Podcast
Direct Appeal
Hosted by Dr. Meghan Sacks and Dr. Amy Shlosberg · EN
In August 2008, Sarah Widmer, a healthy 24 year-old woman is found dead in her bathtub, just four months after marrying Ryan Widmer… the only person at home with Sarah that night.
Suspicion quickly fell on Ryan, leading to his arrest and conviction for Sarah’s murder. But could this have been a tragic accident?
Ryan has adamantly maintained his innocence for the last 16 years, but now, two seasoned criminologists examine the very controversial conviction of Ryan Widmer, for the murder of his wife Sarah.
Is Ryan a murder or did something else happen in that bathroom? Join us to find out.
10episodes
Episodes
Newest firstAll episodes
The Conclusion
Jun 26, 202300:58:38Tap to summarizeEp10:We'll learn whats next in Ryan's appeals process, and is there any possible explanation for what happened that night in the bathroom.Finally, Amy and Meghan give their thoughts on Ryan's guilt or innocence and whether he got a fair trial.If you have any information regarding this case, you can still submit it by emailing us at tips@directappealpodcast.com or leaving a voicemail at (570) 844-0499.If you'd like to support Ryan Widmer you can visit the following pages:Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100028875264608Go Fund Me: https://www.gofundme.com/f/9wsur-ryan-widmer-an-innocent-manChange.org: https://www.change.org/p/ohio-attorney-for-justice-release-the-dna-in-the-ryan-widmer-caseCredits: Hosted by: Meghan Sacks and Amy Shlosberg Produced by James Varga Written by Meghan Sacks & Amy Shlosberg Editing by Jose Alfonzo Music and underscore by Dessert Media Special Thanks to: Jessica Henry and her book, Smoke but No Fire: Convicting the Innocent of Crimes that Never Happened Janice Hisle and her book, Submerged: Ryan Widmer, his drowned bride and the justice system Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Transcribe →Surprise Witness
Jun 19, 202300:43:22Tap to summarizeEp09:A new mystery witness for the prosecution has everyone wondering who it is... and would they have any information that could seal Ryan's fate?If you have any information regarding this case, you can still submit it by emailing us at tips@directappealpodcast.com or leaving a voicemail at (570) 844-0499.Credits: Hosted by: Meghan Sacks and Amy Shlosberg Produced by James Varga Written by Meghan Sacks & Amy Shlosberg Editing by Jose Alfonzo Music and underscore by Dessert Media Special Thanks to Janice Hisle and her book, Submerged: Ryan Widmer, his drowned bride and the justice system Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Transcribe →The ReTrial
Jun 12, 202300:37:34Tap to summarizeEp08:Ryan has one more chance at fighting for his freedom, but will his new legal team be able to achieve a different outcome this time around?If you have any information regarding this case, you can still submit it by emailing us at tips@directappealpodcast.com or leaving a voicemail at (570) 844-0499.Credits: Hosted by: Meghan Sacks and Amy Shlosberg Produced by James Varga Written by Meghan Sacks & Amy Shlosberg Editing by Jose Alfonzo Music and underscore by Dessert Media Special Thanks to Janice Hisle and her book, Submerged: Ryan Widmer, his drowned bride and the justice system Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Transcribe →The Jury's Duty
Jun 5, 202300:34:08Tap to summarizeEp07:In this episode we have a verdict, Ryan is found guilty, but someone comes forward with information that may turn the case upside-down. And Ryan builds a new legal team to take on the challenge ahead.If you have any information regarding this case, you can still submit it by emailing us at tips@directappealpodcast.com or leaving a voicemail at (570) 844-0499.Credits: Hosted by: Meghan Sacks and Amy Shlosberg Produced by James Varga Written by Meghan Sacks & Amy Shlosberg Editing by Jose Alfonzo Music and underscore by Dessert Media Special Thanks to Janice Hisle and her book, Submerged: Ryan Widmer, his drowned bride and the justice system Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Transcribe →The Defense
May 29, 202300:38:58Tap to summarizeEp06:The Defense makes their case that Sarah's death was a tragic accident, but will Ryan take the stand and defend himself? Also, we talk to a 3rd party pathologist and get their thoughts on the autopsy and manner of death.If you have any information regarding this case, you can still submit it by emailing us at tips@directappealpodcast.com or leaving a voicemail at (570) 844-0499.Credits: Hosted by: Meghan Sacks and Amy Shlosberg Produced by James Varga Written by Meghan Sacks & Amy Shlosberg Editing by Jose Alfonzo Music and underscore by Dessert Media Special Thanks to Janice Hisle and her book, Submerged: Ryan Widmer, his drowned bride and the justice system Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Transcribe →The Prosecution Rests
