21.01.  Looking for a child, close look. Finding Quinton, alive.

26:08.66   Perpetrator will take everything wrapped around victim

31:18.61. Garbage trucks push down on the waste, compressing

36:39.54   In a landfill,  everything looks the same

40:26.66  Dealing with skeletal remains, what will you find?

45:04:13  Conclusion - Mom and Grandma drinking in bar while people are looking for Quinton

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In April of 1982, Velma Nesset was attacked while she walked to work. When the 64-year-old woman didn't arrive at her job in the Permian Mall in Odessa, Texas, co-workers knew something was terribly wrong. Velma Nesset is a reliable, well-liked employee and co-workers, friends, and family begin searching immediately.  Police are contacted and a missing person report is filed. Hours after she should have arrived at work, the partially nude body of Velma Nesset is found in a drainage culvert. Joseph Scott Morgan will explain what took place in the investigation from the moment her body was found all the way through more than 20 years of investigation.  Dave Mack helps explain how a suspect who confessed to the murder was acquitted in a jury trial a year after the murder, and how a very cold case became very hot - 20 years after the murder. 

Transcribe Highlights
00:29.66 Introduction - walking for fun
01:45.05 Velma Nesset, 64, walks to and from work
04:55.58 You can tell a lot about the suspect by how they treat the dead
09:06.25 Being stabbed or choked is intimate 14:40.57 Velma Nesset was stashed in a culvert 18:44.62 The suspect grabbed Velma Nesset in broad daylight
21:23.40 Blood would be everywhere, especially on the suspect
25:28.52 In 1982, DNA was not part of the solution for crimes
29:21.02 Description of evidence that would be gathered from body 
34:23.78 Texas has a program to test old sexual assault kits
38:07.00 Comparing DNA to unsolved cases
43:32.59 Cold Case Murder solved with genetic genealogy

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Nancy Grace joins Joseph Scott Morgan to talk about their years working together in front of the camera as well as their time BEFORE they were both on TV.  This is the first episode to be recorded in the brand new facility at Jacksonville State University, where Joseph Scott Morgan is the Distinguished Scholar of Applied Forensics. Nancy Grace talks with Joe about Chris Watts, Ellen Greenberg, and the most recent events in the Scott Peterson case. Recorded Live at JSU on October 9, 2024

00:57.81 INTRODUCTION 

02:33.81 When did Nancy Grace and Joseph Scott Morgan meet?

05:08.13 Talking about working with Nancy Grace on HLN

10:16.87 Nancy talks about victim families. Kaylee Goncalves in particular

15:07.06 What is the biggest need for prosecutors from Forensics, be prepared

20:26.83 Talking about people coming from rural areas and metro areas

25:55.57 Processing an outdoor scene

30:19.17 The importance of the right time of death

35:42.26 Talking about Ellen Greenberg case.

40:24.33 Scott Peterson and the new testing of duct tape

45:19.91 Training Evidence custodian and the chain of evidence

50:16.21 Multiple areas of Forensics

52:47.16 Conclusion - Thanks to Nancy Grace

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Shortly before 11 pm on a Sunday night, Annette Jackson calls the Calhoun County Sheriff's office to report her daughter missing.  Living in the town of Farnhamville with a population of just 400 people, Annette Jackson and  another daughter set out on foot to see if they can find Luna. As they are walking, calling out for Luna, they come upon a man, Nathaniel Bevers-McGivney, who appears to be covered in blood and he is in possession of Luna's scooter and other personal effects. When Police find Bevers-McGiveney, they read him his Miranda Rights and he immediately asks for a lawyer. Questioning ends before finding out where Luna is. Joseph Scott Morgan will dig into the forensic evidence to identify what could have happened to the teen as well as where it happened.

Transcript Highlights

00:00:00.00 Introduction 

00:04:03.54 Mom reports daughter, 17,  missing, starts looking

00:08:04.52 Mom sees a man, appearing to be covered in blood, with Luna's scooter

00:12:19.82 Description of passive action, preventing finding of body

00:17:45.25 Location of body

00:22:15.61 Is there an attempt to obscure who Luna was?

00:27:01.48 How did perpetrator know about location to hide body

00:32:18.54 Was this a sexual assault gone "bad"?

00:36:40.66 Very Personal, cutting of a throat is intimate

00:40:20.04 Prosecutor possibly seeking oversight due to size of community

00:42:43.14 Conclusion, will continue to update

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Lisa Snyder calls 911 after discovering her 8-year-old son Connor and 4-year-old daughter, Brinley, hanging in the basement. When EMTs arrive, the children are still hanging....and still ALIVE. Today on Body Bags, Joseph Scott Morgan will share his personal experiences with hangings and explains what is to be learned from the scene as Dave Mack takes a look what the mother claims and what the facts of the case prove. Murder or Suicide, the deaths of Conner and Brinley Snyder.

Transcript Highlights

00:20.99 Introduction

01:39.59 Two Children found hanging in basement 

04:19.14 Suicidal ideation with vocalization

09:37.34 Discussion of death by hanging

14:59.93 Children were hanging but still alive

19:49.57 Not an accident

24:50.58 8-year-old Connor has dexterity issues

29:02.38 Children fully aware of what was happening to them

33:28.72 Description of what would have taken place if Snyder is telling the truth

38:24.73 Struggling with issues Crisis line 988

39:05.42 Conclusion

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On a Friday afternoon in North Myrtle Beach a 911 call comes in about a person apparently injured on the side of the road under an overpass. By the time help arrives, the victim is dead and the person that called 911 has vanished. No eyewitnesses but lots of information. The victim appears to have been shot in the face, her car is still running, her phone is inches away from her fingers and is working as there are messages and email chimes going off. The woman's purse with cash is inside the car, her name is Amber Berbiglia, 23-years-old. Joseph Scott Morgan will explain how the first impression that Amber was shot in the face with a gun turns out to be wrong and Dave Mack will breakdown the timeline on a murder that happened on a sunny afternoon near the beach that has gone as cold as a winter snow storm. 

00:00  Introduction

02:06  Amber Berbiglia Unsolved murder

05:05  How paying a bill in person plays into the story

09:20 Encampents under overpasses

15:11 Woman laid out dead on side of road

19:28  Amber's Cell Phone used up until

2:3024:30 What made Amber stop her vehicle

28:51 Wound so bad it was assumed to be gunshot wound

33:23 First Responder would not see the bones underneath

36:25 Whoever called 911 did not wait for help to arrive

41:49  Conclusion - Horry County, South Carolina still asking for tips

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After Judge Richard Mrazik ruled that there was probable cause to try Kouri Richins for aggravated murder and aggravated attempted murder and other charges, Joseph Scott Morgan decides to take a deeper look at the case against Kouri Richins. The Prosecution claims Kouri Richins tried to kill her husband Eric on Valentines day using a sandwich as the delivery method for the deadly fentanyl. But when Eric felt the effects, he put down the food and the attempt on his life falls short.  After the failed attempt, Kouri decides to try again, this time with more fentanyl and a different delivery method, the "Moscow Mule." And this time Eric Richins dies.  Kouri Richins defense team will certainly have answers for most of the charges against her and that is for the jury to decide. What is not in dispute is that Eric Richins died from Fentanyl, and that is what Joseph Scott Morgan is talking about on this episode of Body Bags.

Transcript Highlights

00:20 Introduction

02:30 The "Moscow Mule" delivery method

05:20 Talking about comparing drug strength to Morphine

08:00 Fentanyl is applied to other drugs as a "sales pitch"

11:34 Indicators of trauma15:04 Congestive heart failure

20:05 Autopsy Reports talking about odors

23:49 Fentanyl comparison to size of penny

27:50 Adding Fentanyl to other drugs for bigger "kick"

31:36 Update of the case: Kouri Richins left forensic bread crumbs

34:25 Using direct injection into heart

36:30 Conclusion: timeline will be powerful at trial

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Body Bags with Joseph Scott Morgan Recorded in Front of a "LIVE" audience at CrimeCon London, 2024. Joseph Scott Morgan is joined by Jo Millington. Jo Millington is a Forensic Scientist and has been using science to help solve major crimes for over 25 years. She is a renowned specialist in Bloodstain Pattern Analysis (BPA) and delivers a range of training courses on the subject to professionals and true crime fans, including online and internationally. 

Transcript Highlights 

00:00. Introduction 

05:00  Discussing training in forensics

09:35 Blood Spatter analysis

15:00 Correcting miscarriage of justice

19:00 Different methods in the UK

24:00 Discussion of velocity patterns

30:00 Identifying features in blood

35:00 conclusion

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Ana Walshe disappears in the first week of 2023. Her husband claims she caught a ride share to Logan Airport before flying to Washington DC. Ana Walshe never boarded the flight and has been missing ever since. Today on Body Bags, Joseph Scott Morgan talks about how investigators look through garbage at a landfill, and what is expected from the crime lab report at the next hearing in October. 

Transcribe Highlights 

00:00:37 Introduction - DNA Lab results

00:01:46 Case goes quiet

00:03:46 Karen Read Case trooper also involved in Walshe

00:06:49 Victim allegedly dismembered, nothing found but blood

00:10:54 Blood has to be verified, it isn't automatic

00:13:30  Discussion of decay in different environments

00:16:48 Investigators found very small amount of blood

00:19:42 Photographic evidence of Brian Walshe

00:22:32 Biological evidence is very fragile

00:25:32 Difficult to imagine what a perp is going to do

00:28:37 Body Parts in a landfill

00:32:02 Conclusion: Lab results coming in October

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OnlyFans and Instagram model, Courtney Tailor, is rich and famous. She is  living in a luxury high-rise in Edgewater, Miami, Florida and has banked over $3 Million dollars in the two years leading up to the death of her boyfriend, Christian Obumseli.
Her real name is Courtney Clenney and she is charged with second-degree murder with a deadly weapon in the death of Christian Obumseli, 27, in her high-rise Miami-area apartment on April 3, 2022.  Clenney claims she killed Obumseli in self-defense. 
Joseph Scott Morgan takes an up-close look at recently released information about what happened that fateful night and provides new insight into the death of Christian Obumseli. Was it self-defense or murder? 

Transcript Highlights 

00:00:00 Introduction of case - why would you throw your only weapon?

00:02:00 A single stab wound by a thrown knife

00:06:37 Courtney Clenney and boyfriend fought

00:10:56 Funny stuff about throwing knives

00:15:26 911 call, victim says "I'm going to die"

00:19:43 Clenney claims she through kitchen knife from 10 feet away

00:24:16 Discussion of laptop, text messages, email

00:28:26 The Love of Money

00:30:55 Courtney Clenney, drunk, approaches teen in parents neighborhood

00:33:23 Conclusion – portent of things to come

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Harmony Montgomery was 5 years old when she was last seen in December of 2019, but she is not reported missing for two years. When police track down Adam Montgomery and ask about Harmony, he tells them Harmony is with her mother in Florida. Police inform him that Crystal Sorey, Harmony's mother is the one who asked for them to check on Harmony,  Adam Montgomery doesn't cooperate, but the media catches on to the story and pressure is brought to find the special needs girl with the beautiful smile. To this day, Harmony Montgomery is still missing. A judge declared Harmony dead in March 2024, clearing the way for Harmony's mother, Crystal Sorey to file a wrongful death lawsuit against the state of New Hampshire alleging systemic failures in the state's child protection system. The lawsuit seeks monetary damages and answers from the state of New Hampshire surrounding Harmony's disappearance and death.

Adam Montgomery was sentenced to 56 years to life in prison for the murder of Harmony Montgomery as well as second-degree assault, witness tampering, falsifying physical evidence, and abuse of a corpse. 



Transcript Highlights

00:00.00 Introduction - update Harmony Montgomery case
02:39.79 Crystal Sorey, Harmony's mother, files lawsuit against New Hampshire
05:00.76 Family called about abuse, nothing was done
09:03.23 Judge declared Harmony dead, body still not found
14:04.73 Adam Montgomery beats Harmony in back seat of car
18:57.46 Family told social services, Adam blackened her eye
24:28.68 Description of Harmony dying in backseat of car
27:46.64 Kayla Montgomery told police about beating in car
32:42.38 Conclusion - Hope someone listens

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More evidence has come out in the case of the shooting death of Jared Bridegan. There is now more evidence with the tire found in the road and other tires found at a suspects house and Joseph Scott Morgan will explain how all the numbers actually mean something and can become very compelling evidence. 

00:00 Introduction

02:45 Bridegan executed at close range

07:37 Sharing custody of children

11:42 Bridegan shot twice on left side

16:36 Numbers on tires mean something

21:53 multiple gunshots heard by witnesses

25:53 Wound Tracking

30:44 Bridegan injuries were not survivable 

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After response to the Body Bags episode about decomposition called "The Smell Of Death", Joseph Scott Morgan realized he left our a couple things that are very important in the world of decomposition whether out in the field trying to solve a homicide, or in the cottage of a loved one who dies of old age in their favorite chair, bodies will decompose. And the rate of decomposition is dependent on many factors. Joseph Scott Morgan takes a close up look at decomposition and what it tells investigators who are looking for answers

00:00:00 Introduction   

00:02:23 Explaining skin slippage   

00:05:27 Wearing skin like a glove  

00:09:34 Examination of body on the scene 

00:13:36 Preserving the body  

00:18:39 Body decomposition inside a house      

00:23:15 Landfill with everything breaking down

 00:27:58 Body preserved when barely covered     

00:31:24 Body preservation in frozen area ,

00:34:15 Conclusion     

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This is an update to the story of Madeline Soto and her heartbreaking death, allegedly at the hands of her mother's boyfriend. A cause of death has been released but not the autopsy report due to the victim's age and it is a case of domestic violence. Joseph Scott Morgan pours through investigators reports to shed new light on what happened to Madeline Soto in the time before she was murdered as well as the days before her body was found. 

00:00 Introduction, life of Madeline Soto
04:54 Madeline made to sleep with mom's boyfriend
10:24 No Autopsy toxicology record available
14:15 Cause of Death; strangulation
18:28 Comparing injuries to neck
23:46 Suspect called "Master Manipulator", grooming
27:36 Madeline's body was tossed over fence
31:51 Conclusion 

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What is the worst thing you have ever seen on the job? This is one of the most common questions asked of Joseph Scott Morgan.  Today on Body Bags, the professor breaks down the stages of decomposition while sharing his firsthand accounts of working the scene of bodies that have been decomposing in the heat from a day to a month or more. This is a can't miss episode that provides an up close look at those who deal with death and the very natural things that take place in every person when they die.

Transcription Highlights

00:00:00 Introduction - What is the worst thing you have ever seen?
00:03:45 Sensory Memories and human remains
00:05:06 Talk about the "smell" of burning flesh
00:09:25 Particular smells, burning tires
00:15:25 Life and Death are natural
00:20:18 Description of decomposing body in a bed
00:25:07 Smelling coworkers for the smell of decomposition
00:30:14 Different levels of decomposition
00:35:38 Environmental temperature impacting decomposition
00:40:36 Looking at decomposition hiding injury
00:42:48 Conclusion

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 April  1977,  an unidentified body is pulled out of a septic tank and given the name, "Septic Tank Sam". The body had been burned before being wrapped in a yellow bed sheet and tied up with a nylon rope.

Today, Joseph Scott Morgan explains how it was possible that over four decades passed before "Sam" got his real name back. Attempts were made to find out the name of the man they called "Septic Tank Sam," but it wasn't until the scientists at Othram Labs got involved in the case that an answer was found.

Using genetic genealogy, Othram Labs was able to change the name of "Septic Tank Sam" and provide answers for the community that wondered, "whatever happened to Gordie?" "Septic Tank Sam" was actually Gordon "Gordie" Sanderson.  Please check out Othram: A Revolution in Cold Case Resolution. 

Transcript Highlights
00:00:05.95. Introduction - waste
00:04:14.33 The story of Septic Tank Sam
00:07:23.77 A couple looking in a septic tank finds a body
00:12:40.12 The body is protected
00:17:17.25 Environment helped preserve body
00:21:43.62 Discussion of desiccation
00:24:29.47 Body misidentified as caucasian
00:30:01.26 Cause of death, gunshot wound 
00:35:04.01 Defining prone and supine
00:40:00.92 Identification of bodies
00:45:40.95 Identifies body as indigenous
00:47:11.38 Conclusion, Othram providing answers

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Ethan Katz and Savannah Roberts are the proud parents of twin boys, Ari and Leon. The twins are just six-weeks-old when family friend, Nicole Virzi, comes to visit and help with the babies. Virzi is a PHD candidate at UC San Diego in the Clinical Psychology program on break from school and she is welcomed with open arms. Days later, Ari Katz is at the hospital with injuries to his penis and Leon is fighting for his life with massive head trauma.  And all of the injuries suffered by the twins happened when they are left alone in the care of Nicole Virzi. On this episode of Body Bags, Joseph Scott Morgan will explain how the injuries suffered by the twins don't match the description of what happened as told  by Nicole Virzi.

Transcript Highlights

00:00.00 Introduction
02:13.27 Talk about the Death Penalty
05:13.45 Description of injuries suffered by Ari
09:16.23 The is not a "sids" case
14:47.53 Nicole Virzi is not a stranger, she is a friend
19:07.90 Ari has bruises below belly button
24:15.22 Scratches don't appear to be "baby scratches"
29:09.13 Injuries to Leon's head
34:47.86 Joe describes how the skull grows
40:34.63 Virzi told 911 baby feel out of bassinet
44:45.67 Conclusion - will continue to follow story 

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An unidentified body is found in August 2005, in the picnic area of a rest stop off of a highway between Guelph and Rockwood in the Canadian province of Ontario. At the time, authorities determined the remains belonged to a woman who was potentially as young as 25 or as old as 45 when she died. In this episode of Body Bags, Joseph Scott Morgan sheds light on the remains known as Rockwood Jane Doe and how the scientists at Othram solved a missing person case that went unsolved for 18 years.  

Transcribe Highlights
00:00.01 Introduction - Family DNA
04:57.36 Discussion of Rockwood Jane Doe found in 2005
09:47.82 Discussion of Remains
15:35.81 Talk about the science of aging
20:23.69 Discussion How teeth wear down is a clue 
24:54.52 Discussion Broken Bones of victim, clues
30:14.10 Discussion Body Found in area under sleeping bag
34:11.55 Talk about suspicious death
42:13.81 Conclusion victim was Tammy Penner
 

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A Silver Alert was issued for 76-year-old Jackie Glynn. Her husband, Joe Glynn, tells the family their mother had terminal cancer and left home to attend a support group so she could die on her terms.  Joe Glynn had been married to Jackie Glynn for 24 years and her adult children don't believe what they are hearing from their mother's husband.  On this Episode of Body Bags, Joseph Scott Morgan explain how the killer helped law enforcement by they way he chose to dispose of the body and the evil weapon he chose to carry out his murderous plan.

Transcribe Highlights

00:00.01 Introduction; Cancer breaking a Big Man
04:57.36 Discussion of using cancer as reason for disappearanceJoseph
09:47.82 Discussion of Jackie Glynn, an accomplished woman
15:35.81 Talk about "Amber Alert" "Silver Alert"
20:23.69 Discussion investigation targeting intimate
24:54.52 Discussion of Joseph Glynn killing wife
30:14.10 Discussion of getting innocents involved
34:11.55 Talk about recently turned earth
42:13.81 Discussion of suspect admitting everything
42:17.33 Conclusion, guilty plea, life in prison

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Sandra Birchmore is 23-years-old and 3-months pregnant when she is found dead in her apartment. Her death is ruled a suicide, but her family doesn't believe it so they hire world renowned forensic pathologist, Dr. Michael Baden, to review her death. The former chief medical examiner of New York City writes a letter of his findings in which he details why he believes the death of Sandra Birchmore is not a suicide, it is a homicide. On this episode of Body Bags, Joseph Scott Morgan will explain how Dr. Baden came to his conclusion and how the Federal Government got involved in the case that ended up with the arrest of Police Detective Matthew Farwell who is now charged with Murder and staging the crime scene.

Transcript Highlights
00:42.43 Introduction: Trust
02:12.59 Discussion of becoming numb to investigations
04:57.94 Discussion of "explorer" group
07:37.19 Discussion of police officers involved with children
10:01.54 Talk about investigation of suicide
15:01.44 Discussion of getting all possible info at scene
20:08.48 Discussion of Post Mortem Lividity in seated position
25:15.37 Talk about conversations among those who work closely
30:09.57 Discussion of victim being involved sexually with police officer, allegedly
35:21.22 Discussion about autopsy
40:04.86 Talk about what level of contact between law officers in different departments
44:17.43 Conclusion - Will Update 

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Mother of two,  Melissa Wolfenbarger is missing. Her husband doesn't report her missing and tells investigators that they always talked of changing their names, getting fake identification and going "off-grid" out west, and that is what he thinks she did. A skull is found near where Chris Wolfenbarger works, but it is identified as the skull of a man. Years go by before the skull and other bones found near her husband's former workplace are identified as Melissa Wolfenbarger. But the case remains unsolved. Investigator Sheryl McCollum devotes years on the case and documents it in her incredible podcast called Zone 7 with Sheryl McCollum. On this episode of Body Bags, Joseph Scott Morgan will give you the complete story and explain how a Serial Killer helped break the case in an attempt to get justice for his daughter. 

Transcribe Highlights

00:11.82 Introduction - Avon Avenue and Melissa Wolfenbarger
05:03.78 Discussion of a skull and a missing mother of two
09:43.56 Discussion a head found in the road, where is the rest
15:02.40 Discussion of family and contact 
19:53.10 Talk about the "finder"
24:57.23 Discussion of what to do when you find part of a body
29:47.38 Discussion of skull identified as male
34:41.20 Discussion of arms and legs found
39:51.28 Discussion of investigation
45:29.76 Discussion of serial killer helped solve crime
Conclusion - listen to Zone 7 podcast for details

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In 1973, Martha and Flora Helmick went to a family reunion with Martha's employer, World War I War Hero,  John Keyton. The trio left Bridgewater, Virginia on August 3, 1973, but never arrived in Kentucky for the family reunion. As word spread about the WW1 War Hero and sisters vanishing, a search was conducted, but nothing was ever found. On this episode of Body Bags Joseph Scott Morgan will explain how a bone found in a car that was found by firefighters during a training exorcise in the Kentucky River helped solve a 45 year old mystery.

Transcript Highlight
00:12.74 Introduction - Vanishing act circa 1973
05:00.88 Discussion of World War I veteran, Hero    
09:42.25 Discussion of Ford Fairlane, driving at night    
14:05.07 Discussion of 3 people vanishing on a trip     
20:07.28 Talk about finding a bone    
25:26.24 Discussion calling in expert    
30:05.68 Discussion of broken bone not healing properly    
35:01.86 Discussion of confirmatory evidence     
40:02.16 Talk about sisters vanish, firefighter helps solve case    
42:15.31 Conclusion remains tell the final tale     

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There really is a Language of the Dead and it is spoken by the deceased in a way that people like Professor Joseph Scott Morgan can understand.  On this episode of Body Bags, Joseph Scott Morgan explains the Language of the dead known as the Post Mortem Interval, PMI. Many phrases are used on podcasts, tv shows, and movies where it is assumed the audience knows the meaning, but many times, we don't. Joseph Scott Morgan takes the time to define and explain PMI; Post Mortem Interval, in this somewhat different, very informative episode of Body Bags.

Transcribe Highlights
00:12.74 Introduction of PMI  Post Mortem Interval
04:42.25 Discussion sounds a dead body makes 
09:20.95 Discussion of death investigation
14:18.98 Discussion of Jacksonville State University 
19:18.52 Talk about the language of the dead
24:23.14 Discussion of what happens when a person dies
29:48.47 Discussion of "real world: conditions
34:18.51 Discussion of what happens when a person dies in unusual position
39:00.23 Talk about liquid seeks lowest area
43:12.20 Discussion of "fixed"
44:20.54 Conclusion Paying attention

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Jennifer Paxton was looking for a place to stay with friendly faces for a few days. Rebecca Dishman and Sean Finnegan seem to be the friendly faces she is looking for...until she walks into their apartment. On this episode of Body Bags, Joseph Scott Morgan will talk about how Jennifer Paxton was beaten with a baseball bat, shackled to a bed, raped, tortured, and eventually murdered. 

Transcription Highlights

00:08.43 Introduction of Jennifer Paxton death
04:55.92 Discussion of victim, lured, tortured, raped, murdered
09:00.14 Discussion of someone treated as less than human
14:41.08 Talk about co-conspirator
19:10.79 Discussion of Paxton being placed in freezer
24:16.48 Describing police finding frozen body under bed
30:45.98 Discussion of over 50 injuries to victim
35:45.22 Talking about abuse of a corpse
40:34.78 Discussion of baseball bat used as weapon
43:10.84 Conclusion 

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Markayla Johnson moves with her two children, 4-year-old Miracle and 7-month-old Messiah, to Charlotte, North Carolina to be with her boyfriend, Benjamin Taylor.  Within weeks of arriving from Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, her family realizes they haven't seen her like they would normally expect. Reaching out to check on Markayla, the family get text messages from her phone, but there is something wrong. The messages don't sound like Markayla. After going to the apartment and finding nobody home, the family of Markayla Johnson report her and the children missing. On this episode of Body Bags, Joseph Scott Morgan walks you through the apartment that is now a crime scene and explain what police found when they opened the plastic tub filled with air fresheners......and Markayla Johnson. But where are the children? 

Transcription Highlights

00:00.01 Introduction - Names of deadly drugs
04:59.53 Discussion of Markayla and children move to Charlotte
07:06.46 Discussion of text messages
10:53.00 Joe Talks about finding a body
12:22.00 Discussion of evidence of children
16:59.24 Talk about smell of decomposing bodies
22:06.34 Discussion of methodology of suffocation
25:35.12 Talk about smell of decomposition from trunk
30:17.86 Discussion of triple homicide
34:53.71 Discussion of small bruises around mouth
39:49.39 Discussion secure scene
45:37.10 Benjamin Taylor being held without bond

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Matthew Perry became a star surrounded by "Friends" and became a falling star surrounded by "Friends" who did nothing but feed his addiction. On this episode of Body Bags, Joseph Scott Morgan will explain how a death investigator determines if a body found submerged in a hot tub died from drowning, drugs, or a combination of both. And in the end, who is responsible?

