Digest

This episode of "My Favorite Murder" revisits past cases and shares listener updates. The hosts discuss the original title of episode 95, "Jesus (with a G)," and their recent tour in Texas, including a funny meet-and-greet mishap. They also touch on listener gifts like moth-shaped cookies and Bucky's Beaver Nuggets. The episode delves into the perplexing disappearances of Asha Degree and the historical mystery of Bobby Dunbar, exploring the details and lingering questions surrounding each case. Additionally, they share a powerful survivor story from Jennifer Morey Caldwell, highlighting her resilience and the impact of the podcast. The hosts also discuss their storytelling strategy and plan for future book club discussions.

Outlines

00:00:00

Episode Recap and Tour Anecdotes

The hosts recap episode 95, originally titled "Jesus (with a G)," and share highlights from their recent tour in Texas. They discuss listener gifts, including moth-shaped cookies and Bucky's Beaver Nuggets, and recount a humorous meet-and-greet incident.

00:10:04

Corrections and True Crime Narratives

Karen corrects details about cult leader Terry Hoffman and the director of "Wind River." The hosts then discuss Ed Kemper's surprising role as an audiobook narrator for the blind and reminisce about V.C. Andrews novels, proposing a book club discussion.

00:26:38

The Amish Serial Killer: Eli Stutzman

This segment introduces the case of Eli Stutzman, an Amish man who became a serial killer, exploring his life within and outside the conservative Amish community.

00:55:38

Mysterious Disappearances: Springfield III, Aisha DeGree, and Bobby Dunbar

The podcast examines three compelling missing persons cases: the Springfield III disappearance of three women in 1992, the vanishing of nine-year-old Aisha DeGree in 2000, and the historical mystery of Bobby Dunbar, who disappeared in 1912. The Asha Degree case is detailed, including witness accounts, discovered items, and stalled investigations. The Bobby Dunbar case is presented with conflicting identifications and later DNA evidence.

01:25:55

Survivor Story: Jennifer Morey Caldwell

The hosts share a powerful clip from a live show featuring Jennifer Morey Caldwell, a survivor whose story they retold. They highlight her emotional appearance on stage and her gratitude for the podcast's impact.

01:37:15

Episode Wrap-up and Listener Engagement

The hosts conclude the episode by discussing potential new titles and reflecting on the stories shared. They encourage listener engagement for upcoming book club plans and sign off.

Keywords

Q&A

• What was the original title of episode 95 of "My Favorite Murder"?

  The original title of episode 95 was "Jesus," with the hosts emphasizing the "with a G" for a clever, humorous effect.

• How did the "moth cookie" incident help Karen?

  A listener gifted Karen cookies shaped like moths. This unique gesture surprisingly helped to alleviate her phobia of receiving actual moths in the mail.

• What is Bucky's Beaver Nuggets?

  Bucky's Beaver Nuggets are a popular, sweet, and crunchy snack sold at a Texas gas station chain. The hosts discovered and enjoyed them during their tour in Texas.

• What happened during the "My Sister's Dying" meet-and-greet?

  During a photo opportunity, a listener intended to express jealousy but accidentally said, "My sister's dying," leading to an awkward and humorous moment for the hosts.

• Who was Ed Kemper and what is his connection to audiobooks?

  Ed Kemper was a serial killer who, through the "Volunteers of Vacaville" program, narrated hundreds of audiobooks for the blind, a surprising and dark detail about his life.

• What is the significance of V.C. Andrews books in the podcast?

  The hosts reminisced about reading V.C. Andrews novels as children and proposed a book club discussion for "My Sweet Audrina" or "Flowers in the Attic," highlighting their shared nostalgic connection to the author.

• Who was Eli Stutzman?

  Eli Stutzman was an Amish man who became a serial killer. His story involves his life within the conservative Amish community, his eventual departure, and his involvement in multiple murders.

• What is the Springfield III case about?

  The Springfield III case refers to the unsolved disappearance of three women—Susie Streeter, Stacy McCall, and Cheryl Levitt—from Springfield, Missouri, in 1992. Their vanishing left behind few clues.

• What is known about the disappearance of Aisha DeGree?

  Aisha DeGree was a nine-year-old girl who disappeared from her home in North Carolina in 2000. She was last seen walking along a highway in the early morning hours, and her whereabouts remain unknown.

• What is the Bobby Dunbar case?

  The Bobby Dunbar case involves a young boy who disappeared in 1912 and was later found. However, questions and theories persist about whether the boy found was truly Bobby Dunbar, making it a mysterious disappearance.

• What are the key pieces of evidence in the Asha Degree case?

  Key evidence includes a witness sighting of a child in white on a stormy night, candy wrappers, a pencil, a marker, and a Mickey Mouse hair bow found in a shed, and Asha's backpack discovered miles away, seemingly packed by an adult.

• What made the Bobby Dunbar case so perplexing?

  The case was perplexing due to conflicting accounts of the boy's identification, the mother's initial uncertainty, and the eventual DNA evidence proving he was not Bobby Dunbar, despite living his life as him.

• How did Jennifer Morey Caldwell's story impact the podcast hosts?

  Jennifer's story deeply moved the hosts, especially when she appeared on stage at their live show. Her gratitude for their retelling of her survival story was a significant and emotional moment for them.

Show Notes