My Favorite Murder with Karen Kilgariff and Georgia Hardstark Episode 455 - Time Math Release Date: November 21, 2024
Introduction
In Episode 455, titled "Time Math," hosts Karen Kilgariff and Georgia Hardstark delve into a compelling blend of true crime and historical intrigue. This episode seamlessly weaves together the tragic disappearance of Adam and Elena Emery with the notorious Cardiff Giant hoax, showcasing the duo's signature blend of meticulous research and engaging storytelling.
The Tragic Tale of Adam and Elena Emery
Incident Overview
The episode opens with the harrowing story of Adam (27) and Elena Emery (29), a young married couple celebrating their second wedding anniversary in Warwick, Rhode Island. On August 31, 1990, while dining at a seafood shack near the Rocky Point amusement park, their evening takes a dark turn.
The Collision and Pursuit
After being rear-ended by another car, Adam, known for his meticulous care of his 1985 Ford Thunderbird, leads a multi-mile chase in an attempt to confront the other driver. Georgia notes, “[00:19] A: It’s like you get rear-ended and you’re obsessed with your car,” highlighting Adam's intense reaction to the incident.
The Confrontation and Murder
The confrontation escalates when Adam pulls alongside a brown 1975 Ford Limited, believed to be responsible for the hit-and-run. Armed with a hunting knife at Elena's urging, Adam confronts Jason Bass, the driver of the LTD, resulting in Jason's fatal stabbing. Georgia emphasizes the questionable self-defense claim: “[25:00] A: It’s like the most overt. That is self defense.”
Aftermath and Disappearance
Despite a plea deal for involuntary manslaughter, Adam refuses, insisting on his self-defense stance. In November 1993, after being sentenced to 10 years, Adam and Elena mysteriously vanish. Their car is later found abandoned on the Claiborne Pell Newport Bridge, sparking widespread speculation about their fate. Karen reflects, “[32:26] A: So he made another giant, but this time with the tail.”
Unresolved Mystery
The discovery of Elena’s skull in Narragansett Bay further complicates the narrative, casting doubt on the supposed suicide and raising questions about Adam's true whereabouts. Georgia summarizes the lingering uncertainties: “[38:06] A: One of my favorite pairings of states, those two together.”
The Cardiff Giant Hoax: A Masterclass in Deception
Discovery and Public Frenzy
Shifting gears, Karen and Georgia explore the infamous Cardiff Giant, a colossal petrified man discovered in 1869 by farmer William Newell in Cardiff, New York. Upon its unearthing, the Giant captivated the public, drawing massive crowds eager to witness the "prehistoric" marvel. Karen describes the scene: “[54:58] A: This is the story of the so-called Cardiff Giant.”
George Hull’s Scheming
Behind the Cardiff Giant was George Hull, a seasoned con artist driven by anti-religious motives and a desire to ridicule societal beliefs. Hull orchestrated the hoax to prove a point against religious literalism, investing over three years and significant funds to create and promote the Giant. Georgia comments on Hull’s dubious ethics: “[64:07] B: I mean, sounds hot, right?”
P.T. Barnum’s Intervention
Enter P.T. Barnum, the master showman, who recognizes the Giant’s commercial potential. Barnum purchases a replica from Hull, leading to widespread IP infringement and legal battles. Karen humorously notes Barnum’s tactics: “[62:51] B: You know he's in P.T. Barnum's pocket, right?”
Public Reaction and Legacy
Despite initial skepticism, the Cardiff Giant remains a popular exhibit, now housed at the Farmers Museum in Cooperstown, New York. The hosts discuss the enduring fascination with such hoaxes, tying it back to human nature's susceptibility to deception and desire for mystery. Georgia muses, “[81:43] A: The Cardiff Giants story has all the elements that we know and love.”
Concluding Insights
Karen and Georgia wrap up the episode by reflecting on the interconnected themes of deception, human emotion, and the quest for truth. They draw parallels between historical hoaxes like the Cardiff Giant and modern-day mysteries, emphasizing the timeless allure of unresolved stories. Karen aptly summarizes, “[81:43] A: The Cardiff Giants story has all the elements that we know and love. A shocking discovery, a circus-like sense of wonder, a media frenzy, faith, butting heads with science, and shameless capitalism.”
Notable Quotes
- Karen Kilgariff ([19:14]): “Never drink and drive.”
- Georgia Hardstark ([25:00]): “It’s like the most overt. That is self defense.”
- Karen Kilgariff ([32:26]): “So he made another giant, but this time with the tail.”
- Georgia Hardstark ([64:07]): “I mean, sounds hot, right?”
- Georgia Hardstark ([81:43]): “The Cardiff Giants story has all the elements that we know and love.”
Final Thoughts
Episode 455 of "My Favorite Murder" offers listeners a deep dive into the complexities of human behavior, both in tragic real-life events and calculated historical deceptions. Karen and Georgia's insightful analysis and engaging dialogue make "Time Math" a standout episode, inviting reflection on how motives, emotions, and societal influences shape our understanding of truth and justice.
Recommended For: Listeners interested in true crime, historical hoaxes, and the psychological underpinnings of human actions will find this episode both informative and captivating.