What Happened to Libby Caswell

Libby Caswell is unable to share her experience of domestic violence in her own words.  In this bonus episode, four anonymous women tell their stories of domestic abuse- the details they remember, the ones they wish they could forget, and how they eventually got out.

If you or anyone you know is experiencing domestic abuse, call the National Domestic Abuse Hotline for help at 1-800-799-7233.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The nuisance law in Independence, Missouri played a pivotal role in Libby's story. In this bonus episode, hear Melissa's extended conversation with Sandra Park, former ACLU lawyer and current head of the Civil Rights Bureau of the NY State Attorney General’s Office, as they discuss what nuisance laws are, how they're often misused and what's being done about them.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Go behind the scenes on the making of What Happened to Libby Caswell. Host Melissa Jeltsen talks to fellow journalist and podcaster Emma Gray (MSNBC columnist, host of the Love To See It podcast, and co-author of the Rich Text Substack) about what drew Melissa to Libby's case, what she looks for when considering a new investigative project, why she focuses on stories about violence against women, and what she hopes both seasons of What Happened To tell us about how we, as a culture, view women's lives and deaths.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In the final episode, a new witness comes forward with details that raise tantalizing questions. Cindy becomes a national advocate for changes in how domestic violence is handled.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Family members defend Libby’s boyfriend and help shed light on his actions over the years.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A forensic expert discovers evidence that upends the official narrative about Libby’s death and points to a coverup. Local police defend their work. 

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Libby’s mom Cindy hires a private investigator to uncover new clues. Investigative journalist Melissa Jeltsen visits the motel for herself. And Libby’s friends open up about the last week of her life.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We learn more about the secrets in Libby’s life that threatened to endanger it, and the tumultuous cycle that led Cindy to a difficult decision.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Investigative journalist Melissa Jeltsen explores Libby’s complicated relationship with her boyfriend and their interactions with police. And, a witness comes forward with a harrowing story.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Libby’s boyfriend is interviewed by police. The medical examiner isn’t sure exactly how Libby died — but the police close the case as a suicide anyway. Libby’s mom, Cindy, questions the official report.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In 2017, Libby Caswell was found dead in a motel room in Independence, Missouri with her boyfriend’s belt around her neck. Her grieving mom Cindy is left with more questions than answers. Award-winning investigative journalist Melissa Jeltsen digs into the circumstances surrounding Libby’s death.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In 2017, Libby Caswell was found dead in a motel room in Independence, Missouri. In Season Two of "What Happened To...", investigative journalist Melissa Jeltsen exposes the web of failures that left Libby vulnerable, and explores how her story fits into one of America’s most deadly epidemics.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this bonus episode, Melissa talks with Laura Crimaldi — a reporter for The Boston Globe — who is covering a contemporary case with eerie similarities to Sandy Beal.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Beal family is faced with a daunting task that threatens to divide them. Sandy’s final words are cast in a new light. 

If you or someone you know is considering self-harm, please contact the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-8255, or text "STRENGTH" to Crisis Text Line at 741-741

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Sandy’s cousin Kim meets with a cold case detective who offers her something unexpected - and transformative.

If you or someone you know is considering self-harm, please contact the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-8255, or text "STRENGTH" to Crisis Text Line at 741-741

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Beals' distrust of police leaves even the most basic facts about Sandy's case up for interpretation. 

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Sandy’s newly released police file reveals that she sought help from law enforcement months before her death.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The exact nature of Sandy's relationships with local police officers comes under new scrutiny. 

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A journal entry sheds light on Sandy’s desires to be a police officer. When she suddenly dies, the homicide detective tasked with her case is inundated with strange phone calls.

If you or someone you know is considering self-harm, please contact the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-8255, or text "STRENGTH" to Crisis Text Line at 741-741.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Unbeknownst to her parents, Sandy Beal was secretly dating a married state trooper at the time of her death. The letter she left him in her car leaves her family with more questions than answers.

If you or someone you know is considering self-harm, please contact the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-8255, or text "STRENGTH" to Crisis Text Line at 741-741.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.