Transcript Highlights

00:00.00 Introduction of a "friend" 
00:39.79 Joe Talks about being fan of Matthew Perry films
05:00.76 Discussion of Matthew Perry physically showing addiction
09:03.23 Discussion of addiction and death
14:04.73 Discussion of ketamine
18:57.46 Talk about Joe finding live addict during death investigation
24:28.68 Discussion of different types of drugs
27:46.64 Discussion of doctor selling $12 bottle of ketamine for $2,000
32:42.38 Discussion of death investigation, elements of drowning
36:21.22 Conclusion, will doctors be treated as street dealers

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The family of James Nalborczyk reports him missing on December 21, telling police the last time they saw or talked to James was on December 7. Police investigate and visit Nalborczyk's girlfriend, Michelina Goodwin who quickly tells them she and James broke up and he left driving a company truck to a job in  West Virginia. On this episode of Body Bags, Joseph Scott Morgan will explain how Michelina Goodwin's claim that she accidentally shot her boyfriend in the back does not match the evidence. If it was an accident, why did Michelina and a friend, chop up James into little pieces, put his body parts in bags, and hide the bags in very rural areas of two counties. 

Transcript Highlights

00:07.55 Introduction: Becoming a "Proctor"
05:00.24 Talk about Murder of Ingrid Lyne
09:47.51 Discussion of killers keeping body nearby
14:23.46 Discussion of family thinks James is missing, he is dead
19:20.00 Discussion of forensic evidence of weapon firing
24:28.57 Talk about "drop test" on a gun
29:29.26 Discussion of "accidental shooting"
34:27.65 Discussion of body being wrapped in paper
38:46.85 Talk about privacy law
44:18.04 Discussion of two perpetrators who roll over on each other
46:14.07 Conclusion - no way to make blood disappear

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Today we'd like to direct your attention to another podcast - the new Crime Alert Hourly Update. The Crime Alert team delivers hourly updates on breaking crime news as it happens throughout the day! Follow now on your favorite podcast app: https://link.chtbl.com/CrimeAlert_HourlyUpdate
It’s been 6 years since Chris Watts murdered his wife Shannan Watts and their two children Bella and Celeste. Now the 39 year old killer says he is afraid for his life.   

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In the Body Bags with Joseph Scott Morgan titled "Dinner, Drinks, Dismemberment-The Sade Robinson Murder, Joseph went into great detail of the facts as they were known in the first weeks of the investigation. On this special episode of Body Bags, more information has been made public that is even more shocking than the first part of the story. A confidential Informant tells investigators that Maxwell Anderson showed him the basement, and Anderson told him what he was going to do with his victim. It is too late to make a difference now, but why didn't this "confidential informant" with a direct line to police tell someone what Anderson was planning? 

Transcript Highlights 
00:05.25 Introduction - Sade Robinson, part 2
05:37.25 Discussion of confidential informant knew
09:53.01 Discussion of remembering dates and times
14:30.28 Talk about cutting a body into parts
19:37.78 Discussion of Maxwell Anderson relaxed before attack
24:08.34 Discussion 12 hour window between dinner and car on fire
29:29.95 Talk about hiding blood
34:24.64 Discussion information in public
39:38.27 Talk about clothing items and test surface for DNA
45:07.69 Discussion of bathing body of Black Dhalia
48:04.44 Conclusion: items found in basement could be the beginning

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Ashley Bush, pregnant with her fourth child, is the main breadwinner in her home.

However, she has been diagnosed with gestational hypertension and needs a job she can do from home. She connects with a woman named Lucy on a social media site for expectant mothers, who offer the exact type of job Ashley needs.

In this episode of "Body Bags," Joseph Scott Morgan explains how medical professionals determine when a birth has occurred naturally and when something has gone wrong. Dave Mack will delve behind the headlines to uncover what happened to Ashley Bush and what will become of those responsible for causing her harm.

Transcript Highlights

00:17.33 Introduction - times are tough
03:22.40 Discussion about set-up, work from home to lure pregnant woman
08:00.83 Discussion about stealing baby from womb, call 911
13:32.57 Talk about decomposition that happens inside mother's body
18:26.72 Discussion of woman has placenta in her pants, baby dies
22:41.29 Discussion gestational hypertension
27:00.24 Discussion of Waterman admits killing Ashley bush
31:49.71 Discussion of working neonatal unit
35:44.32 Talk about burning body, heat insufficient
40:03.01 Discussion of Jamie Waterman led investigators to body
41:10.24 Conclusion, sentencing in October 

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Ashley and Doug Benefield marry after knowing each other for 13 days. Doug's previous wife has only been dead 9-months and he has a 15-year-old daughter to raise. Ashley convinces Doug to finance her dream Ballet company and to get his vasectomy reversed. On this episode of Body Bags you will discover why a prosecutor said Ashley Benefield decided she wanted to be a single mom when she was pregnant, and Joseph Scott Morgan will explain how someone can be shot in the chest even when they are not facing the shooter! 

Transcript Highlights
00:00:16.23 Introduction Discovery of the Black Swan
00:04:10.75 Discussion of Ashley Benefield the ballerina
00:08:42.29 Talk Doug and Ashley marry 13 days after they meet
00:14:29.79 Discussion of family dynamic
00:19:09.37 Discussion about why they married so fast
00:25:00.33 Discussion about Ballet company, Ashley pregnant
00:29:08.13 Talk Black Swan claims domestic abuse
00:34:24.42 Discussion of Ashley lying to Doug in therapy
00:40:22.90 Talk about Doug being shot in the chest and leg
00:44:33.51 Jury did not believe self-defense, Black Swan convicted
 

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Some people say Gyspy-Rose Blanchard is Munchhausen-by-proxy survivor, the victim of her own mother, Dee Dee Blanchard. And they would be right. Some people say Gyspy-Rose Blanchard is a murderer, and they too, would be right.  After lifelong physical, mental, and medical abuse, Gypsy-Rose Blanchard met a disturbed young man online and concocted a plan to getaway from Dee Dee Blanchard and begin her life as an adult. But Dee Dee would have to die. The crime scene was shocking, and now the pictures are out in the public. On this episode of Body Bags,  Joseph Scott Morgan is going to explain why the photos were taken to begin with and how pictures at a crime scene actually do more than just document what has happened, sometimes they can help investigators discover a lot more.

Transcript Highlights

00:00.01 Introduction, taken advantage of a storm
03:07.93 Talk about Dee Dee Blanchard, opportunist
08:13.54 Discussion of Dee Dee claiming Gypsy-Rose was sick as a baby
10:37.33 Discussion of crime scene photos released
15:04.43 Talk about the story of Dee Dee and Gypsy-Rose
20:08.29 Discussion of using hurricane Katrina   
25:05.99 Discussion of surgeries not needed
29:54.59 Talk about Gypsy-Rose and boyfriend
34:14.12 Discussion of Gypsy-Rose "story" about death of Dee Dee
39:50.66 Discussion of crime scene photos of Dee Dee Blanchard murder
40:59.73 Talking about photographic documentation of crime scene
47:38.96 Conclusion
 

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The death of Ellen Greenberg has been in the news since the day her manner of death was changed from homicide to suicide. The question remains to this day; Ellen Greenberg is found dead in her kitchen with over 20 stab wounds to her head, back, neck, and chest. She has bruises all over her body in various stages of healing. Why was her case ruled a homicide and then changed to a suicide? On this episode of Body Bags, Joseph Scott Morgan will share his experiences with suicides and breakdown the wounds inflicted on Ellen Greenberg's body. Ellen Greenberg's are trying to have her manner of death changed from Suicide to Homicide or undetermined, either one will demand a new investigation into the death of their daughter. After years of hearing "no", they finally heard a "yes", the Pennsylvania Supreme Court is going to hear their case. Not about manner of death, but whether or not the parents of the victim have standing in court to argue on behalf of their deceased daughter. 

Transcript Highlights

00:12.98 Introduction,Hope for the parents of Ellen Greenberg
03:14.72 Discussion of Pennsylvania Supreme Court will hear case
05:00.99 Discussion of changing manner of death from homicide to suicide I
09:04.99 Talk about 911 call
13:02.70 Discussion of giving family death notification
17:56.11 Discussion of recreation of scene
20:00.14 Talk about Ellen Greenberg body in kitchen
24:11.52 Discussion Phone Calls made before 911
28:34.29 Discussion of man who bled out from self inflicted knife wound
32:06.80 Discussion of stabbing yourself in the back
35:31.55 Talk about the effects of knife injuries
38:31.02 Discussion of suicide practice shot
40:06.80 Conclusion is it possible?

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Richard the Third died on the battlefield on August 22nd 1485. He had only been King of England for a little more than 2 years but he became the last King of England to die in battle. On this episode of Body Bags, Joseph Scott Morgan will take a deep dive into history to tell the story of the Battle of Bosworth, and use current science to find the remains of the King, more than 500 years after they were lost.

Transcription Highlights

00:00:11.09 Introduction of Richard the Third
00:05:22.43 Discussion of The House of Lancaster and House of York
00:07:20.98 Discussion of finding the remains or Richard III after 500 years
00:10:21.94 Discussion of how the "victor" writes the history
00:15:55.72 Talk about the battles, weapons used in the 1500s
00:19:03.00 Discussion of geography, how people could "hear" the battle
00:21:12.66 Discussion of the death of chivalry with treatment of Richard III 
00:26:04.23 Discussion of injuries created weapons of the time
00:29:38.71 Talk about finding the remains or Richard the Third
00:34:23.37 Discussion of finding legs in the first grave uncovered
00:39:41.84 Talk about forensic anthropologist on site
00:44:03.03 Discussion of injuries sustained by Richard the Third
00:49:12.19 Conclusion: finding remains or Richard the Third

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A guest fails to check out on time at the five-star Grand Hyatt Erawan in Bangkok. When hotel workers come to clean the room, the door is locked and hotel management and security are called. The door opens up and the nightmare begins. On this episode of Body Bags Joseph Scott Morgan will explain what a body goes through when cyanide is used to kill and Dave Mack goes behind the headlines and the rumors to find out how 6 people end up dead in a hotel room, and nobody survived. No blood. No bullets. No knives. Just Cyanide.

Transcription Highlights
00:00:03.72 Introduction: Don't Drink the Kool-Aid
00:04:00.06 Discussion of cyanide death at Jonestown
00:07:25.90 Discussion of Cult taking cyanide
00:10:07.48 Discussion of getting someone to take the poison
00:12:27.13 Discussion of 6 people meeting for business
00:17:33.23 Talk about being around cyanide
00:21:22.19 Discussion of people dying in house fire, test positive for cyanide
00:25:47.21 Discussion of what people can use to take a life
00:30:33.98 Talk about variety of items with that are lethal, cyanide shows on top
00:34:40.03 Discussion trying to find cyanide
00:39:00.03 Discussion of therapeutic use of fentanyl, no medicinal use for cyanide
00:41:04.10 Discussion of symptoms of cyanide poisoning
00:44:56.39 Conclusion level of horror, dying from cyanide

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Police arrive at the apartment of Fasil Teklemariam in Washington DC for a call of an unconscious person. Police quickly note that Fasil is more than unconscious, he is dead. Multiple stab wounds, and it appears that one of his thumbs has been cut off. On this episode of Body Bags, Joseph Scott Morgan will explain what happens when a thumb is severed from a hand, and can experts tell if it happened when the victim was alive or dead. Dave Mack will dig into the background of those involved and try to figure out who talked. 

00:02.12 Introduction: "The Rule of Thumb"
02:51.25 Discuss removing thumb to rob victim
05:14.45 Discuss James Bond,"biometric" science
09:04.94 Talk about CCTV footage 
14:20.13 Discussion of thumb removed from body
19:08.42 Discussion of what happens when everything dries up
22:33.29 Talk suspects stole key fob allowing access to the building
27:57.92 Discuss thumb came after trying to extract info
32:00.21 Discussion of shoe print left behind
36:46.63 Discussion of weapons used, did they use knives found in kitchen
36:49.34 Conclusion: they wanted his money, took his life

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Bricen Rivers nearly beat his girlfriend to death in their car in Nashville while on a romantic weekend getaway.

Jailed with bond set high enough so he couldn't get out, his victim, Lauren Johansen, is recovering in Mississippi when a judge lowers River's bond, and lets him out to finish what he started.

On this episode of "Body Bags," Joseph Scott Morgan will explain the horrible injuries Lauren sustained in the first beating in Nashville, while Dave Mack breaks down the backstory on the relationship that was so toxic, Lauren Johansen winds up dead in the back of her own car in the middle of a cemetery.

Transcript Highlights

00:00:04.19 Introduction - Being a parent, Father .
00:04:26.07 Discussion of abusive relationship 
00:09:20.25 Talking about parenting a child in abusive relationship
00:13:39.86 Discussion of Nashville trip, how much effort it would take
00:18:40.36 Talk seeing trauma in hospital
00:23:22.52 Discussion or rocks as a weapon, pistol whipping
00:28:29.50 Discussion of wound to Lauren's head at hairline
00:32:02.27 Talk about man abusing woman, judge lowering bond
00:36:15.69 Discussion of Lauren being kidnapped from home
00:40:38.20 Discussion of wounds Lauren suffered before death
00:43:48.59 Talk about Lauren wasn't recovered from December 11 beating
00:46:41.34 Conclusion Lauren's father helped recover her body

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Cleo Loizides is 81-years-old and living in a senior care facility in Virginia. After a visit from her daughter, 53 and grandson, 24, an orderly finds her stiff and cold to the touch. In this episode of Body Bags, Joseph Scott Morgan will explain what happens when someone in a senior care facility passes away and how to tell the difference between a natural death and a murder. Dave Mack will look at the history of the family that begins with Cleo Loizides as a Model in the 1960s and ends with her death in 2024. 

Transcribe Highlights

00:00:02.39 Introduction - circle of life
00:01:07.72 Discussion of murder of 81-year-old woman
00:04:46.47 Discussion of Cleo Loizides found dead on floor
00:09:59.22 Talk about people in care facility
00:14:43.59 Discussion of nursing home deaths being investigated
00:19:44.18 Discussion of Elder abuse
00:22:30.18 Discussion of health, getting her own food, not needing help
00:26:10.21 Talk about knowing a body is dead
00:31:19.24 Discussion of daughter and grandson visiting
00:35:07.92 Discussion of cause of death
00:39:02.45 Discussion of daughter and grandson confess to murder
00:41:16.31 Conclusion Cleo deserved a better end

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Virginia Summers hears a rumor that "something" has happened to her adult daughter, Tara Capps. Tara is a free spirit but she maintains regular contact with the family. Virginia files a missing person report and begins looking for 36-year-old Tara. On this episode of Body Bags, Joseph Scott Morgan will explain how difficult it is to find forensic evidence in a homeless encampment, and Dave Mack will fill in the details of how the family searched, and found, Tara Capps. 

Transcript Highlights
00:14.80 Introduction of Tara Capps story
04:20.08 Discussion of camping and homeless camps
07:56.22 Discussion of searching for missing adult
12:12.03 Talk about mother getting tip about missing daughter
16:50.90 Discussion of homeless camp near body location
23:33.33 Discussion of decomposed body found between two living men
27:08.41 Talk about truth of what happened to Tara will come out
31:43.75 Discussion of Remains sealed inside plastic tote
36:25.48 Talk about evidence in the area
40:15.04 Discussion of how body was covered
42:28.16 Conclusion Family of Tara Capps needs answers

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

When Travis McBride was in his teens, he got in trouble with the law over anger issues. As an adult he opens a successful therapy practice focusing on Anger Management.  The subject of this episode of Body Bags with Joseph Scott Morgan, the alleged murder of a homeless man by an anger management therapist. Joseph Scott Morgan will explain how blood will spread from a body to the trunk area of a vehicle and onto pavement.  Dave Mack investigates the background of the victim and finds Clinton Dorsey was married with three adult children and eight grandchildren. Was Clinton Dorsey really murdered by an Anger Management Therapist? 

Transcript Highlights 

00:00:00 Introduction College choices 

00:04:21 Discussion Anger Management Therapist  

00:06:51 Discussion about applying education to life 

00:11:01 Talk about Anger Management therapist having anger issues 

00:16:24 Discussion of suspects previous charges  

00:21:38 Explaining charges  

00:26:04 Discussion of therapist charged with homicide 

00:33:17 Talk about how suspect cleaned blood in street 

00:38:26 Discussion about leaving blood around side area of car trunk 

00:40:03 Discussion of post-mortem lividity 

00:44:16 Conclusion - will update after the case goes to court 

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A former Mayor with 28 years of law enforcement experience has been charged with first-degree murder in a triple homicide. In this episode of Body Bags, Joseph Scott Morgan will break down the weapons used in the murders and the possibility that one of the victims died while he was on the phone with 911. Dave Mack will try and explain what happened four days before the shooting  that may have led to the murders. 

Transcript Highlights 

00:00:00 Introduction people seeking power 

00:02:12 Discussion ex-mayor suspect triple homicide 

00:07:45 Discussion Triple homicide, 911 caller goes silent on call 

00:12:21 Talk about different types of guns 

00:17:35 Discussion suspect shows up with multiple weapons 

00:22:12 Discussion triple homicide occurs four days after event that led to it 

00:27:14 Discussion of defense strategy for shooting three people 

00:33:17 Talk about suspect showing up armed, left home enraged 

00:38:26 Discussion of victims shot with different guns 

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Sandra Pagniano vanishes from her home in the middle of the night while her husband and daughters are asleep. On this episode of Body Bags, Joseph Scott Morgan will explain how handwriting analysis broke the case wide open, while Dave Mack digs into the fractured marriage of David and Sandra Pagniano. All signs point to one suspect and one location where Sandra Pagniano was bound, gagged, and buried alive in a hand dug grave.  

Transcript Highlights

00:00:00 Introduction, history, writing, buried alive  

00:03:22 Discussion or “Person of Interest” 

00:06:21 Discussion of “notes” Jon Benet Ramsay note 

00:11:01 Talk about handwriting analysis 

00:16:15 Discussion of documents 

00:21:22 Discussion of obvious suspects 

00:24:19 Discussion of cadaver dogs 

00:26:32 Talk about using cell towers to track location 

00:31:41 Discussion – how to tell someone was buried alive 

00:35:29 Discussion kidnapped from her house, buried alive 

00:39:13 Conclusion – Life in Prison 

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

17-year-old Kaitlyn Coones is a runaway from a group home in Canton, Ohio, and is staying with Jonathon Jones, 33, at his mother's residence. Nicole Jones, 53, mother of Jonathon Jones, is unaware that her son has snuck a teen into his bedroom.  Days later, Kaitlyn Jones calls a case worker at the Canton group home informing her she has done something terrible and is on the road with Jonathon Jones. Canton Police call for a welfare check and officers discover Nicole Jones has vanished. Jones car, her son Jonathon, and Kaitlyn Coones are also missing.

In this episode of Body Bags with Joseph Scott Morgan, Joe explains what evidence,  recovered by investigators, lead police to say Nicole Jones is dead  Dave Mack goes behind the headlines explaining  the relationship dynamic between Jonathon Jones and Kaitlyn Coones to determine if the teen is a victim, a suspect, or both. 

Transcript Highlights 

00:00:03 Introduction – teen kidnapped, mother missing, convicted son being sought 

00:04:47 Discussion of missing mom’s car tracked to Arizona and New Mexico 

00:07:52 Talk about attention focus when child is involved 

00:11:47 Discussion of 33-year-old man sneaks teen into his bedroom 

00:16:59 Discussion of Jonathon Jones and Kaitlyn Coones 

00:22:29 Talk about Nicole Jones being murdered in kitchen 

00:27:18 Discussion of circumstantial evidence 

00:32:30 Discussion about rock used as murder weapon 

00:36:44 Talk about Kaitlyn Coones giving Jonathon Jones 5 hours to kill 

00:40:03 Discussion of using GPS to track movement of suspects 

00:42:03 Discussion of blood and hair evidence 

00:44:02 Discussion of Jonathon Jones failure to disarm GPS tracker 

00:45:51 Talk about focus on Kaitlyn Coones being underage victim and suspect 

00:46:56 Conclusion Nicole Jones body will never be found, Jones and Coones are in prison 

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Mary Catherine Edwards is found naked and in handcuffs in her bathtub with about 4 inches of water. She has been sexually assaulted and murdered. Cause of death is drowning and asphyxia. On this episode of Body Bags, Joseph Scott Morgan will explain how the case that went unsolved for nearly 30-years was solved with DNA, Genetic Genealogy and a tip of the cap to Othram . Dave Mack will help tell the story of the 31-year-old beloved schoolteacher and the killer who almost got away with her murder.  

Transcript Highlights 

00:00:06 Introduction of Cold Case Murder  

00:05:42 Discussion of shutting down crime scene 

00:09:44 Talk about Parents discovering body of their daughter 

00:13:27 Discussion of motivation 

00:18:01 Talk about “torture” 

00:22:21 Discussion of cause of death, drowning and asphyxia 

00:27:30 Discussion of drowning in bathtub 

00:31:23 Discussion of Shera LaPoint, the Gene Hunter 

00:35:33 Talk about familiarity between victim and suspect 

00:39:20 Discussion of DNA and genetic genealogy 

00:41:52 Discussion of Rape Kit 

00:46:35 Conclusion: DNA Solves  

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Six years before he became known as the Day Trader who went on a murderous rampage, Mark Barton was the suspect in the death of his first wife and her mother while they were camping at a lake in North Alabama. Today, Joseph Scott Morgan shares  personal memories of working the homicides in Atlanta, as well as breaking down the murders of Mark Barton’s first wife and her mother in the camper, and his second wife and children in their apartment.. Dave Mack fills in the back-story on how Mark Barton may have gotten away with murder and child molestation, but he couldn’t escape himself.  

Transcript Highlights 

00:00:08 Introduction of geography, family killer, mass murderer 

00:02:46 Discussion of Mark Barton 

00:07:21 Discussion of murderers and weapons 

00:11:44 Talk about day traders in Atlanta 

00:16:04 Discussion of murder in camper trailer on lake 

00:21:17 Discussion of “robber” that left behind cash and jewelry 

00:26:26 Talk about blood in the Camper 

00:31:02 Discussion of Mark Barton cheating on his wife 

00:35:57 Discussion of timeline of family murders and Buckhead massacre 

00:39:49 Discussion of Barton killing second wife and children with a hammer 

00:43:06 Discussion of murders at Momentum and All-Tech 

00:46:20 Conclusion, Barton shoots himself in the head 

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Skeletal remains found near the Volkswagen plant in Chattanooga, Tennessee don't match up with any missing person cases in Chattanooga or the surrounding area. It takes several months before the remains are positively identified. On this episode of Body Bags,  Joseph Scott Morgan will take you into the field where the remains have been found and into the lab where identification takes place, and Dave Mack will look into the facts surrounding the disappearance of the 20-year-old beauty from Georgia and how she ended up as a skeleton on the side of a rural road outside Chattanooga Tennessee. 

Transcript Highlights 

00:00:25 Introduction of 20-year-old woman, missing 

00:04:07 Discussion of geography of the case 

00:07:20 Discussion of picking up body in jail 

00:11:51 Talk about Fentanyl becoming drug of choice 

00:16:13 Discussion of drugs and dealers 

00:20:48 Discussion of reporting missing person 

00:24:16 Talk about the deposition of the body 

00:28:08 Discussion of trauma on the bones 

00:32:32 Discussion explaining forensic anthropology at the scene 

00:37:13 Discussion of being absent of clothing 

00:41:40 Conclusion – Case is still open; we will follow up 

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Bonnie and Clyde killed at least nine police officers and four civilians during their 21-month crime spree from 1932 to 1934. The couple were also responsible for several Bank robberies, gas stations hold-ups , and burglaries. They weren't very good thieves, as they rarely got away with more than $80. In this episode of Body Bags, Joseph Scott Morgan will explain how Bonnie Parker suffered so many bullet holes her body had to be plugged to hold embalming fluid, and Dave Mack will take you behind the scenes in the woods with Frank Hamer and Manny Gault as they brought down the  murderous "Bonnie and Clyde".

Transcript Highlights 

00:00:10 Introduction of human destruction 

00:02:09 Description of Bienville Parish 

00:05:24 Description of Bonnie and Clyde car on display 

00:08:14 Discussion Bonnie 23, Clyde 25 

00:11:15 Talk about Bonnie and Clyde murder young cop 

00:15:11 Discussion about State Coroners convention 

00:18:05 Discussion about transcribing 

00:21:32 Talk about Bonnie and Clyde murdering cops 

00:25:57 Discussion of BB Episode about Coroner system 

00:28:21 Talk about autopsy of famous people 

00:31:41 Discussion of Dr. Wade and others at the autopsy 

00:35:00 Discussion of injuries suffered by Bonnie Parker 

00:37:42 Conclusion: Bonnie and Clyde meet their end 

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Trista Spicer tells everyone her live-in boyfriend, Eric Mercado, left the house on October 11, 2014, and never returned.  Mercado’s family called him “Nino” and they printed up posters, circulated info on social media and physically looked for their “Nino” with no luck. On this episode of Body Bags, Joseph Scott Morgan will detail what happens when someone is hit in the face with a frying pan and their throat is slit with a box cutter. Dave Mack will investigate the relationship between Trista Spicer, Eric Mercado, and Waylan Gentry, and who gave the police the “tip” that turned a missing persons case into a homicide investigation.

Transcript Highlights

00:00.01. Introduction - walking through graveyards

05:08.07  Discussion of social media, sharing too much

10:07.10. Discussion of victim, early 40s

15:35.82. Talk about spouses

20:20.01. Discussion about a missing family member

26:08.66  Discussion of what did Suspect tell new boyfriend

31:18.61. Talk about tattoos

36:39.54  Discussion - somebody always talks

40:26.66  Discussion of soft tissue, dehydrated skin

42:04:13  Conclusion - Face smashed in with frying pan, throat slit

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Wade Wilson, not the superhero better known as "Deadpool" but Wade Wilson, Tattoo Face Killer. If Wilson has a favorite song it is probably "Folsom Prison Blues" by Johnny Cash for the line "I shot a man in Reno, just to watch him die". For Tattoo Face Wade Wilson, using a gun to kill someone is too impersonal. In this episode of Body Bags, Joseph Scott Morgan will explain just how personal it is to strangle the life out of someone with bare hands, and Dave Mack will go behind the tattoos and headlines to find out more about the victims of the vile creature capable of killing two women in a matter of hours, just because he can.  Assistant State Attorney Andreas Gardiner in closing argument in murder trial of Wade Wilson:  "This case was about killing for the sake of killing. Strangulation is the epitome of life slipping through someone's hands." 

