Body Bags with Joseph Scott Morgan

Ezra Ralston, 29, moves in with his grandparents on their beautiful property on the water in the Pacific Northwest, and repays their love and kindness by coming up with a plan to create a commune on his grandparents property. The only thing he needs to do is kill his grandparents and steal their property to make his dreams come true. Join Joseph Scott Morgan and Dave Mack as they take an in-depth look at death, fire, and the lies of Ezra Ralston on this episode of Body Bags.   Transcript Highlights  00:00:19 Joe Talks about finding save place for your family  00:01:18 Grandparents welcome 29-year-old grandson  00:02:15 Discussion about early 70s  00:03:47 Talk about the murder of Grandparents  00:04:46 Discussion of fire and explosion  00:06:16 Talk about arson, murder, investigation  00:09:02 Discussion about origin of fire in the house  00:11:05 Joe shares insight into recurring nightmare   00:13:09 Talk about finding the bodies of Joanna Gormley and Ted Ralston.  00:17:40 Discussion about gasoline used in fire  00:19:14 Joe explains assessing the bodies  00:23:02 Explaining what happens working a fire scene  00:24:54 Discussion of when to examine bodies  00:26:36 Looking around a fire scene is very confusing  00:27:47 Talk about the victims' wounds  00:32:03 Talk about plan to kill victims in their sleep  00:35:45 Ezra Ralston being encouraged by girlfriend  00:37:04 Discussion of using bleach to get rid of evidence  00:39:15 Fire creates more evidence   See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Oscar Pistorius became famous for not allowing a handicap to stand in his way of track and field success. After becoming a Paralympic Champion, he fought his way through the courts to be allowed to compete in non-disabled competitions. In 2012, he competed in the Summer Olympics in London and became one of the most famous people in the world, earning the nickname "Blade Runner" for the prosthetic legs he uses to run. Less than six months after the Olympic Games, Pistorius claims he hears a noise in the middle of the night and thinks someone is breaking in, but what happens next lands him in jail,  charged with murder! Join Joseph Scott Morgan and Dave Mack as they break down the case of Oscar Pistorius. Did he kill his girlfriend in cold blood or was it a horrible mistake? Transcript Highlights:   00:01:11 Oscar Pistorius getting out of prison  00:03:11 Pistorius fought to compete in non-disabled competition  00:04:02 Discussion of who Oscar Pistorius is and his fame at the time of this incident  00:06:58 Discussion of legs being amputated at 11 months old  00:10:56 How to figure out directionality of weapons that are fired  00:12:40 Pistorius and Steenkamp had dated only 90 days  00:13:45 Body Bags and Domestic Disputes  00:14:52 Discussion of waking up, hearing something  00:16:05 Pistorius claims he heard things, overcome with fear  00:17:37 Talk about Pistorius and guns   00:19:15 What happens when victim is in bathroom?   00:21:51 He claims that he shot her after he had put his legs on.  00:22:06 Story told by Pistorius doesn’t match facts   00:24:12 Discussion of victim being shot through the door  00:25:57 Discussion of stomach contents of victim   00:26:15 Time of morning, 3:19am  00:26:41Said there were four quick shots.   00:28:14 Did he retrieve his legs at this point in time and come back to?  00:29:34 Talk about scene, towels, debris, trying to stop bleeding  00:30:29 Discussion of the Blades giving him and advantage  000:31:33 Pistorius remains on scene, in kitchen, should have been in back of squad car  00:32:26 Three components in gunshot residue. We look for antimony, we look for barium and we look for lead.  00:33:43 Talk about prosthetics and if he had them on   00:34:38 Discussion about suspect is not in charge of investigation  00:35:35 Pistorius claims he kept her airway open with his fingers  00:36:35.Pistorius is scheduled to be released from custody in January of 2024  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Dylan Redwine is forced to spend Thanksgiving with his father in Colorado. He doesn't want to be there because he knows some things about his father, secret, disgusting things, and he just doesn't want to be around him. But due to his parent divorce he has to go. Dylan Redwine goes missing, his dad suggests a bear might have got him. It takes time, but in the end, Forensics will tell the entire story of what happened to Dylan Redwine. Join Joseph Scott Morgan and Dave Mack as they break down a story that took years to finish and includes blood, sex, knives, and bones.    Time Code Highlights.  00:01:40 Redwine Murder was one of the first Joseph Scott Morgan covered in media  00:04:00 Dylan must go to his father’s house in Colorado for Thanksgiving   00:05:08 Mark Redwine house burned down previously 00:07:03 Discussion of children of divorce, Dylan did not want to be with his father  00:08:20 Talk about pictures Dylan and his brother saw on their dad’s computer 00:09:30 Joe talks the information he was given to cover story on network show 00:11:03 Pictures of Mark Redwine in lingerie, makeup, eating out of diaper  00:13:09 Joe tells story of being embarrassed comparing it to how Mark Redwine was embarrassed his children found out about secret pictures  00:15:00 Discussion about the boys confronting their father over his pictures  00:16:50 Talk about Mark Redwine responding to Corey about the pictures 00:19:25 Joe talks about Mark Redwine being humiliated and angry  00:20:45 Redwine claims he went to store, Dylan was gone when he got back 00:21:35 Discussion about Corey Redwine being several years older than Dylan  00:22:45 Talk about forensics and how nothing is ever hidden  00:24:04 Joe talks about a dog finding blood in the home 00:26:05 Blood from Dylan would have to have been from recent visit 00:30:04 Joe talks about a murder case without a body  00:31:00 Both femurs of Dylan Redwine found 8 miles from Mark Redwine home  00:32:43 Bones found on a road could have been drug by an animal 00:34:14 Determining whether the bones were separated by human using tools  00:36:05 Talk about Mark Redwine mentioning something to a friend about blunt force trauma and they would need to find his head  00:37:45 Dylan Redwine skull found  00:39:00 No animals in the area that would drag remains up the mountain  00:40:10 Talk about surface deposition  00:41:05 Mark Redwine said Dylan may have been attacked by a bear.   00:43:50 What the skull tells investigators. Took several months to identify  00:45:12 Joe explains using sinus for identification  00:46:45 Skull fractures show blunt force trauma. Two linear marks consistent with a knife blade found on skull. