Criminology Podcast: Presenting CRIME HOUSE TRUE CRIME STORIES

Hosts: Emash Digital (Mike Ferguson), Mike Morford
Date: April 3, 2025
Episode Theme: Special Preview of Crime House True Crime Stories – Focus on Notorious Kidnapping Cases

Episode Overview

This episode features an extended preview of a new true crime podcast, Crime House True Crime Stories, introduced by Criminology hosts Mike Ferguson (Mike) and Mike Morford (Morv). The new show explores infamous true crime cases, pairing them each week around a unifying theme. This preview episode centers on two of the most notorious abductions in U.S. history—Patty Hearst (1974) and Elizabeth Smart (2003)—highlighting their impact on culture, media, and law enforcement.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

Introduction to Crime House (00:00–01:53)

• Hosts Mike and Morv introduce "Crime House True Crime Stories," emphasizing its deep dives into famous and infamous cases tied to a common theme each week.
  • “Every Monday you’ll go on an in depth journey through two of the most notorious true crime cases from that week in history, all connected by a common theme.” (A, 00:14)
• The show frames itself as “your true crime calendar,” drilling into events that changed true crime history.
  • Notable cases to expect: Manson family murders, Patty Hearst kidnapping, and the last great train robber’s escape.

Preview: Crime House True Crime Stories (01:53–02:50)

• Host Vanessa Richardson introduces the podcast's mission: to bring listeners the compelling details and lasting relevance of headline-making crimes, always themed for the week in history.
  • “Every Monday, we'll tackle multiple true crime cases from that week in crime history, tied together by a theme.” (B, 00:48)
  • Notable upcoming topics: Gabby Petito murder, Elizabeth Smart kidnapping, Heaven’s Gate mass suicide.
• Call-to-action: Follow for new episodes, ad-free versions, and bonus content.

Main Content: Kidnapping Theme—Patty Hearst’s Abduction (01:58–17:23)

Setting the Scene (02:50–04:30)

• Patty Hearst’s Background:
  • 19-year-old college student from the powerful Hearst family (media moguls).
  • Seen as a bit of a rebel; engaged to her much older former math teacher, Steve Weed.

The Kidnapping (04:30–06:30)

• February 4, 1974: At around 9pm, Patty and Steve encounter an unknown woman claiming to need the phone. As Steve opens the door, he is attacked and beaten; Patty is tied up, kidnapped at gunpoint, and forced into the trunk of a car.
  • Multiple witnesses saw the crime; news travelled fast to police and media.

Motive & SLA’s Demands (06:30–10:30)

• Symbionese Liberation Army (SLA): A militant, anti-capitalist group led by Bill Harris, who targeted Patty Hearst for her fame and privilege, initially hoping for a prisoner swap.
  • “Their motto was quote, ‘Death to the fascist insect that preys upon the life of the people.’” (B, 08:06)
• Media Frenzy: Immediate national attention, with the SLA contacting the media first by letter, then audio tapes featuring Patty.
• Unusual Ransom: Instead of cash or prisoner exchange, the SLA demanded the Hearst family create and fund a multi-million-dollar food program for the poor.

The Family’s Response & Continuing Ordeal (10:30–13:20)

• Logistical Nightmare: The Hearsts struggled to organize rapid, large-scale food distribution (“People in Need”). The first day’s giveaway erupted into riots.
• SLA’s Escalating Demands: Despite large-scale efforts, the SLA didn’t free Patty and continued communication through her taped statements—growing increasingly critical of her family’s efforts.
  • Patty’s recording, March 1974: “I don't believe that you're doing anything at all.” (B, ~12:30)
• By late March, $2 million had been spent and over 150,000 food bags distributed.

Turning Point—Patty Hearst “Joins” the SLA (13:20–15:40)

• After two months of negotiation, the situation abruptly shifts: the SLA sends a tape with Patty identifying herself as “Tanya” and claiming allegiance to the SLA.
  • “In the recording, she called herself Tanya and claimed that she was no longer the SLAs prisoner because she'd joined them.” (B, 14:43)
• Patty’s parents in disbelief: “They were certain that Patty wasn't in control… She had to be speaking under duress.” (B, 14:59)

The Bank Robbery & Aftermath (15:40–17:23)

• April 15, 1974: Patty Hearst is caught on surveillance video as an armed participant in an SLA bank robbery.
  • “She was, quote, ‘a soldier in the people's Army.’ No matter what her parents believed, Patty's case changed at that moment.” (B, 16:32)
• This event marks the moment authorities begin pursuing her as a criminal suspect rather than a victim.

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On Crime House’s Unique Format:
  • “Think of us as your true crime calendar, telling you stories that occurred that week in true crime history.” — Vanessa Richardson (B, 00:56)
• On the SLA’s Motives:
  • “They considered themselves guerrilla warriors and wanted to get rid of capitalism and start a war with the government.” (B, 08:01)
• Patty’s Tape to Family:
  • “I don't believe that you're doing anything at all.” — Patty Hearst (tape, March 1974) (B, ~12:30)
• The Family’s Reaction to Patty Becoming ‘Tanya’:
  • “Patty had never been very political and now she was suddenly joining the group that had kidnapped her. It just didn't make sense.” (B, 14:53)
• Patty’s Declaration Post-Heist:
  • “She said she was, quote, a soldier in the people's Army.” (B, 16:32)
• Summary of the Paradigm Shift:
  • “Patty’s case changed at that moment. All of a sudden, the authorities were less interested in rescuing her and more interested in arresting her.” (B, 16:52)

Timestamps for Important Segments

• 00:00–01:53 — Introduction to Crime House and its format
• 01:53–02:50 — Vanessa Richardson previews Crime House’s mission and theme
• 02:50–04:30 — Introduction to the kidnapping theme and Patty Hearst’s background
• 04:30–06:30 — Details of Patty Hearst’s abduction
• 06:30–10:30 — The SLA’s motives and demands, immediate aftermath
• 10:30–13:20 — The Hearst family’s food program and continued communication with SLA
• 13:20–15:40 — Patty’s alleged conversion to SLA, family’s disbelief
• 15:40–17:23 — Bank robbery featuring Patty; new criminal focus from authorities

Conclusion

This episode provides a preview of "Crime House True Crime Stories," using the Patty Hearst kidnapping as a powerful illustration of the show’s format—pairing infamous crimes under a shared theme and unpacking the personal, political, and cultural dimensions of each. Listeners are left with the invitation to continue exploring these deep dives every Monday with Vanessa Richardson as their guide.