69 The murder of Hillary Norskog

Hillary Norskog was only 13 years old when she became the first victim of a serial murderer near Chicago Illinois. While his parents attempted to shield Steven Pfiel from his responsibility in her death, they could not stop him from killing again.

Special thanks to Lanie of the True Crime Fan Club Podcast for her assistance with this episode. https://truecrimefanclub.com/

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68 Who killed me? Laney Gwinner

Tuesday December 9, 1997. 23-year-old Laney Gwinner meets up with friends at a local bowling alley in Fairfield, Ohio.

She shot a few rounds of pool, had a couple of beers and left just after midnight, headed to her boyfriend’s nearby apartment. Laney won’t arrive, in fact, she’ll never be seen alive again.

Remembering Laney
Ready to go dancing.

Facebook group seeking Justice for Laney

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66 Murder at Eastern – The Death of Julia Niswender

In 2012, 23 year old Julia Niswender was chasing her dreams. A student at Eastern Michigan University, her goal was to work as a broadcast journalist.
 
One December evening, someone entered her off campus apartment and murdered her. Her death devastated her mother and twin sister, and the investigation into her murder would tear the family apart.

Julia Niswender

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64 The death of Colleen Ritzer

School violence is an ongoing issue of concern to students, parents and staff. In October 2013 Danvers High School was the scene of a violent and brutal murder, when a 14 year old freshman raped and murdered his 24 year old math teacher at school and dumped her body on school grounds.

What drove Philip Chism to violence and why choose Colleen Ritzer as his victim?

Colleen Ritzer, 2013

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63 Stanford Rape Controversy

On January 19, 2015 19 year old Brock Turner, a Stanford University Swimmer, was arrested for the sexual assault of a 22 year old woman, “Emily Doe.”

In the months after the assault his story would change and evolve. At the trial, he was found guilty of three felonies and sentenced to six months in jail. He served three months.

In this episode we look at the perpetrator, the victim and the overwhelming response to the outcome of the trial.

Victim Impact Statement. 

Brock Turner’s letter to the judge. 

Dan Turner’s letter to the judge.

Brock Turner, age 21.

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July 27 – No new episode this week!

I’m taking a week off to refresh, regroup and plan for a Back to School series of cases.

Already Gone will return on Thursday, August 3, 2017

 

Meanwhile check out my guest appearance on Our Americana. Season 3, episode 11.

or, give a listen to another wonderful Detroit based storyteller – The Conspirators Podcast. Creepy history and strange stories. One of my favorites.

If you really need to hear me talk crime, check out the newest episode of Thinking Sideways,  The Villisca Axe murders. You won’t be disappointed.

Finally,  you may know that I am a big fan of the In Sight podcast hosted by the lovely and talented Ali and Charlie. They started a spin off show, geared to the YA set In Sight Junior. As an adult, it’s very well done and written with the same flair as In Sight.

Thank you for checking in and please, be safe!

61 Justice for Erik Cross

In 1983 the battered body of Erik Cross was found in a ditch in front of his house. He’d been beaten, dragged behind a car and finally run over, his body left on the edge of the road.

In the 34 years since his death, the Cross family has waited for an arrest in the case. In the last few years, an army has assembled, hoping to bring the perpetrator or perpetrators to justice.

They’ve waited 34 years for justice

In 2016 law enforcement named a group of suspects that they believe are involved in Eric’s death. This included Bill Cook, Tim Martin, Amber Thomas and Brent Spaulding:

One of his most recent mug shots.

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Please visit our sponsor: MyLola.com use code Already Gone at checkout to save 60% on your first order

60 Vincent Chin revisited

On June 19, 1982 Vincent Chin was attacked by two men wielding a baseball bat.  He would die four days later,  on his mother’s birthday.

The men who attacked him never spent a night in jail, they were given probation and a small fine. The Asian American community rose up and demanded justice for Vincent Chin. This was the birth of the Asian American Civil Rights Movement.

Vincent and his bride to be. He didn’t live to see his wedding day.

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additional reading:
NY Times Opinion 

NBC News 

57 Colorado Hammer Murders

8-7-18 UPDATE – Aurora Police believe they have a suspect in this case! Denver Channel News

During a 12 day period in January of 1984 suburban Denver was rocked by a series of attacks by a hammer wielding home intruder. When his work was done, four were dead, Four more grievously injured and the community was shaken to its core.

Aurora Police have worked this case aggressively, taking advantage of scientific updates to generate leads and find a killer.

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Music courtesy Luke Superior

55 The murder of Oakey “Al” Kite

In May of 2004 53 year old Al Kite had a good life. He was in good health, had a nice home and a good job. His relationship with his girlfriend, Linda, was in a good place. He seemed like the last person who would die a violent, gruesome death at the hands of an unknown killer.

But on May 22, 2004 that’s exactly what happened. Days later police discovered his body in the basement of his home. He’d been tied up, endured hours of torture and finally, mercifully, murdered. Why? What reason could anyone have to torture and kill him?

Police are still asking that question and looking for his killer.

ATM still of the murderer driving Kite’s GMC pick up

I usually post a photo of the victim, but someone, somewhere has to know who this is.

FBI poster of Kite’s disappearance

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Lesser known stories from the Great Lakes Region