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Nohema Graber is a beloved Spanish teacher in the small town of Fairfield, Iowa. When she goes missing during her everyday after school walk in the park, the small town is worried. When her body is found in the park, hidden under a tarp, the town of less than 10,000 is shocked. Shock turns to disgust when police arrest two 16-year-old students for the murder after one of them writes on snapchat about the planning, execution, and disposal of evidence. Join Joseph Scott Morgan and Dave Mack as they break down the story of Nohema Graber, a beloved teacher who deserved a much better fate and the two 16-year-olds that broke the heart of a small town.    Time Code Highlights.  00:02:54 Nohema Graber goes missing during her regular walk in the park 00:03:06 Body of Nohema Graber found in park under a tarp, Two 16-year-old students arrested 00:05:19 Joseph Scott Morgan talks about first homicide he worked was a brother who beat his brother to death with a baseball bat   00:07:11 discussion about what teachers are faced with every day  00:08:47 Talk about how this case begins with a bad grade 00:10:11 Talk about two students feeling like they were owed something 00:11:44 Discussion of Timeline of events  00:14:24 Talk about two friends decide to murder teacher  00:15:20 Discussion of the plan the perpetrators had and that it wouldn't change the grad 00:16:22 Talk about the type of weapons teens might have access, baseball bat is weapon of opportunity the routine of victim 00:19:40 Discussion of Both perpetrators were tracking victim in park 00:21:10 The perpetrators discuss the plan on snapchat  00:22:23  Discussion of Nohema Graber and people seeing Chaiden Miller arguing with her about his grade 00:24:03  Discussion of Nohema Graber van being driven away from park by two males and how perpetrators hide her body 00:25:11 Joseph Scott Morgan points out how everything used in a crime can be traced 00:26:27  Discussion of perpetrators taking the bloody bat, bloody clothes, back home. Friend shows snapchat messages to law enforcement 00:28:08 Discussion of damage bat can do to a body 00:30:44 Description of the marks the bat will make with contact 00:34:11 Talk about is it possible to determine who swung the bat 00:35:45  Discussion about Jeremy Goodale sentenced to life with possible parole after 25 years, Chaiden Miller sentenced to life with possible parole after 35 years  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

November 22, 1963: John F. Kennedy, the 35th President of the United States, was shot and killed during a presidential motorcade in Dallas, Texas. The President is taken to Parkland Memorial Hospital.  By law, Dallas County Coroner Dr. Earl Rose had jurisdiction over the case and should have performed the autopsy. However, against Dr. Earl Rose's protestations, the body of President Kennedy was wrapped in a sheet, placed in a casket with a broken handle, and flown over 1,300 miles away to Washington DC, where 2 naval doctors, who had never conducted a forensic autopsy performed the autopsy on John F. Kennedy.  Join Joseph Scott Morgan and Dave Mack as they take a close look at the autopsy that was so bad, 60years later questions are still being asked.    Time Code Highlights 00:01:21 Discussion about the ripple effect of the assassination of JFk 00:04:31 Discussion of the moments following the shooting of JFK in Dealey Plaza 00:06:02 Talk about how autopsy "Standard Procedures" were not followed  00:06:51 Texas state law and jurisdiction over investigation and autopsy 00:07:58 Board Certified Forensic Pathologist Doctor Earl Rose was chief medical examiner for Dallas, Texas at the time and was at Parkland Memorial Hospital 00:09:22 Discussion JFK body taken from Dallas to Washington DC for autopsy 00:10:59 Talk about Secret Service preparing for President trips. 00:11:36 Discussion of JFK physical condition after being shot. 00:12:52 Talk about injuries to JFK, at least 2 gunshot wounds.  00:13:31 Discussion of tracheotomy that was performed to establish an airway 00:15:04 Discussion of Dr. Earl Rose and how his experience was dismissed 00:16:23 Dr. Earl Rose KNEW he was looking at a Murder Investigation. 00:17:47 Discussion Dallas County had jurisdiction over the body. 00:19:03 Talk about autopsy of JFK should have taken place in Dallas 00:20:08 Talk about previous Presidential assassination, Lincoln, Garfield, and McKinley and their autopsies. 00:22:10 Discussion of Dr. Earl Rose did the autopsy for Oswald, Officer Tippit, and Jack Ruby. 00:23:36  Discussion of JFK body being taken to Washington DC  00:25:16 Comparing Bethesda Naval Hospital to Walter Reed Hospital  00:26:04 Discussion about doctors chosen to perform JFK autopsy 00:28:42 Talk about why doctors turned bullet wound into tracheostomy 00:29:55  Presidents body wrapped in sheets. Head wrapped in gauze 00:31:09 Discussion of JFK clothing, tie changed the trajectory of round. 00:32:58  Discussion about clothing worn during the assassination 00:33:44 Talk about "magic bullet" going through JFK and Governor Connally,  00:35:08 Discussion Secret Service agents washed interior of Presidential limo.  00:36:03 Talk about crime scenes - bone fragments found and turned in later 00:37:02 Description of President's head, skull came apart in doctors hands. 00:38:04 Discussion of Assessment 00:40:02 Talk about x-rays that were done on body 00:41:58  Description of the Bethesda autopsy suite  00:43:51 Ballistics expert Dr. Pierre Fink, forensic pathologist, came to Bethesda  00:44:53  JFK brain was removed before Dr. Fink arrived 00:46:05 Description of "Brain Loafing". 00:47:22 The autopsy of JFK was not a complete autopsy 00:49:21 Discussion of "family wishes" as it applies to the murder of the president. 