Transcribe Highlights

00:39.32 Introduction of a nightmare

05:03.44 Discussion of Wade Wilson, tattoo face

10:24.32 Talk about Wilson claiming to be a victim

15:00.63 Discussion about how Wade Wilson got invited back to woman's home

20:23.78 Discussion about destroying a person for no reason

25:52.10 Talk about isn't it enough? 

29:33.42 Discussion about Wilson leaves Melton's home in her car

33:49.88 Discussion of Diane Ruiz body damage, injuries and animals

38:23.24.Discussion Wilson tells Bio Father what he has done

42:13.10 Conclusion - Wade Wilson, Florida Justice

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Jerry Harris's pregnant daughter is murdered, her uterus removed, and her body thrown in a river. She is found by fishermen six days after she is last seen alive. Jerry Harris commits suicide outside the Sheriff's Office. On this episode of Body Bags Joseph Scott Morgan go behind the evidence and take a look at the body of Jerry Harris' daughter, Jennifer, a murder still unsolved. Dave Mack digs into the story of Jennifer Harris. Who knew she was pregnant and who wanted her dead? The ex-husband? The ex-boyfriend? Did Jerry Harris get so depressed over the murder of his daughter that he killed himself at the Sheriff's office as some kind of challenge?  We know Jerry Harris killed himself. Do we know why?

Transcript Highlights

00:00:17.19 Introduction of "Cold Case" and recent suicide

00:03:48.25 Discussion of life and "dark space"

00:07:29.51 Talk about notification of family

00:10:31.93 Discussion of Jennifer Harris before she vanishes

00:14:43.53 Discussion of evidence, finding Jennifer

00:19:47.66 Talk about detaching while investigating

00:25:25.90 Discussion of finding and condition of remains in Red River

00:29:57.94 Talking about water damage

00:33:35.52 Discussion of ex-husband alibi

00:39:03.49 Talk about Jeep, latent hand or palm print

00:40:04.96 Discussion of cabin in the woods, burned down

00:43:30.88 Discussion of skill level of the person removing uterus

00:45:36.30 Conclusion: Blue clay, caretakers' cabin, suicide of Jerry Harris

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A Texas mother of 4 is found hanging from a dock with a rope around her neck in an apparent suicide. On this episode of Body Bags, Joseph Scott Morgan and Dave Mack will go behind the shocking story of an apparent suicide and Joe Scott will explain how a witness describing the woman’s body hanging from the dock tells him she didn’t kill herself; this is a murder!  

01:38.72 Introduction: Suicide or Murder 

05:20.55 Discussion of rigidity 

09:06:44 Talk about boat life, living at marina 

13:02.11 Discussion of arms hanging down 

16:41.60 Talk about 30-year old mom, 4 children 

19:31.74 Discussion of suicide 

24:33.02 Discussion of woman’s arm points to different conclusion 

28:06.63 Discussion of staging a suicide 

32:14.44 Talk about girlfriend leaves, doesn’t come back 

36:11.46 Discussion of post-mortem lividity in aquatic environment 

39:18.91Discussion of flaccid 

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Recorded LIVE at CrimeCon Nashville, 2024:

In this episode of Body Bags, Joseph Scott Morgan explains how he challenges his class at Jacksonville State University to try and solve a cold case. Two years in a row, two different classes and students chose the unsolved murder of Blake Chappell. Blake Chappell tells his mother he is having the best night of his life with his girlfriend at the East Coweta High School Homecoming Dance.

Within a matter of hours, Blake will find himself chased out of his girlfriend’s house in the middle of the night, walking down the road at 5 a.m. texting his girlfriend, and telling her police just stopped and talked to him. One last text to his girlfriend that he is getting cold, and his phone goes quiet.

Blake Chappell is 17 and he never makes it back to his friend’s house. He just vanishes into thin air. It is October 16, 2011. Two months later on December 17, 2011, his nearly naked body is found floating in a creek, he has been shot in the back of the head.

The case is still unsolved. But new search warrants were served in March 2024, will there be justice for Blake Chappell? 

Transcript Highlights 

00:00:13 Introduction Blake Chappel Case 

00:04:40 Discuss of family financial issues 

00:08:28 Blake finds ex-girlfriend who ran away 

00:10:32 Blake beaten up by ex’s stepfather 

00:12:26 Blake put in jail for finding his ex 

00:17:35 Mother takes Blake and date to homecoming dance 

00:20:48 Discussion of Blake activities walking in the night 

00:24:24 Talk about Blake walking miles to see girlfriend 

00:28:08 Talk about Blake texting girlfriend 

00:31:49 Talk about Blake doesn’t make it back to Austin’s house 

00:37:36 Discussion Blake shot in back of head 

00:43:22 Discussion rumors about Blake’s death 

00:48:12 Discussion Blake found wearing underwear, no shoes 

00:52:34 Conclusion Joseph Scott Morgan lets his JSU class pick unsolved crime to solve 

Two years in a row the case of Blake Chappel is chosen for the project 

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Herb Baumeister lived more than just a “double life."

On this episode of "Body Bags," Joseph Scott Morgan explains how it is possible that Baumeister had over 10,000 remains on his million-dollar estate, and Dave Mack dives into the background of the married, father and businessman who owned two Save-a-lot stores in Indianapolis.

Baumeister, who took his own life in 1996, is suspected of enticing gay men to his home, where he killed them and disposed of their bodies at the rear of his property.

Investigators suspected that Baumeister, a married father of three at the time who frequented gay bars, enticed unsuspecting men to his property to murder them. By 1999, investigators connected him to the disappearance of at least 16 men since 1980.

Some of the victims’ bodies were discovered discarded in shallow streams in rural central Indiana and western Ohio

For 30 years, investigators have been working to identify thousands of human remains, will they ever know the truth about how many people Herb Baumeister murdered?

Transcript Highlights 

00:00:13 Introduction of serial killer graveyard 

00:04:40 Discuss killer double life, wife claims she didn’t know anything 

00:08:28 Talk about trying to identify bone from other items 

00:12:26 Discussion of Forensic anthropologists 

00:17:35 Discussion of hiding secrets from family 

00:20:48 Talk about serial killer obsession with dead animals 

00:24:24 Discussion of the depth of depravity  

00:28:08 Discussion of skeletonized body on the property 

00:31:49 Talk about trying to render body down to ash 

00:36:36 Discussion of method of destruction after burning 

00:40:22 Discussion of other serial killers 

00:44:12 Talk about the size of the property 

00:44:34 Conclusion 

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Why did police serve another search warrant at the home of Rex Heuermann? Remember, his wife and children still live in the house. After his original arrest and the search warrants were served, pictures appeared in the press showing the damage done as the home was stripped. What did they miss? Why did they bring out the ME? On this episode of Body Bags Joseph Scott Morgan will take you into the house and what the ME might be looking for as well as the crime scenes and what has been found. Dave Mack will explain the “To-Do” list and go over the electronics Heuermann has been keeping for decades.  

Transcript Highlights

00:00:00 Introduction: Bernice Worden last victim of Ed Gein 

00:02:20 Discussion of Gilgo document release 

00:06:54 Talk about being on a jury 

00:09:44 Discussion – warning about content of episode 

00:13:55 Discussion of why go back with another search warrant? 

00:19:05 Talk about Rex Heuermann and the list he created 

00:23:11 Discussion of Heuermann electronics 

00:27:02 Discussion of Rex Heuermann planning note began in 2000 

00:30:59 Talk about violent, sexual torture 

00:34:17 Discussion of going to a scene, police don’t know what they have 

00:38:35 Talk about mutilated body a few miles from home 

00:42:15 Talk about access to material was different in the 1990s 

00:42:50 Conclusion, why they called the ME out to the scene 

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In 1985 a skull and partial remains are found in a plastic bag near Channel Islands Harbor in Oxnard, California. Thinking the remains are from a recent victim, investigators work to solve what they think is a murder. Failing to identify the victim, the case goes cold. On this episode of Body Bags, Joseph Scott Morgan will explain how the scientists at Othram Labs developed a DNA extract from the evidence and were able to identify “Ventura County Jane Doe "as the victim of a grave robbing that happened after her death in 1915. Joseph Scott Morgan and Dave Mack will share the story of Gertrude Elliot-Littlehale, a woman born in 1864 and the amazing life she lived well before she became the unidentified “cold case” of “Ventura County Jane Doe”. Othram Labs is helping solve cases that seem unsolvable with the help of everyday people willing to make a small donation at DNASOLVES.COM Please take a moment of your time and visit DNASOLVES.COM and see how you can help solve a case.  

Transcript Highlights 

00:00:08 Introduction of Ventura County Jane Doe 

00:03:44 Discussion of Skull found in a bag in 1985 

00:07:19 Talk about history and DNA 

00:11:58 Discussion identifying bodies 

00:15:13 Talk about going from 1985 back to 1864 

00:20:49 Discussion of dogs and old bones 

00:24:14 Discussion of forensic anthropologist 

00:29:04 Discussion of “suture lines” 

00:33:03 Talk about solving crimes with DNA 

00:38:20 Discussion of building a family tree 

00:42:12 Discussion of “Gertie” and her life 

00:46:50 Talk about Othram Labs 

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Imagine waking up inside a body bag, declared dead and transported to a funeral home, where you find yourself short of breath, BUT STILL BREATHING! In this episode of Body Bags with Joseph Scott Morgan we will explore something that is happening far more often than you think, people being declared dead, who wake up on a table in a funeral home!  And how to make sure you are not Buried Alive!

Transcript Highlights 

00:00:08 Introduction: worst nightmare come true 

00:03:02 Discussion being buried alive  

00:07:28 Talk about funeral homes 

00:11:49 Discussion of hospice care nursing 

00:16:29 Discussion of soldier Battle of the Bulge 

00:20:24 Talk about forensic pathology 

00:24:46 Discussion of dead body, signs of death 

00:28:30 Discussion of death investigation 

00:31:34 Talk about people declared dead, waking up in funeral home 

00:34:16 Discussion of death and declaring someone dead 

00:38:04 Conclusion: cautionary tale, death investigation is important 

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The victims of the Long Island Serial Killer have been known in the media as the “Gilgo 4”, but now that Rex Heuermann has been charged with two more murders the media will have to change the name to the “Gilgo 6”.  Rex Heuermann is an architect by trade, someone who can create and use blueprints. Investigators found a Serial Killer Blueprint on Heuermann’s computer. On this episode of Body Bags, Joseph Scott Morgan will explain how DNA evidence and hair might be enough to put away Rex Heuermann for good, and Dave Mack will explore some of the items found on Heuermann’s computer. From disturbing images of abuse and porn, to lists of supplies for torture, investigators found a goldmine during a recent search of Heuermann’s home.  

Transcript Highlights 

00:00:08 Introduction of Gilgo details 

00:02:09 Discuss Rex Heuermann two new murder charges 

00:07:19 Discussion of Data from a forensic standpoint 

00:12:01 Talk about seeing the dumping ground and home of Heuermann 

00:16:58 Discussion of more bodies found along Gilgo 

00:21:18 Discussion of area, easy to be seen 

00:25:25 Discussion of the court documents, new information 

00:29:37 Talk about changes in DNA science since early 90s 

00:33:36 Discussion of skin and injury 

00:37:05 Conclusion – more bodies 

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

They called themselves the "Gilbert Goons", a group of teens that were suspected of assaults at parties and parking lots, as well as armed robberies. Defended by their parents, the teens' reign of violence culminated with the fatal beating of 16-year-old Preston Lord. Preston was at a Halloween Party with friends when one of the "Gilbert Goons" stole a cheap necklace from a friend of Preston Lord.  On this episode of Body Bags, Joseph Scott Morgan and Dave Mack will tell the story of how a town in Arizona was terrorized by a group of entitled teens who were defended by their entitled parents for years until they almost got away with murder. 

Transcript Highlights 

00:00:08 Introduction: Group Think 

00:03:56 Discussion of group of teens in Gilbert, Arizona 

00:07:22 Discussion of Gilbert Goons videotaping the beating  

00:11:15 Talk about the assaults attributed to the teens in Gilbert 

00:16:09 Discussion of how the beating of Preston Lord continued  

00:21:07 Discussion of a bully 

00:25:45 Talk about parents joking about the beating 

00:30:19 Discussion of severe blunt force trauma 

00:33:52 Discussion of shoe imprint on the body of victim 

00:38:02 Conclusion: judgement is coming. 

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Chrystul Kizer is 17 when she is arrested for the first-degree murder of Randy Volar. The question that will be answered through investigation and the court system is whether or not Chrystul Kizer killed an innocent man, or did she kill a man who was sexually abusing her and other underage girls. On this episode of Body Bags, Joseph Scott Morgan and Dave Mack will breakdown the case and take an in-depth look at what story the forensics tell and what information a judge will have to consider in sentencing a teen who saw murder as her only way to live. 

Transcript Highlights

00:00:17 Introduction: growing up 

00:02:18 Discussion of Chrystul Kizer, 17, abuse victim 

00:06:52 Talk about fire debris and dead body 

00:09:57 Discussion of heat causing teeth to shatter 

00:13:15 Discussion of destruction of a person 

00:17:05 Discussion of multiple victims 

00:21:47 Talk about laws regarding sexual abuse 

00:25:54 Discussion of electronic forensics 

00:29:01 Talk about Chrystul Kizer trying to survive 

00:33:04 Discussion of damage 2 shots to the head can cause 

00:38:11 Discussion of stippling 

00:41:43 Talk about victim escaping in BMW 

00:44:27 Discussion of plea deal offered 

00:45:18 Conclusion – sentence coming in August 

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Georgia authorities find three victims tortured and murdered in Clayton County and taken to Fulton County. They were found in an abandoned car along I-85 at an exit ramp in Union City, Georgia on January 13, 2013. On this episode of Body Bags, Joseph Scott Morgan will take you into the investigation that determined the victims were tortured and murdered and Dave Mack will go into the back story on how the case remained cold for 11-years until forensics led investigators to a Middle School Assistant Principal in Alabama and 3 other suspects. 

Transcript Highlights 

00:00:08 Introduction – Position of authority 

00:02:36 Talk about Assistant Principal arrested in cold-case triple murder  

00:08:06 Discussion -11 years after 3 dead bodies found in a car, a break in the case 

00:11:54 Discussion - victims found in Atlanta from Montgomery, Alabama 

00:17:02 Talk about suspect was assistant principal at a middle school 

00:20:51Discussion of multiple jurisdictions working on a case 

00:24:23 Talk about medical examiners 

00:27:40 Discussion of multiple suspects 

00:30:03 Discussion of asphyxiation 

00:31:14 Conclusion, what did the bodies say? 

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The National Institutes of Health, comparing a medical examiner and coroner, states that Coroners are elected lay people who often do not have professional training, whereas medical examiners are appointed and have board certification in a medical specialty.

All of this is true.

On this episode of "Body Bags with Joseph Scott Morgan," Joe will take you back in history to a time when the person who finds the dead body in their yard has to gather a posse and solve the murder mystery or be stuck with paying taxes!!

The coroner system has a long history, some funny stories, some strange people, and a few mysteries to unpack.  

    Transcript Highlights 

00:22.56. Introduction of studying the dead. 

03:04.63 Discussion most people don’t die from bullet wounds 

06:01.87 Talk about forensics  

11:38.68 History of “Normans” 

17:44.17 Discussion of power of Coroners 

22:25.90 Discussion of Coroners Jury 

26:18.76 Discussion of authority of coroner 

31:00.67 Discussion of scientific people in coroner system 

32:05.27 Talk about who backs up the coroner 

37:48.5 Discussion of medical examiner state vs coroner state       

42:49.50 Conclusion 

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Grace Millane is in New Zealand when she meets Jesse Kempson on Tinder. Grace is on a Gap Year trip that has taken her to South America and now she is in Auckland, New Zealand where she is camping and hiking and meeting new people.  Connecting on Tinder, Grace meets Kempson for dinner and drinks, most of their evening captured by CCTV. They arrive back at Kempson's hotel and we see them get on and off the elevator. It is the evening of December 1 and Grace turns 22-years-old on December 2nd. On this episode of Body Bags with Joseph Scott Morgan, Joe will breakdown what happened to Grace inside the hotel room and what Jesse Kempson did in the aftermath of the gruesome murder.  And Dave Mack will try and make sense of the timeline when, even now, we don't know if Grace made it to her 22nd birthday. 

Transcript Highlights 

00:00:18 Introduction of Grace Millane, gap year vacation 

00:04:27 Discussion of Tinder date timeline 

00:09:15 Discussion murderer goes on another Tinder date 

00:13:56 Talk about targeting victim, asphyxia 

00:18:33 Discussion of Gap Year  

00:23:46 Discussion of date captured on video 

00:28:17 Talk about murderer covering up the crime 

00:33:03 Discussion of destroying the victim 

00:36:31 Discussion of killing someone with hands around neck 

00:40:13 Talk about the sexual assault 

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Missy Bevers was murdered inside a church before 5 a.m. while she was preparing for her morning fitness class. Her body is found by a student and Missy is pronounced dead at the scene. On this episode of Body Bags, Joseph Scott Morgan will discuss the possible weapons used to kill Missy Bevers and Dave Mack will dig into the possible suspects in an unsolved murder where the main suspect is caught on camera wearing a police swat kit and walking the halls of the church with an unusual gait, waiting for Missy to arrive. 

Transcript Highlights 

00:00:24 Introducing Missy Bevers 

00:01:51 Discussion of unsolved murder 

00:04:12 Talk about Camp Gladiator 

00:08:38 Discussion of murderer seen on video 

00:12:28 Discussion of odd gait 

00:17:13 Talk about suspect, man or woman? 

00:21:13 Discussion of SWAT disguise 

00:26:09 Talk about new kit 

00:30:13 Discussion of long hammer as a weapon 

00:34:31 Discussion of injuries matching weapon 

00:39:05 Talk about coverage of case in media 

00:43:20 Discussion of no gun belt 

00:46:44.Conclusion  

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this episode of Body Bags with Joseph Scott Morgan, Joe is going to break with our regular format and take a look at a man who revolutionized the Medical legal death investigation field. He was famous as a “Celebrity Pathologist” but that doesn’t do the man justice. When others walk away from trouble, Dr. Cyril Wecht said, “Where is the brain of JFK?”  Joseph Scott Morgan shares his thoughts on the passing of Dr. Cyril Wecht.

Transcript Highlights 

00:00:18 Introduction from JFK movie  

00:00:47 Talk about Dr. Cyril Wecht 

00:04:06 Talk about passing of Werner Spitz 

00:08:21 Discussion of JFK 

00:11:37 Discussion of Dr. Wecht as Air Force Officer 

00:14:45 Talk about Wecht running for political office 

00:19:33 Discussion of Dr. Wecht from coroner’s office to medical examiner 

00:24:16 Talk about Wecht didn’t play golf, life was his hobby 

00:27:16 Discussion of Wecht getting sued for comments  

00:31:36 Talk about Wecht discovers JFK brain is missing 

00:35:02 Talk about destroying evidence to cover up a crime 

00:38:34 Discussion of Dr. Cyril Wecht accomplishments 

00:39:28 Discussion about over 42,000 Post-mortem exams 

00:43:49 Joseph Scott Morgan share thoughts on Dr Wecht 

I just want to take a moment and 1st off acknowledge his passing and certainly the wet family, the Duquesne family and all of his extended friends and colleagues. My deepest sympathies to them because he's a man. He is a man that Has impacted so many of us in the field of forensic science. He passed away peacefully on May 13th. 

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On January 19, 2001, Tara Baker was murdered in her apartment.

The perpetrator sexually assaulted her and then lit the apartment on fire. The case went cold in the town of Athens, Georgia, for over 20 years.

On this episode of "Body Bags," Joseph Scott Morgan will break down the science of solving a cold case and Dave Mack will fill in the blanks of the story that shocked Northern Georgia for over 20 years.

Recently the murder of Laken Riley brought the Tara Baker homicide back into the conversation and with great detective work and with biological evidence and DNA science, the cold case became hot again, as hot as the fire the suspect set to destroy evidence of the horror he created.  

Transcript Highlights 

00:00:09 Introduction of influence 

00:01:24 Tragic Cold Case Solved, Tara Baker 

00:04:11 Discussion of Tara Baker case and Laken Riley 

00:08:32 Discussion of fire in apartment 

00:09:24 Talk about find body  

00:14:32 Discussion of accelerants 

00:19:21 Discussion of death investigation in fire 

00:24:41 Discussion of time involved in the attack 

00:27:58 Talk about predators selecting their victim 

00:31:33 Discussion of how to determine sex assault when body is burned 

00:37:20 Discussion of how a burned body is examined 

00:38:47 Talk about unsolved cold case 

00:41:50 Case solved; Edrick LaMont Faust arrested 

00:44:46 Conclusion, Faust is 48, Tara Baker died at 21 

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The autopsy of Noah Presgrove is released and for the first time in the history of Body Bags with Joseph Scott Morgan, Joe is going to issue you a warning for what you are about to hear. Noah Presgrove is at a birthday, end of summer, labor day party with friends all weekend. But something happened Sunday night to cause Noah to leave the party by himself. He is found the next morning at 5:53am, alone, dead, on the side of a rural highway. He is naked except for a pair of shoes, but one of the shoes isn't his, it belongs to a guy asleep at the house where the party took place. The "friends" he has known all of his life aren't talking. His brother sees teeth scattered near his brother's body and pieces of chain. Who or What killed Noah Presgrove? Will the autopsy help answer the question?

Transcript Highlights

00:00:08 Introduction: Growing up in rural area 

00:03:10 Talk about List of Injuries 

00:05:17 Discussion of group dynamics 

00:09:12 Discussion of what happens to clothing  

00:12:27 Talk about social media evidence 

00:16:11 Discussion of internal injuries 

00:20:26 Discussion of injuries cased by falling out of a truck  

00:24:14 Talk about skull fractures 

00:28:32 Discussion of brain fluid 

00:32:52 Discussion of broke teeth 

00:36:03 Talk about animals and body on road 

00:37:52 Discussion of cervical injuries 

00:40:00 Discussion of abrasions 

00:41:47 Talk about being hit by car 

00:43:59 Discussion of data 

00:44:17 Conclusion; After the autopsy we still don’t have answers 

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Dr. Werner Spitz is a man who spent his lifetime looking straight into the soul of man and looking death in the eye. On this episode of Body Bags, Joseph Scott Morgan gives a heartfelt tribute to a mentor he never met, a teacher that never gave him a test but one whose approval was sought in every written word and study as a death investigator. Dr. Werner Spitz passed away at the age of 97 on April 14, 2024, and this show is a special tribute to a man that actually did write the book of his profession, "Spitz and Fisher's Medicolegal Investigation of Death; Guidelines for the Application of Pathology to Crime Investigation.

 Transcribe Highlights
00:33.95 Introduction to the life of Werner Spitz

05:59.93 Discussion of Spitz impact on forensic pathologists

09:53.32 Discussion of fleeing Nazi Germany

13:51.43 Talk about being the lone voice of truth that you see

17:35.73 Discussion of Mary Jo Kopechne

24:16.10 Discussion of Spitz being called into high profile situations

28:15.52 Talk about examination using photographs

31:38.41 Discussion of not being afraid to take on cases others wouldn't

36:52.60 Talk about paying for an opinion

37:01.94 Conclusion Those who fail to remember history, are doomed to repeat it

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The double homicide of Russell and Shirley Dermond rocked their gated community along Lake Oconee in Georgia.. The decapitated body of 88-year-old Russell Dermond was found in the garage and his wife of 68 years,  87-year Shirley Dermond was found in Lake Oconee weighted down with cinder blocks, 10 days after Russell's body was found.  On this episode of Body Bags with Joseph Scott Morgan, you will learn about the evidence investigators found at the crime scene as well as what can be learned from a body that may have been in a lake for 10 days. The double homicide has gone unsolved for 10 years and the head of Russell Dermond has never been found.  How was this elderly couple, married 68 years, murdered and why?

Transcript Highlights 

00:00:08 Introduction about murders 

00:05:00 Discussion about neighbor checking on Dermond’s 

00:09:34 Talk about unsolved murders, 10 years 

00:14:04 Discussion about Shirley Dermond body found in lake 

00:19:05 Discussion of Russell Dermond head, it’s missing 

00:23:51 Discussion about Shirley was weighted down 

00:28:08 Talk after 10 years, case still unsolved 

00:31:39 Discussion of lack of blood at scene 

00:34:52 Talk about how head was removed 

00:37:57 Talk about DNA evidence 

00:40:28 Conclusion: After a decade, new evidence might solve the case 

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Was 7-year-old JJ Vallow alive when he was buried? Was 16-year-old Tylee Ryan dismembered before her remains were burned? What does the autopsy say about the death of Tammy Daybell? On this episode of Body Bags, Joseph Scott Morgan will explain the forensics of all 3 victims and Dave Mack will fill in the background on the story of what really happened to JJ Vallow, Tylee Ryan, and Tammy Daybell 

Transcript Highlights 

00:00:08 Introduction, loving arms that didn’t hold JJ and Tylee 

00:04:21 Discussion of the deaths, JJ, Tylee, and Tammy Daybell 

00:07:54 Discussion of bodies buried near one another 

00:11:19 Discussion of death of Tammy Daybell  

00:14:57 Explaining asphyxia 

00:18:45 Talk about access and opportunity 

00:22:58 Discussion of Dr Warren on witness stand 

00:26:02 Discussion of Bones being scattered, broken up while burning 

00:29:07 Talk about JJ Vallow trying to pull bag off his head 

00:30:47 Conclusion: Justice, whatever that means, is coming. 

Justice, whatever that means, is coming and there is a reckoning coming. 

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

At least 12 bodies have been pulled from "Lady Bird Lake" in Austin, Texas in the last 22 months. Some can be explained as deaths that happen on or near a lake, but not all. On this episode of Body Bags Joseph Scott Morgan will break down the difference between a regular death in a lake and a possible serial killer, while Dave Mack breaks down the stories behind the victims. 

