The murder of Shannon Siders

Bob Siders worked tirelessly to find the people responsible for the death of his only child.

Shannon Siders

SOURCES:

  1. https://www.mlive.com/news/muskegon/2015/12/1989_michigan_sex_murder_solve.html
  2. https://www.mlive.com/news/muskegon/2015/05/1989_sex_murder_victims_dad_se.html
  3. https://www.freep.com/story/news/local/michigan/2017/02/10/shannon-siders-murder/97775732/
  4. https://www.fox17online.com/2014/06/25/documents-reveal-details-in-shannon-siders-murder/
  5. https://cedarspringspost.com/tag/shannon-siders/
  6. https://www.mlive.com/news/muskegon/2015/04/brothers_murder_trial_starts_i.html
  7. https://www.mlive.com/news/muskegon/2012/07/exhumation_of_1989_newaygo_cou.html
  8. https://www.mlive.com/news/muskegon/2011/12/shannon_siders_father_reliving.html
  9. https://www.mlive.com/news/muskegon/2012/10/reburial_of_newaygo_homicide_v.html
  10. https://www.mlive.com/news/muskegon/2014/06/2_brothers_arrested_in_connect.html
  11. https://www.mlive.com/news/muskegon/2014/09/first_testimony_in_hearing_on.html
  12. https://www.mlive.com/news/muskegon/2014/09/judge_finds_probable_cause_new.html
  13. https://www.mlive.com/news/muskegon/2014/09/free_to_go_decision_looms_on_1.html
  14. https://www.cincinnati.com/story/news/local/2015/04/22/witnesses-tell-finding/26183599/
  15. https://www.courtlistener.com/opinion/4348133/people-of-michigan-v-paul-michael-jones/
  16. http://mdocweb.state.mi.us/OTIS2/otis2profile.aspx?mdocNumber=960702
  17. http://mdocweb.state.mi.us/OTIS2/otis2profile.aspx?mdocNumber=514868
  18. https://www.genealogybank.com/doc/obituaries/obit/1420AF8EB63F7F38-1420AF8EB63F7F38?h=1&fname=shannon&lname=siders&fullname=&rgfromDate=&rgtoDate=&formDate=&formDateFlex=exact&dateType=range&kwinc=&kwexc=&sid=mlvkofbqxpeqnmdllzuimvdbkjxzzdcd_wma-gateway010_1597617890186
  19. https://micourt.courts.michigan.gov/CaseSearch/
  20. https://www.mlive.com/news/muskegon/2015/04/murder_trial_of_brothers_under.html
  21. On the Case with Paula Zahn –
    Into the Dark
  22. Cold Case File

The Rutherford/Stempien case

In August 2005, Lana Stempien and her boyfriend, Chuck Rutherford set off for Mackinaw Island in Lana’s boat, the Sea’s Life. Within 48 hours both of them were missing and Sea’s Life was found adrift in Lake Huron. We explore the disappearance and mystery surrounding the events of this trip. 

Special thanks to Samantha Taylor for giving voice to Lana Stempien
Written by Nina Innsted 
Researched by Haley Gray
Audio production and music by Gray Multimedia


Fox News Specials - Crime Scene: Dark Waters - Clip from Season 1
The Sea’s Life – adrift

https://omny.fm/shows/already-gone/missing-in-michigan-rutherford-stempien-2005

THe murder of Florence Unger

n 2003, Florence Unger was a wife and mother, with two beautiful sons living in a nice part of suburban Detroit. If you looked a little closer you could see cracks in the foundation of the family, her husband’s addiction issues, her struggle to provide for the boys and keep the family together. 

Just weeks after she filed for divorce, Florence was dead, her body floating in the water, yards from the up north cottage she was staying in with her husband and children. 


#Michigan #Murder #Benzie #UpNorth 

This episode written by Brittany Martinez. Audio editing by Gray Multimedia.

Special promo – Crimelines True Crime Podcast.


https://omny.fm/shows/already-gone/the-murder-of-florence-unger

Elias Abuelazam

E’twan Wilson survived his encounter with Abuelazam, but has many scars to show for it.


19 year old Davon Rawls survived an attack by Abuelazam,

In the summer of 2010 the community of Flint, Michigan was stalked by a knife wielding man who focused his murderous rage primarily on Black men in the community. When he was taken in to custody, he left more than a dozen gravely injured men and five deaths in his wake.

This episode explores the life and many crimes of serial killer Elias Abuelazam.


Abuelazam in a mugshot from Virginia, August 2010.

