Tag Archives: #unsolved

The Oakland County Child Killer

Season 3, episode 1

Oakland County, Michigan. Between 1976 and 1977 four children were abducted and murdered. Mark Stebbins, Jill Robinson, Kristine Mihelich and Timothy King. They were held from 3.5 – 19 days. Their deaths were considered the work of a killer or perhaps a team of killers working together.

Forty years later and law enforcement is no closer to closing the case. We look at the victims, the crimes, the investigators and the families left behind.

Listen to PART ONE 

Or, for a deep dive into this case, check out Don’t Talk to Strangers, also hosted by Nina Innsted.

True Crime Broad Cast – Author Jeni Decker

On a January afternoon in 1983 Janette Roberson was the victim of a brutal attack at her workplace in Reed City Michigan. Despite being killed while working at a busy store, her body was undiscovered for hours and her killer was never caught.

In this episode I talk with author and Reed City resident Jeni Decker about the Roberson case, the challenges of investigating older cases, and other unsolved murders in the area. You can read more about unsolved crime in Reed City at Decker’s blog: http://jenidecker.blogspot.com/ You can also find her on Twitter @Jeni_Decker

Ms Decker now hosts the Down and Away Podcast.

Janette was small and lovely, almost “angelic”.

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31 Who killed me? Holly Branagan

In March 1979 17 year old Holly Branagan was murdered in her family home in Bethlehem, PA. No one was ever arrested or charged with her murder. Part one of a series on this baffling and engaging story.

Special thanks to Marissa of The Vanished Podcast @thevanishedpod for suggesting this case.

Holly Branagan, 1979
Holly Branagan, 1979

Listen to PART ONE 

Listen to PART TWO 

Listen to PART THREE 
Listen to CONCLUSION 

 

30 Who killed me? Bill Comeans

In January of 1980 the body of 14 year old Bill Comeans was found at the side of the road a few blocks from his home. He’d been strangled. This wasn’t the first time Bill was assaulted, he’d been attacked twice previously. Also, who was leaving the menacing notes in his school locker? Who was threatening his friends?

Bill lived in New Rome, Ohio. Car and Driver magazine did a story about corruption in their police force and city government.

Bill’s murder was investigated by the Franklin County Sheriff’s Department. Learn about the Supreme Court Case Berkemer vs McCarty.

Bill Comeans with Buddy.
Bill Comeans with Buddy.

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Who killed me? Janet Rohrer – Bay County Michigan

In 1973 Janet Rohrer disappeared on the way to school. Her body would be discovered one year later. Was her death the work of a serial killer? Could she be linked to the Oakland County Child Killer? While we are focusing on Janet Rohrer, this episode covers four unsolved murders in Bay County between 1972-1973.

Who murdered Janet Rohrer?
Who murdered Janet Rohrer?

MLive Story from 2011 

Music courtesy of Luke Superior.

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Brian “Spinner” Spencer

What do Atom Egoyan, the Buffalo Sabres, one trip to the Stanley Cup, three fatal shootings and Palm Beach County, Florida have in common? Brian “Spinner” Spencer.

Spencer Penguin

On trial in Palm Beach County, 1987.
On trial in Palm Beach County, 1987.

Martin O’Malley’s book Gross Misconduct

Special guest this episode: James W. Weirick. Weirick is a podcaster on various shows, you can follow him @JamesWWeirick

Music courtesy of Luke Superior.

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Who killed me? Lane Bryant – Tinley Park Illinois

The city of Tinley Park, IL has a dedicated place on their website with information about the massacre. You can listen to a heavily edited version of the 9-1-1 call that isolates the voice of the perpetrator.

The five women who were murdered February 2, 2008.
The five women who were murdered February 2, 2008.

Tip Hotline: (708) 444-5394

Tip Email: lanebryant.tipline@tinleypark.org

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Chicago Tribune Story

Who killed me? Dana Stidham

Dana Stidham

In 1989 Dana Stidham vanished while running errands for her father. Her badly decomposed body was discovered months later.

The investigators tasked with bringing her killer to justice found themselves entangled in the aftermath of another senseless shooting.

This car is similar to the one seen parked behind Dana's Dodge Omni the day after she disappeared.
This car is similar to the one seen parked behind Dana’s Dodge Omni the day after she disappeared.

Music by Luke Superior

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Episode 12 – The Skelton 3

Andrew, Alexander and Tanner Skelton were last seen on Thanksgiving Day, 2010 in Morenci Michigan. Their mother let them visit their father for the holiday. They haven’t been seen since.

Photo with age progression
Photo with age progression

Their father, John Skelton claims that he gave the boys away to a group that will protect them. He was sent to prison for custodial interference, if the boys are found alive, he could be released.

John Skelton remains in prison.
John Skelton remains in prison.

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For a deep dive into this case, check out Shattered Podcast, they did an entire season on the Skelton Brothers.