Love Marry Kill

On the night of May 19, 1983, Diane Downs and her three children, Christie, 8, Cheryl, 7, and Danny, 3, were shot on a rural road outside of Springfield, Oregon. Cheryl died from her injuries. Christie and Danny were gravely injured. Diane suffered non-life threatening wounds to her left arm. She claimed a bushy-haired stranger had shot them. A man-hunt came up empty for the shooter. Suspicion quickly landed on Diane partly because of her lack of emotion.  She had a history of messy affairs and entanglements -- most recently with a married man named Knick Knickerbocker. Diane and Knick met at the post office where they both worked. Knick had been in love with Diane but was adamant that he had no interest in being a father. 

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Sheri Coleman, 31, and her two sons, Garrett, 11, and Gavin, 9, were found brutally murdered in their home in Columbia, Illinois on the morning of May 5, 2009. Chris Coleman, 32, Sheri’s husband and the boys father, worked as televangelist Joyce Meyer’s head of security. He’d been receiving threatening messages from an unknown source warning him his family would be killed if he didn’t quit his job with the ministry. As the investigation unfolded, investigators learned that Chris Coleman was having an extramarital affair with his wife’s high school best friend, Tara. Was Chris’ family murdered by an unknown intruder or was it an elaborately planned scheme to start a new life? 

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There was something about Sharon Lynn Douglas Fuller Nelson Harrelson that men couldn’t resist. From her first husband to her last, no man left Sharon willingly. Once a pastor’s wife, Sharon was consumed by sex, money and power and would do anything to obtain it but inevitably this black widow’s actions would catch up with her. 

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Source: Olsen, Gregg. American Black Widow: The Shocking True Story of a Preacher's Wife Turned Killer (also called Bitch on Wheels) 1998

David Temple, a standout athlete in high school and college hailing from Katy, Texas, tied the knot with Belinda Lucas in 1992. Initially, they seemed like the ideal couple—both attractive and passionate about sports. However, beneath the surface, David's forceful and controlling nature began to overshadow Belinda's once vibrant and happy spirit. Amidst the challenges, David engaged in an extramarital affair with a fellow teacher during Belinda's second pregnancy. In January 1999, David discovered Belinda shot dead in their walk-in closet. In part two of two, we discuss how suspicion quickly fell on David, although the case wasn’t a slam dunk case for prosecutors. Listen today to hear how this heart-wrenching story ends.

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David Temple, a standout athlete in high school and college hailing from Katy, Texas, tied the knot with Belinda Lucas in 1992. Initially, they seemed like the ideal couple—both attractive and passionate about sports. However, beneath the surface, David's forceful and controlling nature began to overshadow Belinda's once vibrant and happy spirit. Amidst the challenges, David engaged in an extramarital affair with a fellow teacher during Belinda's second pregnancy. In January 1999, David discovered Belinda shot dead in their walk-in closet. In the first part of this two-part series, we delve into the childhoods of Belinda and David, along with their early years as a couple, leading up to the fateful day of January 11, 1999.

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Stacy Peterson, 23, was last seen on Sunday morning, October 28, 2007, in Bolingbrook, Illinois by her 53-year-old husband Drew Peterson. Drew, a police sergeant, was a 29-year veteran of the Bolingbrook Police Department. Stacy planned to meet her sister and a friend to paint a rental house. She never showed up; no one was able to locate her all day. Her husband claimed he’d talked to Stacy, his fourth wife, around 9 p.m. when she told him she was leaving him and their four children for another man. No one, not any of Stacy’s friends or family, believed this claim.


The investigation into Stacy’s disappearance soon led police to reconsider the mysterious death of Drew’s third wife, Kathleen Savio, who had died under suspicious circumstances in a bathtub three years earlier. In part two of two, we discuss Stacy's disappearance and the renewed investigation into Kathleen's death.


