Dark History Podcast Summary

Episode Title: When Jokes Turn DEADLY - The Most SHOCKING Pranks Gone WRONG
Host: Bailey Sarian
Release Date: March 26, 2025
Produced By: Audioboom Studios

Introduction: The Thin Line Between Pranks and Tragedy

Bailey Sarian opens the episode by reflecting on the nature of pranks, emphasizing her love for harmless jokes but acknowledging that some pranks can escalate beyond control. She references a famous 1957 BBC April Fool's prank about a "spaghetti harvest," which, while innocent on the surface, sparked unintended consequences and backlash. This segues into the episode's core theme: pranks that have gone disastrously wrong, leading to unforeseen and tragic outcomes.

Section 1: The Royal Prank That Turned Deadly

Background of the Prank

In December 2012, Australia’s popular morning radio show, Hot 30 Countdown, hosted by Mel Greg and Mike Christian, decided to execute a prank call to the hospital where Kate Middleton, the Princess of Wales, was receiving care. The DJs impersonated King Charles and Queen Elizabeth, inquiring about Kate’s well-being in exaggerated British accents.

The Prank Unfolds

• Initial Call: [06:07] Mel Greg: "She's sleeping at the moment and she..."
  Bailey narrates how the pranksters' over-the-top accents initially fooled the hospital receptionist, leading to a transfer to Kate Middleton's actual nurse, Jacintha Saldana.

• Escalation: [07:02] Mike Christian: "Mumsy."
  During the call, Mike adds more absurdities, pretending to be a corgi and referencing feeding their "little corgis," further confusing the nurse.

Consequences of the Prank

After airing the prank on Hot 30 Countdown, public reaction was swift and severe. The incident breached patient confidentiality and led to widespread outrage against the radio hosts.

Tragic Outcome: Jacintha Saldana’s Suicide

• Immediate Aftermath: The nurse, overwhelmed by guilt and public scrutiny, sent an email apologizing for the prank.

• Death: On December 7, 2012, Jacintha Saldana was found dead, having taken her own life. Her suicide notes blamed Mel Greg and Mike Christian for her actions, specifically citing the prank.

• Impact on the Hosts:
  Bailey recounts how the DJs faced intense backlash, including death threats and the cancellation of their radio show. Mel Greg suffered a severe mental breakdown, while Mike Christian managed to continue his career, even receiving accolades.

Notable Quotes:

• Mel Greg: "Online trolls told me to kill myself every day. No one would employ me. Charities wouldn't even let me stuff envelopes. Behind the scenes, I was a tarnished and broken woman." [26:18]
• Bailey Sarian: "Lives were absolutely destroyed because of this prank. Except for the guy, of course. All for what?" [26:30]

Section 2: Swatting – From Harmless Prank to Deadly Consequence

Understanding Swatting

Bailey introduces swatting as a highly illegal and dangerous prank originating from the gaming community, where perpetrators call emergency services to dispatch a SWAT team to an unsuspecting victim's location under false pretenses.

The Tyler Barris Case

• Early Activities:
  Tyler Raj Barris began his spree in 2015, making fake bomb threats to gain attention and disrupt events. Initially motivated by personal grievances and a desire to extend gaming time, his actions quickly escalated.

• Escalation to Swatting:
  By December 2017, Tyler transitioned to swatting, calling in false reports leading to violent police raids. His most infamous act occurred on December 28, 2017, targeting Shane Gaskill, a fellow Call of Duty player.

The Deadly Raid

• Incident Details:
  Tyler targeted Shane by providing the address of an innocent man, Andy Finch, leading to a SWAT team raid. Officers mistook Andy Finch for a threat, resulting in his fatal shooting.

• Aftermath:
  The wrongful death of Andy Finch not only devastated his family but also led to further tragedies, including the suicide of Andy’s niece, Adelina, who witnessed his murder.

