Podcast
Forensic Tales
Hosted by Rockefeller Audio · EN
Not all stories have happy endings...
Hosted by Courtney Fretwell, M.S. in Forensic Psychology, Forensic Tales is a weekly true crime podcast with a forensic twist. Each episode features real cases and explores how forensic science, criminal profiling, and investigative techniques were used to uncover the truth—or, in some cases, left more questions than answers.
From fingerprint analysis and DNA evidence to bloodstain pattern analysis and behavioral profiling, every episode breaks down the science behind the headlines. Whether it's a solved murder, a cold case, or a controversial investigation, Forensic Tales takes you beyond the crime scene and into the forensic evidence that shaped the case.
55episodes
Episodes
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The Suspicious Death of Crystal McCrory Jones (Part 1)
3d ago00:43:22Tap to summarizeOn the afternoon of February 9, 2023, Crystal McCrory Jones failed to show up for a doctor's appointment. Concerned after repeated calls and texts went unanswered, her husband contacted the West Carroll Parish Sheriff's Office and requested a welfare check. Inside the home, deputies discovered Crystal dead from a single gunshot wound to the head. Less than two hours later, her death was ruled a suicide. But for Crystal's family, that conclusion came far too quickly. In Part One of this two-part series, we examine Crystal's life, her final day, the initial investigation, and the many questions that emerged almost immediately after her death. We'll walk through the timeline, the welfare check, the crime scene, the first interviews, and the investigative decisions that continue to raise concerns for those closest to Crystal. This episode includes information obtained from investigative records, police reports, interviews, and documents provided by Crystal's family. In this episode: Crystal's life and family The events of February 9, 2023 The welfare check that changed everything The initial investigation Crime scene observations The first interviews with investigators Why Crystal's family began questioning the official ruling Coming Thursday in Part Two: We'll examine the autopsy findings, forensic evidence, investigative inconsistencies, and the questions that continue to surround Crystal's death more than two years later. Listen ad-free and hear both parts right now on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/forensictales Follow Forensic Tales: Website: https://forensictales.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/forensictales Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/forensictales TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@forensictales Have a case suggestion or feedback? Email: courtney@forensictales.com Forensic Tales is a Rockefeller Audio production. The show is written & produced by Courtney Fretwell, who is also the host of the Find My Killer podcast, which covers unsolved murders, suspicious deaths, and disappearances. Available wherever you listen to Forensic Tales. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
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The Dardeen Family Murders
1w ago00:45:51Tap to summarizeOn November 18, 1987, the small town of Ina, Illinois, was forever changed when Keith and Elaine Dardeen, their 3-year-old son Peter, and their newborn daughter Casey were found murdered in one of the most horrific crime scenes investigators had ever encountered. Nearly four decades later, the murders remain officially unsolved. In this episode of Forensic Tales, I take a closer look at the lives of the Dardeen family, the timeline leading up to the murders, the crime scene investigation, the forensic evidence, and the theories that continue to surround this heartbreaking case. From early rumors and community panic to the controversial confessions of serial killer Tommy Lynn Sells, we'll examine what investigators know, what they don't, and whether this mystery may ever be solved. In this episode: The Dardeen family's life in Ina, Illinois The discovery of the crime scenes Crime scene processing and forensic evidence Autopsy findings and timeline reconstruction How rumors fueled fear throughout southern Illinois The investigation and persons of interest Tommy Lynn Sells' conflicting confessions Why the case remains unsolved today If you enjoy Forensic Tales, consider supporting the show on Patreon for early, ad-free episodes, bonus content, and behind-the-scenes updates. Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/forensictales Follow Forensic Tales: Website & Episode Sources: https://forensictales.com/the-dardeen-family-murders Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/forensictales Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/forensictales TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@forensictales If you enjoyed this episode, I'd truly appreciate it if you left a rating and review wherever you listen to podcasts. It helps more people discover the show and supports independent creators like me. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