00:50:48 Compare autopsy of John F. Kennedy and Robert F Kennedy 00:52:36 Discussion about other pathologists available to do autopsy on JFK 00:55:09 No way to know if other injuries suffered by JFK could have been lethal 00:56:04 Commentary - no excuse for what happened with autopsy of JFKSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Hanna Rhoden,15, gives birth to a daughter.  2-years later, Rhoden and the baby's father, Jake Wagner, fight over custody.    A custody battle begins and the Wagner family pressures Hanna to give up her daughter.  The Wagners hack Hanna Rhoden's Facebook account and read a private message in which Hanna vows she will not give up the child, quote "they (the Wagners) will have to kill me first."   That is exactly what  happens.  The Wagner family decide to not only kill Hanna Rhoden, but the rest of her family, anyone who might stand in the way of the Wagner family gaining custody of the little girl. The Wagner family plan is to take out the Rhoden family in one night, four locations, eight murders. Join Joseph Scott Morgan and Dave Mack as they dig deep into the Pike County Murders. Joseph Scott Morgan gives a firsthand account of the crime scenes and the forensic evidence left behind. Time code highlights: 00:00:02  Joseph Scott Morgan asked to take part as a forensic expert in a complex case  00:02:12 Discussion about the investigation of the Pike County Murders 00:02:37 Description:  One night. Four Scenes. Eight Murders 00:03:09 Description of two families that have been friends a long time 00:03:16  Discussion about Hanna Rhoden becomes pregnant with Jake Wagner's baby when she is 15-years-old. Hanna Rhoden breaks up with Jake Wagner 00:04:01 The Wagner's tried to force Hanna Roden to sign papers to turn custody of Sophia over to Jake. 00:04:22 Discussion of Wagner family plan to kill Hanna Rhoden to get custody 00:05:01 Discussion of the first person to be murdered and location of murder scene 00:06:50 Discussion of shots fired through wall first, Chris Rhoden was shot 9 times 00:07:36 Discussion of second victim, Gary Rhoden, visiting from Kentucky 00:10:06 Talk about the injuries to Chris Rhoden's arm 00:11:01  Description of head shots to both Chris Rhoden and Gary Rhoden 00:12:24 Talk of how Wagner Sr said "I just killed my best friend" 00:16:25 The Wagner's didn't know Gary Rhoden would be at the scene 00:17:30  Discussion of the Wagner's make silencers for their weapons 00:19:38  Joseph Scott Morgan talks about being at the site and what it looked like,  00:21:56  The Wagner's arrived at Chris Rhoden's house barefoot but put on shoes inside the house. 00:22:44  Investigator researched shoe print found in Rhoden trailer and found a match 00:24:45 The forensic shoe print match the best evidence used to convict 00:25:34  Description of second murder scene. Frankie Rhoden, Hannah Gilley, and two small children.   00:25:26 Older child came to door (the next morning) and said  "daddy's playing zombie" 00:27:10  Discussion of Hannah Gilley was shot 5 times in the head 00:30:25  Discussion of distance from Frankie Rhoden's house to Dana Rhoden home 00:32:37  Dana Rhoden's home was unlocked, Dana Rhoden's face was illuminated by her phone, made eye contact with Jake Wagner and he shot and killed Dana Rhoden 00:33:40  Discussion of Hanna May Rhoden being the reason for the murders 00:34:00  Discussion of Hanna Rhoden had baby 4 days earlier 00:34:15 The child Hanna Rhoden had with Jake Wagner was with the Wagner family at the time of the murders 00:34:35  Discussion of Jake Wagner placing baby next to body of Hanna May Rhoden so the baby could feed off the dead mother 00:36:01 Discussion of Hanna Rhoden and Hannah Gilley both shot 5 times in the head 00:36:45 Chris Rhoden jr, 16, shot dead in bed 00:37:45 Discussion of Kenneth Rhoden living in travel trailer 7 miles from the other scenes, shot once in head. 00:41:22 Discussion of Jake Wagner and his brother going to great lengths to get rid of weaponsSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Over the last few years, more and more death scenes involve dismemberment. An "obsessed" true crime fan in South Korea thinks she can pull off the perfect murder, so how did Jung Yoo-Jung get caught? Taylor Schabusiness tells police she doesn't remember strangling her boyfriend, but it felt good. She leaves his severed head in a bucket for his mother to find. And in Tennessee, prosecutors say Joel Guy Jr created a "diabolical stew of human remains" with his mother's head when he finds out his parents are cutting him off. Joseph Scott Morgan breaks down the forensics and Dave Mack keeps the stories moving in this fast-paced edition of Body Bags with Joseph Scott Morgan in front of a live audience at CrimeCon 2023 in Orlando, Florida Time Code Highlights.  00:02:50 South Korean Woman Jung Yoo-Jung is said to be an obsessed crime fan 00:03:17 Discussion of how 23-year-old woman pretends to be a 14-year-old school girl 00:04:19 Jung Yoo-jung wants to commit a homicide and dismember the victim to try and get away with murder..  00:05:33  Her plan is to kill, dismember, and dispose of the victim.   00:06:27 Talks about the tools needed to do the job she wants to do 00:10:19 What would she used to clean up the area? 00:12:00 Talk about Gilgo and Rex Heuermann 00:12:44 Talking about the getaway and getting rid of the remains 00:12:57 To commit the perfect crime she uses a cab as a getaway car, leads to her capture 00:14:39 Joseph Scott Morgan tells story of transporting a head as a young man working in New Orleans with the coroner. 00:15:52  Under no circumstances are you to allow this bot this head out of your sight.  