May 22, 202300:39:12Tap to summarizeEp05:The Prosecution calls the rest of their experts, including the "star witness". Just before the Prosecution rests their case, a new theory emerges of what might have happened between Ryan and Sarah that night.If you have any information regarding this case, you can still submit it by emailing us at tips@directappealpodcast.com or leaving a voicemail at (570) 844-0499.Credits: Hosted by: Meghan Sacks and Amy Shlosberg Produced by James Varga Written by Meghan Sacks & Amy Shlosberg Editing by Jose Alfonzo Music and underscore by Dessert Media Special Thanks to Janice Hisle and her book, Submerged: Ryan Widmer, his drowned bride and the justice system Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Transcribe →The Battle Begins
May 15, 202300:47:10Tap to summarizeEp04:Ryan begins to grieve as he plans Sarah's funeral, but he also is planning for the battle of his life both in the courtroom and in the public eye.The Prosecution will present its case to the court.If you have any information regarding this case, you can still submit it by emailing us at tips@directappealpodcast.com or leaving a voicemail at (570) 844-0499.Credits: Hosted by: Meghan Sacks and Amy Shlosberg Produced by James Varga Written by Meghan Sacks & Amy Shlosberg Editing by Jose Alfonzo Music and underscore by Dessert Media Special Thanks to Janice Hisle and her book, Submerged: Ryan Widmer, his drowned bride and the justice system Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Transcribe →Into the Fray
May 8, 202300:34:26Tap to summarize03: In the days following Sarah's death, the media begins to paint their own picture of what may have happened. Ryan is still trying to cope and realizes that he is now coming under suspicion.If you have any information regarding this case, you can still submit it by emailing us at tips@directappealpodcast.com or leaving a voicemail at (570) 844-0499.Credits: Hosted by: Meghan Sacks and Amy Shlosberg Produced by James Varga Written by Meghan Sacks & Amy Shlosberg Editing by Jose Alfonzo Music and underscore by Dessert Media Special Thanks to Janice Hisle and her book, Submerged: Ryan Widmer, his drowned bride and the justice system Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Transcribe →Underwater
May 1, 202300:44:07Tap to summarizeEp02:On this episode, you'll hear Ryan's full account of the night of August 11th, 2008, when he found Sarah dead in their upstairs bathtub, along with the 911 call that will be used in court against him.Also, what happened in the hours after Ryan found Sarah?If you have any information regarding this case, you can still submit it by emailing us at tips@directappealpodcast.com or leaving a voicemail at (570) 844-0499.Credits: Hosted by: Meghan Sacks and Amy Shlosberg Produced by James Varga Written by Meghan Sacks & Amy Shlosberg Editing by Jose Alfonzo Music and underscore by Dessert Media Special Thanks to Janice Hisle and her book, Submerged: Ryan Widmer, his drowned bride and the justice system Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Transcribe →The Nice Guy
May 1, 202300:36:32Tap to summarizeEp 01: On season 2 of Direct Appeal, we examine the murder conviction of Ryan Widmer for the death of his wife, Sarah Whitmer. Looking at the evidence that was presented, that which was not, and the evidence that may have seemed insignificant at the time, we form our own conclusion about Ryan Widmer's Guilt.It was night like any other. August 11th, 2008, Ryan and Sarah Whitmer married just four months. Were in the beginning-stages of building their new life together. Sarah wasn't feeling well that day, so she decided to go upstairs after dinner to take a bath. Ryan stayed downstairs in the living room a little while longer, and continued to watch the game.Sometime after 10:00 PM Ryan was ready to call it a night, so he headed upstairs to get ready for bed.When he opened the door to the upstairs bathroom, he walked in to find a terrifying scene. Sarah was in the bathtub and didn't appear to be breathing. A panicked Ryan called 911.If you have any information regarding this case, you can still submit it by emailing us at tips@directappealpodcast.com or leaving a voicemail at (570) 844-0499.Credits: Hosted by: Meghan Sacks and Amy Shlosberg Produced by James Varga Written by Meghan Sacks & Amy Shlosberg Editing by Jose Alfonzo Music and underscore by Dessert Media Special Thanks to Janice Hisle and her book, Submerged: Ryan Widmer, his drowned bride and the justice system Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Transcribe →