Southern Fried True Crime

For over two decades, Kathleen Peterson’s mysterious death has captivated America. After the most complex court proceeding in Durham, North Carolina’s history, Michael was convicted and sentenced to life in prison, without the possibility of parole. This episode covers the infamous trial, Michael’s appeals and the overturning of his original verdict after he served over eight years in prison. Studies show less than 10% of criminal trials are overturned on appeal. Despite the incredible amount of corruption revealed in Michael’s case, people still believe he “got off on a technicality.” We will explore the truth of what happened in the investigation and trial of Michael Peterson, but can we ever really know for certain what really happened to Kathleen Peterson?Hosted and produced by Erica KelleyResearched and written by Erica Kelley and Andrea Marshbank Original Graphic Art by Coley HornerOriginal Music by Rob Harrison of Gamma RadioEdited & Mixed by Next Day Podcast & Erica KelleySources: https://www.southernfriedtruecrime.com/the-neverending-staircase-part-3This episode is brought to you by BetterHelp online therapy. Give online therapy a try at BetterHelp.com/southern and get on your way to being your best self.Take a break and lose yourself searching for clues to solve a mystery set in the roaring 20’s with June’s Journey. Available on iOS, Android and Facebook Games on your PC.Customize the US’s best home security system for your home by going to SimpliSafe.com/southernfried. There’s no safe like SimpliSafe.

In December of 2001, the seemingly accidental death of 48-year-old Kathleen Peterson made headlines in Durham, North Carolina. A beloved community figure, enjoying a night of celebration with some champagne, had lost her balance and tragically fallen down the stairs. But when 58-year-old Michael Peterson, Kathleen’s husband, was indicted for first-degree murder eleven days later, news outlets across the nation picked up the story. People were captivated with this seemingly idyllic couple’s descent into murder. From bungled police investigations to faulty crime scene photographs, this case had the chaotic appeal of any page-turning tabloid story. Michael Peterson’s character, sexuality, and marital fidelity were called into question. And when a mysterious death from Michael’s past comes to light, pandemonium ensues. This is part two of the Kathleen Peterson case. Hosted and produced by Erica KelleyResearched and written by Andrea Marshbank and Erica KelleyOriginal Graphic Art by Coley HornerOriginal Music by Rob Harrison of Gamma RadioEdited & Mixed by Next Day Podcast & Erica KelleySources: https://www.southernfriedtruecrime.com/the-neverending-staircase-part-2This episode is brought to you by BetterHelp online therapy. Go to BetterHelp.com/southern.Take a break and lose yourself solving a fascinating mystery set in the roaring 20’s with June’s Journey!Give yourself the gift of peace of mind by going to SimpliSafe.com/southernfried. There’s no safe like SimpliSafe.

Hosted by Ash Kelley and Alaina Urquhart from the hit show Morbid.When 90-year-old Laurence Pilgeram drops dead on the sidewalk outside his condo, you might think that’s the end of his story. But, really, it’s just the beginning. Because Laurence and others like him have signed up to be frozen and brought back to life in the future. And that belief will pull multiple generations of the Pilgeram family into a cryonics soap opera filled with dead pets, gold coins, grenades, fist fights, mysterious packages, family feuds, Hall of Fame baseball legends, and frozen heads — lots of frozen heads. From Wondery, comes a story about life, death, and what comes next.Follow Frozen Head on Amazon Music or wherever you get your podcasts. Binge early and ad-free by subscribing to Wondery+ in Apple Podcasts or the Wondery App. Listen to Frozen Head: Wondery.fm/FH_SFTC