00:16:23 Had to use a cooler with ice to transport the head  00:18:40 Discussion about Taylor Schabusiness case. 00:19:14 The mother of the victim finds his head in bucket 00:20:20 Discussion of the relationship between suspect and victim 00:21:56 Schabusiness told police she didn't remember strangling him, but she remembered liking it.  00:23:16 She told police, you found this part of him, good luck finding the rest 00:25:48  Discussion about the types of knives needed to do what was done to the victim 00:27:46 Talk about the forensics of different types of blades 00:30:47 Joe Scott Morgan talks about the time it takes to dismember a body 00:32:09 Joel Guy Jr, created a game plan for what he was going to do to his parents 00:32:23 Discussion about Joel Guy Jr and why he killed his parents 00:34:18 Joel Guy Jr stabbed his parents to death, then cut them up. 00:35:04 Talk about police interrupted Joel Guy Jr and found his "list" of things to do 00:39:42 Discussion of the medical examiner at the trial  00:40:09 Talk about anti-mortem and post-mortem  00:43:11 Joseph Scott Morgan explains the way a body can be disarticulated      See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Maleesa Mooney's family hasn't heard from the 31-year-old model for several days. Worried, they ask police to do a welfare check. Los Angeles police let themselves into her apartment with a key obtained from the manager. The air conditioner has been turned down and the apartment is very cold. Police discover the beaten and bruised body of Maleesa Mooney, with her hands and feet bound, wedged into the refrigerator. There is blood underneath her body.  Join Joseph Scott Morgan and Dave Mack as they discuss how this beautiful and talented woman died.  Time Code Highlights.  00:02:30 Family of Maleesa Mooney ask police to check on her. 00:03:06 Police find Maleesa Mooney, 31, bound, gagged, stuffed in refrigerator with blood   00:04:19 The police are working as a homicide.    00:05:25 Family gets answers from mortuary  00:07:11 Joe Scott Morgan shares story of mistake he made notifying a mother of how her son died 00:08:27 The victim was greatly traumatized.  00:09:39 What it would take to put a person inside a refrigerator 00:11:44 Victim was beaten and broken.  00:14:24 Mooney seen walking into her building on surveillance camera 00:14:42 No forced entry into apartment 00:15:20 The air conditioning in apartment had been turned down and it had been flooded 00:18:00  Items on the table that are commonly associated with needing to be refrigerated, as if the refrigerator been cleaned out.   00:18:58 Is running water an effort to destroy evidence? 00:19:40   Details on the last time anybody talked to Melissa Mooney. 00:21:27  There's a six day window between last communication and when body is found. .  00:22:23  Victim has multiple trauma  about her head and her neck.  00:24:03 Victim is pregnant.  00:27:27  Family received vague text messages.   00:30:08  Victim is bound  ankles and wrists. 00:33:11 Victim is gagged. 00:35:15 How would body be examined at the morgue?   See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On the evening of August 15,  Connor and Betty Bowman stay home and have drinks together. The last drink Betty remembered having was a smoothie. The next morning Betty Bowman is sick. So sick she goes to the hospital where they admit her and treat her for what seemed like food poisoning. Betty Bowman is 32 and healthy but over the next 4 days her condition worsens and she dies. When her husband, Connor Bowman, tries to have her cremated right away with no autopsy, alarms bells go off and police are called. It seems that Connor Bowman was researching a particular medication used to treat gout, and what would be the lethal amount for someone the size of Betty Bowman. Join forensic expert Joseph Scott Morgan and co-host Dave Mack as look into the almost perfect weapon and crime.  Time Code- Highlights 00:00:00  Some natural remedies have been know to humanity for thousands of years. Could one have been used for murder?  00:04:46 Discussion of Betty and Connor Bowman's educations and professions. Both are pharmacists. 00:07:59 Bowman marriage difficulties discussed.  00:09:08 Betty Bowman hospitalized with what is thought to be food poisoning and dies   00:09:12 Connor Bowman has to be smart, based on educational accomplishments 00:09:15  32 years old Betty Bowman found a way to travel. She traveled the world.  00:09:20 Betty went to Hawaii, the Caribbea, Iceland, Grand Canyon.  00:09:35 Connor had such massive debt from college that they kept their money separate 00:09:44 Conner Bowman told a friend there was $450,000 life insurance on Betty Bowman 00:10:05  Betty Bowman was in good health. She and Conner  talking about divorce.  00:10:12 August 15, Betty and Connor Bowman at home, drinking and watching movies 00:10:39 Betty wakes up sick, thought food poisoning, went to Mayo clinic, St Mary Hospital August 16 00:10:59 Betty admitted to hospital and they treat her for food poisoning 00:11:05 Treat her for gastrointestinal distress and dehydration 00:11:14 After treatment, nothing gets better and she dies after four days.  00:11:58 Marriage on downhill slope 00:35:21 Connor Bowman says no autopsy, wife doesn't want to be a cadaver. 00:39:02 Connor Bowman asked if cremation would cause more "in depth" tox screen 00:41:35 Bowman looked up colchicine on laptop. What's a lethal dose?  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Kathryn Pham, 21. had been dating Daniel Gunnarsson, 23, hardly a month, but the 23-year-old's obsession with Pham grew quickly. He would get angry if anyone else had the young woman's attention. Gunnarsson confided to his stepfather that he thought Pham was breaking up with him. The stepfather's advice?  Apologize. Gunnarsson did and somehow convinced Pham to go with him to his stepfather's home. Once there, painters were on the scene. The couple went in to the garage. Soon after the painters hear screaming, but wait an hour before going to check.  Inside the garage, Kathryn Phan is laying on the floor, naked and bloodied. Daniel Gunnarsson struck Pham with an ice axe at least 10 times. Join forensic expert Joseph Scott Morgan and co-host Dave Mack as they look at the destruction and mayhem caused by one tool.   Time Codes-highlights 00:00:00  Joseph Scott Morgan discusses what it's like to receive a jury duty letter in the mail only to find the possible case is murder.  00:02:29  An ice axe is not a tool found in most homes. Usually it is only in locations with colder temperature.  How could it be used for murder?  00:04:14 Description of an ice axe 00:06:50  Dating relationship between Daniel Gunnarsson and Katie Pham introduced 00:07:56 Daniel Gunnarsson red flag behavior details.   00:09:06  Katie Pham's trip to Gunnarsson's stepfather's garage  00:09:38  Painters start hearing a girl's screams. Body is discovered. Scene described.  00:12:28 Katie Pham's injuries described   00:15:56 Injuries occurred in the upper body, the chest, the neck  and the head. .  