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The Unsolved Murder of Robert Wone | Patreon Bonus Preview
2w ago00:06:28Tap to summarizeThe Unsolved Murder of Robert Wone In this special Patreon Bonus Preview, I share a portion of this month's exclusive episode covering the mysterious and unsolved murder of Robert Wone. Listen to the FULL episode: http://Patreon.com/ForensicTales On August 2, 2006, Robert Wone—a successful attorney, devoted husband, and respected friend—arrived at a townhouse on Swann Street in Washington, D.C., where he planned to spend the night with a longtime friend. Less than two hours later, he was fighting for his life. Robert had been stabbed three times in the chest while three other men were inside the home. Yet no one reported seeing the attack. No intruder was ever identified. And despite years of investigations, forensic analysis, court proceedings, and countless theories, no one has ever been convicted of his murder. In the full Patreon episode, I explore: The strange crime sceneThe unexplained forensic evidenceThe needle-like puncture marks found during the autopsyThe lack of defensive woundsThe investigation into Joseph Price, Victor Zaborsky, and Dylan WardThe obstruction and conspiracy trialThe competing theories that continue to divide investigators and true crime followers today If you'd like to hear the complete ad-free bonus episode, along with exclusive monthly bonus content, early access episodes, and more, join the Forensic Tales Patreon community: Patreon.com/ForensicTales Thank you for listening and supporting Forensic Tales. Hosted and produced by Courtney Fretwell. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
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The Disappearance of Brandon Swanson
2w ago00:43:06Tap to summarizeIn the early morning hours of May 14, 2008, 19-year-old Brandon Swanson was driving home after celebrating the end of the college semester when his car became stuck in a ditch along a rural Minnesota road. Unable to free his vehicle, Brandon called his parents for help. For the next 47 minutes, he remained on the phone with his father while walking through fields, fences, and farmland, attempting to meet up with his family. Then, without warning, Brandon shouted, "Oh, shit!" The call went silent, and he was never seen again. In this episode of Forensic Tales, we examine the disappearance of Brandon Swanson, the extensive search efforts that followed, the forensic challenges investigators faced, the role of cell phone evidence in reconstructing his final movements, and the theories that continue to surround this baffling case more than 18 years later. Follow Forensic Tales: Instagram: @ForensicTales Facebook: Forensic Tales TikTok: @ForensicTales For early ad-free episodes, bonus content, and exclusive case discussions, visit Patreon and become a supporter of the show. Learn more: Patreon.com/ForensicTales If you enjoy Forensic Tales, please consider leaving a rating and review wherever you listen to podcasts. Your support helps more people discover the show. For a full list of sources used in this episode, please visit our website: ForensicTales.com/Brandon-Swanson Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
Transcribe →The Murder of Rachel Nickell (Archive)
3w ago00:35:56Tap to summarizeThe murder of Rachel Nickell remains one of the most infamous true crime cases in the United Kingdom. In July 1992, Rachel was brutally attacked and murdered on Wimbledon Common in broad daylight while walking with her young son. What followed was a controversial murder investigation that captivated the nation, generated intense media scrutiny, and ultimately led investigators down the wrong path. In this episode of Forensic Tales, we revisit the Rachel Nickell case, exploring the failed investigation into Colin Stagg, the controversial use of criminal profiling, the role of undercover police operations, and the forensic DNA evidence that eventually identified the true killer, Robert Napper. With renewed interest in the case following recent documentaries and Netflix coverage, this replay examines details that are often overlooked, including the forensic breakthroughs, investigative failures, and lasting impact the case had on British policing and criminal justice. Topics discussed include: • The murder of Rachel Nickell on Wimbledon Common • The investigation into Colin Stagg • Criminal profiling and investigative tunnel vision • The controversial "honey trap" operation • Robert Napper and his history of violent offenses • DNA evidence and forensic advances • The eventual resolution of the case • The lasting legacy of the Rachel Nickell investigation This episode is part of the Forensic Tales Achieve, where we revisit some of the most important forensic cases from the show's archives. Hosted by Courtney Fretwell, M.S. Forensic Psychology. Follow Forensic Tales: Instagram: @ForensicTales Facebook: Forensic Tales TikTok: @ForensicTales Website: ForensicTales.com Interested in CrimeCon UK? I'll be returning to London on October 3-4, 2026. Use code TALES for discounted tickets. Want to listen to over 300+ episodes of the show without ads? Want monthly full-length bonus episodes? Consider joining the show's Patreon page. To learn more, patreon.com/forensictales Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