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In December of 2001, Kathleen Peterson’s body was discovered in bloody scene at the foot of the stairs in the Durham, North Carolina, home where she and her husband Michael lived. While Michael claimed it must have been an accidental fall while he was outside, the police were immediately suspicious due to the amount of blood, and they homed in on Michael. Thanks to The Staircase documentary series on Netflix, this story has become one of the most talked about and baffling cases ever. In part three of this three-part episode, we talk about the investigation, the trial, the owl theory, and the aftermath.

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Todd Peterson video mentioned near the end of the episode: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2NI15RZN8wM

In December of 2001, Kathleen Peterson’s body was discovered in bloody scene at the foot of the stairs in the Durham, North Carolina, home where she and her husband Michael lived. While Michael claimed it must have been an accidental fall while he was outside, the police were immediately suspicious due to the amount of blood, and they homed in on Michael. Thanks to The Staircase documentary series on Netflix, this story has become one of the most talked about and baffling cases ever. In part two of this three-part episode, we talk about the crime scene and the autopsy results.

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Laci Peterson, 27, went missing while walking her dog on December 24, 2002. She and her husband of five years, Scott, 30, were expecting their first child, a boy they’d named Conner. Scott’s image of the perfect husband quickly deteriorated when his mistress, Amber Frey, came forward. Suspicion quickly fell upon Scott; his every move was scrutinized and questioned as the nation and media became heavily invested in Laci’s disappearance. Months later Laci’s and Conner’s bodies washed ashore resulting in Scott’s arrest, trial, and eventual conviction. In the next three episodes, we attempt to reserve judgment and present evidence for and against Scott Peterson.

Support this podcast: https://patreon.com/lovemarrykill

Laci Peterson, 27, went missing while walking her dog on December 24, 2002. She and her husband of five years, Scott, 30, were expecting their first child, a boy they’d named Conner. Scott’s image of the perfect husband quickly deteriorated when his mistress, Amber Frey, came forward. Suspicion quickly fell upon Scott; his every move was scrutinized and questioned as the nation and media became heavily invested in Laci’s disappearance. Months later Laci’s and Conner’s bodies washed ashore resulting in Scott’s arrest, trial, and eventual conviction. In the next three episodes, we attempt to reserve judgment and present evidence for and against Scott Peterson.

Get early, ad-free access: https://patreon.com/lovemarrykill

Laci Peterson, 27, went missing while walking her dog on December 24, 2002. She and her husband of five years, Scott, 30, were expecting their first child, a boy they’d named Conner. Scott’s image of the perfect husband quickly deteriorated when his mistress, Amber Frey, came forward. Suspicion quickly fell upon Scott; his every move was scrutinized and questioned as the nation and media became heavily invested in Laci’s disappearance. Months later Laci’s and Conner’s bodies washed ashore resulting in Scott’s arrest, trial, and eventual conviction. In the next three episodes, we attempt to reserve judgment and present evidence for and against Scott Peterson.

Get early, ad-free access on Patreon: https://patreon.com/lovemarrykill

Joshua Ford and his girlfriend Martha “Geney” Crutchley were looking forward to a Memorial Day 2002 weekend filled with sun and fun in the resort town of Ocean City, Maryland. Unfortunately for them a random encounter with another couple, BJ and Erika Sifrit, turned into a real-life horror movie. In part two of this two-part episode, we discuss the investigation and subsequent trials.

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In the world of snake breeding, Ben Renick was a rock star, known worldwide among the rare reptile and snake community. By 2017, Ben was 29 years old and had thousands of valuable snakes, including a 200 pound anaconda. On June 8th, 2017, Ben’s wife Lynlee came home to find him dead on the floor of his snake facility. Investigators initially thought a killer snake was on the loose. It was not a snake, but someone equally cold blooded who shot Ben eight times in the back.