December 9th, 2001 was an unseasonably warm night in Durham, North Carolina. At 2:40 a.m., a novelist named Michael Peterson called 911. He was frantic. He said his wife Kathleen had an accident. She had fallen down some stairs. Within 10 minutes, paramedics, police and the fire team swarmed the house. They were all startled by the amount of blood. Kathleen’s blood was everywhere. It covered her body, the staircase, and the floor. Soon, homicide detectives were called to the scene. For the next 16 years, Durham law enforcement officials would pursue one fundamental question: Was Kathleen’s death an accident?Hosted and produced by Erica KelleyResearched and written by Andrea Marshbank and Erica KelleyOriginal Graphic Art by Coley HornerOriginal Music by Rob Harrison of Gamma RadioEdited & Mixed by Next Day Podcast & Erica KelleySources: https://www.southernfriedtruecrime.com/the-neverending-staircase-part-1Prose is the healthy hair regimen with your name all over it. Take your FREE in-depth hair consultation and get 15% off your first order today at Prose.com/southernfriedFollow Sleep Sounds Meditation for Women wherever you listen to podcasts or start listening for free today for a better night’s sleep: https://linktr.ee/womensmeditationnetwork

On Friday, October 12th, 2012, Shayna Hubers called 911. She explained to the emergency operator that she killed her boyfriend, Ryan Poston, in self-defense. When the police investigated the crime scene, they quickly realized that Shayna’s version of events didn’t align with reality. Hosted and produced by Erica KelleyResearched and written by Andrea Marshbank and Erica KelleyCase suggested by Amanda, “in Dolly we Trust”Original Graphic Art by Coley HornerOriginal Music by Rob Harrison of Gamma RadioEdited & Mixed by Next Day Podcast & Erica KelleySources: https://www.southernfriedtruecrime.com/the-murder-of-ryan-poston DOMESTIC VIOLENCEUS National Domestic Violence Hotline: 800-799-7233National Domestic Violence Hotline: thehotline.orgCanada: visit this website to find the hotline in your areaUK Domestic Abuse Hotline: 0808 2000 247For resources in other countries, visit this websiteThis episode is brought to you by BetterHelp online therapy. Go to BetterHelp.com/southern. Cancel your unwanted subscriptions with RocketMoney.com/southernfried Take a break and lose yourself solving a mystery set in the roaring 20’s with June’s Journey. Give yourself the gift of peace of mind by going to SimpliSafe.com/southernfried. There’s no safe like SimpliSafe.

For more than three and a half decades, the disappearance of 12-year-old Jonelle Matthews was a mystery – a riddle neither authorities nor her family members could solve. The residents of her cloistered Colorado hometown had scoured every inch of prairie. Jonelle’s face had been on milk cartons nationwide. Even the President of the United States had appealed to the public for help. Still, every lead had fizzled. Every person of interest had turned out to be a dead end. Then, in 2019, Jonelle’s remains were unearthed near the foothills of the Rocky Mountains. With the discovery came a troubling new question: Had the truth been hiding in plain sight the entire time? Was the man who couldn’t stop obsessing over Jonelle’s disappearance also the person who took her? From Campside Media and Wondery comes season two of SUSPECT.Former CNN reporter Ashley Fantz and executive producers Matthew Shaer and Eric Benson (Suspect, Over My Dead Body) dig into one of the most mind-bending cold cases in modern history, in an attempt to separate fact and fiction, compulsion from guilt, and true-crime fandom from a motive for murder. Listen to SUSPECT: Vanished in the Snow early and ad- free by subscribing to Wondery Plus in Apple Podcasts or the Wondery app. Unique Url: https://wondery.app.link/suspect-sftc

On a cool March evening of 2008, motorists on Highway 147 in Auburn, Alabama were startled to see a young girl in the road. She was naked, crying, covered in road rash and waving her arms desperately for help. Despite everyone’s best efforts, 18 year old Lauren Burk did not survive her ordeal. She had been shot and and bled out within 2 to 3 minutes after jumping from a moving car. The Auburn University student had been carjacked in a campus parking lot. The ensuing trial for her murderer, Courtney Lockhart, called into question many troubling aspects of the law. The standard for mental incompetency as well as the Alabama law that a judge can override a jury’s recommendation. Trigger Warning: Discussion of PTSD due to combatHosted and produced by Erica KelleyResearched and written by Haley GrayAdditional writing by Erica KelleyResearch Assistance by Anna LuriaOriginal Graphic Art by Coley HornerOriginal Music by Rob Harrison of Gamma RadioEdited & Mixed by Next Day Podcast & Erica KelleySources: https://www.southernfriedtruecrime.com/the-murder-of-lauren-burk- This episode is brought to you by BetterHelp online therapy. Go to BetterHelp.com/southern. - This holiday, we are sponsored by the amazing gift for loved ones, Aura Frames. Go to AuraFrames.com/southernfried to save $10 off your first purchase. - To get a much needed break and recharge your holiday brain, play Best Fiends, that’s Friends without the “R”- Give yourself the gift of peace of mind by going to SimpliSafe.com/southernfried. There’s no safe like SimpliSafe.