Transcript Highlights

00:16.18 Introduction about water and murder
03:37.66 Discussion does Austin have a serial killer?
08:13.12 Discussion what does "serial killer" do to an area
13:22.11 Talk about other serial killers, were they really caught
17:54.47 Talk about witnessing a death on the water
22:03.17 Discussion of toxicology
27:53.13 Discussion of victims
32:38.32 Talk about water as a dumping ground
36:26.16 Discussion of decomposition in water
40:04.57 Talk about water flow
47:42.83 Discussion about rumors over fact
Conclusion

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Mother of five,  Crystal Rogers is last seen July 3 by her live-in boyfriend, Brooks Houck. Crystal Rogers mother, Sherry Ballard, reports her missing on July 5. Later that day, Crystal Rogers red Chevy Malibu is found abandoned on the Bluegrass Parkway. The car has a flat tire, but Rogers' keys, phone and purse are still inside. 16-months later, Crystal Rogers is still missing and her father, Sherry Ballard's husband, Tommy Ballard, is murdered in the early morning hours as he prepares to go hunting on his own property with his 12-year-old grandson.

Ballard is shot from an undetermined distance, but his property backs up against the Bluegrass Parkway. It's a fast getaway in either direction for a gunman. On this episode of Body Bags, Joseph Scott Morgan and Dave Mack explore the disappearance of Crystal Rogers and the murder of her dad, Tommy Ballard.  Plus, Joseph Scott Morgan  explains how prosecutors can prove Crystal Rogers was murdered,  even though they haven't found her body.

Transcribe Highlights

00:12.12 Introduction of growing up with PaPaw Morgan
03:34.36 Discuss Crystal Rogers missing, her father Tommy Ballard murdered
06:15.27 Discussion of Bardstown Kentucky 
07:46.82 Discussion of why Brooks Houck didn't report Rogers missing
08:13.81 Talk about Crystal Rogers car found on Bluegrass parkway
15:45.34 Talk Rogers car found with flat tire, she is still missing
18:16.83 Discussion of Brooks Houck, suspect, brother is police officer
21:13.58 Discussion of police letting Houck talk to his brother on phone
26:27.16 Talk about tracking dogs pick up Crystal Rogers scent at farm, but not at her car
31:09.10. Discussion 16 months after Crystal Rogers vanishes, her dad, Tommy Ballard killed
34:36.43 Discussion of how bullet twists the skin
39:02.99 Discussion of Tommy Ballard hunting, murdered on his own property
40:52.53 Discussion of murder charges without a body
43:45.73 Conclusion - waiting for trial 

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Corey Micciolo did not meet his father until he was 5-years-old. Soon thereafter Corey landed in the middle of a custody battle. From the first time he was left alone with his father, Corey came home with bruises, busted lips, and more. His mother complained but nobody listened. Only now are people paying attention because of an awful video showing 6-year-old Corey Micciolo being forced to run on a treadmill and falling off, over and over. Each time he falls off the treadmill, his father puts him back on and turns the speed up, allegedly.  Christiopher Gregor is on trial facing murder charges for allegedly killing his own son in what the media calls the Treadmill Abuse Trial. On this episode of Body Bags, Joseph Scott Morgan will explain what really happened to Corey Micciolo and why 6-year-olds don't drop over dead, and Dave Mack will fill in the rest of the story of how Corey was given to a father that never bonded with him while his mother begged for anyone to listen.

00:38.98 Introduction, talk about weapons

05:17.90 Discussion of exorcise as punishment

10:01.23 Talk about making 6-year-old run on treadmill

16:01.12 Discussion of bruises and injuries

21:06.32 Talk about Corey's health is fine, except for bruises

26:20.26 Talk about Corey tells doctor about football and treadmill

32:41.40 Discussion of children don't die of natural causes at 6

37:27.82 Discussion of injury to abdomen

39:12:19 Conclusion Final Diagnosis, Blunt Force impact, laceration of heart

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Lisa and David Hernandez had been separated for a year before he starts stalking her, showing up at her job uninvited and unwelcome. He sends his estranged wife a bouquet of flowers with Lillies, "the Death Flower", knowing she is extremely allergic to them. On this episode of Body Bags, Joseph Scott Morgan will explain how someone can be killed by a blunt force instrument and a sharp-edged instrument at the same time and Dave Mack will fill in the story with the creepy stalking that David Hernandez allegedly did to his wife.

Transcribed Highlights
00:02:00 Introduction of Lisa Hernandez 

05:12.52 Discussion of "Death Flower" 

08:50.91 Talk about a tool as a weapon
14:17.46 Discussion of skull injury

19:46.20 Discussion of suspect knowing victim allergies

24:28.29 Talk about a "staged" scene
29:19.40 Discussion of allergic reaction 
32:32.27 Discussion of blunt force and sharp force 
36:26.87 Talk about tossing weapon / tool into lake
41:22.33  Discussion of Searching the bottom of a lake

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On August 4, 2020, 12-year-old Jaylen Griffin went to the corner store in his neighborhood to try and make a little money helping people carry their groceries home.  On this day,  he brings his new puppy with him and many people remember seeing the boy and his puppy. But Jaylen Griffin and his puppy never makes it home that evening. It seems as though Jaylen has vanished into thin air. Neighborhood searches, flyers, reward money, nothing helps bring the boy home. Three months after Jaylen goes missing his older brother is murdered, shot dead almost in front of their Buffalo, New York home. Days turn into weeks, weeks into months, and months into years. In September 2023, Jaylen's mother dies,
never knowing what happened to her 12-year-old son. Months after her passing, the decomposed remains of Jaylen Griffin are found in the attic of a house about 5-miles from where Jaylen lived in south Buffalo. The house was no stranger to law enforcement and many people wonder how it was possible the remains of a child could decompose in the attic of a house with many residents and nobody smelled or saw anything. On this episode of Body Bags, Joseph Scott Morgan will breakdown the forensics that will help determine the  cause and manner of death and  try to answer questions that could lead to justice for Jaylin Griffin

Transcript Highlights

00:03.10 Introduction of life, memories 

01:06.13 Talk about 12-year-old boy missing 4 years

05:20.86 Talk about getting help from dentist to ID victim

07:45.26 Discussion of how to identify remains of a child

11:36.93 Discussion of "Bite" marks as evidence 

17:00.65 Jaylen and the "12-year molar"

20:05.82 Discussion of weather on remains

24:45.81 Talk about the home where Jaylen's remains were found

29:22.81 Discussion of remains and smell, compare to Harmony Montgomery

33:00.68 Discussion of law enforcement, fire, rescue calls to address

37:24.74 Talk about remains having "soft tissue"

41:20.56 Conclusion will the remains lead to a murderer?

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

From Mother's Day 2020 until September 2023, only one person really knew that Suzanne Morphew wasn't just missing, she was dead. In September 2023 the remains of Suzanne Morphew were found while investigators were working a different crime, An autopsy was done on the remains and on this episode of Body Bags, Joseph Scott Morgan will explain how doctors were able to create a toxicology report using only bones, and why Susanne Morphew's death has been ruled a homicide.

Transcribed Highlights 
00:42.91 Introduction of Suzanne Morphew

03:21.30 Talk about autopsy of bones

06:54.40 Discussion of remains 

10:43.53 Discussion of Mountain Lions
 
14:37.94 Talk about the disappearance of Suzanne Morphew

18:16.37 Discussion of darts and animals

20:55.11 Talk about the depth of a hole for remains

26:25.13 Discussion of co-mingling of bones
 
30:06.14 Discussion of decomposed body

35:20.28.Talking about the bones in the arms
 
41:21.60 Discussion of darts and toxicology

47:03.48 Conclusion of the Suzanne Morphew

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This episode of Body Bags with Joseph Scott Morgan is a look at the death and autopsy of John Wilkes Booth.  Booth shot Abraham Lincoln from behind around 10:15 pm April 14, 1865. He died the next morning, April 15, at 7:22 am. Joseph Scott Morgan and Dave Mack will uncover the track that Booth took as he tried to escape, and finally being shot himself. Joseph Scott Morgan will make you feel like you witnessed the autopsy yourself as he explains, in great detail, the autopsy of John Wilkes Booth. 

Transcribe Highlights
00:13.63 Introduction - autopsy of John Wilkes Booth
01:45.79 Discuss Forensic expert is a history fan
05:09.53 Talk about the Booth acting family
08:22.93 Discussion of how Booth wrecked everything
12:47.62.Talk about Booth jumping to stage
18:45.53 Discussion of expectation
22:49.66 Talk about the conspiracy
27:50.24.Discussion of Booth broken leg
32:01.96 Talk about comparing Lincoln to Kennedy
38:40.42 Discussion of Booth not getting help
41:08.80 Talk about getting Booth on boat
48:59.90.Discussion of putting a door on saw horses as a table
50:03.11 Talk about Autopsy in 1800s
52:18.34 Discussion of Booth being wrapped in military blanket
56:27.97 Conclusion, Lincoln wanted the country to heal  

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Sade Robinson is having fun on her first date with a new guy. They pose together and post the picture to social media. Sade had no idea she was taking a picture with the devil and she only had hours to live.

In this episode of "Body Bags," Joseph Scott Morgan will explain how the killer sealed his fate by trying to destroy evidence with fire.

Transcribe Highlights 

00:22.97 Introduction Milwaukee 

05:01.65. Talk about Jeffrey Dahmer 

07:29.72 Discussion of dismemberment 

09:53.60 Talk about getting rid of smell with tires 

14:06.81 Discussion of finding leg 

 20:10.93 Talk about remains being compromised  

25:18.19. Breaking down the timeline  

30:30.67. Discussion of other women missing 

34:38.48 Talk about fire inside a car 

36:38.64 Discussion of witness who saw person use lighter to start car fire 

39:33.42 Conclusion – how remains will tell what really happened to Sade 

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Boston Cop John O'Keefe and his girlfriend Karen Read go on a pub crawl before ending their the night at the home of a Boston cop friend of O'Keefe's at 12:45 am. 6 hours later, the body of John O'Keefe is found in the front yard of the house, covered in snow in blizzard conditions. He is wearing two shirts, jeans, socks and one shoe. Near his body on the snow are shards of glass and splotches of blood. On this episode of Body Bags, Joseph Scott Morgan will take an up close look at the injuries and find out what really happened to John O'Keefe. Dave Mack will breakdown the story that has divided Boston and together they will try to answer the question: Who Killed John O'Keefe?

. 

Transcribed Highlights 

00:01.10   Introduction, talk about weather conditions and murder 

02:05.22 Discussion of Karen Read case 

05:05.56 Talk about Media coverage 

09:09.25 Discussion of forensics role in investigation 

14:06.82 Talk about background of relationship 

16:16.35 Breaking down timeline of events 

19:50.94 Discussion of physical injuries   

21:07.56 Talk about Blood Alcohol 

25:20.82 Talk about leaving bar, going to house party 

30:09.48 Talk about Text Messages, getting directions 

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Veronica Butler and Jilian Kelley vanish on their way to pick up Veronica’s children to go to a birthday party. They were supposed to meet up with Veronica Butler’s ex-mother-in-law at a closed gas station in rural Texas County, Oklahoma. But they never make it. On this episode of Body Bags Joseph Scott Morgan will explain how evidence from blood to tire treads will help solve the mystery of the Missing Moms.  

Transcript Highlights 

00:00:00 Introduction of shared custody 

00:03:10 Discussion or relationships and death 

00:06:50 Talk about terrain 

00:11:03 Discussion of moms reported missing 

00:14:08 Talk about how vehicle ended up where it is found 

00:18:46 Discussion of evidence found at scene 

00:23:21Talk about tire tread identification 

00:27:47 Discussion of term “puddle of blood” 

00:31:16 Discussion of meeting place 

00:34:16 Talk about SWAT Teams showing up in Rural County 

00:38:44 Talk about death penalty states 

00:40:56 Discussion identifying body 

00:42:29 Conclusion 

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

For years she was labeled “Bones 20” the unidentified victim of the Green River Killer. But now, thanks to police work and Othram Labs, the victim has been named as Tammy Liles. She was from Everett, Washington, and vanished in the summer of 1983. She was only 16 years old when she became a victim of serial killer Gary Ridgeway. On this episode of Body Bags, Joseph Scott Morgan and Dave Mack will take you behind the headlines and into the lab that helped give a name to a young lady who spent decades being called “bones 20”.  

Transcript Highlights  

00:0:16 Introduction – The Green River Killer last victim identified 

00:02:28 Talk about age reference  

00:06:32 Discussion of high-profile murders 

00:10:48 Talk about the Green River Killer 16-year-old victim 

00:15:56 Discussion of identifying remains 

00:20:54 Discussion of the Green River Killer evidence 

00:25:58 Talk about starting with incomplete skeleton 

00:29:41 Discussion of Genetic Genealogy 

00:34:51 Talking about Othram labs 

00:37:39 Conclusion; might be the most noble of pursuits 

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Destiny Duckett’s cousin couldn’t reach her by phone, so she stopped by her apartment to check on her. The cousin knocks on the door, but Destiny doesn’t answer. The cousin can hear the baby crying and she is worried. She calls police to do a welfare check and when they enter Destiny Duckett’s apartment, her 8-week old son is on the bed, crying, and his 22-year-old mother is on the floor, dead. On this episode of Body Bags, Joseph Scott Morgan and Dave Mack will look into the mysterious death of 22-year-old new mother, Destiny Duckett and Joseph Scott Morgan  will explain how fingernails play a keep part in solving the murder. 

Transcript Highlights 

00:00:00 Introduction of case 

00:02:20 Discussion of fingernails  

00:05:37 Talk about cousin called police, heard baby crying 

00:10:56 Discussion of protective order leading to arrest of suspect  

00:15:26 Talk about leaving crying baby on the bed, alone, mother dead on floor 

00:19:43 Discussion of body being the biggest evidence 

00:24:16 Discussion of proving knees were on chest of victim 

00:28:26 Talk about fingernail marks on the neck 

00:33:55 Discussion of why suspect was already in jail 

00:36:33 Conclusion – Convicted, sentencing to come 

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A bag with a burned, dismembered torso is found by a boy out for a horseback ride about a mile from town. The police chief says he was mowing his lawn when he got the call about the headless, armless, legless, burned torso, and from that moment on it was "chaos". On this episode of Body Bags Joseph Scott Morgan and Dave Mack will tell the story of the dismembered and burned torso and how, after 44-years, he was finally identified with DNA and Othram labs.

Transcript Highlights 

00:00:00 Introduction of episode 

00:02:13 Talk about identifying Joseph Caliva 

00:06:15 Discussion of years beginning in 1979 

00:10:40 Talk about dismemberment 

00:15:48 Discussion of what was found 

00:17:39 Talk about burned remains 

00:22:25 Discussion about trying to ID person 

00:27:25 Talk about finding portions of the torso 

00:31:54 Talk about creating a person out of evidence 

00:36:34 Discussion after 44 years, victim identified 

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

AUTOPSY REPORT WILL NOT BE RELEASED. On this episode of Body Bags, Joseph Scott Morgan will explain what happened to Madeline Soto and Dave Mack will dig into the back story of the entire family. You will find out by the time she reached 13-years-old, Madeline Soto had already been sexually abused for years. When she was a “missing 13-year-old" from Florida, the news covered every tidbit of information about the search for the teen. One piece of evidence that made it to the press was how Madeline Soto told a friend when she turned 13, she was going to live in the woods. That is why police searched the woods for Madeline.  

Transcript Highlights 

00:00:28 Introduction, talk about parents protecting children 

00:04:28 Talk about Madeline Soto saying she wanted to live in the woods 

00:05:31 Discussion of ages 12 and 13 

00:09:04 Discussion of Madeline not taking cell phone 

00:12:29 Talk about family being told about evidence 

00:16:42 Discussion of time children go to school 

00:20:07 Discussion of Madeline Soto seen in vehicle 

00:21:49 Talk about being haunted by evidence 

00:26:26 Discussion of Madeline Soto 

00:30:26 Talk about video surveillance of suspect 

00:33:22 Discussion of 60 charges against suspect  

00:37:32 Discussion of evidence of previous abuse 

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The fire department shows up at the home of one of their own and find Melissa Lamesch unconscious on the kitchen floor as her home goes up in flames around her. She is on maternity leave from her job as an EMT and is expecting her baby to be born any day. Melissa Lamesch and her unborn baby die in what authorities believe is asphyxiation from the fire. On this episode of Body Bags, Joseph Scott Morgan and Dave Mack will breakdown how trying to burn evidence of a crime, oftentimes creates the evidence needed for conviction.

Transcript Highlights 

00:00:08 Introduction of fire set to cover-up a murder 

00:01:18 Talk about fire and smoke 

00:03:10 Discussion of smoke as evidence 

00:05:05 Discussion of woman, 9 months pregnant, dying in a fire 

00:08:35 Talk about how healing takes place after being burned  

00:11:26 Discussion of hair catching fire in bathroom 

00:14:43 Victim is on maternity leave from job as EMT 

00:18:53 Discussion of the mother and her baby 

00:22:53 Discussion of monoxide 

00:28:01 Talk about suffocation 

00:33:33 Discussion of fire splash patterns 

00:36:55 Talk about the family talking to officials after the fire 

00:40:46 Discussion of dealing with the death of pregnant mother 

00:43:10 Conclusion, Matthew Plote convicted for Murder  

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Deborah Frazier calls 911 and tells them two burglars have shot her boyfriend, and as she is on the phone, a gunshot is heard and Frazier tells the dispatcher she has been shot in the leg by one of the burglars.

Police arrive and discover the first person shot, Mr. Thomas Waddell, is in the back room of his apartment, wrapped in a blanket and a garbage bag and secured with duct tape.

On this episode of Body Bags Joseph Scott Morgan will explain all of the things police will have to believe for Deborah Frazier's story to be true and Dave Mack will explain how Frazier was using a second boyfriend to con Mr Waddell out of his life savings!

Transcript Highlights 

00:00:42 Talk about everything that has to be believed for the story to be true 

00:02:48 Discussion of not believing a story 

00:04:20 Discussion of “victim” shooting her boyfriend in the head 

00:05:53 Talk about cases too difficult to believe 

00:10:54 Talk about self-inflicted gunshot wound 

00:14:19 Discussion of the victim who just retired 

00:18:54 Talk about determining how long person has been dead 

00:23:19 Discuss investigation of digital background 

00:28:34 Talk about GSR test 

00:33:02 Discussion of police on scene, gunshot recorded 

00:37:57 Discussion of what has to be believed by investigators 

00:40:12 Talk about Pictures of a life shared, scattered on the floor 

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Burned remains of a man found inside a foot locker and left in a blueberry field in Michigan were not identified for 13 years. In 2015 the case was called  "The Jack-in-the-Box Murder because it was a catchy title. The remains were not identified until the Ottawa County Sheriff's Office received a tip in 2015 that gave them the information they needed to use dental records to identify the deceased as Robert Caraballo. Investigating Caraballo's life at the time of his death took investigators to the home he shared with his wife and stepdaughter. Joseph Scott Morgan will break down the forensics that brought this case to a conclusion and Dave Mack will help tell the story of how the Jack-in-the-Box Murder became The Fugitive Wife Murder Trial. 

Transcript Highlights 

00:00:44 Introduction of story a burned body in a trunk found in blueberry field 

00:02:40 Talk about conspiracy and escaping to other side of the planet 

00:05:28 Discussion of victim being alive with hammer stuck in skull 

00:08:02 Discussion of injury caused by falling downstairs 

00:12:34 Talk about how remains could not be identified 

00:15:11 Discussion of evidence in hammer attack 

00:19:49 Discussion of hitting head with a hammer 

00:23:51Talk about how the skull breaks 

00:28:19 Discussion of destroying a body 

00:32:37 Discussion of “old school” identifying remains 

00:35:15 Talk about the plan to push victim down the stairs, hit him with a bat 

00:35:53 Talk about the conspiracy 

00:38:01 Discussion of law in Italy for hotel guests 

00:39:15 Discussion of cover-up 

00:40:06 Beverly McCallum guilty on all charges 

00:40:42 Talk about keeping a secret 

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Suicide or Murder?  Kendy Howard is found in a bathtub full of water with a gunshot wound to the head.  His body is cold, but the water in the tub is warm!  Red Flag number one.  On this episode of Body Bags Joseph Scott Morgan and Dave Mack will take a look at all of the "Red Flags" present in the reported suicide of Kendy Howard.  Why is there so little blood in the water? Why is her ex-trooper husband arrested at the airport? The biggest question of all, is the death of Kendy Howard a Suicide or Murder?

Transcript Highlights 

00:00:27 Joe talks about admiration for Troopers 

00:03:03 Discussion of law enforcement 

00:05:59 Discussion of “Red Flags” 

00:08:14 Talk about the water is warm, body is cold 

00:12:23 Investigation of suicide/murder 

00:16:33 Discussion of damage caused by gunshot in mouth 

00:17:49 Talk about direction of bullet 

00:21:26 Comparing murder of Travis Alexander 

00:25:53 Defining different types of asphyxiation 

00:30:08 Talk about injuries “frozen in time” 

00:35:33 Discussion of how much blood would be expected 

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The victim was alive when her head was cut from her body. As disturbing as that sounds, today's episode of Body Bags with Joseph Scott Morgan will attempt to breakdown the just released autopsy report of Mei Li Haskell. Her husband, Samuel Haskell IV is accused of killing her, removing her head from her torso, placing the torso in a bag and dropping it in a trash bin where a homeless guy would find it 14 hours later! Joseph Scott Morgan will breakdown the forensics that will come into the trial and Dave Mack will dig deep in the Hollywood that can give us a true horror story that is scarier than anyone would ever dare put on film.

Transcript Highlights 

00:00:49 The son of a hotshot 

00:03:04 “Don’t you know who I am?” 

00:05:03 Discussion of “the finder” 

00:08:58 Talk about the bags felt like meat 

00:09:26 Discussion of workers bring back bags 

00:12:20 Discussion of cross contamination 

00:16:58 Talk about hiring workers 

00:20:56 Discussion of what police can do 

00:26:22 Talk about the person who found the body 

00:30:54 Mentions victim’s parents still missing 

00:33:01 Discuss autopsy report, victim alive when head cut off 

00:38:20 Discussion of using power tools in dismemberment 

00:42:54 Mentions trial will be all forensics 

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Iris, 1, comes home from a weekend with her father and his girlfriend and mom finds a water bead in her diaper.

Taking her to the hospital, the toddler passes more water beads, button-shaped batteries, and a screw. Thinking she was finding things and putting them in her mouth, nobody realized a monster was watching the baby.

Joseph Scott Morgan and Dave Mack break down the case that is more than the murder of a toddler, it's how evil came into the child’s life and plotted and planned her death for more than half of her life.  

Transcript Highlights 

00:00:20 Introduction 

00:02:39 Discussion of toddlers 

00:04:22 Talk about items in diaper 

00:07:34 Discussion of beads, batteries, screw 

00:10:12 Talk about toddlers putting things in their mouth 

00:14:34 Discussion of solvent 

00:16:18 Discussion of evil 

00:18:27 Talk about taking child to hospital by plane 

00:22:08 Explaining a subdural hematoma 

00:24:01 Discussion of optic nerves 

00:27:16 Talk about how healthy baby dies in 4 days 

00:30:15 Discussion of notes made by doctors and nurses 

00:32:54 Talk about children swallow everyday items 

00:35:31Discussion suspect researched how to beat a polygraph 

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Two severed heads, an arm here, a leg there, on this episode of Body Bags with Joseph Scott Morgan, the Reel Amityville Horror will meet the Real Amityville Horror.  A group of Long Island High School students find a severed left arm on the side of a road in Babylon on their way to school. While Police investigate the scene, a K-9 officer locates a leg sticking out of a pile of leaves in a wooded area, not far from the original scene. Over time more body parts were found in multiple areas. Joseph Scott Morgan and Dave Mack will detail what was found and where and what the suspects were up against when they began writing their own Amityville Horror.

Transcript Highlights 

00:00:07 Introduction – to horror 

00:01:39 Discussion about charges for dismembering a person 

00:04:48 Talk about how the bodies were treated in death 

00:08:03 Discussion of arm with tattoo found in tree limb 

00:11:51 Body part found by high school students on the way to school 

00:15:16 Parts of 2 bodies found, 4 people charged 

00:15:17 None of the 4 people is charged with murder 

00:16:14 Discuss what the ME will have to do with parts  

00:18:04 Talking about Black Dhalia  

00:19:49 Discussion of none of the drains work in the rental 

00:21:30 Discussion of body parts from more than one person 

00:25:11 Talk about unique case 

00:28:51 Joe describes investigation taking place 

00:31:30 Discussion of dismemberment  

00:34:01 Discussion of blood, muscle, skin, hair, Drano won’t work 

00:37:13 Talk about revisiting the case in the future 

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

School Principal Cornelius Green arrives at the Amtrak train station in St. Louis after spending a few days in Chicago. Leaving the train station Green goes to straight to the apartment of his girlfriend, 3rd grade school teacher, Jocelyn Peters. Arriving at her apartment Green finds Peters, who is 7-months pregnant, in bed. He immediately calls 911 and tells them his girlfriend has been shot in the head, send help now! Jocelyn Peters is pronounced dead on the scene and the investigation begins with the person who found her, Cornelius Green. Joseph Scott Morgan and Dave Mack will break down the story that leads to stolen school funds, a hitman, and a potato gun silencer, on this episode of Body Bags.

Transcript Highlights 

00:00:57 Joe talks about the impact of 3rd grade teacher 

00:03:12 Discussion of victim 

00:08:54 Discussion of Green sending money to Cutler 

00:11:23 Talk about alibi set up by Green taking train to Chicago 

00:14:20 Discussion about finding pregnant woman shot in the head 

00:16:02 Talk about investigation, alibi  

00:19:50 Talk about no sign of forced entry 

00:23:18 Discussion of “potato silencer” 

00:28:12 Talking about objects changing trajectory 

00:32:30 Discussion of Federal and State charges  

00:36:29 Discuss Phillip Cutler in court 

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

When Phillip Chism, 14, doesn't come home from school, his mother calls the police to report him missing.

As the town begins to look for the 9th grader, word spreads around town that a 24-year-old teacher, Colleen Ritzer, is also missing. Chism is found walking along a road just after midnight. After a quick search of his backpack,  he is arrested.

Later in the morning, Colleen Ritzer's body is found on school grounds, sexually positioned with a folded note next to her body that says, "I hate you all."