Tina and Gabe Watson, both 26, were married for just 11 days when she died in a tragic scuba diving incident while exploring the Great Barrier Reef in Queensland, Australia on October 22, 2003 on the couple's honeymoon. While Tina had recently taken up scuba diving, her husband was a trained rescue diver yet he wasn’t able to rescue her. Suspicion quickly landed on Gabe after it was learned he had asked Tina to change her life insurance policy to the maximum payout and change the beneficiary to him, prior to the wedding. Was this motive enough to murder his new wife? Listen to part two of this heartbreaking story that had two countries demanding justice for the new bride.

Paul Bernardo and Karla Homolka, a Canadian couple, were dubbed the Ken and Barbie killers by the media because they were both attractive and blonde. They committed several horrifying crimes in the late 1980s and early 1990s, including the murder of Karla’s sister, Tammy. Their attractive and seemingly normal appearance masked their depravity as they engaged in a spree of kidnappings, sexual assaults, and murders, primarily targeting young women. The case gained significant media attention due to the brutality of their crimes, Karla's controversial plea deal, and the shocking revelation that she had been a willing participant in the heinous acts alongside her husband. The "Barbie killers" case remains one of Canada's most notorious and disturbing criminal sagas.

Erin Corwin was just nineteen when she vanished on June 28, 2014. She had told her husband, Marine corporal Jon Corwin, that she was going to nearby Joshua Tree National Park that day for some “me time” and to scout out locations for her mom’s upcoming visit. Sadly, she never returned. In part two of this heartbreaking case, we discuss the investigation, the search for Erin, the trial and the aftermath.

In part two of this two part episode, Tina tells the story of Susan Bolling and Felix Polk, who first met when she was 15 and he was 39. In this episode we talk about what led to Felix’s murder and the crazy trial where Susan defended herself. Will Susan be able to convince the jury the murder was self defense? We also discuss the murder of Pamela Vitale and the connection to Ed Gein.

Barry and Honey Sherman, a wealthy and philanthropic couple, were killed in December of 2017 at their home in Toronto. The circumstances of their death were bizarre and mysterious. Barry and Honey were loved by a lot of people, but they also had enemies who hated them both. In part two of this two-part episode, we discuss the suspects, possible motives, and the legacy of Barry and Honey Sherman.

In this bonus episode, we summarize several cases in the news, including the killing of six people in Oklahoma by convicted sex offender Jesse McFadden, the murder of Dr. Devon Hoover in Detroit, and the parole hearing of Leo Schofield.

Barry and Honey Sherman, an incredibly wealthy and philanthropic couple, were killed in December of 2017 at their home in Toronto. The circumstances of their death were bizarre and mysterious. Barry and Honey were loved by a lot of people, but they also had enemies who hated them both. In part one of this two-part episode, we share Barry’s and Honey’s background, the crime scene, and the beginnings of the investigation.

This week we go back in time to 1892 in Fall River Massachusetts and try to solve the most famous unsolved crime in American history, the murders of Andrew and Abby Borden. Did Lizzie Borden kill her parents in cold blood to gain access to the family fortune or was she an innocent Sunday school teacher and the real murderer evaded capture? You might think you know the whole story but we dive deep into this mystery and uncover some interesting facts and theories.

In this week's episode, Tina tells the story of Angela and James Craig. Angela Pray Craig, 43, was an active, vibrant wife and mother to six children in Aurora, Colorado. Her husband, James, was a dentist with a busy practice. In March 2023, Angela was hospitalized 3 times. Doctors didn’t know what was causing her severe headaches, low blood pressure and disorientation. James had previously drugged Angela but insisted that he had not drugged her this time. Aa Angela’s health rapidly declined, an employee of the dental practice opened a package that had been delivered to the office containing potassium cyanide. Did James poison his devoted wife, causing her untimely death? We also discuss the latest news in the Shanquella Robinson case.

With her husband Frank out of town on business, 53 year old Nancy Howard was arriving home after picking up some takeout when she was accosted in her garage. The assailant took Nancy’s purse and shot her in the head. Was it a burglary gone wrong, or something more? Tune in for one of our craziest stories yet as we unravel the tale of Nancy and Frank Howard.