Legal Repercussions:

• Arrest and Conviction:
  Tyler Barris was arrested on December 29, 2017, after police traced the swatting calls back to him. He eventually pled no contest to multiple charges, including conspiracy to make false reports and involuntary manslaughter, receiving a 20-year sentence.

• Impact on Victims:
  Shane Gaskill and Casey Viner, who initially instigated the swatting against Shane, were also sentenced to prison terms. Additionally, Andy Finch’s family received a $5 million settlement for wrongful death.

Notable Quotes:

• Tyler Barris: "If I could take it back, I would, but there's nothing I can do." [38:03]
• Bailey Sarian: "This entire ordeal is one of, like, the worst cases of swatting, and the only swatting to result in someone's death." [38:20]

Broader Implications and Legal Responses

Bailey discusses the broader issue of swatting, its origins, and the severe consequences it can have beyond the gaming community. She highlights the FBI's efforts in compiling a database of known swatters and the enactment of anti-swatting laws in nine states by 2024, aiming to curb this dangerous trend.

Notable Insights:

• Public Perception vs. Reality:
  Bailey emphasizes the disconnect between viewing swatting as a “game” and recognizing its real-life lethal consequences.

• Future of Pranking:
  She warns listeners about the escalating nature of pranks in the digital age, advocating for responsible behavior and highlighting the unpredictable outcomes of seemingly harmless jokes.

Conclusion: The Cost of Irresponsible Pranking

Bailey Sarian wraps up the episode by underscoring the thin line between harmless fun and devastating tragedy in the realm of pranks. She urges listeners to consider the potential repercussions of their actions, advocating for thoughtful and considerate behavior to prevent similar tragedies in the future.

Final Thoughts:

• Moral of the Story:
  "Pranks are complicated. You really never know how someone’s going to respond. Sometimes it could be something as simple as a 'boo,' but then things can go really wrong."

• Call to Action:
  Bailey encourages her audience to prank responsibly, emphasizing the importance of empathy and foresight in their interactions with others.

Upcoming Episode Teaser:

Bailey previews the next episode, which will delve into the dark history of John Wilkes Booth, exploring his transformation from a famous actor to the assassin of President Abraham Lincoln. The episode is scheduled to air on April 9th.

Acknowledgments:

Bailey extends gratitude to Brendan K. Kerner, a contributing editor at Wired, for his expertise on the Wichita swatting case, and thanks her listeners for their ongoing support and engagement.

Listener Interaction:

She reads and responds to listener comments, discussing feedback from fans and acknowledging episode suggestions, demonstrating her commitment to engaging with her audience.

Selected Listener Comments:

• Robin McDonald 7: "Paul in the background of this video looks like Owen Wilson. I can't unsee it."
  Bailey’s Response: Clarifies the reference to a different episode and playfully corrects the listener's observation.

• Hot Mess Mom1987: "I have been watching Dark History since episode one. Your videos are my favorite. Guilty pleasure. I have an episode suggestion for you. The Dark History of the Library. It's darker than you think."
  Bailey’s Response: Expresses intrigue and gratitude, committing to explore the suggested topic.

Final Remarks:

Bailey Sarian concludes the episode by encouraging listeners to join her on YouTube, subscribe for future content, and continue engaging through comments. She reiterates the importance of making responsible choices and signs off with her signature warmth.

Key Takeaways:

1. Pranks Can Have Unintended Consequences:
   What starts as a joke can spiral into tragedy, affecting innocent lives and causing irreparable harm.

2. Accountability is Crucial:
   Those who orchestrate harmful pranks must be held accountable for their actions to prevent future incidents.

3. Legal Systems Are Adapting:
   With the rise of dangerous pranks like swatting, legal frameworks are evolving to address and mitigate these threats.

4. Empathy and Responsibility:
   Understanding the impact of our actions on others is essential in fostering a safer and more considerate society.

For More Information:

Listen to the full episode on Audioboom Studios’ Dark History podcast to explore the intricate details and emotional narratives behind these shocking pranks gone wrong.