Joseph Scott Morgan and Dave Mack break down the story of the student from Tennessee and the horrifying final moments in the life of Colleen Ritzer.

Transcription Highlights 

00:01:00 Introduction of location, suspect, and victim 

00:02:53 Suspect is student, 14, victim is a teacher 

00:04:04 Discussion of suspect family 

00:08:22 Talk about motive and possible “trigger” 

00:11:49 Discussion of why victim went to public bathroom 

00:15:28 Discussion of witness and surveillance video 

00:19:07 Talk about investigation, pinging cell phones 

00:21:47 Discussion of suspect on surveillance video  

00:27:25 Talk about body being covered  

00:30:36 Breaking down the evidence 

00:34:35 Discussion of sentence 

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Christa Pike was 18-years-old when she thought her 19-year-old job corps classmate, Colleen Slemmer, was trying to steal her boyfriend, Tadaryl Shipp. Pike spent over 30-minutes beating Colleen Slemmer with her hands and feet, as well as a box cutter and a meat cleaver. Slemmer tried to escape. Shipp,17, caught her so Pike could continue the beating. Pike carved a pentagram into Slemmer's chest, used the box cutter to slice her throat. When she didn't die, Pike picked up a chunk of asphalt and slammed it onto Slemmer's head. The next day Pike brought a piece of Slemmer's skull to breakfast and told classmates what she had done. Convicted of murder and sentenced to death, Christa Pike now wants a judge to vacate her death sentence. Joseph Scott Morgan and Dave Mack detail the story that Joe Scott says is the worst case he has ever seen. 

Transcript Highlights 

00:00:31 Joseph Scott Morgan says he has never seen a crime so vile 

00:02:10 Woman on death row in Tennessee  

00:05:16 Talk about dynamic between suspects and victim 

00:10:09 Description of box cutter and meat cleaver  

00:15:03 Discussion of pentagram carved into chest 

00:20:56 Description of wounds to victim 

00:25:15 Talk about how to occult and satanism factor into case 

00:30:40 Description of taking piece of skull as a trophy 

00:35:50 Discussion about letting murderer out of prison 

00:39:15 Talk about sadistic murder 

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The senseless murder of Laken Riley on the campus of the University of Georgia has the nation talking about everything from safety on a college campus to immigration.

Laken Riley didn't know the man who killed her, but she knew she was in a dire situation when they met. Jose Antonio Ibarra, 26, allegedly attacked and killed the 22-year-old while she was out for a jog in Athens.

Joseph Scott Morgan will explain how the evidence in the case points to Laken Riley attempting to call 911 and Dave Mack will fill in the blanks on the timeline on this edition of Body Bags.

Transcript Highlights

00:15.71 Joseph Scott Morgan talks about college life

02:39.50 Talk about nursing school, education

05:33.55 Discussion of victim 
 
09:56.27 Talk about timeline

14:03.73 Talk about seeing victim as an object

18:54.67 Discussion of blunt force trauma

22:13.70 Suspect arrives in USA illegally

31:20.86 Talk about apartment search

36:08.59 Discuss How suspect and victim were strangers

40:30.36 First Homicide at UGA in 30 years

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A Minnesota man claims his mistress fatally shot herself with his gun. The question of Murder or Suicide plays out in this episode of Body Bags with Joseph Scott Morgan. Joe will walk you through all of the forensic problems with the story being told. And when everything is said and done, you decide, was it murder, or suicide?

Transcript Highlights 

00:01:20 Would a right-handed person use left hand to shoot 

00:02:19 Discuss murder or suicide 

00:04:15 Talk about “accidental” 

00:05:51Discuss science and determination 

00:11:16 How quick does a body become stiff 

00:13:50 Different jurisdictions 

00:18:25 Talk about the scene 

00:21:40 Difference in suicide among genders 

00:26:27Discuss drying blood 

00:29:31Discuss ER Nurse can’t do CPR 

00:33:14 Talk about short timeline 

00:38:50 Discuss can you wash away evidence? 

00:41:36 Talk about skin, brain, muzzle flash  

00:44:14 Discuss desire to help people and achieve and throw it all away 

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Audrii Cunningham leaves for the school bus stop just like every morning, but she doesn't get off the bus that afternoon. The family panics. 

Police are called, and an Amber Alert goes out. Neighbors go door to door. A family friend living in a camper in the backyard of Audrii's house joins in the search.

Police find out McDougal was the last person to see Audrii, when he was supposed to take her to the bus stop.  Audrii never got on the bus. Joseph Scott Morgan and Dave Mack will break down the story of the search and ultimate discovery of 11-year-old Audrii Cunningham, found tied to a rock and thrown in the Trinity River in this edition of Body Bags.

Transcription highlights
00:20.72 Introduction of the case of Audrii Cunningham

01:54.67 Audrii's body tied to rock

03:57.40 Suspect was supposed to drive Audrii to bus stop05:50.16 Audrii was found in general area where her backpack was found

08:31.50 Officials had to ask for river flow to be reduced

12:08.84 Different groups have to share credit in finding Audrii

15:55.43 How will they figure out what McDougal did?

20:14.33 Investigators have not told us the condition of Audrii's body

24:14.42 Discussion of what may have happened to Audrii

28:09.19 Discussion of the company we keep, did her dad know what kind of criminal McDougal is

33:50.15 Talk about how her body may been like a kite on a string

38:07.95 Discussion about DNA under fingernails of Audrii

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Annabel Meenan was only 21, but she had been romantically involved with 33-year-old Leroy Brahm since she was in high school.

Their relationship was filled with abuse but on the final night of her life, video cameras placed around the home recorded every hit with a fist and kick with a foot. Joseph Scott Morgan and Dave Mack will break down what happened when Leroy Brahm beat his girlfriend unconscious, dropped a couch on top of her, then laid down on the couch and went to sleep as the weight slowly crushed Annabel.

Transcript Highlights 

00:01:42 Discussion of age 

00:03:00 Talk about Annabel 

00:06:07 Victim had sofa dropped on her 

00:09:24 Talk about cameras recorded every punch 

00:13:38 Discuss the cameras everywhere 

00:18:51 Talk about contusions 

00:21:36 Discuss injuries suffered by the attacker 

00:23:54 Talk about evidence all over the house 

00:28:38 Discussion of ruling death a heart attack 

00:32:23 Surveillance cameras record everything 

00:35:37 Discuss domestic abuser calls 911 

00:37:23 Talk about Annabel is gone too young 

00:38:50 Domestic Abuse Hotline 

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Lacey Fletcher was on the volleyball team when she is in 9th grade, and she looks like any other healthy teen. But her parents say she is "on the spectrum" and take her out of school and take her home. For the next 20 years, they don't take their daughter to the doctor, they don't do anything with her until she becomes totally non-verbal. For the last 12 years of her life she didn't move from her spot on the couch, she slept in her spot, she ate in her spot, she went to the bathroom in her spot, and it was rarely cleaned. Lacey Fletcher dies at 36, after withstanding years of pain and suffering. Joseph Scott Morgan and Dave Mack take a look behind the sofa to answer the questions about the woman who melted into the couch.

Transcript Highlights

00:02:40Talking about melting 

00:06:22 Talk about smell of urine, feces, nothing cleaned  

00:09:46 Talk about staying in same spot for years 

00:12:46 Discussion of healthy and active to dead on the couch 

00:15:14 Talk about Lacey Fletcher on the couch 20 years 

00:19:25 Discuss bed sores joining with other bed sores 

00:23:15 Talk about chronic bone infection  

00:27:17 Describing her condition at 36-years-old 

00:31:10 Discussion of weight as Lacey Fletcher weighed 96 pounds 

00:34:53 Talk about maggots in her body 

00:38:56 How did Lacey Fletcher get covid? 

00:42:01 Discussion – she is non-verbal, always in pain, and trapped 

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Harmony Montgomery was missing for two years before anyone looked for her. Police began looking for a 7-year-old girl and soon realized they might really be looking for remains of a 5-year-old girl. She is still among the missing but presumed dead. Her father is on trial for her murder. Join Joseph Scott Morgan and Dave Mack as they investigate the heartbreaking story of a little girl who never had a chance, and the forensics that just might get justice for her yet. 

Transcript Highlights

01:34.45 Joe talks about memory 

04:22.26 Discussion of years since Harmony has been seen 

07:22.44 Talk about Harmony, looked nervous 

10:09.25 Harmony was never enrolled in school 

14:36.89 Discussion of police find Harmony's Dad 

20:32.13 Talk about moment of clarity 

25:22.45 Discussion of what really happened to Harmony 

31:02.25 Discussion of waiting 2 years to call about child 

35:18.87 Discussion about life lived in a car 

38:25.26 Talk about neither adult checking on Harmony 

43:49.54 Discussion of carrying Harmony 

45:43.17 Finally went too far, hit too hard 

50:51.68 Discussion perfect hiding spot was found 

54:25.15 Discussion about how body is stored 

59:33.43 Talk about using bathtub for dismemberment 

59:19.23 Discussion of what might be found of Harmony 

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The new owners of a house in Colorado are pleasantly surprised to find the previous owners left behind a working freezer in the garage. Pleasure turns to horror as they begin removing bags of frozen meat, and find a human head and hands! Joseph Scott Morgan and Dave Mack will explain what it will take to solve the mystery. 

Transcript Highlights 

00:01:27Talk about gruesome discovery 

00:02:05 Discussion of yard sale 

00:02:58 Talk about hoarder 

00:04:10 Talk about free working freezer 

00:07:36 Discussion of frozen head 

00:09:23 Talk about getting more than you bargained for 

00:11:21Discussion of calling 911 

00:14:27Discussion about dismemberment show 

00:18:17 Talk about previous homeowners 

00:21:23Discussion about finding the rest of the body 

00:24:28 Neighborhood people talk about coroner on site 

00:27:49 Discussion about all the items that left the area 

C00:30:47Discussion of wrapping the head 

00:33:51Talk about investigation of body parts 

00:37:43 Discussion about freezer slowing decomposition 

00:39:25 We're going to need to follow up on this case. 

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Jeff and Kat West are a typical American couple living just south of Birmingham Alabama. They have a 12-year-old daughter, Jeff works in security, Kat is a stay at home mom, but she has developed a very successful online business, in adult entertainment. She posts sexy photos on multiple sites and has her own pay site that provides even more adult photos. Jeff often takes the photos for his wife, and she is becoming quite popular online. Everything seems fine when Jeff and Kat go out for date night, photos of the couple in a store that evening show them lovingly touching one another.  How is it possible that the next morning as the sun comes up, Kat West's lifeless body is found laying out in the front yard of her house with a bottle of absinthe placed on her broken phone right next to her posed body. Joseph Scott Morgan and Dave Mack take you through the last night in the life of Kat West. 

Transcribe Highlights 

00:00:05 Origin of things 

00:01:46 Talk about a different kind of fairy 

00:02:29 Discussion of life 

00:03:16 Talk about very special drink 

00:05:59 Discussion setting up a scene 

00:10:54 Talk about date night 

00:12:50 Discussion strong alcohol 

00:16:48 Talk about Jeff and Kat playful at store 

00:19:42 Discussion of intimate photos, sharing 

00:22:32 Talk theory Jeff West beat his wife 

00:25:32 Discussion of Stalkers  

00:29:37 Talk tiny details in investigation 

00:34:02 Discussion of two primary spots of blood 

00:38:58 Talk about holding bottle as weapon 

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A road crew in south west Georgia finds on old console tv at an illegal dumpsite on the side of a country highway. As they try to move the tv, the workers find a suitcase inside, and it is too heavy to just be filled with clothes. As they open the suitcase they open up a mystery that will last decades. Inside the suitcase is cement, and poking out of the cement, the body of a small child. Joseph Scott Morgan and Dave Mack will help tell the story of Baby Jane Doe, the girl thrown away like garbage, and the people who spent 35-years trying to find out her name. 

Transcribe Highlights 

00:00:37 Trash Dump off the side of road 

00:01:46 Talk about abandoned child  

00:02:29 Discussion of life 

00:03:16 Talk about the case, started in 1988 

00:05:59 Discussion of area 

00:10:54 Talk about getting body out of cement 

00:13:30 Discussion of cement wouldn’t encase everything 

00:16:48 Talk about mixing concrete and body 

00:19:42 Evidence at scene leads to home 

00:22:32 Talk about body breaking down in cement 

00:25:32 Discussion of investigators  

00:28:37 Talk about technology catching up  

00:31:02 This case hasn’t been to trial yet 

00:33:58 Talk about Genetic Genealogy 

00:35:39 Discussion can there be justice  

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Joseph Scott Morgan and Dave Mack will tell the story of a murder and why the man convicted of the murder will be put to death in a very unique way.

Kenneth Eugene Smith was convicted of the 1988 murder-for-hire of Elizabeth Sennett. Pastor Charles Sennett recruited Billy Gray Williams to kill his wife Elizabeth and Williams hired John Forrest Parker and Kenneth Eugene Smith to carry out the murder. A week after the murder, Charles Sennett confessed to his family and then shot himself in the head.

Williams, Parker, and Smith were arrested, charged and convicted. Williams was sentenced to life and died in prison in 2020. Parker and Smith were sentenced to death. Parker was executed by lethal injection in 2010. Smith was scheduled to be executed in November of 2022 but the execution team was unable to connect the intravenous lines before time ran out.

After much debate, the state agreed not to try lethal injection again on Smith but would instead use a method of execution: Nitrogen Hypoxia. Joseph Scott Morgan will explain what it is and why it is being tried for the first time...ever.

Transcript Highlights  

00:02:29 Joe talks about travel 

00:05:55 Talk Investigation of murder 

00:06:41 Talk about experience as death investigator 

00:08:37 Discuss sharing PTSD 

00:12:18 Talk about nitrogen  

00:14:21 Discussion Death Penalty 

00:18:56 Talk about execution used to be public  

00:21:30 Discussion about new method 

00:23:13 Talk about the Crime  

00:25:51 Talk Murder-for-Hire plot 

00:27:31 Discussion public execution 

00:30:24 Talk about the debate to come 

00:35:17 Discussion Is there a “best way” to kill somebody 

00:38:22 Talk about assisted suicide 

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

What really happened when four lifelong friends gathered to watch their Chiefs play the Chargers?

After the game, one guy goes to sleep inside and his three friends go outside and die in the backyard. And for two days their bodies lay frozen while their friend continues to sleep inside, ignoring calls and texts from friends and family worried about their loved ones.

And WHY are the police called to do a "welfare check" when there are three dead men in the backyard?

Joseph Scott Morgan and Dave Mack cover the story inside and out to find out what happened when four friends gather to cheer for their favorite team, and three end up dead in the backyard.

Transcript Highlights  

00:02:29 Joe shares childhood memories 

00:05:55 Talk Saints Football 

00:06:41 Discussion watching football 

00:08:37 Discuss NFL fans 

00:12:18 Talk about friends  

00:14:21 Discussion weather, first night not cold 

00:18:56 Talk about working multiple deaths 

00:21:30 Discussion about “mystery person” 

00:23:13 Discuss medical issue, hypothermia 

00:25:51 Talk is it possible to sleep 48 hours? 

00:27:31 Discussion of how come they guys didn’t break-in? 

00:31:21 Talk about calling it a “welfare check” 

00:35:17 Discussion Jordan Willis is brilliant scientist 

00:40:35 Talk Jordan Willis talks to police without lawyer 

00:45:21 Discussion of Fentanyl 

48:30.84 No Trauma, no gunshots, 3 dead 

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

When Connecticut mother-of-5 Jennifer Dulos suddenly vanished, the world stopped to look. While the world was looking for the missing mom, her estranged husband, Fotis Dulos, and his girlfriend, Michelle Troconis, drove around town dropping off bags of trash in public trash bins. Join Joseph Scott Morgan and Dave Mack as they break down the story of the missing mom and the people who betrayed her.

Transcript Highlights  

00:02:29 Joe shares childhood memories 

00:05:55 Talk about family  

00:06:41 Discussion of Troconis trial  

00:08:37 Discussion of Dulos marriage 

00:12:18 Discussion of what the Nanny notices 

00:14:21 Talk about paper towels used to clean 

00:18:56 Talk about police body cam footage 

00:21:30 Discussion of testimony 

00:23:13 Talk about several types of tests 

00:25:51 Talk about stains and what they mean 

00:27:31 Discussion of blood drops 

00:29:42 Description of different cast-off blood trails 

00:31:21 Joe talks about blood 

00:35:17 Discussion about determining death 

00:40:35 Talk about blood and DNA locations 

00:45:21 Discussion of amount of blood 

00:50:38 Joe talks about suicide 

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Alec Baldwin has been indicted again for Involuntary Manslaughter. Joseph Scott Morgan and Dave Mack will pull back the curtain on the "Rust" movie set and explain what really happened, who is lying, and will there ever be justice. Should somebody go to jail, or was it a horrible accident? Listen and decide for yourself.

Transcript Highlights  

00:01:29 Describing the shooting location 

00:04:45 Talk about the victims 

00:05:31 Discussion of responsibility on set 

00:08:37 Joe talks about being a producer 

00:11:08 Talk about armorer 

00:13:45 Discussion Alec Baldwin charged 

00:15:38 Joe breaks down angles of shot 

00:21:00 Talk about producer role on set 

00:22:44 Dave tells story about loaded gun in house 

00:24:59 Discussion of handling a gun 

00:27:21 Talk about Baldwin interview about shooting 

00:29:24 Joe talks forensic science ballistics 

00:31:48 Discussion of accountability 

00:34:07 Talk about shooting cases 

00:40:48 Joe talks about the 44 Magnum 

00:45:37 Description of shooting of Brandon Lee 

00:48:18 Discussion about handling firearms on set 

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The last thing Linda Frickey heard as she lay beaten, bruised, with her arm ripped off her body, was a friendly voice saying, "we'll pray for you,"

The 73-year-old woman was the victim of a carjacking that was pre-planned by a group of 4 thugs in New Orleans, the oldest only 17 years old. Join Joseph Scott Morgan and Dave Mack as they go behind the headlines on the story of a loving grandmother that died in a gruesome way, with her arm torn off her body. But witnesses ask; Where's the blood?

Transcript Highlights  

00:01:29 Talk about Grandmothers 

00:04:45 Joe doesn’t want his hometown tarnished  

00:05:31 Discussion about Carjacking 

00:08:37 Talk about 18-year-old taking a life 

00:10:20 Joe talks about living in this area of NOLA 

00:11:08 Discussion about witnesses 

00:13:45 Talk about ringleader John Honore 

00:15:38 Talk about being dragged two blocks  

00:21:00 Talk about criminals attacked woman from behind 

00:22:44 Discussion of being stuck, drug down the block  

00:24:59 Discussion having arm ripped off your body 

00:27:21 Talk about how witness covered her body 

00:29:24 Discussion of damage done to police officer drug in similar way 

00:31:48 Talk about the last thing Mrs. Frickey heard was “we’re praying for you 

00:34:07 Discussion of what happened to the blood? 

00:40:48 Talk about determining cause of death 

00:45:37 Talk about how Mrs. Frickey was beaten in car, then drug down street 

00:48:18 Discussion about CCTV cameras 

00:49:44 Suspect has been sentenced to prison 

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The death of Jeffrey Epstein has been debated since the minute it was announced to the world. On this episode of Body Bags, Joseph Scott Morgan will share what it was like to be on the air with the news and notice "red flags" as certain parts of the death story didn't seem to be correct.

Joseph Scott Morgan and Dave Mack will break down the death of Jeffrey Epstein. Did Jeffrey Epstein commit suicide, or was he murdered? 

Transcript Highlights 

00:01:17 Joe hears story about where the meanest men in America live 

00:04:47 Joseph Scott Morgan talks about covering Epstein death 

00:08:23 Discuss first attack/suicide attempt  

00:11:45 Talk about unusual circumstances 

00:14:37 Discuss conflicting statements about noose 

000:17:15 Talk about Epstein allowed unmonitored phone call  

00:18:23 Discuss no cellmate to attack or stop suicide 

00:20:33 Talk about two nooses in the cell 

00:22:42 Discussion of cell condition and contents 

00:25:49 Talk about July 23rd event 

00:29:25 Discuss observing body at time of death 

00:32:25 Talk about putting hospital gown on Epstein 

00:34:03 Mark Epstein told his brother may have been dead 2 hours or more 

00:37:40 Talk about Epstein body wheeled into hospital 

00:40:34 Discussion of hyoid bone 

00:42:05 Discuss facts of the body at time of death 

00:44:24 Discuss agreement overturned regarding suicide 

00:45:14 Talk about autopsy, who was present 

00:47:00 Discuss distribution of force 

00:48:16 Mentions that noose wasn't collected for evidence. 

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

When a panicked husband calls 911 for help saying his wife has overdosed the first officer on the scene notices some pretty big red flags.

The forensics tell the story of what killed Maria Munoz, but Joseph Scott Morgan and Dave Mack will dig deeper to find out what really happened to a Texas mom with a penchant for writing in her journal, about everything. 

Transcript Highlights 

00:01:29 Talk about nurses, great investigators 

00:03:21 Discussion of body cam 

00:04:45 Talk about scene, shadows 

00:05:31 Talk about what police expect based on 911 call 

00:06:55 Discussion of relationship  

00:08:37 Talk about surgery, different duties 

00:10:20 Talk about steroid use 

00:11:08 Talk about husband being suspicious 

00:12:06 Discussion of red flags 

00:13:45 Talk about husband pockets pill bottle 

00:15:38 Talk about medicine bottle on scene 

00:21:00 Talk about medical pro letting police officer take over cpr 

00:22:44 Discussion of husband talking to police 

00:24:59 Discussion of Police body cam 

00:27:21 Talk about how to find needle hole in arm 

00:29:24 Discussion of suspect  

00:31:48 Talk about scenes involving drugs 

00:34:07 Discussion of home dynamics 

00:35:55 Discussion of medical careers 

00:40:48 Talk about tox screen  

00:43:52 Discussion of toxicology report 

00:45:37 Talk about how drugs were used 

00:48:18 Discussion about Maria diary entries 

00:49:44 Diary and Toxicology gave jury no choice 

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Savanah Soto, 18, and her boyfriend Matthew Guerra, 22, are reported missing the day before Savanah is to have labor induced for their baby. Their car is found, and Savanah is found dead in the front passenger seat with Matthew shot to death in the back seat.On this episode of Body Bags, Joseph Scott Morgan and Dave Mack break down the truth from fiction in the saddest story from what should be the happiest of times. 

Transcript Highlights 

00:01:54 Talk about having a child 

00:03:23 Talk about responsibility 

00:05:53 Discussion of age of victims 

00:07:49 Talk about family dynamic  

00:09:24 Discussion about safety 

00:12:53 Talk about location of bodies in the car 

00:14:33 Discussion of Matthew being drug into back seat 

00:16:12 Discussion of what long hair means to crime scene 

00:18:42 Talk about where victims were murdered 

00:19:46 Windows in the kia are dark 

00:22:01 What is being said between truck driver and kia? 

00:23:48 Discussion of people traveling with body in car 

00:25:52 Baby is autopsied too 

00:26:59Talk about Baby birth after death 

00:28:23 Talk about Matthew identified quickly 

00:32:36 Kia Optima located 

00:34:58 Phone Pings will help find more cameras 

00:35:55 Talk about bad cameras, great picture of suspects 

00:37:01 Discussion of DNA that will likely be found 

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Idaho house where Madison Mogen , Kaylee Goncalves, Xana Kernodle, and Ethan Chapin were murdered has been demolished.   Prosecution and Defense were both in agreement about the resident being demolished before the trial.

Join Joseph Scott Morgan and Dave Mack as they discuss what might be missed and who might be helped by the biggest pieced of evidence being destroyed. 

Transcript Highlights 

00:01:08 Talk about why the odd shaped home had to come down 

00:02:18 Discussion about destroying house before trial 

00:03:47 Compare being able to visit the home of Lizzie Borden 

 00:05:47 Discussion of taking down horrible crime scenes 

00:08:33 Comparing evidence like knife to house, would a picture of knife be sufficient 

00:09:06 Discussion of both sides in agreement in taking building down 

00:11:28 Talk about how to tell if someone could hear noise from top to bottom of house 

00:13:36 Discussion of first-person perspective 

00:15:48 Discussion of Parkland scene 

00:17:42 Talk about taking jury to crime scene 

00:19:26 Discussion of house layout – would killer have to be familiar 

00:20:39 Talk about moving around rooms in the dark 

00:21:53 Discussion about seeing size of rooms and 'ear' witness

00:24:15 Talk about effective documentation 

00:26:23 Discussion about where suspect entered home 

00:27:07 Discussion about room size 

00:29:51 Talk about dynamic distribution of blood, being able to see it in context 

00:31:32 Discussion of Jeffrey MacDonald case, jury saw murder scene in house 

00:32:4 Talk about without house, no way to know where sound would go 

00:33:51 Discussion comparing Gettysburg site to a house 

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Timothy Ferguson's mother calls police. Her son is unresponsive. Timothy Ferguson is also 15-years-old weighing just 69 pounds when he died of malnutrition and hypothermia. 

Join Joseph Scott Morgan and Dave Mack as they detail -Timothy Ferguson's painful life at the hands of his evil mother and brother. The teen lives on a diet of water and bread soaked in hot sauce,  followed by ice baths.   

Transcript Highlights

00:00:00 Joseph Scott Morgan shares memories of Grandmother cooking chicken 

00:04:15 Discussion of Timothy Ferguson, 15, starved to death by his mother

00:05:37 Discussion of food being used as mechanism for torture

00:06:52 Talk about Shanda Vander Ark fled Oklahoma with children

00:08:56 Explanation of how using food as a ‘kindness’ 

00:11:05 Talk about dark choices made by Shanda Vander Ark regarding her son 

00:13:05 Discussion of Timothy’s older brother Paul being involved in the abuse

00:14:51 Joseph Scott Morgan describes “impact: injury – slapped, punched.

00:15:28 Talk about how common that one child will be chosen for abuse while other siblings abuse victim as well 

00:16:14 Discussion about abuse,  malnutrition impossible to hide

00:17:15 How to determine how long Timothy was abused

00:18:35 Description - malnutrition can “stunt growth”. 