In January 2003, police arrived at an unassuming house in Northwest Houston, Texas after receiving a vague message from a local lawyer about a potential crime scene. In the backyard, they discovered the mutilated body of Jeff Wright. The master bedroom was a blood-splattered nightmare. Susan Wright, Jeff’s wife of five years, confessed to his shocking murder. At her trial, Susan claimed she killed Jeff in self-defense but, in an unforgettable courtroom spectacle, prosecuting lawyer Kelly Siegler would try to prove otherwise. Hosted and produced by Erica KelleyResearched and written by Andrea Marshbank Additional Writing by Erica KelleyOriginal Graphic Art by Coley HornerOriginal Music by Rob Harrison of Gamma RadioEdited & Mixed by Next Day Podcast & Erica KelleySources: - US National Domestic Violence Hotline: 800-799-7233- National Domestic Violence Hotline: thehotline.org- Canada: visit this website to find the hotline in your area- UK Domestic Abuse Hotline: 0808 2000 247- For resources in other countries, visit this website- This episode is brought to you by BetterHelp online therapy. Go to BetterHelp.com/southern. - Every holiday, we are sponsored by the amazing gift for loved ones, StoryWorth. Go to StoryWorth.com/southern to save $10 off your first purchase. - Also for a unique gift this holiday season, so to Highland Titles.com and use code “CRIME”- Today’s show is also brought to you by Bare Necessities, he biggest online intimate apparel retailer. Go to BareNecessities.com code: sftc20 for 20% off your first order.

When a shocking crime occurs, former FBI Profiler Candice DeLong will have a lot to say about it. On KILLER PSYCHE DAILY, Candice digs into the motivations and behaviors of the criminal masterminds and killers who are dominating the headlines. For 10 minutes, five days a week, she draws on her years of experience to break down complex criminal cases, look back at the historic crimes that still haunt us today, and share new insights. With new episodes every Monday through Friday, KILLER PSYCHE DAILY delivers a lot of true crime in just a little bit of time. Listen only on Amazon Music: www.amazon.com/KPD_us_pfd_AA_110122

Zebb Quinn was only 18 years old when he went missing on January 2, 2000. Authorities had their suspicions that foul play was involved, but it would take 15 years and two other disappearances for anyone to find out what happened to Zebb.Sources: https://www.southernfriedtruecrime.com/the-vanishing-of-zebb-quinn- This episode is brought to you by BetterHelp online therapy. Go to BetterHelp.com/southern. - Every holiday, we are sponsored by the amazing gift for loved ones, StoryWorth. Go to StoryWorth.com/southern to save $10 off your first purchase. - Also for a unique gift this holiday season, so to Highland Titles.com and use code “CRIME”- Today’s show is also brought to you by Bare Necessities, he biggest online intimate apparel retailer. Go to BareNecessities.com code: sftc20 for 20% off your first order.

Nothing is as terrifying as the sounds we hear in the dark. The slow creak of adoor opening late at night... or a whisper in a room when you thought you werealone... or a distant scream in the wind. One noise at the wrong time or place canscare us for days.Each episode of I HEAR FEAR plunges the listener into a tale inspired by realevents, from a deadly dance party to a cursed film set. Join host and two-timeOscar nominee Carey Mulligan for six immersive stories designed to jangle yournerves and haunt your dreams.Listen – if you dare. Only on Amazon Music.Listen to I Hear Fear: www.amazon.com/IHF_us_pfd_AA_110122