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Missing in MIchigan – Paige Renkoski

On May 24, 1990. Paige Renkoski drove her mother to the airport, she stopped and visited a friend. After that she parked her car on the shoulder of I-96, exited the car leaving behind her purse and shoes. Paige Renkoski vanished. She has never been seen or heard from again. Join Already Gone as we explore one of the most compelling missing person’s cases in Michigan history. 

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Paige wearing the same clothing she had on the day of her disappearance.



This episode was primarily compiled using interviews with family and investigators. Additional sources:

Ardis Renkoski – Find a Grave

Livingston Daily 2015

Detroit Free Press

Leslie Allen WIlliams

One of the many MDOC images of Leslie Allen Willams.

In the early 1990’s a monster was hunting the women and girls of Oakland County. That monster was serial killer Leslie Allen Williams. This is his story – LISTEN NOW

Selection of sources/additional reading:

AP Story on slain teens

Parole Officer tried to contact kidnap victim

AP Story – Williams claims remorse, experts skeptical

Victim’s decision not to press charges in 1990 proved costly

Grandfather assails parole panel

Starr Commonwealth School

Crime In Detroit story – link to PDF

1983 Image of Williams

Ionia State Hospital

Murder on Carberry Street

February 2010, newlyweds John and Carolyn Tarwacki don’t show up to work, no calls, nothing. When John’s dad stops by their home in Niles, Michigan to check on them, he comes across a bloody and chaotic scene. Who would want them dead? What motive was there to kill the music loving pair?

at their “lucky day” wedding 07-07-07

The case took years to solve, but the work of a dedicated investigator and a prosecutor who didn’t give up finally brought their killer to justice.

#Michigan #Niles #ColdCase

Please check out our sponsor – Better Help. Visit Betterhelp.com/gone and use code GONE at check out for a special discount on your first month.

Sources/Additional Reading:

Case Summary – Press Reader

Court of Appeals

South Bend Tribune

Witness feared retribution

Lintz V. Skipski – proceed with caution – content warning


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The wreck of the edmund fitzgerald

On November 10, 1975 one of the best known maritime tragedies in modern history occurred on Lake Superior when the SS Edmund Fitzgerald sank during a strong storm. Because I (Nina) have such an emotional reaction to this story, this week’s episode was written by Gemma Harris, audio editing by Chaesare Gray.

This incident was immortalized in song, The Wreck of the Edmund Fitzgerald was written, composed and performed by Gordon Lightfoot, who is out on tour again this year.

The wreck is also taught in some grade school Michigan history classes.

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While the podcast gives a history of the ship and details of her last days, there is far more to the lives and stories of these fathers, sons, brothers, husbands and their families. If you’d like to know more, I encourage you to explore the individual stories of the Fitzgerald’s crew as follows:

37 year old Michael Armagost, the third mate from Iron River, Wisconsin

56 year old Frederick Beetcher, a porter from Superior, Wisconsin

23 year old Thomas Bentsen, an oiler from St Joseph, Michigan

47 year old Edward Bindon, a first assistant engineer from Fairport Harbour, Ohio

40 year old Thomas Borgeson, a maintenance worker from Duluth, Minnesota

41 year old Oliver Champeau, a third assistant engineer from Sturgeon Bay, Wisconsin

55 year old Nolan Church, a porter from Silver Bay, Minnesota

53 year old Ransom Cundy, a watchman from Superior, Wisconsin

50 year old Thomas Edwards, a second assistant engineer from Oregon, Ohio

40 year old Russell Haskell, a second assistant engineer from Millbury, Ohio

60 year old George Holl, a chief engineer from Cabot, Pennsylvania

22 year old Bruce Hudson, a deck hand from North Olmsted, Ohio

43 year old Allen Kalmon, a cook from Washburn, Wisconsin

30 year old Gordon MacLellan, a wiper from Clearwater, Florida

59 year old Joseph Mazes, a maintenance worker from Ashland, Wisconsin

62 year old John ‘Jack’ McCarthy, the first mate from Bay Village, Ohio

63 year old captain Ernest McSorley, from Toledo, Ohio

50 year old Eugene O’Brien, a wheelsman from Toledo, Ohio

20 year old Karl Peckol, a watchman from Ashtabula, Ohio

59 year old John Poviach, a wheelsman from Bradenton, Florida

44 year old James Pratt, the second mate from Lakewood, Ohio

62 year old Robert Rafferty, a steward and cook from Toledo, Ohio

22 year old Paul Riippa, a deck hand from Ashtabula, Ohio

62 year old John Simmons, a wheelsman from Ashland, Wisconsin

59 year old William Spengler, a watchman from Toledo, Ohio

21 year old Mark Thomas, a deck hand from Richmond Heights, Ohio

58 year old Ralph Walton, an oiler from Fremont, Ohio

22 year old David Weiss, a cadet from Agoura, California

52 year old Blaine Wilhem, an oiler from Moquah, Wisconsin

Resource list

ARTICLES

Hultquist, T., Dutter, M. & Schweb, D. (2006). Re-examination of the 9-10 November 1975 ‘Edmund Fitzgerald’ Storm Using Today’s Technology. American Meteorological Society.