00:20:40 Discussion of Shanda Vander Ark Defense, claims she had PTSD

00:21:51 Joseph Scott Morgan explains how Timothy Ferguson was digesting his own fat cells due to malnutrition 

00:22:58 Timothy Ferguson’s body already compromised 

00:26:41 Timothy Ferguson was given bread and water, and hot sauce for torture 

00:27:56 Talk about hot sauce “Carolina Reaper” being placed on bread for Ferguson to eat 

00:29:00 Discussion of Timothy Ferguson being kept in tiny room under stairs, developing bed sores 

00:30:56 Description of Timothy Ferguson breathing out of his mouth like fish out of water 

00:32:09 Discussion of Ice Bath’s used to punish Timothy Ferguson 

00:33:28 Timothy Ferguson never recovered from last Ice Bath, cause of death – hypothermia and malnutrition 

00:36:02 Discussion of food – mother chained refrigerator and cabinets in kitchen 

00:38:00 Verdict - Shanda Vander Ark, guilty of murder, son Paul guilty of Child Abuse 

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The opioid crisis has brought death and devastation to families all over the world and fentanyl has only made things worse. On this episode of Body Bags, Joseph Scott Morgan and Dave Mack will take a close look at three very different cases involving fentanyl that all have the same end result, death. A wife allegedly uses fentanyl as a weapon to kill her husband, a 20-year-old faces second-degree murder for giving a teen girl a pill with fentanyl, and a toddler is dead when he comes into contact with fentanyl in his daycare. 

Transcript Highlights 

00:00:00 Discussion: To be free from pain. 

00:01:44 Talk about from Tylenol to Fentanyl  

00:02:53 Discussion of population desiring to be free from pain, self-medicating  

00:04:43 Talk about the opioid crisis 

00:07:28 Discussion about the strength of fentanyl  

00:10:16 Joe points out how fentanyl can be pressed into other drugs 

00:11:51 Description of what an overdose from opioid looks like 

00:13:01 Discussing three fentanyl related cases today; Kouri Richins, NYC daycare, and 15-year-old dead from pill 

00:14:38 Talk about murder charge in death of 15-year-old girl

00:16:46 Discussion of coroner ruling drug overdose as a “homicide” 

00:18:35 Talk about California case, 15-year-old dies from fentanyl 

00:22:35 Discussion of pills made in a garage rather than a laboratory 

00:23:43 Talk about a 22-month-old child in a daycare exposed to fentanyl 

00:26:49 Discussion of “binders” used in making the pills

00:28:48 Description of toddlers in daycare with fentanyl kept directly underneath “nap mats” 

00:30:58 Fentanyl used as weapon, tasteless, odorless 

00:32:36 Talk about Kouri Richins alleged attempts to poison husband 

00:34:33 How to determine if drug was taken as recreation or used as weapon 

00:36:01 Discussion of opioid deaths 

00:38:36 Talk about tox screen 

00:40:28 Discussion of Fentanyl and therapeutic levels  

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

When Camille Balla calls a coworker and says "I think I killed my mother", the coworker calls 911 on her way to Balla's mother's house. Police find a scene straight out of a horror movie as the follow a blood splatter trail leading to the body of Francisca Monteiro-Balla. Checking the body for vitals an officer notices something on a box a few feet away. It isn't something anyone expects to see, two eyeballs, sitting on a box, appearing to watch the officers as they try to save the life of Francisca Monteiro-Balla.

Join Joseph Scott Morgan and Dave Mack as they take a close-up look at a case that is just as scary and strange at the beginning as it is in the end. 

Transcript Highlights

00:01:26 Joseph Scott Morgan compares Lewis Powell screaming “I am Mad” to  
Camille Balla screaming “I am a murderer” 

00:02:50 Talk about Police arrive to scene and find woman’s eyes removed 

00:04:05 Dave Mack breaks down story of Camille Balla calls co-worker and tells her “I think I killed my mother” 

00:06:12 Talk about County Jail versus prison 

00:08:05 Discussion about Camille Balla screaming “I’m a murderer” 

00:10:08 Discussion of bloody crime scene, eyeballs removed from victim, placed on cardboard box 

00:11:25 Describing difference between blood “spatter” and blood “splatter” 

00:13:46 Discussion about victim’s injuries 

00:16:01 Talk about the fight between mother and daughter, and eyeballs removed from victim 

00:17:56 Joe describes removal of eyeball 

00:20:37 Discussion of suspect removing eyes from the front 

00:22:43 Talk about Camille Balla claims to have smoked marijuana laced with Flocka prior to attack on her mother 

00:26:12 Discussion of charges being reduced from First-Degree Murder to Manslaughter 

00:28:34 Talk about broken glass around scene, blood from perpetrator and victim co-mingled making thing forensically more complicated 

00:29:06 Camille Balla pleaded guilty to manslaughter, sentenced to 15-years in prison followed by 15-years on probation.  

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

An adult female body is found outside of Council Bluffs city limits. The body was found with bruises all over her body, a large laceration on her head, her body was  found frozen to the ground. Also, her face is missing. The body is of a woman who has been missing for 11 days, 60-year-old Ilene Gowan. Investigators will use everything at their disposal to determine how the grandmother ended up dead in a ditch without her face, and who is responsible for her death.

Join Joseph Scott Morgan and Dave Mack as they breakdown a case that includes forensics of a frozen body as well as the latest video surveillance tools that creates a timeline that builds a map leading right to the killer.

Transcript Highlights 

00:00:06 Joseph Scott Morgan talks about scene of crime 

00:02:42 Victim 60-year-old woman, without a face 

00:04:00 Talk about victim and suspect relationship 

00:06:22 Brammer does not report girlfriend missing 

00:07:44 Talk about remains being discarded like trash 

00:09:48 Discussion about alcohol and relationships  

00:11:21 Victim is missing for 11 days  

00:12:49 Talk about remains still frozen at autopsy 

00:16:46 Discussion of weather on decomposition  

00:18:32 Talk about arriving to scene of crime 

00:22:54 Discussion about Pathologist in the field  

00:24:01 Victim face is missing 

00:27:19 Timeline: victim last seen on 13, reported missing on 15th 

00:30:37 Discussion of Post-Mortem and Anti-Mortem 

00:31:36 Video evidence of Brammer in truck with victim 

00:33:34 Discussion of victim cause of death 

00:34:39 Talk about wounds 

00:37:10 Discussion about Dr. Michael Baden brought in for second opinion 

00:38:50 Brammer deposits $1,500 in his bank account day Ilene is reported missing 

00:39:46 Discussion about face missing due to animal life 

00:41:46 Brammer has truck crushed and shredded 

00:42:08 Brammer was found guilty of second-degree murder, abuse of a corpse, and second-degree theft. 

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In Battle Creek, Michigan, Chad Allen Reed is the owner of a property. He lives on the bottom floor and rents out the top floor. He complains to everyone about the couple renting his upstairs,  Joe Soule and Jaclyn Lepird are loud at night and Reed doesn't like it. When Joe and Jaclyn vanish, everyone is looking for them, except for Chad Allen Reed. He is too busy trying to hide what he has done. His property burns 5 times in 7 days but Chad Allen Reed is being haunted by the smell. Two bodies, wrapped in plastic, hidden in the back of a pickup truck. When nobody solves the mystery of what happened to Joe Soule and Jaclyn Lepird, Chad Allen Reed calls the tip line himself, and tells them what happened!

Join Joseph Scott Morgan and Dave Mack  break down the story of the Murdering Landlord and find out what evidence is left behind when two people are murdered on grass in a yard. 

Transcript Highlights 

00:00:07 Joseph Scott Morgan shares a renting nightmare  

00:04:23 discussion of landlord complaining about tenant 

00:05:20 Joe talks about trauma and evidence left behind at the scene 

00:07:58 Landlord confronted tenants over noise  

00:10:37 Discussion of the matter of cutting and bludgeoning someone 

00:12:25 Talk about postmortem interval  

00:13:23 Chad Allen Read shoots Joe Soule, shoots Jaclyn Lepird in the back 

00:15:38 Discussion about Read beating Lepird with a pipe 

00:16:37 Joe explains “Bullet Wipe” 

00:18:32 Discussion about evidence left in yard 

00:19:42 Talk about 2 people missing 

00:21:51 Evidence left behind by 2 victims 

00:23:31 Explanation of how bodies are examined in morgue 

00:25:44 Discussion about perpetrators not putting distance between themselves and their victims 

00:27:49 Bodies wrapped in plastic create more evidence 

00:29:18 Talk about 5 fires in 7 days  

00:30:13 Chad Allen Read calls the tipline himself 

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Joseph Scott Morgan takes you on a trip to Louisiana, and a young couple, tied up, with kettlebells tied to their feet, being driven up a high bridge, and pushed out at the apex, not to die from falling 10 stories, but to drown after the fall.

Join Joe Scott Morgan and Dave Mack for a show that stretches from Louisiana to Atlanta, a recording studio, a Walmart,  a side hustle in prison, and great police work to bring to justice the evil that wants to be a star.

Transcript Highlights 

00:00:46 Talk about Gravity = the dominant force in our life. 

00:02:09 Talk about Gravity, leading up a bridge 

00:03:13Discussion about murder by drowning 

00:03:54 Talk about being In Louisiana. 

00:05:21 the death of Lakeitha and Kenneth Joseph. 

00:06:16 Couple missing three weeks 

00:07:14 Talk about searching for missing couple 

00:08:55 Discussion of levels of grief 

00:11:52 Joe shares knowledge of the geography of the area 

00:14:22 Talk about “prune” fingers as a child in pool 

00:15:02 The lake is brackish, salt and fresh 

00:17:14 Is it possible to determine how long a body has been in water? 

000:20:58 Kenneth borrows a van, becomes big clue 

00:24:37 Police work: Kettle Bells branded by golds gym, only at Walmart 

00:25:46 How long does it take for a body to come to surface 

00:28:42 Discussion about rope 

00:30:12 Talk about Lakeitha leg being broken 

00:31:31 Discussion of kettle bells 

00:35:19 Talk about bodies in water 

00:36:40 Borrowed van turns up in Atlanta 

00:37:44 Discussion about Rapper managed by ex-convict 

00:39:44 Prison Guard in relationship with prisoner 

00:41:56 Murdered for being a witness 

00:43:06 Talk about worst way to die 

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A family moves to the country to get away from the crime of the big city only to find that evil exists in small towns and big cities alike. A 17-year-old girl develops a close bond to a harmless older neighbor. But the harmless old man is really a wolf in sheeps clothing and when the 17-year-old goes missing the neighbor helps look as hard as anyone. As long as nobody comes to his house to look too close. For 173 days the girl is missing, her heartbroken parents don't realize she is only 100 feet away from their front door. Buried in a homemade box, just for her. 

Joseph Scott Morgan breaks down the case of the teen girl hidden away in a homemade coffin and how difficult it will be to get the evidence to determine what really caused her death. Dave Mack joins in on the search for facts, and Valerie Tindall.

Transcript 

00:01:02 Discussion of 173 days without knowing location of your child 

00:02:26 Valerie Tindall, 17, and missing 

00:03:29 Mother said Patrick Scott acted like jealous boyfriend 

00:04:21 Discussion of age difference 

00:06:55 Valerie Tindall is missing 

00:10:00 Talk about Forensic Anthropology 

00:11:28 Disturbed areas of soil in backyard  

00:12:30 17-year-old girl bonds with 59-year-old man, odd 

00:13:22 What does FBI mean to a case 

00:14:32 The neighbor Valerie has “bond” with charged with lying to police 

00:16:03 Discussion of providing false hope to lure out suspect 

00:17:24 Investigators wonder if someone is helping her stay gone 

00:18:29 Victim has been missing since June 

00:22:24 Bright Orange fingernail polish Valerie Tindall was wearing 

00:23:29 Taking down a structure, burning, why? 

00:27:17 Talk about the VHS tapes found in box 

00:29:11 Discussion of murder weapon, a belt 

00:30:56 Suspect claims he is the victim?  

00:32:29 Discussion about condition of the body  

00:33:39 Why did the suspect dig holes in his property? 

00:35:17 Talk about the story from the suspect does not make sense 

00:36:35 Some evidence might have been lost  

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ezra Ralston, 29, moves in with his grandparents on their beautiful property on the water in the Pacific Northwest, and repays their love and kindness by coming up with a plan to create a commune on his grandparents property. The only thing he needs to do is kill his grandparents and steal their property to make his dreams come true.

Join Joseph Scott Morgan and Dave Mack as they take an in-depth look at death, fire, and the lies of Ezra Ralston on this episode of Body Bags.

Transcript Highlights 

00:00:19 Joe Talks about finding save place for your family 

00:01:18 Grandparents welcome 29-year-old grandson 

00:02:15 Discussion about early 70s 

00:03:47 Talk about the murder of Grandparents 

00:04:46 Discussion of fire and explosion 

00:06:16 Talk about arson, murder, investigation 

00:09:02 Discussion about origin of fire in the house 

00:11:05 Joe shares insight into recurring nightmare  

00:13:09 Talk about finding the bodies of Joanna Gormley and Ted Ralston. 

00:17:40 Discussion about gasoline used in fire 

00:19:14 Joe explains assessing the bodies 

00:23:02 Explaining what happens working a fire scene 

00:24:54 Discussion of when to examine bodies 

00:26:36 Looking around a fire scene is very confusing 

00:27:47 Talk about the victims' wounds 

00:32:03 Talk about plan to kill victims in their sleep 

00:35:45 Ezra Ralston being encouraged by girlfriend 

00:37:04 Discussion of using bleach to get rid of evidence 

00:39:15 Fire creates more evidence 

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Oscar Pistorius became famous for not allowing a handicap to stand in his way of track and field success.

After becoming a Paralympic Champion, he fought his way through the courts to be allowed to compete in non-disabled competitions. In 2012, he competed in the Summer Olympics in London and became one of the most famous people in the world, earning the nickname "Blade Runner" for the prosthetic legs he uses to run.

Less than six months after the Olympic Games, Pistorius claims he hears a noise in the middle of the night and thinks someone is breaking in, but what happens next lands him in jail,  charged with murder!

Join Joseph Scott Morgan and Dave Mack as they break down the case of Oscar Pistorius. Did he kill his girlfriend in cold blood or was it a horrible mistake?

Transcript Highlights:  

00:01:11 Oscar Pistorius getting out of prison 

00:03:11 Pistorius fought to compete in non-disabled competition 

00:04:02 Discussion of who Oscar Pistorius is and his fame at the time of this incident 

00:06:58 Discussion of legs being amputated at 11 months old 

00:10:56 How to figure out directionality of weapons that are fired 

00:12:40 Pistorius and Steenkamp had dated only 90 days 

00:13:45 Body Bags and Domestic Disputes 

00:14:52 Discussion of waking up, hearing something 

00:16:05 Pistorius claims he heard things, overcome with fear 

00:17:37 Talk about Pistorius and guns 

 00:19:15 What happens when victim is in bathroom?  

00:21:51 He claims that he shot her after he had put his legs on. 

00:22:06 Story told by Pistorius doesn’t match facts  

00:24:12 Discussion of victim being shot through the door 

00:25:57 Discussion of stomach contents of victim  

00:26:15 Time of morning, 3:19am 

00:26:41Said there were four quick shots.  

00:28:14 Did he retrieve his legs at this point in time and come back to? 

00:29:34 Talk about scene, towels, debris, trying to stop bleeding 

00:30:29 Discussion of the Blades giving him and advantage 

000:31:33 Pistorius remains on scene, in kitchen, should have been in back of squad car 

00:32:26 Three components in gunshot residue. We look for antimony, we look for barium and we look for lead. 

00:33:43 Talk about prosthetics and if he had them on  

00:34:38 Discussion about suspect is not in charge of investigation 

00:35:35 Pistorius claims he kept her airway open with his fingers 

00:36:35.Pistorius is scheduled to be released from custody in January of 2024

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Dylan Redwine is forced to spend Thanksgiving with his father in Colorado. He doesn't want to be there because he knows some things about his father, secret, disgusting things, and he just doesn't want to be around him. But due to his parent divorce he has to go. Dylan Redwine goes missing, his dad suggests a bear might have got him. It takes time, but in the end, Forensics will tell the entire story of what happened to Dylan Redwine.

Join Joseph Scott Morgan and Dave Mack as they break down a story that took years to finish and includes blood, sex, knives, and bones. 

Time Code Highlights. 

00:01:40 Redwine Murder was one of the first Joseph Scott Morgan covered in media 

00:04:00 Dylan must go to his father’s house in Colorado for Thanksgiving  

00:05:08 Mark Redwine house burned down previously

00:07:03 Discussion of children of divorce, Dylan did not want to be with his father 

00:08:20 Talk about pictures Dylan and his brother saw on their dad’s computer

00:09:30 Joe talks the information he was given to cover story on network show

00:11:03 Pictures of Mark Redwine in lingerie, makeup, eating out of diaper 

00:13:09 Joe tells story of being embarrassed comparing it to how Mark Redwine was embarrassed his children found out about secret pictures 

00:15:00 Discussion about the boys confronting their father over his pictures 

00:16:50 Talk about Mark Redwine responding to Corey about the pictures

00:19:25 Joe talks about Mark Redwine being humiliated and angry 

00:20:45 Redwine claims he went to store, Dylan was gone when he got back

00:21:35 Discussion about Corey Redwine being several years older than Dylan 

00:22:45 Talk about forensics and how nothing is ever hidden 

00:24:04 Joe talks about a dog finding blood in the home

00:26:05 Blood from Dylan would have to have been from recent visit

00:30:04 Joe talks about a murder case without a body 

00:31:00 Both femurs of Dylan Redwine found 8 miles from Mark Redwine home 

00:32:43 Bones found on a road could have been drug by an animal

00:34:14 Determining whether the bones were separated by human using tools 

00:36:05 Talk about Mark Redwine mentioning something to a friend about blunt force trauma and they would need to find his head 

00:37:45 Dylan Redwine skull found 

00:39:00 No animals in the area that would drag remains up the mountain 

00:40:10 Talk about surface deposition 

00:41:05 Mark Redwine said Dylan may have been attacked by a bear.  

00:43:50 What the skull tells investigators. Took several months to identify 

00:45:12 Joe explains using sinus for identification 

00:46:45 Skull fractures show blunt force trauma. Two linear marks consistent with a knife blade found on skull. 

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Nohema Graber is a beloved Spanish teacher in the small town of Fairfield, Iowa. When she goes missing during her everyday after school walk in the park, the small town is worried. When her body is found in the park, hidden under a tarp, the town of less than 10,000 is shocked. Shock turns to disgust when police arrest two 16-year-old students for the murder after one of them writes on snapchat about the planning, execution, and disposal of evidence.

Join Joseph Scott Morgan and Dave Mack as they break down the story of Nohema Graber, a beloved teacher who deserved a much better fate and the two 16-year-olds that broke the heart of a small town. 

Time Code Highlights. 

00:02:54 Nohema Graber goes missing during her regular walk in the park

00:03:06 Body of Nohema Graber found in park under a tarp, Two 16-year-old students arrested

00:05:19 Joseph Scott Morgan talks about first homicide he worked was a brother who beat his brother to death with a baseball bat  

00:07:11 discussion about what teachers are faced with every day 

00:08:47 Talk about how this case begins with a bad grade

00:10:11 Talk about two students feeling like they were owed something

00:11:44 Discussion of Timeline of events 

00:14:24 Talk about two friends decide to murder teacher 

00:15:20 Discussion of the plan the perpetrators had and that it wouldn't change the grad

00:16:22 Talk about the type of weapons teens might have access, baseball bat is weapon of opportunity the routine of victim

00:19:40 Discussion of Both perpetrators were tracking victim in park

00:21:10 The perpetrators discuss the plan on snapchat 

00:22:23  Discussion of Nohema Graber and people seeing Chaiden Miller arguing with her about his grade

00:24:03  Discussion of Nohema Graber van being driven away from park by two males and how perpetrators hide her body

00:25:11 Joseph Scott Morgan points out how everything used in a crime can be traced

00:26:27  Discussion of perpetrators taking the bloody bat, bloody clothes, back home. Friend shows snapchat messages to law enforcement

00:28:08 Discussion of damage bat can do to a body

00:30:44 Description of the marks the bat will make with contact

00:34:11 Talk about is it possible to determine who swung the bat

00:35:45  Discussion about Jeremy Goodale sentenced to life with possible parole after 25 years, Chaiden Miller sentenced to life with possible parole after 35 years

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

November 22, 1963: John F. Kennedy, the 35th President of the United States, was shot and killed during a presidential motorcade in Dallas, Texas.

The President is taken to Parkland Memorial Hospital.  By law, Dallas County Coroner Dr. Earl Rose had jurisdiction over the case and should have performed the autopsy. However, against Dr. Earl Rose's protestations, the body of President Kennedy was wrapped in a sheet, placed in a casket with a broken handle, and flown over 1,300 miles away to Washington DC, where 2 naval doctors, who had never conducted a forensic autopsy performed the autopsy on John F. Kennedy. 

Join Joseph Scott Morgan and Dave Mack as they take a close look at the autopsy that was so bad, 60years later questions are still being asked. 

Time Code Highlights

00:01:21 Discussion about the ripple effect of the assassination of JFk

00:04:31 Discussion of the moments following the shooting of JFK in Dealey Plaza

00:06:02 Talk about how autopsy "Standard Procedures" were not followed 

00:06:51 Texas state law and jurisdiction over investigation and autopsy

00:07:58 Board Certified Forensic Pathologist Doctor Earl Rose was chief medical examiner for Dallas, Texas at the time and was at Parkland Memorial Hospital

00:09:22 Discussion JFK body taken from Dallas to Washington DC for autopsy

00:10:59 Talk about Secret Service preparing for President trips.

00:11:36 Discussion of JFK physical condition after being shot.

00:12:52 Talk about injuries to JFK, at least 2 gunshot wounds. 

00:13:31 Discussion of tracheotomy that was performed to establish an airway

00:15:04 Discussion of Dr. Earl Rose and how his experience was dismissed

00:16:23 Dr. Earl Rose KNEW he was looking at a Murder Investigation.

00:17:47 Discussion Dallas County had jurisdiction over the body.

00:19:03 Talk about autopsy of JFK should have taken place in Dallas

00:20:08 Talk about previous Presidential assassination, Lincoln, Garfield, and McKinley and their autopsies.

00:22:10 Discussion of Dr. Earl Rose did the autopsy for Oswald, Officer Tippit, and Jack Ruby.

00:23:36  Discussion of JFK body being taken to Washington DC 

00:25:16 Comparing Bethesda Naval Hospital to Walter Reed Hospital 

00:26:04 Discussion about doctors chosen to perform JFK autopsy

00:28:42 Talk about why doctors turned bullet wound into tracheostomy

00:29:55  Presidents body wrapped in sheets. Head wrapped in gauze

00:31:09 Discussion of JFK clothing, tie changed the trajectory of round.

00:32:58  Discussion about clothing worn during the assassination

00:33:44 Talk about "magic bullet" going through JFK and Governor Connally, 

00:35:08 Discussion Secret Service agents washed interior of Presidential limo. 

00:36:03 Talk about crime scenes - bone fragments found and turned in later

00:37:02 Description of President's head, skull came apart in doctors hands.

00:38:04 Discussion of Assessment

00:40:02 Talk about x-rays that were done on body

00:41:58  Description of the Bethesda autopsy suite 

00:43:51 Ballistics expert Dr. Pierre Fink, forensic pathologist, came to Bethesda 

00:44:53  JFK brain was removed before Dr. Fink arrived

00:46:05 Description of "Brain Loafing".

00:47:22 The autopsy of JFK was not a complete autopsy

00:49:21 Discussion of "family wishes" as it applies to the murder of the president.

00:50:48 Compare autopsy of John F. Kennedy and Robert F Kennedy

00:52:36 Discussion about other pathologists available to do autopsy on JFK

00:55:09 No way to know if other injuries suffered by JFK could have been lethal

00:56:04 Commentary - no excuse for what happened with autopsy of JFK

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Hanna Rhoden,15, gives birth to a daughter.  2-years later, Rhoden and the baby's father, Jake Wagner, fight over custody.    A custody battle begins and the Wagner family pressures Hanna to give up her daughter.  The Wagners hack Hanna Rhoden's Facebook account and read a private message in which Hanna vows she will not give up the child, quote "they (the Wagners) will have to kill me first."   That is exactly what  happens. 

The Wagner family decide to not only kill Hanna Rhoden, but the rest of her family, anyone who might stand in the way of the Wagner family gaining custody of the little girl. The Wagner family plan is to take out the Rhoden family in one night, four locations, eight murders.

Join Joseph Scott Morgan and Dave Mack as they dig deep into the Pike County Murders. Joseph Scott Morgan gives a firsthand account of the crime scenes and the forensic evidence left behind.

Time code highlights:

00:00:02  Joseph Scott Morgan asked to take part as a forensic expert in a complex case 

00:02:12 Discussion about the investigation of the Pike County Murders

00:02:37 Description:  One night. Four Scenes. Eight Murders

00:03:09 Description of two families that have been friends a long time

00:03:16  Discussion about Hanna Rhoden becomes pregnant with Jake Wagner's baby when she is 15-years-old. Hanna Rhoden breaks up with Jake Wagner

00:04:01 The Wagner's tried to force Hanna Roden to sign papers to turn custody of Sophia over to Jake.

00:04:22 Discussion of Wagner family plan to kill Hanna Rhoden to get custody

00:05:01 Discussion of the first person to be murdered and location of murder scene

00:06:50 Discussion of shots fired through wall first, Chris Rhoden was shot 9 times

00:07:36 Discussion of second victim, Gary Rhoden, visiting from Kentucky

00:10:06 Talk about the injuries to Chris Rhoden's arm

00:11:01  Description of head shots to both Chris Rhoden and Gary Rhoden

00:12:24 Talk of how Wagner Sr said "I just killed my best friend"

00:16:25 The Wagner's didn't know Gary Rhoden would be at the scene

00:17:30  Discussion of the Wagner's make silencers for their weapons

00:19:38  Joseph Scott Morgan talks about being at the site and what it looked like, 

00:21:56  The Wagner's arrived at Chris Rhoden's house barefoot but put on shoes inside the house.

00:22:44  Investigator researched shoe print found in Rhoden trailer and found a match

00:24:45 The forensic shoe print match the best evidence used to convict

00:25:34  Description of second murder scene. Frankie Rhoden, Hannah Gilley, and two small children.  

