MrBallen Podcast: Strange, Dark & Mysterious Stories

Episode: Monsters Among Us Vol. IV

Release Date: September 25, 2025
Host: Mr. Ballen (Ballen Studios)

Overview

In this chilling episode, Mr. Ballen shares three stories that examine the sinister reality of monsters hiding in plain sight: a police officer hiding a deadly secret, a killer who crosses borders disguised as his victim, and a gaming community faced with the horrifying truth behind one of their own. These tales reveal how evil often masquerades as ordinary, challenging listeners to question who the real monsters among us might be.

Story 1: Mercy Road

[00:00 – 09:53]

Summary

On December 29, 1986, California Highway Patrol officer Craig Peyer participated in a TV news segment about highway travel safety, retracing the route on which college student Kara Knott was found murdered just days earlier. Unbeknownst to viewers, this routine broadcast would crack open the case.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

• The Segment Setup:
  Officer Peyer, along with an NBC news team, discusses how to stay safe if you have car trouble on the highway. The segment is prompted by the recent unsolved murder of Kara Knott near the Mercy Road exit in San Diego.

  "That's where they found the body."
  — Officer Peyer, pointing out the murder location to the news crew [01:58]

• On-Camera Demonstration:
  During filming, Peyer interacts with a stranded motorist, chastising him for leaving his vehicle—a demonstration which eerily mirrors details from past incidents.

• Viewer Reactions:
  The segment's broadcast seems routine, but survivors of similar attacks instantly recognize Peyer as their assailant, noticing a distinctive cut over his eyebrow shown in the footage.

  "Some of those women who had survived their attack… now they're staring at for sure the person who attacked them, who's right on TV."
  — Mr. Ballen [07:05]

• The Break in the Case:
  Survivors' calls lead police to Peyer, and the revelation that he preyed on women after pulling them over, using his authority as an officer.

  "All the clues the police needed to solve the Carinat murder case were right there in that one and a half minute long video."
  — Mr. Ballen [06:03]

Notable Quotes

• "Do you understand how dangerous it is to have left your car like that and walked alone on this highway?"
  — Officer Peyer to stranded motorist [03:33]

• "Officer Peyer was found guilty of murder and sentenced to 25 years to life in prison."
  — Mr. Ballen [09:20]

Timestamps

• [00:00] — Introduction to the episode and the first story.
• [01:58] — Peyer points out Mercy Road.
• [03:33] — Peyer demonstrates safety procedures.
• [06:03] — Survivors recognize Peyer and alert police.
• [09:20] — Peyer’s conviction and sentencing.

Story 2: The Woman in a Wrinkled Dress

[10:38 – 17:47]

Summary

A Canadian border security guard hunts for a cop killer on high alert, determined to prevent the fugitive’s escape into Canada. But the guard, despite vigilance, is completely fooled when the killer crosses dressed as his own victim.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

• Manhunt at the Border:
  Officers search for Alex Mangel, a cop killer described with “thinning brown hair and a wispy mustache.”

• Murder and Disguise:
  Alex murders Beverly Capone, dons her dress, and—most shockingly—her scalp and face, to pass through border security undetected.

  "He was literally wearing her skin and hair. And he hopped in that white Toyota and he drove up to the Canadian border and amazingly, he got through..."
  — Mr. Ballen [14:43]

• Chilling Discovery:
  Police later find the grisly remnants in Alex’s car and realize how he evaded their manhunt.

• Unsolved Darkness:
  After Alex is shot during an escape attempt, investigators find evidence suggesting he may have been a serial killer, but the truth remains buried.

  "He took all of his secrets to the grave."
  — Mr. Ballen [17:12]

Notable Quotes

• "He just didn't recognize him because Alex Mengele was wearing Beverly Capone's face, hair and clothes."
  — Mr. Ballen [15:09]

• "Now, police have not conclusively linked Alex to any other murders, but he does remain a suspect in several cases."
  — Mr. Ballen [17:07]

Timestamps

• [10:38] — Introduction to the border guard’s vigilance.
• [14:43] — The shocking method of escape revealed.
• [15:09] — How Mangel evaded capture.
• [17:07] — Investigators suspect more victims; Mangel's end.
• [17:12] — "He took all of his secrets to the grave."

Story 3: Striking a Discord

[17:47 – 27:19]

Summary

A tight-knit gaming community on Discord is shaken when an infamous troll, Menhas, begins posting increasingly disturbing messages and images as part of a cryptic four-step “plan.” At first dismissed as a hoax, the horror quickly becomes all too real.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

• The Setup:
  Nicole, a college student and avid online gamer, participates in her Discord community centered around "Perfect World." Menhas, known for elaborate trolling, unveils a mysterious four-step plan.

• From Trolling to Terror:
  Menhas posts images as he completes each “step”—the community debates if the increasingly graphic photos are real.

  "Menhas' trolling just felt different."
  — Mr. Ballen [19:41]

• Frantic Investigation:
  After failing to get help from local law enforcement, Nicole and others join forces to track down Menhas, using chat logs and IP tracing, finally narrowing him to Toronto.

• Chilling Climax:
  As the fourth picture is posted—each depicting the murders of his family members—police reach Menhas too late. His plan was real all along.

  "He had spent the day methodically killing his entire family... and took a picture of posted it to Discord."
  — Mr. Ballen [27:07]

• Double Lives:
  Menhas had pretended to be a college student for years, with his graduation meant to be the next day. Facing exposure, he killed his family.

  "Menhas ultimately pleaded guilty to four counts of murder and was sentenced to life in prison with the possibility of parole after 40 years."
  — Mr. Ballen [28:04]

Notable Quotes

• "We can't just sit here and do nothing. If Menhas is actually doing this, we have to stop him."
  — Discord server member [22:28]

• "Cause they don't really have any information about menhas. And so at this point, everybody on the Discord server was basically begging menhas to come clean."
  — Mr. Ballen [25:49]

• "He was not lying. It was all true. Those pictures that he sent across were absolutely authentic."
  — Mr. Ballen [27:03]

Timestamps

• [17:47] — Nicole logs on and notices Menhas’ strange behavior.
• [19:41] — Community debates authenticity of images.
• [22:28] — Server members urge action as skepticism grows.
• [25:49] — Urgent but futile pleas to Menhas.
• [27:03] — The horrifying truth and aftermath.

Memorable Moments

• Survivors Spotting Their Attacker on TV:
  “Some of those women who had survived their attack… now they're staring at for sure the person who attacked them, who's right on TV.” [07:05]

• The Border Disguise:
  “He was literally wearing her skin and hair... and amazingly, he got through the checkpoint.” [14:43]

• Arrest in Toronto:
  Police, following only digital breadcrumbs, arrive just a day too late—a tragic reminder of internet anonymity and its limits.

Episode Tone & Style

Mr. Ballen’s delivery is suspenseful, measured, and empathetic, with a knack for building tension and honoring the victims’ stories. The tone remains respectful but unflinching, ensuring listeners understand the gravity of each event while contemplating the unsettling reality that true monsters often hide in plain sight.

Conclusion

This episode of the MrBallen Podcast explores the stark reality that danger can lurk behind the most familiar faces and ordinary interactions. From the corrupted protector to the uncatchable killer, to a supposed friend behind the screen, each story compels listeners to reflect on the unexpected ways evil manifests in everyday life.

For more chilling stories, visit Ballen Studios or the MrBallen YouTube channel.