Pat Kimmi was a beloved mother of 4 and grandmother to 12 who went missing in November, 2009. She had recently divorced her abusive husband after 38 years of marriage. Her disappearance devastated her family and community who searched for her for weeks. They found clues along way, but it would take months for her body to be found. Who could have murdered this sweet lady? Was her husband involved? The answer might surprise you.

Rick Roehl and his wife April seemed to have it all - money, a perfect family, and a beautiful home. Rick was handsome and charming, while people said that April would light up a room. When April vanished without a trace, Rick claimed he would never hurt her, and that he would never give up trying to find her. Police were not fooled however. Tune in for our most shocking and tragic episode so far!

Larry McNabney was a successful, well-known lawyer, who seemingly vanished from the face of the earth on September 11th, 2001. Rumors began to swirl about Larry's wife Elisa and her young assistant Sarah Dutra, but it would take months for the mystery of Larry's disappearance to unravel. In part two of this two-part episode, we discuss the investigation into Larry's whereabouts and reveal what really happened to Larry McNabney.

Larry McNabney was a successful, well-known lawyer, who seemingly vanished from the face of the earth on September 11th, 2001. Rumors began to swirl about Larry's wife Elisa and her young assistant Sarah Dutra, but it would take months for the mystery of Larry's disappearance to unravel. In part one of this two-part episode, we discuss Larry's background and the circumstances around his disappearance.

Shanquella Robinson, 25, went to Cabo, Mexico with friends for a luxurious getaway in October, 2022. She did not survive the weekend. There were conflicting reports about what caused her death but a shocking cell phone video revealed that Shanquella suffered a brutal beating by one of the women she considered a friend. Shanquella’s friends and family are still waiting for justice to be served. This story will leave you shocked and heartbroken. #justiceforshanquellarobinson

In this bonus episode, we cover two cases in the news. First, the recent death of Abby Choi, a 28 year old socialite and influencer who was killed and dismembered by her ex-husband and in-laws in a devastating instance of greed. Second, we discuss wealthy aristocrat Constance Marten and her boyfriend Mark Gordon, whose disappearance along with their newborn baby in early January sparked a massive search in the UK.

John Miles Sharpe of Mornington, Australia brutally murdered his pregnant wife and 15 month old daughter in 2004 using a speargun. He disposed of their bodies and lied to police about their whereabouts for months. How long did his lies hold up and how was he caught? Listen today to find out about the horrible murders of The Mornington Monster.

In this bonus episode we discuss our feelings on the Murdaugh trial and the many victims of Alex, and we answer some listener questions about the case. Many thanks to listeners who sent in questions!

In this episode we discuss a true crime classic, John Emil List. On November 9, 1971, John List murdered his wife, three children and his mother before he disappeared without a trace. He became one of the FBI’s most wanted men, evading capture for 18 years. In part 2/2, we talk about how John List became Bob Clark. He was able to change his name but not his quirky personality, which ultimately led to his capture. We also go down a D.B. Cooper rabbit hole and revel in some amazing detective work.

In this episode we discuss a true crime classic, John Emil List. On November 9, 1971, John List murdered his wife, three children and his mother before he disappeared without a trace. He became one of the FBI’s most wanted men and evaded capture for 18 years. In part one of this two-part episode, we talk about John’s upbringing in Michigan, the early years of his married life and how things began to fall apart after the Lists purchased the mansion known as Breeze Knoll in Westfield, New Jersey.

Valentine’s Day is traditionally a day for flowers, candy, and romance. But sadly for Susan Hamilton, Valentine’s Day of 2001 would be the day she was savagely beaten and killed. Her husband, Dr. John Hamilton, came back to their Oklahoma City home after performing two surgeries that morning to find her lying on the floor of the bathroom with blood everywhere. Who would have killed Susan, and why?

