CRIMES: Octopus Murders – Detailed Episode Summary

Podcast: Conspiracy Theories, Cults, & Crimes
Host: Vanessa Richardson
Date: September 24, 2025
Episode: CRIMES: Octopus Murders

Overview:

This episode investigates the mysterious case of journalist Danny Casolaro, who died under suspicious circumstances in 1991 while researching an alleged conspiracy known as "The Octopus." Host Vanessa Richardson examines Casolaro's background, his investigation into the Inslaw software scandal, and the tangled web of government intrigue, espionage, and missing files that led to his untimely death. The show explores whether Danny truly uncovered a massive criminal conspiracy—or simply became lost in a world of paranoia and half-truths.

Key Discussion Points and Insights

1. Danny Casolaro: The Adventurer Turned Investigator

• Danny’s Background: Born into wealth, craved adventure from a young age (04:34).
• Left home at 16 to treasure-hunt in South America, later became a writer, covering everything from mountain climbing to Chinese drug smugglers.
• After his marriage ended, he poured energy into work, eventually focusing on stories in the emerging computer industry and, ultimately, returning to investigative journalism in 1990 seeking a "scoop of a lifetime." (06:30)

2. The Inslaw “PROMIS” Software Scandal

• PROMIS Software: Developed by Bill and Nancy Hamilton as a case management tool for prosecutors; the DOJ contracted for it, then allegedly stole it through deceptive means, bankrupting the Hamiltons (09:50).
  • Quote (09:50): "By pressing a single key, an attorney could find out about someone's prior convictions, known associates, and the status of court appeals."
• After court rulings in the Hamiltons’ favor, the DOJ kept appealing; meanwhile, journalist interest kept the case alive (11:40).

3. The “Octopus” Conspiracy Emerges

• Casolaro is introduced to Michael Riconosciuto, an eccentric "child prodigy"/engineer with criminal history and wild stories of deep projects on tribal land (15:05).
• Michael claimed he installed a backdoor in PROMIS at the government’s request, intending to spy on foreign governments who purchased the software (19:08).
  • Quote (19:08): "Michael claimed the plan was...to use the secret backdoor to access their files."
• Danny follows these leads, which thread back to political and intelligence scandals.

4. Key Figures in Danny’s Investigation

• Robert Nichols: Alleged “James Bond”–like figure associated with organized crime and shadowy government business.
  • Gave warnings about the dangers of Casolaro’s research (20:42).
• Earl W. Brian: Linked to both the software theft and the 1980 “October Surprise” Iran hostage crisis, allegedly orchestrating events for political and financial gain (24:35).
  • Quote (25:31): “Michael said the US Government gave Bryan the stolen PROMIS software as a reward for engineering the October Surprise.”

5. Casolaro’s Final Days and Death

• Leading up to his death, Casolaro received nightly death threats; friends and family worried for his safety (31:45).
  • Quote (31:45): "He told family and friends he was getting anonymous death threats. The callers...would simply tell him to drop dead, then hang up."
• He traveled to Martinsburg, West Virginia, to meet a key source, carrying his vital files with him (34:22).
• On August 10, 1991, he was found dead in the hotel bathtub with deep wrist wounds, a suicide note, and his files missing (35:09).
  • Quote (35:09): "Beside him was a beer can, a razor blade, and a three sentence long suicide note."

6. Aftermath and Investigations

• Official ruling: suicide, but circumstances (embalming without family consent, missing files, death threats, personality inconsistencies) fueled suspicions (39:27).
  • Quote (40:40): “None of Danny's family or friends thought he was experiencing suicidal thoughts before his death."
• Friends and colleagues investigate, finding mysterious run-ins with potential sources and strange new acquaintances before his death.
• Autopsy later reveals undiagnosed multiple sclerosis and an antidepressant in his system; family debates whether illness or foul play led to his death (45:33).
  • Quote (45:33): “Investigators suggested...he ended his life rather than deal with the pain of MS. Initially, his friends and family dismissed the idea.”

Notable Quotes & Moments

• On the Octopus:
  • Quote (02:02): “With its tag team compartments, its exploitation of hundreds of people, and its formidable stealth, the Octopus will help to unravel the most compelling puzzles of the 20th century.” — Danny Casolaro (book pitch)
• On the Extent of the Conspiracy:
  • Quote (22:41): "Seemingly disconnected events that were all tied together... this was the essence of the Octopus."
• On Casolaro’s Fear:
  • Quote (31:45): "He told family and friends he was getting anonymous death threats... He once told his brother that if he wound up dead, it wasn't an accident."
• On the Aftermath:
  • Quote (47:50): “It paints a dark, dark picture of our future. And with Danny Casalero gone, who will be the one to stop it?”

Timeline & Timestamps for Key Segments

• Origin of the Story/Danny's Background: 00:00 – 07:15
• Introduction to the PROMIS/INSLaw Case: 07:15 – 13:50
• Michael Riconosciuto, Secret Projects & PROMIS Backdoor: 13:50 – 20:40
• Robert Nichols & Deeper Conspiracies: 20:40 – 23:58
• The October Surprise & Earl Brian: 23:58 – 28:00
• Threats, Last Days, and The Martinsburg Trip: 31:45 – 35:09
• Discovery of Death and Missing Files: 35:09 – 39:00
• Investigation & Autopsy Results: 39:00 – 45:33
• Ongoing Mystery, Theories, and Speculated Cabal Members: 45:33 – 48:40
• Host Reflection & Audience Call to Action: 48:40 – End

Conclusion & Theories

• The Octopus, as described by Casolaro, might be an international cabal trading in drugs, money, and weapons, with members possibly including Earl Brian, Robert Nichols, and Michael Riconosciuto.
• Many believe Casolaro was onto something real, and his death is at least suspicious if not an outright murder. Others think the evidence is too scattered, suggesting a mixture of truth and exaggeration.
• The mystery remains—Was the Octopus real? Did Danny’s investigation get him killed? The files are gone, the book unwritten, and the truth lost to history.

Host's Final Thoughts

• Quote (47:50): "After everything, I definitely think Danny was onto something. His death just seems way too suspicious. I'd love to get your thoughts. Do you think Danny Casolaro stumbled onto a real conspiracy? Did someone kill him to keep him quiet? And who do you think was part of the Octopus?"
• Vanessa Richardson encourages listeners to share their thoughts and theories as the case of Danny Casolaro and the Octopus remains hauntingly unresolved.