In April 1951, a young black woman was closing up a roadhouse tavern and getting ready to sleep there for the night. Hattie Lee Barnes worked as a maid at Lee’s Place and in recent weeks had started sleeping there as caretaker, to watch over the bar after hours. She had a gun to protect herself and the tavern. When she heard a window opening near her bed, she fired the gun at the figure in the window, and her life became a waking nightmare for the next few years. Bullied, intimidated, almost shot to death and wrongly imprisoned, Hattie Lee still testified in an odyssey of trials for the state of Mississippi. Hosted and produced by Erica KelleyResearched and Written by Erica KelleyIn Collaboration with Trent BrownOriginal Graphic Art by Coley HornerOriginal Music by Rob Harrison of Gamma RadioEdited & Mixed by Next Day Podcast & Erica KelleyTo order Trent Brown’s Book: Roadhouse Justice: Hattie Lee Barnes and the Killing of a White Man in 1950s Mississippi: https://lsupress.org/books/detail/roadhouse-justice/and: https://a.co/d/dkMLq69Sources: https://www.southernfriedtruecrime.com/the-trials-of-hattie-lee-barnesSponsors: SimpliSafe.com/southernfried Nutrafol.com promo code: SFTC HighlandTitles.com discount code: CRIME Microdose.com code: FRIED

Sheree Warren left her job in Salt Lake City on a mild October evening in 1985. She told a coworker she was headed to meet her estranged husband, Charles Warren, at a car dealership. But she never made it, Sheree vanished. When her car mysteriously surfaced weeks later, hundreds of miles away in Las Vegas, no one could say how it got there. When a young mother disappears under unexplained circumstances, police always turn suspicious eyes towards the husband. And although there was distrust around Charles Warren, he wasn’t the only suspect when Sheree went missing. She also had a boyfriend, a former cop named Cary Hartmann, who lived a sinister double life. Season three follows two suspects– men who both raised suspicion for investigators. But with two strong persons of interest with competing facts and evidence, it muddied the murder investigation. This season, host Dave Cawley, digs into the lives of these two men, the details of the case and examines the intersections between domestic abuse and sexual violence. The COLD team seeks to answer the question: what really happened to Sheree Warren? Hey Prime Members, listen to the Amazon Music exclusive podcast, COLD, in the Amazon Music App. Download the app today:http://www.amazon.com/COLD_us_pfd_AA_110122

Dr. Fred Jablin, a highly regarded professor of communication, was a dedicated husband to his wife, Piper Rountree. For years, he did everything in his power to make her happy, but nothing he did was ever enough. In 2002, the Jablin marriage came to an end and Fred was awarded full custody of their three children. Following the divorce, it took some time for Fred and the kids to adjust to their new normal. Luckily, by the fall of 2004, things were starting to look up. The children were adjusting well, and Fred was moving on romantically. He was even looking forward to his favorite holiday, Halloween. But Fred would never get the chance to celebrate. Piper would make sure of that. Hosted and produced by Erica KelleyResearched and written by Haley Gray Original Graphic Art by Coley HornerOriginal Music by Rob Harrison of Gamma RadioEdited & Mixed by Next Day Podcast & Erica KelleySources: https://www.southernfriedtruecrime.com/the-murder-of-fred-jablinThis episode is brought to you by BetterHelp online therapy. Go to BetterHelp.com/southern.Today's show is also brought to you by SimpliSafe: There's no safe like SimpliSafe! Go to SimplieSafe.com/southern fried. And also by Rocket Money. Go to: RocketMoney.com/southernfried

From 1992-1994, a serial killer stalked young black women in Charlotte, North Carolina. Police came under fire from families and the media once the killer was unmasked. They blamed being understaffed during a crack epidemic, insisting that most of their murder victims were black and they had a good solve rate. As these were young college students, some young mothers and not really involved in the drug epidemic, their families were rightly outraged. There would be plenty of blame to go around to the cops and the courts when serial killer and rapist, Henry Louis Wallace was finally unmasked. Hosted and produced by Erica KelleyResearched Haley Gray, Anna Luria and Erica KelleyWritten by Haley Gray and Erica KelleyOriginal Graphic Art by Coley HornerOriginal Music by Rob Harrison of Gamma RadioEdited & Mixed by Next Day Podcast & Erica KelleySources: https://www.southernfriedtruecrime.com/henry-louis-wallaceThis episode is brought to you by SimpliSafe: There's no safe like SimpliSafe. Go to SimpliSafe.com/southernfried