As 2009 drew to a close, 47 year old Shele Covlin had a lot going for her. Her career was going well, she had two beautiful kids, and a family that loved her. Sadly, Shele did not live to see the New Year. Was her death a tragic accident or did her estranged husband Rod kill her? In part two of this two-part episode, we discuss the investigation into Shele's death, and Rod's appalling schemes to get at her money.

Debbie Collier was a 59 year old beloved mother who died under mysterious circumstances in September, 2022. Her last communication was a cryptic Venmo message to her daughter, Amanda, which led to much suspicion, speculation and confusion about her death. In this bonus episode, we discuss the circumstances around Debbie's mysterious death and whether it was suicide or foul play.

As 2009 drew to a close, 47 year old Shele Covlin had a lot going for her. Her career was going well, she had two beautiful kids, and a family that loved her. Sadly, Shele did not live to see the New Year. Was her death a tragic accident or did her estranged husband Rod kill her? In part one of this two-part episode, we discuss Shele and Rod’s background and the circumstances surrounding her death.

In October 2014, Chris Regan was looking forward to a fresh start with a move from northern Michigan to Asheville, North Carolina, but then he disappeared without a trace. Evidence led police to married couple Jason and Kelly Cochran, but they couldn't piece together exactly what happened. Did Jason kill Chris out of jealousy, or was Kelly the mastermind? In part two of this two-part episode, we discuss the "marriage pact" between Kelly and Jason, the possible motives, and the aftermath.

[Note: If you haven’t listened to our earlier episode on this case, start there!] In today’s bonus episode we talk about the arraignment hearing for Brian Walshe and the affidavit from the prosecutor. We discuss the new evidence found as well as Brian’s damning google searches. Follow us on social media for any breaking news. Thanks for you support.

In October 2014, Chris Regan was looking forward to a fresh start with a move from northern Michigan to Asheville, North Carolina, but then he disappeared without a trace. Evidence led police to married couple Jason and Kelly Cochran, but they couldn't piece together exactly what happened. Did Jason kill Chris out of jealousy, or was Kelly the mastermind? In part one of this two-part episode, we explore Chris's disappearance and the search for clues.

Ana Walshe, a smart, successful and beautiful mother of three young boys, was last seen in the early hours of January 1, 2023. Her husband claims she left for for a work trip to DC but there are no records of her on a flight. Brian, a rather shady person, was arrested on 1/8/2023 for misleading police in their investigation. Blood and a knife were found in his basement as well as other possibly related items at a nearby dump. We hope Ana is found safely soon.

In part two of the Chris and Shanann Watts case, we discuss the brutal murders, the possible motivation and the shocking events that led up to the arrest and imprisonment of Chris Watts. Warning: This episode includes content that may be disturbing for young and/or sensitive listeners.

Chris and Shanann Watts were married for six years with two adorable daughters, Bella and CeCe, and a son on the way. In part one of this devastating story we talk about the early years of the Watts marriage and what could have led to the tragic events that unfolded on August 13, 2008.

In 2011, Rebecca Zahau was found dead at her boyfriend's mansion in Coronado, California. In part two of this two-part episode, Rich and Tina discuss the various theories surrounding her mysterious death. Was it a suicide, or was someone out for revenge?

On Christmas Eve 2008, “Santa” came to Covina, California and unleashed a fury upon the Ortega family, killing 9 of their beloved family members. In this bonus episode we talk about Bruce Pardo and his horrible crime that left a beautiful family shattered.

In 2011, Rebecca Zahau was found dead at her boyfriend's mansion in Coronado, California. In part one of this two-part episode, Rich and Tina explore the baffling circumstances around Rebecca's death, and the tragic accident that preceded it just two days earlier. Was her death a suicide, or was someone out for revenge?

On Christmas Eve, 1945, the Sodder family of Fayetteville, West Virginia experienced a tragedy that would haunt them for years to come. After a mysterious fire destroyed their home, five of the ten Sodder children were nowhere to be found. Did they perish in the fire, or were they kidnapped?