00:20:08 Dead body touched in sexual manner 00:21:34 Suspect was wearing gloves.  00:24:45 Jurors had to hear details of an ice axe murder.  00:25:34 Victim was struck at least 10 times.  00:28:36  Is it possible to determine the order of injuries?  00:29:41 Defense strategy was that someone else snuck into the garage.   00:31:01 Jurors wept  00:31:20  Daniel Gunderson was  found guilty.    See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Kara Nichols is found dead, strangled and buried alongside a horse on a property owned by her murderer's parents, several years after she has been declared missing. Confessed killer Joel Hollendorfer is at the center of this tale that explores not just the murder itself, but its far-reaching repercussions. Joseph Scott Morgan and Dave Mack traverse the winding roads of Kara's life and the cold case that took years to solve. They discuss the forensics of strangulation, the ethics of grief, and the complexities of moral responsibility. Dave delves into the timeline of Kara's last days, while Joseph navigates the complicated web of legal hurdles that investigators faced. This episode also questions whether it's possible to die of a broken heart, highlighting the psychological and emotional toll a murder can take on the families involved.   Mentioned Podcast:   Zone 7 with Sheryl McCollum on Apple Podcasts   Time-coded Highlights:   00:00:43 — Joseph Scott Morgan discusses the theme of the episode, which is whether people can die of a broken heart, or from grief. He introduces a case where a murderer believes his father died from the shock of his confession.   00:02:03 — Dave Mack shares his philosophical views on the overwhelming power of grief.   00:03:20— Details about the murder of Kara Nichols are shared.    00:05:00—Joseph Scott Morgan talks about the emotional burden for the perpetrator's parents.   006:10, Dave questions the moral responsibility of those who know about the crime.   00:07:58—The close relationship between Kara and her brother is spotlighted.   00:08:27—The discussion shifts to the challenging circumstances of Kara's life. 00:09:14—Joe Scott Morgan reveals that persistence and hard work solved this cold case.   00:10:05 — Dave Mack expresses admiration for cold case workers like Cheryl McCollum.   00:15:05 — The movements of Kara are traced back to a specific suspect via her phone.   00:16:40 — Joel Hollendorfer’s conversation with Detective Gugliotta is discussed.   00:18:20 — The complexities of obtaining a search warrant are outlined.   00:23:11 — Morgan discusses the complexities of using ground penetrating radar in investigations.   00:24:14 — Dave Mack reveals that Joel Hollendorfer confessed to his parents about killing a young woman.    00:28:08 — Explaination of the use of lime on a body to speed up the decompositional process.   00:36:48 — Morgan explains the intricacies of strangulation and the role of the hyoid bone in determining the cause of death.   00:38:20 — The trial and conviction of Joel Hollendorfer are dissected, leaving listeners with the unsettling thought that he still has a chance at a life outside prison.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In an unfathomable act, the lifeless body of young Zion Staples is discovered abandoned in a trash can. The grim finding sends waves through the community, raising existential questions on human morality. Joseph Scott Morgan and Dave Mack dissect the intricacies of the case, exploring topics ranging from the science of decomposition to the societal implications of how we treat our deceased. While Morgan brings his forensic expertise to the table, offering unique insights into time of death estimation and the decomposition process, Mack provides additional context, revealing dark layers of the family's involvement.   Time-coded Highlights:   00:00:20 — Joseph Scott Morgan sets the tone by musing on the value of life.   00:01:20 — The tragic story of Zion Staples is introduced.    00:01:54 — Taking out the trash is discussed as an everyday act with dark implications in the Zion Staples case.   00:03:00 — Dave Mack contextualizes the focus on garbage and decomposition in the case.   00:03:50 — The connection between smell and taste in the context of decomposition is explained by Joe Scott.   00:04:08 — Society's treatment of the deceased is examined.    00:07:14 — Dispelling a common misconception, Joseph Scott Morgan talks about the challenges in determining the exact time of death.   00:09:11 — Morgan shares details about another mysterious case involving a person missing for seven months.   00:14:37 — A detailed explanation of body tissue disintegration after death is given.   00:16:22 — Cause of death's impact on decomposition rates is discussed after Dave Mack brings up the example of a gunshot wound to the head.   00:21:14 — Significant changes that a decomposing body undergoes are highlighted by Morgan, emphasizing the importance of evidence preservation.   00:29:00 — New information about Zion's mother, Sushi Staples, and her history with child services is revealed.    00:30:40 — Joe Scott Morgan discusses the challenges of the investigation due to the time elapsed since the incident and the lack of concrete evidence.   00:32:08 — Morgan reveals that Sushi Staples has only been charged with concealing the body of her 10-year-old son in a garbage can, not with his death.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