The Generation Why Podcast released its first episode in 2012 and pioneered the true crime genre in the podcasting world. Two friends, Aaron & Justin, break down theories and give their opinions on unsolved murders, controversies, mysteries and conspiracies. One of the longest running true crime podcasts out there, Generation Why has a little something for every true crime listener. Follow The Generation Why Podcast on Amazon Music, or wherever you listen to podcasts. Or you can listen ad-free by joining Wondery Plus in the Wondery appListen Here: http://wondery.fm/SF_GenWhy

In the spring of 1994, the southern and eastern seaboard states were terrorized by a serial killer using the I-95 corridor to travel between states and victims. Six gay men were targeted by a drifter, working as a hustler, who would stay in their homes for a week or so…gaining their trust, before violently murdering them. He then took their credit cards and vehicle to move on to his next victim. But the famed serial killer, Gary Ray Bowles, would later insist he killed seven men, but the FBI or state of Florida declined to investigate his 7th victim. There is a murder, still a cold case, which happened a decade before, that eerily matched his 1994 murders. And may have helped Bowles perfect his modus operandi. Hosted and produced by Erica KelleyResearched Haley Gray and Erica KelleyWritten by Erica KelleyOriginal Graphic Art by Coley HornerOriginal Music by Rob Harrison of Gamma RadioEdited & Mixed by Next Day Podcast & Erica KelleySources: https://www.southernfriedtruecrime.com/gary-ray-bowlesThis episode is brought to you by BetterHelp online therapy. Go to BetterHelp.com/southern.Today's show is also brought to you by Best Fiends, that's Friends without the “R”

On the afternoon of August 19th, 2020, 24-year-old Sydney Sutherland went missing while on her regular run in rural Jackson County, Arkansas. Within 2 hours, Sydney’s family realized she was in danger, contacted the police, and organized a search for her. But Sydney never made it home. Hosted and produced by Erica KelleyResearched and Written by Andrea MarshbankAdditional Writing by Erica KelleyOriginal Graphic Art by Coley HornerOriginal Music by Rob Harrison of Gamma RadioEdited & Mixed by Next Day Podcast & Erica KelleySources: https://www.southernfriedtruecrime.com/the-abduction-and-murder-of-sydney-sutherlandThis episode is brought to you by BetterHelp online therapy. Go to BetterHelp.com/southern.Today's show is also brought to you by Best Fiends, that's Friends without the “R” - Best Fiends, as well as SimpliSafe: There's no safe like SimpliSafe! Go to SimpliSafe.com/southernfried

Welcome to the Hellmouth Weirdos! Your favorite Morbid hosts Ash and Alaina are branching out from true crime and heading to Sunnydale for the ultimate Buffy the Vampire Slayer Rewatch podcast! Alaina is a Buffy superfan and Ash has never watched a single episode, so whether you’re Team Angel, Team Spike, or have no clue who those people are…they’ve got you covered! Join them each week as they slay their way through the series, episode by episode, re-watching, and watching for the very first time. They’ll break down Buffy and her friends adventures through weekly recaps, categories, and awards while Ash takes some (wooden stake) stabs at predicting what she thinks will happen next. They'll also welcome the occasional Buffy cast member, guest star, or celebrity superfan to join in the slaying. Listen to The ReWatcher: http://wondery.fm/SFTC_ReWatcher

In the spring of 1987, 20 year old Corinna Mullen moved to Central City, Kentucky in hopes of providing a better life for her two year old daughter. But within six months of her move, Corinna was found brutally murdered. Who would want to kill the young mother of one? That’s a question investigators wouldn’t know the answer to for nearly 20 years. Hosted and produced by Erica KelleyResearched by Haley Gray, Anna Luria and Erica KelleyWritten by Erica Kelley and Haley GrayOriginal Graphic Art by Coley HornerOriginal Music by Rob Harrison of Gamma RadioEdited & Mixed by Next Day Podcast & Erica KelleySuggested by Jennifer Williams Schnell and Valerie MorrisSources: https://www.southernfriedtruecrime.com/the-murder-of-corinna-mullenSponsor: Wondery: Blood Ties, Season Three—Strange Days