Brian and Judi Eftenoff were an attractive couple who lived life in the fast lane. They seemed to have it all until Judi’s life abruptly ended by a cocaine overdose in September, 1999. Brian was not known to be the best guy but is it possible he murdered his beautiful wife, Judi, by forcing cocaine down her throat?

Did 24 year old Sarah Widmer die after falling asleep in the bathtub or did her husband, Ryan, murder her and stage the scene? In part two of this two-part episode, Rich and Tina discuss the aftermath of Ryan's trial and theories about Sarah's mysterious death.

Did 24 year old Sarah Widmer die after falling asleep in the bathtub or did her husband, Ryan, murder her and stage the scene? Listen to part one of this baffling, intriguing case today.

Brothers Andrew, Alexander and Tanner Skelton were last seen on Thanksgiving Day, November 25, 2010, and then they vanished without a trace. Did their father kill them or did he relocate them with an underground community to keep them away from their mother? Wishing our listeners a very Happy Thanksgiving!

When Jane Bashara turned up dead in 2012, everyone assumed it was random Detroit violence. However, her husband Bob's secret BDSM lifestyle soon came to light, casting suspicion on him. In part two of this two-part episode, Rich and Tina discuss the investigation into Jane's murder, the media frenzy and the circus of a trial.

When Jane Bashara turned up dead in 2012, everyone assumed it was random Detroit violence. However, her husband Bob's secret BDSM lifestyle soon came to light, casting suspicion on him. In part one of this two-part episode, Rich and Tina discuss the crime, Bob Bashara's secret life, and the plot to kill Jane.

In this bonus mini-episode, Tina and Rich talk about the case of Frances and Tony Toto. Frances attempted to kill Tony in five different ways…was she successful? The movie starring Kevin Kline and Tracey Ullman “I Love You to Death” is based on the Toto’s story.

This week, Tina and Rich go back in time and across the pond to discuss the case of George Joseph Smith and The Bathtub Murders. George was a conman, bigamist and murderer. We also talk about Bernard Spillsbury, known as the father of forensic science, and the challenges of police investigations before the invention of modern techniques.

When Chanin Starbuck was found brutally murdered in December of 2011 in Deer Park, Washington, suspicion quickly turned to her ex-husband Clay. But Chanin also had an active online dating life, with mystery men texting and even visiting her house the day she was killed. In part two of this two-part episode, Rich and Tina talk about the DNA evidence, the discovery of an important 911 call, the trial, and the aftermath.

When Chanin Starbuck was found brutally murdered in December of 2011 in Deer Park, Washington, suspicion quickly turned to her ex-husband Clay. But Chanin also had an active online dating life, with mystery men texting and even visiting her house the day she was killed. In part one of this two-parter, Rich and Tina talk about the crime, the suspects, and take a deep-dive into Clay and Chanin's relationship.

Jeffrey MacDonald was accused of killing his pregnant wife Colette and two young daughters in 1970 but claims they were actually killed by a band of hippies inspired by the Manson family murders. The best selling book and blockbuster film "Fatal Vision" are based on the MacDonald murders. In part two of this two-part episode, Tina and Rich discuss Jeffrey's life after the murders, the many trials and appeals, and Freddy Kassab's change of heart.

Jeffrey MacDonald was accused of killing his pregnant wife Colette and two young daughters in 1970 but claims they were actually killed by a band of hippies inspired by the Manson family murders. The best selling book and blockbuster film “Fatal Vision” are based on the MacDonald murders. In part one of this two-part episode, Tina and Rich discuss Jeffrey and Colette's background, the crime, and the evidence.

In their inaugural episode, Tina and Rich discuss marriage, working together, and the case of Barbara and Russell Stager. In 1988, Russell was shot and killed in Durham, North Carolina. His wife Barbara claimed that Russ kept a gun under his pillow for safety and what resulted was a tragic accident, but Barbara's past soon caught up with her.