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The Disappearance of Patricia "Pat" Viola
3w ago00:39:10Tap to summarizePatricia Viola was a devoted wife, mother, and volunteer librarian living in Bogota, New Jersey. On February 13, 2001, she seemingly vanished without a trace after returning home from work. She left behind her purse, wallet, identification, seizure medication, and nearly every indication that she planned to return. As investigators worked to reconstruct Patricia's final known movements, they uncovered a series of puzzling clues: a home security alarm that had been triggered earlier in the day, a concerning conversation Patricia had with her best friend the night before she disappeared, and a timeline that raised more questions than answers. For years, Patricia's family searched for answers while investigators explored multiple theories, including foul play, suicide, and a medical emergency related to her epilepsy. Then, more than a decade later, forensic DNA analysis finally provided a breakthrough. In this episode of Forensic Tales, we examine the disappearance of Patricia Viola, the investigation that followed, the creation of New Jersey's Patricia's Law, and how a single foot bone discovered on a beach in Queens became one of the only pieces of evidence ever recovered in this baffling missing persons case. Topics discussed: • Patricia Viola disappearance • Bogota, New Jersey missing person case • Unsolved mystery • Missing persons investigations • Patricia's Law • Forensic DNA identification • Human remains identification • Epilepsy and missing persons • Cold cases • Unsolved disappearance cases Follow Forensic Tales: Instagram: @forensictales TikTok: @forensictales Website: https://forensictales.com Want even more Forensic Tales? Join our Patreon community for ad-free episodes, bonus content, behind-the-scenes updates, and exclusive case discussions you won't hear anywhere else. Visit Patreon.com/ForensicTales and become part of the Forensic Tales family. Have a case suggestion or feedback? Email: courtney@forensictales.com Sources for this episode are available at: https://forensictales.com/patricia-viola-disappearance Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
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Herb Baumeister and the Fox Hollow Farm Murders
Jun 800:34:57Tap to summarizeThe Fox Hollow Farm Murders remain one of the most chilling serial killer cases in American history. For years, young men disappeared from the Indianapolis area after being seen at local gay bars and nightlife districts. Many were later found strangled and abandoned in rural areas throughout Indiana and Ohio, leading investigators to suspect the existence of the so-called I-70 Strangler. Everything changed when police searched Fox Hollow Farm, the 18-acre estate owned by successful businessman Herb Baumeister. Hidden within the woods behind the family home, investigators discovered thousands of human bone fragments belonging to multiple victims. In this episode of Forensic Tales, we examine: • The life and background of Herb Baumeister • Early warning signs and troubling behavior • The disappearances of young men throughout Indiana • The possible connection to the I-70 Strangler • Survivor Tony Harris and the tip that helped break the case • The discovery of human remains at Fox Hollow Farm • Forensic anthropology and the challenge of identifying victims • Modern DNA testing and forensic genetic genealogy • Newly identified victims and ongoing efforts to identify the remaining unknown victims • The unanswered questions that remain nearly 30 years later Despite Herb Baumeister's death in 1996, investigators continue working to identify victims recovered from Fox Hollow Farm. As advances in forensic science continue, families may finally receive answers after decades of uncertainty. Forensic Tales is a Rockefeller Audio Production. The show is written & produced by Courtney Fretwell, M.S. Forensic Psychology. To submit a case or get in touch, please email courtney@forensictales.com. Follow Forensic Tales: Instagram: @ForensicTales Facebook: Forensic Tales Podcast TikTok: @ForensicTales Support the show: Patreon.com/ForensicTales Sources and additional information: ForensicTales.com Remember... Not all stories have happy endings. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