00:25:26 Older child came to door (the next morning) and said  "daddy's playing zombie"

00:27:10  Discussion of Hannah Gilley was shot 5 times in the head

00:30:25  Discussion of distance from Frankie Rhoden's house to Dana Rhoden home

00:32:37  Dana Rhoden's home was unlocked, Dana Rhoden's face was illuminated by her phone, made eye contact with Jake Wagner and he shot and killed Dana Rhoden

00:33:40  Discussion of Hanna May Rhoden being the reason for the murders

00:34:00  Discussion of Hanna Rhoden had baby 4 days earlier

00:34:15 The child Hanna Rhoden had with Jake Wagner was with the Wagner family at the time of the murders

00:34:35  Discussion of Jake Wagner placing baby next to body of Hanna May Rhoden so the baby could feed off the dead mother

00:36:01 Discussion of Hanna Rhoden and Hannah Gilley both shot 5 times in the head

00:36:45 Chris Rhoden jr, 16, shot dead in bed

00:37:45 Discussion of Kenneth Rhoden living in travel trailer 7 miles from the other scenes, shot once in head.

00:41:22 Discussion of Jake Wagner and his brother going to great lengths to get rid of weapons

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Over the last few years, more and more death scenes involve dismemberment.

An "obsessed" true crime fan in South Korea thinks she can pull off the perfect murder, so how did Jung Yoo-Jung get caught? Taylor Schabusiness tells police she doesn't remember strangling her boyfriend, but it felt good. She leaves his severed head in a bucket for his mother to find.

And in Tennessee, prosecutors say Joel Guy Jr created a "diabolical stew of human remains" with his mother's head when he finds out his parents are cutting him off.

Joseph Scott Morgan breaks down the forensics and Dave Mack keeps the stories moving in this fast-paced edition of Body Bags with Joseph Scott Morgan in front of a live audience at CrimeCon 2023 in Orlando, Florida

Time Code Highlights. 

00:02:50 South Korean Woman Jung Yoo-Jung is said to be an obsessed crime fan

00:03:17 Discussion of how 23-year-old woman pretends to be a 14-year-old school girl

00:04:19 Jung Yoo-jung wants to commit a homicide and dismember the victim to try and get away with murder.. 

00:05:33  Her plan is to kill, dismember, and dispose of the victim.  

00:06:27 Talks about the tools needed to do the job she wants to do

00:10:19 What would she used to clean up the area?

00:12:00 Talk about Gilgo and Rex Heuermann

00:12:44 Talking about the getaway and getting rid of the remains

00:12:57 To commit the perfect crime she uses a cab as a getaway car, leads to her capture

00:14:39 Joseph Scott Morgan tells story of transporting a head as a young man working in New Orleans with the coroner.

00:15:52  Under no circumstances are you to allow this bot this head out of your sight. 

00:16:23 Had to use a cooler with ice to transport the head 

00:18:40 Discussion about Taylor Schabusiness case.

00:19:14 The mother of the victim finds his head in bucket

00:20:20 Discussion of the relationship between suspect and victim

00:21:56 Schabusiness told police she didn't remember strangling him, but she remembered liking it. 

00:23:16 She told police, you found this part of him, good luck finding the rest

00:25:48  Discussion about the types of knives needed to do what was done to the victim

00:27:46 Talk about the forensics of different types of blades

00:30:47 Joe Scott Morgan talks about the time it takes to dismember a body

00:32:09 Joel Guy Jr, created a game plan for what he was going to do to his parents

00:32:23 Discussion about Joel Guy Jr and why he killed his parents

00:34:18 Joel Guy Jr stabbed his parents to death, then cut them up.

00:35:04 Talk about police interrupted Joel Guy Jr and found his "list" of things to do

00:39:42 Discussion of the medical examiner at the trial 

00:40:09 Talk about anti-mortem and post-mortem 

00:43:11 Joseph Scott Morgan explains the way a body can be disarticulated

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Maleesa Mooney's family hasn't heard from the 31-year-old model for several days.

Worried, they ask police to do a welfare check. Los Angeles police let themselves into her apartment with a key obtained from the manager. The air conditioner has been turned down and the apartment is very cold. Police discover the beaten and bruised body of Maleesa Mooney, with her hands and feet bound, wedged into the refrigerator. There is blood underneath her body. 

Join Joseph Scott Morgan and Dave Mack as they discuss how this beautiful and talented woman died. 

Time Code Highlights. 

00:02:30 Family of Maleesa Mooney ask police to check on her.

00:03:06 Police find Maleesa Mooney, 31, bound, gagged, stuffed in refrigerator with blood  

00:04:19 The police are working as a homicide.   

00:05:25 Family gets answers from mortuary 

00:07:11 Joe Scott Morgan shares story of mistake he made notifying a mother of how her son died

00:08:27 The victim was greatly traumatized. 

00:09:39 What it would take to put a person inside a refrigerator

00:11:44 Victim was beaten and broken. 

00:14:24 Mooney seen walking into her building on surveillance camera

00:14:42 No forced entry into apartment

00:15:20 The air conditioning in apartment had been turned down and it had been flooded

00:18:00  Items on the table that are commonly associated with needing to be refrigerated, as if the refrigerator been cleaned out.  

00:18:58 Is running water an effort to destroy evidence?

00:19:40   Details on the last time anybody talked to Melissa Mooney.

00:21:27  There's a six day window between last communication and when body is found. . 

00:22:23  Victim has multiple trauma  about her head and her neck. 

00:24:03 Victim is pregnant. 

00:27:27  Family received vague text messages.  

00:30:08  Victim is bound  ankles and wrists.

00:33:11 Victim is gagged.

00:35:15 How would body be examined at the morgue? 

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On the evening of August 15,  Connor and Betty Bowman stay home and have drinks together. The last drink Betty remembered having was a smoothie. The next morning Betty Bowman is sick. So sick she goes to the hospital where they admit her and treat her for what seemed like food poisoning. Betty Bowman is 32 and healthy but over the next 4 days her condition worsens and she dies. When her husband, Connor Bowman, tries to have her cremated right away with no autopsy, alarms bells go off and police are called. It seems that Connor Bowman was researching a particular medication used to treat gout, and what would be the lethal amount for someone the size of Betty Bowman.

Join forensic expert Joseph Scott Morgan and co-host Dave Mack as look into the almost perfect weapon and crime. 

Time Code- Highlights

00:00:00  Some natural remedies have been know to humanity for thousands of years. Could one have been used for murder? 

00:04:46 Discussion of Betty and Connor Bowman's educations and professions. Both are pharmacists.

00:07:59 Bowman marriage difficulties discussed. 

00:09:08 Betty Bowman hospitalized with what is thought to be food poisoning and dies  

00:09:12 Connor Bowman has to be smart, based on educational accomplishments

00:09:15  32 years old Betty Bowman found a way to travel. She traveled the world. 

00:09:20 Betty went to Hawaii, the Caribbea, Iceland, Grand Canyon. 

00:09:35 Connor had such massive debt from college that they kept their money separate

00:09:44 Conner Bowman told a friend there was $450,000 life insurance on Betty Bowman

00:10:05  Betty Bowman was in good health. She and Conner  talking about divorce. 

00:10:12 August 15, Betty and Connor Bowman at home, drinking and watching movies

00:10:39 Betty wakes up sick, thought food poisoning, went to Mayo clinic, St Mary Hospital August 16

00:10:59 Betty admitted to hospital and they treat her for food poisoning

00:11:05 Treat her for gastrointestinal distress and dehydration

00:11:14 After treatment, nothing gets better and she dies after four days. 

00:11:58 Marriage on downhill slope

00:35:21 Connor Bowman says no autopsy, wife doesn't want to be a cadaver.

00:39:02 Connor Bowman asked if cremation would cause more "in depth" tox screen

00:41:35 Bowman looked up colchicine on laptop. What's a lethal dose?

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Kathryn Pham, 21. had been dating Daniel Gunnarsson, 23, hardly a month, but the 23-year-old's obsession with Pham grew quickly. He would get angry if anyone else had the young woman's attention. Gunnarsson confided to his stepfather that he thought Pham was breaking up with him. The stepfather's advice?  Apologize.

Gunnarsson did and somehow convinced Pham to go with him to his stepfather's home. Once there, painters were on the scene. The couple went in to the garage. Soon after the painters hear screaming, but wait an hour before going to check.  Inside the garage, Kathryn Phan is laying on the floor, naked and bloodied. Daniel Gunnarsson struck Pham with an ice axe at least 10 times.

Join forensic expert Joseph Scott Morgan and co-host Dave Mack as they look at the destruction and mayhem caused by one tool.  

Time Codes-highlights

00:00:00  Joseph Scott Morgan discusses what it's like to receive a jury duty letter in the mail only to find the possible case is murder. 

00:02:29  An ice axe is not a tool found in most homes. Usually it is only in locations with colder temperature.  How could it be used for murder? 

00:04:14 Description of an ice axe

00:06:50  Dating relationship between Daniel Gunnarsson and Katie Pham introduced

00:07:56 Daniel Gunnarsson red flag behavior details. 

 00:09:06  Katie Pham's trip to Gunnarsson's stepfather's garage

 00:09:38  Painters start hearing a girl's screams. Body is discovered. Scene described.

 00:12:28 Katie Pham's injuries described 

 00:15:56 Injuries occurred in the upper body, the chest, the neck  and the head. . 

00:20:08 Dead body touched in sexual manner

00:21:34 Suspect was wearing gloves. 

00:24:45 Jurors had to hear details of an ice axe murder. 

00:25:34 Victim was struck at least 10 times. 

00:28:36  Is it possible to determine the order of injuries? 

00:29:41 Defense strategy was that someone else snuck into the garage. 

 00:31:01 Jurors wept 

00:31:20  Daniel Gunderson was  found guilty.  

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Kara Nichols is found dead, strangled and buried alongside a horse on a property owned by her murderer's parents, several years after she has been declared missing.

Confessed killer Joel Hollendorfer is at the center of this tale that explores not just the murder itself, but its far-reaching repercussions. Joseph Scott Morgan and Dave Mack traverse the winding roads of Kara's life and the cold case that took years to solve. They discuss the forensics of strangulation, the ethics of grief, and the complexities of moral responsibility.

Dave delves into the timeline of Kara's last days, while Joseph navigates the complicated web of legal hurdles that investigators faced. This episode also questions whether it's possible to die of a broken heart, highlighting the psychological and emotional toll a murder can take on the families involved.

Mentioned Podcast:

Zone 7 with Sheryl McCollum on Apple Podcasts

Time-coded Highlights:

00:00:43 — Joseph Scott Morgan discusses the theme of the episode, which is whether people can die of a broken heart, or from grief. He introduces a case where a murderer believes his father died from the shock of his confession.

00:02:03 — Dave Mack shares his philosophical views on the overwhelming power of grief.

00:03:20— Details about the murder of Kara Nichols are shared. 

00:05:00—Joseph Scott Morgan talks about the emotional burden for the perpetrator's parents.

006:10, Dave questions the moral responsibility of those who know about the crime.

00:07:58—The close relationship between Kara and her brother is spotlighted.

00:08:27—The discussion shifts to the challenging circumstances of Kara's life.

00:09:14—Joe Scott Morgan reveals that persistence and hard work solved this cold case.

00:10:05 — Dave Mack expresses admiration for cold case workers like Cheryl McCollum.

00:15:05 — The movements of Kara are traced back to a specific suspect via her phone.

00:16:40 — Joel Hollendorfer’s conversation with Detective Gugliotta is discussed.

00:18:20 — The complexities of obtaining a search warrant are outlined.

00:23:11 — Morgan discusses the complexities of using ground penetrating radar in investigations.

00:24:14 — Dave Mack reveals that Joel Hollendorfer confessed to his parents about killing a young woman. 

00:28:08 — Explaination of the use of lime on a body to speed up the decompositional process.

00:36:48 — Morgan explains the intricacies of strangulation and the role of the hyoid bone in determining the cause of death.

00:38:20 — The trial and conviction of Joel Hollendorfer are dissected, leaving listeners with the unsettling thought that he still has a chance at a life outside prison.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In an unfathomable act, the lifeless body of young Zion Staples is discovered abandoned in a trash can. The grim finding sends waves through the community, raising existential questions on human morality. Joseph Scott Morgan and Dave Mack dissect the intricacies of the case, exploring topics ranging from the science of decomposition to the societal implications of how we treat our deceased. While Morgan brings his forensic expertise to the table, offering unique insights into time of death estimation and the decomposition process, Mack provides additional context, revealing dark layers of the family's involvement.

Time-coded Highlights:

00:00:20 — Joseph Scott Morgan sets the tone by musing on the value of life.

00:01:20 — The tragic story of Zion Staples is introduced. 

00:01:54 — Taking out the trash is discussed as an everyday act with dark implications in the Zion Staples case.

00:03:00 — Dave Mack contextualizes the focus on garbage and decomposition in the case.

00:03:50 — The connection between smell and taste in the context of decomposition is explained by Joe Scott.

00:04:08 — Society's treatment of the deceased is examined. 

00:07:14 — Dispelling a common misconception, Joseph Scott Morgan talks about the challenges in determining the exact time of death.

00:09:11 — Morgan shares details about another mysterious case involving a person missing for seven months.

00:14:37 — A detailed explanation of body tissue disintegration after death is given.

00:16:22 — Cause of death's impact on decomposition rates is discussed after Dave Mack brings up the example of a gunshot wound to the head.

00:21:14 — Significant changes that a decomposing body undergoes are highlighted by Morgan, emphasizing the importance of evidence preservation.

00:29:00 — New information about Zion's mother, Sushi Staples, and her history with child services is revealed. 

00:30:40 — Joe Scott Morgan discusses the challenges of the investigation due to the time elapsed since the incident and the lack of concrete evidence.

00:32:08 — Morgan reveals that Sushi Staples has only been charged with concealing the body of her 10-year-old son in a garbage can, not with his death.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Two horrific murders shake a university town to its core, as Channon Christian and Christopher Newsom fall prey to a monstrous crime. In a dilapidated house in East Knoxville, Tennessee, the young couple are kidnapped and tortured in an environment that can only be described as hellish. In this gripping episode, Joseph Scott Morgan and Dave Mack unravel the gruesome details, chilling forensics, and unfathomable cruelty behind the case. With firsthand experience and unsettling revelations, they bring you closer to understanding the harrowing ordeal these victims went through. The episode delves into forensic complexities, offers insights into the minds of the perpetrators, and discusses the pivotal moments that led to their capture. Brace yourselves for a haunting journey through one of the darkest chapters of true crime.

Time-coded Highlights:

00:00:20 — Joseph Scott Morgan sets the stage for the episode’s chilling focus: two horrific murders in a university town, considered among the most horrifying covered by Morgan.

00:01:20 — The names of the victims, Channon Christian and Christopher Newsom, are introduced alongside the setting—a rundown house in East Knoxville.

00:01:40 — Joseph Scott Morgan discloses his personal involvement in covering the Eric Boyd trial.

00:03:00 — A visceral account of the kidnapping and the setting is provided by Dave Mack.

00:04:40 — It's revealed that the atrocities committed against Channon and Christopher are akin to acts of “Satan himself."

00:07:31 — The suffering endured by Christopher Newsom, including torture and being set on fire, is hauntingly detailed by Dave Mack.

00:08:04 — The agonizing torment Channon Christian went through is elaborated upon by Joseph Scott Morgan.

00:08:46 — The seclusion and inaccessibility of railway tracks as common dumping grounds for victims are discussed.

00:10:02 — Dave Mack specifies that Christopher was not killed at the house but was later taken to the railway tracks.

00:10:54 — Dave Mack reveals that unusual activities at the house on the night of the crime were noticed by a dump truck driver.

00:11:27 — Treatment of the victims is equated to "torture," akin to how prisoners of war are treated.

00:15:04 — The crime scene’s dehumanizing aspects and the extreme physical abuse suffered by the victims are dissected.

00:23:05 — Psychological manipulation used on the victim by promising release is exposed.

00:30:27 — The discovery of the female victim's body in a garbage can, constricted into a fetal position, adds another layer of horror to the narrative.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Dorothy Dusold's life comes to a chilling end, her body marred by manual strangulation and the telltale signs of anoxic encephalopathy—a gruesome testament to oxygen deprivation and ensuing cardiac arrest. True crime experts Joseph Scott Morgan and Dave Mack join forces to dissect this unsettling narrative, where familial love crumbles into fatal brutality. Diving deep into the psychosocial underpinnings, forensic evidence, and medical realities of the case, they guide us from the eerie echoes of the 911 call to the contentious forensic findings that sway the court. Through their exhaustive analysis, they illuminate not only Dorothy's agonizing final moments but also the grim medical trajectories that culminated in her tragic demise. This episode serves as a poignant and intellectually rigorous examination of the shadowy corners where family ties fray into lethal violence.

Time-coded Highlights:

00:00:20—Joseph Scott Morgan introduces the unique case of a daughter allegedly squeezing her mother to death.

00:02:40—Joe Scott and Dave Mack discuss the physical strength required to squeeze someone to death.

00:03:20 — The 911 call made by Cassandra Dusold is discussed. 

00:04:20—Morgan lauds the invaluable role of first responders in high-stakes situations.

00:06:20 — The concept of deception in the case is introduced.

00:07:04 — Joe Scott Morgan explains what a 'code' means in a hospital setting, specifically a 'code blue' which indicates cardiac arrest.

00:08:31— The crucial steps in emergency cardiac care are outlined. 

00:14:09 — Dave Mack opens up a dialogue on the unusual circumstances surrounding Dorothy Dusold's death.

00:16:40—Dave highlights inconsistencies in Cassandra's story, creating doubt about her credibility.

00:18:40, the possibility of Dorothy having bilateral black eyes and ear bleeding is explored.

00:27:49 — A medical breakdown of how the victim's throat was constricted is presented.

00:30:00, Joe Scott delves into various methods of manual strangulation, questioning the story told by Cassandra.

00:31:40 — The episode wraps up with the conviction of the perpetrator, Cassandra Dussault, for manslaughter.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Jamie Faith, a special forces operator in Tennessee, is fatally shot seven times while walking his dog, a part of his morning routine with his wife Jennifer. What initially appears as a masked perpetrator's random act of violence unravels into a dark tale of manipulation, emotional affairs, and meticulous planning. Join Joseph Scott Morgan and Dave Mack as they delve into the layers of this case, from shot groupings to text messages that expose a staggering truth. Hear about their personal experiences with gun control and their love for dogs, which add nuanced layers to this tragic narrative. With revelations of a GoFundMe scam and the psychological tactics of a supposedly grieving widow, this episode leaves you questioning where love ends and deceit begins.

Time-coded Highlights:

00:00:20—Joe Scott Morgan sets a serene scene by sharing his morning routine with his rescue dogs before diving into Jamie and Jennifer Faith's heart-wrenching story.

00:01:23—The tragic murder of Jamie Faith is introduced by Morgan, marking the contrast between a mundane dog-walking routine and a violent death.

00:01:55—A light moment as Morgan teases a secret about Dave Mack.

00:02:29—Dave Mack speaks fondly of his English Bulldog, Hank, adding to the hosts' evident love for dogs.

00:03:40—The story of Jamie and Jennifer Faith comes to life as Mack paints a vivid picture of the couple.

00:04:22—Joseph Scott Morgan describes the peaceful neighborhood where Jamie was killed starkly and how it contrasts with the horror that unfolded there.

00:07:03—The complexity of shooting scenarios is discussed, touching upon the differences in training between the military and police.

00:09:10—Shot grouping and its accuracy are detailed, with Morgan using the example of an index card.

00:12:11—Morgan's personal connection to the case reveals the story's emotional weight.

00:15:02—The hosts discuss the striking contrast between the crime scene and its peaceful setting, noting Jamie's strategic targeting.

00:18:21—A 45 caliber handgun's history and effectiveness are elaborated on by Morgan.

00:22:57—Dave Mack starts to reveal the investigation's findings, including a peculiar connection to Jennifer, Jamie's wife.

00:25:00—Digital forensics bring shocking text messages to light, discussed by both Mack and Morgan.

00:30:20—A perforating gunshot wound in Jamie's groin emphasizes the brutality of the attack.

00:31:00—The episode concludes with Joe Scott stating that the shooter was highly skilled, having left no trace of soot or gunpowder on Jamie's body.

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Ashli Ehrhardt, a woman embroiled in a tumultuous marriage, meets a devastating end in her laundry room. With signs of struggle all around and her body bearing multiple types of wounds—a belt around the neck, stab wounds, and puncture injuries—Ashli's father is the one who horrifyingly discovers her. Her husband, John Wonder, becomes the prime suspect in what appears to be a crime of passion layered with complex clues. Joseph Scott Morgan and Dave Mack unravel the chilling details surrounding Ashli’s death. From the puzzling written messages left at the crime scene to the suspect's unsettling social media behavior, this episode dives deep into the importance of forensic documentation. As the narrative unfolds, listen in for insights into unusual wounds, psychological profiles, and the critical role of time-stamped messages. 

Time-coded Highlights:

00:00:20 — Joseph Scott Morgan opens the episode by discussing the power of written communication and its ability to express deep emotions.

00:02:20 — Dave Mack introduces the case involving John Wonder and Ashli Ehrhardt, a married couple going through a divorce. Mack speculates on their use of social media and text messaging.

00:07:00 — The importance of co-workers in death investigations is highlighted, especially in cases of suicide.

00:08:06  — Dave Mack discusses John Wonder's peculiar behavior.

00:10:20 — The heartbreaking moment Ashli's father discovers her body.

00:11:00 — Joseph Scott Morgan brings the horror of the scene to life by discussing the amount of blood present.

00:12:00 — Questions are raised about the cause of death when a belt is found around Ashley's neck.

00:16:42 — The unusual circumstances at the crime scene, including the belt and potential staging, are questioned by Dave Mack.

00:19:00 — Morgan stresses the necessity of a thorough examination at the autopsy table for determining the cause of death.

00:21:42 — Distinctions between stab and puncture wounds are explored. 

00:29:50 — A disturbing text message from John to his sister is revealed. 

00:30:20 — Mack shares an alleged text message from John indicating his plans to flee.

00:31:40 — The role of forensic document examiners in cases like this is introduced.

00:34:00 — Focusing on the writing in blood, the possibility of the defense claiming a setup is discussed.

00:40:47—The episode closes on a serious note as Joseph Scott Morgan shares the National Domestic Violence Hotline, urging those in abusive relationships to seek help.

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Struck on the head with an iron skillet and stabbed multiple times, Brenda Powell’s life comes to a shocking and tragic end at the hands of her daughter.

Joseph Scott Morgan and Dave Mack delve into the perplexing aspects of this chilling homicide that has captivated public interest. They explore the unique role an 'ear witness' plays in the investigation and scrutinize the difficult transition Sydney experienced from high school to college, as well as the financial and emotional challenges involved.

Armed with Morgan's forensic expertise and Mack's keen investigative insights, the duo crafts an episode filled with emotional depth, compelling narrative, and sharp analysis. As they walk you through key moments, witness testimonies, and the complicated criminal landscape, they raise important questions about family dynamics, criminal psychology, and the advancements in forensic science.

Time-coded Highlights:

00:00:20—Joe Scott Morgan sets the tone by reflecting on the impact of sounds and memories on a murder investigation. He introduces Brenda Powell's brutal homicide case.

02:20:00—Dave Mack shares a unique description related to the case.

04:00:00—The emotional toll of working in oncology is illuminated.

05:20:00—The concept of an earwitness is introduced, offering an innovative twist to the narrative.

06:40:00—Sydney Powell's academic struggles are revealed. 

07:35:00—Joe Scott explores the emotional and financial challenges of transitioning from high school to college. 

09:23:00—The boiling point leading to violent crimes is dissected.

10:00:00—A critical phone call from Brenda to her university is detailed, becoming a key moment in the investigation.

12:20:00—The chilling moment when Brenda Powell is struck on the head by an iron skillet.

15:40:00—Morgan reflects on the cultural portrayal of frying pans as weapons compared to their real-world lethal potential.

23:05:00—The absence of premeditation in the crime is suggested, considering the presence of ‘ear witnesses’.

27:16:00—The immediate reaction of university administrators on the phone during the attack and their subsequent 911 calls are narrated.

34:00:00—Concluding the episode, Joe Scott Morgan explains that the multitude of injuries led to Brenda Powell's death.

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Suzanne Morphew, a 49-year-old mother of two from Chaffee County, Colorado, disappears under mysterious and suspicious circumstances. Initially reported missing following a supposed bike ride on Mother's Day, her case quickly gains national media attention. With each passing day, the urgency to find the truth escalates. In this episode, Joseph Scott Morgan and Dave Mack meticulously examine the Suzanne Morphew case through a forensic lens. Morgan delves into expert insights, discussing the roles of apex predators, decay patterns, and dental records in Suzanne's identification. Dave Mack scrutinizes the media coverage and evaluates the initial theories surrounding the case. From weather impediments affecting search efforts to perplexing clues that challenge conventional theories, this episode offers an exhaustive exploration of a case that continues to confound investigators.

Time-coded Highlights:

00:02:00 — Introduction to the episode's focus on the forensics surrounding the Suzanne Morphew case.

00:02:40 — Dave Mack talks about the Morphew case, which he has been covering since Suzanne went missing.

00:04:20 — Mack delves into the initial theory that Suzanne went for a bike ride and subsequently vanished.

00:05:00 — Barry Morphew's theory of a mountain lion attack as a possible cause of Suzanne's disappearance is discussed.

00:05:20 — Joseph Scott Morgan explains the behavior patterns of apex predators and how they could be linked to this case.

00:08:20 — Questioning the absence of evidence supporting the apex predator theory where Suzanne's bike was found.

00:09:03 — The notion of a human predator being involved in Suzanne's disappearance is raised.

00:10:29 — Morgan talks about the discovery of Suzanne's helmet and the absence of trauma evidence within it.

00:12:58 — Joe Scott Morgan says that the circumstances surrounding Suzanne's discovery are unlike anything he has seen before.

00:14:04 — Morgan elaborates on the legal concept of corpus delecti and its relevance to this case.

00:16:14 — The implications of the burial site being a shallow grave are discussed.

00:19:21 — Dave Mack notes that investigators weren't looking for Suzanne when her remains were found.