Rice, D. 10 Nov 2015. ‘40 years ago, the ‘Witch of November’ sank the Edmund Fitzgerald’. USA Today.

McLeod, J. ‘Beware of the “November Witch!” Farmers Almanac.

BOOKS

Brissette, J. & Newton-Matza, M. (2014). Disasters & Tragic Events, by M. Newton-Matza, (ed). ABC-CLIO.

VIDEOS

WEBSITES

https://greatlakes.guide/ideas/are-the-great-lakes-connected?gclid=CjwKCAiAuqHwBRAQEiwAD-zr3WsxqRnh57ZFSOyydC-6N8EGTwOnM3KAenD6bR3nZ7di1hBYCBDKRxoC6rsQAvD_BwE

https://www.livescience.com/29312-great-lakes.html

https://www.livescience.com/10453-clues-wreck-edmund-fitzgerald.html

https://www.mentalfloss.com/article/70951/12-doomed-facts-about-ss-edmund-fitzgerald

https://www.michigan.org/great-lakes

https://www.mlive.com/news/2015/11/what_sank_the_edmund_fitzgeral.html

https://ssedmundfitzgerald.org

https://static1.squarespace.com/static/55fd6fdbe4b0154e882ba4d7/t/562e1f79e4b04e54c8a031bd/1445863289573/EdmundFitzgeraldNTSBReport.pdf

https://weatherology.com/trending/articles/Great-Lakes-Disaster-Edmund-Fitzgerald-Storm.html

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/SS_Edmund_Fitzgerald

The Murder of Jane Bashara

In January of 2012, Grosse Pointe Park resident Jane Bashara was found dead in her Mercedes SUV, the vehicle abandoned in a Detroit alley miles from her home.

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Bob Bashara is housed at the Ryan Correctional Facility in Detroit Michigan.

Special thanks to Miranda Micronaut for discussing the BDSM community and sharing her knowledge and experience. Any errors in the episode are mine.

Check out our sponsor – Better Help. Visit betterhelp.com/gone and use code gone for 10% off your first month.

Sources used in this episode –

Sources:

  1. https://www.scribd.com/document/359523555/Bashara-Appeals-Court-Opinion
  2. https://www.scribd.com/document/254013151/Wayne-County-Prosecutor-News-Updates-November-9-December-31-2014
  3. Page 1 of Joseph’s affidavit https://www.scribd.com/doc/308226024/Joe-Gentz-affidavit-1-in-Bashara-case
  4. Page 2 of Joseph’s affidavit https://www.scribd.com/doc/308226026/Joe-Gentz-Affidavit-1-in-Bashara-case
  5. https://web.archive.org/web/20120129115154/http://www.wxyz.com/dpp/news/region/wayne_county/police-investigating-apparent-murder-of-grosse-pointe-woman-found-in-back-seat-of-her-mercedes-benz
  6. https://abcnews.go.com/US/grosse-pointe-murder-bob-bashara-denies-involvement-wifes/story?id=15517366
  7. https://detroit.cbslocal.com/2012/01/31/hundreds-say-goodbye-to-jane-bashara/
  8. https://detroit.cbslocal.com/2012/01/31/police-grosse-pointe-womans-murderer-may-have-had-accomplice/
  9. http://www.thenewsherald.com/news/bashara-s-reputed-mistress-was-fired-after-walking-off-job/article_ef1cc4fa-f1ad-58c9-988d-10c9faf9eae7.html
  10. https://abcnews.go.com/US/grosse-pointe-murder-mistresss-house-searched/story?id=15859455#.T4TxOqs7U1I
  11. https://www.upi.com/Top_News/US/2012/03/08/Police-had-dismissed-murder-confession/28271331228783/?spt=hs&or=tn&ur3=1
  12. https://www.mlive.com/news/detroit/2012/03/report_jane_basharas_clothes_m.html
  13. https://www.freep.com/story/news/2016/01/20/handyman-changes-his-story-bashara-murder—-again/79086154/
  14. https://www.freep.com/story/news/local/michigan/wayne/2015/11/13/bob-bashara-trial-jane/75702044/
  15. https://www.freep.com/story/news/local/michigan/wayne/2015/10/19/bob-bashara-returns-stand-afternoon/74213062/
  16. https://www.freep.com/story/news/local/michigan/wayne/2015/10/16/bob-bashara-cross-examined/74051420/
  17. https://www.freep.com/story/news/local/michigan/wayne/2015/10/15/bob-bashara-testify/73956260/
  18. https://www.freep.com/story/news/local/michigan/wayne/2015/09/16/bashara-hearing-day2/32490101/
  19. https://www.freep.com/story/news/local/michigan/wayne/2015/08/11/bob-bashara-murder-trial-grosse-pointe-businessman/31471317/
  20. http://mdocweb.state.mi.us/OTIS2/otis2profile.aspx?mdocNumber=856261
  21. http://mdocweb.state.mi.us/OTIS2/otis2profile.aspx?mdocNumber=863291
  22. https://www.genealogybank.com/doc/obituaries/obit/13C9C2F9D1073120-13C9C2F9D1073120?h=5&fname=jane&lname=bashara&fullname=&kwinc=&kwexc=&rgfromDate=2012&rgtoDate=2012&formDate=&formDateFlex=exact&dateType=range&processingtime=&addedFrom=&addedTo=
  23. https://cmspublic.3rdcc.org/CaseDetail.aspx?CaseID=2173978
  24. https://cmspublic.3rdcc.org/CaseDetail.aspx?CaseID=2319177
  25. https://cmspublic.3rdcc.org/CaseDetail.aspx?CaseID=1264625
  26. https://www.legacy.com/obituaries/name/jane-bashara-obituary?pid=178748880
  27. https://www.candgnews.com/news/county-medical-examiner-outlines-jane-bashara%E2%80%99s-brutal-murder-79854
  28. https://www.clickondetroit.com/news/2015/01/14/timeline-jane-bashara-murder-case/
  29. https://www.detroitnews.com/story/news/local/wayne-county/2018/05/30/michigan-supreme-court-denies-bob-bashara-appeal/656119002/
  30. https://www.amazon.com/Murder-Grosse-Pointe-Park-Privilege/dp/0425272427
  31. https://www.amazon.com/Master-Betrayal-Conspiracy-Kill-Bashara/dp/1539676552
  32. https://www.amazon.com/Sadist-Hitman-Murder-Jane-Bashara/dp/1476672709
  33. https://www.macombdaily.com/news/nation-world-news/cop-admits-his-department-couldn-t-handle-bashara-murder-probe/article_083ae7a3-e772-50f9-8853-d070a57bcae5.html
  34. https://www.macombdaily.com/news/gentz-pleads-guilty-to-nd-degree-murder-in-jane-bashara/article_ddaf6ea2-806f-5208-9949-54a6479e773b.html
  35. https://www.freep.com/story/news/local/michigan/detroit/2016/05/24/gentz-testifies-bashara-hearing/84853406/
  36. https://www.detroitnews.com/story/news/local/wayne-county/2019/05/24/bob-bashara-turns-federal-courts-try-get-out-prison/1226174001/
  37. https://truecrimedaily.com/2016/10/24/master-bob-bashara-gives-exclusive-prison-interview/
  38. https://www.nhregister.com/news/article/Women-claim-Bob-Bashara-ran-sex-dungeon-11550169.php

Research provided by Haley Gray

Missing in Georgia – aida Calfee

The first week of October, 1981, Aida Marie Calfee was traveling with her boyfriend and coworker, James Pruitt. Pruitt would tell authorities that they argued and she left his car, announcing she would “hitch a ride” back to her home.

Calfee would never be seen again. Oddly enough, her disappearance happened days before she was set to testify against Pruitt for a July 12, 1981 assault against her.

If you have information on her case, please contact The Lumpkin County Sheriff.
Phone: 706-864-0414

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Have you seen Aida Marie Calfee? Missing since October, 1981

Sources:

http://charleyproject.org/case/aida-ruth-calfee

https://law.justia.com/cases/georgia/court-of-appeals/1982/64904.html

https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/62274423/aida-ruth-calfee


Also the Atlanta Journal Constitution from 1981 and 1982.

Visit Missing in Georgia – Cold Cases on Facebook

The Sunday Morning Slasher

Terrifying and prolific are two words used to describe American Serial Killer Coral Eugene Watts. Join us as we explore his life and many crimes. 

This week’s episode sponsored by Better Help. Visit Betterhelp.com/gone and use code GONE at check out for a discount on your first month. 

If you are looking to expand your podcast queue, check out True Crime Island. Grab a beer, pull up a deck chair and listen to True Crime Island on your favorite podcatcher. 

#SerialKiller #Michigan #Texas #murder #missing 

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SOURCES/ADDITIONAL READING

Ann Arbor District Library archives

Justia – Michigan V Watts

You Tube – Cold Case Files

Lesser known stories from the Great Lakes Region