MrBallen Podcast: Strange, Dark & Mysterious Stories Episode: Unbelievable
Release Date: May 8, 2025

Introduction

In this gripping episode of the MrBallen Podcast titled "Unbelievable," Ballen Studios delves into three astonishing true stories that blend the eerie, mysterious, and downright unbelievable. Hosted by Mr. Ballin and his co-host, the episode navigates through tales of unexpected heroism, inexplicable events, and dark family secrets, all meticulously structured to captivate both longtime listeners and newcomers alike.

1. Third Eyewitness

Overview:
The first story, "Third Eyewitness," revolves around Etta Louise Smith, a seemingly ordinary woman entangled in a complex murder investigation. Accused of involvement in the brutal killing of Melanie Uribe, Etta's calm demeanor and enigmatic knowledge of the crime scene spark suspicion and intrigue.

Key Points and Discussions:

• Etta's Arrest and Police Interrogation:
  Etta was held in jail for four days under harsh conditions, including a 10-hour interrogation and a polygraph test, yet she steadfastly refused to confess to any involvement in the murder of Nurse Melanie Uribe. Her unyielding silence puzzled the authorities, leading them to deploy unconventional methods to extract information.

• Undercover Cop's Strategy:
  An undercover officer entered Etta's cell, posing as a fellow inmate to build trust. Despite the intense pressure, Etta remained composed, revealing a cryptic statement:

  "I'm pretty sure this is going to be a movie."
  (Timestamp: 07:15)
  This remark initially led the undercover cop to suspect Etta's longing for fame, potentially as a motive for her involvement in the crime.

• Psychic Revelation and Exoneration:
  Concurrently, a police captain listened to Etta's interactions and began developing a theory about her potential role in the murder. However, Etta's unexplained knowledge of the crime scene suggested a deeper, possibly supernatural connection. Her eventual arrest was overturned when three other men confessed to the murder, highlighting a miraculous twist of fate that cleared Etta’s name.
  Etta later successfully sued the police department, with the jury accepting her claim of having psychic visions that led to the discovery of Melanie's body.

Notable Quotes:

• Mr. Ballin on the Podcast’s Origin:

  "This podcast started as nothing more than a dream waiting to be brought to life. But with time, effort and the right tools, that dream turned into this podcast and business that you're listening to right now."
  (Timestamp: 00:55)

• Etta's Cryptic Statement:

  "I'm pretty sure this is going to be a movie."
  (Timestamp: Approx. 08:15)

2. The Burning Question

Overview:
"The Burning Question" tells the heart-wrenching story of Luz Cuevas, a new mother whose life spirals into tragedy following a devastating fire that claims her infant daughter, Delamarvera. The narrative unravels the psychological torment Luz endures and the sinister family secret that ultimately reveals the true cause of the tragedy.

Key Points and Discussions:

• The Fatal Fire:
  On December 15, 1997, Luz Cuevas experiences a catastrophic event when her apartment's nursery ignites, trapping her daughter inside. Believing the space heater she left plugged in to be the cause, Luz is overwhelmed with guilt and grief, leading to severe personal turmoil and isolation.

• Lingering Guilt and Obsession:
  The inconclusive investigation leaves Luz obsessing over whether the space heater was indeed the culprit or if something more sinister occurred. Her inability to move past the tragedy culminates in a pivotal moment six years later when a chance encounter at a family party reignites her quest for the truth.

• Unveiling the Family Secret:
  During the party, Luz recognizes her daughter, Delamarvera, despite believing her child was deceased. Through a clever and discreet method, Luz gathers evidence that leads to the revelation that her cousin, Carolyn Correa, orchestrated the abduction and murder. This discovery not only exonerates Luz but also uncovers deep-seated familial deceit, culminating in Carolyn's conviction and Luz's reunion with her daughter.

Notable Quotes:

• Narrator on Luz’s Realization:

  "I know where Melanie Uribe is."
  (Timestamp: 12:38)

• Luz's Plea at the Legislator’s Office:

  "I think she stole my kid. Can you test it for DNA to prove that girl is my daughter?"
  (Timestamp: 25:39)

3. Who Said that?

Overview:
The final story, "Who Said that?," recounts a mysterious incident involving a submerged SUV in the Spanish Fork River, where an unidentified voice from within the vehicle inspires first responders to undertake a daring rescue. The episode explores the unexplained phenomenon that saved an infant's life under extraordinary circumstances.

Key Points and Discussions:

• The Crash Site and Immediate Response:
  On March 7, 2015, Officer Tyler Beddoes and his partner respond to a distress call about an upturned SUV in the river. Upon arriving, they discover a partially submerged vehicle with no visible means of entry for potential survivors.

• The Mysterious Voice:
  As first responders attempt to rescue anyone inside, they hear a woman's voice pleading for help:

  "Help. Come over here."
  (Timestamp: 30:36)
  This voice spurs the team into action, leading them to eventually extract a baby from the vehicle.

• Unexplained Survival:
  Tragically, the woman, Jennifer Gorsbeck, did not survive the crash as her presence was non-existent at the time of rescue—the voice heard was not hers. Only her infant daughter, Lily, survived, thanks to the mysterious encouragement that rallied the rescuers to save her within the critical window.

Notable Quotes:

• Officer Beddoes on Rescue Efforts:

  "There's a baby in here. There's a baby in here."
  (Timestamp: 31:28)

• Narrator on Lily’s Survival:

  "The sound of that voice that really encouraged all these first responders to find the strength and get that car up on its side and then get the baby out of there."
  (Timestamp: 34:23)

Conclusion

The "Unbelievable" episode of the MrBallen Podcast masterfully intertwines stories that challenge the boundaries of reality, exploring themes of resilience, unexplained phenomena, and the profound impact of human emotion and instinct. From Etta’s psychic connection leading to exoneration, Luz’s relentless pursuit of truth amidst unimaginable loss, to Lily's miraculous survival sparked by an enigmatic plea for help, each narrative underscores the extraordinary facets of human experience. Mr. Ballin and his co-host deliver these tales with compelling storytelling and meticulous attention to detail, ensuring listeners are both entertained and moved by the strange, dark, and mysterious stories that define the podcast.

For more spine-chilling stories and true mysteries, visit the MrBallen YouTube channel or follow Ballen Studios on your preferred podcast platform.