  Two horrific murders shake a university town to its core, as Channon Christian and Christopher Newsom fall prey to a monstrous crime. In a dilapidated house in East Knoxville, Tennessee, the young couple are kidnapped and tortured in an environment that can only be described as hellish. In this gripping episode, Joseph Scott Morgan and Dave Mack unravel the gruesome details, chilling forensics, and unfathomable cruelty behind the case. With firsthand experience and unsettling revelations, they bring you closer to understanding the harrowing ordeal these victims went through. The episode delves into forensic complexities, offers insights into the minds of the perpetrators, and discusses the pivotal moments that led to their capture. Brace yourselves for a haunting journey through one of the darkest chapters of true crime.   Time-coded Highlights: 00:00:20 — Joseph Scott Morgan sets the stage for the episode’s chilling focus: two horrific murders in a university town, considered among the most horrifying covered by Morgan. 00:01:20 — The names of the victims, Channon Christian and Christopher Newsom, are introduced alongside the setting—a rundown house in East Knoxville. 00:01:40 — Joseph Scott Morgan discloses his personal involvement in covering the Eric Boyd trial. 00:03:00 — A visceral account of the kidnapping and the setting is provided by Dave Mack. 00:04:40 — It's revealed that the atrocities committed against Channon and Christopher are akin to acts of “Satan himself." 00:07:31 — The suffering endured by Christopher Newsom, including torture and being set on fire, is hauntingly detailed by Dave Mack. 00:08:04 — The agonizing torment Channon Christian went through is elaborated upon by Joseph Scott Morgan. 00:08:46 — The seclusion and inaccessibility of railway tracks as common dumping grounds for victims are discussed. 00:10:02 — Dave Mack specifies that Christopher was not killed at the house but was later taken to the railway tracks. 00:10:54 — Dave Mack reveals that unusual activities at the house on the night of the crime were noticed by a dump truck driver. 00:11:27 — Treatment of the victims is equated to "torture," akin to how prisoners of war are treated. 00:15:04 — The crime scene’s dehumanizing aspects and the extreme physical abuse suffered by the victims are dissected. 00:23:05 — Psychological manipulation used on the victim by promising release is exposed. 00:30:27 — The discovery of the female victim's body in a garbage can, constricted into a fetal position, adds another layer of horror to the narrative.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Dorothy Dusold's life comes to a chilling end, her body marred by manual strangulation and the telltale signs of anoxic encephalopathy—a gruesome testament to oxygen deprivation and ensuing cardiac arrest. True crime experts Joseph Scott Morgan and Dave Mack join forces to dissect this unsettling narrative, where familial love crumbles into fatal brutality. Diving deep into the psychosocial underpinnings, forensic evidence, and medical realities of the case, they guide us from the eerie echoes of the 911 call to the contentious forensic findings that sway the court. Through their exhaustive analysis, they illuminate not only Dorothy's agonizing final moments but also the grim medical trajectories that culminated in her tragic demise. This episode serves as a poignant and intellectually rigorous examination of the shadowy corners where family ties fray into lethal violence.   Time-coded Highlights: 00:00:20—Joseph Scott Morgan introduces the unique case of a daughter allegedly squeezing her mother to death. 00:02:40—Joe Scott and Dave Mack discuss the physical strength required to squeeze someone to death. 00:03:20 — The 911 call made by Cassandra Dusold is discussed.  00:04:20—Morgan lauds the invaluable role of first responders in high-stakes situations. 00:06:20 — The concept of deception in the case is introduced. 00:07:04 — Joe Scott Morgan explains what a 'code' means in a hospital setting, specifically a 'code blue' which indicates cardiac arrest. 00:08:31— The crucial steps in emergency cardiac care are outlined.  00:14:09 — Dave Mack opens up a dialogue on the unusual circumstances surrounding Dorothy Dusold's death. 00:16:40—Dave highlights inconsistencies in Cassandra's story, creating doubt about her credibility. 00:18:40, the possibility of Dorothy having bilateral black eyes and ear bleeding is explored. 00:27:49 — A medical breakdown of how the victim's throat was constricted is presented. 00:30:00, Joe Scott delves into various methods of manual strangulation, questioning the story told by Cassandra. 00:31:40 — The episode wraps up with the conviction of the perpetrator, Cassandra Dussault, for manslaughter.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Jamie Faith, a special forces operator in Tennessee, is fatally shot seven times while walking his dog, a part of his morning routine with his wife Jennifer. What initially appears as a masked perpetrator's random act of violence unravels into a dark tale of manipulation, emotional affairs, and meticulous planning. Join Joseph Scott Morgan and Dave Mack as they delve into the layers of this case, from shot groupings to text messages that expose a staggering truth. Hear about their personal experiences with gun control and their love for dogs, which add nuanced layers to this tragic narrative. With revelations of a GoFundMe scam and the psychological tactics of a supposedly grieving widow, this episode leaves you questioning where love ends and deceit begins.   Time-coded Highlights: 00:00:20—Joe Scott Morgan sets a serene scene by sharing his morning routine with his rescue dogs before diving into Jamie and Jennifer Faith's heart-wrenching story. 00:01:23—The tragic murder of Jamie Faith is introduced by Morgan, marking the contrast between a mundane dog-walking routine and a violent death. 00:01:55—A light moment as Morgan teases a secret about Dave Mack. 00:02:29—Dave Mack speaks fondly of his English Bulldog, Hank, adding to the hosts' evident love for dogs. 00:03:40—The story of Jamie and Jennifer Faith comes to life as Mack paints a vivid picture of the couple. 00:04:22—Joseph Scott Morgan describes the peaceful neighborhood where Jamie was killed starkly and how it contrasts with the horror that unfolded there. 00:07:03—The complexity of shooting scenarios is discussed, touching upon the differences in training between the military and police. 00:09:10—Shot grouping and its accuracy are detailed, with Morgan using the example of an index card. 00:12:11—Morgan's personal connection to the case reveals the story's emotional weight. 00:15:02—The hosts discuss the striking contrast between the crime scene and its peaceful setting, noting Jamie's strategic targeting. 00:18:21—A 45 caliber handgun's history and effectiveness are elaborated on by Morgan. 00:22:57—Dave Mack starts to reveal the investigation's findings, including a peculiar connection to Jennifer, Jamie's wife. 00:25:00—Digital forensics bring shocking text messages to light, discussed by both Mack and Morgan. 