Transcribe →Diane Schuler: The Wrong-Way Crash Mystery (Archive)
Jun 400:39:31Tap to summarizeOn July 26, 2009, 36-year-old Diane Schuler drove the wrong way down New York's Taconic State Parkway, causing a devastating head-on collision that killed eight people, including herself, her daughter, and three young nieces. The crash shocked the nation and sparked years of debate, speculation, and investigation. Toxicology reports revealed shocking findings, but Diane's family strongly disputed the official conclusions. Was this a tragic case of impaired driving, a hidden medical emergency, or something else entirely? In this episode of Forensic Tales, we examine the forensic evidence, toxicology results, accident reconstruction findings, and competing theories surrounding one of the most infamous highway crashes in American history. From the Forensic Tales Archive, we're revisiting one of the most downloaded and talked-about episodes in the show's history. Topics Covered: • Diane Schuler • Taconic State Parkway crash • Wrong-way driver investigation • Toxicology and forensic evidence • Accident reconstruction • True crime mysteries • New York crash investigation New episodes of Forensic Tales are released every Monday. Follow Forensic Tales: Instagram: @forensictales Facebook: Forensic Tales Website: ForensicTales.com Hosted by Courtney Fretwell, M.S. Forensic Psychology. To submit a case or get in touch, send me a message courtney@forensictales.com. If you'd like to support the show, get early ad-free access to new episodes & monthly full-length bonus episodes, consider joining the show's Patreon. Learn more: patreon.com/forensictales Remember... Not all stories have happy endings. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
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The Murder of Oakey “Al” Kite
Jun 100:38:52Tap to summarize#335 - When 53-year-old Oakey Kite, who went by Al, failed to show up for work on May 24th, 2004, his coworkers immediately knew something was wrong. Concerned, they went to his townhouse in Aurora to check on him where they discovered a crime scene so brutal, investigators would never forget it. Al had been restrained, tortured for hours, and ultimately murdered inside his own home by a man posing as a prospective tenant. The killer meticulously cleaned the scene, erased much of the evidence, and vanished without a trace leaving behind only fragments of forensic evidence and a fake identity that would send investigators across multiple countries. More than two decades later, the murder of Al Kite remains one of Colorado’s most disturbing unsolved cases. If you’d like to support the show and help fund research, production, and editing, you can do so with a small monthly contribution on Patreon. Patreon supporters get early access to ad-free episodes and exclusive bonus content. You can learn more at Patreon.com/ForensicTales. And if you enjoy the show, leaving a positive rating or review really helps others discover it. For a full list of sources used in this episode, visit ForensicTales.com. Thank you for listening. And I’ll see you next week. Until then… remember: not all stories have happy endings. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
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The Abduction of Angela Hammond
May 2500:42:31Tap to summarize#334 - In April 1991, 20-year-old Angela Hammond stood alone outside a grocery store in Clinton, Missouri, talking to her fiancé on a payphone late at night. She mentioned seeing a strange truck circling the parking lot, but they both shrugged it off. Moments later, Angela’s fiancé heard her scream, and the line went dead. The payphone was only a few blocks away, so he jumped in his car and sped toward the woman he planned to marry. But he was too late. Angela was never seen alive again. Over 30 years later, her story remains one of the mysterious disappearances in Missouri history. And despite a vehicle description and a timeline, the case was haunted by one major problem: there was almost no forensic evidence left behind. If you’d like to support the show and help fund research, production, and editing, you can do so with a small monthly contribution on Patreon. Patreon supporters get early access to ad-free episodes and exclusive bonus content. You can learn more at Patreon.com/ForensicTales. And if you enjoy the show, leaving a positive rating or review really helps others discover it. For a full list of sources used in this episode, visit ForensicTales.com. Thank you for listening. And I’ll see you next week. Until then… remember: not all stories have happy endings. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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