00:22:23 — A vivid picture is painted about the potential skeletal disbursement of Suzanne's remains.

00:32:12 — Challenges in determining the cause of death in the absence of soft tissue are covered.

00:34:42 — Joe Scott Morgan wraps up the episode, questioning the preparation and speed involved in hiding Suzanne Morphew's body.

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Connie Cuesta's life is violently cut short; her body is discovered with numerous lacerations, inflicted by the unlikely weapon of a wine bottle. The room shows signs of struggle; every organ in her body bears a mark, and multiple wine bottles are scattered across the scene. Joseph Scott Morgan and Dave Mack guide listeners through this bewildering episode of Body Bags, meticulously dissecting the elements that make this case so extraordinary. From the anatomy of a wine bottle's lethal potential to the significance of the victim's state of undress, the episode is a masterclass in forensic investigation. Listen in to uncover the intricate web of forensic details that could play a crucial role in the ensuing legal process.

Time-coded Highlights:

00:00:20 — Joseph Scott Morgan introduces the episode, hinting at a murder case involving a wine bottle as a weapon.

00:01:36 — The oddity of a wine bottle as a murder weapon is discussed.

00:02:39 —Joe Scott Morgan and Dave Mack delve into the impact of a head strike with an object, providing insight into the potential deadly force of the wine bottle.

00:03:00 — Dave Mack shares information about the murder case.

00:08:20 — Drawing a parallel between the design of a bottle and a baseball bat, Joe Scott indicates how they can be similarly weaponized. He then reveals that a woman's life ended due to an impact from a wine bottle.

00:10:20 — Joseph Scott Morgan describes the signs of a struggle at the crime scene. He emphasizes the importance of understanding those signs when investigating.

00:13:48 — Discussion of the role of the medical examiner in the investigation and the importance of the body’s temperature at the crime scene.

00:16:49 — Joe Scott and Dave discuss the victim's state of undress, considering whether it indicates a sexual assault or is a result of being dragged.

00:20:58 — Discussing the severity of the victim's injuries, Morgan notes that every organ in her body sustained a laceration.

 00:25:11 — Detailing how a knife was driven into the victim's temporal bone four times, Morgan indicates the force required for such an act.

00:27:54 - Joseph Scott Morgan makes a crucial point about Sean Cuesta's current legal status, reminding listeners that he is still considered innocent as he has not yet been taken to trial.

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Kensie Aubry, a 32-year-old woman hungry for a new chapter in her life, tragically finds herself the victim of a man's nightmarish fantasy, leading to her horrific murder. As her last known whereabouts in Independence, Missouri become the center of a desperate search, Joseph Scott Morgan and Dave Mack delve into this unsettling case. They unpack the haunting realities that blur the lines between dark fantasies and unspeakable actions, exploring how one individual's twisted imagination led to a gruesome reality. The episode navigates the complexities of the foster care system, highlights the courage it takes for survivors to speak up, and provides an intricate look at the role of body identification in solving missing persons cases. Whether discussing the gruesome details of chainsaw dismemberment or the intricacies of matching tool marks on bones, this episode is a sobering reminder of the urgent need to bring justice to the lost and give voice to the silent.

Time-coded Highlights:

00:00:00 — Joseph Scott Morgan introduces the episode by exploring the human fascination with dark fantasies. He unpacks the depraved fantasy behind Kensie Aubry’s murder.

00:03:00 — Dave Mack elaborates on Kensie's last known whereabouts.

00:04:00 — Missing persons' reports and their intricacies are discussed.

00:05:00 — The conversation continues on the importance of intricate physical details for identification.

00:07:21 — A brave abuse survivor’s role in solving the case is revealed by Dave Mack.

00:09:12 — Joe Scott emphasizes how crucial revelations were for the investigation.

00:10:56 — The twisted relationship between Maggie Ybarra and Michael Hendricks is dissected.

00:14:00 — Dave shares a chilling confession leading to Michael Hendricks’ arrest.

00:15:20 — Morgan explains how X-ray machines can aid in identifying dismembered remains.

00:16:00 — The process of revealing tattoos on decomposed skin is shared.

00:16:40 — An in-depth look into the permanence of tattoos.

00:19:00 — Joseph Scott Morgan ponders the changing significance of prison tattoos for identification.

00:22:45 — Joe Scott recalls a haunting tale of a murder involving a frozen body. He speculates on why murderers might opt to freeze their victims.

00:27:20 — Dave and Joe ponder the logistics of dismembering a frozen body versus a non-frozen one.

00:30:03 — The investigation challenges are highlighted by Joe Scott Morgan.

00:33:34 — The episode concludes as Dave Mack heralds the hero who provided crucial information for the case.

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In a chilling twist of events, Annamarie Cochrane Rintala is found dead, her stiff body soaked in both paint and blood.

The spouse, Cara Rintala, finds herself in a situation that marks a legal first in Massachusetts—a woman charged with the murder of her wife. Joseph Scott Morgan and Dave Mack delve into the perplexing nature of the evidence, from the viscosity of paint and blood to the subtleties of rigor mortis. Morgan discusses the troubling aspects of multiple trials and the contentious role of so-called experts in courtroom drama.

The hosts also scrutinize the telltale signs of asphyxial death and the importance of scientific validation in legal cases.

Time-coded Highlights:

• 00:00:00 — Joseph Scott Morgan starts by revealing his love for art and its connection to forensic science. He even touches on its relevance in motor vehicle accidents.
• 00:02:41 — Morgan mentions that the accused is facing trial for an unprecedented fourth time. 
• 00:03:22 — Dave Mack announces the historical context; it’s the first case in Massachusetts where a wife is charged with murdering her wife.
• 00:04:31 — Mack offers a rundown on the turbulent relationship between Annamarie Cochrane Rintala and Cara Rintala, including debt, jealousy, and exhausting work hours. He describes the crime scene, which is filled with a mixture of paint and blood.
• 00:06:43 — Morgan delves into the injuries typically seen in cases involving falls, contrasting them with the injuries sustained by the victim, Annamarie.
• 00:08:59 — Highlighting the unexpected detail of the victim's body being soaked in paint, Joe Scott navigates through the signs of death, focusing on the rigidity of Annamarie's body.
• 00:13:05 — Likening the process of rigor mortis to post-workout stiffness, Morgan provides a relatable touch to a grim subject. He elaborates on how heat affects rigor mortis, introducing elements like metabolic activity into the equation.
• 00:15:44 — Morgan provides insight into the informative value of a deceased person's hand position.
• 00:18:50 — Morgan reiterates the necessity of considering various elements for a comprehensive death investigation.
• 00:19:53 — Mack stresses the role of first responders in observing and documenting vital details like blood and bruises. Morgan describes how bruises can remain on a body, offering clues into the timeline of a death.
• 00:28:40 — The conversation pivots to discuss the speculative act of deliberately pouring paint on Annamarie, emphasizing the need to examine her clothing for more clues.
• 00:29:40 — Joseph Scott Morgan draws parallels between this case and the Caylee Anthony homicide, highlighting the use of questionable scientific methods in court.
• 00:32:38 — Dave Mack and Joe Scott Morgan discuss the implications of the cause of death being strangulation, and what signs to look for.

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Jessica Ross and Treveon Isaiah Taylor are filled with joy at the prospect of welcoming their newborn into the world.

Tragically, their world is turned upside down when what should have been a routine childbirth becomes a horrifying series of events that end in the loss of their baby. Joseph Scott Morgan and Dave Mack unravel the deeply disturbing story of a young couple who were denied the chance to bond with their deceased child. They explore the complex layers of emotion, science, and legality surrounding the case.

From a shocking refusal to permit an autopsy, to startling revelations of the baby's decapitation, the hosts scrutinize every angle. They underscore the necessity for trust between medical professionals and patients, particularly when the stakes are this high. 

Time-coded Highlights:

00:00:20 — Joseph Scott Morgan delves into the human need for tactile confirmation during grief, emphasizing the irreplaceable role touch plays in coping with a loved one's death.

00:02:40 — Dave Mack begins the narration of Jessica Ross and Treveon Isaiah Taylor's story, and ​​describes the complications that arose during the delivery. 

00:05:00 — The condition called “shoulder dystocia” is explained by Joe Scott. 

00:08:11 — A distinction between stillbirth and sudden infant death is made by Morgan. 

00:10:42 — Morgan addresses the perilous state of the mother during childbirth, pondering on medical errors that can tip the scale from life to death.

00:11:46 — A conversation around the shocking force needed to fracture an infant’s bones brings listeners to a grim realization about the case.

00:13:00 — The timeline of the events is shared by Mack, highlighting the urgency and critical nature of the situation at hand.

00:13:54 — Parents in the dark: Mack discusses the hospital’s lack of transparency concerning the baby's condition.

00:15:42 — Exploring emotional trauma, Morgan reveals how the young couple missed a crucial bonding moment with their baby due to medical complications.

00:16:16 — Mack raises the curtain on the grim reality that the parents were actively deceived about the state of their child.

00:17:20 — Joseph Scott Morgan sheds light on the hospital's suggestion to avoid an autopsy and opt for cremation, deepening the layers of this tragic tale.

00:18:40 — The term "medical misadventure" is introduced by Morgan, who likens the medical failures in the case to manslaughter.

00:20:40 — In any medical tragedy, trust is paramount, emphasizes Morgan, particularly when the stakes are a matter of life and death.

00:21:40 — The legal implications come into play as Morgan articulates that this case should have been immediately reported to medical legal authorities.

00:24:06 — Mack discusses the parents' decision to hire Dr. Jackson Gates for an independent autopsy, and the shocking revelation that images of the decapitated baby were posted on Instagram.

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In a quiet Oklahoma town, A.J. Cantrell and his wife Patsy lived lives built on community and kindness, never expecting their paths to intersect with a dangerous man whose actions will disrupt their sense of peace forever. The Cantrells, beloved by their community, meet a violent end, leaving a hole in the heart of their close-knit town. Joseph Scott Morgan and Dave Mack delve deep into the tragedy, examining the chilling forensic details, the devastating impact on the community, and the 37-day manhunt that gripped the nation. Morgan leverages his expertise to discuss the mechanics of the lethal 410 shotgun used in the crime, while Mack provides harrowing firsthand accounts that highlight the complexities of the case. They also explore the psychology of violence, diving into the backstory and subsequent actions of the perpetrator, Scott Eizember. Alongside forensic science and investigative details, this episode serves as a tribute to the Cantrells, whose lives were cruelly taken.

Time codes:

00:00:20 — Joseph Scott Morgan sets the scene, introducing the heartbreaking case that took place in a small town in Oklahoma. 

00:01:20 — Generosity and kindness in a church community are explored by Morgan and Mack. 

00:03:00 — Joe Scott introduces the notion of a 'wolf in sheep's clothing,' personified by Scott Eizember, who arrives in town riding on a bicycle. 

00:06:00 — A romantic entanglement between Eizember and Kathy Biggs becomes the focus as Dave Mack peels back another layer of the story.

00:07:13 — The importance of examining a subject's history in a homicide case is expounded upon by Joseph Scott Morgan. He asserts that such scrutiny can offer insights into potential violent outcomes.

00:09:11 — Dave Mack introduces Scott Eizember's horrifying acts of violence, setting the tone for the deeper forensic analysis to come.

00:10:27 — Dave Mack recalls the terrifying moments leading to the Cantrells' deaths. A 410 shotgun becomes the weapon of irreversible consequence. The deadly force of a 410 shotgun is anatomized by Joseph Scott Morgan.

00:16:14 — Joseph Scott Morgan demystifies gunpowder evidence on a body, helping listeners grasp the possible range from which the shotgun was fired. He talks about using a long-arm weapon as a bludgeon during the attack on Mr. Cantrell.

00:17:11 — Dave Mack educates listeners on the difference between slicing wounds and lacerations, the latter caused by blunt force trauma. 

00:18:25 — Skull fractures and the force needed to inflict them are debated by Mack and Morgan. 

At 00:24:12 — Dave Mack highlights how the Wright family initially welcomed Eizember before he unleashed his violent tendencies on the Cantrells, leading to a whirlpool of tragic events.

00:25:50 —  Mack outlines Eizember's further attacks on a 16-year-old boy, a 63-year-old woman, and his ex-girlfriend, Katherine Smith, all of whom survive.

00:26:17 — Dave discusses the 37-day manhunt for Eizember, the kidnapping of Dr. and Mrs. Peebles, and how Eizember was finally apprehended.

00:29:10 — A chilling detail is revealed by Morgan—the unfired round in the weapon, suggesting that Eizember had potential for more destruction.

00:30:20 — The episode concludes with Joseph Scott Morgan confirming Scott Eizember's execution, signaling the end of a terrifying chapter for the community.

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Lured from bars in Tampa Bay, Florida, Jason Galehouse and Michael Wachholtz become victims of unthinkable acts of violence, torture, and ultimately murder at the hands of Steven Lorenzo and his roommate Scott Schweikert.

Joseph Scott Morgan and Dave Mack dive into the harrowing details of these crimes, examining the evidence, psychology, and horrifying realities faced by the victims. As Morgan unpacks the forensic side—from GHB to blood spatter—Mack provides a chilling narrative that contextualizes the nightmare that unfolded.

This episode is not just an exploration into the depths of human depravity, but also a tribute to the lives and stories of Jason Galehouse, Michael Waccholtz, Albert Perkins, and other unnamed victims of Loenzo and Schweikert.

Time codes:

00:00:20 — Joseph Scott Morgan reveals a childhood fascination with a magnifying glass. This simple tale explains his eventual career in forensics.

01:40 — Steven Lorenzo, convicted of two murders but suspected of many more, is introduced. 

00:03:20 — Dave Mack asks Joe Scott to break down the substance GHB. 

00:03:40 — A chilling overview of Lorenzo's methods is described. Mack succinctly recounts how the criminal drugged and tortured his victims.

00:04:40 — Joseph Scott Morgan unveils the eerie nature of GHB, detailing its street names and effects.

00:08:19 — The online meeting between Lorenzo and Schweikert is discussed. Mack introduces how they connected over shared violent fantasies.

00:11:18 — The terrifying setting of the crimes, Lorenzo and Schweikert's home, is revealed. Joe Scott explains how the drug GHB renders victims compliant.

00:13:56 — Mack goes back to 2003 to bring us the stories of the victims, Jason Galehouse and Michael Wachholtz.

00:16:10 — A vivid picture of the crime scene emerges. Mack and Morgan explore how long blood lasts as evidence.

00:20:25 — Dave Mack retells the testimony of a survivor of Lorenzo and Schweikert's, Albert Perkins, emphasizing the cold-blooded nature of the criminals.

00:28:32 — Joseph Scott Morgan explains the crucial role of insects in forensics.

00:33:40 — Justice takes time. Dave Mack highlights the delay in Steven Lorenzo's trial and eventual sentence.

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Joysee Cartagena's coworkers at JetBlue know something is awry when she fails to log in for work—a complete break from her reliable character. Soon after, her lifeless body is found in her home in Sanford, Florida, a zip tie around her neck igniting a slew of investigative questions. Joseph Scott Morgan and Dave Mack dissect the intricacies of Joysee's perplexing death, weaving together cutting-edge forensic science with real-world implications. The hosts explore everything from forensic markers like ligatures and Tardieu spots to the complex relationship dynamics between Joysee and her boyfriend, Joel Bauza. As they delve into the timeline, scrutinize the evidence, and discuss the eventual charges, their unwavering goal remains: to shed light on the truth behind Joysee's untimely death.

Time codes:

00:00:00 — Joseph Scott Morgan introduces the complexities of death investigation. The discussion opens with abnormal elements that investigators often encounter.

00:01:40 — Joe delves deeper into the relevance of zip ties in an ongoing case in Sanford, Florida. He details their significance in the overall forensic investigation.

00:03:20 — Dave Mack introduces the story of Joel Bauza and Joysee Cartagena. He portrays Joysee as a caring individual who always put others first, while Joel appears financially dependent on her.

00:04:40 — Joysee's work history and her job at JetBlue are discussed. Dave reveals how important her career was to her.

00:05:00 — The red flag goes up when Joysee misses work. Her coworkers' immediate concern sets the stage for the investigation.

00:05:40 — Emphasizing the importance of timelines in death investigations, Joseph Scott Morgan argues that every minute counts when piecing together the facts.

00:07:42 — Morgan brings up the uncommon circumstances surrounding Joysee’s death. The atypical nature of the case required extra attention from detectives and crime scene techs.

00:09:08 — Dave discusses the zip tie and signs of a struggle. He lays out potential scenarios that could explain Joysee’s untimely death.

00:10:39 — Suicide as a possible result of a domestic dispute is pondered. It’s a heartbreaking thought, yet critical to the investigation.

00:11:11 — Joe Scott instructs on letting the environment of a crime scene "speak" to the investigator. He warns against being influenced by others present.

00:16:00 — The importance of leaving a ligature in place at a crime scene is brought to light. It’s a detail that can have far-reaching implications.

00:17:40 — Morgan questions why the ligature was not removed in Joysee’s case. The unanswered action hints at a potential suspect.

00:19:00 — Joe Scott explains the process of proving a suicide and emphasizes the importance of treating all deaths as homicides until proven otherwise.

00:23:00 — Dave points out delays in the criminal justice process.

00:25:00 — The physical evidence, particularly multiple abrasions on Joysee’s body, is dissected. Joe Scott posits that these suggest a struggle.

00:30:13 — Joseph Scott Morgan introduces the topic of ligatures, which are often seen in hangings. He provides an insight into the presence of Tardieu spots, a specific type of petechiae, and how they appear in cases of strangulation.

00:33:21 — The hosts discuss the pressure points on a zip tie during strangulation and how they can be traced post-mortem.

00:37:20 — Addressing mental health, Joseph Scott Morgan acknowledges listeners struggling with suicidal thoughts, provides the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline number, and emphasizes the importance of seeking help.

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Robert and Georgette Sturmfels, spending the winter holiday season in their cozy Florida home, are blissfully unaware that their lives are about to be irrevocably shattered. Tragically, their lives abruptly end on December 20, 1989, as they become the victims of a chilling double homicide. In this episode, Joseph Scott Morgan and Dave Mack delve into the horrifying details of the Sturmfels' murders. They meticulously unravel the case, from the suspect's choice of a 22-caliber rifle to the unsettling finality of the crime scene. The conversation goes beyond the murder itself to examine its broader implications, such as the weapon's surprising lethality, common misconceptions about gunshot wounds, and the cold-blooded nature of the perpetrator.

Time codes:

00:00:00 — Joseph Scott Morgan starts off with a touching reflection on Christmas. From stress to joy, his sentiments evolve over time, especially as he becomes a grandfather.

At 00:01:20 — The tragic case of Robert and Georgette Sturmfels is introduced by Joe Scott. Their murder in Florida sets the stage for a disconcerting episode.

00:04:20 — Diving deeper, Joseph Scott Morgan paints a vivid picture of the Sturmfels' murder. He describes the horrific scene in disquieting detail.

00:05:20 — Louis Gaskin, the suspect, is discussed by Dave Mack. He outlines Gaskin's ruthlessness and the premeditation behind the crime.

00:06:20 — Weaponry is the topic as Joe Scott and Dave debate the lethal nature of a 22-caliber rifle used in the crime.

00:08:00 — A lesson in firearms ensues as Joseph Scott Morgan distinguishes between long arms and pistols, explaining why the latter is more easily concealed.

00:10:20 — Unveiling the crime, Dave shares how Louis Gaskin meticulously planned, and executed the murders of the Sturmfels couple.

00:12:20 — Debunking Hollywood myths, Joseph Scott Morgan explains that gunshot wounds are not just dramatic effects; victims often realize they've been shot and experience pain.

00:13:00 — Gaskin's own words add horror to the narrative as Dave recounts the unsettling sounds Mrs. Sturmfels made during her final moments.

00:14:20 — Joe Scott dives into the world of forensics, explaining how a gunshot through glass has implications on bullet behavior. He describes how the bullet’s trajectory and energy are affected upon impact.

00:17:04 — Joseph Scott Morgan elaborates on snipers and the adjustments they have to make due to the influence of gravity on bullets, especially when glass is involved.

00:20:36 — The episode’s atmosphere becomes tenser as Morgan and Mack discuss Gaskin's execution of Mr. Sturmfels and his chilling confession.

00:21:00 — The term "death wheeze" is introduced as Joe Scott explains the physiological impact of a gunshot wound to the lungs.

00:24:01 — Dave summarizes Gaskin's crime spree; from killing to covering the bodies with blankets and burglary.

00:24:35  — Gaskin, dressed in all black and carrying a 22 rifle, drives to the home of Joseph and Mary Rector, where he shoots at them after waking them up.

00:26:20 — Dave Mack discusses the gunshot wounds and how the Rectors managed to escape.

00:28:20 — The hosts ponder Gaskin's motivations, diving into the psychology behind these appalling acts.

00:33:40 — The episode concludes with Joseph Scott Morgan revealing the final fate of the killer, a grim but just end to a twisted journey.

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Jonathan Willette is brutally murdered, his headless body discovered under mysterious circumstances and a chemical haze. The case is rife with complex family dynamics and an ever-changing narrative from the accused. Joseph Scott Morgan and Dave Mack explore the forensic complexities of identifying a headless victim, the psychology behind such gruesome acts, and the role of familial dynamics in criminal investigations. Morgan lends his expertise on death investigation, discussing everything from chemical smells at crime scenes to the increasing trend of decapitation cases. Together, they offer a comprehensive and chilling look into a murder case that defies easy explanation.

Time codes:

00:00:00 — Joseph Scott Morgan sets the stage by discussing the complexities of death investigation. He introduces the episode's focus on the perplexing case of Jonathan Willette.

00:01:00 — The unique and complicated relationship dynamics in Jonathan Willette's case are revealed by Morgan. He describes how these complexities add another layer to the already gruesome murder.

00:02:00 — Dave Mack chimes in with his perspective, likening the case to a horror movie titled "Headless in Las Vegas." He discusses the emotional toll of discovering a loved one in such a state.

00:03:40 — Morgan uses the term "familial dynamic" to express his confusion over the complex family relationships in this case. He questions how these dynamics could have played into the crime.

00:04:00 — A haunting image is painted by Morgan as he describes the moment the victim's mother discovered her son's headless body. 

00:05:20 — Mack outlines the complicated relationship between the victim and his son, adding another layer of complexity to the case.

00:07:53 — Insurance could be a motive, suggests Morgan. He also alludes to a sinister confession made by the perpetrator during police questioning.

00:09:10 — A lighter moment occurs as Dave Mack recounts a humorous story from years ago. He describes a terrifying experience involving a seemingly breathing corpse.

00:11:04 — What's the protocol for a decapitated body? Mack inquires, leading Morgan to explain the crucial role of the medical examiner in such cases and elaborates on his role in crime scene investigations, particularly in cases involving severe body mutilation.

00:15:01 — The gruesome topic of decapitation in murder cases is discussed by both hosts. They ponder the mindset of the perpetrator and the circumstances under which it can happen.

00:18:42 — Mack questions the lack of a blood trail and the presence of a chemical smell at the crime scene, adding another layer of mystery.

00:19:30 — Morgan shares his experience with dangerous chemical combinations in morgues, highlighting the risks involved.

00:22:09 — Cleaning products at the crime scene? Morgan speculates on an attempt to clean up and what evidence might remain.

00:23:00 — The challenges of finding a disposed head in a garbage bin are explored by Morgan. He discusses the logistical difficulties involved.

00:23:40 — The accused admits to hitting Willette in the head, leading to a discussion on her changing narrative.

00:24:00 — Mack points out inconsistencies in the accused's story, questioning the credibility of her statements.

00:24:40 — The physical appearance of the body and a missing meat cleaver raise more questions for Mack.

00:25:20 — Morgan delves into the mechanics of using a meat cleaver for decapitation, discussing the likely injuries and marks left on the body.

00:27:00 — The episode wraps up with Morgan talking about potential tool marks that could help identify the weapon used. At the time of recording, authorities have only an accused person.

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Thirteen vulnerable babies in the Countess of Chester Hospital neonatal ward fell victim to a series of horrifying crimes that shocked the medical community. Subjected to methods as cruel as air injections and insulin poisoning, their lives were put at grave risk. Joseph Scott Morgan and Dave Mack unravel the dark tale of Lucy Letby, the nurse responsible for these atrocities. They explore the systemic failures that allowed these crimes to go unnoticed, the role of autopsies in such cases, and the psychological aspects that might have driven Letby to commit these heinous acts that have forever changed the landscape of neonatal care

Time codes:

00:00:00 — Joseph Scott Morgan opens the episode discussing the vulnerability of newborns and infants. 

00:01:17 — Joe Scott introduces the term "neonates," explaining that these babies are even more susceptible to harm due to premature birth or physical issues.

00:01:42 — The conversation focuses on the case of Lucy Letby, a nurse who attacked 13 babies in the neonatal ward. 

00:03:19 — Dave Mack notes that Lucy had specialized training for the neonatal unit. Her problems began almost as soon as she started working there.

00:04:00 — A brief history of the Countess of Chester Hospital is provided. Dave Mack points out that Lucy was the common denominator in all the cases.

00:09:03 — Joe Scott highlights the odd nature of the medication errors and the strict procedures for medication access. 

00:10:44 — The methodology used in administering medication through an indwelling IV is discussed, providing insight into how Lucy could carry out her actions.

00:14:44 — Joe Scott talks about the usual procedures when a baby is in distress. He points out that the unexpected reactions of the babies could have raised suspicions.

00:15:37 — Joseph Scott Morgan discusses the role of autopsies in understanding deaths. He notes how this process can be compromised in cases involving premature babies.

00:17:04 — A description is provided of the chilling scenario of a neonatal unit to which a dangerous person has access. 

00:20:00 — Joe details the lethal effects of air injections in the bloodstream and in feeding tubes, one of the methods Lucy used, causing immense pain and cardiac arrest. He talks about 

00:24:17 — Dave Mack talks about the unexpected nature of a nurse being a killer. He also talks about the moment a mother discovers Lucy in the act.

00:28:00 — The damning evidence found at Lucy's home, including clinical notes and confessions, is discussed. 

00:30:40 — Joseph Scott Morgan talks about the final three murders, including two brothers who were part of a set of triplets. He confirms that Lucy can be classified as a serial killer, pointing out the rarity of female serial killers

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