00:30:20—A perforating gunshot wound in Jamie's groin emphasizes the brutality of the attack. 00:31:00—The episode concludes with Joe Scott stating that the shooter was highly skilled, having left no trace of soot or gunpowder on Jamie's body.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ashli Ehrhardt, a woman embroiled in a tumultuous marriage, meets a devastating end in her laundry room. With signs of struggle all around and her body bearing multiple types of wounds—a belt around the neck, stab wounds, and puncture injuries—Ashli's father is the one who horrifyingly discovers her. Her husband, John Wonder, becomes the prime suspect in what appears to be a crime of passion layered with complex clues. Joseph Scott Morgan and Dave Mack unravel the chilling details surrounding Ashli’s death. From the puzzling written messages left at the crime scene to the suspect's unsettling social media behavior, this episode dives deep into the importance of forensic documentation. As the narrative unfolds, listen in for insights into unusual wounds, psychological profiles, and the critical role of time-stamped messages.    Time-coded Highlights: 00:00:20 — Joseph Scott Morgan opens the episode by discussing the power of written communication and its ability to express deep emotions. 00:02:20 — Dave Mack introduces the case involving John Wonder and Ashli Ehrhardt, a married couple going through a divorce. Mack speculates on their use of social media and text messaging. 00:07:00 — The importance of co-workers in death investigations is highlighted, especially in cases of suicide. 00:08:06  — Dave Mack discusses John Wonder's peculiar behavior. 00:10:20 — The heartbreaking moment Ashli's father discovers her body. 00:11:00 — Joseph Scott Morgan brings the horror of the scene to life by discussing the amount of blood present. 00:12:00 — Questions are raised about the cause of death when a belt is found around Ashley's neck. 00:16:42 — The unusual circumstances at the crime scene, including the belt and potential staging, are questioned by Dave Mack. 00:19:00 — Morgan stresses the necessity of a thorough examination at the autopsy table for determining the cause of death. 00:21:42 — Distinctions between stab and puncture wounds are explored.  00:29:50 — A disturbing text message from John to his sister is revealed.  00:30:20 — Mack shares an alleged text message from John indicating his plans to flee. 00:31:40 — The role of forensic document examiners in cases like this is introduced. 00:34:00 — Focusing on the writing in blood, the possibility of the defense claiming a setup is discussed. 00:40:47—The episode closes on a serious note as Joseph Scott Morgan shares the National Domestic Violence Hotline, urging those in abusive relationships to seek help.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Struck on the head with an iron skillet and stabbed multiple times, Brenda Powell’s life comes to a shocking and tragic end at the hands of her daughter. Joseph Scott Morgan and Dave Mack delve into the perplexing aspects of this chilling homicide that has captivated public interest. They explore the unique role an 'ear witness' plays in the investigation and scrutinize the difficult transition Sydney experienced from high school to college, as well as the financial and emotional challenges involved. Armed with Morgan's forensic expertise and Mack's keen investigative insights, the duo crafts an episode filled with emotional depth, compelling narrative, and sharp analysis. As they walk you through key moments, witness testimonies, and the complicated criminal landscape, they raise important questions about family dynamics, criminal psychology, and the advancements in forensic science.   Time-coded Highlights: 00:00:20—Joe Scott Morgan sets the tone by reflecting on the impact of sounds and memories on a murder investigation. He introduces Brenda Powell's brutal homicide case. 02:20:00—Dave Mack shares a unique description related to the case. 04:00:00—The emotional toll of working in oncology is illuminated. 05:20:00—The concept of an earwitness is introduced, offering an innovative twist to the narrative. 06:40:00—Sydney Powell's academic struggles are revealed.  07:35:00—Joe Scott explores the emotional and financial challenges of transitioning from high school to college.  09:23:00—The boiling point leading to violent crimes is dissected. 10:00:00—A critical phone call from Brenda to her university is detailed, becoming a key moment in the investigation. 12:20:00—The chilling moment when Brenda Powell is struck on the head by an iron skillet. 15:40:00—Morgan reflects on the cultural portrayal of frying pans as weapons compared to their real-world lethal potential. 23:05:00—The absence of premeditation in the crime is suggested, considering the presence of ‘ear witnesses’. 27:16:00—The immediate reaction of university administrators on the phone during the attack and their subsequent 911 calls are narrated. 34:00:00—Concluding the episode, Joe Scott Morgan explains that the multitude of injuries led to Brenda Powell's death.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Suzanne Morphew, a 49-year-old mother of two from Chaffee County, Colorado, disappears under mysterious and suspicious circumstances. Initially reported missing following a supposed bike ride on Mother's Day, her case quickly gains national media attention. With each passing day, the urgency to find the truth escalates. In this episode, Joseph Scott Morgan and Dave Mack meticulously examine the Suzanne Morphew case through a forensic lens. Morgan delves into expert insights, discussing the roles of apex predators, decay patterns, and dental records in Suzanne's identification. Dave Mack scrutinizes the media coverage and evaluates the initial theories surrounding the case. From weather impediments affecting search efforts to perplexing clues that challenge conventional theories, this episode offers an exhaustive exploration of a case that continues to confound investigators.   Time-coded Highlights: 00:02:00 — Introduction to the episode's focus on the forensics surrounding the Suzanne Morphew case. 00:02:40 — Dave Mack talks about the Morphew case, which he has been covering since Suzanne went missing. 00:04:20 — Mack delves into the initial theory that Suzanne went for a bike ride and subsequently vanished. 00:05:00 — Barry Morphew's theory of a mountain lion attack as a possible cause of Suzanne's disappearance is discussed. 00:05:20 — Joseph Scott Morgan explains the behavior patterns of apex predators and how they could be linked to this case. 00:08:20 — Questioning the absence of evidence supporting the apex predator theory where Suzanne's bike was found. 00:09:03 — The notion of a human predator being involved in Suzanne's disappearance is raised. 00:10:29 — Morgan talks about the discovery of Suzanne's helmet and the absence of trauma evidence within it. 00:12:58 — Joe Scott Morgan says that the circumstances surrounding Suzanne's discovery are unlike anything he has seen before. 00:14:04 — Morgan elaborates on the legal concept of corpus delecti and its relevance to this case. 00:16:14 — The implications of the burial site being a shallow grave are discussed. 00:19:21 — Dave Mack notes that investigators weren't looking for Suzanne when her remains were found. 00:22:23 — A vivid picture is painted about the potential skeletal disbursement of Suzanne's remains. 00:32:12 — Challenges in determining the cause of death in the absence of soft tissue are covered. 00:34:42 — Joe Scott Morgan wraps up the episode, questioning the preparation and speed involved in hiding Suzanne Morphew's body.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Connie Cuesta's life is violently cut short; her body is discovered with numerous lacerations, inflicted by the unlikely weapon of a wine bottle. The room shows signs of struggle; every organ in her body bears a mark, and multiple wine bottles are scattered across the scene. Joseph Scott Morgan and Dave Mack guide listeners through this bewildering episode of Body Bags, meticulously dissecting the elements that make this case so extraordinary. From the anatomy of a wine bottle's lethal potential to the significance of the victim's state of undress, the episode is a masterclass in forensic investigation. Listen in to uncover the intricate web of forensic details that could play a crucial role in the ensuing legal process.   Time-coded Highlights: 00:00:20 — Joseph Scott Morgan introduces the episode, hinting at a murder case involving a wine bottle as a weapon. 00:01:36 — The oddity of a wine bottle as a murder weapon is discussed. 00:02:39 —Joe Scott Morgan and Dave Mack delve into the impact of a head strike with an object, providing insight into the potential deadly force of the wine bottle. 00:03:00 — Dave Mack shares information about the murder case. 00:08:20 — Drawing a parallel between the design of a bottle and a baseball bat, Joe Scott indicates how they can be similarly weaponized. He then reveals that a woman's life ended due to an impact from a wine bottle. 00:10:20 — Joseph Scott Morgan describes the signs of a struggle at the crime scene. He emphasizes the importance of understanding those signs when investigating. 00:13:48 — Discussion of the role of the medical examiner in the investigation and the importance of the body’s temperature at the crime scene. 00:16:49 — Joe Scott and Dave discuss the victim's state of undress, considering whether it indicates a sexual assault or is a result of being dragged. 00:20:58 — Discussing the severity of the victim's injuries, Morgan notes that every organ in her body sustained a laceration.  00:25:11 — Detailing how a knife was driven into the victim's temporal bone four times, Morgan indicates the force required for such an act. 00:27:54 - Joseph Scott Morgan makes a crucial point about Sean Cuesta's current legal status, reminding listeners that he is still considered innocent as he has not yet been taken to trial.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Kensie Aubry, a 32-year-old woman hungry for a new chapter in her life, tragically finds herself the victim of a man's nightmarish fantasy, leading to her horrific murder. As her last known whereabouts in Independence, Missouri become the center of a desperate search, Joseph Scott Morgan and Dave Mack delve into this unsettling case. They unpack the haunting realities that blur the lines between dark fantasies and unspeakable actions, exploring how one individual's twisted imagination led to a gruesome reality. The episode navigates the complexities of the foster care system, highlights the courage it takes for survivors to speak up, and provides an intricate look at the role of body identification in solving missing persons cases. Whether discussing the gruesome details of chainsaw dismemberment or the intricacies of matching tool marks on bones, this episode is a sobering reminder of the urgent need to bring justice to the lost and give voice to the silent.   Time-coded Highlights: 00:00:00 — Joseph Scott Morgan introduces the episode by exploring the human fascination with dark fantasies. He unpacks the depraved fantasy behind Kensie Aubry’s murder. 00:03:00 — Dave Mack elaborates on Kensie's last known whereabouts. 00:04:00 — Missing persons' reports and their intricacies are discussed. 00:05:00 — The conversation continues on the importance of intricate physical details for identification. 00:07:21 — A brave abuse survivor’s role in solving the case is revealed by Dave Mack. 00:09:12 — Joe Scott emphasizes how crucial revelations were for the investigation. 00:10:56 — The twisted relationship between Maggie Ybarra and Michael Hendricks is dissected. 00:14:00 — Dave shares a chilling confession leading to Michael Hendricks’ arrest. 00:15:20 — Morgan explains how X-ray machines can aid in identifying dismembered remains. 00:16:00 — The process of revealing tattoos on decomposed skin is shared. 00:16:40 — An in-depth look into the permanence of tattoos. 00:19:00 — Joseph Scott Morgan ponders the changing significance of prison tattoos for identification. 00:22:45 — Joe Scott recalls a haunting tale of a murder involving a frozen body. He speculates on why murderers might opt to freeze their victims. 00:27:20 — Dave and Joe ponder the logistics of dismembering a frozen body versus a non-frozen one. 00:30:03 — The investigation challenges are highlighted by Joe Scott Morgan. 00:33:34 — The episode concludes as Dave Mack heralds the hero who provided crucial information for the case.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.